July 31

July 31, 2020

Priceless

Serving Greater Delmarva Since 1984

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

OC Strategizing For Vehicle Rally

See Page 8 • File Photo

Maryland Toughens Mask Mandate

Island Views: A band of horses is pictured on the north end of Assateague Island with Ocean City in the back-

ground.

Photo by Erik Dowell

See Page 22 • File Photo

September Bike Events Postponed

See Page 35 • File Photo by Chris Parypa

WMO Pivots For Offshore Conditions

Peaceful Patience: A solitary fisherman is pictured wetting his line in the Inlet this week.

Photo by Chris Parypa

See Page 45 • File Photo by Chris Parypa

Page 2

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SERVING DELMARVA FOR NEARLY 60 YEARS

July 31, 2020

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 3

FOLLOWING COVID GUIDELINES. MASKS REQUIRED EXCEPT WHEN SEATED OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK SUNDAY-THURSDAY 9 A.M.-9 P.M. FRIDAY & SATURDAY 9 A.M.-10 P.M. BREAKFAST 7 DAYS A WEEK 9.A.M.-NOON

HAPPY HOUR DRINKS MONDAY-FRIDAY NOON-6 P.M. AVAILABLE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE!

37314 LIGHTHOUSE ROAD | RT. 54, SELBYVILLE, DE • 302-988-5000/302-993-6959 AN OCEAN CITY TRADITION SINCE 1976!

INSIDE DINING 50% CAPACITY & OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE Open Every Day 11am-11 pm

Go To Our Website To Check Out Our All New Menus! Carryout ‘Til 5 p.m.

GIFT CARD BONUS SALE:

Buy $100 In Greene Turtle Gift Cards & Receive $25 In Original Greene Turtle Bucks - OR Spend $50 & Receive $10 In Original Greene Turtle Bucks!

GT APPAREL SHOP OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10 A.M.-10 P.M.

116th St. & Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, Md. 21842 • 410-723-2120

www.originalgreeneturtle.com

instagram: originalgreeneturtle

facebook.com/originalgreeneturtle

Berlin Officials Hear Need For Reserve Fund Policy

Page 4

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Elected officials discussed the town’s $3.4 million sewer debt and the need to boost reserves this week.

On Monday, the Berlin Town Council reviewed a draft reserve policy and talked about how much of the sewer fund’s longstanding debt to the town’s general fund should be forgiven.

“What is the right amount?” Mayor Gee Williams said. “I think that’s what everyone needs to have some time to think about. We’ll put this back on the agenda in two weeks and see where we are.”

Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said he wanted officials to have a better understanding of the town’s funds and establish a reserve policy to ensure those

funds stayed at certain levels.

“We were trying to come up with a starting point,” he said.

Finance Director Natalie Saleh said the town had unspendable money, such as the money the sewer fund owed the general fund, as well as restricted mon-ey, such as casino revenue, which has to be used for certain purposes such as public safety.

The draft reserve policy presented Monday states the town should have a reserve with enough funding for three months of general fund operations, a capital reserve of $100,000, a debt reduction reserve and a disaster response reserve.

Councilman Zack Tyndall said it would be helpful if the council received information on all of the various reserve funds at budget time. Saleh,

however, said it wasn’t a budget concern.

Williams said a reserve policy would ensure funds were on hand for times when “things go bump in the night.”

“I think that’s one of the things the community needs to understand—we’re not broke,” Williams said. “It’s not that we don’t have the money but the monies we have are designated and obligated for a variety of situations so that come what may we can meet our obligations.”

Councilman Troy Purnell pointed out that if the town approved a policy with specific accounts and amounts, that funding would be committed.

Saleh said it was just a goal to work toward.

“If we have to adjust something on the policy later on it’s perfectly fine,” she said.

BIG NEWS • BIG NEWS • BIG NEWS • BIG NEWS

Celebrating

3s0 ons!

Sea

Happy Summer!

EST. MAY 15, 1991

Fenwick Island • Reservations Only • 800-362-DINE • 302-539-2607

The Taproom & Dining Rooms Are Now Open!M All New ... Just For You ... Outdoor Deck Dining Open @ 4 p.m. Daily * Face Masks Required * Reservations Recommended!

M

Happy Hours

4-6 p.m. Daily

Through Out!

IN THE

MFOF

ick Island Fenw

Home Of David Twining’s Famous

Quahog Chowdah

Hot Or Cold To Go! Call Ahead Or Just Stop By For A Quart To Go!

FENWICK ISLAND

Stay Safe Friends!M Carryout Menu Available

OPEN 7 DAYS

July 31, 2020

Tyndall spoke on behalf of setting achievable goals.

“I think the first thing we should focus on is achieving that benchmark, three months of operating budget in reserves,” he said. “We don’t have it. We have $16,000. I think that this policy could be much more simplistic and act as a better guide.”

As for how much of the $3.4 million debt owed by the sewer fund to the general fund, staff proposed forgiving $1.7 million. Fleetwood added that the sewer fund was self-sustaining now that rate increases had been implemented so the debt was no longer growing.

Councilman Dean Burrell asked if the rates would have to be increased again in order for any of the debt to be paid back to the general fund.

“That’s not the plan,” Saleh said. “The plan is to reduce that note and have a schedule to repay.”

If the general fund is being repaid, it would be able to grow its reserve.

Tyndall questioned who had authorized the sewer fund to borrow from the general fund.

Saleh explained that there was no authorization needed. She said the fund simply could not end the year in the red so money was automatically transferred into it from the general fund.

Tyndall said he wanted to understand what decisions he’d made that had led to the borrowing between the funds.

“I tried to figure out where these numbers were presented,” he said. “I couldn’t find it.”

Saleh said it came up each year when audited financial statements were presents.

“But that’s after the fact,” he said.

Councilman Dean Burrell agreed.

“When I was working I had to maintain a budget,” he said. “I didn’t have flex of getting to end of the year and writing stuff off. I had to monitor and project where I was going to be at the end of the year. If was projecting a deficit I had to change my operations. During the year if we are projecting a deficit what do we do to try to mitigate that and not have to borrow? Or do we just let it go on with the expectation that at the end we’ll get it from the general fund?”

Williams said until the last two years, officials hadn’t been notified of the ongoing borrowing.

“It was never brought up during any budget process at all,” he said. “If we’d known the sewer fund was underperforming, we could have changed the sewer rates five, six years ago.”

Burrell said it wasn’t worth dwelling on how the town had gotten to this point.

“I think what you have presented is food for thought and I think it’s going to put us going in the right direction but it is not the all,” he said. “Yes you need these policies and procedures and this understanding of this plan going forward but we also need an operational part of that that’s going to support this.”

Williams said officials were now receiving quarterly reports from the finance department which would help.

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Post-Hearing Briefs Support Larger Offshore Wind Turbines

Page 6

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Independent stakeholders in one of two offshore wind projects appear to have little concern with the significantly larger turbines selected, according to briefs filed with the Maryland Public Service Commission following a hearing last month.

In June, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) held an evidentiary hearing on the proposed change in wind turbine size for Orsted’s Skipjack project off the coast of Ocean City. The evidentiary hearing was called when Skipjack announced its intention to switch from the previously proposed eightmegawatt turbines to the much larger 12-megawatt turbine, now believed to be the largest commercial wind turbine

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

available.

When Skipjack moved to the 12megawatt turbine, the Town of Ocean City urged the PSC to hold an evidentiary hearing on the proposed turbine change. After a well-attended public hearing in Ocean City in January, the PSC agreed to hold the evidentiary hearing and it took place virtually in early June.

Last week, several weeks after that evidentiary hearing, the interested and participating parties filed post-hearing briefs with the PSC outlining their positions on the issues at hand. Naturally, the Town of Ocean City and Skipjack stuck to their long-held positions, but perhaps the most interesting conclusions came in the briefs filed by neutral third parties. For example, in its brief filed last week, the staff of the

PSC agreed with Skipjack’s contention moving to the larger turbines will result in fewer turbines moved further out in the approved Wind Energy Area (WEA).

“The decision to increase the size of the wind turbines from eight megawatts to 12 megawatts will reduce the number of wind turbines needed for the 120-megawatt project from 15 to 12 or fewer turbines,” the brief reads.

“By reducing the number of turbines, the distance from the Maryland shoreline to the nearest turbine could be increased from 19.5 miles to 22.7 miles.”

In its brief, the PSC concluded despite the proposed change in turbine height, the Skipjack project still met the standards laid out in the state’s legislation approved seven years ago.

July 31, 2020

“The increase in wind turbine size thus is not only consistent with the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013, but it would also reduce the impact upon the environment and should reduce total costs of the project to Maryland ratepayers,” the brief reads.

The Town of Ocean City has contended Skipjack and its parent company Ørsted have not always kept city officials and its residents in the loop on the changing plans. In its brief, the PSC staff did take Skipjack to task for its apparent lack of transparency.

“It is clear that Ocean City considers that Skipjack has failed to-date to provide adequate outreach and consultation with the City Council of Ocean City,” the brief reads. “To prevent this from continuing to be an issue, Skipjack needs to improve its outreach as required, including adequate outreach required for any changes to the offshore wind project and the achievement of any milestones in its licensing and approval, construction and operation.”

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) also filed its post-evidentiary hearing brief with the PSC last week.

The MEA brief acknowledges Skipjack’s proposed change in turbine height is significant, but points out the developer’s intent is to alter the layout of the wind farm to minimize its visual impacts.

“The primary concern regarding the change in turbine is the increase in height and size of the 12-megawatt model compared to the eight-megawatt model,” the brief reads. “The Town of Ocean City in particular has expressed serious concerns that increased visibility of the turbines could dissuade tourists, who come to enjoy the beach, Boardwalk and ocean views, from visiting. However, related to the change in the turbine model is Skipjack’s proposed change to the layout of the project.”

The MEA brief points out despite the change in size, the Skipjack project always included at least some visibility from the shoreline. The MEA also stated it had few concerns with the change in turbine height.

“It is not disputed that the Skipjack project will have an impact on the viewshed, but this existed even with the use of the eight-megawatt turbine,” the brief reads. “Due to the fact there appears to be no additional impact to the viewshed, which will likely be impacted less by the 12-megawatt turbines, MEA finds little to no issue with Skipjack’s selection of the Haliade-X turbine.”

The MEA brief suggests Skipjack make every effort to implement radar-enabled systems on the tops of the offshore wind turbines to eliminate the need for emergency beacons to flash all of the time overnight. Like the PSC staff, the MEA did take Skipjack to task somewhat for the perceived shortcomings in outreach and interaction with the Town of Ocean City.

SEE NEXT PAGE

… Positives Seen In Height Change

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

“For the reasons provided herein, Skipjack’s decision to use the HaliadeX 12-megawatt turbine with a reduced project layout and footprint can be supported,” the brief reads in conclusion. “In addition, MEA recommends that Skipjack incorporate a radar-enabled ADLS system into the Skipjack wind project and continue conversations with the local community to minimize and mitigate any negative impacts to the viewshed.”

In its own post-evidentiary hearing, the Town of Ocean City held close to most of its positions stated from the beginning and since the proposed change in wind turbine height was announced.

“The commission required Skipjack to use the ‘best commercially-reasonable efforts to minimize the daytime and nighttime viewshed impacts’ of its offshore wind project,” the Ocean City brief reads. “The commission recognized there is strong public interest in ensuring that the impact to Ocean City’s viewshed is minimized to the fullest extent possible. In now seeking to use 12-megawatt turbines that are more than 200 feet taller than the eight-megawatt turbines it previously intended to use, Skipjack must show that it has used the best commercially-reasonable efforts to minimize the viewshed impacts of these supersized turbines.”

Ocean City’s brief points out Skipjack has said it intends to use fewer turbines

perhaps further offshore, but the company has not made any guarantees, nor are any safeguards in place in the PSC approval except for the approved perimeter of the WEA. “Even now, after the evidentiary hearing, Skipjack is not providing a definitive location of the turbines, nor is it stating with any certainty the number of turbines it will use,” the town’s brief reads.

“Though Skipjack claims it intends to build 12-megawatt turbines either 21.5 miles or 22.7 miles from the Ocean City shore, there is nothing stopping Skipjack from deciding it wants to move the 12megawatt turbines closer, to, for instance, 18 miles from shore, 15 miles from shore or even 10 miles from shore.”

For its part, Skipjack said in its own brief submitted last week the height change will greatly improve the projects efficiency while reducing the visual impact on the resort’s viewshed.

“Significantly, it is uncontested that Skipjack’s turbine selection will result in the need for fewer turbines, that the project will be located further away from Maryland’s shore, and that it will occupy less of the visible horizon than the turbine layout used by Skipjack as a design proxy in its 2016 application,” the Skipjack brief reads. “For these and other reasons, Skipjack respectfully requests that the commission enter an order that no further action is necessary regarding Skipjack’s turbine selection.”

Bunk Mann’s New Book on Ocean City History * Companion to his best-selling “Vanishing Ocean City” * Ocean City memories from the summer of 1945 to the spring of 2019 * Over 700 photos and 340 pages * Hardbound coffee table book with cover art by Paul McGehee * Special section on the lost buildings of Ocean City, the Mark Storm of ‘62, Frontier Town, Trimpers Rides, Shanty Town, Hurricanes Gloria and Sandy, The White Marlin Open, Surfing, the Ocean City Beach Patrol, Phillips Crab House, the Commander Hotel, the Segregation Era, the Arson fires of the 1970’s, Characters and Personalities, the Pier Ballroom, Mario’s, Cruisin, and Morbid Manor.

Ghosts in the Surf can be ordered online at vanishingoceancity.com Visit the website for further information and photos.

Page 7

Tougher Measures Planned For Pop-Up Rally’s Return

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – More tough talk and the unveiling of some new tools in the enforcement tool box were the focus of the town’s latest motorized special event task force meeting on Thursday.

The motorized special event task force reconvened after a months-long layoff to begin planning for a series of sanctioned and unsanctioned special events this fall. After several troublesome motorized special events a few years back, Ocean City formed the task force – comprised of elected officials, business owners and law enforcement representatives – to begin exploring strategies to address some of the lawlessness and abject bad behavior associated with some of the partic-

ipants.

Out of those early sessions came the first iteration of legislation that allowed for the creation of a special event zone with increased penalties and other fines. Those early sessions also led to an increased police presence in town during certain special events in partnership with allied law enforcement agencies along with a stronger partnership between the town and its residents and business owners.

Still, those early measures, which did achieve some successes, were not enough as the lawlessness and reckless behavior continued and even worsened in some cases, particularly with the unsanctioned pop-up social mediadriven event formally known as H2O International (H2Oi). Most of the agendas and other literature disbursed by the

town and the task force still refers to the event as H2Oi. Indeed, the social media pages dedicated to the event refer to it in the same way.

To be fair, it’s important to note the H2Oi event was never sanctioned by the Town of Ocean City nor did it bill itself as an event held in the resort.

However, in recent years, the annual event typically held in late September and early October has been associated with lawlessness and recklessness that spurred the creation of a task force to begin exploring ways to curb some of the illicit behavior associated with some of the motorized special events.

Again, fairly or not the H2Oi event was labeled the black sheep of the motorized special events amid a flock of events that aren’t all entirely squ-

CARRYOUT ONLY AT 49TH ST. • DINING ROOM OPEN AT 123RD ST. FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER • ALL BOARDWALK LOCATIONS & RT. 50 OPEN

A Family Tradition For 80 Years!

WEST OC: CORNER OF ROUTE 611 AND ROUTE 50 EAST BOARDWALK: CAROLINE ST., WICOMICO ST., & SOUTH DIVISION ST.

ICE CREAM MADE DAILY IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Ice Cream Our Specialty. Stop By Any Dumser’s Location For A Wide Variety Of Homemade Ice Cream, Milkshakes, Sundaes, Floats And Much More.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH AN 80-YEAR-OLD OCEAN CITY BUSINESS GREAT PAY! SEASONAL OR YEAR-ROUND • DUMSERSDAIRYLAND.COM

July 31, 2020

eaky clean. The official H2Oi event at Fort Whaley in Whaleyville was wellorganized, generally calm and peaceful and included the Volkswagen and Audi enthusiast “family” that registered and participated in the sanctioned events.

However, like many of the special events, it was the thousands of non-registered participants who came to the resort during that weekend with all manner of tricked-out and modified vehicles that did not register for H2Oi that caused most of the problems in Ocean City.

During Thursday’s task force meeting, Councilman Tony DeLuca pointed out it wasn’t entirely accurate to call the late September event H2Oi anymore and suggested calling it the unsanctioned pop-up rally and the task force members agreed.

Mayor Rick Meehan opened the meeting with a brief overview of what has been accomplished already by the task force and what remains to be done.

“The results of this task force and the initiatives that have come out of it have made a difference,” he said. “Everybody talking together and getting out ideas has made this successful. That’s why we’re back here today. The work isn’t finished.”

Meehan said the task force’s efforts in advance of the fall motorized special event season boiled down to two basic issues.

“There are basically two elephants in the room,” he said. “The first is the COVID virus because that will continue to impact all of our special events.

The second is the unsanctioned H2Oi that has wreaked havoc on our community, and we can’t allow that to continue.”

Despite the successes of the original special event zone, local officials believed it still lacked enough teeth to truly be effective and went back to Annapolis this winter seeking approval of an enhanced special event bill. At the close of the General Assembly session cut short in March because of COVID19, state lawmakers passed the legislation just under the wire.

Among other things, the enhanced bill creates an enhanced list of violations under the larger umbrella of “exhibition driving.” According to the bill’s language, among the offenses under the umbrella of exhibition driving are operating a vehicle in a manner that produces abrupt acceleration or deceleration, skidding, swerving, raucous engine noise, or wheels losing contact with the ground.

For the first time in the evolution of the special event zone legislation, the enhanced penalties now include potential arrest with heavy fines and points.

It also allows law enforcement to impound vehicles for violations defined under the exhibition driving statute.

Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Chief Ross Buzzuro said the dual threat of arrest and impoundment could SEE NEXT PAGE

… Mayor: ‘We’re All Going To Have To Make Sacrifices’

July 31, 2020

provide the hammer law enforcement needs to really deter some of the illicit behavior associated with the event.

“It’s a must-appear offense,” he said.

“We’re in good position to make arrests and impound vehicles for the most egregious behavior. We had limited capabilities before. We could write a citation for spinning tires, for example, but it just had an $80 fine. That just wasn’t cutting it.”

Meehan agreed, particularly with the impound component of the legislation.

“I think it’s significant,” he said. “I think having the ability to take vehicles off the roadway will be important for us.”

Impounding vehicles will likely hit home for the car enthusiast who could ostensibly have their vehicles yanked early during the special event and not be able to retrieve until the following Monday or Tuesday. Parallel to the enhanced special event legislation, the Mayor and Council are expected to review and approve amendments to the town’s existing towing ordinance. One of the key elements of those changes would require vehicles impounded during the special events to be released to an approved tow company. In other words, if a violator had his or her vehicle impounded on a Friday, they could not get it back until they made arrangements with a tow company to tow it out of the town’s impound lot. Essentially, they would have to pay for towing twice.

“When you start to affect them with impounding, some of the bad behavior will take care of itself,” said Buzzuro. “An impounded vehicle has to be released to a tow company. They will have to pay for the initial tow, then they will have to pay to get it out of the impound lot. It can get quite expensive.”

Buzzuro said another tactic expected to be deployed by local law enforcement this fall is altering traffic patterns, closing off certain known trouble spots and other roadway changes to curb some of the lawlessness and reckless behavior. The chief was reluctant to divulge too much detail about those planned changes for obvious reasons, suffice it to say they will likely impact all drivers on the road during the special events including residents and visitors going about their daily lives.

“We plan to change the traffic patterns around,” he said. “It is going to create traffic issues and congestion.

There’s no doubt about that. The patterns will be changed in some areas and it’s going to create congestion and inconvenience. If you don’t have to be out on the roads on those days, I recommend not being out there.”

Meehan said the inconvenience and potential frustration for locals and visitors with the planned traffic changes could be small price to pay for a few days if they achieve the desired results.

“If we’re going to take back our town, we’re all going to have to make sacri-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

fices,” he said. “There will be come inconvenience for everybody. As we’ve said, nothing has been taken off the table. We have to do whatever we can to remedy this situation.”

While much of the task force’s discussion focused on the drivers on the roadway and the reckless behavior associated with that element of the motorized special events, Buzzuro said he has been working with the allied law enforcement community and the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office on enhanced penalties for the countless onlookers and bystanders. It’s no secret, just as much trouble is caused by those who line the streets, egging on drivers and filming the lawlessness, creating as many headaches for law enforcement as the drivers do.

“From an operational standpoint,

much of what we talk about is behavior on the roadways,” he said. “We’re going to potentially have thousands of visitors here during this unsanctioned event and some of the activity of the bystanders on the side of the road can become pretty raucous. We have laws that can be applied and we’re going to utilize them. One is unlawful assembly with a violent tendency. It’s essentially a riot.”

Another tool in the toolbox discussed on Thursday is the OCPD’s Trespass Enforcement Authorization Program, or TEAP. Just this week, the OCPD reached out to business owners and residences to sign up for the TEAP program, which allows law enforcement to come on private property to enforce laws and resolve situations, for example.

Page 9

The TEAP program is an effective tool at all times of the year, but especially during some of the motorized special events. Event participants often congregate on the parking lots of private businesses after they are closed.

By signing up for the TEAP program, business owners and their agents or representatives essentially allow police to go on their property and take the appropriate enforcement actions without them being present. Buzzuro said TEAP is especially important during certain motorized events.

“It’s tremendous tool,” he said. “When a business is closed and there are issues, it gives us the authority to go on private property and handle or resolve problems. We’ll protect your property when you aren’t open or you’re not there.”

BIG NEWS • BIG NEWS • BIG NEWS • BIG NEWS

See You There!

Happy Hours

11:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Daily

Through Out! 54

Masks Required ick Island Fenw

Home Of David Twining’s Famous

Quahog Chowdah Since 1991

Hot Or Cold To Go!

M

Stay Safe Friends!M

Carryout Menu Available

FENWICK ISLAND • DE • 302 436 2305

Page 10

Berlin Unity Celebrated Supported

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

GET HOOKED ON OUR FOOD, FUN & DRINKS WATCH THE WEIGH-INS ON OUR 54 TVS

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

West

SPORTS ARE BACK AT MD’S #1 SPORTS BAR CATCH THE O’S, NATS & PHILLIES ON 53 TV’S HHH VOTED OC’S BEST BURGERS & WINGS HHH Sizzling Steaks • Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes • Fresh Homemade Big Salads • Hog Hammers • The World’s Best Shrimp Salad & Much More HHHHAPPY HOUR MONDAY-FRIDAY 4-7 P.M. HHH 1/2-Price Steamed Shrimp • $5.99 Slider Basket • $5.99 Wings W/Fries OPEN SUNDAY-THURSDAY NOON-11 P.M. • FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11 A.M.-MIDNIGHT ROUTE 611 • WEST OCEAN CITY • 410-213-1500

BERLIN – Officials said they supported plans for a unity celebration but didn’t want to see the event held before Labor Day. Organizers of the proposed Berlin Unity Celebration approached the town council Monday seeking permission to hold their event in Henry Park Aug. 8.

Council members said they supported the event but not the timing.

“Although my heart is with the event I can’t support it at this time,” Councilman Dean Burrell said.

Adrian Bowen and Jeron Whaley told the council the African American Coalition of Worcester County wanted to have an event in Berlin Aug. 8 to bring the community closer together.

“Our main focus for having the event is to raise awareness of the things going on currently…,” Bowen said. “Everything that’s going on nationwide, a lot of people aren’t as aware about, and the ones that are aware are sometimes misinformed and some of that gets channeled into negative things instead of things that are positive to help better the outcome.”

Bowen said the event would share information on local resources — such as where to find local food pantries, access to support for veterans, etc. — as well as games for children. There

July 31, 2020

are also plans to recognize three influential citizens.

Burrell said the event sounded like National Night Out, which has been canceled this year as a result of COVID-19. He said the intent was commendable.

“It does me good to see two young Black men of my community with the fortitude and the intention of putting on such a marvelous event, I just feel the time is out of joint,” Burrell said.

“You’re asking us to support a nonessential gathering of our citizens.”

Though they’d outlined plans for face masks, social distancing and sanitizing, Burrell said it would be hard to control.

Mayor Gee Williams said the town had decided in May not to host any events before Labor Day and suggested Bowen and Whaley consider holding their event in the fall. Burrell agreed.

“I’d just like to give this pandemic a little more time to work itself out,” he said.

Williams said attendance would likely be better if the unity day was held later in the fall because many people were still cautious about large gatherings.

“My impression is you’ve got a really good idea here it’s just a matter of timing,” Williams said.

Bowen and Whaley agreed to select a date for the event in the fall.

oPeN DaiLy 11 a.m. • kiTCHeN oPeN uNTiL 1 a.m.

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 11

28th Street • 410-289-2020 • PitandPub.com

PuB GRuB To Go

Pulled Pork $13.99/lb. • Picked Chicken $13.99/lb.

Beef Brisket $15.99/lb. • Sides $4.95/Pint • $9.99/Quart

#1: 50 Wings, 3 Sides, 4 Cornbreads................................................................................$53.99 #2: 2 Half BBQ Chickens, 3 Sides, 4 Cornbreads .......................................................$34.99 #3: 2 lb. Ribs, 4 Sides, 6 Cornbreads.................................................................................$44.99 #4: 3 lb. Ribs, 5 Sides, 8 Cornbreads ................................................................................$56.99 #5: 1 lb. Ribs & 2 Half BBQ Chickens, 4 Sides, 6 Corn................................................$54.99 #6: THe CookouT, 5 Hot Dogs, 5 1/4 lb. Cheeseburgers, 5 Sides (Lettuce, Tomato on the side, upon request) .......................................................$44.99 #7: PuB GRuB DeLuxe, 1 lb. each: Pork, Brisket, Pulled Chicken, 2 lb. Ribs, 2 Half BBQ Chickens, 5 Sides, 12 Cornbreads.......................................................$83.99 – No Substitutions Please –

NoRTHSiDe oPeN DaiLy 11 a.m.

127th Street • 443-664-7480

Renovation Plan Dropped After Property Sale Fails

Page 12

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 31, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Plans for a major downtown building renovation have reportedly come to a halt.

A project that would have included the renovation and restoration of the Burbage properties, which include storefronts on Pitts Street and Main Street, is not moving forward according to town officials.

Mayor Gee Williams said the project, which was proposed by Frank Willing and Chris Davis and received approval from the town’s historic district commission in June, had encountered unforeseen costs.

“I was informed Friday by Mr. Willing that they’d decided not to go forward with the contract,” Williams said.

“Apparently once they did their inspections and saw what structural improvements were needed in addition to the renovations they had planned, it just got more costly.”

Willing, Davis and representatives of Keith Fisher Architecture met with the Berlin Historic District Commission in early June to go over plans for the property. They said the building was under contract and that they were going through due diligence before purchasing.

“Quite honestly it’s on my bucket list to do a project like this in a town like this,” Willing told the board. “Not that

A major renovation of the existing building at Pitts and Main streets in downtown Berlin has been shelved due to property not being sold.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

I’m riding off into the sunset but this is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time.”

