May 22

The Dispatch Priceless

Serving Greater Delmarva Since 1984

May 22, 2020

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Ocean City Pushes Outdoor Dining

See Page 6 • Submitted Photo

Resort Committed To Fireworks Buy

Officer Saluted: A memorial parade on the Boardwalk Wednesday celebrated the life of Ocean City Police

Sgt. Chip Green, who passed away this month and was a decorated member of the department’s mounted units for the Photos by Chris Parypa last 10 years.

See Page 4 • Photo by Chris Parypa

Island Sees Boom Year For Foals

See Page 18 • Photo by MegaPixel Mike

County Commits WOC EMS Funds

See Page 28 • File Photo

Page 2

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SERVING DELMARVA FOR NEARLY 60 YEARS

May 22, 2020

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 3

37314 LIGHTHOUSE ROAD | RT. 54, SELBYVILLE, DE 302-988-5000/302-993-6959 ALTHOUGH OUR DINE-IN PART OF RESTAURANT IS CLOSED WE WILL BE OFFERING FULL MENU & WEEKDAY SPECIALS FOR CARRYOUT, CURBSIDE PICKUP OR DELIVERY FOR FENWICK ISLAND & SELBYVILLE. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FULL MENU 11 A.M.- 8 P.M. BREAKFAST SAT. & SUN. 9.A.M.-NOON FOR ADDITIONAL SPECIALS CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE OR CCFBAYSIDE.COM FOR FULL MENU

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OC Commits To Fireworks, But Show Might Not Be On 4th

Page 4

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – While hosting the traditional fireworks shows on the Fourth of July remains uncertain, resort officials on Monday night agreed to move forward with the contract for the vendor with alternative dates for later in the summer or even the fall.

While the Fourth of July is still more than six weeks away, the Mayor and Council had before them on Monday a decision to make regarding the contract for the annual holiday fireworks shows. City Manager Doug Miller and Special Events Director Frank Miller told the Mayor and Council a decision needed to be reached soon on inking the $55,000 contract with the vendor.

On the one hand, the contractor

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

needs to begin purchasing the product for the fireworks show well in advance.

In addition, there are critical dates upcoming for acquiring the requisite permits from the U.S. Coast Guard and the state Fire Marshal’s Office.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, it remains uncertain just where in the governor’s recovery plan the state and Ocean City will be by the Fourth of July. However, Doug Miller and Frank Miller explained the contract includes contingency dates in August and September if the town is not in position to host the traditional mass gathering on the Fourth of July.

On Monday night, the Mayor and Council had before them a handful of options including scrapping the Fourth of July fireworks altogether in what will certainly be a non-typical summer, or

approving the contract which includes contingency dates later in the summer.

Complicating the issue even further is a $13,750 non-refundable deposit the city could lose if the fireworks were not held on July 4 or any of the later contingency dates before the end of the year. The presumption is even if the Fourth of July is not possible, the current situation will have eased by those dates later in the summer or early fall, or perhaps even New Year’s Eve. After considerable back and forth, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury boiled the issue down to a simple question.

“Do you want the chance to have fireworks and risk losing the $13,750 non-refundable deposit?” she said.

“That’s the question before the Mayor and Council tonight.”

After much more debate, Council-

May 22, 2020

man Mark Paddack said he was in favor of moving forward with the fireworks contract and said he firmly believed the Fourth of July was still doable.

“I’m ready to go full in on the Fourth of July,” he said. “We don’t know if the governor will continue to strangle the state, but we need to move forward.

The Fourth of July is still six weeks away.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said he agreed to a point, but pointed out the historic epic crowds at the south end of the Boardwalk during and immediately after the Fourth of July fireworks would run afoul of any hopes for continued social distancing.

“Down at North Division Street, it is one entire mass of people to the point you can’t even walk out to the beach,” he said. “The mass exodus pouring out of there when the fireworks are over would contradict everything about social distancing. I don’t see how that venue would be conducive to hosting fireworks unless things change drastically.”

As he has throughout each step of the town’s recovery plan, Councilman Dennis Dare advocated for a slow, conservative and lower risk recovery plan and said he couldn’t support the contract for the Fourth of July fireworks this year.

“I’m opposed to the Fourth of July whether the governor adjusts the gathering size by then or not,” he said. “I think we need to set an example. I’ve heard it said here that senior citizens and those at risk can choose to stay home and that’s true, but we saw this weekend a lot of people on the Boardwalk were not practicing social distancing. If many of them got infect-ed and go home and test positively and the contact tracing points back at Ocean City, we can become a hot spot and end up on the morning news for a negative reason. That scares me and I don’t want that to happen.”

Councilman John Gehrig said the contract has flexibility built into it with the contingency dates and advocated for completing the contract with the vendor even at the risk of losing the $13,750 deposit.

“I think we need them,” he said. “I think we need to celebrate our independence and freedom now more than ever. The Fourth of July might be a stretch, but we can work out the details on those alternative dates when the time comes. Independence Day this year means a little something extra.”

The council voted 6-1 with Dare opposed to move forward with the Fourth of July fireworks contract with the understanding the shows might not be a go on the actual holiday and could be moved to dates later in the summer or even the fall.

“We need to celebrate, but maybe not on the Fourth of July,” said Meehan. “We have those dates available in September, October, maybe even November.”

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

officials unable to get outdoor Dining For weekend

Page 6

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Despite a full court press by elected officials and tourism organizations this week, outdoor dining on a limited basis will not be allowed this Memorial Day weekend.

Last week, phase one of the governor’s Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery was implemented including the opening of certain retail businesses, personal services businesses and religious gatherings as long as the same strict social distancing, masking, sanitation and other capacity guidelines were adhered to. Ocean City lifted its shortterm rental ban, allowing hotels and

itor the key metrics and follow the plan outlined in the Roadmap to Recovery,” the governor’s office said in a statement released to WMAR in Baltimore. Further comments were sought by this publication Thursday, but to no avail.

Carozza’s plea for relaxing the restrictions on outdoor dining with limited capacity pointed out the situation last week with the largest crowds of the spring in Ocean City largely clustered in specific areas such as the Boardwalk.

“The stabilizing COVID-19 key indicators, the increased testing capabilities, the health and safety enforced protocols and self-responsibility make the case for allowing operators to open their outdoor seating

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This week with the arrival of Memorial Day weekend, the local area’s state representatives including Senator Mary Beth Carozza and Delegate Wayne Hartman, the Worcester County Commissioners, the Ocean City Mayor and Council, the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA) and the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce urged Hogan to allow outdoor seating at restaurants. Comptroller Peter Franchot also pushed for outdoor dining, but Hogan did not budge and stuck with the directives spelled out in stage one of the recovery plan.

“The governor will continue to mon-

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as soon as possible and to look to opening indoor restaurants with a limited capacity by phase two,” she said in a statement. “Opening up outdoor seating also is a public safety issue. In places like Ocean City, crowds end up congregating on the Boardwalk instead of having the option to spread out around town at the many restaurants that can or will offer outdoor seating.”

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan sent a letter to the governor on Monday seeking the reopening of restaurants and bars with outdoor seating on a limited basis with strict adherence to the National Restaurant Association’s COVID-19 reopening guidance effective Friday, May 22.

“In order to meet the needs of our full-time residents, our approximate 26,000 non-resident property owners, our visitors as well as our business owners and all of those whom they employ, we respectfully request that our restaurants and bars be permitted to reopen and offer outdoor table seating only,” the letter reads.

“Consistent with the Roadmap to Recovery, we would also request that the town of Ocean City be given the ability to create additional safety standards as may be appropriate.”

Meehan’s letter asserted despite the forecast, even more visitors are expected on the traditional Memorial Day weekend.

“With crowds expected to be even larger this coming weekend, I believe our restaurants would be better capable of providing safe service and controlling crowds if limited outdoor seating was permitted,” the letter reads. “Without the ability to move forward as requested, I fear the town of Ocean City will be placed in an untenable situation and unnecessary health and safety risks will arise.”

Meehan’s letter outlines the public health guidelines provided by National Restaurant Association along with guidelines tailored to the local business community prepared by the OCHMRA and its members.

‘With appropriate social distancing practices, adherence to the safety measures set forth above and the commitment and cooperation of our restaurant and bar operators who have always shown the initiative to be leaders in their industry, the town of Ocean City believes that a safe reopening plan for an outdoor dining experience can be implemented and enhance the ability to safely manage the crowds.”

The mayor’s letter requests the state allow restaurants and bars, including those located in hotels to reopen for table service at “outdoor table seating only.” It would also require the establishments to maintain the current permitted practices to offer carryout and delivery of food or alcohol.

The request also includes a proSEE PAGE 36

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 22, 2020

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Council Okays $25K For ‘Open Arms’ Ads

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Eastern Shore Physical Therapy Free Virtual Online Low Back/Sciatica Workshop

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – While the Town of Ocean City’s official marketing campaign has shifted from the stay at home message to more of a welcome back message, a grassroots sister campaign showing real people doing real jobs to ensure the town’s businesses are safe for visitors is being launched.

The Mayor and Council had before them on Monday a request from the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) to utilize $25,000 already earmarked in the town’s tourism department budget for a “We are Ready for You” digital campaign. The advertising spots, which will complement the town’s official “Open Arms” campaign created by its advertising agency MGH, are being coordinated by the Town of Ocean City, Worcester County Tourism, the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA) and TAB. “TAB created a task force to jointly move forward with the town and the OCHMRA,” said TAB Chairman Steve Pastusak. “We came up with an advertising agenda to run in conjunction with the MGH campaign. These 30-second spots will complement the town of Ocean City ads produced by MGH. The town’s ‘Open Arms’ campaign will feature the mayor and these will be organic and authentic with no actors.”

Pastusak said TAB was seeking $25,000 from the town’s tourism department budget to help fund the campaign’s spots, which are being featured in digital platforms such as Hulu, Apple TV, YouTube TV and Amazon Fire TV, among several others. The total budget for the campaign is $50,000 and the Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development Department has already committed $25,000.

While the town’s “Open Arms” campaign created by MGH largely features Mayor Rick Meehan and the welcome back message for visitors, the “We are Ready for You” campaign features real Ocean City workers taking measures to make the town’s hotels, restaurants, amusements and other attractions safe.

“During these unpredictable times, we need to do all we can to ensure that our community survives,” said Pastusak. “The ‘Getting Ready’ and ‘We’re Ready’ campaign is digital and is designed to feature real people and businesses showing what they are doing to get ready by highlighting the health and safety enhancements being taken throughout Ocean City. The intent is to instill a level of comfort among visitors and to encourage advanced bookings so guests know when they are ready to travel, Ocean City will be ready for them.”

The council voted 6-0 with Councilman John Gehrig recusing himself to approve the $25,000 allocation for the grassroots campaign.

Page 9

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‘Visitors Were Thrilled To Be Back’

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Assateague Reopened last Sunday

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Assateague Island National Seashore reopened Sunday after a seven-week closure in response to COVID-19.

While much of the park opened to the public at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, the visitor center as well as front and back country campgrounds remain closed.

“While most outdoor areas will be accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased in and visitor services will be limited,” a release from the park reads.

In mid-March, the park’s ranger stations and visitor center were closed to the public. That was followed by a complete park closure on March 28.

Though a social media post late last week indicated the park was still waiting on approval to reopen, Sunday morning the park announced it would be restoring access to most areas at 9:30 a.m. May 17.

“Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and

local public health authorities, Assateague Island National Seashore is increasing recreational access to beaches and nature trails,” the park’s release read. “The National Park Service (NPS) is working service wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to gradually increase access on a park-by-park basis.”

Reopened areas include recreational beaches, parking areas and restrooms at North Beach, South Beach, Ferry Landing and Bayside Peninsula as well as nature trails in the Maryland District. The Over Sand Vehicle Zone (OSV) also reopened and, a few hours after opening, was about a third full according to the Facebook page Assateague OSV Count.

Liz Davis, chief of interpretation and education at Assateague Island National Seashore, said cool and foggy conditions in the morning kept the park from being too busy Sunday morning. She said visitation was light and there were no issues to report.

“As the day went on and the word got out that the park opened, more folks came out,” she said. “Over Sand Vehicle permits could be obtained at the ranger station and over 130 visitors came out for renewal and purchase. Over 1,200 vehicles were in the park. Our campgrounds are not open yet, but visitors were thrilled to be back on the island.”

Park officials advised that when visiting Assateague the public should follow local area health orders, maximize physical distance from each other, avoid crowding, limit gatherings to less than 10 people and practice “Leave No Trace” principles. The principles, according to the National Park Service, are based on scientific research in the fields of recreation ecology and human dimensions of natural resources. The seven Leave No Trace principles include: plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife and be considerate of other visitors.

Assateague officials remind visitors to stay home if they’re feeling sick.

“The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces to prevent the spread of infectious diseases,” the release states. “Sick or vulnerable individuals should stay home. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.”

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 11

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 22, 2020

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

Del. Man Arrested In Major Heroin Bust

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – A Delaware man was arrested last week and charged with heroin distribution after a two-month investigation revealed he was allegedly distributing the drug throughout northern Worcester County and Sussex County.

Last Thursday, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team concluded a two-month investigation of Devine Jakar Lynch, 24, of Dagsboro, who was suspected of distributing heroin and a heroin-fentanyl mixture throughout northern Worcester County.

During surveillance, Lynch was observed as a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team.

Lynch fled on foot and was subse-

quently apprehended. Lynch was found in possession of 306 individually-wrapped bags of heroin, which were seized by investigators.

Lynch was charged with possession and possession with intent to distribute heroin, resisting arDEVINE J. LYNCH rest, obstructing and hindering, resisting arrest and failure to obey a lawful order and was committed to the Worcester County Jail without bond.

A subsequent search and seizure warrant was executed at a motel room Lynch had been utilizing and an additional 351 individually-wrapped bags of heroin were located and seized. Investigator were familiar with Lynch as a result of a previous investigation con-

ducted by the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team.

Following that investigation in December 2019, Lynch was charged with various drug-related offenses for which he is currently awaiting trial. The Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team was assisted by the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force, the Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit and the Ocean City Police Department.

“I am extremely proud of our criminal enforcement team and the allied agencies who assisted in this investigation,” said Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli. “Their tireless work has helped take a large amount of heroin out the hands of those suffering from this addiction. These complex investigations help keep our Worcester County residents safe.”

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Inlet Dredging Work Completed Ahead Of Schedule

May 22, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Army Corps of Engineers hopper dredge Currituck has completed a routine dredging project around the Inlet in half the time anticipated after working around the clock for five days.

A couple of times a year, the Army Corps of Engineers-Baltimore District sends the Currituck, or its sister ship Murden, to conduct routine dredging in and around the Inlet. The dredging is done as part of the Army Corps of Engineers’ regular operation and maintenance efforts associated with the Inlet to ensure safe navigation for both commercial and recreational boaters who frequent the channel.

The Currituck arrived in the Ocean City area on May 8 and worked in a 24-hour cycle for five straight days, wrapping up the project on May 13.

According to Army Corps of Engineers officials, working around the clock for five days allowed the project to be completed in about half the time anticipated.

The Currituck spent five days specifically dredging known trouble spots in the Inlet. The Inlet and other channels in and around the commercial harbor naturally fill in and are in constant need of maintenance dredging, but the problem has become more acute in recent years to the point the Inlet is often impassable and unnavigable for larger vessels on even the highest of tides.

The Currituck spent the balance of its time in Ocean City on the continued Assateague bypass project, which removes material in and around the navigation channel with an emphasis on the ebb and flood shoals that traditionally trap sand moving southward toward Assateague. Dredged material is placed south of the inlet, just offshore of Assateague Island where it counteracts erosion.

The Currituck and its sister ship Murden arrive in Ocean City a couple of times each year to perform routine dredging projects and occasionally emergency repairs after storms.

The Army Corps of Engineers continues to assess long-term solutions to address the chronic shoaling in the Inlet in partnership with the state and Worcester County. That study is ongoing and the tentative plan going forward is still to make a formal recommendation as soon as this fall, complete the environmental assessment and design by spring 2021 and be ready to start construction in late 2021.

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 15

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Ocean City ‘Caught Off Guard’ By Last Weekend’s Crowds

Page 16

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – After Mayor Rick Meehan repealed the prohibition on hotel, motel and other short-term rentals last Thursday, the resort saw a huge jump in visitors with big crowds on the beach and Boardwalk and at many of the town’s businesses operating in a carryout-only model.

Gov. Larry Hogan on May 13 lifted the stay-at-home order and implemented stage one of his Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery plan, which included reopening certain retail businesses, personal service businesses and religious gatherings as long as the same strict social distancing, masking and other capacity guidelines were adhered to.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The following day, Meehan announced during a special Mayor and Council meeting Ocean City was repealing the short-term rental prohibition that had been in place for several weeks, essentially opening up the resort a week before the Memorial Day weekend. City Manager Doug Miller said this week the town, and much of the state, was not prepared for the onslaught of visitors and residents exercising their newfound freedom.

“We were admittedly caught off guard,” he said on Monday. “Last weekend was far from a soft opening, not just for Ocean City. We have learned a lot and we’re ready for Memorial Day with the services that underperformed last weekend.”

During the same meeting, Meehan acknowledged Miller’s assessment of

how last weekend went in terms of some of the city’s services.

“The city manager commented we underperformed last weekend,” he said.

“That’s unfortunate. We should never have that in Ocean City.”

Several weeks ago, Meehan issued an emergency declaration prohibiting rentals at hotels, motels, condominiums and other short-term accommodations until May 22 at the earliest. The declaration prohibited rentals to anyone except those that were deemed essential lodgers.

On May 13, Hogan announced Maryland was entering stage one of his Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery which included reopening certain retail businesses, personal service businesses and religious gatherings as long as the same strict social distancing, masking

May 22, 2020

and other capacity guidelines were adhered to.

