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Assateague Relocates Wild Horse

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Petition Eyed On Sports Complex

Beautiful Skies:

Last Saturday was a perfect weather day for the Maryland International Kite Expo, which was Photos by Explore OC, above, and Jo-Ann Rasmussen hosted and organized by The Kite Loft in Ocean City.

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Berlin Chief Discusses Staffing

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Bishopville Broadband Effort Begins

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Historic Commission Supports ‘Native Son’ Mural In Berlin

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BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Municipal officials approved plans for a mural honoring the Rev. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley on Commerce Street.

On Wednesday, the Berlin Historic District Commission (HDC) unanimously approved plans for a mural honoring Tindley on the side of the Bruder Hill building on Commerce Street. Painting is expected to begin by June 1.

“This is something that’s great for our town,” HDC member Laura Stearns said.

Planning for a mural honoring Tindley, the renowned gospel singer born in Berlin, has been underway for more than a year. Though initially proposed for the Bruder Hill building, the bricks there weren’t the right texture. Instead, the organization behind the mural effort, Beach

to Bay Heritage Area, proposed having it painted on the old Farlow’s Pharmacy building. Concerns from the HDC, however, convinced the group to rethink that idea.

Beach to Bay Heritage Area Executive Director Lisa Challenger convened a committee of stakeholders and the group came up with the concept of painting the mural on the smooth portion of the Bruder Hill building, where brick texture wouldn’t be an issue. That proposal is what Challenger presented to the commission this week. She said this project, which is funded with a $40,000 grant, would be part of a larger African American tourism project throughout Maryland. Murals, she added, have proven to be successful tourism drivers. This one will include a QR code that provides viewers with more information about Tindley.

May 6, 2022

The mural site off Commerce Street on the Bruder Hill building is pictured.

Submitted Image

“Murals are a really big thing across the country right now,” she said. “Many towns large and small are doing murals as a way to express who they are, tell a story, allow citizens to feel pride in their community.”

She added the image planned for the Bruder Hill building, which is being painted by artist Jay Coleman, was similar to what had been proposed before but featured more muted colors.

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HDC member Mary Moore praised the changes.

“I think it’s more distinguished,” she said, adding that she was thrilled the QR code would make the mural an educational tool.

Challenger said the visual changes were the result of the comments the HDC made previously.

“We tried to hear and listen and be mindful of what everyone wanted and what would be acceptable,” she said.

“We were willing to do whatever it takes because the end goal is to make it happen.”

Nornie Bunting, chair of the commission, said he liked the design and felt that having it on just the flat portion of the building enhanced it.

“It looks like the building has been chiseled away and found behind was this mural,” he said.

Stearns said the sepia coloring fit the project and the town.

“That gives it that historical look,” she said.

HDC member Brian Robertson said he liked the project but suggested a few changes, most notably darkening the shading at the edges to enhance the effect mentioned by Bunting, that the mural was hidden behind the brick.

HDC member Carol Rose credited Challenger and the project’s stakeholders for the amount of effort they put in to planning.

“It was a huge group of folks that really want to do a good job,” she said.

Several community members were in attendance to voice their support for the project. Among them was Melissa Reid, president of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum. She said the museum had been involved in mural projects in Berlin in the past and was eager to be a part of this one. Tindley, she added, is being featured in an exhibit at the museum and was an important figure in the town’s history.

“We are behind this 100% to really make sure that this happens because it’s important,” Reid said. “It’s important for visual representation, it’s important for historical representation, it’s important for an inclusive representation.”

Bryan Russo, a local musician involved in the project, said the current proposal addressed previous concerns and represented a compromise. He stressed the project’s primary purpose was to honor Tindley.

“That’s really the big takeaway here, to celebrate a native son who’s never been properly celebrated,” he said.

Resident Greg Purnell also shared his support for the project.

“I know all of us, our parents told us when you go out in the world make your mark. Leave something the world will be able to use. Dr. Tindley did make a mark.

It’s not a stain it’s a mark, indelible,” he said. “We in Berlin own it.”

The commission voted unanimously to approve the mural. Challenger said Coleman was currently working on a project in Virginia but that he hoped to begin work in Berlin by June 1 and be complete within a month.

May 6, 2022

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Page 5

Citizens Voice Support For Education Funding

Page 6

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Requests for education funding highlighted a public hearing on the county’s proposed budget this week.

At a public hearing hosted by the Worcester County Commissioners Tuesday, speakers asked the commissioners to support the school system’s budget, as it included funding for critical aspects of education, including retaining quality teachers and giving kids access to the latest technology.

“Our budget request is entirely rooted in what we believe to be in the best interest of students,” Superintendent Lou Taylor said.

As proposed, Worcester County’s budget for the coming fiscal year projects revenues of $218,290,579 and expenditures of $229,577,983. The commissioners are expected to begin budget work ses-

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sions to close the $11 million shortfall this month.

Citizens in attendance voiced support for education spending, which accounts for more than half of the expenditures in the proposed budget.

“Please continue to support our board of education’s budget so the board of ed can continue to serve our children,” parent Rachel Geiger said.

Buckingham Elementary School parent Kimberly Jackson thanked the commissioners for supporting key projects like the addition at Stephen Decatur Middle.

“Our county really is the best county to raise families and educate our children in,” she said. “This is thanks in part to the work done not just within the walls of our schools but also by our elected county officials.”

Teacher Beth Shockley-Lynch, president of the Worcester County Teachers Association, praised the county for its unceasing support of the school system. She

said that in the wake of COVID-19, teachers were working harder than ever. She noted that 66% of the county’s teachers stayed more than 20 years.

“We have the best of the best and we want to keep them,” she said.

School bus drivers also addressed the commissioners. Though the school system’s budget includes an increase for them, bus drivers said it wasn’t enough to address the rising costs they faced. Longtime school bus contractor Harry Wimbrow said he felt like a stepchild of Taylor’s organization, as bus drivers were contractors and didn’t receive the benefits school system employees did.

Ocean City resident John Van Fossen, who said his son was a bus driver, also spoke up on their behalf. He said that once you took their expenses into account, drivers were making less than $15 an hour.

“If not you’re going to lose bus drivers,” he said.

Lobbyist To Represent Worcester County

May 6, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials agreed this week to hire a lobbyist to advocate for Worcester County.

The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday agreed to accept a bid from State and Local Advisors (SLA) for lobbying services. The company was one of six that responded to the county’s request for proposals. Bids ranged from SLA’s proposed $24,000 a year to $144,000 a year. The contract will be for one year but will include two one-year renewals.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said the decision to move forward with SLA, whose principal is Paul Ellington, would give the county a better understanding of issues in Annapolis.

“We have literally no idea what goes on in Annapolis during session,” Mitrecic said in an interview following Tuesday’s vote.

While the local delegation does provide updates, Mitrecic said they didn’t include day-to-day information on what was going on. He said neither the commissioners nor county staff had the time to read through every piece of legislation that may or may not effect Worcester County.

Going forward, SLA will provide the county with information on bills that could have an impact locally. Mitrecic said the lobbyist would also be able to voice the county’s support or concerns with a particular bill.

“For $24,000 a year if we can stay on top of this it’s a reasonable ask,” Mitrecic said.

Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said SLA would be helpful in that it would provide both advocacy and lobbying services to Worcester County.

“SLA will help the county draft a legislative agenda, pursue grants and discretionary funding at the state and federal levels, and advocate on the county’s behalf,” he said.

Another issue the lobbyist could tackle is the longstanding wealth formula that negatively impacts the level of funding Worcester County receives from the state. For years, the commissioners have been critical of the formula, as it translates into very little funding from the state for the county’s education system.

“We hope to challenge the state’s wealth formula, which implies Worcester County is the wealthiest county in the state, and means we pay more per public school student than any other county in the state,” Young said. “It also impacts how much money we get for our roads.

SLA should easily be able to provide an impressive return on our investment and help educate Annapolis of the unique attributes and challenges Worcester County faces.”

Sports Complex Petition Organized

May 6, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – In the two weeks since the county’s decision to move forward with buying land for a sports complex, the process has been complicated with a potential referendum, divergent concepts and lingering questions.

At this week’s meeting of the Worcester County Commissioners, Commissioner Chip Bertino expressed frustration with the array of conversations being had and information being shared by Ocean City regarding the sports complex. Though resort leaders have been vocal advocates for the complex, at this point it is entirely a Worcester County project.

“I guess it should be made clear to anybody that’s listening that at present, only the county is involved in this,” Bertino said.

At the close of Tuesday’s meeting, Bertino said he was aware there was a community group working to organize a petition for referendum on the bond bill being used to fund the $7.1 million land purchase. He asked what would happen to the purchasing process if the necessary signatures were gathered and a referendum was scheduled for November.

Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said the county attorney would review potential scenarios but that he suspected the county would just hold off on using the bond funds until the question was resolved through the referendum. He added that the contract to purchase the land could be modified and the settlement date could be extended.

Bertino asked if the county had started conversations regarding the project with Berlin or Ocean City.

Young said he had not, though he was aware Berlin officials wanted to get involved in the planning process.

“We recognize Berlin is looking for information,” he said. “They’ve seen some concept plans. We’ve not put out those concept plans.”

When asked who put those plans out, Young said Ocean City had. He said resort officials wanted the complex to include a large indoor facility and likely wanted to see how many fields could fit with that.

Bertino said this was currently the county’s project and that county officials should be the ones speaking for it.

“So any discussions being had or any comments being made at Ocean City council meetings or on the radio about concept plans, these are just plans that are not coming from the county,” he said.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said during a radio interview that morning he’d reiterated that the county was just at the very first step in the process, purchasing the land. He confirmed that references to a private investor interested in the project related

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to a meeting he and Young had before the property was under contract.

“There were discussions previously regarding private entities putting money forward to help match if we did Program Open Space,” Young said. “Naming rights are on the table for the property … Right now I don’t think we have any serious offers to bring forward to you all.”

Bertino expressed his frustration that others in the county seemed to know more than the county commissioners.

“With regard to sports complex, it’s a little bit concerning that meetings are being had with potential sponsors etc. and this body is not being informed those meetings are taking place or what the results of those meetings were,” he said.

Bertino said the commissioners should know what was going on.

“I don’t think it’s fair I had to find out reading the newspapers what’s going on for the county when I’m one of the responsible people for the county,” he said.

Mitrecic said the meeting with the investor was essentially a meeting with a constituent.

“Absolutely nothing came of it,” he said.

Bertino said he remained concerned that the commissioners weren’t all aware of meetings being had with potential sponsors related to the sports complex. He said the commissioners should be advised of those meetings.

“I’ll expect the same from you with every one of your meetings,” Mitrecic said.

Bertino said he didn’t mean constituent meetings but rather sponsor meetings.

“If we’re having conversations with outside sponsors I do believe we have a right to know what’s going on,” he said.

As far as a potential referendum, the People for Fiscal Responsibility Committee is holding a public meeting at the library in Ocean Pines Monday at 7 p.m.

“This meeting is a way to bring together a cross-section of viewpoints and to share the information related to the planned petition drive,” a statement from the committee reads. “This is an inclusive gathering and all members of our communities are invited.

The People For Fiscal Responsibility committee believe this project should be funded by the private sector entities, not by the county's taxpayers.”

Patricia Jackson, election director at the Worcester County Election Office, confirmed Wednesday that the petition form had been submitted to the county attorney for review and approval.

“Once it’s approved, signatures can begin to be gathered,” she said.

In Berlin, the town’s planning commission is set to discuss concerns about the sports complex at a meeting next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Page 7

Deteriorating Inlet Sculpture To Be Restored This Month

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

Artist Peter Toth will visit the resort later this month to restore the Native American sculpture located near the entrance of the Ocean City Inlet. The sculpture, pictured above, was donated by Toth in 1976 as part of his art series, “Trail of the Whispering Giants.”

Photo by Chris Parypa

OCEAN CITY – The Native American sculpture, which has stood sentinel at the Inlet for over four decades, has fallen into disrepair in recent years, but the original artist is returning to Ocean City later this month to restore it.

Artist Peter Toth presented the Native American sculpture, perched near the entrance to the Inlet parking lot, to the town of Ocean City and the people of Maryland in 1976 as part of his larger plan to create a similar piece for every state in the U.S. as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebration. Through his Trail of the Whispering Giants plan, Toth created a sculpture unique to each state to raise public awareness about the plight of Native Americans. His gift to Maryland represents the Assateague Indian.

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The sculpture stands 20 feet tall and welcomes residents and visitors to Ocean City as one of the resort’s most iconic images. The sculpture as been in place at the Inlet since 1976 and has stood the test of time, tides and fierce weather over the last 45-plus years. Carved from a 100-year-old oak, it has gradually eroded to the point it needs a significant restoration.

Last year, it was learned local residents Becky and Larry Yates have been in contact with Toth, the original artist, about returning to Ocean City to restore his 45-year-old gift to Maryland at the Inlet. The Yateses have been working in conjunction with the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) and Executive Director Glenn Irwin on the plan.

The concept was first pitched to the Ocean City Tourism Commission last year by the Yateses, and there was strong support from commission members. This week, it was learned from the Yateses that Toth will indeed return to Ocean City later this month to restore the sculpture.

Toth is expected to be in the resort working on the sculpture from May 22 to May 26. He will travel from his studio in Florida to work to preserve the sculpture for at least another 45 years, according to Becky Yates.

Toth will donate his labor, time and expertise during the restoration, but the Yateses and OCDC are raising money to offset the cost of expenses while the artist is here, including lodging and meals, for example. Becky Yates will set up an area at the Art League of Ocean City’s First Friday reception this Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to provide information about the sculpture and its upcoming restoration, and to help generate funds for the project.

In addition, those wanting to lend support can make a tax-deductible donation through OCDC by sending a check to Executive Director Glenn Irwin, OCDC, 108 Dorchester Street, Ocean City, Md. 21842. Donors are reminded to reference the Restoration Project of the Assateague Indian Statue.

The proposed repairs are not the first time the town has explored restoring the iconic sculpture. In 2013 after Hurricane Sandy, an examination of the sculpture revealed it was cracking and showing its age and plans came about to solicit bids for the needed repairs. A noted West Ocean City woodworker and carpenter came up with a plan to restore the Inlet Indian at a cost of just under $10,000.

The plan called for removing the sculpture with a crane and transporting it to a West Ocean City shop for a major repair and restoration, and then returning it to its original location. The idea got little traction when a funding source could not be identified and the restoration at that time fizzled.

Toth’s Trail of Whispering Giants includes sculptures in other neighboring beach resorts including Bethany Beach and Virginia Beach, for example. Some have been restored and in at least one case, a fiberglass mold now stands where the original sculpture was placed. Others have deteriorated and have been left to serve out their usefulness over time.

OC Planners Talk Code Amendments Commission Reviews Requirements

May 6, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort planners this week continued informal discussions on a variety of proposed code amendments, from the amount of living space required in seasonal workforce housing to off-street parking requirements for new development projects.

Over the last several months, the Ocean City Planning Commission has been discussing various proposed code amendments to address a variety of issues. The process begins with the planning commission reviewing staff recommendations and holding requisite public hearings.

The planning commission then makes a recommendation to the Mayor and Council, which, in turn, may or may not adopt an ordinance to affect the code changes. During Tuesday’s meeting, the planning commission held informal discussions on half a dozen or so of the proposed code amendments that are in various stages of the process.

In some cases, the commission has already hosted the required public hearings and are ready to make recommendations to the Mayor and Council. Others are still in the discussion stage with planning commission members still debating the merits of the proposed code changes.

On Tuesday, one of the topics of discussion was the amount of open living and dining spaces in seasonal workforce housing projects. It’s no secret the town is experiencing a lack of affordable seasonal workforce housing and there are several projects proposed to address the issue.

There are already sections in the code that address the appropriate amount of living and dining space required per unit in a workforce housing project, or common areas where the tenants can eat, read, work on a computer or just gather as friends as part of a quality of life issue. The proposed code amendment discussed by the planning commission would update those sections to ensure there is an appropriate amount of open space in new workforce housing projects, according to Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville.

“The idea is the combined living and dining space should increase proportionately as the number of employees in the building increases,” he said. “I’ve tried a number of different solutions to confirm these incremental increases in living space. At this point, my recommendation is until we have a good solution to that, if we delete that section, this would take the supplemental regulation back more than a decade without a specific criterion to use. To me, what that does is transfer the responsibility back to the planning commission when you are reviewing a site plan.”

Planning Commission Chair Pam

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Buckley said there are creative ways to maximize the number of beds in a workforce housing project while still ensuring quality of life with the appropriate amount of open space.

“There are so many things to do,” she said. “What if they have a big park in the middle of the building? Maybe they wouldn’t need that much interior space.”

Neville said there might not be a onesize-fits-all solution and the language in the code amendment should allow the planning commission to review each project on its own merits.

“I think we need to look at this as every project is a little bit different with the size and the number of people,” he said.

“I’m not sure how we would incorporate all of those factors into one set of criteria.”

Planning Commissioner Lauren Taylor said geography could be a factor in a decision on the amount of living space required in workforce housing projects.

“It depends on what part of the town it is also,” she said. “Downtown, there is a lot of exterior space for people to go and meet and just be.”

Taylor said the language in the proposed code amendment needed to be tightened up.

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FROM PAGE 9 “The wording has to be project-specific,” she said. “There might be some language like that. ‘Increase proportionately’ is kind of amorphous. It should be something that’s site-specific to the location and the building so there’s some way to tie it into something and it’s not just random.”

Neville said the intent of the proposed code amendment is to ensure the planning commission is cognizant of the need for open living space when considering plans for workforce housing projects.

It did not need to be as precise as to require a specific amount of square foot-

age required for open space, but rather a broader test for the planners to consider.

“There has got to be a way to do it, so we can put a test on it,” he said. “If there is a way to do it so it’s a test, but not a specific criterion, that would be ideal.”

Another topic discussed on Tuesday was a proposed code amendment that would address off-street parking requirements for new multi-family or townhouse development projects. Over the last few months, the issue has been raised at the commission level about the appropriate amount of off-street parking required for new development projects.

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The issue raises concerns about the lack of sufficient off-street parking, or parking for units that is contained on the property. In some cases, a lack of sufficient off-street parking has led to parking on the streets. In other cases, a multi-family dwelling or townhouse project might have two car garage spaces per unit, but one of the spaces ultimately becomes a storage area filled with lawn equipment, beach chairs and the like, necessitating more parking on the town’s public streets. Neville explained how the proposed code amendment could address that.

“Which you may recognize in the discussion topics is the idea that garage parking should only partially count for the parking requirement,” he said. “This includes what we think is a better proposal. Rather than saying that you can’t have garage parking, we basically felt that for multi-family dwellings and townhouses, this says if two or more spaces are required, a minimum of two spaces shall be open and unenclosed.”

Neville said the intent was to address the issue with the required minimum two unenclosed parking spaces per unit, but cautioned about making it too specific.

“We felt that concept would allow for a range of solutions,” he said. “It could be surface parking, it could be a parking lot and it could be underneath a building. By trying to do the simplest possible change, it allows for a variety of conditions.”

May 6, 2022

Neville said a different approach would be to have a rigid standard that would force developers and architects to alter plans for projects to meet the parking requirements.

“We could go more restrictive and say one space in a garage can count for required off-street parking,” he said. “One of the reasons we thought that might not work is it will create something the architects design to. If only one parking garage space counts, we would see the next project come in with just one parking garage space.”

Taylor said if the required unenclosed parking spaces were placed under a building supported by concrete pillars, she would like to see the parking spaces screened somehow.

“I like to see them screened,” she said. “If they’re totally on piers, three sides can be screened with lattice or something, so you don’t really realize it’s a garage. It looks so industrial when it’s just concrete piers and pillars. It looks like an office and it doesn’t look beachy or resort-y.”

Planning Commissioner Joel Brous said he was concerned the proposed code amendment regarding open, unenclosed parking spaces might be a little too restrictive.

“I just don’t want to penalize someone who wants to build a two-car garage and put their two cars in there,” he said.

“You’re kind of penalizing them when they can’t do that.”

May 6, 2022

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WOC’s Pier 23 ‘A Taste Of Ocean City But With A Twist’

Page 12

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May 6, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

WEST OCEAN CITY – A new West Ocean City restaurant will soon join a growing portfolio of Taustin Group enterprises.

After more than a year of construction and several delays, the Taustin Group is eager to announce the opening of its newest restaurant, Pier 23. CEO Cole Taustin said Ocean City’s first container food port – located along the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor – will begin serving the public this summer.

“It’s completely unique to the area,” he said. “Ocean City doesn’t have anything remotely close to it.”

In 2017, the Taustin family purchased the former Captain’s Galley site with plans to develop a new restaurant, Mad Fish Bar & Grille. But after a year of operation, the business was forced to close when an electrical fire destroyed most of the building.

“It destroyed all of our storage, all of our kitchen, and the smoke destroyed the entire second floor,” Cole Taustin said. “The entire building was also doused with water that was pumped out of

Pier 23, the newest Taustin Group enterprise, will open at its West Ocean City location this summer, becoming the area’s first shipping container food port, complete with three concept kitchens, a bar and live entertainment.

Submitted Photo

the harbor.”

Starting over with a blank slate, Cole Taustin said design work soon began on Pier 23.

“We centered our whole methodology on where we were going to take the

property,” he said. “And then the pandemic hit.”

Like many resort businesses, Cole Taustin said the company was forced to redirect attention to its other businesses.

But Taustin Group representatives

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say the pandemic also gave them an opportunity to explore new concepts. After talking with friends in the hospitality and landscaping industries, they soon settled on the idea of using shipping containers to create Pier 23.

“Out of the pandemic came a lot of innovation and creativity in terms of the operational component of our restaurants, across the entire industry,” said Taustin Group Marketing Director Kyler Taustin. “And I think a unique location, in conjunction with the unique way of interacting between our staff and customers, creates a really unique environment for both the way it looks and the experience that you’ll have when you arrive.”

Construction on Pier 23 began last spring, following site plan approvals and permitting.

Reflecting the industrial feel of the surrounding harbor, officials say the restaurant will feature three separate concept kitchens, each crafted from shipping containers. Once seated, the customer will be able to select food options from the grill, the taco kitchen, or the deli.

“One of the greatest innovations that came out of the pandemic was the ability to use technology to serve your customers, so our service model is unique SEE PAGE 78

Amid Shortage, Berlin Police Chief Assures ‘ Our Community Is Safe'

May 6, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Efforts to hire additional police officers continue in Berlin.

As residents voice concerns about the town’s lack of police staffing, Chief Arnold Downing stressed that while the department size wasn’t optimum, it was capable of ensuring the safety of the town.

“Be certain our community is safe,” he said. “We have a veteran force. We know the people and know how to do the job. I’m really confident with the staff we have.”

The Berlin Police Department is a 14member agency. Currently, there are two officers out on medical leave and two vacancies that need to be filled. Downing said the current staff level wasn’t ideal but was workable.

“We try to be a proactive agency,” he said. “That’s our success. When you go down to certain levels it becomes difficult.”

The dynamics of Berlin’s population play a big role in the duties of the department. While it’s busy during the week, as the town’s size increases by thousands when multiple schools are filled with children and doctors’ offices are open, the weekends can be slower for law enforcement. Another challenge facing the department is the town’s growing number of full-time residents.

“All we have to say is Oceans East,” Downing said.

