Sept. 8

SERVING DELMARVA FOR 60 YEARS

Resort Planners OK Mini Golf Request

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A conditional use request for a miniature golf course will advance to the Mayor and Council with a favorable recommendation.

Nearly a year after receiving a conditional use for a new miniature golf course near 19th Street and Philadelphia Avenue, the connections of Nick’s Golf came before the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission Wednesday seeking another conditional use for an alternate location half a block to the north. Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy told the commission the applicant, Nick’s Golf LLC, was seeking a favorable recommendation after the previous conditional use expired.

“Mr. Geracimos received a conditional use approval in August of 2022 to relocate his operations to lots 150 through 154, locally known as 1901 and 1907 Philadelphia Avenue. The site plan was subsequently approved, but the applicant was unable to achieve the creation of the golf course …,” she explained. “To that extent, Nick’s Golf LLC is coming before you this evening to seek a second favorable recommendation to the Mayor and City Council for the conditional use in the LC-1 district to build the mini golf course with a featured accessory kids’ playground in a manner similar to the previous approval.”

For years, Nick’s Jurassic Mini Golf has operated from its location at 1801 Philadelphia Avenue. Last year, however, the planning commission approved a conditional use request for a new office complex on the site, prompting a relocation of the mini golf course.

Nick’s Golf LLC Principal Nicholas Geracimos has since purchased property just one block north with plans to construct a new and improved course. And last September, the Mayor and Council approved his conditional use request to operate in the LC-1 zoning district.

“Of course, as you know, about a year ago this applicant came forward and received a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and City Council for the mini golf course to be located on this property and through legal matters, they've had to make other arrangements,” Gordy told the commission this week.

She noted Geracimos was now seeking another conditional use to build his mini golf course just half a block to the north of the previously approved location. For his part, Geracimos said the 18hole course would be constructed in a manner similar to previously approved site plans, but that the layout had been reoriented.

“I’ve positioned it in a way that will minimize impacts on the neighbors,” he explained.

Bordered by the Islander Motel to the south and Mariner’s Watch to the north, the proposed mini golf course will feature an 18-hole course with landscaping and

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Owner Seeks Conditional Use For 18-Hole Course

waterfalls, a golf office and a ropes course.

While 18 parking spaces are required for an 18-hole course, Gordy said Geracimos’ plan calls for an additional five spaces. The parking lot, she noted, would be located to the south of the Islander Motel.

“They are required to have one parking space per hole …,” she explained. “They are proposing to provide 23 parking spaces for this conditional use.”

Commissioner Joel Brous questioned if the ropes course should require additional parking.

“That playground could be a destination …,” he said. “But I'm not sure that we have anything in our code section that gives a parking requirement for something like that within a golf course.”

Gordy agreed.

“That might be something you want to consider in the future,” she said. “But they are providing five extra spaces over what is required for the miniature golf course.”

Geracimos said he viewed the ropes course as an added amenity that could be enjoyed by the entire family. He added the proposed site also featured wider sidewalks and nearby crosswalks that allowed patrons to walk to the course.

“I believe we have ample parking and I believe it will be a heavily walked-to location,” he said.

Geracimos said he has made efforts to minimize impacts on the surrounding neighborhood. He said he had repositioned his lighting and reoriented the course so that most holes were located to the west, near Fish Tales.

“I think it makes sense for this area,” he said. “It’s commercial zoning. It’s good for the town, it’s good for the community and it complements the other businesses.”

In a public hearing held on the conditional use request, Islander Motel owner Peter Gikurias said he had opposed Geracimos’ previously approved plans for the lot south of his property. That disagreement, he noted, resulted in litigation.

“The court decided not to allow him to build mini golf there,” he said, adding that the case had been appealed.

Gikurias said he was now coming before the planning commission to oppose the new conditional use request for the property north of his motel. He said he was not only concerned about mini golf patrons cutting through his property, but about the potential noise associated with attractions on the site.

“Imagine going to a hotel and 10 feet from your headboard or pillow you have mini golf, which is going to be noisy,” he said. “That’s my main concern.”

Gikurias said he also had concerns with lighting. He also pointed out the proposed ropes course was 36 feet high, or roughly 10 feet higher than his building.

He ultimately argued the mini golf course was not compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.

“This is not going to help my business,” he said.

Local business owner Adam Lockhart

Showell Sr. acknowledged the ongoing conflict between the two property owners but said that Geracimos had made every effort to address Gikurias’ concerns. He argued the mini golf course could benefit the Islander Motel.

“It's an amenity to the motel, not a detriment to the motel,” he said.

While he argued that the previously approved location would have been a better location for Nick’s Mini Golf, business owner Doug Buxbaum said he supported the new conditional use request.

“He has created a brand that makes many businesses envious. He does a great job …,” he said. “Nick’s Mini Golf is definitely good for Ocean City and that location.”

Businessman Leighton Moore agreed. He noted that amusements were needed in Ocean City.

“Someday all you're going to have is

mini golf. I like mini golf, but that's what you're going to have. You're not going to have rides in this town. It's not going to happen. They're going to go away,” he said. “So I would encourage you in this instance – and if you can in any instance – provide some type of family entertainment in this town. Because someday, if we don't, you're going to be stuck with nothing.”

Demetrios Kaouris, Gikurias’ attorney, argued that the conditional use request should be denied. He opined that the mini golf course failed to provide enough parking for the attractions found on the site and that the ropes course was not permitted in the LC-1 district. He added that the mini golf course was inconsistent with the comprehensive plan and incompatible with the existing neighborhood.

“I have laid out for you, in my view,

very legal reasons why this application should not go through and should be denied,” he said.

Kristina Watkowski, Geracimos’ attorney, argued that mini golf courses were supported in the comprehensive plan and that her client’s course was compatible for the surrounding area. She added that no nearby residents had attended the public hearing to object to Geracimos’ request.

“I think this is completely suitable and appropriate and I ask that you approve this plan,” she said.

Following a two-hour meeting, the commission voted unanimously to forward the conditional use request to Mayor and Council with a favorable recommendation.

“I actually think this is compatible with the existing area,” said Commissioner Joe Wilson.

Margaritaville Project Hearing, Site Plan Review Postponed

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A public hearing and site plan review for the proposed Margaritaville project have been postponed as the developer works to modify plans.

While a public hearing and site plan review were scheduled this week for the planned Margaritaville project, Hugh Cropper, attorney for the developer, said both meetings have been postponed. As two plans make their way through the approval process, he said he is hoping his client can work with the city to develop a hotel and conference center that meets code requirements.

“We postponed it to address challenges with the city,” he said in an interview Tuesday. “We’re revising both the planned overlay development and height-

by-right plans.”

Since 2021, the connections of the Margaritaville project have been seeking a planned overlay district (POD) designation for a large hotel and conference center that would encompass an entire oceanfront block between 13th and 14th streets. To secure that designation, however, the developer must meet the 90,000-square-foot site requirement.

To that end, Cropper came before the Mayor and Council last month with a request to hold a public hearing for the abandonment of a portion of Washington Lane, which bisects the property. He said his client was willing to purchase the alleyway to qualify for a POD zoning designation.

“This is a request to ask you to schedule a public hearing to accept comment on our request to purchase Washington Avenue, 16 feet wide, at fair market value,” he said at the time. “We will hire and pay for an appraisal of your choice and offer to pay fair market value to purchase Washington Lane.”

After a lengthy discussion, the council voted 4-3 to move the request to a public hearing. And on Sept. 5, the Mayor and Council was expected to hear testimony from community members to determine if the alleyway continues to serve a public purpose.

Last Friday, however, the town announced the public hearing had been postponed and removed from the Mayor and Council’s meeting agenda.

“The public hearing for the abandonment and closure of Washington Lane between 13th and 14th Street has been postponed,” the notice reads.

It should be noted that while they continue to seek a preferred POD project, the connections of the Margaritaville development have concurrently submitted a new site plan to the town’s planning and zoning department that includes fewer amenities, less square footage and a different configuration. The second plan, which would be built under the height-byright statute if a POD designation is not secured, also includes a request to convey air rights above Washington Lane to the developer.

In an interview this week, Cropper said a site plan review scheduled for the Sept. 6 planning and zoning commission meeting had also been postponed. He said the delay would give his client time to address the city’s interpretation of the code.

“I originally postponed the public hearing so I can do my height-by-right plan first …,” he explained. “Unfortunately, I’ve had to postpone that too.”

Cropper said his client would be revising both the POD plan and height-byright plan in the coming days. He said there is also the issue of the property’s nonconformity for density, which officials say is set to expire on Sept. 21.

“There’s the issue with the timeline with respect to the nonconformity,” he said. “At this time the nonconformity is valid. As we work with the city, I certainly hope the city will continue to honor everything we’re working towards.”

A scaled down version of the Margaritaville redevelopment project was recently released. Submitted Rendering

‘Maui Strong’ Surpasses $100K In Sales

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A local surf shop continues to raise funds for Maui following recent wildfires.

In recent weeks, Quiet Storm Surf Shop began selling “Maui Strong” Tshirts to benefit two Hawaiian nonprofits helping to rebuild parts of the island devastated by wildfires. As of Wednesday, the local company has raised $100,000 through T-shirt sales.

“We’re just trying to feed and clothe people that lost everything,” Quiet Storm Owner Bill Dreibelbis said this week. “There’s a lot of ways to do it. But this money is going directly to Maui. There are no administrative fees or anything.”

In August, wildfires erupted on Maui, destroying the historic town of Lahaina and killing more than 100 people.

After hearing the news, Dreibelbis –who at one time had a Quiet Storm store in Maui – began working with his team to develop “Maui Strong” shirts, which would be sold to raise funds for Maui charities.

“I lived there for two winters, and I have a lot of friends there,” he explained. “I’ve been going there since 1979, and I was just there in March. It’s my favorite place to go in the whole country.”

Dreibelbis said T-shirts went on sale last month for $30 each. He noted that the response was so positive, Quiet Storm stores have had to restock on all

colors and sizes.

“We’re going to be getting a new batch in,” he said. “We’ve also been talking to the Oceans Calling people, and they are hopefully going to allow us to set up at the festival too.”

Dreibelbis said proceeds from the “Maui Strong” T-shirts will be donated to two charities set up by his friends – Kim Ball, owner of Hi-Tech Surf Sports, and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac. Their nonprofits, Maui Sports Foundation and Mick Fleetwood Foundation, have been helping families impacted by the wildfires.

“This is going to help them feed, clothe and house people,” he said.

Dreibelbis said he also wanted to spread the word that Maui is open to visitors. He noted that while wildfires have devastated a small portion of the island, tourism has suffered.

“Eighty percent of their economy is based on tourism, and they are not getting the people,” he said.

While Quiet Storm has raised $100,000 through its T-shirt sales, Dreibelbis said he has no plans of stopping there. He said he hopes to generate $300,000 or more in the coming months.

“I’m horrified by what happened there, so I want to help,” he said. “It’s going to take a lot of help from a lot of people.”

Dreibelbis said “Maui Strong” T-shirts are sold in all Quiet Storm Surf Shops and online at quietstorm.com.

Berlin Unlikely To Pursue Town Hall AV System

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Town officials deemed an audio-visual system upgrade too expensive to pursue in Berlin.

The Berlin Town Council last week reviewed pricing related to installing a new audio-visual system at town hall. Council members agreed not to meet with company representatives once they saw the system’s annual subscription fee of more than $50,000.

“It’s not worth it,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said. “At the end of the day, it’s going to be too expensive.”

In the spring, the town asked Cards Technology to be begin researching audio-visual options for council chambers at town hall. While the town currently uses Facebook Live to broadcast meetings, officials wanted to explore other options. Research revealed that most local com-

munities work with Granicus, the company that offers Swagit. Swagit features agenda management, streaming, video storage and closed captioning, among other things.

“It’s robust, it’s user friendly, it looks good,” Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said.

She added, however, that the equipment cost $84,000 and the annual subscription was $51,768.

“We can have them come, demonstrate their system, and you can ask them questions about what they might be able to trim out, eliminate, that might bring that price down,” Bohlen said. “But it is still going to be a hefty price.”

The town had budgeted $50,000 in ARPA funding for audio-visual system improvements.

Councilman Steve Green suggested the Swagit system was more than the town needed.

“We’re going from the Pinto to the Cad-

illac,” he said.

Bohlen said tweaking the Swagit proposal by eliminating a camera or two likely wouldn’t have a huge impact on the system cost. She added that the town’s existing audio system couldn’t be improved much.

“It’s not about the microphones and the speakers,” she said. “It’s about the shape of the room. The low ceiling, the long room. This is about as good as the audio system is going to get.”

Councilman Jack Orris said when the town hosted the Senate hearing last month the audio had been fine. Bohlen said the speakers that day had made a point to speak directly into the microphones.

Tyndall said he agreed with council members that the Swagit system was too expensive for Berlin. Green asked what the town would do with the allocated ARPA funding.

“Let’s see where the projects come in and let’s go from there,” Tyndall said.

Resort Council Votes 4-2 To Ban Smoking In Parks

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week agreed to ban smoking and vaping in all city parks.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted 4-2, with Councilmen Tony DeLuca and Peter Buas opposed and Councilman John Gehrig absent, to approve the second reading of a code amendment that would make smoking and vaping unlawful in all public parks. The ordinance essentially eliminates designated smoking areas at Northside Park and changes references to marijuana.

