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State Funds Berlin Park Lighting

See Page 6 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Juveniles Charged In Armed Robbery

Celebrating Gavin: The community came together for a Celebration of Life last Saturday to memorialize the

life of 14-year-old Gavin Knupp, who died in a hit-and-run collision earlier this month. See page 4 for story.

Photos by Campos Media

See Page 14 • Photo by Chris Parypa

Berlin Talks Playground, Skate Park

See Page 10 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

‘Tindley Way’ Approved For Berlin

See Page 21 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

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Community Celebrate Knupp As Investigation Continues

Page 4

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July 29, 2022

BY STEVE GREEN

EDITOR

A memorial paddle out was held Saturday, July 23 on 36th Street at 5 p.m. to remember the life of Gavin Knupp. Above, the surfers splash in the ocean in a symbolic tradition.

Photo by Campos Media

BERLIN – The investigation into the fatal hit-and-run collision claiming the life of a rising ninth grader continued this week after family and community celebrated the teen’s life Saturday.

A crowd of about 1,500 gathered on the beach last Saturday for a special celebration of life for Gavin Knupp, 14, who was struck and killed July 11 on Grays Corner Road, a short cut used by locals to avoid the Routes 589 and 50 traffic light that runs parallel to Route 50 between Glen Riddle Lane and Route 589.

A memorial paddle out was organized by the Ocean City Surf Club and about 500 local surfers took part in the event.

Club leaders explained the memorial paddle out’s meaning and organized the surfers into groups to allow for an orderly paddle to a circle just beyond the breaking waves. The paddle out is a traditional Hawaiian surf culture tribute intended to be a floating memorial for the deceased.

At the end of the brief Knupp ceremony in the ocean, the surfers placed flowers and splashed their hands in a symbolic practice of raising Knupp’s spirits toward the heavens and becoming one with the ocean.

In the days following the event, the Knupp family released a statement, through attorney Neil Dubovsky of Dubo Law, LLC, which specializes in personal injury.

“Saturday’s Celebration of Life for Gavin was overwhelming for all of us. While our grief remains, the outpouring of support from Gavin’s friends and family, local restaurants and businesses and the community at large has continued to provide us with the strength we need to deal with this unspeakable tragedy,” the statement read. “We also want to say a special thank you to the Ocean City Surf Club for arranging the Celebration of Life and Surfer’s Paddle Out for Gavin, setting his spirit free. And thank you as well to all the surfers who participated.”

In a statement last week, the family said it had “full trust and confidence in our law enforcement authorities and the justice system to hold accountable all of those responsible.” Monday’s statement confirmed the family’s position, saying, “We also want again to thank our local law enforcement authorities for their untiring efforts to bring those responsible for Gavin’s death to justice.”

It’s been almost three weeks since a black Mercedes driving eastbound around 10:45 p.m. on Grays Corner Road struck and killed Knupp of Ocean Pines.

Knupp was reportedly a pedestrian on the road and was returning to a nearby vehicle when the collision took place.

Knupp was pronounced dead at Atlantic General Hospital shortly after the collision.

The vehicle fled the scene and did not return. On Sunday, July 17, six days after the incident, at 1:30 a.m., the Mercedes identified as the vehicle in the collision was seized from a home in the OcSEE PAGE 77

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Berlin Receives $111K For Basketball Court Lighting

Page 6

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The town will receive more than $111,000 to install lighting at the Henry Park basketball courts.

The Maryland Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved a variety of funding awards through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Community Parks and Playgrounds Program.

Sixteen projects, including the Town of Berlin’s proposal for the installation of lighting at Henry Park, received funding from the state.

“Once we have the official notification

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

in hand we’ll start moving forward,” Acting Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said. “As with most construction-related things right now, and because of the long turnaround time on this grant program, we will need to determine if there will be a budget shortfall due to the cost increases every industry has experienced over the last year or so.

We also do not yet know what the leadtime on actually receiving materials will be.”

Gov. Larry Hogan’s fiscal year 2023 budget included $5 million to fund 39 projects designed to provide greater access to outdoor recreation across the state. Sixteen projects, including the Henry Park

basketball courts, received funding in this first round.

“The Community Parks & Playgrounds Program invests in the future of Maryland’s communities by developing and revitalizing parks and playgrounds statewide,” Maryland DNR Secretary Jeannie HaddawayRiccio said. “From nature trails to accessible playgrounds, athletic fields, splash pads, and other outdoor gathering spaces, this program benefits all Marylanders.”

In Worcester County, Berlin will receive $111,650 for Henry Park basketball court lighting and Ocean City will receive $265,400 for Northside Park playground equipment. In Wicomico County, Mardela

July 29, 2022

Springs will receive $210,943 for the Mardela Springs Park baseball field and $250,000 for Willards Town Park improvements.

Last October, Berlin residents celebrated the renaissance of Henry Park, including the colorful mural on the basketball courts and new backboards and hoops, with Love Day culminating the work of the We Heart Berlin group.

We Heart Berlin organized the public art project that included 225 gallons of paint and 25 volunteers over the course of two weeks. Public and private contributions made the project happen with approximately $33,000 raised for the effort.

Fri-Sun Mon-Thurs

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 7

Resort Budget Amendment Highlights Revenue Gains

Page 8

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With little fanfare or discussion, resort officials this week got an overview of proposed budget amendment number two and learned the town’s financial picture was rosier than anticipated on several fronts.

Once a town’s fiscal year budget is adopted, there are often budget amendments on different occasions throughout the year to make adjustments for unforeseen changes on the revenue and expenditure sides.

Typically, funds are moved if there are shortfalls in anticipated revenue sources, or redirected if revenues appear to be exceeding budgeted projections.

During Tuesday’s work session, Budget Manager Jennie Knapp presented

the proposed budget amendment number two to the Mayor and Council.

The presentation takes a statistical dive into all of the sub-categories in the town’s adopted budget and the slideshow can be tedious and full of numbers, but perhaps the biggest takeaways were the gains realized on certain key revenue generators. There was some justified trepidation entering the season with COVID concerns still lingering, nationwide inflation and gas prices soaring.

Nonetheless, when the budget was prepared and eventually adopted last spring, the anticipated numbers for room tax were admittedly optimistic and thus far it appears that key indicator is matching expectations along with several other key revenue sources, according to Knapp.

“The second budget amendment recognizes additional revenue received since the first budget amendment, adjusts revenue estimates for fiscal yearend and recognizes any actions taken by the council since the first budget amendment,” she said. “A lot has happened since the first budget amendment. Revenue estimates for room tax, admissions tax, casino revenue, parking revenue and parking fines have increased substantially, resulting in a $3.36 million increase in revenue estimates from these sources.”

Knapp said gains in those revenue generators will offset what will be needed from the general fund on the expense side and could be redirected to funding other projects and programs.

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creases from $4.8 million to around $4.5 million,” she said. “General fund revenue estimates were increased by $1.7 million, but prior year reserves were used to partially fund the Boardwalk re-decking project and to purchase two parcels at the airport for the runway expansion.”

She continued, “These two projects increased the use of prior year reserves by around $1.4 million.”

The bottom line is the key revenue sources are running ahead of what was anticipated, allowing Knapp, City Manager Terry McGean and Finance Director Chuck Bireley to make adjustments through the budget amendment process and maintain a balanced budget.

For example, the increase from room tax, admissions tax and casino contributions came in at around $2.7 million. Parking revenue is showing a $365,000 increase in the proposed budget amendment and parking fines and police tows are showing a $286,000 increase. Room and business licenses increased by $220,000 over what was first anticipated.

There were some revenue sources that are not performing as well as anticipated.

For example, Springfest revenue was down roughly $189,000, while anticipated income tax revenue was down $178,000 in the proposed budget amendment. Nonetheless, those losses will be offset by gains in other key revenue indicators.

The total net gain from all changes in anticipated revenue is around $4.8 million.

On the expenditure side, there were some big-ticket items included in the proposed second budget amendment. For example, the proposed budget amendment includes a $950,000 contribution to the Boardwalk re-decking project and around $566,000 for the implementation of the police department’s new bodyworn camera system.

Also included on the expenditure side is $592,000 for the purchase of two parcels at the airport to accommodate a runway expansion project. The town’s contract with Covanta, the waste-to-energy recycling company, increased by $315,000.

In addition, repairs to the fire department’s fire rescue boat came in at around $242,000 in the proposed budget amendment on the expense side.

In a nutshell and in simplest terms in what can be a complicated budget planning document, revenue estimates are projected at $4.8 million, while the combined changes on the expenditure side come in at around $4.5 million.

After the presentation, the council voted unanimously to approve the proposed second budget amendment and move it to ordinance form for first reading at the next meeting.

The exact amount of fund balance required for the fiscal year 2022 budget will be reported in the town’s annual financial report after an audit is completed.

Latest Count Puts Fiori In Command, Elder’s Lead At 8

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 9

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Election officials continue to count ballots in the wake of last week’s primary election.

Mail-in ballot counting that started late last week continued this week as officials also worked to tally provisional ballots.

While nothing will be official until a final count occurs on Friday, the leaders in close Worcester County Commissioner races in District 3 and District 4 remain the same. In District 3, Eric Fiori has the lead over Tim VanVonno by 39 votes. In District 4, Commissioner Ted Elder retains his lead but his margin over challenger Virgil Shockley has shrunk to eight votes.

“Our final count and certification for the election will be Friday at 10 a.m. here at our office,” said Patricia Jackson, election director for the Worcester County Election Office. “The canvass is open to the public.”

Following voting on July 19, clear cut winners emerged for most local offices.

Sheriff Matt Crisafulli defeated challenger Jeffrey Buhrt with more than 87% of votes.

In the county commissioner races, Commissioner Diana Purnell won easily against challenger Catherine Freeman in District 2. In District 5 and District 6, incumbents also cruised to wins, with Commissioner

Early Haze: The beach is pictured last Friday morning as the sun rises on what was a typical hazy, hot and humid summer day in Ocean City.

Chip Bertino being reelected in District 5 and Commissioner Jim Bunting being reelected in District 6.

In Districts 3 and 4, however, four-candidate fields resulted in closer races. Following voting at the polls on July 19, Fiori led over VanVonno with challengers Thom Gulyas and Shawn Kotwica rounding out the field. In District 4, Elder had the lead over Shockley, who was followed closely by challengers Jeff McMahon and Nancy Bradford.

A tally of provisional and mail-in ballots held July 27 impacted those numbers slightly. On Wednesday afternoon, Fiori

Photo by Chris Parypa

had 323 votes while VanVonno had 284 votes. Gulyas had 271 votes and Kotwica had 122 votes.

In District 4, Elder had 227 votes while Shockley had 219. Bradford, who had been sitting in fourth, moved ahead of McMahon. Bradford now has 210 votes while McMahon has 203 votes.

Election officials said there were 845 ballots left countywide to be counted on Friday. Jackson said 380 ballots — 212 provisional ballots and 168 mail-in ballots — were canvassed Wednesday. Sixty-six of the provisional ballots were rejected.

Two of those were rejected because peo-

ple voted with both their mail-in ballot and provisional ballot and will be referred to the state prosecutor because they tried to vote twice. Sixty-four of the ballots were rejected because people voted the wrong party affiliation.

Forty-three of the provisional ballots were only partially counted because voters voted in either the wrong polling place or out of the county, so the only offices that were counted were for those offices they were entitled to vote. Of the 212 provisional ballots canvassed, 103 were counted in full. All of the 168 mail-in ballots reviewed Wednesday were counted.

Council Tables Parks Priority List

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

The Berlin Parks Commission listed an inclusive playground, such as the one shown in this conceptual rendering, as the town’s top park priority.

Rendering by Playground Specialists, Inc.

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BERLIN – Officials want to hear from the Berlin Parks Commission before setting a list of priority projects.

The Berlin Town Council on Monday voted unanimously to table discussion regarding the town’s annual parks development plan. Elected officials want to hear from parks commission members and review more information about a proposed inclusive playground before setting that as the town’s top priority.

“When it gets to us it becomes political,” Councilman Dean Burrell said. “I would prefer hearing from the parks commission directly as to their wishes associated with these options.”

As the council reviewed the annual parks development plan Monday, Acting Town Administrator Mary Bohlen explained that the Berlin Parks Commission had identified an inclusive playground at Stephen Decatur Park as its top priority as the town seeks grant funding. A skate park study was listed as the second priority.

Bohlen said the development plan was essentially the town’s wish list of park projects.

“This is something that’s in the town code that the parks commission shall submit on an annual basis,” Bohlen said.

“This year what we are proposing as a priority project is an inclusive playground in Stephen Decatur Park. This would in-

July 29, 2022

clude removal of most, if not all, of the existing equipment and replacement with one large playground campus.”

She said the skate park study would assess suitable locations and the desire and need for a skate park in town.

Councilman Jack Orris questioned the need for a study.

“I believe that the determination for where a potential skate park should be should rest with this body,” he said.

Councilman Jay Knerr questioned the fact that the playground was above the skate park as a priority. He noted that fundraising was already underway for the skate park.

“We could probably get to one quicker than the other one,” he said.

When Burrell said he wanted to hear from the parks commission, Bohlen said the commission had forwarded the council its recommendation—that the playground be listed as the top priority as grants were pursued.

“I believe it was unanimous,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

He said the priority list would be used as the town sought Community Parks and Playgrounds funding from the state.

“It doesn’t mean we can’t work through the skate park,” Tyndall said. “At this time it’s a little premature to do that. If we determine a location, if we have a clear plan in mind, it could be slated for a future application.”

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Faulty Signal In OC Likely Led To Pedestrian Collision

Page 14

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A malfunctioning traffic signal at 17th Street could have contributed to a pedestrian-vehicle collision on Tuesday afternoon.

Around 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) of-

ficers responded to a reported vehiclepedestrian collision at 17th Street and Philadelphia Avenue. The pedestrian was transported by Ocean City EMS to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional with minor injuries. The OCPD Traffic Safety Unit is still investigating the collision. All southbound traffic on Philadelphia Avenue was redirected to St. Louis Avenue

for about 40 minutes.

The traffic signal at 17th Street was set to flashing at the time of the collision.

Ocean City Communications notified the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) around 9:25 a.m. on Tuesday about the outage at the signal at 17th Street and Philadelphia Avenue. After the midday collision, Ocean City Com-

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munications again notified SHA to determine when the signal would be repaired, according to police reports.

With assistance from the town’s public works department, OCPD officers blocked traffic from east to west at 17th Street. OCPD officers remained on the scene to assist with vehicle and pedestrian traffic at the intersection until SHA crews arrived at 2:30 p.m. As of 3 p.m., the traffic signals at 17th were restored to normal function.

The OCPD is reminding motorists and pedestrians to use extreme caution when approaching an intersection with a non-functioning traffic signal. When approaching a flashing yellow traffic signal, slow down and proceed with caution.

Pedestrians are advised to wait for significant breaks in motor vehicle traffic before crossing, or safely walk to a fullyfunctioning light with a crosswalk at a different intersection.

Juveniles Charged In Armed Robbery

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Two suspects have been apprehended and another remains at large in a mid-afternoon strong-armed robbery on the Boardwalk on Monday.

Around 3:15 p.m. on Monday, two juvenile males were walking on the Boardwalk in the area of 1st Street with a relative when they were approached by three males wearing black masks, according to police reports. Two of the male suspects ripped two gold chains off the neck of a 13-year-old juvenile victim, while the second victim, a 14-year-old male, attempted to fight the suspects off.

During the altercation, the 14-year-old victim was struck several times in the face and head by the suspects, who then fled the scene on foot. The victim was transported to Atlantic General Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Two seasonal officers were patrolling on the Boardwalk and witnessed the incident.

The officers pursued the suspects and were able to apprehend one of them, a juvenile, in the area of 4th Street and Baltimore Avenue with the assistance of the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office. The City Watch video surveillance system captured video of all three suspects and during the investigation, OCPD officers were able to identify the two remaining suspects, according to police reports.

The juvenile suspect that was apprehended has been charged with robbery, theft, assault and possession with intent to distribute narcotics. OCPD officers filed similar charges for the two outstanding suspects. One of those suspects was arrested in Wicomico County on the warrant issued in the Ocean City case on Monday afternoon. The other remained at-large as of midweek.

OC Project Estimates Over Budget

July 29, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Continuing a recent trend, resort officials this week were somewhat sticker-shocked on the bids for a couple of significant public works projects.

Two weeks ago, the Mayor and Council reviewed a pair of bids for the first phase of the redevelopment of the downtown recreation complex along the bayside between 3rd Street and 4th Street.

The redevelopment of the vast recreation complex will eventually be done in phases, with the budgeted amount for the initial phase at $2.2 million.

However, when the bids were opened for the first phase of the downtown recreation complex redevelopment project, one bid came in at around $3.8 million, while the second bid came in at nearly $5 million, or more than twice than the budgeted amount. As a result, the council voted, on advice from staff, to put that project on hiatus for now in order to better gauge fluctuations in the construction market and rebid the project at a later date under normal economic conditions and supply chain improvements.

During Tuesday’s work session, a similar situation evolved. The Mayor and Council had before them two bid openings on the agenda, one for improvements to the Montego Bay wastewater pumping station, and one for wastewater treatment plant generator switchgear improvements.

There were two bids submitted for the Montego Bay wastewater pumping station improvements, which was budgeted at $2.6 million. One of the bids opened on Tuesday came in at $3.4 million, while the second bid opened came in at $4.1 million.

Faced with the grim new reality, the council somewhat reluctantly voted to remand the two bids for the Montego Bay project to staff for a review and an eventual recommendation. Council President Matt James questioned if it would be more appropriate to put the project on hold and rebid it when some of the uncertainties about the current market were allayed, a course of action the council took with the downtown recreation complex bids two weeks ago.

“This is nearly double what the budgeted amount was,” he said. “Two weeks ago, we had a similar issue with the downtown recreation complex. Can we rebid this like we’re going to do with that project?”

Public Works Director Hal Adkins cautioned about dismissing the bids for the Montego Bay wastewater project, pointing out market conditions will not likely improve in the foreseeable future.

“If you look at what we’re experiencing with this and what we’re going to experience with the next bid, in my personal opinion, rebidding is going to get you nowhere,” he said. “With the projects we have slated and the ones coming up, you’re going to have to make some critical decisions.”

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Adkins said there were a variety of factors driving the current market, which are not expected to improve. He said the Mayor and Council could be faced with tough decisions if the situation does not change.

“It’s just the way the market is right now,” he said. “You have price accelerations, supply chain issues. It’s just not a good situation. I just want to be candid.

There is nothing to be gained by rebidding this specific project. At some point, we’re going to need to have a serious discussion about needs and wants.”

James said, like the downtown recreation complex project, the town will have to carefully review the budgets and potential bids for upcoming projects.

“A lot of projects are being put on hold in the hopes the price will come down,” he said. “That’s probably going to have to continue.”

As for the bid for the wastewater plant generator project, a similar situation unfolded. The town received only one bid for the project budgeted at $2.1 million and the lone bid came in at around $2.8 million. After a motion to recognize the lone bid, Adkins explained there was no advantage to rejecting it under current conditions.

“Typically, if we got one bid for a project, we would reject it and rebid it out,” he said. “In this climate, there is no reason to reject this bid. I would like to see the numbers.”

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Camp participant Derrick Smith cuts a piece of wood to build a set of cornhole boards.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

NEWARK – Local officials this week toured a new summer program meant to expose students to skilled trades, agriculture, tourism and technology.

On Tuesday, officials from the Rural Maryland Council and the Tri-County

Council visited the Worcester Technical High School STATT (Skilled Trades, Agriculture, Tourism and Technology) Camp.

The interactive summer program is meant to inspire an interest in the STATT fields among local teenagers.

