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January 28, 2022

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WOC Homicide Under Investigation

Photo by Campos Media • See page 4

County Body Cam Program Presented

Migrating Seals Return: Migrating seals have returned to area beaches in the last week or so. Pictured

above is one of the first of the season spotted on the beach in Ocean City. After a brief visit, the healthy seal returned to Photo by Donna Marlowe the ocean.

Submitted Photo • See page 28

Mayor’s 2022 Town Goals Outlined

Photo by Charlene Sharpe • See page 16

AGH Health Crisis Center Opens

Winter Reflections: A crisp winter day and a glassy bay provided the perfect setting for this reflective shot of the north-end Ocean City skyline this week.

Photo by Chris Parypa

Submitted Photo • See page 8

Page 2

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Planning Commission Approves Hybrid Workforce Housing Plan

Page 4

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – It took a little creative thinking, but resort planners last week figured out a way to give conditional approval to repurpose a downtown amusement facility for employee housing.

The Ocean City Planning Commission last week had before them a request to convert what has historically been an amusement facility at Worcester Street to seasonal workforce housing for as many as 78 seasonal workers. The facility has most recently been Selfie Fantasy, but in the past hosted a haunted house.

While all embraced the concept, the change of use came with challenges.

The property is zoned B-1, or business district, and in order to convert it to workforce housing, the planning commission had to figure out a way to define the project. It could be considered workforce housing, which would require onsite parking, or it could be considered a rooming house, which would get around the parking non-conformity issues.

After considerable debate, the planning commission decided it could be a hybrid of the two classifications, and approved the conversion with conditions imposed. Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville explained the challenges for the planning commission.

“This has been a complicated review,” he said. “It’s a hybrid project. The only two permitted uses are employee housing or a rooming house. If it’s not on the list, you can’t consider it. Is it employee housing or a rooming house?

They came up with a hybrid. It includes a large area and sleeping areas divided by a wall system that does not go up to the ceiling.”

The planning commission was less than keen on the sleeping areas divided by walls that did not go up to the ceiling for safety and privacy reasons, but that issue was later resolved when the developer agreed to find a way to make the dividers go to the ceiling and create private living spaces. Neville explained permitting the workforce housing with-

out walls that went to the ceiling could open a can of worms the town might not want to open.

“If the change of use is employee housing, we have to resolve the onsite parking issue,” he said. “We could do a code amendment. It opens the barn door to a field without fences. There is not a guarantee of a private room. If we open that possibility up, it could become the new standard. Is that what we want in Ocean City?”

Neville said the tenants would be sleeping in bunk beds in essentially what would be cubicles under the plan presented.

“It would have bunk beds and the top bunk could see into the adjacent space,” he said. “There would not be a degree of privacy. Today, I don’t think you can consider it employee housing.

It would have to be a rooming house.”

Planning Commission Chair Pam Buckley said there had to be a way to make it work because the site was desirable for employee housing.

“If there was ever a spot for it, this would be a good spot,” she said. “We’ve tried so many uses for that space. That’s a great area with a need for housing.

This is a good spot. There are plenty of jobs within walking distance.”

Developer Harry How said there were opportunities for floor-to-ceiling walls on the first floor, but the second floor had challenges.

“The first floor has tall ceilings,” he said. “On the second floor, we can’t do that because there is not enough height.”

Buckley said the health and welfare of the employees was paramount, but the commission had to consider the overall community.

“You mentioned the health and welfare of these young people,” she said.

“That’s our responsibility too, the health and welfare of our community. We all want and need more employee housing.

We just need to figure out where we go from here.”

Anne Marie Conestabile of United Work and Travel said her organization could supply the employees. The planning commission desired a single tenant for the property with all of the tenants

January 28, 2022

working for the same local business.

Conestabile said that was her organization’s desire as well.

“If I take sponsorship of the building, I will have one floor for boys and one floor for girls,” she said. “I would never mix genders.”

Planning Commissioner Joe Wilson agreed the project made sense and urged his colleagues to find a way to approve it.

