June 2

SERVING DELMARVA FOR 60 YEARS

OC Officials To Take Lead On Sports Complex Project

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week agreed to take the lead on a proposed sports complex project and to form a task force to evaluate its scope, location and funding sources.

On Tuesday, City Manager Terry McGean presented the Mayor and City Council with proposed next steps for the development of a sports complex within close proximity to Ocean City.

Following a brief review of an updated sports complex study, and a recap of the town’s April meeting with the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), the council voted unanimously to take the lead on the project and to form a committee that would evaluate its location, size and funding.

“I do think we should take the lead

here and form this committee or task force,” Councilman John Gehrig said. “I do think other locations should be on the table, we should be open minded. I think, while we respect what the county commissioners decided to do, I like them to also know they are invited to participate, as well as other elected officials and representatives throughout the county, and make this a true team effort.”

For years, resort council members have expressed their desires to develop a sports complex somewhere near Ocean City. And in 2019, the town commissioned the MSA to conduct a market and economic analysis for a proposed sports complex in the Ocean City area.

When the pandemic hit, however, MSA officials were tasked with revising the study and producing a site-specific assessment of a 95-acre site next to Stephen Decatur High School. Follow-

ing the November election, the majority of the Worcester County Commissioners agreed to terminate the contract for the purchase of the property and to end any county involvement in the development of a complex.

“During last November’s election, the county’s proposed acquisition of the Decatur site was placed on the ballot by referendum,” McGean told the council this week. “Although the measure failed countywide, it did pass in the Ocean City, West Ocean City and Bishopville districts. However, based on the results, the county commissioners have instructed their staff to cease working on the project.”

Resort staff told the council this week the market study determined a sports complex was not only feasible at the Stephen Decatur site but would support 1,000 full-time jobs and generate $2 million in annual local tax revenue.

“This would support year-round opportunities and support our local economy, products and services,” said Tom Perlozzo, Ocean City’s tourism and business development director. “It gives us a great opportunity to diversify our tourism here. What I mean by that is we typically live and die by the summer. Having a sports complex being year-round gives us an opportunity to bite back and to drive economics year-round.”

McGean added that other sites could also be considered.

“Although the study was based on the identified Decatur location, the Maryland Stadium Authority has noted that the study’s economic impact results would still apply for a location in similar, close proximity to Ocean City,” he said. “And by that, they mean approximately a 15- to20-minute drive time.”

McGean told the council the estimated cost for constructing the sports complex totaled more than $153 million. He noted, however, that an 80-20 cost share between the state and a local sponsor could make the project feasible.

“Assuming that 80-20 split, the estimated debt service for the local sponsor would be $2.2 million annually,” he explained. “By way of comparison, a 1% room tax is equivalent to about $4.5 million annually, and a half percent food tax generates about $1.5 million annually.”

McGean said staff recommended the town take the lead on the sports complex project and to form a committee that would address community concerns.

“Should the city wish to pursue this project, there are a number of issues that will need to be addressed, starting, in my opinion, with the three most basic,” he said. “First, should the current proposed Decatur location be the focus or should other locations be evaluated? Second, should the project include both the indoor and outdoor facilities, or should one or the other be prioritized? And third, how should the project be funded?”

McGean noted a blue-ribbon committee was formed in prior years to evaluate the expansion of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. That effort, he said, led to the first major expansion project and an ongoing partnership with the MSA.

“Therefore, staff would recommend that the city take the lead on the sports complex and that a similar blue-ribbon committee approach be initiated for the project,” he said.

Gehrig said he supported the recommendation. He then made a motion to have the town take the lead on the project and appoint a committee to evaluate the scope and location of the project and potential funding sources.

“I think Ocean City should definitely take the lead,” he said. “Our constituents spoke clearly in the last election about it.”

Councilman Peter Buas also asked that the committee evaluate whether the indoor fieldhouse and outdoor fields should be placed on the same site. The motion passed in a 7-0 vote.

“I’ll work on beginning to put together a committee,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “If anybody has any recommendations, please pass them on. We’ll try to get that going as soon as possible.”

Berlin, Developer Expected To Discuss Property Sale In June

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – As the end of a second negotiating period looms, Mayor Zack Tyndall said officials were expected to discuss the potential sale of a part of Heron Park later this month.

Tyndall said this week Heron Park should be an item on the agenda for the June 26 meeting of the town council. When asked if it would be an informational item or an action item, Tyndall said it was too early to say.

“It would at least be an update but we’re hoping to be seeking public input as well as action by the council,” he said.

Last spring, the town entered into negotiations with Palmer Gillis’s Coastal Ventures Properties LLC one of two entities that submitted a proposal for the Heron Park property. Since then, Tyndall, Councilman Jack Orris and Councilman Jay Knerr, along with Town Administrator Mary Bohlen and Town Attorney David Gaskill, have served on a subcommittee to work with the company to negotiate an agreement.

The Gillis proposal offered the town $1.5 million for three parcels — parcel 410, 57 and 191 — and would involve partial demolition of the existing structures to create a commercial project on the site. The trails and pond on the north end of the property would be unaffected.

While the subcommittee has been working with Gillis on his plan to purchase the property, negotiations are ongoing. In January, the council agreed to approve a 180-day extended negotiating period, as the town’s initial six-month agreement with Coastal Venture Properties, which was made in June of 2022, had expired.

As the end of the latest 180-day period nears, Tyndall said the subcommittee continued to meet with Gillis.

“We’ve had a couple more subcommittee meetings and a lot of dialogue,” he said. “I think we’re at the point we should be able to bring something to the council for an update and consideration.”

Tyndall added that he heard from citizens regarding the park frequently and wanted the public to be aware that the subcommittee had been working on the sale of the park since the request for proposals had been issued back in 2021.

“We’re all eager to have some end goal in mind,” Tyndall said.

When contacted this week, Gillis said negotiations were moving along well toward a contract.

“I think we’re 98% ready to go to contract,” he said. “I think all parties are motivated and ready to move forward.”

Berlin officials have been exploring plans to sell at least a portion of Heron Park since early 2021. The 63-acre property, a former chicken processing plant, was purchased by the town for $2.5 million in 2016.

The Gillis proposal in 2022 included setting aside two acres for an amphitheater and listed potential businesses as restaurants, a garden center, offices, parking, multiuse fields and a dog friendly park.

“We have a small, medium and large version of this,” Gillis said last year.

Renderings of the redevelopment envisioned by Coastal Venture Properties LLC are shown. Top is the east elevation from the parking lot, and the bottom is from Old Ocean City Boulevard. Renderings by Becker Morgan Group

County’s Ice Rink Auction Closes

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL– An online auction resulted in a high bid of $31,000 for the county’s synthetic ice rink.

In May, Worcester County listed its synthetic ice rink on govdeals.com. The auction ended May 22 with a high bid of $31,001.02 for the rink.

“It’s roughly half what the taxpayers paid for an idea that was not fulfilled,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “At least the taxpayers recouped some of what they expended.”

At the start of the year, the commissioners agreed to cease operations of the synthetic ice rink, which the county purchased for about $70,000 in 2019. Several of them said it was too expensive to set up and wasn’t utilized enough. At that point, staff advised them they could donate it, sell it

on the online auction site govdeals.com or solicit bids for it. They voted 4-3 at the time to solicit bids.

When advised in April no bids were received, the commissioners voted 4-3 to list the ice rink on the online auction site govdeals.com.

Nicholas Rice, the county’s procurement officer, said this week the ice rink was viewed 1,350 times with 114 total bids from May 1 to May 22. He said he could not yet provide information on who had purchased the ice rink.

“We can provide information on the buyer once the sale is complete,” he said. “The auction has closed, but the sale is not finalized until the item is picked up.”

Bertino said he was pleased officials had agreed to list the rink online, as at least some funding would be recouped.

“Maybe Snow Hill can put the riverboat on there,” Bertino said, referencing the

boat docked on the Pocomoke River.

The county purchased the ice rink in 2019 at the urging of Tom Perlozzo, who was at that time the recreation and parks director. He said the rink, which is 52 feet by 32 feet, was a portable, buzzworthy attraction that could be used at special events.

The commissioners, however, noted earlier this year that the rink was underutilized and costly to set up, as it took eight staff members four hours to lay down the rink and another three hours to pick it up. While the majority supported selling it, others suggested the county keep it or donate it.

“We should accept a narrative of what the people that are interested in Worcester County would do with it, how they would utilize it, and decide what the best use would be moving forward and donate it,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said when disposing of the ice rink was initially discussed.

Ocean City Officials Approve Take-Home Vehicle Policy

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A new policy will allow the resort to monitor take-home and oncall vehicle usage.

In a work session Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to approve a formal take-home and on-call vehicle policy. City Manager Terry McGean said the policy was a result of a recent audit.

“Some time ago at the request of the council we had an audit done on takehome vehicles,” he explained. “One of the recommendations from that audit was that at the time there was really no formal policy for take home vehicles and no acknowledgement of the take-home vehicle drivers as to what policies and procedures they needed to follow. As a result of that, the staff has put together a policy as it applies to take-home vehicles.”

McGean said Ocean City currently has 58 take-home vehicles – 38 of which are assigned to the Ocean City Police Department – 15 rotating on-call vehicles and three seasonal take-home vehicles.

Because specific employees were referenced in the audit, the results of the audit were presented to the council in closed session.

“The audit resulted in a grade of ‘Needs Improvement’ due to lack of a formal policy for take-home/on-call vehicles, lack of a central database of existing take-home/on-call vehicle assignments, lack of formal approvals for take-home/on-call vehicles, and lack of written employee acknowledgement of take-home/on-call and general vehicle operation policies and procedures,” a memo to the council reads.

During Tuesday’s work session, McGean told the council the proposed policy and related forms addressed audit recommendations. He said the policy would not apply to the Ocean City Police Department.

“They do have their own policy that’s done through internal General Orders that are approved by the Mayor and City Council separately,” he explained.

Councilman John Gehrig questioned if the council would be kept informed on the take-home and on-call vehicle policy.

“Is this something – I don’t know if it’s during the budget – that we see once a year?” he said.

McGean said staff could provide the council with a yearly update.

“One of the requirements of this policy is that annually we get a listing of all takehome vehicles, so I’m certainly happy to share that with the Mayor and Council … ,” he said. “The policy has it done in January so if that’s what you like to see, I think that’s probably the best time.”

With no further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to approve the take-home and on-call vehicle policy.

“Thank you for getting this taken care of,” said Council President Matt James.

Commissioners To Vote On Budget $11M Shortfall Eliminated

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Worcester County officials are expected to approve the county’s $235 million budget next week.

On Tuesday, June 6, the commissioners are expected to vote on the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1. The $11 million shortfall initially associated with the budget has been eliminated through cuts and updated revenue projections.

“I am extremely proud of our departments and our finance team for the effort they put in to ensure we could prepare a budget that made sense for the county,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “As a result taxpayers will benefit from that.”

County officials began reviewing the proposed $241 million budget in March. Budget work sessions were held March 28 and April 11. On April 18, the commissioners heard budget requests from the Worcester County Board of Education and fire and EMS companies.

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

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

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

The remaining shortfall was addressed on May 9, when the commissioners voted 4-2 to approve a $100 million maintenance of effort budget for the school system.

Following the budget work session changes, staff will be presenting a balanced budget on Tuesday. Expenditures for fiscal year 2024 total $235,890,227 and revenues total $235,890,227. The proposed budget maintains the current property tax rate of $0.845 for real property taxes and the local income tax rate of 2.25%. The budget includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for county staff as well as a step increase for eligible employees.

Bertino said the county’s finance team, administration and department heads had worked hard to create a budget that made sense for the county.

“Things have gone smoothly with the process at the county level,” Bertino said.

He acknowledged that things hadn’t gone quite as smoothly with the board of

education. County officials are currently waiting for detailed Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) budget information requested through a Public Information Act request.

“We encountered some challenges with the board of education that I believe we will get through,” Bertino said.

Though the commissioners voted May 9 to approve the maintenance of effort budget for the school system, WCPS officials have said they will not discuss how to adjust their budget to work with the reduced allocation until after the county’s entire budget is finalized.

“The board of education will likely meet very soon after the county strikes the budget on June 6, as at that time, the local share for the board of education will be finalized…,” said Carrie Sterrs, the school system’s coordinator of public relations and special programs, last week. “If the budget struck on June 6, funds the board of education at maintenance of effort, which is $4.5 million less than requested, the negotiating teams will have to go back to the table to renegotiate with both of our associations as well as have discussions with our bus contractors.”

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Ocean City Looks To Prohibit On-Site Cannabis Usage

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Code amendments prohibiting the issuance of on-site cannabis consumption licenses passed on first reading this week.

On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council had before them two code amendments pertaining to on-site cannabis consumption. Deputy City Manager J.R. Harmon said the changes would not only prohibit the issuance of cannabis on-site consumption business licenses, but would establish penalties for any violations.

“In accordance with certain other provisions of Maryland law, Section 36-407 of the alcoholic beverage article specifically allows municipalities to prohibit the operation of on-site consumption establishments …,” he said. “The recommendation would be to approve the proposed code amendments for a first reading.”

On May 3, Gov. Wes Moore signed Maryland’s cannabis reform bill into law, paving the way for recreational sales beginning July 1.

In the November election, two-thirds of voters supported a state referendum to legalize recreational marijuana. The legislation signed into law last month essentially establishes an adult-use cannabis industry through the creation of tax rates and licensing framework.

“This legislation, among other things, expanded cannabis licensing within the Maryland annotated code,” Harmon told the council this week. “Section 36-401 of the alcoholic beverage article specifically created an on-site consumption license, which authorizes the holder of the license to operate a facility on the premise in which individuals can smoke outdoors, vape or consume cannabis.”

The code amendments presented to the Mayor and Council this week would essentially prohibit the operation of onsite consumption establishments within the town’s corporate limits.

“Ocean City finds that in order to promote and protect the public’s health, safety and welfare, a prohibition of the operation of on-site consumption establishments and the prohibition to the issuance of any license that would permit on-site consumption of Cannabis is just and proper,” the amendment reads. “Ocean City finds that it is within its right, as a political subdivision, to prohibit the operation and licensing of on-site consumption establishments.”

The amendments also include fine of no less than $25 and no more than $1,000 for any violation.

“This proposed ordinance … prohibits the issuance of on-site consumption license within city limits,” Harmon said. “The companion ordinance outlines penalties associated with violations of Article 10.”

With no further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to approve the code amendments on first reading.

The 350-plus members of the Class of 2023 at Stephen Decatur High School received their diplomas Wednesday during an outside ceremony, which was capped off with fireworks and the traditional tossing of the caps.

Photo by J.P. Cathell Photography

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Pride Month Observed In Berlin

A brief ceremony was held in front of Berlin’s Town Hall Thursday morning to proclaim June Pride Month. Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall read a proclamation recognizing the month’s significance before two pride flags, sponsored by Salt Water Media, were placed on Town Hall. The flags will appear on town hall throughout June. Above left, Councilman Jack Orris places the second of two pride flags on town hall with the help of Caleb Hunter of the Town of Berlin’s electric department. Above, from left, are Patty Gregorio of Salt Water Media, Orris, Stephanie Fowler and Andrew Heller of Salt Water Media, Tyndall, Councilman Steve Green, Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells, Berlin Chamber Executive Director Ryan Nellans and Allison Early of the town’s Economic and Community Development Department. Photos by Charlene Sharpe

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The Bonfire Marks 50 Years Serving Ocean City Visitors

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – An iconic Ocean City restaurant is celebrating five decades of providing families with a quality dining experience.

The Bonfire Restaurant, located on Coastal Highway at 70th Street, is celebrating 50 years of business in 2023. The 425-seat restaurant, known for its buffet, has undergone several changes over the years but continues to focus on good food and fair prices, a practice the Leiner family says isn’t changing. The Bonfire’s owners, Mark and Donna Leiner, said they were grateful for the loyalty and support both residents and visitors have shown the business over the years.

“They [our customers] work hard for their money,” Donna Leiner said. “That they choose to spend it with us is a privilege.”

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The Bonfire opened in 1973 at what was once the Golden Bull. Mark Leiner said his father, Richard, and his Great Uncles Sam and Irv Taustin agreed to buy the property at the end of 1972 and opened the Bonfire in the spring of 1973.

“My uncle wanted to lease but my father said they were going to buy the land or he wasn’t interested,” Leiner recalled. “That was the best move ever made.”

He remembers the restaurant’s early years – back when appetizers started at 95 cents – when his father would start the day at Candy Kitchen, be at Embers by 4 p.m. and then spend the evening at the Bonfire.

