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North OC Fireworks: More than 6,000 people watched the fireworks last Sunday from Northside Park as part of the resort’s holiday weekend cele-

brations.

Photo by Chris Parypa

Sports Complex Referendum A Go

Solid Holiday Weekend Seen In OC

No Major Performer Issues Thus Far

See Pages 14, 19 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

See Page 4 • Photo by Steve Green

See Page 7 • Photo by Chris Parypa

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Fourth of July Solid For Resort Despite Challenges

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY– Despite the lack of fireworks on the actual Fourth of July, and a few weather-related headaches on Tuesday, a pair of bookended lastminute special events contributed to a solid holiday weekend in the resort.

While it may not have been one for the record books for most, the extended Fourth of July holiday weekend was a strong one by most accounts. There was beautiful weather last weekend for the most part and anecdotally, business seemed robust for many and the traffic was heavy at times but generally kept moving.

Fourth of July in 2022 will likely be remembered as a departure from the

Sundaes in the Park, which featured fireworks on Sunday, drew an estimated record crowd of 6,000 people to Northside Park.

Photo by Chris Parypa

town’s traditional holiday weekend festivities. Last week, resort officials an-

nounced the vendor for the annual Fourth of July fireworks shows had

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July 8, 2022

backed out at the last minute over labor issues. Resort officials, including the Special Events staff, scrambled and came up with alternatives for residents and visitors for the holiday weekend and beyond.

For example, last Sunday, July 3, there was an intimate celebration planned at Northside Park in conjunction with the typical Sundaes in the Park event. It featured a free concert by Mike Hines and the Look, followed by a condensed fireworks show produced by the Celebrations Fireworks Company.

For Tuesday, July 5, resort officials scrambled to produce a pair of special events designed to enhance the visitors’ extended holiday weekend experience. Salisbury resident and American Idol star Jay Copeland took the stage for a concert at Northside Park. However, the concert was cut short by rainstorms in the evening. Copeland did play before a good crowd at the opening of the show, but the concert was cut short by the weather just a few songs in.

The weather was also a factor for the condensed downtown fireworks show on Tuesday and it appeared for a while as if it wouldn’t go off. While there was a window of decent weather between the abbreviated Jay Copeland show and the fireworks planned for downtown at 9:30 p.m., storms popped up again and threatened to cancel the event.

The downtown fireworks show on Tuesday was delayed by the storm, but once it went off it featured a smaller, but more intense show than the town’s traditional Fourth of July fireworks displays.

With the weather still threatening, the downtown fireworks show on Tuesday drew a significantly smaller crowd than it would have been if the show was on the actual Fourth, or if the weather had been better.

Despite the Fourth of July fireworks cancellation and the weather challenges on Tuesday, resort tourism officials were generally pleased with the bookend events prepared on the fly, and the holiday weekend in general. Special Events Director Frank Miller said the Sunday night events at Northside Park were well received.

“Sundaes in the Park was a blessing for many residents and visitors, along with all of us at the town,” he said. “Although fireworks were not originally planned for Sunday night at Sundaes in the Park, our staff was able to shuffle a few things around to bring that element back to life after our normal fireworks display plans fell through.”

Miller thanked the town’s private sector partners who helped pull off the lastminute events and said it is believed the Sundaes in the Park event on Sunday set a new attendance record.

“Of course, we could not have done that without our partners at TEAM Productions and the State Fire Marshal’s Office, who worked with us to bring fireworks back to our Sundaes in the Park SEE PAGE 85

July 8, 2022

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July 8, 2022

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‘Fairly Sensible Season’ With Street Performers In Resort

July 8, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – After years of near constant friction between the town and Boardwalk street performers, it appears to be relatively calm thus far this season between the town, the buskers and their private-sector neighbors.

At different times in the past, the Boardwalk buskers and Ocean City have been at odds with city officials attempting to regulate the where, when and how for the street performers in the interest of keeping pedestrian traffic flowing. Other issues have included public safety, and

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some protections for brick-and-mortar businesses who are regulated and pay high rents and mortgages.

There have been issues in recent years with some of the performers interfering with regular Boardwalk business, from loud music to spray paint fumes wafting into restaurants and numerous others. For their part, the buskers have had issues of their own, from First Amendment violations to freedom of speech and expression issues, to the town dictating where they can set up and for how long.

At one point, a town ordinance included a lottery system of sorts, which had buskers camping out in front of City Hall early in

the morning waiting to sign up for one of the coveted street ends.

At least four times, street performers have challenged the town’s street performer ordinances in federal court and each time, the buskers have largely prevailed. This summer, however, there has been a détente of sorts on the Boardwalk.

There are still performers at nearly every street end where they are allowed on most nights, but there have been few reported issues thus far.

City Clerk Diana Chavis, who manages and regulates the street performer operation, said this week it has been relatively quiet this summer. She said after all of the

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legal battles over the years, and the chronic conflicts, more outreach has led to a better understanding of the rules for all parties. The new approach has eliminated or, at least, reduced the past issues between the town and the buskers.

“I receive numerous inquiries prior to and throughout the summer for guidance about performing and vending on the Boardwalk,” she said. “These calls help curtail activity that is not permitted and there have been no complaints thus far.”

Chavis said she could recall only one issue regarding street performers on the Boardwalk this far this year.

SEE PAGE 8

… City Clerk Reports Smooth Season With Street Performers

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

A musician is pictured performing last month on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

Photo by Chris Parypa

FROM PAGE 7 “The Ocean City Police Department removed a performer juggling knives,” she said. “Other than that, it’s been a fairly sensible season on the boards.”

While it appears common sense is prevailing on the Boardwalk thus far this summer, that was certainly not always the case. In the most recent federal lawsuit first filed in 2015, eight Boardwalk street performers challenged many of the provisions in the town’s most-recent attempt to regulate busking along the famous promenade. The plaintiffs were successful in arguing the town’s street performer ordinance violated their First Amendment right to free speech and expression. As a result, most of the provisions in the town’s busking ordinance were struck down.

According to the judge’s opinion in that case, the town could no longer enforce a provision that required all buskers to per-

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July 8, 2022

form between 9th Street to South 1st Street and to register a week for a spot at one of the street ends. It also prohibited the town from enforcing a section of the code required performers to only occupy designated areas within that same stretch along the Boardwalk.

In simplest terms, the court’s ruling essentially pulled most of the teeth from the town’s street performer ordinance including the pre-registration requirement, the limitations on spaces utilized by buskers other than North Division Street and Dorchester Street where vehicle access points for emergency vehicles are located and the ban on any performances before 10 a.m.

The town did win on a few points in the federal case, including the section of the ordinance that keeps important access points open for emergency vehicles such as police, fire, EMS and the beach patrol, for example. The town also won on the provision that prohibits street performing after 1 a.m. and another provision that prohibits street performing, signage, advertising and the like more than six feet above the Boardwalk.

While losses in federal court cases have watered down the town’s busker ordinance somewhat, there are still stringent regulations in place. The federal judge’s opinion in the 2015 case clearly defines what qualifies as expressive material, although the definition is fairly open-ended.

“Expressive material is defined as an item or items that have been created, written, or composed by the person who sells, rents, or changes them for a donation,” the judge’s definition reads. “Expressive materials are inherently communicative and have only nominal utility apart from their communicative value.”

In response, the town drafted its own definition of performing in keeping with the judge’s opinion. According to the town’s definition, performing means to engage in playing a musical instrument, singing, dancing, acting, pantomiming, puppeteering, juggling, presenting or enacting a play, a work of art, a physical or mental feat or creating visual art, which pretty much leaves it wide open.

Again, the town succeeded on some of the salient points in the federal lawsuit, although it was generally considered a victory for the buskers. For example, street performers are not allowed to set up at important access points to the Boardwalk for emergency vehicles, including North Division Street and Dorchester Street, for example.

No performer or vendor is allowed to block or obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic, a provision often difficult to enforce during the height of the season. No performer or vendor occupying a location is allowed to leave items unattended for a period of longer than 15 minutes. In addition, buskers are not allowed to set up within 10 feet of an adjacent property’s entrance or exit. There are also existing regulations prohibiting the use of nudity, pornography or obscenity in any display or performance. Finally, no performer or vendor may use fire or any other hazardous materials on the Boardwalk, including knives, swords or other sharply-bladed instruments potentially dangerous to the public.

Beach Patrol Reports High Rescue Activity, Reduced Staff

July 8, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With the Fourth of July now in the rear view mirror, a midseason check with the Ocean City Beach Patrol this week revealed a busy start to the season with staffed stands further apart because of staffing issues.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP) officially began manning stands from the Inlet to the Delaware line on Memorial Day weekend.

Now, about five weeks into the season, the OCBP still faces staffing challenges, but there should be no noticeable coverage on the beach, according to Captain Butch Arbin, who is leading the department for his 50th season.

Arbin said the first few weeks have been busy for his command staff and available complement of Surf Rescue Technicians (SRTs), or lifeguards, manning the beach. However, while recruitment challenges remain, there is no reason for concern for resident and visitor beachgoers.

“The season is going well,” he said.

“We had a very busy start to this season with rescues the first few weeks.”

A look at some of the stats in the OCBP’s weekly bulletin seem to bear that out.

According to the most recent bulletin for the week ending June 28, there were

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

nearly 10,000 preventions, 227 rescues and 110 calls for minor first aid. There were 13 ambulance calls and five police calls during the week ending on June 28, along with 34 lost-and-found interventions.

While the OCBP has a high rate of return with veteran SRTs, many of whom are educators, the department is recruiting practically all year long for new staffers. OCBP command staff go out to colleges and universities around the region throughout the year recruiting potential candidates.

Of course, there are rigid physical standards for being an SRT, which shrinks the potential labor pool somewhat.

The OCBP holds rigorous physical testing throughout the spring and early summer for potential candidates, who are then put through the Surf Rescue Academy. Arbin said the OCBP had fewer qualified candidates this year than in recent years.

“We graduated 25 rookie SRTs from the Surf Rescue Academy,” he said. “We started with 28 but a few dropped out by their choice. That’s compared to 45 in 2021 and 66 in 2020. We have already begun our recruiting for 2023 and have our first test on August 13.”

In addition, the OCBP is always requalifying and re-certifying its returning veteran SRTs, a process Arbin said is

nearing its conclusion.

“We are completing our veteran requalification run and swim and re-certification for veterans this coming Saturday,” he said. “We began on June 28 and rotate small groups into the process until everyone is completed for another year. I personally time each person each year so I can confirm that everyone remains qualified physically.”

Again, while many veteran SRTs return year after year, recruiting and retaining rookie lifeguards remains challenging.

As a result, the OCBP will man fewer actual lifeguard stands this summer, although the average beachgoer might not notice.

“We will have 85 stands along the beach at full staffing for this season,” he said. “With 85 stands, the average distance between stands will be 11-and-ahalf feet further apart than last season.”

Another staffing challenge for the OCBP is the number of SRTs that are working for the department part-time this year.

Some are first responders and other professionals, but others are taking other seasonal summer jobs, reducing their availability to work on the beach.

“We have a high number of returning staff,” he said. “Interestingly, more of our staff are requesting to work part-time.

For those who have other careers like

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the Maryland State Police, Bel Air Police, Anne Arundel Fire Company, for example, we understand that they can only work part-time. However, we have people who are in Ocean City working seasonally and have taken other jobs as the primary and working for us when available. This is a big change over most past years.”

Another staffing challenge has been a lack of affordable seasonal workforce housing, an issue that is plaguing other city departments and the private sector.

The OCBP does have some affordable seasonal housing available at locations downtown, but not enough to meet the demand. The OCBP does offer a program in which the department helps pay early month rent and security deposits and other upfront costs for its staffers, who pay it back incrementally through modest payroll deductions throughout the season.

Arbin said if watching the water and protecting beachgoers and swimmers wasn’t enough of a task for his undermanned crews, they have other chores to accomplish each day.

“The other big issue is the number of dogs between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., and after 5:30 p.m.,” he said. “We have patrols out from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and if they see an ordinance infraction, they must address it. People just do not care to follow the law regarding dogs.”

Court Issues Restraining Order In Low-Speed Vehicle Case

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – A Delaware Court of Chancery judge has issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the Town of Fenwick Island from enforcing a new ordinance banning low-speed vehicles.

Following a motions hearing Wednesday, a Delaware Court of Chancery judge issued a temporary restraining order, effectively stopping the town from enforcing a low-speed vehicle ban that took effect earlier this year.

The ruling comes less than a month

after Fenwick Island resident Kim Espinosa – a candidate in this year’s municipal election – filed suit against the town seeking injunctive and declaratory relief from an ordinance prohibiting the use of low-speed vehicles. Espinosa said the ordinance has restricted her family from using their Moke low-speed, electric vehicle on town streets.

“We appreciate the Court’s time and diligence,” Espinosa said in a statement this week. “We are pleased with the ruling.”

In March, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted to approve an ordinance banning the operation of low-speed ve-

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hicles on town streets, with the exception of construction equipment, lawnmowers, emergency and town vehicles and assistive mobility devices. Town officials argued the vehicles posed safety risks.

“Sadly, I feel Fenwick is not built for an increase in LSVs and golf cart traffic,” Councilman Bill Rymer said at the time.

“We are a small community, but we have a major highway running right down the middle of it … I think it’s going to get worse if we don’t deal with it now.”

Council members in March also argued the low-speed vehicle ban aligned with the town’s comprehensive plan, as well as efforts to protect pedestrians along Bunting Avenue.

“I would have a difficult time living with myself if I put more vehicles – albeit smaller ones, albeit electrical ones, albeit green ones – onto a roadway I know the people of Fenwick have basically declared to be their Boardwalk,” said Councilwoman Natalie Magdeburger, chair of the town’s charter and ordinance committee. “And I think it would be contradictory to our 2017 comprehensive plan.”

Several residents, however, have voiced their objections to the low-speed vehicle ban, arguing they posed no safety issues.

“I hear all the safety issues, but nowhere has anybody provided any documented evidence, submitted anything, to show these are actually safety hazards,” resident Mark Tingle said at the time.

In her complaint to the Delaware Court of Chancery, Espinosa also highlighted state statute allowing the use of lowspeed vehicles.

“The General Assembly enacted the Statute in 2007 and allows for the operation of low-speed vehicles throughout Delaware on streets with speed limits of not more than thirty-five miles per hour,” the complaint reads.

In the temporary restraining order issued this week, the Chancery Court judge opined the municipal ordinance conflicted with state law.

“This Court has remarked that ‘the deprivation of right—whether conferred by constitution or statute’ is sufficient to create actionable irreparable harm,” the order reads. “Because I conclude that the Ordinance colorably conflicts with

the Statute, I conclude that there is some quantum of ongoing irreparable harm sufficient to support a temporary restraining order.”

The order also disputes the town’s claims that Espinosa delayed in bringing legal action against the town regarding low-speed vehicles. While the ban was enacted in March, Espinosa filed suit on June 21.

“Here, the record indicates that the parties engaged in months-long good faith negotiations before resorting to judicial intervention,” the order reads. “Because the delay resulted from good faith efforts to reach a non-judicial resolution and no prejudice has been shown by the Town because of the delay, I conclude that the delay does not bar the issuance of a temporary restraining order.”

In the case against the town, Espinosa argued the low-speed vehicle ban caused some degree of hardship, as she would not be able to use her Moke for her travel needs. The town, however, argued that safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers, particularly in the summer season, outweighed Espinosa’s claims of hardship.

The judge opined a temporary restraining order would not stop the town from enforcing any other safety and traffic regulations.

“Should Espinosa, for example, drive recklessly or violate some other traffic regulation with her Moke, the Town would be free to enforce those safety statutes or ordinances against her or anyone operating a Moke regardless of this temporary restraining order,” the order reads.

“Thus, I conclude that the balancing of the hardships favors Espinosa because the Town is otherwise free to enforce safety regulations.”

To that end, the court this week granted Espinosa’s motion to expedite the legal proceedings, as well as a motion for a temporary restraining order against the town’s low-speed vehicle ordinance.

“The parties shall coordinate on a scheduling order and shall advise the Court on whether they will seek a hearing on a preliminary injunction or move forward to a final resolution of this matter,” the opinion reads.

The town did not immediately respond to requests for comment this week.

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Resort Planners Debate Proposed Parking Code Change

Page 12

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The debate continued this week on a potential code amendment that would address the issue of onsite parking requirements for new multifamily and townhome development projects.

The Ocean City Planning Commission on Wednesday renewed the debate on a proposed code amendment that would, if advanced in its current form, address the issue of adequate on-site parking for certain development projects. The issue raises concerns about the lack of sufficient on-site parking, or parking for units that is contained on the property.

In some cases, a lack of on-site parking has led to residents parking on the streets. In other cases, a multi-family

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dwelling or townhouse project might have two-car garages for each unit, but one of the spaces ultimately becomes a storage area filled with lawn equipment, beach chairs and the like, necessitating more parking on the town’s public streets.

The planning commission is considering several options to address the issue and renewed the debate on Wednesday. According to the current code, a three-bedroom unit is required to have two-and-a-half parking spaces, which, in many cases, includes a two-car garage. In other cases, there is a travel-way through the center of a development project, in which property owners can park vehicles and still leave an appropriate lane for passing vehicles and emergency vehicles.

In other cases, a project may include

parking in the front setback, and there is a myriad of other examples for meeting the parking requirements. More often than not, however, the projects as designed appear to meet the parking requirements per unit, but they end up with residents and visitors parking on the streets because the garages become something more like storage than their initial intent.

In June, the planning commission held a public hearing on the proposed code amendment to address the interpretation of the minimum number of spaces for a new development project and there was considerable comment about the difference between enclosed garages and open on-site parking, underneath the building, for example. The proposed code amendment prefers open on-site parking because the enclosed parking

July 8, 2022

spaces for a project are often not used for the intended purpose of meeting the minimum parking requirements and ultimately become storage areas, necessitating the need for residents to park on the street.

Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis, who has been a staunch proponent for the proposed code amendment, said the commission has a duty to advocate on behalf of the citizens and not necessarily for the developer.

“The comprehensive plan calls for adequate parking where you stay,” he said.

“That’s what we’re charged to enforce.

This is our guide. We’re not here to protect developers. We’re here to protect the citizens and the taxpayers. We have approved parking that doesn’t work.”

Of course, from an economic standpoint, a developer desires to gain as many units as he or she can on a particular property, but increased density often comes at the expense of less on-site parking. The planning commission ensures a project meets the minimum parking requirements during site plan approval, but those spaces often become used for some unintended purpose, according to Gillis.

“Our job is to look at what a property would support,” he said. “We owe it to the existing property owners. If you have properties that eat up the street parking in a neighborhood, some property owners won’t find a place to park. We have a code that doesn’t work in terms of parking.”

Developer Jeff Thaler was the lone speaker during the re-opened public hearing on Wednesday.

“I’m glad everybody is open to discussion,” he said. “Two projects we did downtown have enclosed parking. We do it both ways. Some have open parking on pilings. We prefer to do enclosed downtown. I don’t know how you solve this issue, but there is a solution. It could be bigger garages that will allow two vehicles and still have room for storage.”

Gillis reiterated his point about the importance of the proposed code amendment.

“We have a code that isn’t working,” he said. “Our job is to correct that. That’s all I’m saying.”

Thaler said there could be adjustments in the required number of spaces per unit based on the number of bedrooms, for example.

“There are solutions to this,” he said.

“A project could lose a unit and gain more parking. It’s up to the architect and the developer to make it work.”

Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville outlined the code amendment approval process.

“The next step when you’re comfortable with it is to move it to the Mayor and Council,” he said. “We can make amendments to the staff report. Our intent was to provide designers with the flexibility to utilize great alternatives.”

With that said, the commission agreed to remand it back to staff for recommendations reflecting some of the suggestions made during the two public hearings.

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

Motion To Abandon Proposed Sports Complex Contract Fails

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – A motion to cancel the contract to purchase land for a sports complex near Berlin failed with a 3-4 vote after a heated discussion among the Worcester County Commissioners this week.

A motion by Commissioner Chip Bertino to cancel the contract to purchase 95 acres adjacent to Stephen Decatur High School failed on Tuesday. Bertino made the motion after pointing out the bond bill that was intended to fund the purchase of the property actually couldn’t be used for acquisition.

“The fact is we don’t have money to pay for a piece of property we’re under contract for,” Bertino said.

At the close of Tuesday’s meeting, Bertino advised his peers that the petition that aims to have voters decide if bond money should be used to fund a

sports complex had been turned in and was expected to have enough valid signatures. With the issue likely headed to referendum in November, he asked if that was essentially moot since the bond bill approved earlier this year did not state that the bond funds could be used for acquisition of the sports complex site.

“The language in the resolution to bond the sports complex does not include the word acquire or acquisition for the land,” he said. “Is that a problem and in that case is the resolution valid to enable us to go to the bond market to use the money to purchase the land that is currently under contract?”

Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young confirmed that the county could not use the bond funds to acquire the property. He said the bond resolution was drafted based on the county’s capital improvement plan, which originally showed the purchase being made with

grant funds. He added that fact did not make the referendum question moot, however, because it would give voters a say on whether the county could use bond proceeds for the engineering, development and design of the sports complex.

Bertino asked how the county was going to acquire the land if it wasn’t going to use bond funds.

“You all would have to vote on a different funding source or push the contract back,” Young said. “Even if we extended the contract, we’d still need to choose a different funding source. Even if the bond bill is able to be used it’s only able to be used for development. It does not include acquisition.”

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said the proposed settlement date was at the end of September and that officials could work on identifying funding between now and then. Bertino said the input the public had provided during

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July 8, 2022

the process thus far had related to the county’s use of bond funding for the project.

Mitrecic said that nevertheless, input at the public hearing in April showed that a majority of the public, 3 to 2, supported a sports complex.

Bertino objected.

“No it was half and half,” Bertino said.

“It was not,” Mitrecic retorted.

Bertino maintained that either way, the county didn’t have the money to pay for a piece of property it now had under contract.

“We have plenty of money to pay for it,” Mitrecic said.

Bertino pointed out that there was no vote to do that, however.

“You’re both correct,” Young said. “We have money that we can use to buy it.

We have not identified any pot of money to buy it.”

Mitrecic stressed that the settlement date could be extended if necessary.

Bertino suggested that at this point, a referendum in November was moot unless the commissioners intended to honor the will of the public regarding its results.

“If the vote comes in that the voters do not want to use the bond money to purchase the land, which we can’t do anyway, but if it is overwhelmingly aSEE NEXT PAGE

Berlin Honored With Tripadvisor Award

BERLIN – Main Street Berlin announced this week it has been recognized by Tripadvisor as a 2022 Travelers’ Choice award winner.

The award celebrates great traveler reviews from around the globe on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year was, Main Street Berlin stood out by consistently delivering positive experiences.

“Berlin is the whole package, unique shops, local art and dining, history and fun. We treat everyone like family,” said Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells, who manages the Main Street Program in Berlin.

“Congratulations to the 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Winners,” said Kanika Soni, chief commercial officer at Tripadvisor. “The Travelers’ Choice Awards recognize the best in tourism and hospitality, according to those who matter most: your guests. Ranking among the Travelers’ Choice winners is always tough — but never more so than this year as we emerge from the pandemic. Whether it's using new technology, implementing safety measures or hiring outstanding staff, I’m impressed by the steps you've taken to meet travelers' new demands. You've adapted brilliantly in the face of adversity."

… Bond Does Not Include Funds To Purchase 95-Acre Site

July 8, 2022

gainst doing that, are you saying then you’re going to take that vote as an indication as to how the public feels about going forward with the sports complex?”

Bertino asked.

Mitrecic, criticizing the manner in which some of the signatures had been obtained, said there were various reasons associated with people signing the petition, not simply the fact that bond funding had been proposed to pay for it.

“It was about a multitude of things that worked in the favor of the petitioners,” he said.

Bertino asked again if Mitrecic would accept the fact the community didn’t want the sports complex if the November referendum question regarding the bond funding failed to pass.

“I’m not going to extrapolate the fact they don’t want the sports complex …

I’m going to extrapolate the fact they’re afraid their taxes are going to go up,” he said.

Commissioner Jim Bunting said he and Bertino weren’t against the idea of a complex but felt the county shouldn’t be involved.

“Let a private entity come in,” he said.

Commissioner Diana Purnell said it was disgusting and embarrassing that members of the petition group had visited her neighborhood during the Berlin Memorial Day Parade. She said their primary talking point was that the sports complex would make taxes go up.

“You had people come to the Memorial Day Parade in the middle of a Black community with a cardboard placard on their backs…,” she said.

Purnell said she’d supported projects in her fellow commissioners’ districts for the good of the county.

“You came into our community, a community that has not asked the county for one red dime to do major projects that would bring in sustained economic development. Not one,” she said. “And they walk through with a cardboard placard. Couldn’t even be decent enough to get one printed that would look like something. With a cardboard placard on their back collecting signatures. That to me is disgraceful. I never would do that to either one of you.”

Bertino, attempting to say that he had nothing to do with the petition gathering, was cut off by Purnell.

“As the only minority sitting on this commission up here, I’m telling you this referendum and your attitude about the funds that was used on Lewis Road, it gave me a whole different view of who you were and what you’re about,” she said. “And that is not good for any of us.

When I stand up here, I vote for things for this county, not for race or anything else. It’s the county. We’ve got to see the county grow. For me, whether we get it or not, it's the attitude of us as commissioners and working together.”

She said she was disappointed.