Williams said the developers’ decision not to proceed had nothing to do with the town but rather the cost of the project.

“To rehabilitate a building of that size

that’s that old is a costly enterprise,” he said. “The figures have to add up when you’re making that kind of major investment.”

Williams said he was sorry to see Willing and Davis step back from the project since it would have taken care of one of the last major pieces of revi-

talization needed in downtown Berlin.

“Not only am I disappointed, I think many people are,” he said.

Williams said he’d encouraged Willing to look for future opportunities to work in Berlin.

“We’d certainly welcome them to our community,” he said.

Wicomico Decides On Virtual To Start School Year

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Wicomico County Public Schools will begin the academic year in a virtual format.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt a plan for virtual learning this fall at the recommendation of Superintendent Donna Hanlin.

“Over the course of the past few weeks, we have considered many factors in finding the optimal balance between these two priorities, safety and student learning,” she said. “My recommendation for the board’s consideration today is that Wicomico County Public Schools begin in a fully virtual mode. I’m recommending we focus on 100% remote learning for the first semester, with the hope of returning to our school buildings as soon as conditions allow, providing families with advance notice as soon as we believe that it is in everyone’s best interest to do so.”

Earlier this summer, the school system provided three possible models of instruction for the 2020-2021 academic year. The Green Model featured traditional learning, the Red Model featured remote learning, and the Yellow Model featured a hybrid of both inschool instruction and at-home learning. Hanlin said since that time officials have received countless phone calls, emails and survey responses from school families.

“As evidenced by the volume of emails and phone calls received, it is an understatement that this decision evokes strong emotions and opinions,” she said. “However, as a parent so rightly pointed out to me, that’s because this decision has a direct bearing on the health and wellbeing of our children.

That is a responsibility I take seriously.”

School system officials said remote learning will look different this fall. Teachers will have the opportunity to prepare for online delivery of their content, and will have access to their classrooms. Teachers and students will also use platforms like Google Classroom and Zoom to engage in both synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous learning.

“We’re still working on finding the right balance between teaching and learning, and we want to include those details in the recovery plan …,” said Chief Academic Officer Rick Briggs.

Grades and attendance will count this fall, officials noted, and an instructional hotline will be provided to students both during and after school hours. Wicomico County will use CARES Act funding to provide a laptop to every student who needs one, and will guide families currently without internet access at home to

RIDE THE B ANYWHERE IN OCEAN CITY

Page 13

Hanlin: ‘Program Will Be Much More Robust’

get online.

“This plan will allow us to provide consistency for families through a wellplanned educational program aligned with Maryland standards and Wicomico County Public Schools curriculum,” Hanlin said. “This virtual program will be much more robust than we were able to accomplish quickly in the spring, and student and staff accountability measures will be in place.”

In a departure from the virtual format, Hanlin noted the school system does plan to accommodate small groups of students in buildings during the fall se-

mester, including those needing special support services or those engaged in hands-on career technology programs.

She said the health and social distancing protocols used in these small groups may help set the stage for the return of more students to the classroom.

“Believe me, we all want our students to interact with each other and with teachers face to face as soon as it is safe to do so,” she said.

Details on fall plans will be available soon. The school system’s recovery plan will be presented at the Aug.

11 Wicomico County Board of Education meeting and posted on the school system’s website, www.wcboe.org, by Aug 14.

Families and staff members will receive a link to the recovery plan once it has been posted. Schools will mail fall welcome letters to school families on Aug. 21. The school year will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

“The bottom line is that while scientific and medical experts are learning more every day there are still so many unknowns about this virus,” she said.

“And with the uptick recently in cases, and very sadly the COVID-related death of a neighboring school district employee hitting very close to home, safety has to be our top priority for both students and staff.”

GRACE MASTEN, CRS, SRES, BROKER/OWNER • LICENSED IN MD & DE ERIK DOWELL, REALTOR 12600 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842

410.250.4433 • 800.331.5755

Grace@NorthBeachRealtors.com • www.NorthBeachRealtors.com

THE STONEHAVEN HOUSE AND APARTMENTS – 14TH STREET, OCEAN CITY

Don't Miss This Opportunity - Extraordinary Find * Downtown, Only 1.25 Blocks to Beach and Boardwalk * Renovated, Money Maker Stonehaven House Features 4BR/2.5BA, Kitchen, Living Area, Office Equipped with Computer and Phone Lines * Rent Entire House or Only Part While You Live in Other Part * Stonehaven Apartments is Eight 2BR/1BA Apartments each with Own Kitchen, Living Room/Dining Room Combo and Excellent Rental History * Run this Property like a Hotel Nightly, Weekly, or Winter Seasonally * Property Conveys Turn Key * Plenty of Parking, Private Courtyard * Call for Pricing

13400 MADISON AVENUE, SELBYVLLE

5BR/4BA Home With 2 Separate Apartments (1st & 2nd Floor) * Gazebo, Shed, Outside Shower * Decks and Porches on Both Levels * Perfect Set Up for Renting 1 Level and Living in Other or Renting Both Apartments * Plenty of Parking * Short Walk to Harpoon Hanna’s, Zen Spa, Catch 54 * Awesome Investment Property/Location * $549,000

ARDMORE #203, 136TH STREET, OCEAN CITY

Bring Your Boat * Awesome Location * Excellent Fishing and Crabbing * 2-Level 2BR/1BA Townhome with Large Deck * Kitchen/Dining and Living All on Lower Level * Remodeled a Few Years Ago with Sheet Rock, Laminate Flooring, Updated Electrical Panel * Option to Add Half Bath on Main Level * As Cute as They Come * $218,000

10 144TH STREET, OCEAN CITY

Ocean Block Property, 7250 sf lot, Includes Two 3BR/1.5BA Apartments * Sold Furnished * Steps to Beach, Restaurants, Shops, Bus Line, Mini Golf, Fenwick Island * Not Currently a Rental, But Could Easily Generate $40,000/Season * Building Built

by Seller and Renovated with Updates * Outside Shower * $895,000

9916 GOLF COURSE ROAD #60, WEST OCEAN CITY

4BR/2BA * Extremely Well Maintained Home in Delmarva Park * 1 mile from Downtown OC *Incredible Location: Walk to Shops, Restaurants, Harbor, Boardwalk, Beach * Year Round Community, Very Well Managed, Low Maintenance Fee * Covered Porch, Open Patio, Lots of Parking, Shed, Garden Area, Great Price * $225,000

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 31, 2020

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 15

Page 16

Police Horses Harassed During Fight

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 31, 2020

Mount Tucker Punched Multiple Times

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – It was a tough night last weekend for the Ocean City Police Department’s mounted units, which were repeatedly touched and harassed while helping to break up a large fight outside a resort nightclub.

Around 1:20 a.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to the area around a nightclub on 17th Street for a reported fight.

OCPD officers observed a suspect, later identified as Daniel Martinez-Rivera, exit the nightclub and attempt to get inside the perimeter of the fight where OCPD officers were making arrests, according to police reports.

Martinez-Rivera was reportedly told multiple times to get back and away from the officers making arrests, but did not comply. An OCPD mounted officer on his horse Tucker attempted to move Martinez-Rivera away from the scene, but the suspect reportedly touched the horse’s face. After being told not to touch the police horse, Martinez-Rivera reportedly struck Tucker in the face three more times including once in the eye and also grabbed the leather straps on the horse’s face.

According to police reports, Tucker reacted to being struck to the point the mounted officer was having difficulty bringing the animal back into control.

Between Tucker’s large size and the fact the incident was occurring on a narrow sidewalk in the middle of the large group of agitated people next to a busy Coastal Highway, the horse’s reaction to being struck posed safety hazards to himself, the mounted officer and everyone else in the area, according to police reports.

Another OCPD officer walked over to Martinez-Rivera, who was now standing in the bus lane and shouting obscenities at the police. When the officer got close, Martinez attempted to run away and was tackled into the travel lane of Coastal Highway and was nearly struck

15 ST. LOUIS AVENUE, OCEAN CITY

by a passing taxi cab. Martinez-Rivera was arrested and charged with obstructing and hindering police officers, resisting arrest, intentionally inflicting physical harm on an OCPD animal and intoxicated endangerment.

During the same incident, OCPD officers were still actively battling with combatants in the fight when a suspect, later identified as Jordan Flores-Joseph, 21, of Yonkers, N.Y. approached the scene. The mounted OCPD officer walked his horse Tucker between Flores-Joseph and the fight scene in an effort to keep him away.

Flores-Joseph did back away from the scene, but moved to another area and continued to scream expletives at the officers on the scene. According to police reports, he screamed at the police and told them if they touched him, he would sue for $1.5 million. He also yelled at the mounted officer “You’re on a [expletive deleted] horse bro,” and “Why don’t you have a car?”

While OCPD officers made other arrests in the fight, Flores-Joseph again attempted to move back into the area and was again pushed back by the mounted unit Tucker. He was ultimately arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and failure to obey lawful orders.

Yet another suspect, identified as Abigail Kenly, 27, of Howard, Pa., was arrested during the incident for touching OCPD mount Benson. As the fight was being broken up and arrests were being made, Kenly reportedly walked right up to the mounted officer and Benson and touched the horse on the face.

Kenly was warned not to touch Benson repeatedly, but continued to touch the horse’s face. When she was told if she continued to touch the horse, she would be arrested, Kenly walked away but patted Benson three times on the side as she did so. Kenly was arrested and charged with obstructing and hindering an officer and willfully touching an OCPD animal after being told not to do so.

Turn key property. Great opportunity for multiple unit rental potential, great second beach home, or primary residence with rental income! All units fully furnished including onsite laundry room!

Three units include 3BR/1BA cottage, 2BR/1BA cottage and 1BR/1BA cottage, all metered separately! Close to Rt. 50 bridge, boardwalk, beaches, restaurants and much more! $560,000

LET BUNTING GO TO BAT FOR YOU! LOCATION, LOCATION!

Call Jake Jones 443-497-1633 24 Broad Street, Berlin, MD • 410-641-3313 www.buntingrealty.com

Driver Sentenced In 2018 Vehicle Homicide Case

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – A Berlin man, convicted of homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs after a fatal collision on Route 589 near Ocean Pines in December 2018, was sentenced last week to 10 years with all but four suspended.

Bryan Wersten, 32, was convicted in February of homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence of controlled dangerous substances and sentencing was deferred. Wersten was the driver of a vehicle that collided with a utility pole on Route 589 near Beauchamp Road on Dec. 17, 2018 that claimed the life of his passenger, identified as Michael Hernandez, also of Berlin.

Back in court last week, Wersten was sentenced to 10 years in jail, all but four of which was suspended. He was also placed on supervised probation for five years following his release.

Prior to sentencing, prosecutors filed notice with the court which increased the penalty to the maximum 10 years of incarceration due to Wersten’s prior conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Shortly before noon on Dec. 17, 2018, Maryland State Police troopers from the Berlin barrack were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash in the area of Route

Victim Died From Injuries In Accident

589 near Beauchamp Road. A preliminary investigation conducted by the Maryland State Police Crash Team revealed a Ford F-150 pickup truck was driving north on Route 589 just south of Beauchamp Road when the driver lost control and struck the right shoulder curb.

Witnesses told police the truck then drove back across the travel lanes on Route 589 and struck an island at Beauchamp Road before colliding with a traffic signal pole. The passenger in the pickup truck, later identified as Hernandez, was partially ejected and suffered massive injuries. He BRYAN WERSTEN was transported by Ocean Pines EMS to Atlantic General Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

According to police reports, Wersten admitted to officers on the scene he had taken prescribed methadone prior to driving. Wersten failed field sobriety tests on the scene and a subsequent blood test revealed he had methadone,

We are fast approaching the stage of the ultimate inversion where the government is free to do anything it pleases while the citizens may act only by permission, which is the stage of the darkest periods of human history. The stage of rule by brute force.

Ayn Rand Paid for by Fager’s Island

clonazepam and metabolites of cocaine and marijuana in his system at the time of the collision.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser said the tragic loss of life is a reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence of any substance.

“We extend our deepest condolences

Page 17

to the family of Mr. Hernandez, whose life was unnecessarily taken by the reckless behavior of this defendant,” she said. “While no amount of punishment can heal their loss, my office takes our obligation to hold offenders accountable seriously. We will also continue to use these cases as a warning to our citizens of the real and devastating consequences of driving while impaired. Even prescribed medications can impair your ability to drive, and those who get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t will be held to account in Worcester County.”

Census Participation On Target

Page 18

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

R E S TA U R A N T & B A R

THE FINEST SEAFOOD, STEAKS AND POULTRY

LOCALS’ FAVORITE SINCE 1955

Located In The Courtyard by Marriott 15th Street & Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Md. For Reservations, Call: 410-289-7192/7191 captainstableoc.com

Q BREAKFAST/LUNCH MONDAY-FRIDAY 8-11 A.M. SATURDAY & SUNDAY 8 A.M.-1 P.M. Q DINNER & LITE FARE 7 DAYS A WEEK 5-9 P.M.

EARLY BIRD MONDAY-FRIDAY 5-6 P.M. PHIL PERDUE ON PIANO Friday & Saturday

KIDS MENU

DAILY CHEF SPECIALS

SNOW HILL – Local participation in the 2020 Census is expected to be on target with response rates from previous years.

Officials said this week Worcester County’s response rates were near what they were in 2010. Kelly Henry, coordinator of Worcester County’s Complete Count Committee, said people have until Oct. 31, 2020, to complete their survey.

“Worcester County is 2% away from hitting the 2010 self response rate, so yes we are on target,” Henry said.

“In a year where economics, education and health care have been the focus of concern, making sure that everyone gets counted is even more vitally important.”

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Census deadline has been extended to Oct. 31. While citizens can complete their survey any time between now and then, those who haven’t completed it by mid-August will likely have their homes visited by Census workers.

“If they want to avoid having someone knock at their door, then they should fill the Census survey out prior to mid-August,” Henry said.

She stressed that the survey took less than 10 minutes to complete but would help determine how much funding the state received for the next 10

July 31, 2020

years.

“The statistical data gathered from a census is used to determine amount and distribution of federal funding, legislative boundaries, marketing studies, grants, etc.,” she said. “In almost every aspect of your life whether young or old, rich or poor, that Census data has impacted decision making for a period of a decade.”

She said the current health situation highlighted the importance of Census figures.

“Everyone wants to return to normal as quickly as possible,” Henry said. “In doing so our health care system needs to have an accurate count of people within the community to make sure that when a vaccine is available there is enough for everyone.”

Though Worcester County has the lowest response rate in the state of Maryland, Henry said the rates shown on the Census reporting website were the self-response rates and that those figures would increase after enumerators began visiting homes. She said Worcester County’s rate was low primarily because of the large number of second homes in the county. She encourages property owners not to ignore the Census survey at their vacation homes but rather to visit the link provided and confirm that no one lived at the property. The Census can be completed online, by phone or by mail. For more information visit 2020census.gov.

July 31, 2020

OCEAN FRONT ~ OC ENGLISH TOWERS #608 at 100th Street $550,000 • MLS #MDWO112046 3 bed, 2 bt, 1,386 sqft, built 1974 Condo Fee $495/m, RE Tax $525/m North Corner, Pool, Elevators, Mgmt., New Kitchen and Baths, Grand View

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

OCEAN BLOCK ~ OC TAMARINDO #14A at 56th Street $475,000 • MLS #MDWO114858 4 bed, 3 ½ bt, 3,250 sqft, built 2004 Condo Fee $400/m, RE Tax $475/m 3-Level, West Corner Condo, Pool, Ocean View, Garage, 2 Porches

BAY SIDE ~ OC MAKAI #612 at 42nd Street $280,000 • MLS #MDWO115008 2 bed, 2 bt, 825 sqft, built 2007 Condo Fee $386/m, RE Tax $318/m Top North Corner, Ocean & Bay Views, Pool, Fitness, Sauna, Storage Locker

OCEAN BLOCK ~ OC BLAIRE ISLE #302S at 83rd Street $225,000 • MLS #MDWO115316 2 bed, 2 bt, 864 sqft, built 1985 Condo Fee $167/m, RE Tax $235/m Top Floor, Private Balcony Bay Views, 2 Assigned Parking Sp., Updates

OCEAN BLOCK ~ OC SEA NYMPH #3B at 17th Street $140,000 • MLS #MDWO113198 1 bed, 1 bt, 450 sqft, built 1960 Condo Fee $236/m, RE Tax $118/m 1st Floor, Private Porch, 1 Parking Sp., Pool, Cable & Hot Water Included

CONTRACT ACCEPTED BAY SIDE ~ OC VILLA WHITE #19 at 143rd Street $270,000 • MLS #MDWO114264 3 bed, 2 bt, 1,305 sqft, built 1991 Condo Fee $332/m, RE Tax $246/m 3-Level, Fireplace, Lots of Updates, Large Deck Overlooks Quad Pool

Investing in your Purchase for a smooth

“Not Your Average Buyer’s Agent” BUYING EXPERIENCE:

• Comprehensive Valuations • Daily Property Previewing • Local Market Knowledge • No Extra Compliance Fee • Professional Inspection • Attention to Details • 1-year Warranty (some limitations apply)

LIGHTHOUSE SOUND LOT #6 12310 SOUTHHAMPTON via Rt #90 $250,000 • MLS #1001561434 Water View, Elevated ½ Acre, 2nd Tee, Quick Beach Access, Quality Homes, GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY

NEWARK ~ WATER FRONT LOT CROPPERS ISLAND RD via #113S $90,000 • MLS #1001558864 #7-1.04 Acres, 100’ +/- on Porter Creek Wooded, County Road Access, South of Berlin Country Lifestyle, Estate Sale with Current Survey

Investing in your Listing to get it

“Not Your Average Listing Agent” SOLD:

• Professsional Pre-Inspection • Proper Staging & Cleaning • Professional Photography • No Extra Compliance Fee • HOA/Condo Documents • Local Representation • 1-year Warranty (some limitations apply)

Attorney Files For OC Council Seat Municipal Election Nov. 3

Page 20

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

Your Countertop Specialists

Fabricating & installing quartz, granite and solid surface tops Up to date, state of the art equipment

Family Owned & Operated

SINCE 1982

Call: 443.856.4437 or See Us On Facebook 34407 Dupont Blvd., Unit 9 • (Rt. 113 North) Frankford, DE Visit our website for showroom hours • www.creativeincounters.com

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With the resort’s municipal election just a little over three months away, local resident and Ocean City lifer Peter Buas this week officially threw his hat in the ring for one of four available City Council seats.

Ocean City will hold its municipal election on Nov. 3 in conjunction with the federal and state elections. This year, Mayor Rick Meehan’s seat is up for election along with four at-large City Council seats currently occupied by Council Secretary Mary Knight and Councilmembers Dennis Dare, Tony DeLuca and John Gehrig.

In addition to Buas, DeLuca has also formally filed for re-election. The other seats, held by incumbents Lloyd Martin, Matt James and Mark Paddack, are staggered and will come up for re-election in 2022.

Buas, 29, is a lifetime local resident who grew up in downtown Ocean City in his family’s hospitality business. As a young student at Worcester Prep, Buas started working at the age of 12 taking reservations at his family’s Buckingham

THINKING ABOUT SELLING??

NOW IS THE TIME!

We Have Buyers Waiting For New Listings!

If You Have Ever Thought About Selling, Contact Me Today!

443-783-0299 Jenny Sheppard, Associate Broker

Licensed In MD & DE • GRI 443.783.0299 • jennysoldit@aol.com

19 North Main St. • Berlin MD, 21811 • 410.629.0200 7802 Coastal Hwy. • Ocean City, MD 21842 • 410.723.7070

July 31, 2020

Hotel. He got his undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland-College Park before earning his law degree at the University of Baltimore.

After clerking for two years for the Worcester County Circuit Court, Buas joined the local law firm of Williams, Moore, Shockley and Harrison. Throughout his higher education and budding law career, Buas has never strayed too far from his family’s hospitality roots in Ocean City, which he believes makes him a solid candidate for the town’s City Council this year.

The opening line of Buas’ bio on his website outlining his candidacy pretty much says everything one needs to know about his de- PETER BUAS votion to his hometown. “Ocean City, Maryland means everything to me,” it reads. Buas said this week he hopes to bring a fresh vision to the council if he is successful in November.

“I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Ocean City Council,” he said. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve known this town represents something special that no place in the world has to offer. This past year has been a challenging one for our community with noise, litter and recklessness like never before. Our town needs fresh ideas to curb this trend and reinforce that our community is a safe place to live, work and have safe family fun.”

Buas added, “This small, close community gives families the opportunity to work hard and look out for one another, all the while enjoying an amazing resort atmosphere and unmatched environmental beauty. Ocean City is truly a oneof-a-kind place and I feel lucky to be part of its past, present and future. That’s why I’m certain that, now more than ever, I am capable of serving our hometown at a higher level.”

The planks in Buas’ early campaign platform include responsible budgeting and spending, transparency in council decisions, transforming the public image of Ocean City, supporting the town staff including public works, the police department and the fire department.

“As a member of the City Council, I will listen to, work with and support anyone and everyone who has an interest in changing our wonderful community for the better,” he said. “I pledge to work diligently and effectively for this town. I’ll focus on change and transparency, while never forgetting the heart of Ocean City rests with its residents, who devote their time and energy in constantly propelling us forward. I know this because I have seen it firsthand as I grew up, as a business owner striving to add value to the area and as a citizen eager to give back to the community I love so much.”

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 21

Ocean City Likely To Require Masks On Boardwalk

Page 22

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – There were mixed messages from Gov. Larry Hogan this week on the state’s COVID-19 recovery plans, which are on a “pause” as some key metrics continue to increase, but the biggest takeaway is an expansion of mandatory masking requirements.

Hogan on Wednesday held yet another press conference on the ongoing pandemic and the messages were all at once filled with cautious optimism and grave concern. Perhaps the biggest takeaway on Wednesday was an expansion of mask and face-covering requirements that have been in place since April.

Back in April, Hogan implemented an executive order requiring the wearing of masks in all indoor spaces such

as retail stores, grocery stores and the like. On Wednesday, he amended that executive order to include the inside of all buildings with public access and outdoors in all public places where it is not possible to achieve social distancing.

Locally, the most obvious place affected by the change is the Boardwalk, where most have been wearing masks inside stores and amusements, for example, but the majority are not wearing masks while walking outdoors along the famed promenade. Hogan’s amended executive order on the surface appears to include the Boardwalk because social distancing is not often possible in the height of the summer season.

In response, the Mayor and Council are expected to meet on Friday to discuss the new declaration requiring mask-wearing in outdoor public areas and are expected to enact an emer-

July 31, 2020

gency ordinance making a violation of the governor’s new order a municipal infraction.

The Boardwalk is just one example of an outdoor public area where the wearing of a mask will now be required.

Presumably, the same rules will apply next week at the White Marlin Open’s new public outdoor venue at the park along the bay at 3rd Street, and likely in open public areas during the OC Air Show the following weekend. It’s also safe to say masks will be required at some of the town’s outdoor public special events such as the concerts at Sunset Park or Sundaes in the Park, for example, among others.

The governor on Wednesday also issued a public health advisory urging Marylanders not to travel to nine states where COVID-19 cases continue to spike. In Maryland, the number of posi-

BEST BUSHEL VALUES AT THE BEACH! ALL CRABS GRADED BY WEIGHT

BAHAMAS

Call, Compare And Get The Best For Less

CRAB CLAW SPECIAL 5 LBS. $25

JUMBO CRABS

Crabshack

CARRY-OUT AND SEAFOOD OUTLET

GUARANTEED “FAT” CRABS FENWICK ISLAND DE. • NORTH OCEAN CITY MD

1/2 BUSH FROM $99*

3 DOZEN FROM $69*

MD CRAB MEAT FRESH CLAMS SCALLOPS OYSTERS SHRIMP

CREAM OF CRAB SOUP $22 QT.

VOTED #1 CRABS &SEAFOOD CARRYOUT

$35 Dozen Crabs w/ 1/2-lb.Shrimp Subject To Availability*

PREMIUM SEAFOOD BEST PRICES

MED $49 • MED/LG $65 • LARGE $99 EX-LARGE $119 *CALL FOR AVAILABILITY *

2-1/3 LB. CRABCAKES # W/2 SIDES $27.95

MONSTER CRABS OC’S BIGGEST

1 LB. GULF JUMBO SHRIMP $17.95

KING CRAB SNOW CRAB SWEET CORN

DAILY CRAB SPECIALS CALL FOR QUOTES

Great Menu, Quality Food • Call Ahead-Ready In Minutes Sandwiches & Dinners • Seafood & Chicken

NO TAX • PACK FOR TRAVEL • FREE COOLER & ICE

Sandwiches & Dinners • Seafood & Chicken • Homemade Soups • 1/3-lb. MD Crab Cakes • Steamed Shrimp

Del. 54

Coastal Hwy.

Oceanside Md./Del. Line, 37805 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, Delaware 19944

Open Daily At 10 a.m. • 302-537-5882 • BahamasCrabShack.com

Fisher’s Popcorn 146thSt. O.C. MD

tive COVID-19 cases has been increasing steadily each day over the last couple of weeks, but that was expected with an increase in testing. However, the state’s numbers in certain key metrics such as the number of hospitalizations and the number of patients in ICU or acute care continue to nudge upward. Hogan said on Wednesday some of that data is cause for alarm, putting Maryland at a critical turning point in its recovery plan.

“We find ourselves at a fork in the road, a critical turning point where we can either continue making progress and continue heading in the right direction, or we could ignore the warnings and spike back up like much of the rest of the country,” he said. “We are doing much better on our health metrics than most of the rest of the country and we want to do what it takes to keep it that way. We have come too far together to lose the progress that we have made on the road to health and economic recovery here in Maryland.”

Hogan said his coronavirus task force and recovery team continues closely monitor the number of new hospitalizations.

“We’re concerned and are closely monitoring hospitalizations,” he said.

“We’ve seen a 28% increase in the last two weeks. It’s far lower than it was back in the spring, but it’s still concerning that we’re seeing this rise. The uptick in acute care beds is largely in young people, which is concerning.

They are sick enough to go in the hospital, but not suffering the same severe symptoms as those older, more vulnerable patients we were seeing in the spring. It’s troubling nonetheless.”

The increase in the number of hospitalizations is significant enough for the governor to pump the brakes on the state’s steady recovery plan.

“This level of hospitalization is enough, however, to trigger a stop sign calling for a pause in further reopening plans,” he said. “We have been fully open in all phase two activities since June 19. We will remain paused at this point and not move into phase three openings until it is safe and prudent and thoroughly backed by the data to move forward.”

While Maryland will remain right where it is in the long-term phased recovery and there are no immediate plans to take a step backward, Hogan did say he would take the appropriate action if the key numbers continue to trend in the wrong direction.

“I have always said I would not hesitate to take action as we’ve done through this pandemic if and when we deem them to be necessary,” he said.

“We’re trying to do everything we can to keep Maryland open for business in a safe way, but we will take the appropriate action if it becomes necessary.”

If it becomes necessary to address concerning increases in the numbers, Hogan suggested any changes in the directives would not likely be a blanketed, one-size-fits-all approach.

SEE NEXT PAGE

… Governor Outlines State’s Recovery Plans On ‘Pause’

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

“Instead of shutting down a county or even one type of business, we can often take a targeted action to stop the spread,” he said. “It’s the difference between using a scalpel and a sledgehammer.”

