Sept. 1

See Page 18 • File Photo by Campos Media

See Page 6 • Photo by Campos Media

Storm Swell: Hurricane Franklin passed far offshore this week, bringing some swells to Ocean City on Wednesday, as seen here from a photographer’s inside perspective .

Photo by Nick Denny

SERVING DELMARVA FOR 60 YEARS

Berlin Ends Heron Park Negotiations

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Plans to sell a portion of Heron Park to a local developer came to a halt Monday with a 3-2 vote by the town council to end negotiations.

The Berlin Town Council on Monday voted 3-2 to stop negotiations with Palmer Gillis and Coastal Ventures Properties and to instead have the town move forward with demolition of the dilapidated building on the site on its own

“I hope the next time we go for bid or proposals for this property that we as a town know what we want,” said Councilman Dean Burrell, one of those who supported ending negotiations.

Since last year, the town has been in an exclusive negotiating period with Gillis, one of two bidders who submitted proposals for property at Heron Park.

Though the town in recent weeks narrowed the focus of consideration to just parcel 57, the lot containing the dilapidated processing plant, negotiations with Gillis have been ongoing.

In a work session before Monday’s council meeting, officials reviewed an updated appraisal for parcel 57. Though it was initially valued at $800,000 with its existing residential zoning, an updated appraisal valued it at $1.2 million based on the hypothetical condition of commercial zoning and the extraordinary assumption that the site was clear. While the town does have a $500,000 demolition grant, officials have said it’s unlikely that will cover the entire cost of demolition of the immense building.

The demolition grant, as Mayor Zack Tyndall reminded officials, is meant to catalyze activities that accelerate economic development and job production. He also provided an overview of the updated proposed contract for the sale and acknowledged that the property came with 36 sewer EDUs (equivalent dwelling units) but would need to purchase water EDUs if developed.

After the lengthy work session, the time for a decision came at the end of the regular council meeting later Monday night. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said that in order to meet the deadlines associated with the $500,000 strategic demolition grant the town had for the property, a request for demolition proposals needed to be developed now. Before that can be done, she said officials needed to decide whether they were using the grant to demolish as much of the building as could be demolished or if they were using it to selectively demolish the portions designated by Gillis. Bohlen said it was questionable whether the town would be able to get demolition accomplished in the next 10 months, considering the request for proposals had to be drafted and bids solicited and reviewed.

“I’m very, very concerned,” she said. “I’m not going to mince words on this.”

Councilman Jay Knerr, noting that $400,000 worth of sewer EDUs (equivalent dwelling units) accompanied the property, said he didn’t support selling the parcel to Gillis. Councilman Steve Green, however, spoke in support of selling.

“It’s risk versus reward for me. I don’t see parcel 57 as a land of opportunity for the Town of Berlin,” Green said.

Mayor Zack Tyndall said that if the town didn’t take some action it could lose the $500,000 grant.

Burrell referenced the EDUs as well as the fact that Gillis would be getting the benefit of the grant.

“I think we’re just giving this thing away,” he said.

Knerr said the town was at a saturation point with restaurants, one of the proposed uses in Gillis’s development plan.

“He only said restaurants because we told him restaurants,” Green said,

Palmer and Sandy Gillis of Coastal Venture Properties are pictured before the Berlin Mayor and Council on Monday, Aug. 28. Photo by Charlene Sharpe

… Town To Proceed With Demolition

referencing the fact that officials had placed restrictions on what Gillis could and couldn’t build on the site.

Knerr said Gillis had been vague about his plans for the site once the initial proposal had been scaled back.

“How would he know what we want?” Green replied, referring to the constant mixed messages being given to the prospective developer dating back to the RFP that stipulated restaurants be included as a use.

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols said Gillis was intelligent enough to know what he wanted for the site.

Green said that it was clear that there were three council members – a majority – who didn’t want to continue negotiations.

Tyndall asked how the council wanted to proceed.

Nichols said the town should demolish the building from the back forward, tearing down what it could afford to with the grant.

“Take off the middle and the back, as much of that as you can, and go from there,” she said.

Tyndall asked where the funding to pay for the cost of demolition would come from once the town spent the $500,000.

“I do not feel comfortable taking money out of our reserves for this project,” he said.

Burrell said, “Then let it sit.”

Councilman Jack Orris said he didn’t support that. Nichols said she just wanted the town to tear down what it could.

“I’m not saying leave it looking like a bomb site,” she said.

Tyndall said that might be what the town ended up with.

Nichols stressed that the members of the public she’d heard from didn’t want to sell the property if it didn’t mean elimination of the $2.3 million in debt associated with the park’s purchase.

Green said he trusted Gillis and didn’t agree with the direction the council was going. He expressed frustration that the town had been presented with a sketch plan from another developer, Berlin property owner Jack Burbage, when officials were in an exclusive negotiating period with Gillis. Referencing recent calls for a committee to study land use of Heron Park, he said parcel 57 could have been sold and the committee could have reviewed best uses for the remainder of the park property.

“I feel like we’re back to where we started,” he said.

Burrell made a motion to stop negotiations with Gillis and to have the town move forward with using the grant for demolition. The council voted 3-2, with Green and Orris opposed, to approve the motion.

Resort Officials Provide Update As Oceans Calling Nears

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – City officials this week got a better understanding of what the public can expect in the days leading up to the Oceans Calling Festival.

In a work session Tuesday, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo presented the Mayor and Council with an update on the Oceans Calling Festival, set for Sept. 29-Oct. 1. With attendance expected to reach an estimated 50,000 each day, he said the town was working with the promoter – C3 Presents – to share information on parking, transportation, access and more.

“From our standpoint, I will tell you that they’ve done an exceptional job with the city departments,” Perlozzo said of the promoter. “They’ve addressed pretty much all of our concerns, from police, fire

marshal, EMS, etcetera. So we are pretty happy with the way things are moving along.”

During Tuesday’s presentation, Perlozzo said that minor site plan revisions were still being finalized this week. He noted, however, that the main festival footprint – which encompasses the beach, Inlet parking lot, and Boardwalk from North Division Street south – would remain the same.

However, Perlozzo said the public could expect Boardwalk closures in the days leading up to the festival.

“We plan on closing the Boardwalk, that section from North Division south, on the 28th, that evening,” he said. “Then we’d reopen it to the public on Monday, October 2.”

Perlozzo said there will also be road closures from North Division Street to the Boardwalk beginning Sept. 20, although

access will remain open until the festival begins. The Boardwalk, he added, will remain open from North Division Street to 27th Street.

“Residents, workers, etcetera, will have access south all the time,” he explained. “North Division Street to the Boardwalk will remain a dropoff and access point for C3 as they cross North Division to get on the beach and build the staging. It will be a major thoroughfare and route that we will have to have staffed.”

Perlozzo added that the Inlet parking lot will also close from Sept. 20 through Oct. 6 to allow for setup and teardown.

“Then we will get ready for Cruisin at that point, which will come in right after that,” he added.

With tens of thousands of concertgoers expected to attend Oceans Calling, Perlozzo said the town was encouraging vis-

itors to plan for alternative transportation arrangements. He encouraged biking, walking and rideshares such as Uber and Lyft, which will have a pickup and dropoff location at the 4th Street parking lot.

“We will have a pickup and dropoff point, and we have been able to get C3 to geofence the site so it will be easily identifiable to the patrons,” he said.

While Boardwalk trams will not be in service, Perlozzo said there will be constant bus service from the West Ocean City Park and Ride to the downtown area, as well as water taxi service from Ocean Pines, West Ocean City and north Ocean City. He added that the town’s transportation department will also be running an express service along Coastal Highway throughout the weekend.

“We do have an express service throughout town that will run from north to south,” he said. “For example, rather than stopping at every block or bus stop, there will be festival buses that will go to express locations along Coastal Highway.”

City Manager Terry McGean stressed that bus service will not be reduced but modified.

“It is all hands on deck for the transportation department,” he said.

“As many buses as we can put out there, we’re putting out there. But by reducing the number of stops means we can get north and south much faster and move people. So you may have to walk a little farther than you normally do, but we will be able to move you much quicker.”

McGean added that the West Ocean City Park and Ride would be operated by a private company.

“Regarding the Park and Ride, what we’ve done is contracted with a private service to provide the shuttle buses to and from the Park and Ride so we can have all our buses on Coastal Highway …,” he said. “What we’ve done is try to maximize all our resources so we can move as many people as possible, as efficiently as possible, during the event.”

Perlozzo also told council members this week that the sellout festival is expected to bring new visitors to Ocean City. He said tickets have been sold in every state and in five international destinations.

“I would say well over 70% of those 50,000 people are not from here or have not been here yet,” he said. “So we find it an exciting opportunity to go out and promote Ocean City as a summer destination, as well as a year-round destination.”

When asked how the town planned to capture repeat visitors, Perlozzo said there were plans to bring the town’s vintage VW van and an information booth to the festival, among other things. Councilman John Gehrig applauded staff for their efforts.

“This is why we do special events,” he said. “It’s a guaranteed introduction of new people to our region, to Ocean City, to our county.”

Officials said additional information, as well as a welcome guide, can be found on the Oceans Calling Festival website, oceanscallingfestival.com.

“I think it’s certainly going to be what we want it to be, and it will be a tremendous draw for Ocean City,” said Mayor Rick Meehan.

Berlin Approves Contract To Install Speed Cameras

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Speed cameras will be coming to Berlin following contract approval this week.

The Berlin Town Council voted unanimously on Monday to approve a contract with RedSpeed, a company that works with jurisdictions to provide automated traffic enforcement initiatives. Here in Berlin, the company will install cameras to monitor speeding.

“We will be consulting with council members about possible locations,” Chief Arnold Downing said.

Downing presented the council this week with a 34-page proposed fiveyear contract with RedSpeed, the company he’s been in talks with for months regarding speed cameras. He said during the term of the contract RedSpeed

would build out the entire system.

“Why RedSpeed and not other vendors?” the chief said. “We actually had the opportunity to talk to other vendors. The technology’s totally different. Most speed cameras are actual photo cameras taking snapshots. RedSpeed actually uses video. We’ll be able to go ahead and look back, look at that video and actually do other things other than just capture speeders and violations.”

He said there were also benefits to the fine structure used by RedSpeed.

“This is actually a different payment structure than most of the others. A lot of the other ones are flat fee, in saying that, if you don’t have enough tickets you might be in the negative,” he said.

With RedSpeed, however, the $40 fine is broken down so that $14 of it goes to RedSpeed and $26 goes to the town. If a citation isn’t paid and a motorist is flag-

ged, RedSpeed will take care of that for an additional $3 fee.

“With each citation the max they will be getting is $17 out of the $40,” Downing said.

He said his department was required to have an authorized individual, a sworn officer, vet the citations forwarded by RedSpeed. He said that individual would be tasked with sorting through the violations to ensure police officers or emergency responders on their way to calls weren’t ticketed.

According to Downing, RedSpeed will assist the municipality with getting the necessary permits for the speed camera system. He said the only issue was expected to be getting Maryland State Highway Administration approval for cameras on Broad Street, William Street and Main Street, as they were state roads.

“We’d have to get permission from

State Highway to put units on those locations,” he said. “RedSpeed does that for us, they do it routinely.”

He said the town and RedSpeed had to agree on sites for the cameras.

“Once a site is established that site has to be maintained for one year unless we mutually agree another site should be chosen because the site is not an appropriate location,” Downing said.

He said if it was underperforming in terms of the amount of speeding motorists it was recording, RedSpeed would want to move it to a site with more speeding.

Councilman Steve Green asked if the company had performed its trial analysis of potential Berlin locations yet. Downing said that wouldn’t take place until the contract was approved.

When Green asked what would happen if the company determined the speed camera program wasn’t lucrative in Berlin.

“If that was the case we wouldn’t be out anything,” Downing said.

He added that the company was aware of the number of schools in Berlin and that the cameras in Maryland had to be near school zones. He added that Pittsville, which only had one school, was averaging revenue of $5,000 to $6,000 a month working with RedSpeed.

“That has been reduced from around $11,000,” he said. “It tells you the residents there have actually changed their behavior and the numbers have come down.”

He said that after the first year the town should experience a 20% reduction in speeding.

"At the end of the day, that’s the goal, not the revenue but the reduction in speed,” Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said.

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols indicated she’d love to see a speed camera on Flower Street, where speeding is often a concern for residents.

Councilman Jay Knerr asked what happened if motorists contested the fines. Downing said RedSpeed would go to court to defend the camera system if that occurred.

Councilman Jack Orris questioned a portion of the contract that related to collecting delinquent payments. Downing explained that if a fine wasn’t paid, rather than send the unpaid fine to a collection agency RedSpeed would have the Motor Vehicle Administration flag the motorist.

“We don’t have a mechanism to go grab somebody and say you owe us X amount of dollars,” Downing said. “Taking tags is enough.”

Mayor Zack Tyndall thanked Downing and the town’s attorney for their work on the contract.

“I know it’s been a big lift trying to sort through legislation to make sure we can do something like this and then selecting the appropriate vendor,” he said. “You all have put a lot of work into this and we appreciate it.”

Downing said he was encouraged by the fact that local towns like Pocomoke and Snow Hill were already working with RedSpeed.

“All of our local partners are using this and they actually were references. That makes us feel good,” he said.

Council Eyes Town-Owned Cellphones For Officials

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – The Berlin Town Council agreed to move forward with purchasing town-owned cellphones for employees and elected officials.

At the recommendation of Mayor Zack Tyndall, the council voted unanimously on Monday to purchase AT&T FirstNet devices for most staff and elected officials.

He said the recommendation came in the wake of an increasing number of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

“Some of these requests are for person-

al cellphone records of our employees,” he said. “In order to protect our employees’ privacy and increase the availability of public information, the mayor, town administrator and department heads have evaluated transitioning to town-owned devices.”

Tyndall told the council during the Maryland Municipal League conference he’d met with representatives of AT&T FirstNet, which is a communication network built for first responders and critical infrastructure personnel. He said he’d tried one of the FirstNet devices during the past few months and found it to be effective.

He noted the only place he didn’t have a full strength connection was at Assat-

eague, but that a tower was going up in the area. As a result, he suggested the town acquire 62 FirstNet devices, with 54 of them having push-to-talk capabilities.

He said the change would save the town money, as it currently reimbursed 72 employees $50 a month for using their personal cellphones. Using federal and state contracts, the town will be able to get the devices for only $0.99 each.

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said a key benefit of FirstNet was that during times of high congestion, the FirstNet users designated as first responders and critical personnel would get priority service.

“So we won’t experience that no cellu-

lar service,” she said, adding that it would be helpful during events like the Christmas parade. “Our key personnel will still be able to communicate during an emergency.”

The council voted unanimously to move forward with purchasing the FirstNet devices. Tyndall said the devices should be available in September and that AT&T staff would be available to help employees and officials transition to the new system.

“I think it’s going to be a good benefit for the town and will assist us on the emergency preparedness side and the ability for everybody to be on the same page,” Tyndall said.

Community Shows Support For Buckingham Elementary

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – An unprecedented amount of donations from the community is expected to provide Buckingham Elementary School students with a strong start to the school year.

As they prepared their classrooms for students this week, teachers at Buckingham were overwhelmed by the ways the community has offered support to individual classrooms and the school as a whole as it prepares to welcome students back on Tuesday. Bins of backpacks, donations of art supplies and purchases from Amazon wish lists will ensure teachers and students can start the school year successfully.

“Buckingham is able to provide a high-

ly effective, extraordinary school experience for all students due to the generosity of community organizations, our faith partners and citizens,” Principal Chris Welch said.

While nonprofits and community groups in Berlin have always offered local kids in need things like free backpacks, school supplies and haircuts, in the wake of spending cuts related to the school system’s maintenance of effort budget there have been even more offers of assistance. The community responded when Worcester County Public Schools announced that instructional supply and materials of instruction allotments were being reduced by 50%.

“The Worcester County community is always super generous but in light of the budget crisis they’re even more generous,” Welch said.

She said local churches have donated school supplies and necessities while the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club is again supporting the school’s PBIS and student of the month programs. A local Democratic group donated art supplies and Randy’s Crew brought in 100 boxes of multicultural crayons. There have been countless other gifts as well, so many that the school was able to cut the items parents had to purchase to fulfill back-to-school lists.

“The donations to the art room here at Buckingham highlight the supportive community we have in Berlin,” said Melissa Reid, art teacher at Buckingham. “Buckingham Elementary sees itself as a family, and that feeling of family extends to our community partners.”