“He was a force,” Donna Leiner said. While the family remodeled the Golden Bull before opening it as the Bonfire, they maintained the facility’s fine dining menu. What is now table seating was a dance floor and patrons flocked to the Bonfire’s night club. Bands would start at 9 p.m. and play until the early hours of the morning.

“This was the place to come,” said Bartosz Rafinski, the Leiners’ son-in-law and now the Bonfire’s chef.

Mark and Donna, who started waiting tables at the Bonfire on the same night, got married at the restaurant in 1984. Under Mark’s guidance, the restaurant gradually evolved. After he studied Chinese cooking, they added that to the menu.

“The food was delicious,” he said.

The family decided to begin transitioning the Bonfire to an all-you-can-eat Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet, while still offering an a la carte menu.

“It was just seeing the writing on the wall,” Leiner said. “We had labor problems back then. Staff quit by the second week in August. Buffet seemed the way to go.”

Today, the restaurant, which offers diners views of tropical aquariums and

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Chief Alleges Police Station Breached

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Allegations of a security breach at the Fenwick Island Police Department had community members seeking answers from elected officials at last week’s town council meeting.

During the public participation portion of last Friday’s town council meeting, several residents came before officials to express their support for Police Chief John Devlin after it was announced the town would not be renewing his employment contract. Their comments, however, soon turned into questions regarding an alleged security breach at the police station.

“I understand there was a security breach in the police station at some point, and I’m not even sure what happened there,” said resident Craig Pfeifer. “Could the chief comment on that and let us know if that’s a concern moving forward?”

Resident Faye Horner also questioned officials about the incident.

“If there is a breach of security with the police station, I’d like to know what it was,” she said. “Can anybody comment on that from the town council?”

Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said the council would not comment. When asked if the chief could respond to the public’s questions, she said he could not, as public comments could only be made by residents and business owners.

“You can make your statements, whatever you would like on public participation,” Magdeburger replied. “The chief’s not a resident or owner of a business here.”

Resident Bill Weistling, however, encouraged Devlin to speak after the meeting.

“Chief Devlin, I just heard you are not allowed to speak. If you are willing to speak after this meeting, to the public or press or anybody, give your opinion …,” he said. “Who is allowed access to the building? Who is not allowed access to the building? Who is allowed access to the records? That’s all I’m asking, just the facts.”

In an interview this week, Devlin said

an incident occurred at around 9:30 p.m. on April 23, while he was at a training conference in Florida. He said that evening Mayor Natalie Magdeburger used a security access code to enter the police station through the back door.

“I received a phone call from my officer in charge …,” he said. “All I was asked was ‘Can I change the code? There was a security breach.’”

Devlin said only personnel certified by the Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) can enter the police station without an escort. He claimed Magdeburger had entered the station without permission and without an escort.

“She opened the door and walked in,” he said.

In an interview Wednesday, Magdeburger denied all allegations of a security breach. She said the characterization was inaccurate, as she did not unlawfully enter the police station.

“I was given a code, and I was given a code by the chief …,” she said. “I was never given any instruction on when to use it or how to use it. And our staff uses it. That’s how people use the code. That was, as far as instruction, what any of us received.”

Magdeburger recalled the night the events transpired. She said she had used a pass code the police chief personally provided to her and had shown her how to use to enter the building. She said she was there to obtain a hard copy of the police schedule so she could schedule ride-alongs with officers the following week.

“There are two doors to that side of the police building, an exterior door and an interior door,” she said. “I used the pass code by myself to go through the exterior door. Then at the interior door there were two police officers in the interior part of building. When I got to the interior door, one of the officers heard me come in and said, ‘Hi, Mayor.’”

Magdeburger said she had spent roughly five or ten minutes in the building and was escorted by an officer the entire time. After receiving a copy of the schedule and making small talk with the officers at the station, she left, she said. She said she did not seek or was given

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… Mayor: ‘I Don’t Believe I Did Anything Wrong’

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any access to any DELJIS information.

“I’m just trying to do my job and do it as well as I can,” she said. “It’s unfortunate an allegation like this was made in that circumstance. At the end of the day, I don’t believe I did anything wrong. I did not get any information I wasn’t entitled to receive. I just received a copy of the schedule, which I needed to plan these ride-alongs.”

In the wake of the incident, Devlin said he has sent an ethics violation report to the Delaware attorney general’s office. Those concerns have also been shared with DELJIS, he said.

“I reached out to the attorney general’s office, but I’m not sure if they are going to take it up,” he said in an interview this week. “I sent it as an ethics violation and DELJIS, because there is a security breach, would follow up with them.”

In a memorandum dated May 10, DELJIS Executive Director Spencer Price responded to Devlin’s security concerns.

“As you are aware, the FBI CJIS Security Police and the DELJIS Rules and Regulations specify that access to criminal justice information (CJI) and criminal history record information (CHRI) is limited only to Authorized Users,” the memo reads. “It is the Agency’s responsibility and obligation to implement the necessary measures to ensure their compliance with these policies, as well as all applicable state and federal laws or regulations governing the dissemination of CJI and CHRI.”

The memo states that authorized police agencies are responsible for ensuring the security of CJIS information and instituting safeguards to secure physical access to such information. That includes escorting any visitors or unauthorized users and monitoring activity in physically secure locations.

“Further, all Authorized Users who become aware of possible improper access by another user or any entity are responsible for immediately reporting the potential violation,” the memo reads.

Magdeburger said this week she has not been contacted by any state agency, but added she and the town council would comply with any investigation or review or procedures.

“If there’s a procedure that should have been followed, we’d like to know that so we follow things appropriately,” she said.

In addition to seeking information on the April 23 incident, residents last week also asked the town council to elaborate on the town’s decision to not renew Devlin’s contract.

“This involves a personnel matter, and out of respect for Chief Devlin, the council will not be discussing the details in the public forum,” Magdeburger said last week. “However, be advised the narrative you may be hearing from sources may not tell you the full or accurate story.”

Md. Coastal Bays Awards Mini Grants

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Grants from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program are expected to help a variety of local organizations accomplish environmental projects.

The Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) in May announced winners of its mini grant program. The funding is meant to support education, outreach, resiliency and research in the area.

“The goal of the mini grant program is to invest in the health and resiliency of our local community by giving diverse organizations access to funding for projects that will enhance communities and, overall, improve natural resources,” said Chandler Joiner, MCBP’s education program manager.

Grant recipients include Spencer Rowe Environmental Consultants, in partnership with Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT), who

received $4,999 to support the installation and monitoring of five water level loggers through the coastal bays and tributaries.

“These devices will be used to track tidal fluctuation and will help in determining mean low water more accurately,” a MCBP Facebook post reads. “Such data will be vital for shoreline restoration as well as shoreline construction and stabilization projects.”

Also receiving a grant was Go Green OC, where the $4,996 in funding will be used to purchase equipment to support the expansion of the Ocean City composting program. Assateague Coastal Trust received $4,911 to fund eight scholarships to ACT’s summer camp. The camp, Coast Kids Nature Explorers and Wild Scientists, is a summer enrichment program that gives kids the chance to explore the watershed and study backyard life. The grant funds allow the program to offer scholarships to students from low-income families who receive free and reduced meals in school.

Another grant recipient was the Freetown Education, Research, and Cultural Center. The center was awarded $4,977 to restore the historic Coolspring African American cemetery and preserve the surrounding wooded area.

“African American cemeteries document the profound history dealing with slavery, spiritual practice, periods of war, and societal issues,” a social media post from MCBP reads. “These sacred sites honor the lives of those who paved the way for their descendants to have a better life. Unfortunately, African American cemeteries are critically in need of repair. This holds true for the historic Coolspring Cemetery. The Cemetery is located in a dense wooded area and the Freetown Center will be using the grant funds to ensure restoration is done properly and with consideration of the important surrounding natural resources.”

In addition, the Germantown School Community Heritage Center was awarded $4,981 to assist with a butterfly garden and a native plant medicinal garden. Volunteer Karen Prengaman said the grant will help give visitors a glimpse into the natural life of early 20th century students.

“The grant will fund two stations in the center’s upcoming walking tour, a healing garden and a migrations garden,” she said. “These gardens include the plants that sustained the communities of the Eastern Shore at a time when outside food was scarce and doctors were even scarcer. In addition to the gardens marked with signage, a foraging experience will take visitors on their own plant hunt. In the fall, the gardens will recreate the butterfly migrations that live on in the memories of local students. Visitors will take their experience home with a coloring book filled with the plants and student memories.”

Prengaman said the butterfly garden was being established because the arrival of the fall butterflies was a vivid memory of those who’d attended the Germantown School as children.

“Each fall butterflies filled their community, and, while the migratory encounters have diminished over time, they live on in the memories of the students,” she said. “Through the garden, the fall migrations will return for future generations to experience once again.”

Children are pictured learning about medicinal plants at Germantown School Community Heritage Center. A grant will allow for a new healing garden and butterfly garden at the center. Submitted Image

Middle School Addition Celebrated

of the Worcester County Commissioners and Board of Education and Delegate

converged on

Middle School this week to celebrate the 24,000-square-foot, $11 million addition, which opened to students in

Members

Charles Otto

Stephen Decatur

January. Above, SDMS Principal Lynne Barton delivers remarks in the new courtyard built between the older and newer parts of the school. Above right, Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor, County Commission President Chip Bertino and Barton cut the ribbon. Submitted Photos

Resiliency Study Recommends Sea Wall For Fenwick Island ‘A Decade To Make This Transition’

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said the construction of flood walls and a structural dune in Fenwick Island highlight proposed plans to protect Route 1 from sea level rise.

In a town council meeting last week, Magdeburger updated community members regarding the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) SR 1 Coastal Corridor Resiliency Study.

Magdeburger noted she had attended a community workshop last Monday, where state officials provided a presentation and question-and-answer session on the study. She said a range of mitigation alternatives to improve resiliency along Route 1 – from flood walls to structural dunes – were also shared.

“What they have proposed for Fenwick is that they want to raise and regrade part of Route 1,” she explained. “Then they want to have exposed or buried flood walls with deployables on

the west side of the highway.”

Magdeburger said she had asked DelDOT officials if the agency would work with coastal municipalities to discuss planned projects that would protect both Route 1 and nearby residents. She also asked the agency to elaborate on how the plan would impact bayside residences and businesses.

“The answer to that question was we would be doing further modeling,” she said, “that obviously they are concerned there would be water coming from hightides, and that they wouldn’t be able to dam that without future consideration.”

Last year, DelDOT applied for, and was awarded, a grant to conduct a resiliency study of Route 1.

The goal of the DelDOT study, the agency reports, is to examine the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise on transportation infrastructure and to incorporate resiliency measures in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of projects.

“DelDOT has been and continues to be challenged by the effects of sea-level rise (SLR) and frequently flooded roadways,” a statement reads. “And the SR1 corridor between Dewey Beach and the Maryland state line is particularly vulnerable with effects coming from oceanside as well as bayside.”

The statement continues, “This section of SR1 is a primary evacuation route for Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island, and Ocean City, Maryland. This planning study will allow the Delaware Department of Transportation to develop short and long-term solutions to help protect this important roadway for both the economic stability of the state and the safety of the traveling public.”

In last week’s update, Magdeburger noted that the town recently completed its own resiliency study, which included a recommendation to build a sea wall throughout town.

“It may require that bulkheads be raised,” she said. “The good news is it doesn’t have to be done tomorrow. Better news is we probably have over a decade to make this transition.”

She encouraged officials to work together with state and federal agencies on projects identified in resiliency studies. Magdeburger noted that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has also started its own resiliency study.

“It will be important to coordinate with the Army Corps of Engineers so that each of us aren’t sort of protecting our own, but that we are protecting all of us …” she said. “This is something we should continue to pay attention to.”

Berlin Seeking Sponsorships For Fireworks Display

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – The town is seeking sponsorships for its annual July 3 fireworks display.

With Independence Day a month away, the Town of Berlin is still looking for businesses interested in sponsoring the town’s annual fireworks display.

“People love the fireworks,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. “We want to provide this fun evening for our residents, but we can’t do it without the help of sponsorships.”

July 3 fireworks have become a popular mainstay in Berlin since they were first held at Heron Park in 2016. The display, which is typically set for about 9:15 p.m. on July 3 at Heron Park, has increased in cost in recent years, however. Wells said the town was looking for businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring the show.

“People want the fireworks to continue but the cost has gone up,” she said.

According to Wells the display costs close to $12,000. So far, she’s received a commitment for a $2,500 donation but says more funding is needed.

The town is offering various sponsorship levels tied to a red, white and blue theme. A $2,500 “Red” sponsorship comes with various advertising benefits, while a $1,000 “White” sponsorship provides sponsors with a logo and link on the BerlinMainStreet.com event page. At the $500 “Blue” level sponsors get logo recognition on event advertising.

Anyone interested in sponsoring can access the sponsorship form on the town’s website, berlinmd.gov. Wells said interested businesses can also email her at iwells@berlinmd.gov.

Town officials approved the fireworks sponsorship program last year, after the cost of the program came up during budget discussions. At that time, while Wells acknowledged that sponsorships helped cover costs, she pointed out they could also add to her department’s expenses if not handled carefully. When a business sponsors an event, there are added expectations for advertising and promotion from that business. Wells also noted that she didn’t want any one corporate entity to completely take over a particular event.

Officials opted to cut half of the $10,000 usually included in the budget for fireworks and to pursue sponsorships.

“This really is designed to help offset a portion of our annual expense for the Independence Day fireworks show,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said at the time. “We previously used to accept contributions or sponsorships for this. This is an effort to be able to return back to that and offset that expense.”

Officials said they were willing to try the sponsorship program for a year to see how it went.

A close-up of the fireworks display during a previous year in Berlin is pictured.

File Photo

Child Abuse Sentence

SNOW HILL – A Berlin man has been sentenced to 50 years for child abuse following a conviction in March.

On May 19, Connor Kelly, age 32, of Berlin, was sentenced to 50 years in the Division of Corrections for his conviction on the charges of one count of child abuse in the second degree, three counts of second-degree assault, and one count of neglect of a minor. He was found guilty by a jury after a week-long trial in the Worcester County Circuit Court on March 15. Judge Beau H. Oglesby presided over the case and imposed the sentence, which was the maximum sentence allowed by law.

The charges arose out of a call received by the Ocean Pines Police Department on Feb. 15, 2021, regarding

a one-month-old male infant who presented with a spiral fracture of the arm at Atlantic General Hospital. Upon further examination by medical staff, it was determined that in addition to the spiral fracture, the infant had suffered from several broken ribs, which were old enough to be already healing. The Ocean Pines Police Department and Child Protective Services jointly investigated this matter and learned that Kelly, the infant’s biological father, had been solely responsible for his care on the days that he suffered the injuries. Investigators also obtained text messages written by Kelly on the dates in question

proving that he knew about the child’s injuries and that he attempted to cover them up by providing false information regarding the cause of the injuries to medical personnel.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser commended the Ocean Pines Police Department, the CRICKET Center, the Department of Social Services, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation and Detectives Bailey and Martin for their thorough investigation and thanked Assistant State's Attorneys Pamela Correa and Mary-Ann Burkhart who prosecuted this case.

The mission of the CRICKET Center is to create a community response in which abusers are held accountable and children and families experience hope and healing. The multidisciplinary team is made up of law enforcement officers, child protective service personnel, prosecutors, advocates, mental health therapists and medical personnel. To learn more, or to report suspected child abuse or neglect, contact 410-641-0097.

Holiday Weekend

By Numbers

OCEAN CITY – While service calls fell significantly, traffic enforcement numbers spiked over the holiday weekend in Ocean City.

According to data provided by Ocean City Police Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller, total service calls declined 11% this Memorial Day holiday weekend. Total traffic enforcement actions spiked 31% over the threeday weekend compared to last year.

A breakdown of the statistics compiled over the last three years starting with this year is as follows: officer calls for service 1,268, 1,425 (2022) and 1,023 (2021); citizen calls for service, 1,740, 1,956 (2022) and 1,560 (2021); total calls for service, 1,740, 1,956 (2022) and 1,560 (2021); traffic citations, 337, 197 (2022) and 255 (2021); traffic warnings, 208, 219 (2022); and 76 (2021); total traffic enforcement, 545,

416 (2022) and 331 (2021); accidents, 11, 13 (2022) and 22 (2021); total arrests, 71, 81 (2022) and 93 (2021); drug arrests, three, 12 (2022) and five (2021); weapon arrests, nine, 13 (2022) and nine (2021); and DUI arrests, 11, same as the last two years.

Serious Assault Charges

OCEAN CITY – Three men face serious charges this week after police and witnesses observed them repeatedly assault a man in downtown Ocean City.