“It’s amazing to see how eager they are,” said Rick Stephens, welding instructor.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Representatives of the Rural Maryland Council and the Tri-County Council joined county staff and Worcester County Commissioner Ted Elder for a tour of the STATT program July 26. The camp, along with a summer internship program, was funded with $100,000 from Worcester County Economic Development and a matching grant from the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund through the Tri-County Council.

Worcester Tech hosted two camp sessions this year, with the first from June 27 to July 8 and the second from July 25 to Aug. 5. Each session features various pathways and students have the chance to pursue two—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Tuesday’s tour gave visitors a glimpse of laser cutting, culinary arts, 3D printing, carpentry, digital media, forensic science, welding, robotics and agriculture. While agriculture students talked about seed identification and goat handling, teenagers in robotics learned to fly drones. In carpentry, campers were busy building cornhole boards while forensic science students took fingerprints and talked about blood spatter. In culinary arts, the smell of fajitas emanated through the kitchen as kids wrapped up their handiwork for lunch.

In the laser cutting course, students were creating layered sea theme holiday ornaments.

“It provides so many great opportunities to youth,” participant Evan Todd said of the camp. “I’m learning a lot of life skills.”

Valerie Zienty, the camp’s robotics instructor, said she was showing her students not only how to fly drones but how they played a part in so many different industries. Instructors said they were trying to provide students with hands-on, realistic projects that would give them an accurate look at the industry they were exploring.

“It helps younger students find pathways for what they want to do,” said Tamara Mills, coordinator of instruction for SEE PAGE 68

Assault Charges For Stomping Girlfriend

July 29, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Seaford, Del., man was charged with first-degree assault last week after allegedly stomping his girlfriend in the head while she laid on the ground during a domestic dispute.

Around 9:30 p.m. last Friday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a hotel at 25th Street for a reported assault that had already occurred. Upon arrival, officers located a female victim at 25th Street with a large amount of blood on her. Officers observed the victim had a head wound that had been gushing blood, according to police reports.

Officers also observed a large pool of blood on the pavement in the area where they located the victim. Ocean City EMS was dispatched to treat the victim because of the severe laceration, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told police she had lost consciousness at some point during the altercation and woke up with blood gushing from her head.

OCPD officers met with a witness who had called 911. The witness reportedly told police he heard two people arguing, which caused him to walk in the direction of the disturbance. The witness told police he observed a suspect, later identified as Darrin Deshields, 37, of Seaford, Del., kick the female victim while she was already on the ground and then walk away, according to police reports.

Ocean City EMS arrived on the scene and advised the victim’s injuries were not consistent with her falling down, as she originally told officers. When asked what had happened, the victim reportedly told police she was okay and nobody had assaulted her. When pressed further, the victim told officers her boyfriend, later identified as Deshields, had not assaulted her and maybe it was “some other guy,” according to police reports.

Throughout the interview, the victim’s story about what had occurred had changed. The victim told police that all Deshields wanted was for her to be a “good little girl” and stay in their shared motel room with him, according to police reports, but she did not do that. The victim said prior to her losing consciousness, she and Deshields has been arguing, but she did not remember anything else, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police Deshields got mad at her because she left the motel room to call a phone repairman who had not fixed her phone to her satisfaction and that Deshields was angered because she had left the room and was talking to another male.

While officers were interviewing the victim, they observed Deshields walking through the motel parking lot and detained him. The witness was brought over and positively identified Deshields as the suspect, according to police reports.

Deshields was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 29, 2022

July 29, 2022

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Page 19

Pines Officials Explore Creation Of Route 90 Workgroup

Page 20

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Association officials this week shared plans for creating a subcommittee or workgroup to assist with the Route 90 improvement project.

On Wednesday, Director Amy Peck, board liaison for the Ocean Pines Strategic Planning Advisory Committee (SPAC), presented the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors with a recommendation to create a subcommittee that would assist with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Route 90 project.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Peck said the idea was to create a group that would establish communications with state and federal officials and advocate for the community as plans to improve safety, access and congestion along the Route 90 corridor advance.

“We don’t want to be reactive or behind the curve,” she said, “or have multiple representatives that confuse the line of communication.”

In recent years, the dualization of Route 90, which spans from Route 50 to Coastal Highway, has been the top transportation priority for both Worcester County and Ocean City. And in 2021, Gov. Larry

Hogan announced MDOT State Highway Administration would advance improvements to Route 90, with $850,000 allocated in the state’s Consolidated Transportation Plan to fund a planning phase.

But efforts did not end there. Last month, the governor joined with state and local officials at the base of the Route 90 bridge to announce that $15 million in funding would be dedicated to improving safety, access and congestion along the 12-mile corridor. As Route 90 cuts through the Ocean Pines community, association officials this week argued the creation of a workgroup was needed.

“I think it will definitely spur discussions and good recommendations that we can bring forward,” said Director Doug Parks.

The recommendation presented to the board this week calls for a subcommittee consisting of representatives from SPAC, the environmental committee, the recreation and parks committee and a board liaison, as well as volunteers with backgrounds in transportation engineering.

The subcommittee, Peck noted, would report to SPAC. “This is going to be such a long-term project and will outlive many terms …,” she said. “So it’s nice to have a central voice that will be involved in the project.”

When asked how long the subcommittee would remain active, officials said it would be years. President Colette Horn questioned if the general manager should be tasked with forming a workgroup com-

July 29, 2022

prised of staff.

“These are three-year committee terms.

There’s potentially quite a bit of turnover …,” she said. “I’m thinking that this may be better belonging to the staff. Maybe the general manager would be the central figure and would have a workgroup made up of staff … I think the staff is going to be more stable than the board or committees.”

Director Josette Wheatley said regardless of how a workgroup was formed, the community needed to establish communication with MDOT. “For bike lanes, etc., there should be someone working on it now, to better our community …,” she said. “Either way, I agree a group of individuals should be a go-to for us.”

Director Frank Daly also encouraged General Manager John Viola to reach out to MDOT. “Before we do anything, since the MDOT manager said he would like to hear from the community, I would have John reach out and ask what timeframe he’s expecting,” he said. “I’ve only dealt with MDOT twice … They will take the advice they want, in what form they want, and when they want to.”

Horn said the next step would be to gather input from the general manager.

“Let’s see what proposal he and his staff could come up with,” she said. “I also agree with Frank, let’s reach out to state and see what form and timeframe they are thinking.”

Berlin Street Designated Tindley Way

July 29, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Commerce Street will also be known as Tindley Way following a decision by town officials this week.

On Monday, the council approved adding a “Tindley Way” sign above the existing Commerce Street sign. The new moniker pays homage to the Rev. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley, who is featured on the mural on Commerce Street.

“We are not proposing to rename Commerce Street,” Councilman Dean Burrell said. “Commerce Street will still be Commerce Street but the Tindley Way sign will be added.”

The council approved the addition of the Tindley Way sign on Monday after members of the Berlin Beautification Committee shared plans for the space formerly occupied by two Bradford pear trees in front of the parking lot on Commerce Street. The trees, which were in poor condition, were removed so that passersby would have a better view of the Tindley mural now adorning the Bruder Hill building.

“It’s left a hole in that area,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. “A triangular hole. What we’d like to do is create a pocket park there.”

Committee member Georgiana McElroy said the plan was to create a simple garden with resilient, non-invasive plants.

“Our focus is to plant things that are resilient, that are not invasive, that are

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

pollinators, that are very easy to maintain,” she said.

The Commerce Street garden will feature black-eyed Susans, red salvia, switchgrass and other noninvasive plants. McElroy said the committee would repurpose the existing river rock that was in the space to fill in the points of the triangular space.

Town staff noted that the first part of the project would be running electricity underneath the garden area so that it will be available for an electric vehicle charging station being planned for the parking lot. Eventually, Victorian streetlamps could be added to the lot as well.

Mayor Zack Tyndall said what had been proposed by the committee was probably the first step in a tiered project that could eventually include streetscape improvements along Commerce Street.

If the town is able to get a grant, improvements could include the undergrounding of utilities, new sidewalks and new Victorian streetlights.

“We’ve been talking about this for a couple years with the previous town administration,” Wells said.

She said the town needed to get its information together in the coming months so that it would be ready to apply for the relevant grant when the time was right.

“We need to have all of our ducks in a row,” she said.

The council voted unanimously to approve the addition of Tindley Way signage to Commerce Street.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Traffic Stop, Weapons OCEAN CITY – A Salisbury woman was arrested on weapons charges last weekend after a routine traffic stop in a downtown convenience store parking lot.

Around 1 a.m. last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the downtown area observed a vehicle pull into a convenience store parking lot with the driver not wearing a seatbelt and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, later identified as Brittney White, 33, of Salisbury, was asked for her license and went through her purse and retrieved several credit cards and other information, but could not locate her driver’s license, according to police reports.

White reportedly told officers she did have a valid driver’s license, but could not locate it at the time. Meanwhile, she became irate and began yelling at the officer, “I don’t like people [expletive deleted] with me and lying to me about a [expletive deleted] seatbelt,” according to police reports.

She was reportedly advised to stop yelling.

A background check revealed her Maryland license had been revoked since last

COPS & COURTS November. She was arrested at that point.

White was detained in handcuffs and advised to sit on the sidewalk in front of her vehicle. During a search, OCPD officers located two baggies of marijuana and a scale inside White’s handbag, according to police reports. While seated on the curb in front of her vehicle, White reportedly wiggled one of her hands out of the handcuffs and attempted to get to her phone and she was cuffed again.

Because White’s vehicle was not fully in a parking space and was partially blocking the travel lanes in the convenience store parking lot, OCPD officers called for a tow truck. During an inventory of the vehicle’s contents before the tow, OCPD officers reportedly located a fixed-blade knife under some papers in the center console that was not in a protective case, according to police reports. OCPD officers also located a small baseball bat under the driver’s seat in the vehicle. White advised the bat was for her child, but officers

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Around 10:25 p.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the midtown area observed a vehicle with expired registration tags and conducted a traffic stop. The officer approached the vehicle and observed

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found no other evidence in the vehicle that White had a child, according to police reports.

In addition to traffic-related charges including driving on a revoked license, White was also charged with possession of concealed deadly weapons. While in the transport vehicle, White again removed her hand from the handcuffs and continued to bang on the inside of the transport vehicle, according to police reports.

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July 29, 2022 two adults in it along with a one-year-old in a child seat in the back, according to police reports.

The officer reportedly detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and observed several burnt hand-rolled marijuana cigarettes throughout the passenger compartment. The officer also observed an infant in a carrier in the back seat, according to police reports.

After OCPD officers conducted a background check on the vehicle, when they returned, they observed the infant and the carrier were now in the front passenger’s lap. Officers asked the driver, identified as Leon Witherspoon III, 22, of Parkville, Md., and the passenger to exit the vehicle.

The passenger exited the vehicle with the infant and the child carrier. The passenger was advised to bring the child but leave the carrier. A search revealed a .22caliber handgun secreted inside the cushion of the child carrier seat. The search also revealed two plastic bags of marijuana in an amount over 10 grams, according to police reports.

The handgun was loaded with five rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber. According to police reports, Witherspoon told police he did not put the loaded gun in the child safety seat and that his female passenger was not capable of doing such a thing. Witherspoon was arrested and charged with numerous weapons violations and possession of over 10 grams of marijuana among other counts.

Officer Put In Headlock OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested last weekend after getting pulled over for a routine traffic violation and then scrapping with police when he allegedly refused to cooperate with the investigation.

Around 12:15 a.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the midtown area stopped a vehicle for not having an operating brake light. The officer identified the driver as Clayton Entwistle, 32, of Berlin, who advised he had just dropped off his girlfriend at her vehicle, according to police reports. The officer reportedly detected an odor of burnt marijuana coming from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Officers ordered Entwistle out of the vehicle and instructed him to sit on the curb so they could search the vehicle, but Entwistle did not comply and questioned why he was being detained and refused to sit on the curb, according to police reports. As an OCPD officer attempted to handcuff Entwistle, he tensed his arms behind his back and contorted his torso in an attempt to break free, according to police reports.

After being told to stop, Entwistle reportedly continued to resist being placed in handcuffs and aggressively turned his back away from the arresting officer, according to police reports. Entwistle was then placed under arrest for obstructing an investigation because the initial officer could not safely search the vehicle without him detained, according to police reports.

He reportedly began screaming “Help me,” multiple times as officers attempted to bring him under control. According to police reports, he was screaming so loud his voice was echoing off nearby buildings. It ultimately took four OCPD officers SEE NEXT PAGE

July 29, 2022

... COPS & COURTS to gain control of Entwistle as he continued to resist being placed in handcuffs. At one point, he reportedly used his left hand to put one officer in a headlock, but he was ultimately taken to the ground and placed in handcuffs.

A search of the vehicle’s trunk revealed various amounts of raw marijuana in different containers. All in all, Entwistle was charged with second-degree assault, obstructing and hindering, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and a noise violation.

Stumbling On Highway OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was arrested last week after allegedly stumbling down Coastal Highway in an area divided by the median fence and eluding police.

Around 12:30 a.m. last Thursday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the midtown area observed an individual crossing Coastal Highway in a diagonal manner. The officer reportedly advised the individual, later identified as Edgardo Laboy, 29, of Lancaster, Pa., to get out of the highway using his public address system.

However, Laboy continued to walk in the highway in an area where the sidewalk was readily available. Laboy continued to walk in the highway near the fenced median. When the officer told Laboy to stop, he reportedly said “Nope” and kept on walking in the roadway, according to police reports.

Laboy reportedly then ran across Coastal Highway in the middle of traffic.

The OCPD officer broadcasted a description of Laboy and he was located under-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch neath a parked vehicle at a hotel parking lot on 48th Street. OCPD officers again instructed Laboy to show his hands and he again replied “Nope” according to police reports.

Laboy was able to avoid officers at that point and stumbled away and back into the highway, where vehicles had to deploy their brakes to avoid hitting him, according to police reports. OCPD officers briefly lost sight of Laboy, who cut through a hotel parking lot on the east side of Coastal Highway.

Officers again attempted to stop Laboy at the beach at 49th Street. Laboy then ran through the dune crossing at the beach at 49th Street right toward an awaiting OCPD officer, who drew his conductive electrical weapon, or Taser, and ordered him to get on the ground. Laboy complied and was arrested for intoxicated endangerment, failing to provide identification and trespassing.

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known to carry a knife, although they had not seen it. OCPD officers met with the six occupants of the unit, who provided a description of Jesensky. OCPD officers located Jesensky on the beach at 82nd Street a short time later.

One of the female victims told police prior to Jesensky leaving the unit, he threw a water bottle at her, striking her in the leg.

The victim reportedly told police she got away and ran to a bathroom in the hallway, but the door did not have a lock, so she reportedly held it as tight as she could while Jesensky attempted to kick the door in, according to police reports.

The female victim told police she was able to get to an exterior balcony where she called a friend. While on the balcony, the victim said Jesensky pushed her and then punched her in the nose with a closed fist, according to police reports. The victim

said Jesensky then left for a while, but returned to the living room area where he pushed and punched the female victim again. He also picked up a glass from a table and threw it at the victim, striking her in the chest.

The victim told police Jesensky then began throwing beer cans around the unit and screamed at its occupants he was going to “kill them all, throw them off the balcony and skin them alive,” according to police reports. OCPD officers interviewed the other occupants of the unit, who corroborated the victim’s version of the events. The victims also told officers Jesensky had punched holes in the hallway doors of the unit, and officers located a fist-size hole in one of the doors. Last week, he pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

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Around 4:25 a.m. on June 17, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a condominium at 81st Street for a reported weapons violation.

Ocean City Communications advised there was a male later identified as Riley Jesensky, 18, of Pittsburgh, Pa., banging on the complainants’ door and stating he was going to kill them, according to police reports.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 29, 2022

Local Teens Fill Public Works Roles

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Berlin Public Works employees Dalton Henderson, left, and James Uebel, right, are pictured setting up a barricade in town this week.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Creative hiring in Berlin is ensuring the town’s public works needs are met and providing local teenagers with summer jobs.

For the first time, the Town of Berlin has among its employees two 15-yearolds. The teens are filling summer help positions that last year failed to attract any applicants.

“It kind of happened on its own but it’s really worked out well,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

According to Jimmy Charles, the town’s public works director, the summer help positions he uses to supplement his department’s staff didn’t attract any applicants last year. When the advertisement was put out this year, 15-year-old Berlin resident Dalton Henderson put in an application. After talking to Tyndall and town administration and reviewing potential duties, Charles decided to offer the local teenager the job.

Henderson took the position eagerly and even brought the town another potential applicant in friend and fellow 15year-old James Uebel. They now both work for public works Monday through Friday. Early risers will see the boys, who

will both be 10th graders at Stephen Decatur High School in the fall, biking to work in their bright yellow public works shirts most mornings.

“It’s easy and it’s right here in town,” said Henderson.

Charles said the teenagers have been tasked with watering plants throughout town, painting curbs and hydrants, cleaning sidewalks and picking up litter.

“It gives them on-job training, giving them skills they maybe didn’t have before,” he said.

Tyndall agreed.

“They’re working on projects that we needed last year,” Tyndall said. “Jimmy’s department has taken on a lot more responsibility and the staffing levels have remained pretty much unchanged, so they have that additional workload.”

He added that he hoped the boys would return for summer jobs next year but that if they didn’t, the town was certainly open to working with other teenagers.

“The way the job market is right this moment, we’re struggling to bring in parttime staff,” he said. “Last year we couldn’t bring anybody in. This year I don’t think we would have been successful without James and Dalton.”

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July 29, 2022

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July 29, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – A $350,000 grant award will allow the town to move forward with dredging activities in the Little Assawoman Bay. In a Fenwick Island Town Council meeting last Friday, Councilman Bill Rymer, chair of the town’s dredging committee, announced the municipality had been granted a $350,000 award from the Delaware Community Reinvestment Fund to support ongoing dredging activities.

“We got confirmation two weeks ago that our town was granted a $350,000 award to support our dredging activities,” he said. “There were a lot of people involved in making that happen, and I want to certainly recognize [Rep.] Ron Gray’s efforts in supporting our community.”

This year, $90 million has been allocated to the Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF) for community redevelopment, revitalization and investment capital projects which will improve the economic, cultural, historical or recreational health of Delaware’s communities.

And in April, the town filed an application with the state requesting $350,000 in CRF funding to support its dredging and material beneficial use project within the Little Assawoman Bay. “This is a specific request to support dredging,” Rymer said last week.

Officials also recognized Gray for supporting the town in its efforts to secure grant funding. Mayor Vicki Carmean noted the dredging project is one of many the representative has supported at the state level.

“Ron Gray’s been very helpful over the years with the sidewalk and the dredging,” she said.

Plans for a dredging project in the Little Assawoman Bay began in earnest in 2018, when the town hired Tony Pratt, former administrator for the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), to guide them through the funding and permitting processes.

By the following year, Anchor QEA, a Lewes-based engineering firm, was brought on board to provide design, bidding and construction management services.

In 2021, committee members began exploring sites on which to deposit material from a proposed dredging project.

While the committee first proposed a project with Seatowne, a nearby community which would use Fenwick’s dredged material for a wetland restoration project, officials agreed to also gather cost estimates of using areas such as Seal Island or the nearby kayak launch as a proposed deposit site.

“These three cost estimates are all pretty similar …,” Rymer said last month.

“Each is within roughly $200,000 of each other.”

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Christmas In July:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 29, 2022

July 25 in Ocean City means “Christmas In July” festivities at several businesses including at Fish Tales in Ocean City, where Santa was greeted by many kids and families. Guests were asked to bring unwrapped gifts for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign. Photos with Santa followed his Photos by Steve Green arrival in his summer attire, and the restaurant was decked out in holiday decorations with employees in festive attire.