As far as expanding mask requirements, Hogan said it has proven to be the single most effective tool in the COVID fighting tool box.

“While it can be an inconvenience, especially in the heat, wearing a mask is the single best mitigation strategy we have,” he said. “If you do nothing else, wearing a mask alone will help us significantly slow the spread of this virus

and help us continue on the road to health and economic recovery.”

Perhaps the most important metric monitored by state officials is the testing positivity rate. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) target is 5% and almost every county in Maryland remains under that threshold. Interestingly, Worcester County led the way with the highest positivity rate a little over a week ago, but the county’s number is now safely back under the threshold. The number of new cases in Worcester continues to increase almost daily, but again, that is likely due to increased testing.

“Nine days ago, Worcester County

Page 23

had the highest positivity rate in the state at 7.26%,” said Hogan. “It’s now down to 4.55%. That’s a 37% drop.”

Hogan said advanced contact tracing has allowed the state’s COVID recovery team to better identify trends in the types of situations that are generating the most new cases. The presumption, fairly or not, has been new cases are being generated from people congregating in restaurants and bars and other areas where unrelated people tend to gather.

Surprisingly, however, the highestrisk situation identified through contract tracing is family gatherings at 44%. Ho-

gan said that trend is somewhat alarming because the presumption has been it is safer to stay at home surrounded by people one knows rather than out among the public.

“For most of us, there is a false sense of security when your spending time with family and friends, especially at home at a backyard barbeque,” he said. “I’m guilty of this. Just because you haven’t gone out or participated in a high-risk activity doesn’t mean you’re safe. Some people are saying they’re not going out, but they rent a beach house with 20 family members and stay home and they’re still spreading the virus.”

LONG & FOSTER REAL ESTATE, INC.

11701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 (O) 410-524-1700

Let Us Help You Reel In A Winning Beach Home!

Fabulous 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Ocean Block Condominium ~ Sun Spot On 136th Street. Large Balcony has Ocean Views. Interior has White Ceramic Tile Throughout with Cozy Fireplace for Year Round Living. Beach is Just Steps Away! $290,000

Come “Sea” It Today – Contact: Anna Montgomery Cell: 410 913 7247 Anna.Montgomery@longandfoster.com

SWANN ESTATES

MARINA AT PEPPERS CREEK BETHANY BREEZE

LOVELY CUSTOM BUILT WATERFRONT HOME NESTLED IN WOODS OF QUIET COMMUNITY. UNIQUE FLOOR PLAN, LOTS OF LIGHT AND WATER VIEWS, 4BR/3BA, MATURE LANDSCAPED YARD WITH GARDEN POND, SHED, CIRCULAR DRIVEWAY, 2-CAR GARAGE. $649,900

PRISTINE CONTEMPORARY RANCHER ON LARGE CORNER LOT. 3BR/2BA. NICE OPEN FLOOR PLAN, UPGRADED KITCHEN, OFFICE/SUNROOM, BACK DECK, NICELY LANDSCAPED. QUIET COMMUNITY WITH POOL, FITNESS CENTER, PIER, KAYAK LAUNCHING AND FISHING. $349,900

ALL SPRUCED UP, READY FOR YOUR FURNISHINGS AND PERSONAL TOUCHES. WELL MAINTAINED 2BR/2.5BA TOWNHOUSE. NICE QUIET COMMUNITY WITH LOW FEES, LARGE POOL, TENNIS, BASKETBALL, WIDE STREETS FOR WALKING, 2+ MILES TO BEACH. $219,900

BRAEMAR TOWERS

RUSTIC ACRES

neW COnSTRUCTIOn The Latitudes Townhomes Bayfront 25th Street

VILLAGES AT MILLWOOD

• 3 Bed/3 Bath • 30 Year Architectural Roof • Direct Bayfront w/ Slip • No Shared Wall Construction OPEN Thurs-Mon • New 50 Year Bulkhead • Hardwood and Ceramic 10am - 4pm • 200' of Waterfront • Gas Tankless Water Heater • 2 Car Garage + Storage • Builder Warranty Only 3 Left! - Starting at $646,250

Contact Your new Construction Project Specialists To See e View

MOVE IN READY, CLEAN AS A PIN, 4BR/3BA HOME BACKING TO SERENE WOODED LOT. POPULAR, AFFORDABLE NEIGHBORHOOD HAS CLUB HOUSE, POOL, LAWN AND ROAD MAINTENANCE, TRASH, POWER WASHING. CLOSE TO SHOPPING, RESTAURANTS, BEACHES. $269,900

IMMACULATE 2BR/2BA CONDO IN NORTH OC. BRIGHT WITH CLEAN LINES, TOTALLY TURN KEY, RECENTLY UPDATED WITH FRESH NEUTRAL PAINT, NEW CARPET, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, REMODELED BATHROOMS. OCEAN AND BAY VIEWS FROM LARGE BALCONY. $319,900

BEAUTIFUL HOME SITUATED ON 1.2 ACRE CORNER LOT SURROUNDED BY TREES AND FLOWERING BUSHES. 3BR/2FB/2HB COLONIAL FEATURES OPEN FLOOR PLAN, CHAIR RAIL, CROWN MOLDING, HARDWOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT. QUICK DRIVE TO BEACHES. $319,000

26TH STREET

PARSONSBURG

SEA HARBOR

WELL KEPT, BRIGHT 4BR/3.5BA TOWNHOUSE FEATURING OPEN FLOOR PLAN, HIGH CEILINGS, TWO BAY VIEW BALCONIES, ONE CAR GARAGE, TWO ASSIGNED PARKING SPACES, JUST STEPS FROM BAY, AND NEAR RESTAURANTS, SHOPPING, AMUSEMENTS AND BEACH. $430,000

4BR/1.5BA FARMETTE JUST A SHORT DRIVE FROM SALISBURY, LESS THAN 30 MINUTES FROM BEACH. CHARMING BUNGALOW STYLE HOME SITTING ON 1.8 ACRES, GREAT SPOT FOR CAR ENTHUSIAST OR CRAFTSMAN WITH SEPARATE CARPORT AND 7 GARAGE SPACES. $175,000

CAN'T BEAT THIS PRICE! STEPS TO OCEAN, OCEAN BLOCK EFFICIENCY, JUST 2 BUILDINGS BACK FROM OCEAN. REMODELED KITCHEN, UPDATED BATH, LAMINATE FLOORING IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS, PRIVACY FOLDING DOORS TO BR AREA, STORM SHUTTERS ON BACK SLIDER. $124,900

Tim Meadowcroft REALTOR® MARYLAND & DELAWARE

LISTIng AgenT Mary McCracken graves 410-430-7302

2011-2019 Top Office Agent 2019 Long & Foster Coastal Region Top 10 Producing Agent

Steve Mastbrook 302-604-2694

Tina Busko 865-300-5609

Anna Montgomery 410-913-7247

CELL: 443-235-7266 OFFICE: 410-520-2704 timothy.meadowcroft@lnf.com

Page 24

Multiple Arrests In Fight OCEAN CITY – Several arrests were made during a downtown fight involving at least a dozen suspects early last Friday morning.

Around 2:10 a.m. last Friday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to the area of Wicomico Street and Baltimore Avenue for a large fight in progress. During the incident, one OCPD officer observed a suspect later identified as Anthony Mabry, 23, of Pittsburgh, Pa., enter the fray and begin kicking a man while he was on the ground, according to police reports.

The OCPD officer reportedly grabbed Mabry’s arm and told him he was under arrest. Mabry reportedly backpedaled away from the officer, who was forced to tackle the suspect to the ground.

While Mabry was on the ground, he reportedly clenched his fists as if he was preparing to punch the officer, but the officer punched Mabry twice in the face and he was subdued. Mabry was arrested and charged with assault, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

During the same incident, OCPD officers observed a suspect involved in the fight, later identified as Joseph Pote, 31, of Philadelphia, battling with Zachary Strobele, 32, of Bristol, Pa. Strobele was also reportedly fighting with two other suspects in the case identified as Wesley Wallace-Watson and Marcelis Som-

cops & courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

erville, 23, of Clements, Md., according to police reports. Each of those suspects were charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

Wallace-Watson had additional charges tacked on when he battled with OCPD officers attempting to arrest him. As one OCPD officer arrived on scene, he observed Wallace-Watson allegedly standing over another OCPD officer attempting to arrest one of the combatants on the ground.

The OCPD officer ordered WallaceWatson to back away from the arrest scene, but the suspect reportedly did not comply and assumed a fighting posture against the officer. WallaceWatson launched into a string of expletives against the OCPD officers and

FRIDAY 10 P.M. $5 CRUSHES

LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR BEATS BY STYLER

$4 STELLA DRAFTS $5 GREEN TEA SHOTS BEATS BY WAX

WEDNESDAY 10 P.M. 8th street & philadelphia ave.

410-289-4891 •picklesoc.com

OPEN YEAR-ROUND EVERY DAY

8th st. liquors open every day

SATURDAY 10 P.M. MONDAY ALL DAY THREE ON THE TREE $4 LANDSHARK DRAFTS 10 P.M.-CLOSE $5 CORONA/CORONA LIGHT

Indecent Porch Arrest OCEAN CITY – A New York man was arrested on multiple charges last week after a bizarre series of events that began with him allegedly defecating on his friend’s porch.

TUESDAY 10 P.M.

ANDREW ROBEAR SUNDAY 10 P.M.

continued to battle them, according to police reports.

OCPD officers were able to get Wallace-Watson to the ground, but he continued to resist. One of the OCPD officers was eventually forced to use his taser on the suspect, but it had little effect. Ultimately, Wallace-Watson was subdued and taken into custody. He was charged with assault, assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and disturbing the peace.

DAILY FOOD SPECIALS & NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT WILL BE BACK ASAP

$4 SELECT CRAFT DRAFT (KEEP THE GLASS)

$5 BULLEIT BOURBON BEATS BY STYLER

THURSDAY 10 P.M. $2 NATTYS $3 GRENADES/TORADA $4 WHITE CLAW $4 PEANUT BUTTER WHISKEY BEATS BY WAX

July 31, 2020 Around 9:40 p.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the downtown area was dispatched to St. Louis Avenue for a reported disorderly individual who had allegedly defecated on a porch. While in route, an OCPD officer located the suspect, later identified as Ryan Courtwright, 27, of Manlius, N.Y., talking to a group of females. Courtwright appeared to be intoxicated and when he saw OCPD officers arriving on the scene, he quickly began to flee the area, according to police reports.

When an officer attempted asked Courtwright to stop so he could talk to him, the suspect reportedly said “Nah,” and kept on walking. The officer put his hand on Courtwright’s shoulder in an effort to stop him, but he shrugged it off and kept on walking. Another OCPD officer blocked the suspect’s path and Courtwright was detained.

When officers attempted to arrest Courtwright, he reportedly resisted and struggled with police, hitting one officer in the arm in the process. He was ultimately taken to the ground, but continued to resist, according to police reports. OCPD officers spoke with the group of females with whom Courtwright had been speaking when they arrived on the scene.

The group of females told police he was acting weird and that they were “really creeped out by him,” according to police reports. One female in the group told the officers she was getting ready to call the police before they arrived when they did.

OCPD officers went to a residence on St. Louis Avenue to interview the original complainant who had initiated the call. The victim reportedly told police he and Courtwright used to be good friends, but Courtwright got intoxicated and began to argue with him.

The victim told the officers he had asked Courtwright repeatedly to leave the residence and put all of his belongings out on the porch. When the victim went outside to see if Courtwright had gone and taken his belongings, he noticed a fresh pile of feces on his wooden deck, according to police reports.

Courtwright’s parting gift damaged at least one and as many as four boards on the wooden deck.

The victim told police Courtwright came up to him from behind and pushed him before running away from the propSEE NEXT PAGE

BUYING OR SELLING?

It’s Your Journey But I Can Help You On Your Way Gussie Sholtis • 410-713-2771 • gussiesholtis@gmail.com Please Follow Me @ Gussie Sholtis Realtor

... Cops & Courts

July 31, 2020

erty. Courtwright was charged with two counts of second-degree assault, resisting arrest and malicious destruction of property.

Vehicles Hit With Glass Bottles OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was arrested on multiple counts of malicious destruction of property last weekend after allegedly throwing glass liquor bottles at vehicles on the street below his residence.

Around 11:40 a.m. last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to the area of 24th Street for reported cases of malicious destruction of property. On arrival, the officer observed broken glass all along the street and on top of numerous vehicles parked along the street. Amid the broken glass were multiple Twisted Tea labels and liquor bottle labels, according to police reports.

The officer met with one victim, who reportedly told police his vehicle had been hit with glass bottles sometime between midnight and 8 a.m. The officer observed multiple broken glass bottle surrounding the victim’s vehicle along with a dent and scratches on the vehicle’s doors. The victim estimated the damage at $2,000.

The officer met with another victim whose vehicle was surrounded by broken glass. The victim’s vehicle had a dent in the roof and dents and scratches on the side. She also estimated the damage at around $2,000. Yet another victim’s vehicle was surrounded by broken glass on the street and its roof was nearly covered with broke glass entirely.

There were scratches and dents in the vehicle’s roof. A fourth victim reported a similar situation with cracks in the rear window and a dent and scratches in the trunk. That victim estimated her damage at around $2,500.

Witnesses on the scene reported they heard a suspect later identified as Quinlin Murphy, 23, of Lake Ariel, Pa., and another man yelling “hit that car,” and “hit the cars” as they threw glass bottles at the vehicles on the street below from a fourth-floor balcony. Another witness reportedly told police her neighbors in the unit next to hers had been throwing beer cans at vehicles and pedestrians in the street the night before. She also told police Murphy and the other occupant of the room had multiple bottles of liquor and Twisted Tea. OCPD officers went to the fourthfloor unit and located Murphy. According to police reports, Murphy told the officers he had been the one throwing glass bottles at vehicles and that he continued to throw bottles at vehicles throughout the night. Murphy was arrested and charged with malicious destruction of property and malicious destruction of property scheme.

Parking Lot Scrap Arrest OCEAN CITY – A New York man was arrested last week after allegedly

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch getting into a shoving match with his girlfriend and swiping the key fob that remotely started her vehicle to prevent her from leaving.

Around 2:20 p.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling near the Public Safety Building at 65th Street observed a couple arguing in the parking lot. The officer reportedly observed the couple taking turns pushing each other in the shoulder as they continued to argue.

At one point, the male in the couple, identified as Jonathan Rodriguez, 40, of the Bronx, N.Y., shoved the female causing her to stumble backwards, according to police reports. The female then walked toward her parked vehicle. The female victim got on the vehicle, started it and began to back out of a parking space.

Rodriguez reportedly opened the driver’s side door forcibly and stepped inside the vehicle in an attempt to prevent the victim from leaving. Rodriguez then opened the rear driver’s side door and removed a one-year-old child from a car seat and started walking east through the parking lot, according to police reports.

The OCPD officer ordered Rodriguez to come back and he returned with the child. While the officer was speaking with the victim, Rodriguez was observed rummaging through the center-console area of the vehicle. He quickly left the area and began walking east through the parking lot again.

The victim then realized her vehicle would not start and determined Rodriguez must have taken the key fob that remotely starts the vehicle. The OCPD officer followed Rodriguez to a nearby store parking lot, but was unable to find the key fob. According to police reports, the officer believed Rodriguez likely threw the key fob or otherwise concealed it somewhere along his path to prevent the victim from leaving.

When questioned, Rodriguez reportedly told the officer he had not been driving so he had no idea where the key fob was. Rodriguez was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and theft.

Page 25

GOOD LUCK, PUMPIN’ HARD

“Serving Ocean City For Over 20 Years”

Peace • Love & OC’s #1 Cheesesteaks

Stumbling In Traffic OCEAN CITY – A Delaware man was arrested last weekend after stumbling into traffic and nearly getting hit by a vehicle.

Around 2 a.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was assisting with crowd control during a fight near a downtown bar when he was approached by an individual later identified as Clinton Austin, 32, of Wilmington, Del. The officer was standing in the bus lane near the nightclub and Austin reportedly demanded the officer get out of the street.

Austin was advised to move along, but instead launched into an expletivelaced tirade toward the police as he stumbled in the bus lane. Austin swerved into a lane of traffic and was nearly struck by a vehicle, which had to slam on its brakes to avoid hitting him. Austin was arrested and charged with intoxicated endangerment and disturbing the peace.

OUTSIDE & INSIDE DINING FULL LIQUOR STORE & CARRYOUT AVAILABLE ROCK THE DOCK 8 P.M. Friday: DJ Wax • Tuesday: Sean “Spiffy” Styles OPEN 11 A.M.-MIDNIGHT DAILY 28TH STREET • 410-289-2828 • 410-289-BUXY DRYDOCKOC.COM • BUXYSSALTYDOG.COM

Berlin Fire Company Provides Quarterly Update

Page 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The effect of budget cuts and the need for a new EMS funding system highlighted a Berlin Fire Company discussion with town officials.

On Monday, Berlin Fire Company (BFC) President David Fitzgerald provided the Berlin Town Council with a quarterly report on fire company operations.

He acknowledged fewer accidents to respond to as COVID-19 prompted people to stay home but said the fire company was also down a staff member. Fitzger-

ald said the EMS position had been eliminated as a result of budget cuts.

“There is no longer four people at the fire house,” he said. “There’s not a second crew. It’s only three people at the station so any second call now you have to wait for volunteers or you may be waiting for another response from an agency.”

He said the impact of being down a responder would be even more noticeable when someone else was on sick or vacation leave.

“You’ll not have the staffing the town and the county has had for many years,”

7 Corner Store Lane, SunSet ISLand open Saturday, 8/1 • 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Beautiful end townhome! 4BR+Den/3FB/2HB with amazing Key West feel.

The open floor plan and the addition off the kitchen make this an amazing home for entertaining! The oversized custom-made island-inspired kitchen table is perfect for large family meals or game night. Den/office, 3 porches, outdoor shower, 2 car garage, glimpse of the water. Amazing community amenities include Bayfront Pool, Indoor Pool, Interactive Fountains, Clubhouse, Waterview Gym, Walking Paths, Bayside Beaches and more! $528,000 • 7cornerstore.canbyours.com

241 25tH Street, ISLe oF WIGHt

Amazing rental potential! Beautiful waterview stickbuilt home! Amazing open floor plan, 3BR/2BA, 2 porches, cathedral ceilings, 2 breakfast bars, laundry/mudroom, tankless water heater, private driveway, outdoor shower, storage. $299,000 • 24125thst.canbyours.com

203 WaSHInGton Street, SnoW HILL VIrtuaL tour, Saturday 8/1 • 2-3 p.m.

Fabulous 1910 colonial home, totally renovated 2017! New HVAC units, plumbing, electric, drywall, windows, siding, roof, kitchen, bathrooms and so much more! Old farmhouse character brought back to life with added new modern farmhouse charm.

5BR/2.5BA/3400+sf. Short drive to the beach. $250,000 • 203washington.canbyours.com

For more information contact Kim Mcguigan, Broker 443-496-1446

11615 ½ Coastal Highway, Suite D, Ocean City, MD • 443-992-4990

Kim Mcguigan 443-496-1446

he said.

Mayor Gee Williams pointed out before the pandemic there had been plans underway to form a county task force to study EMS funding throughout Worcester. Williams said he’d invited the BFC to be a part of that once it got underway.

“This emergency services dilemma is not exclusively a Berlin situation,” Williams said. “It is something that every town’s handling differently.”

He said it was time for the towns and the county to work together to find a solution to increasing EMS costs.

“We feel that a coordinated effort between the county and the towns is an absolute must or things are only going to get tougher and tougher and tougher,” he said. “Now I think we’ve reached a point we all want to work together. Everybody doing their own thing is just not financially sustainable.”

Fitzgerald said something he wanted to bring to the town’s attention was the fact that the county always sought fire company input when new developments were proposed while the Town of Berlin did not. He said the town considered a development’s impact on water and sewer infrastructure but did not take into account its potential strain on fire and EMS services.

“You take an empty field and build 702 apartments, we can probably tell you about how many EMS calls that’s going to generate, how many fire calls,”

July 31, 2020

Fitzgerald said. “Yes, the place may be sprinklered, comments were made ‘oh it’s not going to burn down.’ But we go to some of these places for many elevator rescues and other things.”

He said he thought that if the town consulted the BFC regarding development both parties could have a better understanding of resources needed.

Williams said he agreed.

“Rather than do this piecemeal we need to take this multifaceted challenge and pull it all together…,” he said. “It’s a lot of moving parts. The fact that we have these individual volunteer fire companies trying to provide EMS services on all different scales and all kinds of levels of needs and quite frankly it’s a system that has outlasted its time. We’re moving forward in so many other ways.

I know that we all expect there might be a temporary slowdown in growth but I don’t think it’s a permanent one. If anything I’m very grateful for the continued growth that’s happening in this town and our immediate area.”

Councilman Zack Tyndall asked Fitzgerald how fire and EMS responders were dealing with COVID-19.

“They’re holding up well,” he said.

“It’s challenge. You’re used to being together and you’re not together. I do feel that does not bring camaraderie. We’ve been very fortunate that we’ve had no one in our employment or our volunteers ill due to COVID-19.”

Assault Charges In Hotel Room Invasion

July 31, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Lanham, Md., man was arrested on first-degree assault charges last week after allegedly barging into a downtown hotel room and threatening two women with a large knife.

Around 7:15 p.m. last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a hotel on 5th Street for a reported assault. When the officer arrived, he observed two females yelling from a second-floor window to individuals on the street below and asking for help.

The officer met with the two victims, who reportedly told police they were inside their hotel room when a man later identified as James Brown, 21, of Lanham, Md., barged in with a woman and small child. The victims told police Brown argued with the woman, who eventually left the unit, leaving Brown and the small child behind.

The victims told police Brown stood on the top of their living room table and they told him to get out, which only made him angrier and more aggressive, according to police reports. Brown then went outside and began harassing others in the street including a pizza delivery driver. When someone tried to assist the allegedly intoxicated Brown after he fell, Brown reportedly yelled he would “shoot the whole entire hotel up,” according to police reports.

The two victims told police they walked back into their unit and Brown followed them. One victim told police when she turned around to ask him again to leave, Brown brandished a large knife with the blade fully extended and pointed it at her.

The victim told police she backed up toward her bedroom and Brown followed her with large knife extended to within an inch of her stomach. The victim told police Brown backed her into a corner with the knife still just an inch from her stomach and that she feared for her life.

Brown then turned around and walked out of the unit, stumbling and falling down the steps as he attempted to flee and the two victims called 911. Brown was located a short time later on the corner of 5th Street and Baltimore Avenue.

During the subsequent search, OCPD officer located in Brown’s pocket a large folding knife with a serrated edge. According to police reports, the knife was 15 inches long in total, with the blade portion around eight inches.

The victims were brought separately to identify Brown and each told police they were 100% certain he was the suspect who had barged into their unit and threatened them with a knife. Brown was arrested and charged with 11 total counts including two counts of first-degree assault, home invasion and burglary. He was being held midweek on a $25,000 bond.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 27

GOOD LUCK WHITE MARLIN OPEN ANGLERS

Breakfast Every Sunday 8 a.m.-Noon 5

$ .95

BLOODY MARYS & MIMOSAS

HIRING PART TIME KITCHEN HELP

FRESH

SOFT CRABS

EARLY BIRD PLATTER SPECIALS $15.95 DAILY 2-5 P.M. ~ YOUR CHOICE OF/INCLUDES 2 SIDES

OYSTERS • SHRIMP • CLAM STRIPS • FRESH FLOUNDER SOFT CRABS • GRILLED TUNA • PORK CHOPS • 1/2-RACK OF RIBS

HAPPY HOUR 3-7 P.M. EVERY DAY

Aunt Lil’s Famous Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes Fresh Seafood & Great BBQ

SEAFOOD HAND CUT BY LOCAL WATERMAN

TRY OUR HOMEMADE DESSERTS OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 11 A.M.-10 P.M. SUNDAY 8 A.M.-10 P.M. 12702 OLD BRIDGE ROAD • WEST OCEAN CITY • 443-664-5317

Page 28

Del. Attorney General Finds No Misconduct By Fenwick Council

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – A member of the Fenwick Island Town Council is calling for transparency after expressing her concerns about the decisionmaking process officials used to allow an outdoor pool bar with music at a new hotel on Coastal Highway.

On July 22, Delaware Deputy Attorney General Dorey Cole responded to a petition filed by Councilwoman Vicki Carmean, opining the town did not violate the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as alleged during its correspondence with attorneys, town officials and the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (ABCC) regarding the Fenwick Shores outdoor pool bar.

“The crux of the Petition is that the Town Council did not discuss in a public meeting the approval of the open pool bar and that certain Town officials made statements on behalf of the Town, allegedly without authority to do so,” the opinion reads. “We offer no opinion on those allegations as the legality and appropriateness of such matters are outside the scope of Section 10005. ‘To be clear, FOIA does not determine when a public body must take up a matter of public business.’ As such, the question

July 31, 2020

of whether the Town officials should have discussed the open pool bar at a public meeting and whether Town officials appropriately spoke on behalf of the Town are matters outside the scope of FOIA. Based on above, we find that the Town has not violated FOIA as alleged.”

In 2018, developer Spiro Buas demolished the aging Sands Motel – which he purchased in 2015 – and began building a new hotel in its place. Fenwick Shores, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton, will be a 65-room boutique hotel.

To allow alcohol service for hotel guests, Buas applied with the ABCC for a hotel liquor license back in March. The application also seeks a patio permit and a variance to permit live entertainment, external speakers, a paging system and a wet bar on the second-floor patio of his property.

Since that time, however, several property owners have voiced their objections to the developer’s variance request and argued town code did not allow for an outdoor bar.

“As the bar is an amenity of the hotel, the town has no control over where that bar would be located …,” Councilman Bill Weistling told the public in March.

“Everything that has come up on this hotel we have passed it by our town attorney, and as councilmembers we might not agree with the town attorney, but we accept her guidance and interpretation of the town code.”

While the town has no jurisdiction over the issuance of liquor licenses, officials in recent months acknowledged that Buas had agreed to add a restriction to his license and seek permission from the council for any live outdoor entertainment at Fenwick Shores. A letter sent from Town Manager Terry Tieman to the ABCC on March 20 even acknowledges the agreed-upon restriction.

But it was this correspondence, along with several other comments, letters and emails from town officials, property owners and attorneys, that prompted Carmean to file a FOIA petition.

“As a member of the Council for fourteen years, I can state unequivocally that Fenwick, as one of Delaware’s Quiet Resorts, has always enforced the existing Town Code and never allowed an outdoor bar or sound system based on that Code,” she wrote. “Furthermore, if there was to be a change in the interpretation of the Code, the public should have been given notice of the interpretation, public hearings held to discuss the new interpretation with two readings along with a public Council vote before permitting uses that conflicted with the existing Code. None of those steps were taken in this case, effectively eliminating any administrative remedies the public would normally have in order to lodge their objections to this convoluted interpretation that effectively reverses years of prohibition of outdoor bars in SEE NEXT PAGE

… No Freedom Of Information Act Violations Found

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Fenwick Island.”