“There is no doubt this is a perfect location for this project,” he said. “There is no doubt we need the seasonal housing. We just need to figure out how to make it work.”

How said if the commission could find a way to approve the project for this season with conditions, the commission could consider a code amendment that would formalize the agreement in the future.

“If we can get approval for this season, we can put restrictions on this year,”

he said. “Then, we can let a proposed code amendment run its course.”

Because the project would not fit easily into the existing code, Wilson said the commission would likely have to get around the on-site issue.

“Employee housing would have to get around the on-site issue,” he said.

“Is there a way to put that in an approval motion? That’s the question. It’s hard to come up with a solid solution.”

Buckley said there was a way to approve it if that was the commission’s desire. She asked Conestabile if she could secure a single employer as the tenant and fill the space.

“We can condition site plan approval on using it for workforce housing and come back with a lease agreement from one employer,” she said. “The employer would have to be in Ocean City. Could you get 78 employees from one local business with a fully-executed lease?”

SEE PAGE 12

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

and interviews with nearby residents allegedly indicated Pittman and the suspect, identified as Sherronte Robins, 40, of Ocean City, lived together in a room at the motel and an altercation took place in the room where they lived, according to police reports.

Robins was arrested around 10:30 p.m. on Monday. After consultation with the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office, Robins has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, firstand second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. Robins appeared for a bail review hearing on Tuesday morning and was ordered to be held without bond.

The victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division crime scene technicians responded to conduct scene processing and evidence collection after a search warrant was obtained. Evidence believed to have been linked to the murder was recovered from the crime scene.

A motive for the crime has not yet been established and the investigation is ongoing.

Suspect Held In Fatal WOC Stabbing MANAGING EDITOR

WEST OCEAN CITY – One local man is deceased and another is being held without bond on first-degree murder and other charges this week after a fatal stabbing incident in West Ocean City on Monday.

Shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies and Maryland State Police troopers responded to the Rambler Motel complex on Elm Street in West Ocean City for a reported stabbing assault. Upon arrival, local law enforcement officers found the victim, later identified as Nicholas Pittman, 37, of Ocean City, lying in the parking lot of the motel while unresponsive with trauma to the neck area.

Ocean City EMS responded and began life-saving measures on Pittman, who was pronounced deceased in an ambulance shortly thereafter. The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit and the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation took over the investigation. During the investigation, neighborhood checks

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Page 6

Migrating Seals Make First Appearance

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

Migrating seals have begun making their first appearances of the winter season. Pictured above is a healthy young pup sunning himself on the beach.

Photo by Donna Marlowe

OCEAN CITY – With the throes of winter in full force, migrating seals are starting to make their first appearances on the beaches in and around the resort area as they always do, but residents and visitors are advised to keep a safe distance from the intrepid guests.

Each winter, migrating seals of various species and sizes pass through the mid-Atlantic region as part of their normal migratory patterns and more than a few haul out on the beaches in and around Ocean City and Assateague.

The first unofficial migrating seal was seen on the beach in Ocean City this week. Many are simply resting or sunning themselves along their journey, while others are ill or injured.

In either case, the seals present an

January 28, 2022

adorable opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy them from afar, but interaction with humans and even their pets can often have dangerous consequences. To that end, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) is ramping up its seal steward program.

The MCBP and the National Aquarium Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP) several years ago partnered to launch an outreach program on responsible seal viewing and sighting reporting. Out of that partnership was born a highly successful seal steward program in place for the last few winters. The program represents an “on call” opportunity for volunteers.

When a seal hauls out, seal stewards will be contacted to see if they are available to man the haul-out area to make sure beach and dog walkers keep a safe distance to protect both the walkers and the seal. Educational material and information is provided at each haul-out so that stewards can inform interested onlookers.

The first instinct for many who come across a seal hauled out on the beach, or in some cases along docks and piers, is to get close to the affable creatures and take pictures and even touch them in some cases. However, despite their outward appearance, seals can present dangers to humans and their pets.

Their dog-like faces and lumpy bodies make seals adorably appealing and seemingly approachable, but an up close and personal encounter with a seal can cause serious stress to the animal and create a dangerous situation for both people and the seal.