“I tell you what we’re going to work through this,” she said. “I don’t like having people coming in my district carrying water for other people. That one day that ticked me off to no end. It wasn’t

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Pictured during a discussion of the sports complex process are, from left, Commissioners Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting, Joe Mitrecic, Ted Elder, Diana Purnell and Bud Church (not pictured, Josh Nordstrom).

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

necessary.”

Bertino said his objection to the Lewis Road project — which extended sewer service to Lewis Road homes — was not because of the project but rather because the residents there were getting to hook up for free, something that was not permitted elsewhere in the county.

“My objection to Lewis Road had everything to do with economics because it wasn’t fair that other locations, service areas, were paying for their connections and this service area they were not,” he

said. “To read anything more into that Diana I think is grossly unfair.”

Commissioner Ted Elder said he’d talked to people on Flower Street who were opposed to the sports complex.

“I’m going to tell you straight up the people I talked to around your area did not want the sports complex,” he said.

He added that he’d supported the extension of sewer to Lewis Road but not the fact that residents wouldn’t have to pay for it.

“I’ve got the highest priced water and

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sewer in the whole county right down here in my district and nobody was willing to do anything to help alleviate that,” he said. “They’re higher right now than any other district. None of them had free hookups.”

Purnell said bringing sewer to Lewis Road had taken 20 years.

“My thing is what is the problem with putting things in a Black community,” she said.

Mitrecic ended the discussion.

“This has gone way too far,” he said.

Mitrecic added that the county needed economic development if residents didn’t want taxes to go up.

“The people of Worcester County are going to look at tax increases for the rest of their lives unless we find some way to offset that with economic development throughout the county,” he said.

Commissioner Bud Church, a longtime proponent of the project, spoke in support of a sports complex.

“In my mind it’s something we ought to do, should do,” he said. “It’s a win-win for the community and the kids.”

The motion made by Bertino to cancel the contract for the property next to Stephen Decatur High School failed with a 3-4 vote. Bertino, Bunting and Elder voted in support while Mitrecic, Purnell, Church and Commissioner Josh Nordstrom were opposed. It was the same vote that allowed the bond to move ahead after a public hearing in April.

Wicomico To Expand County Park With Land Acquisition

Page 16

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – A waterfront park in Wicomico will expand with the acquisition of neighboring property.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council voted 6-0, with Councilman Bill McCain abstaining, to acquire three parcels along Cove Road for the purposes of demolishing existing buildings and converting the land back into public open space. Marilyn Williams, the county’s land development coordinator, noted the purchase would allow Wicomico to expand Cove Road Beach, a shoreline park along

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

the Nanticoke River.

“FEMA wants us, and really any municipality that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, to go after properties like this …,” she said. “It really started out as doing something to remove these structures from the flood insurance program and stop all the repetitive damage to the properties. It never really started out as an acquisition of the Cove Road property.”

Officials noted the three parcels, totaling 29 acres, contained two homes. Wiliams said the prior owner had initially worked with the county to secure Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for the purpose of raising his home.

“His house would flood, and it was becoming more frequently flooded with all of the higher-than-normal tides,” she explained.

While the owner passed away in 2018, Williams said the county has since received a $188,819 grant from FEMA and a $67,750 grant from Program Open Space to acquire the parcels, remove the existing buildings and convert the property into public open space.

“This is a frequent flooding property and frequently has insurance claims against it,” she said.

In a public hearing this week, nearby residents came before the county council to support the proposed acquisition. Cove Road resident John Laferty noted that the expansion of Cove Road Beach was needed.

“I think the county would be foolish not to purchase those houses, would be foolish not to expand the beach,” he said.

“That beach is enjoyed by countless residents in Wicomico County.”

Nanticoke Road resident Frank Tobat agreed.

“Our beaches are overcrowded …,” he said. “This property is available once in a lifetime. There will be no other opportunity.

We can’t let it go by … Forty years ago, nobody knew about that beach. Now, everybody knows about it, and it’s well used.”

Bivalve resident Judith Stribling, chair of the Natural Resources Conservation Advisory Committee (NRCAC), encouraged the county to address traffic concerns as it looks to expand the park.

July 8, 2022

“At this point, a number of my neighbors feel this park has been a great burden to the citizens because of the incredibly large amount of traffic, the large numbers of people that use the park, and very frequently in the summer exceed the parking limit,” she said. “Adding parking to this system will help to some degree but will still encourage a lot of traffic and an influx of people into that area.”

Stribling also highlighted complaints about dune crossings.

“Management of this beach is very important,” she said. “Wicomico County has over 100,000 residents. Tiny Cove Beach seems to be the priority beach for the whole county.”

Resident Bob Gordan agreed the county needed to examine the beach’s dune system.

“The people just park and will walk right across the dunes,” he said. “There are trails across the dunes, and that’s what’s tearing down the grass.”

Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism Director Steve Miller said his department would work with the community to address environmental and management concerns.

“Should this go forward, and we acquire the property, we will continue to work with the neighbors and folks like the NRCAC to get feedback,” he said.

After further discussion, the council voted unanimously to acquire the three parcels and remove the two homes. The council also voted to accept grant funding from FEMA and Program Open Space.

Juveniles Assaulted In Underage Club

July 8, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Lusby, Md., man was charged with first-degree assault and a sexual assault last weekend after allegedly pulling a knife on a juvenile male and sexually assaulting his sister in a downtown underage nightclub.

Around 11:05 p.m. last Friday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to an underage nightclub downtown for a reported assault. Nightclub staff had removed the suspect, identified as Justin Grabill, 19, of Lusby, Md., from the club and had pulled a knife out of the pocket of his sweatpants, according to police reports.

The club’s security staff advised officers that Grabill had threatened an individual in the establishment with the knife he was carrying on his person, which is why he was removed, according to police reports. Grabill reportedly became extremely disorderly and resisted arrest. He continued to thrash his body and refused to peacefully get into the transport van and ultimately had to be placed in a violent person restraint device, according to police reports.

OCPD officers interviewed a juvenile male suspect involved in the alleged knife threat by Grabill, according to police reports. The juvenile victim told police he was standing in the nightclub when Grabill approached him, pulled out the knife with the blade extended and pointing at him and demanded the victim return his cell phone, according to police reports.

The victim told police Grabill believed he had taken his phone, but the victim never saw Grabill or his phone before, according to police reports.

The victim said his back was against the wall and Grabill was standing about a foot in front of him with the knife blade pointing at him. The victim reportedly told police he feared Grabill was standing so close to him that he could have easily stabbed him, according to police reports.

The juvenile male victim reportedly told police he was in the nightclub with his juvenile sister while she was dancing in the club. The juvenile male told officers Grabill came up to his sister while she was dancing and grabbed her by the hips to pull her closer to him, according to police reports.

The juvenile female victim confirmed to police Grabill grabbed her from behind and began touching her through the exterior of her shorts, according to police reports. The juvenile female reportedly told officers Grabill made her extremely uncomfortable and scared, and her friend was able to pull her away to a different area of the club.

Grabill was ultimately arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault, a sexual assault, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest and other charges.

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In Loving Memory Your sister Tisch…. Only God gave me the strength patience love and joy to finish this. A little emotion along the way but I did it. Something that I wanted to do with a plenty of love and God knew the real inside of me and didn't let me fall weak. Amazing the attention this project got at the different photo places. Such as " I knew Mr. Jimmy " He took me to the football games, wrestling, basketball, New York and many other places. We rode on bus #13.

These were students, just today as I was putting the last photo to the project at the cemetery a young fellow park behind me and he saw what I was doing he said " I didn't know Mr. Jimmy had pass, he was a nice guy “. He took us to football games. The first day that a photo of the busses came out at the photo place a young fellow was the next customer behind me, he could see the busses and heard the conversation between me the photo person. This young fellow couldn't wait, he said Mr. Jimmy I was one of his students on his bus. I rode bus # 13. He got some tears in his eyes he didn't know that he had died. This student used to live in Ocean Pines, now in Selbyville, DE. He wanted to know where he was laid to rest. Of course, I told him I didn't know any of these students. Last year when my brother celebrated his 84th birthday I had some balloons left from his surprise 80th birthday with pictures of his 2 school busses on it, that I went down and decorated the big tree in front of his house. Give flowers while they are alive so that they can enjoy whatever. I couldn't keep the special love inside this year, so I wanted to share it. Jesus knows me just like you. Yes, I still miss the many, many telephone calls. Thank you, Jesus, for everything -Pat Hingleton

July 8, 2022

Sports Complex Bond Petitioners Meet Minimum For Referendum

July 8, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Voters will have the chance to weigh in on bond funding related to a sports complex following a successful petition drive.

The citizen committee working on a petition for referendum regarding Worcester County’s use of more than $11 million in bond funding to develop a sports complex announced this week that it collected more than enough signatures to trigger a referendum.

“The committee is pleased to announce that our county-wide petition drive was successful,” said Slobodan Trendic, a spokesperson for the People for Fiscal Responsibility Committee. “A total of 5,093 valid signatures were accepted, which is 599 more than the required number. As a result of the petitioners’ efforts all registered voters in Worcester County will be given the opportunity to vote on Bill 22-8 related to the funding of the sports complex project.”

Since the Worcester County Commissioners voted to use bond funds to move forward with a sports complex on property next to Stephen Decatur High School, members of People for Fiscal Responsibility have been circulating a petition to bring the issue to referendum. A referendum requires a petition with signatures from 10% of the county’s voters. Members of the committee collected 68% of the required signatures to turn in last month and had another 40 days to reach the threshold.

Patricia Jackson, election director for the Worcester County Election Office, confirmed this week that the petitioners had turned in additional signatures. She said

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

the petition had 5,093 valid signatures, more than the 4,494 needed to pass.

According to her office there were 5,455 signatures on the petition and 5,093 were accepted. The majority of signatures that were not accepted were from people not registered to vote.

“We would like to thank the more than 70 volunteers throughout the entire county who worked hard to help us gather the required signatures,” Trendic said. “We also wish to thank the Worcester County voters who supported our efforts by signing the petition.”

Jackson said her office had notified the county administrator and the county attorney that the petition was valid.

“They will decide on language to put on the November ballot,” she said.

The People for Fiscal Responsibility started the petition effort this spring, within weeks of the Worcester County Commissioners voting 4-3 to use more than $11 million in bond funding to purchase the 95-acre parcel next to the high school and turn it into a sports complex. Organizers said all along they were concerned about the use of public funds to buy the land and wanted the public to have a say on the county’s use of bond funds.

Committee members have said interest among the electorate was high and that they were humbled by the response they’d received from citizens, many of whom just want to have a say in the matter.

“Our petition is designed to trigger a referendum regarding the county's plan to issue a general obligation bond to fund a portion of costs related to the sports complex,” Trendic said last month. “Signing our petition is not a vote for or against the project. The petition simply brings the issue to the voters to decide.”

Printer Error Results In Wrong Polling Locations Listed For Some

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Officials are advising the public that voters in District 1 and District 6 may have received wrong polling place information.

Voters in District 1 and District 6 may have received sample ballots last week with the wrong polling place information.

Postcards have been sent to affected voters with the correct information.

“As soon as our office was made aware of this issue, we contacted the printer who admitted the error was his and he has printed and mailed postcards to all affected voters listing the correct polling place location,” said Patricia Jackson, election director for the Worcester County Election Office.

The office announced June 30 that voters in District 1 and District 6 might have received sample ballots with the wrong polling place information. Jackson said this week she immediately reached out to the printer when she became aware of the issue.

“As far as the sample ballots that were sent to Republican registrants in Districts 1 and 6 with the wrong polling place, the printer has tried to explain to me how it happened and it seems to have involved mailing addresses and residential addresses being switched for some registrants, which caused the wrong polling place to be assigned to most of the registrants in Districts 1 and 6,” she said.

Jackson added that the printer had since mailed postcards to all affected voters at the printing company’s expense.

The Worcester County Election Office also shared the news on social media.

Anyone with questions about voting is encouraged to contact the office at 410632-1320. Early voting begins Thursday at the Worcester Preparatory School Field House. A ballot drop box is also located at the school for those voting by mail who prefer to drop their ballots directly into the box.

Early voting runs July 7-14, including Saturday and Sunday, and is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The primary election is set for July 19.

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July 8, 2022

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Crazy Incident In OC Park OCEAN CITY – A Salisbury man was arrested last weekend after allegedly participating in a sex act in a downtown park in front of a family and later punching a man and shoving police officers.

Around 8 p.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a reported fight in progress at Sunset Park. Upon arrival, officers observed one of the combatants, identified as Trevor Brooks, 30, of Salisbury, walking away from the area and attempted to detain him.

Officers asked Brooks if he had been in an altercation and asked him to sit down, to which he replied, “I’m not under arrest,” according to police reports, and kept on walking away. When OCPD officers attempted to detain Brooks, he reportedly shoved two of them in an attempt to flee.

He continued to resist and was eventually tackled to the ground by officers, according to police reports. He allegedly continued to resist by bracing his arms under his body and refusing to allow officers to handcuff him, according to police reports. Brooks reportedly refused to identify himself and was only later identified by the booking staff after fingerprinting him.

OCPD officers interviewed the other male individual involved in the alleged altercation with Brooks. The individual told officers he was at Sunset Park with his family including small children to enjoy the sunset. The male individual told officer Brooks was lying in the sand at the park with a female who was performing fellatio on Brooks, according to police reports.

COPS & COURTS Brooks stood up and briefly exposed himself to the male individual and his family. The witness said Brooks then confronted him and punched him once in the face.

According to police reports, the victim had redness on his neck where Brooks allegedly punched him.

Brooks was charged with two counts of second-degree assault on the arresting officers, second-degree assault on the male victim, resisting arrest, indecent exposure and perverted sexual practice.

Woman Arrested For Assault OCEAN CITY – An Ingleside, Md., woman was arrested last weekend after allegedly attacking her boyfriend and his brother during a domestic incident.

Around 6:15 p.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to an uptown shopping center for a reported domestic assault. Officers met with a male victim who reported he arrived in Ocean City with his brother, his girlfriend, later identified as Lacey Gregory, 26, of Ingleside, Md., and his two children.

The victim said the family had come to the resort for the day to enjoy the holiday fireworks, spend the day in Ocean City and then go back home, according to po-

lice reports. The victim told police the family had a reservation at a resort crab house, and while eating dinner, he was watching NASCAR on his phone, according to police reports.

The victim told police a stranger asked him to turn down his phone and he complied. At around the same time, Gregory asked him for a diaper for their son, but he did not hear the request, according to police reports. The victim said Gregory became upset because she believed he ignored her, when, in fact, he had not heard her request, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police Gregory left the restaurant and he exited the restaurant to find out where she was.

They reportedly located Gregory at an uptown shopping center and she allegedly threw her phone at the vehicle, causing a dent in the rear passenger door, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police Gregory then, without warning, attacked he and his brother, ripping off their shirts, scratching both of them on their necks and scratching the brother on the back and ear, causing him to bleed. Gregory also ripped off a chain the victim was wearing around his neck, according to po-

July 8, 2022 lice reports.

The brother said Gregory struck both of them and ran off with one of the children. Officers located Gregory walking southbound on Coastal Highway near the library at 100th Street. Gregory told police she had a dispute with the victim, so she took the children to the playground, according to police reports. She reportedly admitted throwing her phone at the vehicle, causing the damage. She also admitted striking the two brothers “maybe twice,” according to police reports. She was arrested and charged with seconddegree assault and malicious destruction of property.

Pot Bust In Stolen Vehicle OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore man was arrested last weekend after being found behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle with roughly 500 grams of marijuana and a loaded handgun in his possession.

Around 5:50 p.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was assisting with a possible stolen vehicle in the area of 32nd Street. An officer was waved down by a citizen and observed a black vehicle leaving the area of a condominium parking lot.

Officers checked the vehicle’s registration tag and learned it had been reported stolen back on June 7, according to police reports. Three occupants were reportedly in the vehicle and were detained by OCPD officers. The driver was identified as Shakur Anthony, 21, of Baltimore.

Officers detained Anthony, who was in possession of a bookbag. Anthony was detained in handcuffs at that point, and Ocean City Communications confirmed SEE NEXT PAGE

July 8, 2022

... COPS & COURTS the vehicle had been reported stolen by the Baltimore County Police Department.

Anthony was arrested at that point.

During a search of his bag, officers reportedly located 15 pill bottles containing loose marijuana along with $645 in cash.

OCPD officers also located in the bag a semi-automatic handgun and pulled back the slide to eject a round from the chamber. The 9mm handgun had a capacity of 17 rounds, according to police reports.

During a search of the vehicle, OCPD officers located 80 cylinders identical to the ones located in Anthony’s bag, according to police reports. Roughly 75 cylinders were located in another bag. As the search continued, another 66 plastic cylinders were located.

OCPD officers also located a heatsealed bag containing approximately 400 grams of marijuana. Also located were three scales with marijuana residue on them, according to police reports. All in all, 500 grams of marijuana, 221 empty cylinders and 14 containers of individually wrapped marijuana were located on Anthony’s person and in the vehicle. Anthony was arrested on 13 total counts including possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a handgun in the commission of a felony, motor vehicle theft and other weapons and drug-related charges.

Loaded Handgun, Dope Selling OCEAN CITY – A New Carrolton, Md., man arrested last week for selling mari-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch juana in the downtown area was found with a loaded handgun in his waistband.

Around 9:20 p.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the downtown area observed two individuals standing at the rear of a vehicle on Worcester Street with two people seated inside. As the officer approached, he could detect a strong odor of fresh marijuana emanating from the passenger compartment, according to police reports.

A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed an amount of marijuana larger than 10 grams, according to police reports.

The marijuana was packaged in plastic baggies consistent with distribution. The officer also observed a red bag with nearly $2,100 in cash in it, according to police reports.

The officer identified one of the individuals standing outside the vehicle as De’Mantra Jamison, 20, of New Carrolton, Md. Based on the evidence, Jamison was placed under arrest at that point. A search of Jamison revealed a loaded 9mm handgun tucked in the waistband of his pants, according to police reports.

During a subsequent interview, Jamison reportedly told police he sold marijuana to make ends meet and allow him to support his family and his own personal smoking habit.

Obstructing, Hindering Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Philadelphia man was arrested last weekend after allegedly obstructing a DUI investigation and then screaming obscenities at police officers and striking one of them.

Around 2:25 a.m. last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer

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patrolling in the area of 78th Street observed a vehicle traveling on Coastal Highway at a high rate of speed. Officers reportedly tracked the vehicle driving over twice the posted speed limit, reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour, before stopping it at 126th Street.

Officers made contact with the driver, who showed signs of impairment, according to police reports. The male driver was ultimately arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. During the investigation and subsequent field sobriety tests, the passenger, identified as Kyle Jones, 26, of Philadelphia, yelled that he and the driver were veterans and distracted the officers from the DUI investigation, according to police reports.

Jones was standing near the vehicle as officers searched it in preparation for it being towed, according to police reports.

During the search, a handgun was located in the vehicle in close proximity to where Jones had been seated. Jones was detained at that point in handcuffs, although he was told he was not under arrest, according to police reports.

However, Jones reportedly refused to cooperate and launched into an expletivelaced tirade on the officers asserting he was a veteran and had served his country among other things. Jones reportedly disregarded simple orders and refused to cooperate with the officers’ commands.

After Jones continued to scream obscenities at the officers, he was ultimately taken into custody for disorderly conduct, obstructing and hindering an investigation. During the arrest, Jones reportedly continued to resist and shoved his elbow into one of the arresting officers and second-degree assault charges were added.

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state denies appeal in major drug dealing case park Filled up: Ocean City’s Northside Park hosted one of its biggest crowds in years for the special holiday

weekend Sundaes in the Park event featuring live music and fireworks. Above was the scene around sunset across the lagoon.

Photo by Chris Parypa

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – A Baltimore man, sentenced in 2018 to a series of 15-year prison sentences for drug trafficking, had his appeal for an alleged error in sentencing denied this week by a state appeals court.

In November 2017, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Narcotics Unit, along with the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team, the OCPD Special Enforcement Unit and the OCPD Quick Response Team, or SWAT, began making arrests and serving search and seizure warrants following a three-month investigation into the distribution of heroin, cocaine and other drugs in the resort area.

Operation Harbor Breeze was launched in part to curb thefts, burglaries and vehicle break-ins associated with street level drug distribution in the resort. Undercover narcotics detectives were able to make 66 purchases of illegal drugs flowing into the resort. The combined value of the drugs seized during the operation was over $87,000.

In one of the major arrests associated with Operation Harbor Breeze, a known Black Guerilla Family gang member with a long criminal history, including a manslaughter conviction, was nabbed in the sting after making a sale to an undercover detective at a West Ocean City convenience store. Through covert investigative techniques, an OCPD narcotics detective was able to establish an undercover connection with Sharif “The Postman” Talib, now 39, of Baltimore, who was looking to deliver large amounts of heroin and cocaine to Ocean City and Worcester County.

In November 2017, an OCPD narcotics officer initiated a drug-trafficking investigation on Talib. On Nov. 9, the detective made a pre-arranged purchase of $1,200 worth of crack cocaine and $800

worth of heroin from Talib, according to court documents.

Later that month on Nov. 30, 2017, the OCPD detective arranged to purchase $15,000 worth of heroin from Talib. However, the sale did not occur as planned the next day because after an arrest team attempted to take Talib into custody, he struck two police vehicles with his vehicle and drove away.

“As the police gave chase, they observed the appellant throwing objects from the passenger window of his car,” according to the court opinion released this week. “One police officer observed the appellant throw a clear baggie containing a roughly softball-sized object out of his car, which burst into a powdery white cloud after striking a fence. Soon thereafter, the appellant crashed his car and was arrested. A search of his car revealed over 10 grams of heroin.”

Worcester Criminal Enforcement Team units pursued Talib’s vehicle as it crossed the Route 50 Bridge toward Ocean City.

At one point as he drove across the bridge, Talib threw a plastic bag with powder inside out of the passenger window and it burst against a chain link fence, according to police reports.

As Talib entered Ocean City, he traveled the wrong way off the bridge onto northbound Philadelphia Avenue where he crashed into the median and struck the wooden median barriers. The crash disabled the vehicle and Talib was apprehended without further incident.

Talib was charged with one count of distribution of heroin and one count of distribution of cocaine for the planned transactions on November 9, 2017, and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin for the second incident later that month.

In May 2018, Talib pleaded guilty to each of the counts. He was sentenced to 15 years for the distribution of heroin count, and 15 years to be served concurrently for the distribution of cocaine count.

He was also sentenced to 15 years for the possession with intent to distribute to be served consecutively to the first two counts.

However, Talib filed an appeal to correct an illegal sentence last October, an appeal that was denied by the Worcester County Circuit Court. Talib then appealed to the state’s Court of Special Appeals, which this week denied his appeal.

In the appeal, Talib asserted his sentence in the third count was illegal because it violated his constitutional rights and that he was sentenced as a subsequent offender following the guilty pleas in the first two counts from the Nov. 9, 2017 incidents.

“On appeal, the appellant argues that his sentence is illegal because the court impermissibly sentenced him as a subsequent offender, the evidence is insufficient to support a conviction for possession with intent to distribute heroin, and he was entitled to a merger of his sentences,” the opinion reads. The appellant noted a timely appeal to this court contending that the circuit court erred in denying his motion. We disagree and shall affirm.”

This week, the Court of Special Appeals opined Talib’s assertions about the validity of his sentences for the three separate counts did not have merit and upheld the decision of the Worcester County Circuit Court to deny his appeal.

“The appellant had premised that argument on the asserted fact that, at the time he committed his offenses, the maximum penalty for each of his offenses was 10 years imprisonment, yet the court imposed 15-year sentences for each offense,” the opinion reads. “Our review of the relevant statutes demonstrates that, at all relevant times, the maximum penalty of imprisonment for each of the offenses the appellant pleaded guilty to was 20 years. Thus, even if we were to have addressed the claim, we would have found it lacking merit.”

Viola, Ocean Pines Ink 2-Year Contract

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 25

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OCEAN PINES – John Viola will continue as the association’s general manager for at least another two years.

Last Thursday, the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) announced Viola, who has served as the general manager since 2019, has signed a contract to continue in his position for at least a two-year term.

The announcement comes after multiple closed sessions to discuss candidates for general manager.

“I am very pleased to announce that today John Viola signed a contract to continue his employment as General Manager of the Ocean Pines Association,” said Association President Colette Horn. “After an extensive search, the Board was able to interview very qualified candidates. During this process, John and I had additional conversations about his interest in continuing to serve Ocean Pines.”

She continued, “I was very happy that our conversations led to the Board authorizing me to negotiate with John to continue in his role as General Manager.

I am pleased to announce that we now have in place a two-year contract beginning July 1, with an option for a third year.”

Viola first stepped into the role of interim general manager in April of 2019.

And in December of that year, he signed an extended contract running through June 30, 2022.

Late last year, however, Viola submitted his resignation as OPA’s general manager, opting to abbreviate his 30-month term by four months and begin his retirement after Feb. 28. In January, the association announced Viola had agreed to remain through mid-September in an effort to provide a smooth transition as officials searched for a new general manager.

In an interview this week, Viola said his decision to stay on as the general manager came after requests from board members and board candidates to remain in his position.

“Six out of the seven sitting directors asked me to consider staying, as well as all the board candidates, so I definitely took that into consideration,” he said. “I haven’t turned down a constructive board majority yet that has asked me to stay.”

With a new contract signed, Viola said he is eager to continue the work that started during his tenure. Top priorities include replacing the aging mailboxes, improving drainage and adding new T-docks at the marina.