In an interview this week, Carmean said not all members of the town council were privy to internal communications regarding the interpretation of the town code, and the town did not act by a majority of its elected officials.

“I was reluctant to do this, but I felt like I had exhausted all other avenues,” she said. “It was a decision made by a small group of people and the rest of us were told that was that.”

In her petition, Carmean questioned the authority of Tieman, Weistling, Mayor Gene Langan and town attorney Mary

Schrider-Fox to make decisions regarding the interpretation of the town code without a discussion, vote and public notice.

“There has been no attempt to discuss or vote on these issues as part of an official process and resolution from the Council,” she wrote. “Thus, I am also hoping that this complaint will assist in bringing some transparency to these problems.”

In a town council meeting last week, Langan shared the outcome of the petition.

“Vicki Carmean filed a FOIA compl-

Theresa Diefendorf, Realtor 309.253.6059 theresadiefendorf@kw.com

Page 29

aint on July 15 against the town, certain council members and certain employees,” he said. “One week later, the attorney general ruled the town had not violated FOIA as alleged. To me, it’s just more legal bills.”

Carmean argued, however, that the Office of the Attorney General did not find a violation because it did not rule on the issues in question. She requested the council agenda for next month’s meeting include a discussion about the town’s position regarding the Fenwick Shores liquor license.

In the meantime, a law firm has been

hired by a group of property owners seeking enforcement of the town’s existing ordinances. In a May letter submitted to the town on behalf his clients, attorney William Rhodunda requested the town withdraw its letter to the ABCC, demonstrating that the hotel is not in compliance with the town code.

“I am concerned the town is facing a legal challenge, which I understand will soon be filed,” Carmean said. “We owe it to the residents who live here and pay taxes to look at this issue and make sure everything has been done and we’ve followed the rules.

6200 Coastal Highway, Suite 101 Ocean City, Maryland 21842 410-524-6400 ®

PRIVATE BOAT DOCK WITH LIFT!

Lauren A. Smith Realtor Licensed MD and DE • 410-245-9915 • LaurenASmith@KW.com ®

Now is the Time to Invest in the Beach Staycation Lifestyle!

Good Luck WMO Anglers!

762 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines

Move-in Ready, Fully Furnished, 4BR/3BA. Kitchen/Dining Combo is great for entertaining with Large Deck off Kitchen Area, Perfect for Grilling. Outside Patio. Recent Upgrades include Flooring, HVAC, Dishwasher, Hot Water Heater, Back Yard Drain System. Not far from entrance of this family friendly neighborhood, with tons of amenities including pools, bars, restaurants, tennis, marina with yacht club, golf, walking/biking trails, only minutes from OC. $289,900

721 Rusty Anchor Road #21B Ocean City

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL BAYFRONT VIEW FROM MASTER BEDROOM, LIVING ROOM, AND KITCHEN! A MUST SEE, for those who want to enjoy bay and sunsets in small garden style community. 3BR/3BA condo offers 2 decks to enjoy beautiful sunsets year round. Private boat dock/lift. Low condo fees.

Never rented. Close to year round restaurants and grocery store. MLS# MDWO108106 $539,000

Bud Cumberland REALTOR, U.S. Navy Veteran

703-801-2344 • BudCumberland@outlook.com

COME JOIN MY FLEET OF CUSTOMERS

Ben Dawson

CATCH A NEW LISTING IN THE MAKAI! 410-603-2205 • BenDawson@beachin.net

Makai

www.makaicondos.com 4201 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD

THE MERIDIAN #706 • 6 60TH STREET Panoramic ocean and bay views! 4BR/3.5BA coastal style condo in excellent condition. Open floor plan. Gourmet kitchen. Newer building has elevator, pool, covered parking. $1,300,000

CAROUSEL #1101 • 11700 COASTAL HIGHWAY Fantastic, renovated, 3BR/2BA, southern exposure, end condo. One of OC's premier buildings with so many amenities. Panoramic beach front views and amazing sunsets. $579,999

BEST RENTAL INCOME IN OC FOR INVESTORS! Fully Furnished Condos with Bay Views in an Almost New Building! Located next to Convention Center just 1 Block to Beach. Bayfront Tropical Pool Upgraded To Indoor/Outdoor, Sauna, Fitness Center,Sun Deck, TV Lounge, Billiards Room, Activity Room, Security, Bike & Beach Storage and Much More. Great Building Amenities + Great Management = Great Rental Potential!

DIAMOND HEAD #111 • 2 80TH STREET Ideal mid-town, mid-rise, ocean front building with 2BR/2BA condo nestled by the inviting outdoor pool. Just steps away from warm sand and low density beach area. $360,000

MAKAI #509 • 4201 COASTAL HIGHWAY The Atlantic Ocean is only part of the panoramic view you have from the balcony of this adorably furnished studio. One block to beach or the OC Convention Center. $142,500

Studio #209: $129,900 2BR/2BA #401: $269,900 2BR/2BA #602: $274,900

Award Recognizes Adopt Your Beach Program Founder

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Local resident Effie Cox was honored this week with the William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award for Worcester County for her role in founding and fostering the Ocean City Surf Club’s Adopt Your Beach program.

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot on Monday presented the award virtually to Cox and the Ocean City Surf Club. Under Cox’s direction and tireless energy, the program was founded in 2014 as a means to muster volun-

teers to clean the beaches in Ocean City from trash and debris several times a year.

From modest beginnings in 2014, the Adopt Your Beach program has grown to cover every single beach from the Inlet to the Delaware line, which are cleaned by volunteers at least four time a year. The clean-up days result in about 500 pounds of trash and debris collected.

The program has also spawned the popular Adopt Your Street program, which follows the same basic principles applied to the side streets in the

CATCH YOUR OWN OC CONDO!

BAYSIDE

BAYSIDE

Club Ocean Villas I

Bermuda Bay

BOARDWALK

OCEAN VIEW

2BR/2BA condo. Open floor 2BR/2.5BA townhouse. plan. Indoor and outdoor Easy walk to beach. pools, tennis courts. Close New doors. Freshly painted. to shopping and restaurants. New living room furniture. $189,900 Wood burning fireplace.

1st and 2nd floor balconies.

Close to community pool. $249,000

BAYSIDE

Sunset Island

Modern 4BR/4.5BA townhouse. Many great community features, indoor and outdoor pools, private beach, clubhouse, interactive fountain, fitness center, walking trail, security. Multiple balconies plus enclosed, furnished patio area. $539,000

BOARDWALK

Ocean Beach

East 65th Street

South Beach

NORTH OC

NORTH OC

NORTH OC

2BR/2BA top floor condo in mid-block, masonry building. Central heat/air. $299,900

Top floor, 2-story, townhouse style condo facing Northside Park, with year round activities and events. 1BR/1BA. Washer/dryer in unit.

Large community pool. $136,900

Step out your front door One of a kind, 4BR/4BA One of best upscale onto the boards and beach! townhouse located midtown, buildings on boardwalk.

2BR/2BA condo with private just steps to beach. Great Great location in heart of deck, perfect for people view of ocean from front OC. Great open floor plan. watching and direct deck. Open floor plan. Big Gorgeous views of ocean. oceanfront views. Wonderful living room.Large covered Never rented, mint 19th Street location. Easy to screened back deck and condition. Direct oceanfront clean flooring throughout. top deck too. 2-car garage.

3BR/3BA south side condo. $229,000 $649,000 $829,000

Outrigger

1BR/1BA condo in small building. Washer/Dryer in unit. Nice size outdoor pool and sun deck, indoor pool, fitness center. Central heat/air. Ceiling fans in living area and bedroom.

Close to DE line. $189,900

Watergate I

Keti Lynch Associate Broker/MBA Bi-Lingual/GRI

6808 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 • www.shorepro.com

Raffles

Toll Free: 800-492-5832 Cell: 443-235-5482 Fax: 410-524-4225

ocean block.

“Effie Cox started the Adopt Your Beach program in 2014 as part of the Ocean City Surf Club’s efforts to clean the beach and steer environmental activism from both locals and tourists that frequent the beach town each summer,” he said. “The all-volunteer program partners with a myriad of schools, scouting groups and organizations to maintain litter-free beaches, raise awareness of the importance of clean waterways and collect statistical data on the debris found.

These activities embody the principles that William Donald Schaefer, the late Baltimore mayor, Maryland governor and comptroller held dear.”

Cox on Monday humbly accepted the award on behalf of the Ocean City Surf Club and heaped praise on her colleagues in the club and the countless volunteers that make the program so successful.

“What I can say, honestly, is we have an awesome community and this is their award,” she said. “All I did was say let’s do this as a community and they all stood up and said yes. I know I am biased, but I am so proud of all of the businesses, locals, visitors, kids and civic organizations that are part of Adopt Your Beach.”

Cox said the Adopt Your Beach program has garnered national attention and is being mimicked in other coastal communities.

July 31, 2020

“It’s showing other communities what a huge difference they can make one person at a time,” she said. “I had a group in New Jersey reach out to me to say they were taking a page out of our book and doing the same thing on their beach too.”

Ocean City Councilman and Coastal Resources Legislative Committee, or Green Team, chair Tony DeLuca praised Cox for her vision in creating the program.

“It was under her direction that individuals and groups adopted 146 blocks of beach to be cleaned four times a year by volunteers,” he said. “As a result of Ef- EFFIE COX fie’s hard work and commitment, Ocean City’s beautiful beaches are cleaner than ever, including our dunes.

She has truly made a difference.”

For his part, Ocean City Surf Club President Tommy Vach also had high praise for Cox and her dedication to the Adopt Your Beach program.

“From the inception of this environmental program, she has been enthusiastically involved in its rapid growth and, in turn, its tremendous success,” he said. “You have to have heart to care about something as passionately as Effie does for her desire to keep our community clean.”

Vach said the Adopt Your Beach program helps fill in the gaps the town’s public works department can’t reach.

“As a participant of Adopt Your Beach, I can tell you personally how much impact these volunteers have on keeping our beaches clean,” he said. “The town of Ocean City does a fantastic job of cleaning the beach with its tractors, but those machines can’t get to the trash up by the dunes and up next to the Boardwalk. That’s where the sand soldiers of Adopt Your Beach come in to help complete the cleaning. In addition, they clean up the beach entrances from the head of the street to the beach.”

Vach said the program under Cox’s leadership has grown to the point every ocean black has been adopted, but there is always room for more volunteers.

“Effie’s tireless efforts in promoting beach clean-ups all year long continues to have a meaningful impact and she’s making a real difference,” he said. “And she will tell you, even though the streets in Ocean City have been adopted by individuals, families, businesses and organizations, there is always room for more participants, because the more people we have cleaning any given street or beach just means the more times the beaches are being cleaned.

We congratulate Effie on this well-deserved award and we are thankful she is part of our non-profit organization.”

Check Out The Dispatch On The Web

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

Recognized as TOP PERFORMER in the Mid-Atlantic!

INSTITUTE FOR LUXURY MARKETING MEMBER

T TEX 373” W 787 E I “V 878 TO

Colonial. Ocean Block, One Building Back from Oceanfront. 2 bed, 2 baths. Desirable North OC. T ” TEX NDO CO 9564 C “O O 7 T

Scholarship Winner:

Ocean City Surf Club President Tommy Vach presented Stephen Decatur graduate Madison Birckett with its 2020 Scholarship Donation in the amount of $4,000. Birckett will be attending Penn State this fall. Submitted Photo Shark Finn. 3000 sqft. 4 bed, 3.5 baths.

Top 4th Floor Southeast Corner.

T K” TEX WAL RD 9564 A “B O TO 7

Belmont Towers. Oceanfront. 3 bed, 3 baths.

Investor Alert! $52,000 Rental Income. Pool.

T E” TEXMHOM 4 O 6 T 5 S 79 “C U TO

Eastern Shore Physical Therapy Rotator Cuff/Shoulder Workshop Find Out The Answers To The Following:

•Single Biggest Mistake People With Shoulder Pain Make •A Surefire Way To Pick The Right Treatment •How A Problem In Your Neck Can Cause Shoulder Pain •What Successful Treatment And Permanent Relief Look Like Without The Side Effects Of Medications

FREE WORKSHOP TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 • 6 P.M. CALL 410-641-2900 TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW

410-641-2900 • WWW.EASTERNSHOREPT.COM 314 FRANKLIN AVENUE, SUITE 405 (NEXT TO LAB CORP), BERLIN, MD. 21811

½ Acre+ Lot. Build your dream home close to Assateague! Owner Financing.

LE SA DING N PE

Bel Mare. One Block to Boardwalk. 3 bed, 2 baths, Pool. Views of Inlet, Bay, Boards, Assateague.

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices PenFed Realty 5000 Coastal Hwy. #6 Ocean City, MD 21842 410.430.1575 | 410.542.7000 x117406 LuxuryShoreLiving.com

The Market Has Changed!

Has Your Home Value?

www.OceanCityRealEstate.HomeTrendsReport.com ©2020 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

Page 32

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 31, 2020

Surf Club Donations: The Ocean City Surf Club made two sizable donations this month. Above left, the club presenting a donation to the Ocean City

Beach Patrol supporting its water and beach safety activity books for children. Pictured, from left, are Rusty Ruszin, surf club vice-president; Josh Wilder, beach patrol crew chief; Tommy Vach, surf club president; and Butch Arbin, beach patrol captain. Above right, Vach presents Stephen Decatur graduate Ellie Dutton with the club’s 2020 college donation in the amount of $2,000. Dutton will be attending Winthrop University.

Submitted Photos

Reel In A Great Deal At Our Local Antique, Collectible & Country Craft Shops

1&2

3

5

4

OPEN YEAR-ROUND SATURDAY& SUNDAY

Park & Flea

Downtown Salisbury, Md. On Busy Rte. 13 Between Rte. 50 And Main St.

Antiques, Collectibles, Yard Sale, Plants And Produce

Buy, Sell, Trade

1

SUNDAY SET-UP ONLY $5 NO RESERVATIONS-COME EARLY 410-603-3930 www.parkandflea.com

2

Up Ewer Alley’s

“Utter Clutter” “THE PINK HOUSE” OPEN WED.-SAT. 10 A.M.-4 P.M. *OPEN NOON ON THURSDAYS* 11728 GRAYS CORNER ROAD OFF ROUTE 50W Between The Glen Riddle Entrances

3

West Ocean City

Visit Our 1950s Retro Texaco Station!

410-651-2238 Wednesday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

11731 Somerset Avenue Princess Anne, MD 21853

www.somersetchoiceantiques.org

5

Find Us On Facebook

“Somerset Choice Station”

4

Attention Local Antique Dealers And Stores See Your Ad Here For Just $29/Week!

Call Jeanette: 410-641-4561

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

Man Faces Serious Charges After Parking Lot Assault

Page 34

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Beltsville, Md. man faces numerous serious charges, including first-degree assault, after allegedly attacking a woman at a downtown covenience store parking lot.

Around 5 p.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a convenience store parking lot on North Division Street for a reported assault. OCPD officers made contact with a female victim who was bleeding profusely from the nose area of her face, according to police reports.

The victim provided a description of the suspect, later identified as Demonte Johnson, 18.

The victim was sitting next to a vehicle with its door open and the engine

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

running and she told police the vehicle belonged to Johnson. The victim told police Johnson had allegedly grabbed her by the head, pulled her across the vehicle and started punching her. She told police Johnson had also thrown a bottle at her which hit her in the back, according to police reports.

EMS arrived on the scene and treated the victim, who had suffered a fractured bridge of her nose and a laceration to her left eyelid. The victim was ultimately transported to AGH for further treatment.

Because an odor of burnt marijuana was detected, a search of the vehicle was conducted, which turned up a grinder with marijuana residue in the center console and an assisted-opening knife in the trunk. According to police reports, there was a group of individuals in the

area that had witnessed the incident, but none of them were cooperative.

Officers searched the area for Johnson, based on his Motor Vehicle Administration license photo and the description of his clothing provided by the victim. Another OCPD officer advised the investigating officers an individual matching the description had just left Ocean City via the Route 50 Bridge in a different vehicle. A short time later, officers observed the vehicle coming back into Ocean City across the bridge and conducted a traffic stop, according to police reports.

When Johnson was being removed from the vehicle, he reportedly said, “I didn’t do nothing to that girl,” without being advised the police were investigating the assault at North Division Street. When Johnson was being de-

July 31, 2020

tained in handcuffs, he reportedly said “Am I under arrest for sexual assault?,” according to police reports.

A probable cause search of the vehicle located a large machete on the rear driver’s side floorboard, which was positioned within arm’s reach of Johnson while he was sitting in the driver’s seat. Johnson was arrested at that point and charged with driving on a suspended and revoked license. According to police reports, Johnson’s shoes appeared to have fresh blood on them.

OCPD investigators went to AGH to interview the witness. The victim reportedly told police she was staying in Ocean City with a group of people including Johnson. The victim told police she was sleeping earlier that morning when she was awakened by Johnson attempting to sexually assault her. The victim resisted Johnson’s alleged advances and later told another friend about the incident.

That friend confronted Johnson about what had allegedly occurred, which only incensed Johnson, according to police reports. The victim told police Johnson approached her, ripped her cell phone and credit cards from her and threatened her, according to police reports. Later in the day, all parties in the group went to the convenience store at North Division Street where the alleged assault occurred.

The victim told police she approached Johnson and his vehicle in an effort to retrieve the phone and credit card he had taken. When she reached into the vehicle to retrieve her belongings, Johnson reportedly grabbed her by the hair, pulled her out of the vehicle and punched her at least three times. Johnson also reportedly threw a full liquor bottle at the victim. Injuries observed on the victim appeared to corroborate her version of the assault.

Next, OCPD officers interviewed Johnson while he was in custody. Johnson reportedly told police the victim had unfairly accused him of sexual assault and told their friends, so he got mad and took her phone and credit card. Johnson said when the group was at the convenience store, the victim got in one side of his vehicle and crawled out the other side and that he had never touched her.

Johnson said he left the area with another female in the group and when they drove back past the scene, he saw police had arrived. He told police he had left the area because he knew there were issues with his license and he didn’t want any trouble. Johnson said he drove out of Ocean City across the bridge and then turned around and came back, which is when he was pulled over and arrested.

Based on the evidence, Johnson was charged with first-degree assault, robbery, theft, sex offenses, concealing a deadly weapon and numerous traffic violations. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was ordered to be held without bond.

Annual Bike Events Cancelled

July 31, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The combined Bike Week 2020 events planned for September were the latest to fall victim to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic when organizers that this week announced they will be postponed.

On Wednesday, organizers anounced OC BikeFest and Delmarva Bike Week planned for Sept.16-20 have been postponed until next year.

“Due to COVID-19 and extensive discussions with the town of Ocean City and the Worcester County Health Department, we have decided to postpone all activities to 2021,” the statement reads. “As an event, OC BikeFest and Delmarva Bike Week draw attendees, sponsors, and vendors from dozens of states. It is out intent each year to produce the safest event possible while respecting the community that continues to warmly welcome our events each September.”

Event organizers said the uncertainties surrounding the ongoing COVID situation made the decision to postpone the events difficult, but necessary.

“For all of us with OC BikeFest and Delmarva Bike Week, the decision to postpone all events for 2020 has been incredibly difficult,” the statement reads.

“We have worked for decades to grow our events and build a relationship of

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

trust with the town of Ocean City, Worcester County, Wicomico County, Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, sponsors, vendors, advertising partners, staff, the entertainers and, of course, our attendees. This year, the uncertainty is too great to risk that trust and safely produce the quality events each of you have come to expect. As mentioned, this decision has been very difficult, but when it comes to the safety of all those involved, we know it is the right decision.”

Organizers said in the statement they are already planning on making the 2021 event even bigger and better and will soon release information on passes etc. for this year’s postponed event.

“We look forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of OC BikeFest and 20th anniversary of Delmarva Bike Week in 2021,” the statement reads.

“We have an incredible music lineup filled with rock icons we all know and love. We will be releasing the 2020 ticket information and music lineup for 2021 next Wednesday, August 5. If you are a current 2020 ticket holder, please standby until August 5 for information regarding your passes. Please know that it is our goal to present to you our best event yet in 2021.”

The Dispatch Is On The Web: www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Page 35

Page 36

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 31, 2020

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

Page 38

Obituaries

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Gary Allen Walker OCEAN CITY – Gary Allen Walker, age 71, died on July 19, 2020 at his home.

Born in Denver, Colo, he was the son of the late John Walker and Gladys Petry Walker. He is survived by his sister Nancy Walker of Foxborough, Mass., numerous cousins, and a town full of friends.

Gary was long-time owner/operator of the Purple Moose Saloon on the Boardwalk in Oc- GARY ALLEN WALKER ean City. His bar was his work, his recreation and his hobby.

Cremation followed his death. Interment will be private for the family. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date for his many patrons and friends.

A donation in his memory may be made to Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, 1409 Philadelphia Ave. Ocean City, Md., 21842, or Ocean City Police Department, 6501 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, Md. 21842, or the Ronald McDonald House, 1 Aisquith St., Baltimore, Md. 21202, or the Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, Md. 21811, or Children’s House by the Sea, P.O. Box 3627, Ocean City, Md. 21842. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Jaime Lyn Coker OCEAN PINES – Jaime Lyn (Rampata) Coker, 41, of Ocean Pines, died March 4, 2020 after a long and courageous battle with addiction.

Jaime was a graduate of Towson High School and Towson University.

She leaves behind the love of her life, her daughter Gracie Lyn Coker. She is also survived by her parents, Lynne and Tim Swift of Ocean Pines; her brothers Walt Rampata and Brett Rampata; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. A private celebration of life and internment will be held at Big Indian, N.Y.

Robert M. Murray OCEAN CITY – Robert M. Murray, 92, of Mifflinburg, formerly of Ocean City, entered into rest at 3:39 a.m., Wednesday, July 23, 2020 at home.

At the convenience of the family, a private graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in Berlin.

Arrangements are by Roupp Funeral Home, Inc., 8594 Old Turnpike ROBERT M. MURRAY Rd., Mifflinburg.

To view the full obituary, please visit www.rouppfuneralhome.com.

Dane A. Clark BERLIN – Dane A. Clark, 60 of Berlin, passed away on July 22, 2020.

Dane was born in Salisbury to George and Lena Clark on Oct. 26, 1959.

He went to Stephen Decatur High School and worked in environmental services for many years. He was involved in his community and supported his community, He lived a great life. He shared

many great times with his friends and family.

Dane’s memory lives on with his wife Betsy Clark and their children, Dane Allen Clark Jr. and Taylor; stepson Derek Lyon and Heather, Katie and Ryan Jones and stepdaughters Devon Smith and Tory; and three grandchildren, Kenadie Lyon, Oti Smith and Dakota. He is also survived by brothers Barry and DANE A. CLARK Ann Clark and Bruce and Cheryl Clark, and his beloved Aunt Hazel Raber of Salisbury. Also survived by his in-laws Harold and Frances Lee of Chesapeake City, Md. Dane is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Clark, and daughter, Kimberly Dawn Clark.

A service was held graveside on July 29 at 3 p.m. in Sunset Memorial Park.

Pallbearers were Dane Clark Jr., Derek Lyon, Tory Smith, John Nottingham, Mark Comolli and Ryan Jones.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company, 214 N. Main Street, Berlin Md. 21811.

Larry Stephen Crabill GEORGETOWN, Del. – Larry Stephen Crabill, current resident of Georgetown Del. and longtime resident of Greenbelt, Md., passed away on July 25 at a hospital in Philadelphia after health complications from a stroke and COVID19.

Larry was born on Aug. 3, 1945 in Washington D.C., the second child of the late Gloria Ruth Crabill and Joseph Daniel Crabill. He was married to Joan Crabill for 36 years living in Greenbelt, Md. and raising their two sons until her death in 2004. He was employed as a federal governLARRY STEPHEN ment employee for the CRABILL National Transportation Safety Board for over 30 years. He would later retire to Ocean Pines following Joan’s death. He would later relocate to Georgetown, Del. and marry Cyndie LaPrad for nine years until her death. In 2016, he married Doris Dormill and remained so until his passing. He was also preceded in death by his brother, D. Randall Crabill; his sister Merie Clark; and his cousin and close friend Francis Campbell.

Larry Crabill is survived by his wife, Doris Crabill; his two children, Cory Albert Crabill and Brian Christopher Crabill; his daughter in law, Kristel Jeanne Crabill; his three grandchildren, Kailyn Grace, Emily Hope and Luke David Crabill; and his uncle, John (Jack) Dunn and aunt, Sally Dunn. He is also survived by a great many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors he made throughout his lifetime.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will not be any public viewing, vis-

July 31, 2020

Lisa Marie Goodman Henderson

land until moving to Delaware in 2012.

She obtained her BSN at Chamberlain University in Illinois and achieved her certification in Oncology Nursing. She was an Oncology Nurse for Frederick Oncology in Frederick for 12 years. Lisa then became an Oncology Nurse at Tunnell Cancer Center in Rehoboth Beach, Del. where she became the Nursing Manager for Oncology.

Being totally devoted and loving to her friends and family, Lisa loved being a nurse more than anything. Lisa has spent a large part of her life caring and nurturing others. She is described as a loving friend, mentor, and fabulous boss to many. She was a loving, compassionate and genuine soul who gave of herself to anyone she met.

Everyone who had any contact with her fell in love with her immediately and her smile would light up a room the minute she entered. Heaven has gained a true angel.

"If ever there is a tomorrow When we're not together, There is something you must always remember, You are Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem and Smarter than you think.

But the most important thing is even if we are apart, I'll always be with you" Memorial service will be Sept. 12 at the Church of the Annunciation, 5212 McCormick Ave Baltimore Md. 21206 Mass at 11 a.m. followed by lunch in the church hall.

A nursing scholarship has been established at the Beebe School of Nursing in Lewes, Del. in honor and memory of Lisa to carry on her legacy in Oncology Nursing.

Any donations can be sent to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, Del. 19958. Givers are encouraged to include a note directing the gift to the Lisa Henderson scholarship fund. Donations can also be made through the foundation’s website by making an online gift, choosing the "Greatest Need" option, and including a note about the purpose of the gift in the Optional Comments section.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Md. 21811. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

BERLIN – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lisa Marie Goodman Henderson on Friday, July 24, 2020 after a courageous battle against cancer. Lisa fought this disease with dignity and grace, like she lived her life.

Lisa is survived by her loving husband, Wade Henderson; her sons Jeffrey and Adam Goodman; daughters Courtney and Lindy; and her cherished grandchildren, Maura, Evelyn, Autumn and Declan. She is also survived by her devoted parents, Lucy LISA MARIE and Richard Goodman GOODMAN of Baltimore. and her si- HENDERSON ster, Michele Goodman of Easton.

Lisa was born Sept. 24, 1969 in Baltimore and lived most of her life in Mary-

FENWICK ISLAND – Francis P. Dalgarn, age 70, of West Fenwick Island, Del., passed away on July 21, at home surrounded by his family.

Born in Wilmington, Del. on Aug. 21, 1949, Fran was the son of Francis C. Dalgarn and Irene (Krakowski) Dalgarn. He was a 1967 grFRANCIS aduate of Salesianum PATRICK High School, attended DALGARN the University of Delaware, was a veteran of the Navy, a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 30 plus years and a member of the Diamond State Blues Society. Fran truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures, SEE NEXT PAGE

itation or burial service. The family hopes to have a remembrance of life for Larry at a future time. Larry will be laid to rest with his first wife, Joan, at the Greenbelt Cemetery on Ivy Lane. The Crabill family is thankful to all who befriended Larry over the course of his lifetime and wish God’s comfort for you in this loss.