With most haul-outs, the seals are merely resting during their migratory pattern. When a seal lays on a beach it is hauling out, which is a normal behavior with pinnipeds temporarily leaving the water between periods of foraging activity for sites on land. Hauling out is also necessary for seals for mating, giving birth, avoiding predators, thermal regulation, parasite reduction and even social activity. However, the latter shouldn’t include interaction with humans and their pets on the beach.

As the seals in the local area are temporary visitors, their hauling out here is primarily for rest or distress.

Therefore, close encounters by humans and dogs put both at risk. Seals will bite and serious infections can be transmitted to you or your pet. It’s important to note visiting seals are federally protected, so residents and visitors who encounter a seal on the beach or on a dock or pier are advised to stay at least 50 yards away from them.

Anyone who encounters a seal on the beach this winter is urged to call MARP’s direct line at (410) 576-3880 so a trained observer can evaluate the condition of the animal to determine if it is just doing its normal activity or if it is in distress. Seal sightings can also be registered on the MCBP website at www.mdcoastalbays.org.

Officials Report On COVID Recovery

January 28, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – While noting the health care system has been overwhelmed in recent weeks, local health officials say they are starting to see signs of recovery from the recent COVID-19 surge.

Last week, Wicomico County Health Officer Lori Brewster and TidalHealth President/CEO Dr. Steve Leonard came before the Wicomico County Council with an update on COVID-19 statistics within the community.

“As many of you know, we’ve seen a significant surge in COVID-19, particularly after the holidays …,” Brewster told county leaders. “Since the beginning of the year, in about 16 days, Wicomico has added 3,215 cases of COVID.” In her presentation last week, Brewster said that positivity rates continued to increase in Wicomico, with one in every three people testing positive. She noted, however, that state positivity rates have started to decline.

“That’s not unusual because we seem to lag behind the state,” she said.

While the health department has expanded its testing opportunities, Brewster said Wicomico remained the fourth-lowest vaccinated county in the state, with 61% of residents ages 12 and older being vaccinated.

She added that the National Guard would be setting up a testing unit at TidalHealth in the coming days, while the health department would continue to offer vaccination clinics.

“We are still providing vaccines two days a week at the Civic Center,” she said.

When asked about the Omicron variant, Brewster noted it had been identified in most test samples throughout the state. She noted, however, that typical health department testing wouldn’t indicate what type of variant a person had.

“Our PCR testing at the health department is just testing for COVID,” she explained. “In order to determine

if it is Omicron, it has to go through specialized testing at the lab … As the governor said, 9 out of 10 specimens are positive for Omicron.”

Leonard noted the most recent outbreak represented the sixth distinct surge within the community.

“Unlike other surges, however, the magnitude has been tremendous,” he said.

In recent weeks, Leonard noted, TidalHealth facilities have set recordsetting numbers for emergency department visits and hospital admissions. And on January 11, the health system’s Salisbury and Seaford campuses moved to a crisis status for the first time in its 125-year history.

“Our goal is to have the public not feel anything …,” he said. “It’s in this level we’re looking to manage volumes and take the burden off staff.”

Officials pointed out the most recent surge has also impacted staffing, both in terms of infections and burnout.

“Beside positivity, we’re not immune from the labor-related challenges,” Leonard added. “So we have quite a few openings, much like all businesses. It’s also challenged the situation at TidalHealth.”

But Leonard noted there appears to be some encouraging news, as hospitalizations have leveled off.

“We do think we’ve peaked in terms of in-patient volume …,” he told council members. “Our models suggest we will be at this plateau for some period of time.”

Councilman Bill McCain said Leonard’s report served as a reminder to avoid the emergency department if possible.

“I think a lot of people still use the emergency room as sort of a primary care office,” he said, “and it just adds to the already overrun situation.”

Leonard agreed, but noted those with medical emergencies should not wait to seek treatment.

“If you have a life-saving need – chest pain, stroke symptoms, a medical emergency – you need to go to the hospital,” he said. “We can take care of you.”