Last Thursday’s special meeting was scheduled to begin to flesh out just what exactly the governor’s new directives announced on Wednesday meant for Ocean City’s own recovery plan. At the outset of that meeting Meehan announced he was repealing his own emergency declaration prohibiting short-term rentals, a prohibition that was scheduled to be in place until at least May 22.

While Hogan’s order announcing stage one of the state’s recovery plan went into effect at 5 p.m. last Friday, Meehan said he was repealing the short-rental ban in order to allow for a smoother transition heading into the weekend.

“The governor lifted the stay-athome order effective 5 p.m. on Friday,” he said. “I went ahead and made the repeal of our prohibition on rentals and short-term lodging effective at 5 p.m. on Thursday. I have tried to be consistent with the state directives. I just think it would be contrary to social distancing to have people lined up at hotel check-ins and rental offices, so this allows some transition time and some flexibility for the operators.”

It's important to note the same strict guidelines on social distancing and other restrictions remain in place. For example, Meehan said the same rules for gatherings of 10 or more individuals remain in place. Meehan said personal responsibility is the key to the success of stage one and an eventual move to stage two of the governor’s recovery plan.

Meehan said last week Ocean City is following Hogan’s roadmap to recovery and its various stages. Hogan has said some counties and jurisdictions where the health crisis was more acute had the autonomy to make their own decisions on reopening, but Meehan said Ocean City was not one of them.

“We are following the Maryland Strong recovery guidelines,” he said.

“Some of the counties are not following the guidelines for stage one laid out by the governor on Wednesday.

Places like Prince George’s and Montgomery are taking a stricter approach.

We are not taking a stricter approach.”

When Hogan first announced the state’s recovery plan weeks ago, he said stage two could be reached as quickly as 14 days after stage one if there was no spike in cases and the numbers remained stable. Councilman Tony DeLuca asked if that was still the case.

“Is the plan still getting to stage two within 14 days of reaching stage one?” he said. “If things continue to plateau, we could get to stage two when the bars and restaurants can start.”

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said Hogan’s new directives did not include any firm dates.

“In his oral announcement, that was the governor’s timeline,” she said. “He has not included those timelines in his official orders. The governor has reSEE PAGE 38

Tourism Impact Expected To Cut Revenues For Resort By $20M

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Quietly amid the uncertainties surrounding the ongoing pandemic and the impact on the summer season, resort officials this week approved a fiscal year 2021 “Plan B” budget amounting to a property tax reduction for most.

When first presented in March, the proposed fiscal year 2021 budget for all funds came in around $156 million including enterprise funds. The all-important general fund budget in the original Plan A, or pre-COVID-19 budget, came in around $97 million and was based on anticipated revenues and expenditures in the coming year.

At the same time, City Manager Doug Miller and Budget Manager Jennie Knapp presented a Plan B budget that attempted to account for the potential and realized ramifications of COVID-19 with adjusted estimates on certain revenue sources including room tax, for example.

For second reading on Monday, the Mayor and Council had before them a proposed Plan B budget, which had been pared down from the original spending plan. The Plan B budget approved unanimously by the council on Monday comes in at roughly $136 million, or about $20 million less than what was first proposed. The general fund under Plan B is around $89 million, also significantly less than what was originally proposed.

The Plan B budget includes a constant yield tax rate of .4559, which is a reduction of the .4656 property tax rate in the current fiscal year 2020. As a result, the personal property and corporate tax rates have been reduced from $1.29 per $100 of assessed value to $1.14 per $100 of assessed value.

There was at one point a Plan C budget on the table that would have retained the same tax rate as the current fiscal year, but that plan got little trac-

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tion among the council and was taken off the table early.

The approved budget includes property tax revenue estimates at around $42 million, which funds about 47% of the general fund budget. Capital projects in the fiscal year 2021 budget have been funded at about $2.8 million, which includes $2.1 million for street paving, $400,000 for canal dredging, $100,000 for storm drain cleaning, $100,000 for Boardwalk maintenance and $60,000 for phase two of the City Watch video surveillance system.

Other capital projects in the original Pre-COVID-19 Plan A budget were eliminated or deferred to the out years.

Surviving the cuts, however, were repairs to the transfer station tipping room at $352,000 and $100,000 for year four of five for the town’s commitment to the Atlantic General Hospital capital fund.

Fund balance of $1.7 million has been appropriated to fund the capital projects that made it through in the Plan B budget approved on Monday.

The Mayor and Council acknowledged many unknowns on the revenue side as the town moves toward some semblance of a summer season and the budget would have to be adjusted accordingly in the coming months. For example, Councilman Tony DeLuca during earlier budget deliberations had asked for a hiring freeze including three proposed full-time positions. Those three positions were included in the fiscal year 2021 budget approved on Monday as essentially place-holders in the spending plan with the caveat filling them could be revisited and ultimately approved by the council later in the year.

Every year, there are budget amendments during which funds are moved one way or the other based on estimated versus real revenue and expenditures. With all the uncertainty surrounding this year, the budget approved on Monday can and likely will be amended often.

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Year’s Sixth Foal Born Last Weekend On Assateague Island

Page 18

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 22, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

ASSATEAGUE – A baby boom continued at Assateague last weekend with the birth of a new foal, the sixth of eight expected this year.

Prolific mare Gokey Go Bones birthed the new foal sometime last Friday or early Saturday and the suspected sire is Yankee. The new addition and the parents are known to frequent the area around the causeway and the heavilytraveled entry to the barrier island and residents and visitors are urged to give the young family plenty of space, especially with the parks reopening and the arrival of Memorial Day weekend.

“As always, we remind visitors everything is new to a foal,” said Assateague Island National Seashore Chief of Interpretation and Education Liz Davis this week. “New foals will learn how to interact with the environment from their mother and other members of their band. A mare will be very protective of her new foal and it is vitally important for their well-being that visitors give them and all of the wild horses plenty of space.”

Despite the temptation to visit and take pictures of the new foal, National Park Service officials are reminding residents and visitors everything is new to the foal and are reminded to keep a safe distance from the mare and her offspring. As a rule of thumb,

One of the new foals born this month on Assateague Island is pictured last Sunday.

Photo by John Hayes

a safe distance is defined as around 40 feet, or roughly the length of a school bus.

Each fall, Assateague Island National Seashore biologists conduct pregnancy tests on the mares among the population in an attempt to predict how many new foals are expected to join the herd on the Maryland side of the barrier island in the coming year.

The results from the pregnancy tests conducted last November confirmed eight of the mares were expecting and already six new foals have been born this spring including the new addition

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population was well north of those numbers.

In recent years, due to the contraceptive management program and the loss of some horses to old age, attrition and death, often natural and occasionally from man-made causes such as vehicle collisions, the population had dipped. According to the March census, the number of wild horses in the Maryland stood at 73. However, with the birth of six new foals this year and two more expected, the population has moved closer to that 80-100 target range.

As a result, the National Park Service’s contraceptive program has shifted to an adaptive management phase.

Davis said earlier this spring that adaptive management phase will likely continue.

“Eight is the most pregnant mares we’ve had in many years, due to no contraception for the last four years,” she said. “One mare was contracepted in 2016, but none have been since then. We’re allowing mares to reproduce freely until such time as the population once again reaches the upper end of our goal range of 80-100. We look at the population dynamics each year and make changes as needed.

Precise balancing of mortality and foaling is not possible because the age at death varies greatly for each horse, as does the number of mares that will foal in a given year.”

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Delaware Loosening Restrictions

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 22, 2020

Restaurants Can Reopen June 1

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FENWICK ISLAND – Ahead of the first phase of Delaware’s economic reopening, Gov. John Carney announced plans to open beaches and retail establishments this week, albeit with strict social distancing requirements.

Last week, Carney announced plans to lift restrictions on Delaware beaches and community pools starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22. And this week, the governor took additional steps by allowing retail establishments to open by appointment beginning May 20.

“This is another step forward in the rolling reopening of Delaware’s economy,” Carney said. “It’s our hope that these additional steps will safely bring some relief to Delaware businesses and workers who have made real financial sacrifices during this COVID-19 crisis. But as we reopen, Delawareans should stay vigilant. Keep your distance from others. Wear a face covering in public settings. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. That’s how we’ll limit community spread of COVID-19 and get Delaware’s economy back going again.”

Retail establishments include clothing and shoe stores, used merchandise retailers and florists. Businesses may accept two appointments per half hour and must adhere to strict social distancing and cleaning guidelines.

Carney’s order this week also allows all Delaware food and drink establishments to apply with their local municipal and county jurisdictions to expand outdoor seating capacity. Plans for outdoor seating must consider local traffic patterns and noise ordinances and must clearly define boundaries to prevent beverages from being carried offsite. Applicants that hold a liquor license must also have their plans reviewed by the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control prior to receiving approval. Applications will be available on May 22.

It should be noted that Delaware retailers and restaurants are scheduled to open indoor spaces at 30% of stated fire capacity during phase one of Delaware’s economic reopening, which begins June 1. However, additional interim steps announced this week will give businesses additional ways to safely expand their operations by appointment and outdoor accommodations.

Carney’s announcement on restaurants and retail establishments came less than a week after issuing a statement lifting restrictions on Delaware beaches and community pools beginning at 5 p.m. on May 22.

Strict social distancing and hygiene requirements will accompany the reopening of Delaware’s beaches. Beach-

goers must maintain at least 6 feet of distance between themselves and anyone outside their households, and face coverings must be worn on the boardwalk and are encouraged on the beach.

Community pools in Delaware may also reopen, but are limited to 20% of regular capacity.

“Summer at the beach and the pool is a huge part of life for so many Delawareans. As we ease our way into a new normal, we’re trying to find ways for Delawareans to enjoy the outdoors and the company of their families,” Carney said. “I want to be very clear to our friends who want to travel here from outside the state. While we hope one day soon to be able to welcome you to our beaches, that time has not yet come. We need to reopen Delaware in a controlled way that doesn’t put anyone at risk.”

Delaware’s mandatory 14-day quarantine for out-of-state travelers and ban on short-term rentals will remain in effect, according to the governor. NonDelawareans who have been in Delaware for at least 14 days will be permitted to use the beaches.

“I cannot emphasize strongly enough that during this everyone must continue to keep a six-foot distance from others, and to wear face coverings when out, even when going to enjoy activities permitted under these limited re-opening conditions,” said Division of Public Health Director Karyl Rattay. “It's incredibly important that everyone exercise common sense and follow the restrictions so we don't have a re-resurgence in cases of COVID-19 and are forced to tighten them again.”

In March, Carney closed all Delaware beaches in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the governor’s executive order, the public was prohibited from accessing the beach except to exercise or walk their dogs where dogs are permitted. Some municipalities, however, chose to enact tighter restrictions.

Under Carney’s announcement last week, ice cream shops and trucks were also permitted to reopen for takeout and curbside pickup starting May 15.

“We’re all ready to get our economy going again, and to spend more time with our friends and loved ones,” Carney said. “Since Day 1 of this crisis, Delaware’s response to COVID-19 has been driven by the science. We can’t have a healthy, functioning economy again until our communities are healthy. There is good news. Delawareans have worked together, stayed home, and saved lives. Your actions have driven down cases and hospitalizations statewide. That will help us reopen Delaware’s economy safely in the coming weeks – while protecting the most vulnerable Delawareans.”

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 21

public hearing held on wicomico’s proposed Tax rate

Page 22

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Disagreements over a proposed real property tax increase highlighted a public hearing in Wicomico County this week.

This year, Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver submitted a proposed budget to the Wicomico County Council for fiscal year 2021 that includes a tax rate of .9286 per $100 of assessed value. Since that rate is 2% higher than the constant yield rate – or the tax rate that would generate the same amount

of revenue as the previous year – the legislative body this week held a virtual public hearing for county residents.

“As the county’s assessable base increases, the constant yield rate decreases,” Council Administrator Laura Hurley said. “By Maryland law, if the real property tax rate is set above the hypothetical constant yield rate, a public hearing must be held.”

In fiscal year 2021, the estimated real property assessable base will increase by 2.65%, from $6,266,202,145 to $6,432,565,170. If Wicomico County maintains the current tax rate of .9346

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per $100 of assessed value, real property tax revenues will increase by 2.65% resulting in $1,554,829 of new real property tax revenues.

To fully offset the effect of increasing assessments, the real property tax rate should be reduced to $.9104, the constant yield tax rate. The county, however, is considering not reducing its real property tax rate enough to fully offset increasing assessments, and instead, has proposed a real property tax rate of .9286, which will generate $1,170,727 in additional property tax revenues.

Mardela Springs resident Kenneth Robinson wrote to the council this week proposing a property tax decrease for residents on the west side of Wicomico County. He pointed out that the Mardela Middle and High School renovation project – originally placed in the county’s capital improvement plan for fiscal years 2021-2025 – had since been removed from the planning document, and a bridge replacement on Barren Creek Road, which was washed out in 2016, had yet to be constructed.

“At the Sharptown town hall meeting in September of 2019, County Executive Bob Culver stated money was budgeted and construction would be started by spring of 2020, and yet we still see no progress on this project,” he wrote. “The other two bridges that washed out there were fixed immediately, even though one of them was a road that only had

one structure on it, an American Legion.

Again, this is unacceptable.”

Lastly, Robinson pointed out that property owners near Porter Mill Road had been adversely affected by the construction of an agricultural storage tank that holds waste from poultry renderings.

“On the west side of Wicomico County, there has been a three-million-gallon chicken gut soup tank constructed and put into operation, which would make our property taxes less because our property values in this area have drastically been reduced by the construction of this monster,” he wrote. “Due to the reasons above, I hope you take into consideration all of these factors before increasing our property taxes on the forgotten part of Wicomico County.”

Salisbury resident Riley Smith expressed his frustration with spending habits in both Salisbury and Wicomico County. He said a real property tax increase should not be considered as residents contend with the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Just the political nerve to consider increased spending of another person’s money in general then adding a tax increase in the midst of a pandemic is relentless, self-serving and disgraceful,” he wrote.

The county council is expected to adopt a tax rate at its next meeting, scheduled for June 2 at 6 p.m.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Page 24

First-Degree Assault Charge For Gun Threat OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City man was arrested on first-degree assault and other charges last week after allegedly pointing a loaded handgun at his girlfriend during a domestic dispute back in April.

Around 3 p.m. on May 11, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a residence on 12th Street to investigate a reported domestic incident involving a handgun that had allegedly taken place weeks earlier. The officer met with a female victim who reported she had been living in the unit for about four months and she previously lived there with her ex-boyfriend, identified as Nathan Smith II, 20, of Ocean City.

According to police reports, the victim told the officer that during the month of April, she had been spending several days at a time with her aunt outside of town rather than in town with Smith. On April 17, the victim returned to the 12th Street unit and Smith reportedly became irate about the situation with the victim spending so much time away, according to police reports.

While the victim was standing in a hallway, Smith went into a bedroom and emerged holding a black handgun. Smith reportedly manipulated the slide of the handgun, chambered a round and pointed the gun at the victim from a very short distance.

Shortly thereafter, Smith put the gun away and apologized to the victim.

The victim then left the unit and stayed with her aunt for several weeks

Cops & Courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

before returning. When she returned to the Ocean City unit, the victim kicked Smith out and told him he was no longer welcome to stay there, according to police reports.

The victim told the officer she was afraid to report the April 17 incident to the police. When she finally told her family about the incident, they encouraged her to report the incident involving the handgun and she did so last week. In the meantime, Smith had been sending text messages to the victim telling her he had the handgun hidden in a closet in the bedroom and that he wanted to come back to the unit to retrieve it because he wanted to return to Pennsylvania, according to police reports.

The OCPD officer went with the victim to the closet in the bedroom and found a handgun wrapped in foil on the floor. The victim reportedly told the officer it was the same handgun Smith pointed at her during the incident back on April 17.

A description of Smith was broadcasted and another OCPD officer located the suspect near an uptown

May 22, 2020

shopping center. He was taken into custody without incident and was charged with first- and second-degree assault and numerous weapons counts.

Truck Swiped From Job Site OCEAN CITY – An Annapolis man was arrested on motor vehicle theft charges last week after allegedly swiping a truck near a downtown job site.

Around 9:45 a.m. on May 11, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to the area of St. Louis Avenue and 12th Street for a reported stolen motor vehicle. The victim had contacted police to report his vehicle, a 1997 Chevy Silverado, had just been stolen from the area of Dayton Lane and 12th Street and provided a description.

The incident was broadcasted and another OCPD public safety aide reported seeing the stolen truck leaving a gas station at the foot of the Route 50 bridge and traveling westbound on the bridge. An OCPD officer picked up the truck as it crossed the bridge and made a traffic stop. The driver and suspect,

identified as Ricky Bylan, 32, of Annapolis, was taken into custody and nobody else was in the vehicle.

According to police reports, Bylan told the officer an individual whom he only knew as “Jim” had lent him the truck to go to the grocery store if he put gas in it before returning it. Back at the scene, the truck’s owner told police he had left the key in it while he was working at a job site roughly 150 feet away from where it was parked.

The victim told police he heard his truck start up with its distinctive engine noise because it was loud and saw the suspect, later identified as Bylan, riding away in it heading south on St. Louis Avenue. The victim told police he did not know Bylan nor had he given anyone permission to drive his truck.

A driving record check revealed Bylan’s license had been suspended since December 2017 and that he had been pulled over for driving on a suspended license four times in the last week alone. Bylan was arrested for motor vehicle theft and driving on a suspended license. During a search of his person subsequent to the arrest, OCPD officers located three packets of Suboxone in Bylan’s wallet along with other random orange prescription pills for which Bylan did not have a prescription and additional drug charges were also applied.

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self to a group of people including children on the Boardwalk.

Around 3:30 p.m. on May 10, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer on bicycle patrol responded to the south end of the Boardwalk for a reported individual who had exposed himself to a group of people.