Hazel E. Warren BERLIN – Hazel E. Warren, age 88, of Berlin died Friday, July 24, 2020 at home.

Hazel was born in Berlin and was the daughter of the late Woodrow and Mildred (Brittingham) Baker.

She was the owner of Warren’s Exxon and Warren’s Trailer Park in Ocean City. Hazel was a member of Bethany United Methodist ChurHAZEL E. WARREN ch.

She is survived by one brother, Frank L. Baker Sr. (Susan) of Berlin; one sister, Bonnie L. Adkins (Dick) of Ocean City; one nephew, Frank L. Baker II (Sonia) of Berlin; one niece, Tracey L. Adkins of Ocean City; and grandnephew, F. Lee Baker.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, James Calvin Warren; her second husband, Charles R. Ernst; a brother, Woody Baker; and a sister, Julia Gray.

A funeral will be held at noon on Saturday, Aug. 1 at Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home, 19 South Main Street in Selbyville. Friends may call an hour before the service. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park in Berlin.

Due to restrictions surrounding COVID-19, masks and social distancing will be mandatory.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, Md. 21811.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com

Francis Patrick Dalgarn

he loved spending time with his family and his beloved dog Sadie, enjoyed fishing on the beach while listening to his blues music, chatting with friends and was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Henson Cancer Institute, Doctors Justin Kucinski and John Mansueti, their knowledgeable staff, the oncology team and Season’s Hospice.

Fran will be dearly missed by his wife of 50 years, Janet (Buckworth) Dalgarn; daughter Michelle Hagerty and her fiancé Lou Himelreich; daughter Amanda Minner and her husband Shane Minner; and his four beloved grandchildren, Elisabeth Hagerty, Ian Hagerty, Benjamin Minner and Garrett Minner.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions in Francis Dalgarn’s memory can be sent to the Peninsula Regional Medical Foundation in recognition of Henson Cancer Center, 100 East Carroll Street, Salisbury, Md. 21801.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com

John Michael Brown, Jr. OCEAN PINES – John Michael (Mickey) Brown, Jr. passed away peacefully from a fierce battle with cancer in his home in Ocean Pines, surrounded by his family on July 16, 2020.

Mickey was born on Dec. 14, 1957 in Baltimore to John Michael Brown

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch and Eleanor Jean Brown. One of seven children, Mickey spent his childhood riding bikes around the streets of Towson and fishing at Loch Raven reservoir, a hobby that would become his passion for the remainder of his life.

He met his high school sweetheart, Jane McDonald, at age 17 and never looked back. Their love story was one for the books. They were married in 1981 and recently celebrated their 39th anniversary.

They gave birth to their daughter, Meaghan, in 1983 and moved their life to Ocean City, settling in Ocean Pines.

In 1984, they welcomed their son, John Michael Brown (Michael) III. Mickey and Jane attest that the decision to move to the Eastern Shore was one of the best JOHN MICHAEL decisions they ever maBROWN, JR. de.

Mickey had a 40-plus year career in construction, starting as a teen on job sites in Baltimore. A Jack of All Trades, his work included managing large scale projects as well as being an estimator.

He was known for his determination, grit and work ethic, traits that allowed him to support his children to reach their dreams and personally helped build a beautiful home for his family in Ocean Pines, two of his proudest accomplishments.

Mickey liked to work hard and play hard. He loved nothing more than spending time with his wife, children and extended family. He always kept busy,

NOW ENROLLING

Children 5-12 Years Space Is Limited COMING SOON

Limited Openings For 12 to 23 Month Old Children

Call Today 410-641-0300 • ESchildren@easternshoreel.com

@EasternShoreEarlyLearning

9028 Worcester Highway Building A • Berlin MD 21811

Heading Home:

working on projects in his garage, helping friends, family and neighbors with their house projects, the occasional round of golf, but most importantly, spending time on his boat fishing with a cold beer in hand. He caught “thousands” of flounder on his beloved SeaCrafts over the past 35 years.

Mickey was a dedicated husband, loving father and loyal friend. He loved spending time with his bride, Jane, on peaceful bike rides and sunset boat cruises and spending time with their son, daughter and three young grandchildren. His happy place was a house full of family, grilling out or eating crabs and sparking up the firepit in the backyard. In addition to everything else, he was also an amazing host, whether at home or out and about he was always there with a delicious snack and a cold drink.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Jane McDonald Brown of Ocean Pines; a daughter, Meaghan

Route 346

Kauffman and husband Paul of Millsboro; a son, John Micheal Brown III and wife Valerie of Baltimore; two brothers, Patrick Brown and Terry Brown; two sisters, Donna Angelozzi and Debbie Dougherty; several nieces, nephews and in-laws; three grandchildren; Hadley Kauffman, Trevor Brown and Griffin Brown; and his stepmother, Maxine Shank-Brown of Ocean City.

He was preceded in death by his father and sisters, Diane and Kerry Brown.

A private service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Coastal Hospice, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802 or https://coastalhospice.org/make-a-donation/ to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, PO Box 17029, Baltimore, Md. 21297 or https://secure.jhu.edu/form/kimmel to support melanoma cancer research. Note John Michael Brown, Jr. in memo.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com

EMPORIUM, LLC

DRESSERS • LAMPS • BED SETS • TRUNKS • RECLINERS • BOOKCASES • CHAIRS • DISHES • CROCKS

NOW SELLING FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE

Pre-Owned Furnishings, Antiques, Collectables, Gifts & Other Neat Stuff

32993 Old Ocean City Road, Parsonsburg, MD • 410-546-4515 • 443-880-3082 Open Thursday & Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-4 & Sundays 12-4

DINING

“ROUTE 346 EMPORIUM”

Visit Our New “REFLECTIONS” Art Gallery SETS

Specializing In Maritime Chesapeake Bay Themed Prints And More.

•

ANTIQUES

•

PRINTS

&

ARTWORK

•

ROCKING

CHAIRS

•

SMALL

NIK NAKS • THRIFT ITEMS • DESKS • DISPLAY CASES • SERVERS

MSDE Accredited, Maryland Excels; Credentialed Teachers; Child Care Scholarship Program; All Meals Provided

Page 39

A charter fishing boat is pictured this week cruising back from the offshore canyons.

Photo by Chris Parypa

COLLECTABLES • LOVE SEATS • TOOLS • CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

... Obituaries

July 31, 2020

TABLES

“IF YOU’RE SERIOUS ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING, WE’RE SERIOUS ABOUT SAVING YOU MONEY” BEACH HOME SALES - VACATION RENTALS - PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Brenda Grover 1.75% Realtor® 410.493.3847 Brendasg1944@icloud.com Our Fee

Greg Nohe Our Fee ® 1.75% Realtor 443.413.3077 ArchangelNohe@gmail.com

HOME SELLING ASSISTANCE REALTY 3009C EASTERN BOULEVARD - BALTIMORE MD 21220 - 410.256.3939 (O)

Page 40

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 31, 2020

Specializing in: • Sales, Hospitality & Leadership Training • Succession Planning & Selection • Team Optimization & Communication • Executive Coaching • Assessment Experts Including D.I.S.C., Emotional Intelligence & More Lindsey Weigle & Mark Debinski Bluewater Master Trainers & Consultants

• Family business and closely-held firm specialists • Locally based with a national client base • A decade of success, over 1,000 rising leaders trained in Bluewater’s Award Winning Leadership Rising Program

For those who are willing, excellence is teachable.

Contact Mark Debinski at: mark@bluewateradvisory.com • 410-615-0170

Fifth Candidate Files For Berlin Mayor Beach Day: A crowded Inlet beach is pictured last Sunday.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

“Your Friends At The Beach”

Resort Property Management

DCMA PCAM® AMS® CMCA Certified MHIC #68055

•Administrative Management •Financial Management •Building Maintenance Service •Custodial Services •Pool Services •24-Hour Emergency Service

410-213-7144 9923 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Suite D-6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Steve@OceanPointLtd.com • www.OceanPointLtd.com

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

– No Sunday School – Social Distancing & Masks Required

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

– Service Will Be Livestreamed On Facebook

BERLIN – A fifth candidate has filed to run for mayor in this year’s municipal election.

Ron Bireley, a former town finance director who also served as mayor from 1988-1992 and 1995-1996, joined a growing list of candidates for the fall election. Candidates for mayor now include Bireley, Mayor Gee Williams, Councilman Zack Tyndall, Jennifer Allen and Bill Todd.

As the list of candidates continues to grow with weeks to go until the Sept.

4 filing deadline, town staff say questions are coming in regarding a forum.

The town, however, cannot hold one.

“The town will not/does not/can not hold candidate forums, debates, or any other activity intended to inform the voters of candidates’ positions on topics,” Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said. “Getting that information out is the responsibility of the candidates or other interested parties.”

The town election will take place Tuesday, Oct. 6. Voting will be held for the office of mayor as well as the District 2, District 3 and at-large town council seats. In addition to the five candidates for mayor, candidates Jay Knerr and

Photo by Chris Parypa

Tony Weeg have filed for the at-large seat while Jack Orris has filed for the District 2 seat.

The candidate filing deadline is Sept.

4, as is the voter registration deadline.

Town voters must be registered with the Worcester County Board of Elections as Berlin does not conduct a separate registration. To register, contact the board at 410-632-1320.

Because of COVID-19, absentee voting is being encouraged in this year’s election. Applications to vote absentee in Berlin’s municipal election will be available on Sept. 3, 2020, and will be accepted starting on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020.

The deadline for applications to be received by mail is Tuesday, Sept. 29 and the deadline for applications returned inperson is Friday, Oct. 2.

Though the deadline for write-in candidates isn’t until Sept. 29, those candidates will not appear on the ballot.

The election will be held Oct. 6 with polling places open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Because of ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the Berlin Board of Elections Supervisors assures voters that physical distancing and other precautions will be in place on election day. For more information on the town election, contact Bohlen at 410-641-4314 or visit the town’s website, berlinmd.gov.

this week’s

open houses

CALL AGENTS FOR DIRECTIONS

AGENTS:

View more open houses at www.mdcoastdispatch.com/open_houses.php

OCEAN CITY The Latitudes 25th Street Bayfront Thurs-Mon 10-4 New Construction 3BR/3BA/Garage Townhomes Mary McCracken Long & Foster 410-430-7302

OCEAN CITY 7 Corner Store Ln Sunset Island 67th St. Bayside Sat 1-3:30 4BR+Den 3FB/2HB TH Kim Mcguigan Shore Results 443-496-1446

SNOW HILL 203 Washington St VIRTUAL TOUR Sat 2-3 1910 Colonial Home 5BR/2.5BA/3400SF Totally Renovated Kim Mcguigan Shore Results 443-496-1446

List Your Featured Properties And Open Houses On Our

Website For Just $20/Month.

Call Jeanette, 410-641-4561, For More Information.

Worcester Schools To Begin Online

July 31, 2020

NEWARK – At a press conference Thursday afternoon, Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor announced the school system’s plans for students to begin the 20202021 school year virtually.

The school system will begin the fall in Stage One of the “Responsible Return” mode, meaning students will be engaged in distance learning.

Flanked by officials from Worcester County’s Board of Education, Health Department, Teachers Association, Educational Support Personnel Association and the Worcester County Commissioners, Taylor began his remarks by thanking these organizations for their partnership and guidance as the school system crafted the Responsible Return model and determined the learning stage in which students would begin this school year.

Taylor also acknowledged the incredible amount of input the school system received from families, staff and the Worcester County community.

“We have received an enormous amount of input from our families, faculty, and staff,” he said, referring to the thousands of survey responses, emails, messages and more the school system has received over the last several weeks. “I am confident that today’s decision is the right one for our community.”

The “Responsible Return” model outlines four stages of learning. Visit www.worcesterk12.org to view the entire draft model, including details about each stage. The model will be finalized by the state’s deadline of Aug. 14.

“We recognize the significant challenges that distance learning poses for many of our students’ academic and social emotional development, which is why we intend to re-evaluate conditions every two weeks,” he said. “As those conditions allow, we hope to move into Stage Two by Monday, Sept. 28, which will welcome back into our buildings small groups of identified students for face-to-face instruction.”

The stage two model builds upon the success the school system has had in bringing small groups of students back into classrooms through the summer academy programs currently underway at all schools.

Once again referencing the feedback received from stakeholders, Taylor also announced that families could choose to keep their child in distance learning when students are able to return to the classroom.

“We recognize the fear that many families have at this tenuous time, so to ease those fears, Worcester County Public Schools will continue to offer a choice of distance learning for any families that do not wish to physically send their child back to school,” he said. “Parents will be able to exercise this option as schools reach out to invite their child back to the classroom.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 41

Council Agrees To Extend Fenwick Hotel’s Building Permit

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Citing construction and supplier delays, the town council agreed last week to extend the building permit for a commercial project along Coastal Highway.

Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Town

Council voted unanimously to extend a building permit for the new Fenwick Shores hotel on Coastal Highway.

The permit, which expired on July 17, was renewed for another six months at no additional cost.

“I was really hoping to be done by now,” developer Spiro Buas told the council. “Commercial properties are

the most difficult to build and hotels are even more complicated. When you get to a first-class hotel of this caliber, it becomes immensely more complicated.”

In 2015, Buas purchased the aging Sands Motel with plans to rebuild a new lodging facility in its place. And in April 2019, the town issued a 15-month building permit for the construction of Fen-

Eastern Shore Assisted Living Facilities Our Homes Are Here For You...

Call Now To Set Up A Tour! b Chesapeake Manor Willards

bCatered Living Ocean Pines 410.999.8814 cateredliving.com

410.921.6511 chesapeakemanor.com

Chesapeake Cottage Snow Hill 443.880.6255 chesapeakecottage.org

b

v 24-Hour Staff v In-House Doctor Visits v All 3 Levels Of Care v Respite Care v Hospice Care v Home-Cooked Meals v VA And MAC Subsidy Approved

July 31, 2020

wick Shores, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

According to the town’s charter, building permits can be renewed for an additional six-month period upon payment of 100% of the permit fee, which in this case was $180,000. To that end, Buas requested a hearing in front of the town council last Friday in an effort to extend the building permit and waive the fee requirement.

In a letter issued last week, Building Official Pat Schuchman told the council the town’s charter was amended in 2008 to extend the duration of building permits from 12 months to 15 months.

Since that time, two residential building permits had to be renewed due to construction delays.

“No consideration was given at that time for building permits for a commercial project of this size,” she wrote.

In the case of Fenwick Shores, delays in concrete work had pushed the timeline back by months. Buas also noted the supply chain issues that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the installation of cabinetry, carpets and a custom bar top were all delayed because of factory and border closures.

Members of the council noted the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were beyond the developer’s control and supported the extension of the building permit.

“I have no problem with the request because I understand the COVID effect on everything,” Councilman Gardner Bunting said. “It was basically an act of God.” Councilwoman Vicki Carmean, however, questioned if the town needed to revisit the charter provision on building permits.

“It’s a difficult situation, but I do think down the road there may be other people building big projects – or even little projects – running into problems, and maybe a renewal for six months is a little much for some people,” she said. “Maybe a prorated thing by month would be good.”

Councilman Bill Weistling, chair of the town’s charter and ordinance committee, suggested the town reconsider the duration of commercial building permits.

“If we do change it, maybe we look at extending the timeline for commercial projects …,” he said. “I would like to see commercial separated from residential for time periods.”

After further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to extend Fenwick Shores’ building permit by six months and to waive any associated fees.

“Within our own town, our objective should be to facilitate him getting the thing completed in the most expeditious manner and open up, so he can start paying town fees and town taxes,” Councilman Mike Houser said.

Berlin hoping state Grant Can fund Decatur park restrooms

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 43

LIMITED INsIDE, OUTsIDE DINING aND CarryOUT OPEN THURSDAY THRU TUESDAY 6:30 A.M.

General’s New o b Com fast k Brea als e M

Kitchen

House Specialty

The Original House Of Creamed Chipped Beef On Toast Or Biscuit With Hash Brown Potatoes Or Grits The existing restrooms are pictured at Berlin’s Stephen Decatur Park.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The town will again seek a grant to fund the construction of permanent restrooms at Stephen Decatur Park.

The Berlin Town Council on Monday agreed to submit a Community Parks and Playgrounds grant application to help fund restrooms at Stephen Decatur Park. Though the project failed to receive a grant the last time the town applied, officials said they still thought it was a worthwhile project.

“Regardless of what they feel is important I would like to think that the town of Berlin feels that giving our children and our patrons of the park a permanent place to go to the bathroom is important to us,” Councilman Dean Burrell said.

Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen told officials Monday that Berlin’s most recent Community Parks and Playgrounds grant application — which sought funds to install basketball court lighting at Henry Park — had not been successful. She said she’d reached out to the town’s Community Parks and Playgrounds liaison.

“She indicated that the applications had been fine,” Bohlen said. “The projects that we’ve submitted are not what they’re prioritizing.”

In recent years the town has submitted two applications for lighting at Henry Park and one application for restrooms for Stephen Decatur Park. None have been successful. Bohlen said she’d been told the program was prioritizing “fun stuff,” essentially new development of playgrounds and the like.

She said at this point officials needed to decide whether to keep submitting the two projects or come up with something new that might be more likely to get a grant.

Mayor Gee Williams asked if there was another project that had been identified as a possibility by the Berlin Parks Commission.

“There’s nothing we’re ready to move forward with right now,” Bohlen said, adding that the application was due in a few weeks.

At Burrell’s suggestion, the council agreed to reapply for the bathroom project now and spend the next year putting together the documentation needed for another project that might be more likely to be chosen for grant funding.

NOW OPEN IN THE VILLAGE OF FENWICK! 300 Coastal Hwy. Fenwick Island, DE 19944

302.519.2509

We Make This From Scratch!

Since 1965... The Original House Of Chipped Beef

BEsT CrEaMED ChIppED BEEf ON ThE BEaCh!

66th st. & Coastal hwy.

OpEN 6:30 a.M. (Under The Skye Bar) ThUrsDay ThrU TUEsDay 410-723-0477 OUR OWN RECIPE!

GOLFERS WELCOME RIDE THE BUS TO US!

VOTED BEST BREAKFAST IN THE WASHINGTON POST 2005 “BEST OF OCEAN CITY”

Your Hosts, Bob Noll And Law Adkins

Try Our Famous Maryland Crab Cakes ...

... No Mumbo, Just Jumbo!

Hand Cut Steaks • Fresh Scallops Fresh Soft Shell Crabs

DINE -IN & CARRYOUT Specials Dine-In Only Happy Hour Daily 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Early Bird Daily 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Special Dinner Menu Food And Drink Specials 28th St. Plaza • 410-289-3100 • www.coinspuboc.com Open Wednesday-Friday 2 p.m. • Saturday & Sunday At Noon

Page 44

WMO Documentary Set For OC Drive-In

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 31, 2020

Setting Sail: Heading away from the sunset provided a beautiful visual for this boat Tuesday evening.

Photo by Chris Parypa

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Film Festival continues its free Tuesday Drive-In Movie Nights at the Ocean City Convention Center on Aug. 4 at 8 p.m. with a feature film about the White Marlin Open as well as entries from the 3rd Annual Ocean City Film Challenge 2020.

“Five Days in August” is a featurelength documentary film about Ocean City’s status as the White Marlin Capital of the World. The film by Emmy-award winner filmmaker Nick Ruff follows the drama and competition of 353 boats angling for the biggest fish and a prize of nearly $5 million. The showing is timed to coincide with the White Marlin Open event, Aug. 3-7.

The Drive-In Movie Night will also show entries from the Ocean City Film Challenge, a yearly contest to encourage and present short films in or about Ocean City. This year, 10 filmmakers from across the tri-state region are competing for cash prizes and festival accolades. Ocean City Film Festival Director B.L. StrangMoya will announce the winners in a video following the screenings and before "Five Days in August.”

Admission is free.

Check Out The Dispatch On The Web www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Storm Expands White Marlin Open Fishing Days To 7

July 31, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Just when it seemed the 47th White Marlin Open set for next week could not get any stranger, event organizers announced on Thursday the tournament will be extended by two days for the first time ever because of the anticipated arrival of a tropical storm off the mid-Atlantic coast.

Through much of the spring and summer, plans for the 47th White Marlin Open (WMO) have been altered and changed multiple times because of ongoing COVID-19 concerns and the need to comply with social distancing for the thousands of spectators. One early plan called for a limited number of spectators at host Harbour Island, which typically sees thousands of visitors each day during the tournament, with a “satellite” viewing spot at the municipal park at 3rd Street including large viewing screens for the daily weigh-ins and family-friendly concessions and vendors.

Last week, WMO officials announced there would be no general public viewing at the scales at 14th Street and the public would have no access to Harbour Island, making the 3rd Street park the primary venue for the 2020 WMO. The daily weigh-ins will still take place at 14th Street, but the only individuals allowed to be around the scale will be

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

WMO staffers, technicians producing the live-stream of the event and likely a handful of photographers and media.

As if that all wasn’t strange enough and a big departure from the typical WMO, event organizers on Thursday announced yet another wrinkle for the 2020 event. Typically, the tournament is held from Monday through Friday with boats and teams of angler choosing to fish three of the five days.

However, Tropical Storm Isaias is churning in the south Atlantic and its projected path with a wide cone has the storm passing the mid-Atlantic area early next week, right when the WMO is expected to get off to a fast start. As a result, for the first time ever, event organizers announced on Thursday the 2020 WMO will be extended through next Sunday, turning the typical five-day tournament into a sevenday event. Captains and teams of anglers will still have to choose which three days to fish, but with the predicted arrival of Isaias, Monday and Tuesday could be a wash anyway.

However, event organizers also announced on Thursday because of the late changes in the tournament format because of the expected storm, the primary venue at 3rd Street next week will still be open to the public Monday through Friday only because of logistics at the downtown park. It’s impor-

COVID-19 Meeting Clients Remotely For Your Health.

Reduced Rates Apply

tant to note the daily weigh-ins will be live-streamed each day through the event’s website, but on Saturday and Sunday next week, there will be no official public venue for the tournament.

So, in review, there will be no public access to the scale and the official weigh-ins at Harbour Island and the WMO’s primary public venue will be the downtown park at 3rd Street, but not for the last two days of the tournament. In addition, the WMO will be extended by two days because of the anticipated arrival of Isaias.

Page 45

However, despite the anomalies, the WMO is and has always been a worldclass sportfishing tournament deemed the “world’s largest billfish tournament,” and that will not change this year. However, the 2020 version will likely have a hard time living up to last year’s memorable tournament. The 2019 White Marlin Open was one for the books with a local angler winning the signature division for an unprecedented second time, a record payout and the old record for the number of white marlin released shattered.

Marlene Ott

Associate Broker, CRS

410-430-5743

marlene@marleneott.com www.marleneott.com

The Real Estate Market Is On The Move – And You Can Be Too!

PERFECT FOR YOUR PERSONAL DREAM HOME!

Waterfront! Coastal contemporary with space for friends and family. New bulkhead just installed. 5 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, plus 2 half bathrooms. Cook's delight kitchen with 2 refrigerators, gas stove, all new appliances. New roof 2008. Tankless natural gas hot water heater, zoned gas heat, central A/C. Pre-inspected, minor repairs have been addressed. Sunroom. Special workshop in garage. Bonus room/office on 1st floor plus another bonus/craft room on 2nd floor. Huge, insulated walk-in attic. Outside shower room. Boat dock with lift. Sprinkler system.

53 Wood Duck Drive, Wood Duck I $687,500

NO NEED TO TRAVEL FAR TO FEEL FAR AWAY!

Estate Planning Wills & Trusts Powers of Attorney Medical Directives Medicaid Planning 9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy. #112 Ocean City, MD 21842 www.batielaw.com

443-856-4676 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Elder Law & Tax

World traveler designed home. Unique features and space for inside and outside enjoyment of waterfront property with great expansive views of bay. New roof installation just completed. Touch up painting done.

3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. 24x8 side screened porch. Oversize 2 car garage has walk up storage area.

Unique Shoji doors and indoor patio area. Hot tub on large rear deck with retractable awning. Rear yard on great waterfront location. Bulk heading replaced. 1st floor master bedroom with water view. Nice 2nd level loft area that could be office or cozy den.

26 East Mallard Drive $599,950

Bankruptcy Flat Fee Available Home Visits Available Upon Request

Ocean Pines: 11001 Manklin Meadows Lane 410-208-3500 • www.PenFedRealty.com

Like Us.

Watch Us.

©2020 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

Page 46

The Dispatch

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

Berlin, Md. 21811 PHONE: 410-641-4561 FAX: 410-641-0966 WEBSITES: www.mdcoastdispatch.com www.facebook.com/thedispatchoc J. STEVEN GREEN Publisher/Editor editor@mdcoastdispatch.com

NEWS DEPARTMENT SHAWN J. SOPER Managing Editor ssoper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHARLENE SHARPE Staff Writer/Copy Editor csharpe@mdcoastdispatch.com BETHANY HOOPER Staff Writer bhooper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHRIS PARYPA Photographer

SALES DEPARTMENT TERRI FRENCH Account Executive Entertainment Editor terri@mdcoastdispatch.com JEANETTE DESKIEWICZ Account Executive jeanette@mdcoastdispatch.com

ART DEPARTMENT COLE GIBSON Art Director cole@mdcoastdispatch.com DAVID HOOKS Graphic Artist/Webmaster dhooks@mdcoastdispatch.com

BUSINESS OFFICE Bookkeeper/Classifieds Manager classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices.

The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year.

Subscription rates are $75 per year, $55 for six months.

POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Maryland Coast Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Maryland Coast Dispatch offices are located at Route 346 and Graham Avenue, Berlin, Maryland.

HOW WE SEE IT

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 31, 2020

Impound Changes Could Be Major Improvement

Everything sounds good from the motorized task force in Ocean City, but we have all learned time will tell. There is reason for optimism, however.

All indications are the pop-up car rally (the new term because associating it with the former H2Oi event is irresponsible) will be a major problem again at the end of September.

It’s realistic to expect the thousands of vehicles and lewd owners and passengers to crowd Ocean City like they have every year. We don’t see the current health pandemic having any impact on this lot of characters. They will come to Ocean City intent on raising hell and disrespecting our resort town and properties. We will most likely see a rise in local infections as a result, but most of these people come from outside the area.

The good news is the police force in Ocean City and the allied agencies understand well the pandemic will not deter them and have been preparing on a two-track front – one involving toughening current statewide legisla-

tion and the other centered on municipal amendments.

The goal is to drive these miscreants out of Ocean City by making it as uncomfortable as possible for them.

This is really Ocean City’s only option.

The only surefire way to make the resort unappealing for these car enthusiasts is changing the easy cruising available on Coastal Highway. The motorists love the straight, multi-lane setup of the main strip because it provides them 10 miles and a lot of room to race and spin out.

One of the most exciting changes we heard discussed last week involved the impounding of vehicles. The Ocean City Mayor and Council is expected to be presented with multiple amendments to the town’s current towing ordinance. A change is proposed to require vehicles impounded during the motorized special events to require an approved tow company upon release.