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Secure Grant Awards

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Nearly $500,000 in state grant funding is expected to assist Worcester County agencies in combatting the opioid epidemic.

On Tuesday, Gov. Larry Hogan and the Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center (OOCC) announced $10 million in block and competitive grant awards were allocated to programs around the state in an effort to address the opioid crisis.

The grant funding, which will be distributed between July 2022 and July 2023, will be used to support the administration’s priorities of prevention and education, enforcement and public safety, and treatment and recovery.

“Our administration has made it a top priority to put the resources and support systems in place at every level to expand access to treatment, and combat the heroin and opioid crisis,” Hogan said.

“These grants play a critical role in supporting the local and grassroots work taking place in our communities and health care systems to save lives and promote healing.”

As part of its block grants, the state has awarded Worcester County $98,605 to support a peer recovery specialist assignment within a hospital emergency department. The county was one of 24 jurisdictions to receive funding to support overdose-related programs and initiatives.

Two Worcester County agencies were also recipients of the state’s OOCC Competitive Grant Program, which distributed $6 million to fund 38 of the highest-scoring proposals.

Worcester County Public Schools received $113,360 to support youth-based prevention programming and awareness efforts regarding issues associated with substance use, such as mental health and stigma. The Worcester County Health Department also received $74,927 to support trauma-focused programming for youth and adults.

“We are honored to support so many great projects for the year to come,” said OOCC Executive Director Robin Rickard. “Each of these programs will make an enormous impact for those living with the disease of addiction, from early prevention efforts to lifting people up on their recovery journey.”

Last month, the OOCC also announced an additional $7.5 million in grant funding to support local jurisdictions as it implements the requirements of the Opioid Use Disorder Examination and Treatment Act of 2019, legislation that requires all local detention centers to implement programs to screen incarcerated individuals for opioid use disorder and offer recovery and counseling services and FDA-approved medications.

The Worcester County Jail received $204,313 to support treatment, counseling and care coordination services.

Line Of Duty Benefits Approved

July 29, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Emergency legislation allowing the families of county employees killed in the line of duty to retain health insurance coverage passed in a 4-0 vote this week.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council held a special meeting and public hearing for the purposes of amending the county’s personnel manual to expand health care benefits for the families of county employees killed in the line of duty.

“This is a public hearing on legislative bill 2022-09, an emergency act to amend the Wicomico County personnel manual, Chapter 10 – Employee Benefits, Section 1013 Death Benefit, to allow family members of an employee killed in the line of duty to retain health insurance coverage,” said Andrew Mitchell, council attorney.

Earlier this month, the county council introduced emergency legislation pertaining to death benefits following the line-ofduty death of Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputy Glenn Hilliard. In the days following his death, county officials learned the Wicomico personnel manual set different premium rates for families of deceased employees.

“Under our current policy we have two sections, a deceased employee eligible for retirement and then a deceased employee not eligible for retirement,” Human Resources Director Jaclyn Curry said at the time. “Under that section, the family

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

that has the insurance would have to continue that in the method of COBRA …

However, it is at an extremely high premium rate.”

She continued, “What we’re proposing is if an employee is killed in the line of duty, that the family that is current on their plan would be able to continue that in the capacity of a retired employee’s family, which is a much cheaper monthly premium.”

In June, the county council met in a special session to discuss health care benefits for a service in the line of duty death and ways to assist family members. Major Tod Richardson of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office urged council members to make the necessary changes before July 31, when Hilliard’s health care benefits are set to expire.

“Currently the family is covered until July 31 under this current situation,” he said at the time.

Back on the agenda for introduction earlier this month, Mitchell said the proposed manual changes would address line-of-duty death benefits for families of all county employees, not just law enforcement personnel.

“In essence, they would retain the insurance coverage in the same manner as would be a retired employee …,” he said at the time.

With no further discussion this week, the council voted 4-0, with Councilmen Larry Dodd, Joe Holloway and Bill McCain absent, to approve the emergency legislation.

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July 29, 2022

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July 29, 2022

Freeman Arts Pavilion’s Photo Of The Week: Each week during the season the Freeman Arts Pavilion submits a photo of the week from the

Selbyville venue. Above, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer-songwriter Jackson Browne performed in front of a sold-out audience on Saturday, July 23. Tickets Photo by Natalee DeHart/Freeman Arts Pavilion are still available for 2022 performances at freemanarts.org.

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

Fenwick Committee Talks Term Limits, Marijuana Sales

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Term limits for council members, the sale of recreational marijuana and the development of a Businesses Helping Businesses parking initiative are just some of the issues a resort committee hopes to address in the coming months.

Last Thursday, the Fenwick Island Charter and Ordinance Committee convened to discuss several issues referred to the committee for consideration.

In addition to a proposed ordinance amendment that would establish fees for hearings in front of the town council, committee members this week also discussed possible charter amendments relating to the timing and process of organizational meetings.

“We were asked to do that early on,

and I have looked at it several times …,” said Councilwoman Natalie Magdeburger, committee chair. “I think it is a charter change, which is a much bigger process.”

According to the town code, candidates elected to the town council cannot take office before the seventh day following an election, meaning the town’s organizational meeting to swear in new members must be held at least a week after the election. The specific timing of the organizational meeting, however, was called into question following last year’s election, when the four newly elected council members requested a swearing-in ceremony take place at an earlier date sometime after the seven-day requirement expired.

The committee last week also agreed to consider term limits for council members.

“One issue that came to us was term limits for council members,” Magdeburger

July 29, 2022

said. “If we are going to do a charter change, we need to look at that as well.”

Magdeburger noted the proposed charter changes, if approved, would be forwarded to the state. Committee member Ann Riley, however, said she was concerned the proposed changes would appear political, as they would be approved by members of the town council.

“My issue is it could be seen as political,” she said. “Maybe we should consider that any election changes should be changed by referendum.”

Magdeburger noted that any proposed charter changes would require public hearings.

“We could get feedback that way,” she said.

Committee members last week also discussed a proposed ordinance prohibiting the sale of recreational marijuana in the town’s commercial district. Officials,

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however, ultimately agreed to research the issue and table the development of any municipal legislation until state law legalizing it is enacted.

“What we can do is very limited …,” Magdeburger said. “To me, we don’t know what the law will look like. Right now, there is no law.”

While the town code currently prohibits some commercial activities, committee member John Nason argued developing an ordinance now would be premature and create unnecessary conflict with the town’s commercial property owners. Riley agreed.

“Maybe we wait to see where the state goes,” she said.

Lastly, committee members agreed to develop an ordinance allowing a Businesses Helping Businesses initiative to proceed.

Simply put, the plan allows commercial property owners to offer their vacant lots to restaurants and retail stores during peak hours.

“Our ordinance currently prohibits it …,” Magdeburger said. “What I’d like to do is have meetings with businesses willing to do it and are concerned about it and hear what the logistics are so when we are writing our ordinances, it’s streamlined for them.”

Warren’s Station owner Scott Mumford encouraged the committee to let the business community develop its own plan.

“My comment was let us figure it out … ,” he said. “I don’t know how much oversight the town needs for this.”

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

More Attempted Murder Charges Filed

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Ridgely, Md., man, charged last month for attempted first-degree murder for his role in the stabbing of an 18-year-old during a triple-stabbing incident on the Boardwalk back on June 20, has now been charged in the stabbing of the other two victims.

Shortly before midnight on June 20, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers observed a fight between multiple individuals in the area of PAUL BAYNARD Wicomico Street and the Boardwalk. OCPD officers located three victims suffering stab wounds.

Ocean City EMS responded and provided emergency medical care for the victims at the scene.

An 18-year-old male victim was flown to Shock Trauma in Baltimore. A second 21-year-old male victim was flown to Christiana Hospital in Delaware, while a third stabbing victim, a 17-year-old male, was transported by Ocean City EMS to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital in Salisbury.

Each of the victims were later released from the hospital.

Officers were able to identify Paul Baynard, 23, initially as the suspect in

the stabbing of the 18-year-old victim.

Through a coordinated effort of various law enforcement agencies, Baynard was located in Queen Anne’s County and was taken into custody without further incident. Since his arrest, Baynard has been held without bond in the Worcester County Jail.

Last week, however, the OCPD announced it was charging Baynard in the stabbings of the 17-year-old and 21-year-old victims. Baynard was charged last week with two counts each of attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment, the exact charges he faces for his initial arrest for allegedly stabbing the 18-year-old victim. All in all, he faces three sets of the same charges and remains behind bars in Snow Hill.

OCPD officers from the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) were able to determine the fight on the Boardwalk involved two different groups of individuals. Detectives were able to utilize the City Watch surveillance camera system, social media platforms and witness testimony to assist in the investigation. CID detectives were ultimately able to identify Baynard as the alleged suspect in the stabbing of all three victims. A preliminary hearing was set for Thursday, July 28.

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Business Community Opposes Ordinance Changes

Page 40

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Citing concerns from commercial property owners, two proposed ordinance amendments relating to parking and mechanical equipment will return to a Fenwick committee for review.

In a public hearing held last Friday, several members of the Fenwick Island business community came before the town council to share their opposition to two proposed ordinance amendments.

“The setbacks, mechanical equipment location, parking spaces and delivery zone requirements you are proposing make it nearly impossible for any new businesses to be built in Fenwick Island,” said Kinsley Hazel, whose family owns undeveloped commercial property along Coastal Highway.

Simply put, the first amendment up for public hearing last week establishes set-

backs and screening requirements for commercial pools, hot tubs and spas, as well as setback and screening requirements for mechanicals and transformers.

HVAC equipment, for example, will have to be placed on roofs and screened from view.

Southern Exposure owner Tim Collins, however, argued the proposed ordinance could impact the residential property located behind his storefront, should it ever be redeveloped.

“If I had been required to put mechanical equipment on the roof …it would ruin their view, their ability to talk and their ability to enjoy,” he said. “My point is it’s not an issue for me and it’s not an issue for them. But we are talking about things that are going to affect people in the future.”

Fenwick Shores hotel owner Spiro Buas also questioned if such requirements were achievable.

“Was a study done to understand

what the buildable envelope would be once you apply all these setbacks, particularly the transformer being screened and the transformer in the front setback?” he asked. “My understanding from state highway is we have to have movable items within the front setback … and screening around transformers is not even allowed by the power company.”

Town Manager Pat Schuchman said the town had reached out to Delmarva Power to confirm that transformers could be screened, but said she wasn’t aware of front setback requirements established by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT).

“I didn’t talk to DelDOT,” she said.

Business owners also came before officials last week to oppose an ordinance amendment that would establish delivery zones and new parking ratios for commercial buildings such as restaurants, retail stores and hotels. While the

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changes would apply to new and redeveloped commercial properties, business owners argued the amendments were onerous and limited redevelopment opportunities.

Attorney Richard Abbott, representing local businessman Joe Balsamo, noted the parking regulations would change parking ratios for restaurants from one per 100 square feet of patron space to one per 50 square feet of patron space.

“By doubling the amount of parking spaces for restaurants, it’s really a death knell to major redevelopment projects, which I think the town would want to encourage,” he said.

Abbott noted the town was looking to launch a Business Helping Business initiative, which would allow restaurants and retail shops to partner with commercial property owners to share parking spaces. He encouraged officials to see if that plan addressed some of the town’s parking issues.

“My client will challenge this if it becomes necessary, if it’s passed in its current form,” he said. “We don’t want to do that, as I think there’s a more cooperative, consensus-building process that can be undertaken … to take a look at the parking situation.”

Collins said the proposed ordinance would limit commercial development.

“The fact is in the last 15 or 20 years, there have been only two commercial properties built in this town from the ground up …,” he said. “This has got to be reasonable. It can’t be overkill, and this is overkill. This is going to stop development in the town of Fenwick Island because we can’t do anything with the properties.”

Councilwoman Natalie Magdeburger, chair of the town’s charter and ordinance committee, argued the proposed parking changes were less stringent than in decades past.

“It’s actually less restrictive than in 1995 and less restrictive compared to Sussex County,” she said.

Resident Ann Riley agreed, but noted that some changes could be made.

“Perhaps changing or dropping the delivery area requirements should be further considered,” she said. “I think there also needs to be language added for natural disasters. If a building suffers a fire or flood and builds back in the same footprint with the same patron capacity and same use, there should be no additional parking required in my opinion.”

Warren’s Station owner Scott Mumford also asked the charter and ordinance committee to work with business owners.

“This doesn’t solve the parking problem as it stands now …,” he said. “We ask that you work with us, work with me.

Don’t pass this ordinance.”

In a town council meeting later that day, a motion to bring the two ordinances back to the charter and ordinance committee for review passed unanimously.

“We applaud businesses for coming forward,” Magdeburger said. “We want your input, we want to hear what you need, and we want to have dialogue.”

Pocomoke Fair Returns Aug. 4-7

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Harness racing will return to the Great Pocomoke Fair on Saturday, Aug. 6, with Standardbreds from throughout the region competing.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

POCOMOKE CITY – Southern Worcester County will celebrate the area’s agricultural roots next weekend with the Great Pocomoke Fair.

The annual event, held at the fairgrounds on Broad Street in Pocomoke from Aug. 4-7, features harness racing, livestock exhibits, carnival games and a variety of other attractions. Organizers are attempting to reinvigorate the longstanding event.

“There’s something for everybody this year,” said Maggie Ball, one of the fair’s organizers.

The 2022 fair will kick off with an opening ceremony at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4. Once local officials conduct the opening ceremony, attendees will be able to view the fair’s indoor exhibits, which include produce, crafts and photography, among other things, and can check out the livestock present at the fairgrounds. The Little Miss Great Pocomoke Fair Pageant is set for 7 p.m.

Thursday.

While a downpour dampened attendance at the fair last year, organizers are making a push this year to remind area residents that the event has a lot to offer throughout the weekend. Ball said there were 45 vendors who planned to set up at the fair. There will also be carnival games for kids, tractor pulls, cake auctions and other fair staples. On Friday night, Front Page News will perform on the grandstand stage.

On Saturday, the fair will host a goat show in the morning, followed by a car, jeep and motorcycle show. At 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, the fair will host its always popular program of live harness racing.

Standardbreds – both trotters and pacers – from throughout the region will compete. The Great Pocomoke Fair is one of just two in Maryland that still features harness racing.

For evening entertainment, the fair will host a tractor pull and offer a concert from the Petting Hendrix Band. On both Friday and Saturday nights, carriage rides will be offered.

The weekend will be rounded out with barnyard Olympics and sack races on Sunday. There will be opportunities for both children and adults to compete, with some cash prizes being offered.

Ball is hopeful the array of activities will renew interest in the enduring tradition of the Pocomoke fair.

“We’re trying to bring it back to what it used to be,” she said.

For more information, go to thegreatpocomokefair.org.

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Page 43

Mark McCulloh: The Family Tradition

Page 44

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 29, 2022

OCBP ALUMNI OF THE WEEK

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

OCEAN CITY – As he was growing up in the 1970’s, it seemed that Mark McCulloh was destined to be a lifeguard. His father had been an ocean guard in California back in the late ‘40’s, and Mark had grown up hearing the stories about rescues and big surf. Many of his good friends and relatives had already made their way down to the beach and joined the Ocean City Beach Patrol.

“I came from Catonsville, where there is a long history of OCBP guys,” he said.

So, it surprised a lot of people when Mark headed down to spend his first summer at the beach in 1980 and ended up working at Tony’s Pizza on the Boardwalk instead.

“To be honest, I was nervous about trying out,” Mark admitted. “My cousin, Johnny Barrett, who was a guard at the time, came in one night to Tony’s. He asked me why I wasn’t trying out and let me know that my dad was disappointed.”

Mark knew he needed to try out, and despite feeling nervous about his chances,

went to the Inlet the next week and tried out. It would turn out that he didn’t need to worry.

“They sent us out on the swim in two groups. I was in the second group, but I was doing so well that I came in with the group ahead of me. It was funny because at first, when I came out of the water, the officers couldn’t find my name on the list,” he recalled. “I had to convince them that I had started in the second group.”

In the early days of the OCBP, new guards were given green shirts to wear on the stand. These green shirts identified to other guards who the rookies were and served as a visual reminder to crew chiefs to sit them near more experienced guards to help in their training. Thus, “Green Bean” became the nickname for new guards. And so, Mark started his first summer on Bruce Silvano’s crew on the north end of the Boardwalk. A few days after starting, Mark recalls “sitting 31st Street.

It was a cloudy day, early in the season, and there was no one on the beach. Suddenly, a guy comes down from the Boardwalk and yells to me asking if I know CPR. I had to go into the hotel behind me and

run up 19 floors. The elevator was out. I entered a room of 15 people standing over an older man who had just suffered a heart attack. I had to perform CPR by myself. Another guard had run up from 29th Street and joined me as we both worked on him. The man started to breathe again, but only for a second. He threw up on me and was out again.”

Despite their efforts, the man didn’t make it. Mark could only clean himself off and head right back to the beach. “It was my first week. Later, Sgt. Hammond came to my stand and said, ‘you ain’t a green bean anymore.’”

Despite this tough introduction to the OCBP, Mark was hooked. He would continue coming guarding every summer for the next four years. During those summers, Mark recalls one of his best moments. It was the summer of 1982. “I was on 126th Street. It was a big shore break day coming off a strong nor’easter,” he said. “The beach was packed and kids were getting slammed by the shore break.

Between me and Dave Wigham, who was guarding on my north, I see an older couple start doing the crab walk to the water

Mark McCulloh is pictured on his stand in the early 1980s.

Submitted Photo

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Recognizing, staying safe on shore Break ocean Days

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 45

GUARDING THE BEACH

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – Playing in the surf is fun. It is undoubtedly one of the main rea-

sons many people come to the beach for vacation. Whether it is body surfing, boogie boarding, surfing at one of our surfing beaches, or just wading in the water, playing in the ocean is one of the least expen-

... OCBP ALUMNI OF THE WEEK right into the rip and they were gone. I saw this unfolding and was already running down the beach. When I got to the rip, I literally jumped over some kids and dove right into it. The rip was so huge that I think I only took a couple of strokes and I saw a single hand above the water. I grabbed it, pulled the man to the surface and then swam over and found his wife. He held onto the buoy while I took the exhausted woman in through the shore break. Then, I came back out and got the man. Later, they wrote a letter to the city that was pretty dramatic and very touching. Captain Schoepf read it aloud at the weekly meeting.” It meant a lot to Mark and their gratitude stays with him to this day.

Mark would end his beach patrol days after the summer of 1983, but is certain

the experience made him a better person.

“Most people don’t know that ‘pit in your stomach’ feeling when you show up for work to your rock jetty and you see nothing but raging waves. I think it really taught me how to step up when needed and assume responsibility for heavy situations. It taught me just how much we need to respect the ocean. And it also developed a deep love of the ocean in me. But, most of all, it was the fraternal feeling of working together with the guards on my crew. It truly was a ‘club’ that was special and I enjoy that to this day. I loved being a guard.”

Mark now splits his time between Annapolis and Bethany. His son also became a guard and carried on the family tradition, working several summers in Fenwick Island.

sive and fun things you can do at the beach. However, each season we have several weeks when we have increased shore break in Ocean City. Shore break is when waves build as they approach shores and break in very shallow water, or even directly onto the beach. Shore break can be very dangerous for bathers of all ages and can cause severe injury, paralysis, and even death.

The beach patrol always advises people not to body surf or boogie board in shore break, but people do not always listen. Some of the injuries sustained are minor although even an abrasion to the forehead or a bloody nose is treated as the most serious spinal injury as a precaution, due to the mechanism of injury. In many cases the injury sustained is minor, like a bruise or pulled muscle, and often the person returns to the beach later that day. But in other cases, the injuries sustained can be much more serious. In the past, a beachgoer approached one of our employees complaining of a sore neck after wiping out but did not want to receive treatment. It turned out he had broken his neck.