First grade teacher Melissa Henderson was awed by the array of items donated to the school for both teachers and students.

“We have a remarkably giving and supportive community here in Berlin,” Henderson said. “We are thankful and humbled by the continuous support that is given to our school. This is just one more reason Berlin is the coolest small town.”

Amazon wish lists shared on the We Heart Berlin Facebook page generated donations for countless classrooms at Buckingham and beyond. Mary Hedlesky, secretary of the nonprofit organization, said the idea was suggested by resident Jennifer Ludt and quickly took off.

“With all the budget cuts, teachers shouldn’t have to buy all this stuff,” Hedlesky said. “The teachers, they really care and want to do the best they can for the kids.”

Resident Carol Rose, a familiar Buckingham volunteer, is a member of Buckingham Presbyterian Church. The church is one of those that has supported the school for years.

“We just feel Buckingham Elementary School students are family to us and when there is a need we are happy to do the best we can to help them take care of it,” Rose said.

Members of Friendship United Methodist Church are pictured with school staff after donating clothing necessities to Buckingham Elementary School. Submitted Image

Developer Offers Vision For Heron Park Property

BERLIN – Municipal officials got a look at a new vision for the future development of Heron Park at a work session this week.

On Monday, the Berlin Town Council hosted a work session to talk about Heron Park’s parcel 57 and a potential sales contract with developer Palmer Gillis. During the public comment portion of the meeting, however, Jack Burbage, another local developer, presented renderings of his own concept for the property. He’d like to see it feature commercial as well as residential development.

“I think the mistake the town has possibly made is I honestly think the whole park ought to be planned out before we do anything,” Burbage said.

Since 2022, the town has been in an exclusive negotiating period with Gillis. Though two entities responded to the town’s request for proposals from developers interested in Heron Park, elected officials decided to move forward last spring into discussions with Gillis, whose mixed-use project was preferred to a heavily residential project proposed by Natelli Communities.

While those discussions with Gillis have been underway for roughly the past year, Councilman Jay Knerr last week said that another developer was now interested in developing the park.

Burbage, who owns commercial property on Main Street, told the council on Monday he’d had a land planner and architect draw up some possibilities for the park. He presented on Monday a concept plan that shows commercial space along the railroad tracks on parcel 57, as well as a possible pool and village green area. At the back of parcel 57, which contains the former chicken plant offices and processing facility building, his concept drawing shows a combination amphitheater and skate park.

“The architect has seen an amphitheater and skate park as one in Philadelphia,” he said. “It's very successful, they use it part time for an amphitheater but most of the time it’s used for a skate park. They’ve got it up there and it works well.”

Burbage’s concept plan shows a daycare facility on parcel 191, which is behind Cropper’s Towing.

“I think there’s nothing more needed in this town than a daycare center, a real quality one,” he said.

On parcel 410, Burbage envisions houses and townhomes.

“I thought we needed work force housing so I put 34 homes and 25 two story townhouses, so it’s 59 units that would be officially sold which the town would get revenue on each year on taxes,” he said.

Burbage said he’d spoken to a couple banks about the project and felt the 1,180square-foot homes could be sold for $250,000 each.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR SEE PAGE

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Worcester Tops State In Latest Performance Data

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NEWARK – Worcester County’s schools continue to outperform most of those in the state, according to the latest testing data released.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) last week released statewide performance data that shows Worcester County Public Schools again ranks at the top when it comes to testing.

“Overall we’re thrilled with the results,” said Dee Shorts, the school system’s chief academic officer for Pre-K through eighth grade.

According to MSDE, statewide, student proficiency rates in English language arts (ELA) are at the highest they’ve been in a decade. In Worcester County, student performance on the spring ELA assessments in grades 3-8 topped all other school systems in Maryland with 68% of students scoring as proficient or higher.

At the high school level, 73% of Worcester County students taking the English 10 assessment scored proficient, topping the state average by 19 percentage points, and landing second overall in the state behind Calvert County, which had an 82% proficiency rate.

“Our ELA scores were amazing,” Shorts said. “We’ve been telling stakeholders fortunately in Worcester County we did not see the COVID slide some districts are experiencing.”

Superintendent Lou Taylor praised the hard work of teachers and students and highlighted the fact the school system’s scores showed improvement over last year.

“While it is validating that our scores are consistently leading the state, I believe what is most important with these scores is the growth we are seeing from year to year. Our collective efforts are making an impact, and I hope our community is proud to see this positive progress for our students,” he said in a statement.

Proficiency levels on math assessments were significantly lower statewide, with 25% of students scoring proficient. Worcester County Public Schools, however, exceeded the state average in grades 2-8 mathematics by 23 percentage points. Worcester's proficiency rate of 47% is a nearly 10 percentage point gain over last year and is more than double the next highest growth seen in the state. All grade levels in Worcester County experienced growth from last year’s proficiency levels.

On the Algebra I assessment, Worcester ranked second in the state with a 27% proficiency rate.

“Although we’re pleased with our math results—we’re number one in the state in grades 3-8 and number two in the state in Algebra I—they’re not matching our internal diagnostics,” Shorts said.

She said the internal diagnostic testing program used for kindergarten through eighth grade, iReady, didn’t show math scores dropping. Students are tested with iReady three times a year.

“We’re a little perplexed as to why scores on the math assessments are com-

ing back so low,” she said.

Similar trends are being noticed at the high school level. While Algebra I assessment proficiency is only at 27%, Annette Wallace, chief safety and academic officer for grades 9-12, said the school system’s AP math, SAT math and dual enrollment math performance had not decreased.

“We’re not seeing any dips in success there,” she said.

She said superintendents throughout the state are voicing similar observations.

“There is significant concern across the state that the assessment is not showing what our kids know,” Wallace said, adding that this was only the second year of this assessment program.

Shorts agreed.

“We’re not blaming the assessment but something doesn’t seem right,” she

said.

In recent months, attendees at board of education meetings have pointed out that just because Worcester typically tops the state on assessment scores that doesn’t mean its performance holds up nationwide.

“It’s good to be number one or number two in the state but is our state’s education even good? Or are we the best apple in a barrel of rotten apples?” Wallace said.

She said that while there are multiple ranking systems, Maryland typically landed between number two and number five in the nation, depending on the list.

“It’s a top five state in the nation,” Wallace said. “The rhetoric that’s out there comes with little research behind it.”

According to Wallace, most of that rhetoric is coming from community mem-

bers, not parents of children in Worcester County’s public schools.

“I think as a district we need to look at how we’re communicating with our community stakeholders,” she said.

Shorts echoed that and said she also wanted to point out that assessments monitored proficiency.

“These assessments are not like classroom assessments where it’s graded on an A-B-C-D scale,” she said. “There are not students getting 100 on these assessments.”

She added that if student proficiency was a cause for concern, she’d be hearing from teachers.

“The last thing we would do would be celebrating if our kids were struggling,” Wallace agreed. “We have a plethora of other data points that say the assessment needs to be looked at.”

Park Tourism Contributes $116M

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – A recent report shows tourism to Assateague Island National Seashore contributed $116 million to the local economy in 2022.

On Tuesday, the National Park Service released a new report that shows 2.3 million visitors to Assateague Island National Seashore spent $116 million in communities near the park in 2022. That spending, the agency reports, supported 1,410 jobs in the local area and had an economic output of $139 million in local economies surrounding the park.

“People come to Assateague Island National Seashore to camp, enjoy the beach and bay and view the wild horses,” said Superintendent Hugh Haw-

thorne. “We recognize that this tourism is a critical driver to the local economy, bringing 1,410 jobs and $139 million revenue to communities within 60 miles of the park.”

In recent years, Assateague Island National Seashore has reported an uptick in visitation largely fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic and a desire to take advantage of outdoor recreation.

In 2021, for example, the park received a record 2,662,716 visitors to its Maryland and Virginia units, placing Assateague Island 33rd among all national parks reporting visitation numbers. It also led to record-breaking visitor spending, with $131 million contributed to the local economy that year.

According to National Park Service data, 2022 marks the second year since 2012 that Assateague Island National Seashore reported a decline in visitor spending from the prior year. In 2018, for example, spending decreased by $5 million. And in 2022, spending dipped $15 million.

The National Park Service also tracked sectors directly affected by visitor spending. Last year, $31.4 million was spent on local lodging, $26 million was spent at local restaurants, $20.6 million was spent on gas and $16.6 million was spent on groceries. Visitors to Assateague Island National Seashore also spent $8.4 million on retail, $7.6 million on recreational industries, $4.1 million on camping and $1.8 million on transportation.

“Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 300 million visitors every year. The impact of tourism to national parks is undeniable: bringing jobs and revenue to communities in every state in the country and making national parks an essential driver to the national economy.”

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists at the National Park Service.

The recent report recorded $23.9 billion in direct spending by nearly 312 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park in 2022.

This spending, the agency reports, supported 378,400 jobs nationally, 314,600 of which are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $50.3 billion.

As for the economics of visitor spending, the lodging sector had the highest direct effects, with $9 billion in economic output nationally. The restaurants sector had the second greatest effects, with $4.6 billion in economic output nationally.

Year-to-year trend data and additional information on visitor spending across all parks can be found on the National Park Service Social Science Program website at nps.gov.

A new report from National Park Service revealed visitors to Assateague Island National Seashore spent $116 million in local communities last year. Above, an RV is shown crossing the Verrazano Bridge on Assateague Island. File Photo

Berlin To Utilize BEACON For Strategic Plan Process

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Town officials agreed to move forward with the first phase of a strategic plan this week.

On Monday, the Berlin Town Council voted unanimously to spend $9,300 with Salisbury University’s Business, Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) for the first phase of a strategic plan.

“A strategic plan helps get us closer to hopefully aligning our spending to our strategic outcomes,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

Tyndall said the town had an outdated strategic plan and in recognition of that, officials had designated a portion of the town’s ARPA funding to draft a new document. He said a strategic plan could potentially help the town receive the Government Finance Officers Association’s distinguished budget award.

John Hickman, director of BEACON, told the council the organization had been helping municipalities with projects like strategic planning for decades. The program has a dual mission of community outreach and experiential learning and all projects are completed with teams of graduate and undergraduate students under faculty supervision.

Hickman told the council the purpose of the town’s strategic plan was to look at Berlin’s strengths and weaknesses as

well as its opportunities. He said BEACON proposed a three-part process for the town’s plan. The first phase would include development of a survey for citizens and the collection of information from town officials. That information would be summarized and reported to officials.

The second phase of the strategic planning process would involved conducting a listening session and working with the mayor to develop a sub-group of officials to focus on the plan. That phase would also include a strategic planning retreat.

The third phase of the plan process would be a second retreat as well as development of an action plan of projects and initiatives for the town. The report would then be presented to officials.

Councilman Jack Orris asked about resident involvement in the process. Hickman said they would be asked to complete a survey, which could be provided online or on paper.

Orris also asked if the town should have issued a request for proposals from entities interested in doing the town’s strategic plan.

“I don’t want something like our town strategic plan to be a graduate student project,” he said.

Hickman assured officials that while students were part of BEACON’s labor force, they weren’t driving the project. He added that the price BEACON offered was made possible because part of its labor force was students.

Councilman Steve Green asked if the town would be receiving a document that would highlight key initiatives so they could, for example, be linked to items on meeting agendas.

Hickman said that while it might not be one page the town would be provided a document listing a handful of strategic initiatives and the associated action steps. He added the BEACON representatives would be presenting each phase of the project to the council so if there were concerns or adjustments needed to be made those could be addressed then.

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said

the three-phase strategic plan process was expected to cost $9,300 a phase. The town has allocated $28,000 for a strategic plan.

Tyndall, acknowledging that he worked for Salisbury University, made it clear that the payments would be directed to BEACON at the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business, not the part of the school where he was employed.

The council voted unanimously to proceed with the first phase of the strategic plan. The entire project, which will start in September, is expected to be complete by the end of May.

OC Council Reviews

Recent Audit Report

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A summary of the internal auditor’s quarterly report revealed the town’s financial accounts and practices appear to be in order for the most part.

On Tuesday, Internal Auditor Karin Scott presented the Mayor and Council with a report on her findings for the second quarter of 2023. In addition to auditing the town’s contracts with companies such as Centerplate and Covanta, she told officials this week she also evaluated the town’s zero read meters, which were given a rating of “needs improvement.”

“At this point, public works is looking to replace non-working zero read meters,” she said. “Since March 13 they’ve replaced 257 meters. So they are on the right track to get meters replaced.”

Scott told the council this week the town had set aside funds in the fiscal year 2024 budget to replace the meters. She added that the public works and finance departments continue to identify meters that need to be replaced and conduct accurate billing.

“I think they are on the road to getting that all straight,” she said.

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca noted that the audit of the town’s meters was the only audit with a rating of “needs improvement.” He questioned how many meters still needed to be replaced.

“Of non-working meters, there would be another 93 …,” Scott replied. “Then we have to address meters that are older and not working as well as they should.”

Scott told officials this week she also continues to audit the town’s procurement cards. In the most recent quarter, 2,754 transactions were made totaling $807,000.

“For all four quarters in fiscal year 2023 there were 10,387 transactions and they totaled $3.3 million for the town cards,” she added. “In this quarter, there were 54 transactions that had to be followed up on for various reasons, whether it was sales tax being paid or receipts missing.”

Scott noted that she also continues to monitor payroll – which indicates some positive movement in the number of overtime hours being spent – and timekeeping.

“We are also working on a timekeeping audit to ensure that the town departments are accurate and consistent in all their timekeeping practices and following state law and federal law,” she explained.

While an outside auditor is hired to complete assessments of the town’s expenditures and revenues, an internal auditor position was created in 2021 to keep track of items such as invoices, procurement cards, payroll and overtime, among other things.

Each quarter, the internal auditor provides a report on which audits have been completed and which are pending.

SEAs The Day Program To Wrap Up With Concert

SELBYVILLE – Freeman Arts Pavilion will once again partner with Operation SEAs the Day as it celebrates its 10th year to host participants as honored guests during the Voyage: The Ultimate Tribute to Journey performance on Friday, Sept. 8.

Operation SEAs the Day is a beach week event for wounded veterans and their families, which will take place Sept. 5-10. The wounded veterans have gone from a battlefield to a hospital and then home — most have never received a welcome home or a thank you for their service.

In addition to attending the performance, the VIFs (Very Important Families) will take part in the Heroes Welcome parade at 4:15 p.m. The families will depart from Sea Colony Marketplace in Bethany Beach and travel to Freeman Arts Pavilion in a motorcade along routes 1 and 54. Local communities and businesses are encouraged to line the streets to cheer and recognize the wounded warrior families.

Freeman Arts Pavilion has participated in Operation SEAs the Day nine years, said Executive Director Patti Grimes.

“We are honored to be a part of this special week-long beach event for wounded warriors and their families,” she said. “The whole event brings the community together to celebrate the service of others. As Operation SEAs the Day celebrates its 10th year, we invite the public to join us in celebrating the VIFs during the parade or by attending the Voyage performance.”

Voyage has been hailed by fans and critics alike as the No. 1 Journey tribute band in the world, performing Journey's music with chilling accuracy! Since 2005, Voyage has dominated America with more sold out shows than any other tribute. Voyage takes you back to the '80s era when the timeless music of Journey ruled the airwaves.

Tickets are $29, children 12 and under are free to attend, and are available at freemanarts.org or by calling 302-4363015.

Freeman Arts Pavilion is a program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, who partners to present memorable performances and provide inspired arts education for all. This program is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com. Grant support is also provided by the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, the Sussex County Council, and the state of Delaware.

A scene from last year’s Operation SEAs the Day event within the Bayside community is pictured. Submitted Photo

A residential community, featuring 34 homes and 25 townhomes, is envisioned for a part of the Heron Park property under Jack Burbage’s plan. Submitted Image

… Burbage Plan Includes 59 Homes, Commercial Uses

FROM PAGE 14

“This market changes daily but it appears they’ll be able to buy a house for the same price they’re paying for rent,” he said.

Burbage told the council he felt the Gillis proposal for parcel 57, which would feature a mix of commercial uses, could fit within the concept he’d presented. While he has advocated often throughout Heron Park input sessions that he didn’t want to see development at the park to compete with downtown Berlin businesses, he said Monday there were options for commercial uses on the park property. While his rendering shows an office building, a commercial catering warehouse and mini storage, he said that even the plan presented by Gillis, which was highlighted by a garden center, could work within his more holistic design of the property.

“I think we can get $2.3 million, pay off our debt and still have the park, the skate park, possible pool later and the green area and open space,” he said.

