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OCPD Records Serious Crime Arrests

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Boardwalk Mask Mandate Extended

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Movie Theater Openings, Increased Retail Capacity Announced

Page 4

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With Maryland’s key COVID-19 metrics continuing to trend in the right direction, Gov. Larry Hogan on Tuesday announced the state will allow for the re-opening of movie theaters and live entertainment venues with restrictions in place.

Back in April, Hogan outlined his three-stage Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery designed to steadily and safely re-open the state’s businesses and jumpstart the economy. The first stage, started in May, implemented lowrisk, quality of life improvements after months of the governor’s stay-at-home directive. It included permitting certain activities, allowed some small retail stores to open with strict guidelines and

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

limited capacity and other small-step measures.

During the first phase of stage two, implemented in June, most businesses were allowed to re-open with outdoor seating, while the carryout and delivery model was still encouraged. The second phase of stage two allowed restaurants and bars, for example, to open indoor areas at 50% capacity with strict social distancing guidelines and masking requirements, for example.

Maryland has remained at that stage in its recovery plan through much of the summer, but with several key metrics including the testing positivity rate, the number of hospitalizations, the number of patients in intensive care and the relatively new number of cases per 100,000 steadily declining, Hogan on Tuesday announced Maryland is

September 4, 2020

Gov. Larry Hogan’s phase three announcement will result in more businesses opening effective Friday.

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ready to move into stage three of the recovery plan.

Stage three includes re-opening more businesses and activities were larger crowds of people tend to gather.

It all increases the capacity at retail stores, bars and restaurants, for example, with the other public health and safety guidelines still in place. Hogan said stage three will be implemented at 5 p.m. on Friday.

“Movie theaters and live entertainment venues can safely open at 50% capacity, or up to 100 people indoor and 250 people outdoors,” he said.

“All retail stores, as well as churches and places of worship, will be able to increase capacity from 50% to 75%.”

Hogan said individual jurisdiction can implement re-opening plans that are more restrictive then the state guidelines. He also said entering stage three is not a signal the COVID crisis is over.

“As we move into stage three of our recovery plan, the law empowers individual counties to make decisions that are more restrictive regarding the timing of re-openings,” he said. “I want to remind people that moving into stage three does not mean this crisis is behind us. We must remain vigilant so we can keep Maryland open for business.”

Hogan referenced the state’s contact tracing efforts and pointed to an activity likely to be enjoyed by many Marylanders over Labor Day weekend.

“As we head into the holiday weekend, I want people to enjoy it, but I also want to remind them again of something we brought up about a month ago,” he said. “It just came up again with the findings of our contact tracing efforts. The number-one activity of those who have tested positive since the middle of July, at 41%, has been family gatherings.”

Hogan encouraged Marylanders to enjoy the holiday weekend, but advised them to be mindful of that statistic.

“You hear people say and you think it is dangerous to go to restaurants and bars, but the number one thing has been family gatherings,” he said.

“The next highest at 19% are house parties and outdoor events. So, while we want everybody to enjoy the holiday weekend, we want to remind them to be vigilant. We tend to feel safe when we’re around family and friends, and we tend to let our guard down.”

September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Worcester Schools Reopening ‘Plans Are Not Changing’

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

NEWARK – Worcester County Public Schools leaders continue to plan for students to begin returning to classrooms at the end of September.

In the wake of an announcement from Gov. Larry Hogan last week that all school systems were authorized to begin reopening, Superintendent Lou Taylor said Worcester County would continue to adhere to its Responsible Return model. The model calls for small groups of students to begin returning to school Sept. 28.

“I want to say plainly that our plans are not changing and this is due to the fact that our model is right in line with what the governor and state superintendent outlined in their remarks,” Taylor said in a video posted on the school sys-

tem’s website. “In fact, the governor’s remarks further affirm that Worcester’s Responsible Return model is one that places a high value on bringing students back into the classroom as quickly and as safely as possible.”

In a press conference last Thursday, Hogan authorized school systems to begin reopening now that COVID19 numbers are trending downward.

“As a result of our improved health metrics, every single county school system in the State of Maryland is now fully authorized to begin safely reopening,” Hogan said. “Nearly everyone agrees that there is no substitute for in-person instruction. It is essential that we all work together on flexible hybrid plans to safely get some of our kids back into classrooms and into healthy and supportive learning environments.”

State Superintendent Karen Sal-

mon urged school systems to reevaluate their mode of instruction at the end of the first quarter. The state will be making $10 million in grant funding available to help school systems move toward in-person instruction.

“While adherence to these metrics for re-entry into classrooms are not considered requirements, I am strongly encouraging local school systems to utilize our improving numbers and the provided metrics as the driving force for the decision to return to school buildings,” Salmon said. “Health and safety precautions must remain in place once we begin to bring more students back into schools, and school systems should continue to work in conjunction with local health officials to monitor trends in the metrics and any outbreaks at area schools.”

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tems had submitted plans for reopening, eight had not. Salmon stressed that with the state’s improving metrics school systems needed to make plans for resuming in-person instruction.

“Many school systems have demonstrated tremendous leadership and initiative by bringing small groups of students back in a safe environment,” she said. “In counties like Calvert and Worcester, over the summer we saw how in-person instruction can be provided to small groups of students during the pandemic.”

Worcester County Public Schools, which submitted its plan for reopening to the state in early August, will begin the school year Sept. 8 with distance learning for all students. Officials are planning for small groups of students to return to school buildings on Sept.

28. After a successful in-person summer school program, local education officials are looking forward to welcoming limited numbers of students back into buildings later this month.

“We know that the best place for our students to learn is within our classrooms with our teachers and with their peers,” Taylor said. “This is precisely why in early August we announced that while Worcester will begin the school year in stage one, distance learning, at the recommendation of our local health department as long as health and safety conditions allow we anticipate moving into stage two on Monday September 28 which will begin the process of phasing students back into the classroom adhering to the health and safety protocols developed in tandem with our local officials.”

Taylor added that families continue with distance learning once schools reopened if they felt that was the best option for their children.

“We remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of all of our students, faculty and staff,” he said. “We will continue down the path we have developed for our responsible return and we look forward to welcoming students back into our classrooms and schools as soon as we can.”

Though Worcester County’s school system plans align with state guidance, some educators throughout the state believe Hogan and Salmon are making “reckless and arbitrary decisions that will make the first days and weeks of an already stressful start of school even more chaotic and confusing,” according to an online petition sponsored by the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA). The petition, signed by more than 15,000 people, calls for the state board of education to reject a proposal from Salmon regarding virtual learning standards.

“At a time when educators are focused on working hard to make the best of this year for students, the governor and superintendent are focused on throwing school communities under the bus,” reads a statement from MSEA President Cheryl Bost. “We need collaboration and problem-solving, not political theater.”

September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 7

Government-Run SunLITE Concept Shelved After Study

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Mayor and Council took a pass on a proposed scaled-down alternative to Sunfest in the first weekend of October, but a combination of private businesses and organizations are picking up the ball.

Last month, the Mayor and Council canceled Sunfest for 2020 because of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions including the elimination of live entertainment and the food tent, for example. Instead, town officials considered an alternative SunLITE event proposed by Special Events Director Frank Miller.

SunLITE would include many of the familiar arts and crafts vendors on the same weekend, but the event would be spread out in a different format at

various outdoor venues throughout the town, including possibly the concrete tram portion of the Boardwalk and limited use of the Inlet lot.

City Manager Doug Miller two weeks ago estimated the town’s investment in pulling off the SunLite concept could be in the $50,000 to $100,000 range, and before committing the Mayor and Council wanted to gage the interest in the event from the vendors and other participants, and the resort’s business community. To that end, the Mayor and Council directed Frank Miller to reach out to vendors who had committed to Sunfest this year and find out if the majority would still come for the watereddown SunLITE concept.

Frank Miller told the Mayor and Council during Tuesday’s work session the vendors who he contacted were

roughly split down the middle on their commitment to SunLITE. “More than 50% of the vendors surveyed responded they were interested in the SunLITE concept,” he said. “There are some discrepancies in how interested they are based on if they are provided with tents and so forth.”

Frank Miller was also instructed to attempt to gage the interest in SunLITE from the business community, whose participation would be essential to the success of the event. Frank Miller told the Mayor and Council he utilized email lists of organizations such as the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association and the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, among others, to reach out to the business community with a survey, the results of which were tepid to say the least.

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“In a survey to gage local business support for the concept, 2,223 emails went out, and of those we recovered 50 completed surveys,” he said. “Needless to say, that number was disappointing. That’s nothing against the local business community. 2020 has been a difficult year. With that said, this concept requires the proactive participation of the business community.”

With a roughly 50-50 split for the vendors and a less-than-stellar response from the business community, Frank Miller recommended putting SunLITE, as it was originally proposed, on the shelf for 2020. Instead, he said some businesses and organizations, including the Downtown Association, the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) and the private sector Trimper’s Rides, have expressed interest in producing some kind of special events on the proposed weekend.

“The recommendation is for the town not to produce this event,” he said.

“There are some businesses and organizations that wanted to see this event happen and are stepping up with ideas of their own. The Downtown Association wants to move forward and do something special for that weekend.

The same goes for OCDC and Trimper’s.”

Among the ideas floated for the private-sector version of SunLITE were some vendors at different locations, a possible scavenger hunt around the downtown area, and a possible drivein movie, for example. For its part, Trimper’s Rides would like to utilize the same footprint for the farmer’s market it ran for much of the summer for various special events over the course of a couple of weekends. The recommendation was to facilitate the private sector special events.

“There is plenty of opportunity still for 2020,” said Frank Miller. “We can help clear the way for the Downtown Association and Trimper’s, for example, to produce their own events. Normally, those would have to go through the private event process, but there isn’t time, so we can streamline that process and issue permits as long as the directives are met.”

Councilman Mark Paddack expressed frustration in the lack of response from the business community.

“What irritates me about this entire thing is 2,223 emails went out and we only got 50 responses, and five of those were duplicates,” he said.

“That’s deplorable. So, my question to the HMRA and chamber members is, do you want people in town or don’t you?”

Council President Lloyd Martin said the timing of the email survey in midto late-August in what has already been a challenging summer for resort businesses likely contributed to the weak response.

“Our business partners are so busy right now,” he said. “Many of them might have not seen the email, much SEE NEXT PAGE

… Small Events Eyed

September 4, 2020

less had time to respond. I know they are short-staffed and are just trying to keep it going right now.”

Mayor Rick Meehan agreed with both Paddack and Martin to some degree.

“The response was disappointing,” he said. “In their defense, the businesses have no help and they are stretched pretty thin right now.”

Councilman John Gehrig said the town should provide the support to the private sector to make the events happen, but he did not want any significant funding from the city.

“I’m fine with the whole thing,” he said. “I just don’t want to invest any funds in it, especially not a drive-in movie. We have someone in the private sector doing that and I don’t think we should compete with them.

We can invest time and resources with public works and public safety, I just don’t want to use the funds because they are there.”

Frank Miller explained the proposed private sector events under the umbrella of the SunLITE banner were just now coming together.

“SunLITE is a work in progress,” he said. “The drive-in movie is just one concept along with a bunch of other elements. We want to look at all of the options and that seemed like a fairly easy opportunity.”

The council voted unanimously to support the privately-funded and produced events.

164 Businesses Awarded County Grants The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – After awarding grants to 164 local businesses, county leaders will try to help more with a second round of funding.

The Worcester County Commissioners this week approved plans to use the remainder of the county’s CARES funding to offer more COVID-19 Back to Business grants as well as to invest in workforce development and advertising. The advertising allocation will primarily target areas south of Newark, at the suggestion of the commissioners.

“I’d just really like to see a focus on the southern part of the county,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said.

Tom Perlozzo, director of recreation and parks, tourism and economic development, told the commissioners that with the $2.18 million in funding the county received through the CARES Act grants had been awarded to 164 businesses out of more than 200 that had applied.

Because the county still has slightly more than $1 million in CARES funding, Perlozzo said he wanted to use about $510,000 to provide grants to those who weren’t successful during the first round. This round of funding would also be opened so that sole

proprietors could apply.

“This could definitely help the ag producers,” he said.

Perlozzo said he’d like to break the rest of the CARES funding down into $250,000 for workforce development and $250,000 for advertising.

He said that in the past, the county devoted its workforce development funding to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs but that the pandemic had shown that workers were needed in other sectors.

“During my short period with economic development all of the workforce money was directed toward STEM,” Perlozzo said. “I’m suggesting a reengineering of that program to include what the county really is, and that’s skilled trades, agriculture and tourism.”

He said the lack of seasonal J-1 employees this year had illustrated the workforce need in Worcester County.

“We need to build a workforce within, that’s what the money would be used for,” he said.

As far as advertising, Perlozzo said that funding could be used to help the towns with promotion.

“The expertise required in the small towns needs some assistance,” he said.

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom said

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he liked Perlozzo’s suggestions but wanted to know where the grants had been distributed during the first round of funding.

“My concern is it’s not being advertised or promoted as much in the south end,” he said.

According to Perlozzo’s report, 50 businesses in the 21811 zip code received funding. In addition there were five awards in 21813, two in 21841, 79 in 21842, one in 21843, 14 in 21851, nine in 21863, two in 21864 and two in 21872.

Perlozzo assured the commissioners he’d reached out to officials throughout the county about the program.

When asked how the advertising funding would be used, Perlozzo said it was to promote business.

“It’s for coming up with specific opportunities to drive tourism and small business development within the county,” he said.

Bertino asked whether that money could be focused on the south end.

“That’s your call,” Perlozzo said.

“But yes. There’s no preconceived split of money.”

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve spending the additional CARES funding on grants, workforce development and advertising the south end of the county.

Page 10

Boardwalk Armed Robbery Arrests

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Four Charged After Late-Night Incidents

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Four suspects have been charged with armed robbery and first-degree assault after an alleged gunpoint robbery involving a shotgun on the Boardwalk last week.

Around 2:15 a.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer on bicycle patrol was dispatched to the area of 12th Street and the Boardwalk for a reported assault with a gun. As the bicycle officer made his way to the scene, the officer observed a suspect matching the description provided by Ocean City Communications running west toward Baltimore Avenue. The officer detained the suspect, later identified as James Watson, 17, of Alexandria, Va. OCPD officers identified Watson as the suspect they had seen with a shotgun. OCPD officers viewed the City Watch video footage of the incident and observed Watson walking down the Boardwalk carrying a shotgun. The officer who first detained Watson reported never seeing Watson in possession of the shotgun, but witnesses told police Watson handed the weapon to a friend, who went back to their vehicle.

OCPD officers interviewed the female victim, who reportedly told police Watson had robbed her and her 10year-old niece. The victim told police Watson held her 10-year-old niece at gunpoint and demanded her cell phone, according to police reports. The victim told police she grabbed the cell phone from her niece and told the child to run away, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told officers she attempted to call the police, but Watson’s friend, later identified as Joshua Benitez, 17, of Lorton, Va. grabbed the phone from her and physically assaulted her. The victim told police Watson handed the shotgun to another friend, later identified as Alexis Cabrera, 17, of Lorton, Va. The witness told police Watson then attempted to rob her of her wallet, but she was able to get away.

According to City Watch footage, Watson enters the screen frame carrying the black shotgun by his side and physically assaulted a male victim by striking him in the face, according to police reports. Watson then allegedly handed the shotgun to Cabrera and continued to argue with the victim.

The footage also revealed Benitez assaulting the female victim and taking the cell phone.

According to police reports, another male victim, possibly the female victim’s boyfriend, attempted to run after Benitez. Watson chased the male victim and struck and kicked him all in the same motion. One witness reportedly told police they were pumping and wracking the shotgun walking toward the victims. After Watson handed the shotgun to Cabrera, he ran from the Boardwalk, which is when he was first encountered by the bicycle officer responding to the scene.

According to witnesses, Cabrera, Benitez and a third suspect, later identified as Micah Younger, 18, of Manassas, Va., left the area with the shotgun in a silver Honda. A short time later, Maryland State Police located the suspect vehicle in West Ocean City and initiated a traffic stop. Inside the vehicle were Cabrera, Younger and Benitez.

The MSP trooper also observed the shotgun in plain view in the vehicle.

Officers brought one of the victims to the traffic stop and the victim positively identified Younger, Cabrera and Benitez. The initial officer learned Watson, Cabrera, Benitez and Younger were all involved in the armed robbery and the assaults captured on City Watch. The investigation revealed the shotgun was held by each of the suspects as they passed it around during the incident, according to police reports.

Watson, Cabrera, Benitez and Younger were each charged with armed robbery and multiple counts of first- and second-degree assault. Watson, Cabrera and Benitez were each being held this week without bond. Younger was released on recognizance.

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Man Charged In WOC Stabbing

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 4, 2020

Maryland State Police apprehended Said Espinal-Duenas on the scene of a stabbing last Sunday in West Ocean City.

Photos by Campos Media

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

WEST OCEAN CITY – A local man is being held on attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault charges after stabbing another man at a residence in West Ocean City on Sunday afternoon.

Around 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, local law enforcement received a 911 call about an assault that had just occurred in the area of Harbor Road in West Ocean City. Maryland State Police (MSP) troopers, Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies and the Maryland Natural Resources Police all responded to the scene and located a male victim in the roadway with multiple stab wounds.

The male victim was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma via Maryland State Police Aviation Trooper 4, where he remained

in critical, but stable condition as of late Sunday. Shortly thereafter, MSP troopers were able to locate the suspect, identified as Said Espinal-Duenas, 32, of West Ocean City.

The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. The Maryland State Police Forensics Science Division responded to process the scene. WCBI detectives responded to process the scene for evidence.

Investigators interviewed multiple witnesses and learned the victim and Espinal-Duenas had lived together and the incident occurred inside a nearby residence. Espinal-Duenas has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault and second-degree assault. As of Monday morning, he was being held while awaiting a bail review hearing.

The victim is pictured being transferred by paramedics to the Maryland State Police Aviation team for transport to Shock Trauma.

September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

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OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week took an important first step in establishing a new economic development director position to help rebrand Ocean City and its target audience as well as navigate through a post-COVID-19 landscape.

Throughout much of the last year or so, the Mayor and Council have discussed creating a new economic development and tourism director position to shepherd the resort through a transition and rebranding effort. The discussion began with an aggressive plan to tap into the rapidly growing youth sports market.

The brainstorming sessions led to a feasibility study to consider developing a potential sports complex to attract more youth sports leagues and tournaments, the results of which are not yet known. The thinking heretofore is the new economic and tourism development position would go out and sell all Ocean City has to offer to potential groups in the youth sports market and coordinate with the existing tourism-related department heads including communications, special events and the convention center, for example.

All agreed the position was needed, but it has been unclear just what its responsibilities would be. Complicating the issue further was the passing last spring of long-time Tourism Director Donna Abbott. In the interim, Communications Manager Jessica Waters has been serving as interim tourism director and Special Events Director Frank Miller and Convention Center Director Larry Noccolino have also stepped into the void.

Now, however, the town is ready to move forward with filling the new economic and tourism development director position to serve as a quarterback of sorts for those talented department heads. City Manager Doug Miller this week outlined his recommendations for the Mayor and Council.

“As part of the 2019 strategic plan update, the council set as an action item for the city manager to develop an approach on how to create a position to work on targeting and attracting groups, events and activities that were compatible with Ocean City’s familyfriendly reputation,” he said. “The initial emphasis at the time was on sports tourism. In speaking with the individual councilmembers, it was clear each member had a different perception of what sort of person was needed, but after melding all of that input together, the recommendation was going to be that we hire a business development coordinator.”

The Mayor and Council discussed hiring a business development coor-

September 4, 2020

dinator, or a similar position with any number of different titles, but same essential responsibilities, throughout the last year. While the title, or the exact responsibilities, had not yet been defined, the Mayor and Council put a placeholder in the fiscal year 2021 budget for the position. However, recruiting, interviewing and hiring an economic development director or business development coordinator was put on the back-burner because of unforeseen circumstances.

“Two major events have altered the approach that was going to be recommended by the city manager to the council,” said Miller. “First was the passing of the highly effective and tenured tourism director. Second was the COVID outbreak and its potential negative impacts on Ocean City tourism and the overall Ocean City economy. After these two events, the future needs of the town had to be reassessed as it pertained to tourism and economic development.”

Miller said the new position would not replace any of the existing tourismrelated department heads, but rather complement them.