Many of the most serious injuries that occur in shore break are 30- to 50-yearold males. According to researchers, this age and gender demographic are more likely to exhibit poor decision-making in the surf; furthermore, the body becomes more fragile (reduced flexibility of the spine) and more susceptible to injury in this age group. If you have any questions about whether the waves are safe for boogie boarding or body surfing, please talk to a lifeguard.

Shore break can also cause many problems for children and elderly or less mobile individuals. Please make sure you are standing near your child in these conditions as they can get swallowed up by a wave and pulled out into the ocean. Elderly or less mobile individuals tend to get stuck in the area where waves are breaking on shore, and often time will get knocked down. When exiting the water watch the incoming waves so you do not get caught off guard.

(The writer has been with the beach patrol for 19 years and is currently a sergeant. He is a physical education teacher for the Worcester County Public School system.)

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July 29, 2022

People in Society Michele Burke, Pam Robertson, Glenn Irwin, Ivy Wells and Mindie Burgoyne are pictured at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum for the Voices of the Coastal Bays event.

by Charlene Sharpe Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Jackie Choate, Joan Ewing and Cindy Roman helped shoppers at the annual book sale at the Ocean Pines library.

Attendees showed off their holiday attire at a Christmas in July fundraiser at BLU Crabhouse.

Lt. Robert Fisher, Det. Cpl. Jessica Collins and PFC Kevin Lloyd of the Berlin Police Dept. participated in the Samuel S. Henry Jr. Golf Tournament sponsored by the Greater Berlin Minority Scholarship Committee at Glen Riddle Golf Club.

Danielle Davis and Marge Steele pause for a photo at a Christmas in July fundraiser.

Maryland Coastal Bays Program representatives Liz Wist, Cailyn Joseph and Katie Kavanagh paused for a photo at the launch of the Voices of the Coastal Bays project.

Polly and Bernie White are pictured at BLU Crabhouse during a Christmas in July fundraiser.

Cate Nellans and Billy Apostolou of the Ocean City Young Professionals are pictured at BLU Crabhouse during a fundraiser.

Allison Knight and Ricky Pollitt sold raffle tickets at the Ocean City Young Professionals’ Christmas in July event.

Tina and Danny Walburn attended a Christmas in July fundraiser hosted by the Ocean City Young Professionals at BLU Crabhouse.

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE NEWS Business Expands CHINCOTEAGUE – Seacrets Restaurant and Bar is coming to Chincoteague, Va., in the spring of 2024.

The land was acquired on July 20 and is located on the bayside at the southwest end of the island.

“Rebecca and I along with the Seacrets family look forward to being a part of and serving the Chincoteague community,” said Seacrets owner Leighton Moore.

Seacrets Chincoteague will be restaurant-focused and a low-key, simple and fun place for visitors to enjoy seasonally.

The new location will feature the palm tree jungle the Ocean City landmark is known for and will be modeled off the original Seacrets of the late 1980’s, consisting of a small tiki bar, rock bar, raw bar, restaurant and boutique.

Leighton Moore grew up in the hospitality industry in Ocean City, Md. Inspired by his many trips to Jamaica, Moore opened Seacrets, “Jamaica USA” on 49th Street on June 29, 1988 as a locals-only tiki bar serving cool drinks, tasty island recipes and great live entertainment. Since then, Seacrets has grown to include the Ocean 98.1 FM radio station, Atlantic Beverage Center and Seacrets Distillery.

Property Purchased SALISBURY – Meredith Mears, Advisor with SVN Miller Commercial represented Hudson Behavioral Health in their purchase of 120 South Boulevard in Salisbury, MD. The location will expand Hudson’s footprint in the community and will support them in their mission of providing evidence based clinical care and recovery support services. Formed in 1980, Hudson has helped thousands of patients on the Eastern Shore with their innovative treatment and recovery programs. Their patients learn to live drug and alcoholfree, building resiliency while rebuilding their lives.

“We are very excited to have found the perfect venue to fulfill our vision of offering a full continuum of care.” said Leslie Brown, President, and CEO. “Meredith was diligent in finding exactly what we were looking for. She is a true professional.”

“We’ve worked together for some time, moving strategically to find the right location and the right footprint, said Mears, “the Hudson team is remarkable, the serv-

The Education Department team at Atlantic General Hospital and Health System announced the graduation of three nurses from the Nurse Residency Program, which provides education and support for recently graduated RNs as they transition from advanced beginner to professional. The program meets once per month and focuses on topics to enhance their bedside skills, competency and resiliency for the nursing profession. Pictured, Chief Nursing Officer Bob Yocubik, second from right, joins nurse residency program graduates, from left, Tara Flanagan, AGHS Ocean Pines nurse, Angel Puskar, emergency department nurse, and Megan Suttmiller, med/surg nurse.

Submitted Photo

ices they provide and the care they put into their work is second to none.”

Mears cooperated in the sale with local agent Darrell Walker with Keller Williams/Davis Strategic. Walker represented the seller in this transaction.

Meredith Mears specializes in the sale and leasing of industrial, medical, office and retail properties, as well as land development. Mears has 20+ years of client experience including local and statewide governments, commercial property owners and investors, and privately operating companies across the globe. In 2020, she was named a Top 100 Woman in the state of Maryland by The Daily Record for her vast contributions in business, community, and mentoring.

Toy Closet Donations SALISBURY/SEAFORD – The Dalai Lama once said, “Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.”

Brooke’s Toy Closet provides new toys to children in the emergency department (ED) and pediatric units at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and TidalHealth Nanticoke. The program was inspired by Brooke Mulford, a young girl who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer, in 2009, when she was 4 years old. Brooke had a vision to give toys to kids in the hospital to make

their time there a little easier. After a valiant battle, she passed away in June 2017, but her memory carries on through Brooke’s Toy Closet.

In June, Dale Wigglesworth, administrative assistant for TidalHealth Peninsula Regional’s ED, shared photos of the empty shelves in the Brooke’s Toy Closet storage area to her personal Facebook page in hopes of getting friends and family to donate much-needed toys. Her post went viral, generating a tidal wave of donations from supporters throughout Delmarva and the country.

“I never dreamed my post would get so much recognition,” said Wigglesworth.

“When I started seeing the donations pouring in, I was in tears. I am thrilled to make a difference and help Brooke’s dream stay alive. She was truly an inspiration and a fighter who always smiled no matter what struggles she was facing.”

Brooke’s Toy Closet serves thousands of pediatric patients a year at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and now serves many more through the newly opened closet at TidalHealth Nanticoke. In the past month, the TidalHealth Foundation has received an overwhelming and incredible steady stream of donated toys, which have filled the shelves, nooks and crannies of their storage areas and will keep the shelves filled in both of Brooke’s Toy Closets for many months to come.

For those interested, there are two

ways to donate to Brooke’s Toy Closet.

In-person: Call the TidalHealth Foundation at 410-543-7140 to arrange your in-person donation in Salisbury or Seaford. Toys donated in person must be new with tags or in the box; we cannot accept used toys.

Amazon: You can purchase toys for our closets through an Amazon wish list managed by Brooke's mom, Amy, who works with the Foundation. The toys will be shipped directly to our organization for both of our Toy Closets in Salisbury and Seaford. The linked wish list, www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/19MLZ880RLRWY, is the only access point.

TidalHealth sends a heartfelt thank you to Wigglesworth, our team members and our community for your continued support of Brooke's Toy Closet. Together we can provide comfort and care to the children of our community when they need it most.

Promotion Announced SALISBURY – Solutions IPEM is pleased to recognize their director of architecture, Scott, G. Rogers, AIA, LEED AP, as an associate with the firm.

Rogers joined Solutions IPEM in January 2015 and established the architecture department. Since then, he has grown the department to include two additional architects and an architectural designer who work collaboratively on a varieSCOTT ROGERS ty of commercial and residential projects across Delaware and Maryland.

Projects have included a medical office building for Bayhealth, a senior living complex with a memory care facility, tenant fitouts for retail spaces, The Station on Kings, custom residential design and renovation work, community clubhouses for The Marina at Pepper’s Creek and Chase Oaks and home designs for builder communities across the resort area.

Rogers has over 35 years of experience on Delmarva and is licensed in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, is NCARB certified and is a member of the American Institute of Architects.

He recently retired from the Salisbury/Wicomico Planning & Zoning Commission after serving for 17 years and is also a past member of the Society for American Military Engineers, as well as the City of Salisbury Historic District Commission.

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July 29, 2022

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

tured in this space. Above, the El Galeon tall ship replica is pictured in 2017 making its way through the Route 50 drawbridge. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 29, 2022

COMMUNITY News In Photos

Norm Cathell was inducted as the 2022-2023 OC Lions president. Pictured left to right, back row, are 2nd Vice President Mike Hooper, Past President Scott Stark, John Topher, Greg Burgan, Director Ken Robertson, Director Doug Parks and Membership & Scholarship Chair Sean Williams. Seated are Secretary Steve McMillan, Treasurer Greg Cathell and President Norm Cathell.

Town of Berlin employees contributed more than $1,000 to United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore through regular contributions. United Way representative Ryan Jackson, left, is pictured with town employees Tim Lawrence, Mary Bohlen and Kelsey Jensen.

Submitted Photos

The Ocean City Lioness Lions Club recently installed its new officers for 20222023. Pictured left to right are Amy Bishop, Susan McHenry (treasurer), Roberta Taylor, Ann Runo (vice president), Kris Barron, Ginni Bonarrigo (secretary), Billie Terrones, Denise Becker, Nancy Arminger, and Bev Topfer (president). Past District Governor Lion Norman Cathell officially installed these new officers.

Scott Kammerer, the founder of SoDel Cares, presents a check for $3,000 to the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay. Dizza Huesner (left) is the community initiatives specialist with the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay; Paola Rosas is the organization’s associate director of programs and partnerships.

Grace Cropper recently received an Ocean City Lions Club scholarship. Pictured are Cropper, left, and Sean Williams, scholarship chair. This year the OC Lions gave two scholarships to Stephen Decatur High School students, one to a Worcester Technical High School student and one to a member of the SDHS Leo Club.

Three charter members of the Ocean City Lioness Lions Club, Faye Cathell, June Todd and Donna Greenwood, were recognized for 42 years of service to their club and the community.

Tim Kennard Run Donates $14K To Three Community Organizations

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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ENTERTAINMENT

Friday: Park Avenue • 8PM Saturdays: The Jim Long Party • 3PM Wednesdays: House Party w/ DJ Wax • 8PM The Tim Kennard River Run presented the Eastern Shore Running Club Scholarship Fund with a check for $3,000. Pictured, from left, are Race Director Harlan Eagle, Eastern Shore Running Club Scholarship Committee Chairman Mike Piorunski, Tim Kennard Executive Director/Eastern Shore Running Club Treasurer Ken Gaudreau, ESRC Secretary Dave Treber, ESRC President Vanessa Junkin and Race Director Linda Mills.

Submitted Photo

Biddle Medical Associates & Pacific Rehab of Maryland, Pemberton Appliance, Sharp Energy, Rise Up Coffee and Sysco.

The 2023 Tim Kennard River Run will return to Salisbury Bible Fellowship on March 19, 2023. Stay tuned to TimKennard.org for more information as the race gets closer.

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SALISBURY – As the result of a successful 2022 race, the Tim Kennard River Run donated $14,000 back to the community this month.

The 17th annual event was held March 20 at Salisbury Bible Fellowship, with Rob’s Run for Kids held the prior day at the Evolution Craft Brewing Co. Public House. More than 300 runners participated in the 10-mile and 5K races, which were held after a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic.

Since its inception, the Tim Kennard River Run has benefited children and animals, as race namesake Tim Kennard requested before he died of kidney cancer in 2004.

This year, $5,000 was donated to Coalition of Caring, a fund for animals in need; $3,000 was donated to TEAM 360, which helps people of different abilities participate in mainstream athletic events; and $3,000 was donated to the Eastern Shore Running Club Scholarship Fund, which funds college scholarships for local high school seniors.

Salisbury Bible Fellowship stepped up when a location was needed for the 2022 race, and in appreciation for their kindness and support, the race committee also awarded the church $3,000.

Rob’s Run for Kids raised $1,271 for a scholarship in Rob Schultheis’ name at the Salisbury University Foundation.

Schultheis was a local runner and community advocate.

The Tim Kennard River Run would like to thank the following 2022 sponsors, in addition to Pohanka of Salisbury: The Gaudreau Law Firm, Geiger Pump & Equipment, Vernon Powell Shoes, Brad and Kim Gillis, Bernstein Family, Camp Odyssey, Chiamulera Family, Eastern Shore Running Club, Evolution Craft Brewing Co. Public House, Jan and Jim Perdue, King Kone, Krometis Family, Multi-Specialty Healthcare, Ocean City Health and Wellness, Pete Richardson Family, Salisbury Bible Fellowship, Salisbury Independent, Salisbury Physical Therapy & Sportsmedicine, St. Paul &

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July 29, 2022

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Rich Hernandez, vice president of transportation and warehousing at Perdue Farms, checks out the mobile driving simulator at Wor-Wic Community College as college President Ray Hoy looks on.

Submitted Photo

SALISBURY – The United States is experiencing a shortage of more than 80,000 truck drivers, according to an estimate from the American Trucking Associations (ATA). The ATA also estimates that about 72% of America's freight transport moves by trucks, which shows just how dependent consumers are on the drivers who deliver chicken products to stores or gas to pumps or anything ordered online.

Perdue Farms and Wor-Wic Community College, both based in Salisbury, are working to ensure that residents of the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland can take advantage of the growing job market and work to ease transport and supply chain issues.

Through its charitable giving arm, the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, Perdue Farms has pledged $120,000 to fund a new simulation lab for students in the commercial driver’s license (CDL) course at Wor-Wic. The lab will be part of the college’s new Patricia and Alan Guerrieri Technology Center, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2023. The center’s CDL simulation lab will allow students to experience the controls and feel of being in a big rig, under all kinds of weather and road conditions, even before they get behind the wheel of one of Wor-Wic’s real training vehicles.

“Perdue's pledge will make a difference to our students,” said Dr. Ray Hoy, president of Wor-Wic. “They have enhanced our ability to ensure that we are teaching on the latest state-of-the-art e-

quipment and that we have the financial resources needed to maintain our CDL program, which in turn supports our local businesses in their transport needs.”

Wor-Wic offers CDL training programs that lead to both class A and class B licenses for commercial driving, and currently instructs 70 to 105 commercial drivers every year.

“At Perdue, we employ just under 400 commercial truck drivers to deliver our products to our customers and consumers,” said Rich Hernandez, vice president of transportation and warehousing for Perdue Farms. “We’re always looking for experienced drivers to join our fleet. Programs like this at Wor-Wic provide an excellent training ground for new drivers and are beneficial for our company as well.”

The CDL simulation lab builds on the success of Wor-Wic's current simulator, which is housed in a mobile classroom. It vividly recreates the visuals and sensation of driving an 18-wheeler, with variable weather, terrain and the variety of transmissions used in commercial trucks.

“Wor-Wic has a long history of providing programming when needs in our local workforce arise. Their current campaign is doing this in so many ways,” said Kim Nechay, executive director of the Perdue Foundation. “We are so very proud to invest in the expansion of their truck driver training program – especially the new CDL simulators – and other equipment for their new applied technologies building.

The efforts of Wor-Wic today will certainly provide for a strong tomorrow for the shore and beyond.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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with Scott Lenox Greetings all and thank you for stopping to check out the Fish in OC fishing report here in The Dispatch! The weather has been hot and with that some fishing cooled off a bit. There were still plenty of fish to be caught both inshore and offshore, but most fisheries have become a little more hit-or-miss thanks to the warming water conditions.

Charter bookings are down slightly this year thanks to the fuel prices, though they’ve eased a little recently. Prices for everything are going up so the first things to get dropped are the extracurriculars like charter trips. We’ve got some great fishing coming up for the rest of the season so if you’re looking to catch a bucket list fish or put some fillets in the freezer I hope you’ll support our local charter and party fleet. You can find our great boats at www.FishinOC.com.

On to the report, tuna fishing has been a little spotty the past week or so with some boats doing really well while others only get a bite or two. There are still some yellowfin and bigeye tuna being caught in areas like the Washington Canyon on the troll, but it seems like the better tuna fishing is quickly switching over to chunking. There has been a pretty good chunk bite in the Washington

where boats are catching both yellowfin and bigeye tuna on chunked butterfish. The largest bigeye of the year was caught just last week while chunking when the crew of the Wrecker with Captain Bobby Layton chunked up a 276pound bigeye. The big fish took 2.5 hours to get to the boat on 60-pound leader.

There are also some yellowfin tuna being caught on the chunk inshore of the canyons at lumps like the Hot Dog, Hambone, Chicken Bone and Massey’s Canyon. These fish are a little closer to the beach, but they also seem to be a little more spotty.

The good thing, for now, is the fact that there haven’t been as many shark encounters at the inshore spots where as the Washington Canyon is seeing several shark encounters a day. Some boats are having such bad shark luck that they are having multiple hook ups on tuna and then losing half or more of them to sharks. Unfortunately, it’s part of the game nowadays so you do what you can to get your tuna bites to the boat quickly and pray for the rest.

A lot of the ocean bottom fishing fleet has switched over to targeting flounder instead of sea bass lately as the former SEE PAGE 54

The largest bigeye of the year was caught last week when the crew of the Wrecker with Captain Bobby Layton landed a 276 pounder.

Submitted Photos

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 29, 2022

Above top left, this young man is all smiles after landing a beautiful sheepshead on board the OC Guide Service with Captain John Prather. Above top center, Captain Kane Bounds of the Fish Bound is catching some nice flounder in the ocean up to 7 pounds. Above top right, Captain Jake Shaffer of Turnin’ Fins put these folks on five yellowfin tuna and a blue marlin release. Above left, the crew of the Shorebilly with Captain Doug Bramble had a good day of chunking last week putting five nice yellowfin in the boat. Above center, these anglers had a great afternoon on the Tortuga with five keeper flounder. Above right, Captain Shawn Gibson chunked up six nice yellowfin tuna for this happy crew.

Opposite page, top left, Curt Presnell used the Fish in OC Double Trouble with a buddy and landed a two-man limit of flounder in Quimby, Va. Opposite page, top right, Captain Ronnie Fields on the private boat Big Stick found this crew nine fat yellowfin tuna on the troll. Opposite page, bottom left, we’re starting to see a few inshore mahi like this one caught on the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins. Opposite page, middle right, Captain Willie Zimmerman of the RoShamBo lost a few tunas to the sharks, but this crew still returned with 10 and a head. Opposite page, bottom right, Olivia McLaughlin caught and released this juvenile thresher shark while fishing the bay behind 32nd Street in Ocean City.

... Fish In OC FROM PAGE 53 is a little more consistent, and there have been some keeper sized fish caught.

There are still plenty of sea bass out there and there are still plenty of anglers catching them, but the bite has slowed slightly with the warming water conditions. Flounder fishing should stay pretty good in the ocean until sea bass fishing picks back up in September and October.

Unlike ocean flounder fishing, bay flounder fishing is leaving anglers frustrated as fishing has been pretty slow overall.

There are fish to be caught, but if you’re not fishing on the cool, clean water of the high tide, you may as well pull up lines

and have a bite to eat at the Harborside.

It is absolutely imperative that you fish on the high tide now because low water is not clean and I’ve heard temperatures of 85 degrees. That’s warm for flounder so fish the high tide in deeper water and you’ll have your best chance at landing a keeper. Don’t forget, anglers are allowed four flounder per person at 16” this year.