Resident Marie Velong said she liked Burbage’s vision.

“That’s the best plan I’ve heard for that property yet. The fact that we would be resolving our debt would be so much more than what we’re getting right now,” she said.

Resident Connie Pena said she was concerned because in the town’s talks with Gillis regarding his plans for the property, discussion of paying off the debt associated with Heron Park –the town owes about $2.3 million still –had died down.

“Let’s not drop that discussion,” she said.

Resident Ron Cascio, a member of the town’s planning commission, reminded the council that the planning commission had recommended the town halt negotiations regarding the sale of a portion of the park. He said the town’s $500,000 demolition grant could be used whether there was an immediate plan for development or not.

“What I see is confusion,” he said, adding that he didn’t think the town should move forward in negotiations when officials couldn’t even agree on what they wanted to see on the site. “You asked the planning commission what they think. This is the body you have set forth to give you advice on these types of situations. The planning commission unanimously suggested you stop negotiations on this.”

Cascio said that didn’t mean the town couldn’t talk about selling the property in the future.

“Palmer doesn’t even know what we want,” he said. “It’s because we’ve never had that discussion. The planning commission suggests we have that discussion, with the people of Berlin and what they want on this site if we’re considering the possible sale of all or any of it.”

Fenwick Named Offshore Wind Consultant

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Fenwick Island is being asked to consult on potential offshore projects in the Central Atlantic Wind Energy Area.

In a Fenwick Island Town Council meeting last Friday, Mayor Natalie Magdeburger announced the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) had asked the Town of Fenwick Island to be a consulting party for the Central Atlantic Wind Energy Area. She said the invitation will allow the town to receive materials and provide input as the review process for offshore wind projects advances.

“It gives us a seat at the table,” she said.

Fenwick Island is just one of many jurisdictions being asked to consult on offshore wind projects being proposed off the mid-Atlantic coast. On Aug. 15, for example, the Worcester County Commissioners voted unanimously to have the county become a consulting party as well.

Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young told the commissioners at the time that BOEM had contacted the county with the request.

“They are reaching out to us and inviting us to become a consulting party which will give us certain rights and obligations through the National Historic Preservation Act,” he said. “This would also allow us to become actively informed of the review process and our input would be ‘actively sought.’”

In last week’s Fenwick Island Town Council meeting, Magdeburger said the town had taken an active role in offshore wind issues in recent years. In December, for example, Magdeburger had issued letters to BOEM on behalf of the Association of Coastal Towns and the Town of Fenwick Island seeking a moratorium on the issuance of new leaseholds in the Central Atlantic Wind Energy Area.

“Now they are asking us to be a consulting party, which means they will have to send to us all of their materials in terms of what’s entailed with the review directly. And we will get an opportunity to speak directly,” she explained. “So they will be seeking our input as opposed to us trying to find out, writing a letter and hoping somebody reads it.”

Magdeburger said the federal agency is required by law to seek a certain amount of input from consulting parties. As a consulting party, she said the town must assign a primary contact and an alternate as a liaison.

“Whatever response comes, comes from the town,” she said. “So I think it will require interaction with the planning commission, interaction with the environmental committee and interaction with the town council.”

Magdeburger said she saw the request as an opportunity to voice the town’s concerns.

“It gives us an opportunity to speak about something that is very important to us and have somebody’s ear, where they have to listen,” she said.

“OCEAN CITY CHRO NICLES”

OCEAN CITY CHRONICLES

Resort

BY HUNTER “BUNK” MANN Reminiscing

BUNK MANN’S NEWEST BOOK ON OC EAN CITY HI STORY

“Ocean City Chronicles” is the final book in Bunk Mann’s 3 volume historical series which began with “Vanishing Ocean City’ in 2014 and continued with ‘Ghosts In The Surf” in 2019. Centered around his articles in Ocean city’s awardwinning newspaper the Maryland Coast Dispatch , his latest book features 285 of the most popular ones over the past 11 years. It includes hundreds of photos of long vanished hotels & restaurants, the great storms & fires, deep sea fishing, boardwalk attractions & amusements, and stories of the people who turned a small 19th-century fishing village into a modern, year-round destination. “Ocean City Chronicles” is a comprehensive history of Maryland’s famous oceanfront resort in a hardbound coffee table book featuring cover art by noted artist, Paul McGehee. Supplies are limited so order your copy today!

Ocean City Chronicles can be ordered online at vanishingoceancity.com. Visit the website for further information and photos.

Maryland’s Beach

OPA Holds Annual Meeting; Election Results Validated

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – The validation of election results, administrative reports and several motions highlighted the 2023 annual meeting.

Last Saturday, the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) held its annual meeting with roughly 130 lot owners in attendance. During the meeting, the Ocean Pines Elections Committee validated the results of the 2023 board election, with candidates Elaine Brady receiving 2,293 votes, John Lathum receiving 2,237 votes, Jeff Heavner receiving 1,849 votes, and Jerry Murphy receiving 1,460 votes.

“In accordance with the OPA bylaws, two candidates receiving the higher number of votes shall be elected to three-year terms. The third-place candidate will fulfill the remaining term of past director Frank

Daly for one year,” Elections Chair Tom Piatti said. “Therefore, candidates John Lathum and Elaine Brady have been elected to three-year terms and candidate Jeff Heavner has been elected to a oneyear term.”

This year, three board seats were up for grabs – two held by Association President Doug Parks and Director Colette Horn and one left vacant following the resignation of Director Frank Daly. During last week’s annual meeting, Parks recognized both outgoing and incoming board members.

“On a personal note, I want to congratulate the new directors that have been elected to carry on with business,” he said.

“I think we’re in a pretty good spot right now, so we look forward to continuing to support Ocean Pines.”

Parks also highlighted significant board accomplishments in the last year. Those

included approving the fiscal year budget, supporting the Jenkins Point restoration project, upgrading the Yacht Club dock and gas pier and improving compensation for police officers, among other things.

“It made it much more attractive to have officers here serving in Ocean Pines,” he said.

Last Saturday’s meeting also included remarks from the association’s new legal counsel, Bruce Bright, and General Manager John Viola, who highlighted operational and capital improvements. He noted that while the association reported an operating deficit of $1.6 million five years ago, financials now show an operating surplus.

“We are trending favorable to budget this year,” he said. “As of July 31, we were $300,000 over budget. That will be utilized for the base assessment and reinvested into our infrastructure. That will be our rec-

ommendation.”

A review of the fiscal year 2023 budget showed a favorability of $1.1 million and an operating fund balance of approximately $2.6 million. Finance Director Steve Phillips added that assessments have also decreased in recent years.

“We had moderate increases in 2018, 2019 and 2020,” he said. “The last two years we had reductions, down to $883 for the current year.”

Chris Hall, partner with the association’s auditing firm, UHY LLP, also provided the association with a clean, unmodified opinion for the most recent fiscal year.

“That’s the highest level of assurance any independent accounting firm can give,” he said.

During new business, several association members came forward with motions ranging from canal conditions to electronic signage.

One member put forward a motion to convert the North Gate kiosk sign to a digital sign. She pointed out that the communications advisory committee had conducted a survey that showed more than 60% of respondents favored converting that sign to electronic.

“We are only asking at this point that that particular sign be the one converted …,” she said. “We worked with the county to make this happen, and we have a plan to have some additional signs in the future.”

While one association member argued the implementation of electronic signage should be left to the discretion of the general manager, another argued it should be the decision of the association.

“I think the owners should have a voice in what type of communication signs we should have,” she said.

Another association member said she wanted more information on the cost to maintain electronic signage. When asked if votes made at the annual meeting were binding, Parks said they were simply treated as a recommendation.

“If it passes, it would be a recommendation from the membership to the board for consideration,” he explained. “If it doesn’t pass, it would not move forward to the board.”

After further discussion, the motion failed with a majority of attending lot owners in opposition to the use of electronic signage.

A motion was also made last week to send out a referendum to change the bylaws to fine lot owners for unresolved property violations. One association member said efforts to remove junk cars from properties in her neighborhood have not been resolved.

“It’s been an ongoing issue for many years and it’s still not been taken care of,” she said. “To me, it’s as important as the golf course, the yacht club and anything else we do.”

After further discussion, however, the motion was ruled out of order.

“The process for bringing a referendum to a vote is set forth in the bylaws …,” Bright said. “The annual meeting, during new business, is not an appropriate time to make a motion to propose a referendum question. That is done differently and pursuant to the bylaws.”

School Deputy Procedures Updated

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Local law enforcement officials are hoping updates to operating procedures will have a positive impact at local schools.

Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said changes in standard operating procedures for his deputies will make local schools even safer. Following a recent agreement between the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Worcester County Public Schools, school resource deputies now have updated guidelines on how to respond in certain situations.

“Our goal is this revamped standard operating procedure will help to minimize and deter criminal behavior in our schools,” Crisafulli said.

The Worcester County Board of Education this month approved an updated memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. While an agreement has been in place since the school resource deputy program was created, school system officials said the document was updated during the past few months.

“We collaboratively noted we needed to firm up some things and make our memorandum of understanding even stronger so over the past few months

and specifically the last few weeks we worked together on a memorandum of understanding we can both feel comfortable with,” said Annette Wallace, chief safety and academic officer for grades 9-12, at the most recent meeting of the school board.

According to Crisafulli, the updated MOU comes not long after statewide changes to the juvenile justice system. When the state implemented more specific guidelines for law enforcement interactions with minors, with different protocols identified for different age groups, Crisafulli said it was a good time for his office to make adjustments to standard operating procedures.

“One of the main missions of my office is ensuring our children are safe,” the sheriff said. “As times changed, we started taking a better look at our operating procedures.”

He said his department revised its standard operating procedures to provide the deputies who serve in schools with more guidance regarding when to do custodial arrests versus referrals to the juvenile justice system.

In the past, when a student did something illegal officers would file a request for charges through the department of juvenile justice. Now, deputies will do that as well as a custodial arrest when it is warranted.

“This is to ensure our schools are running as safely as possible,” Crisafulli said. “Our philosophy is if minors know they’re going to leave school in handcuffs if they engage in violent or illegal behavior hopefully it’ll deter those types of behaviors.”

Deputies, he said, would make a determination on how to proceed after reviewing facts, circumstances and evidence in each situation.

“If there is a custodial arrest that happens once or twice, our youth will see that and it’ll deter that type of behavior,” Crisafulli said, adding that he hoped parents would also talk to their children about the consequences they could face if they engaged in violent or illegal behavior at school. “If they do act egregiously and with felonious behavior there will be criminal consequences.”

He said that in addition to ensuring schools remained safe places for learning, his deputies want to show youth that they have to be responsible for their actions.

“We’re doing everything we can proactively to ensure our deputies are working in unison with our school administrators to ensure the safest learning environment,” Crisafulli said. “School resource deputies will continue to act as guides, coaches, mentors and positive role models to our students.”

He noted that the new procedures had been developed in cooperation with the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office and were crafted through the Code of Maryland Regulations and relevant state law and best practices.

DelDOT Presents Route 54 Bridge Designs, Timelines

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – The Delaware Department of Transportation is seeking input regarding the replacement of the Route 54 bridge.

On Aug. 15, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) presented the public with design options for the Route 54 bridge. With construction slated to begin in October 2024, officials are seeking the public’s input regarding lighting, sidewalk materials and other aesthetic features.

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“DelDOT is seeking feedback from the public on these options, and they will be accepting that through Sept. 14,” Jonathan Eberle, project manager, said in an online presentation.

On Aug. 15, DelDOT held its second public workshop to discuss construction sequencing, scheduling and proposed aesthetics for the replacement of the Route 54 bridge. Held at the Roxana Fire Hall, the presentation not only included a timeline for the proposed project, but several design options that could potentially incorporate nautical- or contemporary-themed lighting across the

new span.

“It should be noted that very close attention is being paid to the amount of light that is used,” said Senior Architect Bradley Touchstone. “Very little amount of light can go a very long way in this environment, and we want to avoid projecting large amounts of light into the sky and be sympathetic for dark sky requirements for the project.”

The existing Route 54 bridge, located next to Catch 54 and Harpoon Hanna’s, is nearing the end of its useful service life. And with several large cracks and exposed reinforcements, officials are

looking to replace the bridge entirely.

As proposed, the project will widen the bridge from 39 feet to 58 feet and feature five-foot bike lanes and sidewalks on each side. The new bridge will also feature a middle lane that would be used by emergency vehicles and for evacuation events.

“There will also be some left-hand turn lanes added to the west of the bridge …,” Eberle said. “This helps to accommodate those left-hand turn lanes to improve the traffic flow.”

As part of the project, several im-

19.38 Acres with approx 392 feet of waterfront Close to both Maryland and Delaware Beaches Both east and west portions have been perk approval. $995,000 MLS MDWO2009968

The Delaware Department of Transportation is seeking the community’s input regarding certain design elements for the Route 54 bridge replacement project. Proposed lighting options include a nautical theme, above left, and a contemporary theme, above right. Additional options can be found on the project’s webpage. Submitted Images

… Residents Share Lighting Concerns

provements will also be made to the areas surrounding the Route 54 bridge. At Bennett Avenue, for example, the road will be realigned, and a new traffic light and crosswalks will be added. There are also plans to construct additional sidewalks at all four corners of the new bridge.

Officials say the first phase of construction will begin in October 2024 and continue through May 2025, with efforts focused on the north side of the bridge. The second phase of construction will then restart in October 2025 and continue through May 2026, with efforts focused on the south side of the bridge. Eberle reiterated that while some lane closures would occur, the bridge would remain open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

“We now have two lanes of traffic and one sidewalk maintained during all phases of construction,” he said. “The only caveat there will be the few times when a single lane is closed to allow for the contractor to deliver a piece of equipment or materials, for example. But this would only be done at times of the day or times of the year when analyses show it shouldn’t cause significant delays for traffic.”

Touchstone said DelDOT has also explored a variety of different architectural themes that could be applied to the bridge, including a lighthouse theme, a nautical theme and a contemporary theme. The lighthouse theme, he noted would feature bridgehead monuments, while the nautical and contemporary themes would incorporate aesthetic lighting across the entire bridge span.

“We are also looking at a variety of sidewalk patterns,” he said.

During a council meeting last Friday, Councilwoman Janice Bortner, chair of the town’s residential concerns committee, said lighting continues to be the biggest concern among committee members.

“It looks like you are going into a commercial venue with some of these lights,” she said. “They wouldn’t be appropriate for the community, I don’t think.”

In a letter to DelDOT, bayside resident Rosemary Hoy added that she supported recommendations for minimal lighting on the new bridge.

“We appreciate the efforts to make necessary safety design changes on the bridge … and to beautify the bridge in the process,” she wrote. “However, any additional lighting that would be purely decorative and ornamental should be avoided due to negative impact on the overall environment.”

Officials are encouraging community members to provide their input on design elements by visiting the project’s webpage on deldot.gov and filling out the attached questionnaire. Responses are due to DelDOT no later than Sept. 14.

“They want to hear from us,” Bortner said.

Country Music Event Returns To Downtown Berlin Sept. 9

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Country music will come to town next week as Berlin once again hosts Small Town Throw Down.

On Saturday, Sept. 9, the town will welcome residents and visitors to Main Street for a country music festival. Last year, thousands of spectators donned their jeans and boots to enjoy an afternoon of live music in historic Berlin.

“Come to Berlin and have a great time,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. “Do some shopping, drink a cold beer and dance all day.”

Small Town Throw Down, which will take place on Main Street in front of the Atlantic Hotel, runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9.

The event, which is sponsored by the Atlantic Hotel and Fager’s Island, will feature music by Crystal Sands and Red Dirt Revolution. The latter, described online as a “nonstop, high-energy show delivered by some of the best in the Baltimore music scene,” was the very popular headliner at last year’s event.

“The band we had last year was off the charts,” Wells said. “They were requested to return. When the announcement was made that John Fager had rebooked them people were so excited.”

The bands will perform on a large stage that will be set up on Main Street in front of the hotel, facing down Broad Street. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs though no outside coolers or alcohol is permitted.

“We’re bringing the big stage back,” Wells said. "It’s going to be a fun time.”

Saturday’s event runs from 1-6 p.m. and features an outdoor bar in front of the Atlantic Hotel. The Berlin Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a beer truck for the event. A variety of vendors will also be set up on Main Street.

“We’ve got some great vendors, lots of returning favorites and some new ones,” said Ryan Nellans, executive director of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. “Lots of cold beer and smiling faces welcoming you to Worcester County’s heart of hospitality.”