Upon arrival, the officer met with a male victim who reportedly told police a male suspect later identified as Dominic Dornan, 35, of Columbia, Ga., had exposed himself to him on the Boardwalk. The officer found Dornan, who was exhibiting signs of intoxication and admitted he had been drinking alcohol, sitting on a bench on the Boardwalk with his shorts unbuttoned and his zipper about halfway down, according to police reports.

The officer met with a female victim who told police shortly before the officer arrived, Dornan took his penis out of his pants and was flapping it in her direction in plain view of a crowd on the Boardwalk while recording video of the incident with his cellphone, according to police reports.

Based on the testimony of the victims, the officer determined Dornan had allegedly exposed himself to a large crowd of people on the Boardwalk while facing the whale-shaped playground piece on the beach near where a group of children were playing, all at 3:30 p.m. and in broad daylight. Dornan was ar-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch rested and charged with two counts of indecent exposure.

Parking Garage Assault OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore man was arrested on assault and other charges earlier this month after allegedly pushing his girlfriend and smashing the glass front of a fire extinguisher case in an uptown hotel parking garage.

Around 4 p.m. on May 5, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to the parking garage of an uptown hotel for a reported incident. When the officer arrived, he encountered a family with young children pointing in the direction of another area of the parking garage yelling “they’re over there,” according to police reports.

The officer approached the opposite end of the parking garage and observed a male suspect later identified as Joel Mitchell, 33, of Baltimore, standing over a woman who was on the ground with her back against a concrete pillar. According to police reports, Mitchell was standing with his fist clenched and was standing in such a way that the female victim had no other means of escape from him. The victim was reportedly crying and appeared to be cowering from Mitchell.

The officer made contact with Mitchell, who became defensive and started jumping around violently, according to police reports. Mitchell had small cuts on his face, hands and legs and blood on his white shirt. The victim also had blood on her person, but was not injured.

While investigating, the officer discovered a fire extinguisher case near

Page 25

where Mitchell was first observed with its glass shattered. The case had wet and fresh blood on the shattered shards of glass, according to police reports.

OCPD officers interviewed hotel maintenance workers at the scene, who reported seeing Mitchell pushing the victim toward the wall while also violently throwing items out of the vehicle they had been standing next to. The witnesses told police Mitchell had been yelling loudly enough that he could be heard from inside a generator room where they had been. The witnesses said it was Mitchell’s yelling that caused them to come out of the generator room to see what was going on.

Based on all of the evidence, Mitchell was arrested and charged with seconddegree assault, malicious destruction of

property and disturbing the peace.

Weekend Traffic Initiative BERLIN – Due to anticipated increased traffic volumes with the lifting of the stay-at-home order last week, Maryland State Police troopers from the Berlin barrack conducted a threeday enforcement initiative last weekend and saturated the major roadways throughout Worcester County.

During the enforcement effort, which focused on Routes 50, 90 and 113, troopers made 439 traffic stops, resulting in 404 citations and 249 warnings.

Three allegedly impaired drivers were arrested, along with two arrests for outstanding warrants, one for handgun violations and five for controlled dangerous substances.

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Wicomico Eyes First Reopen Phase

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Wicomico County announced its plans for reopening government facilities next week.

Last Friday, Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver announced the county’s phase-one reopening.

“Wicomico’s reopening will strictly adhere to the guidance provided by the Governor’s Office, especially regarding social distancing and protective masks,” a statement reads.

Last week, Gov. Larry Hogan announced the beginning of the first stage of the “Maryland Strong: Road-map to Recovery,” which includes moving from a stay-at-home order to a safer-at-home public health advisory and the gradual reopening of retail, manufacturing, places of worship and some personal services such as barber shops and hair salons.

The first stage was also implemented with a community-based approach that empowers individual jurisdictions to make decisions regarding the timing of reopening.

In Wicomico County, government facilities will reopen to the public on Wednesday, May 27.

“Further information will be provided to the public regarding hours of opera-

May 22, 2020

tion, occupancy restrictions and social distancing guidelines,” the statement reads.

In response to Hogan’s decision to broaden the list of permitted outdoor activities, the county earlier this month also began easing restrictions on public use of park facilities.

One May 7, the Wicomico County Department of Recreation and Parks opened park trails and day use areas, tennis and pickleball courts, disc golf courses, marinas and boat ramps effective immediately. Permitted outdoor activities included hiking, walking, running, biking, individual or small-group sports (10 people or less), outdoor fitness, horseback riding, recreational boating, and recreational fishing, hunting, shooting and archery.

Visitors must continue to limit gatherings to 10 people or less and practice social distancing using guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Maryland Department of Health.

“We encourage people to get outside and exercise, but in a safe and responsible manner,” said Steve Miller, director of Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism. “Public cooperation with social distancing guidelines at county parks remains critical.”

Council Delays Budget Adoption

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Citing the need for further review, officials in Wicomico County agreed this week to extend the date for adopting the annual budget and fiscal years 2021-2025 Capital Improvement Program.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council approved two resolutions extending the date for adopting the annual budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) from June 1 to June 15.

According to the county’s charter, the council can change any adoption dates provided that a resolution states the reason for the change and that the resolution is effective only during the fiscal year in which it is adopted.

Citing the need for additional time and further review of County Executive Bob Culver’s proposed budget, the council this week voted unanimously to extend the date for adoption of the annual budget and appropriation bill to June 15.

In the coming weeks, the council is expected to make cuts and adjustments to the proposed budget as a result of the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s proposed budget is currently set at $153,250,029.

“I don’t think there’s any question the fiscal and economic environment in the country, in the state, in the county is going to be – for lack of a bet-

ter word – fluid,” Director of Administration Wayne Strausburg told the council earlier this month. “I think we are going to get some surprises along the way. What I would suggest is any reductions you anticipate or would like to make in departmental budgets, I would encourage you to send those cuts to contingency … so that as issues arise during the upcoming fiscal year we have an available bank account if you will that we can go to to fund things that are necessary.”

The council this week also voted unanimously to extend the date for adopting the CIP for fiscal years 20212025 to June 15.

On Jan. 7, the council passed a resolution extending the adoption date for the CIP to June 1. However, the council determined another extension was necessary after a revised CIP was submitted on April 21.

The legislative body’s decision to postpone the adoption of the CIP comes months after several parents, educators and community leaders called on county officials to restore capital funding for an extensive renovation and addition project at Mardela Middle and High School.

The project was included in Culver’s CIP presentation last December, but was eliminated earlier this year to the surprise of residents and school system officials.

This will be the second year in a row funding for the Mardela project has been removed from the CIP.

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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County To Provide $330K To Resort For WOC Coverage

Page 28

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials reaffirmed their decision to fund West Ocean City ambulance service this week.

As the Worcester County Commissioners resumed budget discussions on Tuesday, several were quick to question the figures presented by staff regarding emergency medical service grants.

Though the commissioners voted 4-3 last week to provide Ocean City with the funding needed to provide emergency medical service in West Ocean City, the figure staff presented Tuesday was not the $330,000 referenced last week.

“I fully admit I did not vote for this but at the same time when the commissioners vote an action it should be done,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said.

Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins initiated budget discussions Tuesday by telling the commissioners based on the actions taken at the last session, the proposed budget had revenues of $204,325,631 and expenditures of $203,774,334, leaving a surplus of $551,297. He said that fire and ambulance expenses had increased in the proposed budget since $11,000 had been added to the grant for Stockton’s ambulance service and $184,000 had been added for Ocean City to allow for coverage of West Ocean City.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Higgins had been instructed at last week’s meeting to contact Ocean City Budget Manager Jennie Knapp to “get the actual number they were looking for” to provide West Ocean City ambulance service and to put that in the budget.

Higgins said he must have misunderstood. He said Ocean City officials suggested a figure of $330,000 based on 2019 costs but that he expected the cost of service to be less this year due to the health crisis.

“Based on my study and analysis I do not believe the current summer activity will be the same,” he said.

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom expressed concern with the funding being provided to Stockton. He said the company had asked for funding for a full-time employee and that the commissioners last week had agreed to provide that funding.

Higgins said that in subsequent conversations with the company its leaders had indicated that they were comfortable with receiving the same amount other companies received.

Bertino expressed concern about the changing figures.

“We’re flipping back and forth,” he said. “It seems like we’re looking at this piecemeal, all these different fire companies … We don’t have a fleshed out, holistic plan for it. And we have numbers that may or may not be justi-

fied.”

Mitrecic agreed the commissioners would have to take a broad look at the situation in the future.

“I think that in the long run, to look at this holistically we’re going to have to look at emergency services districts and some way to pay for this throughout the county,” he said. “But for right now I think that, I can’t even say that I applaud Mr. Higgins’ actions because it’s counter to what was voted on at this last meeting. Once again it’s staff’s interpretation of what we want to do.”

He said that wasn’t productive.

“We shouldn’t even be talking about this right now,” he said.

Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Kelly Shannahan said there was a formula for grant payment related to full-time equivalents to fire companies.

He said what was suggested for Stockton would given the company an unfair advantage.

“I did not vote for the motions that we’re talking about however I will agree that when a majority of commissioners vote and an action is directed it should be taken,” Bertino said. “I don’t understand why we’re interpreting things or whatnot.”

Commissioner Ted Elder advocated for the funding formula.

“Right here right now we’re trying to undermine all that,” he said. “Everything

May 22, 2020

that’s been fair all this time. You’re going to have controversies, you’re going to have hard feelings, you’re going to have people that don’t have enough funding, other ones that have too much funding.

What Harold did down there at Ocean City was he brought back a figure … because there’s nowhere near the calls in this year’s budget compared to 2019.

Other than that they’ll be turning a profit when it comes to ambulance service.

Ocean City is getting ready to turn a profit on ambulance service to West Ocean City.”

Mitrecic stressed Higgins’ figure related to personnel and didn’t take into account the cost of the equipment it took to provide ambulance service.

Nordstrom said that as far as Stockton, adding a person to that company had been prioritized at a joint meeting of the county’s fire chiefs.

“It wasn’t about being fair or unfair.

It was about the safety of the citizens in the southern end of the county because having one full-time employee in Stockton alleviated pressure on four different companies, in fact all four of the companies, that are in the southern end of the county,” Nordstrom said.

Higgins said he would make sure the proposed budget was adjusted to include $330,000 for Ocean City to provide ambulance service to West Ocean City and to include $36,000 for Stockton to fund a full-time employee.

May 22, 2020

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Page 30

Obituaries Patrick Murphy

SELBYVILLE, Del. – Patrick “Sean” Murphy, 49, son of Patrick and Virginia Murphy of Port Republic, Md., passed away on May 9 at his home in Selbyville, Del. Sean was born on March 10, 1971 in San Francisco, Calif. As a young child, Sean lived in various parts of the United States, from California to Rhode Island, Virginia, Maine and Florida as his family moved to relocate with the Navy. In 1981, he PATRICK moved permanently to his MURPHY beach community in Port Republic, Md. Sean spent many happy years there crabbing, fishing in the bay and exploring the woods with his brothers and cousins, his “best buds.”

Sean graduated from Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Solomons, Md., and was a 1989 graduate of Calvert High, in Prince Frederick, Md. He also attended the College of Southern Maryland in Calvert County, Md. Sean moved to the Eastern Shore in the early 90s and divided his work between restaurant management in Ocean City and work with the National Auto Shows throughout the year. Through thick and thin, he was an avid Cowboys and Orioles fan, Cal Ripken being one of his idols. Sean’s personality was magnetic, and he made many, many friends along the way. Sean was kind, warm, loving and always fun.

His loyalty to a friend was unshakable.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Family meant everything to Sean. He is survived by his parents, Patrick and “Ginny,” and his brothers, Kevin of Washington, DC and Matthew and his wife Britt of Edgewater, Md.; his nieces, Dylan and Everett whom he dearly cherished; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady Star of the Sea School, c/o Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, P.O. Box 560, Solomons, Md. 20688. Another way of honoring Sean is to love your family deeply and always go that extra step to be a true and loyal friend.

Due to the COVID-19 situation, Monsignor Michael Wilson conducted private funeral services for the immediate family on Friday, May 15. A celebration of Sean’s life will be held at a later date.

Brian Lynwood Hayes PARKTON – Brian Lynwood Hayes, 67, of Parkton, passed away on February 20, 2020.

The son of the late David F. and Louise Jarvis Hayes, he was an award-winning sales executive in the industrial packaging industry.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father, caring brother, and loyal friend.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Illona Juelich Hayes; cherished son Tyler J. Hayes; and loving sister Susan Hayes Lau. A celebration of life will BRIAN be held at a later date.

LYNWOOD Those interested in attenHAYES ding may provide contact information to IllonaHayes@gmail.com.

Paul Charles Corbett, Sr. OCEAN PINES – Paul Charles Corbett, Sr., 82, of Ocean Pines, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2020.

Paul was born in Baltimore on June 7, 1937 to Ruth Palardy Corbett and Stephen Van Lill Corbett, Sr. Paul was one of seven brothers who all graduated from Calvert Hall College High School and later received his bachelor’s degree from Loyola College in Baltimore.

Throughout high school and college, he was an avid basketball player.

He also loved playing tennis for many years, including as a member PAUL of the Hunt Valley Golf Club and Ocean Pines CHARLES Tennis Club, and relish- CORBETT, SR. ed acting with the Ocean Pines Players.

Paul was a born salesman and worked for Koppers Co./Environmental Elements Corp. and a number of paper companies including Erving Paper Mills in Massachusetts where he was national sales manager.

In recent years, he was proud to be a front of the house manager at Fager’s Island in Ocean City where he thrived on getting to know the customers and staff.

He hosted Sunday brunch and was nicknamed “Mr. Brunch.” Paul loved to make people smile, whether through welcoming them to Fager’s or telling jokes with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Bobbie) Beatty Corbett; sons and daughters Anne Denise Corbett Cross (Bruce), Chuck Corbett, Kevin Corbett (Amy), and Nancie Corbett; stepsons Steve Ports

May 22, 2020 (Elaine) and Doug Ports (Julie); 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Also survived by his six brothers, Stephen (Betty), David, James (Barbara), Robert (Linda), King (Pat) and Jack.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date. Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin will be assisting the family. Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com

Madeline England SELBYVILLE – Madeline “Mike” England, 81, of Selbyville, Del., passed away on May 13, 2020 from cardiac arrest at Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

Mike was born on July 14, 1938 in Hazelton, Pa., to Peter and Anna (nee Zebelin) Marcolina. After graduating from Kenwood High School in 1956, she earned her R.N. from the St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Baltimore and worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital as a pediatric nurse.

She met the love of her life, George England, in 1961 while listening to the Pier 5 Dixieland Jazz MADELINE ENGLAND Band. They married in 1964 and moved to Lutherville, Md., to raise their children, Krissy and Carl.

Mike was a lifelong volunteer, always giving her time and energy to those who needed it. From neighborhood children’s Christmas parties and Easter Egg hunts to involvement in the Baltimore Symphony Associates including committee chair for the Symphony’s Decorator Showhouse during her time living in Lutherville, Md. After retirement to Ocean City, she never slowed down. Mike got involved in St. Luke’s Catholic Church as an usher for Sunday mass in addition to working on their fundraising events such as golf outings and Christmas bazaars. She was most passionate about the church’s knitting group which she ran for over 20 years. “Loving Hands for All” makes prayer shawls and lap blankets for nursing homes and baby blankets and hats for hospitals. In recent years, she and the group began making “Twiddlemuffs” for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients at Coastal Hospice.

She loved to share her beautiful home with family and friends by hosting parties filled with delicious food especially her famous rum cake.

Her life was filled with wonderful vacations and times spent with her family.

She was a devoted wife and mother and in 2005, she got a new title which she cherished. She became “Nonny” when grandson, Jake was born followed a few years later by his brother Zach. She never left home without her “brag book” of the latest pictures of her grandchildren to share with her friends.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, George D. England; son, Carl England and wife Laura; daughter, Krissy Muneses and husband Mark; and beloved grandsons Jake and Zach Muneses.

Memorial services and celebration of her life will be held at a later date. To be notified of event plans, please email celebrationoflifeformike@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Coastal Hospice (coastalhospice.org) or St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Ocean City, Md. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com

Berlin Lands Natural Gas Generator

May 22, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A new generator will ensure the town can continue its efforts to keep electric costs low.

On Friday, crews delivered the town’s new 2-megawatt, natural gas generator to replace the one that failed last July.

Once it’s up and running, the town will have four engines to generate power when purchase costs are high.

“During peak high demand we'll start these engines to cut the amount of load that we're purchasing from the grid,” said Tim Lawrence, the town’s electric utility director.

According to Lawrence, the electric department typically has four functioning generators to use during peak times in the summer and winter. By using the generators, the town is able to reduce the amount of power it has to purchase off the grid.

“They all run at one time but they only run during high demand, either during the summer, like June, July, August, or during the winter, January and February,” Lawrence said. “We only run maybe 100 hours out of the year and it saves the town $550,000 to $600,000.”

Last July, one of those generators — a 1999 Mitsubishi — failed.

“One of the connecting rods broke and knocked a hole through the side of the engine so we had to replace it,”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Lawrence said.

The town contracted with Alban CAT Power Systems (which is now known as Carter Machinery) for a new natural gas generator. Though the other engines at the power plant are diesel, the town wanted to move to natural gas for a cleaner burning engine. Lawrence said that as the new generator was being installed, a gas line was being run to the building and would be accessible from each engine bay.

“So in the future if another engine fails or we go to replace it we'll change from diesel fuel to natural gas,” he said.

Jack McKenna, account executive for Carter Machinery, said it took the company about five months to build the new EPA certified generator for Berlin.

“It's all custom built for this job,” he said. “It costs about half to operate of one of those (diesel engines) because of the fuel, natural gas. It's much cleaner burning.”