“It must be noted that the town is fortunate to have great talent in many of its departments,” he said. “Two in particular, as it relates to the tourism and economic development needs of the town, are communications and special events. Serious consideration was given to combining the tourism needs into either of these departments due to the talent that exists within them. However, after completing a COVID and postCOVID needs assessment, it was recommended that we proceed with a new position.”

From the beginning, the concept has been the new position would be strictly selling Ocean City to familyfriendly markets such as the growing youth sports market, for example. However, Miller said the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has caused him to consider the new economic development director wearing different hats.

“I have a real fear that COVID will have a drastic long-term impact on Ocean City’s economy,” he said. “COVID has the potential to add immediate needs for the town that were not prevalent before the virus. First and foremost, we don’t know how many businesses will close because of how COVID has hurt them. We don’t know how many vacant or underutilized properties will be left that will need to be repurposed. We also have an oversaturation of hotel rooms that, combined with COVID, could impact even more properties.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said Ocean City has gone through tough economic times before and has always chosen to SEE NEXT PAGE

… ‘They Need To Be Out There … Getting People To Come Here’

September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

be aggressive rather than complacent.

“As we move forward with 2021, we need to have a plan in place and we need to be competitive,” he said.

“When the recession hit in 2008, we raised the room tax and continued to advertise and market aggressively.

We moved forward when everybody else was stepping back. When times are tough, you don’t cut back on marketing and advertising, you invest.

That’s what we did and that’s what Ocean City has always done. I look at this as the same situation.”

Councilman John Gehrig has been at the forefront of the youth sports marketing effort and has advocated from the beginning the hiring of a professional salesperson to go out and pitch Ocean City as a destination.

“You know how I feel,” he said.

“This needs to be a top shelf person that knows and loves Ocean City.

This director position needs to be a salesperson. That’s our number one need. We need to go out and sell and get the people and the groups we want to come here. If we don’t target what we want, we’ll continue to have the same problems we’ve been having. There should be no sitting behind a desk for this position. We need to go out and sell and close deals.”

Miller said the recommendation is to first recruit and hire an economic development director, or business de-

velopment coordinator, or whatever title is ultimately decided upon, to oversee the town’s entire tourism sector.

He even pitched the idea of creating a Bureau of Tourism with the new position at the top working in concert with Waters, Frank Miller and Noccolino. A second position dedicated solely to tapping the sports market could be added later. Council Secretary Mary Knight said whatever outcome was decided, two positions should be created eventually.

“I think it should be two people,” she said. “Economic development and tourism are different skill sets.

We’ve been fortunate to have a talented tourism director and communications director, and combined it has been very effective.”

Councilman Dennis Dare agreed and used an analogy to further illustrate the situation.

“The positive thing is we have outstanding leaders in position,” he said.

“This gives us the opportunity to look comprehensively at coordinating all of these departments. Look at this like an orchestra. We have a lot of talented musicians, but we need a conductor.”

Councilman Matt James said whatever the new position is and whomever is chosen to fill it, he or she should be dedicated to the singular purpose of going out in the field and pitching all Ocean City has to offer to potential cl-

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“We need a director of economic development to be so busy they don’t have time to be involved in marketing and advertising,” he said. “They need to be out there selling and getting people to come here.”

Gehrig said the new position could develop strategies to attract desirable groups, sports tournaments and conventions, and the existing department heads and staff can make it happen.

“This person needs to be in charge,” he said. “This is mostly strategy.

If this person can go out there and sell

Page 15

Ocean City, we have the people in place that can execute it. Our people can get it done.”

After considerable debate, Meehan said it appeared the elected officials were all on the same page regarding the creation of the new position. The council voted unanimously to have Doug Miller develop a job description for the new position and begin the process of recruiting to fill it.

“We’ve all come to the same conclusion,” said Meehan. “We should be very aggressive and recruit and hire someone who can take us to the next level.”

Mayor Extends Boardwalk Mask Emergency Declaration

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – About an hour before Gov. Larry Hogan announced Maryland was prepared to enter stage three in the state’s COVID-19 recovery plan, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan extended his executive order requiring the wearing of masks on the Boardwalk.

In late July, Hogan implemented an amended state executive order mandating the wearing of masks or face coverings in all outdoor public spaces where it is not possible to achieve effective social distancing. Two days later, Meehan amended his emergency declaration to require the wearing of masks on the Boardwalk and at other outdoor special events.

The mayor’s executive order expired

on Monday, Aug. 31, but he extended the declaration requiring the wearing of masks on the Boardwalk for another 30 days at the close of Tuesday’s work session. Acting City Solicitor Maureen Howarth explained the situation before Meehan extended the declaration.

“Currently, we have a state of emergency in effect,” she said. “The mayor’s declaration requiring the wearing of masks on the Boardwalk expired on Aug. 31 and the mayor is authorized to extend it.”

Not all were convinced extending the mask requirement on the Boardwalk was necessary, however. Councilman Matt James reiterated his position the Boardwalk mask requirement went above and beyond what Hogan implemented in his own statewide directive in July. Ironically, about an hour later, Hog-

Visitors to the Boardwalk are pictured on the Boardwalk two weeks ago.

Photo by Chris Parypa

an announced the key COVID-19 metrics had declined or stabilized to the point Maryland was ready to enter the third and final stage of his recovery plan.

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“I’m not going to support this,” said James. “I don’t think we’re in a state of emergency. I continue to believe if you’re outside in the fresh air on the Boardwalk, it is very unlikely you’re going to contract the COVID-19 virus.”

Meehan did not entirely disagree with James’s assessment, but emphasized the town would continue to do everything it could to help stem the spread of the virus.

“Matt’s point is well-taken, but we’re still under the governor’s orders,” he said. “If you can’t effectively social distance, you have to wear a mask, and we know it is difficult to social distance on the Boardwalk.”

Meehan said for those reasons, he was not prepared yet to ease the mask requirements on the Boardwalk. The council voted 4-1, with James opposed and Councilmen John Gehrig and Tony DeLuca absent, to extend the mayor’s declaration.

“Ocean City will continue to take all actions necessary to keep our residents, staff and visitors safe, as safety is always our top priority,” said Meehan. “We want to give our residents and visitors confidence we are doing everything we can.”

The Boardwalk mask requirement remains in effect from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. each day. When Meehan first introduced the declaration in late July, he intended it to be a municipal infraction akin to a citation for violating the smoking ordinance. However, after considerable debate, the council voted to have a violation of the Boardwalk mask order treated as a misdemeanor in conjunction with the governor’s order and not as a municipal infraction.

It was also agreed upon at the time of the initial declaration in late July the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) would handle the mask issue with outreach and education before stronger enforcement measures for non-compliance. In other words, police officers are first reminding residents and visitors of the mask requirement before charging them with a misdemeanor.

Though it varies greatly by time of day, it appears a majority of residents and visitors are complying with the mask requirement although it is difficult to quantify. At a recent meeting, City Manager Doug Miller estimated compliance at around 75%.

Six Elm Street Parcels Rezoned

September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Two acres of residential property on Elm Street in West Ocean City will be rezoned commercial following approval from county officials this week.

On Tuesday, the Worcester County Commissioners approved a request from Antique Woodwork and the Francis Scott Key Motel to rezone six parcels on Elm Street. The rezoning, which was recommended by the Worcester County Planning Commission, will change the properties’ designation from R-3 multi-family residential to C-2 general commercial.

“The planning commission concluded that a change in zoning would be more desirable in terms of the objectives of the comprehensive plan and would give the petitioned properties a zoning classification consistent with their longtime commercial uses,” said Phyllis Wimbrow, the county’s deputy director of development review and permitting.

Wimbrow told the commissioners the requested rezoning involved six parcels, two belonging to Antique Woodwork and four belonging to the Francis Scott Key. She said that when zoning was first established in the 1960s, the Antique Woodwork properties had been zoned B-2 general busi-

ness district while the Francis Scott Key parcels had been zoned R-3. During the county’s 1992 comprehensive rezoning, all of the six parcels were zoned R-3.

Attorney Hugh Cropper, representing the property owners, said the rezoning was being sought on the basis that a mistake had been made and that there had been a change in the character of the surrounding neighborhood. He said that the Antique Woodwork properties had been used commercially for years and that the Francis Scott Key properties were a part of the motel. They currently contain cottages that are rented out weekly.

“They’re indiscernible from the motel,” he said. “It’s a seamless transition. If I took any of you there and said can you show me where the zoning boundary is I don’t think we could.”

When the public was invited to comment on the proposed rezoning, the property manager of nearby residential lots on Elm Street said regardless of what Cropper said the majority of the property surrounding his clients’ was residential. She added water could be an issue for future development, as not all properties in that area were connected to the county infrastructure.

With no further comment from the public, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve the rezoning request.

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Page 18

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 4, 2020

September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

Two Candidates To Vie For Berlin’s District 3 Council Seat

Page 20

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A Flower Street resident hopes to become a voice for the community with a run for the District 3 council seat.

Shaneka Nichols filed on Wednesday for the District 3 council seat. She faces Daniel Packey, a Mill Road resident, in the contest for the seat currently held by Councilman Elroy Brittingham, who has not made clear his intentions but is expected to not seek re-election after 32 years in office.

Town Hall Forums Scheduled

“Mr. Brittingham has done a fabulous job of supporting, representing, our community,” Nichols said. “I could never be Mr. Brittingham but to follow him would be phenomenal.”

Nichols, who works at Berlin Intermediate School, comes from a family with deep roots in Berlin, as they’ve been on Flower Street for 10 generations. She’d like to have a chance to work for the

HISTORY WEEK OCTOBER 10TH-16TH

For this year’s Ocean City History Week, the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is offering a variety of events and activities to highlight the town’s unique coastal history.

FREE Admission for all Delmarva Locals: During history week we are offering free admission to all Eastern Shore locals. If you live on the Delmarva Peninsula stop by and enjoy the museum free of charge!

Fall Photo opportunity: Be sure to stop by the museum for a fall photo opportunity. Pose with our display of fall flowers, pumpkins, and hay located on the boardwalk in front of our shark display and anchor.

History of our Surfman: Monday through Friday at 1:00 pm join us for a free program as we take a close look at the equipment that was used by the United States Life-Saving Service to conduct rescue. This program will be held inside the museum’s boat room.

community as a town representative.

“There are a lot of great things the town has done for our community,” she said. “I’d like to assist, facilitate, help us continue to move in that direction.”

As far as issues facing the town, Nichols said taxes were always a major concern. As the mother of six children, she’s also focused on supporting the youth of Berlin. A community center, something that’s long been discussed in the Flower Street community, is something she’d like to see brought to fruition.

“Being able to provide that, that would open the door for so many of our kids,” she said.

Nichols said she was looking forward to walking the streets of District 3 to introduce herself to voters. Whether she wins or not, she’s thrilled to be a candidate.

“It’s an exciting thing to possibly have the honor of representing the people you’ve grown up with,” she said. “I don’t look at it as if I win, I look at it like even to be considered or thought of is a great honor.”

Candidates have until 5 p.m. on Sept.

4 to file for the municipal election on Oct. 6. Positions up for grabs include mayor as well as the District 2, District 3 and

September 4, 2020

at-large council seats. Mayoral candidates currently include Jennifer Allen, Ron Bireley, Bill Todd, Zack Tyndall and incumbent Gee Williams. The District 2 council seat is being sought by Jack Orris while candidates Nichols and Packey are vying for the District 3 seat.

The at-large position is being sought by candidates Jay Knerr and Tony Weeg.

Voters will have the chance to hear details about the candidates’ backgrounds and their views on past, current and future issues in virtual town halls hosted

by The Dispatch later SHANEKA NICHOLS this month.

On Sept. 15, the newspaper will host a Zoom town hall meeting with mayoral candidates, while a Zoom session on Sept. 22 will feature council candidates.

The sessions will be recorded and a link will be provided the day after each meeting through The Dispatch’s social media outlets and website for the public to watch as their schedule allows.

Members of the public are invited to submit questions for the virtual sessions any time prior to the Friday before each town hall. The questions from the public will be asked of the candidates after the newspaper’s staff poses questions to the candidates. Questions can be emailed to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.

Saturday, October 10th Book signing with local author Anna Dolle Bushnell: From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Anna will be signing her newest book; Dolle’s Candyland, Inc.

Sunday, October 11th Pieces of our Past: On Sunday, October 11th at 1:00 pm, join us for an hour-long live broadcast Pieces of Our Past where we will share with our viewers several never before seen artifacts. To register please visit ocmuseum.org Monday, October 12th Tour & Book Discussion: The Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum has partnered with Worcester County Library to bring you a tour of the museum where you will learn about the US Life-Saving Service and what life was like as a keeper. Along with the tour, there will be a book discussion of In the Heart of the Sea. To register for this event please contact Program Director Elena Coelho at 443-783-6164.

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Tuesday, October 13th Showing of the Storm of 1962 Movie: Enjoy watching the storm of 1962 movie from the comfort of your own home. This iconic storm swept the Atlantic coast forever altering the island’s landscape. Worcester County Library will be streaming this cinema at 2:00 pm. Registration can be found on worcesterlibrary.org after September 10th.

All Things History Store Sale: Enjoy discounts on a wide variety of books, DVDs, and apparel within our museum store.

Annual Spirit Award: Do you know someone who has helped preserve local history? If so, we invite you to nominate them for the Spirit Award. Both individuals and organizations are eligible. Please visit ocmuseum.org for nominee requirements.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Council Discusses Whether Later Sunfest Date Should Be Permanent

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September 4, 2020

Pop-Up Car Rally A Factor In Decision

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Before it was canceled this year, Sunfest was moved back a week because of potential conflicts with a pop-up motorized special event, but discussion this week turned to will the date change become permanent.

After another troublesome unsanctioned car event last fall wreaked havoc in Ocean City, the town’s elected officials, staff and other stakeholders began brainstorming on ways to eliminate, or at least minimize some of the illicit behavior associated with the event on the last weekend in September.

In the months since, the town successfully had legislation passed to strengthen the special event zone bill, and its motorized special event task force has come up with new ways to hopefully curtail some of the recklessness associated with the pop-up car rally, as the event is now being called, including a stronger towing ordinance, possible traffic pattern changes and a program that will allow police to enforce laws on private property with the consent of the property owner, among other things. Incidentally, the motorized special event task force met on Thursday for likely the last time before the pop-up event later this fall although the meeting was held too late for any new details to be included in the print edition.

Another action taken by the town following last year’s raucous pop-up event was moving Sunfest from its traditional dates in September to the first weekend in October. The change was made over concerns the traditionally low-key and reserved Sunfest event was aligned to fall on the same weekend as the anticipated pop-up car rally.

Of course, the point became moot when Sunfest was canceled this year because of ongoing COVID-19 concerns. However, formal approval for the dates for Sunfest over the next few years is needed at some point to allow staff to begin lining up vendors, booking entertainment and contracting with the tent company, for example. On Tuesday, Special Events Director Frank Miller came before the Mayor and Council seeking approval for Sunfest dates for 2021, 2022 and 2023.

In an effort to avoid a conflict with the unsanctioned pop-up car rally in the future, Miller proposed Sept. 30-Oct. 3 for 2021 and Sept. 29-Oct. 2 in 2022.

In 2023, Sunfest could be moved back to its original dates of Sept. 21-24 because a shift in the calendar that would leave another full weekend in September that year for the pop-up event.

While most agreed Sunfest in the coming years should be scheduled in such a way as to avoid falling on the same weekend as the unsanctioned event, Councilman Dennis Dare questioned why the decision had to be made so far out.

“For 46 years, Sunfest has been held on a certain weekend and all of the attendees and vendors look ahead for the dates,” he said. “I understand why we temporarily moved it this year, but I’m not sure we need to go any further. Why do we need to decide this on Sept. 1?”

Dare said he envisioned a time when Sunfest could be returned to the third weekend in September in the future. He voiced concern about the senior citizen demographic that typically enjoys Sunfest and even raised concern about the weather if the event is moved later into the fall.

“We might be able to return to the dates we’ve had success with,” he said.

“I’m very hesitant to move the dates two and three years out, although I understand the reasoning.”

Council President Lloyd Martin said he preferred the later dates for Sunfest because September takes care of itself and more events are needed in October.

“Moving Sunfest back to Sept. 30 next year might even extend our season a little further,” he said. “I don’t think there is much difference in the weather between the two weekends. I like to see the shoulder season weekends filled in.

We can always revisit this if we have to.”

Councilman John Gehrig said the later date proposed for Sunfest in the future made sense and cautioned about moving it around too much in the interest of continuity.

“I don’t want to go back,” he said.

“You could talk me into pushing back to the first full weekend in October. We can always find other events to fill in September.”

Councilman Mark Paddack said if some of the initiatives borne out of the motorized task force are successful, there might not be as much concern about the conflict between Sunfest and the pop-up car rally in the future.

“Through the motor vehicle task force, the special event zone legislation has been strengthened, we’re updating our towing ordinance and we’re talking about modifying traffic patterns for the unsanctioned pop-up event,” he said. “I think they will get a real surprise this year. I’m in favor of moving it for one year, but there might be an opportunity to move it back to its traditional weekend in the future.”

The council voted to approve the proposed Sunfest dates for 2021 and to revisit the dates for out years in the future.

September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 23

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Cops & Courts

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Loaded Handgun Found

OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was arrested on multiple charges last weekend after allegedly carrying a loaded handgun during a fight outside a downtown pizza parlor.

Around 2:25 a.m. last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the downtown area observed a large group of disorderly individuals yelling on the corner of Caroline Street and Baltimore Avenue. As the officer approached the scene, he observed a suspect later identified as Matthew McClure, 46, of Mont Alto, Pa., throw punches at, but narrowly miss, another man and woman, according to police reports.

The intended male victim shoved McClure back and attempted to retreat.

When the officer intervened and attempted to hold the male victim back, McClure continued to push toward the man and scream obscenities toward him. The officer interviewed the male victim, who reportedly told police he was only attempting to defend his girlfriend from McClure and his wife, identified as Elizabeth McClure, 45, also of Mont Alto, Pa. The victims told police they were in a nearby pizza restaurant when Elizabeth McClure asked aloud where the restroom was. When the female victim told Elizabeth McClure the restroom was out of order, she allegedly punched the female victim in the face twice. The female victim reportedly told police Elizabeth McClure became extremely aggressive and asked her if she wanted to fight.

When Matthew McClure went after the male victim, the altercation grew larger and spilled out into the street with others involved, which is when the officer arrived, according to police reports.

After first resisting, Matthew McClure was taken into custody. A search of his person revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson .40-caliber handgun concealed in a holster on his waistband, along with an assisted-opening knife in his pocket.

According to police reports, the handgun was loaded with seven bullets including one in the chamber. The officer noted in the report Matthew McClure was reportedly heavily intoxicated and wearing and carrying a loaded handgun while in a fight in public. He was charged with 11 total counts including assault, reckless endangerment, carrying a loaded handgun on his person, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. Elizabeth McClure was charged with assault, disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

Burglary Charges For Swiped Longboard OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested on burglary and theft charges

September 4, 2020

last week after allegedly swiping a longboard from his neighbor’s residence.

Shortly after 5 p.m. last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a residence on East Biscayne Drive for a reported burglary. The officer met with a male and female victim who reportedly told police a longboard had been stolen from their residence. The male victim said the longboard was last seen in their living room and described it as having black grip tape on the deck and stickers on the bottom of super heroes.

The male victim told police the surfboard was in their living room when he left for work that morning. The female victim reportedly left the residence around noon. When the female victim was leaving, she saw her neighbor, identified as Manuel Perez, 51, of Ocean City, who asked her if she was going to the beach, according to police reports.

The female victim reportedly told Perez she was going to run some errands and then go to the beach. Perez reportedly asked the female victim if the male victim was home and she told him the male victim was at work. The female victim returned to the residence around 1:30 p.m. and noticed the longboard was missing from where she had last seen it in the living room.

The female victim told the officer she did not immediately call the police because she was uncertain if the male victim had returned home and moved it.

The male victim returned home around 4:30 p.m. and told the officer he also did not immediately call the police until he looked around the residence to make sure the longboard had not simply been misplaced.

According to police reports, the victim told the officer he believed his neighbor, Perez, had taken the surfboard.

While the victim was speaking with police, Perez returned home. When questioned, Perez reportedly told the officer he did not take the surfboard. The officer asked Perez if he could search his unit for the longboard, to which he replied, “Absolutely, come on in,” and “Go for it. I have nothing to hide,” according to police reports.