“Maintenance is very important, and we are continuing to do maintenance throughout Ocean Pines,” he said.

Prior to moving to Ocean Pines, Viola worked in the private sector as a certified public accountant, including 28 years with Avon, where he finished as assistant global controller. Within the association, he has served as chairman of the budget and finance advisory committee and as the community’s chief financial officer, though on a volunteer basis.

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Crisafulli Seeks Second Term As Sheriff Against Buhrt

Page 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

WORCESTER COUNTY PRIMARY ELECTION PREVIEW

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The race for Worcester County sheriff is expected to be decided with this month’s primary, as two Republicans are campaigning for the top law enforcement position.

Sheriff Matt Crisafulli is seeking a second term but is facing a challenge from fellow Republican Jeffrey Buhrt, who filed for the position back in early February.

The Dispatch asked candidates to supply responses to two questions designed to give voters an idea of who they are and what their priorities are for Worcester County. Buhrt did not respond.

Q. Being the Worcester County sheriff is a complicated position full of many responsibilities. Please give at least three reasons why you are the best person for the job.

Crisafulli: 1. Established partnerships.

My administration has worked systematically to foster strong partnerships with our allied agencies and community partners. I lead with an open mind and demonstrate flexibility in rapidly changing environments. We need to continue this trajectory, and also be amendable for growth in all situations that we encounter. I have worked on these partner-

ships over the last four years as your Sheriff and will continue this work, as it is always evolving.

2. Compassion. I will always lead with a compassionate vision for all of our county residents and visitors. I believe that this style of work brings people together. We need that in our society, more than ever. Our Sheriff’s Office is functioning in a way that has morale up and work productivity at an elevated level. This is a very challenging balance in today’s world.

3. Temperament and flexibility. I believe that I have the right temperament to lead our Sheriff’s Office for years to come. A leader must possess the proper temperament to lead their organizations. Management and philosophies MATT are fluid, and a leader CRISAFULLI must be amendable and capable of dealing with many different types of situations. It is absolutely critical to be flexible in a society that is fast and ever-changing. A leader must also be able to recognize the vision to place the right people in the right positions for their growth and the growth of the organization as a whole.

Leaders are human and mistakes will be made. It’s incumbent upon the leader to own their mistakes, re-adjust and correct

matters to push their organizations forward.

Worcester County, I believe that I possess the necessary skills to continue the role as your sheriff, for the next four years. Worcester County, I humbly ask for your vote on July 19, 2022.

Q. Once elected, what are your priorities for the next four years as the county’s sheriff?

Crisafulli: 1. School Safety: I have dedicated my entire career to our families and children. Our children need to have a safe and nurturing learning environment. We live in a time when our deputies play a crucial role for our youth.

They provide, not only the physical protection of our children on our school campuses, they also serve an instrumental role in helping to facilitate positive partnerships with our youth that can last a lifetime. The protection of our children has been and will continue to be a top priority of my administration.

2. Mental Health/First Responders: Mental health for our law enforcement officers (LEO’s) is an extreme importance for my deputies. P.T.S.D. is not just something that our soldiers of foreign war experience. Our LEO’s experience this in our own communities. I have been very proactive with the mental health and well-being of our deputies. We have partnered with mental health clinicians,

to have services available to our deputies at all times. The societal demands and trauma that they face has proven to cause many issues for law enforcement.

In order for our deputies to provide you with exceptional services, it’s important that we ensure their physical and mental health. I have established an in-house Peer Support Team. Specially trained deputies to help their peers deal with critical matters and other challenges. Our goal is to be the model for other agencies on mental health and stability.

3. Commitment to our community: I have always placed our community first during my entire 27-year career on the ground in our county. My commitment to you will always be to provide you with exceptional services. We are extremely fortunate to have a like-minded state’s attorney that is PRO prosecution. I have always been a strong advocate for safe communities. We have established strong partnerships in Worcester County.

These partnerships make our mission achievable on a daily basis. This will be a fluid, daily process for my office. I will fight for our county in Annapolis should bills arise that hinder our way of life in Worcester County. I will fight to protect all of our constitutional rights. All of our constitutional rights are of the utmost importance to me as your sheriff, and will continue to be a priority of my office.

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Pines Fire Department Shares Plans For South Station

July 8, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Discussions on a proposed South Station renovation, and the funding needed to make the project a reality, highlighted a town hall meeting last week.

Last Thursday, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) hosted a town hall meeting to discuss proposed renovations to the South Station.

As officials look to bring the decadesold facility into compliance with standards set by the National Fire Protection Association, Americans with Disabilities Act and local building codes, they told community members last week they are proposing an extensive renovation that calls for a demolition of its living and administrative quarters and the addition of a two-story building, as well as a new bay.

“This is not the Taj Mahal,” said OPVFD President Dave VanGasbeck.

“We’ve worked very hard to get this down to what we believe to be the bare minimum that complies with all the requirements at this given point in time.”

Earlier this year, Gov. Larry Hogan submitted a supplemental budget that included $1.35 million for renovations to the South Station. And in the weeks that followed, the department learned it would receive an additional $250,000 in state bond funding.

“I want you to know that $1.6 million

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

that we are getting from the state of Maryland was the result of the hard work of Wayne Hartman, our delegate, and Mary Beth Carozza, our senator,” VanGasbeck told community members last week. “We had nothing to do with it other than filling out a couple of forms.”

Officials noted the renovation project is estimated to cost $8.6 million, and that the fire department would contribute $1 million in reserve funding. The department is also seeking the community’s support to fund the remaining $6 million, which will be mortgaged over a period of 30 years.

“The next step would be for the board to approve a referendum to begin that process …,” VanGasbeck said. “Our wish, our hope, if we do get approval from the community for the funding, is we would go forward with the mortgage process and begin in the second quarter of fiscal year 2023.”

Preparations for a renovation project at the South Station began last year, when the department contracted with Manns Woodward Studios to complete a feasibility study. Of the options presented to the department, officials opted for an extensive renovation. In addition to settling concrete in the administrative portion of the building, the department has also reported accessibility issues and the lack of adequate living and decontamination space.

“No major renovations have happened on this building in 35 years,” said Ga-

ry Campbell, principal at Manns Woodward Studios. “Fire stations back in the 80s were designed to be a 20- or 30year building. We are at the 40-year life of this building now, and we are seeing the effects of that over time.”

The proposed design, presented to community members last week, includes a three-bay renovation, and the addition of a single bay and new administrative and living quarters. The facility would also feature a community room and training space, as well as a new decontamination area and gear room.

“This building should be durable and designed to last 50 years,” Campbell

Page 27

said.

But before the department can move into the design phase, officials say they are seeking the board’s support to hold a referendum. If approved, association members would see an assessment increase of $42 a year, or about $3.50 a month.

“I don’t want everyone to look at this as a cost,” said Fire Chief Steve Grunewald. “I want you to look at this as an investment into the future of Ocean Pines.”

In attendance for last week’s town hall meeting, Hartman said he and CarSEE PAGE 36

Page 28

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 29

Foal Naming Auction Raises $4,550 Through 68 Bids

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

ASSATEAGUE – A new foal born into the herd of wild horses on Assateague will soon have a new name after a successful auction conducted by the Assateague Island Alliance (AIA) over the weekend.

Each year, the AIA conducts auctions for naming rights for new foals born into the herd of wild horses on the Maryland side of Assateague Island National Seashore. On Sunday, an eBay naming rights auction for new foal N2BHS-APU born into the herd this year concluded.

A total of 68 bids were placed for the bay pinto colt known currently by the rather generic name N2BHS-APU during the course of the eBay auction, and the winning bid came in a $4,550 when the auction closed on Sunday evening. Since the 1970s, the National Park Service has developed an alpha-numeric code system to name new foals in order to track their lineage and ancestry among the herd of wild horses on Assateague and to identify the sub-herd to which they belong and the areas of the barrier island they tend to frequent.

Years ago, the AIA, the friends group of the Assateague Island National Seashore which advocates on behalf of the horses, developed opportunities for the public and fans of the famed wild horses on the barrier island to name the new ad-

Linda Rae’s Autumn Glory and its foal are pictured on Assateague Island.

ditions to the herd. Most often, the naming rights are auctioned on eBay, but at different times raffles or other creative naming rights have been held.

The new foal whose naming rights were auctioned on eBay Sunday was born to dam Linda Rae’s Autumn Glory, and although the sire is not known, it is believed to be Joy. It’s important to note the AIA is a nonprofit organization and financially supports educational, interpre-

tive, scientific and recreation while advocating on behalf of Assateague’s wild horses. All funds raised by the organization, including the new foal naming rights auctions and raffles, go directly to the benefit of the Assateague Island National Seashore.

With summer now in full swing, as always, the AIA is reminding all who visit Assateague this summer to strictly adhere to the laws in place to protect the

Photo courtesy of Assateague Island Alliance

wild horses and heed the warnings on 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, or roughly the length of a school bus, from the horses, and are reminded it is illegal to approach them, touch them of feed them, despite the temptation to do so.

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

Resort Contends Taser Use Needed To Apprehend Suspect

Page 32

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Citing a necessary and appropriate use of force, resort officials late last week filed a formal answer to a $500,000 civil suit filed earlier this year by a Massachusetts man allegedly tased by an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer during a fight in September 2020.

Earlier this year, Lucas Joaquim, now 23, of Peabody, Mass., filed suit in U.S. District Court against an OCPD officer, the police chief and the Mayor and Council after he was allegedly tased during an altercation in the resort on September 26, 2020. The suit is seeking $400,000 in compensatory damages and another $100,000 in punitive damages against the named defendants in

July 8, 2022

OC Seeks Dismissal Of $500K Civil Suit

the case.

In the complaint, Joaquim asserts he was unknowingly stabbed during an assault by assailants. Joaquim, in the complaint, asserts an OCPD officer arriving on the scene deployed his conducted electrical weapon (CEW), or Taser, on him as he got up from the ground during the altercation.

Last week, the named defendants, through their attorney, filed a formal answer to the plaintiff’s complaint, seeking a complete dismissal of the $500,000 civil suit. In the answer, the defendants acknowledge many of the salient facts of the incident, but systematically deny most of the plaintiff’s claims. The formal

answer to the complaint lays out the defendants’ version of the incident.

“Defendants admit that on September 26, in the area of 46th Street and Coastal Highway, there was a physical altercation between the plaintiff and two non-parties and that the plaintiff and one of the non-parties were assaulting each other, and that during the altercation, the plaintiff was pushing a non-party into and toward the vehicular traffic lanes of Coastal Highway,” the answer reads.

“Defendants admit that while the plaintiff was assaulting the non-party and pushing the non-party into the vehicular traffic lanes of Coastal Highway, the OCPD officer properly drew his department is-

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sued conductive electrical weapon.”

The defendants’ answer filed last week acknowledges the officer deployed his CEW only after the plaintiff failed to heed the officer’s orders and attempted to flee the scene.

“The officer properly targeted the plaintiff with the CEW’s targeting lasers while the plaintiff was still assaulting the non-party, and that the officer gave proper warnings, which were unheeded by the plaintiff,” the answer reads. “The officer then deployed the CEW probes into the plaintiff,” the answer reads. “Defendants admit that one probe struck the plaintiff, but the second probe missed.

The plaintiff let go of the non-party at that time, but was not neuro-muscularly incapacitated. The plaintiff failed and refused to follow instructions to get on the ground and he attempted to move away from the officer, at which time the officer properly deployed his CEW a second time, this time resulting in neuro-muscular incapacitation.”

In the formal answer filed last week, the defendants assert the officer’s use of his CEW against the plaintiff during the incident was necessary and appropriate given the situation, and that all of the department’s officers are properly trained in the use of CEWs when the situation calls for it.

“Defendants aver that whether the plaintiff consented to the use of force is irrelevant, and that by his conduct, he subjected himself to necessary and appropriate force by law enforcement,” the answer reads. “Defendants admit that Ocean City, through its police department and departmental practices and procedures properly trains and supervises consistent with applicable standards.”

As a result, the formal answer seeks a complete dismissal of the civil suit.

“Defendants each demand that judgment be entered in defendants’ favor, and against the plaintiff as to all of the plaintiff’s claims as advanced in the complaint,” the answer reads. “Defendants demand such claims should be dismissed with prejudice in their entirety, and that plaintiff be denied all of the relief he seeks in this case.”

It’s important to note Joaquim was arrested and charged with second-degree assault, disorderly conduct and affray following the incident. Each of those charges were placed on the stet, or inactive, docket last July. It’s also important to note the complaint names the plaintiff’s assailant, but there is no court record of that individual’s arrest or any charges against him. The complaint goes on to allege what transpired after the officer deployed his Taser against the plaintiff.

The suit includes six counts, including deprivation of civil rights, battery, negligent hiring, training and supervision and false imprisonment. The complaint also asserts OCPD staff did not quickly respond to the plaintiff’s request for medical assistance following the alleged stabbing, and ultimately, the alleged tasing of the plaintiff by the OCPD officer.

Man Charged With Attempted Murder

July 8, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Ridgely, Md., man is being held without bond on attempted first-degree murder and other charges this week after being implicated in a triple-stabbing incident on the Boardwalk near Wicomico Street back on June 20.

On June 29, members of the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Criminal Investigation Division along with members of the Maryland State Apprehension Team-U.S. Marshals arrested Paul Baynard, 23, of Ridgely, Md., for his role in the triple stabbing back on June 20.

PAUL Baynard was located by law enforcement officials BAYNARD in Queen Anne’s County and was taken into custody without further incident, according to police reports.

Baynard appeared for a bail review hearing on June 30 and was ordered to be held without bond. He has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault and other counts. A preliminary hearing has been set for July 28.

Shortly before midnight on June 20, OCPD officers observed a fight between multiple individuals in the area of Wicomico Street and the Boardwalk. OCPD

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

officers located three victims suffering from stab wounds. Ocean City Fire Department EMS responded and provided emergency medical care for the victims at the scene.

The first victim, an 18-year-old male from Wye Mills, Md., was flown to Shock Trauma in Baltimore. The second victim, a 21-year-old male also from Wye Mills, was flown to Christiana Hospital in Delaware. The third victim, a 17-year-old male from Centreville, Md., was transported

by Ocean City EMS to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital in Salisbury. All three victims have since been released from the hospital, according to police reports.

As additional officers arrived on the scene, the suspects ran north on the Boardwalk. A 17-year-old juvenile involved in the altercation was arrested for affray. OCPD officers were able to determine that fight on the Boardwalk involved two different groups of males.

Detectives were able to utilize City Watch cameras, social media platforms and witnesses to piece together the investigation and ultimately identified Baynard.

Through the coordinated efforts of the OCPD Patrol Division, the Criminal Investigation Division, the Maryland State Apprehension Team and the U.S. Marshals Task Force, Baynard was successfully located and taken into custody.

He was transported from Queen Anne’s County to Ocean City.

Page 33

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July 8, 2022

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

… Officials Seek Support To Fund Renovation

Page 36

FROM PAGE 27 ozza began the work to secure state funding last year, after seeing the need for improvements at the station. He noted the department has three years to utilize the money.

“The need was there,” he said. “We fought the good fight and were successful.”

During public comments, General Manager John Viola said he had received several questions from association members regarding the proposed project. He asked if the department was utilizing its North Station building.

“That building is an operational, active fire house …,” VanGasbeck replied, noting that many volunteer stations remained empty until an alarm sounded.

Grunewald added that the North Station was not used as the department’s main station because it increased response times. From the South Station, he noted, the department has a response time of six minutes.

“From the North Station to the Point is 12 minutes …,” he said. “Additionally, if we were to close that station, our [Insurance Services Office] ratings go up, which means your homeowners insurance will go up more than $42 a year …

It is used on a daily basis.”

Viola also questioned how a new South Station facility would impact recruitment and retention.

“We see fire station design as a huge

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department held a town hall meeting last week to inform residents of a proposed renovation project at the South Station, pictured above.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

tool for recruitment and retention …,” Campbell replied. “It is something we see every time a renovation is done. Recruitment increases … You want to create a space where people want to be.”

Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Director Amy Peck asked how the department would operate as renovations are completed.

“Where is the fire department going to operate while all of this is happening?” she said. “Are you going to move to the north building, and if that is the case how does that affect our ISO rating?”

Grunewald noted that the department

would potentially start with renovations to the engine bay. And as the living and administrative quarters are rebuilt, staff would move to a trailer.

“The response time is important …,” he said. “Everything will still operate out of here with fire and EMS.” Peck also asked if the department had considered a capital campaign, or additional grant funding.

“We talked to the general manager and the result of that discussion was to wait until after this presentation to the community,” VanGasbeck replied.

Department personnel last week also

July 8, 2022

took questions from community members in attendance.

Resident George Solyak asked if the association had considered collecting impact fees from nearby development projects. VanGasbeck said the department had suggested the association approach the Worcester County Commissioners.

“We have begun those discussions with the OPA board …,” he replied. “That is on the table.”

Resident Jack Collins questioned if the department had any alternative approach if the referendum did not pass.

“We have no plan B at this point in time,” VanGasbeck said.

Resident Joe Reynolds questioned if a referendum was even needed.

“OPA does not own the structure or the property …,” he said. “I don’t see any need to have a referendum by the board of directors because the agreement between the board and the fire department could cover this easily by OPA covering the mortgage costs each year as part of what OPA provides to the fire department under our current agreement.”

Association President Colette Horn said the board and the fire department would need to discuss the terms of the arrangement.

“Going forward, whatever role we play in funding this, it will be within the limits and scope of our governing documents,” she said.

One resident questioned why the department had not proposed other alternatives.

“I can’t understand why this is all or nothing …,” he said. “What if the board says no to this, what happens?”

Officials argued the department had looked at other options but decided the proposed project was the best use of association dollars. VanGasbeck pointed out the feasibility study highlighted some of the alternatives that were considered.

“We have not padded this,” he said.

“What we’ve done is gathered the minimum requirements and put them into option three.”

Horn said those questions were something the department should consider when seeking the community’s support.

“If it goes to a referendum, the decision is going to be in the hands of the membership,” she said. “And I would encourage fire department leadership to be aware these are valid questions being asked. You are going to have to sell this to the community and answer questions as to why other alternatives are not feasible.”

At the conclusion of last week’s meeting, Director Josette Wheatley and her husband presented the department with a $1,000 donation to be used in the renovation of the South Station. The department also encouraged association members to visit the OPVFD website to learn more about the project.

“I think this process is important,” VanGasbeck said. “You need to know that we want to be transparent in what we do and how we do it.”

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Page 38

Amid Uncertain Economic Times, OC Pension Plans In Solid Shape

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City’s general employee and public safety employee pension plans remain in decent shape, despite a pending recession, resort officials learned last week.

During the June 28 work session, the Mayor and Council heard a review of the status of the town’s pension plans from Ed Koebel of the consulting firm Cavanaugh McDonald for the last five years ending in March 2021. Ocean City has two pension plans, one for the general employees and a separate plan for public safety employees.

Each are currently healthy, but the consultant recommended incrementally decreasing the anticipated return on investment with current economic uncertainties from the existing 7% to 6.5% over the next few years. The town, through the pension committee and its consultants, invests pension funds paid into the account by employee contributions in stocks, mutual funds and other assets in order to grow the funds and ensure they are available when employees retire.

Having a 100%-funded pension plan is ideal, but that is essentially a pipe dream. Ocean City’s pension funds are funded at around 84%, which is better than most jurisdictions. When the investments fall short of the mark set at 7%, the town sometimes has to make a contribution from the general fund of fund balance to maintain a healthy level. Koebel explained the process for making assumptions over a five-year period.

“We project retirement benefit plans out for a number of years,” he said.

“What the study does is make assumptions on when folks are going to retire and when folks are going to die. We have assumptions on what the financial situation is. We’re trying to set aside contributions, but we’re recommending no major changes for this year.”

Koebel said the recently-completed study reflected no remarkable changes in the pension benefits the town pays to retirees.

“The number of withdrawals is slightly higher than what was expected,” he said. “We expected retirements at the age of 65 at 32, but the actual number as 25. That means folks are working longer. In addition, we expected the mortality rate at 36, but the actual number was 41. A person at age 60 will likely live another 24 years to the average age of 84. People in the next generation are going to live longer. That costs money.”

The town’s pension benefits reflect the average employee’s salary at the time of retirement, a number that can swing from year to year, according to Koebel.

“What happens often in government

July 8, 2022

is salaries are negotiated, especially with union contracts,” he said. “You might not have an increase in one year, but a big jump in the next year. We’re going to hit the mark in some years but miss the mark in other years.”

Koebel said current economic uncertainties made making assumptions with the pension plans more challenging over the next five years.

“To predict inflation is very hard,” he said. “These are long-term assumptions. We’re looking at inflation over the next 30, 40 or 50 years, and not necessarily what is going on in the moment.”

Councilman John Gehrig said the plan as proposed, including dropping the investment return expectation from 7% to 6.5% over a number of years would actually lower the pension fund balance.

“It’s basically us going into debt,” he said. “We’re going from 84% funded to 81% funded. What is our policy on funding ratio?”

Koebel said Ocean City is doing better than most with its pension fund balances.

“Most public sector plans aren’t any where near 100% funded,” he said. “The average is 72%. It would be nice to be at 100%, but the town is paying for the plan. The town is doing much better than most.”

Gehrig asked if dropping the return on investment expectation was a good thing or a bad thing.

“Is 6.5% the right number?” he said. “What do we expect when financial markets are flat or even declining? What happens on an annual basis when the projections miss the mark?”

Koebel responded it depends on the volitivity of the markets.

“It’s a great question,” he said. “When you don’t hit your mark on investment projections, you have to pay more contributions. The town’s contribution has to go up if the investment assumptions don’t hit the mark.”

Koebel said the town’s current pension funds balances at around 84% are better than most and give the town some wiggle room during unforeseen circumstances such as recession, for example.

“I would hate to see it go below the 50% range, but that’s where some jurisdictions are,” he said. “If you have another 2008 recession, you could dip below the comfort level. If you are in the 80% to 90% range where you are now, you can weather a storm and drop down into the 70% range and build yourself back up.”

Councilman Mark Paddack said the ups and downs of the markets and the subsequent return on investment for the town’s pension plans were challenging.

“I’ve been watching the public safeSEE NEXT PAGE

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

… City Pension Plans Reviewed Peaceful: A few members of a band on Assateague Island National Seashore are pictured from a distance during sunrise June 30.

Photo by Ann Richardson

ty pension fund for years,” he said.

“When you look at a 10-year period, we haven’t matched the 7% assumption.

Yes, 2021 was a great year, but every assumption is a recession is coming. I understand we’re looking at this over the long haul.”

Gehrig said if the town’s return on investment in the pension plan funds don’t hit the mark, it requires a larger contribution each year from the general fund or fund balance.

“Are we doing this because it fits in with the budget?” he said. “That’s the bottom line here. I think we should be prepared for missing it.”

Paddack said there have been many years when the town’s investments in the pension plan haven’t hit the 6.5% mark, or the stated goal of 7%.

“This is taxpayer money and employee money,” he said. “There have been a number of years where we don’t hit the 6.5%. This market since 2020 has hit us hard. It has hit our own personal finances hard. The policies are not favorable to middle class Americans right now.”

Gehrig said the town is currently in

an enviable position with its pension plan funds compared to other jurisdictions, but that can change in a hurry.

“Right now, we have a cushion,” he said. “I think it’s fair to say we’re going to eat into that cushion. If we have an expanded period of flatness, how is that going to be impacting us?”

City Manager Terry McGean said dropping the return on investment expectation from the current 7% to 6.5% over time would avoid peaks and valleys when the town had to make a greater contribution to the pension funds.

“I feel very strongly that we should attempt to smooth out these changes over years,” he said. “We don’t want to have these wild swings. This is probably one of the most important discussions we have, apart from maybe the budget.”

The council voted unanimously to approve the consultant’s recommendations and lower the anticipated return on investment of the pension funds to 6.5% incrementally over a period of years. In addition, the motion included a two-year review of the plans rather than the five-year review.

Page 39

Historic Church Launches Restore The Light Campaign Grant Jumpstarts Stained Glass Window Effort

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BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – With the help of grant funding and community support, a local church is hoping to restore its 110-yearold stained glass windows.

Stevenson United Methodist’s Restore the Light Committee has launched a campaign to restore more than 34 stained glass windows at the church.

Now, with a grant from the Humphreys Foundation, church members are hoping to raise the remaining funds to preserve a piece of history.

“We are excited and want to preserve the building for the next generation,” said Beth Sise, chair of the church’s Restore the Light Committee.

Efforts to restore the building’s stained glass windows -- installed in 1912, when the granite church was built -- began in earnest last fall, Sise said, when an assessment revealed roughly $211,000 of work was needed to address the glass panes and acrylic covers, many of which had been damaged by the sun.

“It’s mainly the east and south side where the sun is prominent … It’s actually caused the most damage,” she said.

“We had a survey and assessment done

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

in October and the price took us aback.

It’s a daunting task, so once we got our thoughts together, we pursued the grant to make it possible.”

In April, Restore the Light Committee members submitted an application to the Humphreys Foundation seeking a $100,000 grant to assist in restoration efforts. And in late June, the church learned it had received $50,000, with an opportunity to receive $50,000 more as a match.

“If we can raise $50,000, the Humphreys Foundation will match it, so there is an incentive there,” she said. “Ultimately, we have the potential to receive $100,000. We are completely humbled and grateful by such a generous gift. It’s a true blessing.”