“This removes Northside Park as a designated smoking area, thus prohibiting smoking and vaping in all public parks,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury explained last month. “And it modifies the reference to the word marijuana throughout this code section, as the state legislature, with the changes it the laws regarding this substance, has now asked that we refer to it as cannabis.”

In 2015, the council passed an ordinance making smoking and vaping unlawful in all public parks except Northside Park, where it would be allowed within 15 feet of designated smoking areas. That decision, officials say, was made to accommodate the vast number of smokers who participated in softball tournaments at Northside Park.

However, Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito told the council in August that those designated smoking areas were not being appropriately used, and that unlawful smoking and vaping had increased throughout the park to include the use of cannabis products in public spaces.

“Unfortunately, even with staff/promoter efforts to curtail unlawful smoking, participants are ignoring the Town Code in reference to smoking at Northside Park, and are not limiting their smoking to the designated smoking areas,” a memo to the council reads.

To that end, Petito recommended the town code be amended to make smoking and vaping unlawful in all public parks within town, effectively eliminating designated smoking areas from Northside Park.

Back on the agenda Tuesday for a second reading, the council voted to approve the code amendment with no discussion. Last month, DeLuca said he and Buas would oppose the ordinance, as it prohibited park users from smoking in designated areas.

“First of all, you are outside at Northside Park, your child or grandson hits a winning homerun, and you can’t even light up a Short Story [cigar] at a designated smoking area,” he said. “Next, it’s going to be the beach. Peter [Buas] and I pull our chairs back off the beach to the designated smoking area and fire up an Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story.

So I’m going to be voting no.”

Chris Parypa

Photo

Pocomoke Library Branch Design Efforts Move Forward

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Detailed design work for a new Pocomoke library can now begin following approval from county officials.

The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to move forward with detailed design work for a new Pocomoke library. The approval comes after library officials took steps to reduce project costs at the request of the commissioners.

“The library board and staff are excited to move into the full design phase of this project,” said Jennifer Ranck, director of the Worcester County Library, following the meeting. “We look forward to sharing progress plans with the com-

missioners and county administration in the months to come.”

Last month, when Ranck approached the commissioners seeking approval of a contract for design and bidding of a new Pocomoke branch, elected officials expressed concern with estimated project costs. At the time, staff said the projected cost of the new structure was $9.4 million, which included $520,000 for architectural and engineering design services as well as $1.2 million in contingency and escalation funding. The actual building cost was estimated at $8.7 million, or $691 a square foot.

The commissioners told Ranck they wanted to see the project’s estimated cost reduced to $600 a square foot.

Ranck and Procurement Officer Nicholas Rice returned to the commissioners this week with updated project estimates. The new projected cost is $7,426,254, or $592.54 per square foot. Changes incorporated to reduce project costs included reducing the building size by 567 square feet and elimination of geothermal and photovoltaic systems.

Rice said the library was now seeking approval to hire JSD Inc., for a fee of $468,301, to provide professional services to develop detailed building plans as well as specifications for bidding.

Commissioner Jim Bunting asked if the approval was for a design that the commissioners would be able to review and adjust later.

“This would be contracting for complete design phase services,” Rice said.

Bunting asked if there was something intermediate the commissioners could review before a final design was completed. Ranck said the library was only at 10% design now and that bid alternates would be developed and the commissioners would be updated.

Commissioner Caryn Abbott said she wanted to make sure the project would be subject to a bidding process.

“It seemed like reading through it Whiting-Turner was the assumed builder,” she said.

Ranck said Whiting-Turner had been hired to provide cost estimates for the project.

“We will bid out the construction part of it,” Rice said.

Commissioner Chip Bertino echoed Bunting’s interest in getting design information for the project before it was complete.

“As far as us getting updates during this process, 50%, however you decide how that is, you understand that’s what we want?” he said.

“Correct,” Rice said.

The commissioners voted unanimously to proceed with detailed design, instructing library officials to provide an update once the design reaches the 50% point.

A rendering of the proposed new Pocomoke branch of the Worcester County Library system is pictured. Image courtesy of Jeff Schoellkopf/The Design Group

Worcester County Seeks Updated OC Inlet Study

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Worcester County officials agreed to express interest in an updated study related to inlet shoaling.

The Worcester County Commissioners this week voted unanimously to send the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) a letter outlining the county’s interest in an update to a 1998 study addressing water resources and environmental impacts.

“This does support future work,” said Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs.

Following recent boat trips highlighting the shoaling problems near the Ocean City Inlet for state and federal officials, Mitchell told the commissioners this week the county was continuing to explore all options to address the issue.

“While shoaling has been occurring in the inlet since its creation, the pace of the accumulating sands has been accelerated after Hurricane Sandy in 2013,” he wrote in a report to the commissioners.

As a result, he said short-term solutions being explored included a more aggressive dredging schedule, removing more material from the shoals near certain buoys and relocating buoys.

He said long-term improvements being considered included exploring the potential for a third dredging boat for the region as well as a refreshment of the “1998 Ocean City, Maryland and Vicinity, Water Resources Study, Feasibility Report and Integrated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).” Mitchell said navigational and environmental conditions had changed since the 1990s. He suggested officials advise the USACE that Worcester County express interest in initiating a study partnership to get an update done.

“This would allow us to look at the issues experienced in the inlet more holistically…,” he wrote. “In other words, there are a lot of issues that should probably be looked at again 20-25 years later with a refreshed report. This report informs future project work and even assists with Corps maintenance priorities. It can be used and referenced in applications for follow-up grant funding for projects utilizing federal or state programs.”

He said seeking an update to the study did not commit the county to funding anything.

“These studies kind of support and provide the basis for a bunch of restoration work, a bunch of grant work,” he said. “I’m just coming to ask if we could submit a letter of support for this… We’re probably going to have a bunch of local and state partners in this as well as the Corps but we need a holistic study of what’s going on there to support what we want to do in the future.”

The commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter in support of an updated study.

Beach Patrol Reports Busy Weekend

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Rough ocean conditions and strong rip current activity led to a busy Labor Day weekend for the Ocean City Beach Patrol.

On Sunday, the Ocean City Beach Patrol recorded 230 water rescues with nine EMS requests and a couple aviation transports, resulting in a public alert being issued reminding swimmers to not go in the ocean beyond knee depth and to enter the water in front of a lifeguard.

“Check in with the guard and ask about conditions,” Capt. Butch Arbin reminded beachgoers this week. “Swim in front of the guard, especially now that we are spread out. Only swim when we are on duty!”

Throughout Labor Day weekend, the beach patrol reported having 472 rescues, with 152 occurring on Saturday, 230 occurring on Sunday and 90 occurring on Monday. Arbin also highlighted medical calls that were made throughout the holiday weekend.

“We did have a few medical calls. Mostly impact injury from shore break,” he explained, “waves that break on the beach with force and cause injuries such as dislocated shoulders.”

During a Mayor and Council meeting Tuesday, Mayor Rick Meehan publicly recognized the Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguards for their efforts over Labor Day weekend. He said a report from Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald indicated there were 34 lifeguard stands and 15 quads covering 10 miles of beach over the weekend. He said despite reduced staffing levels, guards were able to keep beachgoers safe under extreme conditions.

“It was truly a challenge for everybody, and I think we knew that,” Meehan said. “They sent out messages that were alerts. I did some interviews and videos about the conditions and asking people to swim near a lifeguard, modify their swimming, let them know rules would be modified and to be careful and safe on the beach. The message doesn’t always get across to everybody, and people are here on vacation. So it was the men and women of the beach patrol that stepped up.”

Meehan ultimately commended the Ocean City Beach Patrol for a successful summer season.

“To see them communicating with the public, doing their job and working together as teams with those on quads, it’s really amazing how they’ve been able to do what they’ve done this past summer, especially this past weekend,” he said. “I know all our residents and visitors appreciate them.”

Arbin noted that while the beach will continue to be covered through the end of September, there will be fewer lifeguards – or surf rescue technicians (SRTs) – on duty.

“We are always seeing a decrease in staff at this time of year due to our

staff returning to other obligations (mostly college) …,” he said Tuesday. “We have fewer stands today than yesterday and will have guards on until Sept 24th.”

Arbin added that the beach patrol uses all available lifeguards and continues to offer incentives – such as travel stipends and loyalty bonuses – that encourage guards to return on weekends.

“Fall guarding is different from guarding during the summer months and it comes with challenges,” a Facebook post from the Ocean City Beach Patrol reads. “We are in a reduced coverage mode with fewer lifeguard towers and SRTs patrolling the beach. To aid the SRT make sure to walk the short distance to the nearest lifeguard stand and check in with the SRT.”

Rough ocean conditions and strong rip currents resulted in more than 400 water rescues over Labor Day weekend. Above, a picture taken Sunday shows a busy beach.

Photo by Chris Parypa

County Seeking Tighter Cannabis Regs Than State Law

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – County officials discussed potential cannabis regulations, including a desire to keep dispensaries at least 2,000 feet from schools and childcare areas, this week.

The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday met with staff to discuss provisions related to cannabis use following statewide changes. While the language discussed will need to return to the commissioners for approval, they made it clear they want larger separation

distances than currently in state law.

“I think we need to do everything we can to make this as strict as possible,” Commissioner Jim Bunting said. Jennifer Keener, the county’s director of development review and permitting, told the commissioners that the state had already implemented conversion licenses for medical cannabis license holders and would be accepting new applications this fall. To be prepared for the new licenses, Keener said she was asking the commissioners to consider the county’s zoning approach to cannabis, separation distances for new dispensaries and on-site

consumption establishments. She said she recommended the county continue the same zoning approach that’s been in place since 2017 for medical cannabis. As far as separation distances, she said there was an option in state law to allow the county to reduce or eliminate separation distances for new dispensaries. The state requires those dispensaries to be at least 500 feet from a pre-existing school, licensed childcare center, registered family childcare home or a playground, recreation center, library or public park. The state requires dispensaries to be at least 1,000 feet from another dispensary.

Keener said counties couldn’t put an undue burden on dispensaries when implementing separation distances.

Nevertheless, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said he felt the separation distance from schools should be increased to at least 1,000 feet.

“I think we need to move it and take our chances with the undue burden,” he said.

Bunting asked how the state would even determine if there was an undue burden.

“It’s a test right now, I would say,” Keener responded. “We don’t have a real clear definition of ‘unduly burden.’”

Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said that state officials seemed to be comparing cannabis to alcohol in terms of retail establishments.

Commissioner Eric Fiori asked for the county attorney’s opinion on the issue.

“It sounds like the state is drawing a fairly clear line if we make it more difficult than alcohol sales we may have some ramifications,” Fiori said.

The county attorney said that while someone could challenge the county’s separation distance, whether they would win or not was unclear.

“This is untested waters,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “As someone who doesn’t like when this county’s told what to do, I’m all for 1,000 or 1,500 or whatever you all decide to do.”

Commissioner Ted Elder suggested 2,000 feet. Mitrecic said he would support that.

“It’d be nice to know how far Ocean City Elementary School is from our current dispensaries,” he said. “That would be an interesting number there. Personally, I feel like a lot of these places are going to go in the north end of the county along the Route 50 corridor if possible.”

Bunting said he felt the separation distance from existing dispensaries should also be 2,000 feet. The commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with a separation distance of 2,000 feet from schools as well as existing dispensaries. They also voted unanimously to prohibit on-site consumption establishments.

“We’ll draft all this into a bill for you,” Keener said. “That will all be coming back to you.”

Commission Approves New Apartment Plans

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Officials approved plans for a new apartment complex on Bay Street in Berlin.

The Berlin Planning Commission last week approved a preliminary site plan for Assateague Landing Apartments, a project planned for a 2.8-acre site on Bay Street. The approval comes after improvements were made by the developer since the project was initially presented in June.

“It’s 120% better than what you came in with before,” commission member Ron Cascio said.

In June, Chris Carbaugh of the Atlantic Group presented the commission with concept plans to build 20 one-story townhouse rental units on a 2.8-acre lot on Bay Street. While commission members said they’d like to see the property improved, they were critical of the elevation drawings presented and said the project needed to incorporate some overflow parking area.

Carbaugh returned to the commission last week with updated renderings of the project. He said that in response to the commission’s suggestions the developer had added eight guest parking spaces in addition to the two spaces provided to each unit. Five of the guest spaces will be located adjacent to the project’s stormwater management area while three will be located at the end of the cul-de-sac.

“The board also requested we make some aesthetic improvements to the elevations,” Carbaugh said, adding that the designer had incorporated front porches, some cupolas and had worked in some exterior material upgrades.

“It looks good to me,” commission member Pete Cosby said.

Commission member Chris Denny agreed it was an improvement over what was presented in June.

Gina Velong, a resident of Decatur Farms, said this project backed up to a portion of her community and she had stormwater concerns. She said homes near the project area already dealt with drainage issues.

“And now you’re going to have twice the amount of water coming at them,” she said, referencing the apartment project’s impervious surface.

Carbaugh said there was a 140-foot buffer between the development and Decatur Farms. He said the project would also be designed to handle stormwater.

“It’s required that we capture our runoff,” he said.

Planning Director Dave Engelhart said the developer would be required to submit stormwater management plans for inspection to his office before any permits were issued. Engelhart also read into the record a letter from Councilman Dean Burrell regarding the proposed development.

“It is my opinion the east side of Berlin has reached its capacity of multifamily units,” Burrell wrote.

The commission went on to vote 4-0 to approve the preliminary site plan for Assateague Landing Apartments.

A rendering shows what the Assateague Landing Apartments would look like along Bay Street. Submitted image

Burglary Attempted

OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was charged with burglary and trespassing after breaking a window to a hotel room.