Though the new generator arrived Friday, Lawrence said it wouldn’t be ready to run until July.

“Once they get it set they've got a lot of other work to do,” Lawrence said.

He said the cost of the new generator, which will come in at about $1.5 million between purchase and installation, was covered by insurance.

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“We only run maybe 100 hours out of the year and it saves the town $550,000 to $600,000,” said Berlin Electric Utility Director Tim Lawrence. Photo by Charlene Sharpe

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 22, 2020

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

Colby Phillips: Living A Water Life

Page 34

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 22, 2020

OCBP ALUMNI OF THE WEEK

(Editor’s Note: The following is an ongoing series on the men and women who have spent their summers protecting all those who came to Ocean City for fun and safe vacation.)

OCEAN CITY – Colby Phillips's life seems to be intertwined with water.

She was born in Charleston, S.C. next to the Atlantic and raised in Annapolis next to the Chesapeake Bay. And when she graduated, she headed back to the Atlantic and Ocean City. In the summer of 1993, Colby was enjoying the ocean life and working a beach stand on 19th Street. She met several lifeguards on the beach and became friends with officers Dave Griffith and Brent Weingard, who convinced her that she should take the test. Colby tried out "for fun," made it on the patrol and "fell in love with" a job she would keep for the next 25 years.

Colby rose through the ranks of the OCBP, impressing everyone she served with. She said, "The OCBP didn’t just teach me about rescuing

people, it taught me about integrity, customer service, punctuality and the importance of being to your job early in life." She became only the second female promoted to an officers position.

Every guard on the OCBP has a story about that one particular summer rescue that stands out in their mind.

Colby has quite a few, but one of her best stories came long after Labor Day. "After my first summer with the OCBP, I was waiting tables at the Carousel for the winter. It was Nov. 19, 1994, and I was working the lunch shift as I had family in town and we were going to dinner. There was a youth group staying at the hotel and some decided to go swimming,” she recalled. “We had swells and rips from Hurricane Gordon. A security guard came screaming into the restaurant that there were kids stuck out in the ocean. I immediately ran out to see what was going on and saw they

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were caught in a rip current, hanging onto a log. I kicked my shoes off and swam out to see if I could talk them out of the rip. The water was freezing and it was hard to talk but they started kicking and following me out of the rip. Once we got to where the waves were breaking, several of the kids jumped off the log and were able to swim in safely to the paramedics who

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had arrived on the scene and were waiting on the shore.”

Colby continued, “One boy, however, was too afraid to go. I grabbed him and pushed him in with the next wave, which crushed me down and, for a moment, I actually felt like I was going to drown. I felt for the bottom with my feet and pushed myself up as hard as I could and caught a wave in to shore. Because I had a full tux on minus the jacket (which was our uniform for work), my bow tie was hanging off my pony tail and my shirt was pretty much destroyed. Minus some hyperthermia, everyone was okay.”

Colby received a proclamation from Mayor Fish Powell for the rescue and a Carnegie Mellon award nomination.

Funny thing was everyone was making a fuss over it, according to Colby, and it was what the OCBP did daily for hundreds of people. She said, “To me it was just a part of the job. Always on duty was the mentality and anyone of my beach patrol family would have done the same. " Colby now lives near the beach in Berlin with her two daughters Remy and Sadie. She's the Director of Amenities and Operational Logistics with Ocean Pines and was recently elected to the Maryland. Coastal Bays Board of Directors.

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Lifeguards Begin Unique Coverage Season Saturday

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

GUARDING THE BEACH

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – I hope this first article of the summer finds you all doing well and staying safe during these unpredictable and unprecedented times.

My house has been interesting with this new dynamic of constant interaction, schoolwork, and limited personal time.

While all of this has been going on, the Ocean City Beach Patrol has been preparing for the summer. The beach and Boardwalk re-opened on Saturday, May 9 and the beach patrol must be ready to keep people safe beginning Memorial Day Saturday. This is not going to be my normal beginning of summer article, because nothing about this upcoming summer is going to be the same as prior summers. So, strap in because it’s going to be a bumpy ride, but we will get through this together.

When it is time for you to visit Ocean City, please remember that none of us have experienced anything like this

ever before. Everyone is learning as the situation evolves and doing the best we can, so, please be patient and do your best to follow the guidelines that the State of Maryland and the Town of Ocean City have established. It is important to maintain safe social (physical) distances while on the Boardwalk, beach and moving throughout the DAMIEN city. Appropriate dist- SANZOTTI ances are two meters or approximately six feet and face coverings are recommended. When you come out onto the beach, please be respectful of others’ space when setting up your belongings. If there is not an area with acceptable social distances, please find another area of beach. We have almost 10 miles of beautiful beach, let us all share. Please avoid large social gatherings and be respectful of others outside your group. Pack extra soap or hand sanitizer to be safe.

If you are sick or have been sick over the past two weeks, please stay home to recuperate and take into consideration the health of others when spending time outdoors, especially your lifeguard. Although each of our personnel have been provided with additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and have received additional training and updated protocols for dealing with patrons and patients on the beach, our in-water activities remain much the same.

Normally in this article I talk about some of the larger upcoming events that the Town of Ocean City hosts. Unfortunately, some of these are up in the air as to when they may occur.

The best advice I can give anyone is to keep checking the Town of Ocean City’s website and events calendar for updates. Also, please check the town website for any guidelines the city has set forth in regard to COVID-19 at oceancitymd.gov/covid19.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol is on

HERE’S MY CARD For More Information, Contact Pamela Green PHONE: 410-641-4561 • FAX: 410-641-0966 EMAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM

duty daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. beginning on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. If you should have any questions, approach the lifeguard safely while maintaining appropriate social distance. They are all friendly and knowledgeable. If serving the public as one of our Surf Rescue Technicians is something that appeals to you, we will be holding Pre-Employment Physical Skills Evaluations (testing) on May 24, 25 and 30. Following successful testing we provide paid training ($15.25/hour) on one of our Surf Rescue Training Academies.

To register for one of these try-outs, go to our website at www.ococean.com/ocbp.

I hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time in Ocean City while making new memories with your loved ones.

Please remember to, “Keep your feet in the sand till the lifeguards in the stand.”

(The writer has been with the beach patrol for 17 years and is currently a sergeant. He is a physical education teacher at Berlin Intermediate School.)

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… Push For Outdoor Dining Fails

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FROM PAGE vision that would require all employees to complete a health screening prior to their shift. It remains uncertain just what that might entail although it would almost certainly include the taking of temperatures for employees. It would also require that hand sanitizer be available upon entry and exit for all guests and to make hand-washing facilities accessible. The mayor’s request would require all employees to wear face coverings.

In terms of utilizing outdoor space, the request would require physical distancing of at least six feet between outdoor seating tables. It would limit the number of customers at each outdoor seating table during the initial reopening phase to six people and would prohibit customers from standing in the outdoor seating areas and require that all customers be assigned to a table.

The mayor’s letter also includes provisions for establishments that currently don’t have outdoor seating on the premises to do so to some degree. For example, restaurants and bars could find ways to create outdoor seating on their premises, but it would have to be limited in capacity to 50% of the lowest capacity load on the certificate of occupancy and require local zoning office approval.

By Wednesday afternoon, the Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM) joined the chorus pushing for the reopening of outdoor dining with the same essential recommendations. RAM’s recommendations also includ-ed a maximum total of 50 customers at one time in any outdoor seating area regardless of the physically-distanced seating capacity.

“We strongly believe that permitting outdoor seating prior to phase two of Governor Hogan’s Roadmap to Recovery plan is a smart, responsible approach allowing for the public to have a gradual return to dine-in options,” said RAM President and CEO Marshall Weston, Jr. “With Memorial Day weekend a few days away, restaurants, especially those in destination locations such as Ocean City, will see a significant increase in customers. Allowing for outdoor seating will allow patrons to consume their meals in a safe and controlled environment, rather than receiving takeout and gathering in large groups in public spaces.”

During Monday’s regular meeting, the Mayor and Council discussed a strategy for pushing the governor to relax the restrictions on outdoor dining including Meehan’s letter. Meehan said he spoke with Hogan last week on the issue and again with the governor’s chief-of-staff early this week and said it appeared the writing was on the wall.

“Being realistic, the governor has been sticking to his plan,” he said. “If hospitalizations and deaths continue to decline, 14 days later we can get

May 22, 2020

to stage two. I’m hoping that can happen sooner.”

Hogan lifted the stay-at-home order and the implemented stage one of the recovery plan on May 15. If he follows the verbal guidelines he spelled out when he announced the Roadmap to Recovery, stage two could be reached in 14 days after stage one, which would be next Friday, May 29.

Meanwhile, City Manager Doug Miller said plans are in place to facilitate outdoor dining once the governor gives the green light. Miller said various agencies are working on plans to allow establishments with indoor seating only to creatively come up with ways to serve guests outside.

Again, there would be a lot of uncertainties with the creation of outdoor seating, but it could mean tables in parking areas or other areas owned by a business not typically utilized for guest seating. A business would not be allowed to utilize public areas such as public sidewalks, for example.

“We are hoping we can open up for outdoor dining,” he said. “The Fire Marshal and the zoning department are working to streamline the approval process. This is the summer of flexibility.”

Councilman Mark Paddack said allowing outdoor dining in stage one was not necessarily equitable for all of the resort’s food service businesses.

“That doesn’t benefit the entire community,” he said. “That doesn’t cover the indoor establishments. I’d like to ask the governor for 50% capacity for all of the businesses. It’s time to move on. The numbers have been grossly misrepresented. We have a big weekend coming up.

People can go out, but where can they go?”

Last week, Hogan said some steps in the recovery plans could be dictated by the counties or local jurisdictions. However, locally-tailored plans could only be more restrictive and not less restrictive. Councilman Matt James said Ocean City and Worcester County could take that angle in its plea to the governor.

“Instead of asking for something specific, we should ask the governor to leave it up to the counties or local jurisdictions,” said James. “We probably have the most outdoor dining available than any other county in the state.”

Councilman Dennis Dare said the governor’s plan had some flexibility written into it that appeared to fit the outdoor dining request.

“The roadmap to recovery used some examples in three phases,” he said. “There will be sub-phases within each phase. It’s like it was written to allow outdoor dining. Outdoor dining can be a sub-phase between the low-risk and medium-risk phases.

Hopefully, he will agree with that.”

Board Approves Globe Liquor License

May 22, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Officials granted new beer, wine and liquor licenses to a variety of local establishments this week.

The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) approved licenses for The Globe in Berlin as well as several hotels and a few new restaurants in Ocean City this week.

In Berlin, the board approved a beer, wine and liquor license for The Globe that will allow the restaurant to serve drinks at two bars inside as well as a third bar planned for an outdoor seating area behind the building. The historic building was purchased by Burley Oak Brewing Company’s Bryan Brushmiller last fall and has been undergoing renovations ever since.

Brushmiller’s wife Nicole told the board that as envisioned, The Globe would feature a bar on the first floor, as it had in the past, as well as a bar on the second floor and a small bar outside in the former staff parking area behind the building. Board member Charles Nichols expressed concern about the bar in the planned outdoor seating area, which is not yet completely fenced in.

Brushmiller pointed out that because of health concerns, patrons would be more interested in outdoor seating going forward. She added that the bar itself would only be eight seats and would provide space for staff outside.

“It would give us added security to oversee the patrons while they’re outside,” she said.

Attorney Chris Woodley said the outdoor area would be completely enclosed.

“It’s a good location for outdoor seating because it’s mostly commercial property in that area,” he said.

BLC Chairman William Esham, who made the motion to approve the license request, pointed out that the Berlin Historic District Commission would still need to approve the outdoor seating area.

At Wednesday’s meeting the board also approved license transfers for the Crawl Street Tavern, to be located at 501 S. Baltimore Ave. in Ocean City, the Route 50 Taphouse at the Francis Scott Key and Duck In II in Snow Hill.

The board approved new licenses for the Cambria Hotel, the Fenwick Inn Hotel and the Hilton Tru Hotel in Ocean City as well as licenses for Sunset Island Bar & Grill, Casita Linda and Annabelle’s Barbecue and Creamery.

Sunset Island Bar & Grill will replace what was recently known as Sanibel’s at Sunset Island, while Casita Linda, which opened on Baltimore Avenue last year, will now be able to serve beer and wine. Annabelle’s Barbecue and Creamery, which will be located on 64th Street, is owned by Ross Bergey but managed by John Trader, owner of Liquid Assets in Ocean City and Our Harvest in Fenwick Island.

Blacksmith’s New Deck Plans Move Forward The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Plans for the addition of more outdoor seating at Blacksmith Restaurant and Bar are moving forward.

At a meeting Wednesday, the Berlin Historic District Commission approved plans for a deck at the Blacksmith but asked the restaurant’s connections to return with details about the roof planned for the outdoor seating space. The changes are meant to help the restaurant adapt to serving customers during a time when coronavirus remains a concern.

“We’re not looking at doing much inside seating for the summer,” said Justine Zegna, owner of the restaurant.

Joe Pino of United Restoration told the commission that Zegna’s plan was

to install a deck where the existing concrete pad was by the restaurant’s entrance. He said a pergola on top of the deck would provide protection from the weather.

“It’ll allow them to have outdoor seating capacity no matter the weather,” he said.

Pino said that while vinyl railing for the area had been considered, it was cost prohibitive. Instead, he said railing would be cedar, which would gray and fit in with the historic building.

Commission member Mary Moore said she thought the deck would suit the building the way it was proposed.

“The building itself is a rugged, masculine building,” she said.

Pino and Zegna agreed that they wanted the changes to fit in with the building and the rest of town.

Page 37

“Aesthetically we’ve been wondering forever what to do with that area,” she said.

Carol Rose, chair of the commission, praised the proposal and said she thought it’d be beautiful.

“We try to do things the way they’re supposed to be done,” Zegna said.

Commission member Robert Poli questioned the material planned for the roof, which Pino initially described as corrugated.

Zegna said she needed some type of roof to keep patrons dry in case of rain.

The board agreed to approve plans for the deck but to have Zegna return to show roof materials at the June 3 commission meeting.

“I don’t want her to have to wait because this is important to get this done for summer,” Rose said.

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Page 38

FROM PAGE 16 served the right to alter the timeline in any way he sees fit.”

The repeal of the short-term rental prohibition was the cornerstone of the special Mayor and Council meeting last Thursday, but was only one part of a much larger discussion about reopening restaurants with outside dining options, some restaurants and bars going rogue and opening anyway despite the continued state directives and the capacity at Atlantic General Hospital to handle a potential spike with the sudden influx of out-of-town visitors among others. The following are some of the highlights of those discussions.

Outdoor Dining One thing many resort area restaurants and bars were hoping in stage one of Hogan’s recovery plan was an

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

allowance for some outside seating at restaurants with strict adherence to distancing, capacity and sanitation, but it didn’t happen.

Worcester County Health Officer Becky Jones said the health department, which will likely hold sway over opening plans and distancing for outdoor dining, supports the concept as long as the distancing guidelines are adhered to.

“We want to be supportive of that, but we certainly don’t want to compromise public health and safety,” she said.

“Whenever we get to the point where some outdoor seating is allowed, there will be guidelines for spacing and social distancing.”

Miller said plans are underway to facilitate the opening of establishments with outdoor seating options and even

some that currently don’t. Miller said there could be some arrangements possible for bars and restaurants to offer seating on sidewalks or tented areas in parking lots.

“We’re preparing for the next stage we’re hoping to continue to keep getting some of these green lights,” he said. “The zoning department and the Fire Marshal’s office is working on an express permit system that will allow our restaurants and bars to get open quickly when the time is right.”

Miller also pointed out there was already some indication of certain bars and restaurants going rogue and reopening under the guise of being “retail” establishments covered in the governor’s stage one order released on Wednesday.

“On the downside, we have heard

May 22, 2020

some bars claiming their business is retail and they are going to open,” he said.

“The Ocean City Police Department is not necessarily going to enforce that.

It’s not a law enforcement issue. However, the Board of License Commissioners is appointed by the governor and strictly follows the governor’s orders. If a bar establishment opens as retail, the BLC will prosecute them.”

Stansbury agreed the BLC would be keeping a close eye on businesses claiming to be retail or otherwise flaunting the state restrictions.

“There are very specific definitions of retail in the state and Worcester County codes,” she said. “I would encourage everyone listening not to open as retail.

The BLC will take the enforcement of that very seriously.”

What About Pools?

Last Thursday’s meeting also included a debate about indoor and outdoor pools and pool areas and how they fit into the definitions in the governor’s staged recovery plan. The short answer is there is no real answer yet. Jones said she is working with the state on better defining the guidelines for pools.

“We’re working on the guidelines for phasing in smaller indoor pools and hotel pools,” she said. “The larger outdoor pools are further down the line.

We hope to have those guidelines out very soon. I would encourage the pool owners and operators to reach out to our environmental health program to make sure they are in compliance before opening.”

Councilman Mark Paddack pointed out the science suggests the chlorine in pools is an effective deterrent to COVID19 and questioned if it was more of a capacity issue.

“What is the difference between indoor and outdoor pools?” he said.

“There is specific data that suggests the chlorine in pools would destroy the COVID virus. Are pools going to be limited to just 10 people?”

Jones said the county health department is working with the state on firm guidelines for pools and they should be available shortly, but said on the surface it could be more of a social gathering and capacity issue.

“Gatherings of 10 or more are prohibited,” she said. “That would run afoul of the governor’s current order.”

Councilman John Gehrig said small clusters of families in a confined pool area should be allowed as long as safe distancing measures were in place.

“If I have my family of four and 15 feet away is another family of four and 15 feet away from them is another family, that’s three groups of four and not one group of 12 right?” he said.

“There might be more than one group in the same general pool area, but as long they are following the distancing guidelines they should be okay.”