While the officer was searching the unit, Perez reportedly opened various cabinets and said “Look, see, I don’t have longboard.” However, the officer located the longboard under a bed. The longboard had the black tape and stickers matching the description provided by the victim. Perez was arrested and charged with first-degree burglary and theft.

Assault, Drug Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was arrested on assault and drug SEE NEXT PAGE

... Cops & Courts

September 4, 2020

charges last week following an alleged domestic incident.

Around 10:50 p.m. last Thursday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to the area of 78th Street for a reported domestic dispute.

Upon arrival, the officer reportedly observed a male individual going through a white bookbag on the sidewalk. Next to the man was a silver suitcase. The officer met with the man, later identified as Matthew Ceccarani, 41, of Dunmore, Pa., and learned he was the individual who had called police.

Ceccarani reportedly told police he had been arguing with his wife all night and that she wouldn’t give his belongings back. A check revealed OC-PD officers had already been called to the couple’s hotel twice.

OCPD officers met with Ceccarani’s wife and asked her if he had hit her.

The victim told police she did not want to press charges, but that Ceccarani had hit her. According to police reports, the victim told police Ceccarani had been seated in their vehicle and she was standing by the side of the vehicle with the window down when he suddenly grabbed her by the arms and the back of her head and violently pulled her through the open window. OCPD officers observed cuts, bruises and red marks on several parts of her body including her arms and legs and on her neck, according to police reports.

OCPD officers search Ceccarani’s

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch suitcase and reportedly found a small plastic jar containing a white powdery substance, a balled-up tissue containing a white crystal-like rock and another plastic bag containing a white powdery substance. Officers also located a blue zippered bag containing eight smaller plastic bags of suspected marijuana.

Two Arrested For Assault OCEAN CITY – Two Pennsylvania men were arrested on assault charges last weekend following a fight outside a downtown shopping center.

Around 2:10 a.m. last Sunday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was patrolling near a downtown shopping center when he reportedly heard a lot of shouting. As the officer moved closer, he reportedly observed two suspects, later identified as Robert Collins, 26, of Norristown, Pa., and Nicholas Nwankwo, 23, of Eagleville, Pa., standing over two male individuals on the ground.

According to police reports, the two men on the ground were covering up in fetal positions, while Collins and Nwankwo stood above them with balled-up fists. As the officer arrived, Collins and Nwankwo began to back up as a crowd had gathered. According to police reports, one male victim had blood all over his face and a laceration on his elbow, while the other victim had a bump on his head and blood smeared on his shirt.

paired after three collisions involving property damage last weekend.

Around 11:45 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to the area of North Division Street for a reported motor vehicle crash involving property damage.

The investigation revealed a vehicle driven by Lisa Kerstetter, 59, of Ocean City, allegedly drove over a median and struck the landscaping at North Division Street and Philadelphia Avenue.

Kerstetter’s vehicle then struck and destroyed a warning sign mounted on a wooden post. Her vehicle then reportedly left the scene of that second crash and continued on North Division Street, striking the curb, before driving through a red traffic signal at Baltimore Avenue.

OCPD officers conducted a traffic stop

Page 25 at North Division after the three collisions and she exhibited signs of impairment, according to police reports.

Kerstetter was subjected to a battery of field sobriety tests, which she did not pass to the officers’ satisfaction. At that point, she was arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired.

Once at the Public Safety Building, Kerstetter reportedly refused to submit to a field sobriety test. Her vehicle was equipped with an ignition interlock device, and Kerstetter told police she had used the device to start the vehicle.

However, the officer used the key to start the vehicle and did not need to utilize the ignition interlock device to start it. According to police reports, it was evident Kerstetter had circumvented the interlock device.

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Council Reopens Wicomico Executive Application Process

Page 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – The Wicomico County Council has reopened the application process in its search for the next county executive, days after Dr. Rene Desmarais declined his appointment to the position.

In a special meeting last Friday, the legislative body reached a consensus to once again seek applicants for the next Wicomico County executive, a position held by Bob Culver until his death on July 26. Candidates now have until Sept. 14 to submit their names for the post.

“I don’t think anyone up here wants to drag this process on,” Councilwoman Nicole Acle said.

In a special legislative session on Aug. 20, the council conducted public interviews with three candidates – Desmarais, state Delegate Carl Anderton and former County Finance Director Michele Ennis – before convening in a closed session to deliberate the appointment.

Nearly half an hour later, the council reconvened in legislative session to appoint the new executive by resolution.

At the outset, Councilman John Cannon submitted Anderton’s name for the position of county executive. His motion, however, failed with Councilmen Cannon, Josh Hastings and Bill McCain

New Candidates Sought For Vacancy

in favor, and Council President Larry Dodd, Acle and Councilmen Ernie Davis and Joe Holloway opposed.

Acle then made a motion to submit Desmarais’s name for the position of county executive, which passed 4-3.

But four days later, Desmarais issued a statement declining his appointment as the next Wicomico County executive.

To that end, the county council held a special meeting late last week to discuss the procedure for selecting a new executive. At the beginning of the meeting, Holloway asked for a consensus to reopen the application process, a recommendation that had the support of Dodd, Acle and Davis.

The three remaining councilmen, however, argued the council had until Sept. 9, per the county’s charter, to select from the two remaining candidates – Anderton and Ennis.

“You set this formula, you set this whole pattern into being, you asked for the applicants, you established the deadlines, you received three applications by the deadlines, the application was closed, you held public interviews, and I would say you have an obligation to follow through with the remaining candidates who are still on

the list,” Cannon said. “You have that obligation not only to the process you began and you created, but you owe it to the public as well.”

County attorney Paul Wilber and council attorney Bob Taylor argued the council could go beyond the Sept.

9 deadline to seek other applicants for the county executive position.

“I think the intent of the charter is to make a good faith effort to have an appointment in place by Sept. 9. With that being said, if you don’t hit that Sept. 9, I think you can go beyond that date … ,” Wilber said, citing a Court of Appeals opinion involving time limits. “If you need to go past the 45 days you could.”

McCain, however, noted the council had not yet reached its 45-day deadline to appoint a candidate.

“We should proceed with due diligence to fill this vacancy, and we need to make a good faith effort to fill that vacancy,” McCain said. “With that said, it’s pretty obvious we need to vote. We have two candidates that have gone through the process.”

But Taylor noted the process the council established for seeking and appointing candidates was decided through an informal poll of its members.

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“The council can do as it pleases,” he said. “If it wants to reopen and take more applications, it can do that.”

Cannon, however, argued the council should honor the current process it had established.

“Just because there’s a problem with your voting for one of those candidates, you can’t move the goalpost and change your mind,” he said. “That’s a discredit to those individuals who worked very hard to go through the application process.”

Hastings noted he had received more than 100 responses from community members who supported Anderton’s appointment.

“The public in many ways has spoken, and has spoken quite loudly for Mr. Anderton,” he said. “I don’t feel like there’s a particular need to do a new process or go in that direction.”

Holloway, however, noted there wasn’t a majority vote for either of the two remaining candidates.

“So with that said, again I’ll propose we open up the process to accept more applicants,” he said. “Hopefully we will get one, or two, or three, or four.”

But Cannon added that any of the council members who voted for Desmarais could change their mind.

“Isn’t it possible that some of the members of the council that originally didn’t vote for Mr. Anderton because they wanted to vote for Dr. Desmarais might now have a change of heart and want to vote for Carl Anderton?” he said.

“I don’t know because we haven’t had that discussion.”

After further discussion, the council agreed to restart the appointment process and accept applications through Sept. 14.

“The charter is vague,” Davis said.

“The charter was designed for a county council. There’s not a lot of things in there that govern the county exec.

This is the problem we’re going through right now, because it doesn’t tell us how to handle this situation. So right now we are winging it because we don’t know. It’s not written in the charter.”

As Culver was a Republican, nominees must be of the same political affiliation. The successor will serve the remainder of Culver’s four-year term.

Candidates must be a resident of Wicomico County, as well as a qualified voter of Wicomico County for at least five years immediately preceding appointment. Candidates must be 25 years of age and may not hold any other office of profit in federal, state, county or municipal government during the term in office.

Candidates are requested to submit a resume with a biography, and a completed job application to the Wicomico County Council Administrator at P.O. Box 870, Salisbury, MD 21803. All applications must be postmarked by September 14, 2020. For more information, contact Council Administrator Laura Hurley at 410-548-4696, or lhurley@wicomicocounty.org.

One-Month Sentence For OC Knife Threat

September 4, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City man, arrested and charged last October after threatening a co-worker with a knife at a midtown hotel, was found guilty this week of second-degree assault and sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Around 6:15 p.m. last Oct. 24, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a hotel at 66th Street for a reported assault that had already occurred. The officer met with a female victim, who told police she had been threatened by a male co-worker later identified as Nikolay Suhin, now 41, of Ocean City, with a knife.

The victim told police she and Suhin were co-workers and were preparing a room in the hotel for an upcoming conference. The victim told police Suhin was upset because he had to work longer than he expected and was going to miss a class, according to police reports.

The victim told police Suhin went into the kitchen and she heard loud banging and screaming. When the victim went to the kitchen door, Suhin was banging on a table and screaming obscenities. The victim, still standing in the doorway, asked Suhin why he was upset, and he reportedly told her he had missed a class because of her and asked her to leave him alone and leave, according to police reports.

At that point, Suhin began walking toward the victim and as Suhin got close to the victim, she observed he was holding a knife. According to police reports, Suhin got within arm’s length of the victim and held the knife just inches from her neck. The victim told police she was able to back away and ran to the conference center office where she called police.

According to police reports, Suhin said he was in the kitchen yelling and banging on a table out of frustration with the situation. Suhin reportedly told police the victim came into the kitchen doorway and that he yelled at her because he was upset she had caused him to work later.

Suhin did tell police he approached the victim and got close to her neck region. However, Suhin kept telling different versions on the story. For example, he did tell police he possessed a knife like the one described by the victim, but that he kept it in the console of his vehicle and that is was nowhere near him during the incident.

OCPD officers retrieved the folding knife from Suhin’s vehicle. Based on the investigation, Suhin was arrested and charged with first- and seconddegree assault. The first-degree assault charge was dropped in November. On Wednesday, Suhin was found guilty during a bench trial of seconddegree assault and was sentenced to 30 days.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 27

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State No Longer Considering Cuts To MSP Aviation Service

Page 28

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 4, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The state’s Board of Public Works on Wednesday reversed course on the proposed elimination of one of the Maryland State Police (MSP) Aviation medevac units on the Eastern Shore and ordered no action be taken on the proposed budget cuts.

During its July meeting, the state’s three-member Board of Public Works (BPW) considered several significant budget cuts in the wake of anticipated revenue shortfalls due to COVID-19.

Among the budget cuts on the table was the elimination of one of the MSP Aviation Command’s medevac units on the Eastern Shore, including Trooper 4, which provides critical emergency service to Worcester County and the Ocean City area.

The BPW was considering grounding either Trooper 4, which provides critical medevac services to Ocean City and Worcester County for all manner of medical emergencies, or the Trooper 6 unit in Easton. The potential savings to the state include $1.3 million from reduced aviation insurance, main-

A budget cut ruled out by the state this week was the proposed elimination of a medevac unit on the Eastern Shore.

File photo by Chris Parypa

tenance and overtime associated with closing one of the MSP Aviation bases on the shore and selling one of the helicopters, along with another $490,000 in estimated fuel and maintenance savings in the aviation division.

At the close of Wednesday’s meet-

ing, Maryland Comptroller and BPW member Peter Franchot suggested his colleagues on the board not eliminate one of the MSP Aviation bases on the Eastern Shore and his fellow board members concurred.

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(R-38), who represents Ocean City and Worcester County, announced the BPW decision to reverse course on the proposed MSP Aviation cuts following Wednesday’s meeting.

“Thank you to all who have been fighting to keep the Maryland State Police helicopters and units from devastating budget cuts,” she said. “Your voice is being heard. At today’s Board of Public Works, Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp ordered that not action take place regarding any base closure or MSP helicopter sale until a comprehensive aviation study is completed and vetted.”

When the proposed budget cuts were announced in late July, Carozza fired off a letter to MSP Superintendent Colonel Woodrow W. “Jerry” Jones III, urging him to fight to keep the critical medevac services open on the Eastern Shore. On Wednesday, Carozza referenced that letter.

“The possible budget cuts to the Eastern Shore’s MSP medevac services truly would have a life-threatening negative impact to my constituents and other shore residents and visitors, especially in the remote rural areas on the shore like Smith Island, and in Ocean City, which swells to the second largest city in Maryland during the season,” she wrote.

Carozza especially thanked members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, the Maryland Chiefs Association and the Professional Firefighters of Maryland, who joined together to call for full funding to maintain the current MSP medevac services on the shore.

When the BPW announced the proposed cuts in July, lawmakers across the Eastern Shore immediately petitioned the BPW members to reverse the decision.

“Obviously, losing a medevac aviation unit and potentially having to depend on units from other parts of the state would not only be detrimental, but life-threatening to the citizens on the Eastern Shore,” it reads. “Quite simply, the Eastern Shore is not the area to scale back healthcare services for the purpose of statewide budget cuts.”

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Julia’s A Family Affair On OC’s Boardwalk Since 1967

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 4, 2020

Julia’s founder Julia Papa, who is now 95, is pictured above left. Papa’s daughter Mary McGrory is pictured this week behind the counter.

(Editor’s Note: The following story is part of a series on long-running, familyowned Boardwalk businesses.)

OCEAN CITY – The summer after her husband passed away, Julia Papa and her four young daughters visited Ocean City for a family vacation.

It was 1961, and at that time the town was still a quiet summer resort. But for Julia, the thing that stood out the most was the lack of Italian bakeries.

While she was born in Boston, Julia

was raised in Italy. After marrying her husband, the couple immigrated to the U.S. and soon opened a pastry shop in White Plains, N.Y. With four daughters, all under the age of 13, Julia was determined to support her family and eager to find a store where she could introduce sweet Italian treats to the community.

In 1967, a storefront opened up at the Royalton Hotel, located at 11th Street and the Boardwalk. It was there

that Julia’s, an Italian pastry shop, was opened to the public.

Julia, now 95 years old, recalled those earlier summers in Ocean City.

“The first year was very hard, and I only paid the rent,” she said. “Then little by little it (business) went up. I had to teach all these people about pastries, cannoli, and Italian ice. Nothing like that was on the Boardwalk at the time.”

But operating the Italian pastry shop did not come without its challenges. In

Photos by Bethany Hooper

that first year, Julia’s daughter, Mary McGrory, recalled handing out pamphlets and samples of her products.

Mary’s sister, Yoli Fiore, agreed.

“You eat Italian ice out of a squeeze cup, and you have to manipulate the paper cup,” she said. “Well no one got that down here, so we had to start serving it with a spoon.”

Regardless, business at Julia’s improved with time, with her “original cannoli” becoming by far her most popular treat.

In 1970, Julia gave up her pastry shop in White Plains to focus her efforts on the Boardwalk business. That same year, the Royalton was put up for sale.

Fearful of losing her livelihood, Julia invited relatives to join her in purchasing the hotel. Despite the hard work of a seasonal business, her daughters said it allowed her to spend time with her children in the off season.

At the same time, Julia scaled back her bakery by concentrating on her famous cannoli, while managing her other investments.

In 1988, Mary and her husband, George, joined Julia in running her cannoli and ice cream shop. In 2010, Julia fully retired and relinquished her secret cannoli recipe.

For decades, families continue to come and buy her cannolis, her daughters said, saying it’s the first stop they make when coming to Ocean City and the last stop they make to buy cannolis and bring home.

Today her stores and other investments are run by second and third generations of family members, including her grandson Robert McGrory, who operates the neighboring Pizza Boy eatery.

Julia continues to live in Ocean City during the summers. And while the COVID-19 pandemic and a bad back have prevented her from visiting the store this year, her daughters said she continues to taste her cannoli cream and make suggestions.

“To work is good for you,” Julia said.

“If it weren’t for my back, I’d still be working up there full time.”

Correctional Officers To Provide Vehicle Event Support

September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – A mutual aid agreement will allow correctional officers to assist Ocean City police during a popup motor event this month.

On Tuesday, the Worcester County Commissioners approved a mutual aid agreement with the Ocean City Police Department. The agreement will allow correctional officers to assist during a pop-up motor event expected in the resort Sept. 24-26.

“Part of the jail’s responsibility would be to assist with potential transport of arrestees,” Warden Donna Bounds said.

She told the commissioners she’d started discussions back in November with Ocean City law enforcement regarding the possibility of having correctional officers help during pop-up events such as the one expected Sept. 24-26.

According to Bounds the jail will provide three transportation vans and an officer for each van to assist in eight hour shifts between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m.

She said a sworn law enforcement officer, either a member of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office or the Ocean City Police Department, would be in each van along with a correctional officer.

When asked what event was expected during the proposed dates, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said it was

Page 31

Mutual Aid Agreement Approved

the car enthusiast gathering formerly known as H20i, which is now being referred to as a pop-up event. While the formal H20i event held at Fort Whaley in years past has been described as well organized, thousands of non-reg-

istered participants typically come to Ocean City during that weekend. In recent years the annual event typically held in late September and early October has been associated with lawlessness and recklessness that spurr-

ed the creation of a task force in Ocean City to find ways to curb some of the illicit behavior.

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the mutual aid agreement presented by Bounds. At Tuesday’s meeting they also approved an agreement that will allow the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office to participate, as it has in the past, in the presidential inauguration in 2021.

BY BETHANY HOOPER

Dec. 31, 2020 to be consistent with what the state has.”

In late March, the town council agreed to adjust its workforce policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the new policy, employees will not be required to use their accrued sick leave or vacation time if they or a dependent family member are diagnosed with, or under observation or quarantine for, COVID19. However, well employees are still expected at work unless they have been caring for someone with COVID-19, instructed to refrain from attending work by their physician or public health officials, or are in a CDC Level 3 area of concern for COVID-19.

“It complies with the federal guide-

lines,” Tieman said. “In fact, it’s more generous than the federal guidelines.

So we’re asking you to just extend it until Dec. 31, 2020. If at that time we need to extend it again, we will.”

The workforce policy is one of several measures taken by town officials in recent months to stop the spread of COVID-19.

In March, for example, town hall, the Cannon Street playground and basketball court, and the beach closed to the public. Parking tags were also mailed out to individuals, and drop boxes were installed in front of town hall.

For the most part, however, the town has continued with its day-to-day operations.

Fenwick Extends Workforce Policy To 2021 STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – An effort to protect town employees from contracting COVID-19 will continue in Fenwick Island with the extension of a workforce policy.

Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted unanimously to extend a workforce policy that establishes guidelines and provides leeway for employees diagnosed with, or exposed to, COVID-19.

“This is just an extension of our coronavirus workforce policy that we have had in place,” Town Manager Terry Tieman said. “It’s lapsed, and we would like to reinstitute it through

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Community Celebrates Retired Ocean Pines Police Chief

Page 32

BERLIN – The Ocean Pines Association and local and state officials last Thursday honored former Police Chief David Massey during a retirement luncheon at the Ocean Pines Golf Clubhouse.

Attendees included Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola, Association President Larry Perrone, former General Manager Dave Ferguson, County Commissioner Chip Bertino, and Maryland Sen. Mary Beth Carozza.

Massey officially retired on Aug. 1 after serving the local community for nearly five decades, including 17 as Ocean Pines Chief of Police. New Police Chief Leo Ehirsman succeeded him.

Viola said three words come to mind when thinking about Massey: appreciation, respect and admiration.

“I am a homeowner here in Ocean Pines … I know what the chief has done for this Association, as well as the team he’s put together,” he said.

Viola said Massey showed him respect as a new general manager, even as Massey was preparing for retirement. As for admiration, Viola said the former chief built up the Ocean Pines Police Department, and then took it to the next level.

“He had a terrific career,” Viola said.

Perrone joked that he questioned the timing of Massey’s retirement, which just so happened to coincide with the opening of an expanded and modern-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Senator Mary Beth Carozza presented a proclamation to retired Police Chief David Massey and his family last week.

Submitted Photo

ized police headquarters.

“You pushed us all these years to get you a new building, and you can’t even move into the chief’s office!” Perrone said with a laugh.

Perrone said another word also came to mind when he thought about Massey: professionalism.

“You’re the epitome of professionalism for a police officer, and Ocean Pines has been very blessed to have you here for the last 17 years,” he said.