On Sept. 1, around 9 p.m., a uniformed Ocean City bike officer responded to a report of glass being shattered around 6th Street and a shirtless male walking with blood on his hands. Trayvon Woodard, 25, of Lancaster, Pa., was identified as the suspect. Woodard’s arm and hand were cut, and he showed signs of being intoxicated. Woodard admitted to police he had consumed multiple shots of alcohol throughout the day. Woodard repeatedly tried to touch the police officers with his bloody hands. When asked to refrain, Woodard became loud and threatened the officers.

The caller who called in the incident told police he heard “three loud thuds followed by glass shattering,” according to the police report. A police investigation found the shattered glass was a unit’s window at a nearby hotel that had been

destroyed. Droplets of blood were found on the unit’s damaged window as well as the door and nearby spots. Shards of glass were also discovered in the suspect’s right arm. The injuries required stitches at Atlantic General Hospital, where Woodard screamed profanities around children in the emergency room.

Woodard was charged with fourth-degree burglary, malicious destruction of property and trespassing.

Indecent Exposure, Assault

OCEAN CITY – A local man is facing multiple charges after an afternoon flashing of private parts to a group followed by

an attempted whipping of one of the victims.

On Aug. 28, around 3 p.m., Ocean City police officers were dispatched to 9th Street and Baltimore Avenue for a report of 30 people assaulting a man. Around the same time a call came in for an indecent exposure on 10th Street involving a man exposing his penis to children and swinging a large leather whip at a group of adults.

Shortly after the initial call, another officer noticed a bicyclist nearly fitting the description of the suspect from the indecent exposure. Despite emergency lights and sirens being activated, Carter Der-

ickson Jr., 57, of Ocean City, continued to ride his bike northbound. Police were able to stop Derickson, who began immediately yelling at the responding officer.

When asked to provide identification, Derickson told the cop his ID was in his bookbag, which contained a black Husky claw hammer as well as large leather bull whip. Inside a pair of shorts in the bag were two spring-assisted opening knives not permitted in Ocean City.

Meanwhile, while Derickson was detained, other officers interviewed two victims of the alleged indecent exposure. The victims reported Derickson pulled down his pants and showed his private parts four times to them and their children who were on a condominium balcony. When the male victim went downstairs to talk with Derickson about his behavior, the suspect reportedly began swinging his whip at him. Police were able to obtain a short video confirming the indecent exposure.

Derickson was charged with two counts of indecent exposure, second-degree assault, carrying a dangerous weapon (leather whip) with intent and purpose to injure, carrying a dangerous weapon (claw hammer) with intent and purpose to injure and two counts of possession of a spring-assisted opening knife prohibited by city code.

Assault, Malicious Destruction

PURPLEMOOSE.COM

PURPLEMOOSE.COM

OCEAN CITY – A Maryland man’s actions in a hotel room with a woman he had just met led to indecent exposure, sexual assault and malicious destruction charges.

Ocean City police initiated an assault investigation on Aug. 26 when a woman reported meeting a man, later identified as David Topper, 49, of Frostburg, at a hotel. The victim and Topper had met on a dating app, “Seeking Arrangements.” After meeting in the hotel lobby, Topper and the woman went to his room.

Once inside the room, Topper made advancements on the victim, who informed him she was not interested in anything physical. The woman told police Topper inappropriately touched her body parts repeatedly and attempted to force oral sex at one point after he exposed himself. When the unwanted contact would not stop, the woman tried to leave the hotel room but Topper refused to stop blocking the door. The woman was eventually able to leave the room and Topper followed her to her vehicle.

According to the victim, Topper began punching and kicking her vehicle, breaking the driver’s side window. Police noted several dents to the vehicle. Approximately $1,000 in damage to the vehicle was estimated.

When police questioned Topper, he denied meeting the woman and any involvement in anything inappropriate. Topper was placed under arrest for fourth degree sex offense, second degree assault, indecent exposure and malicious destruction of property.

First-Degree Assault

OCEAN CITY – A first-degree assault charge has been filed against a local man after a domestic abuse investigation.

SEE PAGE 22

Eastern Shore Physical Therapy

FROM PAGE 20

On Sept. 4, around 5:30 a.m., Ocean City police responded to a residence on Trimper Avenue for a domestic dispute. A neighbor told police he could hear a man screaming obscenities, making threats and physically assaulting a woman inside the unit. The witness told police he heard Gary Duncan, 40, of Ocean City, scream, “I’m gonna kill you tonight,” among other threats.

Police arrived on the scene and could hear Duncan, “yelling and actively beating a female,” according to the police report. Police told Duncan repeatedly to exit the unit but he refused. Duncan did eventually come outside in an aggressive fashion. Police reportedly pointed their weapons at Duncan out of fear for their safety. Duncan then barricaded himself inside the unit.

Members of the Ocean City Police Department’s Quick Response Team were called to the scene, breaching the door and placing Duncan under arrest. Once Duncan was removed from the unit, police located the female hiding under blankets in a bedroom. The victim had blood coming from her nose and her face was severely beaten with one eye swollen shut. The woman had multiple open lacerations on her face and several abrasions on her body. EMS advised the visible injuries as well as a large cut on her stomach were life threatening if not treated immediately.

Duncan was charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, obstruction and hindering a police officer and reckless endangerment. A database searched found Duncan had previous convictions for assaults.

Weapons Charges

OCEAN CITY – A man driving without a license and insurance resulted in police last week locating two hidden weapons inside the vehicle.

On Aug. 31, around 1 a.m., Ocean City police observed a 2005 Cadillac STS with Virginia registration traveling west without headlights on along 60th Street. A MVA registration check found the vehicle was registered to a resident of Salisbury. It was also discovered the registered owner was Messiah McMillan, whose privilege to drive had been suspended three times. Police pulled the vehicle over, and McMillan exited his vehicle to talk with police.

Police asked McMillan why his vehicle was registered in Virginia and not Maryland. McMillan said his vehicle would not pass Maryland inspection. McMillan was later found to be wanted for a failure to appear the day before on Aug. 30.

An inventory of McMillan’s vehicle resulted in no insurance information being found. A black, replica revolver firearm was located between the driver’s seat and the center console. Police also found am eight-inch knife concealed between the passenger seat and the center console.

In addition to driving with a suspended license and other traffic offenses, McMillan was charged with carrying a concealed deadly weapon and transporting a gun replica within a vehicle.

Police Commission Talks Scooter, Noise Violations

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Police officials say they continue to educate the public on the use of scooters and two-wheel vehicles on sidewalks following recent complaints.

On Wednesday, members of the Ocean City Police Commission discussed recent complaints reported to the Ocean City Police Department involving the use of scooters and other two-wheel vehicles on the town’s sidewalks. Police Chief Ross Buzzuro said those concerns were being addressed through the use of warnings, citations and educational materials.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” he said.

Lt. Allen Hawk told commission mem-

bers this week that the town had received a specific complaint on Aug. 24 about people illegally riding scooters and bikes on sidewalks and failing to stop at traffic lights.

Since that time, he said, the department has recorded four warnings and one citation for failure to drive on the right side of the road, six warnings and one citation for driving on the sidewalk, and 26 warnings and one citation for failing to stop at a red signal.

“Once we were in receipt of this complaint, we broke it down to our traffic safety unit within the town, as well as the shift level,” he said. “We had on-shift training to make them more aware of the violations that have been occurring.”

Council President Matt James, commission member, questioned if any of the scooters that were issued warnings or ci-

tations were rentals. Hawk said that information was not tracked, but that a local rental company – Cycle City – was mandated to have a logbook of incidents involving the police department.

“To break that down, we’ve had four incidents – a flat tire, broken key, ticket given for riding without a helmet and a rental without a license …,” he said. “There was one collision involved with a Cycle City rental on July 23. The scooter wasn’t at fault on that one. And we’ve had four calls for service involving the Cycle City scooters – disorderly, vehicle alarm, 911 hangup and the inspection of their logbooks.”

Hawk added that all two-wheel standup vehicles issued warnings and citations were privately owned.

“There’s no rentals in town due to our adopted ordinance,” he said.

When asked if any scooters, bikes or electric bikes were allowed on sidewalks, Hawk said they were not.

Mayor Rick Meehan pointed out that many rode on the sidewalk to avoid the traffic lights.

“They do that so they can go through the traffic light, to avoid the signal …,” he added. “That’s how they avoid stopping.”

Hawk, however, noted that the department has made concerted efforts to address those violations. Councilman Peter Buas commended the police department for issuing warnings, as it informed residents and visitors of the law.

“I appreciate that these are mostly warnings,” he said.

Officials noted it was one of several educational initiatives aimed at bicycle and scooter usage. In addition to posting information on social media, Hawk said the police department had also reached out to J-1 students working in Ocean City.

“We’ve made contact with the J-1s during their welcoming events and dinner events,” Hawk said, “where we’ve handed out pamphlets, rules of the road, safety, as well as bike lane initiatives.”

The police commission on Wednesday also discussed enforcement efforts related to noise violations.

Meehan told officials this week he had recently received a complaint regarding noise issues along Coastal Highway and wanted to bring it before the police commission for discussion.

Buzzuro said the department had reached out to the complainant, a property owner on 57th Street.

“This particular person wasn’t a resident but had a secondary home …,” he said. “It was revealed that from time to time there’s excessive noise along Coastal Highway, and he could hear the noise at his location on 57th Street.”

Buzzuro said he believed the issue to be an isolated event. He said a look at the police department’s records revealed 26 calls for service were made this summer regarding noise issues along Coastal Highway.

“Most of them were for businesses,” he explained. “When we got on the scene, one of a few things had happened – the music had been turned down or the music was loud enough where we asked them to turn the music down. We really didn’t have to take any action beyond that, any other type of enforcement.”

Meehan said he was made aware that four jurisdictions were currently exploring the use of noise meters. Buzzuro said it was not something the police department was considering.

“There are four municipalities that are in the testing phases of a noise capturing meter of some kind …,” he said. “I don’t think that’s an area we want to explore any further at this time.”

He noted, however, that the police department continues to be proactive when it comes to modified exhausts and excessive sounds emanating from vehicles.

“We’re very cognizant of that and we continue our enforcement activities around those types of violations,” he said.

Shade Lovers: As is typically the case on busy summer days, dozens of hammocks were set up underneath the Wicomico Street Pier last Sunday to enjoy the holiday weekend in Ocean City.

Photo by Chris Parypa

Grant To Fund After-School Programs More Worcester Students Will Benefit

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – After-school programs will be available at certain northern Worcester County schools following reallocation of funding within the school system’s budget.

Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) announced last week that because the school system was receiving a grant for after-school programs at economically disadvantaged schools, funding that had been set aside for those programs could be used to fund programs at Ocean City and Showell elementary schools, Berlin Intermediate School, and Stephen Decatur Middle and High schools.

“We have worked hard to eliminate the stigma of out-of-school time being only for remediation or 'failing' students,” Superintendent Lou Taylor said in a news release. “Our programs are educational, but also fun, engaging, and include enrichment and interest-based components. Being able to ensure they are offered at every school in our system this year is vital for our students’ success.”

The school system announced last week that it would be receiving $800,000 in funding from the 21st Century Com-

munity Learning Centers grant program. The grants will fund Students that are Ready (STAR) programs at Pocomoke’s elementary, middle and high schools, Snow Hill’s elementary, middle and high schools and at Buckingham Elementary School. This grant funding is renewable throughout the three-year grant period if continuation grants are approved annually.

Funding that was dedicated for the STAR programs in the budget will now be reallocated to restore after-school programs cut at Ocean City and Showell Elementary, Berlin Intermediate School, and Stephen Decatur Middle and High schools.

“Receiving this news was very exciting for our school system,” Taylor said. “Not only will the schools implementing the STAR program be able to offer their students a robust after-school program, but those schools in the northern region will now be able to offer valuable afterschool programs to their students as well.”

In June, when the school system’s budget cuts were initially announced, officials made clear that programs at economically disadvantaged schools would not be impacted because they were funded through grants. When asked what had changed with last week’s announcement, WCPS officials said that in June they had no idea if Worcester could be granted the 21st Century Community Learning Center grants.

“Because of that, WCPS allocated American Rescue Plan (ARP) tutoring and special education grant funding to ensure we could continue the programs at our economically disadvantaged schools (All Pocomoke schools, all Snow Hill schools, and Buckingham),” said Carrie Sterrs, the school system’s coordinator of public relations and special programs, in an email. “When we received notice that we received both 21st Century grants, which were dedicated specifically to those economically disadvantaged schools, it freed the ARP tutoring and special education grant funding to allow for the restoration of the programs cut at OCES, SES, BIS, SDMS, and SDHS.”

According to WCPS, the new STAR programs will offer students a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities, such as youth development and engagement activities, substance abuse and alcohol prevention, service-learning, violence prevention, counseling, art, music, recreation, and technology education that are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students.

In the spring of 2023, WCPS afterschool programs served more than 1,400 students. Approximately 55% of students served receive free or reduced meal benefits, and 14% of students served were identified as having special needs.

Commissioners Deny Bishopville Rezoning Request

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners this week opted not to rezone property near Route 113 in Bishopville.

The commissioners on Tuesday voted 5-2 not to grant a request to rezone slightly less than nine acres on Jarvis Road. While the applicant said the property was poor farmland, staff noted it was currently being farmed.

“We farm wetlands right now in the county, all over the county,” said Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs, adding that other farms had larger wet spots than this one did. “There’s other land around it that’s poorer soils than this and they’re still farming them.”