A free shuttle from Berlin Intermediate School, courtesy of Ocean Downs Casino, will run from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to park at the Franklin Street school and take the shuttle to Main Street.

For more information about the event, visit Berlin Small Town Throw Down event page on Facebook.

Area Kiwanis Club Recognized For Volunteerism

OCEAN PINES – Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue recently named the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines/Ocean City as the recipient of the 2023 Sam Wilkinson Volunteer Award.

Since 2003, the award has recognized local people who dedicate their time and talents to help others. The award also honors the memory of its namesake, 8-yearold Sam Wilkinson, who died in a tragic water accident in Ocean City.

Sam played soccer in Ocean Pines and his father, Bob, was a volunteer coach for Ocean Pines Recreation programs. The award was established to recognize a volunteer within the Recreation and Parks Department.

Donahue said the department depends on many volunteers to help run the various programs, sports leagues, and classes held in Ocean Pines.

"This year, we decided that there was a group of people that do a considerable amount for Ocean Pines. They do a lot of work for the Recreation Department, and they give back to our community," she said.

The Kiwanis Club of Great Ocean Pines/Ocean City was founded in 1980 and is part of a global nonprofit that "shares the challenge of community improvement,” Donahue said.

"Members of the club contribute their time and energy, helping those less fortunate than themselves, with a heavy focus on the children in our community," she said.

Donahue said Kiwanis members help many local groups and also sponsor clubs at local public schools. They provide financial assistance, including college scholarships for local high school students. The group also collects items for needy children and the local homeless population.

"Giving back to the community and bringing the community together is what the Kiwanis are all about," she said. "At different times of the year, they are toy collectors, food collectors [and] school supply collectors.

"Kiwanis are proud to participate in the Ocean Pines Community. They have been around a long time and plan to continue to have a significant presence," she continued. "And, if you've never been to one of their pancake breakfasts, you're really missing out!"

Donahue presented the award to Kiwanis Club President Bob Wolfing.

"I'm accepting this award on behalf of our 50 members that we have, and they will be very proud to see this. And we'll be around for a long time," he said.

The Kiwanis Club of Great Ocean Pines/Ocean City meets Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Community Center on 235 Ocean Parkway. Prospective new members are always welcome.

For more information, visit www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines/Ocean City President Bob Wolfing was presented the special volunteer award by Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue. Submitted Photo

Snow Hill Park To Host Annual Worcester County Fair

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – The annual Worcester County Fair will return to Byrd Park Sept. 15-17.

Billed as a traditional country fair in a picturesque setting, the 2023 Worcester County Fair invites community members to enjoy live entertainment, children's performers, contests, food and more. Vendors will offer crafts and games for kids, and the Maryland Agricultural Showcase Trailer will be onsite throughout the weekend with colorful displays and interactive exhibits.

The schedule will include some featured bands on Friday and Saturday evening. Steve Frene will play on Friday from 3-4:30 p.m., followed by The Folk Villains from 5-7 p.m. The Shore Blues Band will play on Saturday from 5-7 p.m.

This year’s fair also features the return of several popular events, including the Classic Car and Truck Show, held on Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and the 4H Cupcake Smackdown, held on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Fair hours are Friday, Sept. 15, from 2-7 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.worcestercountyfair.com or the Worcester County Fair Facebook page. Friday,

Live Music, Classic Car Show On Tap

People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe

Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City served food at an event to support Worcester GOLD.

Staff from Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore are pictured at an event promoting “Break the Habit,” an initiative to keep horses from accessing human food.

Members of Friends of Assateague State Park are pictured at an event promoting “Break the Habit.”

Billy King, pictured with his mom MaryJane, stopped into the Village Lounge/Health Freedom ribbon cutting organized by the Berlin Chamber before heading back to "university" in England.

Lisa Challenger and Del. Wayne Hartman attended an event to promote “Break the Habit,” an initiative to ensure human food is not accessed by horses at Assateague State Park.

Bethany Simon, Kyle Jarmon and Nicholas Cranford welcomed attendees to a back-to-school bash benefitting Worcester GOLD.

Hugh Hawthorne and Ashlie Kozlowski paused for a photo at an event hosted by Friends of Assateague State Park.

Village Lounge/Health Freedom staffers Erin and Dale are pictured at the ribbon cutting for the Main Street business.

Former local basketball stars Vic Smack and Talvin Skinner are pictured in Berlin. Smack was a Stephen Decatur High School standout while Skinner played at Worcester High School before eventually joining the Seattle SuperSonics.

Ionya Dorn and Maia Holland helped out at a benefit for Worcester GOLD.

Berlin Restores Custodial Position

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Elected officials agreed to move forward with adding a custodial position to town staff.

The Berlin Town Council voted 4-1 last week to create a maintenance/custodial position. Currently the town hires a contractor to handle cleaning at town hall.

“We feel like bringing back a full-time custodial laborer position would be the most beneficial move for us to make,” Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said.

Bohlen told the council that currently, a contractor cleaned the town’s kitchens and restrooms, including the public restrooms on William Street and at Henry Park, while municipal staff cleaned offices and common areas within town hall. She said the contractor had advised her they no longer wanted to clean the restrooms at Henry Park.

“They do not care to continue with the Henry Park restrooms,” Bohlen said. “There have been particular issues they’ve run into. From a global perspective of getting the job done, we feel it’s in the best interest of the town to move to an on staff position.”

Mayor Zack Tyndall said he’d noticed the need for additional cleaning in town hall as staff had prepared for the Aug. 17 Senate field hearing.

“The amount of dust and the amount of dirt in this building, it’s not sanitary,” he said.

the position would be funded, as it was not included in the budget.

Staff said the new position would cost the town about $37,440 in addition to benefits. Bohlen said the cost could be covered by the savings from the termination of the cleaning contract, which is close to $40,000, and with funding not yet used for the special projects administrative position. During budget development, staff said that position would assist the town administrator as well as the planning department.

“We’re still working to shape the scope of the position,” Tyndall said. “We’re still trying to get that job scope ready and sent out.”

Jimmy Charles, the town’s director of public works, said his staff spent likely 16 hours a week cleaning bathrooms, as the contractor visited just once a day.

Councilman Jack Orris said he was concerned about reducing the funding available for the administrative position, as securing assistance for the planning department had been a key discussion during the budget process. He said he wanted to review further before a new position was added.

“I was in favor of holding off until I heard the will of the contractor is to separate from us,” Burrell said.

Councilman Steve Green said he too wanted to move forward, motioning to approve bringing back the position.

“It bothers me to hear about quality staff members having to do things that they shouldn’t be doing,” he said.

The council voted 4-1, with Orris opposed, to create the new custodial position.

Fenwick Pushing For More Sidewalks

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials say more sidewalks could be coming to Fenwick Island in the coming fiscal years.

Mayor Natalie Magdeburger told the Fenwick Island Town Council last week that the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has accelerated its timeline for a sidewalk project along Coastal Highway. With the first phase of sidewalk construction now complete, Magdeburger said there is a potential to bring walkways to the remainder of town earlier than planned.

“DelDOT did in fact keep its promise and moved us up for design funding for the other sidewalks,” she said. “They initially had us scheduled to be funded in the 28-29 time period. I was able to talk to them last year and convince them that it was a good thing for everybody if they moved it up. And they have indeed funded us for the design.”

This spring, the town began construction on a long-awaited sidewalk project. Using $600,000 in allocated funding, crews spent weeks installing sidewalks along five bayside blocks, beginning in front of Warren’s Station restaurant at Indian Street and moving south toward Dagsboro Street.

With the project now complete, officials say they will continue to work with DelDOT to install walkways along the remainder of Coastal Highway. Magdeburger said she and other council members were

meeting with DelDOT representatives on Sept. 18.

“We’ll start talking to them about the project, what issues may be occurring and try to keep things moving,” she said. “If all goes well and we can get things done, then we would ask for funding in the 2526 fiscal year. Maybe we’ll get sidewalks in the rest of town, and that’s certainly going to be our goal.”

For roughly two decades, town officials have sought the state’s support for the installation of sidewalks along Coastal Highway. And in 2018, the town agreed to fund 20% of a study that would determine the financial feasibility of installing a continuous sidewalk system along the main corridor, from Delaware Avenue to James Street.

The results of that study, however, came as a surprise to officials when it was learned the project had a $10 million cost estimate, with the town being responsible for 20%, or roughly $2 million.

To that end, officials decided to take a different approach, opting for a town-led, phased project that would prioritize key bayside blocks. And with allocated funds and bond bill grants, the town was able to install its first section of sidewalk this spring

“We are so excited that we could bring this 20-year-in-the-making project to a successful completion,” Magdeburger said this spring. “This is a great addition for Fenwick and our businesses on the north side as well as our entire community.”

Councilman Dean Burrell asked how

Wine On The Beach Returns To Ocean City Sept. 8-9

OCEAN CITY – Wine on the Beach, the beloved annual summer festival celebrating the regional industry, will be returning to the Ocean City Inlet next weekend.

Set for Sept. 8-9, the festival will feature unique artisans and crafters, popular Delmarva food specialties and flip flop favorites performing on the oceanfront stage.

Picnicking in the sand, with bottles of wines and a group of friends and family, has always been a major attraction of this festival. Listening to music, dancing and singing are two natural extensions of the merriment. Also, there will be a wide array of crafters.

This year, perennial favorites Bird Dog and the Road Kings will bring back the band’s rockabilly rolling to the beach festival both days. Bird Dog and the Road Kings will be followed Friday by Misspent Youth, a popular party rock band that energizes docks and piers throughout Maryland and the mid-Atlantic.

On Saturday, Sept. 9, classic rock band Tranzfusion will provide the stage entertainment after Bird Dog performs for the second day.

Opening the festival and setting the stage for all the fun will be Larry Lay, who performed for 25 years as resident pianist/singer in the Middleton Tavern

Piano Bar in Annapolis.

"No better way to get any party started than singing with Larry Lay," said Middletown Tavern Piano Bar manager Chris Nokes of the entertainer who plays everything from old standards to modern pop. "The wine helps, but it’s certainly not necessary to get into the spirit with Larry Lay.”

Nokes said the intent each year is to bring new musical acts and wine offerings to Ocean City, and Wine Fest organizers are looking forward to providing both over the weekend of Sept. 8-9.

"We are delighted with our music lineup for this year's Wine on the Beach,” Nokes said. "We offer an array of music styles and tastes, with something for everyone to enjoy as they picnic on the beach."

For more event details, visit www.winefest.com.

Attendees to last year’s Wine on the Beach event enjoyed a warm September afternoon. File Photo

Physician Hired

BERLIN – Atlantic General Hospital and Health System officials have announced that Dr. Cristian F. Salgado is joining the health system on Sept. 11, 2023, to provide pediatric care to Worcester County and the surrounding area.

Salgado completed his pediatrics residency at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, after attending University of Maryland School of Medicine, in Baltimore.

He achieved high honors throughout his education, graduating Summa Cum Laude from both the University of Maryland, College Park, and medical school, where he was also inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society.

Salgado was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, and is fluent in both English and Spanish. He is excited to be relocating to the Eastern Shore with his wife, who was born and raised in Berlin, Md.

Salgado will be seeing patients at Atlantic General Pediatrics in West Ocean City until the practice’s new office space at the Gudelsky Family Medical Center in Ocean Pines is complete. To schedule an appointment, families can call 443728-1004.

Directors Recognized

SALISUBURY – SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate Executive Managing Directors Brent and Amy Miller were recently featured in “Dominators of Commercial Real Estate Brokerage”, a book written by world’s top commercial real estate broker coach, Rod Santomassimo.

Santomassimo founded The Massimo Group. The Massimo Group is a community of CRE experts leveraging proven processes and integrated platforms for the most dedicated commercial real estate agents who aspire to build the CRE business and life they have always desired.

All Massimo Coaches are active commercial real estate brokers who haven’t only “been there, done that,” but more importantly, they are currently “in there doing it.”

With over 30 Certified Massimo CRE Coaches, the Massimo Group brings centuries of combined brokerage experience. This is not the first time Miller and his team have been featured in one of Santomassimo’s books. In 2016, “Teams Built to Dominate” was released, includ-

BUSINESS And Real Estate News

them. There is no reason they should lose deals, and the jobs that come with them, to other towns like they have in the past.”

Advisor Welcomed

MILLSBORO – CFS, Inc. (Comprehensive Financial Solutions) announces the newest addition to its team, Regina Esposito, investment advisor representative.

Esposito is based out of the Delaware office, the firm’s second location which opened in April 2023.

Already an active member of the community, her business development skills combined with her knowledge in the industry bode promise for the firm’s continued growth in the region.

Vice President and Partner Michael Sise, CFP, ChFC, CPFA, AIF, CRPC, expressed, “Regina's mind for finance, hunger to learn and passion for people make her a tremendous addition to our team. As a financial advisor, Regina spends her time building trust and familiarity with her clients in an effort to provide comprehensive planning recommendations for their future financial success.”

ing the background of Brent and Amy Miller and their start in commercial real estate. Chapter 11, titled “My Family” discusses the culture at SVN Miller and its role in the success of this team.

“Dominators of Commercial Real Estate Brokerage” revisits featured brokers to discuss how they adapted to the decline in market velocity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Touching again on the company culture, Brent Miller discusses how the team adapted to the change in the working environment.

New Tenant

SALISBURY – Matthew Trader of Rinnier Development Company recently closed a deal to bring national tenant, Jake's Wayback Burgers, to Delmar, Del.

The popular burger restaurant will occupy the north endcap space of the Delmar Square Shopping Center. Jake's Wayback Burgers is set to open sometime in the next few months.

This is one of many deals that Trader has been working to bring to his hometown of Delmar.

Trader comments, “I always push hard to bring new businesses to my home-

town (Delmar). I want to see the town flourish and grow the right way. I'll be blunt, Delmar's biggest issue is that they have focused too much on residential growth and not enough on bringing in new businesses. That has put way too much pressure on local infrastructure while simultaneously losing jobs and tax revenue to surrounding towns. You focus on creating jobs, then you build more homes. That's basic economics 101.”

He continued, “Don't get me wrong, I recognize you have to build the population in order to attract new businesses, but you want to make sure you're creating the right demographics in the process. Especially when you are trying to maintain the fundamentals and history that Delmar was built on. Growth is important, but you have to find the right balance between local and national tenants.

Esposito was born and raised in her family’s chocolate factory in Hazleton, Pa. In 2003 she received a dual B.A. in civil engineering and architectural engineering from Drexel University. Esposito began her career with DuPont as a project manager in south Philadelphia. Professionally she has had experience in engineering design in Las Vegas, engineering management in the poultry industry, and industrial sales for an international company. Additionally, she has managed the financials of investment properties, rentals, and startup of her family's industrial welding business.

Esposito is a current resident of Dagsboro, Del., where she resides with her fiancé, their two small sons and sheepadoodle. Her family enjoys boating, traveling, and dining at new places.

Office Leased

“Bringing in a national tenant like Wayback Burgers is great for the town because it creates retail gravity. Major tenants begin to feel more comfortable about coming into an area when they see others there. In my opinion, Delmar is well positioned to attract new businesses, if they want them and are willing to fight for SEE NEXT PAGE

DELMAR – SVN Miller Commercial

Real Estate senior advisors Wesley Cox, CCIM, and Meredith Mears have successfully collaborated to lease a 3,500square-foot medical office space at 9315 Ocean Highway in Delmar, Md. The space will be the new home to “Best Remedy

The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate Nally Venture’s newest business, Nally Homes. Pictured, front from left, are Hector Herrera, Don Stewart, Carol Palmai, Liz Nally, Mike Nally and Macie Parcells; and, back from left, Owen Nally, Luke Payne, Jen Walls, Conor Nally and Taylor Jachimski.

Submitted Photo

REGINA ESPOSITO

CRISTIAN SALGADO

Urgent Care.”

Cox of The Hanna Team had the space listed and Mears brought in the tenant. This medical office space is part of the Delmar Professional Center, which was the previous home to Peninsula Gastroenterology Associated and the Peninsula Endoscopy Center before the doctor’s retirement. The new tenant, Best Remedy Urgent Care, plans to open this fall.

“The owners of this property placed their confidence and trust in me to help manage this part of their retirement, so I am excited for both the new tenant and for my client who will now have this additional reoccurring income added to their portfolio,” Cox commented about the transaction.

“I chose to open my first clinic on the shore because this is where my family is, and I love the community,” said Chisola Sherman, owner of Best Remedy Urgent Care. “I grew up in a small town and expanding access to healthcare and providing personal care is near and dear to my heart. As a first generation American it has been a lifelong dream to start my own practice and the growing Shore was a perfect fit!”