Ferguson said he came on as general manager in 1999, when Rod Murray was the chief of police. “[Murray] was well qualified and really an excellent chief of police, however, the department suffered from poor pay … [and] huge turnover,” Fer-

guson said. “The biggest issue was that the police officers were ‘special police’ with very limited police powers.”

Ferguson said Murray helped to recruit Massey as his successor, and that Massey fought for better pay, improved morale, and to help certify Ocean Pines Police and put them on par with the municipal departments in Worcester County.

He said Massey focused on community policing, and he helped the department to gain respect and attract better officers.

Ferguson said he’s managed communities for 42 years, including three decades as a city manager in New Jersey. He’s worked with 10 different police chiefs during that span.

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“I can tell you without any doubt, Dave was the best I’ve ever worked with. He's not only the best in this area, I think he’s one of the best nationwide,” Ferguson said. “I truly enjoyed working with you.”

Bertino credited Massey with helping to make Ocean Pines one of the safest communities in Maryland, if not in the entire United States. He presented Massey with a commendation, on behalf of the Worcester County Commissioners.

Carozza said she benefited from Massey’s service both as an Ocean City resident and an Ocean Pines property owner.

“Ocean City was always safe, [because] you made a commitment about keeping crime down,” she said.

She said Massey rose through the ranks in Ocean City to eventually become police chief there, and she lauded his consistent focus on “keeping the community safe, of keeping crime down, of involving people.”

Carozza said Massey also did well in building a formidable team around him.

“He has standards. He expects his team to reach those standards. And, if they don’t, he’s not going to tolerate it.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is real leadership,” she said.

“We really need to honor this today, especially in light of what our law enforcement family is going through,” she continued. “To take time now to recognize a lifetime of commitment to public safety service is so important.”

Carozza presented Massey with a proclamation on behalf of the Maryland State Senate, as well as a resolution from Gov. Larry Hogan.

Massey thanked everyone for attending, but especially took the time to recognize his family.

“It’s not easy to have a police officer as a father,” he said. “My kids grew up [as] the cop’s daughter, the police officer’s daughter ... and we sacrifice so much, being a police officer.”

Massey said many police officers experience similar hardships.

“Their divorce rate is higher than everyone else’s because of the things you see – the deaths, the domestic violence, the things you can’t always tell your wife about,” he said. “But, there’s so many good things that also come with this career.”

In Ocean Pines, for example, Massey said residents will take the time to wave and say hello to police.

“I can’t tell you, with a lot of the national controversy, how many people have come up to me and said, ‘We support you. We know you have a tough job. We’re there for you,’” he said.

Massey admitted there were certainly “a few bad police officers out of the 600,000 that are on the street today, protecting us.”

“I’ve never defended a bad police officer – I’ve had to fire a few in my career, because that’s my job and that’s my community,” he said. “If they shoot somebody unnecessarily, lock ‘em up, charge ‘em, fire ‘em. That’s the way it is.”

Comcast Apologizes For Water Main Damage In Ocean Pines

September 4, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Ocean Pines residents were without water for hours Monday after contractors for Comcast damaged a water main.

Commissioner Chip Bertino praised county staff for their efforts to restore water to the community after a line was cut Monday. He stressed, however, that this wasn’t the first time lines had been cut and that the county should ensure that Comcast paid for the repairs.

“I think this brings home something that’s been a real concern to us in Ocean Pines, which is that Comcast continues to cut our lines and we have the entire community that was, for lack of a better term, held hostage, because of their inability to do their job correctly,” Bertino said.

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Worcester County Commissioners, Bertino thanked John Ross, the county’s deputy director of public works, for staff’s efforts during a difficult situation.

“Yesterday was not a banner day for Comcast in Ocean Pines when they cut one of our lines and subsequently all the water, for all the residences in Ocean Pines, was lost for about four to five hours,” Bertino said.

Ross acknowledged it was a bad

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

situation but said Comcast was in fact doing better than it had been previously with locating utilities.

“That (yesterday) was a bad incident, the contractor did not do what he was required to do, but … overall their performance has been better,” he said.

Bertino asked about the cost of line repairs related to Comcast’s work in the community prior to Monday’s event. Assistant Finance Officer Jessica Wilson said Comcast had been sent a bill for

$94,000 and that since then, the county had incurred another $10,000 in manpower costs related to Comcast work.

“We will follow up on that as well as add the additional charges that have been incurred,” she said.

Bertino said he hoped the county wouldn’t just send out a bill and forget about it.

“Ratepayers in Ocean Pines are going to have to pay for that if we don’t get compensated,” he said.

When contacted after the meeting,

a Comcast spokesperson said the contractor involved would be covering the repair costs associated with the water main break.

“We apologize for the water main break that occurred in Ocean Pines on Aug. 31,” said Sandy Arnette, senior manager of public relations for Comcast.

“As soon as it happened, our contractor immediately notified all of the necessary parties, including the water company, to resolve the matter as quickly as possible and minimize damage.”

BY BETHANY HOOPER

be approved by resolution of the county council.

From time to time throughout the budget year, unanticipated grant funding is brought before the council for approval. And while the county code outlines the procedures for accepting grant funds, the council this week had before them proposed changes that would provide the legislative body additional opportunities to review grant documentation, impose restrictions and conditions, and more.

The legislation also includes language that would authorize the council to informally discuss grant applications with executive branch personnel,

an action that was barred under the former county executive’s administration.

Late last month, the adoption of the legislative bill was postponed to address concerns about some of the language. However, a motion to include text amendments related to budget appropriations and reimbursement grants passed unanimously this week.

“You may recall at the last meeting we discussed two different types of amendments to this,” council attorney Bob Taylor said.

With no further discussion, the legislative bill passed unanimously on second reading.

Council Approves New Grant Fund Oversight

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Legislation providing the county council additional oversight when accepting grant funds was approved on second reading this week after months of discussion and debate.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council voted unanimously to adopt a legislative bill that provides for greater transparency and accountability when allocating grant funds.

Each year, the county’s annual budget and appropriation bill contains a list of anticipated grant funding. Grant revenue that is not anticipated, however, must

Devlin Sworn In As New Fenwick Island Police Chief

Page 34

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – New Fenwick Island Police Chief John Devlin was sworn into office this week.

In a swearing in ceremony on Tuesday, Devlin was installed as the new police chief of the Fenwick Island Police Department in front of family, friends, town leaders and law enforcement officers. Since May, he has served as the town’s acting chief of police.

“As we all know, this was a tough time to lead the department with the pandemic and civil unrest throughout the country,” he said. “It’s a very hard time to start, but I’m confident, ready to go, and my department has supported me fully. And I think we can get through anything we need to get through.”

Devlin has more than 32 years of law

Fenwick Police Chief John Devlin was presented with a gift showing his family members in law enforcement.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

enforcement experience, with 20 of those years serving the Town of Fenwick Island.

Devlin is a graduate of LansdowneAldan High School and Folcroft Vo-Tech in Lansdowne, Pa., where he attained a

September 4, 2020

degree as a graphic arts specialist.

While he’s spent the past 30-plus years in law enforcement, Devlin started out as a printer.

But in August of 1985, after the passing of his father, East Lansdowne Officer Thomas C. Devlin, Sr., Devlin changed his career path, joining the East Lansdowne Fire Company and serving for several years before starting his career in law enforcement in 1987.

“What changed my life was the passing of my father, Thomas Devlin of East Lansdowne Police Department,” he said. “I learned about the courage, honor and respect of the community through the work that he did in our community at home. That changed my path forever and made me want to enter law enforcement.”

At the Delaware County Police Academy, Devlin graduated at the top of his

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class. He then went on to work part-time at several agencies before being hired at Southeast Delco School District as a police officer.

Devlin was then hired as a part-time officer for the Borough of East Lansdowne, where he served for 10 years on the County-Wide Response Team for civil disorder. He then went to Eastern College to work security, in addition to serving as a corrections officer at Delaware County Prison.

In 1997, after attaining his Delaware Council on Police Training certification, Devlin found a full-time position at the Fenwick Island Police Department, where he worked for three years before leaving to serve with the Laurel Police Department.

Three years later, Devlin said he was contacted by the late Councilman Edward “Buzz” Henifin and was asked to return to the Fenwick Island Police Department.

“He relayed to me that the town liked me being in their town and the work I did for the town and asked me if I was willing to come back and serve the department again,” he recalled. “I did accept his request, and I’ve been here 17 years the second time around.”

During his second stint with the agency, Devlin rose through the ranks, attending numerous training schools and receiving several certifications during that time. In 2016, Devlin was the recipient of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation Officer of the Year Award, as well as the Valor Award.

“We had an officer who had an illness in the family that needed sick leave and time off so that he would still get paid,” Mayor Gene Langan said.

“And who dedicated their sick leave?

That’s the kind of person he is, and we appreciate it.”

The town council recently selected Devlin for the position of chief of police.

Councilman Bill Weistling said Devlin’s professionalism, demeanor, loyalty and rapport qualified him for the post.

“John is a hands-on police officer who cruises our streets, his office is always open for anybody to come in, and he’s got good interaction with all the citizens in this town,” he said.

Devlin’s appointment to the post comes months after former Fenwick Island Police Chief William Boyden resigned. Last month, Boyden was indicted on charges of misconduct and falsifying business records for his alleged role in submitting false reports about his firearms certification, which allowed him to remain in official capacity.

During Tuesday’s ceremony, Devlin recognized family, friends, town leaders and community members for their support. As the new police chief, he said he would continue to work alongside his colleagues and town staff to protect the community.

“I appreciate you all for being here,” he said. “I appreciate the respect and the support of the community, and I look forward to working with all of you in the future.”

September 4, 2020

Contest Winners Selected:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Wicomico County Tourism announced the winners this week of its 2020 Photo Contest. A committee selected the winners from more than 300 entries. The first-place photo, above, by Dar’Juan Pitts, was taken at The Cove. Second place was awarded to Robert Freeman for his photo of a butterfly on a sunflower, above right top. Heather Robinson earned third place for her photo, bottom right, of cows in the summer. Winners will receive cash prizes and the opportunity for their photos to be displayed on the Wicomico County Tourism website and in the next published Wicomico County Visitors Guide.

Submitted Photos

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 4, 2020

September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Work Session Planned To Discuss Proposed Casino Overlay Zone

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 4, 2020

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STAFF WRITER

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SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners have delayed a public hearing on a proposed casino overlay zone in order to hold a work session on the proposal first.

The commissioners voted on Tuesday to postpone a public hearing on the creation of a casino overlay zone and instead to host a work session on the topic Sept. 15.

“It’s a very complex bill,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said. “I want to make sure the commissioners and staff know what it entails and what the ramifications will be.”

Last month, the Worcester County Planning Commission gave a favorable recommendation to a text amendment proposed by attorney Joe Moore that would create a casino overlay zone. Moore told the commission that when the casino was first built, it was permitted as an accessory use to the racetrack at Ocean Downs. The text amendment would create an overlay zone for the A-2 district that would more accurately reflect the property’s uses. Permitted uses listed on the proposed text amendment in the new “Casino Entertainment District” include casinos, parking garages, nightclubs, race tracks, boarding stables, recreation centers, stadiums, theaters, restaurants and bars, health clubs and places of assembly for exhibitions.

“Over the last 10 years, we have discussed the special nature of our zoning with the county's zoning staff and they felt that this text amendment was an appropriate change,” said Bobbi Sample, general manager of the casino. “We do not have any current plans to expand at this time, particularly in this COVID-19 environment. We do hope to renovate and modernize our racetrack club house at some point and will evaluate opportunities in the future that make sen-

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se for the property and the surrounding communities that benefit from the tax money generated through the casino.”

Mitrecic said he wanted to postpone the public hearing on the text amendment to give the commissioners more time to understand the bill.

He said it could affect more than the Ocean Downs Casino property.

“There’ll be a lot of questions that need to be answered,” he said. “It’s a very all-encompassing type bill. We need to understand the ramifications of what passing it will do and mean to the county.”

Commissioner Chip Bertino said he’d heard from a number of people who had concerns about the proposed overlay district and what it could mean for the community.

“I’m very pleased we’re having a work session,” he said. “There are a lot of questions.”

A discussion of the overlay district will be on the agenda for the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association in the coming weeks. It’s also a topic of interest for the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce. Kerrie Bunting, executive director of the chamber, said she just learned about the overlay district last week and was glad that the commissioners had delayed the public hearing. She hopes that will give residents and business owners along Route 589 time to learn about the proposal.

“In terms of economic impact to our area, it is exciting, however, I am all about full disclosure and public awareness,” she said. “We have known for a very long time that Route 589 is woefully inadequate and that AGH is set to break ground on their outpatient surgical center soon. Growth is awesome as long as it’s smart growth.”

The work session on the casino overlay zone is set to take place at the Worcester County Commissioners meeting on Sept. 15.

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September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Obituaries

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Patricia Ebel OCEAN PINES – Patricia Ebel, age 85, of Ocean Pines (formerly of Adelphi, Md.), passed away at Atlantic General Hospital on Aug. 28, 2020.

Born 1935 she was a proud native Washingtonian and was a graduate of Buchanan Elementary and Eastern High School. In the 1950’s, she was a draftswoman and engineering assistant for the Telephone Company before leaving to devote herself to raising her family. And she greatly PATRICIA EBEL encouraged her children’s every athletic, artistic and musical endeavors.

With her husband she travelled the world until they retired to Ocean Pines where she enjoyed all Delmarva had to offer. She was a member of The Garden Club, The Women’s Club and The Republican Women’s Club. And she greatly enjoyed her art, her crafts, her garden, Mahjong, antiques and her friends.

She is survived by sons Daniel of Ocean Pines and Timothy (Christine) of Ellicott City; beloved grandchildren Colleen Ebel-Ecker, Victoria Ebel, Julia Sayre-Rebellon and Amanda Sayre; brother Ken Miller; nieces and nephews; and her two beloved dogs.

She is preceded in death by her husband William; sons Michael and Patrick; parents Harold and Corinne Miller; and brothers Fred and Robert Miller.

Friends may call on Tuesday Sept.

8, 2020 from 4-5 p.m. Services will begin at 5 p.m. at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Masks will be required.

Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery, time and date yet to be announced.

David Lee Hill, Sr. DEAL ISLAND – David Lee Hill, Sr., age 72, died on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020 at his home.

Born in Millsboro, Del., he was the son of the late Dallas and Helen Hill.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 16 years, Wanda Hill; children Mary Ann Leager, Crystal Lewis, and David Lee Hill, Jr.; step daughters, Sue Ann Rodden and her husband Phillip, and D.H. Lewis; step sons James E. Lewis, Jr. and his wife Kim, and Holland William Lewis and companion Debbie; and step son Jim Brian Lewis. DAVID LEE HILL, SR. There are 18 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, and greats. Also surviving are his nine siblings, Billy Hill (Robin) June Passwater (Denny), Grace Robinson, Belinda Wright, Raymond Hill (Becky) Roland Hill (Mabel), Glen Hill (Janet), Paul Hill (Cindy) and Dallas Hill, Jr.

September 4, 2020

Mr. Hill, a decorated veteran, had served in the United States Army (Germany) and continued his service in the reserves for several years. Gifted mechanically, he enjoyed working on small motors. He also was a mate on the charter boat “Three K’s” owned by Dick Webster. His love for fishing made baiting hooks and untangling fishing lines all the more fun. Socializing was a natural thing for him whether it was going to play bingo, or dressing up for Halloween, he loved being with his family and friends.

Cremation followed his death. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. A donation in his memory may be made to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21804. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Eric B. Piper BERLIN – Eric B. Piper, age 71, passed away peacefully at Coastal Hospice at the Lake on Aug. 29, 2020.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alice Marie and Harry Piper, and is survived by his beloved daughter, Sarah Piper Niegenfind, his sonin-law, Keith Niegenfind, and his grandchildren, Lauren and Margaret.

Eric was born in Washington, DC

and raised in Prince George’s County.

After graduating from the University of Maryland, he continued to live in Prince George’s County and worked as a dental technician. He also worked as a veterinarian assistant at the Hyattsville Animal Hospital, where his love of animals shone through.

In 2005, he relocated to Worcester County. He ERIC B. PIPER lived in Snow Hill and Ocean City before moving to Gull Creek in Berlin. He loved living at Gull Creek and made many new friends there.

Eric was a gentle spirit and known for his compassion and generosity.

Much of his life was spent hiking the Chesapeake Bay beaches and collecting fossils of every size from every species. He was a talented photographer and an artist, creating many paintings, drawings and prints. He also used his artistic talents to create jewelry out of the items he collected from the beaches, and his skills with metal work helped him excel as a dental technical.

Eric was a huge booster for Maryland, especially the blue crabs and oysters.

He traveled the world for adventures and always enjoyed visiting family. Of all his achievements, he was proudest of his daughter, Sarah, and her family.

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.

SEE NEXT PAGE

We want to personally congratulate you on your 20th anniversary.

Your loyalty & dedication to our company & our customers does not go unnoticed & is greatly appreciated.

Allen Truitt

Lawrence Cannon

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • 20 Years of Service at Fire Protective Services Inc. • Participant of Firelite Academy Training for Addressable Systems and Voice Evacuation Alarms • 20+ years at Simplex Corp as a Fire Alarm Technician. Specialized in diagnosing problems of various systems • Has been a senior technician for over 15 years HOBBIES: • Umpiring Little League Baseball for many years • Enjoys watching Major League Baseball • Working on Classic Cars

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Factory Certified Installer of Range Guard Wet Chemical Suppression Systems • Factory Certified Installer Badger Industrial Dry Chemical System • Licensed State of MD. Fire Extinguisher Technician • Licensed State of Delaware Fire Extinguisher Technician HOBBIES: • Avid Fan of the NFL, NBA, MLB • Loves Playing Horse Shoes • Working On Classic Cars

Allen is married, has two sons, a grand-daughter and resides in Salisbury.

Allen has always been a team player and a top notch Fire Alarm Technician.

Allen has always liked a challenge, and over the years has fixed many of Fire Alarm Systems when others could not. He is methodical, tracing down problems on just about any type of Fire Alarm System. He also has made many friends during his 20 years at Fire Protective Services. After serving over 40 years in the Fire Alarm field, Allen has decided to retire. Allen wants to spend time with his family and friends. Allen is responsible for expanding our business in the Fire Alarm Division with his knowledge and expertise. We want to thank Allen for his years of dedication and service. He will be missed by all of us at Fire Protective Services Inc.

Lawrence is married with three children, and resides in Worcester County.

Lawrence is a tireless worker and has always taken care of our customers. A team player always willing to help or assist other employees. Lawrence has made many friends with many of our customers over the years. Lawrence has always set a good example of good work ethics. Lawrence is retiring from Full Time employment to Part Time to oversee training for new employees and to still inspect the more complicated systems. Lawrence has serviced many of our clients on the Eastern Shore, and has been instrumental in growing our business. We at Fire Protective Survives want to thank Lawrence for always providing excellent work to our client base for over 20 years!

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... Obituaries

September 4, 2020

Thomas Taylor Lynch, Sr.

BERLIN – Thomas Taylor Lynch, Sr., age 77, died on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury.

Born in Berlin, he was the son of the late Mary Louise Taylor Lynch. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Julia Smith Lynch, and children, Thomas T. Lynch, Jr, Michael Lynch, Anthony Lynch, all of Berlin, Patti Caudill and her husband Barry of Timonium, and Nanci Savage and her husband John of Bishopville. There are five grandchildren, Brian and Adam THOMAS TAYLOR Savage, Caitlin, Bailey, LYNCH, SR. Kristin Bailey Lyman, Nicholas Bailey, and two great-grandchildren, Kinley and Willa Lyman. Also surviving, is his brother, Jessie Lee Lynch of Longneck, Del., and many

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles H. Lynch, Jr. Mr. Lynch had worked as a construction contractor for 40 years. He was a member of Buckingham Presbyterian Church, a retired Berlin volunteer fireman, and member of the Berlin Jaycees. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his Uncle Tom Taylor and spending time with his family. He leaves behind his special friends, dogs Baron and Chase.

Cremation followed his death. A celebration of life was held Tuesday, Sept.

1 at the Lynch home in Berlin. A donation in his memory may be made to the Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, Md. 21811. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

James Anderson Brown OCEAN CITY – James Anderson Brown, “Andy,” passed away on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020 at his home.