In the event a violator has his or her vehicle impounded for infractions, the motorist will need a licensed tow com-

pany to remove it from the impound lot, requiring two towing fees essentially. Currently, a tow company is not needed to check out an impounded vehicle. This is a major tweak, one that will hit the perpetrators hard in expanding the time their vehicles will be impounded as well as costing them more money.

“When you start to affect them with impounding, some of the bad behavior will take care of itself,” said OC Police Chief Ross Buzzuro. “An impounded vehicle has to be released to a tow company. They will have to pay for the initial tow, then they will have to pay to get it out of the impound lot. It can get quite expensive.”

We like this new approach because it provides a double hardship for the worst offenders. The message will get out quickly because it’s tough and will be a major inconvenience. We are still in the tough talk phase at this point, but we like the direction and feel more confident in these new changes than in years past.

Coverage Appreciated

is often to place blame elsewhere and call it “systemic racism”.

Policing is very much a local endeavor in each city or state, with the federal government having little input.

Local politicians have total control over who to hire and which policing practices to outlaw or endorse. The cop that killed George Floyd had seventeen infractions in his folder but was still on the force. The Chief of Police in Minneapolis is black, so you would think one of his goals would be rooting out “systemic racism”. The mayor, a Democrat, also bears some responsibility. Rather than voters holding their local politicians accountable, there are calls for the federal government and the President to do something, which they have little authority to do.

There has also been the tearing down of “offensive” statues and memorials, with no consistent rational about what makes them offensive. Regardless of the rational, they have no right to tear down anything that we and our ancestors collectively paid for. We can collectively decide to remove them through a democratic process, but they should remain until that happens. While tearing down statues may make some people feel good, it accomplishes nothing. The grievances that previously existed continue to exist unless something fundamental is changed.

A significant contributor to “systemic racism” is the disparity in the number of single parent households.

Over 77% of black households are

single parent vs. 30% for whites.

Many of these single mothers are just children themselves and will struggle for the rest of their lives as the result of a single night of passion. Our economy is geared toward two income families and single parent households struggle financially, regardless of race. The children in these households are also unsupervised a substantial portion of the time, causing these children to get themselves into trouble more frequently. Unless these disparities are resolved we will continue to see significant disparities in income and crime between the races, which our unscrupulous politicians will lay at the feet of “systemic racism”. There are studies that show two parent black families who wait until after high school to have children have similar outcomes to white families doing the same.

Another significant problem is education. Many black families in poor neighborhoods have terrible schools, creating a significant impediment to an economically successful life. Charter schools offer a viable alternative, yet Democrats oppose it. One reason is their symbiotic relationship with labor unions, another is their desire to control the curriculum. Controlling the curriculum has resulted in millions of our youth hating their country and anyone associated with its history.

That must change if we are to have a peaceful country.

Reparations is the latest clarion SEE NEXT PAGE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Editor: Thanks to The Dispatch for helping us find the individuals who rescued the teenagers on Assateague Beach on July 12. We were so glad to be able to express our gratitude to them.

Kay Chaffinch

Feeling Good Vs. Doing Good

Editor: Burning down your neighbor’s house or business because you are angry may make you feel good, but does it do any good? More importantly, is there any moral justification for it? The riots recently played out across the country have been defended by many Democrat leaders as aggrieved individuals simply expressing their frustration. While that may be the case, it is morally wrong to take out your frustrations on people or businesses that have nothing to do with your problem.

Furthermore, it results in the destruction of neighborhoods and businesses that will take years to rebuild, without accomplishing anything at all.

The sad death of George Floyd by a cop more interested in exerting power than in enforcing the law was universally condemned by all who saw it. The resulting lawlessness that followed was not. Incidents like these unfortunately happen all too frequently. Rather than addressing the problem by holding the right people accountable, the response

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

call, although it’s likely to cause an even bigger problem between the races. Having people who’ve never been slave holders pay reparations to people who’ve never been slaves is not likely to endear one group to the other. Reparations are extremely problematic in their implementation and raise several questions, including: What happens in mixed race families?

Are post slavery black immigrants eligible?

Should post slavery white immigrants have to pay?

I suspect this is yet another attempt by the race hustlers to pit us against one another, don’t take the bait.

While riots and protests may make aggrieved people feel good, what matters much more is doing things that make a difference. Sadly, this is too fertile a field for unscrupulous politicians and race hustlers who benefit from exploiting the problem. These people are not incentivized to solve the problem, so they never do anything that makes a difference. There are already laws against race-based hiring in the workplace and many companies I’ve worked for have diversity goals too, so both the private and public sector have attempted to solve the problem. We have also had affirmative action programs for more than 60 years, although that hasn’t made much difference either. Unless we address the problem of single parent households and the education system, the issue of “systemic racism” will never go away. It will remain an election issue for Democrats to exploit, but will do little to change the plight of poor black families.

Hylton Phillips-Page Rehoboth Beach, Del.

Irresponsible Leadership

Editor: In a recent Letter To Editor, J.O. Kayler of Bishopville asked the question “Where’s The Leadership” when it came to facing the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thankfully, with a little prodding, the Mayor and Town Council is now requiring masks to be worn in City Hall to protect the citizens. It is something that should have happened earlier, but they ultimately stepped up and did the right thing and showed leadership.

I can tell you where there has been absolutely no credible leadership when dealing with this deadly pandemic.

Sadly, the Ocean City Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Association has demonstrated the only thing they care about are the dollars being spent in the resort, with virtually no regard to public health.

In a recent interview with WJZ television, Executive Director Susan Jones made some very incredible and unfortunate statements. While some were expected in her role as

Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 31, 2020

being a cheerleader for the industry, some were outrageous and need to be addressed.

She first claimed that the restaurant industry is being “unfairly targeted.” This is a silly statement. The industry has been identified as one which the virus spreads more rapidly because of the amount of people that congregate in a confined space and sit for a longer period of time. There is nothing unfair about this, this is just common sense. And let’s not forget other businesses like movie theaters and, concert venues, and libraries that have been adversely effected.

When asked about customers wearing masks, Ms. Jones was quoted as saying “It has been a huge struggle.

We are a resort town. People want to relax and have a vacation, and we encourage them to do that. But sometimes they may think we are a COVIDfree zone and we are not.” Based on my observations in the resort, Ms. Jones should focus on the countless workers in her industry that are going mask free before placing blame on the vacationers. A quick look at a 4 block stretch of the boardwalk downtown will easily prove that those workers not wearing masks outnumber those that do.

The most incredulous display of the lack of leadership came when Ms. Jones said, “Restricting indoor dining is not going to do anything to stop the spread.” How irresponsible.

In the same article, Dr. Deborah Birx mentions the importance of masks and how they slow the spread. She is quoted as saying “We have evidence that came out through modeling on the critical role of masks – 100% of people in masks, closing bars, decreasing indoor dining significantly”. I am quite confident Dr. Birx’s stance on indoor dining has more credibility than that of Ms. Jones.

M. Scott Chismar Crofton and Ocean City

TIPS

From The Ocean City Police Department Always Use Crosswalks It Is Illegal To Carry An Opener Container Of Alcohol On Public Property n Smoking And Vaping Are Prohibited On The Boardwalk n Ocean City Strictly Enforces Its Noise Ordinance: No Disruptive Noises Can Be Heard From 50 Feet Away Between Midnight And 7 a.m. n Sleeping On the Beach At Night Is Prohibited n Sleeping In Vehicles Is Prohibited n Skateboarding Permitted On The Boardwalk Between 2 a.m. And 11 a.m.

Only n Beaches Are Under The Direction Of The Beach Patrol n Bicyclists Must Ride On The Far Right Side Of The Roadway With The Flow Of Traffic; Bicyling On The Boardwalk Is Permitted Between 2 a.m. And 11 a.m. n City Parking Meters Enforced 24 Hours A Day n Follow OCPD On Social Media To Stay Informed While You’re In Ocean City n n

Page 47

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

Hindsight always making matters clear is an interesting concept. Here are some thoughts on the topic: •In hindsight, the Boardwalk should have been a mask required space all summer. Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan is expected to make an emergency declaration requiring masks on the Boardwalk effective Friday. The requirement comes after Gov. Larry Hogan essentially decided the matter. Along with expanding inside areas needing masks, Hogan said facial coverings will now be required outside whenever social distancing of six feet is not possible.

As far as Ocean City goes, the immediate question that comes to mind involves enforcement. Will it be in the form of gentle reminders or warnings or tickets? No matter the course, there is one thing all can agree on – some people are not going to like it and will not wear a mask. How that’s handled is going to be tricky.

•I spend far too much time wondering if hindsight will make Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s management of the coronavirus pandemic look wise.

It will probably be years before it’s known definitively.

The reality is closing down businesses after opening too fast is worse than waiting a couple extra weeks to open. Folks in many states, like Tennessee, know that well. Therefore, slowly reopening and missing big weekends for restaurants and bars might have actually been the wise decision, but it remains a divisive topic today.

I think the problem all along with Hogan’s handling of the pandemic has been the communication. For many months, there was great apprehension over Hogan’s press conferences and what announcements he would be making. There seems to be a fondness for the level of surprise among the administration. Even this week there was rampant concern on what Hogan would be saying at his typical Wednesday afternoon press conference.

Overall, I think Hogan deserves a ‘B’ for his handling of this crisis at this point. Considering it’s an impossible situation to navigate and there is no applicable precedent to use as a guide, I think he’s been solid overall. It’s difficult when reviewing Hogan’s performance not to be aware of some clear planning for the future. A presidential run in 2024 seems like a certainty with his chairmanship of the National Governors Association, his seemingly nightly appearance on network news and the recent release of his new book.

•In hindsight, public school officials in many Maryland counties will regret playing the health and safety card as the primary reason for their decisions to keep schools closed for in-person instruction.

It’s the logistics driving the decision in many jurisdictions. While the health and safety of students and teachers is a major concern, the fact is public school systems cannot meet current CDC guidelines requiring social distancing to even have their students back in the classroom. There are far too many kids and not enough room for almost every county in the state. Busing is also a practical impossibility.

With most counties deciding to remain virtual to start the year, the efforts now need to be on beefing up the online program and doing whatever is necessary to shift the burden of teaching away from the parents in the elementary and middle grade levels. There must be more live instruction. Many parents will not be able to return to work with schools not open physically. Deliberate intentions on easing the pressure these parents face trying to educate their children must be evident.

•In hindsight, the Berlin Mayor and Council gave too much authority to the town’s administrative director in the past. That much was learned this week during a review of the town’s finances.

It’s now clear the town’s elected officials were unaware of how bad the town’s finances were until two years ago. It’s this lack of knowledge of how the town was being managed financially that led to the record property tax increase last year. There would been another significant increase this year if it weren’t for the current health crisis. This lack of understanding of the town’s fiscal management was long suspected, but it was made clear this week.

An example would be the town’s sewer fund has not been self-sustaining and required dollars from the general fund to be in the black several years. When it was asked by Councilman Zack Tyndall when that transfer was okayed by the council, it was stated no authorization was needed and staff handled the transfer of funds from the general fund to the specific utility funds underperforming for whatever reason.

Councilman Dean Burrell hit the nail on the head when he said, “When I was working I had to maintain a budget. I didn’t have the flexibility of getting to the end of the year and writing stuff off. I had to monitor and project where I was going to be at the end of the year. If I was projecting a deficit I had to change my operations. During the year if we are projecting a deficit what do we do to try to mitigate that and not have to borrow? Or do we just let it go on with the expectation that at the end we’ll get it from the general fund?”

Mayor Gee Williams said, “It was never brought up during any budget process at all. If we’d known the sewer fund was underperforming, we could have changed the sewer rates five, six years ago.”

Hindsight will definitely make it clear a change in that shortsighted approach is required.

Page 48

Puzzle Answers

PUZZLE ON PAGE 70

St. Paul’s

Episcopal Church 3 Church Street Berlin MD 410~641~4066

JOIN US FOR LIVESTREAM WORSHIP SUNDAYS At 10:30 a.m. On Our Facebook Page St. Paul’s Epsicopal Church - Berlin, MD

www.stpaulsberlin.org

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

P

The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

arenting is mental warfare, but in the middle of a pandemic it’s borderline impossible.

An article in the New York Times Wednesday got my attention because it hit on some topics many parents are working through these days.

The article, headlined “How to Handle Anxiety Over Back-to-School Decisions,” is written by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, a perinatal psychiatrist.

My wife and I believe our kids need to be in school under safe conditions, but we also understand other parents feel differently. We believe the social and mental health consequences are legitimate and outweigh the fears for getting the virus so long as precautions are taken inside the school.

Excerpts from her article are below: A combination of dread, panic and sheer exhaustion. This is what I see on the faces of patients (and friends and colleagues) when the conversation turns to the most pressing topic on every parent’s mind: what to do about school in the fall. … As I see it, school stress for parents boils down to two main points: Deciding what to do, and then what to do with the uncomfortable feelings that could arise after that decision. As a psychiatrist, I’m admittedly not so helpful when it comes to the decision of whether or not to send your kids to in-classroom learning this fall. Where I can help is how to deal with the uncertainty and difficult feelings that accompany this process. … Part of healthy emotional coping during a pandemic is to accept that you will feel conflicted about the decisions that are in front of you. The truth is that even your pediatrician can’t make guarantees or promises. … Spending time considering how

Allen And Connie Davis’s Home Of The

Stay Healthy! Let us Deliver to you!

Heavyweights Philly-Style Cheesesteaks & Hoagies

Delivery Available OPEN MONDAY-WEDNESDAY, SATURDAY, NOON - 8 P.M. THURSDAY, FRIDAY 10:30 A.M. - 8 P.M.

410-742-0094 106 TRUITT ST. • SALISBURY, MD. 21804

July 31, 2020

Free Fries ($3.99 VALUE)

WITH PURCHASE OF REGULAR-PRICED SUB • MUST PRESENT COUPON • MCD

you will navigate the logistics of blended learning come fall is productive if you are engaged in problem solving and making concrete decisions. Ruminating about the social distancing precautions each family in your kid’s school is taking is less productive, for you don’t have any control there. Especially in times of uncertainty, it’s seductive to believe that if you worry about something for long enough, you can affect the outcome, but this is a fallacy.

Many of my patients are coming to me asking how they can get rid of that nagging feeling that they aren’t make the right choice for their kids. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but that’s not how feelings work. You can’t just turn them off.

To be a parent during a pandemic is to be worried and uncomfortable.

But the good news is that it’s not the worry itself that’s the problem, it’s what you do with it. When those unproductive worries or overwhelming feelings arise, do you let them drag you down into doomscrolling or reassurance seeking? If you fall into these habits, practice getting space by doing daily exercises to create psychological distance.

One strategy for distancing is called defusion. The goal is to avoid being “hooked” by any one thought or feeling, and instead to view yourself as an observer of your mind. You can imagine that your thoughts are like leaves, floating down a stream, or like plates of sushi, moving along a conveyor belt. When your mind starts moving into the slippery slope of unproductive worries, try naming them: “There goes my mind again.” This highlights the difference between “having a thought” and “buying a thought.” When unproductive worries strike, you don’t have to go down that rabbit hole of trying to disprove them or reassure yourself,

Locally Famous For 40 Years!

you can just let them be. It’s not bad feelings or thoughts that are the problem. It’s what we do with them that causes more suffering.

Instead of spending time chasing certainty and second-guessing your decisions, work on being self-compassionate; nurture a sense of good will toward yourself for facing this hard decision. Monitoring your self-talk is a key component of self-compassion.

Are you holding yourself to an impossible standard by trying to predict the future? Are you blaming yourself for a situation that is completely out of your control? Let go of self-judgment and try developing some positive self-talk, such as: “I’m making the best choice for my family with the information I have” or “this decision works for us and our level of risk tolerance.” … Psychological flexibility is a skill that is worth honing for parents in particular, experts say. One way to nurture flexibility is to reflect on other situations in your life when you’ve been faced with uncertainty and unexpected change. What helped you get through those times? What did you learn about yourself? … Five years from now, … how do you want your children to remember this time? Put your energy into what’s working and what’s meaningful to you. … When it comes to parenting, every risk feels too big. The global pandemic has only intensified what parents everywhere have long known: Parenting is an exercise in surrender.

Developing these coping skills will not only help you to buoy yourself during these uncertain times, they’ll also serve you well into the future.

(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.)

Cafe

Breakfast

Inside Seating & Carryout Open 7 a.m. Daily • 410-213-1804 Rte. 50 • West Ocean City

Located After Comfort Inn Suites On Rt. 50 E Across From Outback Steak House

Fenwick Approves 2-Year Moratorium

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 49

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – A two-year moratorium on new hotel construction will go into effect after the town council voted unanimously to a resolution last week.

Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted 7-0 to approve on second reading an ordinance that would re-establish a two-year moratorium on the issuance of permits or licenses related to new hotel or motel construction after a previous moratorium expired in February.

“The Town Council finds that it is necessary and appropriate to re-establish the moratorium imposed by the Original Ordinance, as additional review and discussion is necessary to determine whether or not an expansion of the total number of motel/hotel uses in the Town would create a positive or negative impact on the Town's infrastructure, the Town's economy, the Town's commercial district, the Town's residents and/or the Town's property owners,” the new ordinance reads.

In 2016, the town council voted to establish a moratorium on new hotel construction following an extensive debate regarding the former Sands Motel.

Developer Spiro Buas purchased the motel – located on Coastal Highway – in 2015 with plans to construct a new, upscale hotel in its place. In doing so, he proposed an ordinance change to the town code that would allow for one motel room per 600 feet instead of one motel room per 1,000 feet, allowing the Sands to expand from 38 rooms to 65 rooms.

Despite outcry from nearby residents, the council at the time voted 5-2 to approve the ordinance. However, a twoyear moratorium on new hotel and motel construction was also put forward.

As part of the moratorium, the town would not issue permits, licenses or other approvals involving new hotel and motel uses. And in February of 2018, the council voted to extend its ban on hotel construction another two years while the town considered the impacts of the new hotel on Fenwick Island.

Since the moratorium expired in February without any action from the town council, a discussion on issuing a new moratorium was deferred to the Fenwick Island Charter and Ordinance Committee.

Last month, the committee agreed to forward a two-year moratorium to the council with a favorable recommendation. And in early July, the council voted to approve the ordinance on first reading.

“The C&O committee unanimously agreed to make it a two-year moratorium,” said Councilman Bill Weistling, chair of the committee. “We figured that timeframe would give us enough time to see how the hotel does – both the positive impacts and the negative impacts – by next fall.”

Sand Bar Fun:

A few boaters enjoyed some time on the low tide sand bars in the bay late Sunday afternoon.

Photo by Chris Parypa

ole 7 H rse 2 ly ou On olf C s ’ OC ini G M

23rd Street ~ Temple Of Dragons

28th Street ~ Medieval Faire

ap dic n Ha ble les essi o 9 H Acc

68th Street ~ Dinosaurs & Indoor Under Sea Adventure

136th Street ~ Caribbean Pirates & Indoor Safari Village

All Locations Open 10 a.m. Daily

www.oldprogolf.com • 410-524-2645

Online Benefit Art Auction Wraps Up Virtually Friday

Page 50

OCEAN CITY – The Art League of Ocean City’s “100 Pieces of heART” Benefit Art Auction closes at midnight on Friday, July 31, and the nonprofit is celebrating with a free virtual “Last Friday” happy hour from 5-6 p.m. on Facebook Live and Zoom. The public as well as Art League members and artists are welcome to join in.

“We miss our monthly First Friday openings at the Ocean City Center for the Arts,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “This Last Friday party lets everyone who loves art

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

get together and mingle, even if we have to do it at a distance. And it celebrates the closing night of our online art auction that has been a great success so far. We’re just thrilled at the support the community has shown us.”

The online auction can be accessed at www.biddingowl.com/ArtLeagueOfOceanCity.

Since the auction went live July 1, 140 original pieces of art donated by generous artists have been viewed and bid on by art lovers from near and far.

Many works will sell at below market

July 31, 2020

value. July 31 at midnight will be the final chance to place a virtual bid.

The Last Friday virtual happy hour will have a party atmosphere complete with a live emcee, cocktail ideas, music, discussions with artists who have pieces in the auction, and chances to win prizes. Guests may join by going to the Art League’s Facebook page or to Zoom meeting ID 821 6213 7135, passcode = heart.

Works available in the auction include paintings by nationally-known artists Kevin Fitzgerald, Janet Rogers, Sterling Edwards, Willie Crockett, Bernard Dellario, Alison Menke, and Marie Natale. Works by locally-known artists including Virginia Pappas, Laura Jenkins, Kevin Fleming, Kathy Gibson, Leslie Belloso, Petra Bernstein, and Peggy Warfield are available for bidding. Bidders will also discover everything from a stained glass window

by Pete Gibson to a hand-painted silk scarf by Mitzi Ash to jewelry by Cathy Angus and Dee Dobson to a mosaic

by Lisa Scarbath.

“Many of the works in this auction would typically sell for hundreds, even thousands of dollars, so this is a great opportunity to get a beautiful piece of art at a great price. Purchases also support the Art League of Ocean City so that we can continue to engage and impact our community through art,” Th-

aler continued.

In other news, the Art League of Ocean City invites students in elementary, middle and high school to participate in an art show inspired by their summers in Ocean City. “My Ocean City Summer” will be an online exhibition in August hosted by the Art League and supported by the Town of Ocean City.

“The purpose is for kids to express what they love about Ocean City through art,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “We wanted to show how childhood memories at the beach are created and cherished forever.”

Artwork in any medium is eligible.

Students may reside anywhere, and homeschoolers are also eligible. Entries should be submitted to megan@artleagueofoceancity.org with the subject line, “My Ocean City Youth Art Show.” All artwork will be posted on the Art League’s Facebook page on Aug. 1, and the post with the most likes at the end of the month will receive an Ocean City prize package.

The Art League of Ocean City is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. Financial support comes primarily through membership dues from individuals and corporate sponsors.

How Can We Help You?

All of us need a little help from time to time.

Here are some of the ways we enrich our clients lives.

ACCUMULATE Growth of Investments • Maximization of Benefits Company Sponsored Plans - Pension, 401(k), 403(b), ect.

ADDED PROTECTION Market Risk & Loss • Estate Protection • Die Too Soon Live Too Long • Long Term Illness or Injury

DISTRIBUTE Pensions • IRAs/401(k)/403(b) • Social Security Legacy - Next Generation & Charitable Donations

Let Us Help You Succeed

Investment Advisory Services offered through Retirement Wealth Advisors, (RWA) a Registered Investment Advisor. Key Financial Services and RWA are not affiliated. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

9928 Old Ocean City Blvd., Suite 2 Berlin, Maryland 21811 410-629-0357 • keyfinancialservices.com

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 51

Keep Facing The Ocean To Avoid Serious Injuries

Page 52

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – Never turn your back on the ocean. It’s a motto all lifeguards live by. It’s a motto that we would like all people to live by.

People who turn their backs toward the sea while in the water are in great danger of getting seriously injured. Every summer we deal with dozens of se-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

GUARDING THE BEACH

rious injuries, many of which could have been prevented if the person had not turned their back on the ocean. Unsuspecting people who turn their backs to the ocean are often taken off guard by a wave and slammed into the sandbar or shoreline.

Sometimes this can be the equivalent to being hit by a car and slammed into concrete. While it sounds graphic, this analogy is truly representative of the for-

ce of a wave. On the beach I have seen everything from dislocated shoulders, slipped discs, to spinal cord injuries that caused paralysis. Just being hit in the back or neck by a powerful wave is often enough to cause serious injury. We all are aware of the dangers of being rearended in a car accident and the possibility of a whiplash type neck injury.

Most people do not realize that a wave can carry several tons of water and that being hit in the back is the equivalent of a 25 mph or greater rear-end collision. The beach patrol encourages people to pay attention when standing in the surf or walking out DAMIEN of the surf, especially SANZOTTI in shore break conditions. Too often people take their guard down and turn their back on the ocean.

The other reason to not turn your back on the ocean is respect. A famous Hawaiian, Duke Kahanamoku, helped popularize the motto, “Never turn your back on the ocean.” He was a native Hawaiian who gained fame by helping to make surfing an international sport and winning gold medals at the Olympics in 1912 and 1920. He also won silver in the

July 31, 2020

1924 Olympics. Kahanamoku was a lifeguard and recognized the value of never turning your back on the ocean, but he also tried to teach people the same respect he and his Hawaiian ancestors had for the ocean.

During the beach patrol’s weeklong surf rescue academy in which our rookie lifeguards are trained, one of the most important traits we instill in our guards is the fact that they should not and will not ever turn their back on the ocean. Our instructors are costantly pushing this concept from day one. If you ever have the ability to watch some of the instruction that takes place on the beach, it won’t take long for you to hear one of the instructor’s yelling “eyes on the water.”

Even at 5:30 p.m., when our guards are getting off duty for the day, you will see the lifeguard walk backwards off the beach to ensure that the water is clear before they leave.

To hear the story of a man who was injured in the surf, go to You Tube and search for “Patrick Durkin Story”. He also cautions about turning your back to the waves.

(The writer has been with the beach patrol for 17 years and is currently a sergeant.

He is a physical education teacher at Berlin Intermediate School.)

Wicomico Executive Remembered After Death At 67

July 31, 2020

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver, age 67, died Sunday after a months-long battle with liver cancer.

Culver’s family announced his passing in a statement issued Sunday.

“The family of County Executive Bob Culver is sad to announce that he passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family this morning,” the statement reads. “Well known for his spirit and tenacity, he had fought a courageous battle for several months. More information will follow.”

In February, Culver announced he had been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of primary liver cancer. Testing revealed the cancer had spread to 70% of the organ.

Culver was referred to Johns Hopkins Hospital for treatment. Despite the diagnosis, Culver told The Dispatch earlier this year he would continue in his role as county executive.

“Right now, I feel good, I feel optimistic and I feel strong,” he said in February.

“I’m going to beat this as best as I can.

I’m not saying there won’t be a few bumps along the way though.”

Culver was first elected to the position of county executive in 2014, defeating incumbent Richard Pollitt. And in 2018, he secured a second term in office

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Council Majority Vote Will Fill Post

after defeating Democratic challenger John Hamilton and Independent challenger Jack Health.

Previously, he had served one term on the Wicomico County Council.

As a result of Culver’s death, Director of Administration John Psota will serve as acting county executive and shall have the same rights, duties, powers and obligations, according to the county’s charter. The Wicomico County Council will ha-ve 45 days to permanently fill the position by majority vote.

As Culver was a Republican, the newly appointed county executive must belong to the same political party.

The successor will BOB CULVER serve the remainder of Culver’s fouryear term.

Several state and local officials offered their condolences this week. In a post Sunday, Gov. Larry Hogan said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of my friend Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver, a lifelong Marylander who fought a tremendous battle against liver cancer. The First Lady and I ask that you join us in keeping Bob’s family

and loved ones in your prayers.”

State Senator Mary Beth Carozza recognized Culver for, his service.

“The passing of our friend, Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver has hit our home community hard, and my heartfelt condolences and prayers are with both the Culver family and Bob’s County family,” she said in a statement.