On May 27 around 2 a.m., Ocean City police were notified of a fight in progress on Wicomico Street. A man, later identified as Michael Miller, 28, of Berlin, was observed by police punching a man in the face with a closed fist, which is second-degree assault. The officer on bike patrol tackled Miller preventing him from fleeing the scene once he saw police. Another officer confirmed the victim was unconscious but breathing.

Interviews with witnesses to the fight reported there were two other individuals in the fight nearby who were subsequently identified as John Edwards, 41, of Ocean City, and Brandon Olszewski, 30, of Ocean City.

Police were able to view video footage of the assault that showed Miller, Edwards and Olszewski collectively beating on the victim. The assault began over a verbal altercation before Miller knocked the victim down and repeatedly punched him in the face. The video showed Edwards and Olszewski stomping on the victim’s body while Miller continuously punched him in the face.

Edwards, Olszewski and Miller were each charged with first- and second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

Weapons Confiscated

OCEAN CITY – A Princess Anne man was charged with weapons violations following a traffic stop last week.

On May 25, around 2 a.m., Ocean City police observed a vehicle on Baltimore Avenue stop at traffic signals in the crosswalks twice in a short period of time. After pulling the vehicle over, the officer noticed the odor of burning marijuana. The motorist, Victor White, 38, was uncooperative at first but did consent to a search of the vehicle. The search discovered marijuana in the center console of the vehicle as well as in

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CONNOR KELLY

the glove box. In the backseat, police found a case that contained black metal knuckles, a purple handheld stun weapon, a black flashlight stun weapon, metal knuckles and two black police batons. While at police headquarters for booking, a silver metal spiked ring was discovered in White’s sock. Each of the weapons are illegal per city ordinance.

Gun Discovered

OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania woman was charged with possessing a loaded handgun and multiple traffic violations last week.

Anastasia Hines, 36, of Pittsburgh, Pa., was driving west on 49th Street when she failed to stop at a stop sign at Coastal Highway. Police followed her 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander and observed an inability to maintain her lane of navigation. Police approached the vehicle when it came to a stop at Robin Drive and noticed the driver’s speech was slurred. A license check revealed the motorist’s license was suspended in Pennsylvania. After field sobriety tests and more physical observation, Hines was charged with driving under the influence.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded 9 mm handgun was located under the driver’s seat. A loaded spare magazine was found in the glove box. A computer check found the gun was stolen. Along with traffic violations, Hines

was charged with transporting a handgun and transporting a loaded handgun on a public roadway.

Assault Charges

OCEAN CITY – A domestic incident in a motel parking lot got the attention of resort police last weekend.

Tyler DeJesus, 24, of Wilmington, Del., was observed by a police officer on routine patrol on May 26 about 10:30 p.m. tackle a female to the ground in a motel parking lot. Upon orders by the police officer to get off the woman he was assaulting, DeJesus let the woman go and began immediately resisting arrest. It took two police officers to get handcuffs on DeJesus.

A search of DeJesus found metal knuckles in his front pants pocket. Metal knuckles are illegal in Ocean City per municipal ordinance. DeJesus was charged with second-degree assault, resisting arrest and possession of metal knuckles.

Choking Leads To Assault

OCEAN CITY – Assault charges have been filed against a Maryland man as a result of an altercation last weekend with a bar security guard.

Ocean City police were alerted to a disorderly person being held down outside a bar around 10 p.m. on May 27. As police approached, officers were advised by a security guard he was assaulted by Cole Stotler, 28, of Hagerstown, while he was ejecting another man for a dress-code violation. As the security staff member was remov-

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ing the man, Stotler, a friend of the man who was being ejected, allegedly choked him from behind with his arm across his throat. The security staffer punched Stotler in the face with a closed first to defend himself and escape the hold.

Stotler was charged with first- and second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

Assault, Burglary Charges

OCEAN CITY – A Maryland man was hit with six charges last weekend for his role in an early-morning disturbance.

On May 28 at 1:58 a.m., Ocean City police were dispatched to a suspicious circumstances call around 14th Street. Police were informed an unknown male, later identified as Brian Galvez, 28, of

Silver Spring, had entered into an apartment and assaulted the residents before being chased out of the unit. When police caught up to Galvez, he informed them he had been beaten up and was trying to get away. Galvez was not cooperating with police and tensed up continuously as handcuffs were administered.

Further interview of the victims in the apartment revealed Galvez walked through an unlocked storm door and sat on their couch. Galvez would not leave after several requests and began video recording the inside of the apartment. Two victims then physically ushered Galvez out the door when he struck both men. Galvez was charged with two counts of burglary and assault, obstruction and resisting arrest.

ENTERTAINMENT

Oasis Travel

Officials Report ‘Moderate’

Memorial Day Crowds

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – While reporting that weather impacted visitation to Ocean City throughout Memorial Day weekend, officials say they are eager to see more people in town as the summer season commences.

With cooler temperatures, windy conditions and cloudy skies, officials say Memorial Day weekend featured a “moderate” showing of visitors to the resort. Susan Jones, executive director for the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, said while numbers have yet to be tabulated, weather appeared to have some impact on weekend activities in town.

“As expected, Memorial Day weekend has historically been dependent on the forecast, so the weather did have an impact on overall weekend,” she said. “There seemed to be a decent flow of visitors around town and a few restaurants seemed fairly busy.”

Jones added that weather is not the only thing impacting visitation to Ocean City. She said a return to cruise and airline travel will impact business the town has received throughout the COVID pandemic.

“However, most of the webinars and surveys I’ve been on recently point to people still wanting outdoor experiences – Ocean City has plenty of those, so, I expect a decent season …,” she said. “As a drive-to destination, we are fortunate to be so close to lots of potential visitors; we’re cautiously optimistic for a successful summer.”

Ocean City Marketing and Communications Director Jessica Waters reported steady crowds throughout the weekend, despite poor weather conditions.

“While we don't have specific data, it appears that our hotels and restaurant partners experienced a strong showing of visitors,” she said. “The forecast wasn’t really beach weather, but made for great Boardwalk and amusement activities.”

Waters added that the tourism team engaged with Ocean City visitors last week as part of its Catch A Ride promotion, held on National Road Trip Day. Visiting three feeder markets – Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Baltimore – Ocean City representatives set up pop-up events that featured a 1968 Volkswagen bus customized with the Ocean City logo, games and on-site giveaways, including a free trip to Ocean City.

“With such an incredible start to the summer season, Ocean City is set to make June an unforgettable experience for all who visit,” she said. “With PBR and Air Show, there is no doubt the next two weeks with keep the summer fun rolling.”

Despite the moderate showing on Memorial Day weekend, City Manager Terry McGean said the holiday was a success.

“We don’t have any firm numbers on crowds but I would call them moderate, obviously the weather did have an impact,” he said. “We had no significant life safety or public safety events. Overall, a successful start to the summer somewhat dampened by the weather.”

Officials reported moderate crowds in Ocean City throughout Memorial Day weekend, despite less-than-ideal weather conditions. Above, beachgoers are pictured at the Inlet on a cool, rainy Sunday.

Photo by Chris Parypa

Fenwick Council Approves Body, Dash Cam Purchases

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – The purchase of additional body cameras and mobile video recording (MVR) units will move forward with approval from the town council.

Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted 5-0, with Councilman Bill Rymer absent and Councilman Paul Breger abstaining, to purchase additional body cameras and MVRs, or dash cameras, for the Fenwick Island Police Department. Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said the additional equipment will provide support to officers in the field.

“This is a safety issue for our officers,” she said. “Our officers have reported that this is not a want but a need, and they are very concerned about not having them during the summer season.”

Magdeburger told council members this week the police department shared four body cameras among its officers. In addition to the shortage, she said the body camera batteries do not last an entire shift.

“So if they are out on a call, there’s a possibility – and indeed occurrences – in which the batteries no longer work …,” she said. “In order to go forward, they either have to make a stop without a body camera or return to the police department to exchange the camera.”

Magdeburger added that two of the department’s vehicles were equipped with MVR units, which not only sync to the body cameras but provide charging sta-

tions for the equipment. She noted, however, that while vehicles could be taken home, body cameras could not.

“Our officers have vehicles that they take home, that’s part of their retention benefit,” she said. “And when taking a vehicle home, they do not have the body cameras because the body cameras have to stay within Fenwick since we only have four. If there is an accident or response to an outof-jurisdiction matter, our Fenwick officers would not have a body camera to utilize.”

Magdeburger noted officials met with the town’s vendor, WatchGuard, which provided a roughly $60,000 quote for additional body cameras, MVR units, server and supporting technology upgrades and on-site training.

A motion to approve the purchase request passed in a 5-0 vote, with Rymer absent and Breger abstaining.

The council this week also made a favorable recommendation to the Fenwick Island Budget and Finance Committee to include a $4,000 line item for force-onforce simulation training equipment in the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget. Magdeburger said the equipment will provide officers with tactical training in active shooter situations.

“It allows them to set up scenarios where there’s an active shooter with two officers responding, or two active shooters with one officer responding, and how they would do so,” she explained.

Magdeburger noted that while the Town of Ocean View provided free simulation training to area police officers, it did not

include active shooter scenarios. The equipment that’s being requested, she said, would supplement that free training.

“It basically allows officers to understand, if someone is shooting at them, how they should respond,” she said.

Magdeburger added that while an active shooter situation in Fenwick may seem unlikely, it had occurred in recent years. In June 2021, two men were apprehended for firing multiple gunshots at a Fenwick Island residence and setting fire to a vehicle.

“This may seem a little bit much for Fenwick, but I will remind everyone that two years ago we actually had an active shooter here,” she said. “And we had an

officer respond and did so safely to take care of the situation.”

While Magdeburger initially made a motion to add the $4,000 line item to the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget, Councilman Richard Benn questioned if it would be better suited as a favorable recommendation to the town’s budget and finance committee.

“I mean, this is not an immediate need,” he said.

Magdeburger then altered her motion to be a favorable recommendation to the budget and finance committee. The council voted 6-0, with Rymer absent, to approve the motion.

Berlin To Address Business Fees

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Town officials are preparing to update the municipality’s fee structure.

Last week, the Berlin Town Council introduced an ordinance that would give the town the ability to charge business license fees to any businesses that operate in town, not just those with physical locations in town.

“There is a public hearing on this that will be held Monday, June 12,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

Last month, council members agreed to increase the town’s business license fee, which hadn’t been adjusted since it was established, to $150. At the same time, officials agreed to explore the possibility of implementing what is often called a trader’s license. With that, business-

es operating in town, such as plumbing and HVAC companies, would have to pay a fee to do business in town whether they have a physical location in town or not. Historically, business license fees in Berlin have been charged only to businesses that have physical locations in town. Service companies and contractors, however, typically expect to pay some sort of business license or trader’s license fee when they do work in a new town. In Ocean City, for example, contractors are charged business license fees based on their number of employees. A contractor with six to 10 employees has to pay a license fee of $233 to work in the resort.

David Gaskill, the town’s attorney, told the council during last week’s meeting that the proposed ordinance being presented would change the definition of business.

“That amendment is going to change the definition to ‘business or business establishment means any retail, service, rental or professional business entity operating within or providing services within the town, regardless of whether said business or business establishment is physically located within the corporate limits of the town,’” Gaskill said.

He said the change was as a result of officials’ desire to charge a licensing fee to any businesses operating in the town, not just those with shops in town.

“This is a first reading so we don’t have to take any action this evening,” Tyndall said.

Councilman Steve Green said that while the council was on the topic of updating license fees he wanted to point out that the rental license fee in Berlin was $10.

“That seems really low,” Green said, pointing out that a short-term rental license was $350.

Dave Engelhart, the town’s planning director, said he’d been commenting for years that the rental license fee was too low.

“I think we could consider making a change to that,” Green said.

Tyndall said fees had to be attributed directly to costs.

“The costs of managing those licenses has increased,” he said. “For the past 10 years we have not moved on the fee itself.”

He suggested officials look at fees in neighboring jurisdictions. Green said he already had. He said the fee in Salisbury was $120 annually. In Ocean City, the fee for single family units is $116.

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen noted that while Berlin’s fee had been $10 for some time, it was charged per unit, so a single family house was being charged $10 while a large apartment building was being charged based on its number of units. She said staff could draft an ordinance to update the fee and present it to the council at a future meeting.

Tyndall said the June 12 meeting would be too busy but said it would be presented during the summer.

“I don’t think we’re up against a timeline on that fee,” he said.

The Berlin Town Council discusses plans to expand business license fees in a meeting last week.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Town Council To Review Comp Plan

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Community members will have an opportunity to comment on the town’s draft comprehensive plan.

On June 8, the Fenwick Island Town Council will hold a special meeting to review the draft comprehensive plan. In a Fenwick Island Planning Commission meeting Tuesday, Chair Susan Brennan said the document will guide future development and redevelopment in town.

“Part of the whole reason we’re doing this is to build out, to secure the future, to think about five, 10 years down the road,” she said.

Last year, the town council agreed to hire consultants to assist the planning commission in rewriting Fenwick Island’s comprehensive plan. And in the months since, officials have worked with University of Delaware advisors to collect data, maps and demographics and develop a vision for the town’s future.

The commission also launched a public survey, the results of which were reviewed by the planning commission in April. Officials say the town received responses from 338 part-time residents, 105 full-time residents, 13 business owners, and 26 visitors. The survey results, which was used to shape the town’s draft comprehensive plan, highlighted community members’ opposition to wind turbines, their concerns about bayside flooding, and their desires to maintain the town’s

quiet, family oriented character, among other things.

The commission last month also adopted a timeline for completing and submitting the town’s new comprehensive plan. The timeline included a May 20 open house – which gave community members an opportunity to discuss and engage in the planning process – and a June 8 meeting, which will give town officials an opportunity to review the planning document.

“I am excited about this,” Brennan said, “excited to collaborate, pull the information, to confirm and reconfirm, and to be able to communicate to create this document, which is an exciting navigation tool for the town.”

The town council meeting will be held June 8 at 3 p.m. A public presentation will be accompanied by information boards and comment sheets, which will allow community members to provide input on certain chapters of the draft comprehensive plan.

“I think this is a really good way to present the information,” Brennan said Tuesday.

The draft document will also be forwarded to the state for comments.

“This is very representative of the topics, challenges, concerns, and overall thoughtfulness in terms of this process … ,” Jen Reitz, principal planner for the University of Delaware Institute of Public Administration, said this week. “The state will always have comments, but it doesn’t reflect any flaw in your process.”

Berlin Bathtub Races Scheduled For Next Friday

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Straw bales will line the sidewalks and bathtubs will careen down the street next Friday as local businesses show off their speed and ingenuity in what has become the town’s most popular summer sporting event.

On Friday, June 9, the Berlin Chamber of Commerce will host the 33rd annual Berlin Bathtub Races. The event, which starts at 6 p.m., will feature more than a dozen competitors.

“The Bathtub Races are Berlin’s signature event,” said Ryan Nellans, executive director of the chamber. “We have all of these fun events like Jazz and Blues and the Fiddlers Convention, but as fun as they are you can find some-

thing similar in Ocean City, Baltimore, Philadelphia. You’re not going to find the Bathtub Races anywhere else.”

The races, which will be held at 6 p.m. on June 9, draw hundreds of onlookers to Main Street each year as fans line up to watch local organizations race their modified bathtubs. Nellans said he'd had plenty of interest in the races and expected at least a dozen teams to take part.

While some competitors will be racing first-time tubs, others are returning tried and true bathtubs. Not just any tub will do, as the bathtubs being raced have to be authentic and capable of holding at least two gallons of water. Wheels have to be less than 26 inches and the bathtub is required to have brakes and steering. For those seeking inspiration for building a racing tub, the champion tub used for years by Jesse Turner of the Berlin Shoe Box is on display in the town’s welcome center. Retired from its racing days, it is now used to collect donations of shoes for Diakonia, a local shelter.

The overall winner of the Berlin Bathtub Races will be determined through a series of heats, with the final two teams left competing for the trophy.

“There’s a lot of people that are out for the trophy this year,” Nellans said.

While winners have shared a rubber duck trophy for years, Nellans said Jeffrey Auxer designs had created a new prize for winners going forward. The new award features a glass rubber duck atop a golden pedestal.

“I wanted something along the lines of a Stanley Cup, something we could put multiple winners on,” Nellans said. “I also wanted to recognize Jesse Turner.”

And so going forward, the winning team each year will have their name added to the Turner Cup, christened to pay homage to Turner, a longtime Berlin business owner who helped start the races and went on to win them several times. His racer is still on display in the welcome center.

For the second year in a row, WBOC’s Delmarva Sports Network will be broadcasting live from the event for those who can’t attend in person.

Nellans said he is still looking for volunteers to help with the event. Those interested in helping out can sign up online by visiting berlinchamber.org.

Nellans said businesses and organizations entering teams were prepping eagerly for the event, which is a local favorite.