Jones said there was validity to that argument, but that she wanted to clarify the state directives regarding pools before giving anyone locally the green SEE NEXT PAGE

… Mayor: ‘Unfortunate’ OC Was Not Ready For Crowds

May 22, 2020

light to open them.

“I’m not in disagreement with that statement, I just don’t want to set up anyone locally for failure because they didn’t follow the guidelines,” she said.

“I know the pools want to get open just like the restaurants and bars. Again, we want to be supportive of that, but not at the risk of compromising public health and safety.”

Local Hospital Prepared Over the last several weeks, many in the community have voiced concern with a possible surge in COVID cases locally with the sudden influx of out-oftown visitors and Atlantic General Hospital’s capacity to handle that. AGH President Michael Franklin was on hand during last Thursday’s virtual meeting and attempted to allay those fears with an update on the hospital’s current status.

“We have established an adequate supply of capacity should we see a surge in cases,” he said. “We are in a good position.”

Councilman Mark Paddack questioned Franklin on the possibility of the out-of-town visitors showing symptoms on COVID-19 and whether or not they would be sent back to their own jurisdictions for treatment. Franklin said the AGH health system continues to conduct tests and there was no real reason for concern at this point.

“We’re maintaining operations at 10th Street,” he said. “If somebody comes into town and is symptomatic, we encourage them to call the health department and make arrangements for testing. Franklin also said AGH had more supply and less demand for capacity in its emergency room areas.

“We are seeing an average of 50 patients per day in the ER right now,” he said. “We used to seeing 200 or more per day on a busy July 4 weekend. We’ve added 50% of capacity to our ER, so we could potentially handle as many as 400 patients in the ER.” Inlet Parking Woes Two weeks ago, the Inlet lot was open to the public and there were some obvious glitches with the system.

Over the winter, the town changed the rate structure and dates for paid parking in Ocean City and those changes are now in place. However, there has clearly been some confusion about the new rates or whether or not paid parking was in effect with the other uncertainties surrounding the pandemic.

As a result, some who utilized the Inlet lot either didn’t pay at all or overstayed the amount of time they paid for.

“We had an issue at the Inlet parking lot,” said Miller. “We rolled out a new rate structure and the lot just reopened and there were no parking ambassadors out there. It created a lot of confusion. The recommendation is to waive the $25 administrative penalty fee until the end of the month.”

Every vehicle that enters the Inlet lot has its license plate scanned and recorded.

Under the current rules, those who don’t pay at all or overstay the amount

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

of time they paid for are sent a bill through the mail for the amount they owe plus a $25 administration fee.

City Manager Terry McGean on Thursday asked the council for a waiver of the $25 fee until the end of the month to allow visitors and residents to get acclimated to the new system.

“I’d like to do it now if possible,” he said. “At the Inlet lot, if you overstay your time or don’t pay, we send you an invoice with amount owed plus a $25 administration fee. Last weekend, we had 2,000 vehicles enter the lot and only 900 actually paid. The rest are going to get an invoice.”

The council voted unanimously to waive the $25 administration fee through the end of May with the grace period ending June 1.

Boardwalk Bench Debate

When the town reopened the Boardwalk to the public, temporary barriers including boards and yellow caution tape were installed on many of the benches to enforce and encourage social distancing. The barriers were intended to be short-term solution, but Meehan clearly took exception to the hastily installed boards and yellow tape.

“With the benches on the Boardwalk, the 2x6 boards with the yellow caution tape is unacceptable,” he said. “This needs to be addressed immediately.”

Some things will be different on the Boardwalk this summer with social distancing and other restrictions still in place. Already there has been talk of eliminating or greatly reducing the Boardwalk tram service, for example.

Meehan pointed out that might create opportunities to move the benches a-

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round to create distancing and suggested that could have been done already.

“That should have been done weeks ago,” he said. “If there is no tram service, some of the benches could be moved to the opposite side of the tram lane.

We should be setting an example of how it can be done. We’re on center stage right now. All eyes are on us.”

Council Secretary Mary Knight agreed moving the benches around to create appropriate spacing was a possibility.

“I don’t want to lose any benches because I think they are important for our visitors and for our businesses that are trying to get by with carryout,” she said.

“I think we can move some around so we can socially distance. We need to show we’re doing the right thing.”

Officials Maintain County ‘Never Made A Pledge To AGH’

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BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino on Tuesday defended a county decision to cut funding to Atlantic General Hospital.

At a meeting of the commissioners Tuesday, Bertino disputed a claim by Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) CEO and President Michael Franklin that the county wasn’t following through with a five-year funding pledge. Franklin voiced the assertion in a statement to the press last week after the commissioners voted to eliminate a $175,000 grant to the hospital from the coming year’s budget. Bertino stressed that while the county might have cut funding to AGH it was directing substantial resources to emergency medical services.

“The commissioners are crafting a budget against a backdrop of revenue and expense uncertainty brought about

by COVID-19,” Bertino said. “Despite our best intentions there will be disappointment. For me, in this landscape of questionable revenue projections it is best that limited funding available be directed to our emergency responders …

When a person calls 911 and the siren sounds we must ensure that the person who answers the call is equipped and trained.”

Last week, the commissioners voted

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

4-3 to eliminate a $175,000 AGH funding contribution from the coming fiscal year’s budget. Bertino, who along with Commissioner Jim Bunting, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic and Commissioner Ted Elder supported the cut, told his fellow commissioners he wanted to address the issue because “misinformation has swirled around that decision.”

“If the quotes attributed to AGH president and CEO Michael Franklin in local newspapers are correct, he believes the county did not fulfil a fiveyear funding pledge,” Bertino said.

“That is not true. AGH Foundation board member Steve Green, publisher of the Maryland Coast Dispatch, wrote last week in his popular Between the Lines column that ‘The county’s decision to renege on its capital campaign pledge of $100,000 annually in year four of five is appalling.’ He closed with ‘It’s shameful and sets a terrible example for many of us in private industry who have similar ongoing pledges.’”

Bertino said the headline in The Dispatch, which said the county would not fulfill its pledge, and Franklin’s assertions about the pledge were inaccurate.

“The commissioners never made a pledge to AGH for five years or any other number of years,” he said.

According to Bertino in February of 2017 Franklin told the commissioners he would seek a $1 million pledge to be paid over five years.

“During its deliberations that year the commissioners voted not to commit county funds to an ongoing pledge drive but did approve a single 100k grant for the capital campaign,” Bertino said. “And in fiscal years 2019 and 2020 AGH received one-time grants as well.”

He added that the letter sent to the hospital each year with grant information advised that the commissioners were providing one-time allocations.

The Dispatch received the letters to confirm Bertino’s remarks.

Bertino objected to Franklin’s comment that the commissioners didn’t see the need to provide the community with health services. He said the county’s 911 center was a responsibility of the county and that the commissioners allocated funding each year to volunteer fire and EMS companies.

“Emergency medical first responders are critical and essential to health care in our county,” he said. “If you or a loved one is in a distress situation you want to know you’re in expert hands. We need to continue working to address holistically the needs of all fire companies and EMS providers and not seek a piecemeal approach.”

Bertino said the fact that Sussex County did not support AGH had not played into his decision to vote against hospital funding.

“For me, the actions of another

May 22, 2020

county make no difference at all to what Worcester County should or should not do,” he said. “I sympathize with the disappointment felt by Mr. Franklin and Mr. Green and others because of the commissioners’ vote last week. By now though I hope they recognize the county never pledged or made a promise of multi-year allocations. Directing financial resources to other essential health care concerns within our county in no way diminishes the high regard AGH has held nor overlooks the vital contribution it makes to our county.”

Mitrecic thanked Bertino for his comments.

“I think that’s very well said,” he said.

Bunting agreed.

“The fact is we did not renege…,” Bunting said. “It’ll all come out in the end. I appreciate AGH hospital but I think we also did the right thing by putting the money best where we need it.

My understanding is the hospital did reach all their goals for their fundraising and they’re in good shape.”

Though the hospital did not offer comments this week, Franklin said last week, “This is a very disappointing decision. … It is unfortunate that some of the commissioners do not see the need to continue to provide our expanding community with these much needed health care services.”

Condo Project Hours Extended Due To Virus

May 22, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – In yet another odd aside to the ongoing pandemic, normal working hours and noise restrictions were relaxed this week for a midtown condominium project because of a work crew quarantined by COVID-19.

The Mayor and Council heard a request Monday to modify the hours of operation for mechanical and construction noise at a condominium project at Sunset Island. Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville explained the structural integrity of one of the condo’s stair towers had been compromised by water damage and needed repairs.

The condo has two stair towers and residents and visitors have had access to one of them while the other is being repaired. However, with the arrival of Memorial Day weekend and the anticipated spike in visitors and residents, the Fire Marshal has required both stair towers be accessible, necessitating the completion of the ongoing project.

The project was on schedule for a pre-Memorial Day completion until one of the work crews had to be quarantined because one member of the crew tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, a request was made to modify the town’s construction noise ordinance to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in order to expedite the completion of the project. Under the town’s code, construction noise is limited to 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

“The developer has asked for 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a limited time to June 20,” said Neville. “The project ran behind this year because of COVID-19 and the building is under a restriction from the Fire Marshal because they can’t use those stairs.”

Neville said the request has been approved by the condo association, which will notify its members of the construction time change. A letter from the condo association explains the situation.

“The Ocean City Fire Marshal requires that each building have two operational fire towers during the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day,” the letter reads. “The construction schedule has been delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A work crew has been quarantined because of a worker testing positive for COVID-19.

The extension of work hours through June 20 will assist greatly in meeting the Memorial Day deadline for opening the towers.”

The letter explains the extension to June 20 was being requested because waterproofing materials need to be applied once the structural repairs are complete. The council unanimously approved the request, pointing out the area is bordered on two sides by water and a third side by the town’s public works complex with only some residential areas to the north potentially impacted by the noise.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Community

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

News In Photos

Ocean City Elementary fourth grade student Lily Rados assisted her father Matt Rados, co-owner of Decatur Diner, in providing bagged lunches to local 911 call centers and fire departments in Ocean City, West Ocean City Berlin, and Ocean Pines. Over 100 lunches were delivered. Later in the week, she helped with deliveries to local police stations as well. She is pictured with her father and members of the Ocean City Fire Company.

Submitted Photos

Ocean City Elementary School recently held its annual Worcester County Humane Society Care for Pets Drive. Although items were only collected for two weeks, students, faculty and staff received many donations of cat and dog food, toys, bedding, cleaning supplies and much more. Pictured with all of the school's Humane Society donations, from left, are third grader Sophia Macrides and fourth graders Trent and Thea Macrides.

May 22, 2020

Cato, Inc. marketing representative Gordon Abercrombie (Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) ‘13, Furman University ’17, Clemson MBA ’19) presents a $500 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance program grant to the WPS Upper School, graciously accepted by freshman Jack Gardner and eighth grader Ansley Gardner.

This year’s grant will be applied toward the Upper School AP Biology program, taught by science teacher Jenn Corron (not pictured).

The Class of 2020 is graduating, but the COVID-19 pandemic has stopped official ceremonies, but not the awarding of Kiwanis Club scholarships. One of the scholarship was presented by Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City President, Roy Foreman to Gabrielle Izzett, president of the Stephen Decatur Key Club who will attend Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va. and play on the women's soccer team.

Atlantic Physical Therapy, a family owned physical therapy company with nine clinics, donated $1,000 each to the Food Bank of Maryland and the Delaware Food Bank. Pictured, from left, are CEO Robert Hammond, Jr.; Michele Herold, APT representative; and Jennifer Small, director of Regional Services-Maryland Food Bank.

Worcester Schools OK June 15 Last Day Berlin Liquor Store

May 22, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Education officials approved June 15 as the official last day of the school year.

At a meeting on Tuesday, the Worcester County Board of Education voted unanimously to adjust the calendar for the current school year as a result of the COVID-19 closures that occurred in March.

According to Carrie Sterrs, the school system’s coordinator of public relations and special programs, Worcester County Public Schools asked state officials for a waiver regarding the 10 days that schools were ordered to close March 16-27 to help stop the spread of COVID-

Wicomico Opts To End On June 12

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – School officials in Wicomico County last week agreed to a revised school calendar that would move the end of the academic year to June 12, pending approval from the state board.

Last week, the Wicomico County Board of Education voted 6-0, with member Ann Suthowski absent, to approve a revised calendar for the current academic year and to submit a waiver request for five missed days of school related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, the school board approved a 2019-2020 academic year calendar that began on Sept. 3 and ended on June 10. When school closed in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, students missed nine instructional days.

To that end, the board voted last week to alter the school calendar, with the last day of school now being Friday, June 12, pending approval from the Maryland State Department of Education.

“By adding two days to the end of the calendar, and turning April 3rd and April 28th into instructional days, we were able to ask the state to waive the remaining five days of closure,” Superintendent Donna Hanlin said in a written message to families and staff last week. “We anticipate an answer to our waiver request soon. For teachers, the last day would now be Tuesday, June 16th. Report cards would be mailed June 19th.”

Hanlin added, “While students and teachers continue with instruction, our schools and our school system are intensely focused on planning for online summer activities as well as adjustments that might be needed in order for classes to resume in our schools at the end of the summer.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

19.

“The superintendent has received a response to the school system’s waiver request,” Sterrs said. “Within that response, State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon agreed to waive five of the 10 days that Maryland schools were mandated to be closed in March.”

Though schools were subsequently ordered to remain closed for the rest of the school year, a continuity of learning plan — which provides students with virtual instruction and so counts toward the 180-day school year requirement — was put in place.

To help make up for the five days of instruction not waived from the 10-day March closure, the school system already shortened last month’s spring break.

“This has left a gap of two student instructional days which the school system needs to address through a final modification,” Sterrs said.

Sterrs said Superintendent Lou Taylor recommended ending the school year on Monday, June 15 rather than on Thursday, June 11, as proposed earlier this year, to eliminate the two-day deficit. June 12 and June 15 will be early dismissal days for students so teachers will be able to use the time to finalize grades, Sterrs said.

The board voted unanimously to approve the calendar modification.

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Business And Real Estate News

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Elder Law & Tax Bankruptcy

BERLIN – Through the Blood Bank of Delmarva, Atlantic General Hospital is participating in a Mayo Clinic study to provide convalescent plasma to treat patients with COVID-19.

Hospital officials say the goal is to use the antibodies in the plasma of now healthy coronavirus survivors to help the patients fight the virus.

"Researchers are optimistic about the potential of this treatment for COVID19," said Matt Morris, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Atlantic General Hospital.

Morris said while the treatment may not be for everyone, the hospital enrolled and transfused their first patient Friday, April 24. He noted that the hospital’s medical staff will actively screen future patients with COVID-19 to evaluate the benefits of this treatment for their care.

"Initial anecdotal reports have been positive across the country," said Morris. "We believe our participation will improve the care we provide to our patients."

The Blood Bank of Delmarva is now accepting plasma donations from those who have recovered from coronavirus and are now asymptomatic.

Morris said plasma donors must have tested positive for coronavirus and been symptom-free for 28 days.

He said those who have been symptom-free for 14 days can also donate if they test negative to ensure they no longer have the active virus.

Patients requesting information on becoming a COVID convalescent plasma donor are asked to contact the Blood Bank of Delmarva directly at http://delmarvablood.org/cpdonor or call 1-8888-BLOOD-8 (1-888-825-6638).

“It’s definitely another resource in our effort to treat patients that are critically ill, and we really hope that it improves the outcomes of these patients," Morris said. “It is affordable, easy to administer and rarely has side effects. The possibilities presented by this treatment are encouraging.”

While hospital officials say they are cautiously optimistic about the treatment, Morris said, “it is very reasonable to be optimistic about this because of the positive results in studies that convalescent plasma has had in prior outbreaks with other respiratory tract infections and its track record with other diseases.”

Company Expands Again Flat Fee Available Home Visits Available Upon Request

SNOW HILL – Advisor Meredith Mears recently secured a 40,000-square-foot lease for Hardwire LLC inside a Worcester County-owned commercial building along Route 12 in Snow Hill.

May 22, 2020

Hardwire’s further expansion into the county demonstrates the company’s commitment to the community by bringing 100-plus new jobs to the Eastern Shore in a time of need.

Hardwire LLC specializes in the development and testing of military-grade armor protection for ground vehicles, aircraft, boats, and personnel. Partnering with Worcester County to lease commercial space at this time is an indicator of their commitment to public safety. This additional space addresses a vital storage need, as Hardwire LLC ramps up operations to provide our nation’s healthcare workers with face shields and other personal protective equipment (PPE) in light of COVID-19.

“Hardwire’s expansion coincides with a time when our community craves signs of economic growth,” said Mears.

“George and Emily Tunis and the entire Hardwire team have always been true partners in the community. Worcester County is sure to further realize the benefits of their choice in location as they work together to meet the needs of people throughout the COVID-crisis.”

As a result of her deep and trusted relationships with local governments and municipalities, Mears represented both Hardwire LLC and Worcester County in this transaction. Mears continually serves as a trusted resource to the community and has invaluable knowledge backed by years of experience in real estate and economic development.

“We’ve worked with Merry in the past – she consistently produces great results,” said George Tunis, chairman and chief executive officer of Hardwire LLC. “The space she guided us to fits our needs perfectly, and the lease was executed swiftly, with ease. We look forward to working together in the future.”

Nurse Retires After 50 Years CRISFIELD – Friday, May 15, was a remarkable day at the McCready Health Pavilion in Crisfield as it represented the closing of an outstanding career of caring, compassion and nursing excellence.

Shelley Byrd, a registered nurse at McCready, retired on May 15 after an incredible 50 years of nursing care.

That same day, she was presented with the Daisy Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of her remarkable career and dedication to the people of Crisfield and Somerset County.

Byrd started working, officially, at Edward W. McCready Memorial Hospital in August 1969 as a graduate nurse.