Born at a US Army base in Germany,

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he was the son of the late Paul and Joyce Brown, and Louise and Charles King. He is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Sharon “Nikki” Brown, and children, Ryan Brown and his wife Vicki, Meghan Harp and her husband Jake, Elizabeth Cimetta, and his step JAMES children Nichole Divine, ANDERSON BROWN Charlie Hill and Nick Hill.

Andy has five grandchildren. Also surviving is his brother, Doug Brown and his wife Barrie, as well as his step siblings, Kathryn, Charles, and James. He was preceded in death by a brother, Glen Brown, as well as his step siblings, Mardi and Shane.

Andy, a carpenter by trade, had been

Page 41 owner/operator of a construction business for over 30 years. He also worked as a commercial fisherman, and at one time, managed the Sea Spray Motel. He enjoyed cooking, boating, fishing and surfing. Andy will be remembered for his generosity and gregarious nature. He became a meaningful part of the lives of anyone that he met, and he will be missed.

Cremation followed his death. Details for the celebration of life will be announced at a later date. A donation in his memory may be made to SonRise Church (Addiction and Recovery) 10026 Main St. Berlin, Md. 21811. Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

cares Funds eyed For airport Buy

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

local scores top surfing honors:

September 4, 2020

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – County officials are considering a $412,000 local match for the purchase of an airport fire and rescue truck.

On Tuesday, Airport Manager Tony Rudy met with the Wicomico County Council to discuss the reallocation of CARES Act funding for the purchase of an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) truck.

“One of the priorities we have at the airport is the firefighting equipment that we have,” Rudy told the council this week. “Our newest frontline truck is 15 years old now. These things generally have around a 10-year life span.”

Rudy noted the airport had applied for a Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) grant earlier this year to purchase a new ARFF truck. In July, the administration offered $315,000 toward the purchase, which requires a local match of $412,026.

“They need to be assured that we have local funds in place before they give us that grant offer,” he said. “September 30 is basically our deadline to tell them we have secured local fund-

Gavin Bren, 10, of Ocean City, recently competed in the 58th Annual East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC) in Virginia Beach, Va. ECSC is the longest running surf event in the country with surfers annually covering on Virginia Beach to compete for bragging rights. Bren captured first place in the MiniGrom division ages 11 and under and landed fourth place in Boys Grom Division ages 12-14. Bren is a member of the Delmarva District of the Eastern Surfing Association. The organization will hold its next local event Saturday Sept. 5th at 36th street in Ocean City.

Submitted Photo

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ing for this project.”

To that end, Rudy approached the council this week requesting a reallocation of $412,026 in CARES Act money to fund the purchase of the truck.

Earlier this year, the airport was awarded more than $18 million in federal grants for capital projects. Since that time, the airport has committed those funds to various development projects on its campus.

Rudy requested the $344,000 earmarked for a UAS hanger interior project, along with an additional $68,026 in operations and maintenance reimbursements, be used to cover the local cost of the ARFF truck.

Council Administrator Laura Hurley noted the county’s capital improvement plan and capital budget for fiscal year 2021, as well as the resolution accepting the CARES Act funding, would need to be amended at the next meeting to include the purchase.

“The next meeting is Sept. 15,” she said. “So we should be able to meet this deadline.”

Councilman Joe Holloway questioned how long it would take for the airport to acquire the new ARFF truck.

“It will take about a year to build,” Rudy replied. “So it will probably be September of next year.”

Rudy noted the airport’s main ARFF truck was aging and had broken down in recent years.

“It couldn’t be repaired in a timely manner, and we were lucky enough to get a donor vehicle from BWI to use while repairs were being done,” he said.

“Since that time, we’ve gotten a more permanent backup vehicle that was donated from BWI. Both of these vehicles are very maintenance intensive, to the tune of somewhere around $60,000 in the last two years, just to make them reliable so we can respond to an incident if need be.”

Council President Larry Dodd questioned if airport personnel had the expertise to order an ARFF truck to the exact specifications. Rudy explained the airport followed FAA standards when ordering new ARFF trucks.

“They basically have a checklist depending on your size of airport and the amount of reagent you have to carry on the trucks,” he replied.

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Fenwick Council Extends Waste Company Contract

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Fenwick Island has extended its contract with a waste removal company at a cost of more than $146,000 after failing to receive other bids earlier this summer.

Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted unanimously to extend an existing contract with Waste Industries of Delaware another three years.

Town Manager Terry Tieman said the town had bid out its waste removal and recycling collection services in July, but did not receive any responses. She explained Waste Industries had then expressed an interested in extending its contract, which was reviewed and modified by the town solicitor.

“Staff believes that the proposal is fair and fits within our fiscal year 2021 budget,” Tieman told the council last week. “We believe avoiding the additional expense of time, advertising and initial learning curve of a new contractor are also a benefit.”

When asked if there would be additional costs, Tieman said there would be a 3% increase in the contract.

“It increases $4,276 annually …,” she said. “We have enough budgeted to cover that increase.

We knew if we bid it there could be an increase and most likely would. The required expenditure is $146,842 and the amount budgeted is $153,000 for the expense.”

With no further discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve a three-year extension with Waste Industries at a cost of $146,842.

The council last week also approved the purchase of a new heat pump system for the beach patrol room. The new HVAC equipment will replace a failing mini split system installed in 20-12.

“Now we have to replace it because the unit that we have is discontinued and the motherboard is discontinued,” Tieman said.

Instead of purchasing another mini split system, Tieman recommended the installation of a heat pump. While the quote for the system came in at $9,780, she said extensive wiring would add another $2,500 to the cost.

“The mini split would have been $6,800,” she told the council. “It’s around double the cost.

But in the long run I believe we’ll get double the length of time out of it and it will be much more dependable and reliable.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Business And Real Estate News

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Health System Announcement

TidalHealth leaders are pictured in front of a sign featuring the health system’s new name and logo shortly after its unveiling. Pictured, from left, are Penny Short, President, TidalHealth Nanticoke; Steve Leonard, President/CEO, TidalHealth; Dr. Karin DiBari, President, TidalHealth Medical Partners; Debbie Abbott, Chairperson, TidalHealth Board of Directors; and Dr. Memo Diriker, Chairperson, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Board of Directors.

Submitted Photo

SALISBURY – The former Peninsula Regional Health System this week announced its new name – TidalHealth.

The name was chosen after months of research through interviews with patients and staff of the entities that make up TidalHealth – Peninsula Regional and Nanticoke hospitals; the McCready, Ocean Pines and Millsboro Health Pavilion; the many specialty and primary care offices of its affiliated provider network; and the providers of services such as laboratory and radiology.

“We spent countless hours talking with patients, physicians and employees

September 4, 2020

to gain an intimate knowledge of our community so that we could discover a common identity and create something larger that best meets the needs of those we serve,” said Steve Leonard, TidalHealth President and CEO. “Throughout the process, we have come to realize three key points about our health system: Quality is our constant. Special is our signature. Community is our core.

We are better together and the community must feel it. Just as the tides shape our waterways, we are shaping healthcare on Delmarva.”

The new identity allows community members, as well as staff, to have a better sense of the scope of services offered across the health system. It also conveys the shared roots, values and culture of the organization.

The hospitals will retain some of the identity ingrained in the community for, in the case of Peninsula Regional, more than 100 years. They have been renamed TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and TidalHealth Nanticoke.

“The tides are embedded deeply in the history of Seaford – and all of Delmarva, a peninsula crisscrossed by waterways and surrounded by ocean and bay. The tides are a constant in our culture,” said Penny Short, President of TidalHealth Nanticoke. “Commonality of culture – not just in heritage, but in dedication to patient safety and to care for the communities we serve – is what drove Nanticoke to choose to join forces with the Peninsula Regional Health System last year. Our greater, combined force is reflected in our new identity as TidalHealth.”

Peninsula Regional Medical Group, the Nanticoke Physician Network, Delmarva Heart and Peninsula Cardiology have officially joined under the new name TidalHealth Medical Partners.

Better together, the physician groups have united in a shared mission: to improve the health of the communities they serve.

“By coming together, we’re making it easier for every person on Delmarva to find care where and when they need it,” said Karin DiBari, MD, who will oversee the network of physician and specialty offices as President of TidalHealth Medical Partners. “It is essential for every person to have a provider who will be with them on their health journey, helping them to stay well, and providing care and guidance when they are sick.”

For patients, the change will be seamless and will make care even more accessible. Patients will be able to rely on the same providers in the same offices. Appointments that have been previously scheduled will not change. What patients of the new physician group might find, though, is that they now have an office or specialty practice, medical campus or doctor closer to them and more conveniently located beSEE NEXT PAGE

... Business News

September 4, 2020

cause of the collaboration.

“The name on the doors may change, but our commitment to the health of our community remains consistent,” Leonard said. “We know that with this new identity, we can continue to care for the people of Delmarva for generations to come.”

Real Estate Market Recap BERLIN – While the COVID-19 crisis appears to be impacting housing inventory on the Lower Eastern Shore, residential settlements remained steady throughout July, according to the latest numbers from the Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR).

In all three counties throughout July, new settlements were up 59% compared to the same time last year. Individually, new settlements throughout July were up by .7% in Wicomico, 33.3% in Somerset, and 104.3% in Worcester.

New listings in July were up by 12.1% compared to the same time last year in all three counties. Individually, new listings were up by 26.3% in Worcester, by 29.6% in Somerset, and down by 13.9% in Wicomico. Active listings in all three counties were down by 44.3%. Individually, active listings were down by 41 percent in Worcester, by 42.5% in Wicomico, and by 40% in Somerset.

The average Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM) for July was 92, or 2.22% higher than the same time last year. The median sale price for the Lower Shore was $253,250, which is 12.1% higher than this time last year.

“The market may have taken a short pause back in the spring under the stayat-home order, but quickly came back as real estate professionals adjusted to new ways of doing business” said CAR President Joe Wilson. “Our members have embraced new technologies to assist their clients effectively – but safely.”

Wilson added, “Inventory is very low, but demand is still strong. Mortgage interest rates are extremely favorable right now, and we are seeing properties go under contract quickly, with multiple offers to choose from. If someone is on the fence about selling their home, now is the time.”

Ocean Pines Recognized BERLIN – Website Money Inc. this week named Ocean Pines as one of the “20 Safest Places to Live in Maryland.”

At least two other national websites this year have recognized Ocean Pines for being among the safest communities in the state, including Safewise (No. 2) in April, and HomeSnacks (No. 1) in January.

According to Money Inc., Ocean Pines is the fifth-safest community in Maryland.

“The name of this Maryland city denotes its location. Bordered by the Isle of Wight Bay to its east, Ocean Pines offers over 9 miles of waterfront living,” the listing reported. “If that’s not enough for you to move, let’s just add that it’s some of the safest waterfront living you could ever find. It also has the lowest property crime rate in all of Maryland at

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 45

only 4.2%. Interestingly enough, the cost of living here by the water is much affordable in comparison to some of Maryland’s safe cities. So if you’re a fan of the water, there’s absolutely no reason why this place wouldn’t be at the top of your list.”

The only other local community named was Berlin, which ranked at No. 13.

Company Honored BERLIN – Chesapeake Utilities Corporation announced this month the company has been recognized as a Top Workplace in Delaware for the ninth consecutive year. Chesapeake Utilities is one of only two companies to receive this honor nine consecutive years.

“The Top Workplace award recognizes our employees’ dedication and teamwork, which remain essential to our strong culture that encourages employees to be authentic leaders,” said Jeff Householder, President and Chief Executive Officer for Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. “Each employee at Chesapeake Utilities is a valued member of our team, bringing diverse and inclusive perspectives to help achieve our goals. The Company continues to promote the growth and development of its employees, including the strategic thinking and creative energy that are integral to our success. I’m honored to work alongside our employees who continue to rise to the occasion, evident even more throughout our Company’s COVID-19 pandemic response.”

This honor is based entirely on feedback from employees who were surveyed by the research firm Energage.

The anonymous survey measures how well companies set a clear direction for the future, create a culture of high performance and foster strong connections with and among their employees.

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“We are thrilled that our incredible staff and our satisfied guests have helped us achieve this high honor. It is an amazing team effort”, said Jim Powers, the hotel’s manager. The award holds a special meaning for Powers as he retires from the Avenue Inn & Spa after 20 years of service this month.

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The Dispatch

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

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Governor’s Education Directives Poorly Timed The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 4, 2020

HOW WE SEE IT

Gov. Larry Hogan’s timing was off in last week’s announcement about schools. It was absurdly poor timed and unfair to local school systems.

While Hogan deserves criticism for his approach at last week’s press conference, we do agree it’s inexcusable for schools to punt and already say in August there will be no in-person instruction until January at the earliest.

There is no reason whatsoever to state that claim because it worries families who need to work while their kids are in school.

What irritated Hogan, and we agree, is eight school systems in Maryland – Dorchester, Harford, Baltimore County, Charles, Prince George’s, Montgomery, Washington and Allegany counties -have no plans to return to in-person instruction at all before year’s end. Most of the other counties in the state have at least outlined a phased approach to getting as many students back in the classroom as possible.

For example, in Worcester County, the model appears to be virtual for all students to start until the end of September with high-risk and special needs kids returning Sept. 28. If the science and data remain positive as they are now, the school system will likely migrate to a one-week in-school, one-

week virtual rotation, which will divide the student body into manageable sizes for transportation and classroom spacing.

The governor and state superintendent want to see an effort to get students back in school because they know the tremendous shortcomings associated with at-home virtual learning. Even the most effective distance learning programs leave the majority of students behind.

However, the governor and state education department should have made clear their expectations earlier in the summer. While there was a requirement to submit reopening plans by mid-August, there was evidently ambiguity as some school systems were unaware they were expected to get students back in school as soon as safely possible.

From the beginning of the pandemic in March, we have largely supported Hogan’s approach, but there have been massive shortcomings in his communications along the way. In April and May, weekly press conferences were held. Fear and uncertainty carried the days before the pop-up press conferences, which always carried major announcements with less than 48 hours for businesses to pre-

pare for the changes looming ahead.

Last week’s press conference authorizing school systems to safely reopen and ordering at a minimum creative hybrid plans to get students back into the classroom is another example. This message should have been delivered in June or July, not within days of the school year starting for many jurisdictions.

In this case, The Baltimore Sun editorial critical of Hogan’s approach was warranted.

“Instead of complaining about local districts, the governor should be reaching out to them, listening and learning about their individual challenges, taking actions to help their circumstances,” the editorial read. “This is leadership.

Some of the governor’s beefs are legitimate. Of course, schools should have plans already in place to reopen if circumstances warrant. But taking potshots is the wrong way to manage a crisis. We don’t think local school systems lack the will for in-person instruction, in many cases, they simply lack the way to do it safely. Trying to embarrass them publicly with last-minute obduration doesn’t help.”

There was a better way indeed and it starts with outlining expectations months, or at least weeks, ago.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Ocean City Wrong To Deny Police Vehicle Editor: After reading Editor Steve Green’s article last week in “The Way We See It” section of The Dispatch, I could not agree with him more concerning the purchase of the police department’s mule vehicle.

“The Mule” is a must for this town for all the reasons stated by Steve.

Since the mule can easily access the beach, it would be nice if the police could use it to police the beach at night. Being in the beach stand business, and having my employees and myself show up to their stands and find all kinds of Godawful things, is never a pleasant experience.

Here is a sample of some of the things you will encounter on a regular basis. You can expect urine, just about every day. And it always lines the sand directly in front of your boxes. In order to get a box open, you inevitably have to step in it. As a seasoned veteran, I no longer think about and just step in it and open the boxes.

My employees do not like that part of the job, but they manage. But probably worse than stepping in it, is the pee stench as the sun heats up. We have eight stands, and all but two of

the stands have experienced the next little treat. Some more than once.

I hold the record this summer for being greeted by a pile of human feces, seven times. It is absolutely disgusting. One time this summer, it was not only in the sand in front of the box, but smeared down the box. Thanks to Sergeant Tim Ubel for helping us by getting the necessary stuff from the beach patrol office to clean the box and remove the nasty mess. Other things we are greeted with include beer cans, liquor bottles, syringes, used condoms, people in sleeping bags using the condoms, broken bottles, weed, cigarette butts, graffiti on the boxes, boxes that have been tampered with and sometimes destroyed. Just last week, I showed up to work and someone had put a gigantic hole in the top of one of the boxes which required us to replace the entire top, and that is not cheap.

Okay, back to the mule. Many years ago, if my memory serves me correctly, the police used to ride up and down the beach and shine a light toward the Boardwalk. Any illicit activity going on in front of the beach boxes was caught and taken care of. People knew they weren’t supposed to be on the beach after hours, and with police patrols happening, you didn’t have to

show up to work and clean up somebody’s disgusting human waste. Since there are no shining lights anymore, people know they are safe in front of the boxes, and can do whatever they please. Perfect cover. Sleep all night there, wake in the morning, pee and poop on the beach boxes, leave all your bottles and cans, and all the other illegal stuff, then off you go.

Beach stands are a big money maker for the Town of Ocean City. This summer they have collected $1,300,000 from all the participants. I am not ashamed, actually I am ashamed to say, that I pay $222,900 of that $1,300,000 freight for eight beach stands. Of course, when we bid on these stands back in December, we were bidding with the assumption that all the major events that bring so many people to town would be happening. Well, we all know that didn’t happen, as the coronavirus hit, and the beaches have been ghost town like compared to what they normally would have been.

Many hotels have been half full, and the entire month of June it seemed like a third world country with all the fights and stabbings. Many hotels had many cancellations when the word SEE NEXT PAGE

September 4, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR got out that Ocean City was not a safe place to be. Fortunately, we have a “hardship” clause in our contract.

But I found out that the “hardship” clause doesn’t apply to a worldwide pandemic. I am left to figure out what might be considered a “hardship” to help us out, financially. The only thing I can think of that might trump a worldwide pandemic might be Armageddon. But maybe not.

So I am left to go bankrupt, but still get to clean up the waste products of other humans. (oh, I forgot, vomit is another thing we get to clean up). So Ocean City, let’s get the Mule, ride up and down the beach at night, and help clean this place up.

Hey, take some of my $222,900 and get a couple of them. If you can throw away $100,000 dollars for an air show (which was no help to the beach stands) that lasted one day, $20,000 is chump change. Burton Anderson, I need your help.

Drew Haugh Ocean City

Support For Air Service Editor: Lately I have received many requests to write my “elected officials” to try to save Trooper 4 and/or Trooper 6 from COVID budget cuts. I wish it would help but I have no say. I am a “out of town property owner.” So allow me the chance to rant in your paper.

As a longtime member of the local fire department, I have been on too many medical helicopter landings. I know survival depends on getting someone to trauma care in the first hour. Your closest helicopter is about 12 miles away. Then the flight to Shock Trauma is another 30 to 45 minutes.

Your golden hour is almost over. Loss of Trooper 4 could be life or death to someone you know.

In the early day, I remember waiting 25 minutes for Medevac 1 to fly down from Lehigh Valley Hospital. Do you want your town to be in that situation?

Now we are blessed with three helicopters based in Montgomery County. I’ve seen as many as five helicopters for the same call, six if you count Pennstar1 coming back for another patient. Before it’s too late, you should take action.

The Ocean City Mayor and City Council should take immediate action to save the residents and visitors.

As for you “townies” stop counting out of state tags at your Acme and write your elected officials before it’s too late.

Ray Tagnon Conshohocken (weekdays) Ocean City (weekends)

Paint OC A Success Editor: Our 16th Annual “Artists Paint OC” plein air event Aug. 12-16 was a big success again, despite the challenges we faced this year. Thank you to

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

the 30 professional artists who spread out around the resort for four days and created 119 paintings of our iconic local landscapes. Turns out outdoor plein air painting is a perfect activity for social distancing.

The pelting rain and howling winds on the Boardwalk Sunday morning didn’t deter nine plein air artists from creating masterpieces during the Quick Draw competition. These artists are tough, painting under umbrellas and from their cars to compete for cash prizes.

Our gratitude also goes out to our judge, Bernard Dellario, who donated one of his original paintings for an Art League fundraising raffle. And to our sponsors of the event who provided $5,000 in cash prizes for the artists: The Peter Glenville Foundation, the Worcester County Arts Council, Worcester County Tourism, the Ocean City Development Corp., Royal Plus Electric, and private donors.

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 Sept. 26.

Emily Schwab (The writer is the chair of the Artists Paint OC event and recording secretary for the Art League of Ocean City.)

Support For Mail Voting Editor: Voting by mail should replace voting at the polls in its entirety. The two institutions that can definitely be trusted are the County Board of Elections and the United States Postal Service.