“This is a ‘you have to see it to believe it’ event,” he said. “The crowd is as intense as the race. It’s a riot. It’s so much fun.”

The June 9 event will also feature a hula hoop contest for children, a rubber duck raffle and shopping opportunities downtown. Main Street will be closed at 2 p.m. so crews can set up for the races.

Teams are pictured competing in last year’s Berlin Bathtub Races. File photo

People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe

Featuring Those

Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Berlin Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ryan Nellans is pictured with representatives of Frontier Town at the park’s 60th anniversary ribbon cutting.

Volunteers Gregory Purnell, Sandra Oliver, Tony Bowen and Bertha Purnell are pictured at the Berlin Memorial Day Parade.

Gregory Purnell and Sandra Oliver are pictured at the parade on Flower Street on Memorial Day.

Volunteers are pictured at the Berlin Memorial Day Parade.

Toni Keiser and Sal Fasano attended the 60th anniversary ribbon cutting at Frontier Town.

Alicia and Lameia Oliver were among the attendees at the Memorial Day Parade on Flower Street.

Representatives of Shore Up’s Head Start program are pictured at the Berlin Memorial Day Parade.

Shore Up volunteers provided information on assistance programs at the parade in Berlin.

Members of Abu Lahab Court are pictured at Berlin’s Memorial Day Parade.

Glendalyn Harris and Aliayah Smith represented Berlin Prevention Works at the parade on Memorial Day.

council ok’s Bay sediment testing request

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Additional sediment testing will allow negotiations to continue regarding a dredging project in the Little Assawoman Bay.

Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Town Council approved a request from Councilman Bill Rymer, chair of the town’s dredging committee, to proceed with additional sediment testing in the Little Assawoman Bay at a cost of $23,000. In a memo issued last week, Rymer said the testing will allow negotiations to continue between the town and Carl M. Freeman Companies, the local developer looking to place the dredged material on its nearby property.

“In connection with contract negotiations with a local developer, it was determined additional sampling and testing of sediment in the two boating channels would be necessary to support the placement of

dredged materials at that location,” he wrote. “The testing performed 16 months ago was not sufficient for the dredging permit applications, but this additional testing will provide the necessary support that the materials are suitable for usage in that residential development.”

In recent months, members of the town’s dredging committee have continued to explore potential placement sites for material that will ultimately be dredged from the bay. Potential placement locations include Seal Island, Seatowne – a residential community north of Fenwick –and a parcel of land off Route 54 owned by Carl M. Freeman Companies.

In January, the town began working to draft a legal agreement that could bring a partnership between the developer and Fenwick Island to fruition. In a statement last week, Rymer said the additional sediment testing will allow those negotiations to continue.

“This was just recently determined and normally would’ve been discussed at a dredging committee meeting first and then recommended to town council,” he wrote. “However, given the tight timeframe to accomplish the testing and review the results, this request was made directly to the town council.”

In last week’s meeting, Councilwoman Janice Bortner questioned how many sediment testings the town had recently performed. Councilman Richard Benn said previous rounds of testing did not include the samplings needed.

“The bottom line is, if they do find something, it’s material we shouldn’t have moved anyways,” he said. “While it’s a big expense, I do believe it’s necessary to further this along and get this done so we can meet the dredging window.”

After further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Rymer absent, to approve the request for sediment testing.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Installs Pollinator Garden

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – A pollinator garden is now located behind St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

As the town prepares to celebrate National Pollinator Week June 19-25, a new garden at St. Paul’s features plants for pollinators.

“It’s good for the earth and God’s creation,” said Helen Wiley.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Church Mouse and Lower Shore Land Trust worked together this past month to create the St. Paul’s Pollinator Garden.

Wiley, a church member and coordinator of the Church Mouse, the church’s thrift shop that raises funds for outreach, said she was walking home from Stephen Decatur Park one day and noticed the empty green space behind the church cemetery.

“I thought why shouldn’t there be a garden here?” she said.

The idea quickly took root, and with Berlin’s “Bee City USA” designation it was easily decided the garden should feature plants to attract pollinators. Wiley worked with Lower Shore Land Trust to determine the layout of the garden and which plants to include.

Beth Sheppard, agricultural outreach specialist for Lower Shore Land Trust,

said the garden would provide a great example for area residents.

“Projects like the one at St. Paul’s serve as demonstration gardens for the community,” Sheppard said. “Our hope is that they inspire and educate others to add native plants to their home landscaping.”

Lower Shore Land Trust has been promoting native plants and pollinator gardens for years. Each spring, the nonprofit hosts a native plant sale as well

as a pollinator garden tour.

This year’s tour is set for June 23 and 24 and showcases how native plants can be used in a variety of gardens. Sheppard says the St. Paul’s garden could be a way to connect more interested residents with Lower Shore Land Trust.

“It’s also a great way to engage volunteers in our work,” she said. Wiley said the garden, which is located behind the cemetery and adja-

cent to Stephen Decatur Park property, was planted with help from land trust staff in early May and already has some flowering plants.

On Friday, June 2 at 9:30 a.m. the church invites community members for a ribbon cutting.

“All are welcome,” a release from the Berlin Chamber of Commerce reads. “There will be a blessing of the garden and light refreshments.”

Wiley said the garden was made possible with financial support from the Church Mouse, parishioners of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Lower Shore Land Trust. She believes it supports the goals of the town’s Bee City initiative and will benefit the local ecosystem.

“It’s a great idea to have native plants to support the birds and the bees,” she said.

At last week’s council meeting, Mayor Zack Tyndall recognized Wiley and read a proclamation for National Pollinator Week.

“Pollinator species provide significant environmental benefits that are necessary for maintaining healthy, biodiverse urban and suburban ecosystems…,” Tyndall read from the proclamation. “Pollination plays a vital role for the trees and plants of our community, enhancing our quality of life, and creating recreational economic development opportunities.”

Church Mouse coordinator and church congregant Helen Wiley is pictured at the new pollinator garden behind St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Local Student Inspired By Art Exhibit To Create New Program

BERLIN – For Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) junior Izzy Huber, participation in a local art exhibit focused on those battling the stigma of addiction inspired her to create a program to help others.

In November, WPS hosted representatives from the Art League of Ocean City and “Stigma Highlighted: Portraits of Recovery,” an art exhibit addressing negativity towards individuals battling addiction. The “Stigma Highlighted: Portraits of Recovery” project was designed to use artwork and personal stories to challenge misconceptions and negativity toward individuals battling addiction. The program is sponsored by the Giving Spirit Foundation, Worcester County Health Department, Worcester Goes Purple, Talbot Goes Purple and the Art League of Ocean City.

Local artists, including Huber, created portraits influenced by the stories of survivors from Worcester, Wicomico, Talbot and Somerset counties in various stages of recovery. The artists personally met with the individuals, listened to their journeys, and interpreted them in hand-painted portraits. The artists also wrote accounts of their interactions with their subjects, writing about how it personally affected them.

At that time, Huber met with Brandon O’Brien, who manages the Douglas K. Hamilton House for Recovery in Berlin. O’Brien has been through the struggles of addiction an at one time was a recovery house resident.

“His story inspired me in many ways, but one of the most striking things was his determination and ability to face his fears,” Huber said. “Since beginning his journey away from addiction, Brandon has flourished. It was a great honor meeting him and seeing how his hard work paid off. I was able to visit his very own recovery house, which he opened to serve his community, in the same way, he was given help when he needed it most.”

Once learning that art has a therapeutic effect on those who are healing, Huber reached out to Worcester Goes

Purple President Debbie Smullen, in hopes of developing a new program where recovering addicts could create powerful art themselves.

Laura Jenkins, of The Joan Jenkins Foundation, quickly jumped on board to help support and promote the new project, “The Art of Recovery."

The Art of Recovery will be a statewide project. Worcester Goes Purple will collect projects created by those in recovery from all Maryland counties and Baltimore City to be displayed in an exhibition held in September (Recovery Month). A public auction will be held, and all proceeds will benefit the recovery community.

“Worcester Goes Purple appreciates Izzy and her interest in the connection between art and recovery,” Smullen said. “The goal of the Stigma Highlighted project was to educate the community about recovery and taking the stigma away. Izzy certainly rose to the occasion and has reached out to do more. Certainly, a student Worcester Preparatory School can be proud calling one of their own.”

For more information visit www.stigmahighlighted.com, or contact Debbie Smullen at wgpwarriors2021@gmail.com or 410-870-5161.

Teal Marsh Plaza (Across From Food Lion) 9927 Stephen Decatur Hwy. Unit 5 West Ocean City, MD 21842 410-390-5383 Open 6 Days –9:30a.m.-6

M-F Sat. 9:30

Student Izzy Huber stands before a photo of Brandon O’Brien, who manages a recovery house in Berlin. Submitted Photo

Bull Riding Series Returns To Ocean City For 2nd Year

OCEAN CITY – For the second consecutive season, the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Challenger Series will buck into Ocean City, welcoming fans to the Inlet on June 2-4 for the PBR Ocean City Seacrets Classic.

For three days only, some of the best bull riders in the world will battle the sport’s rankest bovine athletes in the ultimate showdown of man vs. beast.

The PBR Ocean City Seacrets Classic is held at one of the most captivating venues across the entire 2023 Challenger Series schedule, according to event organizers. In addition to Ocean City being one of the most traveled-to vacation destinations on the coast, the Ocean City Inlet is nestled between the Boardwalk and beaches.

The PBR Challenger Series holds more than 60 events from May-November, culminating with its Championship in

late October in Las Vegas. The PBR Challenger Series provides additional competitive opportunities for bull riders who are both affiliated and unaffiliated with a PBR Team Series team.

The PBR debuted at the Ocean City Inlet last June, as 40 of the world’s best bull riders competed within feet of the Atlantic Ocean.

Backed by a two-for-four showing, Eduardo de Oliveira (Nova Lacerda, Brazil) emerged the supreme competitor, winning his career-first PBR event.

Despite suffering a heart-breaking buckoff in the first round, the stoic Brazilian returned determined for round two. Going head-to-head with Pennsylvaniaraised animal athlete Just Denim (Mike Miller Bucking Bulls), Oliveira reached the requisite 8 for 81 points.

Oliveira’s momentum then continued in Round 3 when he covered Grey Goose

(Mike Miller Bucking Bulls) for 81.5 points to surge to the event lead.

While Cooter Brown (Lucas Manning/Waller Brothers Cattle Co.) proved too much for Oliveira in the championship round, brought down in 4.06 seconds, his two prior qualified rides proved enough to clinch the golden finish.

Oliveira earned 34.5 Challenger Series, propelling to No. 3 in the series standings. When the season came to a climactic end, Oliveira finished the campaign ranked No. 29.

The debut season for the new Series was dominated by 2018 PBR Rookie of the Year Keyshawn Whitehorse (McCracken Spring, Utah) who won two events and finished third at the Challenger Series Championship in Las Vegas to be crowned the inaugural Challenger Series Champion.

The bull riding action for the PBR Challenger Series’ Ocean City Seacrets Classic begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 4.

All competing bull riders will get on one bull each in the first rounds. Following round three Sunday afternoon, the riders’ individual three-round scores will be totaled with the top 15 advancing to the championship round for one more out and a chance at the event title.

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Tickets for the three-day event are on sale. Tickets can be purchased online at ETIX.com and PBR.com, or by calling PBR customer service at 1-800-7321727.

PBR Challenger Series travels to 27 states across the United States, running in conjunction with the PBR Team Series – an eight-team league competing in fiveon-five bull riding games from July to late October 2023.

The PBR Challenger Series, the sport’s only standalone series from June to October, provides additional competitive opportunities to bull riders who are both affiliated and unaffiliated with a PBR Team Series Team.

At the conclusion of the PBR Challenger Series regular season, the top 40 riders in the Series standings will qualify for the Challenger Championship, which will be held on Oct. 19 in Las Vegas at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in conjunction with the PBR Team Finals (Oct. 20-22). A select number of top-finishing riders in the final Challenger Series standings will earn automatic positions in 2024 Unleash The Beast season events.

Action from last year’s event is pictured in Ocean City. Photo by Greg Poulos

location

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Fenwick Developer Demolishes Dairy Queen Building

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Demolition of the former Dairy Queen building began last week as plans move forward to bring a Surf Bagel to Fenwick Island.

Last week, demolition crews razed the former Dairy Queen building, located at 1007 Coastal Highway. Joe Balsamo of Balsamo Real Estate LLC, owner of the Dairy Queen property, said plans are underway to bring a Surf Bagel to a new building on the site.

“We’re almost done with the architectural plans,” he said in an interview last Wednesday. “As soon as we get a building permit, we will begin work on the building.”

Balsamo noted that efforts to redevelop the Dairy Queen property have stalled in recent years as the town worked on new parking regulations for commercial properties. Because of the ordinance, the company will change the footprint of its new building, which will be one story instead of two.

“Now we’re just waiting on DelDOT approvals,” he said. “Once that’s done, we can get a building permit.”

Balsamo said the plan is to open the new bagel shop next year, once construction concludes.

“It’s going to be a great addition to Fenwick Island …,” he said. “We’re really looking forward to it.”

The demolition of the former Dairy Queen comes less than a month after the town council agreed to send a letter to Balsamo Real Estate, seeking assurances that the Dairy Queen building was structurally sound. Officials said concerns had been raised about the safety of the site and questioned if the property should be declared a nuisance.

“We understand from statements made by you that you are negotiating an agreement with SoDel [Concepts] to

build a Surf Bagel,” the letter to the real estate company reads. “If that is the case, we would be happy to work with you to secure an immediate permit for demolition so that your plans can move forward expeditiously toward the filing of a building permit. In the event you are not intending to file for a building permit, the Town would like confirmation from you, attested by a licensed engineer, that the building is safe and sanitary.”

In a statement issued last Tuesday,

the town recognized the real estate company for proceeding with its demolition plans.

“The Town is very pleased and thankful that Balsamo Real Estate decided to move forward with the demolition of the old DQ property,” the statement reads. “We were very concerned that the property was a health hazard and Balsamo Real Estate immediately responded to our inquiry by requesting a demolition permit. We thank them for their proactive response and hope that the plans they have discussed in bringing a Surf Bagel to Fenwick becomes a reality.”

In January 2022, Balsamo Real Estate submitted a building permit for interior demolition and roof replacement at the former Dairy Queen, though officials say that work was abandoned after a partial roof collapse. And late last summer, the company submitted to the town a development plan, which highlighted a 1,500-square-foot addition and the creation of new restaurant space.

When town staff advised the company they would not consider the development plan until a building permit application was submitted, Balsamo Real Estate filed a lawsuit in Delaware Superior Court, seeking a writ of mandamus commanding the town uphold its code.

Arguments were heard throughout the fall and winter months. And in March, a judge dismissed the case.

Crews are pictured last week demolishing the former Dairy Queen property. A new Surf Bagel will open on the site next year. Photo Courtesy of Balsamo Real Estate

Physical Skills Evaluations Planned For June 3, 10

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY –My family has been vacationing in Ocean City since the 1970’s. Ocean City had a completely different look to it back then, and if you ever have the opportunity to look at old pictures of OC take advantage of it. The city has grown so much to accommodate the large number of families that continue to vacation here.

One of the main reasons my family came back to Ocean City summer after summer was the lifeguards. The lifeguards were always friendly, polite, attentive and proactive. My family always got to know our lifeguard, and really enjoyed returning the following summer to the same guard. Every day, we would offer our lifeguard lunch and wa-

ter! Sometimes on their lunch break they would give up their own time to play with us on the beach or in the water. Overall, the lifeguards in Ocean City have been great role models, educators, and friends.

Every summer we came to Ocean City, my family would say jokingly, “Damien, I bet you could do that!” I would always reply, “maybe when I am older.” Fast-forward to college where I was studying, playing two sports, and guarding and coaching swimming at a local pool in the summers. I had done some research into becoming a Surf Rescue Technician (SRT, or lifeguard) in Ocean City. Unfortunately, the next tryout was being held during college soccer pre-season and I was not able to make it to the tryout. As I was approaching the middle of my sophomore year, I was not as excited for summer to come. I guess it was the thought of the same old summer job that I had been doing for five years. Luckily, there was a tryout at York College that March, and all I was thinking about is what my family had said to me over and over, “I bet you could do that.” I decided to go to the tryout and never looked back.

My story is only one of the many you would come across if you asked any of the current or former members of the patrol. If you are interested in trying out, or even interested in getting more information about the organization, I would encourage you to check out our website at www.JoinBeachPatrol.com or call Beach Patrol headquarters at 410-289-7556. Because of the unique demands of the job, the beach patrol does not require any certification or experience. Once a candidate passes the physical skills test and a personal interview, he/she is appointed to a paid ($18.44 per hour) Surf Rescue Training Academy (Starting June 18th) where all certifications are provided and they will receive a $500 signing bonus.