To work toward the matching grant, Sise says the church will now seek the support of congregation members and the community.

On June 24, for example, the church held a hymn sing and BBQ dinner to benefit restoration efforts. Sise noted the church is also looking into other grant opportunities, mailing campaigns and more.

“The people that gave money to install the 1910 windows were established businessmen in the community …,” she add-

ed. “So we’re also looking to see if their family members would support the windows their ancestors helped install 110 years ago.”

Sise said the process of restoring the windows is highly involved and requires the expertise of professionals. She noted that 14 of the windows will be removed and taken to Associated Crafts & Willet Hauser Stained Glass Studio in Minnesota, where they will be disassembled, cleaned and repaired. The remaining windows will stay in place as they are repaired and the trim is repainted.

“New acrylic covers on the exterior will then go in to protect the windows,” she said.

While it is not the first time the church has taken efforts to restore the windows -- the three biggest stained glass windows at the church were repaired in the 1990s -- Sise said it will be the first time a majority of the windows will be refurbished.

“The integrity of those three windows are intact because of the work done 30 years ago …,” she said. “So it’s not the first time we’ve tried to raise money for the windows, but this is the first time we are doing all the windows.”

Through the pandemic, the stained

July 8, 2022

Stevenson United Methodist Church recently began raising funds to preserve its stained glass windows.

Submitted Photo

glass windows served as an inspiration to the community, as they were illuminated through the night to lift up motorists and pedestrians passing by.

Sise said those interested in supporting the church’s window restoration efforts can donate through the Stevenson United Methodist Church website, stevensonchurch.org/give. Checks, with “Restore the Light” written in the memo line, can also be sent to 123 N. Main Street, Berlin, Md. 21811.

“We appreciate any community support,” she said, “because it’s going to take the whole community to raise this money.”

Student Charged In Video Incident

July 8, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – A Wicomico County student has been charged with misuse of electronic mail and disturbing school activities after a video surfaced showing the suspect holding a rifle and making racist, threatening remarks, police say.

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office announced last week a 15-year-old male juvenile from Willards has been charged following an investigation into a video where he was seen brandishing what appeared to be a rifle while making a violent, racist statement. The Parkside High School student has been charged with misuse of electronic mail and disturbing school activities.

“At the conclusion of an investigation by a detective with the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division, the juvenile in this case has been charged via a juvenile referral through the Department of Juvenile Services,” a statement reads.

On June 14, a school resource officer at Parkside High School was made aware of a video created by a student. In the video, police say, the suspect is observed holding a rifle and making racist remarks that were threatening in nature.

Wicomico County Public Schools reports the video had been shared among students, with word about it being spread through social media.

In the days that followed, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation and positively identified the student in the video, who is a juvenile.

During that investigation, deputies recovered the rifle that was brandished in the video and determined it to be a pellet rifle, which was seized as part of the investigation. The student involved in the video was removed from school for what remained of the academic year.

In a video statement issued last week, Wicomico County Board of Education Chair Gene Malone said, “As many are aware, just prior to the last days of the school year, an extremely offensive video was airdropped at Parkside High School of a student holding an airsoft rifle while uttering a very threatening racial statement. While the school system provided a statement to the community at that time, we feel it is important to reiterate to the community that the student’s hateful recording, with its message of racist violence, is inconsistent with what the Wicomico County Board of Education condones or teaches in our classrooms in Wicomico County Public Schools.”

He continued, “We believe strongly, and have reinforced through policy, equity and diversity. We were sickened by the display of hatred.”

Outgoing Superintendent Dr. Donna Hanlin noted, however, that the school system could not offer further comments on the investigation.

“While federal law prohibits the school system from sharing the specific consequences of this young man’s behavior, or that of any student, we can assure you that the code of conduct will be followed as it is with all students,” she said.

“The school system is following state and local policy and regulations in its in-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

vestigation.”

In the meantime, there have been calls for the student’s mother, Wicomico County Board of Education member Tonya Laird Lewis, to step down from her position. In a statement issued last month, Laird Lewis – who is currently seeking re-election to the school board – said, “Right now, we are focusing on our son and following the policy and the protocols set forth by the Wicomico County sheriff’s office and the Wicomico County public school system.”

Hanlin told community members last week the investigation was not “being stalled or swept under the rug.”

“The student involved in this matter will be treated no differently than any other student, regardless of his race or family connections,” she added.

Malone also acknowledged calls for a board member’s resignation.

“Please know that Maryland law clearly outlines reasons for the removal of a board member by the state board of education based on egregious misconduct by the board member while in office, which does not appear to apply here,” he said. “The resignation of a board member at any time is a personal decision and one that our board cannot require.”

He continued, “The safety of our students and staff in Wicomico County Public Schools is our greatest priority, and we will continue to reinforce equity for all students in our school system.”

Page 41

County To Replace Five Broken Sirens

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The county will replace a handful of broken outdoor warning sirens as it begins to reevaluate the feasibility of the entire system.

The Worcester County Commissioners in June voted 5-0 to move ahead with replacing five broken warning sirens but directed staff to begin exploring options for the future as the system continues to age.

“I don’t know if it’s not time to do away with them and get something a little better,” Commissioner Ted Elder said.

James Hamilton, the county’s deputy director of emergency services, approached the commissioners last month seeking direction regarding the outdoor warning sirens. He said when the department had brought in an outside vendor to evaluate the system, the review had indicated that 75% of the county’s sirens were beyond their expected useful life.

“The direction that we’re looking for is the priority of the commissioners in how we move forward with this system,” Hamilton said. “Is this something that is still relevant for our constituency? Is it relevant for fire service alerting? Is it relevant for public warning for things like tornadoes?”

While the commissioners consider

Shower Time: A line of visitors are pictured at the Inlet parking lot in Ocean City awaiting their turn to rinse off after a Sunday spent on the beach.

the future of the system, Hamilton said he was also looking for guidance on fixing the five broken sirens. The county has a total of 19 sirens.

“Probably the newest siren here is 40 to 50 years old,” he said. “There are some that we estimate are 80-90 years old. They’re mechanical pieces of equipment with electric motors. The reason we ask for your direction at this point, in how you would like us to proceed, is we can expect that we will continue to see additional units fail.”

He said the department didn’t have

Photo by Chris Parypa

a strong position on the issue and was seeking direction.

Elder questioned the usefulness of the sirens, which can’t be heard from every home.

“Everybody has cell phones,” he said, suggesting the county explore a cell phone based notification system.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said fire company officials had said in the past that the outdoor warning sirens were needed because first responders couldn’t always hear their pager.

Commissioner Jim Bunting said he

wanted to see the five broken sirens fixed and then the emergency services department could look at the system holistically. Mitrecic said reviewing siren locations should be part of that process, as there were areas such as Route 611 that had no siren despite the county’s largest campground being located on that road.

Repairing the five sirens is expected to cost about $125,000 while a new system, if the county opts to proceed with one, would cost between $500,000 and $750,000.

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 43

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

People in Society Bethany Simon and Hailey Bianca are pictured at the Independence Day festivities in Ocean Pines.

by Charlene Sharpe Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Kiwanis Club members Tom Southwell, Barbara Southwell and Pat Winkelmayer helped out with food at the Fourth of July celebration hosted by the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Dept.

Eddie Ahlquist and Mike Castoro worked the Kiwanis Club grill at the Independence Day festivities in Ocean Pines.

Wendy Caldwell, Allison Adkins and Debi Cook volunteered at the Spirit Kitchen at Stevenson United Methodist Church last week.

Jonathan Petito and Carol Ludwig stayed busy overseeing carnival games at the Ocean Pines Fourth of July celebration.

Carolyn Cherry and Betty Paulus helped distribute lunches at the Spirit Kitchen, which offers free meals to the community each Wednesday.

Kiwanis Club members Roy Foreman and Dick Clagett are pictured at the Ocean Pines July 4 celebration.

Charlie Bailey and Bob Murray worked in the kitchen as meals were provided Wednesday at the Spirit Kitchen.

Emily Stitely and Abby Thompson helped with the carnival games at the July 4 celebration in Ocean Pines.

Tucker and Vicky Nock are pictured volunteering at the Spirit Kitchen at Stevenson United Methodist Church.

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 45

Page 46

Academy Hosts Fly Like A Girl Drone Program

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

Participants in last month’s Fly Like A Girl drone program are pictured.

Photos by Charlene Sharpe

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BERLIN – Local girls showcased their flying skills with a “Drone Olympics” competition to wrap up a school program.

The Fly Like A Girl drone program, offered as an after-school academy at Showell Elementary School, taught girls in third and fourth grade how to pilot drones. Students showed off the skills they’d learned through the after-school sessions with a “Drone Olympics” in June.

“I believe that any opportunity to encourage girls to pursue careers in career and technology education, especially STEM, is critically important to the future of our community,” said Dr. Jon Andes, a school board member who attended the Saturday morning program.

The Fly Like a Girl program was proposed by Valerie Zienty, a Worcester Technical High School pre-engineering teacher, last year. Thanks to a grant from the Maryland State Department of Education, the school system was able to purchase the drones and equipment necessary to launch the after-school program in the fall. Zienty went on to teach three, eight-week sessions during the school year.

“We learned about forces of flight, how to operate drones, dove into imaging and videography a little bit, coded drones to perform tasks and avoid obstacles, and had guest speakers from MARKS RC club,” Zienty said.

Zienty promised her more than 30 students that she’d set up a day of “Drone Olympics” so they could test their navigational skills and teamwork. The event, held at a hangar at the airport in Salisbury, attracted students and dozens of onlookers. Girls took turns navigating 10 courses that involved various tasks, which ranged from knocking ping pong balls off pipes to reaching certain targets.

“It’s really fun,” fourth grader Lillian Ha said. “It’s cool to see how you can control the drone.”

Zienty hopes the Fly Like a Girl program, and the culminating drone games, will inspire an interest in technology among young girls. She said research has shown that by age 11, girls start to lose interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) subjects and by 15, they have a hard time envisioning themselves in STEM fields.

“I just wanted them to know and feel that they can do anything,” she said. “My hope is that Fly Like a Girl academy taught them that programming is logical and not as intimidating as it sounds, that teamwork and communication is important to successful completion of tasks, that drones are omnipresent, and that science of flight is interesting and fun.”

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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July 8, 2022

July 8, 2022

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Page 49

Summer Weekend Art Activities Offered In Ocean City

Page 50

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street is inviting the public to two free art activities on summer weekends. The events tie in with the Town of Ocean City’s initiative to offer free and fun family activities throughout the resort on summer weekends.

On summer Saturdays, beginning at 11 a.m., the arts center will host free children’s craft projects with unique new projects every week. The projects will be outside in the center’s waterfront courtyard overlooking the bay, weather permitting, and will move indoors on rainy days. All ages are welcome, but an adult must accompany the child.

“This is a make-and-take event,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League of Ocean City, said. “It’s a fun opportunity for children to engage their creative sides and make something special they can take home and be proud of with a special memory of Ocean City. We supply the materials and some creative ideas, and let the children take it from there.”

On summer Sunday afternoons, the arts center’s staff docents are guiding gallery tours free of charge, discussing

the art exhibitions and other offerings at the center. Tours begin at 1 p.m. and last approximately 15 minutes. The docents will guide guests through the main Thaler Gallery, the Sisson Galleria on the balcony, the Spotlight Gallery, Studio E, the studios of the artists-in-residence, and the in-center gift shop.

The docents will also highlight the multitude of classes offered at the Arts Center - painting, drawing, pottery, collage, book making and more - that allow artists to hone their skills and non-artists to discover their hidden talents.

“Whenever I go to an art gallery or museum, I love to take tours so I can learn the stories and ideas behind the art,” Thaler continued. “Our docent tours will introduce you to some of our most prolific and talented artists, and answer questions you may have about what you see on our walls and in our galleries.”

More information about the free weekend art projects is available by calling the Arts Center at 410-524-9433. The Art League of Ocean City is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs

July 8, 2022

Pictured with their art creations in a previous craft session are Alex Warner, left, of Wetsfield N.J. and Stella Stokes of Washington, D.C. Submitted Photos

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Public art mural Unveiled In Resort

July 8, 2022

OCEAN CITY – The Art League of Ocean City announced the installation of a community art mural on the tennis court fencing on 94th Street bayside under the blue water tower. Artist Jeanne Anderton of Hebron designed the giant mural, entitled “Seaside Recollections,” featuring seven of her photographic “solar” prints – or photograms -- made from the trash and treasures she found on the Ocean City Boardwalk and beach.

The mural is a public art initiative by the Art League in collaboration with the Town of Ocean City. Funding for the project was provided by the Tong Family Charitable Trust.

Art League board members Brooke Rogers and Don Lehman coordinated the exhibition. Anderton created the artwork and worked closely with Rogers and Lehman on the design and execution.

“The mural is cyanotype photograms of items collected at various locations on the Ocean City Boardwalk,” Anderton said. “Collected items — food, wrappers, cigarettes, clothing tags, napkins, and

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 51

The public art mural is pictured over a fence along 94th Street.

natural elements including sand, feathers, leaves and broken shells — are collected and placed on coated, light sensitive paper and exposed to the sun.”

Opaque objects block the light, leaving a white shape. Transparent and translucent items reveal words or shapes in

Submitted Photo

different shades of blue. After exposure to the sun, the paper is washed in water to remove the chemicals, revealing the final image.

Anderton’s intention with the mural is to inspire viewers to look at trash and everyday objects in a new way.

“A reminder of the memories of visiting Ocean City’s Boardwalk, ‘Seaside Recollections’ asks the viewer to consider how commonplace objects can be transformed into something to be admired, making trash into something beautiful,” she said.

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Page 52

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

Freeman Arts Pavilion’s Photo Of The Week:

Each week during the season the Freeman Arts Pavilion submits a photo of the week from the Selbyville venue. Above, reggae-rock band Rebelution made a stop at the Freeman Arts Pavilion on its Good Vibes Summer Tour 2022 on Sunday, June 26. This sold-out show also featured special guests Steel Pulse, DENM and DJ Mackle.

Photo by Kenny Pusey/Freeman Arts Pavilion

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July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Cardiologist Welcomed SALISBURY – TidalHealth is pleased to welcome Lesley Bunting, MSN, NP, to TidalHealth Cardiology in south Salisbury.

Bunting has worked as an RN in the progressive care unit, cardio-thoracic intensive care unit and cardiac short stay at TidalHealth Peninsula ReLESLEY BUNTING gional since 2015. She has also been an RN case manager with Coastal Hospice since 2018.

Bunting was born and raised on the Eastern Shore in Worcester County and graduated from Salisbury University in 2003 with a degree in communication arts and then again in 2014 with her second degree in nursing. She recently earned her nurse practitioner degree from Wilmington University.

When Bunting is not treating patients, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, traveling and playing with her Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Lilly.

Director Of Nursing Named SALISBURY – Hudson Behavioral Health has hired Joyce Parsons, EdD, MSN, BSN, RN, as its new director of nursing.

Parsons has a long career in nursing and supervision in the addiction treatment field. She was previously employed with Hudson Behavioral Health from 1998-2015, and during her tenure she served as the director of nursing for over 10 years.

In her role at Hudson Behavioral Health, Parsons is responsible for hiring, training, and suJOYCE pervising the staff of 15 PARSONS in the nursing department, and collaborating with the medical director, clinical director, and CEO on all major medical decisions.

“I have worked with Joyce in the past and have always admired her dedication to our mission and goals,” said Leslie Brown, CEO of Hudson Behavioral Health. “I’m thrilled that Joyce has rejoined the Hudson team and appreciate her strong leadership of our nursing staff.”

Parsons received her associate degree in nursing from Wor-Wic Community College in 1979, her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Wilmington University in 2011 and 2014 respectively,

BUSINESS And Real Estate News and most recently earned her Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University in 2021. Before coming back to Hudson Behavioral Health, Parsons was a registered nurse at Sun Behavioral Health in Georgetown, Del. Hudson Behavioral Health was founded in 1980 and is licensed to operate in both Maryland and Delaware. The nonprofit is accredited by The Joint Commission, receiving its Gold Seal of Approval.

New Website OCEAN CITY – The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce recently launched a new website, oceancity.org.

The newly designed and developed website targets both businesses and tourists with visitor information displayed on the home page and a member log in for businesses to access member specific information.

“We were working with a nine-year-old website and just kept putting Band-Aids on the old format,” said Jill Brady, emarketing manager, Greater Ocean City Chamber. “We are a chamber in a resort town but highly focused on helping the over 800 members we have in our business community. Our new site organizes information into a visitor side and a member side. I absolutely love it. It’s clean, easy to navigate and includes a lot of images and dynamic graphics to catch people’s attention and enhance user engagement.”

The new site is a one-stop shop resource with information on events, area information, places to stay, eateries, hot deals, careers, a business directory, and links to sites with information for residents like available real estate, transportation, education, and government organizations.

“We weren’t looking to reinvent the wheel so we decided it would be best to provide links to other sites that contained pertinent information people would be looking for,” added Brady. “It was a labor of love – literally … D3 is a partner of the chamber, and we greatly value our part-

nerships. I honestly think I spend as much time working with the D3 staff as I do with my own chamber staff.”

What’s next? The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce is working on plans to digitize the visitor center with kiosks for visitors to use to navigate the area and plan their stay.

Music Director Appointed EASTON – Michael Repper, an internationally recognized conductor, pianist, and recording artist whose mission is to use music as a tool for uniting and inspiring communities, has been appointed music director and conductor of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO).

Repper, 31, currently is the music director of the New York Youth Symphony at Carnegie Hall, MICHAEL REPPER where his recording of works by Jessie Montgomery, Valerie Coleman and Florence Price recently topped the Billboard charts in the traditional classical albums category. He also serves as music director of the Northern Neck Orchestra in Kilmarnock, Va., and the Ashland Symphony Orchestra in Ohio, and as principal conductor of the Central Ensembles of Sinfonía por el Perú in Lima, one of the world’s most versatile social impact music organizations.

Earlier, Repper was a conducting fellow and guest conductor with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, where The Baltimore Sun praised the “confidence and expressive nuance” of his conducting. He recently earned his doctor of musical arts in conducting degree from the Peabody Conservatory, where his teachers included Marin Alsop and Gustav Meier.

“We are delighted to welcome Michael Repper to the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and are confident he will continue to build its reputation as an exceptional regional orchestra as he inspires and engages both our audiences and the communities we serve,” said Jeffrey Parker,

Page 53 board president. “Michael’s energy and enthusiasm will be readily apparent to those who attend our 25th anniversary season programs, which we will announce in the near future.”

Repper added, “I look forward to joining the Mid-Atlantic Symphony and to working with its excellent musicians, many of whom I have known for years. I am particularly excited to meet the enthusiastic audience of the MSO, and to get to know and collaborate with the diverse communities in which it performs. I look forward to energetic performances that feature both familiar repertoire and new music that highlights fresh talent.”

Repper, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony’s third music director in its 24-year history, was selected following an exhaustive search by the board, and in consultation with members of the Musicians’ Association of Metropolitan Baltimore, Local 40543, American Federation of Musicians, which represents the orchestra’s musicians.

In addition to leading orchestras on four continents, Repper has collaborated on large-scale productions of symphonic and theatrical works with the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ravinia Festival, Peabody Institute, and the New School of Music, among others. An accomplished pianist, he regularly performs as a soloist alongside his orchestras and choruses, and also as an orchestral player. He performed with the Chicago Symphony in its performances of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, which was broadcast on the PBS Great Performances series.

Repper received Solti Foundation U.S Career Assistance Awards in 2020, 2021 and 2022 in recognition of his work with the New York Youth Symphony, Northern Neck Orchestra of Virginia, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall, and other ensembles worldwide.

A native of southern California, Repper earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stanford University.

The only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Del. Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

Page 54

Be Safe And Thanks For Visiting Ocean City The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

PAGE SPONSORED BY THE DISPATCH

July 8, 2022

Smart To Study Waves Before Entering Ocean

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 55

GUARDING THE BEACH

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI

SPECIALS TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – If you ever watch experienced surfers before they go out, you will notice they spend some time on the beach studying the waves. Beachgoers should follow suit by spending the first 1015 minutes after arriving surveying the conditions and speaking to the lifeguard on duty.

Often people come out to the beach, drop their belongings and head straight into the ocean. Unfortunately for some, this first entry is a dive into an unknown depth, resulting in a serious neck injury. As soon as they attempt to swim, they find themselves confronted with a dangerous set of waves or strong currents. Not only may the waves and currents cause problems, but the depth of the water is also a concern when diving headfirst or riding waves. Take your time. Remember to check the depth of the water by entering “feet first, the first time,” and never turn your back to the incoming waves. You may not realize the true danger of letting a wave hit you in the back as you stand facing shore, but the impact force of a wave is no less severe than being in a rear-end collision in your car and no one wants that to happen. Make sure you and your family are aware of the dangers before entering the water.

Daily conditions of the ocean are gov-

Rookie Seth Hetherington is practicing covering another lifeguard during a training exercise -- making a rescue at the pier downtown at the Inlet. Submitted Photo

erned by swell direction, wind velocity, tides, ocean bottom (bathymetry) and prevailing weather conditions. Since conditions can vary drastically from day to day, and even from morning to afternoon, it is a good idea to make sure you discuss the conditions with the lifeguard on duty and as they change throughout the day. Always remember the ocean is very dynamic and constantly changing, unlike the familiar neighborhood pool.

It is only after you have sufficiently surveyed the scene, gathered information on ocean conditions, talked with your Surf Rescue Technician (Lifeguard) and you feel it is safe based on your ability that it is appropriate to go swimming. Remember, what is safe for one person is not neces-

sarily safe for everyone. Make sure that you know your own ability and ocean knowledge. If you are in doubt of the current conditions, do not go out and never rely on an artificial flotation device rather than your swimming ability. There is a good chance you could lose that flotation in a wave and suddenly find yourself in severe danger of drowning. Make sure you give even more consideration to children before letting them go with a flotation device that they could easily lose hold of.

If you are sure, it is safe and decide to venture out into the waves, take the time to study the waves once you’re out there. The experience of being in the ocean and studying the swell is invaluable. It gives you a better understanding

of the waves. Each day is different, and it is important to know the speed, steepness and strength of the waves that are coming in before attempting to ride a wave, whether it is body surfing, boogie boarding or surfing.

I have 19 years of experience as a beach lifeguard, and I still do not hit the surf without making sure everything is safe. Everyone should take precautions before attempting to surf, body board, swim, or do whatever it is you’re going to do in the waves. Although I have spent numerous childhood vacations at the beach and spent my adult life working for the beach patrol, I always spend time surveying the waves and getting as much information about the beach and water conditions as I can from the local lifeguard on duty whenever I travel to unfamiliar beaches.

To get more information about beach patrol employment opportunities, current beach conditions, our Junior Beach Patrol camps as well as daily statistics, ask the Surf Rescue Technician on your beach, or you can follow the beach patrol on Instagram or “like us” on the Official OCBP Facebook page. Always remember to “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand.”

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

Page 56

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

COMMUNITY News In Photos

Jason Mokar, assistant director of campus housing and residence life, is Salisbury University’s 2022 Employee of the Year. Mokar, left, is pictured with SU President Charles Wight and Sammy Sea Gull during the presentation of the award, which included a $1,000 cash prize and parking pass.

Submitted Photos

The Eastern Shore Literacy Association recently announced its “Young Author” contest winners. Twelve Worcester Preparatory School received awards. Pictured, starting in the front row from the left Sydney Parker (Snow Hill), Charlize Damouni (Lewes, Del.), Estelle Damouni (Lewes, Del.), Rodolphe Crevecoeur (Seaford, Del.) and Ellie Phillips (Ocean City). In the back row from the left, Allen Zhang (Lewes, Del.), Jackson Fernley (Berlin), Kathy Zhang (Lewes, Del.) and Lydia Schwartz (Salisbury). Not pictured Grant Messner (Berlin), Serena Jaoude (Lewes, Del) and Ayla Yonker (Berlin).

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City heard from guest speakers Larry Walton, president of the Ocean Pines chapter of AARP, and John McCluskey, president of the Ocean City chapter of AARP, who presented information on the chapters. Walton, left, is pictured with Kiwanis Club President Tim Lund and McCluskey, right.

The Worcester County Arts Council awarded $10,000 in scholarships to local students who will be majoring in the arts in college. Several of the recipients were honored at a celebration at the library in Berlin in June. Pictured are Alexis Kagan, Mackenzie Williams, the artwork of Nadia Bullock and Alexander Jett.

William Whaley, left, and Tom Pitts show off train cars built by Whaley using 55-gallon plastic barrels. Whaley donated a train set, which is pulled by a riding lawn mower, to the Germantown School.

The Ocean City Lions Club recently celebrated 75 years of community service in Ocean City and Worcester County. Sen. Mary Beth Carozza presented a proclamation from Gov. Larry Hogan to Scott Stark, the club president.

Strategizing Over The Nature Of Risk When Investing

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 57

WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE

BY KRISTIN COANE

SPECIALS TO THE DISPATCH

BERLIN – When you invest money, you are putting it at risk — all investments can lose money. The key is to gauge your risk, and to not put more money at risk than you are willing to lose.

This is a relative concept. If you have only $10,000 to invest, then putting $9,000 in a high-risk investment means you could lose almost all of your savings. However, if you have a million-dollar portfolio, putting $10k in a high-risk investment would not be considered all that risky, because a loss of $10,000 wouldn’t obliterate your portfolio.