Attorney Hugh Cropper told the commissioners his client, Nick Borodulia, wanted to reclassify 8.9 acres of property he owned on Jarvis Road based on a mistake that had been made during the last comprehensive rezoning. Cropper said A-1 zoning was generally intended for farming, timber, or single-family dwellings.

“This property doesn’t really meet any of those uses,” he said, adding that it was low and wet and featured a problematic culvert. “It’s not suitable for any of those things. For that reason, we’ve asked for this rezoning.”

He said the A-2 designation would

give Borodulia a little more flexibility as far as how he could use the land. Cropper said the property was across from a large tract of industrially zoned land and was also very close to Route 113. In July, the Worcester County Planning Commission voted 6-1 in support of the rezoning.

Commissioner Jim Bunting pointed out that planning commission member Phyllis Wimbrow, who previously worked in the county’s department of development review and permitting, voted against the rezoning.

“Mrs. Wimbrow wrote the zoning maps,” Cropper responded. “In 1992 she sat down with a Sharpie and drew the zoning maps. It’s hard to get someone who wrote the zoning map to say there’s a mistake with the zoning map.”

Commissioner Eric Fiori pointed out the land was currently being farmed.

“When three and a half sides are being farmed, I have a hard time saying A2 is the correct fit for this neighborhood,” he said.

A neighbor of the property said he didn’t understand Borodulia’s intention in seeking the A-2 zoning. Kathy Phillips, a concerned citizen, said the requested change would represent spot zoning.

“I think some people in this room are making the assumption farming is only practical on large parcels of land …,” she said. “This parcel is perfectly suited to become a thriving small truck farm and home for a family, growing crops other than corn and soybeans. Just because

some of it is claimed to be too wet doesn’t mean it can’t be productive.”

When asked by the commissioners for his input, Mitchell said the property was currently farmed, as much of the neighboring property was, and that the A-1 zoning didn’t appear to be a mistake.

Commissioner Jim Bunting asked what uses were permitted in A-2 that weren’t permitted in A-1. Staff said there were 13 uses permitted in A-2 but that 11 of them were special exception uses. They include contractor shops, vet clinics, campgrounds, hospitals and marinas, among others.

Cropper pointed out the A-1 zoning al-

lowed a variety of special exception uses, including agricultural processing plants, livestock sales yards and sawmills, among other things. He said the commissioners had approved a very similar rezoning in Newark last year.

“A-2 is better for this property,” he said. “We just did it last summer for the exact same reasoning. It is not going to be bad for the county if you grant this rezoning.”

Fiori said Cropper’s client had “quite a bit of flexibility” with the current zoning.

Bunting’s motion to deny the rezoning request passed 5-2, with Commissioner Joe Mitrecic and Commissioner Diana Purnell opposed.

Wine On The Beach Returns With Vendors, Art, Live Music

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

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

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

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

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

Opening the festival and setting the stage for all the fun will be Larry Lay, who performed for 25 years as resident pianist/singer in the Middleton Tavern Piano Bar in Annapolis. Lay will perform on Friday, Sept. 8 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 9 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Guests to Wine on the Beach are pictured enjoying the sounds of Bird Dog and the Road Kings during a previous year’s event. File Photo

Berlin To Spotlight Country Music Bands On Saturday

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

The bands will perform on a large stage that will be set up on Main Street in front of the hotel, facing down Broad

Street. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs though no outside coolers or alcohol is permitted.

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

Saturday’s event runs from 1-6 p.m. and features an outdoor bar in front of the Atlantic Hotel. The Berlin Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a beer truck for

the event. A variety of vendors will also be set up on Main Street.

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

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

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

A scene from last year's Small Town Throw Down, which features live country music from 1-6 p.m. in downtown Berlin, is pictured above.

Local Artist To Open New Exhibit

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – A new exhibit will pay homage to the cannery that was once a fixture in Berlin.

Local artist Patrick Henry will open his new exhibit, “Phillips Cannery: Remembered,” at the Germantown School Community Heritage Center this weekend. The exhibit features a variety of photos that came from slides given to Henry by members of the Phillips family.

“It’s to give a bit of homage to the people that worked hard in that industry,” Henry said. “It was a means of living to provide for their future generations.”

Henry, whose widely popular “Untold Stories: Chronicling our Delmarva History” photo exhibition occupied the Germantown school in the spring, will open his new Phillips Cannery exhibit on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The exhibit will be on display until Sept. 30.

As the opening approaches, Henry says he wishes he had more time to work on it. As he’s mentioned the upcoming show to community residents, they’ve offered even more stories and memories of the cannery. The cannery, which was located on the east side of Route 113 near the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Railroad Av-

enue, operated from 1906, when it was opened by James Richard Phillips Sr. and Levin Derrickson, until 1970. When Henry included a few of his cannery photos in a 2019 exhibit, they were the most talked about pictures in the display. As a result, he wanted to expand on that with an entire exhibit on the cannery.

Countless local residents worked there through the years, canning tomatoes in the summer and lima beans in the fall. The peeling room was staffed entirely by local African American women. Most of them started working there at age 14 or 15 and stayed for decades. While the work was hard, Henry said the women enjoyed it and appreciated the fact that it was one of the few places back then that offered them a chance to earn an income. In developing the exhibit, Henry has talked to a few people who worked there, as well as family members of those who did.

“I’m a week away and I wish I had a lot more time,” he said. “I’m getting all this testimony and memories. It’s sort of another reflection of the development of our area and maybe a way to get a look at how circumstances can cause well attended industries to shut down or relocate. It adds a thought to consider what the future holds for our area.”

A photo from Patrick Henry’s new exhibit, “Phillips Cannery: Remembered,” shows women canning tomatoes in the peeling room. Submitted photo

Fenwick Gathers Input On Town Resiliency Plan

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – A recent information session allowed residents to share the concerns regarding flooding and sea level rise in Fenwick Island.

Last Thursday, the Fenwick Island Infrastructure Committee held an information session on the town’s new resiliency study. Committee member Susan Brennan said the forum would allow officials to share information and collect feedback on recommendations.

“The infrastructure committee for the Town of Fenwick Island has chosen to create a resiliency study workshop with the intention of providing the community with information and the opportunity for discussion of the issues we are all facing,” she said.

In December 2021, the town selected AECOM to complete GIS mapping of Fenwick Island and develop short- and long-term solutions to sea level rise and flooding. And in March, the infrastructure committee received its first presentation of the resiliency study, which not only identified recent and ongoing resiliency initiatives, but proposed actions to alleviate flooding.

Committee member Tim Bergin told community members last week the study projects 42% of town roads and 57% of buildings to be inundated by 2080. He said flooding events would be worse for bayside properties.

“This is a scientific prediction,” he explained.

As part of the study, Bergin said AECOM had made several recommendations to address flooding and sea level rise. Short-term tasks include updating town codes and working with state and local agencies, while long-term tasks include elevating streets, residences and bulkheads.

“Sooner or later, it’s going to be crunch time and the more people who understand and appreciate the problem, the better off we’ll be,” he said.

Following the presentation, the committee held a Q&A session, during which several community members questioned the town’s plans for raising bulkheads. When asked if bulkheads could even be added behind existing riprap, committee member Richard Benn said it was one of many questions that needed to be answered regarding bulkheads.

“Right now, we’re not allowed to disturb the riprap as it exists,” he replied. “So that would mean digging behind that. With many town roads, we don’t have room for that. We’re going to be meeting with DNREC in the near future to talk about it.”

Benn said there were $6.9 million worth of bulkheads on private property that would need to be redone if the town followed through with AECOM’s recommendation. He said officials were also seeking input on how that should be funded.

Brennan noted that the town’s planning commission had recently worked

with the University of Delaware to develop a new comprehensive plan, and that there could be opportunities to use a grant writer for certain resiliency projects.

“We just received comments back from our comprehensive plan, and there are other recommendations from the state on options for grant writing …,” she said. “So we are already considering this issue.”

Community members also asked when the town would begin to regulate bulkheads heights. One resident noted that several property owners were already replacing their bulkheads.

“It seems like those people who have to do it now, and it for it to be changed, it seems like you are chasing good money after bad,” he said.

Infrastructure committee member Amy Coombs agreed.

“Until the whole community is on

board, how can we tell people what to do with their bulkheads?” she asked. “The important thing now is to disseminate this information to as many people as possible, so anyone changing their bulkheads knows this is coming down the road and that they may want to look into it.”

Committee member Tim Leahy argued that changes should be brought before the town’s charter and ordinance committee sooner rather than later.

“We may want to prioritize changes to that,” he said. “But it would require a code change.

Resident Vicki Carmean agreed.

“I would like to see something definitive on paper about the bulkheads …,” she said. “I think it’s time to move forward with actually doing things.”

Community members last week also discussed dredging, drainage and regional efforts to address sea level rise and flooding. Mayor Natalie Magdeburger not-

ed that the town needed to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) as they continued with their own resiliency studies.

“There’s lots of pieces here that are not Fenwick Island pieces,” she said.

Benn noted that the town already had a meeting scheduled with DelDOT in September.

“We’re going to be stressing that at that meeting …,” he said. “Let’s work together, not independently.”

After a lengthy discussion, the infrastructure committee agreed to take information gathered from the meeting to further its resiliency efforts.

“It’s a complex issue, and it’s going to take all of us working together, pulling on the same rope, in the same direction, to solve this,” Benn said. “That’s what we want to hear your feedback on. What do you want to do?”

First Friday:

The Ocean City Center for the Arts hosted a busy First Friday art opening with a crowd of more than 400. Above left, Sandy Gillis won first place in the "Memories" art exhibit for her wall sculpture celebrating the strong women in her life. Above, from left, are Mayor Rick Meehan, Katy Durham, Kay Ruppersberger and Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. Below, Art League of Ocean City President John Sisson and Executive Director Rina Thaler welcome Eric Stewart, deputy chief of staff for communications at Salisbury University. Submitted Photos

Practitioner Retires

BERLIN – After five decades of dedicated and compassionate patient care, women’s health nurse practitioner Nicki Akstinas has announced her retirement.

Akstinas has spent the last 12 years caring for women of Worcester County and the surrounding area with her colleagues at Atlantic General Women’s Health. September 29, 2023 will be her last day. Patients can transfer their care to another provider within Atlantic General Women’s Health by calling the office at 443-728-1050. Women who plan to seek care outside of Atlantic General Health System can call Atlantic General Hospital’s Medical Records Department at 410-641-9616 to request their records.

Atlantic General Hospital has been providing quality health care to the residents of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset (Md.) and Sussex (Del.) counties since May 1993. Built by the commitment and generosity of a dedicated community, the hospital’s state-of-the-art facility in Berlin, Md., combines compassion and expertise with the latest in technology and services.

Vice President Named

SALISBURY – With more than a decade of experience in higher education administration, Aurora Edenhart-Pepe has been named Salisbury University’s new vice president of administration and finance.

Edenhart-Pepe comes to SU from Wake Forest University School of Law, where she has served as chief administrative officer. She begins her new role at SU on October 1.

“With a background in human resources and budgeting, Aurora has helped transform some of the nation’s best-known institutions,” said SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre. “The effects of her work can still be felt at Duke, Georgetown and Wake Forest universities, and we are excited that she chose to bring that expertise to Salisbury. We look forward to welcoming her to the Sea Gull family.”

At SU, Edenhart-Pepe will oversee the university’s overall budget, financial and administrative operations, including capi-

tal projects, facilities management, human resources, information technology, and campus safety and sustainability.

As a member of the seven-member President’s Cabinet, she also will play a major role in helping to make the decisions that guide the university and provide the best opportunities for its students and other stakeholders.

In addition, she will help SU transition to Workday enterprise resource planning software, a process that began more than a year ago in connection with other University System of Maryland institutions. This platform is expected to be a critical component for many of SU’s current systems, from student services to employee management.

At Wake Forest, Edenhart-Pepe has provided organizational and operational leadership during a time of major transformation, successfully leading all business administration, operations and finance for the law school through the COVID-19 pandemic.

She also worked with the dean to build an effective strategy that moved the school’s U.S. News & World Report ranking for “Best Colleges” from 41st to 22nd in its category.

Prior to joining Wake Forest, she held positions focused on human resources and organizational leadership at Georgetown University Law Center and Duke University’s Graduate School and Office of Information Technology.

“I have worked to enhance workplace culture and design and execute practical

but impactful business processes and policies that increase the effectiveness and fairness of the institution,” she said. “I plan to continue this work at a place that welcomes excellence, capitalizes on hard working talent, and seeks to make meaningful contributions to the lives of students and the world. I look forward to this next step with SU.”

Director Announced

SALISBURY – The Salisbury Zoo’s new director brings nearly 40 years of experience in animal care to the position. And he’s not new to the Salisbury Zoo, either.

After a national search, Chuck Eicholz, who had served as the acting zoo director since former Director Leonora Dillon’s retirement at the end of June, was selected for the role. Prior to that, he had served as the zoo’s curator since January 2021.

As director, Eicholz will make sure the zoo is running efficiently and ensure compliance with animal care standards. Among his other duties will be increasing fundraising and growing the zoo’s pool of volunteers.

One major goal for Eicholz in his new position is to lead the Salisbury Zoo in regaining accreditation with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

“The park has a great history, and we just want to make sure it continues,” Eicholz said, also praising the zoo’s great team.

Eicholz started working in the animal care field in 1984, and in 1985, he became a trainer at SeaWorld working with

killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters and walrus. He’s also worked at the National Aquarium, the Irvine Nature Center, and other small zoos. He used to run his own animal sanctuary, Misfits Animal Sanctuary.