Our next Pre-Employment Physical Skills Evaluations (testing) for this season will take place on Saturdays, June 3 and June 10 at 9 a.m. at Dorchester Street and the boardwalk. If you’re not ready for this season but would like to tryout for the 2024 season, you can register for testing that begins this August. Being a part of this organization will certainly change your life. I can guarantee that because of the impact that the people and the job had on mine. I hope to see you at the next test, and “I bet you can do that!”

(The writer has been with the beach patrol for 20 years and is currently a sergeant. He is a physical education teacher for the Worcester County Public School system.)

Participants in last month’s Surf Rescue Academy are pictured competing in a timed run. Submitted Photo

DAMIEN SANZOTTI

THE BEACH

Six New Art Shows Planned For June At OC Art Center First Friday Kicks Off Exhibitions

OCEAN CITY – The Art League of Ocean City invites the public to six new art shows opening on First Friday, June 2, 5-7 p.m., at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 94th St. bayside. Admission is free with complimentary beverages sponsored by PKS Investments.

The Thaler Gallery hosts an exhibition by Laura Era, owner and curator of the Troika Gallery in Easton, entitled “People & Places.” Era is an award-winning, professional portrait and landscape artist and teacher. Basically self-taught, she considers herself an artist since the cradle. Era has painted multitudes of portraits on commission, both formal and informal, in oil and pastel. Her works hang in collections throughout the United States and Europe. She is a member of the Portrait Society of America, the Maryland Society of Portrait Painters, the Maryland Pastel Society, the Working Artist Forum, and the Academy Art Museum. Era will judge the 2023 Artists Paint OC Plein Air Event in August.

A group show entitled “Drawings” fills the walls of the Sisson Galleria in June. The exhibit celebrates artwork created in graphite, colored pencil, charcoal, crayon, markers, and ink. Edward Brown, associate professor at Salisbury University, will select the winners and award cash prizes.

Studio E features the annual Clay-aPalooza show, displaying fun and functional ceramics created by the Clay Guild

of the Eastern Shore. Founded in 2005, the Clay Guild serves the southern part of the Eastern Shore with members in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Work shown includes hand-crafted, one-of-akind ceramics made by local potters. A Clay Guild marketplace will also be open during First Friday featuring vendors offering their original clay creations.

Doris Glovier of Pocomoke City is the Spotlight Gallery artist for June. Her favorite genres are portraiture and figural works as well as nature studies in oils and watercolor. She teaches oil and watercolor painting in her studio and occasionally holds workshops at the Delmarva Discovery Museum in Pocomoke City. Glovier serves on the board of the Worcester County Arts Council and is a member of The Working Artists Forum, a group for professional artists, in Easton.

Ginny Barney of Lewes, Del. shows her artwork in the Artisan Showcase in June. A self-taught artist, Barney’s focus is paper in all forms. She turns cigar boxes into objects of art, embellished with knobs and metal feet. She also makes one-of-a-kind art journals as well as collages, acrylic paintings, and all- occasion greeting cards.

The artwork of Emil Markulis continues showing in the Staircase Gallery.

A weekend pop-up exhibit features artwork by Worcester County middle and high school students for the Lower Shore Addiction Awareness Visual Arts Competition. Sponsored by the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, the show places an emphasis on hope and maintaining recovery. The show is one-week-

end only, June 2-4.

On First Friday, the Art League will announce its 2023 scholarship winners, continuing its support of local students who are seeking a higher education in the arts. Since the Art League first began granting scholarships in 1991, they have awarded 75 scholarships to date.

Art shows at the Art League’s satellite galleries continue through June. Karen Hutchison exhibits her work at the Coffee Beanery on 94th St. and Coastal Hwy. Cindy Beyer’s show of paintings continues in the Princess Royale lobby, 9100 Coastal Hwy.

Certification Earned

BERLIN – Atlantic General Hospital and Health System Vice President of Medical Affairs Dr. Sally Dowling recently earned the distinction of certified physician executive (CPE) from the American Association of Physician Leadership and the American College of Physicians.

Dowling is among 3,500 physicians who have achieved this level of excellence in physician leadership.

To become a certified physician executive, a physician must exemplify an advanced level of expertise in all disciplines of medical management, have extensive management experience and complete the CPE program, which concludes with a capstone project demonstrating skills and competencies. All candidates must successfully pass an evaluation by a panel of health care CEOs, recruiters and fellows of the American College of Physician Executives, now known as the American Association for Physician Leadership.

Dowling has been a member of Atlantic General medical staff for 21 years, where she has served in various leadership roles, including Atlantic General Hospital co-interim president and CEO and as a member of the Atlantic General Hospital Board of Trustees’ governance committee.

She has been the vice president of medical affairs for Atlantic General Hospital and Health System for over four years. In addition to her leadership positions, Dowling cares for patients at Atlantic General Primary Care in Selbyville.

Grant Announced

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

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

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

The Coastal Association of REALTORS Community Grant Program supports or-

CFS, Inc. (Comprehensive Financial Solutions) recently held a ribbon cutting for its second location in Millsboro, Del. Located on Route 113, the firm will increase its reach in the region, for existing clients, business professionals throughout Sussex County, and retirees making Southern Delaware their home. Above, CFS representatives are pictured celebrating the firm’s second location at

ganizations that are making a positive impact in their local communities. Unstoppable Joy was selected as a recipient of this grant due to its commitment to providing cancer warriors and their caregivers with access to natural and positive selfcare services.

Unstoppable Joy is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation that provides cancer warriors and their caregivers access to natural and positive self-care services supporting their body and mind. Their mission is to ease their pain and give them the opportunity to experience feelings of joy and light during what is normally a difficult and dark time.

Physician Assistant Welcomed

SALISBURY — TidalHealth is pleased to welcome Steven Wisniewski, PA-C, to TidalHealth Cardiovascular Surgery in Salisbury.

Wisniewski received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa.; his physician assistant certificate from Anne Arundel Community College in Annapolis, Md.; and his Master of Medical Science from Saint Frances University in Loretto, Pa. He also completed a postgraduate surgical physician assistant residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md.

Wisniewski has more than a decade of experience as a cardiovascular surgery physician assistant, as well as special

training and certifications in many areas, including extracorporeal life support in adult critical care and advanced cardiac life support.

Hotel Recognized

OCEAN CITY – IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is proud to recognize the Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City and its team among its 2022 Performance Awards recipients.

Considered the most prestigious internal organizational honor among IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Americas colleagues and properties, the Performance Awards acknowledge hotels for notable achievements among several key customer criteria, including guest service and satisfaction, cleanliness, and adherence to clean energy metrics and other company standards.

The Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City, is one of nearly 300 Performance Awards winners selected among the organization’s more than 4,300 hotels across the United States, Canada, Latin America and South America. More specifically, the Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City, Maryland received the Spirit of True Hospitality Excellence award, given to IHG hotels open prior to Dec. 31, 2020, that have achieved “elite” status and received cleanliness survey scores of at least 90.

Elie Maalouf, chief executive officer, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “The definition of modern travel and the demands of our guests continue to evolve, and our hotel teams remain committed to adapting and delivering the

experience travelers have come to expect across IHG’s 18 brands and more than 4,300 Americas properties. The Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City, Maryland and its staff lead by example, and their hard work and dedication to providing True Hospitality for Good are more than deserving of a 2022 Performance Award.”

IHG hotels welcome guests with flexible and comfortable environments that enable travel on their own terms. Specifically, IHG’s Clean Promise guarantees clean, well maintained and clutter-free rooms that offer guests added peace of mind before and throughout their stay.

Savings Program

OCEAN CITY – Blue Bimini, a water transportation and excursion provider in Ocean City, has signed up for MarylandSaves, the retirement and savings program designed to help small business owners offer retirement plans to employees.

Sponsored by the state of Maryland, MarylandSaves provides employees the opportunity to start a WorkLife Savings Account automatically funded from their paychecks. The program is free for businesses that enable automatic employee enrollment every year they participate in MarylandSaves or offer another qualified plan to their employees.

Employees at Blue Bimini now have multiple investment options to choose from and can decide at any time to change their savings rate, change their investment options, or opt out entirely. They can also withdraw their money or take their account with them when they change jobs. To get started, savers don't have to do anything; if they don't opt out, 5% of their paycheck will be automatically saved.

“As a small business, we were pleased to have a new benefit to offer employees. It’s a very simple program to understand and there is no minimum for participation,” said Blue Bimini owner Steve Butz, “I am glad that Maryland has provided this free program. It is easy for business owners to sign up for and for employees to use.”

Since its launch in the fall of last year, MarylandSaves has successfully attracted more than 1,400 businesses statewide. These registered businesses are now able to take advantage of the various benefits offered by the program, enhancing the opportunities available for their employees.

STEVEN WISNIEWSKI

the ribbon cutting ceremony. Submitted Photo

COMMUNITY News In Photos

Lindsay Richard, community engagement director for the Freeman Arts Pavilion, was the guest speaker at the weekly meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines - Ocean City. Richard is pictured with Bob Wolfing, president of the club.

Newt Weaver, president of the Worcester County Museum Society, presents attorney Joe Moore with the Bob and Kathy Fisher Award for dedication to the Preservation of Local History. Moore was recognized at the annual Museum Society dinner in Pocomoke on May 5.

The Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club President-Elect Gina Shaffer and member Steve Gragert helped spruce up the sign at Camp Fairlee, an Easter Seals Camp. District Governor (District 7630) Cliff Berg also helped with the sign. Submitted Photos

On May 4, more than 100 Golfers enjoyed a perfect day at Heritage Shores Golf Course in Bridgeville, Delaware playing in the 2023 TidalHealth Foundation Spring Golf Classic. The event raised nearly $70,000 for the health system’s Graduate Medical Education program.

The Republican Women of Worcester County held their "Red Shoe Book Club" meeting on Tuesday, May 23 at the library in Ocean Pines. Nationally, Republican women have donated thousands of books each year to libraries, schools, hospitals and other public institutions through their Mamie Eisenhower Library Project.

The Worcester County Garden Club enjoyed “Tea in the Garden” at member Jan King’s home following its recent business meeting. A variety of teas, scones, sweets and savories were sampled while admiring the many flowers in bloom.

Atlantic General Hospital Recognizes Nursing Standouts

Atlantic General recently held its annual nursing awards ceremony, recognizing members of the organization who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on the nursing profession. Whether it's providing exceptional care, comforting patient family members, assisting colleagues however possible and much more, these Atlantic General staff members’ contributions to the community can be felt by every patient they serve. Pictured with the award winners are members of AGH administration as well as President/CEO Don Owrey, Board President Charlotte Cathell and Board member Vonnie Brown. Above left, the Nurse of the Year award went to Victoria Schmidt, RN, emergency department. Above right, Team DAISY Award went to Atlantic General Endoscopy Center. Pictured above right with leadership are Teri Hastings, RN; Susan Minehart, RN; Terry Moore, RN, director; Connie Collins, RN; and Laura Orlando-Marra, endoscopy technician. Submitted Photos

Shore Resident Earns College Degree 57 Years After Starting

SALISBURY – It’s never too late to achieve your dreams. Bill Gibbons is living proof of that.

On Thursday, May 25, Gibbons, of Mardela Springs, walked across the stage at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center with Salisbury University’s graduating Class of 2023. It’s been a long time coming; he first started undergraduate courses 57 years ago, while serving in the U.S. Air Force in Japan.

“I’ve always dealt with life as it comes to me,” Gibbons said. “I believe you can do whatever you want to do, and you don’t have to do it according to someone else’s schedule.”

With that philosophy in mind, Gibbons has led his life to his own rhythm. He is finishing his bachelor’s at age 77, and he had his first child at age 65. Throughout his career, he has done everything from being an electronics technician with the U.S. Air Force to getting into real estate. He jokes he has retired four times – and he’s not done yet.

“I’ve learned that changes take place – in your life, in your entire body including your brain – regardless of your age. But aging occurs only in the mind,” Gibbons said. “I’ve seen too many people decide that they are too old to do something. I’ve never wanted to live my life that way.”

Gibbons’ daughter, Sami, is one of the main reasons he decided to return to school. He says raising her was eyeopening, and of everything he’s done in his 77 years of life, having her has been the most significant and joy-filled experience.

He wanted to set an example for his daughter – that she can do anything she wants to do in life, and do it at her own pace. It was his desire to better understand her as she grows up that led him to enroll in the Psychology Program at SU.

Over the years, Gibbons has majored in physics, philosophy, history and art history. (He “just couldn’t decide what he wanted to be when he grew up,” he said.) But at this point in his life, psychology felt like the right fit.

“Psychology was something I was always interested in, even as a child,” Gibbons said. “Studying psychology at SU has helped me understand not only other people and society in general, but also myself, my past and my daughter. It’s kept my mind always going.”

After a long, fulfilling journey, Gibbons will graduate magna cum laude with his psychology degree, with a minor in cognitive science. He hopes the achievement will show his daughter the importance of thinking independently –and that whatever she wants to do in life, it’s never too late.

As for what it feels like to finally earn his degree after 57 years … he’s not sure.

“I don’t think about things like that,” he said. “If you try to plan your life out, I guarantee it won’t go the way you imagine. Whatever life throws your way, you have to rely on yourself and your individuality.”

Bill Gibbons, right, a 77-year-old resident of Mardela Springs, received his bachelor’s degree in psychology 57 years after originally pursuing it in 1966. He is pictured with Dr. Maarten Pereboom, dean of SU’s Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts. Submitted Photo

with Scott Lenox

I hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day holiday weekend, even though the weather wasn’t great. The big story in the fishing community this past week was unfortunately the wind. We’ve had wind blowing out of the northeast since the last time I was writing my column over a week ago and that has really put a damper on fishing interests in the area. Thankfully, the water in the back bay was clean and a small window of opportunity opened up on Memorial Day so some boats were able to get out to the ocean and find some fish. The other big news of the week came on Memorial Day Monday when the offshore fleet found the tunas in a big way.

Captain Austin Ensor of the Primary Search was the first to report in at 8:15 a.m. saying that he had a “box full” and was “heading home.” Austin’s box full consisted of seven big bigeye tuna up to about 110 pounds and his crew was having lunch at Sunset Grill by 12:15. The offshore fleet found some yellowfin tuna in the Baltimore Canyon on Monday as well with several nice catches coming in on spreader bars and skirted ballyhoo. Fish ON with Captain Andrew Dotterweich lead the way with 18 yellowfin, Talkin’ Trash with Captain Chris Little had 11, Captain

Bobby Layton on Wrecker had nine and some other boats were also in the single digits. That’s great news for the offshore charter fleet so now we just need the wind to stop blowing.

The ocean going party boat fleet was only able to get out on Monday as well with the small weather window that opened up. They found good sea bass fishing on structure in 80-100 feet of water. There are also a few flounder being caught on the wrecks and reefs off of Ocean City and that should improve as water temps climb this summer. Fishing in the OC inlet and back bays was still pretty decent despite the week long northeast blow. Northeast wind doesn’t dirty the water in the bays too badly so if you can find a spot out of the wind you can still catch some fish. Anglers casting Roy Rigs, Thing A Ma Jigs and crank baits found success at the Route 50 Bridge and south jetty with some bluefish and some good sized rockfish. The largest rockfish I’ve seen this season was caught and released on board the Lucky Break and was 42.5”.

This weekend is the Blues for D.U. Bluefish Tournament at Bahia Marina with fishing days Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call 410-289-7438 for more info or to register. Until next week, tight lines.

SEE PAGES 66-67

These anglers on board the Wrecker with Captain Bobby Layton had a Memorial Day to remember with nine yellowfin tuna in the fish box. Submitted Photos

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

Above

put his crew on 11 nice yellowfin tuna on Memorial Day. Above top right, this group had flounder for dinner after catching a nice keeper on board the Tortuga out of Bahia Marina. Above middle right, this crew had a crazy good Memorial Day when Captain Andrew Dotterweich of Fish ON put them on 18 yellowfin tuna. Above right, The Mark Debinski crew had a great time on board the Lucky Break with Captain Jason Mumford catching a bunch of rockfish including this 42.5” stud.

Opposite page, top left, Captain Austin Ensor and the crew of Primary Search had a fantastic Memorial Day when they landed seven big bigeye tuna and were back to Sunset Marina by 11:15. Opposite page, top right, Chris Pino of Hook Optics caught this keeper speckled trout behind Assateague Island fishing with his brother Captain Anthony Pino. Opposite page, middle left, anglers fishing aboard the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins have enjoyed some decent sea bass fishing. Opposite page, middle right, Young Chloe Weller was all smiles after catching this 18” flounder on a Deadly Tackle Deadly Double. Opposite page, bottom left, Captain Marc Spagnola of Dusk to Dawn Bowfishing has been putting his shooters on some southern and cow nosed rays in the south bay. Opposite page, bottom right, Reece Schindler was fishing with Rich Daiker at the south jetty when he caught and released this 42” rockfish on a crank bait.