As you can see, evaluating risk is just as personal as your financial goals. In fact, defining your financial goals — how much money you need based on what you want it to fund — is a main factor in establishing your risk tolerance, as is determining your timeline. If you are young and don’t need your investment money for 10 years or more, you can afford to invest in more aggressive holdings than if you need it in six months. The longer you hold an investment, the more time it has to recover from temporary setbacks.

The final risk consideration is just how much you can stomach when it comes to market volatility. If you get nervous when the market declines and keep checking

your portfolio every day, you may be better off with a more balanced portfolio. If you would like a professional evaluation of your risk profile based on these factors, please feel free to contact us.

Determining your tolerance for risk, your financial goals and timeline for KRISTIN COANE achieving them are essential first steps to creating a suitable investment portfolio.

In additional to your personal approach to risk, it’s important to understand the various types of risk that exist in investment markets. For example, if you invest in bonds, you need to pay attention to credit risk, measured by inde-

pendent ratings agencies that determine the viability and financial strength of various bond issuers. Each receives a rating from the agencies based on the likelihood that the issuer may default on bond payments. The higher the rating, the more reliable the issuer. Lower-rated issuers may pay out higher yields on their bonds to make up for the higher risk.

Risk ratings address more than the ability to deliver on financial obligations.

Take Russia, for example. Once the war on Ukraine began, the U.S. and other countries imposed widespread sanctions on Russian companies and individuals, basically freezing their ability to do business outside of the country. As a result, Russia’s ratings dropped because its companies lost their ability to trade with

global partners, reducing potential revenues and increasing investor risk in those companies — in both stocks and bonds. The Russian government itself was downgraded due to weakened ability to pay debt obligations, as were Russian insurance companies.

There are strategies that investors can deploy — such as diversification, strategic asset allocation and periodic rebalancing — to help mitigate investment risk. But ultimately, investment risk may not go away entirely. Leveraging a small amount of money to potentially earn a higher amount is the basic premise of investing, and it always has the potential to incur risk.

(The writer is part of the team at Key Financial Services in Berlin. The team can be reached at (410) 629-0357.)

Page 58

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above is a special moment from the 2016 Surfers Healing event, which returns to Ocean City this summer on Aug. 17. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

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July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 94

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): cleared up before you can move on You dislike waiting for promises to be with your new plans. A friend from the fulfilled and for commitments to be past reaches out to re-establish old kept, but resist your headstrong ten- ties.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): dency to push things along. Your paContinued positive fall-out follows that tience will be rewarded.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): risky workplace decision you made Expect continuing opposition to your some time ago. Your payoff will soon plans from die-hard detractors. How- prove to be more substantial than you ever, your determination to see things expected.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. through will carry the day. A Pisces 21): A personal relationship continues has romantic ideas.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You to be affected by a recent unexpected might be too close to a troublesome turn of events. Things need to work workplace situation to deal with it suc- themselves out without finger-pointcessfully. Step away in order to get ing.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): a better perspective. A solution soon It's a wonderful week for all you capribecomes obvious.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): cious Goats to kick up your heels with You might suspect that someone you friends or family members in some trust has misled you on an important well-earned fun and frivolity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): matter, but a more balanced view of things reveals a misunderstanding to Caution is advised before making a financial commitment to someone be the culprit.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): The Big you don't really know. There are better Cat's animal magnetism has rarely ways to build friendships than with been stronger. You can either just risky fiscal dealings. bask in all that admiration or use it PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): to your advantage, especially in the Travel plans continue to be favored. A workplace. change of scenery brings new opporVIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): tunities, both personally and profesSomeone who previously balked at sionally. Be open to the possibilities. cooperating with you on a project sudBORN THIS WEEK: You have a denly has a change of heart. Accept strong sense of loyalty that shows both help and advice with grace. itself best in your relationships with LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): family and friends. (c) 2022 King Features Syndicate, Inc. Some hazy issues still ANSWERS need to be ON PAGE 46

Page 59

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 60

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Reading fishing boat flags Small venue concerts Living at the beach and not working on the 4th Swimming in the ocean with my kids When it rains at night Strangers who call asking for this or that not to be printed Eating watermelon outside on a hot day Tall cornfields Eating breakfast, lunch and dinner on the beach A house with a flag pole in the front yard Seeing traffic waiting to get into Ocean City from a boat

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July 8, 2022

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This artist’s conception of Ocean City purports to show how it appeared in 1895. Published to promote the Baltimore, Chesapeake, and Atlantic Railway, it pictures the hotels and cottages available for rent for summer visitors of that era.

The first permanent Boardwalk was built in 1885 and can be seen along the hotel frontage. At the time of this image the Inlet did not exist; it would be created as the result of a hurricane in 1933. The beach appears much wider than it actually was in the 1890s – possibly an attempt by the artist to make it more appealing to prospective visitors.

The large “L” shaped hotel on the lower left was Congress Hall and the block long building in the center was the original Atlantic Hotel. Behind it and a block from the Boardwalk was the Seaside Hotel. All three of these hotels would be lost to fires in the early 20th century.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishinImage courtesy the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum goc.com.

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 61

Page 62

New JA Complex Now Underway

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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SALISBURY – Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore (JA), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Salisbury, recently unveiled renderings featuring the design of their new interactive learning center.

The Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center is now in the early phases of construction with anticipated delivery by fall 2023. Located within Oak Ridge Commons, the center will fill the 25,000square-foot unit formerly occupied by Kmart at the 300-block of Tilghman Road in Salisbury.

Gillis Gilkerson (GGI) and Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. (DBF) have formed a team that is responsible for the design and construction of the center. The facility is expected to serve 10,000-plus students across the Delmarva Peninsula, annually. In partnership with local school systems, the experimental learning center will support Junior Achievement’s mission to improve financial literacy, workplace readiness, and entrepreneurial skills amongst our region’s youth.

With hands-on learning as the core strategy for delivering real-world scenarios to students, this unique adaptive reuse project will transform the vacancy into a “mock city” – one that simulates the day-to-day functions of adult life.

This portion of the facility will feature a large, open area complete with eighteen interactive storefronts that serve to encourage career exploration. Students

will also have access to a learning lab with interactive monitors and other technology used to explore career paths and their associated education requirements.

As you enter the front of the building, the lobby space will feature an exhibit wall recognizing the facility’s generous donors as well as a display spotlighting the history of the Junior Achievement organization. From this entrance, the office and boardroom portion of the center will be accessible for JA staff and visitors. Other areas of the center will be dedicated to outdoor learning and the hosting of events.

“Designing the center as it was envisioned by JA has been a truly rewarding experience. The center was collaboratively designed with the overall goal of enriching education, reinforcing connections between students and their local communities, and fostering positive student experiences,” said DBF Architect Project Manager Payton Bridge, AIA. GGI Vice President Tyler Barnes added, “It’s truly an honor to have been selected as the construction team for this project. We are beyond excited to play a role in the transformation of this space, helping it to become a community asset for years to come. Junior Achievement makes a lasting impact on our community. The guidance and examples their initiatives provide to our youth are critical throughout the Eastern Shore and beyond.”

July 8, 2022

Hot Dog Champ:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 63

Putting back 12 hot dogs in 10 minutes earned Marcus Montgomery $1,000 in cash at the annual Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest at Fish Tales in Ocean City. Montgomery is pictured below celebrating and receiving his trophy and prize money from Shawn Harman of Fish Tales.

Photos by Steve Green

Page 64

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

For Joe Karney, Career Was All About The Competition 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 – There are many paths that have led people to join the Ocean City Beach Patrol. Some do it to enjoy a summer of fun and adventure.

Others have spent their lives watching guards in Ocean City and decide that it’s their turn.

Joe Karney found his way to the beach so that he could compete. Growing up in Central Valley, N.Y., Joe had excelled as an athlete in many sports, but it was swimming that drew him the most. After he graduated from Monroe Woodbury High School in 1983, Joe

headed to Ithaca College. He took off to spend his summers working and racing at nearby beaches.

“I was a lifeguard at West Point and New York State Parks and Recreation all through college. That’s where I became involved in lifeguard championships,” he recalled.

Joe loved the competition and wanted to test himself against the best in the area. In fact, when he found that it was Jones Beach that always seemed to have the best team and training in the state, he decided to sign up there for a summer.

Lifeguard competitions are not just races involving swimming and running.

The point of these championships is to

test the skills used on the beach during rescues in direct competition among guards of different patrols. Because beach patrols in New Jersey and New York have always used boats in their day-to-day operations, it followed that “the races and events were more geared towards rowing.” Joe, however, was becoming more interested in swimming and individual open water rescue events.

He found that this was his strength and he wanted to compete in competitions that tested swimming and rescue skills.

When Joe headed back to Ithaca in the fall of 1985, a chance meeting would offer him the opportunity to compete on his own terms.

“In my senior year at school, I met

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

23rd Street ~ Temple Of Dragons

Andy ’Sid’ Vye and we discussed the topic of lifeguard competitions,” he said. “He told me that the Ocean City Beach Patrol had a great team and that I should come and try out. So I went down in the summer of 1986, and it was a real eye opener.”

Under the leadership of then Assistant Captain George Schoepf, the OCBP had aggressively opened up to regional, national and even international competition. Captain Schoepf wanted to turn Ocean City into a powerhouse of guarding talent, and Joe Karney fit right in. With Joe’s natural ability and leadership, the OCBP would field a powerful team for the Landline Race – an event where speed and power are used to rescue a “victim” with a long spool of rope and a buoy. It’s an exhausting event that demands a tremendous amount of energy.

Against every beach patrol from all corners of the United States, the Ocean City team placed third. The OCBP program, in a very short period of time, had made their presence known and Joe had a lot to do with that fact.

Of course, the beach patrol is primarily concerned with protecting the lives of the people who visit Ocean City, and Joe would also see his share of action in the surf.

“I trained during my breaks and during one of them I saw Frank Sharkey making a rescue,” he said. “Frank was one of the best runners we had, but probably didn’t weigh more than 135 pounds. I saw him bringing in a man who had to be at least 350 pounds through the breakers. I ran to help out and when we got him to the beach, the man was purple.

We signaled for the ambulance, and I ran up to his stand to get the CPR mask and we immediately started working to SEE NEXT PAGE

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Joe Karney is pictured participating in a competition during his lifeguarding days.

Submitted Photo

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 65

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Andy Vye along with Steve Wheeler and Mark Reese, and together they formed one of the best landline teams the OCBP has seen. Throughout the summer, in every competition they entered, they were “untouchable.” The other event was the Rescue Race, which is an allout sprint through the surf and back where Joe teamed up with Gretchen Schmindinger.

Joe and Gretchen would take first place that year at the Mid-Atlantic Championships against a guard who had been undefeated five years straight. The Landline team took second to the Ocean City, N.J. team by a margin of .001 seconds.

It was a bittersweet ending to a wildly successful season, but that year established the OCBP as a major force in the world of lifesaving competitions.

“I look at those days as some of the best in my life. The camaraderie and the fierce desire to compete and win drove me. I hope that is how I am remembered at the OCBP,” he said.

And Joe will be remembered as a guard who helped the OCBP become recognized as first-class competitors and guards.

He went on to fly for the USMC until 1992. He would return to his home state of New York and worked as a firefighter until 9/11 and then went on to fly corporate jets all over the world. Joe now spends his retirement sfishing on his dock in Florida.

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Charlene Upham Antiques

Sundaes In The Park:

The first of the resort’s three events to celebrate Independence Day weekend took place July 3 as the Sundaes in the Park Concert Series featured Mike Hines & The Look. A huge crowd took in the live music and a fireworks display afterwards.

Photos by Chris Parypa

save the man’s life. With my ear to his chest, I detected a heartbeat as Frank breathed for the man. When the paramedics showed up, I knew the man had made it.”

It was proof that a well-trained guard can make the difference in someone’s life. As that summer in Ocean City came to an end, Joe planned to end his days of guarding and competitions.

“I applied for Flight School in the Navy/USMC. I was not going to come back. But because of the Graham-Rudman Act (an emergency bill passed in Congress to control the deficit), they froze all new entrants into the program,” he recalled.

Joe found out he’d have to wait until the next year to begin training, so he thought, “Why not go back to the beach?”

But this time, in lifesaving competitions, Joe was not going to settle for third place.

“With a year of competition under my belt I knew that being on the stand all day, and then working a job at night, would not give me the proper rest to compete,” he said. “I spoke to Captain Schoepf and asked to be a fill-in guard for lunches at various beaches where we were short. He agreed.”

As the summer approached, Joe threw himself into training and concentrated on two events. For the landline event, Joe recruited his old Ithaca friend,

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Page 66

An example of the new mailbox structures is pictured.

Mailbox Replacement Near In Pines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Submitted Photo

OCEAN PINES – Replacement of some mailboxes and pedestals in Ocean Pines should start by the second week of July.

Public Works Director Eddie Wells said new mailboxes and pedestals have arrived, and staff met with the postmaster to discuss a replacement plan.

General Manager John Viola made mailbox clusters and pedestals a key part of his beautification plan, tapping Senior Executive Office Manager Linda Martin to lead the effort.

Martin and staff evaluated all the mailbox sites and determined several high priority locations for replacement.

The Association also worked with a contractor to have all the mailboxes in Ocean Pines cleaned.

“The team is working on this as an

July 8, 2022

important initiative and we are pleased with the progress so far,” Viola said.

“There were a lot of moving parts associated with this project, but we are moving forward and addressing this, starting with the replacement of highpriority locations in early July.”

County Seeking Citizens To Serve On Police Boards

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners are seeking interest from area residents to serve on three new civilian boards being implemented under the Maryland Police Accountability Act. These include the Police Accountability Board, Administrative Charging Committee, and Trial Board.

Effective July, the Maryland Police Accountability Act will replace the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights (LEOBR) as the system for police discipline. The new act replaces the mostly internal discipline system under LEOBR with a multi-tiered system of external civilian boards.

The Police Accountability Board will consist of seven members to serve as the overall governing body of the system.

The Charging Committee will consist of five members who will review complaints and investigations of police misconduct, determine whether an officer should be charged with misconduct, and if charged recommend discipline from the state-created matrix.

The Trial Board will consist of three members, be chaired by a retired or administrative law judge, and will conduct hearings if an officer does not accept the disciplinary measures recommended by the Charging Committee.

Members of the three boards must meet applicable qualifications and will receive mandated training.

Applications to serve on these boards are available at www.co.worcester.md.us/PAB. Send the completed application along with a letter of interest and a resume outlining any pertinent experience, to PAB@co.worcester.md.us or Worcester County Administration at One West Market Street, Room 1103, Snow Hill, Md. 21863.

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 67

with Scott Lenox Hello everybody and welcome to another Fish in OC fishing report. I hope everyone had a nice 4th of July and was able to spend time with family and friends celebrating the birthday of the greatest nation on Earth, I bet it was even better if you got to get out and do a little fishing. I know I did.

Last weekend, the Ocean City Marlin Club’s Canyon Kick-Off Tournament was cancelled due to a little weather and a lack of participation. The call left the weekend wide open for boats to fish for fun without the pressure of any money being on the line, literally. The weather that helped to cancel the tournament was in and out quickly leaving us with two days out of a three-day weekend to put some fish in the box. Tuna fishing picked up again slightly over the holiday weekend with more yellowfin tuna ending up in fish boxes across the docks.

There aren’t any limits being caught, but there are more keeper sized fish in the mix. There may be a few throwback sized yellowfins out there that don’t meet the 27-inch minimum size, but most fish being caught now are in the 30 to 50 pound class. My buddy Curt Presnell and his son Cody caught a very nice yel-

lowfin when they boated a fish of 62 pounds. A few bigeye tuna were caught over the past week as well with some very nice fish coming from the Washington Canyon. My good friend Chris Kavanagh fished out of the Ocean City Fishing Center with his crew and had a crazy good day with six yellowfin tuna and a big 219-pound bigeye. The bigeye and yellowfin are being caught on the same stuff as spreader bars, side trackers and skirted ballyhoo have been the best rigs to entice a bite on the troll.

Tuna fishing will probably switch to chunking butterfish and sardines after this weekend’s Ocean City Tuna Tournament.

Inshore ocean fishing has added another species to the list as Spanish mackerel are being caught on the inshore lumps like the bass grounds and Fenwick Shoal. Trolling spoons and feathered jigs over the shoals has produced some good catches of both Spanish mackerel and bluefish with the very occasional king mackerel mixed in.

Spanish mackerel are terrific table fare and this is very accessible fishing so close to the beach.

SEE PAGE 68

The first wahoo of the season was caught by the crew of Chasin’ Tides Charters with Captain Chase Eberle. The big “hoo” weighed 80 pounds even.

Submitted Photos

Page 68

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

Above top left, Mitch Pruitt of Snow Hill landed three keeper flounder using live bunker in the East Channel. Above top center, Sarah Alles caught this big 23.5”, 8.9 pound sheepshead while fishing on the Judith M out of Bahia Marina. Above top right, “Flounder” Joe used the Fish in OC Deadly Double to land two keeper flounder with the biggest at 22”. Above left, Captain Willie Zimmerman of the RoShamBo put this group on a blue marlin release, a stud yellowfin tuna and a pile of golden tilefish. Above right, Dan Hackett and myself “dredged” up some nice rockfish of 33” and 34.75” at the Route 50 Bridge.

Opposite page, top left, Chris Kavanagh and his crew had a great day fishing out of the Ocean City Fishing Center when they landed six yellowfin tuna and a 219pound bigeye. Opposite page, top right, Bryan Mindte of Sunset Provisions displays one of two keeper rockfish that he and his brother-in-law caught while fishing the Route 50 Bridge. Opposite page, middle left, this crew had a great time on the Marli with Captain Mark Hoos when he put them on nine keeper sized yellowfin tuna. Opposite page, middle right, Captain Chris Watkowski of the Spring Mix II put this crew on six keeper yellowfin tuna and six more releases. Opposite page, bottom left, a nice swordfish and a bunch of golden tilefish had this crew all smiles after a trip on board the Boss Hogg out of Sunset Marina. Opposite page, bottom right, the crew had a great trip with the yellowfin tuna while fishing with Captain Chris Little of Talkin’ Trash.

... Fish In OC FROM PAGE 67 Flounder fishing was pretty good over the past week with clean water and high tides that fell in the middle part of the day. Fish are moving into deeper spots now as back bay water temperatures rise so the East Channel and the Ocean City Inlet are seeing more keepers and some bigger fish. We’ve also seen some fish caught on larger baits like live bunker, mullet or spot so don’t be afraid to drop a one hook rig down with a bigger bait. Reports will start to show larger fish now through October as some of those “doormats” move into our back bays. You can still catch plenty of fish with some keepers in the Thorofare

and behind Assateague Island, but bigger fish and inshore tournament winners are probably going to come from closer to the inlet.

There were some very nice bluefish and rockfish caught at the route 50 bridge this week by anglers using live lining spot or “dredging” large saltwater diving plastic baits. Both of these techniques require the boat to be anchored while baits are presented in the deep holes under the Route 50 Bridge. Live spot are placed on a one hook rig and lowered to the bottom with a 3 to 5 ounce sinker while “dredging” is accomplished by dropping a diving plastic swimbait back into the current under the bridge and letting it do it’s thing. Both will attract aggressive bites from some large fish so hold on tight. My buddy Dan Hackett and I had a very good dredge session

this week that produced two keeper rockfish of 33” and 34.75”.

Remember, Maryland coastal anglers are allowed one rockfish per person from 28” to less than 35”. I’ve also gotten some reports of a few croaker being caught in the channels behind Assateague Island, the Thorofare and up by the route 90 bridge. Croaker are a small back bay fish that can be caught on a simple top and bottom rig like our Fish in OC Two Hook Float Rig. Bait this or a similar rig with squid or Fishbites bloodworm and be ready for a hard fighting delicious tasting little inshore fish.

Croaker have to be 9” to be harvested and anglers are allowed 25 fish per person.

This weekend brings the 35th Annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament to the Ocean City Fishing Center and we are

hoping for a great turnout for this awesome event. This is a fish two of threeday tournament with scales action at the Ocean City Fishing Center Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 10. Last year the OC Tuna Tournament paid out over $1 million in prize money and we hope for the same this year. Scale hours are July 8 and 9 from 4-8:30 p.m. and July 10 from 4-7 p.m. If you can’t make the scales, you can watch the Hooked on OC live broadcast every day at www.OCTunaTournament.com. I hope to see you at the scales. Until next week, tight lines.

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

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

Announcements BERLIN – The following represents a collection of press releases on local student achievements.

•Ravens Roost #44 of Ocean City this week announced the presentation of annual scholarship awards. This year, scholarship awards totaling $15,000 went to six students at three area high schools. Ravens Roost #44 has awarded more than $228,900 in scholarships to local students during the last two decades.

The 2022 scholar/athlete awardees were, with high school and college choices included, Skylar Griffin, Stephen Decatur High School, University of New Haven; Ashten Snelsire, Stephen Decatur High School, University of Richmond; Lily Baeurle, Worcester Preparatory School, Ursinus College; Ben Tinkler, Worcester Preparatory School, University of Maryland; Samantha Derick-

son, Indian River High School, East Stroudsburg University, Pennsylvania; and Brynn McCabe, Indian River High School, University of Maryland.

•The College of Charleston recently awarded undergraduate and graduate degrees during Spring 2022 Commencement ceremonies. Rachael Weidman of Berlin graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Maya Ziashakeri of Berlin graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health. Amy Lizas of Berlin graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education.

•The following local students have been named to the College of Charleston Spring 2022 President's List and Dean's List: Samantha Repass of Berlin was named to the Dean's List. Repass is ma-

joring in Communication. Maya Ziashakeri of Berlin, was named to the Dean's List. Ziashakeri majored in Public Health.

•Sam Hill, of Berlin, graduated from Hood College in June with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Law & Criminal Justice from Hood College.

•University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) held its first in-person graduation ceremonies since 2019 during "Spring Grad Walk 2022.” The following local UMGC students graduated: Doretha Ellen Davis of Berlin, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and Steven Lentz of Ocean City, Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management.

•The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has named more 277 students to its spring 2022 Dean's list including Eunice Adjapong, an economics student from

Salisbury.

•Claire Williams of Berlin was named to Susquehanna University's dean's list for the spring 2022 semester. Williams, of the Class of 2025, is majoring in management.

•Berlin resident Caroline Pasquariello was named to the Dean's List at James Madison University for the spring 2022 semester. She graduated in the spring Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in marketing.

•Berlin resident Corinne Krasner has been named to the president's list at James Madison University for the spring 2022 semester. Krasner is majoring in musical theatre.

•Ben Forbes was named to the Dean's list at Miami University for the 2021-22 spring semester.

•Aurora University has named Phillip Gianelle of Salisbury to the Dean's List for the spring 2022 semester. Gianelle is majoring in Accounting and Finance.

•Lauren Grow of Selbyville, Del., a 2022 Intelligence Analysis major at York College of Pennsylvania, was named to the Spring 2022 Dean's List.

•More than 2,000 undergraduate students at Coastal Carolina University were named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2022 semester including Sophia Edens, a English major of Berlin; Jason Peiffer, a Marine Science major of Ocean Pines; and Lily Timmons, a Biology major of Ocean Pines.

•Lily Baker of Berlin graduated from the University of Hartford in May of 2022.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Ed/Elementary.

•The following students graduated from Flagler College at its spring commencement ceremony: Bishopville resident Evan Conboy, BA in Graphic Design; Ocean City resident Wyatt Davy, BS in Finance and Accounting; Pocomoke resident Abby Matthews, BA in Strategic Communication/PR’ and Whaleyville resident Mallory Vara, BA in Graphic Design.

•Washington College congratulates the 461 students who were named to the Spring 2022 Dean's List. In order to earn this academic honor, a student must achieve at least a 3.50 GPA for the semester. The following local students were amongst those who earned this achievement: Hanna Beck of Berlin, Morgan Carlson of Berlin and Clare Demallie of Ocean City.

•Erin Trask of Berlin was named to the College of the Holy Cross Spring 2022 Dean's List.

•A total of 11,224 students enrolled during Spring Semester 2022 at The University of Alabama were named to the Dean’s List. Local students listed were Tara Fischer of Berlin and Gabrielle Aguilar of Ocean City.

•The following local residents were recently named to the Dean's List at the College of William & Mary for the spring 2022 semester: Berlin residents Maeve Donahue and Elsa Quillin; Delmar resident Ethan Kang; Pocomoke resident Carey Hickman; and Snow Hill resident Mohammad Ali. SEE NEXT PAGE

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 71

Announcements •Local students named to the University of Delaware Dean's List for the Spring 2022 semester included Robert Rush of Bethany Beach, John Keller of Selbyville, Kennedy Butch of Selbyville, Alex Abbott of Berlin, Cameron Hall of Selbyville, Isabella Osias of Bethany Beach, George Ward of Bethany Beach, Carly Collins of Bethany Beach, Emily Tharby of Selbyville, Brigid Morrissey of Selbyville, Bailey Singer of Selbyville, Bethany Pasmore of Bethany Beach, Ana Calles Zamora of Selbyville, Madison Johnson of Selbyville, Claire Singer of Selbyville, Brandon Myers of Berlin, Katherine Rush of Bethany Beach, Peyton Koch of Selbyville, Thomas Harris of Selbyville, Sydney Dovi of South Bethany, Logan Snapp of Selbyville, Estefania Samper-Cruz of Selbyville, Erika Hallam of Selbyville, Alexandra Gorsuch of Selbyville, Bethany Snapp of Selbyville, Gracie Brewster of Selbyville and Zachary Lingenfelter of Selbyville.