We are still seeing a surprising number of big rockfish and bluefish at the route 50 bridge lately despite the warm bay water temps. Rockfish over 40” (have to release them over 35) and bluefish over 35” are eating live spot and “stretch” lures on the last of the incoming and first of the outgoing tide especially at night. Bluefish have to be just 8” to harvest and anglers are allowed three fish per person per day.

Rockfish have to fall between 28” and less

than 35” and anglers are allowed one per day.

There are some spot and croaker being caught behind Assateague Island and in the East Channel and Thorofare. Small hook rigs like the Fish in OC Two Hook Float rig baited with small strips of squid or Fishbites® bloodworm are doing the trick. These fish are both good to eat and the spot make a great bait for flounder, rockfish and bluefish.

This weekend brings the 9th Annual HUK Big Fish Classic to town at the Talbot Street Pier. This event has grown every year since its inception, and I would expect the same this year. Big Fish Classic is a cool format where boats are permitted to fish “windows” instead of days which allows for overnight fishing if you’re so inclined. The first window starts on Fri-

day, July 29 with lines in at 7 a.m. and then doesn’t end until lines out on Saturday at 3 p.m. The second window runs from lines in Saturday at 7 a.m. until lines out Sunday at 3 p.m. Scales are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 4 p.m. The crew and I have taken over the Big Fish Classic social media, so you’ll see updates from the scales all weekend. And if you can’t get to Talbot Street in person, you can check out our live broadcast at www.BigFishClassic.com. I hope to see you at the scales. Until next week, tight lines.

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

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Fenwick Votes To Buy New AEDs

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 29, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Fenwick officials agreed last week to purchase new automated external defibrillators for the town’s police department and beach patrol.

The Fenwick Island Town Council voted unanimously last week to purchase replacement automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, for a total cost of $17,976.

Police Chief John Devlin noted the devices would be allocated to town hall, the Fenwick Island Beach Patrol and the Fenwick Island Police Department.

“AEDs are mandated in the patrol cars,” he said. “They are also mandated for lifeguards.”

Devlin told officials last week his initial plan was to purchase replacement batteries for the town’s existing AEDs. A quick search, however, revealed they were no longer available.

“When I was looking to purchase some last year, I found that they no longer supply batteries,” he said.

To that end, Devlin said he began looking at funding opportunities for new AEDs. He noted that the town’s AEDs have saved lives in years past.

“AEDs have been around for a while …,” he said, noting that the devices are used on those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. “Two or three years ago, we had an officer save someone’s life at the waterpark.”

Officials noted that while the town had

Send Us Your Best

budgeted $5,000 for new AEDs, it would need nearly $13,000 more to fully replace the devices.

Councilman Bill Rymer, town treasurer, said that money would come from realty transfer tax (RTT) revenues.

“The entire number that needs to be spent is $17,976, and we had in our budget $5,000,” he explained. “Part of the discrepancy is that the goal was to originally buy some these past two months. As the chief learned more about how many we needed, we needed to increase the dollar figure.”

He continued, “So money in this year’s budget was never spent … That’s why the request is almost $13,000 from RTT money, plus the usage of the $5,000 that’s in the budget.”

Devlin added that he had searched for grant funding to no avail. He noted, however, that the town still needed to purchase 10 or 11 new AEDs. “I looked for grants, like I usually do, but there wasn’t a whole lot out there for them,” he said. “But right now, the police department and the beach patrol currently have AEDs that aren’t up to par, and we need to get them up to par.”

When asked how quickly the town would receive the new AEDs, Devlin said he was unsure.

“We are having supply chain problems,” he replied. “We’re making do with what we’ve got now.”

With no further discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of AEDs.

Kids Of Summer Have Your Child Appear In The Dispatch’s 16th Annual

Kids Of Summer FEATURES ON AUG. 26, SEPT. 2 & 9

That’s when we will publish all the kids’ photos we receive. Just make sure it’s in color and a high-quality image.

EMAIL PHOTOS TO: EDITOR@MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM OR MAIL TO P.O. BOX 467, BERLIN, MD. 21811 Be Sure To Include Full Name, Age And Location

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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USSSA East Owner Announces Retirement, Successor

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SALISBURY – After more than 40 years working with softball organizations, including about two decades hosting tournaments on the lower Eastern Shore, Bill Dowell plans to retire this year.

Dowell, a Maryland native, owns USSSA East, which hosts the USSSA Eastern National Championships in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Amateur Sports Alliance. The Mid-Atlantic Amateur Sports Alliance, known as MAASA, includes Wicomico County, Worcester County and Ocean City.

The USSSA Eastern National Championships has grown from 58 teams in 2007 to about 350 teams this year. Since 2007,

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

the tournaments have contributed an estimated $185.3 million to the local economy.

Wicomico County looks forward to hosting the USSSA Eastern National Championships for years to come under the USSSA East leadership of Andy Wisk. Wisk serves as operations manager for USSSA East and previously worked for Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism.

Dowell, who is USSSA’s state director for Maryland and Delaware and previously served as USSSA’s vice president of fastpitch, had hosted weekend tournaments in Wicomico County prior to the national tournament. He decided to bring the US-

SSA Eastern National Championships to the area after connecting with Wisk, who worked for Wicomico County at the time.

The tournament included several unique assets, such has an opening ceremony at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, a recap video and program books.

“It was a real energizer for all of us,” he said.

The tournaments didn’t come without challenges. Dowell looked back on one year when there was a lot of rain. Later that year, he expressed his gratitude to everyone involved via email.

“It was a culmination of really all the hard work,” he said. “That illustrated how strong the partnership was.”

And it’s a unique partnership, too.

“We should be envied,” Dowell said.

“Because I don’t think there’s any partnership like ours anywhere in the country, and I’ll go so far as to say anywhere in any sport.”

Another memory that stands out for Dowell is suggesting a second week for the tournament, which was held for one week each summer from 2007-2011. The tournament spanned two weeks in 2012, and the following year the tournament was expanded to three weeks.

Although Dowell still plans to work for the company as needed, something he’ll miss is that feeling of closure at the end of each week and after each managers’ meeting, he said.

“You work all year on this, and we start right after this is done,” he said.

Dowell started working with the Ama-

July 29, 2022

teur Softball Association, now USA Softball, in 1981, before he graduated college. He then worked with the National Softball Association starting in 1999 until he became associated with USSSA in fall 2006. He also spent 24 years simultaneously working as an actuary for an insurance company.

“If I had a time machine and could take everybody back into what the sport was like in the state and the region, across the country, and fast-forward it to what it is now and these events like this, people would be blown away,” Dowell said.

Dowell has made a list of people to connect with and things to do during his retirement.

Wisk, who is already USSSA’s National Fastpitch Committee chairman, will be taking the company over upon Dowell’s retirement on Nov. 8. Dowell said he’s looking forward to Wisk being able to move the company forward and embrace new technology and industry changes.

“There’s nobody, anybody, anywhere in the country more qualified than Andy to take it over,” Dowell said.

The rest of the USSSA East staff will be staying with the company, too.

“Over the last 16 years of working side by side with Bill, both as a Wicomico County employee and now a member of Bill’s team, I know firsthand the strength of the team that Bill has put in place to execute the event,” Wisk said. “That team is going to utilize everything that we’ve learned from him over the years to continue to take the event forward and to new levels.”

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 82

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A pable person around. But be ready to misunderstanding tests the tempera- be thrown off-balance in the nicest way ment of the sometimes headstrong Ar- when Cupid takes aim in your direction.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): It's ies. But instead of blowing your top, take time for a pleasant diversion while not often when someone tries to "sting" the sharp-witted Scorpion. But it can things cool down.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): A happen. Continue to be skeptical about workplace problem could make the anything that seems too good to be divine Bovine see red. But talk it out true.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. before you consider walking out. Some surprising facts emerge that change 21): Your strong sense of self-esteem helps you serve as a role model for your earlier focus.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You someone who needs personal reassurface a choice between ignoring your ances. Your efforts pay off in an unexuneasy feelings about your relationship pected way. with that special person and demandCAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): ing explanations. A close friend offers Someone close considers revealing a wise counsel. painful secret. Withhold any judgment.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): A Instead, open your generous heart and change you'd been hoping for car- offer dollops of your love and underries an unexpected complication. Stay standing. the course, and things will work themAQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): selves out. Be sure to make time for Your talents as a peacemaker are called family and friends. upon once more, as an old problem reLEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Aspects emerges with new complications. Move favor spending time with loved ones. cautiously in order to avoid falling into On the job, new ideas are generally hidden traps. welcomed. But some demands for PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): The changes could cause problems. Be artistic side of yourself is enhanced with ready to defend your choices. the reception given to your new project.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Use this success as encouragement toGood news: That workplace prob- ward fulfilling your larger goals. lem is close to being resolved with BORN THIS WEEK: Your natural results that should please everyone. sense of leadership is combined with Take time off to indulge your love of fun a deep sense of responsibility. People and games. trust you to give them both guidance LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Most and understanding. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc. of the time, you are the most unflap- ON PAGE ANSWERS 46

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 60

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

July 29, 2022

WITH BUNK MANN

The meaning behind a memorial paddle out Ignoring Halloween ads

People who embrace change

Doing what’s best even if it’s tough

Following local Little League All-Star teams A quick ocean dip when I drop my son off at work Being exhausted Monday from a fun weekend

Cloudless blue summer skies

Well-attended Vacation Bible Schools The first good day after a kid is sick A rainy day movie theater run

The 18th Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquor within the United States. Ratified in 1919, it became effective on Jan. 26, 1920.

On Dec. 29, 1929, men on duty at the U.S. Coast Guard station in Ocean City noticed some unusual activity on Assateague. A schooner from Halifax, Nova Scotia had anchored offshore and several smaller boats were unloading what turned out to be bottles of booze.

Over 1,500 cases of liquor were seized and arrests were made. The ring leaders were held on $50,000 bonds while 28 local men from Ocean City and Berlin were also arraigned. The liquor was taken to the Coast Guard Station where it was held under armed guard until trucks arrived to carry it to the federal courthouse in Baltimore. All of the bootleggers were fined and some served jail time; it was the largest number of arrests up to that time in Ocean City’s history.

The 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition on Dec. 5, 1933. It had lasted for almost 14 years.

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

Photo courtesy the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 61

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

HELP WANTED YEAR ROUND HOUSEKEEPER : Private home in Ocean City. Part time, morning shift, 3 days per week. Excellent pay. references required. Please call Heather at 410289-5444 btwn. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HELP WANTED: Top pay for experienced exterior painter/concrete mechanic. Must have own transportation. Call - 410-430-4286.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– KITCHEN:Cooks, Kitchen Help, Food Runners wanted. Flexible schedule, clean kitchen, new equipment.Weekly pay checks.

Friendly work environment. American Legion Post #166. Contact Sam Wiley 443-235-0876 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

PRAY FOR UKRAINE

CLEANERS WANTED FOR OC: If you are a conscientious individual or team looking for great pay & minimal hours on summer Saturdays in OC, then we are the cleaning company for you. Exp. preferred. Cell phone and vehicle required. (443)880-0525. ___________________________ C L E A N E R S / VAC AT I O N RENTALS: Needed for Ocean City and Ocean Pines. Experience preferred but not necessary. Text or call 443-397-1189.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

ELECTRICIAN Full-time, Year-round Now accepting applications.

Established company, 5+ years exp, service type projects, health, dental, paid vacation, 401k w/matching, company van.

Hawkins Electric 443-856-2001 ask for John Ross.

NOW HIRING! PAYING TOP DOLLAR! •LINE COOKS •FOOD RUNNER •SERVERS •BARBACK Please apply in person.

Greene Turtle West Rt. 611, West OC 410-213-1500 WEST OC’S MOST FUN PLACE TO WORK AND MAKE $$$$

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

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

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

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

Exp. Required!

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

ALL KITCHEN POSITIONS FRONT OF THE HOUSE HOSTESSES APPLY IN PERSON

•Lobster Shanty, 37310 Lighthouse Rd, Fenwick (Rt. 54) •Nantuckets, 601 Coastal Hwy, Fenwick

Duties to include: • Grounds keeping.

• Light Carpentry • Light Plumbing • Light Electrical Please fill out an application online at Dolles.com or stop by any Dolles location to fill out an application.

We have an immediate opening for a

FULL TIME PARTS ASSOCIATE for our location in Ocean Pines, MD. Great Pay and Benefits including company matched retirement plan.

Call : 302-228-2353

Now Hiring For: Line Cooks Prep Cooks Host/Hostess

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

HELP WANTED

is now hiring for a Part Time General Maintenance person.

Position is based at the Dolles location at 500 S Atlantic Ave Ocean City, MD 21842.

AUTOMOTIVE - MARINE ASSOCIATES

Must have:

Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License

Dolle's Candyland

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

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TOW N O F D E L M A R Department of Public Works, Director F u l l t i m e Po s i t i o n w / F u l l B e n e f i t s S a l a r y : N e g o t i a bl e p e n d i n g E x p e r i e n c e T h e Tow n o f D e l m a r i s s e e k i n g q u a l i f i e d c a n d i d a t e s t o s e r ve a s t h e n ex t P u bl i c Wo r k s D i r e c t o r . T h i s i s a n ex c e l l e n t o p p o r t u n i t y fo r a n e n t h u s i a s t i c l e a d e r t o s t e p i n and help char t the future course of the depar tment. The D i r e c t o r p e r fo r m s h i g h l eve l s u p e r v i s o r y, a d m i n i s t r a t i o n a n d p r o fe s s i o n a l wo r k i n t h e p l a n n i n g , o r g a n i z i n g , d i r e c t ing and super vising wor k in the Public Wor ks Depar tment, i n c l u d i n g s t r e e t m a i n t e n a n c e, wa t e r d i s t r i bu t i o n a n d s ewe r c o l l e c t i o n s y s t e m s, s t o r m d ra i n a g e, i n f ra s t r u c t u r e p l a n r ev i ew a n d mu n i c i p a l p r o p e r t y m a i n t e n a n c e.

Successful candidate must be able to adequately forecast a n d p r e p a r e a n nu a l bu d g e t n e e d s d e p a r t m e n t a l l y fo r o p e ra t i n g a n d c a p i t a l o u t l ay p r o j e c t s. C o m p e t e n c y u s i n g M i c r o s o f t O f f i c e S u i t e. M u s t h ave t h e a b i l i t y t o e f fe c t i ve l y communicate verbally and in wr it ten for m with employees, o t h e r d e p a r t m e n t s, Tow n M a n a g e r, Tow n O f f i c i a l s, Tow n E n g i n e e r s, l o c a l , c o u n t y a n d s t a t e a g e n c i e s a n d t h e g e n e ra l p u bl i c .

E d u c a t i o n a n d E x p e r i e n c e : A B a c h e l o r ’s d e gr e e i n P u bl i c A d m i n i s t ra t i o n o r r e l a t e d f i e l d ; a m i n i mu m o f f i ve ( 5 ) ye a r s o f p r o g r e s s i ve l y r e s p o n s i bl e s u p e r v i s o r y a n d a d m i n i s t r a t i ve ex p e r i e n c e i n p u bl i c w o r k s m a n a g e m e n t .

Wa t e r L i c e n s e L eve l 4 a n d Wa s t ewa t e r C o l l e c t i o n C l a s s 2 L i c e n s e i s a p l u s. Tow n w i l l c o n s i d e r a c o m b i n a t i o n o f e d u c a t i o n a n d ex p e r i e n c e.

A p p l i c a t i o n c a n b e fo u n d o n o u r we b s i t e https://www.townofdelmar.us/departments/human-resources.htm

or in person at D e l m a r Tow n H a l l , 1 0 0 S. Pe n n s y l va n i a Ave nu e, D e l m a r, M D 2 1 8 7 5 Application Deadline: Until position is filled EOE

M/F/V/D

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 29, 2022

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

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

The Dispatch Can Now Be Viewed In Its Entirety ONLINE!

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:

Updated Every Friday At -

HELP WANTED

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Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

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CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN/ MARINA TRAVEL LIFT OPERATOR

Position will be responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of the travel lift and forklifts. Duties will include the operation and maintenance of the marine travel lift, proper boat docking and large forklift operation plus daily supervision of the boatyard staff.

Apply online at delawarestatejobs.com

For further assistance, you may contact us by phone at 302.739.5458 or email at jobs@delaware.gov

COMMERCIAL

ROOMMATE

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

Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

ROOM(S) FOR RENT: Seeking Roommate(s). YR or Seasonal.

Non smoking, pets welcome. Single Family Home, 94th St. area.

Call/text for more info. 410-7265200.(Job inhibits phone calls, text if can’t reach by calls).

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

Third Insertion RYAN T. WEST. ESQ. WEST AND WEST. PA. 12 WILLIAM ST BERLIN. MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND C-23-CV-22-000152 PRINCESS ANNE PROPERTIES, LLC 12 WILLIAM STREET BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff vs

HENRY H. LEE, JR. (deceased) (no estate openend) 10134 GERMANTOWN RD. BERLIN, MD 21811 Defendant and

property located in Worcester County, Maryland, described as : 1.39 ACS W SIDE GERMANTOWN ROAD, Parcel Number 03021858.

ASSESSED TO Anna E. Lee for life.

Defendant and

WORCESTER COUNTY. MARYLAND Serve on County Attorney ROSCOE LESLIE, ESQ. 1 WEST MARKET STREET ROOM 1103 SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 Defendant and All persons that have or claim to have any interest in

Unknown owner of property located in Worcester County, Maryland, described as 1.39 ACS W SIDE GERMANTOWN ROAD, Parcel Number 03021858, assessed to Anna E. Lee for life, the unkown owner’s heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or suc-

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

Defendant and The testate and intestate successors of Henry H. Lee, Jr., deceased, and all persons claiming by, through, or under the decedent.

Defendant

these proceedings.

1.39 ACS W SIDE GERMANTOWN ROAD, Parcel Number 03021858. Assessed to Anna E. Lee for life, and generally known as 10134 Germantown Road, Berlin, Md 21811.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property located in Worcester County, Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the State of Maryland and Treasurer of Worcester County to the Plaintiff in

It is thereupon this 6th day of JULY, 2022, by the circuit court for Worcester County, Maryland, Ordered that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in The Dispatch having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryand, once a week for 3 successive

weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 5th day of SEPTEMBER, 2022, and redeem the property described as: 1 .39 ACS W SIDE GERMANTOWN ROAD, and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgement will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 15, 2022 BEAU H. OGLESBY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE

July 29, 2022

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MD 3x 7-15, 7-22, 7-29

Second Insertion BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF THOMAS MICHALOWICZ ESTATE NO. 19030 PUBLIC NOTICE TO CAVEAT To all persons interested in the above estate: Notice is given that a petitiion to caveat has been filed

by TERESA NAGY, challenging the will dated APRIL 09, 2021. You may obtain from the Register of Wills, the date and time of any hearing on this matter.

Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 22, 2022 TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 2x 7-22, 7-29

Second Insertion JAMES A. LIST, ESQ. THE LAW OFFICES OF

JAMES A. LIST 5700 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 100 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19300 To all persons interested in the estate of CARLOS E. CACERES, SR, ESTATE NO. 19300. Notice is given that SYLVIA ABUSHAIKHA, 22130 FAIR GARDEN LANE, CLARKSBURG, MD 20871, was on JULY 19, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CARLOS E. CACERES, SR. , who died on JUNE 19, 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 19TH day of JANUARY, 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: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the

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

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 JULY 22, 2022 SYLVIA ABUSHAIKHA Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 07-22, 07-29, 08-05

First Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19132 To all persons interested in the estate of RUTH D. SMITH, ESTATE NO. 19132.