Above top left, Big Bird Cropper and Shaun Flaherty have seen some good fishing in the Inlet lately with some keeper rockfish and some bluefish to over 30”.

left, Captain Chris Little of the Talkin’ Trash

Announcements

BERLIN – The following represents a collection of press releases on local high school and collegiate achievements.

• The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 166 of Ocean City held its annual Essay Contest Winners luncheon in April. Winners included Ocean City Elementary, first place Torres Reyes, second place Jayden Frantz and third place Lia Walls; Berlin Intermediate, first place Romit Poddar, second place Lily Riehl and third place Zoe Tryo-Valercice; and Stephen Decatur Middle, first place Andrew Kemp and second place Emory Jacks.

• Initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, at Salisbury University were Sarah Hancock of Ocean City and Amber Whittaker of Berlin.

• This year’s Worcester Preparatory School’s Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645 essay contest winners were recognized this spring and presented their awards. Congratulations to students Collin Hastings for achieving first place, Ava Holland who earned second, and Elle Wilsey for receiving third in the sixth-grade division. In the seventh grade division, Sarah Williams won first place and Vivian Ruggerio received second. In the eighth grade division, Jacob Lev won second place and Isha Garg received third. Collin Hastings and Sarah Williams will advance to the district level. This year’s essay contest theme was “What is your American dream?” Each student submitted an essay of close to 300 words expressing dreams they hope to come true by living in this country.

• Mike Wink of Ocean City graduated with a master of science in psychology-mental health professions from Bridgewater College during the April 29 Commencement exercises. Approximately 315 undergraduate and 25 graduate students from the Class of 2023 received degrees.

• The Shenandoah University

women's lacrosse team had eight players earn All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference honors in selections announced by the league office.

Julianna Fohner, of Ocean City was among the Hornets to earn the honor of first team accolades. Fohner helped SU to a 12-win season, its fourth with double-digit victories in the past five seasons of championship play.

• Alexander Jett of Ocean City qualified for Belmont University's Spring 2023 Dean's List. Approximately 49 percent of Belmont's 6,552 undergraduate students were named.

• Logan Schweiger, a native of Ocean City, was recently initiated into the Randolph-Macon College Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society. The Society welcomed 1,869 new initiates from 78 universities during April 2023.

• Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates two local students on being named to the winter 2023 President's List. The winter terms run from January to May. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired eightweek terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer. The students were Connor Hudson of Berlin and Michael Bruette of Selbyville.

• Two Furman University students who live in the area were included on the dean's list for the 2023 spring semester. Furman's dean's list is composed of full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.4 or higher on a four-point system. Furman is a private, undergraduate liberal arts and sciences university of 2,500 students in Greenville, S.C. The students were Berlin resident Devin Wallace, son of Michael and Megan Wallace, and Ocean Pines resident Cooper Richins, son of Gary and Kimberly Richins.

First Responders Issue Reminder About Addresses

OCEAN PINES – The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) is reminding residents to make their address numbers visible for firefighters and other emergency responders. This is especially important during a fire or a medical emergency, when seconds count.

“It’s important for firefighters to be able to quickly identify the address of a burning building,” Lt. Joe Enste, OPVFD public information officer, said. “If the address numbers are not visible, it can delay our response and make it more difficult to put out the fire or save a life.”

House numbers are also a requirement of Ocean Pines Association Architectural Review Committee guidelines.

Per section 500.2.A., “The street address house number shall be posted to be visible from the street. It may be displayed on the front of the house or on a sign in the front yard (note: the house number is not the same as the lot and section number and can be obtained from the CPI Department office). House numbers shall not be less than four (4) inches or no greater than eight (8) inches in height, a contrasting color, and visible from the street.”

While there are several ways to make your address numbers visible, the fire department offers a fundraising opportunity to purchase a reflective 911 address sign.

Each sign is constructed of aluminum, with green and white reflective material and numbers that measures 6 by 18 inches. Signs with mounting posts cost $60 (which includes free installation) or $48 for just the sign.

It is important to remember to not plant shrubs or trees that will block the view of your address numbers from the street.

“By making your address numbers visible, you can help ensure that emergency responders can get to your home quickly and safely,” Enste said. “This could save your life or the life of a loved one.”

Download an order form at https://chiefcdn.chiefpoint.com/content/External/opvfd//pagefiles/RSP%20Order%20Form_20230523_130500.pdf/ or call 410641-8272 for more information.

New Fuel Dock Opens: The new fuel dock at the Ocean Pines Marina reopened last weekend after a complete replacement. Dockmaster Ron Fisher said the entire C-dock was replaced with an aluminum structure that includes a new gas dock building and new gas pumps. The replacement was mandated by new state environmental regulations. The Ocean Pines Marina is open daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Submitted Photo

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 featured in this space. Above is a scene from the Inlet beach during a cool Memorial Day weekend. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 82

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): The often skeptical Aries might find that an answer to a question is hard to believe. But check it out before you chuck it out. You might well be surprised at what you could learn.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your resolute determination to stick by a position might make some people uncomfortable. But if you're proved right (as I expect you to be), a lot of changes will tilt in your favor.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You might feel conflicted between what you want to do and what you should do. Best advice: Honor your obligations first. Then go ahead and enjoy your well-earned rewards.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): That financial matter still needs to be sorted out before you can consider any major monetary moves. Pressures ease midweek, with news about a potential career change.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): A workplace problem threatens to derail your well-planned project. But your quick mind should lead you to a solution and get you back on track without too much delay.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): An opportunity opens up but could quickly close down if you allow pessimism to override enthusiasm. A trusted friend can offer the encouragement you need.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22):

You've come through a difficult period of helping others deal with their problems. Now you can concentrate on putting your energy to work on your own projects.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Forget about who's to blame and, instead, make the first move toward patching up a misunderstanding before it creates a rift that you'll never be able to cross.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Good news for the travel-loving Sagittarian who enjoys galloping off to new places: That trip you put off will soon be back on your schedule.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): A mood change could make the gregarious Goat seek the company of just a few friends. But you charge back into the crowd for weekend fun and games.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): A decision you made in good faith could come under fire. Best advice: Open your mind to other possibilities by listening to your challenger's point of view.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): You can avoid being swamped by all those tasks dangling from your line this week by tackling them one-by-one, according to priority. The weekend brings good news.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a fine business sense and a love of the arts. You enjoy living life to its fullest.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

A group of teens in our pool Flag shirts on Memorial Day

Bunk Mann’s new book

Warm weather optimism

Watching lifeguards training

Berlin’s Memorial Day Parade

The music in the movie, “Air”

Game 7s in sports playoffs

Hearing “you were right” from my son

A fishing story being told over beers in a marina

The last few miles of a long road trip

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITYWITH BUNK

MANN

The Belmont Hotel was a landmark on Dorchester Street for many years. Located just a few steps off the Boardwalk, it was built by Lambert Ayres in 1897. Lizzie Hearne bought it in 1902 and she and her descendants ran it and later its attached sister hotel, the Hearne, for more than 100 years.

The Belmont-Hearne, as it came to be known, was reputed to be the last hotel in Ocean City to offer the American Plan (meals included with the cost of your room) to its guests. The hotel had a loyal following and many of its guests returned annually, some for over 30 or 40 years.

The Belmont-Hearne was demolished in November 2004 to make possible the construction of the Belmont Towers condominium.

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

Photo courtesy John Hurlock from spring of 1952

The Dispatch Classifieds

HELP WANTED

SECURITY - FT / PT help needed for Ocean City. Driver's Lic. req'd and no criminal record. Please call 443-513-4198

AIR SHOW STAFF NEEDED: Anyone interested in working the air show, June 8-11. Day & night shifts available. Please call 443-5134198 or email abcoinvestigations@yahoo.com.

FRONT GATE ATTENDANT:Parttime and Year-round. Fridays 5pm1am and Sundays 4pm-1am. Assateague Pointe Rt. 611. 410641-1671.

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

410.289.4902 Ask for Suzanne.

CLEANERS/VACATION

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

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

CLASS A OR B CDL DRIVER

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

NOW HIRING! • BARTENDER •COOK •DELIVERY DRIVERS

•SERVERS

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

HYGIENIST/ASSISTANT

Friendly boutique dental practice, with great patients, looking for a

PART TIME HYGIENIST and a

PART TIME ASSISTANT.

Please send resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com

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

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

•MAINTENANCE

•GENERAL

•FUEL

•DOMESTIC

•RAMP

•DOCK

•BOAT

delawarestatejobs.com

information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071

AA/EOE

SEASONAL STAFF

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

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

Perfect position for individuals looking for extra income. Send resume to: susan.brewer@casinc.biz

EOE

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

For a detailed position announcement and to apply, go to https://ejobs.umd.edu, position number is 127964 Position is open until filled. Please apply ASAP for best consideration.

EEO/AA

Housekeeper Full Time

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

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

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

FULL TIME/SEASONAL

$17/Hr. Paid weekly

THUNDERBIRD

HYGIENIST/ASSISTANT

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

Please send resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com

COMPETITIVE

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

o Experience preferred.

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

o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available. Please Apply Online:

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

Check Here First!

NOW HIRING

Maintenance Technician

Needed Immediately

Great Pay & Benefits based on experience

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

•Perform preventative, routine, & emergency maintenance

•Repairs on restaurant equipment with emphasis on refrigeration

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

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

Health Insurance, 401K, sick leave, and vacations included. Forward resume to : Restaurant Maintenance, PO Box 160, Ocean City, MD 21843 or email: jeb@harrisongp.com

COOKS, BARTENDERS AND CLEANING HELP WANTED

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

NOW HIRING!

HOLIDAY INN POOL BAR

•COOKS •SERVERS

Daytime hours, 10-4 Mon-Fri

Serious inquiries only

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

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

Now Hiring

• CARPENTERS

• CARPENTER HELPERS

Must possess knowledge in multiple areas regarding interior/exterior repairs and renovations. Competitive Wages and incentives. 443-497-6463 or email Chris@AMGMD.com

Cleaners Wanted for OC

Conscientious individual or team. Great pay & min. hrs. Summer Sat’s in OC. Experience preferred. Cell phone & vehicle req. (443) 880-0525

SUMMER BEACH CONDOS

OCEAN CITY, MD

LOOKING FOR:

•PART-TIME

CUSTODIAL PERSON

7AM–12 PM Hrs can be flex. 4-5 days/wk, wknds a must during summer season. Starts at $13.00 per hour.

•SEASONAL EVENING

CUSTODIAL PERSON

4 PM-12AM 2 nights per week. $13.00 per hour.

**MUST BE ABLE TO MOVE HEAVY OBJECTS**

CALL 410-603-5627

TO SET UP AN INTERVIEW

RENTALS

SEASONAL BAYSIDE CONDO: 2BR/2BA, W/D. Fully furn. Sleeps 4-6. $15,750./season, Cable & WiFi incl. Located near Jolly Roger. Call 410-603-6120 or mbjcproperties@gmail.com

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

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

INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE

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

AUTOMOBILE

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

COMMERCIAL YARD SALE

WALNUT HILL COMMUNITY

YARD SALE: Sat. 6/3, 9am-2 pm On the Commons, Walnut Hill Dr, Berlin 21811. Entrance off William St, across from Burbage Park. MYSTIC HARBOUR COMMUNITY YARD SALE. Rescheduled from May 13th. Sat. 6/3 9am-3pm Raindate Sun 6/4, 9am-3pm.

FOR SALE

DINING ROOM SET: Beautiful solid wood Dining set, table seats 8-10, Lit China Cabinet with glass shelves. Must see: 443-880-8885

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

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

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

Fourth Insertion

ABANDONED VESSEL

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

May 12, 2023

4x 5-12, 5-19, 5-26, 6-02

ing dates:

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MAY 19, 2023

VIRGINIA PAIGE WILDMANN Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

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

dersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

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

WINONA COLEMAN Personal Representative True Test Copy

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 11TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

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

died on SEPTEMBER 28, 2022, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19258

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

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

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

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

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

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the un-

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MAY 19, 2023

GARY M. CHASE Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To all persons interested in the estate of EDITH A. EVANS, Estate No. 19717. Notice is given that DENNIS EVANS, 10321 HAYES LANDING ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MAY 10, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EDITH A. EVANS, who

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MAY 19, 2023

DENNIS EVANS

Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MAY 19, 2023

SCOTT NOYLE

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

1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

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

To all persons interested in the estate of JACQUELYN

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.

To all persons interested in the estate of DAVID WAYNE PFEFFER, Estate No. 19731. Notice is given that ELIZABETH A. PFENSON, 2928 CHESTNUT ROAD, EDGEWATER, MD 21037, was on MAY 19, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DAVID WAYNE PFEFFER, who died on OCTOBER 22, 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 19TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MAY 26, 2023

ELIZABETH A. PFENSON

ESTATE 19716

To all persons interested in the estate of EMILY GODWIN HART, Estate No. 19716. Notice is given that DAVID HART, 20482 SAXIS ROAD, PO BOX 51, SAXIS, VA 23427, was on MAY 18, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EMILY GODWIN HART, who died on MARCH 13, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 26, 2023

DAVID HART

Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19737

To all persons interested in the estate of SARAH SALLY L. SPRINGER, Estate No. 19737. Notice is given that EUGENE HABINOWSKI ,153 HUNTER STREET, GLEN FALLS, NY 12801, was on MAY 23, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SARAH SALLY L. SPRINGER, who died on MAY 10, 2023, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23RD day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

MAY 26, 2023

EUGENE HABINOWSKI Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-26, 6-02, 6-09

OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

IN THE ESTATE OF DORSEY SAMUEL TRUITT AKA:

DORSEY S. TRUITT, SR. ESTATE NO. 19692

PUBLIC NOTICE TO CAVEAT

To all persons interested in the above estate: Notice is given that a petitiion to caveat has been filed by PATRICK E. TRUITT, 603 SEAGAZE DRIVE, #877, OCEANSIDE, CA 92054, challenging the will dated MARCH 01, 1996. You may obtain from the Register of Wills, the date and time of any hearing on this matter.

Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MAY 26, 2023

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

2x 5-26, 6-02

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19730

To all persons interested in the estate of ANITA L. HOFFMAN, Estate No. 19730. Notice is given that CHERYL FREED, 48 MOONRAKER ROAD, OCEAN PINES, MD 21811, was on MAY 19, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANITA L. HOFFMAN, who died on JANUARY 3, 2023, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 19TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MAY 26, 2023

CHERYL FREED Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-26, 6-02, 6-09

sentative 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 19TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

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

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

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

1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19729

To all persons interested in the estate of ELIZABETH PICKARD Estate No. 19729. Notice is given that LINDA SOKERKA, 608 DAREN LANE, MINE HILL, NJ 07803, was on MAY 19, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELIZABETH PICKARD, who died on NOVEMBER 26, 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 repre-

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.

vs. DAVID F. FERRERA, et al. Defendants

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 23rd day of MAY, 2023, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings,made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 26TH day of JUNE, 2023 provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 19th day of JUNE, 2022. The Second Amended Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share intervals:

TIMESHARES SOLD:

died on NOVEMBER 23, 2020, domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is NATHANIEL DOVE, whose address is5202 DAVENPORT CT, GLENN DALE, MD 20769. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER.

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 26, 2023

YOLANDA J.W. CUSAAC Personal Representative True Test Copy

MEEHAN, Estate No. 19726. Notice is given that TERESA A. HEWING, 32467 FISH SOUND WAY, SELBYVILLE, DE 19975, was on MAY 17, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA E. MEEHAN, who died on APRIL 19, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

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

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

21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND

CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000065

BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC.

P.O. BOX 3307

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs. SANDRA J. SHINDEL, et al. Defendants

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 23rd day of MAY, 2023, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 26TH day of JUNE, 2023 provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 19th day of JUNE, 2022.

The Amended Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share intervals:

TIMESHARES SOLD:

First Insertion

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19736

To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN FRANCIS FERRY, SR., Estate No. 19736. Notice is given that JOHN FERRY, JR., 338 OCEAN PARKWAY, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MAY 22, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN FRANCIS FERRY, SR., who died on FEBRUARY 10, 2023, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22ND day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

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

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19695

Notice is given that the ORPHANS COURT of DELAWARE COUNTY, PA, appointed MARY D. STANDRING, 4 LONGFELLOW PLACE, APT. 2610, BOSTON, MA 02114, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of RICHARD L. KOZIOL, who died on JULY 27, 2022, domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is REENA J. PATEL, whose address is 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD, SUITE B, SALISBURY, MD 21804.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER.