•Gideon Plamondon, of Berlin, was one of over 200 SUNY Oneonta students who earned Provost's List honors for the spring 2022 semester. Plamondon is studying Music Industry.

•Shenandoah University would like to recognize the 958 students who made the Spring 2022 Dean's List. The following students were among those who earned a spot: Gabrielle Izzett of Berlin and Julianna Fohner of Ocean City.

•More than 1,850 students have been

named to the Spring 2022 Dean's List at Kutztown University, including Page Athey of Selbyville.

•Iowa State University honored more than 4,700 students who received degrees during spring commencement ceremonies including Danaisa Green, Bachelor of Science, Agriculture and Society.

•Bucknell University celebrated nearly 900 graduates from the Class of 2022, whose degrees will be conferred in June, including Hebron resident Cheyenne Katz, who was also a Dean’s List honoree for the spring semester.

•Bucknell University’s Dean List honorees for the spring semester included Salisbury resident Will Amrhein, 2024, Mechanical Engineering and Snow Hill resident Gracie Mitchell, 2023, Markets, Innovation & Design.

•Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania congratulates the nearly 1,950 students who were named to the Spring 2022 Dean's List including Emily Gottfried from Berlin, a junior who is a Primary Teacher Education-Early Childhood (PK-4)/Deaf Hard of Hearing major.

•Rafe Parsons of Berlin was named to the 2022 spring semester Dean's List at Bridgewater College. Parsons, a member of the Class of 2025, is a(n) business administration major at Bridgewater.

•Kristen Anne Jackson of Ocean

Pines earned a master's degree in School Librarianship from McDaniel College.

•Justin Keller of Berlin graduated with a BS Integrative Studies during May commencement ceremonies at Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

•Career and technical students in Newark won one of the nation's highest awards at the 2022 SkillsUSA Championships, held in Atlanta, on June 22-23.

More than 5,200 students competed at the national showcase of career and technical education. The SkillsUSA Championships is the largest skill competition in the world and covers 1.79 million square feet, equivalent to 31 football fields or 41 acres.

Students were invited to the event to demonstrate their technical skills, workplace skills and personal skills in 108 hands-on occupational and leadership competitions including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance and public speaking. Industry leaders from 650 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions planned and evaluated the contestants against their standards for entry-level workers. Industry support of the SkillsUSA Championships is valued at over $36 million in donated time, equipment, cash and material.

More than 1,100 industry judges and technical committee members participated this year.

The following local students are Skill Point Certificate recipients: Team J (consisting of Myra Cropper, Briggs Pugner), from Worcester Technical High School, was awarded a Skill Point Certificate in Mobile Robotics Technology, and Matthew Beck, a student at Worcester Technical High School, was awarded the high school silver medal in Principles of Engineering-Technology.

"More than 5,200 students from every state in the nation participated in the 2022 SkillsUSA Championships," said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. "This showcase of career and technical education demonstrates SkillsUSA at its finest. Our students, instructors and industry partners work together to ensure that every student excels. This program expands learning and career opportunities for our members."

•Madison Jones, of Berlin, graduated from The University of Tampa on Saturday, May 7. Jones graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health BS. •Robert Bole, of Ocean City, has been named to the dean's list at Frostburg State University for outstanding academic achievement for the spring 2022 semester, with the distinction of a 4.0 grade point average.

•Abigail Yesko of Berlin, majoring in Marketing Management, has been named to the Dean's List at Youngstown State University for the spring semester 2022.

Page 72

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

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

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting 5-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Call Rose 443-880-8444.

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus All ladies who love to sing are invited to the Delmarva Woman’s Acapella Chorus, Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Contact Mary 410-629-9383 or Carol 302242-7062.

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.

Meetings are held at the Worcester County Berlin Health Department at 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. 410289-4725.

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

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

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

Every Friday: Bingo Knights of Columbus hosts with doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Held at the Columbus Hall at 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke's Church. Play every

game for just $24. Light refreshments available. Call 410-524-7994 with any questions.

July 8: Crab Cake Dinner Stevenson United Methodist Church will host from 4-6:30 p.m. at 123 N. Main Street. Prices are $14, one crab cake sandwich with green beans, baked potato and cole slaw; $24, two crab cake sandwiches with sides; and $10, crab cake sandwich. Bake sale table will be available.

July 9: Bluegrass, Brew, & BBQ From 4-8 p.m., at Furnace Town Historic Site, 3816 Old Furnace Rd., Snow Hill. Music & BBQ, $20/adult, $10/child, $15/plate. www.furnacetown.org July 9: Anglers Club Meeting The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Library. Local boating columnist Dan Collins will be the guest speaker. All welcome.

July 14: Adoption Event Town Cats of Ocean City National Adoption Event (cats and kittens) will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at PetSmart, 11330 Samuel Bowen Boulevard, Berlin.

July 16: Chicken BBQ Dinner From 5 p.m. until sold out at Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway. Includes choice of sides: baked beans, green beans, mac-n-cheese, oven potatoes, salad, roll and drink. Indoor dining or takeout available. Baked goods available for an additional charge. Pre-orders recommended a tbethany21811@gmail.com or 410-641-2186.

July 16: Harmony Fundraiser The Delmarva Chorus, a chapter of the Sweet Adeline International (501c3), is hosting its annual fundraising event, "Coffee, Tea and Which Witch Harmony," at 7 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Maryland Community Center.

The chorus, under the direction of Carol Ludwig, has been volunteering performances of acapella harmony to

communities for many years. For a donation of $10, there will be free coffee, tea and homemade baked goods, a 50-50 raffle, raffle baskets, door prizes, lots of fun and more. For tickets and information, call Joann at 215828-5521.

July 16: Fried Chicken Platters Only $8 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 8607 Ironshire Station Road, Berlin, from 10:30 a.m. until sold out.

Platter includes fried chicken, roll and two sides.

July 16: Pulled Pork Carryout The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be holding a pulled pork platter carryout, noon-2 p.m. at the main station. $12 per platter to include one pint of pulled pork, cole slaw and baked beans. $10 for pint of pulled pork and $6 for pint of baked beans.

Call 619-922-9950 by July 9 to reserve your smoked pulled pork.

July 18: Expungement Clinic The Worcester County Library is offering a free expungement clinic in partnership with Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Services from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Pocomoke Library (301 Market Street). The event will give those who qualify the opportunity to expunge their criminal record in the state of Maryland with the assistance of an attorney. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and to bring with them the following: income information for all members of your household; the value of your house and car (if you own either); and the amounts in your checking, savings, and/or investment accounts.

Once the required forms are complete, a paralegal and an attorney will guide you through the expungement process. Space is limited to 12 individuals. Register at WorcesterLibrary.org under “Events,” or call for assistance at 443-783-6164 or ecoelho@worcesterlibrary.org.

July 19: Quarter Auction The Church of the Holy Spirit is having a Quarter Auction with doors opening at

6 p.m., and the games start at 7. Food will be available for purchase. Tickets are $10 and include a paddle. Additional paddles are $2 each, or three for $5. They are limited, so get yours now.

The church is located at 100th St. and Coastal Highway in Ocean City. Call Jackie at 443-735-4275 for further information and for tickets.

July 22-23, 25: Pines Book Sale The Friends of the Ocean Pines Library announced the Annual Book Sale at the Ocean Pines Library. This event is open to the public and is scheduled as follows: Friday, July 22, 6-8 p.m., club members enjoy first access to this year’s books on sale; Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., General Sale with all books, audio and DVD's priced 50 cents to $2; and Monday, July 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., sale continues with all books sold at half price, including the Specials Room. This popular Annual Book Sale offers over 20,000 books that have been donated throughout the year by patrons, community members and businesses. All sales are cash or check only – no credit cards will be accepted. All monies go to benefit the Ocean Pines Library and its resources, programs and events.

Aug. 27: Furnace Town Bike Ride The 12th Annual Iron Furnace Fifty Bike Ride at Furnace Town Historic Site, 3816 Old Furnace Rd. Snow Hill.

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

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

October 22: Furnace Town Halloween From 4-8 p.m., Halloween in the Forest at Furnace Town Historic Site, 3816 Old Furnace Rd., Snow Hill. Spooktacular games, music and trick-or-treating.

Cost is $5/person. www.furnacetown. org.

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 73

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

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

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

Friendly work environment. American Legion Post #166. Contact Sam Wiley 443-235-0876 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MAINTENANCE: Custodial/light maintenance. Full-time. Call 410250-2262.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: For busy Landscape Contractors office in Berlin. This is a multi-tasking position for detail oriented individual including customer scheduling & routing crews. Must have strong computer skills and a pleasant personality. Call The Moore Companies, 410-641-2177 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LANDSCAPE WORKERS NEEDED: Must have reliable transportation to work. Call 410641-2177. The Moore Companies, Berlin, MD. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CLEANERS WANTED FOR OC: If you are a conscientious individual or team looking for great pay & minimal hours on summer Saturdays in OC, then we are the cleaning company for you. Exp. preferred. Cell phone and vehicle required. (443)880-0525. ___________________________ C L E A N E R S / VAC AT I O N RENTALS: Needed for Ocean City and Ocean Pines. Experience preferred but not necessary. Text or call 443-397-1189.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS Must have:

Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License Exp. Required!

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

NOW HIRING FULL TIME

•DRIVER Call Pam at 410-726-7061 Or Apply Within at 56th Street

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work o Experience preferred. o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus. o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

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

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

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

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

Now Hiring For: Line Cooks Prep Cooks Host/Hostess

Call Matt at 302-593-4141 or email

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS Busy Tire & Service Centers with locations in the Rehoboth, Bethany and Ocean City areas, is now hiring for experienced technicans.

Must be dependable.

Exc. Pay and Benefits.

Call Matt - 302-344-9846

JOIN THE BETHANY BREWING TEAM! Ocean View, DE Now taking applications:

•BAR MANAGER

•BARBACK

For inquires, contact 402-430-6929 or 315-750-8248

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

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

thesterlingtavern@gmail.com

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

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

White Horse Park

ENGLISH TEACHER Worcester Preparatory School is located in beautiful Berlin, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The school is an independent, coeducational college preparatory day school serving over 500 students in grades PK -12. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Upper School English Teacher for the 2022-2023 school year.

This vibrant individual will have a strong education background and be capable of teaching the highest levels of high school English. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a major in English, successful classroom experience, and the ability to participate in other areas of school life are requirements forth is position. Advanced Placement experience and advanced degree would be desirable.

Interested candidates should mail or email resume with cover letter to: Linda Watson, Director of Human Resources, 508 South Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811 or lwatson@worcesterprep.org

Office Assistant: People skills and clerical experience needed, able to work Saturdays, full or part time, 8am - 4pm General Maintenance for Mobile Home Community: Part time including Saturdays, 8am - 4pm, Call White Horse Park 410 641 5102 for interview.

AUTO MARINE SALES PERSON Busy Auto & Marine parts store with locations in Ocean Pines, Clarksville and Long Neck, is now hiring for full and part times sales persons.

Experience a plus but will train the right person.

Great Pay & Benefits.

Call Joel 302-344-9769 The Dispatch Is On Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

Follow Us Today & Get Daily News Updates As They Happen!

Page 74

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch Classifieds $15/Week for Minimum of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available) Deadline for Insertions, Cancellations & Payment is 3pm Tuesday Pre-Payment is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT Worcester Preparatory School is seeking an experienced part-time Development Assistant. The Development Assistant is responsible for assisting the Director of Development and Development Coordinator with fundraising events, data entry, and volunteer coordination on a part-time basis.

Highlights of the Development assistant at WPS include: • Assist with the facilitation of the annual Gala, Holiday Bazaar and Alumni events.

• Assist with the coordination of parent volunteer recruitment.

• Arrange food and beverage for special events and order supplies.

• Assist with the preparation of budgets and coordinating financial reports to the Board of Trustees.

• Assist with database updates, gift entry and donor ommunication.

• Manage online fundraising and auction software.

Compensation and benefits are competitive with other area private schools and are adjusted based on experience level and credentials.

Interested persons should send an Application for Employment, letter of interest, resume, to Linda Watson Director of Human Resources at lwatson@worcesterprep.org THE DISPATCH IS ONLINE WWW.MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM

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

LOWER SCHOOL SPANISH TEACHER Worcester Preparatory School is seeking an experienced part-time lower school Spanish teacher. This position reports to the Lower School Head and may be assigned study halls, clubs, or other supervisory roles. Section sizes average 14-18 students.

Highlights of the Spanish program at WPS include: (1) exploration of Spanish food & culture (2) vocabulary acquisition and grammar and (3) the four fundamentals of listening, speaking, reading, & writing.

Candidates for this position should possess a BA degree with a major (preferred) or minor in Spanish and be proficient in the language. Previous experience teaching Spanish at the lower school level at an independent school is desirable but not required. State certification is not required. Candidates with the ability to coach sports are desirable.

Compensation and benefits are competitive with other area private schools and are adjusted based on experience level and credentials.

Interested persons should send an Application for Employment, letter of interest, resume, copies of transcripts for all college work, and educational philosophy to Linda Watson, Director of Human Resources at lwatson@worcesterprep.org

HELP WANTED

CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN/ MARINA TRAVEL LIFT OPERATOR

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

Apply online at delawarestatejobs.com

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

COMMERCIAL

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

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ESTATE SALE ESTATE SALE. Immaculate 7 room beach house with high end furnishings, art, accessories.

Casa Stone, Provence & Pottery Barn dishes. Furnish your entire home at this sale!

37487 Oliver Drive, Selbyville, DE 19975.

For pics go to estatesales.org and look for Selbyville sale.

ROOMMATE ROOM FOR RENT : Year around at 16th street behind Layton’s.

Sharing apartment with three girls.

Rent $395 a month plus 1/4th utilities. Call Tony 202-641-6166 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Got Yard Sale?

THE DISPATCH

gets the word out!

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19266

To all persons interested in the estate of JUSTIN C. MCINTYRE, ESTATE NO. 19266. Notice is given that JOHN MCINTYRE, 38465 MILDA DRIVE, OCEAN VIEW, DE 19970, was on JUNE 13, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JUSTIN C. MCINTYRE,

who died on MAY 17, 2022 without a will.

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

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:

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 DECEMBER, 2022.

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

Any person having a claim

(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

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 24, 2022

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 0 6-24, 07-01, 07-08

Third Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-22-000139

JOHN MCINTYRE Personal Representative

CLAY WILSON IV,

Plantiff VS. ALICE L. MELVIN; FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION, US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; And ALL OTHER PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS 2120 BYPASS RD., POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, AND MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN LIBER I 024 PAGE 0239 AMONG THE LAND RECORDS BOOK FOR WORCESTER, MARY-

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 75

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

LAND, ASSESSED VALUE: $66,300; AND ASSESSED TO: ALICE L. MELVIN; PROPERTY ID: 01-005510, Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property: Property described as 2120 Bypass Rd., Pocomoke City, MD 21851, and more fully described in Liber 1024 Page 0239 among the Land Records Book for Worcester, Maryland, Assessed Value: $66,300; and Assessed to: Alice L. Melvin; Property ID: 0I005510.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid, although more than six (6) months from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 14th day of June, 2022, by the Circuit Court for Worcester; ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in a newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester once a week for three successive weeks, the last insertion on or before July 11, 2022, warning all persons interested in the said properties to be and appear in this Court by the 14th day of August 2022 and redeem the Property, and answer the Complaint, or thereafter a final judgment will be rendered foreclosing all rights of redemption in this Property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 24, 2022 Beau H. Oglesby Judge of the Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County 3x 06-24, 07-01, 07-08

Third Insertion MICHAEL B. MATHERS, ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET

SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19270 To all persons interested in the estate of MARION NOVACK, ESTATE NO. 19270.

Notice is given that JOHN NOVACK, 38 MORRIS DRIVE, DEER PARK, NY 11729, was on JUNE 16, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARION NOVACK, who died on APRIL 13, 2022 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16TH day of DECEMBER, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 24, 2022 JOHN NOVACK 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 06-24, 07-01, 07-08

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 forceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 24, 2022

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19260 To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN EDWARD SIPPEL, AKA: JOHN E. SIPPEL, SR., ESTATE NO. 19260. Notice is given that NANCY L. HART, 7529 CEDARTOWN ROAD, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 and JOHN SIPPEL, JR., 11925 GLEN ARM ROAD, GLEN ARM, MD 21057, was on JUNE 16, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN EDWARD SIPPEL, who died on JANUARY 29, 2022 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16TH day of DECEMBER, 2022.

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

NANCY L. HART JOHN SIPPEL, JR. 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 06-24, 07-01, 07-08

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000029 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. Box 3307 Ocean City, Maryland 21842-3307 Plaintiff vs.

JAMES SMITH, et al Defendants ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 16th day of JUNE, 2022, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 18th day of July, 2022 provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 11th day of JULY, 2022.

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

BC = BAY CLUB TIME SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. DBC = DELMARVA BEACH CLUB, LLC PCP = PALMETTO COAST PROPERTIES I, LLC CONDO- TIME PRICE PURMINIUM INTERCHASER UNIT VAL 206 206 206 208 301 301 311 311 401 409 409 410 410 410 411 411 501 501 501

49 51 52 39 2 6 38 39 6 22 36 20 25 36 38 39 1 2 4

$50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $1,500.00 $50.00 $50.00 $3,000.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $150.00 $100.00 $100.00

BC BC BC BC PCP PCP PCP PCP PCP DBC BC BC DBC BC BC BC BC PCP PCP

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 24, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 06-24, 07-01, 07-08

Third Insertion NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19274 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the PROBATE COURT of FAIRFAX, VA, appointed SUSAN ELEANOR GRYSAVAGE, 6608 BROAR HILL COURT, MCLEAN, VA 22101, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of HAROLD EUGENE BONDY, who died on DECEMBER 28, 2020, domiciled in VIRGINIA, AMERICA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is PETER MARK GRYSAVAGE whose address is 10816 KINGSTEAD ROAD, DAMASCUS, MD 20872.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER COUNTY. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 24, 2022 SUSAN ELEANOR GRYSAVAGE Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 06-24, 07-01, 07-08

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000055 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. Box 3307 Ocean City, Maryland 21842-3307 Plaintiff vs Mildred Butt, et al.

Defendants NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 21st day of _ JUNE, 2022, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary

Page 76

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966. thereof be shown on or before the 25th day of JULYY 2022, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 18th day of JULY 2022.

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share interval: TIMESHARES SOLD: BC = BAY CLUB TIME SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. CONDO- TIME MINIUM INTERUNIT VAL 409 409 410 411 412 412 507 508 508 508 509 509 510 510 510 510 511 511

17 18 18 17 18 18 17 18 20 20 37 18 19 20 36 38 19 18

PRICE

PURCHASER

$50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $450.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00

BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 24, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 06-24, 07-01, 07-08

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000162 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. Box 3307 Ocean City, Maryland 21842-3307 Plaintiff vs DAVID F. FERRERA, et al.

Defendants NOTICE

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 21 ST day of June 2022, that the foreclosure sale ofthe properties mentioned in these proceedings made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 25th day of JULY, 2022, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successwe weeks, before the 18th day of July, 2022 The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share interval: TIMESHARES SOLD: BC = BAY CLUB TIME SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC.

CONDO- TIME PRICE PURMINIUM INTERCHASER UNIT VAL 202 202 202 202 202 202 203 203 203 203 203 203 203 203 203 203 203 203 203 203 203 203 204

39 40 41 43 44 50 4 7 8 10 11 13 16 17 37 41 42 44 45 48 50 51 1

$50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00

BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 24, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 06-24, 07-01, 07-08

Third Insertion B. RANDALL COATES ESQCOATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19275 To all persons interested in the estate of ANNA LEE SHOCKLEY, ESTATE NO. 19275. Notice is given that HAROLD T. SHOCKLEY, 31402 DAGSBORO ROAD, DELMAR, MD 21875, was on JUNE 21, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANNA LEE SHOCKLEY, who died on MAY 30, 2022 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21ST day of DECEMBER, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 24, 2022 HAROLD T. 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

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 3x 06-24, 07-01, 07-08

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. TRUSTEE BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 Ocean City, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND C-23-CV-22-000138 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. Box 3307 Ocean City, Maryland 21843-3307 Plaintiff v.

PAUL A. MARSHALL, et al.

Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000138 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 11:30 AM the following timeshare intervals: CONDOMINIUM UNIT

TIME INTERVAL

502 502 502 503 503 503 503 503 503 503 503 503 503 503 503 503 503 503 503 503 503 503 504 504 504

47 48 49 2 3 4 6 7 10 11 12 15 16 17 36 37 39 44 46 48 49 50 1 2 10

Each time interval being one week per year in the corre-

sponding unit, each unit being part of the Bay Club Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land R e c o r d s .

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: The full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card. Bids for all intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the full payment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 24, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 06-24, 07-01, 07-08

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. TRUSTEE BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE

ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 Ocean City, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND C-23-CV-22-000136 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. Box 3307 Ocean City, Maryland 21843-3307 Plaintiff v.

DAVID SKINNER, et al.

Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000136 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 11:15 AM the following timeshare intervals: CONDOMINIUM UNIT

TIME INTERVAL

505 505 505 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506

49 50 51 1 2 3 4 6 8 9 10 12 17 18 19 20 36 41 43 45 46 47 48 49 52

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Bay Club Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land R e c o r d s .

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 77

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966. secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: The full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card. Bids for all intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the full payment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 24, 2022

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 06-24, 07-01, 07-08

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. TRUSTEE BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 Ocean City, MD 21843-3307

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND C-23-CV-22-000065 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. Box 3307 Ocean City, Maryland 21843-3307 Plaintiff v.

SANDRA J. SHINDEL,et al.

Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000065 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 11:00 AM the following timeshare intervals: CONDOMINIUM UNIT

TIME INTERVAL

502 504 504 504 504 504 504 504 504 504 505 505 505 505 505 505 505 505 505 505 505 505 505 505 505

46 12 14 15 26 43 47 48 49 50 1 6 7 9 10 11 15 19 40 41 42 43 44 45 48

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Bay Club Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land R e c o r d s .

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from de-

posit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: The full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card. Bids for all intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the full payment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 24, 2022

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 06-24, 07-01, 07-08

Second Insertion REGAN J.R. SMITH, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY AND HARISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19283

To all persons interested in the estate of PEGGY ANNE PILCHARD, ESTATE NO. 19283. Notice is given that EUGENE MAURICE PILCHARD, 3410 REDDEN ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on JUNE 27, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 of PEGGY ANNE PILCHARD, who died on DECEMBER 07, 2021 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27TH day of DECEMBER, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 01, 2022 EUGENE MAURICE PILCHARD Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 07-01, 07-08, 07-15

Second Insertion PETER S. BUAS, GUARDIAN OF PROPERTY WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, L.L.P. CASE NO.

C-23-FM-21-000414 SALE OF VALUABLE RESIDENTIAL PROPOERTY KNOWN AS 1 IVY LANE, BERLIN, MARYLAND 21811 Under and by virtue of an Order of the Worcester County Circuit Court dated June 21, 2022, in Case No. C-23-FM-21-000414, the undersigned Guardian of Property will sell the following described property at public auction, to be held on site at: 1 IVY LANE BERLIN, MARYLAND 21811 ON JULY 19, 2022, AT 11:30 A.M. Property Description: All that lot or parcel of land lying and being situate in the Section called “Bainbridge” of the development known as “Ocean Pines” in the Third Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, and described as Lot No. B-03-034, as designated and distinguished on the plat entitled “OCEAN PINES, SECTION THREE”, made by B. Calvin Burns, Registered Professional Engineer No. 2583 of the State of Maryland, which said plat is duly recorded among the Land Records for Worcester County, Maryland, in Plat Book FWH No. 11, folio 45, et seq. The improvements thereon being known as 1 Ivy Lane, Berlin, Maryland.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) will be required of the purchaser in the form of cash, certified or cashier’s check at the time and place of sale, or other form of security, at the sole discretion of the Guardian; the balance to be secured to the satisfaction of the Guardian and represented by a Promissory Note, conditioned upon the conveyance of good and marketable title. The balance in cash will be due at settlement which shall be within thirty (30) days after the date of the auction unless said period is extended by the Guardian, his successors or assigns for good cause shown. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser.

The Property will be sold subject to all conditions, liens, restrictions, and agreements of record affecting same, if any. Taxes, water charges, sanitary commission charges, con-

dominium fees and assessments, assessments and liens or encumbrances for sewer, water, drainage, or other public improvements completed or commenced on or prior to the date of sale or subsequent thereto, if any, are to be adjusted and apportioned as of the date of sale and are to be assumed and paid thereafter by purchaser, whether assessments have been levied or not as of date of settlement. The cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, document preparation and title insurance shall be borne by the Purchaser.

Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price with thirty (30) days from the date of the sale, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting purchaser. If the Guardian is unable to convey good and marketable title to the property, the purchaser’s sole remedy at law or in equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit to the purchaser. Upon refund of the deposit, the sale shall be void and of no effect, and the Purchaser shall have no further claim against the Guardian.

The improvements are being sold in an “AS IS” condition, with no warranties expressed or implied, with Purchaser responsible for any and all housing or zoning code violations. The risk of loss passes at date of sale.