“It was a pleasure to work with Best Remedy Urgent Care to secure a location that will allow their business to flourish in the coming years,” said Mears. “I’m thrilled that we were able to find a location and lease terms that could bring forth their establishment on Maryland’s

Eastern Shore.”

Commission Appointment

SALISBURY – Trudy Hall, MD, TidalHealth’s senior vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer, was recently named to the newly formed Commission to Study Trauma Center Funding.

Her appointment was made official by Laura Herrera Scott, MD, MPH, secretary of the Maryland Department of Health.

Senate Bill 493 and House Bill 675, signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore in May of this year, established the commission to examine the adequacy of trauma funding across the state for operating, capital, and workforce costs.

Trauma centers require significant resources as they specialize in swiftly treating life-threatening conditions and promptly providing resuscitative care. Costs to maintain those resources have increased significantly.

TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury, Md., operates the only trauma center on the Eastern Shore. Currently, state reimbursement provides less than 10% of the total cost required to keep the service viable.

In 2003, the Maryland General Assembly created the Maryland Trauma Physician Services Fund to aid Maryland’s trauma system. In the 20 years that have passed, there has been no comprehensive review of this fund despite the industry growing and evolving.

As a result, many trauma centers in Maryland, including the one at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, are experiencing significant funding challenges that could, potentially, lead to the closure of the service if not adequately reimbursed.

This commission to study trauma funding, which features a representative from each of the designated Level I, II, III and pediatric trauma centers in Maryland, is tasked with the goal of finding a permanent funding reimbursement solution.

“Trauma care in the state of Maryland remains at risk and is woefully insufficiently funded to ensure that essential life-saving care that no one at any Maryland hospital or in any Maryland community wants to see eliminated,” said Steve Leonard, Ph.D., MBA, FACHE, presi-

dent/CEO of TidalHealth. “Dr. Hall’s appointment to the body is a significant achievement for the people of the Eastern Shore. She brings a passionate voice to the table to ensure our unique trauma challenges, like expanding summer populations at the local resorts and a primarily rural service area, will not be overlooked.”

Hall has an impressive and proven career of executive level leadership in healthcare facilities across Maryland, including serving for eight years as a commissioner on the Health Service and Cost Review Commission. She is boardcertified and a Fellow in the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Hall is also a previous diplomat on the National Board of Medical Examiners.

TRUDY HALL

Ocean City Center For Arts To Open September Exhibits

OCEAN CITY –The Art League of Ocean City invites the public to a free First Friday opening reception on Sept. 1 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 94th St. bayside. PKS Investments will provide complimentary beverages.

The Thaler Gallery exhibits a new all-media group show entitled “Memories: Storytelling through Art.” Art is a powerful tool for telling stories, evoking emotion and building connections. This exhibit is planned in collaboration with “Stories Love Music,” a nonprofit organization that celebrates both music and storytelling traditions in our history and their positive effects on emotional and physical health.

Exhibiting artists will share a special memory, using their artwork to honor the past and tell their story. The judges for this show are from Stories Love Music –Ilyana Kadushin, founder/executive director; James Harrell, co-founder/music director; and Loretta Veney, board member. Kadushin and Harrell will perform two songs at First Friday to promote their upcoming fundraiser at the Arts Center on Sept. 14.

The “Artists Paint OC” plein air exhibit and sale continues in The Galleria through September. The exhibit represents the work of 50 artists who painted iconic scenes “en plein air” of Ocean City and the surrounding area during mid-August.

Pat Lang of Easton and Lisa Scarbath of Ellicott City, a mother and daughter team, pair up for a show entitled “Mixing Mediums” in Studio E in September. Lang is primarily a selftaught artist, beginning oil painting in her teens, visiting galleries to study famous works and reading art publications, and using these experiences to master her own personal realistic sty-

le. Scarbath is a resident artist at the Howard County Center for the Arts and creates mosaic wall art, decor, furniture, custom work, and public art using a variety of materials. Her goal is to create a sense of balance and joy by piecing together small bits into a cohesive image.

cupies the Spotlight Gallery in September. She received her undergraduate and Masters of Education degrees from Salisbury University, and during her career in education as coordinator of instruction for the Worcester County Public Schools, she oversaw the school system’s visual arts program. Bowden’s focus is on oil painting, encaustic, and mixed media.

Fay Kempton is the artisan for September. A jeweler from Gretna, Va., Kempton has a passion for all forms of art and also practices painting and carving in marble. In her early years, she was a commercial interior designer in Washington, D.C. From there, she moved to Rehoboth Beach, De. where she lived for 19 years. Currently, Kempton’s main focus is dichroic fused glass.

The exhibition “There’s Lines & There’s Shapes” by Laura Kelley and L. Morgan Kelley continues in the Staircase Gallery at the Arts Center.

Offsite exhibitions continue at the Art League’s satellite galleries in North Ocean City. The main lobby gallery at the Princess Royale Oceanfront, 9100 Coastal Hwy. continues an exhibit of paintings by Barbara Stepura. The Coffee Beanery on 94th Street continues a show of mixed media artworks by Debbi Dean.

All shows will be on display until Sept. 30. More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410-524-9433.

Brigitte Bowden, who grew up in Austria and Germany exposed to art, oc-

Artisan Lisa Scarbath, pictured with some of her mosaic art pieces, will be featured in Studio E in September. Submitted Photo

Ocean City’s Surfing Policies, Locations Explained

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI

OCEAN CITY – Ever wonder where you can surf in Ocean City?

Due to large beach crowds from Memorial Day through Sunfest, surfing is only permitted in designated areas during the beach patrol’s operating hours of 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Seven days a week there are two rotating surfing beaches. On weekdays there is also a third surfing beach set up in the inlet area. No activity other than surfing is allowed in the surf beach area which prohibits body boards, paddle boards and Beater boards. However, we still staff the area with Surf Rescue Technicians (lifeguards) so that in the event no one is surfing we can open the area of beach to normal swimming activities until someone wants to surf.

The two rotating surf beaches move two blocks south each day. Based on the scheduled rotation, a specific street block would not have the surfing beach on the

same date for over 20 years. So if your family stays on 10th Street the second week in July every year, and the surfing beach were to be on 10th street this year during that week, it would not happen again for the next 20 years. It will be on every beach a couple of times each season but during a different time of the season. This really isn’t too much to ask to share this wonderful resource with the surfing community. After all, there are 154 guarded blocks of Ocean City beaches and on any given day no more than three areas may be used for surfing. We need to share this amazing resource.

The third surfing beach operates Monday through Friday and is always in the same location starting at the south rock jetty at the end of Ocean City and extending 150 yards north. This area was picked because it is usually not crowded on weekdays. Furthermore, it is not safe to swim close to a rock jetty and often has a wave break that surfers like.

On certain days when inclement weath-

er affects Ocean City, the beach patrol may allow surfing. The decision is made daily with the input of supervisors on the beach. If there are low numbers of people on the beach, and the weather is poor and not predicted to improve, the surfing ordinance may be “modified” as long as there is no electrical activity (lightning/thunderstorms in the area). There are also other factors taken into consideration when making this decision.

On days of inclement weather, you can ask any SRT on the beach if the surfing ordinance has been modified or call beach patrol headquarters at 410-289-7556. The beach patrol has a surfing notification service, which allows you to receive alerts when the surfing rules have been temporarily changed allowing surfing on all beaches. If you are interested in receiving this service, please visit our website to sign up. Local surf shops may also know when the surfing ordinance has been modified. Even during these conditions swimmers always have the right of way

and surfers must be at least 50 yards away from any swimmers and wear a leash at all times (Ocean City ordinance). On these special days, we still staff our surfing beaches to make sure that surfers have an area that is not being shared with swimmers.

Surf beach areas are marked by smaller yellow stands on the beach, one at the north end of the area and the other at the south end, signs at the north and south entrances to that beach, as well as large flags marking the boundaries. Members of the beach patrol called Surf Beach Facilitators (SBFs) are assigned to work at the surfing beaches and wear green or yellow uniforms so that they are not confused with the Surf Rescue Technicians (Lifeguards). The SBF makes sure the operation of the surf beach runs smoothly. They make sure surfers stay within the designated area, while also educating the public and making sure they do not swim or wade in the surf area. The SBFs begin

GUARDING THE BEACH

their day at 9:30 a.m., a half hour earlier than the rest of the patrol. During that time they talk to beach patrons who are not planning to surf, making sure they understand how the surfing beach operates. To further facilitate the smooth operation of the surfing beaches the SBF will go to the next day’s surfing beach (two blocks south) to inform the beach patrons that the following day their beach will be the surfing beach. Just added in 2020 are new signs placed on the beach at the stairs or beach access, explaining the rules of the surf beach. If there are no surfers and the beach is “OPEN” to swimming, the SBF’s will assist the surrounding SRT’s with ordinance enforcement, until one or more surfers arrive and the beach becomes an exclusive surfing area again.

The basic concept and bottom line behind the rotating surf beach and town ordinance is safety. Keeping surfers separate from swimmers and waders is a proactive way to keep everyone safe and happy with the way they choose to enjoy the ocean. Rules and ordinances similar to this are in effect in many jurisdictions throughout the country. I have heard many young surfers say something to the

effect that the surfing beach rules are dumb and only exist in Ocean City. However, several other beach resort areas like Pacific Beach in San Diego, Calif., run its surf beach similarly to ours, as does Del Mar, Calif. during its busy season.

Occasionally, during each summer, special event permits will be issued by the Mayor and City Council to hold a surfing event at a section of beach other than the rotating surfing area. These events are usually surfing contests and are attended by hundreds of spectators and competitors and are enjoyable to watch. During these events, swimming and wading are prohibited for your safety and the beach patrol will be on the beach making sure the event runs smoothly. Although this may cause you to walk half a block to enter the water, remember that surfing is important to the whole beach experience and although it may tie up a few blocks, swimmers still have over 150 blocks to enjoy.

In recent years the beach patrol and city council have attempted to update the city code to make allowances for newer water sports and give more access to the waves for the newer style body boards and Stand Up Paddle boards (SUP). By enactment of section 106-94 (11), the city council allows the use of Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP’s) beginning on the Monday following Labor Day, on any day that surfing is modified (never on a Surfing

Surf Beach Facilitator Emma Frantz joined the beach patrol this summer as a member of Crew 19. A sophomore at the University of Maryland in College Park working toward a degree in mechanical engineering, Frantz will be a Surf Rescue Technician next summer having passed the SRT testing in August. Submitted Photo

Beach). There are specific requirements included in the ordinance and can be accessed on the town’s website.

Have fun, ride safely, and look out for others.

To get the daily surfing beach rotation, visit any local surf shop or the beach patrol website at www.ococean.com/ocbp and don’t forget to sign up for the surfing notification service. For more information about surfing beaches or to apply for one of the Surfing Beach Facilitator positions,

contact beach patrol headquarters, 410289-7556 or check out JoinBeachPatrol.com. The beach patrol’s number one priority is your safety, so please keep our slogan in mind and, “Keep your feet in the sand, until the lifeguard’s in the stand!” This simple tip could save a life…. YOURS!

(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.)

COMMUNITY News In Photos

Friends of Assateague State Park recently hosted a raffle to raise money for the “Break the Habit” campaign, which retrofits picnic tables with secure food storage compartments so wild horses can’t access human food. Cathy Cox and Cheryl Rodriguez are pictured holding the raffle prizes. Submitted Photos

The Worcester County NAACP hosted the Maryland Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at a recent meeting at the Berlin 50 Plus Center. One mission of MADD is to recognize impaired driving as a violent crime and hold drunk and drugged drivers accountable. Pictured are Ivory Smith, NAACP president, and MADD presenters Tom McKnight and Amy Davis.

The Little Salisbury tennis courts next to the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street turned into a "love-ly" evening for the movies on Saturday, Aug. 19. The Ocean City Film Festival screened the eleven entries submitted to the annual Ocean City Film Challenge to a large and enthusiastic crowd of filmmakers and film enthusiasts.

Strong winds from a summer storm left in tatters the Marine Corps flag that Stuart Smith was flying at his house in West Ocean City. Smith is a 97-year-old veteran who served in Korea, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. His flag was replaced recently by the First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League. The photo shows First State Detachment representatives with Smith displaying the flag he was given.

The guest speaker at the August 23, 2023 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City was Samantha Norwood Connors, the author of a book called “Assateague Island Activity and Coloring Book.” Bob Wolfing, president of the club, is pictured with Connors.

The Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club installed new officers for 2023-24. Pictured from left to right are Past President Margaret Mudron, Secretary Mike Simcock, President Elect/Treasurer Jennifer Bodnar and President Gina Shaffer. The club meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at Don's Seafood Restaurant in Ocean Pines.

Date Announced For Foundation’s Annual Tourney

OCEAN PINES – The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation announced the 16th annual Veterans Memorial Tournament, Wednesday, Sept. 20 at the Ocean Pines Golf Club.

The event will benefit education programs of the Memorial Foundation that include annual tours of the memorial grounds by all fifthgrade students in Worcester County.

The annual tours are part of a collaboration between the Worcester County Board of Education and the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation. Tours are led by dedicated volunteer docents who share their knowledge of veterans' sacrifices, the history of different service branches, and flag etiquette.

Complementing these sessions, JROTC cadets from Stephen Decatur High School, Snow Hill High School, and Pocomoke High School provide hands-on guidance in proper flag handling and folding, helping to foster intergenerational connections and respect for the nation's heritage.

All students also receive an activity guide to reinforce those lessons and encourage ongoing conversations about their family's contributions and military service history.

The annual golf tournament is the major fundraiser for Memorial Foundation education programs. The tournament will feature a scramble best ball format with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.

Registration is $125 per player and includes tournament entry, golf cart, lunch, and access to tournament prizes.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, ranging from $100 to $2,000, with each offering distinct benefits.

To download a tournament or sponsor form, visit the Ocean Pines Association website.

The foundation also welcomes donations, gift certificates, and prizes for the tournament's silent auction. All contributions are taxdeductible.

The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the tax ID EIN# 20-3130695.

For more information, contact Marie Gilmore at 410-726-2881 or opmarie@aol.com, or Don McMullen at 443-388-2941 or mcmullen1@aol.com.

SU’s Freshman Class: More than 1,400 freshmen students were welcomed to Salisbury University last week. The Class of 2027 is the second largest and most diverse in the university’s history.

Submitted Photo

Kids Crafts: Saturday, Sept. 2 is the last installment of the Art League of Ocean City's free kids' craft projects offered every summer Saturday at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street. The last session will be offered from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Pictured are, above Kenzo and Zoe Yamgoue of Frederick with family members; at right, Lily and Nicole Tsvetanov of Ocean City are pictured at work; below showing off their creations were Miral Abduahmadeh, left, and Zoe Kenzo.

Berlin Seeks Playground Grant

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Town officials will seek grant funding for new playground equipment at Henry Park.

The Berlin Town Council agreed last week to seek grant funding for replacement of the aging playground equipment at Henry Park.

“I think it’s a solid fit,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

According to Town Administrator Mary Bohlen, the town applied for close to $1 million in grant funding from the Community Parks and Playgrounds program last year for an inclusive playground at Stephen Decatur Park.

“They simply could not commit that much funding to one town…,” Bohlen said. “Their entire budget is not much

higher than that one project.”

In an effort to regroup and move forward, Bohlen said the town reviewed its list of potential park projects in need of funding.

“What had been proposed as the next project on our development plan was phase one of the skate park,” she said. “We’re not ready for that.”

Rather than let the grant application deadline pass by, she said the town had explored the cost of a new piece of playground equipment for Henry Park. The large red and yellow unit at the park was purchased in 2001 and is increasingly difficult to repair and maintain. Bohlen said town staff wanted to apply for grant funding for the replacement of that structure for now, until the town was ready to seek funding for the skate park.

“The plan is to move forward with replacing the playground unit with a larger playground unit at Henry Park,” she said. “It allows us to take advantage of the grant this year and not let that opportunity slip by and to replace an aging unit that is inevitably going to need replacement sooner rather than later.”

Tyndall said the project, which is not expected to exceed $250,000, seemed to be an appropriate fit for the grant program.

“It fits squarely within what the available amount of funds could be,” he said. The council voted unanimously to authorize the grant application.

A rendering shows what the proposed playground equipment would look like at Henry Park. Submitted Image

with Scott Lenox

Greetings all and welcome to the unofficial end to summer when there will be less anglers on the water and a little more room to move around. September and October can see some of the best fishing of the entire year both inshore and offshore, so hopefully the weather cooperates and we’ll have a stellar fall.