He said as soon as the new building at the complex on Seahawk Road got its certificate of occupancy residents were moving in, as they had waiting lists and applications on file. Other infill development within the town has also added to its population.

The reason population has such an impact on the police department is because many of the calls officers respond to aren’t criminal — they’re service calls for things like checking on an elderly neighbor’s welfare or addressing parking issues.

“There’s definitely an increased volume of calls for service,” he said.

While Downing is hopeful he’ll one day have a full staff again, he acknowledged that wasn’t really enough to put the department at the level he’d like to see it. He can’t have a supervisor on duty every shift or two officers on duty 24/7.

“Those things can’t be achieved with 14 officers,” he said.

Right now, however, the department is still struggling to get to 14. While the agency used to get 50 applications when there was an opening, these days it gets about a dozen. About half of them will prove to be viable candidates.

Downing pointed out that when the department does send a new hire to the academy, it takes six months there and several months more with his staff be-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

fore the individual is a fully functional officer. Nevertheless, he’s optimistic about the town’s current prospects.

“We’re going through the process of hiring,” he said, adding that he hoped to see the agency get back up to a full staff soon.

There’s always the chance though that whoever the town hires will be lured away to a position elsewhere. Law enforcement agencies all over are offering sign-on bonuses and added benefits to attract officers. Berlin’s pay and retirement are both less appealing than what’s offered elsewhere, according to Downing.

Mayor Zack Tyndall, however, says Berlin’s pay is competitive and that law enforcement agencies everywhere are struggling to find officers.

“This is across the board,” he said.

“It’s not just the Town of Berlin.”

While he believes the department’s pay is competitive with what is offered elsewhere, Tyndall acknowledged that offering LEOPS (Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension System) could help attract officers. The town is planning to fund a LEOPS study in the coming fiscal year.

Councilman Jack Orris, an early proponent of bringing LEOPS to Berlin, agreed that it would help.

“I’m sure everyone realizes that staffing for law enforcement is down nationwide,” he said. “It seems Berlin has always been a step behind our sister municipalities in terms of pay and benefits like LEOPS. As we get near the new fiscal year, I’m pleased that we will be funding a LEOPS study and also see where we can improve on our police pay to be more in line with the local market for that occupation.”

Another step Downing is pleased to see the town taking is a move toward a step and grade system for all town employees. Knowing that they can expect a modest cost-of-living adjustment or step increase on a regular basis would go a long way for employees.

“You know what you’re going to get paid,” Downing said.

As for now, Tyndall echoed Downing’s confidence in Berlin’s police force.

He said concerns regarding the level of coverage in Berlin were unfounded.

“We have a good police department with a lot of skilled officers,” he said.

“The idea that the town is not being covered is not factual.”

He added that partner law enforcement agencies such as Maryland State Police were always willing to provide support when needed. Downing agreed that support from neighboring agencies, particularly during the town’s special events, was much appreciated.

“These partnerships go a long way,” he said, adding that his agency also benefitted from community support. “The fact that we have help from the community is a big plus. We have buy in and support and we support the community also.”

Page 13

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• More than 500 photo images with historical narrative.

• A hardbound, coffee table book featuring cover by noted artist Paul McGehee.

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“Ghosts in the Surf” will be available at select location in Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines and online. If you liked “Vanishing Ocean City,” then you will love Bunk Mann’s newest book of photos and OC history.

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Assateague Stallion Relocated To Wildlife Sanctuary

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 6, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Park officials removed an aggressive stallion from Assateague Island National Seashore Monday for relocation to Texas.

Delegate’s Pride, also known as Chip (N6ELS-H), was removed from Assateague May 2 and will be permanently relocated to a wildlife sanctuary in Texas. Officials said the highly food conditioned and aggressive stallion had been involved in more than half of the incidents resulting in injuries to visitors since 2017.

“We do not take these decisions lightly, but occasionally it is necessary for the safety of visitors and staff,” a statement from Assateague Island National Seashore reads.

Monday morning, shortly after some visitors saw Delegate’s Pride being rounded up, the park issued a news release advising the public of the stallion’s relocation. Officials reported that the stallion had become increasingly aggressive toward visitors and staff when pursuing human food. He was also aggressive when park staff attempted to redirect him and his band away from crowded visitor areas.

“He is also extremely resistant to non-contact methods used by park staff to move horses out of potentially dan-

Officials are relocating the stallion Delegate's Pride to a Texas wildlife sanctuary because of increasingly aggressive behavior.

Photo Courtesy of Ann Richardson

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move,” the statement reads.

Officials said that certain horses in

the park continued to associate humSEE NEXT PAGE

… Visitors Share Concerns Over Removal

May 6, 2022

ans with food rewards. Habituated or unafraid horses become food conditioned when they get food from visitors—those who feed them intentionally and those who don’t store their food properly.

“Unfortunately, reversing behavior once a wild animal has learned to associate people with food is extremely difficult,” the park’s statement reads.

“Removal often becomes the only option to manage a highly food conditioned animal, especially one causing the majority of negative and dangerous interactions with the public.”

The park is expected to release updated food storage regulations this spring. Campers can only store food in a vehicle or in a strapped-in cooler placed inside the food storage box provided by the National Park Service under picnic tables. Since 2019, all of the park’s tables have been specifically designed with horse-proof food storage compartments.

“All visitors need to take this food storage issue seriously and help us reduce the frequency of inappropriate interactions with the wild horses,” said Hugh Hawthorne, the park’s superintendent. “The free roaming nature of the Assateague horses is what makes them so unique and special, but there are also issues like this that need to be addressed.”

The news of the departure of Delegate’s Pride frustrated and upset many regular park visitors. They’re saddened to see a 13-year-old horse who’s spent his entire life on Assateague be shipped halfway across the country because of behavior issues created by the park’s visitors. Goldy Austen, who has photographed Delegate’s Pride numerous times, hates to see what she considered a beautiful stallion labeled as aggressive in the press and abruptly removed from the park. She noted that he was rounded up just as the mare in his band was about to foal.

“The reason he was ripped away from his band was because he protected his family and had become aggressive with food sources he had been conditioned to consider by ignorant and disrespectful visitors to his environment over the last five or more years,” Austen said. “Continuing interaction with island visitors who ignore all posted rules and guidance is the cause of ‘food aggression’ yet the horses end up being punished."

Assateague visitor Susan Hassan said she’s seen visitors interacting with the park’s horses–that humans aren’t supposed to go within 40 feet of–and is disappointed by the lack of enforcement she’s seen from park rangers.

She believes that rather than removing horses who are simply attempting to eat what they’re offered, the rangers should focus on fining people who don’t follow the rules.

“Rather than being greedy and allowing far too many irresponsible people onto the island, at the very least, could the rangers strictly enforce the

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

rules that are clearly not being followed and do this on a regular basis?” she said.

Visitor Beverly Dant says it’s not fair for Delegate’s Pride to be branded as aggressive “in the wake of a constant barrage of human rule breaking.” She’s seen people feeding the horses, trying to ride them, pulling their manes and tails and not restraining their dogs around them.

“The bad behavior didn’t start with the stallion I’ve watched since he was a foal,” she said. “It started with people.”

Austen is worried that the park’s millions of annual visitors will continue to have a negative impact on the horses who call the island home. She stressed that the horses’ behavior is the result of people not keeping their distance and not following guidance on food storage.

“Where will this end—will more horses be shipped out?” Austen said. “Chip is not the only horse who has learned that visitors bring food … Who is next?”

Delegate’s Pride, a bay stallion born in May 2009 according to the Assateague Island Alliance website, is being relocated to Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch. The ranch in Murchison, Texas, is a renowned wildlife sanctuary.

The 1,400-acre property is home to hundreds of domestic and exotic animals.

Page 15

Talkie Begins Efforts To Bring Broadband To Bishopville

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BISHOPVILLE – Worcester County’s broadband partner kicked off efforts to expand access to high speed internet in the north end of the county with a ribbon cutting this week.

Talkie Communications, the company that’s partnered with Worcester County on broadband efforts, is now working to install fiber in the Bishopville area. Up until now, the company has been working solely in Pocomoke.

“I think it’ll be a big help for the whole county,” Commissioner Jim Bunting said following the ribbon cutting.

“They’ll have 37 miles in before the end of summer.”

Representatives from Talkie have been working since 2021 to bring

broadband to rural Worcester County.

They updated the commissioners this week on their efforts, which started in the Dun Swamp and Colona Road areas of Pocomoke. Talkie signed up 18 customers there. Andrew DeMattia said the return on investment for the project was 250 years.

“Some of the areas are really challenging when it comes to rural deployment,” he said. “It is a lot of money.”

On Dun Swamp Road, all but one resident signed up for service. On Colona Road, not even half signed up. Andre DeMattia said that was unusual, as typically most residents of an unserved area signed up for service once it was offered. He added that federal and state subsidies could cover most of the cost of the company’s cheapest–$69 a month–package.

Andrew DeMattia of Talkie shows Commissioner Jim Bunting, left, and Commissioner Ted Elder, right, and area residents a newly installed cabinet in Bishopville. The cabinet has a minimum of 144 fibers and each fiber can feed 32 homes.

Submitted Photo

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tinue its efforts in Worcester and is seeking grants to help. Andre DeMattia said there was $22 million in grants up for grabs that the company would apply for. He said the company was also going to ask the county for some funding, as it was moving forward with installing fiber in Bishopville, an area that is not eligible for grant funding. That project– installing 30 miles of fiberoptics that can serve more than 400 customers–is expected to cost $2.3 million.

Andrew DeMattia said that costs had gone up for Talkie just as they had for everyone but that the company wanted to continue working in Worcester.

“We’re chipping away at it,” he said.

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom, who represents the southern end of the county, asked why Talkie had focused on some of the most sparsely populated parts of Pocomoke. Andre DeMattia said the company selected the areas it did because they were eligible for grant funding. He added that Bishopville was the most populated part of the county considered not served by broadband.

Commissioner Ted Elder suggested Talkie explore moving on to Whaleyville after Bishopville. Andrew DeMattia indicated that every cabinet the company installed made it easier for them to move farther into the county.

“Once we have a remote cabinet, it’s easy to build off something that exists,” he said.

Bunting said a handful of residents attended Tuesday’s ribbon cutting ceremony and he got calls afterward from several others who are eager to sign up.

“They’re really excited about it coming to the area,” he said.

Bunting said officials were grateful for the interest Talkie had in Worcester County, as the company and its efforts to get grants meant the cost of bringing broadband to Worcester County would be far less than the $54 million initially estimated.

“If they can get some more of these grants they’re going to try to expand from Bishopville toward Whaleyville…,” he said. “So far we’ve done this with grants and ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act funds). Talkie is really working with us.”

Ocean City Officials Urge Hurricane Preparedness

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

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OCEAN CITY – With the summer season rapidly approaching, resort officials on Monday issued a proclamation proclaiming this week as National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

During Monday’s meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan read into the record and presented a proclamation to Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald declaring this week ending Saturday as National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

Meehan urged residents in the resort to be aware of pending storms and their potential impact on Ocean City and other areas as the season approaches. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, but the mayor said the time is now to prepare.

“It’s hard to believe it’s May 1 already,” he said. “This is something we do every year because of the importance of where we’re located on a barrier island.

It’s significant what damage a hurricane could possibly cause, and we have to be prepared.”

While the focus on Monday was on Ocean City, Meehan urged residents in other areas around the state to also begin preparing for hurricane season.

“That’s not just for here,” he said.

“That’s for everywhere because hurricanes can affect places inland, sometimes even more so than the coast.”

For his part, Theobald said the town will be prepared for any potential hurricane and the damage it can cause, and urged the citizens to do their own part.

“It’s important that we do make the public aware as we do every year,” he said. “There is probably no year more important than this year to get the public prepared. Government can try, but cannot do it all. Self-responsibility is going to be very important.”

Theobald said he recently attended hurricane preparedness sessions in Philadelphia and the participating agencies were well aware of Ocean City’s vulnerability. He said this year could present unique challenges because of ongoing supply chain issues with food and other supplies.

“I was fortunate enough to spend three days at the convention in Philadelphia developing relationships,” he said.

“They recognize the visibility of Ocean City. Things are going to be different than other years. We see it daily. Just the supply chain issues we face everyday in the grocery stores and everywhere else.

That will impact how things are rebuilt if something happens, and we get a storm.”

Theobald said protecting the safety of the citizens is paramount and urged residents not to let their guard down and have a plan in place.

“Our message is to protect lives,” he said. “Property can be rebuilt, but take that into consideration in the future and take responsibility and have a plan in place. Once something happens isn’t the time to think about it.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 6, 2022

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

Page 20

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Restroom Door Destroyed OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested last week after allegedly breaking into a locked restroom at the south end transit center with a shovel, later telling police he really needed to use the facilities.

Around 12:25 a.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to the South End Transit Center on South Division Street for a reported malicious destruction of property. The officer met with a city bus driver who advised the men’s bathroom door had been broken and destroyed.

The driver advised the officer the men’s bathroom had been locked at around 11 p.m. and the lock and door frame were now broken. The employee advised another bus driver knew who damaged the door and caught him in the act, according to police reports.

The officer observed the men’s room door knob to be removed and the metal door frame was bent and destroyed. Inside the men’s room, the officer observed empty alcoholic beverage containers, blue latex gloves and a black trash bag scattered throughout the bathroom.

The officer viewed City Watch surveillance footage from the transit center, which showed a suspect later identified as Robert Hill, 70, of Ocean City, near the men’s room shortly after 11 p.m. The officer then met with the driver who had witnessed the crime, who had returned to the transit center. The witness said shortly after 11 p.m., she returned to the transit center and saw the men’s room door open and heard a loud banging noise.

COPS & COURTS The witness said she observed Hill holding the bathroom door open with a shovel between his legs. The witness told the officer when she confronted Hill, he said to her, “They ain’t going to lock the door no more,” and “If they lock the door, I’ll bust it open again,” according to police reports.

OCPD officers located Hill at a convenience store parking lot at North Division Street and he was detained in handcuffs.

Hill reportedly told officers he was willing to speak with them. He reportedly admitted being at the south end transit center and that the bathroom door had been locked.

Hill, a known local homeless man, reportedly told police he was older now and had to use the bathroom more frequently.

When asked how he got into the bathroom, Hill told police he used tweezers to dismantle the lock. When told the door frame was bent and destroyed and the damage couldn’t have been done with tweezers, Hill said he used a shovel and kicked the door to break it open, according to police reports.

Hill was arrested at that point and charged with malicious destruction of property. During a search of his person incident to the arrest, a spring-assisted

silver knife was found, and additional weapons violations were tacked on.

Street Sign Swiped OCEAN CITY – A Silver Spring, Md., man was arrested last week for allegedly breaking off a town-owned street sign and dragging it up the sidewalk on Coastal Highway.

Around 2:30 a.m. last Tuesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer observed a male carrying a street sign walking north on the sidewalk at 62nd Street. The officer turned around and approached the suspect, later identified as Caleb Rodriguez, 31, of Silver Spring, Md., who had placed the street sign about 40 yards behind him, according to police reports.

Rodriguez reportedly showed signs of intoxication and was wearing a wristband from the nearby nightclub. At that point, Rodriguez was detained in handcuffs. The officer observed the sign was attached to a roughly seven-foot pole. The sign said, “No Parking This Side of Street,” and “Tow Away Zone,” and “Property of the Town of Ocean City,” according to police reports.

Rodriguez asked the officer, “why am I in handcuffs? I found that sign. It’s

May 6, 2022 mine,” according to police reports. Rodriguez was arrested and charged with theft and malicious destruction of property. Another OCPD officer was reportedly able to find where the sign post was broken off from the ground in the area of 59th Street.

Indecent Exposure Twice OCEAN CITY – A Trappe, Md., man was arrested for indecent exposure last weekend after allegedly twice dropping pants and exposing himself on the sidewalk along a busy Coastal Highway.

Around 11:40 p.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the downtown area observed a group of disorderly individuals walking on the public sidewalk in the area of 17th Street and Philadelphia Avenue. As the officer watched, a shirtless male in the group later identified as Wilson Keeter, 22, of Trappe, Md., pulled down his pants to his ankles, exposed his penis, raised his hands above his head and yelled “woo,” according to police reports.

The officer noted there was moderate traffic in the area at the time and Keeter’s indecent exposure was likely observed by many, according to police reports.

Keeter reportedly pulled his pants up and kept walking south. At 16th Street, Keeter pulled down his pants again and repeated his entire earlier action, according to police reports.

Keeter pulled up his pants a second time and walked east on 16th Street.

When officers arrived, Keeter was climbing over a white privacy fence, which was shaking heavily from his weight on it.

SEE NEXT PAGE

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

... COPS & COURTS Keeter was told to climb down and sit on the curb. According to police reports, he exhibited signs of intoxication. At that point, Keeter was arrested for indecent exposure and malicious destruction of property for damaging the fence. While Keeter was being searched, he told officers, “I gonna be honest, I am drunk,” according to police reports.

Comfort Station Assault OCEAN CITY – A local homeless man was arrested last weekend after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and then slamming a plastic soft drink bottle containing alcohol on the Boardwalk in front of a family with children.

Around 6:45 p.m. last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a report of a disorderly individual in the area of the Caroline Street comfort station on the Boardwalk. Communications advised there was a male screaming at a female who was inside the comfort station bathroom.

Upon arrival, the officer located a known local homeless man identified as Jeffery Graham, 32, whom he had known through previous interactions. The officer observed Graham as he staggered down the Boardwalk yelling something incoherently.

While the officer watched, Graham forcefully spiked a half-full plastic bottle of soft drink onto the Boardwalk, according to police reports. The officer reportedly observed Graham pick up the plastic

bottle again and spike it onto the Boardwalk a second time. A family in the area guided their children away from Graham, who reportedly told them he was sorry.

Graham was taken into custody at that point and admitted to being drunk and disorderly, according to police reports. He also admitted there was alcohol in the soda bottle he had been slamming on the Boardwalk, according to police reports.

OCPD officers interviewed Graham’s girlfriend, who reportedly told police Graham had consumed two bottles of bourbon and was highly intoxicated when he assaulted her. The victim reportedly told police she was sitting on a bench near the comfort station when Graham walked up from behind her, grabbed her sweatshirt and shook her, according to police reports.

The victim told police Graham then punched her in the back of the head and on the side of her neck with a closed fist.

The officer observed abrasions on the victim’s next that appeared to be fresh and were consistent with being punched as she described.

The victim told police she fled into the ladies’ room at the comfort station and Graham followed her inside, according to police reports. OCPD officers interviewed a witness to the incident, a bathroom attendant working the Caroline Street comfort station. The witness essentially corroborated the victim’s version of the incident.

Graham was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. It was later learned Graham poured water on the intercom located in his holding cell. According to police

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reports, it was uncertain at the time if the intercom had been destroyed.

Hotel Room Eviction OCEAN CITY – Two Germantown, Md., men were arrested last weekend after getting evicted from a north-end hotel room and refusing to leave.

Around 3:40 a.m. last Sunday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a hotel at 120th Street to assist with an eviction. OCPD officers had previously been called to assist with evictions of two other rooms on the third floor, but the occupants of the third room involved in the noise complaint had not answered the door.

The hotel manager told police she walked near the room and heard loud noises as if there was a party going on

inside, according to police reports. The officer arrived and heard loud noises coming from inside. The officer knocked on the door, which was answered by an individual identified as Timothy Lehr, 22, of Germantown, Md. The officer advised Lehr and a second occupant, identified as Robert McNamee, 21, also of Germantown, they were being evicted.

Both Lehr and McNamee were argumentative and refused to gather their belongings and leave the room after being told to do so by the officer roughly 20 times. When they did come outside the unit, there were screaming profanity to the point numerous other people came out of their rooms to see what was going on. Lehr and McNamee were each arrested and charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct.

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Most Wanted Man Apprehended

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Suspect Arrested On Assault Charges

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MANAGING EDITOR

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Around 9:50 p.m. last Tuesday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to the downtown area for a reported 911 call hang-up. Ocean City Communications advised there was an audible verbal argument between a male and a female in the background during the hang-up.

OCPD officers responded to the scene and observed a suspect later identified as Stavros Kominos, 35, of Newark, walking away on the sidewalk at Talbot Street at a fast pace, according to police reports. OCPD officers also observed a vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed.

OCPD officers stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as the female victim in the reported incident. The victim told police she had been in an argument with Kominos prior to their arrival and provided his description to the officers,

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according to police reports. The victim was reportedly reluctant to provide information about the incident and tried to act as if nothing was wrong, according to police reports.

While speaking with the victim, officers observed red marks consistent with strangulation on her neck, according to police reports. Officers asked the victim if Kominos had been physical with her during the altercation and she told them he had not, but when asked if Kominos had strangled her, the victim’s eyes filled with tears and she told the officers “he choked me out in the middle of the street,” according to police reports.

Ocean City EMS responded to the scene, but the victim refused treatment.

OCPD officers attempted to get more information about the alleged assault, but the victim turned away and repeatedly said she did not want to press charges, according to police reports. The victim appeared to be getting more and more agitated as officers continued to ask her questions about the incident, according to police reports. She did, however, tell police where Kominos could be located, at a residence near North Division Street and Philadelphia Avenue.

OCPD officers located Kominos at the residence and detained him. Kominos reportedly told the officers he had been in an argument with the victim near Talbot Street, but denied the argument ever became physical, according to police reports. Because of the victim’s testimony and evidence of strangulation on her neck, Kominos was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault.

Because of his long history of crime and because of the nature of the charges against him, Kominos was ordered to be held without bail. There was a time over a decade ago when Kominos was considered the OCPD’s “most wanted” for his role in a spree of burglaries in the resort area.

In March 2008, OCPD officers responded to a trailer park in the 24th Street area for a reported break-in. Initially, OCPD officers believed they were responding to a single burglary, but a thorough search of the entire trailer park revealed as many as 14 break-ins. Evidence gathered at the scene allowed investigators to connect the burglaries to Kominos, who was no longer in the area.

Kominos remained on the OCPD’s “most wanted” list for months before he was located in Florida. He was arrested and extradited to Worcester County where he faced 32 total charges, including 12 counts of first-degree burglary and 11 counts of felony malicious destruction of property.

He eventually pleaded guilty to one county of conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary and was sentenced to five years, all but four months and 15 days of which were suspended.

Councilman Vents About Sports Complex

May 6, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – On the heels of last month’s vote by the Worcester County Commissioners to approve a land buy for a future sports complex, an Ocean City councilman used his comment time this week to soapbox on the subject.

Last week, the county commissioners voted 4-3 to proceed with buying a 95-acre parcel west of Stephen Decatur High School for a future sports complex and to finance the $11 million project through a bond sale. While the project is essentially a county one, Ocean City, which has long desired tapping into the multi-billion-dollar youth sports market, will likely be a partner on some level along with the state of Maryland.

After the narrow 4-3 vote, there are already grumblings of discontent with the proposed property purchase. For example, Berlin officials have grumbled the town was not included in the discussion in advance of the vote. A petition for referendum drive is also underway by a group of citizens.

During the council comment period of Monday’s regular Mayor and Council meeting, Councilman John Gehrig, a fierce advocate for a sports complex in the area and tapping into the burgeoning youth sports market, covered a lot of ground, including its potential impact on the property tax rate in the future.