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AGH Announces New Behavioral Health Crisis Center

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

Atlantic General Hospital and community partners celebrate the opening of the new Crisis Center with a ceremonial ribbon cutting Wednesday.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

BERLIN – A new behavioral health crisis center at Atlantic General Hospital is expected to better serve community members with acute mental health illness and substance use disorders.

On Wednesday, Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) and its partnering agencies announced the opening of Worcester County’s first walk-in Behavioral Health Crisis Center.

Beginning Jan. 31, the center will offer care to adults and pediatric patients ages five and older who are in urgent need of behavioral health intervention.

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level of care,” said Greg Shockley, chair of the AGH Board of Trustees.

Officials say the center is part of a larger regional effort to reduce barriers to behavioral health care.

Utilizing an $11 million grant through the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC), Atlantic General, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and more than a dozen community agencies have partnered together to form the TriCounty Behavioral Health Engagement (TRIBE).

“TRIBE is one of three partnerships between hospitals and community groups in the state that was awarded funding to invest in behavioral health crisis services,” said Megan Renfrew, associate director of external affairs for HSCRC. “The opening of this crisis center is a major milestone in that effort. The announcement today is a clear success story demonstrating how coalitions like TRIBE are key to building and delivering coordinated, high quality care for patients.”

Kim Justice and Dr. Sally Dowling, cointerim president and CEO of AGH, noted the partnership addresses top barriers to behavioral health care: cost, provider access and lack of insurance.

“We have medically underserved areas, where many face difficulties accessing providers due to technology and transportation,” Justice said. “Creating a new approach for coordination of treatment and support services, such as the Behavioral Health Crisis Center, will provide another access point to address the high demand for addictions, mental health and care coordination services in our area.”

As part of the partnership, a primary site, which will offer 23-hour crisis stabilization, will open near TidalHealth Peninsula Regional later this year. Its satellite crisis center, located within AGH’s Atlantic Health Center, will accept referrals and walk-ins, with no appointment needed.

Tina Simmons, director of population health at AGH, noted that patients will receive an initial intake assessment with access to behavioral counseling, psychiatric care and medication management.

“Atlantic General and TidalHealth are working alongside all of the community partners … to increase access to behavioral health services for patients in crisis and really work to decrease duplication of efforts and bridge the gaps in care,” she said. “This will help us reduce ER utilization, readmissions and hospital admissions related to behavioral health and substance use diagnoses.”

Dr. Bryce Blanton, the crisis center’s onsite medical director, agreed.

“I think we are all aware of the gaps in care in our area, and it’s only gotten worse since we’ve seen the pandemic go on and on,” he said. “With a mental health crisis, as many people know, when you need to be seen, you need to be seen today or two weeks ago. With this clinic, I believe we will be able to help fill that gap with people being seen the exact same day.”

Officials say the center will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with plans to expand hours as the program matures.

For more information, visit www.agh.care/TRIBE.

Inlet Dredging Project Underway

January 28, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 9

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Army Corps of Engineers hopper dredge Murden arrived in Ocean City late last week for a month-long dredging project around the Inlet.

Three or four times a year, the Army Corps of Engineers-Baltimore District sends the Murden or its sister ship Currituck to Ocean City to conduct routine dredging in and around the Inlet. The Murden returned to the area last Friday and it will conduct the typical Assateague bypass project, which removes material in and around the navigation channel with an emphasis on the ebb and flood shoals that traditionally trap sand moving southward toward Assateague.

During dredging cycles where material is taken from within the channel, the crew will focus on shoaling as identified

by Army Corps of Engineers pre-dredge surveys being conducted by personnel on site this week. Examples of traditional shoaling hotspots would be the area between buoys 11 and 12 and near the Coast Guard dock in the area of buoys 8 and 10, but the upcoming dredging will be dictated by the surveys being completed this week.

Dredged material is placed south of the Inlet, just offshore of Assateague Island where it counteracts erosion. Army Corps of Engineers officials this week said the latest routine bypass project at the Inlet will last roughly one month.