Allen Swiger, director of the Arts, Business and Culture Department, of which the Salisbury Zoo is a part, is glad to have Eicholz in this role.

“I am optimistic about the Salisbury Zoo’s future with Chuck as our Zoo director,” Swiger said. “His unwavering perseverance, zoological knowledge and commitment to serving our community elevated him above all other candidates during our national search. I know he’ll do a great job.”

New Board Members

SALISBURY – Hudson Behavioral Health announced the election of three new members to its Board of Directors, including Tina Simmons, R.N., Meredith Mears, and Jordan Cropper.

Simmons serves as the director of population health at Atlantic General Hospital and was involved with the opening of the Worcester County walk-in behavioral health crisis center. Mears, a commercial real estate agent and economic development specialist, has assisted Hudson with growth and expansion opportunities over the last several years. Cropper is a teacher and pastor at Sonrise Church in Berlin, Md., and he leads the Celebrate Recovery ministry, a program to help participants overcome hurts, hang-ups, and habits.

“At Hudson, we are committed to maintaining a diverse board of members with different backgrounds that can help support our mission statement,” said Leslie Brown. “Tina, Meredith and Jordan are enthusiastic individuals with a passion for bettering their communities, and I know they’ll be an asset to our organization as we continue to grow.”

Returning board members include Toni Keiser, Cynthia MacDonald, Nate Passwaters, and Michael Trader, LCSW-C.

The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce recently partnered with the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce to host a “Fireside Chat” luncheon featuring Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen. Pictured above are Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amy Thompson, Van Hollen, Cardin and Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bill Chambers. Submitted Photo

TINA SIMMONS

JORDAN CROPPER

AURORA EDENHARTPEPE

NICKI AKSTINAS

MEREDITH MEARS

People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe

Featuring

Kindergarten teachers greeted children at a backto-school barbeque at Buckingham Elementary.

Mike and Mary Ellen Clark and Laurie and Jon Andes attended the Chamber Music by the Sea Festival.

Elena Urioste, Tom Poster, Brook Speltz, Grace Park, Guy Johnston, Kyle Armbrust, Melissa White and Olivia Momme are pictured during the Chamber Music by the Sea Festival.

Jenny Schwab and Grace Heimer paused for a photo at Buckingham Elementary’s back-to-school party.

Nakita Prado, Sarah Harding and Abigail Stevens attended a back-to-school event in Berlin.

Carol Rose and Jeff Smith paused for a photo at a back-to-school event at Buckingham Elementary.

Suzanne Cook and Caitlin Daw represented the University of Maryland Extension at a back-to-school event in Berlin.

Olivia Momme, Kyle Armbrust, Bruce Gaston and Melissa White are pictured at a Chamber Music by the Sea event.

Teacher Melissa Henderson and Principal Chris Welch welcomed students to Buckingham during a back-to-school barbeque.

Caitlin Bunting, Emely Martin, Colby Haines and Scott Payne greeted new students and welcomed back old students at a back-to-school event at Buckingham.

Town Seeks Committee

Members, Volunteers

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Town officials say opportunities are now available to participate on committees and volunteer teams.

In a recent meeting of the Fenwick Island Town Council, Mayor Natalie Magdeburger announced applications were open for residents interested in serving on a town committee.

She said the forms are available on the town’s website and are due back by Sept. 15.

“If you are currently on a committee, please fill it out again so that we have an accurate recitation of who wants to do what,” she added. “Hopefully everybody will come back and participate on the committees they were serving. I think we are doing some good things, and I would like to see that continue.”

Magdeburger told the public this year’s committee application included some changes.

She pointed out that the form included a description of what each committee does and what its stated goals are. She said that addition was a result of the town’s comprehensive planning process.

“So for all of these committees, they can draw from the comprehensive plan and interact with that plan to sort of give them their mission for the year and their mission for three years and their mission for a 10-year period of time,” she said. “And we’re going to try to work that into the committees themselves.”

For example, some of the stated goals for the environmental committee include developing a new park and keeping the town informed on offshore wind developments. And on the infrastructure committee, members are tasked with overseeing street maintenance and resiliency planning.

“We’re trying to create a more protocol-driven council, a more protocol-driven committee and town,” she said, “and I think that will go a long way.”

Another new addition to the committee application, Magdeburger said, is a checkbox that will allow residents to volunteer for certain projects.

“There’s a box that’s new that says I can’t put the time in to serve on a committee but I’d love to be on the volunteer list if we have discrete projects,” she said. “I know one of the ideas coming out of one of the committees is to have a volunteer group of public works people that can come in and put sandbags up if we need to.”

Magdeburger said the town made it easy to participate on committees, as members could participate in person, online or over the phone. However, she encouraged those who couldn’t commit to a committee to sign up as a volunteer.

“If you can’t put that time in, please consider at least joining the volunteer list because we’d like to get as many people involved as we can,” she said.

COMMUNITY News In Photos

The Germantown School Community Heritage Center hosted an evening of jazz and blues featuring musician Everett Spells. Attendees are pictured enjoying the music outside the historic school.

Newly installed members of the Ocean City Lioness Lions Club, Debbie Long, Carol Dural, Donna Martin, Karen Lutz, Donna Dever, Judy Raymond, and Susan Burdette (not pictured) are shown with their sponsoring Lions.

Joann Wengert, wife of Post Commander Tom Wengert, was recently sworn in as a new associate member of the First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League. Joann Wengert was sworn in by Commandant Al Soto. Submitted Photos

Taylor Bank recently donated $5,000 to the Berlin Heritage Foundation, which supports the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum. Pictured from left to right are Melissa Reid, the museum board of directors president, Ray Thompson, president of Taylor Bank, Dr. Clara Small and Carol Rose, members of the museum’s board of directors.

The Chamber Music by the Sea Festival was held in August and featured a variety of performances throughout Worcester County. Pictured performing during the festival are musicians Melissa White, Elena Urioste, Kyle Armbrust, and Brook Speltz.

Chef Jim Washington was honored for his 15 years of service to the Ocean City Lioness Lions Club as their caterer. Presenting this was newly installed President Ann Runo, left, and immediate Past President Bev Topfer, right.

Some Tips To Identify Common Ocean Nuisances

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY –All of a sudden you hear a small child whining about something itchy in the water.

What could it be? Some people believe it is sea lice (this is a poor term since it has no relation to what people think of when they hear “lice”). “Sea lice” is the misused common name given to a condition that causes itching and redness after a person has been in the ocean. The correct term for

this condition is “Sea bather's eruption” and describes the symptoms and not the cause.

“Sea lice” is a form of jellyfish larvae, that can cause a stinging or itching sensation. Others believe it is the crab larva that can get trapped in your suit and cause minor irritation. Most beach goers get relief when they jump in the pool, rinse off with fresh water, or just dry off and wait about 15 minutes. I am going to give you information on both and let you decide.

There are two different forms of larvae that are classified as sea lice, the thimble

DAMIEN SANZOTTI

jellyfish (Linuche unguiculate), and a sea anemone (Linuche unguiculate). With these sea lice you will generally feel an itching or burning sensation a few minutes to hours after getting out of the water. This is their sting or toxin entering your body, just like a jellyfish sting would. The sensation can be accompanied by a rash or small red bumps on your skin. The best treatment for the sea lice is not to use fresh water immediately as they will begin to sting again, just remove your suit as soon as you can and then rinse off and dry yourself. If what you are experiencing is a result of jellyfish larvae then you can also treat it the same as a regular jellyfish sting.

Our lifeguards do typically carry a “stingkill” wipe in their medical kits that will help to alleviate some of the itching, however, the only home remedy that is generally considered effective is vinegar.

The other nuisance is a crustacea called decapod megalops larvae. They are tiny crab larvae that can get trapped in the more restrictive areas of your suit and cause some discomfort. Some people are able to pull them from areas like the waistband of their suit and can see tiny translucent creatures with two black dots (eyes). These are less harmful, but just as annoy-

ing as sea lice. You can expect an itching or burning sensation, similar to sea lice, there is even the possibility of a small rash. However, with the megalops you can just hop in a pool or rinse off with fresh water.

Both are annoying and come and go with the wind and the tide. Calm days with little wind and wave action tend to be the worst, because they remain close to shore in larger number and are not being disrupted by the churning of breaking waves. Meaning there is no telling what time of year they will be in OC. With an increase in the ocean temperature this season, it becomes even harder to predict how creatures who live in the ocean will be impacted and how that will affect when we experience them. You could get in the water at 10 a.m. when the lifeguards are on duty and not be bothered at all. Then by noon you hop in again and are covered from head to toe.

Please always remember our number one rule, “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand!” Not only is there the chance of calm days, but there is also always the chance of rough surf days this time of the year due to the tropical storm activity. Keep yourself safe and swim in front of a lifeguard.

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

with Scott Lenox

Greetings all and welcome to the second season. The weather was beautiful for most of the week and fishing was good both inshore and offshore. Hopefully we see more of the same as we move into the fall.

Offshore fishing was very good over the Labor Day weekend with multiple billfish caught and released, some yellowfin and bigeye tuna boxed up and a lot of mahi for everyone that tried. Boats targeting billfish had great luck seeing several fish per trip. Captain Anthony Matarese Jr. on the Reel Chaos had a stellar day catching and releasing three blue marlin, two white marlin and a sailfish last Sunday. We also saw some tunas for boats that had spreader bars or big ballyhoo as a part of their offerings. Captain Joe Drosey of Rhonda’s Osprey had one day with four yellowfin tuna and a bunch of mahi, and another day where his crew landed a big 196-pound bigeye. Tuna fishing offshore should get nothing but better as water temperatures cool.

The ocean going party boat fleet has been able to take advantage of some good inshore mahi fishing over the past few weeks and it seems to be peaking. Most of the inshore party and charter fleet have been finding mahi on the surface around

the sea bass and flounder grounds recently and that is a welcome addition. Captain Monty Hawkins on the Morning Star is even offering mahi trips through September. Back bay flounder fishing has slowed just a little with dirty water from passing storms, but things are improving as tide cycles clean things up. There have been a few fish caught on the highest part of the high tide with live bait doing most of the damage. September and October are usually the months we see the biggest flounder of the season in the back bay so make sure you’ve got live mullet, spot or bunker on.

There has been some decent fishing for bluefish and rockfish at the Route 50 Bridge for anglers casting Roy Rigs and Thing A Ma Jigs or “dredging” hard bodied plastics. There are plenty of throwback sized rockfish and “snapper” bluefish being caught on smaller baits, but the keeper sized rockfish between 28” and 31” and the “chopper” bluefish are being caught on larger live baits or larger plastic lures. Fish the middle of an incoming or outgoing tide near the bottom for your best chance at a big fish. Our 7th Annual OC Inshore Classic is just a month away on Oct. 7 and 8. I hope to see you there. Until next week, tight lines.

SEE PAGES

Captain Bobby Layton of the Wrecker put this group on a limit of mahi and a nice swordfish. Submitted Photos

(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.)

48-49

Chase Eberle of Chasin’ Tides put these guys on some fun, good eating mahi. Opposite page, middle left, young Kai Zimmerman caught and released his first white marlin fishing with his dad Captain Willie Zimmerman of RoShamBo. Opposite page, bottom left, these ladies had a great time on board Turnin’ Fins with Captain Jake Shaffer catching three white marlin and some mahi. Opposite page, bottom right, this group had an awesome time on Rhonda’s Osprey with Captain Joe Drosey when they released a sailfish and boxed four tunas and a pile of mahi.

Above top left, this angler muscled up a big 196-pound bigeye on board Rhonda’s Osprey with Captain Joe Drosey. Above top right, Captain Alex Beane of the Boss Hogg put this group on a pile of mahi and six white marlin releases. Above left, middle, Captain Anthony Matarese Jr. of the Reel Chaos got this great shot of a blue marlin just before release. Above right, middle, Big Bird Cropper and Shaun Flaherty “dredged up” two keeper rockfish and some bluefish at the Route 50 Bridge. Above left, bottom, this catch of mahi and sea bass came compliments of Captain Nick Sampson and the WOP. Above right, bottom, this stud sea bass came by the rail of the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins. Opposite page, top left, Keith took the lead in the season long flounder pool on board the Angler with this 6.1 pounder. Opposite page, top right, Captain

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above, these fishermen are pictured enjoying the holiday weekend with lines in the water at the Inlet. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 74

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A little "wool gathering" for the usually productive Lamb is all right if it helps you unwind. But be careful, as too much daydreaming can put you behind schedule in your work.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): A work problem is close to being resolved. Now you can go ahead and celebrate the week, accepting invitations from friends who enjoy your company.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Getting your new plan accepted won't be a major hassle if you have the facts to back it up. Your supporters are also prepared to help you make your case. Good luck.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Dealing with a pesky job problem might be time-consuming, but necessary. The sooner you get this situation settled, the sooner you can move on to other matters.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Career advancement is favored, thanks to your impressive work record. On a more personal side, you should soon hear some good news about an ailing family member.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): There might be mixed signals from a certain someone who doesn't seem all that certain about his or her intentions. Best to sort it all out now before it becomes more confusing.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Get all the facts about that investment "op-

portunity" before you put as little as $1 into it. Hidden problems might arise that could prove to be costly.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Compromising on a matter you feel strongly about not only ends the impasse, but can be a win-win deal for all. Remember, Scorpios do well with change.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): With all the demands you currently have to deal with, accepting the help of family and friends could be the wisest course to take at this time.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Recent upsetting incidents might have left you with a big gap in your self-assurance. Refill it by spending time with those who know how worthy you really are.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): A dispute about money needs to be resolved quickly before it festers into something more serious. Consider asking an impartial colleague to mediate the matter.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): A soft approach could be more effective than making a loud demand for the information you need. You might even find yourself with more data than you expected.