“This is not just for Ocean City residents, but for the other county residents as well,” he said. “I’m just going to have to be relentless on this, and I hope my other colleagues will be as well. It’s time for all of us to really pay attention to what’s going on around us, about what we’re discussing, and what’s going on at our county commissioner meetings and at the state legislature level.”

Gehrig said the sitting council was given clear directives during the last election cycle, none of which included a property tax cut.

“At the last election, we had some clear mandates,” he said. “One of them was to clean up the pop-up event, clean up June and bring the families back.

Those were the election items. Not one person said cut my property taxes by 18 cents. Not one single person. What they said was make this place safer and attract families and get them here. I think we’re executing. We have debates and discussions and we don’t always see eye to eye, but I think we’re a highly functional group and I think we’re executing on a very high level as far as meeting those mandates.”

Gehrig said even with budget challenges, the council was poised to pass a fiscal year 2023 budget at the constant yield tax rate.

“The cost of everything is going up like crazy,” he said. “We have the same issues here. If you pay attention to our meetings, every meeting we discuss something that is going to cost us more in the future, every single meeting whether it’s the difficulty in hiring part-time employees or overtime.”

He said maintaining the safety and

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

cleanliness of the resort was requiring more and more staff and there was a cost associated with that.

“You want to make this place safe?” he said. “It’s going to require more parttime police officers and public safety and public works people. You want clean?

You want safe? You want your tax dollars to work for you? We work like crazy to have the people we need to do all of that. That’s going to cost us more today, tomorrow and in the future.”

Gehrig also said aging infrastructure was a concern in terms of the prudent spending of tax dollars.

“We have infrastructure we need to invest in,” he said. “Do we know when a sewer pipe is going to break? Ask Fort Lauderdale. They had sewage running through the streets literally. We hear lower my taxes by 18 cents. That sounds great until you have sewage running down your sidewalk.”

Gehrig said fiscal conservatism and prudent budgeting has allowed the town to maintain the property tax rate at the constant yield in the proposed budget, but there could come a time when property taxes have to be raised to meet the demands of operating the town. It has been anathema for this council and prior councils to raise property taxes and that is not likely, but investing in marketing and business development, including the proposed sports complex, will help avoid that eventuality, he said.

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Notice of Public Hearing Amended Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan FY 2023 through FY 2027 Worcester County, Maryland The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on the Amended Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal year (FY) 2023 through FY2027. The CIP is a planning document the County will use in preparing future operating budgets, to anticipate future financial needs of the County and to identify possible funding resources. The Capital Improvement Plan has been amended to accurately reflect the updated projects that will be bonded for FY2023/2024. The most significant changes are the removal of the Ocean Pines Spray Irrigation ($3,250,000) and the update of the Ocean Pines Belt Filter Press project (from $3,550,000 to $4,600,000). Inclusion of a project in the CIP does not constitute a guarantee of funding from the County. Some capital projects will be added, deleted and/or amended as necessary. As with the Operating Budget, the projects for each fund have to be balanced with the resources available in that fund.

PUBLIC HEARING Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 10:40 A.M. in the County Commissioners Meeting Room Room 1101 - Government Center One West Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 Copies of the Worcester County Amended Capital Improvement Plan for FY2023 through FY2027 summary may be obtained online at www.co.worcester.md.us. For additional information, please contact the County Administration Office at (410) 632-1194.

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… Gehrig Addresses Concerns Over Project Cost, Tax Hike

Page 24

FROM PAGE 23 “So how do we pay for all of this?” he said. “We’re either going to make it, or we’re going to take it. That’s not a threat.

That’s just a reality for government. We need to seek ways to make money or we’re going to have to take other people’s money. That’s called taxes.”

Gehrig said the proposed sports complex is a step in that direction. He said fears of a property tax increase because of the sports complex property purchase in the county were unfounded and identified several sources of state grants and funds that would be used to pay for the project.

“Something needs to be done,” he said. “That’s what we’re working like crazy to do. The sports complex is one idea with merit. It’s a $20 billion industry that has grown from $9 billion in the last 10 years. There are 50 million people that live within a five-hour drive from here. There are families that drive up to 12 hours to take their kids to these tournaments. They’re spending up to $13,000 per child per year and they might have three or four children and they’re dividing up the duties and going different places.”

Gehrig referenced a recent tour of a relatively new sports complex in Virginia Beach. He said he and others from Ocean City toured a 300,000-square-foot indoor space.

“People who don’t like sports com-

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plexes are never going to go,” he said.

“They’ll refuse to step foot anywhere near where kids are having fun. Two weeks later we had a blizzard. Well, they had a blizzard too and they were still filled with thousands of kids and their families for a volleyball tournament in the middle of a blizzard.”

Gehrig said that type of scenario can and likely will play out in Ocean City with the right sports facilities.

“We live here, so we take the beach for granted, but people will come to the beach in the wintertime,” he said.

“Those kids were having the times of their lives. We can fill this place all year long, but it will take courage and not fear and cynicism. There are opponents.

We’re seeking ideas and they’ll say this is not a good idea, so bring forth other ideas.”

Gehrig cautioned against buying into the fear propagated by opponents of the proposed sports complex.

“What we’re hearing is the government is corrupt and it’s stealing our money,” he said. “They’re saying if this sports complex is approved, they’re going to raise your taxes. They’re going to knock on your door at dinnertime with a clipboard and propagate fear. They’re relying on people not paying attention. I want everyone to be aware of what’s going on and what is the truth. I encourage everyone to wake up and pay attention to what is going on.”

May 6, 2022

The councilman then went back to his soliloquy about those who call for a cut in the property tax rate.

“Here are the alternatives,” he said.

“Cut advertising so my tax rate can be cut 18 cents. Get rid of all of that fund balance, that’s another 15 cents. We don’t need any investment in economic development. That’s not a government function. Just cut my taxes and I’ll cross my fingers. If crossing your fingers is a strategy, then I’m not your guy. Hope is not a strategy. I don’t want to raise taxes. None of us do. I want to make money because Ocean City is great. We will make money if we have the courage to invest some. No one is raising property taxes no matter what they say.”

Gehrig reiterated there were several funding sources available to help pay for the proposed sports complex, from state Program Open Space funds to Tri-County Council grants, and from partnering with the Maryland Stadium Authority to naming rights and sponsorships. He referenced a bill passed by the General Assembly to supply an influx of funding for projects such as the proposed sports complex.

Gehrig said parking revenue alone could pay the debt service on the bond to build the proposed sports complex.

He said presuming a 100-team tournament, that would likely be 1,000 vehicles coming. He said people routinely pay $20 per day to park for the events, times

1,000 vehicles for a three-day event equals $60,000.

“Even if we did a terrible job and only filled it up half the time, or just two weekends a month, that’s still $120,000 per month just in parking revenue,” he said.

“That’s $120,000 per month just from parking to cover the $60,000 per month note.”

Gehrig closed by addressing those concerned about the proposed sports complex and the potential impact on property tax rates.

“We have some opponents, and those opponents are going to knock on your door and write letters and do whatever they can to say this sports complex is going to raise your taxes,” he said.

“They’re going to say the economy is going to turn, or the stock market is going to drop. They’re going to use every fear tactic. We all need to wake up and know the facts and listen to the people who represent you or replace them. You need to either trust us or replace us. We don’t want to take it, so we’re trying to make it and it’s right there for us. Don’t let fear win.”

Mayor Rick Meehan agreed with much of Gehrig’s comments.

“Well said, Councilman Gehrig,” he said. “We have an opportunity to make this area and Worcester County the amateur sports capital of Maryland and that should be our goal. I hope the citizens recognize that and so many of them do.”

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Next Step In Margaritaville Project OK’d

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OC Council Accepts Findings Of Fact

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The proposed Margaritaville project inched closer to becoming a reality this week with resort officials accepting the findings of fact from the Planning Commission despite some misgivings about the square footage required for a planned overlay district.

The Mayor and Council had before them on Monday a revised and updated findings of fact from the planning commission for the planned overlay district (POD) for the proposed Margaritaville Hotel and Conference Center, which would encompass an entire city block downtown on the oceanside facing the Boardwalk between 13th and 14th streets. In March, the council approved two key elements for the project, including approval of the POD, essentially a zoning map amendment to allow for the proposed redevelopment of the entire block.

The council also agreed to convey the rights to the air space over Washington Lane to allow the Boardwalk-side elements to connect to the other elements on the Baltimore Avenue side.

Washington Lane is essentially an alley that bisects the proposed project’s properties, and conveying the air rights over the alley is essential to the project.

After a marathon hearing in November, the planning commission forwarded a favorable recommendation for the requested POD for the Margaritaville project to the Mayor and Council with a list of 13 conditions of approval attached.

When the Mayor and Council reviewed the planning commission’s recommendation in March, the elected officials added four more conditions for approval, bringing the list to 17.

On Monday, Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville presented an updated version of the findings of fact reflecting the conditions the Mayor and Council added for the project. The council ultimately voted 5-

0 to approve the updated findings of fact with Council President Matt James and Councilman Peter Buas absent.

“This is an item that you’ve seen before,” said Neville. “On March 21, you accepted the recommendation from the planning commission regarding the planned overlay district for the Margaritaville property. At that time, you had findings of fact from the planning commission level and recommended conditions. The council approved additional conditions.”

Neville said the approval of the updated findings of fact was a necessary next step in bringing the Margaritaville project to fruition.

“Tonight, before you is an updated version of the findings of fact and the staff recommends you adopt this updated findings of fact so that you’re ready for the next step in the process, which is the reading of the ordinance for the planned overlay district,” he said. “It will be a multi-step process.”

The proposed project over 12 different lots would include 265 hotel rooms and three restaurants, including the JWB Grill with high-end steaks and seafood, the Landshark Bar and Grill and a coffee shop and provisions store in the lobby. The project would also include three outdoor pools and one indoor pool, a wellness center and gym, 14,000 square feet of flexible convention center space, retail stores facing the Boardwalk and many other upscale amenities.

The project would replace the old Phillips Beach Plaza property along with associated parcels within the full city block. With the air rights over Washington Lane issue resolved in March, and the POD request accepted at the same time, the next step was approving the amended findings of fact and moving forward with approval of an ordinance codifying the POD. Again, the council approved the amended findings of fact with additional conditions included as a matter of SEE PAGE 36

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Page 26

OC’s Springfest Returns For 31st Anniversary Event

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Ocean City’s Inlet parking lot is pictured during last year’s Springfest event.

May 6, 2022

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OCEAN CITY – Ocean City’s Springfest Arts and Crafts Festival has returned for its 31st anniversary, beginning yesterday and running through Sunday.

Visitors and residents are invited to Maryland’s Eastern Shore for live music, art, crafts, food and more – all located in the Inlet parking lot, adjacent to Ocean City’s Boardwalk and beach.

Springfest comes to life with a diverse variety of live outdoor musical entertainment all day long for four days.

Visitors should bring their appetite as the event includes delicious offerings from famous Eastern Shore delicacies to a wide assortment of food, beer and wine. Springfest, one of the top Arts and Crafts Shows in the United States, features over 250 vendors selling art and crafts.

New to this year’s Springfest, there will be free opportunities for the public to watch, learn, and even try beach tennis, which combines elements of tennis and volleyball on a court size the same as beach volleyball. Open play will be offered with clinics planned and an exhibition tournament on designated courts set up behind the indoor entertainment stage.

Springfest is fun for people of all ages and admission to the four-day event is free, including daytime entertainment. Headliners for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening shows include Romeo Delight “The Ultimate Van Halen Experience,” Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. Tickets can be purchased online at ococean.com.

The free entertainment schedule began on Thursday with a full slate of live music. It continues throughout the weekend.

Friday, May 6, Indoor Stage, 10:15 a.m., Rick K Road Trip; Noon, Saved

by Zero; 2 p.m., Kittyback; 4 p.m., Jimmy Charles; Outdoor Stage, 11 a.m., Still Rockin’ Band; 1 p.m., Beach Bandits; 3 p.m., Rick K Road Trip; 5 p.m., Dad Jokes; 6:30 p.m., DJ Kutt.

Saturday, May 7: Indoor Stage, 10:15 a.m., Rick K Road Trip; Noon, Real Diamond “Neil Diamond Tribute Band; 2 p.m., Sapphire; 4 p.m., Randy Lee & the Saltwater Cowboys.

Outdoor Stage, 11 a.m., Jukehouse Bombers; 1 p.m., Rick K Road Trip; 3 p.m., Route 50; 5 p.m., Guys in Thin Ties; 6:30 p.m. BK & Crissy of Radio OC. Sunday, May 8: Indoor Stage, 11:30 a.m., Recreation Dancers; 1:30 p.m., Bob Lougheed & the Memphis Mafia; 3:30 p.m., Doc Marten & The Flannels.

Outdoor Stage, 10:15 a.m., Island Fusion; 12:30 p.m., Mathew Street Band; 2:30 p.m., Mike Hines & the Look; 4:30 p.m., Back to the Beach Band “Beach Boys Tribute” Hours for the event are Thursday to Saturday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 27

Ocean City Council Approves Budget At Constant Yield Rate

Page 28

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MANAGING EDITOR

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OCEAN CITY – After a brief public hearing on the proposed constant yield property tax rate, resort officials on Monday approved on first reading the fiscal year 2023 operating budget.

Early during Monday’s regular meeting, the Mayor and Council held a public hearing on the proposed constant yield tax rate. Later during the session, the council approved on first reading the proposed fiscal year 2023 operating budget. The first order of business, however, was the hearing on the constant yield tax rate.

The proposed budget sets the property tax rate at the constant yield of .4526 per $100 of assessed value. The constant yield is the tax rate needed to produce the same revenue as the prior year in order to maintain the same level of services and programs as the prior year.

Last year’s budget was set at the constant yield rate of .4561, meaning the fiscal year 2023 rate would represent a modest property tax decrease for many.

Residential property taxes were reassessed in the last cycle and property values went up modestly in general.

May 6, 2022

Those whose Ocean City properties are their primary residences are insulated from rising property taxes due to increased assessments by the Homestead Tax Cap, which is set at 0% in Ocean City. However, non-resident property owners are not protected by the cap. Nonetheless, setting the property tax rate at the constant yield represents a modest tax decrease for many. City Manager Terry McGean explained the difference at the outset of the public hearing on the constant yield tax rate.

“The purpose of this is to consider the adoption of the fiscal year 2023 budget,” he said. “It maintains a constant yield tax rate at .4526 per $100 of assessed value. The constant yield actually ends up with a reduced tax rate.”

Former councilman and fiscal watchdog Vince Gisriel spoke during the public hearing on the constant yield rate, but first referenced his pet project- the town’s unreserved fund balance. Heretofore, the town’s stated policy was to maintain fund balance at 15% of the total operating budget, but that figure has grown in recent years.

Last week, the council voted to increase that minimum fund balance threshold to 17% after moving some of the undesignated funds around to certain capital projects and to increase the separate capital reserve fund dedicated to ongoing maintenance projects such as street paving and canal dredging, for example. On Monday, Gisriel said, for a change, he was not coming up to rail about the burgeoning fund budget, however.

“Typically, when I come up here it is to address the fund balance,” he said.

“I understand there has been a lot of movement with those funds. I saw last week you raised it to 17% and that is probably wise.”

However, Gisriel said despite the proposed constant yield tax rate in the fiscal year 2023 budget, there was still room for a modest decrease for property owners.

“Every year you underestimate revenues and overestimate the expenditures,” he said. “Every year I ask you to lower the tax rate by a couple of cents.

I’m not going to apologize one iota when you don’t give back to the taxpayers.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca pointed out the proposed constant yield rate did represent a decrease for property owners.

“Last year, it was .4561 and this year it is .4526,” he said. “That’s a property tax deduction for homeowners.”

Councilman John Gehrig said with certain other economic factors involved, the proposed constant yield rate in the fiscal year 2023 budget represents even more in savings for property owners.

“On paper, it’s a 1% decrease,” he said. “With inflation, we’re talking about a property tax cut in real dollars of about 11%. That’s the reality. Other jurisdicSEE PAGE 35

Sifrit Denied Parole 20 Years After Brutal OC Slaying

May 6, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The male half of the most notorious couple in resort history was denied parole last week nearly 20 years after a grisly double homicide.

Benjamin Sifrit, now 44, and his wife Erika killed and dismembered a Virginia couple in a north-end condo in Ocean City on Memorial Day weekend in 2002.

Benjamin Sifrit had a parole hearing last Thursday before the Maryland Patrol Commission at the Roxbury Correctional Facility in Hagerstown where he has been incarcerated since being convicted of second-degree murder for his role in the death of Martha Crutchley.

Benjamin Sifrit was sentenced to 38 years in prison, and was first eligible for parole in 2017, but chose to postpone that initial hearing. Last Thursday, a twomember panel of the parole commission heard the case with Sifrit present along with a correctional case manager. Representatives of the victims also participated virtually.

After the hearing, which lasted an hour and 40 minutes, the board members denied the request for parole, keeping Benjamin Sifrit behind bars at Roxbury. He is next eligible for a parole hearing in two years. His mandatory release date is in 2030, although he was eligible for a parole hearing after serving half of his 38year sentence.

Benjamin Sifrit and his wife Erika were convicted in the deaths of Joshua Ford and Crutchley in a north-end penthouse condo in Ocean City on Memorial Day weekend in 2002. The Sifrits lured the couple to their penthouse condo where they were shot and killed after a ruse about a missing purse. The Sifrits then dismembered the deceased Ford and Crutchley and distributed remains in dumpsters in southern Delaware, portions of which were later found in a landfill.

Because of pre-trial publicity, Benjamin Sifrit was tried in Montgomery County, where he was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Crutchley. Erika Sifrit was tried in Frederick County and was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Ford and second-degree murder in the death of Crutchley. Erika Sifrit was sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years.

The Sifrits first met Ford and Crutchley when they boarded a resort bus at 143rd Street in Ocean City hours before the horrific crime. The Sifrits did not have exact change when they boarded the bus and Ford agreed to cover their fare.

The two couples struck up a conversation during the bus ride south and later went to a resort nightclub together where they shared drinks, danced and became fast friends. Another couple had joined the pair at some point, but parted ways when the Sifrits unnerved them with their forwardness.

The Sifrits and Ford and Crutchley later went back to the latter's condo at the Atlantis for a nightcap and when the Sifrits invited them to come over to the

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Rainbow to see the posh penthouse they were staying in, the couple obliged.

They would never be seen again. The Sifrits later engaged Ford and Crutchley in a game of sorts that led to the brutal murders. Erika Sifrit claimed her purse was missing and suspected Ford and Crutchley had taken it. When Benjamin Sifrit, a former Navy SEAL became enraged by the phony theft and brandished a gun, Ford and Crutchley retreated to the bathroom in the master bedroom and barricaded the door.

Exactly what happened next is known only to Benjamin and Erika Sifrit, but what is known is that Ford was shot first through the bathroom door and shot several more times after Benjamin presumably kicked down the door. It remains uncertain if Crutchley was also shot to death. One of Crutchley's legs was dis-

Page 29

covered later in the Delaware landfill.

Early on, Erika Sifrit claimed her husband had killed both Ford and Crutchley, but Benjamin Sifrit claimed during his trial he had passed out in the couple's Jeep while Erika killed Ford and Crutchley upstairs in the penthouse.

Benjamin Sifrit did admit to dismembering the bodies in an effort to cover for his wife, and the pair packed the victims’ body parts in plastic trash bags and dispersed them in dumpsters across Sussex County.

After weeks of compelling and gruesome testimony in both trials, the juries in the separate cases returned with guilty verdicts, ensuring both Sifrits would spend a long time behind bars, and in Erika’s case her life.

A botched robbery at a north-end restaurant a week after the murders con-

nected the Sifrits to the missing couple.

Erika Sifrit had a penchant for Hooter's merchandize and when the couple was arrested for attempting to burglarize the Hooter's restaurant on 123rd Street in Ocean City nearly a week after the murders, resort police began to unravel the evidence that connected Benjamin and Erika Sifrit to the missing couple from Virginia.

While being taken into custody, Erika Sifrit asked the arresting officers to get her medication out of her purse. While searching for the pills, the officers found the missing couple's identification cards, spent bullet casings, handcuffs, and weapons, including the .357 Magnum later discovered to be the murder weapon. Erika Sifrit was later found wearing a ring belonging to Ford on a chain around her neck.

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Three Candidates File To Run For Berlin Town Council

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – With the election still five months away, three candidates have already filed to run for town council seats in Berlin.

Town staff confirmed this week that Councilman Jay Knerr filed for the atlarge seat while resident Steve Green filed for the District 1 seat and resident Tony Weeg filed for the District 4 seat. Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said that while the filing deadline isn’t until September it’s not entirely unusual for candidates to sign up months in advance.

“It varies,” she said. “Some years we’ve gotten one or two this early.”

Bohlen noted that while Knerr, Green and Weeg have filed, they’re not yet certified. The board of elections, which is still short one member, has to certify the candidates.

Bohlen said any citizen interested in filing for council should contact her at town hall. Those with questions about voter registration status should visit vote.org.

“If they are registered to vote in Worcester County at their current address then they’re registered for the town,” she said. “It’s not a separate registration.”

Seats up for grabs in this year’s Oct. 4 election are the at-large position, the

District 1 position and the District 4 position. Knerr, who defeated Weeg in 2020 to get the at-large seat, said he was eager to continue serving.

“For the past several years Berlin has been on a solid growth trend,” he said.

“As a council member I have been concerned about growth getting out of control with repeated large-scale developments and annexation requests. Preserving the integrity of our town for our residents is paramount.

Building our capital reserves and replacing ancient infrastructure is a must. For the past year and a half, since I was elected, I have been JAY KNERR working towards that goal. I would like the opportunity to continue representing the residents of our town and keep with that endeavor. Taxes low, town finances in check, keeping the balance between residents and tourism, replacing aging infrastructure, stabilizing the growth of our town, are the priorities. I look forward to serving as your at-large council member for the next four years.”

In what will be his first political campaign, Green is seeking the seat currently held by Councilman Troy Purnell.

Purnell confirmed this week he was not seeking reelection.

“It’s time. It’s been 14 years,” he said,

adding that he thought Green was the ideal candidate to replace him. “He’ll do a great job.”

Green said he wanted to apply his small business experience and perspective as a longtime Berlin resident to elected office.

“I am running for the District 1 council seat because I know in my heart I will bring passion, knowledge, dedication, professionalism and experience to the position,” he said. “Though I have not held elected office previously, I lived in Berlin for more than 20 years of my life and have been involved in leadership positions within community organizations providSTEVE GREEN ing me the experience of working together with individuals toward a common goal. I know about accountability and the balance between responsible leadership and having the guts to make difficult decision. I know how to work with people. I find great joy in partnering with others to accomplish meaningful goals and objectives.”

In District 4, incumbent Councilman Dean Burrell hasn’t filed yet, but says he’s planning to seek reelection. Weeg says a variety of issues prompted him to run.

“Communication in town hall is one thing that has to become far more con-

May 6, 2022

genial and productive,” he said. “There is a certain air of surprise, and lack of teamwork that has become the norm in our council meetings and that has to stop. We need to make sure that we do not lose steam or direction on the community center. We also have a slew of developers, and land grabs happening all around us and we need to make sure that we have a clear path on our future, and what the bounds of our town look like. I think that keeping Berlin, Berlin, and retainTONY WEEG ing a way of life is crucial to the success of the town from a resident, business, and visitor standpoint. I also believe that we need to revisit the short-term rental legislation and accommodate special circumstances in town where it does make sense to have a second building on your property that is livable, and shareable with a visitor to our town. I also think we need clear direction with the layout and contents of our parks – we have a 100% community funded skatepark coming, and we need to come together on a location, and move forward to give the kids this awesome town feature. I know that I can bring a process efficiency mindset, and a wealth of computer and communication knowledge that does not exist in the chambers today.”