Throughout the Murden’s visit, the entirety of the Assateague bypass cycle and the additional Inlet-only dredging will take place. The Murden will be removing one load per day from the Inlet.

Crews will place the dredged material south of the Inlet just off the coast of the north end of Assateague for most of its time in the area, which counteracts erosion.

The operation will continue in a 24hour cycle while the Murden is in Ocean City. While the Inlet and other channels in and around the commercial harbor naturally fill in and are in continual need of maintenance dredging, the problem has become even more acute in recent years. In recent years, some vessels operating out the commercial harbor have found it difficult, if not impossible, to pass through the Inlet even on the highest of tides because of the shoaling of the navigational channel.

The Army Corps, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Worcester County have signed a project partnership agreement for the Ocean City Harbor and Inlet navigation improvement project, which is 90% federally funded. The Corps will evaluate sediment transport in the Inlet and recommend options to manage the shoaling to include structural solutions like jetties or channel modifications like deepening the channel in the Inlet.

The Army Corps of Engineers dredge boat Murden returned to Ocean City late last week to start an Inlet project.

Photo by Shawn Soper

2 2 0 , 2 02 February PM 1-5

New Fees Proposed To Bolster Berlin Water, Sewer Reserves

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Berlin residents could soon be seeing a new charge on their water and sewer bills.

The town’s elected officials this week talked about a recommendation to implement a new charge on both water and sewer bills to help the town build a capital reserve. The charges were recommended by Jean Holloway of the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP), who conducted a rate analysis for the town.

“With no reserves at all you’re very

vulnerable to a crisis,” Holloway said.

“That’s pretty obvious.”

Holloway told officials during Monday’s council meeting that the town’s water and sewer funds needed capital reserves. She proposed implementing a flat fee as soon as potentially the next quarter to generate funding. She proposed a flat fee of $5 per residential EDU on the water side and $14.50 per residential EDU on the sewer side. For commercial customers, the fee would be $10 on the water side and $29 on the sewer side. She said if the fees were implemented by April 1, the water fund would have an extra $41,228 by the end of this

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fiscal year while the sewer fund would have an extra $120,460 by the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

“Right now you have no cushion,” she said. “None whatever. So it’s really important to get this established and the sooner the better.”

Mayor Zack Tyndall acknowledged that the town needed to build capital reserves.

“Everybody knows I don’t like to see fees go up or taxes go up, but the thing is that when we’re looking at the duty and the obligation of these funds, they need to break even,” he said. “And right now they’re not doing that. It’s an obligation that the funds have, it’s an obligation that we have as the manager of those funds.

As much as it pains me to see we have no real other choice than to start establishing a capital reserve.”

Councilman Jay Knerr agreed it was necessary but suggested waiting until the next budget cycle, as citizens were facing increased costs already because of inflation.

“I think we’ve been kicking the can

down the road,” Councilman Troy Purnell said. “I’ve been saying it for a long time.

We’ve got to break even. We’re supposed to pay for the service that we render. There’s only one way to do that.”

Councilman Jack Orris said he agreed with Knerr. Councilman Dean Burrell said he wanted to hear from the public. Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols agreed.

“Jean, I appreciate everything you’ve done and I don’t want you to see this as us not listening or heeding your warnings, but I’m a little apprehensive on moving forward with this today without hearing what the citizens of the town think about this,” she said.

Tyndall said he’d like to explore a tax rebate to soften the impact of the new fee and would return to the council with information in February.

“What I’d like to do, we’ll take this back to the drawing board,” he said. “I’d like to see if maybe we can provide like a rebate or a refund on some of the taxes that we’ve levied this cycle in lieu of fixing the real problem which is the water and sewer fund.”

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

beef from the cattle he raises on his Croppers Island Road farm. According to county staff, agriculturally zoned land can be used to raise and sell livestock, and can be used for roadside stands offering processed agricultural products for sale.

Staff determined when Ewell inquired last year that it cannot be used for the slaughtering of livestock.

As a result, Cropper submitted the text amendment, which is not site specific, to allow slaughtering as an accessory use to farms in the A-1 agricultural district.