We had the last big offshore fishing tournament of the season last week with the 32nd MidAtlantic Tournament in town. It was a really great event with 181 total boats and prize money that totaled over $5.7 million, and the fish showed up in a big way with every category being filled with at least three qualifiers. First place in the wahoo division was won by team YKnot with a 56 pound fish, first place in the dolphin division was won by the Liquidity with a 45 pound bull and first place in the tuna division was won by the Talkin’ Trash with a big 253 pound bigeye worth over $400,000.

In the billfish divisions, the first place blue marlin went to team Pipe Dreamer who landed a 889 pound blue marlin worth over $1 million, and first place in the white marlin division went to team Common Sense who landed a big 87-pound white. Because Common Sense was not in all of the added entry levels, the second

place fish caught aboard Boss Hogg won the most money in the entire tournament. Captain Brian Porter and crew weighed in a 76 pound white good for second place and over $1.4 million in prize money.

Ocean bottom fishing for flounder is still good for most anglers fishing between 45-100 feet of water over ocean structure. There are a few throwback sized fish, but most are over the 16” minimum size and easily land in coolers. There are also a good number of mahi being caught inshore around the bottom fishing grounds which is good news to the ocean going party boat fleet. Mahi should stick around inshore through October if water temperatures stay up, and we’d love to see them through the second week in October when Maryland sea bass season closes for 10 days.

Flounder fishing in the back bays is still good on the high tide when water is cleanest, and there are more sheepshead and tautog being caught at the north and south jetties. Green crabs, shrimp and live sand fleas are the best baits for both bottom feeders and slow-moving water is the best time. Deadly Tackle tog/bottom jigs tipped with live sand fleas have been good for fish around the jetties.

Summer may be coming to a close,

but fishing is just getting going. Until next week, tight lines.

(The writer is the owner of Fish in OC and host of Ocean City’s fishing television

SEE PAGES 58-59

This 889-pound blue marlin was caught on board the Pipe Dreamer and netted their crew over $1 million. Submitted Photos

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.)

Opposite

Above top left, Team Talkin’ Trash with Captain Chris Little won over $400,000 for their first place tuna of 253 pounds. Above top right, first place wahoo in the MidAtlantic was caught by team Y-Knot with a 56 pounder. Above middle left, this big flounder landed in the net of the Angler with Captain Chris Mizurak at the helm. Above, middle, the crew of the Boss Hogg with Captain Brian Porter took second place white marlin in the MidAtlantic, but they took first place money with over $1.4 million. Above, middle right, Captain Marc Spagnola of Dusk to Dawn Bowfishing has been putting his shooters on some big snakeheads at night. Above left, bottom, Captain Mike Burt and his crew on Pumpin’ Hard released their first blue marlin this week and also went three for five on white marlin. Above right, bottom, “Little Joe” caught and released this nice 34” rockfish fishing the Route 50 Bridge with Chasin’ Tides Charters.

page, top left, the heaviest dolphin in the MidAtlantic was an impressive 45 pound bull caught by the Liquidity. Opposite page, top right, Team Common Sense blew away the competition with their 87 pound white marlin good for 1st place in the MidAtlantic. Opposite page, bottom left, Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star has been seeing more and more mahi on his trips the past week. Opposite page, bottom right, Captain Chris Watkowski and crew had an awesome day offshore with a sailfish release and a limit of mahi.

Nursing Awards:

An awards and recognition ceremony recently celebrated the achievements of 76 WorWic Community College graduates who earned associate degrees and certificates in nursing. Participants received nursing pins, a tradition in which the faculty presents graduates with pins to signify their accomplishment. The pinning ceremony has roots back to the 12th century, when knights who aided the injured received a Maltese cross badge. Special awards were presented by Dr. Brenda J. Mister, department head and professor of nursing. Justin Benton, Opposite page, right, bottom, a 2017 Wor-Wic nursing graduate who worked at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional before enrolling in medical school at Rutgers University in Piscataway, N.J., gave a keynote address. Rebecca Dean was the student speaker.

Opposite page, far left, associate degree in nursing graduates of Wor-Wic Community College who participated in a recent awards and recognition ceremony are shown in a group photo. Opposite page, top right, from left, nurse classmates Tess Hughes of Salisbury and Kelly Hendrix of Berlin celebrate their achievement with Hendrix’s daughter Catelyn Shea and Hendrix’s husband Tom Saunders. Opposite page, left, bottom, Eva Young of Newark is congratulated by her son Newthing. At right, Certificate of practical nursing graduates are pictured in a group photo.

Submitted Photos

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above is a scene from earlier this summer from the Wicomico Street Pier. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 86

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): This could be the time to try soothing whatever bad feelings might be lingering between or among colleagues, friends and family members. But be sure you do so without favoring any side.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): An idea is only an idea until you put that clever Bovine mind to work to develop it from concept to substance. This could lead to something rewarding, both emotionally and monetarily.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): The early part of the week could have disconcerting moments, but approaching them with a calm, unruffled attitude goes a long way toward helping things settle down nicely.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Getting used to change continues to mark much of the week. But accepting what you have to do makes adapting that much easier. A welcome visitor could turn up sooner than expected.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Learning how to live with a decision is a challenge, but one you Leos and Leonas could really enjoy. You'll also be pleased to see your social life take the upsurge you've been hoping for.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Use your perceptive Virgo instinct to help you see the positive aspects of what, at first, appears to be a disappointment. You could find that it proves to be quite the contrary.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Your ability to maintain a balance between

sense and sentiment once again helps you sort through apparently conflicting choices and ultimately arrive at the right decision.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Before you seek the advice of colleagues about a potential career move, you might be better off getting counsel from someone who won't be affected by the choices you make.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21):

It can be a challenging week for some relationships if the normal give-and-take flow changes, with one side doing most of the giving and the other the taking.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): A new opportunity could bring with it much anticipation, along with some anxiety. Take time to sort out your options as well as your emotional considerations.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Are you sure you have all the facts you need to let that matter move to another level? Don't be rushed into a decision unless, and until, you feel like it's the right thing to do.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Pace yourself as you prepare to take on a more demanding project. Be careful not to let your energy reserves drain away. Take time to relax with people close to you.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have the ability to see both sides of a situation. You would do well as a counselor or a judge.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Labor Day weekend’s mixed feelings

Random beach run-ins

Orioles’ orange

Appetizers for dinner

Fast moving fantasy football drafts

A U.S. flag blowing in the wind on the beach College drop-off photos on social media

September beach days

Reading the locks on the OC pier fence

When my teen handles a disappointment well

Anything from RTIC

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

Bathing suits in the early 1900s looked much different than what is seen on the beach in Ocean City today.

Men were never seen without a top and in most cases the trunks extended below the knee. Women were so encased in fabric that once in the water their swimwear could weigh in excess of 10 pounds. Since most women of that era did not know how to swim, this was not the problem it would be today. Women – and some men – went into the ocean holding on to a rope anchored about 15 yards offshore. Because they usually went in on low tide and rarely got wet above the waist they were known as “fanny dippers.”

The image is from a postcard dated 1912; it was photographed on the Boardwalk near N. Division Street in front of the old Mt. Pleasant Hotel.

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

PT CHURCH ORGANIST/ PIANIST: Fenwick Island. For information, call 302-537-1402.

CLEANERS/VACATION

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

HYGIENIST

Small boutique dental office looking for a Dental Hygienist to join our friendly team. Very competitive salary. Please send resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com

THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING PT / PM MAINTENANCE (FRI-SUN, 4PM-MIDNIGHT)

APPLY IN PERSON

1800 Baltimore Avenue

Monday-Friday 10am-3pm

THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING DAYSHIFT HOUSEKEEPING STAFF

APPLY IN PERSON 1800 Baltimore Avenue

Monday-Friday 10am-3pm

THE DISPATCH IS ONLINE WWW.MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM

Now Hiring For: HOST FOOD RUNNER DISHWASHER Stop in to fill out an application! Downtown Berlin 119 N. Main Street

COMMERCIAL

CAREGIVER

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READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

DINING ROOM SET FOR SALE

Holiday Dinners Coming Soon! Beautiful solid wood dining set. Table seats 8-10 with two leaves. Lighted China Cabinet with glass shelving. (Chairs not incl’d.) Selling because moved & too big for dining area. Must see! $575. Berlin. 443-880-8885 $500

top notch customer service and computer profiency required

EXCELLENT PAY AND COMPETITIVE BENEFITS!

Send resume to: csites@legumnorman.com Or call 410.524.5577 for more details

ROOM(S) FOR RENT: Seeking Roommate(s). YR or Seasonal. Indoor Hot Tub. Non smoking, pets welcome. Single Family Home, 94th St. area. Rent negotiable. Call/text for more info. 410-7265200.(Job inhibits phone calls, text if can’t reach by calls).

WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 Office or Retail Space for Lease. 1,656. Sq. feet. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

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

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 19848

To all persons interested in the estate of LACIE M. ELZA, Estate No. 19848. Notice is given that BARBARA ANN ELZA, whose address is 181 OCEAN PARKWAY, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on AUGUST 09, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LACIE M. ELZA, who died on JULY 03, 2023 without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication August 18, 2023

BARBARA ANN ELZA Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102

COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 8-18, 8-25, 9-01

Second Insertion

NOTICE

To all persons interested in the estate of CRESTON R. WARD, Estate No. 19858. Notice is given that BRIAN WARD, whose address is 209 S. MORRIS STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on AUGUST 16, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CRESTON R. WARD, who died on JUNE 15, 2023 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16Th day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication August 25, 2023

True Test Copy

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

3x 8-25, 9-01, 9-08

Second Insertion

JAMES W. ALMAND, ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HWY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19862

To all persons interested in the estate of THOMAS WILLIAM SNYDER, Estate No. 19862. Notice is given that BERNICE L. SCOTT, whose address is 10501 CATHELL ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on AUGUST 16, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THOMAS WILLIAM SNYDER, who died on AUGUST 05, 2023 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16Th day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

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

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

the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication August 25, 2023

BERNICE L. SCOTT

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 8-25, 9-01, 9-08

Second Insertion

ARELETE K. BRIGHT, ESQ. 1002 EASTERN SHORE DRIVE, UNIT B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19863

Notice is given that the CIRCUIT COURT of FAIRFAX, VA, appointed LAURA SUE RAYBORN, 1365 SINGLE OAK, SEQUIN, TX 78155 , as the ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of LEE JAMES LINDBLOOM, who died on DECEMBER 16, 2022, domiciled in VIRGINIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is ARLETTE K. BRIGHT, whose address is 1002 EASTERN SHORE DRIVE, UNIT B, SALISBURY, MD 21804. 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

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

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 AUGUST 25, 2023

LAURA SUE RAYBORN

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 8-25, 9-01, 9-08

Second Insertion

STEPHANIE SCALES SHERRIN, ESQ. SCALES LAW GROUP 11032 NICHOLAS LANE SUITE A202 BERLIN, MD 21811

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19842

To all persons interested in the estate of KAY E. SUTTER, Estate No. 19842. Notice is given that ROBERT W. BEEMAN, whose address is 8788 S. ZANTE STREET, AURORA, CO 80016, was on AUGUST 21, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KAY E. SUTTER, who died on JUNE 5, 2023 without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21ST day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication August 25, 2023

ROBERT W. BEEMAN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 8-25, 9-01, 9-08

Second Insertion

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 18407

To all persons interested in the estate of SEAN PATRICK PALACIOS, Estate No. 18407. Notice is given that ALISA PALACIOS, whose address is 1325 NORWOOD DRIVE, HURST, TX 76053, was on AUGUST 22, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SEAN PATRICK PALACIOS, who died on OCTOBER 10, 2019, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

(or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

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

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

the estate of THURMAN DAVIS, Estate No. 19852. Notice is given that FELICIA DAVIS DERRICKSON, whose address is 1304 OLD OCEAN CITY ROAD, SALISBURY, MD 21804, was on AUGUST 11, 2023 appointed

Personal Representative of the estate of THURMAN DAVIS, who died on JUNE 12, 2023, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 11TH day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

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

Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102

COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 8-25, 9-01, 9-08

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

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.

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:

JOSEPH P. STIGLER, who died on JULY 17, 2023 with a will.

ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 8-25, 9-01, 9-08

Second

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

ESTATE 19852

To all persons interested in

(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 August 25, 2023

FELICIA DAVIS DERRICKSON

Personal Representative

True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19758

To all persons interested in the estate of CLARENCE W. LAUER, Estate No. 19758. Notice is given that HARRY POWELL, whose address is 1158 SCHOOLHOUSE LANE, WEST CHESTER, PA 19382, was on AUGUST 23, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CLARENCE W. LAUER, who died on MAY 9, 2023, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23RD day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

HARRY POWELL Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 218631074 3x 9-01, 9-08, 9-15

(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 SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

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 an 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:

KEVIN A. O’BRIEN 3801 KENNET PIKE C204 WILMINGTON, DE 19807

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19870

Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS, COURT of NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DE, appointed AMELIA A. BAUTISTA, 6 WYNCLIFF LANE, NEWARK, DE 19711, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of BASILIO N. BAUTISTA, who died on DECEMBER 22, 2022, domiciled in DELAWARE, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is DAVID B. MCGREGOR, whose address is 8 HARBORBIEW DRIVE, BERLIN, MD 21811. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER.

AMELIA A. BAUTISTA Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTOCTT

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

3x 9-1, 9-8, 9-15

First

To all persons interested in the estate of JOSEPH P. STIGLER, Estate No. 19864. Notice is given that DONNA MARIE STIGLER, whose address is PO BOX 308, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813, was on AUGUST 23, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of

Six 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 SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 DONNA MARIE STIGLER

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, Del. venue. Above, country music group and Grammy Award winner Lady A made its debut last Friday, Aug. 25 at Freeman Arts Pavilion.

Photo by Kenny Pusey/Freeman Arts Pavilion

I Still Love You

God is Love and owns everything on this earth and has the last say so about all our lives. We have got to die and be buried here on this earth, judgement when God comes back no one knows when. It is hard enough to lose a loved one to get joy by placing a flower or something at their grave site as memories should be granted by man or a woman. To decorate around my Mom and Dad brings me joy. Why, if my parents were alive today I would be at the house doing everything that I could to make their last days easy for them. Yes, I did it before, living in New Jersey and made many, many trips from New Jersey to Berlin, Md. A four hour trip, one way and had a disabled husband with me who couldn’t walk by himself. I made it to and fro. God was with me. My parents taught us to love each other. My brother, James L. Purnell Jr., died and his funeral was January 1, 2021. Buried at the cemetery on his namesake’s birthday, James L. Purnell, Sr. As a sister, where he was buried, I took it upon myself to commemorate his life by placing flowers and pictures about his life. Nothing that I put on his grave was false about him. His wife, Clemeth, knew that I had done it and kept it updated at my expense. From August 24, 2023 at 7:44pm to Friday, August 25th at 10:57am someone decided to take two pictures from my brother’s grave. A big picture of him that was on his obituary and a picture with his first and last day of school. This was his life as a Commissioner and as a school bus driver. For what reason, and who, I don’t know. It doesn’t bother me enough that I will lose my mind. I still love you and if you wanted a copy of those pictures I would have given you a copy and you wouldn’t be charged with breaking one of God’s 10 Commandments. By dealing with the cemetery display is a little late to settle something with him. He is dead. Being very close and grew up with him three years apart. I wouldn’t destroy my life with God. Again, I still love you. Personally, the St. Paul Cemetery looks very beautiful and colorful with display. I love that. God is in control and owns the land. In the meantime I’m going to walk and talk with Jesus. May God bless you all.

Pat Purnell Hingleton James L. Purnell, Jr. Sister

END-OF-SUMMER

state completes route 1 resiliency study

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials say the results of a state-led resiliency study have been finalized.

In her report last Friday, Fenwick Island Mayor Natalie Magdeburger presented an update on the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Route 1 Coastal Corridor Resiliency Study. As plans to address sea level rise and flooding are finalized, she said the town would continue to work with the state agency as it advocates for its bayside residents.

“DelDOT has finished their resiliency study plans,” she said. “What we’ve seen in the past has a lot of concern for us because they have created basically a seawall with deployables along the western side of the highway, which would leave all of our bayside community on the water-

side of any rising sea level.”