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Ocean Pines Personnel Recognized At Annual Legion Event

May 6, 2022

BERLIN – Two Ocean Pines Police workers received top honors during a recent ceremony of the American Legion, Synepuxent Post 166.

For 2021, the Legion honored Lt. Shakhan Toppin as Police Officer of the Year and Pco. Cindy Ward as Dispatcher of the Year.

Ocean Pines Police Chief Leo Ehrisman said the American Legion has long shown staunch support for local law enforcement.

“The American Legion is a big backer of emergency services,” he said. “Any officer, fireman, or veteran, if you walk in and say, ‘I need a meal, I’ve been working on 10 hours and I need a sandwich,’ their doors are open.”

Ehrisman said the legion also hosts annual recognition ceremonies for local police, firefighters, EMS, and Coast Guard workers.

“The American Legion calls each organization for a nominee, and then the chief for each gets to make a nomination and they get to present the award with one of the American Legion personnel,” he said.

Ehrisman said both Toppin and Ward are long-time members of the Ocean Pines Police Department that have demonstrated their strong work ethic and leadership skills.

“I nominated Toppin because he recently moved up into the command staff, with his promotion to lieutenant after many years of experience being a road supervisor,” Ehrisman said. “He’s been on the command staff since I took office here, as police chief, two years ago.

“Cindy has many years of experience as a 911 dispatcher, and she’s also our training coordinator for public communications,” he continued. “It was also cool to see the dispatcher awards for the first time this year, because those dispatchers are always left out and they’re an important part of our department.”

Ehrisman said the awards serve as a significant morale boost.

“I think it leaves a big impression, because it’s the American Legion of Ocean City, but they don’t limit their support and their resources to Ocean City.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

Shakban Toppin, above left, was named Ocean Pines Officer of the Year by the American Legion of Ocean City. Also pictured are Legion’s Bob Gilmore and Ocean Pines Police Chief Leo Ehrisman. Above right, Ocean Pines Dispatcher of the Year was presented to Cindy Ward by Gilmore and Ehrisman.

Submitted Photos

They offer that support to all agencies in the county,” he said.

Ehrisman said the Ocean Pines Police Department is currently hiring offi-

cers and dispatchers. Police academy candidates are also welcome to apply.

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Fenwick Officials Reviewing Town Parking Ordinance

Page 32

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Town officials say they are looking into an existing ordinance that could impact commercial parking on residential lots.

Following complaints from residents at an Ad Hoc Parking Committee meeting late last month, Fenwick Island Town Manager Pat Schuchman said the town is currently reviewing an existing ordinance that involves commercial parking in the residential district.

While some businesses have been using residential lots for commercial parking, she said a section of the town’s zoning code could prohibit such actions.

“We’re still doing our research,” she said in an interview last week.

In late April, members of the Ad Hoc Parking Committee met for the first time

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with a goal of exploring potential parking solutions in town.

During public comments, however, property owner Gary Hunter said he wanted the town to looking into a potential parking issue at 2 W. Houston Street, which adjoins his family’s lot.

“You’re probably aware at 2 W. Houston Street Fenwick Shores hotel is constructing a parking lot for their employees and their guests,” he said. “Our opinion and the opinion of our neighbors is that a commercial parking lot in a neighborhood that is zoned for residential use only is not appropriate.”

Hunter said his family was concerned the use of the lot for commercial parking would bring disruptions.

“We’re all quite concerned about this because of the disruptions it would bring to our neighborhood, possibly lowered property values and we’re concerned

about the employees and guests who will use it too because they are going to have to walk two-and-a-half blocks from this residential parking lot to Fenwick Shores and they’ll be walking along Coastal Highway …,” he said.

Georgetown Street resident Ginny Schreppler said she was also had concerns about the property’s use.

“We are proud of our businesses, we want the town to flourish,” she said. “But at the same time what I value about the town is its quietness, its peacefulness, its privacy. You can’t find that anywhere else.”

She continued, “I think when we are making these decisions, it’s paramount that we take all of this into consideration.”

In March, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted to table an ordinance amendment that would prohibit commer-

May 6, 2022

cial parking on residential property, with the exception of home occupations and professional offices lawfully located on a lot in the residential zone.

During his comments to the committee, Hunter questioned why the ordinance was tabled.

“We’ve communicated with the mayor and the town council members,” he said.

“All of them are sympathetic to our concerns, but it seems like they are not going to proceed with this amendment to the town code, which would solve the problem.”

Schuchman told Hunter the town was currently exploring an existing ordinance on parking regulations.

“Our town attorney has advised us that our current ordinance does prohibit parking for commercial use on a residential lot. Parking spaces on a residential lot are required to be incident to the use of the house, which in this case it’s not,” she explained. “We’re in the process of dealing with that in a proper manner, but that’s as much as I can say right now.”

When asked if that information would be communicated to the property owner, Schuchman said it would. However, committee member Scott Mumford – whose family owns Warren’s Station Restaurant and uses a residential lot for employee parking – said it was the first he had heard of it.

“You don’t want to teeter with the rights of private property,” he said. “You know I’m a team player, always have been. But we’ve been doing this for 30 years … This is news to me.”

West Indian Street resident Jo Haring told officials she had no problems with the Mumfords using their residential lot for commercial parking.

“I do not quite understand why some people are concerned about it. We have not seen it as a problem at all,” she said.

“Employees park, they leave at a reasonable hour, and there’s been no muss and no fuss.”

She continued, “I know you’re not going to solve the problem here today, but I just want you to know that in our household we have had not had an issue with the Mumfords at all and the parking on their lot.”

In an interview last week, Schuchman said section 10-C of the town’s zoning code limits commercial parking spaces to the same lot with the structure they are intended to serve. The code also states, if approved by the town council, open parking spaces can be located on other lots, which certain provisions in place.

Schuchman said the town was looking into the matter and would be in contact with business owners using residential lots for parking.

When asked what would happen if some sort of agreement couldn’t be reached, she said, “I really don’t know at this point.”

Spiro Buas, developer of the Fenwick Shores property, confirmed this week he had received some correspondence from the town.

However, he did not return requests for comment.

Jazz & Blues, Wine & Brews Returns

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Event To Include Tastings, Live Music

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The Berlin Chamber of Commerce will host the 15th annual Jazz, Blues, Wine & Brews event on Main Street this week.

On Saturday, May 7, visitors are invited to downtown Berlin for a day of wine tasting and live music. Officials say tickets can be purchased in advance or the day of the event.

“You can shop, dine, check out local vendors and explore Berlin at its finest,” said Larnet St. Amant, executive director of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce.

While the town has hosted a May jazz and blues event for more than a decade, this is just the second time the event will feature wine tastings. After buying a ticket, which costs $25 in advance or $30 the day of the event, participants will receive a commemorative glass and lanyard and the opportunity to taste up to 36 wines from six different vintners.

The Berlin Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Atlantic Hotel and Republic National Distributing Company to set up six tents that will each feature six types of wines. Wines will be offered from Kobrand, Pernod Ricard, Palm Bay, Delicato, Trinchero and Espirit Du Vin. St. Amant said Burley Oak would be serving beer during the event while the

Buzz Meadery and Lyon Rum would be selling their products for attendees to take home.

There will also be some vendors set up throughout town as well as live music on two different stages.

“We’re going to alternate jazz and blues music,” St. Amant said.

Performers include Everett Spells at 10 a.m., the Salisbury University Jazz Band at 11 a.m., Bryan Russo at noon, the U.S. Navy Commodores at 1 p.m., Lower Case Blues at 2 p.m., Pete Bozick & The Larks at 3 p.m. and Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos at 4 p.m.

Saturday’s event is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with wine tasting beginning at 11 a.m.

Attendees are encouraged to park at Stephen Decatur Park and walk to Main Street.

“Come early, stay late,” St. Amant said.

“It’s a fun day.”

May marks the start of a busy few months of events in downtown Berlin. In addition to hosting a farmers market every Sunday, Berlin will also be the site of Reggae Play Day on May 14, Berlin Spring Cruisers on May 21 and the Berlin Memorial Day Parade on May 30.

The annual parade begins at 11 a.m. at Stephen Decatur Middle School and ends at Henry Park with music, food, games and vendors.

Page 33

Page 34

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Email Breach, Offers Guidance

SNOW HILL – Following an extensive forensic investigation into a phishing incident that occurred between Nov. 10-20, 2020, Worcester County Government (WCG) agencies and cybersecurity professionals discovered that a WCG email account had been breached.

The email account contained limited personal information belonging to approximately 3,000 WCG and Board of Education (BOE) employee and retiree accounts.

There is no forensic evidence that any of the information accessed has been misused. However, WCG implemented significant measures to protect everyone impacted by this incident.

On April 27, WCG issued letters to each person whose information may have been affected. Each letter specifies what personal information was impacted. Credit and debit account information was not impacted.

Incidents like this breach can occur at any time, according to the county. However, there are steps that individuals can take to protect against the misuse of sensitive information.

• Remain vigilant. Review account statements for fraudulent or irregular activity.

• Order a free credit report. Federal law entitles you to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major nationwide credit reporting companies.

• Contact your financial institution. If you see a fraudulent charge on your payment card, contact the financial institution that issued your card.

• Those who suspect that their personal information may have been compromised may consider placing a one-year fraud alert and/or security freeze on your credit file by visiting https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html • Report fraud. If you find suspicious activity on your credit reports or have reason to believe your information is being misused, contact local law enforcement and file a police report. Get a copy of the police report, as many creditors will want the information it contains to absolve you of fraudulent debts.

Learn more about how to avoid fraud, scams, and bad business practices and what to do if you are scammed by visiting the Federal Trade Commission at https://consumer.ftc.gov/.

… DeLuca: Rate ‘A Property Tax Deduction For Homeowners’

May 6, 2022

FROM PAGE 28 tions are hoping to come in with a constant rate with their property tax rate and we’re coming in with a tax cut.”

With the constant yield public hearing concluded, the council later during Monday’s meeting approved on first reading the proposed fiscal year 2023 budget as a matter of course.

The total fiscal year 2023 budget comes in at over $156 million for all funds, with a general fund budget of a little over $101 million. The tax rate for personal property and corporation tax is reduced by $1.13 per $100 of assessed value in the fiscal year 2023 spending plan.

Anticipated revenue from real property taxes is $42.5 million, which represents 42% of the general fund budget.

The majority of the general fund budget is derived from room tax revenue and other revenue sources, including parking. During budget deliberations, City Manager Terry McGean said the projected room tax revenue were somewhat aggressive based on estimations of a strong summer season.

The unreserved fund balance, now set at 17%, is a rainy-day fund of sorts if revenue projections do not meet expectations, or there is a hurricane or other unforeseen impacts on revenue projections. McGean said during budget deliberations if revenue projections exceeded expectations, some funding could be di-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

verted to certain capital projects that would otherwise have to be bonded.

In the proposed fiscal year 2023 budget, capital projects are funded at $3.6 million, which includes $2 million for street paving, $1.5 million for the capital maintenance fund, and another $100,000 for the Boardwalk re-decking project. Projects approved in the capital improvement plan (CIP) will be funded through the capital maintenance fund.

They include street paving at $500,000, canal dredging at $400,000, a City Hall roof replacement project at $375,000, another $80,000 for the City Watch video surveillance system, a Northside Park roof replacement project at $149,000 and storm drain cleaning at $50,000.

The ability for the town to fund payas-you-go projects from fund balance and the capital maintenance fund is being made possible largely because of one-time federal grants related to the COVID pandemic in the last budget cycle. For example, federal American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, funds in the amount of $3.4 million have been applied to the fiscal year 2023 budget to ensure the continuity of government.

In addition, an estimated $1.9 million in federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act funds and grants specifically dedicated to transportation projects are being used to offset the town’s general fund contribution to transportation at over $725,000

for fiscal year 2023. Of course, those federal grants are one-time funding sources related to COVID, necessitating the importance of maintaining a healthy fund balance in future fiscal years.

Another consideration is concerns about the return on investment in the pension funds. In terms of the return on investment in the pension fund, the town, through its financial advisors, make investments using pension funds based on an average return of 7%. In some years, the investment return exceeds the 7%, while in other years it falls short of the expectation. If the investment return

Page 35

falls short, the town must make an investment in the pension fund to make up the difference.

During last week’s discussion about increasing the minimum threshold for fund balance to 17%, McGean explained there were three major threats to fund balance. One was the return on investment in the pension fund, the other was the roughly $3 million in one-time federal COVID-related grants and finally, and perhaps most importantly, the threat of a hurricane or other unforeseen disaster that could put a major dent in revenue projections.

... concerns aired over square Footage requirement

Page 36

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FROM PAGE 25 course. However, during the public comment period of Monday’s meeting, which came long after the council approved the findings of fact, an attorney representing a neighboring hotel pointed out the planning commission’s recommended findings of fact included an important omission. A POD approval calls for a minimum of 90,000 square feet of land space and the project’s parcels will likely meet that minimum threshold. However, attorney Adam Russo pointed out at the present, the proposed parcels for the Margaritaville project do not meet that standard as presented.

“The condition I want to bring to your attention is the findings of fact do not cover probably the most important issue that they needed to do,” he said. “The request for a planned overlay district is 90,000 square feet. The way this was presented to the planning commission overlooked the fact that the property is actually only 85,000 square feet. By the letter of the law, there is not currently sufficient land space to accommodate at planned overlay district.”

Russo said the apparent shortage of minimum space for the POD approval presented a conundrum for the council. The presumption is the developer will have the required 90,000 square feet by the time the POD ordinance comes up for approval, but is not quite

May 6, 2022

there yet in the findings of fact presented and ultimately approved on Monday.

“This creates something of a procedural problem,” he said. “The next thing that is going to happen is the reading of an ordinance for the approval of the planned overlay district. In some sense, it’s creating a procedural land mine because the parcels currently do not add up to the 90,000 square feet. It’s not in the findings of fact. It’s only listed as a condition in the findings of fact.”

Again, the POD provides flexibility for the developer to create an aestheticallypleasing project. In the case of the Margaritaville project, that means easing some of the setback requirements in order to allow the rooms and amenities to be spread over the entire property.

For example, the proposed design has some elements of the project just 15 feet from the Boardwalk, but the restaurants, outdoor pools and pool decks and other amenities are gradually tieredback toward the highest tower of rooms in the center of the property. Meehan pointed out the relatively close proximity of some of the elements to the Boardwalk and said the sacred standard for many years has been 32 feet.

Before the Mayor and Council took on the larger POD application issue in March, there was a public hearing on the proposed conveyance of air rights over the portion of Washington Lane

that bisects the property. Last summer, Attorney Hugh Cropper III, who represents project developer NOSC, LLC, presented a conceptual plan for the town to essentially abandon that portion of the alley and convey it to the project developer.

Under the new proposal, that 16foot wide portion of Washington Lane that bisects the Margaritaville property would remain a public right of way and the developer would make significant improvements to it. For example, the existing 16-foot-wide alley would be widened to 23 feet, allowing for two vehicles to safely pass through that section of Washington Lane.

In addition, five-foot wide sidewalks would be added on either side of the alley, along with a dedicated three-footwide bicycle path. Because of the changes, the portion of Washington Lane that bisects the Margaritaville property would have to be realigned by about nine feet, so it would align with the sections of the alley to the north and south.

In order to accomplish all of those changes, the developer was seeking the rights to the air space over the public right of way. The air space would be at least 14 feet above the roadway, or a height prescribed by the fire marshal’s office. Cropper explained the air rights are needed in order to connect the elements of the project on either side of the alley.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

School System Narrows Field For Superintendent Post

Page 38

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS) is seeking the community’s input on three finalists who are in the running to become the next superintendent.

Last Friday, the Wicomico County Board of Education announced the names of three finalists for the next superintendent of schools – Dr. Frederick Briggs, Dr. Eric Minus and Dr. Micah Stauffer.

This week, each finalist will sit down for a recorded interview with Board Chairman Gene Malone. Input on the three finalists will also be taken through a community survey, which opens on May 5.

“The search for the next superintendent of Wicomico County Public Schools is one of the top priorities for this board, because our school system must continue

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

to have an outstanding leader,” Malone said in a statement. “We are pleased with the process so far and we’re excited to announce these three wellqualified finalists. We’re looking forward to hearing how each candidate answers the three questions in the video interview, and we’re glad to RICK BRIGGS provide the entire community with the chance to watch the interviews and give input through a survey.”

Two of the three finalists named last week are no strangers to Wicomico’s school system.

Briggs, WCPS’s chief academic officer, has served in his capacity since 2017.

Prior to that, he was the principal of James M. Bennett High, Mardela Middle and High and Bennett Middle. He has also served as assistant principal, dean of stu-

dents, math teacher and coach at Wicomico High. Stauffer, WCPS’s chief finance and operations officer, has served in his capacity since 2019. Prior to that, he was the director of secondary education. He served as principal of Parkside High and Mardela Middle and High, and assistant principal of Mardela Middle and High MICAH and Wicomico Middle. He STAUFFER taught science and coached at Parkside High.

The third contender for the position of superintendent is Minus, Baltimore County Public Schools’ current executive director of secondary schools. Prior to that, he served as the school system’s executive director of research and data analytics.

Minus came to Baltimore County after serving in executive leadership positions

May 6, 2022

in Montgomery County Public Schools and Howard County Public Schools. He has served as a middle and high school principal and began his education career as a secondary science teacher in Newport News, Va. Public Schools.

Information on the three finalists for superintendent will be posted at www.wcboe.org/finalists. The video interviews and biographies will be added on May 5, along with the survey link, which will remain open ERIC MINUS through May 12.

The school system reports the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) will collect the survey responses and provide all input to the Wicomico County Board of Education, whose members are charged with selecting the next superintendent. The Board’s goal is to vote to appoint the new Wicomico Superintendent of Schools by late May or early June. The new superintendent would start work on July 1.

“For the superintendent search, the Board of Education contracted with MABE’s Superintendent Search Service for its expertise,” a statement reads. “MABE is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to serving and supporting boards of education in Maryland. With MABE’s guidance, Wicomico Schools surveyed the community earlier this year for initial input that helped shape the search for a new superintendent.”

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

Maryland Coast Bike Festival Returns To West OC Harbor

Page 40

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

The Maryland Coast Bike Festival will return to the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor this weekend. Above, riders are pictured participating in last year’s event.

Submitted Photo

WEST OCEAN CITY – The second annual Maryland Coast Bike Festival will return to the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor this weekend.

On Saturday, May 7, members of the community are invited to join the second annual Maryland Coast Bike Festival. After a successful first year, event coordinator Salty Selt said he is eager to see its return to the harbor.

“I think a bike festival with a festival village is always a fun event,” he said.

“There’s a lot to explore and see, and the commercial harbor is a great location.”

Last year, organizers held the first annual Maryland Coast Bike Festival, a series of scenic bike rides that began and concluded at the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor. The event not only had

May 6, 2022

three courses, but a festival village featuring music, food, craft beer, children’s activities and local vendors.

Similar to last year’s event, Selt said this year’s festival will feature three courses, each of which will traverse the Verrazano Bridge onto Assateague Island. The Island Ride (18.5 miles) features a family friendly loop that explores the areas around Assateague Island, while the Surf & Turf (38 miles) and the Metric Century (64 miles) loop around Assateague Island and the scenic back roads of Worcester County.

“There are three courses, all the way from an 18-mile ride for beginners and kids to a 64-mile ride for the more experienced,” he said.

Event organizers noted that riders can take in the scenery from any of the three routes. From shore breaks and wild ponies to rural back country, Selt said each course highlights the Eastern Shore’s unique environment.

“It’s definitely a beautiful ride through Worcester County,” he said. “Riders also like this festival because there are no hills.”

Each of the rides will begin and end at the harbor, Selt added, which will feature vendors, live music, food, craft beer and activities, among other things.

“It’s similar to Harbor Day at the Docks …,” he said. “There will be local businesses, arts and crafts, and Carey Distributors will be there with beer and energy drinks.”

Selt noted that event organizers will also be partnering with 4ocean, a nonprofit dedicated to the ending the ocean plastic crisis. He said the organization will be in attendance to sell products and educate the community.

“We’re proud to have a partnership with 4ocean,” he said. “I think they really drove a lot of people to the event last year.”

Event organizers say last year’s festival garnered around 700 participants, or about double what was expected. Now back for a second year, Selt said there are more than 1,000 registered riders.

But it is not too late to sign up for a ride, he said. Bikers can register for any of the three courses by visiting marylandcoastbikefestival.com and clicking on the “Register” tab in the dropdown menu. Selt noted that riders will also have an opportunity to register the morning of the event.

“Packet pickup will be that Friday, May 6, from 4-8 p.m. at Coconuts Beach Bar at Castle in the Sand,” he added.

Every rider will receive a T-shirt, free beverage coupon, well-stocked stations, complimentary cold brew coffee and plenty of free parking just a short walk to the start/finish line.

The Maryland Coast Bike Festival will be held on May 7, with the Metric Century beginning at 7 a.m., the Surf & Turf beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the Island Ride beginning at 8 a.m. The start line will be open for all until 8:30 a.m.

“Every course will start and finish at the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor,” Selt said.

Event organizers are also looking for volunteers to assist the day of the event.

Additional information can be found on the event website.

May 6, 2022

ALOC Thanks Donors:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 41

The Art League of Ocean City held a private event on April 26 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts to honor and thank their donors, corporate partners, and sponsors. Above, from left, are Dr. Leonard Berger and Rolfe Gudelsky; Jim and Jan Perdue and Dana Simson; and Judy Submitted Photos Schoelkopf. Below left are Leighton and Rebecca Moore. Below right are Veronique Diriker, Erica Joseph and Laura Jenkins.

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 6, 2022

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Members of the Salisbury University baseball team were on hand last Saturday to celebrate the start of another Little League Challenger Division season.

Submitted Photo

Businesses Pitch In Funds To Help Challenger Teams

May 6, 2022

SALISBURY – Field 7 ½ was filled with cheers and excitement Saturday as the Little League Challenger Division kicked off its second season on Opening Day. Programs like this received additional support recently when three businesses contributed for $3,000 in total donations to Project 7 ½. The Project 7 ½ initiative includes Field 7 ½, the Donnie Williams Inclusive Playground and sensory pods. Field 7 ½ is an inclusive field that was designed to provide individuals with physical or mental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball.

At the Good Sports Awards in February, Brian Lewis, sales associate for Cunningham Recreation and owner of East Coast Recreation Services, LLC, was honored with the Community Impact Award, sponsored by Mountaire Farms Inc. The award included a $1,000 donation from Mountaire Farms to the nonprofit of the winner’s choice, and Lewis chose for the donation to go to Project 7 ½.

Lewis’ company installed the bleachers, dugouts and shade canopies for Field 7 ½, and also designed and constructed the inclusive playground and sensory pods.

Cunningham Recreation and GameTime each matched Mountaire’s donation, for a total of $3,000 going toward the initiative.

Lewis praised the opportunities that Project 7 ½ provides to community members and visitors.