She’s been a fixture at McCready for more than half the time the hospital has been in existence.

She graduated from North Hampton Accomack Memorial Hospital as an LPN, then Wor-Wic Community College SEE NEXT PAGE

Key Steps To Make Your Business ‘Remote-Friendly’

May 22, 2020

BY SAM CARD

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

BERLIN – In his monthly column this week, Sam Card, CEO of Cards Technology, provides professional recommendations on business considerations for a remote-friendly organization.

Q: With businesses turning to a remote work environment, what security protocols and systems do they need to have in place to protect their data?

A: If your data is already in the cloud, then it’s really as simple as taking secured laptops home. Whether you’re SAM CARD working from home or at the airport, your information and apps are accessible from anywhere with internet.

If your organization has physical servers in your offices, employees have to access the network remotely using a remote desktop gateway or VPN. Of course, you also can access apps from Office 365 on the cloud if you are licensed for that.

If your data isn’t accessible via the cloud, you will need a Virtual Private

... Business News

as an RN in 1989. Byrd has worked in all areas of McCready including ER, OR, in the Tawes Nursing Home and in MedSurg. She even helped to deliver a few babies when McCready had an OB unit.

According to a press release, the biggest change that Byrd has seen throughout her career is the responsibility that nurses have now versus responsibilities when she started, and she is proud of the many hats they now wear.

Hospital Employees Honored SALISBURY – Luzetta Jones of Patient Care Management and Dan Harris of Information Services were recently named the 2019-2020 Employees of the Year at Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s (PRMC).

While presenting the Employees of the Year award to each, PRMC and Peninsula Regional Health System President/CEO Dr. Steve Leonard described both as leaders, mentors and true champions of customer service and patient satisfaction.

Jones and Harris were selected from a field of 16 candidates who had earned Employee of the Quarter honors in Support and Administrative Services, Nursing Services and Professional Services.

Of the many gifts each received for earning Employee of the Year recognition, perhaps none is more coveted than their own designated parking spaces at the Medical Center for the next year.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Q&A WITH SAM CARD

Network (VPN) to log into your network.

It’s always important to be running a supported version of your operating system and line-of-business apps, but especially now, because unsupported apps are no longer secured by patches and updates to fend off cyberthreats.

Ideally, your employees are working on company-issued devices with the necessary security already installed. In a pinch, employees can work from home on their personal computers as long as they are kept up-to-date and have strong antivirus protection.

Q: What tools can businesses use to keep their team collaborating and performing effectively while working remotely?

A: Microsoft Teams is great for in-of-

fice or at home communications. With a remote workforce, instant messaging is key because you can’t yell over the cubicle wall to your co-workers. Microsoft Office tools also allow you to collaborate in real-time on documents.

Microsoft is currently offering a free trial subscription to Teams that is basically an Office 365 tenancy, but I do not recommend installing Office 365 yourself. There are many nuances to the security and user settings that require the expertise of a trusted, qualified managed services provider (MSP).

Q: Should business owners be spending on IT right now?

A: Now is a good time to focus on essential projects like updating to supported versions of Windows and other

Page 45

tools, upgrading to Teams and cloudbased computing, and bolstering your security. Hackers are out in full force right now, so security is even more important as remote workers are a prime target.

Q: Any final recommendations for a productive remote workforce?

A: It’s basic common sense to wash your hands and maintain social distancing. Similarly, backups and disaster recovery plans are essential to your long-term business health. The last thing you need right now is a server to crash and not have a backup or recovery plan in place.

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

Worcester Library System Outlines Reopening Phases

Page 46

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Plans for the phased reopening of five library branches and efforts to gather community feedback highlighted a board of trustees meeting this month.

In a virtual meeting May 12, Library Director Jennifer Ranck briefed the Worcester County Library Board of Trustees on efforts to plan for the reopening of the library, collect survey responses and schedule a public input meeting.

Ranck provided an update on proposed plans to reopen the library branches as statewide recovery phases are introduced.

She said the first phase would include bringing staff back to the library

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

on alternating days, but to keep the branches closed to patrons. This phase went into effect May 18 with branches opening for book returns. All items returned will be quarantined for 72 hours.

“We are thinking we should have an A team and a B team,” she said. “In case one person is sick and a team has to quarantine, we will have a backup team.”

Ranck said the second phase – likely to start after Memorial Day -would include curbside service for patrons wishing to pick up materials, while the third phase would include setting up appointments for patrons to use library computers.

“To me, the computer usage has been the hardest thing because it’s a service we can’t replicate …,” she said.

“We have WiFi on 24 hours a day, but

that means you have to own a device and not everyone is in that position.”

The final phase, Ranck noted, would include the reopening of all library branches to patrons. She said social distancing guidelines and strict cleaning practices would remain in place.

“We don’t have everything we need to reopen to patrons just yet,” she said, adding that the library staff would receive facemasks, gloves and hand sanitizer in the coming weeks.

Ranck said the library would also receive nearly $20,000 in federal grants to purchase new equipment for the library. She said the money could be used to purchase hotspots or barcode scanners, which would reduce contact by having patrons scan their own library cards.

“We need to be thinking about how

May 22, 2020

best to use those funds,” she said.

Until the library can reopen to patrons, Ranck said resources and programs can be accessed digitally.

Ranck told board members this week the library was collecting survey responses for a strategic plan that prioritizes ongoing decisions about library services offered to the community.

“We posted a link to the public to gather input online,” she said. “The target is to get 500 responses. I would love to get 5,000 responses.”

Every few years, the Worcester County Library develops a strategic plan that charts a course for the future of library services. By taking the online survey, participants can voice their hopes for the community.

“Once we get all the information back, we will synthesize it the best we can,” Ranck said. “It will help us develop a plan for the next three to five years.”

Ranck said a link to the online survey can be found on the library’s website and social media accounts.

“I think we’ll let that go for six to eight weeks and hopefully get some responses,” she said.

Officials noted that all answers will be kept confidential. As of Tuesday, roughly 50 people have completed the survey.

“We ask for demographics and it’s mostly people from Ocean Pines,” Assistant Director Rachael Stein said, “so we would like to get some input from the rest of the county.”

Last week, Ranck presented the Worcester County Commissioners with cost estimates for a renovation/addition at the Pocomoke branch as well as for a new shared facility on a vacant lot near the Pocomoke River.

“That helped them make a decision and have a better idea of the two sites and how to evaluate them,” she told the board on Tuesday.

The proposal under consideration is the construction of a new shared facility that would house both the Pocomoke branch and a senior center. The proposed 17,000-square-foot building is projected to cost $8.5 million, but the commissioners’ approval of a building scheme last week means Ranck can now apply for grant funding from the state.

Ranck told the board this week next steps include completing the second phase of an environmental study at the proposed site and exploring fundraising efforts. The library is also looking to host a community input meeting that will coincide with the Pocomoke branch’s 50th anniversary celebration this summer.

“It may be a way for us to reach out …,” she said. “We still have a lot of hurdles, but we want to get community input.”

If an in-person meeting cannot be held, Ranck said the library would consider hosting a meeting using the video conferencing platform Zoom.

May 22, 2020

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

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Page 47

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above the flag memorial at Northside Park is pictured during a recent spring evening. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

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The Dispatch

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

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May 22, 2020

Ocean City Must Prepare For A Typical Season HOW WE SEE IT

This summer is going to be unique, but Ocean City learned last weekend it must prepare for this season like it would any other.

It was clear last week’s crowds surprised everyone in Ocean City, but it should not have in hindsight. The weather forecast was favorable for the beach. Hotels and motels were immediately flooded with bookings as soon as Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan lifted the ban on short-term rentals last Thursday. Though not all hotels were open last weekend, most that were reported being at or near capacity. The beach and Boardwalk in certain areas and times were crowded like a normal summer day.

The city clearly underestimated the influx of recent college graduates who showed up in large numbers as well as the outliers who come to Ocean City whenever there is a vehicle event planned. Both groups were well represented.

Last weekend was to be Cruisin

weekend. To be clear, the crowds were diminished compared to if the actual event occurred. However, it was still the busiest weekend of the year by far.

Ocean City government should have known it would be busy. It was surprising to see how unprepared the city was at times. Early Saturday and Sunday mornings, trash cans were overflowing on the beach and Boardwalk with debris blowing all over the place.

Law enforcement seemed to be blindsided by the rabble-rousers who came to town to spinout and wreak havoc. It seemed they expected it to be slow.

If anything was learned from last weekend, it’s that people want to be out and about. Ocean City should have known that ahead of last weekend, but it clearly was unprepared. City Manager Doug Miller said as much this week.

“We were admittedly caught off guard,” he said on Monday. “Last weekend was far from a soft opening, not just for Ocean City. We have learned a lot and we’re ready for Me-

morial Day with the services that underperformed last weekend.”

Meehan also addressed city services being clearly overwhelmed, saying, “The city manager commented we underperformed last weekend. That’s unfortunate. We should never have that in Ocean City.”

Bigger crowds are expected this weekend even with a mixed weather forecast. Ocean City government needs to be prepared for a holiday weekend. There is little for visitors to do while here currently outside of hitting the beach, walking the Boardwalk fishing, boating and eating carryout.

The amusements and related amenities will not be open and neither will the restaurants for inside or outside dining.

Though this summer might be different as far as overall volume of visitors, Ocean City can’t operate under that assumption like it did last weekend. We are confident resort leaders will get back on track this weekend.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Punishing AGH Is Wrong Editor: I hope that I read your newspaper correctly. Am I to understand that our County Commissioners stopped funding our local hospital because 30% of the patients served by Atlantic General’s emergency room came from Delaware? A state a few miles away from AGH? A state AGH intended to serve when the hospital was built? So 70% of AGH’s patients, most of whom are purportedly represented by our Commissioners, therefore need to be punished by cutting AGH’s funding, to teach the State of Delaware and its residents a lesson.

Or is the real reason for the cut Commissioner Joe Mitrecic’s dissatisfaction with the service he or a family member received during a visit? One patient/commissioner was dissatisfied, so four commissioners decide to cut funding. This seems like a good reason to cut operational and longterm campus funding for the other 117,000 patient interactions provided

by AGH. No emergency room can meet everyone’s emergency health needs, especially a rural ER which has over 37,000 annual patient interactions. I feel fortunate that my family has always received exceptional service with our AGH ER visits, but AGH cannot be perfect. But four commissioners address Mr. Mitrecic’s service complaint by cutting operational funding for those critical services.

Hospitals are at risk – the procedures and treatments that fund their operations have been suspended dur-

ing this pandemic. They are financially strapped without revenue sources while they are legally required to care for every infected or hurt person (including every commissioner), without regard to ability to pay.

Our health care workers have endured incredible pressures and risk.

We should be thanking them every day. This is not the time to politicize healthcare or AGH, which appears to be precisely what happened. This is the time to come together to showcase our assets. Quality healthcare is a quality of life asset, and something people consider when making a decision about where to live and where to retire.

James List Ocean City

Commissioner Clarifies Decision On Hospital Editor: Last week a majority of Commissioners voted not to approve an Atlantic General Hospital grant request.

I was one of them. Since then, much misinformation has swirled around that decision. If the quotes attributed to AGH president and CEO Michael Franklin in local newspapers are correct, he believes the County did not fulfill a five-year funding pledge. That is not true.

AGH Foundation Board Member Steve Green, publisher of the Maryland Coast Dispatch wrote last week in his popular “Between the Lines,” column that, “The county’s decision to renege on its capital campaign pledge

of $100,000 annually in year four of five is appalling.” He closed with, “It’s shameful and sets a terrible example for many of us in private industry who have similar ongoing pledges.”

A Coast Dispatch headline read that the county would not fulfill its capital campaign pledge.

The reality is though, the quotes and headline are inaccurate. The Commissioners never made a pledge to AGH for five years or any other number of years. In February 2017, Mr. Franklin informed the Commissioners that AGH would seek a county commitment for a $1 million pledge to be paid over five years. During its deliberations that year, the commissioners voted not to commit county funds to an ongoing pledge drive but did approve a single $100,000 grant for the Capital Campaign. In fiscal years 2019 and 2020 AGH received one-time grants as well.

Each year Mr. Franklin receives a letter from the Commissioners which reads in part that appropriations, when made to the hospital, are a “one-time” allocation. How the wording, “one-time” can be construed to mean an ongoing appropriation for a pledge commitment is unknown.

AGH is one of many health care providers we’re fortunate to have in Worcester County. Through the years, my family and I have benefited from the services provided by AGH. We have had good experiences.

Last week, Mr. Franklin said that “it is unfortunate that some of the commissioners do not see the need to SEE NEXT PAGE

May 22, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR continue to provide our expanding community with… much needed health services.”

Quite the contrary. The Commissioners are very concerned about healthcare issues for our expanding community. In fact, since 2015 much time and effort has been spent by the Commissioners and county staff to ensure taxpayer funding is properly matched to healthcare need.

We have focused on first line responders, the folks who answer the call when someone in distress dials the county’s 9-1-1 emergency center which is a direct responsibility of county government.

The Department of Emergency Services as well as the Emergency Medical Services and 10 mostly volunteer fire companies are integral to health care in this county and rely heavily on taxpayer funding.

For the past six years, the Commissioners, in cooperation with the chiefs and presidents of the 10 fire and EMT companies, have worked to ensure that funding for these mostly volunteer organizations is adequate to meet the ever-increasing investments necessary to protect and serve our community. From fire trucks to ambulances, protective gear to training, costs are rising. A fire truck can cost upwards of a million dollars; the cost of an outfitted ambulance isn’t far behind. The traditional fundraising sources used by these companies such as oyster roasts, raffles and bike bashes, just can’t keep pace with ever increasing financial demands.

Our volunteer companies struggle to maintain staffing. There was a time when generations of families volunteered at local fire companies. That’s no longer common because intensified training mandates and workplace priorities have reduced opportunities for interested individuals. This has put a strain on recruiting, training and retaining volunteers.

The volunteer companies have begun paying Emergency Medical Technicians so that when an ambulance rolls up to emergency, a well-trained, qualified professional is on the scene.

This is not inexpensive. The Commissioners have worked to moderate some volunteer company costs: increased grant amounts, scholarships for new recruit training, higher retirement compensation for service of 25 years or more and higher allocations for ambulance runs.

Emergency first responders are critical and essential to health care in our county. If you or a loved one is in a distressed situation, you want to know you’re in expert hands.

We need to continue working to address holistically the needs of all our fire companies and EMS providers and not take a piecemeal approach.

It was discussed last week that because Sussex County does not provide funding to AGH that neither should Worcester. For me, the actions of another county make no difference

Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

on what Worcester County should or should not do.

I sympathize with the disappointment felt by Mr. Franklin and Mr. Green and others because of the Commissioners vote last week. By now I hope they recognize the County never pledged nor made a promise of multi-year allocations.

Directing financial resources to other essential health care concerns within our county in no way diminishes the high regard AGH is held nor overlooks the vital contribution it makes to our county.

This budget year is challenging in ways like no other. The Commissioners are crafting a budget against a backdrop of revenue and expense uncertainty brought about by COVID19. Despite our best intentions there will be disappointment. For me, in this landscape of questionable revenue projections, it is best that the limited funding available be directed to our emergency responders in EMS, to EMTs and Volunteer Fire Companies.

When a person calls 9-1-1 and the siren sounds, we must ensure that the person who answers the call is equipped and trained.

Chip Bertino Ocean Pines (The writer is a Worcester County Commissioner.)

Foolish Lawsuit Against Hogan Editor: Those state of Maryland delegates filing lawsuits against the Governor of Maryland for his emergency orders during the pandemic reflect an extremely selfish and destructive posture.

The government via its elected officials have a constitutional mandate and duty to secure and protect the welfare of the public on both a state and federal level.

These delegates should expect to have their lawsuit dismissed and they should expect being subject to lawsuits themselves for their neglect in not protecting the welfare and safety of the citizens of Maryland.

Greg Thrasher Maryland

To Our Readers: The Dispatch welcomes any and all letters from our readers. All letters are encouraged typed, but not required, and we reserve the right to edit each letter for clarity, accuracy and brevity.

Letters should include writer’s name, address and day and even-ing telephone numbers. If we are unable to reach the writer, we will have to withhold the letter. Due to space restraints, letters under 500 words in length will be given top priority.

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

Page 49

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

It seemed like a long shot all week, but Ocean City and Worcester County governments worked diligently with state elected representatives and trade associations to take a stab at outdoor dining for this holiday weekend. It was a well-coordinated effort, but it was clearly too much too soon for Gov. Larry Hogan. It was no surprise given Hogan’s commitment to a slow reopening of the economy.

Senator Mary Beth Carozza, who Hogan campaigned for robustly in 2018 to defeat incumbent Jim Mathias, provided the most hope for outdoor dining during a Worcester County Commissioners meeting last week. In support of the commissioners sending a letter to the governor advocating for outdoor dining throughout the county, Carozza said, “It’s clear that the governor is providing flexibility to you at the local level on future reopening decisions … wanting to take advantage of that local control and leaving it up to local jurisdictions to make the next wave of reopening decisions I believe is very helpful for the commissioners to support the effort to allow for the outdoor seating. I can assure you those protocols are already in place.

Operators while they’ve been closed have been working on those protocols.

Many of those protocols we offered at the local level were included in the recommendations that were passed to the governor’s task force. They’re in coordination with the National Restaurant Association. We don’t have to start from scratch. We can take many of the protocols that have already been created, to package it in a way to support Worcester County government’s request. I think that would make a very strong case. It would also be consistent with the governor’s own recovery plan.”

The senator reiterated those comments in a Facebook post Tuesday, resulting in what was probably false hope for many restaurateurs in the area. State Comptroller Peter Franchot joined the fray this week, saying at a Board of Public Works meeting with Hogan, “To state the obvious, outdoor seating is far safer than indoor seating, and my fear is that if we don't make this commonsense policy adjustment sooner rather than later, we won't have a restaurant industry left to save.”