Residents of Croppers Island Road have expressed a variety of concerns about the amendment, which they’ve pointed out would apply to agriculturally zoned land throughout the entire county. They’re worried about environmental impacts and, in their neighborhood specifically, traffic and commercial activity.

With the item pulled from the Feb. 3 planning commission agenda, it’s not clear when the text amendment will be reviewed. The planning commission meets on the first Thursday of every month.

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NEWARK – Discussion of a text amendment that would allow farmers to butcher and sell beef has been delayed.

Though the Worcester County Planning Commission was set to consider a text amendment next week that would allow livestock farms to slaughter, package and sell beef, the item has been pulled from the agenda.

Mark Cropper, the attorney representing the applicant, asked county staff to continue the matter until a later date so that his client could review the information submitted by opponents of the text amendment.

“He needs time to review everything and have researched a variety of issues,” Cropper wrote in an email to county staff this week. “There simply isn’t time to do so between now and the scheduled hearing date.”

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Resident, Inn Reach Settlement Two Assateague Mares Confirmed Dead

January 28, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A dispute regarding special events at a Berlin bed and breakfast has been settled.

The administrative appeal filed by Berlin resident Joe Hill regarding a town board’s decision to allow tented events at The Inn Berlin was settled this week a day before the court hearing was set to take place. The agreement reached will allow the inn to host eight tented events a year rather than the 20 permitted by the Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals.

“We came to an agreement because this sort of thing can go on forever,” Hill said.

A statement from the Tomasallo family, proprietors of the inn, stresses the facility’s commitment to being a positive part of the town.

“Our hope is that they now realize we are making this town more beautiful and a destination for people to come and enjoy all Berlin has to offer,” the statement said. “From our extremely successful first season, with zero complaints from any surrounding neighbors, we continue to look towards an amicable future.”

In 2020, Pino and Karen Tomasello, who formerly operated Fresco’s and Sello’s restaurants, bought the former Waystead Inn property. Their son and daughter-in-law opened it as The Inn Berlin last year.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals approved The Inn Berlin’s request to host outdoor tented events in April. While the Harrison Avenue property already had a conditional use approval to have up to 30 people dine at the inn, the new approval let the inn host up to 20 outdoor events a year for up to 60 people.

Hill, whose home is adjacent to the bed and breakfast, was one of several residents who expressed concerns with the inn’s plans during the board’s April hearing. He was worried about the potential for noise and the impact of a commercial use in a residential neighborhood. He filed an administrative appeal in Worcester County Circuit Court seeking judicial review of the board’s decision.

With a hearing set for Tuesday, Hill and the connections of The Inn Berlin reached a settlement agreement Monday. It states that the inn will be limited to a maximum of eight tented events per year and that the Hills will be notified at least two weeks prior to any tented events. All other terms of the board’s approval shall remain the same and additional tented events would require board approval.

Hill said he still disagreed with the way the town had handled the situation but acknowledged that the settlement represented a compromise.

“I have to live next to these people,” Hill said. “I want to get along with them.”

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

ASSATEAGUE – While the census of wild horses on the Maryland side of Assateague is ongoing, it was reported this week two elderly mares have passed away.

The Assateague Island Alliance (AIA), the friends group of Assateague Island National Seashore, which advocates on behalf of the wild horses, this week confirmed the death of two mares. The two mares, M17GMV, or “Little Paka,” and N6BP, or “Lion’s Mane,” were confirmed deceased by Assateague Island National Seashore staff, according to an AIA release.

“Lion's Mane was a successful mare living to over 30 which is impressive for a domestic horse, let alone a horse living wild and free on a dynamic barrier island,” the AIA statement reads. “She is a perfect example of how adaptable the horses are to this harsh environment and a testament to the National Park Service’s policy to manage the Maryland herd as wildlife.

Much the same for Little Paka who would have been 25 this year.”

With the birth of a handful of new foals this year, the population of wild horses on the Maryland side is expected to be within the ideal range of 80-100, but the number will be deter-

Page 11

mined when the census is completed.