“Now, our children, athletes and families that may have special needs have a place where they can truly feel welcome and enjoy,” he said. “From accessible routes of travel, to playing surfaces that can be navigated with mobility devices, ample parking, great staff, quality field care and an overall great location to play sports, recreate and practice healthy activities outdoors.”

Cunningham Recreation President Scott Cunningham said his company’s philosophy is to support the communities that employees live in and do business with.

“I feel it is important to have a local presence, and truly believe in the positive impact parks and recreation make on communities as well as furthering inclusion in outdoor play and fitness for people of all ages and abilities,” Cunningham said. “Over the last few years, we have also tried to take an interest in and support causes and initiatives that are of interest to our employees.”

Mountaire Farms has supported the community in numerous ways over the years, and Wicomico County was SEE NEXT PAGE

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May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 45

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“We were excited to hear of Brian’s award and we are proud to offer a donation on his behalf,” said Zach Evans, community relations manager for Mountaire Farms. “We are honored to be a part of his support of the Challenger Little League, which helps create an accessible environment of recreation for our youth.”

Acting Wicomico County Executive John Psota praised the companies that came together to benefit this project.

“It is such a delight to see the Challenger players out on Field 7 ½, enjoying the game of baseball,” Psota said.

“Thank you to Brian Lewis for your work on this project and for choosing Project 7 ½ as the recipient of this dona-

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 6, 2022

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be fea-

tured in this space. Above, the flags were flying earlier this week at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

Wicomico Council Kicks Off FY23 Budget Work Sessions

May 6, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Discussions on road paving, fuel costs and litter crews highlighted a budget work session last week with public works officials.

In a special meeting last week, the Wicomico County Council kicked off the first round of work sessions for the fiscal year 2023 budget by meeting with public works officials. The department’s proposed operating budget includes $1.07 million for public works, $9.5 million for its solid waste enterprise division and $13.04 million for its roads division.

In his comments to department heads last week, Councilman Joe Holloway questioned the department’s plans for paving in the coming fiscal year. He noted that the county had received complaints about the conditions on some of Wicomico’s rural roads.

“We still have a lot of roads that need our attention …,” he said. “I think the citizens of the rural parts of this county deserve just as good a road as some other parts of the county.”

Roads Superintendent Lee Outen noted that the county was looking to pave up to 18 miles of roads and chipsealing an additional 55 and 62 miles in the coming year.

He told Holloway that many of his department’s resources have been set aside for rural areas of the county.

“We’ve been trying to target at least half a million dollars a year to improving

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

rural roads, tar-and-chip roads,” he replied.

Councilman Josh Hastings noted that the Maryland General Assembly had recently passed a bill increasing the share of highway user revenues the county received.

“That was a pretty big win for most counties,” he said. “Does this budget reflect those potential increased revenues?”

Finance Director Pam Oland said those efforts had resulted in a $3.8 million revenue increase for the county, which was reflected in the fiscal year 2023 budget. Outen, however, said that was just a fraction of the revenue the county received before highway user revenues were cut in the late 2000s.

“Our budget was around $10 million at that time,” he added.

Councilman John Cannon also questioned why fuel costs for the solid waste division were budgeted to be 24% less in fiscal year 2023.

“When we started in solid waste and we were looking at the budget, we hadn’t realized the impacts of the fuel costs yet,” said Public Works Deputy Director Mark Whitelock. “They are really starting to spike up. I feel confident in the solid waste budget that for the most part we can move some money around and absorb some of those costs.”

Oland agreed.

“The estimate right now for what fuel is going to be for that department is about $475,000 to $500,000,” she said. “So ev-

en though the budget for fiscal year 2022 is over $600,000, we don’t expect to spend over $600,000 in fuel for solid waste.”

Cannon also questioned why the department included a $35,000 line item for a litter crew. Officials noted inmates have not been used for litter cleanup since the start of the COVID pandemic.

“We lost them, and were hoping to get them back,” Whitelock replied. “We didn’t want to lose that line item in case we can get them back.”

Last week’s work session comes weeks after Acting County Executive John Psota presented the Wicomico

Page 47

County Council with his proposed operating budgeting for fiscal year 2023.

The spending plan, totaling $173,908,637, represents an 7.6% increase over the current year’s budget.

“The budget is balanced as required by the charter,” he said in April. “The focus of the budget is to address the county’s core service needs: public safety, health, education and infrastructure.”

The council held a public hearing this week on the proposed budget, with plans to review the budget with various department heads in the coming weeks.

Once adopted, the fiscal year 2023 budget goes into effect on July 1.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 6, 2022

People in Society Glen Reely, Larry Duffy and Johan Nykvist presented the colors at an Arbor Day ceremony hosted by the Ocean City Beautification Committee.

by Charlene Sharpe Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Wayne Hickman and Ginger Hall serve food at Whaleyville UMC’s all-you-caneat breakfast on April 30.

The Town of Fenwick celebrated Earth Day with a “Bay to Beach Cleanup.” Pictured left to right are Colleen Wilson, Mayor Vicki Carmean, Marilyn Simpler, Kelly Rymer and Councilman Bill Rymer.

Phil Fort and Ryan Hall cook food at Whaleyville United Methodist Church’s all-you-can-eat breakfast on April 30.

Gregory Purnell, retired arborist, chatted with Donna Greenwood of the Ocean City Beautification Committee at an Arbor Day ceremony in Fiesta Park.

Marilyn Fanning and Joseph Hammen are pictured at the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club’s anniversary dinner.

Roger Pacella, publicity chairman for the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, poses for a picture with Charles Smith of the club’s 50th anniversary committee at the dinner celebrating the milestone.

Fenwick residents Roy and Vicky Williams were among those who helped out with the town’s Earth Day cleanup.

Stan and Vivian Randall were among the attendees at the 50th anniversary dinner for the Ocean CityBerlin Optimist Club.

Charlie and Melva Dorman check in guests at the dinner held Saturday celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club.

May 6, 2022

Sponsors Thanked:

The Atlantic General Hospital Foundation recently recognized this year’s $10,000 Diamond Sponsors for the upcoming 29th Anniversary Celebration – Blue Water Development Corp.; Gebhardt & Smith LLP; George & Emily Tunis-Hardwire, LLC; Kevin E. Myers Family Foundation; Sun Communities; Taste Events (In-Kind); and Yard Designs, Inc. Hosted at the waterfront home of Kevin Myers and his family in Berlin, guests to the anniversary celebration – a must attend party after two years without it – are encouraged to wear cocktail attire for the outdoor event that will take place, rain or shine, Thursday, May 19 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Features of the gala include an abundance of sophisticated hors d'oeuvres catered by Taste Events, an array of stylish cocktails provided by locals’ favorite establishments, and live music performed by Jellyroll.

A special thank you to Anniversary Celebration Committee Co-Chairs Emily Tunis and Sara Hambury for their tremendous leadership and unwavering commitment to another unforgettable event, celebrating the hospital the community built 29 years ago. Visit www.agh.care/agh29 to purchase admissions or submit sponsorships.

Above left, from left, are Sam Widgeon, Event Coordinator; Kim Justice, Co-interim President/CEO; Dr. Sally Dowling, Co-interim President/CEO; Jack Burbage, Blue Water CEO; Rafael Correa, Blue Water CFO; Emily Tunis, Hardwire, LLC President/COO & Event Co-chair; Steve Green, Atlantic General Hospital Foundation Chair; Sara Hambury, Event Co-chair; and Kam LaBrunda, Grants/Operations Officer.

Above right, from left, are Sam Widgeon, Event Coordinator; Kim Justice, Co-interim President/CEO; Dr. Sally Dowling, Co-interim President/CEO; George Tunis, Hardwire, LLC Chairman/CEO; Emily Tunis, Hardwire, LLC President/COO & Event Co-chair; Steve Green, Atlantic General Hospital Foundation Chair; Sara Hambury, Event Co-chair; Kam LaBrunda, Grants/Operations Officer.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SU Team Holds Benefit:

The Salisbury University men’s lacrosse team recently worked with SU’s Mid-Atlantic Sales and Marketing Institute (MASMI) in the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business to raise some $8,715 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society during the team’s annual LAX for Leukemia event.

Efforts included a silent auction during the team’s annual “War on the Shore” game versus rival Washington College.

Working with men’s lacrosse graduate assistant Aaron Leeds, MASMI ambassadors developed a script for soliciting auction items from local businesses and monetary contributions from team sponsors. They then identified potential new donors and reached out to them for donations.

In addition, under the leadership of Dr. Gustavo Schneider, SU assistant professor of marketing, MASMI ambassadors created a page for the event on popular crowdsourcing website GoFundMe.com, making it easier for supporters to donate online, and organized a “dine and donate” event with a local restaurant, through which 10% of the day’s proceeds benefited the initiative. Other fundraisers during the weekend included a golf tournament for SU alumni and supporters.

“Lax for Leukemia has been a strong tradition with the men’s lacrosse program since 2010 when I discovered one

of our players was diagnosed with the terrible illness,” said longtime SU head men’s lacrosse coach Jim Berkman. “I’m extremely pleased with the effort from our team, our campus and local community

May 6, 2022

that continue to raise funds and awareness and exceed our goals each year.”

“This was a great collaboration between MASMI students and SU Athletics,” said Dr. Amit Poddar, MASMI director and

incoming Marketing Department chair.

“We hope to continue the partnership with SU Athletics as we roll out our Sports Marketing class in fall 2022, taught

by Dr. Schneider.”

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May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN PINES – Bright colors, rich flavors and other signs of spring and early summer are on full display this month at the Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market.

Market manager David Bean paints a picture, saying, “May is named for the ancient Greek goddess Maia, who is associated with growth, nurturing and motherhood, and it’s easy to see why when you visit the Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market. The sun is warming the marketplace at White Horse Park, the birds are singing, and blooming flowers can be found from merchants throughout the market.”

May is both National Asparagus Month and National Strawberry Month, and market shoppers will see an everexpanding list of fresh fruits and vegetables available from local farms.

“Stag Run Farm is the second largest grower of asparagus in the state of Delaware. The farm grows several varieties of asparagus, including a purple stalk variety that many believe is more tender when prepared,” Bean said.

“Brandon Brady, a second-generation

Page 51

mother’s Day specialties on Tap

farmer, operates the family's Ocean Pines farm stand with other farm team members year-round on Saturday mornings.”

Bean said spring’s first strawberries are just starting to arrive at the market, “red, ripe and bursting with flavor.”

“The season for these delectable berries won’t last long, so make sure to come early to get the best pick,” he said.

Another seasonal favorite is the May harvest of garlic scapes, which is the tender stem and flower bud of a hardneck garlic plant. Garlic scapes can be chopped and sauteed in butter or oil and served like green beans, or used to add depth of flavor to salads and stir fries. They also become rich and flavorful when roasted.

“Linda's Backyard will have lots of these garlic items when she returns mid-month to the green market sec-

tion,” Bean said. “Linda grows several varieties of heirloom garlic that will never be found in any grocery store.”

On May 7, the marketplace will celebrate moms with a special Mother’s Day market.

The Ocean Pines Garden Club will be in the Community Corner with dozens of fresh flower arrangements made by club members. The arrangements often come in unique containers, sure to make a unique and special gift.

“At Cove Crafts and Treasures, estate sterling silver merchant Ruth White has set aside some exclusive pieces for her customers to select from for Mother's Day,” Bean said. “Her ‘Pretty in Pink’ Mother’s Day offerings will include many beautiful mother of pearl items.”

Market happenings continue in May with character actor Amberlina's Adventures returning to the Kid’s Market Zone for some fun antics on May 21. Free

morning shows at 10 and 11 a.m. will feature an entertaining puppet show and story time for children of all ages.

Additionally, chef Bill Curtis will be back in the marketplace kitchen on May 14, when farm fresh eggs and asparagus will be featured during his free cooking demonstration. Everyone in attendance will go home with a copy of the recipes.

“May is also the bridge between spring and summer, and the month wraps up with the Memorial Day holiday,” Bean said. “The Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market is a traditional way for many to start the long weekend with friends and family.

“The offerings on display from the artisans at the marketplace are astounding,” he continued. “Numerous new artisans and crafters will be joining the market in May, along with those that have called the marketplace home for many years. Shoppers can also spend a lot of quality time roaming the Artisan Plaza and Art Alley at the marketplace.”

The market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in White Horse Park.

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May 6, 2022

COMMUNITY News In Photos

The Ocean City Power Squadron held its annual Change of Watch Luncheon on April 24th at the Cambria Hotel. Pictured from the left is past District Commander Walter Neese, followed by the new Bridge Officers, Commander Gerald Leuters, Executive Officer Sandra Glassman, Educational Officer, Frederick Stiehl, Administrative Officer Laura Leuters; Treasurer Neal Lookner, and Assistant Educational Officer Patricia Lookner.

Worcester County NAACP President Ivory Smith addressed the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City at the club’s April 13 meeting. Smith, right, is pictured with Kiwanis Club President Tim Lund.

Submitted Photos

The Ocean Lanes Bowling Center on Tuesday, April 19 hosted the roll-off of the Monday Champions and the Tuesday Champions of the Ocean Pines Mixed Bowling League. The Monday Champions were the Pintails with team members Blair Snyder, Mitzi Costello, Howard Scholl and Larry Salathe. The Tuesday Champions, the Seagulls, became official 2022 League Champions winning a best of three roll-off. Pictured are the Seagulls team members, left to right, John Larue, Larry Sparta, Donna Wildt and Alan Wildt.

Local author Diana McDonough was hosted by a book club of retired Stephen Decatur Middle School teachers to discuss the writing of her books "Stuck in the Onesies" and "My Mother's Apprentice.”

American Legion Post 166 in April donated $10,000 to charitable causes, including $2,000 to The Cricket Center in Berlin, Worcester County’s only child advocacy center. Accepting the donation from Post Chaplain Ben Dawson and Treasurer George Barstis are Lauren Cooper, executive director of the nonprofit organization, and Laurie Evans.

At its annual membership meeting on April 19, the Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary celebrated the installation of its new officers and recognized their past presidents. The newly appointed officers, from left, Ann Hamilton, president; Laura Rohe, vice president; Jackie Choate, recording and corresponding secretary; and Richard Buccheri, treasurer.

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 53

Autism Awareness Day:

Worcester Preparatory School held a “Wear Blue Worcester Wednesday” last month in support of Autism Awareness Day. In addition to wearing blue, the Upper School Surf Club collected donations to support the Surfers Healing foundation, which works to enrich the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing.

Surfers Healing is the original surf camp for children with autism. Serving communities since 1996, volunteers with the nonprofit travel across the country – from San Diego to Rhode Island – to catch the waves with camp participants. Locally, a camp is held in Ocean City each summer providing nearly 200 children with autism and their families the opportunity to go surfing.

Above right, the 5th Grade was in the spirit as students dressed in blue. Above front are David Przybyla, Markuss Jobson, Charlie Davis, Carson Kenton, Vincent Fasano, Jacques Hillion, Cullen Kaufman and Henry Hudson. Back are Deegan Adkins and Sloane Gudelsky. Below left, Ella Conev and Madison Andrews are pictured. Below right are pre-k students Thomas Kozakiewicz and Camila Prosser.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

New Medical Facility BERLIN – Chesapeake Health Care (CHC) has opened a new medical facility in Berlin that provides adult and pediatric care, behavioral health, and lab services to residents in Worcester County.

The brand-new 7,200-square-foot building is located right off Route 50 at 9958 N. Main Street in Berlin, Md. The facility replaces CHC's smaller medical office which was located nearby in Berlin Main Place.

“In the last few years, Chesapeake Health Care has been working hard to broaden our reach in the community as demand for our services has increased,” said CEO Brian Holland. “We’ve outgrown our current office in Berlin, so we saw this new building an opportunity to expand our care offerings to keep pace with the growing needs of the community.” This new state-of-the-art facility gives residents convenient access to a variety of health care services. Features of the new Berlin medical building include 17 therapy rooms for mental health services, and eight exam rooms and a lab for adult and pediatric care. There is also space to provide group therapy and telehealth treatment. Hours of operation will be: Pediatrics, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Adult Medicine, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Mental Health, Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Promotion, Certification Announced SALISBURY – Hudson Behavioral Health has promoted Director of Administration Leah Evans to the position of director of compliance and quality assurance. Evans has been with Hudson since 2007 and has extensive experience in health care administration.

In her role as director of compliance and quality assurance, Evans is responsible for evaluatLEAH EVANS ing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure safety, compliance, and quality of services.

“I have worked closely with Leah for the past 15 years and have always been impressed by her organizational skills and attention to detail,” said Leslie Brown, CEO of Hudson Behavioral Health. “She will be exceptional in her new role as director of compliance and quality assurance, as she works to keep our organization safe and compliant.”

BUSINESS And Real Estate News Evans is an Eastern Shore native, originally from Smith Island, Md. She is an avid reader and loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends. She is involved in her local church and has been an award-winning United Way campaign coordinator for over 10 years. She currently lives in Fruitland, Md., with her family.

The Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA®), the certification division of IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants), announces that Rita Mecca, chief financial officer of Hudson Behavioral Health, has earned the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) certification, joining a rapidly growing number of professionals who have committed to professionalism and career development in management accounting.

Accountants who earn the CMA have demonstrated a mastery of 12 core practice areas in management accounting by passing a two-part exam. CMA-certified professionals also meet educational and work experience requirements and RITA MECCA commit to continuing education. They also abide by IMA’s Statement of Ethical Professional Practice to uphold the highest standards in business.

Mecca joined Hudson in 2021. She enjoys exercising and traveling and attending sports and music events for her son. She resides in Mardela Springs, Md., with her family.

Board Members Named BERLIN – Worcester County GOLD (Giving Other Lives Dignity) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new board president, Shannon Wright, and five new board members, Stephen Martin, Victoria O’Neill, Dawn Wagner, Tracey L. White, and Robin L. Gribble.

“GOLD, as an organization, fills a very unique and specific gap,” said Wright.

“Individuals cannot predict when circumstances will arise that will affect their

ability to maintain housing and utilities, provide food for their families, pay medical bills, etc. GOLD's mission directly correlates to such time and provides an undeniable impact on the lives of those individuals and their families. I’m thrilled to have been given the opportunity to step into the role of board president and join fellow board members in supporting GOLD’s mission.”

Wright is an American Sign Language interpreter, orientation and mobility specialist, and vision rehabilitation therapist.

She joined GOLD in 2015 as a volunteer and was appointed to the board of directors in 2017.

Martin is a physical therapist and owner of Martin Physical Therapy in Snow Hill. Martin Physical Therapy provides outpatient rehabilitation services for a variety of orthopedic, sports medicine, neurologic and geriatric conditions.

O’Neill is an associate attorney with Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy & Almand, P.A..

She assists members of the Eastern Shore community with a variety of legal assistance, including family law, estate planning, estate administration, real estate transactions, and landlord-tenant law.

Wagner is vice president - business development officer with The Bank of Delmarva. She works with business clients to help them improve cash flow, obtain financing and grow their business.

Wagner seeks to be a partner in their business to help them succeed in any way that she can.

White is a fourth-grade math and reading Title I interventionist at Pocomoke Middle School. She tracks and monitors fourth-grade reading and math students who haven't mastered reading and math skills. She develops lesson plans and works with at-risk students, in small groups, and in the classroom, to help them master reading, language, and math skills.

Gribble is the branch manager at the Bank of Ocean City’s Ocean Pines office.

She grew up spending her summers in

May 6, 2022 Ocean City and made the Eastern Shore her home. Gribble joined the Bank of Ocean City in July of 2020 and was quickly promoted to the branch manager position. Prior to joining the Bank of Ocean City, she had 25-plus years of management experience along with a strong background in workforce development training.

GOLD’s 12 volunteer board members are charged with overseeing operations and making critical decisions regarding strategic planning, revenue, programs and services.

Yacht Club Recognized OCEAN PINES – WeddingWire, a leading wedding vendor marketplace, recently announced the Ocean Pines Yacht Club as a winner of its 2022 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards recognizing top vendors and venues.

The award is based on ratings of quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism reviewed by couples on WeddingWire. The Yacht Club currently has a 4.7 out of 5 rating.

“To determine these distinguished wedding professionals, WeddingWire analyzed reviews within its Vendor Directory across more than 20 service categories – from venues and caterers to florists and photographers – to find the mostand highest-rated vendors of the year,” WeddingWire said in a release. “The winners exhibit superior professionalism, responsiveness, service, and quality when interacting with the millions of couples who turn to WeddingWire to help with their wedding planning process each month.”

Officials from the Ocean Pines Yacht Club said they are honored to be named one of the top venues.

"We're so excited to be a Couple's Choice award winner,” said Lia Isel, who oversees event bookings in Ocean Pines.

“We sincerely appreciate all of our couples’ reviews and truly enjoy being a part of their special day,” The Ocean Pines Yacht Club is a waterfront wedding venue in Ocean Pines, Md., that features picturesque views of the Isle of Wight Bay and the Ocean City skyline, which couples can admire as they say their nuptials. The Yacht Club can accommodate up to 225 guests in the three different spaces. Couples can also book weddings and other functions at the oceanfront Ocean Pines Beach Club in Ocean City, or the Golf Club in Ocean Pines, home to a picturesque 18hole championship golf course.

Stevenson United Methodist Resuming In-Person Church Services Every Sunday At 9 a.m.

– Sunday School Back in Session

Stevenson United Methodist Church

123 North Main St., Berlin, Md. 410-641-1137 • www.stevensonchurch.org

– Service Also Livestreamed On Facebook

Art League To Open New Exhibit For May With Reception

May 6, 2022

OCEAN CITY – The Art League of Ocean City invites the public to the First Friday opening reception on May 6, 5-7 p.m., at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street. Admission is free, and hors d’oeuvres are complimentary.

PKS Investments sponsors the reception beverages, and the Culinary Arts Program at Worcester Technical High School presents the reception hors d’oeuvres.

The Thaler Gallery hosts plein air painter Crystal Moll of Baltimore. In 2009 Moll opened the Crystal Moll Gallery in Baltimore’s Federal Hill, home to her own work and featuring fine art plein air artists.

Originally from Virginia Beach, Va., Moll earned her BFA from Moore College of Art & Design and paints mostly cityscapes, working directly from life. She is a member of the Oil Painters of America and the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Assn. and has participated in the Artists Paint OC local plein air event, where she has won first place and also Best Use of Light. Moll will be the juror for this year’s Artists Paint OC event in August.

“Shadows,” a juried photography show, will be on display in The Sisson Galleria. Dean Peterson, photographer, painter, and former instructor at Salisbury University, juried the show and will award cash prizes to the winners on First Friday.

The Spotlight Gallery hosts Linda Perry of Berlin, Md. who earned a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in painting at the Maryland Institute College of Art where she

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Md. Plein Air Painter Featured

studied under Raoul Middleman. She also studied commercial art at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and is a signature member of the International Society of Acrylic Painters. Perry paints in oils, acrylics and mixed media, focusing on experimentation.

Tuve Tuvesson of South Point, and his daughter, Tia Tuvesson of Lansdowne, Pa., display their metal 3D art in Studio E in May and in the Art Center’s outdoor courtyard, including a newly-installed kinetic weather vane. Tuve Tuvesson specializes in using variations of metal for his welded art works, based on his 65 years of experience in welding learned from his days as a veteran in the Korean War and from Temple University. Tia Tuvesson, who recently received a degree in Graphic Design from Delaware County Community College, helps in designing and creating her father’s metalwork. The pair incorporate many recycled materials in their work and use nature as their inspiration, along with encouragement from wife and mother, Inga Tuvesson, who was a longtime Art League board member, serving from 1992-2006.