BORN THIS WEEK: You're sought out for the wonderful advice you're able to offer others. Sometimes you even take it yourself.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Steve Green

The feeling after a successful first day of school dropoff

High school sports

Matthew Broderick in “Painkiller”

Facebook on the first day of school

Watching kids build a sand castle

Live music days in Berlin

An old baseball hat

Taking off a tie

Steamed shrimp and a cold beer

A morning sweat to start the day

An audio book for a road trip

One of Ocean City’s most upscale hotels the Stephen Decatur was built on the north corner of 12th Street and the Boardwalk in 1930.

Its clientele included many business and political figures from Baltimore and Annapolis and was known as a popular place to be seen in the 1940s and ‘50s. The lobby featured two large fireplaces while the four tall columns supporting the porch roof were among the Boardwalk’s most recognizable architectural features.

The Stephen Decatur Hotel was razed at the end of the 1977 season and replaced by the Decatur House condominium the following year.

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

THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING DAYSHIFT HOUSEKEEPING STAFF

APPLY IN PERSON

1800 Baltimore Avenue

Monday-Friday 10am-3pm

NOW HIRING!

Full Time BARTENDERS

Call Pam 410-726-7061 or apply within 56th Street

HELP WANTED

Well established Concrete Co. looking for help. Own trans. required. Top Pay!

Starting $20-$28/hr.

Training provided! 443-614-0234

Now Hiring For: HOST FOOD RUNNER DISHWASHER

Stop in to fill out an application!

Downtown Berlin 119 N. Main Street

THE SPINNAKER NOW

Seeking qualified candidates for the following positions:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (Traveling) - FT; must be sales-focused with experience in property management

PROPERTY INSPECTOR (Traveling)- FT; must have experience inproperty management and facilities maintenance

CLUBHOUSE ATTENDANT (Ocean City)-PT; top notch customer service and computer profiency required

EXCELLENT PAY AND COMPETITIVE BENEFITS! Send resume to: csites@legumnorman.com Or call 410.524.5577 for more details

YARD SALE

All that I have lost Don’t mean beans to a bullfrog Now that I am here!

FOR SALE

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

at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

Third Insertion

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19858

To all persons interested in the estate of CRESTON R. WARD, Estate No. 19858.

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

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

WINTER RENTAL CONDO: 3BR, 2BA, North OC, Fully equipped, internet, TVs, DVD, must have income $1050+utils Refs, No Smoking. 610-5071298. Djkr4@comcast.net

ROOMMATE

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

COMMERCIAL RENTAL CAREGIVER

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

INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE SPACE:

Notice is given that BRIAN WARD, whose address is 209 S. MORRIS STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on AUGUST 16, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CRESTON R. WARD, who died on JUNE 15, 2023 without a will.

construction.

ceilings, large garage door & bathroom. Rt. 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

CAREGIVER IN YOUR HOME: Honest, dependable, trustworthy & compassionate care. Hospital & home health exp. Exc. Ref.’s Call Debbie Bell 302-339-7162.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16Th day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication August 25, 2023

GlenRiddle Community Yard Sale : Open to the Public 8AM – 1PM, Saturday, 9/30.

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

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102

COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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

Third Insertion

JAMES W. ALMAND, ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA

6200 COASTAL HWY, SUITE 200

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN

HEIRS ESTATE 19862

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

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16Th day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before

that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication August 25, 2023

BERNICE L. SCOTT Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102

COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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

to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

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

LAURA SUE RAYBORN Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 8-25, 9-01, 9-08

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication August 25, 2023

jection 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 22nd day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or otherwise delivers

Third Insertion

STEPHANIE SCALES SHERRIN, ESQ. SCALES LAW GROUP

11032 NICHOLAS LANE SUITE A202 BERLIN, MD 21811

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19842

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

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21ST day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication August 25, 2023

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

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

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

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

Third Insertion Third Insertion

ALISA PALACIOS

Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

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

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

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

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN

HEIRS

ESTATE 19852

To all persons interested in the estate of THURMAN DAVIS, Estate No. 19852. Notice is given that FELICIA DAVIS DERRICKSON, whose address is 1304 OLD OCEAN CITY ROAD, SALISBURY, MD 21804, was on AUGUST 11, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THURMAN DAVIS, who died on JUNE 12, 2023, without a will.

Second Insertion

To all persons interested in the estate of CLARENCE W. LAUER, Estate No. 19758. Notice is given that HARRY POWELL, whose address is 1158 SCHOOLHOUSE LANE, WEST CHESTER, PA 19382, was on AUGUST 23,

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

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

2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CLARENCE W. LAUER, who died on MAY 9, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23RD day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of 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 1, 2023

HARRY POWELL

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102

COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 9-01, 9-08, 9-15

Second Insertion

KEVIN A. O’BRIEN

3801 KENNET PIKE

C204

WILMINGTON, DE 19807

FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19870

Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS, COURT of NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DE, appointed AMELIA A. BAUTISTA, 6 WYNCLIFF LANE, NEWARK, DE 19711, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of BASILIO N. BAUTISTA, who died on DECEMBER 22, 2022, domiciled in DELAWARE, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is DAVID B. MCGREGOR, whose address is 8 HARBORBIEW DRIVE, BERLIN, MD 21811. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER.

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

AMELIA A. BAUTISTA

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

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

HEIR ESTATE 19876

To all persons interested in the estate of ELMA L. ROBINSON, Estate No. 19876. Notice is given that CLINTON BICKFORD, whose address is 102 N. CHURCH ST., SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on AUGUST 30, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of ELMA L. ROBINSON, who died on JULY 12, 2023 with a will.

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

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

All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper:

Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

CLINTON BICKFORD Personal Representative True Test Copy

First Insertion

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102

COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

1x 9-8

Street, NE, Washington, DC 20426. A separate notice has been provided to affected landowners and government entities.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

1x 9-8

First Insertion

ABANDONED VESSEL

ing dates:

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

LEGAL NOTICE

Take notice that on August 31, 2023, Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company (Eastern Shore), 500 Energy Lane, Suite 200, Dover, Delaware, 19901, pursuant to Section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act and the regulations of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, under Docket No. CP23-536-000, filed an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity requesting authorization to construct, own, operate and maintain the Worcester Resiliency Upgrade, which consists of five 100,000 gallon low-profile horizontal storage tanks, pipeline looping, and upgrades to existing meter and regulator stations connected to Eastern Shore’s existing pipeline facilities in Sussex County, Delaware and Somerset County, Wicomico County, and Worcester County, Maryland. The proposed Project will enable Eastern Shore to provide critical natural gas service to customers during the peak winter heating season.

This filing is accessible online at http://www.ferc.gov, using the “eLibrary” link and the Worcester Resiliency Upgrade Docket Number.

There is an “eSubscription” link on the web site that enables subscribers to receive email notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please email FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call (866) 208-3676 (toll free). Also available on the FERC website is a brochure prepared by the FERC entitled, “An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land?

What Do I Need to Know?”

The brochure explains the certificate process at the FERC. The filing is also accessible at the Georgetown Public Library, Millsboro Public Library, Somerset County Library, Wicomico Public Library, and the Worcester County Library –Berlin Branch.

The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at http://www.ferc.gov. Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 5 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First

Notice is hereby given that the following vessel has apparently been abandoned for over 180 days on the property of 9401 Fooks Rd. Bishopville, MD 21813, phone #443-366-5143. The vessel is described as a white 1992 Sea Ray 18', Hull ID SERV5684C292. Application for title will be made in accordance with section 8722 of the annotated code of Maryland Natural Resources article if this vessel is not claimed and removed from the above property within 30 days of this notice.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

1x 9-8

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19836

To all persons interested in the estate of THOMAS

JOSEPH BARNES, Estate No. 19836. Notice is given that MARK JAY BARNES, whose address is 26114 MILBY CIRCLE, HARBESON, DE 19551, was on AUGUST 30, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THOMAS JOSEPH BARNES, who died on JUNE 28, 2023, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29TH day of FEBRUARY, 2024. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the follow-

(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 8, 2023

MARK JAY BARNES

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 9-08, 9-15, 9-22

VICTORIA L. O’NEILL, 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 19224

To all persons interested in the estate of JEANNE LYNCH, Estate No. 19224. Notice is given that MARK ALEXANDER NEVIN, whose address is 84 AVON STREET, SOMERVILLE, MA 02143, was on AUGUST 24, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JEANNE LYNCH, who died on DECEMBER 19, 2021, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24TH day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

MARK ALEXANDER NEVIN

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 9-08, 9-15, 9-22

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19877

To all persons interested in the estate of ARIANE A. SPENGOS, Estate No. 19877.

Notice is given that JOHN C. SPENGOS, whose address is 67 DANIEL DRIVE, N. KINGSTOWN, RI 02852 and THEODORES. SEPNGOS, whose address is 8 GREENS COURT, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on AUGUST

29, 2023 appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of ARIANE A. SPENGOS, who died on AUGUST 13, 2023, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or be-

fore the 29TH day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

JOHN C. SPENGOS THEODORE S. SPENGOS Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102

COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 9-08, 9-15, 9-22

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

CROFTON, MD 21114, were on SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of ROBERT S. KERNO, SR. , who died on MAY 24, 2023, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1ST day of MARCH, 2024.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

HEIR ESTATE 19859

To all persons interested in the estate of TOMMIE REGINA CHAPLIN, Estate No. 19859. Notice is given that ERIC CHAPLIN, whose address is 14 WHALER LANE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on SEPTEMBER 01, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of TOMMIE REGINA CHAPLIN, who died on JUNE 23, 2023 without a will.

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

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES

204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIR ESTATE 19887

To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE EDWARD STIGALL, AKA: GEORGE E. STIGALL, Estate No. 19887. Notice is given that CATHERINE E. STIGALL, whose address is 6019 BASKET SWITCH ROAD, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on SEPTEMBER 05, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of GEORGE EDWARD STIGALL, who died on NOVEMBER 24. 2022 with a will.

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

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

LILLIAN HUMMEL, ESQ. LAW OFFICES FIERST & FINK, P.C. 200-A MONROE STREET, SUITE 200 ROCKVILLE, MD 20850

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIR ESTATE 19884

To all persons interested in the estate of DEBORAH RUTH RESNICK, AKA: DEBORAH JACOBS RESNICK, Estate No. 19884. Notice is given that JUDITH ANNE BOLTON, whose address is 16 LIBERTY STREET, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on SEPTEMBER 01, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of DEBORAH RUTH RESNICK, who died on JUNE 1, 2023 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

GINA D. SHAFFER SHAFFER LAW OFFICE 836 S. MAIN STREET SUITE 101 BEL AIR, MD 21014

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19883

To all persons interested in the estate of ROBERT S. KERNO, SR. Estate No. 19883. Notice is given that ROBERT S. KERNO, JR., whose address is 1808 LANG DRIVE, CROFTON, MD 21114 and TEDDI KERNO whose address is 1808 LANG DRIVE,

Date of Publication

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

ROBERT S. KERNO, JR TEDDI KERNO Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 9-08, 9-15, 9-22

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

CATHERINE E. STIGALL

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 1x 9-8

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

WHOLE HOUSE ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT & SAFETY INSPECTION A $249

Resort To Restrict Parking At Inlet Lot For A Month

OCEAN CITY – The Inlet Parking Lot will be closed for public parking from Sunday, Sept. 10 until Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, to accommodate several upcoming events.

The Inlet lot will be hosting several large events during the months of September and October. The first event will be OC BikeFest. While OC BikeFest is scheduled to occur from Sept. 13-17, the promoters will start setting up the concert and vendor area on Sunday, Sept. 10 after Wine on the Beach wraps up. During the event, OC BikeFest will have limited motorcycle-only parking in the Inlet lot. Parking spaces will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

As OC BikeFest begins to break down its event, the Inlet lot will transition right into setting up for the Oceans Calling Festival. In addition, the Municipal Parking Lot at North Division Street will be closed from Wednesday, Sept. 20 until approximately Wednesday, Oct. 4 to accommodate the set-up and breakdown and will serve as part of the concert footprint area. The Oceans Calling Festival will take place from Sept. 29 through Oct. 1.

After the Oceans Calling Festival, the Inlet lot will transition over to the Endless Summer Cruisin’ Event. The Endless Summer Cruisin’ Event is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 5 through Sunday, Oct. 8. Vehicles participating in the Endless Summer Cruisin’ Event will be permitted to park in the Inlet parking lot from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The promoter would like to remind participants that the Inlet Parking Lot fills up quickly on Friday and Saturday, therefore being in the parade does not guarantee parking in the Inlet.

The Inlet lot will be available to the public after 5 p.m. each day during this event. The Inlet lot will resume normal operations after 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8.

There are several alternatives for municipal and street parking during the Inlet lot closure. If you plan to attend one of these events or take a stroll on the Boardwalk, visit Ocean City’s website to learn about parking options.

To recap, the Ocean City Inlet lot will be closed to public parking from Sunday, Sept. 10 until Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. The lot will re-open to the public after 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8.