Last year, DelDOT applied for, and was awarded, a grant to conduct a resiliency study of Route 1. The goal of the DelDOT study, the agency reports, is to examine the impacts of climate change and sealevel rise on transportation infrastructure and to incorporate resiliency measures in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of projects.

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

The statement continues, “This section of SR1 is a primary evacuation route for Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island, and Ocean City, Maryland. This planning study will allow the Delaware

Department of Transportation to develop short and long-term solutions to help protect this important roadway …”

In a workshop this spring, DelDOT presented the public with a range of mitigation alternatives to improve resiliency along Route 1, including seawalls and structural dunes. Since that time, the town has asked the state to elaborate how the plan would impact bayside residences and businesses.

“We’re anxious to see what their final plans are,” she said. “We’ve not heard if there were any changes from the last two meetings. The next meeting is September 26.”

The DelDOT resiliency study is just one of several studies being conducted by regional agencies. Just this year, for example, the Town of Fenwick Island completed its own resiliency study. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is also completing a back bay study.

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S/DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, Sept. 1: TBA

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano

COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL

410-289-6846

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

Friday, Sept. 1: Darin Engh, Beg To Differ

Saturday, Sept. 2: The Permilla Project, Zion Reggae Band

Sunday, Sept. 3: Endless Ember, The Big Laird Band

Monday, Sept. 4: Sean Loomis, On The Edge

Tuesday, Sept. 5: Jack Bannon, The Beach Bandits

Wednesday, Sept. 6: Carley Twigg, Chris Diller Duo

Thursday, Sept. 7: Jess Arms, Kevin Poole & Joe Mama

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, Sept. 1: First Class

Saturday, Sept. 2: Jim Long & John Schwartz

Monday, Sept. 4: Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes

Wednesdays: DJ Wax

CORK BAR

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Saturday, Sept. 2: Going Coastal

Sunday, Sept. 3: Danny & Brian

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE

Friday, Sept. 1: Jack & T Lutz

Wednesday, Sept. 5: Carley Twigg

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, Sept. 1: Rogue Citizens

Saturday, Sept. 2: Risky Business

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St. In The Bay

Friday, Sept. 1: DJ RobCee, Denim & Lace, It’s All Good

Saturday, Sept. 2: DJ, Crushing Day, It’s All Good

Sunday, Sept. 3:

DJ, Crushing Day, Under The Covers

Monday, Sept. 4: DJ Hector, Tranzfusion, In Too Deep

Tuesday, Sept. 5: Bryan Clark

FISHTALES

410-289-0990

Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West O.C.

Friday, Sept. 1: DJ Bigler

Saturday, Sept. 2: Cecilia’s Fall, DJ Bigler

Sunday, Sept. 3: Opposite Directions

Thursday, Sept. 7: Dust N Bones Duo

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By Deogee

Saturday, Sept. 2: The Dunehounds

Sunday, Sept. 3: Higher Education

Mondays: Karaoke w/Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee

Thursdays: Beats By Wax

PIER 23

410-289-3323

12817 Harbor Rd. West O.C.

Friday, Sept. 1: TBA

Saturday, Sept. 2: Margot & Co., Endless Ember

Sunday, Sept. 3: Full Circle Band, Bryan Russo

Monday, Sept. 4: Chris Diller

Thursday, Sept. 7: Shortcut Sunny

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, Sept. 1 & 2 Alter Ego

Sunday & Monday, Sept. 3 & 4: Vertigo Red

Tuesdays: DJ Madame Dutchess

Wednesdays: DJ Papi Roisterous

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, Sept. 1: DJ Tuff, DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, Full Circle, Jah Works, Kono Nation

Saturday, Sept. 2: DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, DJ Tuff, Kono Nation, Jah Works, Fish Out Of Water, Dear Zoe

Sunday, Sept. 3: DJ Davie, DJ Connair, DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, Triple Rail Turn, Fish Out Of Water, Jah Works, Lost In Paris

Monday, Sept. 4: DJ Davie, DJ Bobby O, Blake Haley, Element K

Tuesday, Sept. 5: DJ Davie, Element K

Wednesday, Sept. 6: DJ Davie, Dear Zoe

Thursday, Sept. 7: DJ Davie, John McNutt Band, The Way Outs

THE ORIGINAL GREENE TURTLE

410-723-2120

116th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, Sept. 1: DJ Magellan

Saturday, Sept. 2: The Big Laird Band

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

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus

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

Every Monday: Bridge Games

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

Every Monday: Overeaters Anonymous

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

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Tuesday: Beach Cleanup

Beach Heroes, a volunteer Ocean City group, holds cleanups 9-10 a.m. year-

Things To Do

round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page "Beach Heroes-OC" for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

Every Wednesday: Bingo

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

Every Thursday: Beach Singles

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

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Caregiver Support Meeting

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

Sept. 2: Classic Car Show

The Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Classic Car & Jeep Show at the Ocean Pines Veterans Memorial Park from 9 a.m.-noon. Cars will be $20 (cash only) day of, but $15 if they preregister at the chamber website.

Sept. 8: Open Casting Call

The Ocean Pines Children's Theater will

be casting for its January 2024 production of the critically acclaimed Broadway musical, “Mean Girls, Jr." Auditions for this fast-paced fun musical are scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Community Center. Due to the mature theme of the play, auditions for young people, male and female, will be limited to ages 12 and older. For singing roles, auditioners will need to select and perform at least 16 measures of a song from a Broadway musical, with or without musical accompaniment. Those preparing to audition for an acting role, will need to visit OP Childrens Theater Facebook page to access, memorize, and practice vocal delivery of a select monologue. Be prepared to show proof of full Covid vaccination. For additional information, please contact us at opchildrenstheater@yahoo.com.

Sept. 8: Crab Cake Dinner

Stevenson United Methodist Church will host its monthly crab cake dinner, from 46 p.m., carryout or eat in. Prices are one crab cake sandwich, green beans, baked potato and cole slaw, $14; two crab cake sandwiches, green beans, baked potato and cole slaw; and one crab cake sandwich, $10. Bake sale table available.

Sept. 9: Boardwalk Arts Festival

The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 45th Annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival, to be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From 1-4 p.m., Beach Liquors is sponsoring a ticketed wine tasting event hosted at the Harvest Tide Steakhouse event space, located in the heart of the festival at 98 Garfield Parkway, in Bethany Beach. Enjoy light fare and over 60 wines will be featured through 12 tastings. Tickets cost $30 and are available for purchase at www.bethanybeachartsfestival.com.

Sept. 9: Small Town Throw Down Berlin will host the Small Town Throw Down country music festival on Main Street featuring live bands all day from 16 p.m. in front of the Atlantic Hotel.

Sept. 9: Club Meeting

The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Library. The speaker will be Shannon Ehinger, who has fished her entire life on the Eastern Shore with passion for the sport passed on from her dad Buddy. She has been a mate on both commercial and recreational charter boats, fishing the White Marlin Open, designing custom tackle to owning 353 Custom Tackle store in West Ocean City. Also, members report on pertinent fishing topics. All welcome.

Sept. 9-10: Community Festival

A two-day Community Festival will be held on old Pullett's UM Church grounds, 11909 Blueberry Road, Whaleyville at noon on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. A live concert at 2 p.m. with God's Travelers, along with DJ Felton and Connie Harris. Featuring kids moon bounce, games, face painting, vendor sales, baked goods; food and beverage provided. Sunday is outdoor fellowship service.

Sept.12-14: Safe Boating Course

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering the Maryland Safe Boating Course at the Ocean Pines Library, 11107 Cathell Rd., Berlin, from 6-9 p.m. all three days. The Maryland Boating Safety Education Act requires that anyone born after July 1, 1972 must possess a Maryland Basic Boating Safety Certificate to operate a boat in the state of Maryland. Those attending the class and passing the test will receive a Maryland Boating Certificate which is NASBLA approved and valid in all states. Cost is $20 for all three evenings. Register or get more information by calling Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807, or email CGAUXOC@Gmail.com.

Sept. 14: Town Meeting

Worcester County Commissioner President Chip Bertino will host a town meeting at 6 p.m. at the Ocean Pines library. Bertino will give an update on what is going on around the county. Guests will include Worcester County Sheriff Matthew Crisafulli; Lauren Cooper, executive director of the Cricket Center, and Jennifer Keener, director of Development Review and Permitting. Crisafulli will discuss new discipline programs to be implemented within county schools. Cooper will talk about the Cricket Center’s main objective to reduce trauma to child victims by bringing all necessary local agencies together. Keener will provide information on the redistricting efforts within the county. “This will be an informative meeting,” said Bertino. “There’s a lot going on in the county and I believe my guests will have a lot to share.”

Sept. 14: Bingo Fundraiser

Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County will be hosting bingo at the Willards Lions Club. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with the first game starting at 7 p.m. All prizes are cash prizes. Food and drinks will be available for purchase along with specialty games for the chance to win more money. $25 admission will be at the door. Proceeds from this event go directly to Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County to support affordable homeownership and critical home repairs/aging in place programs in Wicomico and Somerset Counties. For more information, call Karen Cooper, Community Relations Coordinator at 410-546-1551 ext. 131.

Sept. 16: Church Rummage Sale

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

Sept. 29-30, Oct. 1: Pickleball Tourney

One of the biggest racquet sports events of the year returns with the third annual Oktoberfest pickleball tournament at the Ocean Pines Racquet Center. The event each year draws several hundred players and hundreds more spectators and is the only pickleball tournament with cash prizes held on the Delmarva Peninsula. For players, registration is $45, and the registration deadline is Sept. 15. To register, visit https://app.pickleballden.com/externaltournament/3025225. Tournament organizers will post the full tournament schedule, including match start times, two weeks prior to the tournament. Organizers will break out age/skill brackets accordingly about three weeks prior to the tournament. For more information, contact Cathy Noble at cmznoble@gmail.com.

State Board Approves Local Projects

BERLIN – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved several key projects in Worcester County last Wednesday, including $250,000 in funding for Atlantic General Hospital to acquire new materials and equipment for minimally invasive surgery.

The current equipment – namely minimally invasive video towers and camera box – has reached its end of life.

“Atlantic General is fully committed to meeting the diverse and expanding needs for health care on the Eastern Shore,” said Senator Mary Beth Carozza, who represents Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties. “Minimally invasive surgery allows for less trauma to the body, fewer complications, and a shorter recovery time, which helps our farmers, our watermen, and everyone in between return to their lives.”

Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-District 38) and Delegates Charles Otto (RDistrict 38A) requested this funding during the 2023 Legislative Session through the Capital Budget via a Legislative Bond Initiative (LBI). LBI’s are local projects that serve a public purpose and must be sponsored by State legislators.

“Every year, the requests coming in far exceed the amount of funding available, and we made a successful case that this Atlantic General Hospital re-

quest at this time was a priority for our constituents,” said Carozza.

The Board of Public Works also approved an LBI requested by Delegate Wayne Hartman (District 38C) and supported by Carozza of $75,000 to improve the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department South Station from this year’s Capital Budget, which is in addition to an LBI of $200,000 in 2022 and a $1.35 million supplemental budget received during Governor Hogan’s last year in office.

Additionally, a $329,656.35 grant to Worcester County from Rural Legacy Funds was approved, which will protect prime agriculture farmland in the Nassawango Creek and the Pocomoke River watershed.

“This is some of the most productive agricultural land in the county, and this grant will help preserve our rural way of life,” said Carozza.

Another Worcester County funding grant is in process to come before the Board of Public Works in the coming weeks.

Diakonia, the only provider for homeless men, women, families, and veterans on the Lower Shore, was granted a $75,000 LBI during the latest legislative session to pay for the acquisition and planning of affordable housing units. Carozza requested the funding for Diakonia.

Cynthia Parkin Maycock

OCEAN PINES – Cynthia "Cindy" Parkin Maycock, beloved mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, passed away peacefully on Aug. 26, 2023, at the age of 87.

She was surrounded by her loving family in Ocean Pines. Cindy was born on June 4, 1936, in Ripley, Derbyshire, England. She grew up in Ripley and later married her childhood sweetheart, the late Dr. John Norman Maycock, an internationally recognized scientist. In 1961, Cindy made the bold decision to move to the United States with her husband, settling in Catonsville. Norman called Cindy his hero for taking such a leap of faith with him. Together, they raised their two daughters, Susan Pamela and Sally Patricia.

A lifelong athlete, Cindy found her passion in field hockey. She joined the Baltimore Field Hockey Association and excelled as a goalie. Her dedication and love for the game led her to serve as the President of the association for an impressive 30 years. Cindy was also a valued member of the Southeast Field Hockey Tournament Team, where she hosted a pre-Thanksgiving feast for her teammates and friends every year.

OBITUARIES

After retiring from field hockey, Cindy discovered new passions. She enjoyed flounder fishing and clamming on her boat, "Sally Sue." She was a longtime active member of the Maryland Kennel Club and Ocean City Golf Club, where she served as the Hospitality Chairperson and President of the Nine Hole Ladies, respectively. Cindy was also a devoted fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens.

"Miss Cindy," an affectionate moniker given to her by her daughters' friends, will be best remembered for her sense of humor, her ability to tell a joke, and her warm hugs. She had a love for music, played the organ, and possessed a beautiful soprano voice. Her sparkling blue eyes and love for Christmas and a roaring fire brought joy to those around her. Cindy's dinner table was always welcome to all.

She is survived by her daughter Susan and son-in-law John Mendoza; grandchildren Alexandra (Christian) Pallazola of Scituate, Mass., Captain Ian (Camille) Mendoza of Surf City, N.C. and Jack and Anna Watsic of Mt. Airy; son-in-law Dana Watsic; and great-granddaughters Adrienne and

Paige Pallazola and Emilia Mendoza.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. John N. Maycock; her daughter, Sally Watsic; her parents, John "Jack" and Freda Parkin; and her brother, John Parkin.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her name to Coastal Hospice at Catered Living of Ocean Pines, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802 in honor of the exceptional care and respect they provided to Cindy.

Kenneth Herbert Mullinix

OCEAN PINES – Kenneth Herbert Mullinix, 87, passed away at Coastal Hospice at the Lake on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. He was born on Nov. 9, 1935 in Baltimore to Winfred Mullinix and Gertrude Taylor Mullinix.

Ken grew up in Baltimore City where he graduated Mount Saint Joseph’s High School in Baltimore. Ken began his career in banking in Baltimore City. He then had a long career in the roofing industry

Obituaries cost $50 to appear in The Dispatch and photos are no extra charge. Direct all inquiries to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com, fax to 410-641-0966 or mail to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811.

eventually owning a successful roofing company. After moving to the Eastern Shore and retiring, he went to work as a Forecaddie at Glen Riddle Golf Course. Ken’s true love was to be on the golf course every day. He was an excellent golfer and enjoyed his time with friends and family playing the sport.

He is survived by his wife Glenda Mullinix of Ocean Pines. He was the father to three children, Melanie Westphal with her husband Jim of Beaufort, S.C., Ken Mullinix Jr and his significant other Patty of Lewes, Del. and Mary Anne Cooper and her husband Scott of Berlin. He was ‘Poppop’ to Wesley Cooper with his wife Rose of Berlin and Amy Bounds with her husband Zach of Salisbury. Additional surviving family members include his sister-in-law, Kay Colton. Ken’s nieces and nephew were Diane Martin, David Hasselfhoff, Joyce Corjon, Jean Driver and Lisa Coe.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, Winfred Mullinix and Gertrude Taylor Mullinix; his sister, Delores Hasselhoff; and his brother, Paul Mullinix. He also was predeceased by his beloved dog Spike.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Ken’s name to Coastal Hospice at CoastalHospice.org.

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

Raymond Joseph Shanley

BERLIN – Surrounded by his loving family and close friend Ron DeCarlo, Raymond Joseph (Bud) Shanley passed away peacefully at his home in Berlin on Aug. 17, 2023, from cancer. He was 83 years old.

Born in Washington, D.C. on February 10, 1940, Bud was the son of Raymond Joseph Shanley Sr. and his wife Irene Butler Shanley.

He attended Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C. for two years before entering the Augustinian minor seminary where he completed his high school education at the Augustinian Academy in Staten Island, N.Y. He remained in the seminary for seven more years, during which time he earned degrees in English and Philosophy from Villanova University.

Upon leaving the seminary, Bud taught history, Latin, and English at Archbishop Carroll High School while earning a graduate degree in International Law and Relations at Catholic University of America. He always felt a deep debt of gratitude to the Augustinian community for the life-long impact they had on his spiritual, personal and

CINDY MAYCOCK

KENNETH MULLINIX

RAYMOND SHANLEY

professional life.