Barbara Buford of Nassau, Del. is the artisan for May. Buford has been creating mixed media art for more than 40 years, developing her skills by attending art

classes in collage, going to numerous art retreats, and with experimentation. She was presented with an Art League SHEro Award in 2021 for her service to the community.

An online-only exhibit, “Inspired By,” also opens on First Friday on the Art League’s website, ArtLeagueofOceanCity.org/online-exhibits. The show includes art inspired by a famous artist or work of art, and was judged by Jennifer Kruglinski,

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associate professor of Modern and Contemporary Art History at Salisbury University.

The Princess Royale satellite gallery, 9100 Coastal Hwy., continues to host the artwork of Mary Bode Byrd. The Coffee Beanery satellite gallery at 94th St. and Coastal Hwy. continues to display the works of Susan Koster and Brandon Martin, co-creators of Silver Sun Photography of Ocean City.

The arts center shows will be on display through May 28; the satellite galleries, through June 25. More information is available at www.artleagueofoceancity.org or by calling 410-524-9433.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 6, 2022

STUDENTS In The News Earth Day was celebrated at Worcester Preparatory School with a donation and club activities. In preparation of Earth Day, the Environment Club built bird houses and the Lower School painted them. The Garden Club and Lower School students then worked together on Friday to hang the bird houses around campus. The Garden Club also took time to re-plant the garden for the Spring season, and the Recycling Club refurbished the campus's "Up-cycled" greenhouse. For a small donation of $2, students were able to dress down out of uniform and instead wear earth tones such as blue, green and camo. Pictured, front from left, are Landon Moreland, Stella Correa, Grace Hornung, Zia Salem, Aryan Verma, Connor McCallum, Hristina Gjoni, Margot Hidell, Ethan Arnold, Ben Evangelista, Emma Abbott, Hannah Giardina, Piper Coyle, Grant Messner, Carter Harrison, Priya Garg, Knox Luttrell and Jude Waked; second row, Bianca Prosekova, Nora Rafinski, Leah Tunnel, Isabella Labin, Jack Parks and Freddy Hertrich; and, back, Environment Club Advisor Linda Bragg, Head of Lower School Dr. Sara Timmons, seniors Grace Baeurle, Hugh Cropper, Marshall Mumford and Megan Waller and Lower School Art Teacher Rebecca Tittermary.

Salisbury University recently surprised students at four Wicomico County high schools with $1,000 Shore Scholarships. Winners included Emily Johnson, pictured, from James M. Bennett High School; Lily Travers from Mardela High School; Leanna Morris from Parkside High School; and Joam Jeannite from Wicomico High School.

In all, more than 300 Wicomico County students have been accepted at SU for the fall semester.

Submitted Photos

The Worcester Prep Garden Club stands proud of their finished product on Earth Day. Pictured, from left, are Lily Baeurle, Hannah Brasure, Anna McDonald, Brooke Emeigh, Riley Schoch, Ava Nally, Ashlyn Roselle, Jenna Hess, Annie Carter, Haris Gjikuria, Olivia Mattingly, Kathy Zhang and Amna Iqbal. Below, Junior Kathy Zhang takes a moment to smell the flowers on Earth Day. Bottom, seniors Ashlyn Roselle and Lily Baeurle plant flowers in the garden on Earth Day.

Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School eighth graders worked together as a team with Chesapeake Housing Mission to build a handicap ramp for a Berlin resident.

Chesapeake Housing Mission is in its 13th year of operation and helps families in the area who are most in need. Students are pictured with the citizen during the recent ramp installation.

Students from Worcester County recently inducted into the Alpha Nu Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Wor-Wic Community College were, from left, Nathaniel Elko of Ocean City, Svetlana Sadakbaeva of Pocomoke City, Morgan Schroeder of Ocean City and Verne’ Shaw-Johnson of Newark.

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Every Monday: TOPS Meeting Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Meetings are held at the Worcester County Berlin Health Department at 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. 410-2894725.

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

Every Wednesday: Bingo Elks Lodge 2645, corner of Sinepuxent Avenue and 138th Street in Ocean City.

Has bingo all year. Doors open 4:30 p.m. with first game sharply at 6:30 p.m.

Kitchen open for light fare. 410-2502645.

Every Thursday: Beach Singles Join the club, 55 plus, at Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick Island, 4-6 p.m. 302436-9577 or BeachSingles.org.

Every Friday: Bingo Knights of Columbus will host with doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Held at the Columbus Hall at 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke's Church. Play every game for just $24. Light refreshments available. Call 410-524-7994 with any questions.

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

May 7: Native Plant Sale Assateague Coastal Trust’s 23rd Annual Native Plant Sale will be held at its office at 10959 Worcester Hwy. in Berlin from

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Online orders encouraged. Explore ActForBays.org/PlantSale to view a wide selection of native sun and shade plants. New for this year, Assateague Coastal Trust is offering a few native grasses and sedges for those looking to ascent their property.

May 7: Blessing The Biker Event From 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Windmill Creek Vineyard & Winery will host the Bikers Without Borders Foundation’s Annual Blessing the Biker Event led by Chaplain Jeff "Buster" Bowden who will pray over and bless each individual motorcycle, rider/passenger. There will be food on site to purchase. There is no entry fee but feel free to bring non-perishable food items to support food pantry efforts. All welcome.

May 7: Church Dinner Calvary United Methodist Church will hold a fried fish/fried chicken dinner fundraiser sale. Platters to go at 8607 Ironshire Station Road. All platters comes with a roll only $8 and potato salad and string beans. 10:30 a.m. until.

May 7: Author Event The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum will host a “Meet the Author/Book Signing Event” from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the museum. Author Ellen Knop Marshall will be signing her book “Our Favorite Vacation Beach: Ocean City, Maryland” and will have the book available for purchase. A percentage of the sales from the event will go to the museum.

May 8: Mother’s Day Breakfast American Legion Riders, Post 166 in Ocean City will host a Mother’s Day Breakfast, from 8-11 a.m., featuring scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon, chipped beef, biscuits, pancakes and fruit cup. Bloody Marys or Mimosas for $5. Adults $15, Children 10 and Under $10. Open to the public.

May 9: Sports Complex Meeting Community meeting concerning sports complex project at the Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch at 7 p.m.

This meeting is a way to bring together a cross-section of viewpoints and to

share the information related to the planned petition drive. This is an inclusive gathering and all members of our communities are invited. The People For Fiscal Responsibility Committee believe this project should be funded by the private sector entities, not by the county's taxpayers. strendic@yahoo.com or 410973-1574

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

May 11, 25 and June 1: Pinochle Classes The Ocean City Senior Center is offering free pinochle classes to the 50 plus community on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those who want to learn the card game pinochle or want a refresher course are encouraged to participate.

Please arrive at 9:45 a.m. Lunch can be purchased with advance notice. 410289-4725.

May 12: Wine Night At Museum The Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum is partnering with The Buzzed Word to bring “Wine Night at the Museum.” Free from 5-7 p.m, offering wine, refreshments, music by Jack Worthington and book signing with local author and historian Bunk Mann.

May 14: Fun Pines Run Families of all ages are invited to enjoy a day of fitness fun as the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department hosts its first one-mile fun run/walk on Saturday, May 14 beginning at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. The event, which will include a 1-mile walk or run around the South Gate Pond and a variety of

May 6, 2022 other fun activities, is designed to encourage families to exercise together.

The after-walk party at the park will last until 2 p.m. and will feature moon bounces, face painting, music, vendors and giveaways, all of which are included in the registration fee. Food will also be available for purchase. To register, call at 410-641-7052.

May 14: Town Cats Food Drive Join Town Cats and the Ocean City Jeep Club at 1 p.m. at the PetSmart parking lot for a cat food drive. There will be raffles for a Jeep quilt, Huk bucket, auto supplies basket and golf package. Bring cat food, litter, supplies.

May 14: Plant Sale Worcester County Garden Club Plant Sale and Gathering at Windmill Creek Winery in Berlin, noon-3 p.m. Rain date is May 21. Club will have seed and bulb planting workshops for kids and adults, floral demonstrations, 50-50 raffle and ask a local gardener and Master Gardener table.

May 17: Candidates Forum The Republican Women of Worcester County are holding a Candidate’s Forum/Meet & Greet at the Marlin Club in West Ocean City from 5-8 p.m. Open to the public, Mike Bradley of WGMD will emcee the event. Come and meet many of our local candidates. Light refreshments will be served.

May 21: Walk-A-Thon From 7-11 a.m. at Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin. Gift bags to first 25 participants in the following categories – adults, under 8, 9-12 years old and 13 and over.

Walk will raise money to benefit the Worcester County Fair. Event is open to friendly leashed dogs. Gift certificates awarded to those who walk the furthest and those who raise the most money in the different age groups. Prizes donated

by Wal Mart, Main Street Deli and Dollar General. 443-523-0497 or email worcofair@gmail.com.

May 21: Gala Benefit The Delmarva Discovery Museum is having a Luau Under The Stars Gala at the Ocean City Golf Club on Country Club Drive at 6 p.m. There will be live music by Dawn Jones and Rewind, full bar with happy hour prices, 50/50 and a silent action. Tickets are $75 per person.

Delmarvadiscoverycenter.com

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

Page 59

Estate Litigation Probate Estate Planning Civil Litigation Medicaid 9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy. #112 Ocean City, MD 21842 www.batielaw.com

443-856-4676 Monday-Friday ANSWERS ON PAGE 82

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You handled a recent family problem. But Ewes and Rams will find your ideas those who know that you were in the cheered by a mostly receptive flock. right won't hesitate to step in on your Those few dissenters could well be behalf.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): turned around by your charm and powFinancial strains ease by week's end. ers of persuasion.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): It's Meanwhile, focus on cultivating that time for the bold and beautiful Bovine new relationship if you hope to have it to shake off the dust of the past and blossom into something more meanshape up with new ideas for the future. ingful.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. This could surprise some folks, but 21): Health matters once again domthey'll soon adjust.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): inate the week. Be careful not to igThose nagging new doubts about an nore recurrences of an old problem. upcoming decision should alert you to An almost-forgotten commitment resurstep back (at least temporarily) so you faces. can reassess its potential impact from CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): a new perspective.

The emergence of an unusual selfish CANCER (June 21 to July 22): streak could dismay those close to you.

That unpleasant situation you hoped Defy it -- don't justify it -- so you can bewould go away by itself needs imme- come your gracious self again. diate attention before it affects an upAQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): coming decision. Expect your support- Reassess your decision to stay with the ers to rally around your cause. status quo. It might seem like the senLEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): You're sible thing to do right now, but changes moving up and away from that recent around you could make that choice a setback. But remain cautious about fi- risky one. nances. An exercise in thrift today PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): helps cushion a possible end-of-the- Move decisively but cautiously when month money squeeze. dealing with a delicate personal matter.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): The fewer mistakes you make now, the You're still dealing with overtones of less likely it is that the problem will repessimism that cause you to doubt cur later on. your ability to make some needed BORN THIS WEEK: You can find changes. But the negative pressures beauty where many cannot. And you will ease up by week's end. enjoy sharing your discovery with othLIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): There ers. (c) 2022 could be some fallout fromANSWERS the way you ON PAGE 46King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Business Succession Planning

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Things I Like...

By Steve Green

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

May 6, 2022

WITH BUNK MANN

A lively live auction at a fundraiser How the Ravens draft

Breakfast made by someone else

The Berlin Farmers Market’s growth Gratitude from a kid

Parents who keep youth sports in perspective Grilled shrimp with anything Not using an alarm clock

Unique sea shell collections

Smell of an old leather baseball glove A hammock on a beach

In the 1940s into the early '50s, people in Ocean City received the latest national news from the radio or from daily newspapers. Television was not a factor and cable news networks were far in the future.

Summer visitors relied on metropolitan papers such as The Baltimore Sun or News-American or The Washington Post or Star. Most local residents read the Salisbury Times to keep up with births, deaths, and social events on the lower Eastern Shore.

Newspapers could be found in stores but most were bought from newsboys who sold their wares along the Boardwalk. Many of Ocean City's successful businessmen got a start selling papers when they were only 9 or 10 years old.

Today CNN and Fox News broadcast 24 hours a day and local TV features news, weather and sports. In Ocean City, weekly papers, such as The Dispatch, keep a strong focus on informing us of local happenings, special events and community news. It's been a long time, however, since anyone has seen a kid selling newspapers on the Boardwalk.

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

Photo courtesy the Ocean City Life Saving Museum

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch Classifieds $15/Week for Minimum of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available) Deadline for Insertions, Cancellations & Payment is 3pm Tuesday Pre-Payment is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard

HELP WANTED SECURITY GUARD WANTED: Part time Evenings. Apply in person.Gold Coast Mall. 115th St, Coastal Highway. 410-524-9000.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BUILDING ATTENDANT. PT/FT SUMMER SEASON. Monitor pool and parking lot. Report to property manager. Good Pay. Send resume to fred@paradiseoc.com or call 410-250-1111.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Full Time Admin Assis. needed.

Strong verbal & computer skills req’d. Property Management experience preferred. Send resume to: tmacintosh@legumnorman.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CLEANERS WANTED FOR OC: If you are a conscientious individual or team looking for great pay & minimal hours on summer Saturdays in OC, then we are the cleaning company for you. Exp. preferred. Cell phone and vehicle required. (443)880-0525. ___________________________ FULL MOON SALOON: Hiring Year-Round Server. Great family atmosphere. Apply within. 12702 Old Bridge Road, West OC. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

C L E A N E R S / VAC AT I O N RENTALS: Needed for Ocean City and Ocean Pines. Experience preferred but not necessary. Text or call 443-397-1189.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– COOKS, KITCHEN HELP, FOOD RUNNERS: Flexible schedule.

Clean kitchen. New equipment.

Weekly pay checks. Friendly work environment. American Legion Post #166, Ocean City. Contact Sam Wiley at 443-235-0876.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YEAR ROUND POSITIONS: Small Engine Mechanic, Maintenance Man, Certified Pool Operator.

Competitive Wages.

443-754-1047.

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER FT/PT Work in Motel.

Must Have Experience

Great Pay! Call 410-289-9205.

NOW HIRING FULL TIME •COOK •DRIVER Call Pam at 410-726-7061 Or Apply Within at 56th Street

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

CUSTODIAL STAFF We are currently looking for Part Time custodial employees.

Hours are 3:30pm-6:30pm. Monday through Friday.

Apply to Linda Watson at lwatson@worcesterprep.org or mail application to Linda Watson 508 S Main St Berlin, MD 21811.

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

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

Check Out The Dispatch’s E-Dition Online - www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Now Hiring For: Line Cooks Prep Cooks Host/Hostess

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

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

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

Please email resume to kelly.drexel@fbwbank.com or call Kelly at 410-250-1512 Application cut off is 5-02-2022 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 6, 2022

THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING FULL-TIME: ALL SHIFTS MAINTENANCE/ HOUSEMAN DAYTIME HOUSEKEEPING STAFF APPLY IN PERSON

The Dispatch Classifieds $15/Week for Minimum of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch Deadline for Insertions, Cancellations & Payment is 3pm Tuesday Pre-Payment is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard

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

1800 Baltimore Avenue

Monday-Friday 10am-3pm

PRAY FOR THE UKRAINE

Sunset Island, Ocean City, MD

Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work Currently Hiring Manpower For:

o Experience preferred. o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus. o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online:

EDEN ROC MOTEL NOW HIRING DAY-TIME FRONT DESK CLERK

**** TOP PAY **** 410-603-1731

https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

Sunset Island, Ocean City, MD

Come Join Our Team in a Friendly, TeamOriented Environment at the Beach, in a Beautiful Bayside Community, with Stunning Water Views, in Ocean City, MD. Now Hiring - Clubhouse / Pool Attendants Part-Time up to 15-40 hours. Seasonal Employment. Excellent people skills are a must, and you must be able to work mornings, nights, and weekends. 5 and 8 hour shifts available. Start dates in May and the position runs through October 1st.

Send resume to Olivia.Smith@casinc.biz or fax 410-520-0398.

NOW HIRING!

PAYING TOP DOLLAR! •LINE COOKS •DISHWASHER •SERVERS •BARBACK Please apply in person.

Greene Turtle West Rt. 611, West OC 410-213-1500

WEST OC’S MOST FUN PLACE TO WORK AND MAKE $$$$

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

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 5-09-2022 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

Come join our Team in a Friendly, team-oriented environment at the Beach, in a beautiful bayside community, with stunning water views in Ocean City, MD.

Now hiring, Grounds Maintenance Assistant.

Full-Time, Year-round. Excellent people skills are a must, and you must be able to work mornings and weekends. Valid Driver’s license required. $15-18/hr to start based on experience. Health and retirement, and paid holidays.

Send resumes to Frank.Ucman@casinc.biz or fax 410-520-0398.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

S u n O u t d o o r s Fr o n t i e r Tow n i s l o o k i n g fo r

F U L L - T I M E Y E A R - RO U N D GUEST SERVICE HELP t o s t a r t i m m e d i at e l y.

C o m e j o i n o u r f u n & exc i t i n g t e a m .

Gr e at B e n e fi t s , Pa i d Ti m e Of f, M a tc hi n g 40 1 k , l o t s o f on p r o p e r t y a m e n i ty p e r k s .

Apply online at BWDC.com Or Stop by in person any day between 9am-3pm.

8428 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Berlin, MD 21811

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

Availability to include days, nights, weekends & holidays.

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

Perfect position for individuals looking for extra income.

Send resume to: Susan.Brewer@casinc.biz

EOE

NOW HIRING - ALL SHIFTS

FRONT DESK AGENTS, NIGHT AUDITOR, HOUSEKEEPING, LAUNDRY Starting $15-$18 We require satisfactory background check by all applicants.

Must work nights, weekends, and holidays.

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

THE DISPATCH IS ONLINE WWW.MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM

THUNDERBIRD BEACH MOTEL NOW HIRING

ALL POSITIONS! APPLY IN PERSON

Monday-Friday 9am-3pm Thunderbird Beach Motel 32nd Street, Ocean City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are part of a large automotive group with parts stores, service centers and a used car dealership.Fast paced, energetic atmosphere with advancement opportunities!

We are now taking applications for:

Technicians- Call Matt – 302-344-9846 Used Car Salesman- Call David – 302-339-6910 Exc. Pay & Benefits !!

Locations in Long Neck, Ocean View & Ocean Pines

B.E.S.T. Motels

B.E.S.T. Motels

Housekeepers

Desk Clerks

for 2022 Season

for 2022 Season

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

Apply In Person, ONLY

All Shifts Available

Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License

12 noon-3pm Tuesday-Friday ONLY

Exp. Required!

Executive Motel 3001 N. Baltimore Ave Ocean City, MD

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

Must have:

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

Now Hiring

Now Hiring

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

RENTALS

WEEKLY RENTALS Rooms-SuitesApartments Utilities & Internet Included

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

HOUSING NEEDS

YARD SALE

SEEKING HOUSING OR ROOMMATE: Local real estate broker/widower looking for a small apt/studio or room. Will pay top $$.

Non smoking. Have a small, welltrained dog. Call 443-859-3210.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

COMMUNITY YARD SALE: Sat. 5/7, 8am-noon. Decatur Farms, Berlin, off Rt 113, across from Stephen Decatur Park.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YARD SALE: GlenRiddle Community Yard Sale. Open to the Public.

Sat. 5/14, 8am-1pm.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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

Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

These feelings run deep Like water among the rocks.

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The Dispatch Legal Notices LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Third Insertion

GRISWOLD, who died on MARCH 23, 2022, with a will.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19173

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.

To all persons interested in the estate of GRAFTON H. GRISWOLD, ESTATE NO. 19173. Notice is given that RICHARD GRISWOLD, 3 CROSSBOW TRAIL, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, APRIL 13, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GRAFTON H.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13TH day of OCTOBER, 2022.

Any person having a claim

against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the credi-

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 22, 2022 RICHARD GRISWOLD Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-22, 04-29, 05-06

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19181 To all persons interested in the estate of MARY ARLENE YOUNG, ESTATE NO. 19181.

Notice is given that JAMES LOUIS YOUNG, 12422 WINDSOR ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on, APRIL 13, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARY ARLENE YOUNG, who died on MARCH 16, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13TH day of OCTOBER, 2022.

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

Page 63 Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 22, 2022 JAMES LOUIS YOUNG Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-22, 04-29, 05-06

Third Insertion AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, P.A. VICTORIA L. O’NEILL, ESQ 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19180 Notice is given that the COURT OF COMMON PLEAS of CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, appointed MICHAEL J. WARD, 6544 MISTY HARBOR COURT, FLOWERY BRANCH, GA 30542, as the ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of JOSEPH L. WARD, who died on OCTOBER 26, 2021, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is VICTORIA L. O’NEILL, whose address is 6200 COASTAL H I G H WAY, S U I T E 200,OCEAN CITY, MD 21842.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 22, 2022 MICHAEL J. WARD

Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-22, 04-29, 05-06

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19193 To all persons interested in the estate of JOSEPH M. JANKOWSKI, JR., ESTATE NO. 19193. Notice is given that MICHAEL V. JANKOWSKI, 625 CHESTNUT AVENUE, TOWSON, MD 21204, was on, APRIL 20, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOSEPH M. JANKOWSKI, JR., who died on MARCH 22, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 20TH day of OCTOBER, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 29, 2022 MICHAEL V. JANKOWSKI Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County

Page 64

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch Legal Notices LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-29, 05-06, 05-13

Second Insertion BARRY A. HABERMAN 51 MONROE STREET STE 1507 ROCKVILLE, MD 20850 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19190 Notice is given that the SUPERIOR COURT of WASHINGTON COUNTY, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, appointed WILLIAM H. GRUEN, 5608 KNOLLWOOD ROAD, BETHESDA, MD 20816, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of MARGERY G. MYERS, who died on OCTOBER 29, 2021, domiciled in WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, USA. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER COUNTY. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 29, 2022 WILLIAM H. GRUEN Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for

Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-29, 05-06, 05-13

Second Insertion B. RANDALL COATES, ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, 204 WEST GREEN STREET PO BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19196 To all persons interested in the estate of NOREEN H. GODWIN, AKA: NOREEN HARTLEY GODWIN, ESTATE NO. 19196. Notice is given that ELIZABETH GILLIAN GODWIN, 510 PENGUIN DRIVE, UNIT 201, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on, APRIL 21, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of NOREEN H. GODWIN, who died on MARCH 30, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21ST day of OCTOBER, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 29, 2022 ELIZABETH GILLIAN GODWIN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-29, 05-06, 05-13

Second Insertion B. RANDALL COATES, ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, 204 WEST GREEN STREET PO BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19195 To all persons interested in the estate of TERRI LYNN MUMMA, ESTATE NO. 19195.

Notice is given that AMANDA LYNN MUMMA, 438 E. FRANKLIN STREET, HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740, was on APRIL 20, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of TERRI LYNN MUMMA, who died on APRIL 12, 2022, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 20TH day of OCTOBER, 2022.