The downtown area is expected to be congested over the next several weeks with lots of big events happening. Plan to leave early and stay a little later to avoid traffic congestion. Parking will be limited, especially during the Oceans Calling Festival. The Ocean City Beach Bus remains a solid alternative to find parking in the downtown area.

KIDS of Summer

(Part

2)

Each August for the past 17 years we have produced a Kids of Summer photo series, spotlighting kids of all ages, from near and far, enjoying some common summer activities. Whether it’s the pool, beach, bay, miniature golf, arcades or dock fun, it’s enjoyable to see our readers’ submissions each year. If you would like your child(ren) featured, there’s still time. Email us the photo at editor@mdcoastdispatch.com with the child’s name, age and location.

Jaxon Mills, 9, in Ocean City

Maverick, 7, and Remington Dicken, 6, in Ocean City

Falynn Mills, 9, in Ocean City

Sydney Snyder, 6, and Kaiden Snyder, 1, at Indian River

Madison Hoke, 10, at Assateague Island

Gavin Gawronski, 10, in Ocean City

Shelby Potvin-Raynor, 4, in Ocean City

Jace Kerle, 10, Maxx Muhlada, 7, Joie Muhlada, 10, Maren Kerley, 8, Grace McCormick, 7, Harper Mertz, 2, and Cameron McCormick, 9, in Ocean City

MaryKate, 6, Matthew, 9, and Max Thompson, 4, in Ocean Pines

Finnley Pearson, 2, in Fenwick Island

William Guglielmo, 8, in Ocean City Cole Cook, 21 months, in Ocean City

Bradley Guglielmo, 4, in Ocean City

Charlotte Straw, 7, Ethan Gladwin, 16, and Tanner Gladwin, 15, on Assateague

Raiden O'Dell-Mullen, 6, and Ganon O'Dell, 5, in Ocean City

Benjamin Vit, 5, in Ocean City

Gabby, 5, and Jacob Schlossberg, 3, in Ocean City

Foster Mills, 2, in Ocean City

Caroline, 7, and Maggie Fuson, 10, in Ocean City

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S/DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, Sept. 8: TBA

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano

COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL

410-289-6846

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

Friday, Sept. 8: Darin Engh, Mercury Agenda

Saturday, Sept. 9: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama, Royal Flush Band

Sunday, Sept. 10: Darren O’Neill, Rick & Regina

Monday, Sept. 11: Sean Loomis, Remy & Lyons

Tuesday, Sept. 12: Keri Anthony, Full Circle

Wednesday, Sept. 13: Josh Pryor, Bilenki Duo

Thursday, Sept. 14: Aaron Howell Duo, The Chest Pains

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy.

Saturday, Sept. 9: Jim Long & No More Whiskey

Wednesdays: DJ Wax

Thursday, Sept. 14: DJ Alan Lee CORK BAR Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Saturday, Sept. 9: Rogue Citizens CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE

Friday, Sept. 8: Rick & Regina

Wednesday, Sept. 12: Shortcut Sunny

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, Sept. 8: Tyler Greene & Friends

Saturday, Sept. 9: No Brakes FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St. In The Bay

Friday, Sept. 8: DJ RobCee, No Go Romeo, HFS Band

Saturday, Sept. 9: DJ Groove, The 8-Trax, The Loop

Monday, Sept. 11: DJ Hector, Hot Sauce Band, Rogue Citizens

Thursday, Sept. 14: Petty Coat Junction (Tom Petty Tribute)

410-289-0990 22nd St. & Bay Friday, Sept. 8: TBA Saturday, Sept. 9: TBA

PETTY COAT JUNCTION (TOM PETTY TRIBUTE)

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West O.C.

Friday, Sept. 8:

DJ Bigler

Saturday, Sept. 9:

Dunehounds, DJ Bigler

Sunday, Sept. 10:

Opposite Directions

Thursday, Sept. 14: Dust N Bones Duo

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays:

Beats By Deogee

Saturday, Sept. 9: Rogue Citizens

Sunday, Sept. 10:

Beats By DeoGee

Mondays: Karaoke w/Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee

Thursdays: Beats By Wax

PIER 23

410-289-3323 12817 Harbor Rd. West O.C.

Friday, Sept. 8: Fil Rhythm Trio

Saturday, Sept. 9: Rick & Regina

Sunday, Sept. 10: Bryan Russo

Thursday, Sept. 14: Shortcut Sunny

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, Sept. 8 & 9 SLAMM

Tuesdays: DJ Madame Dutchess

Wednesday, Sept. 13: Doc Marten & The Flannels

Thursday, Sept. 14: High Voltage (AC/DC) Tribute

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, Sept. 8: DJ Tuff, DJ Cruz, Full Circle, 9 Mile Roots, Cherry Crush

Saturday, Sept. 9: DJ Connair, DJ Cruz, DJ Tuff, John McNutt Band, 9 Mile Roots, Coming Alive

Sunday, Sept. 10: DJ Davie, DJ Connair, Late Last Night

Monday, Sept. 11: DJ Davie, Kono Nation

Tuesday, Sept. 12: DJ Connair, The Benderz

Wednesday, Sept. 13: DJ Davie, DJ Bobby O, Triple Rail Turn

Thursday, Sept. 14: Scott Marshall & The Highway Souls, Triple Rail Turn, Eclipse (Journey Tribute)

THE ORIGINAL GREENE TURTLE 410-723-2120

116th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, Sept. 8: TBA

Saturday, Sept. 9: TBA

Every Sunday: Farmers Market

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

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting 5-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Call Rose 443-880-8444.

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus

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

Every Monday: Bridge Games

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

Every Monday: Overeaters Anonymous

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

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Tuesday: Beach Cleanup Beach Heroes, a volunteer Ocean City group, holds cleanups 9-10 a.m. yearround. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page "Beach Heroes-OC" for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

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

Every Thursday: Beach Singles

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

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Caregiver Support Meeting

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

Sept. 8: Open Casting Call

The Ocean Pines Children's Theater will be casting for its January 2024 production of the critically acclaimed Broadway musical, “Mean Girls, Jr." Auditions for this fast-paced fun musical are scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Community Center. Due to the mature theme of the play, auditions for young people, male and female, will be limited to ages 12 and older. For singing roles, auditioners will need to select and perform at least 16 measures of a song from a Broadway musical, with or without musical accompaniment. Those preparing to audition for an acting role, will need to visit OP Childrens Theater Facebook

Things To Do

page to access, memorize, and practice vocal delivery of a select monologue. Be prepared to show proof of full Covid vaccination. For additional information, please contact us at opchildrenstheater@yahoo.com.

Sept. 8: Crab Cake Dinner

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

Sept. 8: Meet The Artists

Worcester County Arts Council, 6 Jefferson Street, Berlin, will offer from 5-7 p.m. an opportunity to meet and enjoy the artwork of featured artists Geo McElroy and Ellie Scott, while enjoying complimentary refreshments. In addition to the featured artists' exhibit, artwork created by 30 artists and members of the Co-Op Gallery is on display and available for purchase.

Sept. 9: Boardwalk Arts Festival

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

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

Sept. 9: Club Meeting

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

Sept. 9: Spaghetti Dinner

The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Dept Auxiliary will be holding a spaghetti carry out/dine in dinner at the main station in Bishopville from 4-6 p.m. Meat or meatless sauce, regular or gluten free noodles, salad, garlic bread and dessert. Cost is $12 per platter and $6 for children under 8 (half portion).

Sept. 9: Cannery Exhibition

“Phillips Cannery: Remembered” exhibition photos and narratives curated by

Patrick L. Henry from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hosted by Germantown School Community Heritage Center 10223 Trappe Road Berlin.

Sept. 9-10: Community Festival

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

Sept.12-14: Safe Boating Course

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

Sept. 13: Lions Club Meeting

Ocean City Lions Club Meeting will be held 12534 Airport Road, Ocean City with 6 p.m. social hour and 7 p.m. dinner and meeting. Guests welcome.

Sept. 14: Town Meeting

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

Sept. 14: Bingo Fundraiser

Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County will be hosting bingo at the Willards Lions Club. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with the first game starting at 7 p.m. All prizes are cash prizes. Food and drinks will be available for purchase along with specialty games for the chance to win more money. $25 admission will be at the door. Proceeds from this event go directly to Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County to support affordable homeownership and

critical home repairs/aging in place programs in Wicomico and Somerset Counties. For more information, call Karen Cooper, Community Relations Coordinator at 410-546-1551 ext. 131.

Sept. 15: Flounder Dinner

Bowen United Methodist Church in Newark will hold a fried flounder dinner from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Fried fish, green beans, macaroni and cheese and cornbread. Beverage and dessert, $10.

Sept. 16: Church Rummage Sale

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

Sept. 16: Community Clean-Up

From 9 a.m.-noon, Taylor Bank’s Ocean View, Ocean Landing and Chincoteague branches will hold a “Team Up For Good Community Clean-up.” The three branch locations will be check-in/disposal sites. Gather a team of colleagues, friends or family or participate as an individual. Each location will host a friendly competition with first, second and third place prizes awarded to the groups that collect the most weight in trash. A bonus prize will be awarded for the most unique or unusual item found. www.taylorbank.com.

Sept. 23: Dance Performance

Cosponsored by Assateague State Park, a free outdoor professional dance performance will act as a conduit to connect the community, environment, and performing arts in one. Rain date Sept. 24. Event includes performances from the New York City based dance company Continuum Contemporary/Ballet, Eric Trope and guest artists, soloist Georgina Pazcoguin, artists of the Washington Ballet, Ballet Theatre of Maryland, as well as eco talks from Assateague State Park, Maryland Coastal Bays, Assateague Coastal Trust and a post-performance Q&A. Pre-performance, the Island's new Five Tides restaurant and gift shop will be open, as well as a children's art activity tent sponsored by Freed USA. This production will be offered to the community at no cost and is being made possible through donations and grants from the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Salisbury University Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts.

Sept. 29-30,

Oct. 1: Pickleball Tourney

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

Berlin Land Access Issue Resolved

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – A deed of perpetual easement will resolve an access issue created by a Maple Avenue development.

Developers of the Willows at Berlin have worked with a neighboring property owner to reestablish access to their property after it was inadvertently eliminated when the apartments were being built. Mark Cropper, the attorney for the Stoll family, which owns the neighboring property, said he was pleased a solution had been reached without litigation.

“It was important to ensure the Stolls continue to have unrestricted access to a piece of property they’ve owned for an extended period of time,” Cropper said. “Fortunately, that access is now guaranteed by the deed of perpetual easement and the developer is able to utilize its property as contemplated.”

According to Cropper, when the Willows at Berlin was nearing construction in 2020, developers asked the town to convey a portion of municipal property, including the roadbed near the project, to enhance the project. Town officials eventually agreed to convey the 11,000square-foot piece of property to the developer. As that transfer was being approved, a public works agreement was being drafted and the project was per-

Worcester County Fair Next Weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

mitted and built. However, access to the Stoll property, which was next to the Willows property on the north side of Maple Avenue, was eliminated. The family contacted Cropper when they went to visit their roughly eight-acre piece of property and realized they couldn’t get to it.

In an effort to resolve the issue without going to court, Cropper said he spent months working with the developer’s legal team to come up with a solution, which in the end was decided upon as a deed of perpetual easement. It guarantees that the Stolls will continue to have unlimited and unrestricted access to their property for its development which can be as extensive as the law allows, and this includes connecting to utilities within Maple Avenue.

“It’s a perpetual easement from the developer to the Stolls that allows them to connect to any utilities presently or in the future that would be necessary for them to develop their property,” Cropper said. “The developer has also agreed to build and pave a 15-foot drive from the existing Maple Avenue to their property.”

Cropper said he was grateful for the cooperation of the developer in resolving the oversight.

“The developer gets the benefit of its investment, and my clients are able to develop their property to the fullest extent,” he said.

crawl street To Host artist night Before music Festival Tickets

OCEAN CITY – Crawl Street Tavern will welcome Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Stephen Kellogg performing Thursday, Sept 28, the night before the Oceans Calling Festival. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available for purchase.

A Stephen Kellogg performance is like watching Ted Lasso live, according to promotional materials. Whether you have heard of him before or not, you will leave the show inspired, restored, and having experienced an offering like no other. For more than two decades, this wordsmith, TEDx speaker, standup comic, family man and troubadour, has delighted audiences around the world. Planet Bluegrass calls him “a first-class songwriter with a poet's gift for fresh imagery,” and Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz says of Kellogg, “there are few people in rock n’ roll who are just so great.”

Kellogg has received the Armed Forces Entertainer of the Year award. Rolling Stone magazine describes his sound as “John Prine fronting the Heartbreakers.” Kellogg’s songs and stories speak to human lives with an immedi-

acy scarcely seen in the modern landscape. Each performance paints a unique canvas that covers the full spectrum of human emotions. Event promotional materials say, “You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll go home with a full heart.”

Buy tickets now at Eventbrite.com (search for Crawl Street Tavern) as spots are limited and this event will her-

ald in the anticipated Oceans Calling Festival beginning the next day. For those that missed the opportunity to buy Oceans Calling tickets and for others that want to start the festivities early, this is the perfect match.

Crawl Street Tavern is located on the corner of Wicomico Street and Baltimore Avenue offering Oceans Calling

after-hours event food, drinks, and music. Crawl Street is outside of the event fencing and will be open to the public during Oceans Calling. Each day Crawl Street Tavern will open at 8 a.m. for breakfast and until 2 a.m. each night. Concert goers and anyone near the stomping grounds are welcome to continue the festivities after 11 p.m. when the concert grounds close.