Name

TRUE TEST COPY

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 5-26, 6-02, 6-09

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19722

Notice is given that the ORPHANS COURT of PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, PA, appointed(state)

YOLANDA J. W. CUSAAC, 7

WESTBURY DRIVE, LUMBERTON, NJ 08048 as the EXECUTRIX of the Estate of MILTON M. BRINKLEY, who

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House

One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-26, 6-02, 6-09

MICHAEL B. MATHERS, ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD ST SALISBURY, MD 218030910

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 26, 2023

TERESA A. HEWING Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

3x 5-26, 6-02, 6-09

AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC.

P.O. BOX 3307

OCEAN CITY, MD

(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 JUNE 02, 2023

JOHN FERRY, JR.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper:

Page 66 June 2, 2023 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x

First Insertion

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19745

To all persons interested in THOMAS E. KIRWAN,Estate No. 19745. Notice is given that THOMAS WAYNE KIRWAN, 1432 OVERLOOK WAY, BEL AIR, MD 21014, was on MAY 26, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THOMAS E. KIRWAN, who died on MAY 04, 2023, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 26TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication JUNE 02, 2023

THOMAS WAYNE KIRWAN

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 6-02, 6-09, 6-16

First Insertion

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19744

To all persons interested in THELMA FRANCES HAYES, Estate No. 19744. Notice is given that ROBIN RUSS, 57 NOTTINGHAM LANE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MAY 26, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THELMA FRANCES HAYES, who died on MAY 01, 2023, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 26TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 02, 2023

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

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 6-02, 6-09, 6-16

First Insertion

JOHN K. PHOEBUS

517 WEST MAIN STREET PO BOX 70 CRISFIELD, MD 21817

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19676

To all persons interested in CAROL ANN DRYDEN ROSS, AKA: CAROL ANN LEEF,Estate No. 19676. Notice is given that ALAN ED-

WARD DRYDEN, JR, 5215 FRANCES ROAD, CRISFIELD, MD 21817, was on MAY 31, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROL ANN DRYDEN ROSS, who died on APRIL 02, 2023, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023. Any person having a claim

CONTACT

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

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

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.

Date Announced For Annual Garden Tour

SNOW HILL – The third annual Pollinator Garden Tour, hosted by the Lower Shore Land Trust, will be held on June 23-24 at eight private gardens in Wicomico County.

Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the properties and the pollinator gardens and meadows and learn how the homeowners are helping combat pollinator decline while beautifying their yards with native plants. Tickets for the annual event cost $30 in advance or $35 the day of the event.

This annual event is held by the Lower Shore Land Trust in support of its mission, which is, in part, to aid in protecting and decreasing the loss of crucial habitat for pollinators across the region and providing the members of the community the opportunity to learn simple ways to make a big impact, even in their own back yards.

The Lower Shore Land Trust staff and its committee members Suzy Taylor, Tracy Causey-Jeffery and Barbara Dolan invite the public to tour these private pollinator gardens both days from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., one or both days, and learn how to turn a back yard into a pollinator paradise.

This year’s tour gardens range from an Urban Forest Garden, a Mt. Hermon Farm Garden, a converted lawn, a meadow garden, to two Salisbury gardens opposite each other that provide a “street crossing” for pollinators, a garden and a chicken paradise, all providing a community for pollinators.

As a visitor to these private pollinator paradises, attendees can participate in mini-workshops covering such topics as rain barrel installation, soil health and testing for the homeowner, spotting and handling invasive species, bird watching 101 and more.

In addition, garden guests may purchase raffle tickets for a complete rain barrel or a pollinator garden goodies basket. There will also be eight professional plein air painters at work in the gardens. Painting in this year’s gardens will be Lissa Abrams, Natalie Blanton, Rhonda Ford, Jill Glassman, Ann Schaeffer, John Schisler, Karen Winston Levin and Lori Yates.

Following the tour dates, Bishop’s Stock Fine Art, Craft & Wine in Snow Hill will host a reception on June 30 from 57 p.m. Plein air artists from the garden tour will be in attendance and their paintings created during the tours will be available for viewing and sale. The public is cordially invited to the artists’ reception and sale. Proceeds of the art sales will go to the artists and the Lower Shore Land Trust’s future pollinator garden projects.

Every ticket purchased benefits the Lower Shore Land Trust’s work to create or preserve more pollinator habitat for bees, birds, butterflies and bats. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.lowershorelandtrust.org/shop-beehive. For more information contact the Land Trust office at 443-234-5587 or info@lowershorelandtrust.org.

Who’s Where When

DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Sunday, June 2:

Local’s Night w/DJ Tops Cut Off

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano

COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL

410-289-6846

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

Friday, June 2: Darin Engh, Monkee Paw

Saturday, June 3: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama

Sunday, June 4:

Josh Pryor Duo, Colossal Fossil Sauce

Monday, June 5: Nate Clendenen, Remy & Lyons

Tuesday, June 6: Heather Vidal, Chris Sacks Duo

Wednesday, June 7:

Shortcut Sunny, The Beach Bandits

Thursday, June 8: Kevin Poole, Lime Green Band

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, June 2: Lennon LaRicci & The Leftovers

Saturday, June 3: Jim Long & Old School

Tuesdays: Karaoke w/DJ Jeremy

CORK BAR

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, June 2: DJ Wax

Saturday, June 3:

Uncultured Swine

Sunday, June 4: Caleb Folks

CRABCAKE FACTORY

BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE

Sunday, June 4:

Rick & Regina

Wednesday, June 7: John Remy

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, June 2: Rogue Citizens

Saturday, June 3: Fuzzbox Piranha

Sunday, June 4: DJ Wax

Thursdays: Dance Party w/ DJ Magellan & Tommy

Who’s Where When

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St. In The Bay

Friday, June 2: DJ RobCee, Denim & Lace, Starlight Anthem

Saturday, June 3: DJ Hook, Petty Coat Junction, Pineapple Band

Monday, June 5: DJ Smooth, Side Project, Rogue Citizens

Tuesday, June 6: Bryan Clark

Wednesday, June 7: Latin Night

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Rt. 611, West O.C.

Tuesdays: Bingo w/ Blake

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West O.C.

Thursdays & Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, June 3: Rogue Citizens, DJ Jeremy

Sunday, June 4: Opposite Directions, DJ Billy T

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By Deogee

Saturday, June 3: The Dunehounds

Sunday, June 4: Beats By Deogee

Mondays: Karaoke w/Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee

Thursdays: Beats By Wax

PIER 23

410-289-3323

12817 Harbor Rd. West O.C.

Friday, June 2: G-Men

Saturday, June 3: Rick & Regina

Sunday, June 4: Rymac & AJ

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, June 2 & 3: Doc Marten & The Flannels

Wednesdays: DJ Papi Roisterous

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, June 2: DJ Tuff, DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, Full Circle, Not Leaving Sober, Crash The Party

Saturday, June 3: DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, DJ Tuff, Crash The Party, Not Leaving Sober, Tunnel’s End

Sunday, June 4: DJ Davie, DJ Connair, DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, Triple Rail Turn, Steal The Sky

Monday, June 5: DJ Davie, Blake Haley, Dear Zoe

Tuesday, June 6: DJ Davie, Opposite Directions, Liquid A

Wednesday, June 7: DJ Davie, Full Circle Duo, Liquid A

Thursday, June 8: DJ Davie, DJ Cruz

John McNutt Band, Go Go Gadjet

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

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus

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

Every Monday: Bridge Games

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

Every Monday: Overeaters Anonymous

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

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Tuesday: Beach Cleanup

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

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

Every Thursday: Beach Singles

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

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Caregiver Support Meeting

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

June 3: Community Yard Sale

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

June 3: Car Show

From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines-Ocean City will host the third

Things To Do

annual event at the Ocean Pines Veterans Memorial Park. Rain date for June 10.

Judged classes, trophies and awards. Food concessions provided by the Kiwanis Cafe'. Registration 9-11 a.m. Pay online, avoid the line. Registration fee of $15 (bring receipt to show). Avoid standing in line at the registration desk. Download, print and complete the registration form on the website: kiwanisofopoc.org. Click events and then car show for the form. Pay at the event for $20. Funds benefit the local children and community.

June 3: Church Rummage Sale

Ocean City Presbyterian Church will host at 1301 Philadelphia Avenue from 7 a.m.1 p.m.

June 4: Survivors Day Ceremony

National Cancer Survivors Day Ceremony will be held from 2-3 p.m. the Healthway Drive Community Garden (across from Atlantic General Hospital) All cancer survivors and their families are encouraged to attend as we join together in a supportive setting to celebrate life. We will be joined by special guest speaker, radiation oncologist Dr. Manoj Jain. Refreshments will be provided. For more information and to RSVP, please call Jill at 410-629-6313.

June 4: Harp Ensemble

St. Matthew’s By The Sea in Fenwick Island will host the Expressions of Joy Harp Ensemble at 7 p.m. Free admission.

June 4: Gospel Music Sing

Powellville United Methodist Church invites you to a special worship service at 10 a.m. Gospel music group Heaven 4 Shore will share special music during the worship service. A love offering will be received to support the ministry of Heaven 4 Shore gospel group. 35606 Mt. Hermon Road, Powellville.

June 5: Author Panel

The Friends of the Ocean Pines Library (FOPL) will present its Delmarva Author Panel during the group’s semi-annual membership meeting. The Friends’ efforts to support the Ocean Pines Branch of the Worcester County Library will be discussed at the 10 a.m. membership meeting, and the Delmarva Author Panel begins at 11 a.m. The event is free and all are welcome. The five authors have all featured Delmarva as the setting or the historical backdrop for their books, which will be available for purchase. They will discuss their books, their inspirations, and the writing process. The author panelists will be Stephanie Fowler, Chasing Alice; Don Parks, Islander’s War; Susan Ayres Wimbrow, Death is My Life; Chip Bertino, It’s All About … Some of My Favorites; and B.B. Shamp, A Wife in Watercolor.

June 5: Storytime

Stop by the Ocean City Library at 10:30 a.m. for a fun storytime with the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company. Enjoy stories, songs, and games as we learn all about how the fire department serves our community. OCVFC President Frederick Sen-

ger will be there to pass out goodie bags. Children will also be able to see a firetruck up close. “This partnership was planned for the children in the community to get a better understanding of all the important things our local firefighters do. We also want to help children and families continue learning about the importance of fire safety,” Ocean City Branch Manager Alec Staley said.

June 7: Shirley Toms Sing-Along

Shirley Toms Hailey is known by locals and visitors for her piano playing at the Dunes Manor. From 6-9 pm, St. Paul’s bythe-Sea Episcopal Church in Ocean City will again host a sing-along with Shirley. Song books and light refreshments will be available. This event is open to the public so mark your calendar and bring friends and family. A free will offering will be collected.

June 8: Meet & Greet

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

June 10: Furnace Town Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 10: Just Walk Event

In celebration of Men’s Health Month, the Worcester County Health Department in collaboration with the City of Pocomoke will be hosting their first Just Walk for Men’s Health event at Cypress Park in Pocomoke City. It will include a walk, no-cost health screenings, health education, and more. This family and pet-friendly event is open to all county residents. Registration and check-in will start at 8:30 a.m. followed by opening remarks at 9:00 a.m. by special guests Pocomoke City Mayor Todd Nock and Al “Hondo” Handy. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a prewalk warm-up with Gary Press, owner of G Fit Boot Camp, followed by a walk through the park. After the walk, participants are encouraged to visit health vendors and participate in free health screenings, including blood pressure and a diabetes risk assessment. Pre-registration is encouraged and can be found at Eventbrite.com. The first 100 individuals to register will receive a commemorative T-shirt. For more information, please call 410-632-1100 extension 1108.

June 10: Anglers Club Meeting

The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Library. The speaker will be Tom Ottenwaelder, 29-year veteran in Coast Guard marine inspection who will give a presentation on marine surveys, giving advice on how to inspect and value a boat before purchase and when to call in a professional. Also fishing trip updates and more. All welcome.

June 13: Kids Carnival

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

June 14: AARP Meeting

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

June 17: Learn To Fish

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

June 17: Chicken Salad Carryout

The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be holding a chicken salad carryout from noon-2 p.m. at the main station. Cost is $8 per pint. Please call 619922-9950 for a guaranteed preorder.

June 17: Youth Fishing Derby

Assateague State Park will be holding its annual Youth Fishing Derby from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is free for all; participants must be children under 16. Participants will get the chance to learn fishing techniques and try their hand at surf fishing alongside Assateague State Park employees who will be on hand to instruct participants in proper fishing methods for the surf. Fishing equipment will be provided but is limited so participants should bring their own equipment if possible. Prizes will be rewarded in a fun day of fishing at the beach.

Registration is at the Nature Nook, next to the Day Use parking lot. Children 16 and under. Families are welcome.

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

Sports In The News

WPS Recognizes Spring Athletes

Worcester Prep Upper School’s spring sports program came to an end last month at the annual awards ceremony where select student athletes received awards for excellence, including the prestigious 12-Letter Club and ESIAC (Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference) recognitions.

Varsity Boys Lacrosse: Co-MVPs, Jack Gardner and Griffin Jones; Coach’s Award, Lucas Niscastro; Most Improved Player, Cole Campbell; and Most Outstanding Teammate, Connor Ferguson.

Varsity Girls Lacrosse: MVP, Caitlin Williams; Coach’s Award, Annie Carter; Most Improved Player, Sydney Mize; Most Outstanding Teammate, Claire Windrow.

Varsity Girls Tennis: MVP, Lebby Becker; Coach’s Award, Natasha Richter; Most Improved Player, Savannah Palmisano; Most Outstanding Teammate, Moorea Phillips.

Varsity Boys Tennis: MVP, Aleksey Klimins; Coach’s Award – Dylan Simons; Most Improved Player, Carson Rayne; Most Outstanding Teammate, Daniel Thompson.

12 Letter Club Inductees: Jack Gardner, Griffin Jones, Annie Carter, Sara Miller.

Top, front row from left, are girls tennis award recipients Savannah Palmisano, Natasha Richter, Moorea Phillips and Lebby Becker; and firls lacrosse award recipients Caitlin Williams, Claire Windrow, Annie Carter and Sydney Mize; and, back, boys tennis award recipients Dylan Simons, Carson Rayne, Daniel Thompson and Aleksey Klimins; and boys lacrosse award recipients Jack Gardner, Lucas Nicastro, Griffin Jones,

Connor Ferguson and Cole Campbell.

Middle, from left, are 12-letter award recipients Jack Gardner, Sara Miller, Annie Carter and Griffin Jones.

Bottom right, named to the All-Conference ESIAC teams were spring athletes, front from left, Angeline Todorov, Natasha Richter, Caitlyn Hoen, Annie Carter, Emma Zajdel, Caitlin Williams, Claire Windrow, Lebby Becker and and Savannah Palmisano; and, back, Aleksey Klimins, Cole Campbell, Dylan McGovern, Baylor Hoen, Jack Gardner, Ryan Mann, Connor Ferguson and Griffin Jones.

Judith M. Allen

JUPITER, Fla – Judith M. Allen, 79, peacefully passed away May 23, 2023, in Jupiter, Fla.

Judy was born the daughter of Kenneth and Fedonia Miller, Feb. 10, 1944 in Salisbury where she resided for the majority of her life. She was a lifelong member of Bethesda United Methodist Church. Judy attended Wicomico High in Salisbury and Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale. She continued to enjoy her school friendships throughout her life.

In her youth, Judy was a champion equestrian and shared many memories of dancing at the Pier Ballroom in Ocean City. In 1964 Judy married Jay Stephens, together they lovingly raised their five children.

Judy was also a successful entrepreneur, running Central Supply Electric & Lighting Co., which her father founded, and later Eastern Shore Uniforms. Judy actively supported many organizations throughout the community with her time and resources. Notable was her dedication to PGH/PRMC/Tidal Health as a member of the Junior Auxiliary Board and later serving on the Hospital Foundation for 10 years.

In 1995 Judy married John (Jack) Allen, Jr. (deceased). This was a jubilant chapter of her life, filled with sport-fishing, Caribbean waters, music and dancing.

The friendships she created thru her memberships at Green Hill Country Club, Wicomico Yacht Club, The Marlin Club of Ocean City, The Dunes Club of Ocean City and The Tequesta Country Club brought her countless joy. She was a fierce tennis partner and more recently a wicked-good card shark at her weekly Canasta and Mah Jong games with treasured friends. Judy Allen was a harbor of love, wisdom and happiness to all who knew her. She shared her light, laughter and amazing hospitality generously.