The money saved by eliminating the need for poll workers could be used to offer free postage on the envelopes used to vote by mail. The person voting would also have more time to consider what they are voting for and would not be confined to the hours of the polling place. It would also prevent unwanted entry to schools and churches from anyone trying to harm someone. In addition the voter would not be harassed by someone trying to place unsolicited campaign literature into their hand. The additional revenue would boost the Postal Service and perhaps keep it afloat until we as a country are able to vote online.

Voting by mail would solve the registered voter problem and guarantee safe passage of the ballots to the County Board of Elections. It might even prevent further spread of the COVID-19 Virus.

Joe Bialek Cleveland, Ohio TO OUR READERS: The Dispatch welcomes any and all letters from our readers. All letters are encouraged typed, but not required, and we reserve the right to edit each letter for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Letters should include writer’s name, address and day and evening telephone numbers. If we are unable to reach the writer, we will have to withhold the letter. Due to space restraints, letters under 500 words in length will be given top priority. Letters can be mailed to The Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811, emailed to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com or faxed to 410-641-0966.

Page 47

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

The Ocean Pines Association (OPA) has been diligent in releasing information about positive COVID-19 cases among its personnel. There have now been four documented positive employee tests. In a statement, OPA General Manager John Viola reported, “Another worker in the Aquatics department tested positive for COVID-19. The employee has not returned to work and will not until it is safe to do so, consistent with CDC protocols. We notified the local health department of the situation and will cooperate fully with public health officials. We understand that the employee had no close contact with residents and minimal contact with other employees. We do not believe this employee had contact with the employee testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this month.”

Also yesterday the OPA posted on its website some valuable information from the Worcester County Health Department. It was a question-andanswer format, which can be found on the OPA’s website for full review. A highlight for me was the question, “The county’s positivity rate is nearly triple the state positivity rate, and the highest it’s been since May 31. What does that mean?” The answer was, “Several factors are involved with the positivity rate. Over the past weeks we’ve dramatically increased testing within the county. We also have new, private labs entering the State reporting system who are not always reporting negative results. This will make the positivity seem particularly high. We also experience a massive population spike in the summer months and more people equal more chances for transmission of COVID-19. However, we know that positivity rates tend to ebb and flow from week-to-week. One of our primary focuses is to make sure that our hospital infrastructure and ICU capacity isn’t overtaxed. And even with the increase in positivity rates right now, we’re in strong shape.”

The information also included a statement about monitoring, saying, “Our hospitals and ICUs remain below capacity, we are releasing residents from isolation and quarantine daily, in fact we have released 1,691 people from monitoring as of this morning, and we have a recovery rate of 97%.”

There have been a couple major crime events in Ocean City the last couple weeks.

Unlike the previous messaging in late June when arrests were highly publicized, the Ocean City Police Department kept under wraps the disturbing arrest of four Virginia individuals for armed robbery on the Boardwalk. Word got to us through a search of police calls for service.

This is one of the more disturbing incidents of the summer for its randomness, and the suspects may not have been so quickly apprehended without solid police work. The incident occurred after 2 in the morning and involved a shotgun being used to hold up a woman and her 10-yearold niece on the Boardwalk. The full story can be found in the paper.

Additionally, in the police beat section, there’s a story on an armed Pennsylvania man and woman being involved in a fight outside a downtown pizza shop. Fortunately, the fight did not go to the next level, but police found a loaded handgun with a bullet in the chamber, along with a folding knife, when the male suspect was arrested.

What does all this mean? It just goes to show the criminal element is not just a June situation. It’s an issue that needs further review for sure over the off-season months.

It was a relief Wednesday to learn the state’s Board of Public Works has removed from consideration any sort of reduction in the Maryland State Police Aviation service on the Eastern Shore. It had been announced last month the state was looking to cut either the service on the lower shore or the upper shore in the face of massive budget reductions needing to be made amid the pandemic. The good news is it’s off the table for now, but as Senator Mary Beth Carozza pointed out this week the subject could be returning in the future because the service will be studied.

“At today’s Board of Public Works, Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp ordered that no action take place regarding any base closures or MSP helicopter sale until a comprehensive aviation unit study is completed and vetted,” she posted on her Facebook page. She continued, “As I wrote in my letter to MSP Superintendent Jones, ‘The possible budget cuts to the Eastern Shore’s MSP Medevac services truly would have a life-threatening negative impact to my constituents and other Shore residents and visitors, especially in the remote rural areas on the Shore like Smith Island and in Ocean City which swells to the second-largest city in Maryland during the season.’”

In other news, after five years on the market, the old Shore Drive-In movie property on Route 50 has been sold for $500,000. The 14.6-acre property was purchased as an investment by Keith Coffin, owner of Delaware Elevator. At this point in time, there are no immediate plans for the property.

Page 48

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The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

semblance of normalcy returned this week with one kid heading back to school.

When I dropped my 12year-old off for the first day of seventh grade Wednesday, I felt comfortable. Any anxiety I had was connected to the typical feelings associated with his first day of school on any given year. How do I have a seventh grader? It seems like yesterday Pam and I were walking out of the same school in tears after dropping him off the first time for pre-kindergarten.

Sure, there were some things this year that looked different, such as temperature checks, masks and clear social distancing requirements. However, other than those obvious visible observations, it was a wonderful return to a schedule and something normal. It gave me a bit of hope in today’s world, reminding me not everything will always be foreign. Everything might have a different look to it, but there are glimmers of life returning as we knew it.

An article, headlined, “Missing Life Before COVID-19? You're Not Alone”

by Veronika Tait, Ph.D. in "Psychology Today" in May, dealt with this topic of longing for pre-pandemic life. The article talks about letting go of what has been lost in this ordeal and focusing on moving forward.

“With the struggles that accompany the current coronavirus pandemic, many of us find ourselves longing for the normal lives we took for granted.

Yes, we had problems in the past, but now we are faced with new and uncertain challenges we wish we could trade back. Like George Bailey, we yearn to go back to the ordinary with a greater appreciation for the day-to-day predictability we’ve lost,” Tait writes.

“Unfortunately, we have no guardian angel to reverse the economic, social, and psychological destruction of COVID-19. Life may never go back to the way it was.

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“In the wake of the current pandemic, our collective loss requires collective healing. Like George Bailey, we see ourselves confronting a world we don’t recognize. Yet his real heroism was not returning to his former life, but in recognizing the value of what he had. Let’s hold space for each other’s grief. Stop toxic positivity.

Stop comparison. Let’s fill the need gaps we see around us as we seek help to fulfill our own needs. This pandemic is likely long-lasting, with some permanent societal scars. The only way to pull through this is together.”

A school is a gathering place, it’s an opportunity for our kids to rejoin the community they once took for granted.

As a parent, I know I felt that sense of community this week. I took it for granted before, but not now. This is one of the lessons of the pandemic.

Life is so different now than it was in early March, and my thoughts are often occupied with wonderment about whether handshakes, hugging loved ones, dinner parties with friends, grocery shopping without a mask, indoor youth sports and concerts will ever be part of our lives again. Some aspects of life may be lost forever.

I was relieved in mid-summer when Beckett’s school, Worcester Prep, announced its intentions to reopen with major modifications. Both my kids truly need to be in school for a variety of individual reasons. With Beckett’s return to the classroom this week, we are confident in the safety protocols the school has implemented. While there is an infection risk associated with all aspects of life right now, I believe the far greater concern is living in fear and letting anxiety drive our lives.

School is where our kid should be, and I felt calm driving off the first morning. At pickup later that day, everything truly felt normal when I started asking him about his day and how things were.

He didn’t have much to share, which is

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typical.

I am just fine with embracing all things that remind me of pre-pandemic life. Normal is to be welcomed and cheered these days, even if it means being kept in the dark on the details of school days. arson thinks I am the tallest and strongest man in the world. Though I am far from either, I rarely correct him.

As far as height, he’s always pointing out various things regarding how tall I am. He loves it when I duck to avoid hitting something or cram into a small vehicle. On a recent trip to a go-cart track, he laughed the entire time how packed in I was and held his knees to his chest to mirror me.

We were on the beach recently and there was a friend of mine taller than me. Carson would not rest until I stood next to him, so he could measure us.

He was blown away by the fact my friend had me by a couple inches.

He’s done this in the past, including at a Harlem Globetrotters game when a player had to stop his pre-game warmups to show Carson he was a good six inches taller than me.

With my friend, Carson seemed to take offense. He was relieved when we compared muscles. After he measured our heights, he made us both make a bicep muscle. He says I won.

He seemed relieved. All was right in his world.

As we cleaned up the beach that evening, he flexed his own muscles on the way to the car as he carried multiple chairs. He’s looking forward to getting some muscles (and being taller, too).

(The writer is the publisher and editor of The Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)

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Page 49

Kids of Summer

Caile, 12, and Ava Edwards, 10, in Ocean City

Yunami Christie, 10, in Kona, Hawaii

Hanon Christie, 7, in Kona, Hawaii

Madison Hoke, 7, on Assateague Island

(Part 2)

Kiera, 5, Kylie, 7, Charlee, 4, Alex, 12, and Remie, 5 months, in Ocean City

It’s our pleasure to produce the 14th Annual Kids of Summer photo series, featuring little ones of all ages, from near and far, enjoying all that comes with the summer season. If you would like your child(ren) featured in this space, there’s still time.

Just email us your photo(s) at editor@mdcoastdispatch.com or mail to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 with the child’s name, age and location.

The Leuters grandchildren, ages 4 to 10 years old, in Ocean Pines

Lexi Paugh, 5, in Ocean City

Kaelyn, 12, and Ashlyn Pickett, 10, at Stinky Beach

Eliza, 9, and Ethan Scott, 13, in Ocean City

Sara Quisgard, 10, and Chase Triana, 11, on Assateague Island

Jaxon, 6, and Eleanor Mills, 2, in Ocean City

Hannah, 15, Alex, 11, and Dylan Mayne, 12, in Ocean City

Jessica Hackimer, 17, in West OC

Brian George, 7, and Olivia Gallagher, 10, in West OC

Dylan Hackimer, 15, in West OC

Joey Worden, 9, in Fenwick Island

Brayden Pauline, 10, in Ocean City

Kamila Naylor, 11, in Ocean City

Maggie, 4, and Caroline Fuson, 7, in Ocean City

In-Person School Year Underway For Worcester Prep Students

Page 50

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 4, 2020

Third grade teacher Abby Harrison, left, sits behind her new, clear teaching divider that will be utilized this school year as an extra layer of protection for faculty and students. Above right, a new outdoor classroom, donated by the school’s Parents Association, will be utilized by teachers this school year.

Submitted Photos

BERLIN – Worcester Preparatory School teachers and students returned to campus this week to resume inperson classes.

In addition, following successful preseason workouts, all fall athletics (cross country, field hockey, golf, soccer, and volleyball) will commence and compete on a modified basis in the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC).

In April, a Mallard Strong Task Force was formed to create a recovery plan to safely navigate a return to campus for faculty, staff and students. The Task Force carefully formulated policies and procedures revolving around safety including protocols for scheduling, physical distancing, health screening, daily cleaning/sanitizing, protective equipment, transportation, and the appropriate use of common areas.

Throughout the year, the task force will continue to coordinate with Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools and the National Association of Independent Schools, while reviewing information and recommendations from the Governor’s Office, Worcester County Health Department and CDC. “Our Mallard Strong Task Force has worked tirelessly for months to create a safe environment for our Worcester Prep families,” said WPS Head of School Dr. John McDonald, who began his first year July 1 after his appointment by the Board of Trustees. “The energy in our hallways was palpable as teachers returned to setup their new physically-distanced classrooms. I, too, am excited to welcome everyone back to campus in order to provide an exceptional educational experience with as much normalcy as possible.”

A leader with a lifelong passion for education and learning, McDonald comes to Berlin from Ticonderoga, N.Y., where he most recently served as Superintendent of Schools in the Ticonderoga Central School District.

In addition to his notable educational background, leadership qualities, and ability to connect with people, he brings extensive knowledge and expeSEE NEXT PAGE

… Modified Athletics Season Underway Berlin Liquor Store

September 4, 2020

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Page 51

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rience in almost every facet of education, from independent schools to the public school sector.

McDonald holds an undergraduate degree from Washington & Lee University, a master’s degree from Northeastern University, and a doctorate from Columbia University’s Teachers College in Educational Leadership. He began his career at Bayside Academy, an independent school in Alabama with over 700 students, where he taught history and then transitioned to Middle School Head and Assistant Head of School. For the past 19 years, he has served as the superintendent of an 800-student school district, managing a $20M budget.

McDonald and his wife, Andrea, along with their two daughters, relocated from New York to Berlin this summer.

His youngest daughter, Anna, will attend WPS this fall and his oldest daughter, Meg, is a student at the University

“The energy in our hallways was palpable as teachers returned to setup their new physically-distanced classrooms,” said Head of School Dr. John McDonald.

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Annual Home Tour Goes Virtual Spirit Award Nominations Sought

Page 52

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

One of the homes spotlighted on this year’s home tour is the private residence of Todd Burbage.

Submitted Photo

OCEAN CITY – For the past 15 years, the Sand Castle Home Tour has featured some of the greater Ocean City area’s most spectacular residences.

The experience has become an annual “must-see-and-do” for locals and visitors alike.

Due to COVID-19 and the challenges of keeping everyone safe and healthy, the Art League of Ocean City, sponsor of the event, is forgoing a physical tour

this year, and instead going 100% virtual. Participants can still expect to see the area’s most amazing residences, but they will do so virtually from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

Now a two-week event from Oct. 115, tourgoers will enjoy state-of-the-art 3D tours of each residence; cinematic videos of homes; engaging interviews with homeowners, builders and interior designers; galleries of professional pho-

OCEAN CITY – As part of History Week, the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum presents an annual Spirit Award.

The award recognizes a person or organization that has made strides in preserving Ocean City’s cultural or natural history. Preservation can be in the form of written documents, structural preservation, artistic renderings, educational material or interpretation.

Have you seen a historical building brought back to its original glory? Have you attended a special event or program that honors Ocean City’s history? Do you know someone who has written a book about Ocean City’s history? If so, the person or organization behind these projects are perfect candidates for the Spirit Award. Last year’s awar-

tography; dedicated sponsor zones and much more. The online tour will provide an opportunity to hear the vision and inspiration behind the homes directly from the homeowners, builders, architects, and designers through featured videos and design tips.

September 4, 2020

dee was local author Hunter “Bunk” Mann, who wrote two pictorial history books, “Vanishing Ocean City” and “Ghosts in the Surf.”

Those who wish to send in a nomination should describe what the nominee has done to preserve Ocean City history in 500 words or less.

All nominations must be sent in by Oct. 1. To send in a nomination, please visit www.ocmuseum.org/support-us/spiritaward.

“This award acknowledges those who are honoring our town’s history – the act of doing so is a form of stewardship,” said museum curator Sandy Hurley.

The Spirit Award will be presented during a virtual fundraiser, Pieces of our Past, live broadcast on Sunday, Oct. 11.

“This year, we have all been challenged to adapt our programming to the new normal and deliver our mission of promoting the creative arts in new formats,” Rina Thaler, Art League executive director, said. “The Art League has chosen to look to the future and bring you the Sandcastle Home Tour online. This promises to be a wonderful celebration of resort living, community, and technology.”

Tickets for the event are $30. Tickets include unlimited access for two weeks to the Sand Castle Home Tour site, plus opportunities to win daily door prizes. Online tickets and tour preview are available at www.SandCastleHomeTour.com.

Benefiting the Art League of Ocean City, the Sand Castle Home Tour is the non-profit’s largest fundraiser of the year, fueling its mission to promote artistic expression and appreciation for the creative arts in the community.

It also provided the funding to build and sustain the Ocean City Center for the Arts.

“We are still seeking sponsors to support us in this new endeavor,” Thaler said. “This tour is a new and effective way for businesses in the home and home-related industries to engage with potential clients who may not feel comfortable with in-person shopping.”

New Shore Craft Beer App Launched With Prize Campaign

September 4, 2020

BERLIN – Shore Craft Beer, working with the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) and funding from the Rural Maryland Council, has created a state-of-the-art app to help users interact with local breweries on the shore.

The new app was first released in beta form at the Love on Tap festival Feb. 29 in Ocean City, resulting in the highest number of downloads of the Shore Craft Beer App ever. Then, the coronavirus struck and closed breweries and bars. During this time, Shore Craft Beer worked with OCDC and app developer 5th Floor Inc. out of Baltimore to add marketing and user functionality given COVID realities in the marketplace.

Now, Shore Craft Beer with OCDC is launching the Mission Possible campaign to bring attention to the craft brewing industry on the Eastern Shore of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. A film challenging craft beer partners was commissioned, signs for partners printed and an entire month of prizes planned for app users and businesses.

Shore Craft Beer will be delivering signs to breweries and craft beer related businesses that users can scan to download the App. "The brewing industry is struggling during COVID. We want to highlight the breweries here on the shore and let people know that they can experience these breweries and buy their beer in many different ways" said Ann McGinnis

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Hillyer, CEO of Shore Craft Beer. "The State of Maryland has done a lot to help breweries and we want to promote that."

Maryland has allowed the shipping of local craft beer during the COVID crisis thanks to an executive order by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, and many breweries have taken advantage of this opportunity to get local craft beer into the hands of buyers safely. Additionally, the Comptroller of Maryland announced the relaxation of rules regarding limits of the amount of craft beer sold directly from the brewery. Take-out and delivery options have become popular and now outdoor drinking options are expanding across the state and the shore.

The new Shore Craft Beer App helps users find local craft beer near them. It allows users to check in at a brewery just by buying and trying their beer and not necessarily by visiting the brewery

Page 53

personally. It allows users to check into virtual events and keep track of all the beer they have tried. In addition, the app pulls each brewery's list of beers from Untappd so that a user can find the most popular beers easily.

Challenges are listed and breweries are adding prizes to be awarded to winners of each challenge. The Gallery of Champions celebrates all winners, both on the app and the ShoreCraftBeer.com website.

"We will be introducing new discounts, new prizes, and many exciting virtual experiences for App users" said Anne Neely, director of Shore Craft Beer.

McGinnis Hillyer added, "With the world-class craft beer here on the shore, the world-class beauty of our towns and natural resources, and with this app, we can all work together to ensure that the

Shore is recognized as a top craft beer destination. This mission is possible."

To kick off the Mission Possible launch, Shore Craft Beer is awarding one “beercation” each week throughout the month of September through the app.

The first week’s prize is from the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel, which is offering a two-night stay and Shore Craft Beer is adding a gift certificate to Odyssea Watersports. The second week’s prize is from the The Princess Royale, which is offering the two-night stay for the second week. Included is a $25 gift certificate to Longboard Cafe.

All a user has to do to be entered in the random drawing is download and log into the Shore Craft Beer App. App users should share that they downloaded the app on the Shore Craft Beer Facebook page as well as liking and sharing the Facebook page.

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Page 54

Who’s Where When BUXY’S SALTY DOG/DRY DOCK 28 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 4: DJ Wax CLARION HOTEL 410-524-3535 • 10100 Coastal Hwy. Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill: Friday & Sunday, Sept. 4 & 6: Stephen Anthony, Noon-4 p.m.

Friday-Monday, Sept. 4-6 Monday & Thursday, Sept. 7 & 10: On The Edge, 5 p.m.

Tuesday & Wednesday, Sept. 8 & 9: DJ Dusty, 4 p.m.

COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL Castle In The Sand Hotel 37th & 38th St. • 410-289-6846 Friday, Sept. 4: Darin Engh, Noon-4 p.m.; Monkee Paw, 5-9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 5: Top Shelf Duo, Noon-4 p.m.; Lime Green Band, 5-9 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 6: Time Police, Noon-4 p.m.; Zion Reggae Band, 5-9 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 7: Keith White Duo, Noon-4 p.m., Bob Wilkinson & Joe Smooth, 5-9 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 9: Ask Mama, 4-8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 10: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama, 4-8 p.m.

CORK BAR & GRILL Wicomico St. & Boardwalk 410-289-6921 Saturday, Sept. 5: Lennon La Ricci & The Leftovers, 6 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 6: Going Coastal, 2 p.m.

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 19 Wicomico St. off the boardwalk 443-373-2756 Friday, Sept. 4: Runner Ups, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 5: TBA Thursday, Sept. 10: Phantom Limbs, 9 p.m.