Patrons of Crawl Street will even be able to order the new “Crawl Daddy Lite,” for $2.50 per glass. The beer was crafted by RAR and is on tap now.

HAPPINESS

Too many people on the bow of this pontoon boat nearly resulted in the vessel taking on water last weekend south of the Route 50 Bridge. The boat leveled out once some of the riders moved to the back.

Photo by OCYachtShots.com

Parents, Stay Informed On Child’s Education

Editor:

School is back in session, parents are completing all those forms, which apparently now are done online. Parents, be mindful of the consent you are giving the Board of Education about your child's health and curriculum options.

Hopefully in those forms, there will be an option to “opt-in” to choices about administrating health care to your child and to your child's participation in the Maryland Comprehensive Health Education Framework, which will introduce your kindergartener to "a range of ways people identify and express their gender," to your seventh grader being required to describe numerous ways individuals achieve sexual gratification. More than

Letters To The Editor

likely you will be given the option to “optout,” and parents you will need to be vigilant throughout the school year to make sure your child is not being introduced to curriculum you find objectionable and inappropriate. This includes library books readily available to your child.

Parents, please take the time to visit your child's school library to determine if there are books you will not want your child to check out, although you will have no way of controlling the in-school exposure your child will have when they visit the library during school hours. There is a site https:/www.booklook.info/public-

book-reports where you may review many of the suggestive titles available in our Worcester County Public School libraries. This site grades the severity of the sexual or objectionable content and summarizes it with excerpts.

In prior years, a concerned citizen/taxpayer was able to request a review of an objectionable book in the school libraries. In 2022, I requested a review of a particularly sexual content book, which introduces and normalizes pedophilia and sodomy, it went through the review process and Superintendent Lou Taylor, through written correspondence,

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.

advised me the book would remain in the school libraries.

It seems this year, that policy, the "School Library Media Procedure for Challenged Materials" has been revised, and since I am not a parent, guardian, student or school employee, I do not have the right to request a review of the material in our schools that my tax dollars have paid for. I had already reviewed a book available in our schools before learning I could not submit the request. This book introduces and encourages exploring and engaging in sexual activity. It introduces and encourages the use of crystal meth, referred to as The Monster in this book, glamorizing the use of meth and other drugs. It normalizes and minimizes rape. It minimizes the decision to terminate the life of an unborn child, reminding the female subject in the book that abortion was an option and that her parents did not have to know, just bring $500 and a ride. This book introduces or suggest "cutting," as well as introduces or suggest suicide as a solution to deal with the addiction or the situation she found herself in.

The Worcester County Board of Education defends this book and all the others, many of which are graphically illustrated, stating a troubled student can identify with the subject matter. Instead, why not choose to focus on positive literature and resources that would help the student rise above, overcome or gain control of the situation they were facing.

Again parents, it’s not easy or convenient for working parents, or parents with other obligations, to visit your child's school or to attend Board of Education meeting, which fortunately, after repeated requests, the board added some night meetings to the schedule for working parents, concerned citizens and taxpayers convenience, please take the opportunity to attend as many of these meeting as you can and tour your child's school and library. Ask your child about their school day, and what they talked about that day, these are our children and grandchildren, we should be the ones making decisions and having input on what is presented to them.

Patricia Barbely Newark

Grateful To All Who Helped Husband

Editor:

Thank you to all those who helped my husband at Harborside on Sept. 5.

While normally steady on his feet, the heat affected him almost immediately as we got out of the car.

So from the gentleman who crossed the parking lot to offer assistance on the way in, to the staff, many locals and visitors as well as the camping ladies from West Virginia, we offer our sincere appreciation for your kind help as we exited the restaurant.

All of you will remain in our hearts with gratitude.

John and Sharon Mick Berlin

The Dispatch

Forever In Memory

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

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

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

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How We See It

Heroes In Red Deserve A Salute

Over Labor Day weekend, there were 34 lifeguard stands and 15 fourwheel quads covering 10 miles of beach in Ocean City. This is not unusual for this time of year because of seasonal staffing issues.

What was unique about this holiday weekend was the hot and humid weather as well as strong ocean currents from offshore storm activity. The perfect beach weather and active ocean resulted in peak season crowds. Labor Day weekend has in recent years seen reduced crowds due to most school systems and all universities being back in session.

With lifeguard stands spread out as much as eight blocks in some areas last weekend, the safety messages were sent far and wide. At least twice last weekend cellphones were overtaken with public safety alerts. Startling at first and similar to Amber Alert messages, the message was wise to send out. The message received Saturday was, “Life-threatening rip currents and large battering waves through the weekend. Use extreme caution when swimming and avoid areas where waves are breaking directly on the beach. If caught in a rip current, swim in a direction following the shoreline. Consult on-duty Beach Patrol before entering the water …” The alert advised swimmers to stay in knee deep water and swim in front of the lifeguard stands whenever possible. It was a smart use of technology, even if it was ignored by some visitors.

Over the course of the holiday weekend, there were 472 reported rescues in Ocean City – 152 on Saturday, 230 on Sunday and 90 on Monday. What’s not included in this tally were the rescues made by surfers who oftentimes help swimmers in trouble before lifeguards are even aware. There were also at least nine requests for paramedic help on the beach due to shore break injuries with at least three people hurt enough to require aviation transport. There were also some scanner reports indicating lifeguards suffering from heat exhaustion and requiring medical attention.

Though the status of the injured taken by air transport is unknown, the Ocean City Beach Patrol deserves a salute for being proactive with the alert system as well as the daily work in the ocean. Lives were saved because of their efforts, and we should all be grateful for the personnel who continued to stay in summer mode and in some cases return to Ocean City to fulfill employment commitments. A tip of the cap to all the heroes in red for their work and outreach throughout the summer, particularly over last weekend.

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green

The Worcester County Commissioners sent a letter to the Worcester County Board of Education this week that most likely went over like a lead balloon in Newark.

In a letter to Worcester County Board of Education President Todd Ferrante, Commission President Chip Bertino wrote, “On behalf of my fellow commissioners, I would like to thank you for providing the additional, detailed financial data for the FY24 BOE Budget that we requested. This lineby-line breakdown is extremely beneficial in helping our office begin to gain a more accurate understanding of the Board of Education’s budget, policies and programs. Following the review of these documents, we have a few initial questions and would greatly appreciate your assistance in reconciling them. … We appreciate your continuing partnership and look forward to your timely reply.” In the spring, the majority of commissioners flat funded the school system – providing the same amount of public dollars per student as the year previously – because they didn’t feel the school system was transparent enough during the budget process. The commissioners had sought detailed budget reports to justify the funding request. This week’s letter is in response to the hundreds of pages of detailed reports provided to the county from the Board of Education.

What followed Bertino’s letter was 30 pages of questions and exhibits, beginning with confusion over some five-year expenses. The letter reads, “One significant note is regarding the actual budgeting process. It seems in some cases that there is nothing budgeted in line items that had expenses assigned to them for 5+ years and in other cases line items are grossly overbudgeted for what has been actually spent each year. This irregular budgeting style leads to confusion and no doubt makes it difficult to plan ahead.” The letter then provides some examples to prove the point on matters like technology coach, new positions created mid-budget year, student tutoring programs, guidance supplies and field trips. There are numerous other questions raised in the packet, including specific issues with meeting meals (including 18 visits to the same Berlin restaurant), as well as an inquiry into the school system’s non-profit education foundation’s staffer being paid through the school system. On the non-profit staff member question, the letter asks, “Statements have been made that over $1 million has been raised by this foundation. Does it make sense for the county to continue directly funding this non-profit’s position?” In each of the outlined areas of concern, exhibits were attached highlighting the questions.

To be fair, most of the questions addressed in the packet are reasonable. It’s appropriate for the County Commissioners to want to ensure school system funding given by the taxpayers is properly being used. However, it’s clear the school system and the Board of Education will look at the scrutiny as micromanagement. I think this claim would be accurate. The county is looking to tightly manage how government funds are used by the school system. The county clearly does not trust the school system’s spending at this point. This is the only reasonable conclusion.

A process to rebuild the trust must take place. The entire school system vs. commissioners’ discourse over the past several months boils down to mistrust. Most of the commissioners clearly do not think the school system is being responsible with the tax dollars received. The letter clearly questions the school system’s financial policies as well as specific expenditures, like severance incentives the school system provides that the county does not currently. Relations clearly need to improve between the two bodies, but in the meantime the scrutiny continues.

The new Maryland law legalizing cannabis allows local governments to be more restrictive with specific rules, and it seems Worcester County is not willing to be as lax as the state.

At this week’s meeting, the Worcester County Commissioners voted to keep any new dispensaries at least 2,000 square feet away from schools and childcare areas -- state law requires 500 feet from a school, daycare, playground, recreation center, library or public park. The county does not know if it’s going too far with this restriction and seems willing to take the chance. The county also voted to prohibit on-site consumption establishments as Ocean City did this spring.

The more restrictive approach seems like a good direction for the county to take while adjustments are made to this new normal. It’s logical if new dispensaries are permitted, they will be opened in northern Worcester County due to the resident and tourist volume seen. It’s a good call to be proactive and try to regulate their locations while more questions are asked and answered.

Not everyone agrees with the restrictive approach, as one social media commenter raised some good points this week when he questioned whether the commissioners were truly representing the citizens with the concerns expressed this week because the county supported legalization of cannabis at the ballot box last year. It's true Worcester County voters in the referendum in 2022 overwhelming supported the referendum legalizing cannabis for adult use and possession. In Worcester, 62% of voters in last fall’s referendum backed legalization, 14,118 votes to 8,742. Statewide, 67% of voters supported legalization.

Puzzle Answers

by Steve Green

First days of school provide opportunities every year to take stock of family life.

In my household, a lot has changed in one year.

At this time last year, Pam and I were adjusting to a new world with our Beckett, 15, attending boarding school in Virginia. It was an uncomfortable feeling and there was truly a sense of loss. It was something Beckett wanted to try, and he had a great experience. He loved it until he didn’t, and we opted to bring him back home halfway through the year. He started his 10th grade year last week and it’s great to have him back at home. It feels right, although having a teenager in the house is not always joyful.

One year ago, Pam and I took Carson, 13, to school on his first day, and we had a difficult time separating from him. There were tears and lots of them. There was also sweat as it was a challenging morning for us as well as our education team. It was about as an inauspicious of a start to the school year one could imagine.

Fast forward to this year, I am delighted to report our eighth grader Carson did exactly what we asked of him. He went straight into school with no issues at all. There was no separation issue and no challenges getting him out of the car to go inside. It went as smooth as it could have been, and I was so relieved leaving school that day. In fact, I sat in my truck for a few minutes in total silence to reflect and pray as a matter of fact because flashbacks to last year’s first day were on my mind all weekend.

For parents of neuro-typical kids, a child refusing to get out of the car or go into school sounds foreign. We know because we have one of each –a so-called normal child and a special needs child. We understand the normal school drop-off involves pulling up to the designated location and the kid

going on his or her way without any fanfare. It’s easy.

We have an appreciation for that simple part of the day. With our Carson, it’s neither simple nor easy. We follow the same routine each morning to keep him on a good track. We have found it best for Pam to not be too involved in the mornings with Carson. The process seems to work best with just Carson and I going through the morning. The process has evolved over time.

Our morning school drop-off entails parking and walking to the school where we hope for a smooth pass off to his education team. I never take this part of the morning for granted because there have been days when something has set him off and he becomes difficult and refuses to go into school. Emotions take over, anxiety ramps up and struggles ensue.

The great news is we got off to a super start this week. Carson has proven to be much more adaptable and mature. It’s a wonderful change and inspires us to continue to push him forward in a positive direction to new and great things.

he headline from a Raising Teens Today article read, “Are you a pushover parent? 6 ways to tell and how you can fix it.” It grabbed my attention because I am often referred to as a pushover by the lady of the house.

The six ways listed were: “You’re trying to be your teen’s friend; you give in when your teen wants to bend the rules; you avoid conflict regardless of the outcome; you don’t stick to your guns when it comes to consequences; you don’t put your foot down when your teen is rude or disrespectful; and you rarely say “no” to your teen’s requests/demands.”

With my family, there’s no question I am more of a pushover than Pam. She has always been the tougher of

the two of us on the parenting front, and hindsight has proven her to be right on most matters of divide over the years. I will credit myself with coming a long way, however. I think we now offer a good balance for our kids. Because conflict is a part of my daily work life, I have a tendency of avoiding it at home, so the “you avoid conflict regardless of the outcome” topic applies to me specifically. Though I may be tired from work and resolving problems on the professional front, it doesn’t mean I should just be on cruise control at home. The column reads, “Rather than do what you know is necessary, you’re simply too tired to argue so you let it slide in hopes that the situation will resolve itself.” It continues, “… we might inadvertently take the path of least resistance to avoid conflict at all costs, which experts agree is the wrong path to take. Your kids need to view you as a point of authority. If they don’t, they won’t take you seriously, they won’t follow your rules and somewhere down the road, you’ll begin to feel as though you’re losing control. Stick to your guns. … You can still be a compassionate, loving and kind parent, you just need to be firm and hold your ground.”

The column also reported, “According to Psychology Today, ‘Learning how to deal with not getting what you want when you want it is an essential life skill kids need to learn. When kids are accustomed to being overindulged (either materialistically or as a result of saying yes to their demands), not getting what they want inevitably feels to them like deprivation.’”

The words make perfect sense, and I can visualize my wife nodding her head yes while reading the content. Now I just need to apply the guidance.

(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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