The Guardian reserves the right to reject any and all bids in his sole discretion.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 01, 2022 PETER S. BUAS, ESQ., Guardian of Property Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison, L.L.P. 3509 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 (410) 289-3553 3x 07-01, 07-08, 07-15

Second Insertion COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A. RAYMOND D. COATES, JR. ESQ.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19281 Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS of NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DE, appointed RICHARD W. MUTO, 14516 E. SHADOW CANYON DRIVE, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ 85268, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of MALCOLM G. MUTO, who died on FEBRUARY 23, 2022, domiciled in DELAWARE, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is RAYMOND D. COATES, JR, whose address is 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 01, 2022 RICHARD W. MUTO Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 07-01, 07-08, 07-15

Second Insertion Law Offices of CIPRIANI & WERNER, P.C. 6411 IVY LANE, SUITE 600 GREENBELT, MARYLAND 20770 SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE OF VALUABLE REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND, GENERALLY KNOWN AS 2 DORCHESTER STREET, CONDO UNIT 711 BELMONT TOWERS, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in that certain Indemnity Deed of Trust, dated November 24, 2014, executed and delivered by Todd E. Spahr and Tessa M. Spahr (collectively, the “Grantors”) to the trustee named therein and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in 6472, folio 114 (the “Deed of Trust”), the holder of the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust (the “Noteholder”) having subsequently appointed Jason W. Hardman and Paul J. Cohen as Substitute Trustees under the Deed of Trust, by Deed of Appointment of Substitute Trustees, dated May 5, 2021, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber 8221, folio 283, default having occurred under the terms of said Deed of Trust and at the request of the party secured thereby, the undersigned Substitute Trustees (collectively, the “Trustees”) will offer for sale to the highest qualified bidder at a public auction to be held AT THE COURT HOUSE ENTRANCE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, AT THE COURT HOUSE STEPS, LOCATED AT ONE WEST MARKET STREET, SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863, ON: MONDAY, JULY 18, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.

ALL that property lying and being situate in Worcester County, Maryland, and any improvements thereon, and being more particularly described as follows (the “Property”): ALL that property situate, lying and being in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worces-

ter County, Maryland, described as Condominium Unit No. 711 in Phase Two in the “Belmont Towers Residential Condominium”, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration (including By-Laws) dated May 24, 2007, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in Liber S.V.H. No. 4933, folio 287, et. seq., as amended; and pursuant to the several plats described in said Declaration and recorded as aforesaid in Plat Book S.V.H. No. 218, folio 7, et seq., as amended.

BEING the same and all the land conveyed by and described in a Deed dated October 17, 2012 from John E. Billheimer and Patricia C. Billheimer to Todd E. Spahr and Tessa M. Spahr and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in Liber No. 06000, folio 00474.

The Property is believed to be a 1,474 +/- square foot condominium unit located on the seventh floor of the Belmont Towers Residential Condominium building (the “Building”) in Ocean City, Maryland. The Property is believed to contain 3 bedrooms, 2.1 bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, central air conditioning, an outdoor balcony, and views of the Atlantic Ocean and Assateague Island.

The Property is also believed to have an assigned parking space #711 and to have access to certain common elements of the Building, including an elevator, pool, and fitness room. The Property is also believed to be served by, or to have access to, adequate parking and public water, sewer, telephone and electric. According to public tax records, the Property has been assigned the following address and tax identification number: 2 Dorchester Street, Condo Unit 711, Ocean City, Maryland 21842 (Tax Account Number 10-758017).

TERMS OF SALE: A deposit in the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00), payable in cash, certified check (made payable to “Cipriani & Werner, P.C.”) or other form acceptable to the Trustees, will be required from the successful bidder (the “Purchaser”) at the time and place of sale. The Purchaser

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 shall be required to increase the amount of the deposit to ten percent (10%) of the successful bid amount within seven (7) calendar days of the date of the sale by delivering to the Trustees certified funds in the amount necessary to increase the deposit amount as required above, unless said period is extended by the Trustees for good cause shown. The Trustees will require all potential bidders to qualify prior to the commencement of bidding by showing evidence of their ability to deliver the required deposit at the time of the sale. The balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid balance of the purchase price from the date of sale to and including the date of settlement, shall be due at settlement in cash or by cashier’s check. Interest shall accrue on the unpaid balance of the purchase price at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of sale to and including the date of settlement.

If settlement is delayed for any reason, there will be no abatement of interest. In the event the Noteholder, or an affiliate or subsidiary of the Noteholder, is the successful bidder at the sale, such party will not be required to tender a deposit to the Trustees or to pay interest on the unpaid purchase money.

Taxes, water and all other municipal charges and liens owed against the Property that are not otherwise extinguished as a matter of law as a result of the foreclosure sale shall be the responsibility of the Purchaser and shall be paid by the Purchaser at settlement. The Trustees reserve the right to reject any and all bids, to extend the time for settlement, and to withdraw the Property from the sale for any reason and at their sole discretion.

The Property will be sold in an “AS IS” condition and without any warranties or representations, either express or implied, as to the nature, condition or description of the improvements thereon. In addition, the Property will be sold subject to all existing housing, building and zoning code violations which may exist on or with respect to the Property, subject to all conditions or hazards which may exist on or with respect to the Property, subject to all critical area and wetland violations which may exist on

or with respect to the Property, subject to all environmental problems or violations which may exist on or with respect to the Property, and subject to all matters, recorded documents and restrictions of record affecting the Property to the extent such matters, recorded documents or restrictions of record are senior to the Deed of Trust.

The Property will be sold subject to all senior liens and encumbrances that are not extinguished by operation of law or by the foreclosure sale of the Property and subject to all easements, conditions, restrictions, rights of redemption, covenants, agreements, such state of facts that an accurate survey or physical inspection of the Property might disclose, and all other agreements and documents of record affecting the Property, but only to the extent that such agreements or documents are senior to the Deed of Trust. The Property will not be sold subject to any written or oral lease or rental agreements that may exist in favor of any tenants or occupants of the Property.

The Purchaser shall assume the risk of loss for the Property immediately after the sale takes place. It shall be the responsibility of the Purchaser to obtain possession of the Property following final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland and conveyance of the Property by the Trustees to the Purchaser.

The Purchaser shall pay, at settlement, all state and local transfer taxes, documentary stamps, recordation taxes and fees, title examination costs, attorneys’ fees, conveyance fees, real estate taxes, water charges, other municipal liens and charges, and all other settlement costs and other costs associated with conveying the Property to the Purchaser. The Purchaser shall settle and comply with all sale terms contained herein within twenty (20) days following final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, unless said period is extended by the Trustees for good cause shown. Time is of the essence. Settlement shall be held at the offices of Cipriani & Werner, P.C., 6411 Ivy Lane, Suite 600, Green-

belt, Maryland 20770, or such other place as may be agreed to by the Trustees.

In the event the Purchaser fails to go to settlement as required herein, in addition to any other legal or equitable remedies available to the Trustees, the Trustees may, without further order of the court: (i) declare the aforementioned deposit forfeited, (ii) resell the Property at the Purchaser’s sole risk and expense, and (iii) retain and apply the aforementioned deposit to any deficiency in the purchase price sustained by the Trustees and/or the Noteholder, all costs and expenses of both sales, reasonable attorneys’ fees, and any other damages sustained by the Trustees and/or the Noteholder as a result of the Purchaser’s default, including, without limitation, all incidental damages. In the event a resale of the Property results in a purchase price in excess of the amount originally bid by the defaulting Purchaser, the defaulting Purchaser shall not be entitled to receive payment of any such excess amount and shall not be entitled to any distribution whatsoever from the resale proceeds.

If the Trustees are unable to convey any of the Property as described above, the Purchaser’s sole remedy at law or in equity shall be limited to the refund of the Purchaser’s deposit without any interest thereon. Upon refund of the deposit to the Purchaser as aforesaid, the sale of the Property shall be void and of no force or effect, and the Purchaser shall have no claims against the Trustees, the Noteholder or the Auctioneer. The parties’ respective rights and obligations regarding the terms of sale and the conduct of the sale shall be governed by and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Maryland.

The information contained herein was obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, but is offered for informational purposes only. The Trustees, the Noteholder and the Auctioneer do not make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy of this information.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 01, 2022 Jason W. Hardman Paul J. Cohen, Substitute Trustees 3x 07-01, 07-08, 07-15

Second Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307

July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page79

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000049 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. Box 3307 Ocean City, Maryland 21842-3307 Plaintiff vs.

DANIEL HARRIS, et al.

Defendants ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 24TH day of JUNE, 2022,that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 25th day of July, 2022 provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 18th day of JULY, 2022.

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share interval: TIMESHARES SOLD: BC = BAY CLUB TIME SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. PCP = PALMETTO BEACH CLUB, LLC. DBC = DELMARVA BEACH CLUB, LLC

CONDO- TIME MINIUM INTERUNIT VAL 501 501 501 501 501 501 501 501 501 501 502 502 502 502 502 502 502 502 502 502 502 502 502 502 502

8 11 13 14 16 17 18 33 50 51 1 2 3 6 14 15 17 18 21 38 40 41 42 43 45

PRICE

$100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $50.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $5,200.00 $100.00 $100.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $1,000.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00

PURCHASER

BC PCP PCP BC PCP PCP PCP DBC PCP PCP BC BC BC BC BC PCP PCP PCP DBC PCP PCP PCP PCP BC BC

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 01 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 07-01, 07-08, 07-15

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19258 To all persons interested in the estate of ANNA REED, AKA: ANNA CASSANDRA REED. Notice is given that VIRGINIA PAIGE WILDMANN, 10316 NORTH ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on JUNE 21, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: ANNA REED, who died on APRIL 11, 2022, with a will.

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

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

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will

be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 08, 2022 VIRGINIA PAIGE WILDMANN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 07-08

First Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19285 To all persons interested in the estate of EDWARD BRATTEN, ESTATE NO. 19285. Notice is given that LUCINDA BRATTEN, 6740 FOREST LANE ROAD, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on JUNE 29, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EDWARD BRATTEN, who died on JANUARY 20, 2022 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29TH day of DECEMBER, 2022.

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

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 8, 2022 LUCINDA BRATTEN, Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 07-08, 07-15, 07-22

First Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000029 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. Box 3307 Ocean City, Maryland 21842-3307 Plaintiff vs.

JAMES SMITH, et al Defendants

sure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 1st day of August, 2022 provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 25th day of JULY, 2022.

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share interval: TIMESHARES SOLD: BC = BAY CLUB TIME SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. DBC = DELMARVA BEACH CLUB, LLC PCP = PALMETTO COAST PROPERTIES I, LLC CONDO- TIME PRICE PURMINIUM INTERCHASER UNIT VAL 206 206 206 208 301 301 311 311 401 409 409 410 410 410 411 411 501 501 501

49 51 52 39 2 6 38 39 6 22 36 20 25 36 38 39 1 2 4

$50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $1,500.00 $50.00 $50.00 $3,000.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $150.00 $100.00 $100.00

BC BC BC BC PCP PCP PCP PCP PCP DBC BC BC DBC BC BC BC BC PCP PCP

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 08, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 07-08, 07-15 07-22

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19288

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 1st day of JULY, 2022, that the foreclo-

To all persons interested in the estate of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MERRITT, JR..

Notice is given that PATRICIA MAE MERRITT, 5939 TAYLOR LANDING ROAD, GIRDLETREE, MD 21829, was on JUNE 30, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MERRITT, JR., who died on JUNE 07, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having any objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 08, 2022 PATRICIA MAE MERRITT Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 07-08

Expanding Our Reach. Broadening Our Commitment. The Dispatch Is On The Web: www.mdcoastdispatch.com

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Who’s Where When 45TH ST. TAPHOUSE 443-664-2201 45th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 8: Josh Pryor Saturday, July 9: Trailer Park Romeo BUXY’S SALTY DOG 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 8: DJ Wax Saturday, July 9: Dust N Bones Sunday, July 10: DJ BK COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL Oceanfront Castle In The Sand 37th & 38th St. 410-289-6846 Friday, July 8: Darin Engh, Colossal Fossil Sauce Saturday, July 9: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama, Stratus Fear Sunday, July 10: Jess Arms, The Loomatix Monday, July 11: Sean Loomis Solo, Smooth & Remy Tuesday, July 12: Heather Vidal, Bilenki Duo Wednesday, July 13: Moonstone, Chris Diller Duo Thursday, July 14: Garrett Mabe, The Chest Pains

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

Best Beats

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, July 8

On The Beach BEATS BY WAX Buxy’s: Friday, July 8 Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Coins Pub: Wednesdays

DJ BK Greene Turtle West: Saturday, July 9 Buxy’s Salty Dog: Sundays

ON THE EDGE OC Fontainebleu Resort: Friday & Saturday, July 8 & 9

UNCLE WARD Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, July 8

COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 8: First Class Saturday, July 9: Jim Long, Wes Davis Wednesdays: DJ Wax

JIM LONG BAND Coins Pub: Saturdays

CORK BAR Saturday, July 9: Lennon LaRicci CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, July 8: Uncle Ward Sunday, July 10: Shattered Tuesday, July 12: Tear The Roof Off Wednesday, July 13: Sydney Smith

LENNON LARICCI Cork Bar: Saturday, July 9

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, July 8: Pistol Whipped Saturday, July 9: Space Koi Sundays: Karaoke W/DJ Rut Thursdays: DJ DeoGee FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, July 8: DJ RobCee, Denim N Lace, Jumper Saturday, July 9: Great Train Robbery, DJ Groove, Jumper Sunday, July 10: Diamond Alley, Beatlegacy (Beatles Tribute), DJ Willoughby Monday, July 11: The New Romance, DJ DNial, The Loop Tuesday, July 12: DJ Hector, DJ Hook Wednesday, July 13: DJ Adam Dutch, Jimmy Charles Thursday, July 14: DJ Groove, Chesapeake Sons, Sons Of Pirates

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday, Sunday &Thursday

SPACE KOI Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, July 9

DJ PAPI ROISTEROUS Lookout Lounge: Sundays Purple Moose: Wednesdays

DJ DEOGEE Crawl St. Tavern: Thursdays

TRIPWIRE Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, July 8 & 9

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

GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Rt. 611, West O.C. Friday, July 8: Gentry Blue Saturday, July 9: DJ BK Sundays: Karaoke w/ DJ Jeremy HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, July 9: Side Project, DJ Jeremy Sunday, July 10: Opposite Directions, DJ Billy T Thursdays: DJ Billy T

WES DAVIS Coins Pub: Saturday, July 9 OC Eateries: Thursday, July 14

DARIN ENGH Coconuts Beach Bar: Friday, July 8

BEATLEGACY Fager’s Island: Sunday, July 10

July 8, 2022

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Who’s Where When OC EATERIES 443-252-3700 12849 Ocean Gateway Rte. 50 West OC Friday, July 8: Troy Mawyer Saturday, July 9: Jamie Bishop Thursday, July 14: Wes Davis

STRATUS FEAR Pickles Pub: Friday, July 8 Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday, July 9

JOEY HARKUM Pickles Pub: Saturday, July 9

OC FONTAINEBLEU RESORT 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The OC Friday, July 8: On The Edge,DJ Rachi Saturday, July 9: Brian McConell, Brendan Lane & The Sugar Packets, On The Edge Sunday, July 10: Jon Pheasant, Brian McConell Monday, July 11: Brian McConell Tuesday & Wednesday, July 12 & 13: Doug Kaetz & From The Dark River Thursday, July 14: Scott Testerman OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 410-641-7501 1 Mumford’s Landing Road, OP Friday, July 8: Full Circle Saturday, July 9: Kittyback Sunday, July 10: Overtime Thursday, July 14: Beach Bandits

ANTHEM Seacrets: Friday-Sunday, July 8-10

BRENDAN LANE & THE SUGAR PACKETS OC Fontainebleu Resort: Saturday, July 9

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Stratus Fear Saturday, July 9: Joey Harkum Sundays: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke with Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax PIER 28 410-289-3323 12817 Harbor Rd., West OC Friday, July 8: Jess Arms Saturday, July 9: Bell Bottom Blues Duo Sunday: July 10: Kaleb Brown & Chino Rankin Wednesday, July 13: No More Whiskey Thursday, July 14: Shortcut Sunny

FIRST CLASS Coins Pub: Friday, July 8

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, July 10 Seacrets: Tuesday, July 12

TRAILER PARK ROMEO 45th St. Taphouse: Saturday, July 9

GENTRY BLUE Greene Turtle West: Friday, July 8

BELL BOTTOM BLUES DUO Pier 23: Saturday, July 9

DUST N BONES Buxy’s Salty Dog: Saturday, July 9

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON Between Talbot & Caroline Sts. On The Boardwalk 410-289-6953 Friday & Saturday, July 8 & 9: Tripwire Sunday, July 10: Dust N Bones Monday, July 11: Side Project Saturdays, Tuesday, July 12 & Thursday, July 14: DJ Adam Dutch Wednesdays: DJ Papi Roisterous SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 8: DJ Bobby O, Anthem, The Benderz, My Hero Zero, DJ Tuff, DJ Davie Saturday, July 9: DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, DJ Cruz, Turning The Tide, Anthem, Nowhere Slow, Steal The Sky Sunday, July 10: DJ Davie, DJ Tuff, DJ Bobby O, Triple Rail Turn, Anthem, Night Anthem Monday, July 11: DJ Davie, DJ Bobby O, Full Circle, DJ Tuff, I&I Riddim Reggae, Shane Smith & The Saints Tuesday, July 12: DJ Davie, DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, Opposite Directions, I&I Riddim Reggae, The Wayouts Wednesday, July 13: DJ Davie, DJ Cruz, DJ Bobby O, Full Circle Duo, Yawd Llynk, Kono Nation Thursday, July 14: DJ Cruz, DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, John McNutt Band, GoGo Gadjet, Yawd Lynk

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SPORTS 35th Ocean City Tuna Tourney Underway In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The 35th annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament is underway with dozens of boats and hundreds of anglers fishing the canyons off the coast of the resort in search of the burly behemoths.

The tuna bite has been strong this summer thus far, setting up what should be a memorable Ocean City Tuna Tournament in its 35th year.

The event got started Thursday with a captain’s meeting and later registration at the host Ocean City Fishing Center, but the real action gets underway Friday, the first of three fishing days.

The annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament is one of the highlights of the offshore tournament season each year, perhaps only second to the White Marlin Open in terms of prize money and the number of anglers participating. Thousands of spectators will cram into the Ocean City Fishing Center over the weekend for the four-day event, a celebration of fishing, food, drinks, live entertainment and, of course, the daily weighins. Weigh-ins will be held Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the fishing center and Sunset Marina, and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday at the fishing center only.

From modest beginnings in 1988, when just 38 boats competed for $9,000 in prize money, the tuna tournament has grown by leaps and bounds over the years.

Last year, a tropical storm passed and the tournament went off as planned, essentially reduced to a Saturday and Sunday event. Nonetheless, there was no shortage of action for the two days of fishing with plenty of big tuna brought to the scales at the fishing center. The event drew 106 boats with over $1 million in prize money doled out to the winners.

In the single heaviest tuna category, the crew on the Hydrosphere took first with a 233-pounder worth $93,787. The Tara Jessica was second with a 199-pounder worth $30,802, while the Instigator was third with a 170-pounder worth $59,865.

In the heaviest stringer category, the Big Stick took first with a total of 638 pounds and earned a tournament-high $305,880 in prize money. The Big Stick continued its early season winning days after finishing first in the previous weekend’s Canyon Kickoff tournament. The Bar South crew took second in the heaviest stringer category with 562 pounds and earned $64,395 in prize money, while the Hydrosphere crew was third in the heaviest stringer category.

In the heaviest dolphin category, the Christine Marie took first with a 20-pounder worth $27,070. Robert Warden took first and second in the junior angler category, while Jackson Morgan took third. Kristin Quinn was the top lady angler, while J.L. Cropper was second and Danielle Robertson and Janine Samuel tied for third.

New Wrinkles Announced For WMO Berlin Little League’s Junior League All-Star team last week captured the Maryland District 8 championship to advance to the state tournament. The team beat Delmar, 19-6, and West Salisbury, 11-1, to claim the title. Submitted Photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Just about a month out, White Marlin Open officials this week announced a series of subtle changes aimed at making the 49th event even bigger and better if that is possible.

Last year, the White Marlin Open (WMO) attracted 444 boats competing for a world-record $9.2 million payout and the tournament lived up to its expectations.

The format provided payouts including individual awards of $3.2 million, $1.9 million, $1.3 million and $1.1 million among many others.

Event organizers often say when one WMO is in the books, planning for the next one begins almost immediately. Little has changed since the 2021 event in terms of the format for the most part, although organizers have added a few wrinkles after listening to participating anglers for the 2022 tournament, set for August 8-12. While last year’s total purse was around $9.2 million, if recent trends hold up, the total purse in 2022 could exceed $10 million for the first time.

Again, there are a few new wrinkles for the 2022 event. For the first time this year, there will be no shark division. Be-

cause of new federal regulations on sharks, the category has been eliminated for 2022. Instead, a new swordfish category has been added for this year.

The swordfish category has been added to replace the shark division and is due, in part, to an increased interest in targeting swordfish. There will also be a winnertake-all added entry level for the 2022 WMO. There will also be an extra 30 minutes of fishing time each day during the tournament. Starting this year, lines and teasers can be put in the water starting at 8 a.m., a departure from the traditional 8:30 a.m. daily start time.

There will also be a new daily billfish points added entry level for smaller boats.

At the request of some of the smaller boats under 40-feet, WMO organizers this year are adding a daily billfish points category to reward smaller boats for catches and releases of billfish.

Another new wrinkle this year is Marlin Fest, a satellite WMO viewing festival borne out of COVID, will return, but will be on the beach at the Inlet this year instead of the town’s park at 3rd Street.

The daily weigh-ins will be live-streamed on the beach at the festival, which will also include entertainment, food and drink, and a variety of vendors.

…OC Reports Good Attendance At Last Minute Events

July 8, 2022

FROM PAGE 4 guests,” he said. “We estimate approximately 6,000 patrons attended the Sunday evening concert and watched the small fireworks display, which is a record number for that wonderful concert series.”

As far as Tuesday’s events went, Miller said the feedback for both the shortened Copeland show and the downtown fireworks show was initially positive.

“Last night [Tuesday], despite some hiccups in the weather, we hosted a unique fireworks display downtown and Jay Copeland uptown,” he said. “From the feedback we have received for both shows, visitors thought both events were a hit.”

Marketing and Communications Director Jessica Waters agreed Copeland’s rain-shortened concert at Northside was well-received by those who had the opportunity to hear at least a few of his songs.

“Residents and visitors at Northside Park expressed that although he only had a chance to play a few songs before the rain came, Jay Copeland was great,” she said. “His music is upbeat and family-friendly. It was great to see so many people turn out to enjoy the show, even though the forecast wasn’t what we had hoped.”

Waters said town staff was able to pivot successfully after learning the contracted fireworks company for the actual Fourth of July had to back out.

“The fact that we didn’t get to hold fireworks on July 4 was certainly disappointing, but I believe we were able to adjust our plan and offer two fantastic holiday events for our visitors to enjoy,” she said. “Both the Jay Copeland concert at Northside Park and the fireworks show on the Boardwalk reminded us that Independence Day and our patriotism can be celebrated any day of the

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

week.”

Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (HMRA) Executive Director Susan Jones said she did not make it to the Copeland show, but heard from others it was wonderful despite its reduced duration. She said there could be opportunities to bring the local star back to the resort in the future, perhaps pairing him with another local recording star Jimmy Charles.

“My mother-in-law went to the Jay Copeland concert and said even though it was cut short, he was so appreciative, delightful and has a great voice,” she said. “We’re hoping he can return perhaps and he would be great in the Performing Arts Center. Perhaps we could have him and Jimmy Charles as they were both on American Idol for some sort of live music event.”

In terms of the holiday weekend in general, resort tourism officials were generally pleased with the weekend despite the challenges.

“The weather was beautiful, which made for excellent beach days,” said Waters. “We are fortunate that despite the disappointing news from our fireworks vendor, we were able to host a great Sundaes in the Park event on Sunday night. The fireworks show was smaller than our traditional Independence Day event but still gave a great experience to visitors who wanted to see fireworks. Despite the challenges we and other communities are facing with labor and supply shortages, I think we have been very lucky to have had great Independence Day events.”

For her part, Jones said she had checked in with some of her members

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on the lodging side, but the jury was still out on the actual numbers and the bottom line for many.

“Friday was a little light, but Saturday and Sunday seemed to fill up nicely,” she said. “There were several ‘no vacancies’ and reports of solid business from the lodging end. I haven’t spoken to many restaurants, but traffic in restaurants didn’t seem overly crowded on the actual Fourth.”

Jones said the way the town was able to respond after learning the Fourth fireworks vendor was backing out was indicative of a larger trend.

“I think the pandemic provided everyone, including government, businesses and non-profits etc. with an opportunity to re-evaluate structure and operations and has provided a path for new ways of doing business,” she said.

Nonprofit Shares Update On Ping Pong Tables, Upgrades

Page 86

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 8, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

Two ping pong tables, installed at Burbage Park in Berlin earlier this year, are pictured.

Submitted Photo

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BERLIN – Though the site’s new ping pong tables are now installed, upgrades are still underway at Burbage Park.

Tony Weeg, representing We Heart Berlin, the nonprofit that purchased the tables for the park, told the Berlin Parks Commission this week that there were still improvements being made. We Heart Berlin is set to purchase a gazebo for the park and install a paddle and ball library.

“This whole thing just adds to the charm of the town,” commission member Laura Stearns said.

Weeg approached the commission this week to provide an update on progress of “The Tables” at Burbage Park.