The National Park Service completes a full census of the horse population on the Maryland side of the barrier island six times per year in February, March, May, July, September and November. Managed as a wildlife population, the Assateague horses are free to roam over the roughly 27 miles of the barrier island and are difficult to find at times.

During each census, the horses are identified by their distinguishing characteristics, mapped and counted. Individual horses that are not observed over multiple census periods are presumed dead. The purpose of the census is to monitor the population dynamics of the horse herd in support of the long-term fertility control program that was initiated in 1994.

The popular horses on Assateague are wild animals and generally left to the whims of nature. However, in the interest of maintaining a healthy population size, the National Park Service several years ago began a contraceptive program for the mares.

In almost each year since, selected mares have been injected, or darted more appropriately, with a non-invasive contraceptive called PZP in an effort to maintain the size of the herd on the Maryland side in its manageable threshold.

Town Hall Meeting Next Step for Ocean Pines Budget

Page 12

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN PINES – The association’s proposed budget for the coming fiscal year will advance to a town hall meeting following last week’s board review.

Last week, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors held a meeting to review the preliminary proposed budget for fiscal year 2022-2023. General Manager John Viola noted the budget came with some revisions following meetings with the association’s Budget and Finance (B&F) Committee.

“This is a detailed review for the board and for the association,” he said. “At this point, our team has put forward a proposed budget to the B&F team. They scrubbed everything and gave us their feedback, which we reviewed and incorporated.”

The proposed fiscal year budget includes total revenues of $16,833,944 and expenditures of the same. While the spending plan initially proposed a $1 decrease in assessments, Viola last week proposed using $450,000 in surplus to reduce the non-water lot assessment from its current $996 to $925, or a reduction of $71.

“Right now we’re running a nice surplus for this year,” he said. “So that’s all factored into this budget.”

While he acknowledged some funding challenges – mainly resulting from

minimum wage increases and inflation – Viola said the association continues to see improved amenity performance and revenue growth.

“Our amenities are showing organic growth in revenue,” he said. “We, across the board, have had expense efficiencies, which has all been reflected in this budget, as well as the surplus you’ve seen we’ve generated this year, as well as last year that we recognized.”

Viola said the association recognized a $1.19 million surplus in fiscal year 2021.

He proposed using $450,000 of that money for a one-time assessment reduction, $350,000 to replenish the roads reserve fund and $60,000 for the association’s T-docks project. The remaining $334,991, Viola said, would be added to an estimated surplus of nearly $1.09 million in fiscal year 2022.

“We would have a balance of $1,422,483 still in our surplus, even after those three items,” he said. “We can use this surplus … if we want to increase or at least allocate to our reserves.”

Viola also presented board members with the contribution schedule for the association’s general replacement reserve fund, which projects a reserve rate of 25.8% by fiscal year 2026-2027. That percentage, however, could grow if the association eliminates contributions for replacing the golf course irrigation system.

“If we, as a community or this board,

BERLIN – This week, at-home test kits and KN95 masks started being delivered to all five Worcester County Library branches: Hill, Pocomoke, Berlin, Ocean City, and Ocean Pines libraries.

At-home test kits and KN95 masks are available, while supplies last to the public. The county health department is requesting the public take 10 masks per household.

If one would like a COVID-19 at-home test kit, and/or masks, please contact a local Worcester County Library branch by phone to ask about their supply.

Please do not go inside the library if you are experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms. Worcester Health continues

to offer weekly PCR testing on Tuesdays in Pocomoke and Wednesdays in Ocean City.

If you are eligible for a COVID vaccination but not vaccinated yet, please do so. Testing is useful but a vaccine is still the best tool in our toolbox for fighting COVID. Stay home if you are sick. Wash your hands, wear a mask in crowded indoor areas, check on family and neighbors often, including their physical health as well as their mental health. Additionally, every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests.

They can be ordered at https://bit.ly/3o0UsHp.

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

Library Distributing Home Test Kits, Masks

January 28, 2022

decided that we are going in a different route for this irrigation system, it would be an even higher percentage,” he said.