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

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 29, 2022 AMANDA LYNN MUMMA Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-29, 05-06, 05-13

First Insertion NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ST. MARTIN’S BY THE BAY USDA GRANT APPLICATION WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND The project proposes to replace the community's private supply well and distribution system by connecting the community to the Ocean Pines water system. Fifty-Eight (58) residential EDU's will be served by extending an existing 8" water main along Beauchamp Road to St. Martin's Parkway and back into the community. There are no commercial connections planned as part of this project. The connection to Ocean Pines will alleviate concerns about salt water intrusion into the private well, provide fire flow protection (including new hydrants), and eliminate water shortage issues that have occurred since the system was installed in 1984. The Commissioners will hold a: PUBLIC HEARING TUESDAY, May 17th, 2022 AT 10:40 AM IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM WORCESTER COUNTY

GOVERNMENT CENTER ROOM 1101 ONE WEST MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 Proposed water usage for the 58 homes is estimated at 250 gallons per day (gpd) for a total of 14,500 gpd. The cost estimate for the project is $1,545,991.50 for design and construction as of November 2021. Public Works recommends adding an additional 30% contingency based on recent material price increases, which raises the project cost to $2.0 Million. Project specifications and cost projections are available on request to view electronically by contacting the Worcester County Department of Public Works, 6113 Timmons Road, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 Monday through Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. (except holidays), at (410) 632-5623 as well as at www.co.worcester.md.us THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 06, 2022 2x 05-06, 05-13

First Insertion NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to obtain the views of citizens on community, economic development, and housing needs to be considered for submission of an application to the Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Citizens will have the opportunity to discuss proposed projects and to provide input on other needs to be considered. A draft application will be available for the public to review beginning on May 24, 2022 until June 7, 2022, in the Department of Development, Review and Permitting, Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. (except holidays). The hearing will be held on:

TUESDAY, May 17th, 2022 AT 10:40 AM IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM WORCESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER ROOM 1101 ONE WEST MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 Citizens will be furnished with information including but not limited to: •The amount of CDBG funds available for State Fiscal Year 2023; •The range of activities that may be undertaken with CDBG funds; and •The proposed projects under consideration by Worcester County.

The Maryland CDBG Program is a federally funded program designed to assist governments with activities directed toward neighborhood and housing revitalization,economic development, and improved community facilities and services. It is administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

The Maryland CDBG Program reflects the State's economic and community development priorities and provides public funds for activities which meet one of the following national objectives, in accordance with the federal Housing Community Development Act of 1974, as amended that 1. Benefit to low- and moderate-income persons and households; 2. Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; 3. Meet other community development needs of an urgent nature, or that are an immediate threat to community health and welfare.

Efforts will be made to accommodate the disabled and non-English speaking residents with 5 days advance notice to County Administration at (410) 632-1194. Questions may be directed to Davida Washington, Housing Rehabilitation Program Coordinator, at (410) 632-1200, ext. 1171.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 06, 2022 2x 05-06, 05-13

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 65

The Dispatch Legal Notices LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966. or before the earlier of the following dates:

First Insertion GINA D. SHAFFER ESQ SHAFFER LAW OFFICE, LLC 10514 RACETRACK ROAD UNIT C BERLIN, MD 21811

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

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19194 To all persons interested in the estate of KATHERINE MARY DIRENZA, ESTATE NO. 19194. Notice is given that TRISTEN JOSEPH JOHNSON, 102 120TH STREET, UNIT 1, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on MAY 02, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of KATHERINE MARY DIRENZA, who died on MARCH 15, 2022 with a will.

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

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

All persons having any 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

(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 06, 2022 TRISTEN JOSEPH JOHNSON 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 05-06

First Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18224 To all persons interested in the estate of DONALD DENNIS, ESTATE NO. 18224. Notice is given that JO ANN GEIER, 540 RIVIERA DRIVE, APT. A, JOPPA, MD 21085, was on APRIL 28, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DONALD DENNIS, who died on OCTOBER 16, 2019, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28TH day of OCTOBER, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 06, 2022 JO ANN GEIER 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 05-06, 05-13, 05-20

LOOKING EVERWHERE?

Check here first!

The Dispatch Classified Pages Can Point You in the Right Direction!

Help Wanted, Roommates, Rentals, & More!

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 First Insertion RONALD G. RAYNE, ESQ. 212 EAST MAIN STREET PO BOX 949 SALISBURY, MD 218030949 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19210 To all persons interested in the estate of DOROTHY GRACE HASTINGS, ESTATE NO. 19210. Notice is given that KATHIE HERRMANN, 31742 OLD OCEAN CITY ROAD, SALISBURY, MD 21804, was on APRIL 29, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DOROTHY GRACE HASTINGS, who died on AUGUST 13, 2021, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29TH day of OCTOBER, 2022.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 06, 2022 KATHIE HERRMANN 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 05-06, 05-13, 05-20

First Insertion B. RANDALL COATES, ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES 204 WEST GREEN ST PO BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19213 To all persons interested in the estate of ANTHOND D. BUTLER, ESTATE NO. 19213. Notice is given that CHARLENE R. LIPSCOMB, 1618 GUIDFORD LANE, YORK, PA 17404, was on APRIL 29, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANTHONY D. BUTLER, who died on APRIL 03, 2022, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29TH day of OCTOBER, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 06, 2022 CHARLENE R. LIPSCOMB 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 05-06, 05-13, 05-20

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Snow Hill Mayor, Councilwoman Elected

Page 66

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Snow Hill voters have elected Mike Pruitt to serve as the town’s new mayor.

Following Tuesday’s municipal election, the Town of Snow Hill announced the unofficial vote count for this year’s mayoral and Eastern District races.

Mayoral candidate Rob Hall received 93 votes and Pruitt received 214 votes. In the Eastern District election, Dave Burt received 31 votes and Janet Simpson received 73 votes to be the projected winner.

“Snow Hill citizens came out to the polls tonight at a steady rate and made their voices heard,” the town said in a social media post Tuesday. “A total of 312 votes were cast for Mayor and Eastern District Council combined … Per the Town

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Charter, absentee ballots received so far, as well as those still arriving in the mail through May 25 with today's date postmarked, will be counted along with provisional ballots received tonight at the polls, for a final official count to be presented at the town hall meeting on June 14, 2022 at 7 p.m. at the Old Fire Hall.”

Snow Hill’s outgoing mayor, Jennifer Jewell, was elected to the post last May after running unopposed. In December, however, Jewell announced that she would not be seeking re-election this year, as she had accepted a new job at a college in Missouri.

“While only in office a short time, we have implemented more transparent and inclusive processes along with developing a strong and high-functioning team, which will help Snow Hill to continue to thrive,” she wrote in a statement. “This move is both for professional and personal reasons

as Missouri is closer to home. Thank you for your support and I look forward to continuing to serve our great town until June.”

In April, the town announced the names of two new mayoral candidates – former council member Pruitt and current Eastern District council member Hall, who was appointed to the position in November following the resignation of representative Lisa Outten Harrison.

As Hall’s bid for mayor left a vacancy for the Eastern District seat, this year’s ballot also included the names of two council candidates – Simpson and Burt.

The 2022 general election for the Town of Snow Hill was held in person at the train station on Belt Street, with some voters casting absentee ballots.

The winning candidates in Tuesday’s election will take their places on the dais in June, when official ballot results will be announced.

Wicomico County Holds Budget Public Hearing

May 6, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Pleas to prioritize countywide water and sewer and requests to improve roadways and increase salaries highlighted a public hearing this week on Wicomico’s proposed fiscal year 2023 budget.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council held a public hearing on the proposed operating budget for the coming fiscal year. The $173 million spending plan includes $19.6 million for corrections, $59 million for the Wicomico County Board of Education, and $15 million for the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, among other things.

During public comments, District 2 resident David James urged officials to consider facility improvements at Wetipquin Park and road repairs in western Wicomico.

“The roads down that way need work,” he said.

Councilman Joe Holloway agreed.

“I’ve been beating on that drum for years …,” he said. “Our rural citizens deserve the same kind of roads that the people living in the nicer developments in and around Salisbury have.”

County resident Monica Brooks also came before the council Tuesday urging the county to budget for countywide water and sewer. Last fall, the county received the final draft of a water and sewer master plan, providing a roadmap of sorts for financing, constructing and maintaining a countywide system.

“I know you don’t know where the money’s going to come from, but I want to say it’s a priority for many of our residents to get this water and sewer,” she said. “You’ve already heard so many headaches, of people experiencing problems with their septic tanks failing.”

In his comments to the council, resident Kyle Cole urged the county to adopt competitive salary increases for employees.

“I’m hoping these salary increases in the budget have competitive salaries for all Wicomico County employees because they are the ones who keep this county open,” he said. “They are the reason we’re able to operate on a daily basis.”

Last month, Acting County Executive John Psota presented the county council with his proposed fiscal year 2023 budget.

The spending plan, totaling $173,908,637, proposes a balanced budget funded by several revenue sources and a real property tax rate of $0.9070.

Council Administrator Laura Hurley said the officials will hold budget work sessions in the coming weeks.

“The budget proposes a decrease in the real property tax rate, but since the property tax rate is higher than our constant yield rate, a public hearing is required by state law,” she added. “That will be held at the next council meeting scheduled for May 17 at 10 a.m.”

Extension Offering 4-H Day Programs

May 6, 2022

BERLIN – University of Maryland Extension Worcester County 4-H announced its 2022 Wonders of a 4-H Summer this week.

Six, one-day programs beginning June 22 and ending July 19 are planned. The fun, experiential learning sessions for youth age 8-13 will be held at various locations in Worcester County from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost of each daily program is just $18. Participants need to pack a lunch, beverage and sun protection, as appropriate. These programs will follow the current Maryland 4-H Guidelines for in-person programming.

June 22 is “The 4-H Wonders of Water-The Sinepuxent Bay” held at the Paul S. Sarbanes Coastal Ecology Center on Assateague Island in partnership with UMES Extension. Discover the wonders of water and the watershed as you wade and seine in the Sinepuxent Bay. Learn how to conduct water quality studies and all about shellfish. Make a coastal themed craft to take home.

June 23 takes participants back in time for “The 4-H Wonders of History at Furnace Town.” Spend a day at the one room school house as you learn how people lived at the turn of the 19th century. Learn the basics of using natural dyes, leather crafting and weaving as you make a fair quality project to take home.

July 6 will have participants reeling in the fun at Shad Landing for “The 4-H Wonders of the Pocomoke River”. Brush up on those fishing techniques, find some unusual insects and make your own wooden tote box before cooling off in the pool.

July 7 will have your mouth watering as you meet at the Snow Hill Lions Club for “The 4-H Wonders of Jam and Bread.” Kids will be making an apron before heading into the kitchen to make some delicious jam and a loaf of bread to share with their families. Bring a super soaker for some outdoor fun.

July 13 will see participants head south to the Winter Quarters Log Cabin in Pocomoke for “The 4-H Wonders of STREAM.” Be creative while learning the science behind the beautiful artistic pieces you’ll be making. Guest artisans will be teaching unique projects including painting, mosaics, and more.

July 19 returns to the Sarbanes Center at Assateague for “The 4-H Wonders of Nature’s Filters in the Sinepuxent Bay.” Learn about the incredible oyster and how it filters the bay. See a dissection of a shark by educators and make shark tooth creations. Look for treasures on the beach before wading into the bay to look for wildlife.

Register for each session at https://wondersof4hsummer.eventbrite.com.

For more information or if reasonable accommodations are needed to participate, contact Worcester 4-H Educator, Barb Barga at 410-632-1972 or bbarga@umd.edu.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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A Quick Stop: A healthy seal is pictured on Assateague Island heading back into the ocean after a rest last week.

Photo by Ann Richardson

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Worcester’s Beebe Scores 100th Career Goal

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SPORTS

Worcester Boys Improve To 9-2 With Win

May 6, 2022

In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

straight wins before falling to Archmere Academy, 14-3, last Friday on the road.

Worcester’s only other loss came at the hands of Bennett back on March 28.

Back in action on Monday, the Mallards took down Sussex Academy, 16-10.

Worcester will face Sussex Tech at home of Friday for Senior Day.

Up And Down Week For Worcester Girls Archmere Roars Back From 6-1 Deficit

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team beat Sussex Academy, 16-10, on Monday to improve to 9-2 on the season.

The Mallards had reeled off seven

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team had an up-anddown week, sweeping two wins early and then dropping two.

The Mallards started the week with a 16-5 win over Salisbury School, followed by a 19-2 rout of Sussex Tech.

Against Sussex Tech, the Mallards led 13-1 at the half and never looked back.

Last Friday, the Worcester girls fell to Archmere Academy, 9-7. The Mal-

lards led 6-1 at the half, but Archmere roared back in the second half for the 9-7 win. Against Archmere, Worcester got three goals from Myranda Beebe, two from Emma Zajdel and one each from Nazli Unal and Madilyn Nechay.

On Monday, the Worcester girls lost to old rival Saints Peter and Paul, 19-3.

The Sabres have Worcester’s number this year in the long-running series, having beaten the Mallards, 20-1, back on April 8. Worcester closes out the regular season with a pair of road games against Gunston and Cape Henlopen.

Worcester Prep’s Myranda Beebe last week scored her 100th career goal during a game against Salisbury School. Pictured above, Worcester Prep Head of School Dr. John McDonald presents Beebe with the game ball from her 100th career goal in front of friends and family.

Submitted photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep three-sport standout Myranda Beebe last week recorded her 100th career lacrosse goal at the Berlin school.

Beebe’s 100th career goal fittingly came during a game against familiar Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) rival Salisbury School. Beebe also excels at varsity soccer and basketball at Worcester.

Beebe would have likely reached the

100th goal milestone in lacrosse if her sophomore-year season had not been cancelled because of COVID. She scored 28 goals as a freshman and 44 last year as a junior. Last Monday, she scored her 28th goal of her senior season against Salisbury School, reaching the 100th of her career.

Next year, Beebe will continue her exceptional academic and athletic career at Franklin and Marshall University, where she will compete with the school’s nationally-ranked women’s lacrosse program.

Decatur Boys Sweep Three, Improve To 7-3 Seahawks Rebound From First Loss Of Season

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team swept three games in impressive fashion this week to improve to 7-3 on the season.

Decatur started the week with a 147 win over neighborhood rival Worces-

ter Prep.

Last Wednesday, the Seahawks routed Cambridge-South Dorchester, 19-0, at home, followed by a 19-1 blowout over Salisbury School last Saturday. Decatur closes out the regular season with a pair of tough games against Bayside South rivals Bennett and Parkside.

Stevenson United Methodist Resuming In-Person Church Services Every Sunday At 9 a.m.

– Sunday School Back in Session

Stevenson United Methodist Church

123 North Main St., Berlin, Md. 410-641-1137 • www.stevensonchurch.org

– Service Also Livestreamed On Facebook

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity baseball team rebounded from its first loss of the season with a pair of wins this week.

The Seahawks had been unstoppable for most of the season, running off 13 straight wins to start the season, of-

ten in dominating fashion. The run came to an end last Thursday with a 9-7 loss to Bayside South rival Bennett on the road.

Decatur wasted no time getting a new streak started however. Last Friday, the Seahawks beat Nandua, 7-1, at home. On Tuesday, Decatur edged Easton, 4-2, on the road to improve to 15-1 on the season.

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Who’s Where When BUXY’S SALTY DOG 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, May 6: DJ Wax COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL OCEANFRONT CASTLE IN THE SAND 37TH & 38TH ST. 410-289-6846 Friday, May 6: Darin Engh, Colossal Fossil Sauce Saturday, May 7: Island Fusion, One Night Stand Sunday, May 8: Shortcut Sunny, No Clue Trio Monday, May 9: Smooth & Remy Tuesday, May 10: Full Circle Wednesday, May 11: Aaron Howell Trio Thursday, May 12: Bell Bottom Blues

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 6, 2022

Best Beats

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, May 6

On The Beach BEATS BY WAX Buxy’s Salty Dog: Friday, May 6 Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Coins Pub: Wednesdays

Pickles Pub: Mondays Karaoke w/Wood

DISTANCED Ocean Club: Friday & Saturday, May 6 & 7 DARIN ENGH Coconuts Beach Bar: Friday, May 6

COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday May 6: First Class Duo Wednesdays: DJ Wax CORK BAR Sunday, May 8: Shots Fired Duo

BRYAN CLARK Fager’s Island: Sunday, May 8

KG BAND Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, May 6

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, May 6: Uncle Ward Sunday, May 8: Old School Tuesday, May 10: Sydney Smith Wednesday, May 11: Brian Bishop CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, May 6: KG Band Saturday, May 7: Lennon LaRicci & The Leftovers FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, May 6: DJ RobCee, Rich Mascari Band, In Too Deep Saturday, May 7: The 8-Trax, No Go Romeo Sunday, May 8: Bryan Clark Monday, May 9: Side Project, DJ Hector

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays, Wednesdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday, Sunday & Thursday

DOC MARTEN & THE FLANNELS Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, May 6 & 7

DJ BK Greene Turtle West: Friday, May 6

SYDNEY SMITH Crabcake Factory Bayside: Tuesday, May 10

KAROAKE WITH JEREMY Harborside: Saturdays Greene Turtle West: Sundays

JAH WORKS Seacrets: Friday & Saturday, May 6 & 7

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Who’s Where When GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Rt. 611, West O.C. Friday, May 6: DJ BK Sundays: Karaoke w/ DJ Jeremy

NO CLUE TRIO Coconuts Beach Bar: Sunday, May 8

NO GO ROMEO Fager’s Island: Saturday, May 7

LENNON LARICCI & THE LEFTOVERS Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday, May 7

THE 8-TRAX BAND Fager’s Island: Saturday, May 7

TRIPLE RAIL TURN Seacrets: Friday & Saturday, May 6 & 7

THE DUNEHOUNDS Harborside: Saturday, May 7 • 1 p.m.

Pickles Pub: Saturday, May 7

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Saturday, May 7 Seacrets: Thursday, May 12

FIRST CLASS DUO Coins Pub: Friday, May 6

SMOOTH & REMY Coconuts Beach Bar: Monday, May 9

SHOTS FIRED DUO Cork Bar: Sunday, May 8

HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, May 7: The Dunehounds, DJ Jeremy Sunday, May 8: Opposite Directions, DJ Billy T Thursdays: DJ Billy T OCEAN CLUB 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The OC Friday & Saturday, May 6 & 7: Distanced OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 410-641-7501 1 Mumford’s Landing Road, Ocean Pines Friday, May 6: Great Train Robbery Saturday, May 7: Josh Christina PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By Styler Saturday, May 7: The Dunehounds Sundays: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke with Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax PURPLE MOOSE SALOON Between Talbot & Caroline Streets On The Boardwalk 410-289-6953 Friday & Saturday, May 6 & 7: Doc Marten & The Flannels Saturdays: DJ Adam Dutch Wednesdays: DJ Papi Roisterous SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, May 6: DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, Triple Rail Turn, Jah Works, The Event Horizon Saturday, May 7: DJ Cruz, DJ Bobby O, Triple Rail Turn, Jah Works, The Benderz Thursday, May 12: DJ Bobby O, Opposite Directions

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 6, 2022

OBITUARIES Earl E. Roland BERLIN – Earl E. Roland, age 74, passed away at his home in Berlin, Maryland on Monday, April 25, 2022.

Born in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late George Roland and Mary Reynolds.

He is survived by his EARL E. wife, Joann Roland; two ROLAND daughters, Andrea Huici (Michael) and Kimberly Roland (Randy); two brothers, George Roland (Mary) and Russell Roland; and a sister,

Regina Roland. He is also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Anthony Earl Roland, and a brother, Paul Roland.

A visitation was held at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin on Sunday, May 1, 2022. Interment was at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton on Monday, May 2 at 1 p.m. Letters of condolences can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home.

Francis W. Machen OCEAN PINES – Francis W. (Bunky) Machen age 87 passed away peacefully at his home on April 28, 2022.

Born in Sparrows Point, Md. on Aug. 2, 1934, he was proceeded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Machen, and father, Wilber Machen.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marie (Bonnie) Machen; sister Wilma Myers; children Mary and Skip Mclaughlin, Stephen Machen, BevFRANCIS erly and Charlie Shields MACHEN and Kathleen Machen; 11 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

Bunky was a volunteer ambulance driver for Sparrow Point Fire Department. He was a tap dancer and took professional lessons in New York City until his mid 20’s.

He retired from Bethlehem Steel in 1988 after 35 years of service. He then moved to Ocean Pines, where he spent his next 32 years working at area golf courses as a starter.

He was appointed to the Baltimore County Clerk of District Court and served there approximately six years.

He served in the military as a member of the Marine Corp where he made lifetime friends.

He was an outstanding baseball player and played softball well into his 50’s.

He also enjoyed racquetball, golf and all competitive sports.

He always enjoyed dining out with his wife and many friends.

He will be deeply missed by all.

Services will be held at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church, 11220 Beauchamp Road, Berlin, Md. 21811 on Monday, May 9,2022 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Coastal Hospice.

Joseph L. Zorbach, Jr. OCEAN CITY – Joseph L. Zorbach, Jr. passed away peacefully with his beloved family by his side on April 26, 2022.

Joe (or fondly known as OCBocaJoe) grew up in Parkville where he made lifelong friendships. Joining the Navy as a young man, he served our country honorably. Upon leaving the service, he worked for many years as an engineer on the tugboats out of Fells Point. He built his first home in Forest Hill, Md. where he resided until his retirement. His love of the JOSEPH L. water brought him an ZORBACH, JR. early retirement where he moved to Ocean City and lived the remaining years of his life in his oceanfront condo.

During his retirement, he spent many

Tommy Baker

The family of Tommy Baker would like to announce a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 14 at noon at Berlin First Baptist Church, 613 William St. Berlin, Md. 21811. The family will receive visitors beginning at 11 a.m.

years traveling with his good friend Eddie and meeting up with his friends at the Ocean Club at the Clarion Hotel.

For several years, he worked as an engineer on the Cape May Lewes Ferry.

Joe never met a person who didn’t become a friend. As much as he loved the sea, he adored his family. Many beach days and Boardwalk nights were spent with his children and grandchildren. There’s nothing Joe loved more and was more proud of than his children.

He is survived by his daughter, Robyn F. Bosley (and husband Jay) of Bishopville, and Joseph F. Zorbach (and wife Brittnie) of Ocean City. He is also survived by his former wife and dear friend, Mary F. Zorbach of Selbyville, Del., and a brother C. Francis Zorbach of Fallston. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Ethel Zorbach (née Hewitt) and Joseph L. Zorbach.

Joe gained so much joy from spending time with his granddaughters Brooke A. Marshall of Bel Air and Zoe Rae Zorbach of Ocean City and his grandsons Brayden F. Bosley and Luke J. Bosley of Bishopville. Joe lived his life exactly how he wanted and never grew old; he was able to live independently until the day he had to leave this world.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 24, 2022 at the Ocean Club in the Clarion Hotel located at 10100 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City. Friends and family will gather at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Joe’s honor to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation www.cbf.org Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Md. 21811. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

Obituaries cost $50 to appear in The Dispatch and photos are no extra charge. Direct all inquiries to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com, fax to 410-641-0966 or mail to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811.

USM Board Of Regents Appoints Next President Of SU

May 6, 2022

SALISBURY – The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents has appointed Dr. Carolyn “Lyn” Ringer Lepre as the next president of Salisbury University (SU).