Judy's legacy will live on through her treasured children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She raised her children with extremely high expectations; she did not accept mediocrity, bad table manners, poor grammar, or lazy postures. She expected dignity, elegance and for her children and grandchildren to contribute goodness into the world.

She is survived by her children, Jay Stephens, Lisa Anderson, her husband David (Chandler, Leah & Sophia); Amy Doerzbach, her husband Jim (Makaela, James, Luke, Nate, great-granddaughter Stella); and Sara Hambury, her husband David (Hayden and Opal). Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Sue Kaminski. She is now reunited with her beloved son Spencer and her husband Jack in God's eternal grace.

For all who wish to join in prayer, a funeral service will be held Thursday, June 8, 2023, 11 a.m. at Coastal Community Church, 10900 Ocean Gateway, Berlin, Md. A Bon Voyage Celebration of her life will follow at Sunset Grille in West Ocean City.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests

OBITUARIES

donations be made to the Judith M. Allen Memorial Fund at CFES.org/donate or mailed to Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, 1324 Belmont Ave. Ste. 401, Salisbury, Md. 21804.

Jeremiah Michael Lynch

BERLIN – Jeremiah “Jere” Michael Lynch, 66, passed away Monday, May 22, 2023, at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional in Salisbury.

Jere was born July 4, 1956, in Wilmington, Del. He was the son of the late Thomas Hugh Lynch and Jean Phoebus Lynch.

He’s survived by his wife, Beth Shockley-Lynch, and his three children, Kyle Michael Lynch, Rachel Claire Lynch and Marydith “Blaire” Lynch. Jere is also survived by his siblings Stephen Thomas Lynch, Harry “Hank” Phoebus Lynch and Nora Lynch Lawson, and cousins Joel Peters “Pete” Phoebus and John Kevin Phoebus. He had several nieces and nephews including Logan Robert Shockley and Levi Avery Shockley.

Jere graduated from West Nottingham Academy in 1974. He first attended Western Maryland College (McDaniel University) before earning his degree in political science from Salisbury University. He worked with Frito Lay, Inc. for

twenty-four years retiring as District Sales Leader and finished his career as a Territory Sales Representative with Utz Quality Foods in 2021.

One of Jere’s passions was his family. He married the love of his life, Beth, on June 25, 1988. They were life partners: in their careers, raising their children, as well as their individual interests.

He was a dedicated father that loved supporting his children’s interests. He could be seen at baseball games, Frisbee tournaments, volleyball games, dance concerts, numerous plays and productions that his children participated in. He enjoyed the beach, kayaking and Harley Davidson motorcycles.

His other passion was golfing. Jere was an avid and accomplished golfer. He began golfing at Chantilly Manor in Cecil County as a teenager, where he won the Junior Club Championship in 1972. Once he moved to the shore, he joined Nassawango Country Club in Snow Hill where he served as past president and was instrumental in developing the junior golf program.

At Nassawango, Jere won 13 club championships and had several holes in one. He won the DPGA Championship in 2000 and the DPGA Senior Championship in 2006 and 2008. He then won the Tour of the Shore Championship in 2009. He was inducted into the Eastern Shore Golf Hall of Fame in 2013.

Jere moved to The Bay Club in Berlin in 2014 after Nassawango Country Club closed. There he won the Club Championship his first year there and 2015. Jere then moved to the Glen Riddle Golf Club in Berlin in 2017. He won the Gold Flight Club Championship in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 and was the Gold Flight Net Champion in 2021. Jere and his partner Shawn Thomas won the Tapman’s Two Man championship five times.

Jere made many trips around the East Coast and abroad to play golf. Jere participated in the Craws Nest Tassie tournament in Carnoustie, Scotland with his “other brother” Terry White on three different occasions. In 2019, his son Kyle joined them, which he always bragged was his best trip across the pond. His family is sure they have missed many more career wins and accomplishments, but these were his most meaningful.

A celebration of life was held at the Glen Riddle Golf Club outdoor pavilion (left side of building) on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. There was a Driver Send Off to take place on the driving range, at the end of the commemoration.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jere’s memory to Snow Hill High School Golf Team at Snow Hill High School, Attn: Chris Adkins, 305 South Church Street, Snow Hill, Md. 21863.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

JUDITH M. ALLEN

JEREMIAH LYNCH

… Leiner Family Celebrates 50 Years

vibrant flowers, features a 150-foot buffet. Diners can choose from seafood, prime rib, soups and salads, fresh fish, home smoked meats and barbeque ribs, fruit and fresh baked desserts, and much more. The Leiners credit dedicated kitchen staff, guided over the years by Mark Leiner, Phil Wenker and later by Remo Moffa, with establishing the restaurant’s reputation for high quality food. Rafinski, who started at the restaurant in 2006, said he learned under Wenker and Moffa, whose own children worked at the restaurant. The Leiners’ five children also have all had roles at the Bonfire over the years.

“This is like a second home for all of us,” Rafinski said. “It’s hard working, loyal people behind everything.”

While other buffets in the resort area have closed their doors, the Leiner family says diners still see the value in what is offered at the Bonfire.

“The place looks nice, the staff is friendly and the food is great,” Mark Leiner said.

His wife noted that the restaurant even survived the pandemic despite the fact buffets were one of the last places allowed to reopen and when the Bonfire did reopen, servers had to bring diners their food from the buffet until restrictions were eased.

“You have to evolve and be what you need to be,” Donna said.

Her husband agreed.

“There’s a bond that grows with your staff when you go through something like that,” he said.

With a staff of more than 100 employees every summer, many of them are international students, here with J-1 work and travel visas. That’s how Rafinski, who is from Poland, got his start at the Bonfire.

“This place has helped a lot of people,” Rafinski said.

Staff have quit to take jobs elsewhere, only to return a year or two later.

“It’s a good place to be,” Rafinski said.

Donna Leiner said some former employees have gone on to launch their own eateries in Ocean City. “It makes me proud there have been so many success stories,” she said.

The family hopes to reconnect with former workers this fall when the Leiners host a 50th anniversary alumni and current staff party in October. In the meantime, they plan to continue providing resort visitors the best food and service they can offer.

“We hope the families that have been bringing their kids will have their kids bringing their kids for another 25 years,” Rafinski said. “We are looking forward to providing the best dining experience possible for our customers. Great, homemade food and good friendly service. That’s what keeps us going.”

Owners Mark and Donna Leiner worked at The Bonfire as servers before celebrating their wedding at the restaurant in 1984. Photos by Charlene Sharpe

The 425-seat restaurant opened in 1973 at the site that was once home to the Golden Bull.

FROM PAGE 12

Memorial Day Parade In

Photos by Charlene Sharpe

Berlin: Hundreds lined Flower Street on Monday for the annual Old-Fashioned Memorial Day Parade, which featured a theme of “Celebrating the Past and Embracing the Future.” More than 40 entries participated in the spirited parade from Stephen Decatur Middle School to Henry Park, and the grand marshal was Wallace Purnell, a Korean War veteran.

The Dispatch

Forever In Memory

Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005)

“Iron Man” Shawn Soper (July 24, 1963-February 15, 2023)

The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly On Friday Mornings

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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.

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How We See It

A Note For Graduates

Congratulations to all the high school graduates. By now, you have walked across the stage, before your classmates, teachers, administrators and family, shook hands with a figure of authority and received your high school diploma.

This much is certain -- a major milestone in your life has been achieved and you should be proud of the accomplishment and enjoy some time celebrating safely and hopefully enjoying some relaxation along the way.

Graduating high school essentially serves as the ending to one chapter in the book that is your life journey. You have been expected to graduate high school since your parents enrolled you in school years ago. All things led to this, what happens next is up to you. For most, it means college of some sort. With that comes pressure to succeed and make your parents proud and justify the thousands of dollars they or the government are investing in you. It's this next chapter that will likely determine who you are as a person.

You have received a lot of advice over the last few weeks, particularly at your commencements. Undoubtedly, you have heard several speeches and numerous words of counsel. Clearly, you listened to some of what was said and maybe even took a few pieces of encouragement to heart. Along those lines, here are a few more words of advice and some general thoughts:

Be flexible: What gives young people an edge in this world is their adaptability. You are way too young to possess too many bad habits. Even those of you who have a few behavior quirks that need to be kicked, it should not be too difficult so long as you are open to change and maybe some criticism. Many young people complain they are not taken seriously. Unfortunately, that's often the case, largely because you think you know everything. You can buck this trend by proving adept at juggling a variety of things at one time and being open to learning new things.

Don't be arrogant: You do not know enough about the world to be conceited. You will make many mistakes and misjudgments. It’s part of the path to being successful. Being supercilious will only lead you astray and waste time. You only get one chance to make a first impression.

Do be excited: It's an exhilarating time for you, and it's okay to show your true emotions. Excitement shows honesty, which is never a bad trait.

Don't be entitled: More than likely, life is not going to work out exactly the way you hope all the time. In fact, there will be curve balls, both professionally and personally. Bad things will happen to you. Exactly how you deal with them will say a lot about your character. You will need to possess a will to succeed and the strength to prosper through difficult times, which are inevitable.

What happens next is your call. This is the beginning of what should be the best years of life. You will never forget the last chapter of your life. Take what you have learned and apply it near and far with confidence and poise.

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green

The Worcester County Commissioners’ decision to not give away the synthetic ice rink – purchased for about $70,000 in 2019 – turned out to be the right call. Once it was clear the majority of officials wanted to do away with the rink, there was some consternation among the commissioners whether the county should donate the rink to a nonprofit or another town to use at events or try to get some money for it.

The commissioners first agreed in a 4-3 vote to solicit bids for the rink. When zero interest was received, the commissioners opted to place it on the govdeals.com website to try and recoup some of the funding allocated for its acquisition. The rink was listed on the auction list for about three weeks and received 114 total bids. The winning bid ended up being $31,000. It was an impressive amount of interest.

While there remains some debate over whether the county should have kept it and continued to offer at its own events, it’s clear selling it through the website was a good financial move for the taxpayers once getting rid of it was decided upon.

The Ocean City Mayor and Council was united this week in picking up the sports complex process, which was abandoned by the Worcester County Commissioners last fall. The commissioners’ decision came after 52% of county voters (9,424 to 8,572) in a referendum said they did not want the county to bond the costs associated with a sports complex. The new commission majority clearly wanted nothing to do with public funds being spent on a sports complex.

While the long-term outcome of this week’s action by the council remains unknown, the immediate result will be the creation of a committee, or task force, to evaluate location, scope and funding for a sports complex in northern Worcester County. Councilman John Gehrig, a vocal supporter of a sports complex for years as an economic development engine, said “I do think we should take the lead here and form this committee or task force. I do think other locations should be on the table, we should be open minded. I think, while we respect what the county commissioners decided to do, I like them to also know they are invited to participate, as well as other elected officials and representatives throughout the county, and make this a true team effort.”

Mayor Rick Meehan will now be charged with creating the committee that oversees the further evaluation of the sports complex moving ahead. For many, especially those living along Flower Street in Berlin, the location west of Stephen Decatur High School was a major issue. City Manager Terry McGean touched on the site discourse this week, saying, “Although the study was based on the identified Decatur location, the Maryland Stadium Authority has noted that the study’s economic impact results would still apply for a location in similar, close proximity to Ocean City. And by that, they mean approximately a 15- to-20-minute drive time.”

It’s going to be interesting to follow how governments across Maryland pivot and react to the July 1 date when recreational sales of marijuana can begin.

Following overwhelming voter support in a 2022 statewide referendum, the Maryland General Assembly spent the last legislative session creating the regulations to allow individuals 21 years and older to purchase cannabis products legally from licensed dispensaries that convert their licenses. Additionally, effective July 1, possession for personal use amount is allowed, specifically “up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis, or a total amount of cannabis products that does not exceed 750 mg THC.” The new law also increases the amount of cannabis a person may possess and receive a civil fine from 10 grams to 2.5 ounces. What the law did not do was make smoking cannabis legal in public places or in motor vehicles.

While the essential legalization of marijuana moves forward, the issue for local governments is whether to allow pot smoking in businesses. In Ocean City, two code amendments were introduced this week to specifically tackle on-site cannabis consumption. The state legislation allows municipalities to pass specific amendments to its code to prevent on-site marijuana use and Ocean City wants to go that direction. If a licensed dispensary were to open in Ocean City, leaders want to ensure there is no ability to allow for marijuana to be smoked legally in the business. The amendment reads, “Ocean City finds that in order to promote and protect the public’s health, safety and welfare, a prohibition of the operation of on-site consumption establishments and the prohibition to the issuance of any license that would permit on-site consumption of Cannabis is just and proper. Ocean City finds that it is within its right, as a political subdivision, to prohibit the operation and licensing of on-site consumption establishments.”

Ocean City has decided it does not want cannabis lounges essentially. It’s not likely to happen immediately because there are no dispensaries located on the island currently. In Worcester County, there is currently one grow operation, one processing operation and two dispensaries. This week’s action essentially represents a proactive approach by Ocean City.

Puzzle Answers

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

As far as graduation speeches go, I think I have heard about 100 of them in my life. Though I didn’t see this particular one in person, I wanted to share a speech from last year.

A 24-year-old woman from New Jersey with non-verbal autism, Elizabeth Bonker was one of Rollins College’s five valedictorians, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA. The four other valedictorians requested Bonker deliver the speech during the graduation ceremony. Her speech was presented through a text to speech program. It was amazing.

Her story hits close to home for my family as our 13-year-old son Carson is non-verbal with autism. He works with speech therapists multiple times a week and utilizes a device to articulate speech, although it brings severe anxiety for him.

I shared this woman’s speech last year and I thought I would again as her message was sincere about service and making a difference, let alone the unique and inspiring manner in which she delivered it. Here are some excerpts from the moving speech from this beautiful soul. I encourage you to search the internet for the full video.

“… today we celebrate our shared achievements. I know something about shared achievements because I am affected by a form of autism that doesn’t allow me to speak. My neuromotor issues also prevent me from tying my shoes or buttoning a shirt without assistance. I have typed this speech with one finger with a communication partner holding a keyboard. I am one of the lucky few non-speaking autistics who have been taught to type. That one critical intervention unlocked my mind from its silent cage, enabling me to communicate and to be educated like my hero Helen Keller. …

During my freshman year, I remember hearing a story about our favorite alumnus, Mister Rogers. When he died,

a handwritten note was found in his wallet. It said, “Life is for service.” You have probably seen it on the plaque by Strong Hall. Life is for service. So simple, yet so profound.

Classmates, you have shared your passion for service within our community. Our friends in the sororities and fraternities raise money for so many worthy causes. Our friends at Pinehurst weave blankets for the homeless. The examples are too numerous to list. Rollins has instilled in all of us that service to others gives meaning to our own lives and to those we serve.

Viktor Frankl wrote about the power of sharing in his book, Man’s Search for Meaning. While suffering in the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz, he noted how, despite the horror, there were prisoners who shared their last crust of bread. He writes, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

We all have been given so much, including the freedom to choose our own way. Personally, I have struggled my whole life with not being heard or accepted. A story on the front page of our local newspaper reported how the principal at my high school told a staff member, “The retard can’t be valedictorian.”

Yet today, here I stand. Each day, I choose to celebrate small victories, and today, I am celebrating a big victory with all of you.

The freedom to choose our own way is our fundamental human right, and it is a right worth defending, not just for us, but for every human being.

I want to publicly thank Rollins College for taking a chance on me. For caring about every student. For being a place where kindness lives.

Dear classmates, today we commence together. But from here, we will choose our own ways. For me, I have a dream. Yes, just like Martin Luther King,

Jr., I have a dream: communication for all. There are 31 million non-speakers with autism in the world who are locked in a silent cage. My life will be dedicated to relieving them from suffering in silence and to giving them voices to choose their own way.

What is your dream? … Whatever our life choices, each and every one of us can live a life of service—to our families, to our communities, and to the world. And the world can’t wait to see our light shine.

So, my call to action today is simple. Tear off a small piece from your commencement program and write “Life is for service” on it. Yes. We gave you the pens to really do it. Let’s start a new tradition. Take a photo and post it on social media. Then put it in your wallet or some other safe place, just as Mr. Rogers did. And when we see each other at our reunions, we can talk about how our commencement notes reminded us to serve others.

We are all called to serve, as an everyday act of humility, as a habit of mind. To see the worth in every person we serve. To strive to follow the example of those who chose to share their last crust of bread. For to whom much is given, much is expected.

God gave you a voice. Use it. And no, the irony of a non-speaking autistic encouraging you to use your voice is not lost on me. Because if you can see the worth in me, then you can see the worth in everyone you meet.

My fellow classmates, I leave you today with a quote from Alan Turing, who broke the Nazi encryption code to help win World War II. “Sometimes, it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine.”

Be those people. Be the light! Fiat lux. Thank you.”

(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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