Notice is given that HUBERT B. SMITH, 12833 WHISPER TRACE DRIVE, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was

on JULY 21, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RUTH D. SMITH , who died on MARCH 21, 2021 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21ST day of JANUARY, 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: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 29, 2022 HUBERT B. SMITH Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 07-29, 08-05, 08-12

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19307 To all persons interested in the estate of WARREN GEORGE BEVARD. Notice is given that HELEN MARIE BEVARD, 8412 LANGMAID ROAD, NEWARK, MD 21841, was on JULY 19, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: WARREN GEORGE BEVARD, who died on JULY 08, 2022, with a will.

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

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

Zoom In And Out For Easy Viewing Name of Newspaper:

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All persons having any objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 29, 2022 HELEN MARIE BEVARD Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 07-29

ALL ADS LINKED TO ADVERTISERS’ WEBSITES Updated By Every Monday At www.mdcoastdispatch.com

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9th Big Fish Classic Tourney Returns

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SPORTS

July 29, 2022

Berlin Little League Seniors Bow Out In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – It was a great run for the Berlin Little League Senior Division AllStar team, which last week won the Maryland state championship before bowing out of the East Region championship tournament on Monday.

With the state championship in the books, the Berlin Little League Seniors advanced to the East Region championships in Bangor, Maine last week to represent Maryland. Berlin beat New York, 13-7, in its tournament opener, but fell to New Jersey, 9-8, in a close one in its second game.

Berlin then beat Connecticut, 7-3, Rhode Island, 10-5, and finally Pennsylvania, 13-0, last Saturday. The streak

propelled Berlin in the Eastern Region championship, but looming was New Jersey, which had handed Berlin its only loss in the tournament. Berlin would have to be New Jersey twice in order to win the title.

The two teams faced off on Monday at 1 p.m. in the first of two possible games for the championship. New Jersey scored one run in the top of the third and added another in the top of the sixth to take a 2-0 lead. Berlin ran into a buzz saw with the New Jersey pitcher scattering just five hits and allowing no runs.

With the loss to New Jersey in the opener on Monday, a second game was not necessary and New Jersey celebrated its Eastern Region championship. The loss did little to tarnish what was otherwise a great run for the Berlin seniors.

Heels And Reels Returns Next Week

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Before the big boys hit the seas for the 49th White Marlin Open, lady anglers throughout the resort area will have their moment in the sun next weekend with the arrival of the Ocean City Marlin Club’s 14th Annual Heels and Reels Tournament.

The ladies-only tournament gets underway next Thursday with registration and a captain’s meeting, but the real action gets started next Friday with the first of two official fishing days. Captains and teams of anglers must choose to fish one of two days, either Friday or Saturday. The Heels and Reels Tourna-

ment is the club’s only ladies-only event in its summer-long tournament series and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Ocean City Marlin Club’s Bertha Holloway Auxiliary Scholarship Fund.

The Heels and Reels Tournament is largely a billfish release event with points awarded for white and blue marlin, swordfish and sailfish and spearfish releases. There are also heaviest fish categories for tuna including yellowfin, longfin and bigeye as well as dolphin.

Weigh-ins will be held each day at Sunset Marina in West Ocean City from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The tournament will conclude with an awards banquet at the Marlin Club in West Ocean City next Saturday night.

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

– Sunday School Back in Session

Stevenson United Methodist Church

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

– Service Also Livestreamed On Facebook

The Big Fish Classic fishing tournament returns to the historic Talbot Street docks this year. Last year’s tournament was highlighted by a new state record 301-pound swordfish for the crew on the Real One worth over $542,000.

Submitted Photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The 9th annual Big Fish Classic tournament returns to the historic docks at Talbot Street this weekend with plenty of excitement buzzing.

The Big Fish Classic returns for the ninth year this weekend at the docks on Talbot Street, which is essentially the epicenter for Ocean City’s rich fishing history. The tournament is a three-day event that has boats and teams of anglers deciding to fish in one of two 32hour windows.

Some will choose to fish Friday and Saturday, with lines in at 7 a.m. on Friday and lines out at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Others will choose a similar window with lines in at 7 a.m. on Saturday and out at 3 p.m. on Sunday. The scale at Talbot Street will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

As the name implies, the Big Fish Classic is all about bringing the single heaviest fish of any species to the scale at historic Talbot Street. There are also other categories in which boats and

teams of anglers can win prize money, but it’s essentially which boat will bring the single largest fish to the docks during the two 32-hour fishing windows.

Last year, the tournament certainly lived up to its name with a new Maryland state record 301-pound swordfish brought to the scale by the crew on the Real One. The big sword was worth $542,648 in prize money for the Real One captain and crew. All in all last year, there was a record number 110 boats competing and a new tournament record $1.2 million in prize money doled out, exceeding the $1 million in prize money for the first time in the nine-year history of the tournament.

All weekend, the Talbot Street docks between the Angler restaurant and M.R. Ducks will be a festival of fishing, live music, vendors and other amenities. A few new wrinkles for this year include new added entry levels for small boats, a new stringer category for small boats and a new small boat tuna category.

There will be no qualifying sharks weighed during the tournament because of recent changes in the mako fishing regulations.

North OC Theater Confirms Closure

July 29, 2022

OCEAN CITY – Fox Theatres announced this week Sun & Surf Cinema on 143rd Street will close after 50 years of business on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5.

Fox Theatres will continue to operate the Fox Gold Coast Theater located next to the Gold Coast Mall at 113th Street. Gift cards and passes from Sun & Surf will be honored at Fox Gold Coast.

Sun & Surf was built in 1972 as a twin theater (with two screens) by Muriel and Reba Schwartz of Dover, Del. Two additional screens were added in 1974. Fox Theatres acquired the theater in 1980 and added four more screens in 1982, expanding the theater to the eight-plex it is today. In 2015, the theater was extensively renovated, and luxury recliners were installed. The Sun & Surf property was recently acquired by a local hotel developer, according to the press release from Fox Theatres.

“We have so many great memories of the theater, from serving local customers year round to being a vacation saver for a bad beach day,” said Donald Fox, president and CEO of Fox Theatres.

The theater will remain open daily through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5.

Tickets to first run movies and special events are available at foxshowtimes-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Seven years after an extensive renovation, Sun & Surf Cinema will show its last movie on Labor Day. Redevelopment plans are expected to be presented at City Hall in the near future.

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The four-screen Fox Gold Coast Theater will remain open to play first run

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movies and special events, including the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD and Fathom Events beginning this fall. The

theater was fully renovated in 2018 with all new heated luxury recliners and updated restrooms.

…Trades, Agriculture, Tourism and Technology Featured At Camp

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Emery Busko works on a sea-themed ornament in the laser cutting program.

Photos by Charlene Sharpe

July 29, 2022

Instructor Valerie Zienty, right, shows a camp participant how to operate a drone.

FROM PAGE 16 Worcester County Public Schools, as she led the tour.

She said exposing students to the array of STATT pathways out there was just one of the program’s goals. She said it was also a great recruitment tool for Worcester Technical High School, which offers a variety of programs meant to prepare students for both work and post-secondary education. It's also a way to build the local workforce.

“We need to build in our community those careers and keep kids here,” she said.

Mills noted that in most courses, camp participants would be creating items they’d be bringing home – things like cornhole boards, ornaments and videos.

“The act of creation is one of the best tools we can equip our students with,” she said.

As visitors viewed the camp in action Tuesday, instructors – the majority of whom are Worcester Tech teachers – also had the opportunity to talk about the growing popularity of their school year programs. Stephens said that in welding, he was only going to be able to accommodate 20 of the 49 interested students this fall because of space constraints. In forensic science, instructor Mike Levy said he was able to take 30 of the 70 students who’d applied.

When asked if graduates of the school’s programs actually ended up in the local workforce, Levy said that eight of his former students were currently working as public safety aides for the Ocean City Police Department.

“The goal is to push out qualified students who are entry level ready into public safety,” Levy said.

He said Ocean City was a great partner and that the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office was also looking to work with the school.

“We have phenomenal partnerships with our local agencies,” he said.

Greg Padgham, executive director of the Tri-County Council, praised the program and said it was discussed often by the organization.

“We’re very thankful for the opportunity to be involved and what you do,” he said.

Berlin Lioness Club Donates Funds As Final Community Act

July 29, 2022

BERLIN – The Lioness Club of Berlin, a nonprofit organization comprised of local women, has elected not to continue its service to the community.

After 38 years, the club has suffered from lack of volunteers in recent years and the difficult decision has been to disband the organization. A press release said the club, “with much regret elected not to continue. … We have found it very hard to get help needed for the ‘bigger’ events that we have held in the past. A big thank you to all our friends who have supported the club to make donations to family and community groups possible over the years.”

As a final act, the club donated its remaining funds of $11,100 to the following organizations – Diakonia, Berlin and Ocean City Library branches, Berlin and Ocean Pines fire companies, Worcester County Developmental Center, Worcester GOLD, Coastal Hospice, Meals on Wheels, Believe in Tomorrow, Stevenson United Methodist Church’s Spirit Kitchen, Stevenson United Methodist Church’s Restore The Light stained glass effort, Worcester Youth and Family, Berlin Little League, Shirley Grace Pregnancy Center, Ocean City Lions Club, C.R.I.C.K.E.T. Center, Worcester County Humane Society, Glenn Hilliard family, Buckingham Presbyterian Church and Hogs For Heroes.

Free Event Planned For Freeman Arts Pavilion Anniversary

SELBYVILLE – The public is invited to celebrate the Freeman Arts Pavilion’s 15th season with a special night of live music and family friendly fun on Thursday, Aug. 4.

The outdoor performance venue, located in Selbyville, has got extra fun up its sleeves for the Aug. 4 performance by Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience. The free event will also include preshow activities, such a face painting and temporary tattoo stations; yard games; Mardi Gras mask making; treats; a glow parade and more.

Since 1981, the two-time Grammy award-winning artist, Simien, has shattered the myths about what his Zydeco roots music is — and is not. Leading his fivepiece, highly skilled and well-traveled, Zydeco Experience band, Simien has become one of the most respected and accomplished artists in American roots music today.

Well known for his legendary live performances, Simien also helped changed the trajectory of his roots genre by introducing complex vocal harmonies, diverse repertoire and carefully crafted high-quality recordings. He and his bandmates have been featured in TV commercials and a dozen or more films, including the blockbuster “The Big Easy.”

Gates open and activities begin at 5:45 p.m. The performance will start at 7 p.m. To learn more and to register to attend, please visit freemanarts.org.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Members of the Berlin Lioness Club are pictured in February of 2019 at a holiday gathering.

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Submitted Photo

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Who’s Where When BUXY’S SALTY DOG 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 29: DJ Wax Sunday, July 31: DJ BK COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL Oceanfront Castle In The Sand 37th & 38th St. 410-289-6846 Friday, July 29: Darin Engh, Monkee Paw Saturday, July 30: The Everafter, The Bills Sunday, July 31: Shortcut Sunny, Lauren Glick Band Monday, Aug. 1: Nate Clendenen, Smooth Rhythm Tuesday, Aug. 2: Heather Vidal, Full Circle Wednesday, Aug. 3: Jack Bannon, Heather Vidal Trio Thursday, Aug. 4: Shortcut Sunny, Chris Diller Duo COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 29: Park Avenue Saturday, July 30: Jim Long Wednesdays: DJ Wax

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 29, 2022

Best Beats

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, July 29

On The Beach BEATS BY WAX Buxy’s: Friday, July 29 Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Coins Pub: Wednesdays

DJ BK Greene Turtle West: Saturday, July 30 Buxy’s Salty Dog: Sundays

ON THE EDGE OC Fontainebleu Resort: Friday, July 29, Tuesday-Thursday Aug. 2-4

SEAN LOOMIS OC Eateries: Friday, July 29 Pier 23: Thursday, Aug. 4

CORK BAR Sunday, July 31: Bilenki Duo

JIM LONG BAND Coin’s Pub: Saturdays

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Sunday, July 31: Jack & T Tuesday, Aug. 2: Rick Walton Wednesday, Aug. 3: Kevin Poole CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, July 29: Chest Pains Saturday, July 30: DJ Willdabeast Sundays: Karaoke W/DJ Rut Thursdays: DJ DeoGee

KEVIN POOLE Crabcake Factory Bayside Wednesday, Aug. 3

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, July 29: DJ RobCee, It’s All Good, The Loop Saturday, July 30: DJ DNial, It’s All Good, The Loop Sunday, July 31: DJ Willoughby, Fizz, 70’s Flashback ( 70’s Tribute) Monday, Aug. 1: DJ Hector, 70’s Flashback,Hit Parade Tuesday, Aug. 2: DJ Hector Thursday, Aug. 4: DJ Groove, Sons Of Pirates, The Rogue Citizens GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Rt. 611, West O.C. Saturday, July 30: DJ BK Sundays: Karaoke w/ DJ Jeremy

DJ PAPI ROISTEROUS Lookout Lounge: Sundays Purple Moose: Wednesdays

DJ DEOGEE Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays & Wednesdays Crawl St. Tavern: Thursdays

CHEST PAINS Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, July 29

HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, July 30: Rogue Citizens, DJ Jeremy Sunday, July 31: Pickin’ Party, DJ Billy T Thursdays: DJ Billy T OC EATERIES 443-252-3700 12849 Ocean Gateway Rte. 50 West OC Friday, July 29: Sean Loomis Saturday, July 30: Kasey Briggs Thursday, Aug. 4: Sean Kemmerer, DJ Karaoke

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday, Sunday &Thursday

VERTIGO RED Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, July 29 & 30

KAROAKE W/JEREMY Harborside: Saturdays Greene Turtle West: Sundays

DJ GROOVE Fager’s Island: Thursday, Aug. 4

NATE CLENDENEN Coconuts Beach Bar: Monday, Aug. 1

70’S FLASH BACK Fager’s Island: Sunday, July 31 & Monday, Aug. 1

July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Who’s Where When

THE BURNSIDERS Seacrets: Friday-Tuesday, July 29-Aug. 2

HARBOR BOYS Pickles Pub: Saturday, July 30

HOMETOWN STRANGERS OP Yacht Club: Sunday, July 31

PARK AVENUE Colins Pub: Friday, July 29

WALK OF SHAME OC Fontainebleu Resort: Sunday, July 31

SMOOTH RHYTHM Coconuts Beach Bar: Monday, Aug. 1

BILENKI DUO Pier 23: Saturday, July 30 Cork Bar: Sunday, July 31

JACK & T Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sunday, July 31

HIGH VOLTAGE (AC/DC TRIBUTE) Purple Moose: Thursday, Aug. 4

PICKIN’ PARTY Harborside: Sunday, July 31

OC FONTAINEBLEU RESORT 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The OC Friday, July 29: On The Edge, Movin’ & Groovin’ Saturday, July 30: Brian McConnell, Jon Pheasant, Rachi Sunday, July 31: Walk Of Shame, Lime Green Band Monday, Aug. 1: Brian McConnell Tuesday-Thursday, Aug. 2-4: On The Edge OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 410-641-7501 1 Mumford’s Landing Road, OP Friday, July 29: Janglebachs Saturday, July 30: Weird Science Sunday, July 31: Hometown Strangers Thursday, Aug. 4: Zander Jett PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By Deogee Saturday, July 30: Harbor Boys Sundays: Beats By Deogee Mondays: Karaoke with Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee Thursdays: Beats By Wax PIER 23 410-289-3323 12817 Harbor Rd., West OC Friday, July 29: Margot & Company Saturday, July 30: The Bilenki Duo Sunday: July 31: Kaleb Brown & Chino Rankin Wednesday, Aug. 3: Rymac & AJ Thursday, Aug. 4: Sean Loomis PURPLE MOOSE SALOON Between Talbot & Caroline Sts. On The Boardwalk 410-289-6953 Friday & Saturday, July 29 & 30: Vertigo Red Monday Aug. 1: Dust N Bones Saturdays, Sunday, July 31 & Tuesday, Aug. 2: DJ Adam Dutch Wednesdays: DJ Papi Roisterous Thursday, Aug. 4: High Voltage (AC/DC Tribute) SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 29: DJ Bobby O, The Malones, The Burnsiders, Crash The Party DJ Tuff, DJ Davie Saturday, July 30: DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, DJ Cruz, Turn The Tide, The Burnsiders, The Event Horizon, The Benderz Sunday, July 31: DJ Davie, DJ Tuff, DJ Bobby O, Triple Rail Turn, The Burnsiders, Amish Outlaws Monday, Aug. 1: DJ Davie, DJ Bobby O, Full Circle, DJ Tuff, The Burnsiders, The Wayouts Tuesday, Aug. 2: DJ Davie, DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, Opposite Directions, The Burnsiders, Turning The Tide Wednesday, Aug. 3: DJ Davie, DJ Cruz, DJ Bobby O, Full Circle Duo, Pasadena, New Direction, Kono Nation Thursday, Aug. 4: DJ Cruz, DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, John McNutt Band, New Direction, GoGo Gadjet

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Every Sunday: Berlin Farmers Market From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., several streets will be closed to allow producers to display their goods. Live music from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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 443-880-8444.

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 410-629-9383 or Carol 302242-7062.

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. 410289-4725.

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

Every Wednesday: Bingo Elks Lodge 2645, corner of Sinepuxent Avenue and 138th Street in Ocean City. Has bingo all year. Doors open 4:30 p.m. with first game sharply at 6:30 p.m. Kitchen open for light fare. 410250-2645.

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

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

July 29: Fan Club Meeting

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do A Sam Heughan (star of the Outlander series) Fan Club for senior citizens is forming in Ocean Pines with the first meeting at the Ocean Pines Library at 2 p.m. The agenda includes lots of laughter; discussing the show; book discussions; and supporting his many philanthropic activities. Contact is Jeannette Rembach, 410-208-3359 (landline), or email frembach@mchsi.com.

July 30: OP Farmers Market Amberlina's Adventures will return to the Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market Kid’s Market Zone at 11 a.m.

The Kids Market Zone is at the corner of the Artisan Plaza and the Crafters Alley, just behind the Pine'eer Craft Shop. Amberlina will entertain children with music, singing, storytelling, and a fun cavalcade of puppet friends. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket.

Starting at 9 a.m., the Marketplace Model Horse Show will return. Model horse showing is a hobby built around the collection of scale model horses, with a focus of honoring horse show industry standards, as well as the artistic merit of the plastic miniatures.

Aug. 6: Berlin Peach Festival The 14th Annual Berlin Peach Festival will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the grounds of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum. Admission is free.

Attendees can stroll among the displays, demonstrations, and sales and information tables. New this year will be cooking demonstrations by chef Phil Cropper. There will be juicy peaches for sale from a variety of Mid-Atlantic growers and many food vendors serving up delicious local specialties. The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum will be open for tours of the historic 1832 house, featuring the new Charles Albert Tindley and Briddelltown displays upstairs. The museum also will have sales and membership information booths on the lawn. 410-641-1019 or email info@taylorhousemuseum.org.

Aug. 6: Safe Boating Course The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a one-day Maryland Safe Boating

Course from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. A Safe Boating Certificate is required for all boat operators born after July 1, 1972 and is awarded after successful completion of the course. The class includes piloting in local waters, tying nautical knots, foul weather tactics, legal issues, updated Maryland regulations, and common marine maintenance. Cost is $20. Register or get more information by calling Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807, or Email: CGAUXOC@Gmail.com.

Aug. 13: Club Meeting The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Library. Local boating columnist Dan Collins will be the guest speaker. He is an avid photographer with over 100 photos appearing in the various local newspapers, a coxswain in the USCG Auxiliary, and the author of two novels of the Tom Clancy genre. All welcome.

Aug. 13: Recreation Event Just Try It offers children an opportunity to try a new sport without having to commit to an entire season. At this Wicomico Recreation & Parks event, youth will have the chance to learn the fundamentals of a sport from representatives of select local youth sport organizations. This free event is set to take place at Wicomico County Stadium from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and is sponsored by the Wicomico Friends of Recreation and Parks. The following sports and organizations will be a part of Just Try It: Fall Sports: Soccer, taught by Sharptown Rec & Parks Commission; Flag football, taught by Wicomico Youth Flag Football; Track & field, taught by Eastern Shore Stallions; and field hockey, taught by Shore Byrds Field Hockey.