In 1968, he entered the executive training program at Chemical Bank in New York, which led to a lifetime career in banking and trade finance. At the time of his death, he was CFO for Second Factor, Inc.

Bud is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jean Neubeck Shanley; his beloved children, Suzanne Savage (Scott), Raymond Shanley (Julianne), Kevin Shanley (Melissa), and Jean Marie Shanley; his treasured grandchildren, Caroline, Sarah and Colin Savage, Sophie, Annika, and Gavin Shanley and Rutger and Connor Shanley; his sisters, Irene Shanley and Patricia Ray (Ed); and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Doris Earle and Ann Hoyle; his brothers-in-law, George Earle, John Hoyle and Jim McKnight; his sister-inlaw Kitsy Neubeck; and niece Annie Neubeck.

For those of us whose lives he dearly touched over the years, Bud will be remembered for his deep spirituality, his integrity and work ethic, and his deep love and loyalty to family and friends, and his delightful Irish sense of humor.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Augustinian Fund for the Care of Sick and Elderly Friars, 214 Ashwood Road, Villanova, Pa. 19085 in memory of Raymond J. Shanley.

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

Elizabeth Joines

CRISFIELD – Elizabeth Joines, age 58, passed away on Aug. 18, 2023, in Crisfield.

Born in St. Michaels, she was the daughter of Catherine Sard and the late Donald Sard.

Beth loved boating, fishing, camping, and spending time at the beach with her husband.

She is survived by her loving husband, Mark Joines; son, Chad Joines; sisters Judy Ninzeheltzer (Larry) and Donna Counts (Stan); brother Earnest Sard; nephew Joe Land (Sara); nieces Leah Sard and Kay Sard and sisterin-law Nadine Blades (Mike); nephew Brandon Blades and niece Emily Blades and sister-in-law Sharin Neff (Derek); nephew Dylan Neff and brother-inlaw Lee Joines (Linda); niece Shannon Joines; and nephew Jonathon Joines.

Cremation followed her death. Services will be private for the family. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family

via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Kenneth D. Allen

OCEAN PINES – Kenneth D. Allen, age 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 23, 2023 at Stansell House in Ocean Pines MD. He was born on January 18, 1930 in Pleasanton Kansas. He grew up in Washington DC. Served in the military as an army paratrooper and on the Ceremonial Guard. He later joined the DC fire department where he retired as a Battalion Fire chief.

He moved to Ocean City MD in 1979 where he kept busy in retirement building custom homes, playing golf, cheering for the Redskins and celebrating life with close friends. He will be forever missed for his sense of humor, larger than life personality and devotion to his family.

He is survived by his wife Beverly, children- Karen (Rick) Mason, Kenneth, and Connie (Ted) Chapman, 5 grandchildren- Todd, Katie, TJ, Cameron, and Matthew, and 1 great grandson- Cole, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Coastal Hospice.

Rus ty Jimmie’s Sea f ood

Letters To The Editor

Paint OC Wrap Up

Editor: Our 18th Annual “Artists Paint OC” plein air festival Aug. 9-13 was another impressive event for us and the town. Thank you to the 50 professional artists who spread out around the resort for five days and created 230 paintings of our iconic local landscapes. And thank you to the 57 youth who painted “en plein air” in July and were part of our first-ever Kids Paint OC Festival.

Our gratitude goes out to our judge, Laura Era of Easton’s Troika Gallery, who awarded prizes to our winning artists and also donated an original custom portrait for an Art League fundraising raffle. And to our sponsors of the festival who provided $6,050 in cash prizes for the artists: Emily and Paul Schwab, Peter Glenville Foundation, Laura Jenkins, Todd Burbage/Blue Water Development, Mapleton Farm/Mechelle and Charles Nichols, Linda and Mike Guerrieri, Shore United Bank, Reese Cropper III, Barbara Frankfort-Kollander Patrick, Maryland’s Coast, the White Marlin Open, and the Ocean City Development Corp.

The Worcester County Arts Council provided cash prizes to our youth Kids Paint OC winners. Thank you, as well, to our special artists award sponsors: Trond Pool Construction for Best Nocturne, Emmy and Ed Challenger for Best Maritime, Royal Plus Electric for Best Use of Light, Ocean City Hotel-MotelRestaurant Assn. for Best Hospitality, and OC Tourism for the Spirit of Ocean City Award. Our gratitude also goes out to our in-kind sponsors - The Hotel Atlantic of Berlin, The Original Thrashers French Fries, and Jolly Roger Amusement Parks.

We are proud to announce the prize winning artists for “Artists Paint OC” 2023: Dennis Young of New Castle, De., first place, $2,500; Fred Jackson of King of Prussia, Pa., second place, $1,000; John Schisler of Georgetown, De., third

place, $500; Jose Ramirez of Secretary, Md., Maggii Sarfaty of Easton, Md., and Nancy Thomas of Ridgeley, Md., honorable mentions, $100 each. Also, David Simpson of Parsonsburg, Md., Best Use of Light, $150; Ed Lewandowski of Bridgeville, Md., Best Maritime, $150; Betty Huang of Easton, Md., Best Nocturne, $150; and Barbara Kern-Bush of Pocomoke City, Md., Spirit of Ocean City, $500.

The winners of Sunday’s “Quick Paint” on the Boardwalk with awards presented by Zachary Bankert of the Ocean City Development Corp. are: Dennis Young, first place, $300; Rajendra KC, second place, $200; Fred Jackson, third place, $100; and Will Schulze, honorable mention, $50.

The winner of the Kids Paint OC event in the age 6-9 category are Owen Schisler, first place; Tobias Blaska, second place; Nicole Sebastian, third place, and honorable mentions Rosemary Williams, Taye Olibah, and Cassidy Jones. Ages 10-12: Faith Ford, first place; Ellie Hall, second place; Kaitlyn Guertler, third place, and honorable mentions Lucy Parks, Eli Parker, and Benjamin Gannon. Ages 13-17: Sydney Parker, first place; Madison Guertler, second place; Glenna Barnes, third place, and honorable mentions M.G. Barnes and Lyla Roberts.

And another big thank you to the art lovers and art collectors who came out to support the artists and purchase their work during the Wet Paint Sales. The best of the plein air paintings will be on display and available for purchase at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th St. through September. The raffle for Laura Era’s custom portrait continues until the drawing on Sept. 30.

Laura

Jenkins

Rina Thaler

(Jenkins is the chair of Artists Paint OC and vice president of the Art League of Ocean City. Thaler is executive director of the Art League of Ocean City.)

Quiet Beach Day: A member of the Ocean City Beach Patrol had a front row seat to an active ocean day on Wednesday but a quiet beach day.

Photo by Chris Parypa

The Dispatch

Forever In Memory

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

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

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

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How We See It

School Behavior Crackdown A Must

With students returning to school next week throughout Worcester County, parents need to be aware of a tougher approach to discipline by law enforcement.

During the school year, it’s common in most school systems to hear of serious and concerning behaviors by students. Worcester County is no different, and there are serious incidents that occur occasionally, including assaults and drug use and distribution. For the most part, the local school system does not see the severity of incidents experienced elsewhere, but it’s clear there has been an uptick in general safety concerns since the pandemic.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Board of Education have recently updated a Memorandum of Understanding offering school resource deputies more specific rules when dealing with serious issues based on the age of the students as well as whether the incidents in question require custodial arrests or referrals to the juvenile justice system.

“Our philosophy is if minors know they’re going to leave school in handcuffs if they engage in violent or illegal behavior hopefully it’ll deter those types of behaviors,” said Sheriff Matt Crisafulli. “If there is a custodial arrest that happens once or twice, our youth will see that and it’ll deter that type of behavior. If they do act egregiously and with felonious behavior, there will be criminal consequences.”

Along with this shift in consequences, a new App through Worcester County Sheriff's Office enables the school community to provide anonymous tips when concerns surface or behaviors witnessed.

An important part of the school resource program is educating young minds about police work. All too often there is an us vs. them mentality passed down from older generations to young people. Having these sworn officers in the school and engaging with students each day can help alter any preconceived notions some wayward folks may have of police officers generally as well as their intentions.

Leading up to schools reopening, the county sheriff’s office has been working social media to inform parents about the toughened stance and new direction. These changes have been largely supported, but it’s fair for some skeptics to be unsure of the policy’s implementation and successful enforcement. Time will tell the story.

These are words in an agreement currently. Actions are more important. The sheriff is right to deliver a message of no acceptance for illegal actions within schools. The words will be received loud and clear when an offense is met with a student walking out of school in handcuffs. In many cases, the visual will be impactful and confirm the threatening words within the new policy.

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green

(Editor’s Note: In full disclosure, I am a member of the Berlin Mayor and Council. Since being elected last October, I have not expressed any opinions on Berlin matters in this space. A decision this week requires an exception.)

This week’s 3-2 vote by the Berlin Town Council was a mistake. The vote means the town will no longer proceed with selling the Heron Park parcel containing the dilapidated buildings at the former chicken plant. The council majority members who voted against moving forward with a sale contract with Coastal Venture Properties – the chosen developer for the park dating back to May 2022 – felt it was a bad deal for the town. The three council members expressed concerns over the proposed project, which was created based on the town’s Request For Proposal stipulations.

I disagree with the prevailing position. Now, with the slim majority of the council’s will, the town will start over the entire process of what to do with the former chicken plant property turned park. A committee may be formed in the future to continue the discussion.

I would like to explain my position of support for selling parcel 57. The town previously had the property appraised with a residential zoning last year. The property was appraised at $800,000. The council voted 4-1 last month – I opposed – to have the property reappraised at B-2 (commercial), and the property’s value was found to be $1.2 million. The “extraordinary assumption” listed in the appraisal was the property would be cleared. This was an assumption that’s extraordinary considering there’s 60,000 square feet of buildings in various states on the nine-acre site.

When asked Monday by Councilman Jack Orris, who also opposed abandoning the sale process, Coastal Venture Properties agreed in principle to the $1.2 million sale price in exchange for all deed restrictions being lifted. The B-2 zoning allows mixed-use development, which is a wise redevelopment track. I was prepared to admit an error to opposing the commercial reappraisal last month since it just increased the sale price by $400,000, from $800,000 to $1.2 million. It turned out I was right to oppose because the votes were never there to sell the property.

One of the major hangups this week was the transfer of 36 sewer EDUs with the sale. Property sales – residential and commercial – carry the EDUs through the transactions. Why would this sale be any different? The contract between the developer and the town was going to stipulate unused EDUs would be returned to the town after 24 months. The council majority wanted the sewer EDU values (approximately $440,000 in total) included in the sale, though the developer would have to pay for the water EDUs (about $160,000), leaving a net of about $280,000 in total EDU value. Additionally, the town has been paying about $13,000 in ready-to-serve fees annually since 2016. I find selling the property and removing the inherent risk associated with this eyesore property, especially what lies under ground, to be worth the impact of the EDUs. The EDU discourse could have been part of the contract talk.

Instead, the council majority ended the process. The town will not be selling the parcel at this time, and it will sit as an eyesore for months to come. It could be years before any real improvement is seen. I see more risk with the Town of Berlin owning this property than reward.

The town’s focus immediately turns to utilizing the $500,000 strategic demolition grant – a blessing from the state and a result of solid efforts from town staff. As someone who has worked across the street from this eyesore for almost 30 years, I look forward to seeing major changes even if it’s a slower process than envisioned. The demolition effort is going to be tricky and expensive. The town’s own internal estimate has total demolition of the site coming in north of $1 million. Therefore, we know the entire site will not be cleared and town funding may be needed to even render the property safe after some wrecking activity. I will not vote for using any of the town’s reserve funds to clear the site after the demolition grant is used. The town already pays about $200,000 in annual debt service from the 2016 property purchase. If the property transaction was permitted to move forward, the developer was going to use the demo grant and personal funding to clear the site to match his redevelopment project. After the grant was utilized, the developer said last night he had budgeted an additional $500,000 for preparing for the site for redevelopment.

I was comfortable with selling the property because of the risk and the knowledge and experience the developer has refurbishing old buildings into operable businesses. The developer cares for Berlin and knows many of our business owners and citizens. He would be accountable for the finished product and the impact on our overall town. He understands the concerns from the downtown business community about competing operations. Hindsight may prove my pro-sale position – one shared by Mayor Zack Tyndall and Councilman Jack Orris – wrong. I fear this decision could have major financial ramifications for the town. The better direction for the future of the town and the parcel was to proceed with selling parcel 57, allowing the demo grant to move ahead with the developer picking up the remaining expenses. While that process was playing out, the town could evaluate the remaining parcels, determine where the skate park should be located, how a new public works campus could take shape on the land and continue to hear from citizens as far as what they would like to be included through a committee process.

Puzzle Answers

by Steve Green

Gone evidently are the days when there is excitement in the house about heading back to school.

Some examples:

•Last weekend, I asked Beckett, 15, if he was looking forward to school. The conversation is easy to remember because it was short with minimal engagement.

Me: So, are you ready to go back to school?

Him: No.

Me: What do you mean? There are fun things about school.

Him: That’s funny, Dad.

The conversation then delved into whether he had completed his summer reading assignments. It seems each summer the week before Labor Day is typically spent catching up on lost time, a result of procrastination. This summer appears to be no different.

Me: How are we doing with the reading?

Him: Pretty good.

Me: You know what you need to do right?

Him: Yes I know, I know.

Me: Where is the book anyway (looking around his room)?

Him: It’s around here somewhere.

Me: Tick, tock is all I am going to say.

Him: I work better on deadlines like you. I get that from you.

I gave him credit for being clever on that front.

•Beckett began his sophomore year on Tuesday with an orientation day. Being a teen boy, we did not get much feedback from him about his first day. The one takeaway was his level of exhaustion.

I don’t know if this is all teenage boys, but whenever I ask him how he is doing the same response follows. “Good, I’m tired,” he says.

Then I typically waste his and my time inquiring why he’s so exhausted, and it would be better if he went to bed

earlier even if it’s the summer. I even bore myself when I talk about that sort of thing.

When I got home from work on his first day, I went up to his room to see if he had anything to share. He filled me in on a few things as I tried to follow his rapid speaking pace on several subjects. It ended with an oratory on why Mother Nature always ruins his fun, referring to soccer practice being canceled twice in a row this week.

•Neither of my kids are grumpy often, but they were a bit this week. The reality of summer being over has set in. I understand and share the sentiments.

For instance, last Sunday, neither kid wanted to take their backpacks to church for the annual blessing event. Since we were not prepared in the least bit for school – the supplies we were able to get were still in bags in their rooms – both boys just took empty bags that may or may not have been holdovers from last year. By the smell of Beckett’s, I think there was something sweaty in his all summer.

The grump factor is understandable truly. As much as we all like to say September is a great month to live here, the reality is school life takes over and the prospects of still hitting the beach and enjoying the good weather are few and far between. The transition is happening from summer life to school routines, whether ready for it or not.

•As for Carson, the first day anxiety is running high for me. We never know how the first drop-off day at school is going to be. I carry a few scars from previous unfortunate starts to the school year.

Last year, with Beckett attending boarding school at the time, Pam and I took Carson to school. We learned this should never happen again. It’s best for me to handle the drop-offs, as the mother-son bond impacts the dynamics too much when it comes time to separate.

There were other significant things at

play last fall. The most significant issue being he was going into a new school. Though he was familiar with his one-onone buddy from summer academy, the surroundings were new. Change is hard for everyone, especially so for people on the Autism spectrum. It was a bit of a disastrous start to seventh grade with him not allowing us to leave and drastic measures being taken to separate. Once we were free and out of the building, his education team provided us updates on how he was settling in.

This year I am optimistic all will go well. Carson is maturing and more open to new things. He will be going into eighth grade and be at the same school with some familiar faces. I do my best to not worry today about tomorrow’s problems, but the first day of school has been leaking into my mind for several weeks now.

•I find true support and camaraderie in talking with my buddies about family stuff. It’s usually just silly pictures or memes because in our text threads we act the same today as we did as teenagers. It’s a bond I love.

During a recent text exchange, my friends were sharing their first day of school photos, and we were all joking about how some were a bit more prepared than others. There were several with staged pictures on the doorstep. Aside from snarky comments in jest about how rough the dads of beautiful daughters have it, there was a memorable one.

It was a photo of my buddy’s teen son looking out at him from a school bus. Evidently, my friend’s wife was already at work as a nurse and not around. It appears the morning was chaotic getting the teen moving and he forgot to get a picture. The end result was a thumbs up shot from the bus.

(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.)

PUZZLE ON PAGE 63