He and We Heart Berlin have been working since last year to bring ping pong to Burbage Park, the often-overlooked green space in front of the town’s power plant. This spring the two tables the group purchased were installed, along with a brick walkway and wall. Weeg said the contractor had been busy but was expected to finish up the brick work in the near future. In the fall, he said landscaping would be added to the site.

Commission member Patricia Dufendach praised the plans but stressed that landscaping should feature plants native to the area.

“In our parks we always strive to have native plants,” she said.

Weeg told the commission We Heart Berlin had also raised enough money to install a gazebo at the park. It will replace the aging pergola that has been there for years.

“I think it’ll look nice aesthetically,” Stearns said.

Weeg said he also wanted to get the commission’s approval of plans for a paddle and ball library, similar to the little free book libraries that exist in some parks, to be installed. He said volunteer Dale Shord had drafted a design that consisted of essentially a plexiglassfronted cabinet with space for paddles and balls.

“It would essentially be just like a little library for books or food,” Weeg said.

Dufendach asked if it would be secured, as she said there were people who weren’t respectful of public property.

Weeg said it would not be locked but that if items were stolen they would be replaced.

“There’s basketballs over at Henry Park every day,” he said. “No one steals them.”

Stearns said the lack of a lock spoke volumes about the town.

“I think everybody that comes in there and sees that with no lock on there will know what a great town it is,” she said.

The commission had no concerns about We Heart Berlin’s plans and expressed excitement about the upgrades.

“This is wonderful stuff,” Dufendach said.

Annual Holiday Events In Ocean Pines Attract Big Crowds

July 8, 2022

OCEAN PINES – Ocean Pines was a popular place on July 4, drawing thousands of residents and visitors to three big events.

The day started with 200 runners taking part in the annual “Freedom 5K” run that began and ended at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines. For race results, visit https://resultscui.active.com/events/Freedom5K. Later that afternoon, more than 2,000 people attended the Fourth of July carnival and fireworks ceremony, also at the Veterans Memorial Park. Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue said many more people watched from the Ocean Pines Racquet Center and other surrounding areas.

Donahue said virtually every Ocean Pines department contributed staff, time and effort to the day’s events. Many volunteers also aided in the effort.

“I want to thank all the employees of Ocean Pines, from the staff at the recreation department, to the numerous staff members from public works and police,” she said. “Without them this event would not take place.They truly do make this event spectacular and safe.”

Donahue singled out “always there volunteer” Carol Ludwig.

“Thank you so much for all your help,” she said. “You are truly an asset to my department as well as Ocean Pines.”

Donahue also thanked DJ Rupe, who helped turn the carnival into a fun, party atmosphere, and all the vendors who

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 87

Approximately 2,000 people attended the Fourth of July carnival and fireworks in Ocean Pines.

contributed to the event.

“To the vendors, thank you for attending, and I hope to see you again next year,” she said. “And what a great fireworks show, put on again this year by Schaefer Fireworks company. Thank you to the ladies and gentlemen from Schaefer’s that do an amazing job at setting off the fireworks display.”

She also thanked major sponsors Bank of Ocean City, Seaside Plumbing, the Ocean Pines Chamber of Comm-

erce, and The Power of Two Team.

Donahue said the Fourth of July celebration is the largest event put on by the recreation department, “and it takes a lot of time and people to make it happen.”

“I cannot say enough about the employees of Ocean Pines and how they step in and take care of their designated jobs and those that just pop up,” she said. “The South Gate Pond and Veterans Memorial area is the best location

Submitted Photos

and the most beautiful area to have our fireworks display, and it has proven to be enjoyed by many.”

Donahue continued, “Thank you to General Manager John Viola and the Board of Directors for their support and believing in this crazy idea I had to bring the fireworks to the Veterans Memorial area. And thank you to all that joined us throughout the day. We hope that you enjoyed the event and I look forward to seeing you again next year.”

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New Distillery in Berlin Aims For September Opening

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN– While work is still underway, connections of a new distillery in Berlin are hopeful it will be open in September.

Forgotten 50 Distilling, located on Old Ocean City Boulevard in Berlin, received its Class 1 distilling license last week and continues to move closer toward opening. The extensive renovations required for the building, and the decision to serve food as well as drinks, have kept the distillery’s connections busy for the past year.

“It just kept evolving over time,” said Cody Miller.

Miller, after years of working at Seacrets Distilling Company, was looking to build his own operation when he reached out to Eric Fiori, who owns several commercial spaces in the area, about the former Chesapeake Utilities property near the American Legion. Fiori said that while his wife had encouraged him to do something unique with the property, he hadn’t settled on an idea until he talked to Miller.

Cody Miller, Eric Fiori and Jeff Phillips are pictured in front of Forgotten 50 Distilling. While construction is still in progress they’re hoping the new business can open in September.

Photo By Charlene Sharpe

“When Cody introduced the idea we were like yeah that’s the right fit,” he said.

They started working last year on renovating the building, which was originally constructed in the 1940s as a Ply-

mouth dealership, and began seeking the necessary regulatory approvals. Fiori said the construction process involved extensive work, including installing 3,000 feet of water line underground, as well as structural improvements to

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July 8, 2022

the building. Currently, masonry work is underway.

“We brought in a secondary contractor to speed things up,” Fiori said.

When work is done, the building— which will retain its industrial feel but has been restored to look like it did in the 1940s—will feature a small tasting and retail area in the front as well as seating for 48 people between tables and booths inside and additional seating outside. The back portion of the building will be used for production.

Miller, who says distilling is taking off now the way craft beer did 10 years ago, is excited about having the opportunity to develop new products.

“I’ve been at Seacrets and it just got to the point where it was basically running itself and I had more to create,” he said.

Midway through the renovations, Miller and Fiori decided food would complement the distillery. They’ve partnered with Jeff Phillips, the grandson of Brice and Shirley Phillips, to craft a food element for Forgotten 50. Phillips, who has years of culinary experience, said he was excited to be involved.

“It felt good to be part of this bigger dream,” he said.

Phillips said he’d be working with local farms and fishermen to develop a menu that would offer a variety of items and suit the drinks being served.

“We’re a distillery first,” he said. “I want to complement the drinks and unique cocktails with the coastal cuisine I grew up cooking.”

Fiori said the distillery would be open year-round, likely seven days a week, and would be serving lunch in an effort to cater to those who worked in the Berlin area.

While there’s still construction work to be done, Miller is hoping that once it’s substantially complete, ideally in August, he’ll be able to begin distilling in preparation for the facility’s planned September opening. He’s eager to begin experimenting.

“I want to be open to make any kind of spirits,” he said, adding that he also wanted to work with area businesses to help them create their own special blends.

Funds Proposed For Police Retention

July 8, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A proposal to use money budgeted for a Flower Street roundabout to instead support the police department is expected to be discussed by the Berlin Town Council Monday.

Councilman Jack Orris confirmed this week he plans to suggest the town devote the $122,000 it had set aside for a roundabout on Flower Street to the police department instead. Citizens have taken to social media in recent months to express concern about the small department’s struggle to retain officers.

“The roundabout is a process that could take years and additional costs for property acquisition, stormwater management and engineering, to name a few things,” Orris said. “We don’t need it — but we do need to help our police department.”

As residents continue to express concern regarding the Berlin Police Department’s limited staffing, Orris, who noted that law enforcement agencies were struggling with recruitment nationwide, said the town’s department was still playing catchup. While police in Berlin received a 9% pay increase a few years ago, neighboring agencies have since upped their pay and in some cases are offering lucrative bonuses.

“In my view, there seems to be a mixture of reluctance to join the occupation nationally and here in town a little bit of

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

trying to play catchup,” he said.

To address the issue, he believes the town should continue to pursue the LEOPS (Law Enforcement Officers Pension System). The town included funding for a LEOPS study in this year’s budget.

“Berlin is one of the only municipalities without it and it would be helpful in recruiting,” Orris said.

He added that the town had a nice new police station with plenty of space for more personnel.

“We also need to get more boots on the ground,” he said. “Not only to help our existing law enforcement officers and staff, but as Berlin grows in residents, as is indicated in the census, and visitors, things like patrol and enforcement would logically ramp up.”

He's hopeful that forgoing the roundabout idea and diverting the funds to the police department will allow for some much needed retention and recruitment efforts.

“I’ll defer to Chief [Arnold] Downing on best practices for these efforts and look to work with the chief and his department and the mayor and council to investigate, assess and find sustainable funding sources for our police,” he said.

In May, Downing said the 14-member department had two officers on medical leave and two vacancies. Though the town hired one new officer last month, the individual still needs to go through the academy.

Inclusive Playground Eyed For Berlin

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Replacing the aging equipment at Stephen Decatur Park with inclusive playground equipment is now a top priority for Berlin.

The Berlin Parks Commission this week agreed to designate inclusive playground equipment as its top priority as it seeks state grant funding. The decision came at the urging of Mayor Zack Tyndall.

“We want to preserve the natural beauty of Stephen Decatur Park but also add something that all ages can play and all abilities can play as well,” he said.

Last year, Tyndall brought up the concept of replacing some of the equipment at Stephen Decatur Park with inclusive playground equipment. He shared concept plans for a roughly $800,000 setup with officials in 2021. As a result, the commission included the inclusive playground on its list of priorities, along with lighting at Henry Park, ping pong tables at Burbage Park and a skate park study.

Tyndall came to the commission this week asking members to make the inclusive playground the top priority on the list and forward that to the town council as a recommendation. He added that the park’s existing equipment was old.

“Some of the equipment is beginning to deteriorate,” he said.

He introduced Sarah Oleksak, a local physical therapist who helped Salisbury with its inclusive playground.

“I’d like to do what I can to support

that here,” she said.

Commission members said they liked the idea but said they wanted to make sure the park stayed shady. They also asked about the projects previously listed above the playground as priorities for grant funding.

Acting Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said the permanent bathrooms for Stephen Decatur Park had been funded and were in the planning stages. The grant application for Henry Park lighting was approved and the town expects to hear soon on if any funding will be received.

Tyndall noted that even if the town made an inclusive playground its top priority when seeking Community Parks and Playgrounds funds, it wouldn’t find out until the end of next summer if any funding had been received.

“I think it’s very important for us to continue to put good projects forward,” he said.

He said the town would use some of the funds it budgeted for grant applications to have a grant writer work on the application.

When asked which equipment the new inclusive playground would replace, Bohlen said it was likely all of the existing equipment would be removed.

“Just because of the age and the way it’s laid out,” she said.

Commission members said they supported Tyndall’s proposal.

“It would help our children so much,” commission member Patricia Dufendach said.

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July 8, 2022

OBITUARIES Lorenda Lynch Birch OCEAN CITY – Lorenda Lynch Birch, age 89, died Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at her home in Ocean City.

Born in Selbyville, Del., she was the daughter of the late Chester and Olive Hudson Lynch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton “Buddy” Birch, in 1980 and by her beloved companion Curtis Birch in 2008.

She is survived by her daughters, Nicole Desiree Birch Duleau of Arizona and Chantal Birch and Jonathan Ashton of Berlin. There are five grandchildren, Chloe French, Easton Wilkins, Alexis Wilkins, Danielle Kennell and Austin Birch; four great-grandchildren, Ava LORENDA BIRCH Kennell, Chase Kennell, Autumn Hicken, and Francis Wilkins; and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Jackie Lynch of Selbyville.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Lynch, and sister Erma Torres.

She had been the owner and operator of the Rideau Motel in Ocean City.

She was a graduate of Selbyville High School, had been a member of The Atlantic United Methodist Church in Ocean City, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, and the Worcester County Humane Society. She was an artist who enjoyed painting in oils, loved music, cats, and

Turkey Hill mint chocolate chip ice cream.

She also loved to travel across America and internationally with her beloved companion Curtis Birch.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery. Donations may be sent to the Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, MD 21811.

Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Nancy Speer Engquist BERLIN – Nancy Speer Engquist, age 69, died Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family.

Born in Avon, Ill., she was the only daughter of the late Orvan Speer and Ruby Hunt Speer.

Nancy grew up in Bushnell, Ill. and attended Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill. where she joined Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

Nancy went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Northern Illinois UniverNANCY sity and her Doctorate ENGQUIST Degree in Education from Loyola University Chicago. After graduating from Monmouth, she proudly began her career as a special education teacher in Batavia, Ill. before moving to St. Charles, Ill.,

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where she resided with her family for over 40 years. A lifelong learner and educator, Dr. Engquist continued her career as a middle school teacher in St. Charles, and as a professor and consultant at Illinois State University, where she took great pride in her students' many successes.

Nancy enjoyed teaching swimming lessons, serving on the Board of Trustees of Monmouth College, traveling with her daughters, catching up with friends at book club and walks around the neighborhood, swimming, and sharing her wealth of knowledge with her beloved grandsons. She loved history, reading, and visiting Washington, D.C., where she relished her memberships at Mount Vernon, Hillwood Estate, Smithsonian Museums, and the White House and Capitol Historical Societies.

She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved uncle, Kermit Speer.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 40-plus years, John Engquist (Berlin); daughters, Kristin Bergey (Ryan) of Berlin and Laura Engquist of Washington, D.C.; and grandsons James, John, Chase, and Luke Bergey of Berlin. Nancy also leaves behind brothers Jeff Speer (Ellen), Stan Speer (Mary Beth), and Bruce Speer (Joni), many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, extended family, and cherished friends.

Her family would like to thank the wonderful teams at Northwestern University

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Medicine and Johns Hopkins Hospital, especially Dr. Amanda Fader and Nurse Kelly Thomas; the nurses of Weinberg 4B, especially Nurse Amy Brown, Bo, Katie, Melissa, and Heather; and many other outstanding caregivers including Dr. William “Eddie” Gunn and his team.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 20, 2022, from 10-11 a.m. at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, Va. 22201. A private graveside service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Bushnell Public Swimming Pool, in memory of Nancy Engquist: Bushnell City Hall, 138 E. Hail Street, Bushnell, Ill. 61422; The Monmouth Physics Department, attn: Chris Fasano, in memory of Nancy Engquist: 700 E. Broadway, Monmouth, Ill. 61462; or children’s books to the St. Charles Public Library, 1 South 6th Avenue, St. Charles, Ill. 60174 Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home, 108 William Street, Berlin.

Noah Jay Coffman OCEAN CITY – Noah Jay Coffman, age 60, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2022 at his home in Ocean City.

Jay was born Dec. 20, 1961, in Washington, D.C. He was the son of the late Noah Webster Coffman and Helen Louise Jordan Coffman.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Kunz Coffman; sons Noah Coffman (Brittney) of Ohio and Zach Coffman (Samantha) of Ohio; and daughters Angela BurNOAH man (Wes) of North Car- COFFMAN olina, Katie Kunz (Timmy) of North Carolina and Kailee Coffman of Riva. Also surviving are grandchildren Miles Burman, Anthony Burman, Hunter Burman, Jacob Burman, Hadley Burman, Cadence Coffman, Mackenzie Coffman, Amir Corbin, Brixley Coffman and Carson Coffman. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Noah Julius Coffman.

Also surviving is a sister, Lori Walton (Lawrence) of North Beach; sister-inlaw Alison Kunz; brother-in-law Kenneth Kunz; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Jay was a plumber by trade. He was a member of the American Legion Post 226 in Mayo, Maryland. Jay was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoyed fishing, Nascar and motorcycles. He loved to listen and sing to 70’s Classic Rock. He loved his family, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and people abundantly.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at American Legion Post 123 (10111 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin, Md.) from 1-5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or to SIDS (Sudden Infantile Death Syndrome).

Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

July 8, 2022

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

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County Must Identify Site Funding Source How We See It

Once they decide, Worcester County government officials need to inform citizens where the more than $7 million in funding will come from to purchase the 95-acre site identified for a sports complex. The funding source for the proposed property acquisition must be identified to provide residents all the information needed before the November referendum.

It was learned this week the $11 million bond ordinance now headed to referendum only includes funding for the development of the sports complex. It was wrongly assumed by most the bond funded the site purchase. The bond will fund the development of the site, meaning the county will need to buy the property initially with grant funding potentially sought later as a payback. The funds could come from the healthy budget stabilization fund, but it’s also possible casino funding distributions could be utilized.

The county needs to outline how the county will fund the site purchase. A motion needs to be made soon by one of the majority commissioners who back the effort and a vote taken to inform the public.

As it stands currently, there is no direction. Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young confirmed as much, saying, “A funding source is not identified right now.

Even if this bond bill can be used, it can only be used for development. It does not include acquisition.”

We have long thought a sports complex will benefit Worcester County. We believe and support it generally. Though we worry we are late to this tourism trend of prioritizing youth sports, we support the concept as an economic development initiative as well as recreational expansion for our youth. However, the county is not doing a good job of managing the process. It’s being mishandled.

The county needs to build a better case and show an organized effort behind this process. There does not seem to be a plan.

Time is important here. The 4-3 majority vote in favor of the sports complex acquisition could change after the fall election. The referendum’s fate is much in doubt, as the community is divided over this project. The division is a result of the sports complex being a rush job.

Though discussed for years informally, the specific sports complex property acquisition under consideration has not been thought out. The Town of Berlin has still not been approached and state transportation officials know little about the project.

The county can help steer public discourse on this project by discussing the process in clear terms. A good start would be deciding how the county plans to buy the property and letting the public know.

The fate of the referendum – which will determine if the development can be financed – could well hang on how the county manages the process in the coming months.

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Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green Ocean City was thrown an unfortunate, and inexcusable, curve ball when it was told within two weeks of the 4th of July the contracted vendor could not provide fireworks on the holiday. A lack of staff was cited, but the real answer is likely the vendor had to prioritize, found a different entity wishing to pay more and ditched Ocean City. I do not believe for a minute the holiday snuck up on the vendor, who could not make it work.

Litigation might follow. In the meantime, Ocean City should end the threeyear contract early for breach.

Tourism and special events people tried to make the best of the situation by planning fireworks on July 3 and July 5. The July 3 Sundaes in the Park event was wonderful with a record crowd enjoying live music and the fireworks display. It could be an event worthy of expanding on in future years as a pre-Independence Day celebration. Ocean City long held two fireworks displays on the Fourth of July, but I think the idea of having back-to-back festivities on July 3 and 4 in separate areas of town merits further conversation.

While the north-end celebration was a homer, it was a bad call to hold fireworks on July 5, a quiet day in Ocean City. Traffic leaving Ocean City throughout the day was heavy and it was a clearly a travel day. I was on the Boardwalk that night. The crowds were light even before the rain. Due to the weather, including a tornado warning, the crowds were minimal for the fireworks on July 5. Even if the weather was ideal, the crowds would have been light, however. Though hindsight makes everything clear, a better plan would have been to have fireworks on July 2 downtown and the north-end display on July 3. Desperate times call for hasty measures, and the city probably did not have the luxury of making that request.

All in all, Ocean City made the best of a terrible situation, but three straight years without fireworks on the Fourth of July is unacceptable and cannot happen again.

Tensions are running high on the proposed sports complex. The latest example came at this week’s government meeting in Snow Hill. The two Worcester County Commissioners who typically say the least in public meetings are easily Ted Elder and Diana Purnell. At this week’s meeting on the topic of the sports complex process, Elder, who was elected back in 2014 in District 4 and is seeking re-election this month, and Purnell, elected in 2014 and seeking re-election for District 2, expressed themselves clearly. The normally reserved Purnell went off on the petition group and targeted her fellow commissioners who oppose the sports complex in her comments.

“One of the most embarrassing and disgusting things about the referendum, you had people come to a Memorial Day parade in the middle of a black community with a cardboard placard on their back. They walked through, talked to people about the sports complex, and they made it sound like their taxes are going to go up and you shouldn’t have this,” she said. “… they rode up in there, gathering up names from people whose kids will be a part of the complex – the whole thing is your taxes are going to go up. The truth of the matter is the taxes are not going to go up. … one of the organizers finally went up and asked why they were taking names from people who will benefit from this. That was pretty disgusting … For eight years I have supported things in you all’s district. Some of them I were not too happy about supporting but we need to do what we needed to do. I tell you what, I am really ticked off that you had people come into our community, a community that has not asked this county for one red dime to do major projects that would bring in sustainable economic development, not one. Then walk through with a cardboard placard … that to me is disgraceful. I would never do that to either one of you.”

Purnell was talking directly to Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jimmy Bunting – the two most outspoken opponents to the current sports complex proposal. Bertino adamantly denied being involved in that aspect of the petition process. Purnell interrupted him saying, “don’t tell me you don’t have anything to do with it, Chip, because you’ve been carrying the water … we supposed to be working together as a county commission for the entire county… When I sit up here, I vote for things for this county, not for race or anything else. We got to see the county grow. For me, whether we get it or not, it’s the attitude for us as commissioners and working together. Berlin is our district, Ted, and we need to also work for our district. The growth in our district. … I was ticked guys running through the crowd with a placard on his back … I’m disappointed, but that might not mean nothing …”

Elder took exception to Purnell’s comments, specifically referring to his perception – shared by many others including Berlin Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols – most people in her district do not want the sports complex.

“I spoke to people on Flower Street who were against having that there because of the traffic and the ingress and egress. They were worried it’s too much already ... to accuse me of anything else or cast aspersions of anything else is wrong. I did not go out there with any placards on my back,” Elder said. “I didn’t go out there and get any signatures. I voted the way I feel I should vote for the good of the county. That’s what I believe. If you have something wrong with the way I voted with my heart, that’s your problem, not mine. I’m going to tell you straight up the people I talk to down there around your area did not want that sports complex.”

As the conversation delved further into racism, Mitrecic interjected, saying, “This has gone way too far.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Puzzle Answers

I

July 8, 2022

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

PUZZLE ON PAGE 59

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have been a parent for more than 14 years now, but in some ways, I feel like I am still learning something new each day.

Some days I go to bed feeling good about my kids – 14 and 12 - and where they are in their respective lives. I am especially content when the 14-year-old kid is asleep in his bed from summer exhaustion. Other days, I do go to bed riddled with anxiety about what’s happening with one or both of them.

Whenever I am feeling stressed about this or that related to my kids, I take comfort in knowing none of my concerns are health related. Though Carson has health concerns, all of them are under control and the prognosis positive. There are many families in our communities with children facing serious health problems, and I pray for peace for them because it must be gut wrenching. I know the stuff that gives me stress with my boys’ pales in comparison to what they face in their journeys.

Nonetheless, everyone has daily stuff to deal with when it comes to their kids. The seriousness depends on the household and the age of the kid(s) and vary from day to day.

On my home front, the worries are never ending with our special needs son. These are lifelong concerns that put the focus on managing daily life. To dive deep each day into what the future looks like for him is overwhelming. It’s best for us to keep him on a good daily track and time and perspective will take care of the rest. At least, that’s our present train of thought.

With our 14-year-old, we are bobbing and weaving. Some days he comes home from work exhausted and is asleep by 10 p.m. Other days he stays up all hours of the night talking to friends, resulting in zombie-like tendencies the next day.

With my teenage son, I have been

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naïve about a few things, namely how uncool I would be to him. I thought he and I would always be close, and the father-son dynamic would also include a friendship and bond. While I feel confident this will eventually happen, the current state of our relationship seems to be more about keeping him on course and raising a good human. He’s stubborn and headstrong. It’s tough work because he seems to prefer learning things the hard way rather than heeding advice from his parents who have learned a lot in our lives. This aspect of his personality is difficult for me to accept.

If I see him approaching something in an unproductive fashion, I point out what may happen if he doesn’t alter his thought process. When I observe firsthand foolishness or misjudgments, I try and inform him what the result might be of his lunacy. Though his reactions come across disrespectful, I am constantly reminding myself he currently learns through real life experiences rather than absorbing constructive advice. It’s an unfortunate reality.

“You don’t have to worry so much” was a comment he said one night on the drive home from his work in Ocean City. When he got off work on the Boardwalk at 9 p.m., he asked if could hang with a few friends who were nearby. I said it was fine because I didn’t have to work the next day and people watching on the Boardwalk entertains me.

After about 30 minutes, he came back, saying his friends had already left. I annoyed him by asking a few questions about what he had been doing aside from eating the bucket of Thrasher’s Fries we were about to be sharing. I touched a nerve evidently. He asked why his mom and me must know everything and why we worry so much about what he’s doing and specifically who he is with.

Now, I have apologized a few times

to my son for some things I have said or actions taken that I regret. I tell him to “charge it to my head, not my heart,” because I just want the best for him and being safe and healthy is a big part of it. However, I will not apologize for worrying.

Before becoming a parent, I had no idea I'd worry like this. I stress over the consequences of a poor decision he will make that I cannot quickly undo.

There is worry over peer pressure clouding better judgment. The hope his feeling of invincibility will not result in a major issue. I pray his good heart will always win and result in best judgment and honest understanding. I know it will not always happen because it has not already, and it gives me pause. I want the life lessons to come but not with too much of a price. It’s impossible to not fret over things out of our control.

He has been raised with the best intentions, but it might not always be enough. It’s seems a certainty it won’t be.

He gets annoyed at being micromanaged. I get it. I’m sure it’s aggravating.

I probably felt the same way at his age.

It’s just a parent’s perspective tells us so much more than he knows. He says he knows, but he won’t show us the patience we need to slowly let go and let him spread his wings in life. He doesn’t understand a parent’s love. It’s understandable because he’s not one yet, but one day he will get it. I hope he remembers because the worrying is directly tied to love. He will know one day.

In the meantime, instead of holding on with both hands, I am learning to do it with one hand. I feel like sometimes I just need to turn my head a bit more, but it’s more difficult than I ever imagined.

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

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July 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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July 8, 2022