In the end, the governor did not bite, saying only in a statement through his office to WMAR television, “The governor will continue to monitor the key metrics and follow the plan outlined in the Roadmap to Recovery."

Based on his recovery plan and stated time table for the phases, I figure the earliest Hogan will move areas of the state into the second phase would be next Friday, May 29. Once the state was in phase one, he said if the key health indicators – deaths, hospitalizations and acute care bed usage – remained on the decline or at least were stabilized for two weeks phase two would be enacted. Restaurants are included in phase two with restrictions, according to his plan. A reasonable expectation would be for outdoor seating to be permitted in phase two with 50% interior capacity. Delaware restaurants can open June 1 with 30% inside capacity and consideration for limited outside seating.

Contrary to what was reported last week, Worcester County officials made it clear this week they never made an official pledge to Atlantic General Hospital’s capital campaign. I wrote last week the county was wrong to “renege” on its campaign commitment in year four of five. While I still believe the county should be criticized for cutting the hospital out entirely from its budget, it’s important to note the county did not have a pledge toward the hospital’s capital campaign.

Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino articulated the county’s position and dispute of the coverage last week, specifically that county was pulling out of its capital campaign pledge. The county maintains it never made a pledge, but it’s clear the county did support the capital efforts of the hospital with three consecutive $100,000 contributions in its last three budgets. Letters from the county support the claim and it appears an assumption was made by the hospital. In each of its letters to the hospital over the last three years, the wording is clear the county was providing a “one-time” capital grant to the hospital of $100,000.

Though the county zeroed out the hospital, the Ocean City Mayor and Council did the right thing this week and committed in its to budget provide its fourth $100,000 installment of its five-year, $500,000 pledge.

Included in the Town of Berlin’s electric bills this week was an interesting look at what customers are saving with their average monthly bills.

For many years, town residents were paying much more for electric service through the town than nearby folks who used other utilities like Choptank or Delmarva Power. For instance, based on average monthly bill usage of 1,000 kWh, town residents in 2008 were paying $179.84/month. For the same usage now in Berlin, residents are paying $122.53/month, a 47% reduction from 12 years ago.

For comparison’s sake, according to the flyer in the mail, the town included what the monthly bills for the same usage would be for competitors Delmarva Power (as of December 2019, $147.44, 16% more) and Choptank (as of March, $145, 15% more).

DiNardo Foundation Aims To Ensure Equal Opportunity To Medical Care

Page 50

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A new foundation honoring a local physician is expected to benefit community members who cannot afford necessary medical care.

On Dec. 22, Ignatius “Iggy” DiNardo, 62, a local physician and hospitalist at Atlantic General Hospital, passed away suddenly on his way to a family vacation in Mexico.

Since that time, Iggy’s widow, Joanie, and his three children – Greg, Madeline and Lilly – have heard countless stories of his compassion and generosity from family, friends, colleagues and patients.

“In one story, my dad’s coworker mentioned how my dad went the extra

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

mile,” Greg said. “There were a number of patients who couldn’t afford their prescriptions, and he would reach into his own pocket to help. We thought, ‘How could we do that on a larger scale to make an impact and continue his legacy?’”

It was those stories that inspired the family to create the Ignatius DiNardo Foundation, which will provide financial assistance to individuals in Worcester, Wicomico and Sussex counties who cannot afford necessary medical care and treatment for chronic and lifethreatening diseases.

Partnering with Atlantic General Hospital and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Greg said the foundation will be able to identify

May 22, 2020

Pictured, from left, are Greg, Lilly, Iggy, Madeline and Joanie DiNardo. Submitted Photo

patients and community members who have exhausted all other resources.

“We are continuing his legacy by making sure people have an equal opportunity to get the care they need, so they can focus on whatever disease or health issue they are battling,” he said.

Greg noted a five-member commit-

tee will submit recommendations to the foundation, which will then make the final determination as to who receives its financial assistance.

“Because we have partnered with the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, there are no administrative costs and 100% of the funds we raise will go to patients in need,” he said.

Since launching the nonprofit last week, Greg said family, friends, coworkers and community members have made donations to the Ignatius DiNardo Foundation through its website. In the coming year, Greg said the goal is to raise at least $100,000 and help between 20 and 50 individuals.

“Right now, we are trying to get the word out,” he said. “We are also looking to form partnerships with other hospitals, medical practices and doctors.”

Greg said the foundation is well on its way to helping the community that his father came to know and love.

Born in Baltimore, Iggy graduated valedictorian of Loyola Blakefield in 1975 before completing his undergraduate and medical degrees at Georgetown University.

Following graduation, Iggy completed his residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

A four-year commitment with the National Health Service Corps then brought him to Princess Anne. During his time on the Eastern Shore, Iggy reconnected with Joanie Clark and the couple married in 1988.

Soon after settling in Salisbury, Iggy opened an internal medicine practice, Huddleston and DiNardo, PA. Over the years, he cared for many patients at various hospitals and received numerous awards, including Patients’ Choice Awards and Compassionate Doctor Recognition.

Beyond his private practice, Iggy served as a hospitalist at Atlantic General Hospital from 2010 until his death.

He also developed his own consulting company – Coastal Internal Medicine – where he served as an expert witness for workers’ compensation, medical legal and personal injury cases.

“He was a great person that always cared tremendously for others,” his son said. “That led to him being a great doctor because he didn’t see patients as a number. He took the time to get to know them and he treated them with respect. He touched a lot of people on the Eastern Shore.”

For more information on the Ignatius DiNardo Foundation, or to donate, visit dinardofoundation.org.

Transit Gears Up For 2020 Summer Season

May 22, 2020

BY MARK RICKARDS

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – For public transportation every year in Ocean City, Memorial Day weekend is the beginning of the summer peak season. This year is a little different.

While additional buses are added to meet increased demand, the numbers and service levels are completely different. Here are the key points to remember this year when riding the bus: First, the fare is still a very reasonable $3 to ride all day, however the hours are reduced the buses are available. The hours are 6:30 in the morning until 11:30 at night. Second, the buses still run frequently every 20 minutes from each stop going north and south, however this is slightly less than the 10 minutes usually run apart in the summer. Third, customers must wear a face mask or facial covering while entering, riding on and exiting the bus. No customers will be allowed to board without a mask.

Another adaptation for the COVID-19 virus prevention is physical distancing.

Please stay at least six feet apart from those people not immediately in your family or your companion. On the bus stay at least every other seat separate from other parties. Seats on the bus should be designated as such. Also, this year no standing on the bus is allowed and everyone must find a seat.

There is no park and ride service to begin the season in West Ocean City.

Shore Transit buses will continue to come into the South Division Street Transit Station for transfers. On the north end of Coastal Highway, there are no DART (Delaware Area Regional Transit) buses to start the summer.

An announcement from DART may be forthcoming on when service will resume to Ocean City.

On the Boardwalk. there will be no Trams at this time. No decision has been made on a starting date.

Public transportation remains available for our essential workers including employees in grocery stores, restaurants, health facilities, hotels, and retail shops and other small businesses as they return to reopen for the season.

Fortunately, for residents and visitors to Ocean City there are many options for getting around town. Bicycling is always popular and this year more than ever people are taking to the streets and Coastal Highway with their bikes.

For those wishing to drive their personal vehicle while in town, parking is convenient. In the downtown area there are 1,200 spaces at the Inlet lot with another 1,420 spaces in municipal lots and on streets in the downtown area.

The parking rates can be easily paid by the Park Mobile App or by logging in with your tag number at any of the nearby kiosks.

To everyone, have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.

(The writer is the transit manager for the Town of Ocean City’s Department of Public Works.)

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Horizons Program To Pilot New Summer Site In Pocomoke

Page 52

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

POCOMOKE – A local organization that serves low-income students will pilot a new program site in Worcester County this summer.

In April, Horizons Salisbury announced it would change its name to Horizons Delmarva as the organization moves forward with plans to pilot a new Worcester County site in Pocomoke.

“Being on the Eastern Shore we didn’t want our growth to be restricted to one area,” Executive Director Joe Laque said. “With the name Horizons Delmarva came a full expectation of continuing to grow and continuing to serve more students.”

Since 2003, Horizons Salisbury has worked to close the income-driven aca-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

demic achievement gap in Wicomico County. The nonprofit serves nearly 200 low-income students annually with yearround academic connections and an intensive six-week summer learning program, which takes place at Salisbury University and The Salisbury School.

After almost two decades of focusing solely on Wicomico County, the organization announced it would be piloting a third site in Worcester County this summer. Along with the planned expansion to Worcester, a transition to the new name Horizons Delmarva was also announced.

“Seeing the positive impact and results we were having, we wanted to expand the reach of our program,” Laque said. “We met with the Worcester County Board of Education, and in that initial meeting they said, ‘We know about the Horizons program, we

know what you do, and we want you here.’”

Laque said school system officials identified Pocomoke as a potential third site for the Horizons program – as 70% of the student population participates in the free and reduced meals program – and Glad Tidings Assembly of God offered space to the organization. He said he is optimistic the nonprofit will have some semblance of a program in Worcester County by the projected start date of July 13.

“The biggest thing causing issues now is the current state of affairs with COVID-19,” he said. “We are planning three different alternatives, a full program, a hybrid program where the first half is virtual, and a fully virtual program. Right now, that’s our biggest holdup, what the program will even look like this summer.”

May 22, 2020

Laque said the summer program includes interactive lessons in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), swimming lessons three days a week and cultural experiences through off-site field trips. A child typically starts at Horizons the summer before entering the first grade and returns year after year through ninth grade. After that point, high school Horizons students are eligible for a summer internship where they are exposed to a variety of career options.

“Studies show a strong correlation between students from a low-income background and poor academic performance …,” Laque said. “One of biggest contributing factors to that is what’s known as the summer slide.

Without access to family vacations, summer camps and engagement, that continued learning isn’t taking place.”

Laque said the Horizons summer learning program focuses on preventing and reversing that summer slide.

He said participating students gain two to three months of reading and math skills each summer, and 96% advance to college or other post-secondary training.

“I absolutely love the work that we’re doing here in Wicomico County,” Laque said. “We’re making a real difference with our students performing, on average, an entire letter grade better than their peers throughout the academic school year and having a 99% high school graduating rate. Seeing these powerful results made me want to expand our impact and reach even more at-risk children.”

This year’s inaugural Worcester County class will include 15 first graders. The Horizons summer learning program will begin at the conclusion of the school system’s summer program.

“The students that go to their summer program are going to be the same demographic the Horizons program focuses on,” Laque said. “So we are delaying the Horizons program start date in Worcester County so these students can transition from the Worcester County program to the Horizons program.”

Laque explained the summer program will include day-long educational opportunities with a 4-to-1 studentteacher ratio, transportation, and food services. The registration fee is $60 per student.

“It’s a six-week summer learning program that is virtually no cost to the parents,” he said.

For more information, or to help support the Horizons program, visit www.horizonsdelmarva.org.

“We estimate our program costs us $1,500 per student a year to provide the services we provide, which is a small price to pay for keeping a child on the right path and impacting their lives forever …,” Laque said. “As we continue to grow, we look to the community for support to make that impactful change. The more support we get, the more we can support.”

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 53

with Scott Lenox Hello all and welcome back. We are off to a late start with the Fish in OC fishing report here in The Dispatch thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, but I am happy to say that we are back.

During these unprecedented times, there has still been some fishing going on and now things are starting to open back up so there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. I’m certain that you’ve all heard your fair share, or more, about the pandemic so in the immortal words of Forrest Gump, “That’s all I have to say about that.”

All things considered we had a good winter of fishing. This spring has been very good for some species and overall things are right on track for the summer. There have been a few changes to some of the regulations for some popular fish in and around Ocean City, so I thought for this first report back I would give you a breakdown on how fishing is going and what those changes are for some species.

Striped Bass: The first striped bass or rockfish of the season were caught in our back bays in February and the bite has gotten better as the water

temperatures have warmed into the 60s. The best bait for rockfish has been Big Bird’s World Famous Roy Rig and other shad body baits with half- to one-ounce jig heads. There are small school sized fish in the 15to 24-inch range around both jetties in the OC Inlet and also at the Route 50, Route 90 and Verrazano bridges.

There have been some keeper sized fish caught off the Route 50 Bridge, especially at night. Here on the coast our rockfish regulations have changed to hopefully produce an 18 percent reduction in this year’s harvest. Anglers fishing the ocean and coastal waters are permitted to harvest one rockfish per person between 28 and 35 inches.

That’s a pretty significant change from the previous regs of two fish per person over 28”.

Flounder: The first flounder of the Ocean City season was caught really early this year by angler Butch Walter when he was drifting north of the Thorofare on March 14. Butch landed a nice 19-inch keeper that day and flounder fishing has gotten nothing but SEE PAGE 54

Anglers Stephen Humphrey, Josh Willet, Dale Christensen and Joe Rogers had a limit of blueline, tilefish and a 177-pound swordfish (OC’s first of the season) while fishing with Captain Jeremy Blunt of the Wrecker.

Submitted Photos

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 22, 2020

Left, the first flounder of the Ocean City season was caught by Butch Walter on March 14 when he enticed this 19-inch fish with a white four-inch Gulp. Middle, Garrett Weir hoists two of three tautog of over 17 pounds that he caught on a winter trip aboard the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins. Right, Tommy Sengphachanh of Newark landed this big monkfish while fishing this winter with Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star.

Next page top left, Captain Marc Spagnola of Dusk to Dawn Bowfishing broke out the fishing rods and put his wife Mindy and daughter Alivia on some jumbo blue catfish. Top right, The first tuna of the Ocean City season were caught by the crew of the Talkin’ Trash with Captain Chris Little out of the Ocean City Fishing Center on April 29. The crew headed east 68 miles where they found bluefin and three yellowfin. Second row left, Captain John Prather of Ocean City Guide Service had a successful first trip of the year when he put this crew on three keeper flounder and a “snapper” bluefish. Second row right, I had a crazy good day of flounder fishing a few weeks ago when I caught my limit of four fish on our Dale Timmons’ Deadly Double rigs. The fish were 17 1/2, 17 1/2, 20 and 22 ½ inches, respectively, and all ate salmon red Gulp baits. Third row left, Everett Lee McCabe fished the Assateague surf with a sand flea and Fishbites and landed this beauty of a 41-inch black drum. Third row right, Joe Norton caught this huge 32 ½-inch snakehead on a jig while fishing blackwater below Cambridge. Bottom left, Dean Johansen joined the 20-pound tog club when he landed this 20.3 pounder while fishing this winter on the Fish Bound with Captain Kane Bounds. Bottom right, Travis Knight used a jig and grub tail to land this speckled trout behind Assateague Island.

... Fish In OC

FROM PAGE 53 better since then. Personally, I’ve had some tremendous luck flounder fishing so far this season using our Fish in OC Dale Timmons’ Deadly Double rig in chartreuse. I’ve been able to catch my limit three times over the past several weeks with four keepers using the Deadly Double and different colors of Gulp. The local inshore charter boats are running now as well and they are also seeing good catches of flounder with a good keeper ratio.

Flounder regulations are the same this year with a 16 ½-inch size limit and a creel limit of four fish per person.

Bluefish: We’ve had some “snapper” sized bluefish in the inlet and back bays of Ocean City, but we have and may not see the big “choppers” come through this year. Anglers are

having good luck with bluefish in the 12- to 24-inch range all around the Ocean City Inlet and Route 50 Bridge area with a few fish being caught in the Thorofare and behind Assateague Island. Spec rigs, Gotcha plugs and shad bodied baits are your best bet for catching bluefish while casting, while cut bait or live bait will be the best ticket if you’re drifting or anchored. In one of the dumber regulatory changes this year, the bluefish creel limit has changed drastically for anglers. The legal size limit for bluefish is still just 8 inches, but this year the creel limit has changed to five fish per person for forhire anglers and just three fish per person for private anglers. For-hire anglers are clients fishing on a paid charter or party boat.

Tautog: Tautog season closed on May, 15 and will reopen on July 1, but before that we had a very productive season when the weather cooperated.

I got reports all winter from Captain Kane Bounds of the Fish Bound and

Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star with photos of big “white chins” and some jumbo females that were released. Captain Monty even saw one day with 20 fish that were over 10 pounds including three fish over 17 pounds caught by one angler.

The minimum size for tautog in Maryland is 16 inches and when the season reopens on July 1 anglers will be permitted to keep two fish per person.

Starting Nov. 1 that limit will go up to four fish per person through the end of the year.

Sea Bass: The day after Maryland tautog season closed, Maryland black sea bass season opened and was met with incredible fishing. All the party boats that report to me, and several charter boats caught boat limits of sea bass and there were some nice fish coming over the rail. The good fishing should continue for the next several weeks and there should even be some flounder mixing in on these trips as well. Maryland sea bass season runs

from May 16 through Dec. 31 and anglers are permitted to keep 15 fish at a size limit of at least 12 ½ inches. We saw our first tunas of the season in late April, but since then the water has cooled and the tunas have been nonexistent. That should change soon with warm water and good fishing just to our south off the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

We are off to a great season so far and now that things are starting to open back up anglers are flocking to the waterways looking to land the big one. You can check out my Daily Angle fishing report at www.FishinOC.com if you’d like more up to date photos and reports. And I’ll see you here every week moving forward. Until next week, tight lines.

(The writer is the owner of Fish in OC and host of Ocean City’s fishing television show Hooked on OC. He has worked in the fishing industry and been fishing the waters in and around Ocean City for over 25 years.)

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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S

The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

olo bike rides are one of Beckett’s favorite things of late.

Though he’s usually up for company, most of the time he’s hitting the streets by himself because he doesn’t want to wait until the time is right for everyone else.