Every Tuesday: DJ RobCee, 10 p.m.

Every Sunday: DJ Wax, 10 p.m.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Best Beats On The Beach

ON THE EDGE Clarion/Lenny’s Beach Bar: Friday-Monday, Sept. 4-7 & Thursday, Sept. 10

THE RUNNER-UPS Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, Sept. 4

LAUREN GLICK DUO Downy Oshun: Saturday, Sept. 5

FULL CIRCLE Seacrets: Sunday, Sept. 6 (duo) & Monday, Sept. 7

JOE SMOOTH & BOBBY WILKINSON Coconuts Beach Bar: Monday, Sept. 7

ROASTJOHN Fager’s Island: Friday, Sept. 4

DOWNY OSHUN 120th St. Bayside 410-670-8025 Friday, Sept. 4: Test Kitchen w/Chuck Cook Saturday, Sept. 5: Lauren Glick Duo Sunday, Sept. 6: Monkee Paw Every Thursday: Otto Grundman & Friends PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, Sept. 4: TBA Saturday, Sept. 5: Three On The Tree Sundays & Wednesdays: Beats By Skyler Every Tuesday & Thursday: Beats By Wax SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 4: John McNutt Duo, 4 p.m., Shake, Shake, Shake Duo, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 5: Steal The Sky Duo, 4 p.m., Nowhere Slow Duo, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 6: Full Circle Duo, 4 p.m.

Cherry Crush Duo, 8 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 7: Full Circle, 4 p.m.

September 4, 2020

THREE ON THE TREE Pickles Pub: Saturday, Sept. 5

DJ ROBCEE Crawl St. Tavern: Tuesdays

BEATS BY WAX Dry Dock 28: Friday, Sept. 4 Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Crawl St. Tavern: Sundays

DJ DUSTY Clarion/ Lenny’s Beach Bar: Tuesday & Wednesday, Sept. 8 & 9

STEPHEN ANTHONY Clarion/ Lenny’s Beach Bar: Friday-Sunday, Sept. 4-6

OTTO GRUNDMAN Downy Oshun: Thursdays

LENNON LA RICCI & THE LEFTOVERS Cork Bar: Saturday, Sept. 5

Dealing With Financial Hardship

September 4, 2020

Wealth Of Knowledge

BY KRISTIN COANE

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

BERLIN – A recent poll found that nearly one out of every five Americans is experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent lockdowns. With reported infections soaring in some areas, financial stress could affect even more citizens as various areas of the country struggle to contain the pandemic.

However, what may happen in the future matters little to those who are experiencing financial difficulties today. It’s important to delay any unnecessary purchases and save any financial windfalls you may receive as long as the economic future remains unclear.

The following is a primer on some of the fiKRISTIN COANE nancial issues you may be facing and what to be aware of as you plan for tomorrow.

Paying Bills If possible, pause payments on all but essentials, like food, housing and utilities. This means tracking down expenses you may automatically pay on a monthly basis, such as streaming services and subscriptions. If you’re stuck at home, carefully consider what you may need to retain (like Netflix) versus what you do not (gym membership). Also, many utility providers — including phone, internet, auto lenders and insurance — are willing to work with customers to extend payment plans. When in doubt, call. It’s better to discuss options than miss payments and hope for the best.

Borrowing Use what resources you have, but try to avoid ratcheting up debt. Some credit card companies offer hardship programs designed to help cardholders through difficult times. According to NerdWallet, 16% of U.S. cardholders applied for hardship assistance in March and April of this year. These programs include options like reduc-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ed minimums, deferred payments and/or reduced or waived interest payments. Be aware, however, that entering such a program may result in a negative mark on your credit report.

However, this option is better than missing or making late payments.

Consider other options for borrowing money as well, such as tapping your home equity for a line of credit or refinancing your mortgage.

Housing The federal government has enacted a couple of protections for people who can’t pay their rent or mortgage. The first prevents lenders and landowners from foreclosure or eviction — a provision that was recently extended until Aug. 31. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes a provision for homeowners with federally backed mortgages. Homeowners who have experienced financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic can request a forbearance for up to 180 days. Forbearance permits the borrower to suspend or reduce mortgage payments for a limited period of time, but it does not forgive amounts owed. Those amounts may be tacked onto future payments or extend the life of the loan.

Student Loans The CARES Act also provided a provision to suspend principal and interest payments on federal student loans until September 30, 2020. Be aware, however, that this provision does not apply to older Federal Family Educational Loans not owned by the Department of Education, parent and Perkins loans, and loans issued by state agencies. However, these lenders may be willing to work with borrowers who call to request an amended payment plan.

If you’d like guidance on building a sustainable budget or strategies for future retirement income, we can help.

Contact our team at 410-629-0357 today.

(The writer is an Investment Advisor with Key Financial Services.)

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Page 55

Take Your Business Into The Digital Age, Level By Level

Page 56

BY SAM CARD

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

BERLIN – In his monthly article, Sam Card, CEO of Cards Technology, details the four levels organizations go through in the digitalization of their processes.

Q. How do you see digital transformation taking shape? What advice do you have for business owners?

A. “Digital transformation” is just a fancy way of saying we are using com-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 4, 2020

Q&A WITH SAM CARD

puters more. Almost every business uses computers, so every business is a technology business these days.

Digital transformation manifests as technology creating value for the organization primarily through automation, which increases efficiency and productivity. There are four levels businesses typically go through in their digital transformation. These are: Accounting systems: Digitizing your accounting and payroll systems is often

the first step for most businesses. For example, while a beach stand may not require computers to do business, their payroll processes can be simplified through a digital payroll system. It all depends on the business’ needs.

Operational software: Operational software, or line-of-business applications, to run your business is the next logical digital step. For example, a marina has software to manage boat slip rentals and to sell retail products; an MSP has a ticketing system. SAM CARD At this point in your digital transformation, technology enables you to get faster access to decision-making metrics that can affect your business strategy going forward.

Marketing automation: After establishing the previous systems, organizations usually implement a customer relationship management (CRM) system or a sales management app to track clients and prospects.

Human resources & finance: Mature organizations have regulatory processes automated through technology in compliance-based areas like finance and human resources. These systems not only ensure the company is meet-

ing its regulatory obligations but provide you with data to use for results-based decision-making.

Q. How has technology changed in the digital age and how can business owners leverage increasing acceptance of technology?

A. People expect automation now, and they reject anything complicated or difficult. If technology is causing headaches, it’s not a good fit.

Q. What tips and tricks do you have for making it easier to include more technology in an organization?

A: Finding a managed service provider who understands your business goals, technology infrastructure and your readiness to move toward more digitally-based processes is the best advice I can give. An MSP can then make the appropriate recommendations for your organization.

You need to determine the processes you have now that you would like to be technology-driven. These can include services like payment processing, setting up forms on your website for prospects and customers to request information, or using marketing automation to reach your audience.

(The writer can be reached at SCard@cards-tech.com. To learn more about Cards Technology, visit www.cards-tech.com.)

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September 4, 2020 BERLIN – The following represents a collection of press releases announcing the achievements of local students.

•Loyola University Maryland has announced the members of its spring 2020 Dean's List included Berlin resident Jenna Miller and Jamie Ditzel.

•Some 152 Worcester County area students were named to the Dean’s List at Salisbury University for the spring 2020 semester.

Berlin area residents include Jude AlHamad, Glen Ansted, Deborah Aperance, Jasmine Barber, Sarah Beesley, Sarah Bianca, Hailey Bianca, Brianna Bowen, Lindsay Brittingham, Natalie Cheung, William Cordial, Taylor Curran, Zachary Davis, Bailey Didriksen, Brianna Esposito, Rachel Eure, Tesher Freng, Paige Getchell, Wyatt Gibbs, Isabella Gordon, Logan Gordy, Justine Graham, Kirsten Graham, Caroline Grant, William Groome, Katelyn Hancock, Allie Hastings, Mary Helmuth, Britney Hofman, Johnathan Howell, Allison Hunter, Kyle Joseph, Anna Kiesewetter, Courtney Koga, Olivia Kurtz, Kevin Ladd, Keeley Marks, Cynthia Marrufo, Morgan Mathey, Nathaniel McIntyre, Annabell Midley, Carly Nascimbeni, Caitlyn Nilo, Lauren Paulsen, Sierra Payne, Jonathan Petito, Hailee Phillips, Calvin Pinto, Chase Porter, Rachel Prengaman, Jessica Roache, Mackenzie Roberts, Olivia Rorke, Rachel Savage, Haley Sheldon, Raymond Shockley, Taylor Swanson, Emily Taylor, Kyla Taylor, Breanna Tedeschi, Taylor Tilghman, Zachary Tilton, Chad Tobias, Gregory Tyndall, Leann Weamer and Karen Woller.

Bishopville area residents include Kailey Andrews, Brett Berquist, Shane Cioccio, Zachary Cioccio, Matthew Clark, Theodore Cooper, Owen Dennis, Brady Ford, John Ford, Lindsay Jones, Christopher Kaufman, Damian Lockhart, Maliyah Martel, Alexis Martinenza, Jacob Orash, Lily Rakow and Caroline Savage.

Newark area residents include Jacob Bowden, Alex Bradford and Hannah Jones.

Ocean City area residents include Alexander Bean, Chad Bromley, Blake Bukowski, John Bunke, Liangliang Difilippo, Alexander Dunstan, Logan Figgs, Diana Grechukhina, Brittany Grove, Emma Hancock, Sarah Hancock, Menelaos Harris, Christopher Jackson, Jeremy Jordan, Bryce Kalchthaler, Prakriti Khadgi Shahi, Paige Kreppel, Kyle Littleton, Michael Lott, Jenna McLaurin, Caitlin McLeavey, Zachary Odachowski, Asil Omar, Omar Omar, Vladislav Orlov, Gina Pappas, Danya Sbih, David Walsh, Hannah Wancowicz, Matthew Ward and Gabrielle Wilkins.

Ocean Pines area residents include Bailey Hanna, James Meashey and Preeti Rao. Pocomoke City area residents include Hope Bowden, Alexandra Butler, Sarah Butler, Madison Cunha, Savanna Hoffman, Shehzeen Ijaz, Caleb King, George Lawrence, Kristy Mas-

RIDE THE B ANYWHERE IN OCEAN CITY

Announcements The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

on, Leah McGee, McKenzie Mitchell and McCammon Mottley.

Snow Hill area residents include Anna Adams, Joshua Coleman, Areyhon Collick, Leslie Dixon, Kelsey Hall, Zanab Iqbal, Gerald Jeffra, Erica Jones, Michael Larger, Hunter McEntaffer, Gianna Pesaniello, Laura Short, Gabriel Simpson, Stephany Steele, Justin Taylor and Zion Wamley.

Stockton area residents include Maranda Makuchal and Skylar Nock.

Other area residents include Maci Barron of Girdletree and George Luzier of Whaleyville.

•Among the Class of 2024 welcomed this week to James Madison University are Alexa Upperman of Berlin who will major in biology and Bridget Buxbaum of Ocean City who will also major in biology.

•Earning degrees from Frostburg State University (FSU) in the spring were Ian Colbert of Berlin who received a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries, and Zachary Soderlund, of Berlin, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

In addition, students named to the Dean’s List from FSU were Arran Mills, of Ocean Pines and Hunter Morris.

•Students during the 2020 spring semester at The University of Alabama were named to the Presidents List included Hayden McWilliams of Fenwick Island and Tara Fischer of Berlin.

•More than 400 students at Bethel University's College of Professional Studies were named to the Dean’s List including including Alexander Wright of Berlin. To qualify for the Dean's List, undergraduate students must have

Page 57 completed a minimum of 12 graded credit hours and earned a GPA of 3.70 or higher.

•Riley Dickerson of Ocean Pines, who is majoring in Game Production Management, has been named to the Champlain College Dean's List for the Spring 2020 semester. Students on the Dean's List have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher during the semester.

•Thomas Albert of Berlin graduated cum laude from York College of Pennsylvania on May 31. Albert earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

•Page Athey of Selbyville, Del. will enter Kutztown University in the fall as the newest member of the Golden Bear family. Athey comes to KU from Sussex Technical High School.

•James Church of Ocean City has been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the McDaniel College Spring 2020 Dean's List with High Honors.

Page 58

The Knights of Columbus Tuesday Seafood Nights have moved to a carryout model with Ken Lamont, Richard Fox and Joe Lazzari bringing orders out to the cars.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

People

By Jeanette Deskiewicz

FEATURING THOSE HELPING CAUSES IN THE RESORT AREA

Members of the National Civil Air Patrol Maryland Wing Gianna Wilson, Fallon Novak and Annabelle Death were looking for new recruits during OC Air Show 2020.

In Society

September 4, 2020

Zydeco-a-Go-Go put on quite a show-show for attendees of a recent Thursday Night Sunset Park Party Concert.

US Airforce Airmen Jessica Sbat, Caitlin Tarr and Emanuel Knowlton of The F22 Raptor Demo Team were ready for the jet to show off at the OC Air Show last month.

Promoting the Delaware Aviation Museum in Georgetown at the OC Air Show were Bob Ferguson and Bill Rozek of the Panchito B-25 Team.

Town of OC Special Events Department sponsored a Thursday Night Sunset Park Party Concert, with Lisa Mitchell and Frank Miller making sure everyone masked up and socially distanced.

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office deputies Kelly Riwniak and Mark Wolinsky handed out safety information at this year’s OC Air Show.

Selling refreshments at the Thursday Night Sunset Park Party Concert were Gary Wormann, Diane Wormann and Neil Byrne of OC Recreation Boosters.

This Tuesday will be the final Knights of Columbus Seafood Night of the season, so call kitchen brothers Kevin and John Hughes at 410-524-7994 to get your order in.

At the OC Air Show, Trooper Stacy Wolf and Sergeant Reginald Singleton were the faces behind the masks at the Maryland State Police Aviation Command merchandise truck.

September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 59

OCBP Mission: Education, Prevention, Intervention

Page 60

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 4, 2020

GUARDING THE BEACH

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – When some people think of the Ocean City Beach Patrol, they might think of tanned lifeguards rescuing drowning people. The beach patrol surf rescue technicians (SRTs/lifeguard) do make rescues, but there is much more to what we do to ensure that all beach patrons are safe. Our mission statement has three goals -- education of the public, prevention of potential accidents and intervention (making rescues).

In the last 20-plus years, the education portion of our mission has become a bigger focus and this directly supports the prevention and intervention aspect of our mission. The beach patrol has instituted and incorporated numerous things aimed at educating the public to potential dangers at the beach. We also utilize the talents of a part-time public education coordinator

to assure of safety messages are spread far and wide and we have seen the positive effects of this effort in less serious incidents and far less off-duty deaths due to drowning.

The beach patrol has made it a point to generate and distribute literature and information to the public regarding rip currents, shallow water diving, dangerous shore break, digging holes in the sand, and many other hazards. This literature comes in many forms. At the head of every street north of the boardwalk there are informational signs as well as on the back of every lifeguard DAMIEN stand. Our website ww- SANZOTTI w.ococean.com/ocbp has safety information and pictures of rip currents. Our guards also hand out pamphlets that have information about ocean safety every Sunday during their beach safety seminars.

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The Ocean City Beach Patrol has also worked with other organizations such as the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, Sea Grant and Johns Hopkins University. The patrol has been active in supplying NOAA with data that assists the agency in forecasting rip currents.

Another program the beach patrol started about 25 years ago was the beach safety seminar. Every Sunday morning, in at least 18 different locations along the entire Ocean City shoreline, beach patrons can listen to a beach safety seminar given by members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol. If you have a group that you would like to participate in a personalized beach safety seminar you can contact our office or the guard on your beach. The seminar has become an integral part of educating the public. Every Sunday thousands of beach patrons come and see the seminars and get the latest information about ocean safety, the bea-

HERE’S MY CARD

ch patrol and Ocean City itself.

Our lifeguards also frequently do what we call an EDU (semaphore (flag signal language) abbreviation for education). An EDU is when a lifeguard recognizes a potential hazard or dangerous circumstance (rip current, heavy surf, etc.) and gets a group of beach patrons together to warn and inform them about the hazard. The idea is that if the public is well informed, they will make better decisions, which will result in a safer beach environment for everyone.

As I said before, educating the public is the most important part of our mission. The current pandemic has made this process even more difficult for our guards. To help your local lifeguard, please approach them and ask about any dangers or hazards on your beach.

(The writer has been with the beach patrol for 17 years and is currently a sergeant.

He is a physical education teacher at Berlin Intermediate School.)

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September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 61

OCBP ALUMNI OF THE WEEK

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

OCEAN CITY – If I start to look back at nearly 30 years of public service and rescue work, I have to look back to where it all began: Ocean City.

Spending summers in Ocean City was something that I had done almost all my life. During the summer of 1991 while I was out bodyboarding, I assisted in the rescue of multiple victims. I remember that a person drowned in that incident. That had an effect on me and made me want to take my ocean knowledge and help save lives. Being reasonably athletic, and loving the ocean, I understood it well enough to go out in some pretty wild surf. I decided to take the plunge and try out for a job with the Beach Patrol. I spent that winter swimming at the pool at Towson State to get ready for the test which took place in 50-ish degree water on a

cold and rainy day in May. With the school year finished, I joined the OCBP and headed straight into rookie school where I met people who would become lifelong friends.

I was sent downtown to Crew 3 for my first day of “On the Job Training” during a very stormy day. The crew was “pulled back” on the Boardwalk due to the weather. They sent me running up and down the Boardwalk to keep people off the beach. They wanted to make sure I didn’t have a problem talking to people and explaining why they shouldn’t be out on the beach in a storm. All the while they tried to stay dry as the only issued rain gear we had were small yellow ponchos that barely covered half your body.

One particular day, I felt like I never sat down on my stand. There was a strong longshore current running, and people were getting dragged towards the 9th Street jetty. Crew 3 made rescue after rescue that day, even as we tried to warn people. If beachgoers got in the

Chris Stankis, top, spent three summers on the beach patrol from 19921994.

Submitted Photo

HERE’S MY CARD

water past their knees, they would get swept down the beach to the rocks. I might have made 20 rescues that day, with the guys on either side of me making nearly that many as well. I had to swim several people further out to sea

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so I could take them around the seaward side of the jetty before coming back to the beach.

The beach patrol was in the midst of an exciting transition in early 1990’s.

The wild past was fading away, and a new professional spirit was emerging.

I was very committed to my daily work on the beach. Crew 3 worked a section of beach that was busy, with two large jetties in our area. I got in the habit of being there early, because you needed to be sharp and ready every day.

I would spend my entire OCBP career in Crew 3 (1992-1994) and sat next to the 9th Street jetty for two summers.

When I go back to visit Ocean City, I still try to spend some time on the beach and in the ocean in that area. It’s that much of a part of my Ocean City experience.

Stankis currently works for the Maui Fire Department in Hawaii. When he’s not busy saving lives, he can be seen in the ocean doing what he loves – surfing, diving, swimming and pursuing his passion for ocean photography.

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Page 62

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 4, 2020

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above a fox is pictured near the Inlet during a sunrise last week. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 63

with Scott Lenox Happy September. After another busy season, I, for one, am ready for my two favorite months out of the year here in Ocean City. Some kids are heading back to school now and families are starting to get into a more “normal” routine, and Ocean City and the surrounding area become a little less crowded starting in September. Less crowds means more room to spread out on the water and take advantage of what I think is some of the best fishing of the entire year. We usually see some sort of awesome white marlin bite in September, tuna fishing can be good all the way through November, sea bass and bottom fishing in the ocean gets even better as the water cools and most every species that we catch in our back bays is available now through November. If the weather cooperates, September and October can be awesome months to go fishing in and around Ocean City and there is usually a little more space to do it.

We had another decent bite for yellowfin tuna early last week around the Hot Dog and Hambone area where boats that were chunking butterfish

were catching a nice class of fish in the 50-60-pound range. It wasn’t off the charts good, but it was good enough to put some fish in the fish box and keep clients happy. Most boats saw a couple of fish with the top boats producing six to eight for their parties. Billfishing in the offshore canyons is “okay,” but should get good before the month is out. White marlin will congregate in our offshore canyons in September before heading south with warmer water, and we can see some of the best white marlin fishing in the entire world sometimes. When the bite is right, it’s not rare for a boat to have 20 or more shots at white marlin with double digit releases in September. I’ll never forget a September day about 10 years ago when the crew of the Billfisher released 57 white marlin in a day. Yes, 57.