“I have always admired Bob Culver’s passion for serving and working so hard for all of Wicomico County, especially his understanding of how projects, like the Salisbury Regional Airport expansion and the 7 ½ baseball field for individuals with disabilities, benefitted and improved the quality of life in Wicomico County and beyond. Right up until the very end, Bob Culver was fighting for Wicomico County, and that’s inspiring for all of us in public service.”

Salisbury Mayor Jake Day – who is currently on deployment with the U.S. Army – also took time this week to honor Culver and his contributions.

“Born with a servant’s heart, Bob proudly served our county, fighting to make it an even better place to live,” he said in a Facebook post. “As I mourn the loss of my colleague, I will forever cherish the memories we shared as we

Page 53

worked in pursuit of a common goal – that of bettering our community and serving our citizens.”

County Council President Larry Dodd said he was saddened to hear of Culver’s passing.

“When I took over as County Council President this past December I told Bob that I would do my best to work with him and the Executive Branch to help move Wicomico County forward,” he said in a post this week. “Not long after that Bob called me to give me the news of his illness and I promised to keep him in my prayers. Wicomico County's second County Executive fought a strong fight until the end.”

Culver, a Salisbury native, was raised on a family farm and attended Wicomico County schools, according to his biography. After receiving an associate degree in pre-law from Chowan University in Murfreesboro, N.C., he transferred to Salisbury University to pursue a major in economics and minor in business administration.

Culver started his career in real estate sales and then owned a construction and land development business, which created four subdivisions in Wicomico County and constructed over 150 homes. Through the years, Culver’s career has evolved into being an entrepreneur, having started and sold several businesses which created jobs for many citizens of Wicomico County.

FREE

Page 54

County Finally Acquires Property

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SUMMER PROGRAMS THROUGH AUG. 22ND

PROGRAMS BEGIN AT 10 A.M. AND LAST APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES

813 South Atlantic Avenue (Boardwalk at the Inlet) Ocean City, MD 21842 410-289-4991 • www.ocmuseum.org Monday through Saturday: 11:00 am Saltwater Fishing Then & Now

Learn about the history of sportfishing in Ocean City and gain angler tips to make your next fishing trip a success for the whole family.

Monday: 10:00 am History of our Surfmen

Learn about the historic role performed by the United States Life-Saving Service.

Tuesday: 10:00 am Beach Safety

Learn how to be safe in the surf and spell your name using semaphore. The famous Ocean City Beach Patrol is on hand with everything you need to know.

Thursday: 10:00 am All About Sharks

Discover what types of sharks are found off the coast of Ocean City!

Friday: 10:00 am Land, Sky, & Sea

Learn how the island was formed, what birds fly overhead, and what creatures inhabit our ocean and coastal bays.

All our summer programs will take place outside of the museum.

Berlin Liquor Store

Largest Liquor Store In OC Area!

Cold & Warm Beer

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – County officials agreed this week to purchase an acre of land near the Mason Dixon Sports Complex after nearly a month of negotiations.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council voted unanimously to acquire one acre of land near the Mason Dixon Sports Complex in Delmar for $35,000.

“If there’s a will, there’s a way to get things done,” Councilman Joe Holloway said. “I think we worked through this well.”

In June, Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism Director Steve Miller approached the council with an opportunity to acquire an acre of land near the complex. The county would use $34,000 in Program Open Space (POS) funding – or the average appraised value of the lot – to purchase the property.

The owner, however, presented an asking price of $38,000, meaning the county would be responsible for the $4,000 overage not covered by POS dollars.

The council made multiple attempts to approach the seller – Marshall Auctions – with an offer of $35,000, which was not accepted.

Councilman Bill McCain noted his father – former Delmar Mayor Bill McCain Sr. – championed the effort to establish a complex for local Little League teams.

He said he supported the acquisition,

1 OFF

Any 3-, 4-, 5-Litre Wine Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 8-31-20 • MCD

15% OFF

Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 8-31-20 • MCD

10% OFF

10% OFF

Liquor And Wine

Liquor And Wine

(On Orders Of $50 Or More) Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Must bring in coupon. Expires 08.16.20 • MCD

10% OFF ALL CASES OF WINE! 7 DAYS A WEEK (Must Be Same Size Bottles 750 ML or 1.5 L)

10818 Ocean Gateway, Berlin, MD 21811 410-973-2873

Cheers!

Any Case Of Wine

Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 8-31-20 • MCD

750 ml/1.5 L Bottle Of Wine

Every Thursday And Sunday Senior Citizens Get

going so far as to offer $4,000 from his own pocket to pay the $38,000 asking price.

“We should be here as a council to make things happen and make our community better,” he said at the time.

“The question should be how can we make this work, not how can we make this not work.”

On the agenda this week, councilmembers had before them a resolution to acquire the one-acre lot for $35,000 and to accept a donation of $3,000 from the Delmarva Shorebirds “Fly Together Fund,” which would cover the difference.

But before the council could take action, Miller announced Marshall Auctions President Doug Marshall had approached the county attorney within minutes of the vote to accept the county’s $35,000 offer.

“Mr. Marshall contacted the law office and stated that he would accept the purchase price of $35,000 without the Shorebirds money,” he said. “The one thing noted … is that he’s requested that we would honor Mr. McCain Sr. for his past contributions to the property and the Delmar Little League, that we would put a recognition on the site.”

With the latest development, the council voted 7-0 to strike any reference of the $3,000 donation from the resolution. The council then voted unanimously to approve the resolution as amended.

$ 00

10% OFF

BEER•LIQUOR•WINE

July 31, 2020

BEER • WINE • SODA Open 7 Days A Week Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. & Sun., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Gas • Ice Cigarettes 410-641-2366 • Main St. & Old O.C. Blvd., Berlin, Md.

Assateague Benefit HUGE 65’ BOAT SLIP CONVEYS! Far Exceeds Goal

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 55

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

ASSATEAGUE – A fundraising effort conducted by a local organization that advocates on behalf of the wild horses on Assateague Island far exceeded its goal, allowing the group to redouble their efforts.

In May, the Assateague Island Alliance (AIA), the friends group of the Assateague Island National Seashore, which advocates on behalf of the wild horses on the barrier island, launched an online fundraiser with the goal of raising $3,100 to hire two new wild horse management interns.

The internships are part of the ongoing effort by the partnering organizations to educate the countless visitors to Assateague of the detrimental impacts their behavior can cause to the wild horses on the barrier island. The goal was to raise $3,100 during the fundraiser, but the effort raised over $7,000, or more than double what was hoped for.

“Our goal was to raise $3,100 and we are humbled beyond words at the overwhelming support from our donors and their strong belief in the importance of this program,” said AIA Board President Nancy Gaither.

In what has become a summer of unprecedented visitation to the Assateague parks, with more and more humans sharing space with the wild horses, it has become increasingly vital to educate the public on the importance of proper distancing and proper food storage to keep both the visitors and the wildlife safe.

The interns supported by the AIA interact with the public every day and engage visitors along the roadways on the island, in the day-use area and the campgrounds. With the excess funds raised during the campaign, the AIA has been able to provide the interns with highly-visible safety vests and purchase parts and make repairs to two golf carts they utilize in their daily mission to educate the public.

AIA is reminding all who visit Assateague this summer to adhere to the laws in place to protect to wild horses and to heed the warnings on the many signs posted at the entrance to the barrier island. All food should be stored properly to ensure the safety of the horses and the public.

Visitors are reminded to maintain a distance of at least 40 feet from the horses and are reminded it is illegal to approach them, touch them of feed them, despite the temptation to do so.

“The Assateague horses are highlysocial animals living wild and free and are perfectly adapted to life on the barrier island,” said AIA Outreach Coordinator Ashlie Kozlowski. “It is the responsibility of all visitors to follow the guidance, enjoy these animals from a distance, properly store their food and help us ‘Keep ‘em Wild.’”

White Marlin Condominium and Marina

Beautiful 2 bed, 2 bath condo. Immaculate, custom decorated, new kitchen and new baths, full wall built in cabinetry, large balcony, open and airy floor plan with lots of windows overlooking water, deeded boat slip, marina, yachts, and bay with the most gorgeous sunsets you will ever see.

All of this in one of downtown waterfront’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Huge 65’ deeded boat slip has water and electricity in closest marina to the inlet. Walk to beach, boardwalk, restaurants, pubs, inlet, amusement rides. Relax in new pool overlooking yachts, marina and bay.

2 assigned parking places, electric security gates, new elevator, and many more amenities.

Tremendous rental income for unit and boat slip. $359,000

Joyce Melbourne Husman, Associate Broker

Cell: 410-490-0948 | Email: joycemelbourne@comcast.net Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

6405 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, MD | 410-524-6111

Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell BankerResidential Brokerage. ©2020 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered service mark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLS. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Opportunity. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC.

Steve Buckman: Quietly Becoming World’s Fastest Guard

Page 56

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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 – It’s often the case in life that perceptions of people change and that first impressions are not always the one you end up with. This certainly was the case with Steve Buckman, who joined the patrol in the summer of 1982.

Buckman’s older brother, John, had already been a guard for several years by this time and so he came on already well acquainted with the job. Most of the guards on the OCBP knew Buckman as a soft-spoken fellow who was ready for the challenges that came with guarding. He was cool headed and extremely efficient, and few were surprised when he was made crew chief at the Middle Inlet in 1984.

Guarding in the Inlet is considered to be one of the toughest beaches to work. A wrong move or a bad current could mean that you were making a rescue through the pier to the north or facing the prospect of being swept out

to sea in the south. Lt. Mike Stone still recalls “how many people were on the beach between the rock-pile and the pier and the three sets of semaphore flags Buckman had placed in the sand to keep the area in front of his stand clear. Otherwise he’d never be able to make it to the water.”

Buckman maintained order there, quietly and efficiently. For most guards, that would be the whole story. But not for him.

By the early 80’s, Captain George Schoepf had brought the OCBP into the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA). The patrol had became a part of an organization that not only fostered the exchange of ideas and techniques nationwide, but had a deep culture of competition. Guards from all over the country would meet to race, row and swim against each other and then go on to compete against the best guards from all over the world. These meets had all sorts of events, but the star of the show was always beach flags.

Beach flags is a game that answers

Send Us Your Best

the simple question “who is the fastest person on the beach”? Ten guards lay in a line face down in the sand. Several yards away are nine “flags” (foot long pieces of rubber garden hoses with the tops painted yellow for extra visibility).

A whistle is blown and the 10 race for the flags. The guard who doesn’t get one is out and the next round starts with one less flag. It’s musical chairs, only in the sand with a lot more contact.

Lt. Ward Kovacs tells the story about beach flag tryouts from that summer.

The way morning tryouts worked were that if you finished top three, you would automatically be scheduled off so you could attend the Mid-Atlantic Lifeguard Championships to compete and represent the OCBP. If you placed top three at Mid-Atlantics, you would have the opportunity to compete and represent the OCBP at Nationals. Steve “Sony” Nelson had won the USLA National Beach Flag event in both 1982 and 1983 for the patrol and had gone on to win the World Championship Beach Flag event held in South Africa.

Kids Of Summer Have Your Child Appear In The Dispatch’s 14th Annual

Kids Of Summer

FEATURES ON AUG. 14, 21, 28 AND SEPT. 4

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 31, 2020

Steve Buckman was made an OCBP crew chief in 1984.

Submitted Photo

Buckman quietly decided he would give this event a try and put himself to work training.

Kovacs recalls, “Steve Nelson was the two-time defending USLA National Champion, as well as the reigning World Champion in beach flags. That summer the competition was so tough that Steve Nelson did not even finish top three at the OCBP morning tryouts. The winner was none other than Steve Buckman.

He went on to win Mid-Atlantic’s and the Rehoboth Olympics that summer as well as winning Nationals in San Clemente, Calif. And then he did it again the next two years in Chicago (1985) and Galveston (1986).”

Those who previously only knew Buckman as the soft spoken, no nonsense guard on the toughest beach in Ocean City, now knew him as the fastest guard in the world.

Buckman lives in Berlin with his wife and two daughters and operates Assateague Farm. When he’s not busy tending to his farm operation, he still finds time to train new generations of beach flag competitors for the OCBP.

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 57

Page 58

Who’s Where When BUXY’S SALTY DOG/DRY DOCK 28 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 31: DJ Wax Tuesdays: Sean “Spiffy” Styles

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 31, 2020

Best Beats On The Beach

CLARION HOTEL 410-524-3535 • 10100 Coastal Hwy. Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill: Friday & Saturday, July 31 & Aug. 1: Stephen Anthony, Noon-4 p.m.

Friday-Sunday, July 31-Aug. 2: On The Edge Monday-Thursday, Aug. 3-6: First Class COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL Castle In The Sand Hotel 37th & 38th St. • 410-289-6846 Friday, July 31: Darin Engh, Noon-4 p.m.; Zion Reggae, 5-9 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 1: Top Shelf Duo, Noon-4 p.m.; Monkee Paw, 5-9 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 2: Nate McCormick, Noon-3 p.m.; Rick & Regina, 4-8 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 3: TBA, Noon-3 p.m., Bob Wilkinson & Joe Smooth, 4-8 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 4: Wes Davis Duo, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Chris Sacks Duo, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 5: Lime Green Duo, Noon-3 p.m.; TBA, 4-8 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 6: Jack Bannon, Noon-3 p.m.; Bilenki Duo, 4-8 p.m.

FIRST CLASS Clarion/Lenny’s Beach Bar: Monday-Thursday, July 31-Aug. 6

DUST N BONES Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, July 31

ZION REGGAE BAND Coconuts Beach Bar: Friday, July 31

FULL CIRCLE Seacrets: Monday, Aug. 3 & Wednesday, Aug. 5 (duo)

JOE SMOOTH & BOBBY WILKINSON Coconuts Beach Bar: Monday, Aug. 3

JIMMY CHARLES BAND Trimpers Rock & Ride: Monday, Aug. 3

CORK BAR & GRILL Wicomico St. & Boardwalk 410-289-6921 Sunday, Aug. 2: TBA CRAWL STREET TAVERN 19 Wicomico St. off the boardwalk 443-373-2756 Friday, July 31: Dust N Bones, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 1: TBA Every Tuesday: DJ RobCee, 10 p.m.

Every Sunday: DJ Wax, 10 p.m.

DOWNY OSHUN 120th St. Bayside 410-670-8025 Every Saturday: Jim Long Band Every Sunday: Lauren Glick Every Thursday: Otto Grundman & Friends PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, July 31: Andrew Robear Saturday, Aug. 1: TBA Sundays & Wednesdays: Beats By Skyler Every Tuesday & Thursday: Beats By Wax SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 31: John McNutt Duo, 4 p.m., Light Up The Moon Duo, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 1: Steal The Sky Duo, 4 p.m., High Five Swan Dive Duo, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 2: High Five Swan Dive Duo, 4 p.m., Monday, Aug. 3: Full Circle, 4 p.m., Steal The Sky Duo, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 4: Opposite Directions, 4 p.m., Cherry Crush Duo, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 5: Full Circle Duo, 4 p.m.

Benderz Duo, 8 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 6: John McNutt Duo, 4 p.m., Kono Nation Duo, 8 p.m.

JIM LONG BAND Downy Oshun: Every Saturday

DJ ROBCEE Crawl Street Tavern: Every Tuesday

BEATS BY WAX Dry Dock 28: Friday, July 31 Pickles Pub: Every Tuesday & Thursday

ANDREW ROBEAR Pickles Pub: Friday, July 31

STEPHEN ANTHONY Clarion/ Lenny’s Beach Bar: Friday, July 31 & Saturday, Aug. 1

OTTO GRUNDMAN Downy Oshun: Every Thursday

SEAN “SPIFFY” STYLES Dry Dock 28: Every Tuesday

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 59

with Scott Lenox Greetings all and thank you for perusing the Fish in OC fishing report here in The Dispatch. We had another week of glorious weather and the fish were snapping once again.

We also got to see tons of fish brought in to the scales at the HUK Big Fish Classic where organizers saw a record number of boats and a record purse that culminated with several big money checks and a top prize over $285,000. Last year’s HUK Big Fish Classic was an awesome event no two ways about it, but this year took the tournament to a whole new level. The previous highest purse was just last year when the it paid out a little over $500-,000 in prize money. This year’s event saw over 100 boats and a record high purse at over $900,000. There wasn’t much going on Friday when only one fish was weighed, but Saturday and Sunday more than made up for it with several fish being weighed on both days. Sunday was exceptionally busy, and we weighed fish more than two hours after scales “officially” closed at 8 p.m.

In the end, the big winners were the

crew of the Seacurity with a 384-pound blue marlin that was weighed in on Sunday afternoon, winning the crew a check for more than $285,000. Congratulations to all of the winners, tournament director Brian Roberts, Sean Welsh and the Lewis family for putting on another awesome event.

Tuna fishing started off on blistering fire early last week, but slowly turned ice cold as the week progressed. Boats chunking butterfish at the hot dog early in the week found fat yellowfin tuna chewing and those that knew what they were doing were able to load the fish box. On Monday, Marli, Wrecker, Rhonda’s Osprey and Talkin’ Trash all caught their parties limits of 18 yellowfin tuna and were back to the dock before lunch.

As the week progressed and more boats found the hot spot, the bite slowed down drastically and became down right slow over the beautiful weekend. Most of the yellowfin tuna that were weighed during the Big Fish Classic were caught on the troll out in the canyons by boats that were looking for white and blue marlin. That trend will probably continue SEE PAGE 60

Top honors and top money in the HUK Big Fish Classic went to the crew of the Seacurity who landed this 384 pound blue marlin worth over $285,000.

Submitted Photos

Page 60

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 31, 2020

Top left, young Trey showed angling skills well beyond his age when he landed this “big as he is” mahi while fishing on the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins. Top middle, Marcus Wongus and his crew had an amazing first offshore ever trip aboard the Talkin’ Trash with Chris Little when he showed them a limit of 18 yellowfin tuna. Top right, this crew had a limit of 18 yellowfin tuna while fishing with Captain Jeremy Blunt of the Wrecker out of the Ocean City Fishing Center.

Above middle, Ron Humprhess used a Fishbites sand flea to land this 18-inch, 2.75-pound pompano in the Assateague surf.

Opposite page, top left, the Parkers had a great time fishing with Captain Joe Drosey of Rhonda’s Osprey. Captain Joe and crew had them on a limit of 18 yellowfin tuna. Opposite page, top right, Captain Kane Bounds of the Fish Bound put this group on a limit of flounder along with some keeper sea bass and some ribbonfish.

Opposite page, middle left, the crew of Fish in OC charter partner Roll Groove won top honors in the swordfish category of the Big Fish Classic with this 255-pound stud. Opposite page, bottom left, this big flounder was caught on board the Miss Ocean City with Captain Anton and mate Joey on board. Opposite page, bottom top center, Captain Mark Hoos of the MARLI put Mike Bostic and his crew on a limit of 18 fat yellowfin tuna and was back to the dock in time for lunch. Opposite page, bottom center, Captain Drew Zerbe of the Tortuga put this group on five nice keeper flounder on a trip to the Sinepuxent Bay. Opposite page, bottom right, Caleb Powell used a Gulp to land this 20-inch keeper flounder in the bay behind Assateague Island.

... Fish In OC

FROM PAGE 59 as boats will be practice fishing this week for the OCMC Heels and Reels Tournament and the Super Bowl of fishing tournaments, The White Marlin Open.

Sea bass fishing over ocean structure is still surprisingly good for this late in the summer. I’ve written it for weeks now and am waiting for the mid-summer sea bass slump to start, but thankfully the oceangoing fleet is still seeing a fantastic sea bass bite. Party, charter and private boats fishing over ocean structure have been using squid, clams and jigs to entice big sea bass and lots of them have been landing in the coolers of happy anglers. Keeper sized flounder have also joined the wreck and reef par-

ty and several nice fish have been reported over the past few weeks. Captain Kane Bounds and Captain DJ Churchill of the Fish Bound have been showing anglers really good fishing for flounder with limits of four fish per person on a regular basis. Flounder fishing over ocean structure should stay pretty good all the way into the fall and beyond, but sea bass fishing could slow over the next couple of weeks as water temperatures warm into the 70s and 80s.

Back bay fishermen were happy to see a decent flounder bite over the past week as water conditions in the bays stayed relatively clean. We haven’t had a lot of wind or rain over the past couple of weeks so water clarity hasn’t been an issue. There are a lot of throwback sized flounder in the bays right now so your keeper ratio might be down, but there are still plenty of keeper sized fish over 16 1/2” to be had. I’m also seeing some mullet and bunker in our back

bays which are my two favorite baits for larger flounder. Use a single hook rig like our Doormat Destroyer with larger baits like bunker, mullet and spot as these fish tend to swim a lot and tangle double hook rigs. You don’t need a lot of flash with these baits either because big fl-ounder like the simple look of a natural bait. You’ll have your best luck with bigger fish in deeper channels around the inlet and route 50 bridge on a slow moving tide with clean water. I’ll see you out there if you’re a flounder fisherman.

This weekend we have the Ocean City Marlin Club’s Heels and Reels Tournament followed immediately by the 47th Annual White Marlin Open.

Heels and Reels is a ladies only billfish release tournament this Friday, Saturday and Sunday with scales action at Atlantic Tackle. You do not have to be a member of the Ocean City Marlin Club to fish the event.

Things are going to look way differ-

ent for this year’s White Marlin Open since spectators are not permitted at Harbor Island, but the show will go on. There will be a festival-like viewing area at the 3rd street ball fields with vendors and a large screen, and you can always watch our live broadcast at www.whitemarlinopen.com.

The Hooked on OC crew and I will be bringing it to you every day starting at around 3:15 p.m. and the WMO is going to have some great giveaways for online viewers. I’m expecting a terrific turnout with some huge cash prizes like we’ve come to expect from the world’s largest billfish tournament. I hope to see you on the water or online sometime next week.

Until then, 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 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 61

Business

Page 62

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 31, 2020

And Real Estate News Contractors Completes Project

SALISBURY – Vice President Tyler Barnes of Gillis Gilkerson has announced the company’s completion of construction on the new Taylor Bank facility in Onley, Va. The full-service bank branch is now open for business on the corner of Main Street and Shore Parkway.

“We value the relationship we have with Taylor Bank,” said Barnes. “We’ve completed a number of renovations for them in the past and were excited to have the opportunity to build their newest branch on the Eastern Shore from the ground, up.”

The 3,694-square-foot single-story, wooden framed building houses the bank’s Onley Loan Production Office and features teller pods and three driveup lanes, including one that allows for ATM access. In light of COVID, walk-in customers of the branch will be met by

a greeter to help regulate traffic inside the building and direct them towards the appropriate entrance and exit points.

“This was another great collaboration between Gillis Gilkerson and Taylor Bank, and our first new construction project together,” said Ray Thompson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Taylor Bank. “It has been a fantastic experience and we are excited about the organic growth opportunity to serve the entire Eastern Shore of Virginia, all the way down to the Bay Bridge Tunnel. The trust that we have in Gillis Gilkerson allowed us to use an architect from out of the area whose access to the jobsite was limited even more so by the hit of COVID. By the end of the project, the Ohio-based firm echoed our trust in the Gillis Gilkerson team.”

Barnes led the project’s management alongside Superintendent Steve Eshleman. The team completed the

CARPET CLEANING

• Carpet Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning • Oriental Rug Cleaning & Repair • Tile & Grout Cleaning

Quality Service by Certified Technicians Since 1983

(302) 436-5652

The new Taylor Bank in Accomack County is pictured after construction was recently completed.

Submitted Photos

build, parking lot and landscaping installation within the requested budget and timeframe.

Controller Appointed SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners named Michelle Carmean as the new enterprise fund controller. She joined the Worcester County Treasurer’s Office on June 1.

Carmean brings 15 years of accounting experience to this position. Prior to joining Worcester County Government (WCG), she was an accounting supervisor at Perdue Farms in Salisbury. Carmean, a former member of the Institute of Management Accountants Delmarva

HERE’S MY CARD

Chapter (IMA), earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Finance, with a minor in Information Technology and Accounting, from Salisbury University in 2006, and a Master of Business Administration from Frostburg University in 2015.

“I would like to thank the County Commisioners for this exciting opportunity to serve as the MICHELLE new enterprise fund con- CARMEAN troller,” Carmean said. “I look forward to gaining governmental accounting experience in my new role and working with SEE NEXT PAGE HOME IMPROVEMENT Del.#2007215731

MHIC#76938

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT PAMELA GREEN

www.brasurescarpetcare.com

HOME & PATIO SERVICES

PHONE: 410-641-4561 • FAX: 410-641-0966 EMAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM

443-235-6249 • ARTISTICRENOVATIONS.COM

PORCH COVERS

ROOFING

302-212-9800 meckservicesanddesigns@gmail.com MHIC #135919 DE #2018608353

HOME & PATIO SERVICES/INTERIOR & EXTERIOR • General Repair • Tile • Pavers • Hardscaping & Maintenance • Painting • Drywall • Landscaping • Flooring Contact us today for a free estimate!

BLINDS/SHADES

Proper ty Services L n e LC old Junk Removal JUNK REMOVAL

G

ATTORNEY Free & Flexible Consultation Call Today!

Matthew S. Farr

Trash, Furniture, Appliances, Hot Tubs, Construction/Yard Debris, Clean-Outs & More

443-783-0680 Avery Golden Licensed & Insured

Eastern Shore, MD

LAWN CARE

REAL ESTATE

11032 Nicholas Lane, Suite A202 Berlin, MD 21811 Phone: (410) 430-7887

Work Injury Claims Personal Injury Claims

mfarr@matthewfarrlaw.com www.MatthewFarrLaw.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

... Business News

July 31, 2020

Worcester County associates.”

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Carmean was raised in Wicomico County and currently resides in Worcester County with her husband, Michael, and daughter, Makayla.

Carmean took over for former Enterprise Fund Controller Jessica Wilson who accepted the position of assistant finance officer with Worcester County.

In her role with Worcester County Government, Carmean will help develop policies and operating procedures, including the oversight, organization and direction of county enterprise funds, which include the Solid Waste and Water and Wastewater Divisions of Public Works and the Department of Liquor Control.

Airport Manager Named SALISBURY – Anthony Rudy will serve as the new manager of the Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional Airport after the county council voted unanimously last week to confirm his appointment.

Last week, the Wicomico County Council voted 7-0 to confirm Rudy’s appointment as the airport general man-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch ager, effective July 21. Rudy will fill the position previously held by Dawn Veatch, who announced her resignation in May. “Tony is doing a great job,” Councilman John Cannon said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to sit in on Airport Commission meetings. They are very thorough, and he is doing an excellent job as far as taking up where Ms. Veatch had left off. Even when Ms. Veatch was here, he was an integral part of maintaining the structures in place. I think he has taken the ball and rolled with it well.”

Rudy came to Wicomico County with years of experience in airport management. Before he was hired in Wicomico as the assistant airport manager, he was the director of operations and airport security coordinator in Chemung County, New York. He also served as an assistant airport manager and held positions at three other airports.

Rudy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation management and flight operations with concentrations in management and leadership studies and flight training.

He has an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) certification, and is a member of New York Aviation Management Association.

Rudy has also completed multiple disaster- and emergency-related state

Page 63

certified courses. He has been a private pilot since May 1986.