For a couple weeks, our 12-year-old has gone where he said he was going to go and checked in often back at the house. In most cases, the check-in was not needed because Pam or I, and sometimes both, were on our porch looking out for our preteen to make sure he was safe. Even when we were not on the porch, we were peering through an inside window.

This is a difficult age to parent. I am resigned to the fact it’s going to be a constant struggle on how to best give more independence to our preteen.

He desperately wants to be able to go where he wants when he wants without restrictions. I’m sure I was that way when I was his age. I get it. In fact, most of the entire country wants that kind of independence these days amid this pandemic.

There have been times when we have even used the health crisis as an opportunity to roll back some of his calls for independence. Now is not the time to meet up with friends at the playground because it’s closed. We are now seeing the consequences of all this quarantine time. He desperately needs social interaction with people his age. It’s an important part of his maturation process.

While the social piece will come in time as parents all try to figure out how to ease up on the restrictions from friends, I think Pam and I have done a decent job of granting Beckett some freedoms he has not had before. We have slowly allowed his solo bike rides to expand in duration and geography.

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Maybe it’s being overprotective, but we want him to confirm our trust with small steps and to prove to us he will be safe.

It’s important for him to demonstrate he knows when to wait on traffic at a stop sign and where he must use the curb.

The rub here is he always does what’s right when we are riding with him. The challenge is trusting he will continue to make these same decisions when he’s alone or better yet when riding with friends, who may or may not use the same judgment. It’s a chance we are going to have to take because he must learn for himself. We can teach him about safety all we like, but he ultimately will make his own decisions.

It’s a balance. An article on brighthorizons.com dived into this question of balance. The article read, “how do you balance your child's desire for independence with his need for safety and limits?

This issue is one that doesn't go away as your child gets older but continues to emerge. Think of sleepovers, extracurricular activities, teen dating, sports, and perhaps the scariest of all — handing over the car keys to your teen driver.

The communication and relationship style you develop when your child as a preschooler will continue to inform your parenting for many years to come.”

It continued, “Think about the experience of parenting as slowly releasing responsibility over time, starting when your child is in preschool. Your child should learn from an early age that you are her best advocate and cheerleader.

At the same time, it's your job to keep her safe and healthy by setting reasonable limits. Mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation guide every interaction.”

I was thinking about this article as I was driving around looking for Beckett Monday night. He had only been gone

Locally Famous For 40 Years!

about 20 minutes, but it should not have taken him that long to do a loop through the library and the fire house and back home.

When Pam came home from work, I asked her if she had seen him. I was suspicious when she said she had not. I told her I’m going out looking for him if he’s not back by the time I make our dinner smoothie. Since he was not back, I took my drink on the hunt for our kid.

I tracked the ride he said he was going to take and looked in all directions. I even looked behind a bush that was near a handicap ramp in case he wiped out while trying it out. I then broadened my search to different rides we have taken recently, leading me toward Stephen Decatur Park. Across Route 113, I saw police lights and my heart sank for about 20 seconds until I was able to see all the lights were for a traffic stop.

My relief amid the now frantic search turned quickly to agitation with our son when Pam texted he just pulled up.

He told her he was at the library. There was no way I missed him. I even told him I looked behind a bush in case you fell going down the ramp. He quickly said, “yeah I know that bush, they need to cut it back. It almost cut my arm.”

It turns out he was close by but not where we agreed he could ride his bike without us. It was a hiccup on this independence journey, but one thing we learned he must take his phone with him so we can track where he is if we need to get him.

It’s safe to say we are still working on this balancing thing, and we all are learning as we go.

(The writer is the publisher and editor of The Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)

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May 22, 2020

Sports

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 57

A Look At Local Sports This Week In Years Past In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

With spring high school sports seasons on indefinite hiatus, The Dispatch thought it might be interesting and fun to take a look back at what was making local sports headlines this same week in years past.

Many of the players went on to do great things in college both athletically and academically and some now even have kids of their own in local youth sports programs.

The following is a look back at the last five, 10 and 20 years.

The following is a brief glimpse of what was making headlines on the sports pages of The Dispatch this week five years ago: •Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team’s bid for a state championship and a perfect season ended with a heart-breaking 10-7 loss to Baltimore-area powerhouse Century in the title game, but the loss did little to tarnish what was a remarkable season for the Seahawks.

Decatur entered the state championship game against Century as a decided underdog as the battle-tested Knights had been in the state final 11 times in the last 12 years. The Seahawks, meanwhile, were undefeated, taking on all comers throughout its remarkable season including a win over Queen Anne’s in the Bayside championship and a narrow win over another Baltimore-area power Hereford in the state semifinals.

For much of the first half, the two teams battled like a pair of heavyweights looking to expose each other’s weakness and look for an opportunity. The first half ended in a 5-5 tie, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. The game was tied at 7-7 with 8:30 left in the contest, but that was as close as the Seahawks would get

to wrapping up a state championship and a perfect season. The loss was a tough one for the Seahawks, but did little to tarnish their remarkable season.

•Stephen Decatur’s varsity track teams turned in several strong performances in the state 3A South regional meet including a continued dominance in the pole vaulting events and another regional championship in the girls’ high jump. Decatur always produced champions in the pole vault and 2015 was no different. On the girls’ side, Katie Hofman finished first and Hannah Wilson finished second in the 3A-South regional. On the boys’ side, Decatur’s Brett Kim was first, Hyun Chun was second and Evan Hass was fourth.

Last year, Wilson won the 3A-South girls’ pole vault championship, while Haas finished first on the boys’ side and Adam Kristick was second. In 2013, Katie Collins was the regional champion and Sonny Aroh finished second in the boys’ competition. In 2011, Bradley Hollowell won the region championship while Matt Allenbaugh was second. Jessica Ames finished second the regionals in the pole vault in 2011. In 2010, Hollowell won the boys’ state championship in the pole vault, while Jenna Vignale won the girls’ state championship for Decatur.

The following are some of the highlights of The Dispatch sports pages from this week 10 years ago: •Powered once again by a strong outing on the mound by Maddie Justice, Stephen Decatur’s varsity softball team beat Bennett and was awaiting its opponent in the MPSSA 3A-East Region finals.

After having a first-round bye, the Seahawks got by James M. Bennett by a 5-2 score and defended their home

This week five years ago, Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team captured the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship.

Photo by Shawn Soper

Despite the sting of the late loss to Century in the state championship game this week five years ago, the Decatur girls’ varsity lacrosse team was all smiles as they showed off the runner-up trophy. The Seahawks were remarkable all season during their run for perfection.

Submitted photo

turf with another win by the same tally.

Justice was masterful, striking out 11 Clippers and allowing two runs on just one hit. Kylie Nottingham led the way, hitting a home run, driving in three runs and scoring a run. Jessica Iacona had two hits and a run in the win. Decatur, the No. 2 seed, was awaiting its opponent in the region finals.

•Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team punctuated a near-perfect season, topping Salesianum, 10-9, to finish with a 15-1 record season.

The previous week, the Mallards rolled past Gunston, 16-5, in the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship game in what is typically the season finale.

In 2015, however, Worcester had one piece of unfinished business to dispense with in the form of Delaware powerhouse Salesianum. The Mallards took on Salesianum at Wesley College in Delaware and came away with a tight 10-9 win. Senior standouts Justin Butler and Brad Harris led Worcester with four goals each. Goalie Austin Gerachis was strong in the net, recording nine saves.

•It was not nearly as suspenseful as the road to get there, but Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team easily won the state 3A-2A East Region championship, beating Patuxent, 14-3 in the title game.

Prior to the regional championship game, Decatur endured a brutal rematch with archrival Parkside in the semifinals. The teams split two regular season matchups and the Bayside South championship came down to a coin toss with Decatur and Parkside tied atop the conference standings.

Parkside won that coin toss and represented the Bayside South in the conference title game. Another coin toss determined who would get the top seed in the state’s regional bracket and Decatur won that toss and secured home field advantage. The Seahawks met the Rams once again and won the game in overtime, 7-5, to reach the region championship.

•Stephen Decatur’s varsity baseball team’s path to a potential regional championship became clear, but the

Seahawks will likely have to get by an old rival to achieve the goal.

The Seahawks were rewarded for a highly successful 15-3 season with a number-two seed in the Class 3AEast region tournament and a firstround bye. Lurking on the other side of the 3A-East bracket, however, is Bennett, which was rewarded with the top seed in the region. Bennett handed Decatur two of its three losses this season, including a 3-2 defeat in the season opener and a 4-2 loss back on April 14. After the second loss to Bennett, the Seahawks reeled off 11 straight wins including a sweep of Crisfield in a double-header, before falling to Colonel Richardson in the regular season finale. With the numbertwo seed in the 3A-East region, the Seahawks will stay at home through the tournament until the regional final, which could match them up with topseeded Bennett for the third time in the season.

The following is a little snippet of the top sports stories in The Dispatch this week 20 years ago: •Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team beat archrival Saints Peter and Paul, 14-7, in the Chesapeake Women’s Athletic Conference championship. The Mallards beat Gunston, 20-3, earlier in the week to reach the CWAC title game against the Sabres.

For Worcester’s four seniors- Jessica Beckstead, Katherine Johnson, Elizabeth Raskauskas and Ashlee Reed- the conference championship win over Saints Peter and Paul put an exclamation point on remarkable academic and athletic careers at the Berlin prep school. Each of the four seniors had plans to play lacrosse at the next level the following year in college.

Beckstead, who recorded 18 saves in the goal for Worcester in the title game, was headed to Loyola College in Baltimore. Johnson was headed to Le-high University, Raskauskas, who was named the first-ever MVP following the CWAC championship, was headed to Haverford for both lacrosse and field hockey, while Reed was taking her skills to American University.

The Dispatch Classifieds

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HELP WANTED SOUTHSIDE GRILL WOC: Hiring Line Cooks, Kitchen Help, Dishwashers. YR, FT or PT. Ambitious, willing to work individuals only. Pay neg. based on performance. 9923 Stephen Decatur Hy. 410-2131572.

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––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FT DENTAL ASSISTANT: For family dental practice. X-ray certification preferred, will consider new graduates. Please fax resume to 410-208-9009 or email: dentistryinthepines@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– P/T ASSISTANT: for Association Site Office in OC. 2-3 days per week during off season. In season Saturdays & Sundays are mandatory with additional 2 days during week. Will also need to be able to cover office when Manager is off.

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We are a full Tire & Service Center that has been in business for 36 years. We have a clean, completely remodeled work environment with State of the Art equipment.

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Local specialty contractor seeking individuals for our storm shutter division and window division. Experience in storm shutters, windows & doors, and garage doors is a plus, but training is available. Driver’s license and transportation required.

Please forward resume to: paola@masterjackwindows.com.

Applications available on site at 11935 Hammer Road, Bishopville, MD

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The Dispatch

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 59

Classifieds Legal Notices TRIMPER’S RIDES OF OCEAN CITY

Help Us Get The Park Ready To Open For The Season!

NOW HIRING FOR Painters, Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Gardeners, Ticket Booth Cashiers, Ride Operators, Games Attendants, Money Room Clerks

Apply Online At https://www.trimperrides.com/employment Or Call 410-289-8617

HELP WANTED

Worcester County Government Is Currently Hiring For The Following Full-Time Postions:

Correctional Officer Trainee

Transfer Station Attendant

Roads Worker

Maintenance Mechanic

Plant Operator

Building Maintenance

Vehicle & Equipment Mechanic

Landfill Operator

EOE/AA

Job descriptions and application available: http://www.co.worcester.md.us/departments/hr/jobs Excellent Benefits. Call 410-632-0090 or fax applications to 410-632-5614. e-mail to Ann Hankins- ahankins@co.worcester.md.us

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–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEST OC COTTAGE: 1BR, quiet location, no pets. Seasonal May-September. Call for details 443-831-9898.

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THIRD INSERTION

LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18271 Notice is given that the CIRCUIT COURT OF PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA, appointed ISABEL CRISTINA SILVA, 12088 WINONA DRIVE, WOODBRIDGE, VA, 22192 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of ZITA DOS ANJOS PENA SILVA, who died on FEBRUARY 03, 2020, domiciled in VIRGINIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is MARIANNA BATIE, whose address is 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY #112, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 08, 2020 ISABEL CRISTINA SILVA Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-8, 5-15, 5-22

SECOND INSERTION

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

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 15, 2020 DENEEN DEAN RAYNE Personal Representative

ESTATE NO. 18269 To all persons interested in the estate of DENNY DEAN RAYNE, ESTATE NO. 18269. Notice is given that DENEEN DEE RAYNE, 11581 S. DOLLY CIRCLE, BERLIN, MD 21811, AND DEBRA RAYNE WEBER, 4203 SUTTON DRIVE, MONKTON, MD 21111 was on, MAY 5, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DENNY DEAN RAYNE, who died on MARCH 27, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of NOVEMBER, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers

DEBRA RAYNE WEBER Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 5-15, 5-22, 5-29

SECOND INSERTION

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18272 To all persons interested in the estate of ARTHUR ROBERT PERRY, ESTATE NO. 18272. Notice is given that ANDREW WALTER PERRY, 5117 MARYLN DRIVE, BETHESDA, MD 20816, was on, MAY 11, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ARTHUR ROBERT PERRY, who died on JANUARY 27, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment

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Page 60

Legal Notices

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

(or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 11th day of NOVEMBER, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MAY 15, 2020 ANDREW WALTER PERRY Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 5-15, 5-22, 5-29

FIRST INSERTION

WILLIAM E. ESHAM III ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18th day of NOVEMBER, 2020.

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

ESTATE NO. 18285

(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

To all persons interested in the estate of RICHARD D. MOSTROM, ESTATE NO. 18285. Notice is given that JOEL K. MOSTROM, 45 SEA LANE, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928, was on, MAY 18, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RICHARD D. MOSTROM, who died on MARCH 14, 2020, with a will.

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not pre-

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May 22, 2020

sented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 22, 2020 JOEL K. MOSTROM 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, 5-22, 5-29, 6-5

FIRST INSERTION

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES P.O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18277

To all persons interested in the estate of ELIZABETH MASON TAYLOR. Notice is given that DAVID D. TAYLOR, 13 HARROGATE LANE, HAMPTON, VA 23666, was on MAY 12, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: ELIZABETH MASON TAYLOR, who died on MARCH 21, 2020 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 22,2020 DAVID D. TAYLOR 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 1x 5-22

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May 22, 2020

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Page 61

2019 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 (800426-4791).

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.

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

PWSID # 0230001 • March 2020

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 stormwater 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 Marvin Smith, Superintendent of Water at 410-641-2414 or email him at msmith@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

If present, elevated levels of 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. Town of Berlin is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or 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.

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 below the table.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Contact Name: Marvin Smith • Address: 10 William Street, Berlin, MD 21811 Phone: 410-641-3845 • Fax: 410-641-3576 • E-Mail: msmith@berlinmd.gov

Note: Test results are for year 2019 or as otherwise indicated; all contaminants are not required to be tested for annually.

A copy of report can be obtained at Berlin Town Hall, Berlin Library and at www.berlinmd.gov.

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Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You might not like some people's idea of a surprise. But you could be in for a pleasant shock when someone finally sends a reply to a request you made so long ago that you almost forgot about it.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): It's a time to expect the unexpected. So don't be surprised if a decision that just recently seemed final suddenly opens up and leaves you with another chance to make an important choice.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Taking a different tack on a work project might rankle some colleagues.

But the positive results of your innovative course soon speak for themselves. Celebrate by doing something fun this weekend.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Meeting new associates can be awkward, even if you're in a high positive phase right now. Best advice: Make them feel comfortable, and you'll soon forget your own discomfort.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): It's a good time for you social Lions to blowdry your manes, polish your claws and look like the Fabulous Felines you are as you make new friends and influence the influential.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Expectations run especially high this week, and you should feel confident in your abilities to take advantage of what might be offered.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): A recent flurry of activity leaves you in need of a little breathing space, and you'd be wise to take it. Close family members should have an explanation about an emergency situation that just passed.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): An insensitive act makes a difficult situation more so. But try not to waste either your physical or emotional energies in anger.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): It's a good time to look into that training program or college course you've been considering. You might have a good place to use those sharpened skills sooner rather than later.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Education dominates much of your aspect during this week. You might want to start checking out those summer session courses that could help advance your career plans.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Progress often comes in fits and starts. But at least you're moving straight ahead with no backsliding. You should soon be able to pick up the pace and reach your goals in due time.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Be wary of a deal that gives confusing answers to your questions. Remember: It's always risky swimming in unknown waters, so you need all the help you can get to stay on course.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a way of bringing people together and creating close friendships wherever you go. © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like ...

OCEAN CITY vanishing

May 22, 2020

WITH BUNK MANN

The Plimhimmon Hotel fire on Nov. 21, 1962, was one of the biggest ever fought by the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company.

The Plimhimmon, a Victorian structure built in 1894, was the town’s largest hotel and at the time of the fire was being further enlarged. Although many confuse this blaze with the Boardwalk arsons that took place a decade later, the Plimhimmon was a victim of a human error.

Most accounts place the blame on the careless use of soldering equipment by construction workers.

Over 400 firemen from 11 fire companies fought to save the downtown area, and crowds stood on the beach and watched as flames rose high above the old Boardwalk landmark. As dawn broke over Ocean City, the Plimhimmon was a smoldering ruin, although a rear section was saved and exists today.

In 1963, the Plim Plaza was built on the site. It includes a reconstruction of the famous tower that graced its illustrious predecessor.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishinPhoto courtesy Gerald Uhlan goc.com.

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

By Steve Green

A dry and sunny extended forecast

Boardwalk graduation parade plans

Listening to music during yard work

Island Creamery after a Berlin bike ride Looking forward to youth sports again Busy bird houses

Managing our 12-year-old’s desire for independence

An empty washing machine and dryer Friday night carryout

A unique house paint color When trust is confirmed

ANSWERS ON PAGE 56

May 22, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 22, 2020