It’s a record that still stands to this day and probably will for a long time. It just goes to show you that offshore fishing off of Ocean City in September can be pretty awesome.

The ocean going party boat fleet is still catching an incredible amount of SEE PAGE 64

This group had an insane day offshore with Captain Dan Stauffer of the Fin Chaser when they released a white marlin and boated a 40-pound wahoo and a pile of tilefish.

Submitted Photos

Page 64

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 4, 2020

Above top, left, this big golden tilefish ate the wrong bait under the Fish Bound with Captain Kane Bounds at the helm. Above top, middle, Tom is a regular on the Angler with Captain Chris Mizurak and he regularly catches limits of flounder like he did on this trip. Above top, right, Captain Jason Mumford of Lucky Break Charters lends a hand to display a jumbo sheepshead he put this lucky angler on. Above left, Nathan Babikow fished the Green Boat and caught this stud 38-pound mahi. Above right, my long-time friend Dale Timmons and I got on the flounder last week using live bunker and put fish of 19 1/2, 20 1/2 and 23 ¼ inches in the boat.

Opposite page, top left, Ned Harrington won the fish pool when he caught this nice mahi on the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins. Opposite page, top right, Captain John Prather of Ocean City Guide Service found clean water and four keeper flounder for this happy group of anglers. Opposite page, middle left, Ben Sterling, Brad Smith, Dr. Jeff Michael and @spankbubble landed this big 186-pound bigeye after a 3.5-hour fight. Opposite page, middle right, Captain Joe Drosey of Rhonda’s Osprey gave this group an awesome day offshore that included two white marlin releases and six yellowfin tuna. Opposite page, bottom left, Jake, Cade, Matt and Captain Chase Eberle of Chasin’ Tides Charters had a short, but good trip to some inshore structure that produced some nice flounder and sea bass. Opposite page, bottom right, this crew had a great time on the Spring Mix II with Captain Chris Watkowski chunking up six fat yellowfin tuna for the fish box.

... Fish In OC

FROM PAGE 63 sea bass with more flounder and mahi coming over the rail every day. Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star says he hasn’t seen sea bass fishing this good so late into the season since 2003 and I agree. Usually May and November are the best months for sea bass fishing, but we’ve seen lots of fish with plenty of keepers all summer long.

Hopefully the sea bass stick around right through the close of the season on Dec. 31 and keep ocean going bottom fishermen happy all fall. There have been more and more flounder and mahi being caught inshore over the past couple of weeks to the delight

of private anglers and the inshore charter and party boat fleets. Anglers fishing the edge of wrecks and artificial reefs from two to 20 miles offshore have had great luck with flounder up to as big as 7 pounds. Mahi can be found from five to 60 miles offshore with a nice concentration of fish between 10 and 20 miles. Look for floating debris, lobster pots or sea bass floats and there just might be a good school of mahi below. They will occasionally fall for artificial baits, but they much prefer cut bait like ballyhoo or squid and they go absolutely crazy for red meat from tuna or false albacore.

I’m starting to see some larger flounder being caught in the back bays of Ocean City over the past week or so by anglers using larger live baits like bunker, spot and mullet. I had two great trips last week with two awesome friends

where we used live “peanut” bunker on our Fish in OC Doormat Destroyer live bait rig and put some nice fish in the boat. My old friend Dale Timmons and I fished on Monday and had fish of 19 1/2, 20 1/2 and 23 ¼ inches, and my good buddy David Wells and I fished on Wednesday and had fish of 18, 18”, 20 1/2 and 22 ¾ inches. Most of the fish were caught on live bunker with the larger fish falling for live mullet.

None of the local tackle shops have the resources to keep these bait fish alive so it will be up to you to cast net some of your own. You can find live bunker and mullet in creeks, marina basins and marsh edges. They are tough to keep alive and you’ll get way fewer bites, but these baits will provide your best opportunity to land a true doormat flounder.

This weekend is the 62nd Annual

Labor Day White Marlin Tournament put on by the Ocean City Marlin Club. This is a fish two-of-three-day event with categories for billfish release, heaviest white marlin, heaviest tuna and heaviest mahi. Scales action will take place at Sunset Marina on Sept. 4, 5 and 6 from 6 until 8 p.m. each night. You do not have to be a member of the Ocean City Marlin Club to fish this event. For more information you can contact the OCMC at 410-213-1613. I’ll have all of the standings and results from the Labor Day White Marlin Tournament with photos every night in my Daily Angle fishing report at FishinOC.com.

Until next week, tight lines!!

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

September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 65

Page 66

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

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September 4, 2020

The Dispatch Classifieds

September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

$15/Week For Minimum Of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available)

Deadline For Insertions, Cancellations And Payment Is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Pre-Payment Is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard.

HELP WANTED FULL MOON SALOON: Now hiring Head Server and Floor Manager. Apply within. 12702 Old Bridge Road, West OC. 443-6645317.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MAINTENANCE/HANDYMAN: Large OC Association looking for full-time person to join the on-site staff. Competitive wages and benefits. Resumes can be emailed to dwilson@legumnorman.com or faxed to 410-723-0676 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FT ADMIN ASSISTANT/RECEPTIONIST: Monday – Friday. Team Environment. 410.213.1554.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION WORKERS: Must have valid DL. Reliable transportation to work.

Call 410-641-2177. The Moore Companies, Berlin, MD. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST: Small, friendly dental office, FT or PT. Email resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GROUNDSKEEPER: $15/hour.

Full Time. RV Park Bishopville.

Call 410-352-3140.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

PART TIME COOK: Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Elks Lodge 2645, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave., OC. Please contact Steve Gough, Lodge Manager at 240-454-4207.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– OFFICE MANAGER: For West OC/Berlin Community, MON-FRI 9am-5pm. Experience Required.

Call 410-641-1671.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SUN N FUN MOTEL NOW HIRING

PT DESK CLERK

APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Fri 9am-4pm 29th St & Baltimore Ave.

Hiring All Positions

SERVERS BUSSERS COOKS HOSTESSES BARTENDERS

Apply Within 31st St. Coastal Hwy. 410-289-2581 128th St. Coastal Hwy. 410-250-2304

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Year Round - Full/Part Time ~SERVERS ~BUSSERS ~HOSTESS ~POOL ATTENDANT ~DRIVER ~GRILL COOKS ~LINE COOK ~DISHWASHER ~WAREHOUSE CLERK ~ROOM ATTENDANT ($13/HOUR) ~LAUNDRY ~HOUSEKEEPING HOUSESTAFF ~SECURITY GUARD ~NIGHT AUDIT EXCELLENT BENEFITS!

FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD. 21842 EOE M/F/D/V

MASON TENDER/ SCAFFOLD BUILDER

Location in Ocean City, MD $24/Hour Contact Dave at 302-547-1575.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS

WORK FROM HOME $20,000 PER MONTH CALL 302.335.7000

TOW TRUCK DRIVERS

We are now hiring for full time tow truck drivers in the Ocean Pines and Clarksville / Selbyville areas.

Must be experienced. Great Pay & Benefits!!

Call: 443-497-0465

Page 67 PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

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

Currently hiring manpower for

•STUCCO & EIFS MECHANICS •CARPENTERS •CONCRETE BLOCK •COATINGS SPECIALISTS •FLAT CONCRETE •CONCRETE REPAIRS •PT WELDER •COMMERCIAL CAULKING •WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLERS •WAREHOUSE HELP (DRIVER’S LICENSE REQ’D) Experience Preferred. Tools, transportation & a valid driver’s license are a plus. Competitive benefit package available.

Please apply in person at 11935 Hammer Rd, Bishopville, MD, or apply online: http://allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

NOW HIRING!

YEAR ROUND DRIVERS Apply Within

Johnny’s Pizza & Pub, Bayside, 56th Street & Coastal Highway

La Quinta Inn & Suites NOW HIRING FOR ALL POSITIONS

Come Join Our Winning Team!

WE PAY MORE - $13-$15 PER HOUR! PLUS SEASONAL AND YEAR END BONUSES

SEE OUR JOB LISTINGS ON INDEED

Now accepting applications for the following positions!

Or Apply In-Person at: 106 32nd St, Ocean City, MD, (410) 289-5762

Over Night Front Desk Room Attendant Houseperson Laundry Attendant Maintenance Server Cashier Barista

I NDI AN RI VE R MARI NA NOW HI RI NG!

Looking for experienced personnel with customer service skills. Must be flexible with hours. Email resume to jobs@carouselhotel.com or stop by and complete an application at the Front Desk.

We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE

•FUEL DOCK SUPERVISOR

Year Round position supervising Fuel Dock Staff.

Responsible for inventory of resale items, fuel inventory and other duties assigned.

•FUEL DOCK ATTENDANTS

Seasonal position fueling boats, dock hand duties, and other duties assigned.

Apply Online at Delaware Job Link https://delawarestatejobs.com AA/EOE

Ride the B in OC!

WORCESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Community Health Nurse I & Community Health Nurse II Temporary Positions

Duties include but not limited to providing community health nursing services in assigned programs to individuals and/or families in the community, using the nursing process. Services provided include, but are not limited to immunization services, other clinical services as identified, and providing public health guidance/education.

Must possess a current license as a Registered Nurse from the Maryland Board of Nursing. Valid driver’s license required. Background check & drug screening required.

Please send resume and cover letter by September 11, 2020 to Debora Farlow, 6040 Public Landing Road Snow Hill, MD 21863, e-mail debora.farlow@maryland.gov or fax to 410-632-0064.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221

SERVICES Ceja’s Landscaping & More!

•YARD MAINTENANCE •PAINTING •POWER WASHING 410-251-3425 410-202-2545

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Page 68

Classifieds

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 2181

RENTALS

COMMERCIAL

UPDATED 2BR/1BA APT: Beautiful historic downtown Berlin, MD, walking distance to shops and restaurants. $1250/mo with first and last month’s rent due at signing along with a $1250 security deposit. No Smoking. No Pets. Call (410)-641-2111, ask for Jessica.

SMALL OFFICE—MEDICAL SPACE FOR LEASE: 10031 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin. $395 per mo. Utilities included. Multiple spaces available. 443-856-5241.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT: 1,100SF, Main St., Berlin.

Easy on-ground level access, plenty of parking. $1,275 per mo. incl. CAM + all utils. 410-641-0128.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 OfficeRetail and 1 Warehouses. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– OFFICE FOR RENT: Millville/Ocean View area. Approx.

950sf. Professional Office. No CAM fees. Easy access from Rt. 26, Central Ave., Cedar St., Reba Rd. Beautiful grounds, ample parking, front and rear. 717-989-5365.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– UPSCALE MIDTOWN OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT: 2,130 sq.ft.

No CAM fees. 443-880-2225.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEEKLY RENTALS: Time & Tide Condominium. Efficiency and 2BR units with full kitchens. Pool. 2605 Baltimore Avenue. Oceanside near boardwalk. Price Reduced. $800-$1100/week. 410-218-5249.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YR FENWICK WOODS: 1BR Condo. Unfurnished, washer/ dryer, central air, garbage disposal. $1200/mo. 443-235-0193 or Steve@OceanPointLtd.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WINTER RENTAL: Condos 52nd & 127th, OC. 1BR, 1BA. Great locations, Nice. Starts Oct. 1st. $250 per week. Sec. Deposit reqd.

Cable & WiFi incl. 267-254-0111.

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Legal Notices

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

SECOND INSERTION MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & LESLIE, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18354 To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM ELLIS ADAMS, ESTATE NO. 18354.

Notice is given that MARY REGINA ADAMS, 11221 BEVERLY STREET, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813 was on, AUGUST 21, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of

WILLIAM ELLIS ADAMS, who died on JUNE 8, 2020, with a will. There was a prior small estate proceeding.

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.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 4, 2020

(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

(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

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

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

(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.

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwispe 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 28, 2020

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication AUGUST 28, 2020

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication AUGUST 28, 2020

MARY REGINA ADAMS Personal Representative

MARC A. APPEL Personal Representative

CYNTHIA M. REYNOLDS 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, 8-28, 9-4, 9-11

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, 8-28, 9-4, 9-11

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, 8-28, 9-4, 9-11

SECOND INSERTION MARC A. APPEL, ESQ. 455 MAIN STREET REISTERSTOWN, MD 21136

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18391 To all persons interested in the estate of BARBARA L. GREENSPUN, ESTATE NO. 18391. Notice is given that MARC A. APPEL, 455 MAIN STREET, REISTERSTOWN, MD 21136 was on, AUGUST 18, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BARBARA L. GREENSPUN, who died on JULY 30, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21st day of FEBRUARY, 2021.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18TH day of FEBRUARY, 2021.

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

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:

SECOND INSERTION

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18401 To all persons interested in the estate of ROBERTA KAY REYNOLDS, ESTATE NO. 18401. Notice is given that CYNTHIA M. REYNOLDS, 12 SEVERN RIVER ROAD, SEVERNA PARK, MD 21146 was on, AUGUST 24, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBERTA KAY REYNOLDS, who died on MAY 23, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24TH day of FEBRUARY, 2021.

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

SECOND INSERTION

C GREGORY COBURN ESQ. 6806B COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18402 To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN PHILLIP LANSINGER, ESTATE NO. 18402.

Notice is given that JEFFREY G. LANSINGER, 60 RENWICK AVENUE, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10301 was on, AUGUST 24, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN PHILLIP LANSINGER, who died on AUGUST 6, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24TH day of FEBRUARY, 2021.

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

fore the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication AUGUST 28, 2020 JEFFREY G. LANSINGER 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, 8-28, 9-4, 9-11

FIRST INSERTION

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18408 To all persons interested in the estate of SUSANNE C. HAILE, ESTATE NO. 18408.

Notice is given that EDMUND F. HAILE, 106 NORTH MORRIS STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 was on, AUGUST 25, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SUSANNE C. HAILE, who died on AUGUST 6, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25TH day of FEBRUARY, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal repre-

The Dispatch

September 4, 2020

LEGAL RATES: Legal advertising rate is $7 per column

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

sentative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 EDMUND F. HAILE 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, 9-4, 9-11, 9-18

FIRST INSERTION

WILLIAM E. ESHAM III ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18409 To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA L ELLIS, ESTATE NO. 18409.

Notice is given that DEBRA W. BAYTON, 101 DEERWOOD DRIVE, WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23188 was on, AUGUST 27, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA L ELLIS, who died on JULY 30, 2020, with a will.

Legal Notices

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27TH day of FEBRUARY, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 04, 2020 DEBRA W. BAYTON 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, 9-4, 9-11, 9-18

FIRST INSERTION

JAMES H. PORTER JR, ESQ 11 VINE STREET POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18410 To all persons interested in the estate of BARRY LLOYD ANDREWS, ESTATE NO. 18410. Notice is given that ERNEST JOSEPH JONES, 2804 BREWSTER ROAD, WALDORF, MD 20601 was on, AUGUST 27, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BARRY LLOYD ANDREWS, who died on JUNE 18, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27TH day of FEBRUARY, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 ERNEST JOSEPH JONES Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT

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Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 9-4, 9-11, 9-18

at least sixty (60) days before the deadline to file response.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD 1 WEST MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 C-23-FM-19-000332

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County Room 104 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 9-4, 9-11, 9-18

FIRST INSERTION

IN THE MATTER OF MICAELA ONDINA PEREZ RICARDO FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO MICAELA ONDINA RICARDO ALVAREZ

BY AND THROUGH HER MOTHER PAULA RICARDO ALVAREZ NOTICE (MINOR) (MD RULE 15-901) The above Petitioner has filed a Petition for Change of Name in which she seeks to change her daughter last name from MICAELA ONDINA PEREZ RICARDO to MICAELA ONDINA RICARDO ALVAREZ. The Petitioner is seeking a name change because her daughter would like to take her mother’s last name.

That the father of aforesaid child is Respondent “NOEL PEREZ”. That this Publication Notice is his service of process for his whereabouts are unknown but believed to be in or around Georgetown, Delaware.

Unless the Respondent, NOEL PEREZ files a response to the Petition for the relief sought on or before 60 days after the publicaton of this notice in said Newspaper then a Judgement by Default will be entered against Respondent for the relief sought. The objection must be supported by an affidavit and served upon the Petitioner in accordance with Maryland Rule 1321. Failure to file an objection or affidavit within the time allowed may result in a Default Judgment.

A copy of this notice shall be published one time per week for 3 consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County Maryland

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 04, 2020

FIRST INSERTION

PETER S. BUAS, ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 PHONE: 410-289-3553 FAX: 410-289-4157 EMAIL: PBUAS@WHMSH.COM IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-CV-20-000108 VILLA-SPINA HOLDINGS LLC 1650 CAUGHLIN CREEK ROAD RENO, NV 89519 Plaintiff vs.

Bessie V. Toran 104 Schoolfield Street Berlin, MD 21811 Rogis Elwood Toran 104 Schoolfield Street Berlin, MD 21811 Worcester County, MD Treasurer's Office Government Center Room 1105 1 W. Market St. Snow Hill, MD 21863 Unknown owner of property described as Item No. 70, Account No. 01020854, Property description 66' X 65' 10" X 67' X 70' E SIDE FIFTH & YOUNG STS POCOMOKE, Deed Reference: 000084/00280, Assessed to Bessie V. Toran, The Unknown Owner's heirs, devisees, and personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right title and interest.

All persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property described as Item No. 70, Account No. 01020854, Property description 66' X 65' 10" X 67' X 70' E SIDE FIFTH & YOUNG STS POCOMOKE, Deed Reference: 000084/00280, Assessed to Bessie V. Toran.

Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Item No. 70, Account No. 01020854, Property description 66' X 65' 10" X 67' X 70' E SIDE FIFTH & YOUNG STS POCOMOKE, Deed Reference: 000084/00280, Assessed to Bessie V. Toran.

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

It is thereupon this 25TH OF AUGUST, 2020 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 26th day of October, 2020 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 04, 2020 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x, 9-4, 9-11, 9-18

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Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Cupid is strong in the Aries aspect this week, with the cherub opening romantic possibilities for single Lambs, and strengthening ties 'twixt loving pairs already in a caring relationship.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your dramatic flair might make things more interesting as you recount an event to your colleagues. But be careful not to exaggerate reality to the point that facts and fancy combine to form fiction.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You love to talk, and this week you should get lots of chances to share your thoughts with people who will not only pay attention to what you have to say, but will want to hear more.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): The pattern of recent changes could begin to shift from mostly workplacerelated events to more personal matters. Continue to keep an open mind as you prepare to deal with them.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Reward yourself for what's sure to be a dynamic week with a getaway to someplace wonderful, hopefully with a wonderful someone. You'll return refreshed and ready for what's ahead.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): You might want to suggest resolving an old disagreement before it can affect a matter expected to come up for discussion.

It's always best to start with a clean slate.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): The week favors combining dollops of cre-

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ativity and practicality to work out both professional and personal problems.

A longtime friend could have something of note to suggest.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Some surprising facts could come to light if you decide to probe deeper into an "opportunity" than you might usually do. What you'll learn could determine what you'll earn.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Someone close to you might seek your counsel. Hear him/her out, but hold the line at giving actual advice until you get credible answers to all your questions.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): What seems to be an overwhelming workplace project can be dealt with quite well if you handle one category at a time. Things will soon begin to fall into place.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): A personal matter might need more of your time than you had expected. Try to prioritize between your many outside commitments and your domestic responsibilities.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): A developing situation still needs more time to grow, and more time to study before you can plunge in and make some attention-getting waves. Patience is best for wise Pisceans.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a gift for organization that would make you a fine archivist. (Are you listening out there, Library of Congress?) © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like ...

September 4, 2020

WITH BUNK MANN

The original Atlantic Hotel in Ocean City was built in 1874 and 1875 and burned to the ground in December 1925.

This was Ocean City’s first hotel and many consider its grand opening on July 4, 1875 as the founding date of Ocean City.

Rebuilt in 1926 in a different style, the Atlantic Hotel still rents rooms to summer visitors today — the longest period of time that a hotel has continuously kept the same location in Ocean City’s history. This image is a scan of a postcard from about 1918.

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

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

By Steve Green

Getting updated family pictures taken A walk or run to clear my head

Success stories during COVID times Catching fish with my son

Before and after photos of a house project A good deed with no strings attached Young athletes who battle

When safety guidance is not contradicted Heading home on deadline day

Looking forward to traveling again

Watching young kids enjoy the ocean ANSWERS ON PAGE 48

September 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 4, 2020