Each organization will be running short clinics throughout the event to introduce multiple aspects of the sports.

Participants must be between 3-11 years old. Music, free shaved ice, information about Wicomico Recreation and Parks’ scholarship opportunities and staff from all involved organizations will be on site.

Aug. 27: Furnace Town Bike Ride

July 29, 2022 The 12th Annual Iron Furnace Fifty Bike Ride at Furnace Town Historic Site, 3816 Old Furnace Rd., Snow Hill.

Check in at Furnace Town from 7-9 a.m. Pre-registration required. Go to https://www.ironfurnacefifty.org/ for more information. 410-632-2032.

Sept. 3: Free Movie Night From 7:30-9:30 p.m. Briddell Familly Foundation, Ocean 98, Transform Your World LLC, Flagship Cinemas and Pepsi are sponsoring a free Back To School Movie Night in Henry Park.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Hosted by Hustle Hard Radio, DJ Rob Little and DJ Tony Vibez.

Sept. 22: Fashion Show Luncheon The Republican Women of Worcester County announce the 13th Annual Patriot Day Fashion Show Luncheon at The Grand Hotel in Ocean City. The event’s theme is "Honoring Local Women Who Have Served in the Armed Forces”. Fashions will be presented by Bruder Hill of Berlin. All are welcome. www.gopwomenofworcester.org. Merilee Horvat, 443-614-9386.

Sept. 24-25: Renaissance Faire From 10 a.m.-6 p.m., the 2nd Annual Renaissance Faire at Furnace Town Historic Site, 3816 Old Furnace Rd., Snow Hill. Cost is $15/adult, $10/children ages 5-14. www.furnacetown.org.

Oct. 1: 5K Run/Walk The Wor-Wic Community College Foundation is sponsoring a 5K Run/Walk, along with the 2022 Law Enforcement Team Cup Challenge, at 9 a.m., at the college campus on the corner of Route 50 and Walston Switch Road in Salisbury. Check-in and registration begin at 8 a.m. The entry fee is $25 per person, or $35 per person after Sept. 28. Proceeds will benefit the students of Wor-Wic. For more information or a registration form, visit the college website at www.worwic.edu or call 410-334-2807.

October 22: Furnace Town Halloween From 4-8 p.m., Halloween in the Forest at Furnace Town Historic Site, 3816 Old Furnace Rd., Snow Hill.

Spooktacular games, music and trickor-treating. Cost is $5/person. www.furnacetown.org.

Long-Time OCPD Captain Austin Retiring After 31 Years

July 29, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The experience drain at the top of the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) continued this week with the announcement of the retirement of another captain after 31 years of service, but the department’s ranks are deep and there are able replacements ready to step into the breach.

When OCPD Captain Elton Harmon was tapped earlier this month for the new deputy city manager position, it was known then he would be retiring from the department. However, what was not known was OCPD Captain Ray Austin would be soon following him out the door after 31 years with the department. Combined, losing the two captains to retirement represents 57 years of experience at the top.

Austin will officially retire on July 31.

He began his career as a seasonal officer in 1991 and was hired as a full-time police officer in 1994. He is currently captain of the Criminal Investigation Division, which is responsible for the management of the Major Crimes Investigation section, the Narcotics and Vice Section, Special Enforcement Unit, Intelligence Unit and the Forensic Services Unit.

During his tenure with the OCPD, Austin has served as the patrol division assistant commander as a lieutenant, the Criminal Investigation Division as-

OBITUARY Rhonda Ann Gaunt OCEAN CITY – Rhonda Ann Gaunt, 65, of Ocean City, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Atlantic Shore Rehabilitation and Health Center.

Born March 28, 1957 in Annapolis she was the daughter of Ronald Gordon, Sr. and Gertrude Sweeney.

Rhonda worked as a cab driver in Ocean City for many years. She was a loving mother and her grandkids were her heart. She is survived by her son, Richard Gaunt, Jr., and his father, Richard Gaunt, Sr.; three grandchildren, Lisa Fisher and her husband Austin, Richard Gaunt, III, and Earl RHONDA ANN GAUNT Gaunt and their mother, Barbara Gaunt; brother, Ronald Gordon; sisters, Patricia Kennimer; sisterin-law, Patricia Crossland and her husband Robert; her companion, Richard Crossland and his wife, Florence and their son, Mason; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Richard and Florence’s daughter, Maycel Crossland.

Rhonda wishes were to not have a service. Visit www.boundsfuneralhome.com to share stories and memories with the family.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

sistant commander as a lieutenant, a patrol sergeant and a sergeant assigned to narcotics and vice.

Austin continued his education as he rose through the ranks in the OCPD. In 2013, he graduated from the 254th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy, an elite law enforcement leadership academy. He dedicated 20 years of his service as a member and eventually the commander of the Crisis Negotiation Team. Austin was certified as a traffic collision reconstructionist and a police instructor during his tenure.

Austin assumed leadership in several key operations for the department over the years. He initiated and supervised a two-year undercover taxi operation, a covert drug distribution investigation that culminated in grand jury indictments

for 34 suspects, resulting in 119 total counts including 91 drug distribution charges, and 28 conspiracy to distribute drug charges. Another noteworthy accomplishment during his career was serving as a police officer and witness in a case that established Maryland case law about extra-jurisdictional authority and fresh pursuit in 2002.

“It has been my distinct honor to serve alongside Captain Austin,” said OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro this week. “Cap- RAY AUSTIN tain Austin has demonstrated true leadership abilities. In his role, whether colleague, manager or mentor, Ray always gives 110%. By his efforts, the OCPD has benefited greatly in its quest to serve the community in the greatest

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way possible. We salute him and wish him the very best in all future endeavors.”

After retirement, Austin plans to enjoy some time off and attend law school. He will also be returning to the OCPD as a reserve police officer as well.

“To all my current and previous coworkers, it has been an honor to serve with you,” he said. “The respected, trusted and cooperative relationships established throughout the years with not only police department employees, but with all town employees, will not be forgotten. To the Mayor and City Council, thank you for your continued support of law enforcement and public safety and for providing me with the opportunity for such a successful career with the town of Ocean City and the Ocean City Police Department.”

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July 29, 2022

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Organizations See Influx Of Kittens

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 29, 2022

Animal welfare groups, including Community Cats Coalition, are working to increase awareness of spay and neuter programs after reporting an increase in the number of unwanted kittens.

Submitted Photo

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Animal welfare groups are urging pet owners to get their cats spayed and neutered as they struggle to find homes for growing numbers of unwanted kittens.

Officials with the Worcester County Humane Society and volunteers with groups like Community Cats Coalition want to stress the importance of spaying and neutering cats this summer as they see more and more homeless kittens.

“There doesn’t seem to be any end in sight,” said Jessica Summers, manager of the Worcester County Humane Society.

“The phone keeps ringing.”

According to Summers, the humane society sees an influx of kittens every summer in July, August and September.

Last fall, however, kittens were still coming in at Thanksgiving and this spring, kittens started coming in earlier than usual.

As of this point, the humane society has already taken in 124 kittens. Summers expects that number to double by the end of the year.

Summers attributes at least part of the increase to COVID-19, as during the height of the pandemic spay and neuter clinics weren’t held. Furthermore, a shortage of veterinarians means it takes longer

to get appointments.

As a result, Summers said a lot of the kittens the humane society has taken in this year haven’t been strays but have instead come from homes with female cats that were never spayed. In other cases, the humane society has helped with litters of kittens dropped off at farms and along rural roads.

“It never ceases to amaze me,” she said.

Cognizant of the kitten issue, Susan Coleman, director of Community Cats Coalition, is working to increase local awareness. She wants people to understand the issue and make them aware of the nonprofits in the areas, such as Community Cats Coalition, that are available to help. Community Cats Coalition works with Forgotten Cats of Delaware to spay and neuter felines. According to Coleman, Forgotten Cats, which provides traps and a van to transport cats to a clinic in Philadelphia, has a grant that covers the cost of fixing outside cats. She said there are three clinics a week that spay and neuter 60 to 90 cats per clinic.

“If people don’t know we’re here to help, it’s not going to work,” Coleman said. “The word has to get out.”

Those who want more information should visit www.communitycatscoalition.com or www.forgottencats.org.

Search Continues For Administrator

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Mayor Zack Tyndall said this week progress was being made in the search for a town administrator.

Following the departure of Jeff Fleetwood in April, town officials appointed Mary Bohlen, then deputy town administrator, as acting town administrator. She remains in that role today.

When questioned about the search for a town administrator at the end of Monday’s council meeting, Tyndall had little to say.

“We’re making progress,” he said.

“We’re working through that process internally. When we have either a job description to put forward or an individual to put forward, we will do so. At this time we’re working with our acting town administrator. That’s where we stand.”

Fleetwood, who served as town administrator for three years, retired in April and within a couple months was hired to

lead the Town of Delmar. Since his departure, Bohlen has taken on the role of acting town administrator. While council members provided input for a job description for town administrator, the position has not been advertised. When asked if she had agreed to serve in the position temporarily or whether she’d consider doing it permanently, Bohlen indicated it was a personnel issue.

“I did agree to serve in the interim, beyond that, as a personnel issue I wouldn't be able to say anything beyond what the mayor said Monday,” Bohlen said.

When asked for additional information this week, Tyndall said he’d share it when it became available.

“It’s my understanding you have talked to Mary today,” he said. “Outside of the information she has given you and the information I provided at the meeting, that’s all I can say right now. When more information becomes available, I will let you and the public know.”

… Knupp Family Thanks Investigators For ‘Untiring Efforts’

July 29, 2022

FROM PAGE 4 ean Reef community. The vehicle, which reportedly matched the suspected damages sustained in the collision, was towed to the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack for further processing.

The press release stated, “Maryland State Police continue the search for the individual operating the Mercedes at the time of the incident. Anyone who witnessed this crash, or who may have information about the operator of the suspected vehicle, is urged to contact Maryland State Police Corporal Kevin Moore of the Maryland State Police Crash Team at 410-819-4721. The investigation continues…” No other information or updates have been provided on the case.

Though unconfirmed through official channels, details are beginning to come into focus on the incident and subsequent investigation. Police have identified a 21-year-old local man as a suspect of interest in the collision, and sources maintain he was the driver who left the Ocean Pines Yacht Club in a black 2011 Mercedes the night of the fatal collision. Conflicting reports have been provided to the newspaper on the suspect’s whereabouts, but as of July 18 police did not know his location, according to the MSP press release. Until police officially release more information and the filing of charges, The Dispatch will not identify the suspected motorist.

State’s Attorney Kris Heiser said last

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

About 500 surfers paddled out last Saturday afternoon to form a memorial circle and remember the 14-year-old resident killed in a hit-and-run collision near Ocean Pines.

Photo by Campos Media

week her office could not comment on the situation, reporting the MSP Investigation Crash Team is handling the probe at this point. Once the investigation is complete, potential charges can then be considered. Similar, but not identical, collisions in the past have resulted in negligent manslaughter by a motor vehicle

charge being filed. The hit-and-run element of this case would likely lead to additional charges.

Knupp is the son of Raymond Knupp of Salisbury and Tiffany Knupp (Frye) of Ocean Pines. According to his obituary from Holloway Funeral Home, the teen, “was an outdoor enthusiast. He loved

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hunting, fishing, surfing and skateboarding. Above everything else he loved his sister, Summer. They were two peas in a pod, always inseparable and he looked at her as his hero. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his ability to light up a room and his exceptional character. He made friends everywhere he went and will be missed by everyone who knew him. Everyone who had the honor of knowing Gavin is better for doing so.”

Memorial donations may be made to the GoFundMe page established in Gavin’s name found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gavinknupp?qid=0ca87fa e7794242370d068fda0a87662 As of Thursday at noon, the page had raised about $49,000 to help the family.

According to the GoFundMe page, the dollars will be used, “to honor Gavin in a way that shows how much he was loved and cherished by so many! Any additional funds will allow the family to get the support they need with such an untimely passing as well as time to celebrate his life as a family. They also hope to honor Gavin’s short but impactful life by donating a portion of the donations to Surfer’s Healing which would have meant so much to him! As we start to move forward and seek the counseling the family needs, please feel free to contribute or add special memories you have of how your life was impacted by this special soul.”

OC Mayor Suggests Staggering Planning Comm. Terms

Page 78

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The reworking of the resort’s planning commission makeup continued this week with a recommendation for staggering terms from the mayor.

During Tuesday’s work session, Mayor Rick Meehan put forth a recommendation to stagger the terms for the seven appointed members of the Planning Commission. The seven-member commission reviews site plans for projects, makes recommendations on amendments to the town’s code and acts as the hearing body for the Mayor and Council among other things.

For several years, the makeup of the

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

seven-member commission remained largely unchanged starting with commission chair Pam Buckley, who has served in her spot at the dais for decades. In recent months, however, there has been a decided shift on the commission. Buckley remains firmly in place in the chairperson’s seat, although she has hinted in recent meetings she may step down after about 30 years, but new faces have been added as others have stepped down.

To that end, Mayor Rick Meehan on Tuesday presented a plan to stagger the five-year terms for the appointed planning commissioners in order to avoid a significant turnover at one time. It’s a plan similar to the way the council seats are staggered for re-election.

“All of the members were appointed that were going to be reappointed,” he said. “My presentation is to stagger the terms on the planning commission, although they are all five-year terms. I would like to reappoint some of them to three-year terms, which will allow us to stagger the terms for the appointed members of the planning commission.”

Meehan said the makeup of the planning commission will remain consistent after one potential candidate scheduled for an interview during the closed session prior to Tuesday’s work session had to be postponed.

“We did have one individual we were going to discuss today, but he wasn’t available to interview with the Mayor and

July 29, 2022

Council because of COVID,” he said.

“That name has been removed from discussion, at least for today.”

As a result, Meehan’s proposal was for three of the planning commissioners to be appointed to three-year terms with the other four members serving five-year terms. Those appointed to three-year terms will be converted to five-year terms in 2025. As a result, Buckley, who was reappointed in February, will serve a fiveyear term, as will recent appointees Maryellen Rosenblit and Kevin Rohe. Existing planning commissioners Joel Brous and Palmer Gillis will be reappointed to threeyear terms, while sitting commissioner Joe Wilson will be appointed to a five-year term.

Harmon Retires From OCPD For New City Hall Position

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – It was a farewell and a welcoming of sorts on Tuesday when retiring Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Captain Elton “JR” Harmon was feted with a special ceremony at City Hall.

Harmon will officially retire from the OCPD next week after 26 years, but his departure from the department only closes one chapter of his service to the Town of Ocean City and opens another door. Two weeks ago, City Manager Terry McGean presented Harmon as the chosen candidate for the newly-created deputy city manager position, and the council unanimously approved the position.

On Tuesday, Harmon was feted with a proclamation and a key to the city, closing the law enforcement chapter of his service to the town. After a brief respite, he will start wearing his new hat as deputy city manager in September. Harmon’s ceremony was one of two on Tuesday, including a longtime recreation and parks department employee. Mayor Rick Meehan praised Harmon for his decades of service to the town.

“It’s sad to see such important employees of the Town of Ocean City move on,” he said. “We want to congratulate you on 26 years of service to the town.

You have played an important role in our police department and rose to the rank of captain.”

Meehan said Harmon, who has served in various divisions and capacities over the years while rising through the ranks to the level of captain, has been instrumental in the town’s planning for several special events, including the rather notorious pop-up motor vehicle event each September.

“He is the one who put together the plan in place to address the pop-up event for the last five or six years and it has really made a difference,” he said.

“He’s done that on numerous occasions and really stepped up.”

Meehan said while losing Harmon as a police captain was bittersweet, gaining him as the new deputy city manager softened the blow.

Captain Elton “JR” Harmon’s 26-year career with the Ocean City Police Department was recognized by the Ocean City Mayor and Council this week.

Submitted Photo

“Terry made a great recommendation to appoint you as the deputy city manager,” he said. “Not only do you have 26 years of law enforcement experience, but I know you’re going to be a great asset moving forward.”

Harmon joined the OCPD as a seasonal officer in 1996 and was part of the first class of seasonal officers to be trained in bicycle patrol in 1997. He became a fulltime officer in 1997 and has since served the department in several capacities including patrol sergeant, acting patrol lieutenant, assistant commander for the support services division, special projects and community services lieutenant, assistant commander of the criminal investigation division, and most recently, captain of the patrol division. Harmon has also served as defensive tactics unit coordinator, departmental armorer and as a 20-year veteran of the OCPD’s quick response team.

OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro thanked his friend and colleague for his years of law enforcement service to the town.

“We congratulate you on a job well done,” he said. “You have always given

110%. We started working together about 10 years ago and we hit it off right away.

I recognized his talents and abilities and there was an opportunity to elevate him to captain.”

Buzzuro said Harmon helped shepherd the OCPD through recent challenging times.

“Everyone knows the last few years have been very, very tumultuous for a number of reasons,” he said. “It’s not just because of the pandemic, but for law enforcement in general. We’re starting to see light at the end of the tunnel here and a lot of that is part and parcel because of him and his leadership.”

The chief explained Harmon’s day in and day out leadership style with the department, qualities that will serve him well in his new position with the city.

“To give you an idea of his style and leadership abilities, he makes sure all of the pieces are in place and everybody is doing what they are supposed to be doing,” he said. “His work ethic is getting the job done and finding solutions, and he has made Ocean City a better place

for all of us to live and prosper.”

A somewhat emotional and humble Harmon thanked his colleagues in the department over the years and had high praise for his hometown.

“When I actually sit here and think about it, for 26 years it has been the people I’ve worked with,” he said. “I can’t thank the people enough for the opportunity to do some of the things we’ve done here. For me, this is the numberone municipality in the state, and I will argue that with anyone.”

Buzzuro said Harmon’s many talents and abilities make him a perfect fit for the new deputy city manager position.

“For more than a quarter century, Captain Harmon has served the Ocean City community in an exemplary manner,” he said. “His unwavering passion and commitment have greatly contributed to the progress and many advancements within the OCPD, as well as the vibrancy and thriving nature of our community. We wish him all the best as he embarks on the next journey within his professional career.”

Association Officials Discuss Plans For South Station July 29, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN PINES – Association officials say more work will need to be completed to consider a referendum on funding for the fire department’s South Station improvement project.

As officials look to hold a referendum on the renovation of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) South Station, the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors voted unanimously on Wednesday to gather the required information and complete the necessary activities outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two entities.

“The purpose and effect of this is to define the information and activities that must be completed and submitted to the board for it to vote on a motion to initiate a referendum to address the anticipated shortfall in funds necessary to renovate the south fire station,” said Director Frank Daly, who introduced the motion.

Last month, OPVFD leaders held a town hall meeting to discuss proposed South Station renovations, and the funding needed to make the project a reality.

As officials look to bring the decades-old facility into compliance with standards set by the National Fire Protection Association, Americans with Disabilities Act and local building codes, they told com-

munity members they are proposing an extensive renovation that calls for a demolition of its living and administrative quarters and the addition of a two-story building, as well as a new bay.

“This is not the Taj Mahal,” OPVFD President Dave VanGasbeck said at the time. “We’ve worked very hard to get this down to what we believe to be the bare minimum that complies with all the requirements at this given point in time.”

Preparations for a renovation project at the South Station began last year, when the department contracted with Manns Woodward Studios to complete a feasibility study. Of the options presented to the department, officials opted for an extensive renovation with a price tag of $8.6 million.