“I really appreciate the opportunity and the confidence the county executive, county administrator, county council have in me,” Rudy told the council last week. “This has just been an ongoing part of my career. It’s an interesting time for the airport, especially with the coronavirus situation. But it’s also an exciting time for the airport. We’re looking to build on a lot of the initiatives Dawn Veatch started a few years ago, and we think we will be in a better place.”

Regional Hospital Honored SALISBURY – Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC) has again been named a Best Regional Hospital on the Eastern Shore of Maryland according to U.S. News, the publisher of Best Hospitals. The magazine ranked PRMC as the No. 7 hospital in Maryland.

U.S. News & World Report honored PRMC a “high-performing hospital” in the treatment of heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), knee replacement surgery, hip replacement surgery and colon cancer surgery.

To be nationally ranked in a specialty, a hospital must excel in caring for the sickest, most medically complex patients.

The annual Procedures & Condi-

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

tions ratings, now in their 6th year, are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for common conditions and elective procedures. These ratings extend the U.S. News mission of providing consumers with patient decision support beyond the Best Hospitals rankings, which are geared toward complex specialty care.

For the 2020-21 ratings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide in 10 procedures and conditions. The U.S. News Procedures & Conditions methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality such as risk-adjusted outcome rates, volume, quality of nursing and other care-related indicators.

“Organizationally, this is another outstanding honor to receive,” said Steve Leonard, Ph.D., MBA, FACHE, President/CEO of the Peninsula Regional Health System and Peninsula Regional Medical Center. "This recognition is again an acknowledgement of how hard everyone in our health system continues to work, including our Board, medical staff and volunteers, to maintain the best possible environment for our patients, and it is gratifying to know these team efforts are being recognized again nationally by U.S. News.”

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MHIC# 47627

Master Plumbers License# 3798

EAST COAST CONSTRUCTION, LLC Full Service – Home Improvement Plumbing • Siding • Roofing• Painting Tilework • Carpet & Laminate Installs 11107 Manklin Meadows • Ocean Pines, MD 21811 dchristensen@ecconst.us ckavanagh@ecconst.us www.eastcoastconstruction.net

DALE CHRISTENSEN CHRIS KAVANAGH

Quality You Deserve And Dependability You Can Count On.

WAINWRIGHT’S TIRE CENTER INC. AUTO

Licensed & Insured ocean city #35727 Maryland #95090 delaware #2007214173

SALES & SERVICE Custom Wheels Computer Wheel Alignment Lube & Oil Change Shocks & Struts

Exhaust Systems Air Conditioning & Brake Service Road Service – Truck & Farm

410-641-2000 • 18 Broad St. • Berlin

MVA LICENSED

• All New Roofs Carry 10-Year Warranty • All Jobs Inspected By Owner At Completion • Customers’ Satisfaction Guaranteed Over 25 Years Experience In Roofing & Siding

CALL FOR PRICING

LOWEST PRICES GUARANTEED

QUALIFIED MECHANICS TO HELP WITH YOUR ROOFING NEEDS! Septic Installation, Service & Pumping Hydro Jetting | Drain Fields & Pump Stations Porta Potty Rentals | Roll-Off Dumpsters | Grease Traps

For a Free estIMate caLL oFFIce: 410-289-1115 or caLL the owner dIrect: 443-366-2786

2kuzlandonsepticservices@gmail.com | 410.957.0379

BOAT & MARINE SALES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Brokered Boats Wanted CLEAN LATE MODELS UP TO 32 FEET

2kuzlandonseptic.com

Haul out and Transport Services Available

Let’s scheduLe your FaLL projects now!

Ken waLsh – 410-641-3762 est. 1977 • MhIc 8465 www.WalshHomeImprovementInc.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

LANDSCAPING

Low Fees ~ Great Results

RT. 113 BOAT SALES - 302-436-1737 PROFESSIONAL HOME ORGANIZER

WASTE & SEPTIC SERVICE

ROOFING

”Over 30 Years Experience” PROMPT, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE SATISFACTION GUARANTEED LICENSED & INSURED FREE ESTIMATES

• Decks Built & Restored • Vinyl Railings • Custom Porch Enclosures • Power Washing • Property Maintenance

410-208-9233

Specializing In: Custom Additions, Kitchens, Baths

LANDSCAPING • IRRIGATION HARDSCAPING • FREE ESTIMATES Full Service/Yearly Maintenance Contracts Available

443-783-2224 • edgarcjr@aol.com

Page 64

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 31, 2020

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above, a man combs the beach in Ocean City with his metal detector Sunday evening. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

The Dispatch Classifieds

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

$15/Week For Minimum Of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available)

Page 65 PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

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

Deadline For Insertions, Cancellations And Payment Is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Pre-Payment Is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard.

Come Join Our Winning Team!

HELP WANTED SECURITY PERSONNEL NEEDED FOR SPECIAL EVENT IN OC. : Must be reliable! Please call 443-513-4198.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– EXPERIENCED CLEANERS: Must have cell phone and own transportation. Great opportunity and pay! 443-880-0525 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SOUTHSIDE GRILL WOC: Hiring Line Cooks, Kitchen Help, Dishwashers. YR, FT or PT. Ambitious, willing to work individuals only. Pay neg. based on performance. 9923 Stephen Decatur Hy. 410-2131572.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– P/T ASSISTANT: for Association Site Office in OC. 2-3 days per week during off season. In season Saturdays & Sundays are mandatory with additional 2 days during week. Will also need to be able to cover office when Manager is off.

Starting pay depends on experience.

Send resumes to: dwilson@legumnorman.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– P/T Y/R MAINTENANCE TECH: for premier local community, 15 hours a week, extra hours when needed. Regular work days are Wed., Thurs., and Fri., 8:30am1:30pm. Must have reliable transportation. Call 410-213-1554.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– NEWSPAPER DELIVERY DRIVER: Immediate opening to deliver The Dispatch early Friday mornings. Fair wage offered. Experience helpful but not required.

Covered van or truck needed.

Email letter of interest to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com or fax to 410-641-0966.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– DYLAN’S LAWN CARE: Experienced Landscapers Needed. Call with references. 443-944-3559.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HANDYMAN: Looking for all purpose person w/ exp. in drywall repair, painting, light carpentry, cleaning. YR, FT, pay based on experience. Call 410-213-4035.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LINE COOKS: Sellos West OC. $15/hour. Must have experience.

Email: sellosoven@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MAINTENANCE/HANDYMAN: Large OC Association looking for full-time person to join the on-site staff. Competitive wages and benefits. Resumes can be emailed to dwilson@legumnorman.com or faxed to 410-723-0676 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1st Service Company has current openings for: Experienced HVAC Service Technicians Lead Installer Experienced Installers Retro installations. Basic Trade hand tools required, all other tools of the trade, power and testing tools provided. Everything needed to perform quality work. Specialized training, monthly tool allowance, on call duty pay, uniforms including boots and outerwear, vacation and holiday pay, bonuses and other incentives. High paying positions.

This is an opportunity to work with a great team.

SIGN ON BONUS FOR QUALIFIED PERSON! To Apply and Interview, call 410-208-3220 or 866-990-4822 Send resumes to: office@1stservicehvacr.com

HOTEL OVERNIGHT FRONT DESK We are looking for dependable, service oriented hotel front desk clerks to work our overnight desk shifts. Ability to work multiple properties a plus. Must be able to work weekends and holidays. Excellent starting pay.

Email resume to: jobs@carouselhotel.com or come in and complete an application at the front desk. We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE

Help Wanted: AM & PM Hostess, Servers & Food Runners All locations. Apply in person.

213 Atlantic Ave 606 S. Atlantic Ave 4103 Coastal Highway 6909 Coastal Highway 12849 Ocean Gateway

Apply Within 31st St. Coastal Hwy. 410-289-2581 128th St. Coastal Hwy. 410-250-2304

Now Hiring

PHOTOGRAPHERS No Experience Necessary Training and Equipment will be Provided

Send Resumes to: meslin@lifetouch.com

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

Please forward resume to: paola@masterjackwindows.com.

Applications available on site at 11935 Hammer Road, Bishopville, MD NEWSPAPER DELIVERY DRIVER Immediate opening to deliver The Dispatch early Friday mornings. Fair wage offered.

Exp helpful but not req Covered van or truck needed.

Email letter of interest:

editor@mdcoastdispatch.com

Mosquito Control Field Technician - August to October

EOE/ADA

NOW HIRING FOR ALL POSITIONS WE PAY MORE - $13-$15 PER HOUR! PLUS SEASONAL AND YEAR END BONUSES

SEE OUR JOB LISTINGS ON INDEED Or Apply In-Person at: 106 32nd St, Ocean City, MD, (410) 289-5762 Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Hiring All Positions

SERVERS BUSSERS COOKS HOSTESSES BARTENDERS

La Quinta Inn & Suites

$13/hour plus night shift differential. The Maryland Department of Agriculture is hiring for two positions – Dorchester & Worcester Counties. Duties: drive ULV spray truck, handle and apply pesticides, record keeping, interacting with the public. High School Diploma/GED, min age 18, and a valid driver’s license required.

Apply online via the Jobs tab at https://mda.maryland.gov or call 410-543-6626 for information.

THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING!

HOUSEKEEPING APPLY IN PERSON

10am-4pm 18th St & Baltimore Ave SUN N FUN MOTEL NOW HIRING

HOUSEKEEPING APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Fri 9am-4pm 29th St & Baltimore Ave.

Year Round - Full/Part Time ~SERVERS ~BUSSERS ~HOSTESS ~POOL ATTENDANT ~DRIVER ~GRILL COOKS ~DISHWASHER ~WAREHOUSE CLERK ~ROOM ATTENDANT ($13/HOUR) ~LAUNDRY ~HOUSEKEEPING HOUSESTAFF EXCELLENT BENEFITS! FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD. 21842 EOE M/F/D/V

The Dispatch Classifieds

Page 66

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

$15/Week For Minimum Of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available)

July 31, 2020 PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

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

Deadline For Insertions, Cancellations And Payment Is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Pre-Payment Is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard.

COMFORT INN GOLD COAST We are seeking to fill the following positions:

MAINTENANCE NIGHT AUDIT Hourly rates starting at $14/hour.

Experience preferred, but we will train the right person.

Apply in person at the Comfort Inn Gold Coast 112th St., Ocean City, next to the Gold Coast Mall

Castle in the Sand Hotel is Hiring for Immediate Start

HOUSEKEEPERS & FRONT DESK ASSOCIATES Pay Starting at $12-$14/hour Outstanding Working Environment.

Come Join Our Family. Apply in Person.

Ask for Bob or Tanya.

37th Street & Oceanfront, Ocean City, MD

Currently hiring manpower for

•STUCCO & EIFS MECHANICS •CARPENTERS •CONCRETE BLOCK •COATINGS SPECIALISTS •FLAT CONCRETE •CONCRETE REPAIRS •PT WELDER •COMMERCIAL CAULKING •WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLERS •WAREHOUSE HELP (DRIVER’S LICENSE REQ’D) Experience Preferred. Tools, transportation & a valid driver’s license are a plus. Competitive benefit package available.

Please apply in person at 11935 Hammer Rd, Bishopville, MD, or apply online: http://allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Maintenance Manager

Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel is seeking, a year round full time Maintenance Manager; reporting to our General Manger. Must have maintenance and supervisor experience. For busy hotel with 40,000 square foot conference center, 3 pools, 250 hotel rooms and 84 condos.

Excellent benefits, working conditions and salary!

Qualified applicants only, forward resume with salary requirements to:

CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL HUMAN RESOURCES 10100 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 FAX : 410-723-9109 lwatson@clarionoc.com

G! YEAR ROUND OR PART-TIME N I R I ’S W H WSTESFTUNOCPRLKACE •COOKS O N MO TO WO E MAK •SERVERS A N D $$$$ Please apply in person.

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

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER

NOW HIRING!

Farmers Bank of Willards has a Full-Time Personal Banker position available at the North Ocean City location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please email your resume to kelly.drexel@fbwbank.com or call Kelly Drexel at 410-250-1512 Application cut off is 8-30-2020

•COOKS •DRIVERS

Apply Within or Call Pam at 410-726-7061 Johnny’s Pizza & Pub, Bayside, 56th St. & Coastal Highway

I ND IAN RI VER MA RIN A NO W HI RIN G!

• GENERAL CLERICAL

For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071 AA/EOE

Come Join Our Winning Team!

Now accepting applications for the following positions!

Over Night Front Desk Front Desk Agent Recreation Attendant Room Attendant Houseperson Laundry Attendant Maintenance Server Line Cook Kitchen Utility Cashier Barista Looking for experienced personnel with customer service skills. Must be flexible with hours. Email resume to jobs@carouselhotel.com or stop by and complete an application at the Front Desk.

We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

“Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

CASHIER/ SALES ASSOCIATE Must be friendly & dependable FT/PT-Year Round Various shifts Competitive hourly wage Benefits available Temporary $2 extra per hour until further notice

To Apply-go online www.petromg.com *Employment *Retail *OC MD *Cashier Wine Rack *Search *Cashier Sales Assoc.-Wine Rack Rt. 50 Wine Rack 12827 Ocean Gateway West OC, MD

Must have : Tools, Trans, Driver’s License

Exp. Required!

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS Call 410-641-9530

BE YOUR OWN BOSS

WORK FROM HOME $20,000 PER MONTH CALL 302.335.7000

RIDE THE B

ANYWHERE IN OC

Full Time Office Assistant Ocean City, MD

A fast-paced construction company is looking for a full time Office Assistant to do daily laid-out tasks.

Prior experience answering phones and dealing with the public a plus. Candidate must be proficient in MS Word and knowledgeable in MS Excel, have experience in clerical work, have a professional outlook with outstanding etiquette with phone and customers, high work ethic, be highly organized and attentive to details, fast typist and learner. Position will report directly to the President and Managers of the company.

Responsibilities: answer phones, computer input and database maintenance, type office documents, filing, work closely with customers and employees, daily tasks assigned to the position.

Knowledge with accounts payable and blue prints and construction experience is a plus. Competitive benefits package is available.

Only qualified candidates will be considered.

Please send resumes to paola@AllStatesConst.com

The Dispatch

July 31, 2020

Classifieds

CLASSIFIED RATES Line Ads $15/week for 5 lines. Display ads $20/week per column inch.

Deadline for insertions, cancellations, and payment is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

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

The Dispatch

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

THIRD INSERTION

ROOMMATES

SERVICES

ROOMMATES NEEDED!: Rodney Long Properties. 2020/2021 School Year. Off Campus Housing. Call Us Today! 410-5487629.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Ceja’s Landscaping & More!

RENTALS WEEKLY OR MONTHLY: Waterfront West OC 4BR/2BA cottage. Screened in porch. Available through October.

Call for details. 443-831-9898.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WINTER RENTAL CONDO: 3BR, 2BA 128th St. OCMD. Fully equipped, 4 TV's, Internet, DVR. $950 + utilities.

610-507-1298 or Djkr4@comcast.net ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

•YARD MAINTENANCE •PAINTING •POWER WASHING 410-251-3425 410-202-2545

YARD SALES ANNUAL MONTEGO BAY COMMUNITY YARD SALE: Located at 130th St. off of Coastal Hwy. Maps avail. at triangle on 130th. Sat. 8/1/20. 8am-1pm. Rain date 8/8.

Look for signs!

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

COMMERCIAL OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT: 1,100 S.F., on Main Street in Berlin, easy on-ground level access, plenty of parking. $1,275 per mo. including CAM and all utilities.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SMALL OFFICE—MEDICAL SPACE FOR LEASE: 10031 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin $395 per mo. Util.’s incl. Multiple spaces available 443-856-5241.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 OfficeRetail and 1 Warehouses. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Upcoming Yard Sale?

The Dispatch is the best way to get the word out!

Print & Online

Are You Getting Your Daily Buzz?

Local News Articles Delivered Daily To Your Inbox

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …

“I really enjoy getting the Daily Buzz “I love your emails. ... Keep them coming! articles. They are informative, helpful “Thank you so much for keeping us aware and well-written. This was a great idea. for those of us not in Ocean City.”

Thank you.”

“I love getting The Dispatch by email “Love the Daily Buzz” daily (or just a little taste of it!).

“I very much enjoy the daily news updates.”

Thank you!”

SIGN UP AT WWW.MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM AND JOIN

Page 67

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18337 To all persons interested in the estate of GARY F. GIST, ESTATE NO. 18337.

Notice is given that RONALD E. GIST, 732 MOORINGS CIRCLE, STEVENSVILLE, MD 21666, was on, JULY 07, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GARY F. GIST, who died on MAY 10, 2019, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of JANUARY, 2021.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 17, 2020

RONALD E. GIST 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, 7-17, 7-24, 7-31

notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice.

Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

THIRD INSERTION

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 17, 2020

BILL CLINE, JR., ESQ. P.O. BOX 2502 WIMBERLEY, TX 78676

JACK BURKLAND Personal Representative

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18340 Notice is given that the COUNTY COURT of HAYS COUNTY, TX, appointed JACK BURKLAND, 8753 RR 12, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666, AND RONALD MODAWELL, 103 OLMITO DRIVE, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES of the Estate of CHARLES H. MOLAND, who died on FEBRUARY 18, 2020, domiciled in TEXAS, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is MELISSA FOCA, whose address is 7868 CHEVERLY LANE, GLEN BURNIE, MD 21060.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER COUNTY. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice,

RONALD MODAWELL 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, 7-17, 7-24, 7-31

THIRD INSERTION

MARIANNA BATIE, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18341

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 17, 2020 GARY LEE HEUBECK 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, 7-17, 7-24, 7-31

To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN FORD FOLEY JR., ESTATE NO. 18341. Notice is given that GARY LEE HEUBECK, 517 DUNKIRK ROAD, BALTIMORE, MD 21212, was on, JULY 07, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN FORD FOLEY JR., who died on JUNE 23, 2020, with a will.

MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & LESLIE, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

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.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18344

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 7th day of JANUARY, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must

THIRD INSERTION

To all persons interested in the estate of MARYELLEN P PREEN AKA MARYELLEN PREEN, ESTATE NO. 18344.

Notice is given that PATRICIA A.P. BUKATA, 1684 S GLENSIDE ROAD, WEST CHESTER, PA 19380, was on, JULY 13, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARYELLEN P PREEN, who died on JUNE

The Dispatch

Page 68

LEGAL RATES: Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

14, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13TH day of JANUARY, 2021.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 17, 2020 PATRICIA A.P. BUKATA 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, 7-17, 7-24, 7-31

Legal Notices

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

To all persons interested in the estate of FRANK WILLIAM POWELL AKA FRANK W. POWELL, ESTATE NO. 18345. Notice is given that PATRICIA M. POWELL DANZI, 84 COAKLEY LANE, FREDRICKSBURG, VA 22406, was on, JULY 13, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of FRANK WILLIAM POWELL, who died on JUNE 1, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13TH day of JANUARY, 2021.

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

THIRD INSERTION

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 17, 2020

LINDSEY A. WEST ESQ. WEST AND WEST, P.A. 12 WILLIAM STREET BERLIN, MD 21811

PATRICIA M. POWELL DANZI Personal Representative

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18345

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, 7-17, 7-24, 7-31

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18349 To all persons interested in the estate of JANET HADDOCK COOPER, ESTATE NO. 18349. Notice is given that JANICE B SHOCKLEY, 7138 SHOCKLEY ROAD, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on, JULY 15, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JANET HADDOCK COOPER, who died on JUNE 18, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15TH day of JANUARY, 2021.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 24, 2020

JANICE B SHOCKLEY 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, 7-24, 7-31, 8-7

FIRST INSERTION

FOR THE CIRCUIT COURT OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND 1 W. MARKET STREET COURT HOUSE ROOM 104 SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 C-23-FM-20-000215 IN THE MATTER OF KRISTINA LINDES BELCHER FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO KRISTINA LINDES WILLETT NOTICE (ADULT) (MD RULE 15-801) The above petitioner has field a petition for Change of Name in which she seeks to change her name from KRISTINA LINDES KRISTINA BELCHER to LINDES WILLETT. The petitioner is seeking this name change for the following reasons: DUE TO MY DIVORCE, I WISH TO RETURN TO MY MAIDEN NAME. Any person may file an objection to the Petition on or before the 23RD day of AUGUST, 2020. The objection must be supported by an affidavit and served upon the Petitioner in accordance with Maryland Rule 1-321.

Failure to file an objection or affidavit within the time allowed may result in a judgment by default or the granting of the relief sought.

A copy of this notice shall be published one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least fifteen (15) days before the deadline to fine an objection.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 31. 2020 SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County Room 104 - Court House One W. Market Street

July 31, 2020

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 7-31

FIRST INSERTION

ANDREW C. MITCHELL, JR, ESQ. 311 EAST MAIN STREET PO BOX 37 FRUITLAND, MD 21826 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18361 To all persons interested in the estate of KATHLEEN MARY HUDOME, ESTATE NO. 18361. Notice is given that ROBERT JAMES HUDOME, 1 ARCADIA COURT, BERLIN MD 21811, was on, JULY 23, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KATHLEEN MARY HUDOME, who died on MAY 26, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23RD day of JANUARY, 2021.

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

the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 31, 2020 ROBERT JAMES HUDOME 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, 7-31, 8-07, 8-14

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18353 To all persons interested in the estate of MARY ANN WELSH, ESTATE NO. 18353.

Notice is given that JOHN M. WELSH, 17405 RIDGE DRIVE, ROCKVILLE, MD 20853, was on, JULY 20, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARY ANN WELSH, who died on JUNE 01, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 20TH day of JANUARY, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the credi-

The Dispatch

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Legal Notices

FIRST INSERTION

WILLIAM E. ESHAM,III, ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY AND ALMAND, PA

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966. tor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 31, 2020 ROBERT JAMES HUDOME 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, 7-31, 8-07, 8-14

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

FIRST INSERTION

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 31, 2020

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18362

JAMES ANTHONY CARDANY JEFFREY MICHAEL CARADANY Personal Representative

To all persons interested in the estate of JEAN H. JERREAD, ESTATE NO. 18362.

Notice is given that JAMES ANTHONY CARDANY, 9036 PEERLESS ROAD, WHALEYVILLE, MD 21872 and JEFFREY MICHAEL CARDANY, 9278 ULTRA COURT, ORANGEVILLE, CA 95662, were on, JULY 24, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JEAN H. JERREAD, who died on JANUARY 23, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24TH day of JANUARY, 2021.

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

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, 7-31, 8-07, 8-14

FIRST INSERTION

J. GARRETT SHELLER, ESQ. LONG, BADGER, SHELLER & SMITH, LLP PO BOX 259 SALISBURY, MD 21803 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18351

Page 69 TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 7-31, 8-07, 8-14

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18364

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

APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18191

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 24TH day of JANUARY, 2021.

To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES G. MALONEY, ESTATE NO. 18191. Notice is given that JON ROGER LEE, 436 CHURCHILL COURT, HARLEYSVILLE, PA 19438, was on, JULY 24, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES G. MALONEY, who died on DECEMBER 17, 2019, with a will.

To all persons interested in the estate of GARY ALLEN WALKER, ESTATE NO. 18364. Notice is given that NANCY J. WALKER, 7 RHODES LANE, FOXBOROUGH, MA 02035 was on, JULY 28, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GARY ALLEN WALKER, who died on JULY 19TH, 2020, with a will.

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

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.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 31, 2020 PAUL W. RICHARDSON 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, 7-31, 8-07, 8-14

To all persons interested in the estate of JOSEPH M. HOLLAND, ESTATE NO. 18351. Notice is given that PAUL W. RICHARDSON, 3724 REDDEN ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on, JULY 24, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOSEPH M. HOLLAND, who died on JULY 16, 2020, with a will.

AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY AND ALMAND, PA WILLIAM E. ESHAM, III, ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

Further information can be

NOTICE OF

FIRST INSERTION

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 24TH day of JANUARY, 2021.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 31, 2020 JON ROGER LEE Personal Representative True Test Copy

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28TH day of JANUARY, 2021.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 31, 2020 NANCY J. WALKER 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, 7-31, 8-07, 8-14

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18353 To all persons interested in the estate of MARY ANN WELSH, ESTATE NO. 18353.

Notice is given that JOHN M. WELSH, 17405 RIDGE DRIVE, ROCKVILLE, MD 20853, was on, JULY 20, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARY ANN WELSH, who died on JUNE 1ST, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 20TH day of JANUARY, 2021.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 31, 2020 JOHN M. WELSH 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, 7-31, 8-07, 8-14

Page 70

Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Don't gnash those pearly whites because you might have to delay your plans. This could give the Lucky Lamb a better perspective of what's been done, and what still needs doing.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Scoring financial bull's-eyes is easy for the focused Bovine who knows the ins and outs of the marketplace. But even with your success record, caution is still the watchword.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Watch that tendency to over-romanticize a situation that should be given closer scrutiny. Better to be suspicious now and ask for an explanation, rather than face a sad surprise later.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Bruised self-confidence can make things difficult unless you accept the fact that you have what it takes. Ignore the critics and concentrate on believing in yourself. Good luck.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Congratulations on what you've accomplished.

But this is no time to curl up for some serious catnapping. Your rivals are probably already working on plans to overtake your lead.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Your adventurous side wants to play a more dominant role this week, and you might want to oblige. Try to arrange for some getaway time with that special person.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Taking logical approaches to pesky workplace issues can help resolve even long-stan-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ding problems. A shift in policy might catch you by surprise. Be alert to signs of change.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Your kindness and compassion are exactly what are needed in dealing with an awkward situation in the early part of the week. Share the weekend fun with family.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Keeping your focus straight and true is a good way of getting your points across. Save any variations for a later time. The musical arts are important this weekend.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Reject advice to cut corners in reaching your goal. Better to take a little more time to do the job as you promised. You'll gain new respect for your honesty and integrity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Don't allow a troublesome situation to grow so big that it will be increasingly difficult to deal with. The sooner you speak up, the sooner everyone will be able to benefit.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Confronting someone who is making a lot of mistakes could be the kindest thing you can do both for that person and for anyone who could be adversely affected by the errors.

BORN THIS WEEK: You absolutely glow when you see beautiful things, and everyone around you is warmed by your light. © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like ...

OCEAN CITY vanishing

July 31, 2020

WITH BUNK MANN

Ocean City was a small town in the years immediately following World War II. Both the Boardwalk and the city limits ended at 15th Street and there was little beyond with the exception of a few small cottages. The business district was about six blocks long and stretched from Worcester Street to North Division Street. There was no Inlet parking lot, rides on the Pier or the Boardwalk Tram. No metered parking existed anywhere in Ocean City and the Coast Guard Station was on the Boardwalk at Caroline Street.

The town was dead in the winter; almost everything closed the day after Labor Day. The few places that remained open included Rayne’s on Dorchester Street, WP Laws’ grocery store and Edwards 5 and 10 on the Boardwalk.

Locals did most of their shopping in Berlin or Salisbury in the late 1940s.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishinPhoto courtesy the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum goc.com.

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

By Steve Green

Not regretting answering a phone call I don’t know

A house with a huge kitchen Regis Philbin

When a decision is right in hindsight Sitting in silence

The newly paved Harrison Avenue Long lines that move fast Steamed crabs for lunch

Dads taking their kids fishing Swimming in the rain

HBO Series, “I’ll Be Gone In The Dark” ANSWERS ON PAGE 48

July 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 71

Page 72

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 31, 2020