Lepre, currently the interim president of Radford University, will begin her tenure as SU president on July 15.

Lepre, whose academic background is mass communications and journalism, has served as interim president at Radford since 2021. She will succeed Dr. Charles Wight, who has led the university with distinction as president since July 1, 2018.

Prior to her role as interim president, Lepre was provost and vice president for academic affairs at Radford.

As provost, she collaborated with the academic leadership team and the student-centered faculty and staff to advance critCAROLYN LEPRE ical initiatives designed to foster the delivery of high-quality academic programs and experiences and support the Radford strategic plan.

These endeavors included the launch of the campus Academic Success Center; a distinctive new general education curriculum, which empowers students to be in control of their coursework from day one and provides an individualized path to degree completion; the establishment of a stand-alone School of Nursing; the creation of a partnership with the Appalachian School of Law that created dualdegree programs; and the development of three online Fast-Track degree programs (RN-to-BSN, MBA, and MSN).

A proven administrator, full professor and respected scholar, Lepre joined Radford University following a highly successful tenure at Marist College, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. While at Marist, among other administrative appointments, she served as dean of the School of Communication and the Arts and as the director of the college-wide Honors Program.

Prior to her years at Marist College, Lepre was a faculty member at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and California State University, Chico. She also has extensive professional experience in the communication industry, having worked for various national publications and media outlets.

“We are extremely pleased to draw a leader and scholar of Dr. Lepre’s caliber to Salisbury University,” said Board of Regents Chair Linda Gooden. “I can think of no one more qualified to build on the outstanding work of President Wight and continue SU’s profound impact on the region and state. I greatly appreciate the work and commitment of the SU presidential search committee, chaired

by Regent Robert Rauch, for finding such a fine leader among many highly regarded candidates.”

“I am thrilled to join such a prestigious, student-centered and forward-thinking university,” said Lepre. “Salisbury University’s commitment to student success, academic excellence, and focus

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

on inclusivity and belonging aligns with my personal and professional values. I especially look forward to working in partnership with and celebrating our most important resource – our purposedriven people. Empowering students to excel as scholars, citizens and practitioners and instilling a passion for lifelong learning is an incredible responsibility and privilege. I am deeply honored to serve as the next president of Salisbury University, and I look forward to becoming a part of the Sea Gull Nation.”

“I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Lepre to Salisbury University and to the University System family,” said USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman. “She comes with such a strong track record in expanding academic programs and tailoring them to meet urgent needs; growing enrollment,

Page 73

together with the resources it requires; nurturing learner success; and creating individualized pathways to achievement.

Dr. Lepre is committed to the mission of SU—a proudly student-centered university—and I look forward to seeing how she builds on President Wight’s impressive legacy.”

Lepre’s research has focused on media representation of gender and diversity, health communication and mass communication education, and she has published more than 40 book chapters, refereed journal and conference articles.

Lepre attended Miami University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and journalism. She received her Master of Science in Journalism degree from Ohio University and her Ph.D. in mass communication from the University of Florida.

Perman appointed the search committee on Dec. 15, 2021, after President Wight announced two months earlier that he will step down from his position on June 30, 2022, the end of the current academic and fiscal year.

When President Wight announced his decision to step down, Perman saluted his leadership. “Dr. Wight’s ability to sustain Salisbury’s quality and prominence at the same time that he focused on opening access – at the same time that he expanded SU’s academic programs – speaks to his leadership,” Perman said.

“Of course, I got to know that unflappable leadership best during COVID-19, and Chuck’s work to secure the safety of his people while minimizing disruption to students was an inspiration. All of us within the University System will miss his wisdom and strength.”

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Page 74

Kite Festival:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 6, 2022

The Kite Loft presented the Maryland International Kite Expo last weekend in Ocean City, featuring three days of exhibitions, demonstrations, displays and lessons.

Photos by Jo-Ann Rasmussen

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 75

American & Regional Dining With A Global Influence 60TH STREET IN THE BAY

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Wicomico Introduces Tax Credit For Disabled Officers

Page 76

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – County leaders this week introduced a legislative bill allowing a property tax credit for disabled police and correctional officers and rescue workers.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council voted unanimously to introduce a legislative bill, which would amend the county code to include a property tax credit for Wicomico law enforcement officers, correctional officers and rescue workers disabled in the line of duty, and the surviving spouse of a fallen officer or rescue workers.

“I believe we had an extensive work session and ironed out a lot of the details,” said Council President John Cannon.

According to state code, local govern-

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ments are able to grant such tax credits to permanently disabled first responders and officers, or their surviving spouses.

Council attorney Andrew Mitchell noted this week the county was looking to adopt its own legislation for workers who were disabled in the line of duty for any law enforcement, correctional or rescue agency in Wicomico.

“The bill that you are looking at just requires that the person be employed or volunteer with an entity in Wicomico County,” he told the council. “It doesn’t have to be a county agency. You don’t have to be working for the sheriff’s department. You can be working for Delmar or Fruitland. You can be a volunteer.”

Councilman Joe Holloway asked if the proposed legislation allowed disabled officers and rescue workers from other counties to receive the tax credit if they moved to Wicomico. Mitchell said it didn’t.

“Under the state, it’s clear they can do that,” he replied. “Ours requires some connection with Wicomico County.”

Mitchell clarified the legislation would only benefit such workers who own property in Wicomico and were disabled working for any law enforcement, correctional or rescue agency in Wicomico, not just county-run operations.

“So we’re not just giving this benefit to somebody that was injured in Baltimore County and then moved here,” Holloway added.

With no further discussion, the council voted unanimously this week to introduce the legislative bill, and to hold a public hearing on the proposed amendment in June.

It should be noted the property tax credit introduced this week is capped at $1,500 annually.

Following an initial application, the tax

May 6, 2022

credit would continue from year to year until the property is sold, transferred or ceases to be the residence of the disabled worker or surviving spouse, or if the surviving spouse remarries.

During the public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting, resident Robert Taylor said he was concerned limitations found in the bill could be unlawful.

He urged the council to consider a property tax credit for any disabled first responder living in Wicomico County, regardless of where they received their disability.

“By and large I think the idea of being provincial about this and restricting it to only those persons who have been involved in Wicomico County is just not good policy,” he said. “There’s not going to be a huge influx of people coming here to get this tax break. Very few would qualify for it, even if it’s opened up to the rest of the state, or for that matter anywhere … So why do it? First responders, wherever they have been, if they are injured and disabled, deserve this kind of treatment.”

Wicomico County Volunteer Firefighters Association President John Hilton said he also had questions about the proposed legislation. When asked if the tax credit would apply to those workers who were injured while responding in another jurisdiction, or completing routine tasks such as washing windows, Mitchell said it would.

“I almost lean toward making this more Wicomico-centric because you do something that benefits Wicomico residents,” Hilton said, “not those moving in from Harford, Montgomery or any of those counties.”

Hilton also urged county leaders to consider a tax credit for all current volunteer firefighters working in Wicomico County.

“This property tax credit has been brought to this council, to the executive, for three years now, and it keeps getting ignored,” he said.

Officials, however, argued such a tax credit could be costly to implement.

“The one you are referencing is much broader in scope and could be hundreds of thousands of dollars …,” said Council President John Cannon.

Resident Shane Baker still urged the county to do something for local volunteer firefighters.

“I’ve been a first responder since I was 19,” he said. “I’m pretty passionate about this bill, and I think we can do better. I think we need to work with the chiefs association, the firefighters association, and try to make it better. A lot of these guys are volunteers, they don’t get paid. They put their lives on the line, and I think we need to back them.”

Resident James Winn agreed, adding that a tax credit could incentivize volunteers to join.

“I’ve been going around to a lot of fire departments and talking to people, and the one thing I noticed is our fire departments are aging, and we don’t have any youth coming behind them to replace them,” he said. “That’s a concerning thing, that we don’t want to do better for our firemen with a tax credit. If we can do it, we should push forward.”

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 77

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Page 78

… Pier 23 Eyes West Ocean City Opening In June

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 6, 2022

Spring Boardwalk: The Boardwalk was a popular choice last weekend as a result of dry, warm weather condiPhoto by Chris Parypa

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FROM PAGE 12 in that our customers will have the ability to help manage their own pace of service by placing their own orders via their phone or tablet …,” Cole Taustin said.

“It’s a contactless ordering model where they can produce their own choices, modify the food, order drinks – alcohol and non-alcohol – and then we will have servers who will bring everything over to you. Everything is driven by a QR code.”

Officials noted that Pier 23 will also feature a bar, courtyard seating and live entertainment five afternoons a week.

Support staff will also be on hand to help patrons navigate the menu.

“You can still have an interaction with a server if you need it,” Cole Taustin said. “But this just reduces the labor impact for us as a restaurant, and it reduces the need for waiting.”

Officials say menu items will include unique twists on traditional foods such as tacos, burgers, deli sandwiches and more.

“It’s a taste of Ocean City but with a twist, both in the way it looks and the way it tastes,” said Kyler Taustin. “You can get the things you love when you come here on your beach vacation, but you can get it in a different way and in a different environment.”

Cole Taustin added that Pier 23 also offers a great grab-and-go option for boaters.

“One of the advantages to being in such close proximity to the boat ramp and the marina is that boaters, with contactless ordering, can actually place the order online and either drive over once they’ve dropped their boat in the water or drop their boat in the water and float our way to pick it up,” he said. “We do also have an off-premise beer and wine license if they want to pick up to-go beverages.”

Taustin Group officials encouraged the community to visit Pier 23 when it opens in June.

Details on the restaurant’s opening date will be posted on its website, pier23oc.com, and on the Pier 23 Facebook page in the coming weeks.

“We really see this as a beautiful space that allows people to come by sea or by land and get a little something for everyone,” Kyler Taustin said, “a collective array of different types of food, as well as a destination for entertainment and wonderful cocktails.”

Taustin Group is a family-owned collection of businesses. Other Taustin enterprises include BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar, Embers, Embers Island Miniature Golf and Jay’s Café & Trading Company.

Additional information on any Taustin Group business can be found on each company’s website.

“Pier 23 is a great collaboration between what we are doing in West Ocean City and what we are doing in town,” Cole Taustin said.

May 6, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

“GHOSTS IN THE SURF”

Arbor Day Observed:

A New Book By Hunter “Bunk” Mann, The Author Of “Vanishing Ocean City” Available Online at www.vanishingoc.com

• Memories of Ocean City, Md., from the end of WWII to the current day: The storms and fires, summer nights on the Boardwalk, the White Marlin Open, OC Cruisers, surfing, the Ocean City Beach Patrol, Trimper’s Rides, the old hotels and much more.

• More than 500 photo images with historical narrative.

• A hardbound, coffee table book featuring cover by noted artist Paul McGehee.

• A “must have” for all who love Ocean City!

“Ghosts in the Surf” will be available at select location in Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines and online. If you liked “Vanishing Ocean City,” then you will love Bunk Mann’s newest book of photos and OC history.

BOOKS AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS: OC Lifesaving Museum

Crabs To Go

Victorian Charm

Malibu’s Surf Shop

Donaway Furniture

Harpoon Hanna’s

General’s Kitchen

Ish Boutique

Ocean Gallery

Mann Properties Art League Of Ocean City

Down Under Books

Copy Central

Kitty’s Flowers

Berlin Auto Wash

Wockenfuss Candies

Seacrets

OC Chamber Of Commerce

Park Place Jewelers

The Buzzed Word

M.R. Ducks

Toy Town

May 6, 2022

After a two-year hiatus, the Town of Ocean City celebrated Arbor Day at Fiesta Park last Friday with second grade students from Ocean City Elementary School. Hosted by the Ocean City Beautification Committee, the event featured students helping to plant a tree as part of the committee’s TreeMendous Program; a Tree City USA flag display; performances by the students; and demonstrations by the Ocean City Police Department’s mounted police and K-9 units.

Photos by Charlene Sharpe

May 6, 2022

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

Berlin, Md. 21811 PHONE: 410-641-4561 FAX: 410-641-0966 ONLINE WEBSITES: mdcoastdispatch.com facebook.com/thedispatchoc twitter.com/thedispatchocmd instagram.com/thedispatchocmd J. STEVEN GREEN Publisher/Editor editor@mdcoastdispatch.com

NEWS DEPARTMENT SHAWN J. SOPER Managing Editor ssoper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHARLENE SHARPE Staff Writer/Copy Editor csharpe@mdcoastdispatch.com BETHANY HOOPER Staff Writer/Copy Editor bhooper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHRIS PARYPA Photographer

SALES DEPARTMENT TERRI FRENCH Account Executive Entertainment Editor terri@mdcoastdispatch.com AMANDA FORSYTHE Account Executive amanda@mdcoastdispatch.com

ART DEPARTMENT COLE GIBSON Art Director cole@mdcoastdispatch.com DAVID HOOKS Graphic Artist dhooks@mdcoastdispatch.com PAUL HALLAM Graphic Artist/Webmaster phallam@mdcoastdispatch.com

BUSINESS OFFICE PAMELA GREEN Bookkeeper/Classifieds Manager classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices. The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year. Subscription rates are $260 per year.

POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Maryland Coast Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Maryland Coast Dispatch offices are located at Route 346 and Graham Avenue, Berlin, Maryland.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Teacher Shortages A Growing Concern How We See It

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week across the country, and many local schools and parents showered educators with tokens to demonstrate their gratitude for all they do on a daily basis.

These well-intentioned efforts seem to be appreciated by teachers who are in the last month of a long school year. It’s important to demonstrate support and thankfulness to our educators at all times but especially on designated weeks designed just for showing appreciation. It’s particularly critical at this point in the current work climate.

As is the case in law enforcement and medicine (specifically nursing), education is experiencing a teacher shortage. Colleges and universities are recording major declines in education majors and existing teachers are opting for early retirement. This trend should be concerning.

Competition is intense for teachers currently with school systems getting strategic to land qualified young teachers straight out of college to address vacancies.

It’s a national problem. Approximately 44% of public schools reported at least one teaching vacancy in a March report, half of which are due to resignations. Additionally, a poll by the National Education Association released in February showed 55% of educators are ready to leave the profession. The pandemic is surely to blame as teachers face mounting pressure to catch their students up to norms while facing demands from standardized testing, which seems intended to make them look like they are doing wrong by their kids as preparation time is down.

In an op-ed in The Baltimore Sun, Tracey A. Lucas, assistant dean of education, chair of the education department and coordinator of the Master of Science in Teaching at McDaniel College, wrote, “While I applaud Maryland for trying to address the teacher need by creating the ‘Blueprint for Maryland’s Future,’ which outlines reforms and teacher improvement efforts, including a higher minimum salary of $60,000 a year, there are larger issues looming than just a higher beginning teacher salary that I am afraid are being overlooked. … The bottom line is that we need to make changes in how we prepare and treat teachers. Without a definitive transformation in the public mindset about education, … and ensuring that students can complete teacher education programs in four years, we will not be able to generate enough interest in the profession in order to have high quality teachers in every classroom.”

A reinvention of the profession is needed. Finances is one thing and existing teachers in most areas – as much as 6% in Worcester County this year – are seeing annual raises, but there will need to be significant changes to affect the generational trend away from returning to the classrooms in favor of other industries.

Page 81

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green The general public’s consternation is understandable over a wild horse having to be relocated from Assateague Island due to becoming, “increasingly aggressive towards park visitors and staff when pursuing human food or when park staff attempted to redirect him or his band away from crowded visitor use areas such as campgrounds and parking areas” but it’s important to remember it’s not the first time it has happened. It’s a consequence of increased interactions between wild animals and the people, according to a press release.

This is not the first time human interaction has led to a horse being displaced. Chip’s fate was the same as Fabio’s back in August of 2011. The reasons were similar. Chip will be heading to the Cleveland Armory Black Beauty Ranch in Texas, while Fabio, an 18-year-old stallion, went to the Doris Day Horse Rescue and Adoption Center, also in Texas. Fabio was removed from his Assateague home after his bold attempts to steal food from visitor’s campsites, coolers and picnic baskets deemed him too dangerous to roam freely around the island’s densely populated areas. For Fabio, a harem stallion and alpha male in his herd, the lure of snacks fed to him by visitors over time caused him to boldly and aggressively saunter into camping and day-use areas seeking handouts. He had become a public safety concern, as was deemed the case with Chip.

These situations are difficult for the public to digest and trying for the park service. The only option is continuing to educate visitors about not feeding the horses and properly storing food for those on the beach and camping. It might take fining people caught violating the rules and spotlighting the action on social media. It would be a form of marketing through education and can be done while not publicly shaming the culprit. Implementing a punitive repercussion in a high-profile fashion might make a difference. In this case, it would not be about the dollar amount, more about the message.

Former Ocean Councilman Brent Ashley passed away this week. Ashley served on the council from 2010-2014. During his term, Ashley was among the four-person council majority who forced former City Manager Dennis Dare into retirement in 2012. While that was the big news of his term, Ashley, an ardent walker on the Boardwalk, actually made national headlines in 2011 when he aimed to make the resort the “first crack-free city” in Maryland. With his passing, it was interesting to revisit the conversations held at City Hall about a proposed saggy pants ordinance.

A conversation piece initiated by Ashley first in September 2011 led to an ordinance discussion in June 2013. The votes were not there for the council to draft a law on the matter. It never resurfaced after a discussion or two with the ALCU chirping in with a clear intention to challenge the ordinance if it was introduced. Nonetheless, Ashley’s comments at the time resonated with some folks who wanted to clean up the Boardwalk amid an image problem. He walked the boards every day for many years and grew tired of seeing the changes over time.

“This past Wednesday the City of Wildwood passed an ordinance establishing decency standards on the Boardwalk,” Ashley said back in 2013. “I have had many calls from the media, businesses and residents about this ordinance … and I would like to request that we have a discussion about this type of an ordinance at a work session to see what may or might not work for Ocean City along those same lines. To me this is about decency and respect on the Boardwalk. I don’t think small children should be exposed to people’s behinds … I was thinking we could make Ocean City basically the first crack free city in Maryland.”

It took a while but the mural for Rev. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley is coming to the Bruder Hill building off Commerce Street. Public art is an important part of a municipality, but when it spotlights a significant historical perspective it’s special.

Though I didn’t have any serious objections to the mural being at William Street on the old Farlow Pharmacy building’s wall, this revised site in the end is probably best. Commerce Street now sees a significant amount of traffic from motorists seeking parking spots, Taylor Bank customers exiting the drive-thru and patrons visiting the popular farmers market. It will be a nice addition to Berlin for an individual who is far more significant from a historical perspective for our area than Stephen Decatur.

Gov. Larry Hogan used a speech this week at the Reagan Presidential Library to weigh in on extremism within his own Republican Party. Hogan sounded every bit like a 2024 presidential challenger. With his second term ending this fall, the timing is right for Hogan to seek the Republican nomination.

“A party that lost the popular vote in seven out of the last eight presidential elections, and that couldn’t even beat Joe Biden, is desperately in need of a course correction,” he said. “The truth is the last election was not rigged. It wasn’t stolen. We simply didn’t offer the majority of voters what they were looking for. … We won’t win back the White House by nominating Donald Trump or a cheap impersonation of him. The last four years were the worst four years for the GOP Party since the 1930s … We lost the White House, the Senate, the House. We lost governors’ seats, and state legislative bodies. Trump said we would be winning so much we’d would get tired of winning. Well, I’m tired of our party losing.”

Page 82

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Puzzle Answers

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ake everything day to day.

It’s what parenting reminds us daily about life.

I view each day with my boys, 13 and 12, as restarts.

Each kid is different, and most of the time I can tell where their heads are first thing in the morning.

I always strive to be steady with them, or “Even Steven” as Kramer put it in a Seinfeld episode. I am not always successful at maintaining an even keel, but my goal is to just be consistent with them as I know their lives are full of ups and downs they don’t always to share with their parents. I remember life in middle school.

I came across some advice this week I had never heard of before. It’s called the H.A.L.T. method and stems from tactics used in addiction recovery.

With parenting, the concept goes the next time there is some snarky comments or irritable attitude with a teen be sure to “halt” and contemplate some questions first. Any four of these reasons could explain why the “yes,” “of course,” or “no” responses seem especially harsh at any time.

For what’s it’s worth, here’s what theartofsimple.net website recommends evaluating before jumping into litigious mode when the teen of the house gets aggressive.

Hungry: Are they starving? Before you react, cut them some slack and FEED THEM. Anxious: Are they worried, stressed, anxious? Talk to your teen, ask questions and be supportive. They need you.

Lonely: Are they feeling left out, isolated? Maybe what they need is your patience and understanding. Dig below the surface.

Tired: Are they exhausted? Table any deep conversations until your teen is rested.

As I thought more about this article, I quickly realized the H.A.L.T. method is applicable to all of us in life on a daily

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of Fatherhood basis.

s my kids have gotten older, I am focusing more and more on not sweating the small stuff. It’s easier than said done, but what I do know it’s unhealthy to micromanage these evolving be-

ings.

The mornings can be chaotic at our house with different school start times for each kid. Divide and conquer is the mindset for Pam and me. I typically focus on Carson because he needs to be at school by 7:30 a.m. If he’s not awake, I make sure to start getting him moving by 6:30 in the morning. The routine plays out about the same each day.

On Monday morning – not typically our smoothest day after the weekend – Carson was really on his game. I remember thinking to myself this is about as perfect of a morning he has had in months. He got up on his own, got himself dressed and watched his favorite Dr. Pol show in his room for a half hour before breakfast. When I told him from downstairs it was time to eat, he quickly came into the kitchen. It usually takes three or four calls to his room and often requires a visit from me to get his attention.

On this day, he was on his game and I was excited. After he had his breakfast, he was off to use the bathroom and brush his teeth when something got his attention. It was his big brother Beckett sitting at the kitchen table nearby having his own breakfast. In a display of how quickly things can change with our special needs kid, he grabbed a stuffed animal from nearby and flung it at his brother knocking things off the table.

Beckett took off after him, setting off a chase around the house.

I hoped for the best here while I finished cleaning up the kitchen. Before I could even start heading in their direction, I heard the dreaded sound of glass breaking. Carson was nowhere to be

found, but Beckett was standing overtop of it. “He did it, no iPad for a week,” he said.

When I asked what happened, he immediately got defensive, saying it was not his fault and how unfair it is for him to get blamed. I never did anything of the sorts. I was trying to find out what happened, and he took the conversation south in a split second. Of course, it didn’t take much investigative work to find out what occurred.

While being chased by his big brother, Carson picked up a shoe and threw it at Beckett in the foyer. It missed, striking a big framed picture of Carson on his baptism day. Beckett was annoyed I was not upset. I was but I was feigning agitation because I needed to focus on getting Carson to school in the same good frame of mind as a few minutes prior. I showed him what had happened but decided later would be better for a discussion.

Before I was even out the door, Beckett had texted Pam – who was working - about the incident. For some reason, he really wanted to get his little brother in trouble. By the time Carson was in school, I was being asked for details as to what happened. Beckett had evidently painted his little brother as a maniacal madman intent on wrecking the house.

I described it as a temporary lack of sanity that was a shame because he was perfect throughout the morning following his schedule. Because she’s the mom, Pam knew just what to do. She said she would take Carson to a store right after school to buy a new piece of glass. Whatever the cost was he would have to make up in errands. It turnout to be just $19, but I’m going to make up some expensive chores to even things out.

(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 6, 2022

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 6, 2022