OPVFD officials say state contributions totaling $1.6 million and department reserve funding in the amount of $1 million will go toward South Station improvements. The department is also seeking the community’s support to fund the remaining $6 million, which would result in an assessment increase of $42 a year.

“The next step would be for the board to approve a referendum to begin that process …,” VanGasbeck said last month.

On the agenda for discussion this week, Daly noted that before a referendum could be considered, the associa-

FROM PAGE 10 profit that’s been raising money for a skate park, said the inclusive playground wasn’t suggested by the parks commission but was brought to them by the mayor. He added that a skate park feasibility study had already been completed

by Salisbury University’s BEACON program.

“We’ve raised nearly $30,000,” Weeg said. “We’ve done a feasibility study I have sent to the parks commission. I expect that to bubble up to mayor and council.”

He said at this point elected officials simply needed to officially decide on a skate park location so the nonprofit could continue to apply for grants.

“It’s no secret that I think the space behind the basketball courts at Henry Park would be a fantastic place for a skate park…,” he said. “At this point, new funding, grant funding—bigger funding sources—are waiting for this body to decide where we should put the park… I’d really love to see some of this funding come as well from the town instead of it just being private stuff.”

Tyndall said elected officials relied on the parks commission to provide input on issues related to parks and that its members should make a location recommendation. He added that he was the one who’d directed Weeg to BEACON. “I don’t know where you stand on study of a site,” he said.

Weeg said he’d been pushing the Henry Park location for a year and had

spoken to engineers and stormwater experts about it.

“Your first step is the parks commission,” Tyndall said.

Burrell asked if the town had the information and specifications for the inclusive playground that would be needed for grant applications. Tyndall said the town had what was needed to create a successful application.

“The idea of what an inclusive playground could look like was modeled in the parks commission agenda,” he said.

“It’s purely an example. Because of the size and scope of the project we’d have to go through the RFP (request for proposal) process.”

He said the playground would replace the existing park equipment and would be geared toward kids ages 5-12.

“The old equipment would need to go,” Tyndall said. “You’ll recall that we had the equipment inventoried and assessed. It’s reaching the end of its useful life. The report we had showed some age on our equipment. It’s still in usable condition, it’s still safe, but we need to start looking at reinvesting in that equipment.”

Burrell maintained that he’d like to hear directly from parks commission members regarding their priorities. Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols agreed and said that even if the playground specifications were conceptual she’d like to see them.

The council voted unanimously to table approval of the development plan until a future meeting.

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

… Parks Commission Input Sought

Page 79

tion and fire department would have to define the information and activities required before the board could consider a motion for referendum.

He pointed out that the existing MOU excluded the South Station and OPA excluded funding for South Station improvements.

“Out of almost 8,500 homeowners, some of these homeowners don’t understand the fire department is completely independent of the Ocean Pines Association …,” he said. “We do have a memorandum of understanding between the association and the fire department on how Ocean Pines Association can supply funding to them. That memorandum of understanding was last revised with a supplement in 2013. The most important part of it is that the south fire station was specifically excluded from construction and renovation.

He continued, “It basically said that to address any construction and renovation at the south fire station, there would be a joint capital campaign between the fire department and association to raise funds for such construction.”

Daly added that association would need to work through specifics related to costs, funding and ownership.

“For us to go to referendum we need to frame a specific question to put in front of all homeowners in a yes-or-no format,” he explained. “To do that, there are some things we need to know that right now we don’t know … Until we get that information, we are not prepared to go to referendum.”

After further discussion, the board voted unanimously to move forward in completing the steps required for a referendum motion to be considered.

“The fire department protects our lives and our property, so as a board it’s our responsibility to make sure all of our first responders have the best training, best equipment and the best facilities we can supply …,” Daly said. “When we are supplying that training, that equipment and those facilities, we also have to do so in manner that is most cost effective … That’s simply what this motion is try-

ing to do.”

Daly noted the process of constructing the South Station would be no different than that of other association buildings. Director Doug Parks, however, questioned the timeline for using state funds.

“Is there an expiration date on the money committed by the state?” he said. “I think we need to keep that in our sphere of consciousness as we go through this process.”

Daly said that the association must use the funds within three years.

“We are aware of it,” he replied.

The board this week also voted unanimously to direct the general manager to authorize and oversee staff in providing technical assistance to the OPVFD as it prepares requests for proposals to secure at least three bids for fundraising, and to form a workgroup to evaluate and select a fundraising professional for an OPVFD/OPA capital fundraising effort required for the South Station renovation.

When asked how the workgroup would be formed, General Manager John Viola noted that the OPVFD president would be responsible for selecting members.

“Ocean Pines will supply the technical support he needs, whether that’s communication or IT or something like that,” he added.

In his report this week, Viola noted he has recruited a team of experts to gather information on the South Station construction project.

“We’re in a pre-preliminary planning stage, and that’s still evolving,” he said.

Viola added that the team consisted of representatives of the OPVFD, finance, public works and administration.

The group, he noted, would review highlevel drawings of the South Station renovation, reach out to contractors and gather information to questions from the community.

“Again, nothing is final,” he said.

“We’re just trying to get as many answers to these questions as this evolves.”

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

seen by Ocean City EMS and refused further medical treatment.

During the investigation, the victim reportedly told officers he had invited the three suspects over to his residence.

There was then an altercation between the suspects and the victim, which led to the victim being struck in the head with a pistol, according to police reports.

During the struggle, a shot was fired inside the unit. The suspects reportedly stole some of the victim’s personal property before leaving the residence.

The OCPD Criminal Investigation Division was still investigating the incident as of mid-week.

Shot Fired In North OC Assault

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort police this week continued to investigate a reported assault at an uptown residence during which a shot was fired from a handgun.

Shortly after 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a call for a possible shooting in the area of 144th Street.

Upon arrival, OCPD officers located a victim who was suffering from a head injury, but not a gunshot wound as originally reported by the 911 caller, according to police reports. The victim was

Grant Funds Approved For Two Coastal Bays Projects

Page 80

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – The local Maryland Coastal Bays Program this week learned it will be receiving grant funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for two significant climate resiliency projects in Worcester County.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced on Wednesday the award of over $2 million in grants to 12 climate resiliency projects around the state. The Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) applied for and will receive grant funding through the program for two of the 12 total projects awarded around the state – one in the north end near Ocean Pines, and one in the south end near Stockton.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The projects on the approved list for grant funding for the design and permitting phase will help communities prepare for and recover from climate-related impacts. The competitive grants are designed to help coastal communities plan and design solutions to withstand flooding and weather-related events.

For the MCBP in Worcester County, grant funding is being made available for two projects which qualify in terms of the intent. One is the restoration of Jenkins Point near Ocean Pines and other waterfront communities in the area of the Route 90 bridge, which has deteriorated in recent years. MCBP’s Steve Farr explained the intent of the project this week.

“It’s just south of the Route 90 bridge,” he said. “It’s a historic peninsula which

has now basically become just two very small islands because of erosion and climate change. The plan is to restore the peninsula and protect the shoreline in Ocean Pines from storm erosion. It’s a pretty historic area that needs preserving.”

The Jenkins Point restoration project seeks to enhance resiliency for the Ocean Pines and Osprey Point residential communities and adjacent recreational and community facilities. The concept is to design and plan for the natural and nature-based infrastructure of Jenkins Point to strengthen the natural infrastructure to protect those shoreline communities from the adverse impacts of climate change, including the frequency and intensity of coastal storms.

Once an unbroken peninsula, Jenk-

July 29, 2022

ins Point is now a fragmented peninsula including two small islands. Once it is restored to its original state, Jenkins Point has the potential to protect substantial residential properties and community infrastructure in those areas filled with residential development and recreational amenities.

Farr said the grant received this week will help cover the design and permitting phase of the project, and construction will begin when additional funding becomes available. He acknowledged the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) has contributed $10,000 to the project.

The second project for which funding was approved this week is on the south end of Worcester County at Swans Gut Creek at Big Millpond near Stockton.

That project essentially has two goals aimed at preservation and conservation.

The project includes opening a fivemile section of Swans Gut for freshwater spawning habitat for anadromous fish species that has been unavailable. Anadromous fish are predominantly saltwater species that come into freshwater streams and creeks to spawn.

The intent of the project is to open a fish passageway through the Swans Gut currently blocked for spawning fish of various species by the Big Millpond Dam near Stockton in the south end of the county. There is a highly successful precedent with a similar project completed a few years ago in Bishopville, which has achieved the desired goals for the most part.

The second goal of the Swans Gut tidal fish recovery project at Big Millpond is to protect the transportation infrastructure, including the road and bridge, during significant storm events.

Farr said the roadway and bridge over Big Millpond have deteriorated over the many years and have become impassable at different times over the years.

Because of their advanced age, millpond dams are subject to breaching, causing road damage and cutting off transportation routes. For example, the road and bridge over Big Millpond were washed away during a storm in October 2016 when a large portion of dislodged marsh became lodged in the box culvert under the bridge. The obstruction caused the water to rise, which then undercut the roadway during a heavy rain event.

“The second goal of this project is to protect the transportation infrastructure,” Farr said. “When the roadway and bridge at Big Millpond were washed away in the storm in 2016, they were closed for months before being repaired.”

The grant received this week from the state will help achieve the two stated goals for the project.

The project is also receiving a $225,000 grant from Restore America’s Estuaries program, and the MCBP is also applying for an additional $900,000 from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the recently passed bipartisan infrastructure law funding.

July 29, 2022

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

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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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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Family’s Poise Sets Community Example How We See It

It’s tough to be patient, but it’s needed with the investigation into the death of Gavin Knupp, a 14-year-old Ocean Pines resident who was killed on Grays Corner Road in a heinous hit-and-run collision. We need to look no further for an example of poise and perspective to follow than the Knupp family, which has shown incredible fortitude in the face of an unthinkable tragedy.

The Maryland State Police Crash Investigation Team is working through the case and most likely concentrating on presenting a clear statement of facts that can result in criminal charges. The particulars of the case make inferences and assumptions easy. It would appear the motorist fled the scene of the collision because he or she had been drinking and feared the consequences when police arrived on the scene. What’s unexplainable is why the 21-year-old suspect of interest did not turn himself in or why family members did not insist on ownership of the situation.

The family has an attorney and the three suspects – the motorist, his mother and the mother’s boyfriend – are also working under the guidance of legal at this time. All the while police work to provide clear answers to many questions.

Some we have include: Did the suspected motorist flee to Mexico? Was there a coverup attempt made? Why would a restaurant company issue a bizarre statement clearly implicating a partner and at minimum confirming his involvement in some aspect of the case? Was the statement part of a legal strategy to get the case kicked to another county? How come it took place almost a week to find the vehicle in the fatal hit-and-run? Were investigators asking people at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club last week to confirm the suspect left there on the fateful night? How long will this investigation take? Does the claim of special treatment toward those being investigated have any merit?

In time, the answers to these questions and more will be known, but it seems to be a long game situation. It will require tremendous poise, restraint and patience from a grieving community. Casting aspersions and conspiracy theories at the police investigative unit or individuals involved is not helpful for anyone but the need to know is difficult to contain for all of us.

We all can learn a lot in this instance from the Knupp family, which has expressed twice in statements confidence in police. The latest being, “We also want again to thank our local law enforcement authorities for their untiring efforts to bring those responsible for Gavin’s death to justice.”

Page 81

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green During a recent discussion on residential vs. commercial growth in Ocean City, Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis, a developer himself, shared some interesting insights. The city is weighing an amendment to the code restricting residential development in an attempt to preserve commercially-zoned properties. The concept being to avoid allowing Ocean City to transition into a community full of solely homes, townhomes and hotels with little retail uses. A case in point is the sale of the Sun & Surf movie theater property in north Ocean City to a developer, who is known for building townhouses and hotels. Word is plans for that property will be presented at City Hall in the coming months. No matter what the intentions, a significant change of use appears likely. It’s a certainty the movie theater will be razed in favor of new construction. It’s expected to be either townhouses or a hotel with potential other uses on the property.

On the needed residential vs. commercial balance, Gillis shared his perspective. “When you have an idea for a property, you spend money and you risk money. That’s part of being a developer. When we do projects that are entirely residential, we lose the opportunity to walk where we want and get what we need. The problem is on-street parking for the residents,” he said. “If the whole island is built out, and I don’t agree with that, we should be sending up the red flag and sounding the alarm to save commercial zoning. That’s our job.

Mixed-use is a good thing. You can make a nice livable, walkable community by doing that. Look at Sunset Island. … Our job is to protect the taxpayers and the citizens. We are not up here to protect developers. I’m okay with sending this to the Mayor and Council, because it is ultimately their decision. … We don’t want the remainder of the island all residential. That’s the 3% that’s left.

It doesn’t take a lot of creativity to plop down 100 townhouses on a parcel.”

Gillis’s opinion is especially interesting as he and the Town of Berlin are currently in discussion on the future of the Heron Park property. He has offered $1.5 million for portions of the property and to redevelop the site as a commercial project with different uses -- restaurants, a garden center, offices, parking, general use fields and a dog-friendly park were included in the proposal. The commercial vision was chosen by the town as the preferred redevelopment option over a 78-home residential community from the developer of Sunset Park in Ocean City. Negotiations are reportedly continuing between Gillis and the town as a closed session meeting was held before this week’s town council to discuss the prospect of moving forward.

Berlin is not in a rush to fill its town administrator position. This was made clear by Mayor Zack Tyndall back in April after Fleetwood retired because he was tired, but soon after accepted the same position to run Delmar government. Three months later, it appears Tyndall continues to prefer going slow with advertising for the position and updating the job description, resulting in many assumptions around town Acting Administrator Mary Bohlen – a 31-year veteran of the town – will eventually lose the interim title.

The lack of urgency seems to confirm the job is Bohlen’s if she wants it.

Berlin resident Tony Weeg, who is challenging incumbent Dean Burrell for the District 4 council seat, asked for an update on the process at this week’s council meeting during citizen comments. A week after Fleetwood left town hall, Tyndall said, “no search is taking place at this time. The deputy town administrator is serving in her capacity as we work through the transition.” During this week’s meeting, at Weeg’s request for an update on the vacancy, Tyndall said, “We’re making progress. We’re working through that process internally. When we have either a job description to put forward or an individual to put forward we will do so. At this time, we’re working with our acting town administrator. That’s where we stand.”

Whether “progress” means toward a revised job description, advertising for the post or contracting with a search firm to handle the process is unclear, but the long delay in getting the process underway seems to indicate Tyndall is content working with Bohlen over the short term. It’s the long-term play many are interested in learning more about.

The name Joseph Carlini may or may not be a familiar one to all, but he was the former operator of the Fat Fish in West Ocean City. At one time, the restaurant was enjoying early success before it all unraveled quickly as the operator was proven to be shady. Carlini pleaded guilty in February 2016 in county court to acting as a contractor without a license through the company Apex Property Maintenance. He was fined and put on probation. About a year later, he was sentenced to four years in jail for stealing appliances from a home he was renting. It was not his first stint in prison as he had previously served some time for felony theft scheme for an investment scheme in Montgomery County.

Once a con artist always one evidently, as Carlini is now back in prison after an investigation by the Maryland Attorney General Office resulted in the 43-year-old now-Frederick County resident pleading guilty to swindling three women out of nearly $200,000. As part of his plea deal, he will be sentenced to 38 years in prison with all but 10 suspended and five years of probation following his release. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $191,300, which is about the amount he (under the name Joe Cantone) convinced his former love interests into investing in a fictitious marijuana growing operation.

Page 82

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Puzzle Answers

S

July 29, 2022

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

PUZZLE ON PAGE 59

St. Paul’s

Episcopal Church 3 Church Street Berlin MD 410~641~4066

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP In Person Services 8:30 a.m. (no music) 10:30 a.m. (with music) With Livestream On Our Facebook Page St. Paul’s Episcopal Church - Berlin, MD www.stpaulsberlin.org

ummer school wrapped up this week for Carson.

For weeks, we have referred to Summer Academy as “camp” around Carson, but the reality is it’s school. It’s held at school and involves classes, speech therapy and reading intervention for him, but there’s some fun mixed in as well as weekly field trips.

It would have been understandable for Carson to be reluctant to return to school this summer after just one full week off. Indeed, it was a push to get him happily back into the “camp” routine, but a few minutes with his new teachers – strangers to him until the first day – seemed to change everything for him. I certainly credit his teachers for making the five-week long session fun and something he looked forward to each day. He knew from day two this was not “camp,” as we called it, but the education team kept him engaged and excited about going to school each day.

It was a productive way to keep school in the forefront with him so he’s not out of sorts returning after a 10-week break in September.

While we celebrate the good here, there was one day when Carson struggled big time. He was out of sorts and to this day we don’t know what caused him to be physically combative and nonresponsive. He’s nonverbal, shy and on the Autism spectrum. He’s also amazing, compassionate and self-aware. The reality here is there will be difficult days from time to time, but the blessing in my family’s life is the bad days are rare now.

Ninety-nine percent of the time these days he’s fun to be around, and we have learned what works for him and what doesn’t. His brain is much more flexible now than in the past, but there are limitations. The expectations are vastly different for Carson, 12, and our neurotypical Beckett, 14. The goal throughout everything is to avoid a major meltdown

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whenever possible because they can be traumatic situations for everyone involved, especially our boy. This one day at school fell into the unfortunate category.

Carson was just out of control, unreasonable, physically aggressive and hysterical. The teacher called and asked me to come to school because the team did not know what to do. It happened to be a day Pam was in court for a volunteer position she holds. I dropped everything and raced to school, which fortunately is just a mile from work. Otherwise, it would have been an agonizing drive.

Carson must have heard my voice in the hall because he came flying out of the classroom, embracing me like he was frightened over something, but the reality is he was embarrassed and had lost his composure. He was a mess, and it was clear to me immediately I needed to get him out of school. His day was done, and a restart was needed.

It’s been years since I have seen him in this state of turmoil. My sole goal was to immediately comfort him and get home without any more incidents. It took a while to convince him. The team and I thought we had him all set to slide out a side door, so he didn’t have to walk through the school, resulting in the least amount of attention on himself as possible. He opted instead to walk through school, bringing more attention to himself.

Though we have seen this sort of meltdown before, this situation was different. It took him hours to settle himself. He went straight to his room and cried under the covers. I just sat in his room with him and waited it out. He eventually settled down and returned to center, but it was disturbing how long it took for him to calm down.

For the rest of the day and night, he was exhausted. This meltdown and terrible reaction to something took a lot out of him. When he finally settled, I imme-

diately start to think about getting him back to school the next day. Pam and I worried all night about it, but everyone agreed the best thing was to get him back to school the next day. I was literally sweating this walk toward school, but he was a warrior and got right back in the game.

Nothing shows how far he has come in his life than overcoming any leftover anxiety from the day before and going about his day as normal. The teachers kept his day light, and he managed to get back on track with no repeated behaviors or issues. This was remarkable.

Carson always makes me proud, but especially so on this day. To bounce back was significant. I was also relieved we were not heading down a new journey of unexplainable behavior requiring a medicine overhaul or a new direction.

We will never know what caused this latest meltdown. It’s the most disturbing part of it all. If we knew what it was, we could avoid it in the future. He cannot use his voice, or his device, to reveal whatever it was that sent him into hysterics. In time, we hope he can find his words and emotions to share so we can learn from him. Reasoning with him about it is not successful.

Nonetheless, what is known is how much has changed with him. Certainly, it would have been best to avoid the unpleasantness that came with this behavior, but the silver lining is what followed.

He moved on. He was welcomed back with love and care at school. He didn’t forget whatever set him off, but he overcame his embarrassment and anxiety.

It was a tremendous sign of maturity for our rising seventh grader. It was one horrible day out of the 20-day summer academy. I call that a win, and special thanks to his team at “camp.”

(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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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 29, 2022