The board last week met with several department heads, including those from police, public works, and recreation and parks, to review their individual budgets. Fire department staff also presented their requests, which includes a $254,000 increase for compensation.

“This is based on adding additional employees that we are requesting,” said Capt. Harvey Booth, “and providing retirement, insurance, etcetera for two people we already brought on full time.”

Directors also reviewed the summary of capital projects, which eliminated $600,000 for the golf course irrigation replacement.

“The main change we made was taking the golf course irrigation out,” said Finance Director Steve Phillips. “That was

the big-ticket item, $600,000. So our total general replacement went down significantly.”

Viola also highlighted the $125,000 in funding for the administration building.

“We did want to renovate the interior of the administration building,” he said, adding the funds would be used for a new HVAC system, as well as new ceilings and flooring. “I want to ask to put this in the budget.”

During the review session last week, the board voted to reallocate $350,000 in surplus to replenish the roads reserve fund and to use $60,000 in surplus to fund the T-docks project.

Officials say the next step is to hold a town hall meeting, which is scheduled for Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. The board is expected to vote on the budget in late February.

FROM PAGE 4 Neville said he would be comfortable if that plan was achieved.

“That’s the only way I’d feel comfortable,” he said. “Until we work on this zoning amendment, that would make me feel more comfortable in allowing these kids to stay here. I just don’t know any other way.”

Neville said there was a precedent with the Ropewalk uptown providing employee housing that was not connected to the property.

“If this was the first time we tried this, I’d feel less comfortable,” he said.

“We do have the Ropewalk situation, so there is a precedent. I’m not comfortable with workforce housing in cubicles. It’s the privacy. It’s the shared air space. I can’t recommend that. We’ll see developers trying this all over the place.”

Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis said the project met a demand if the details could be worked out.

“It is what it is,” he said. “We have a labor problem here and we have to solve it. They’re used to this in Europe.

We’re in Ocean City where housing is short. This is the best we can do with what we have to work with. It hasn’t got-

ten any better in the last 12 months.”

Gillis said there was a solution on the table if the commission wanted to embrace it.

“What I’m hearing is, we’ve found a way to shoehorn this in legislatively,” he said. “I don’t think anyone questions the desire, the demand or the need.

It sounds like we’re having a moral dilemma even if we can make this work.”

Wilson said if there was a practical solution, the commission should figure it out.

“This would be a great fit,” he said.

“I think it would be a great spot for employee housing. I think we need one person to put all of the employees in there.”

In the end, the commission approved the site plan for the project with conditions attached. Among the conditions were the walls separating the living spaces needed to go the ceiling, a single employer would have to lease the property and place his or her employees only in the space, windows that have been boarded over for the property’s other uses would have to be opened, and an onsite manager of the employee housing would have to be at least 30 years old.

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New Sidewalk Contract Advances To Fenwick Town Council

January 28, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – A new contract for a sidewalk construction project will move forward to the Fenwick Island Town Council with a favorable recommendation from a resort committee.

Earlier this month, the Fenwick Island Sidewalk Project Committee voted unanimously to advance a $522,000 contract to the town council with a favorable recommendation.

While the town had initially agreed that the first phase of its sidewalk construction project would extend along six bayside blocks from James Street to Dagsboro Street, Mayor Vicki Carmean told committee members the new contract had reduced the scope of the project.

“DelDOT wanted us to pay for a new lighting system at Dagsboro …,” she explained. “I made an arbitrary decision that

World Food Competition Qualifier Coming To OC

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Officials say a World Food Championships seafood qualifier event is coming to this year’s Trade Expo.

On Sunday, March 6, six local chefs will go head to head for a chance to win a “Golden Ticket” to compete in this year’s World Food Championships, held in Dallas.

Officials say the seafood qualifier event will be the first ever held at the annual Ocean City Spring Trade Expo, which returns to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center March 6-7.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our region as typically these types of events are in large cities,” said Susan Jones, executive director for the Ocean City HotelMotel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA).

“So I was thrilled that they considered having it as part of our Expo.”

Jones said a chance to host the seafood qualifier event was made possible through OCHMRA’s partnership with the Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM), which has been a state partner of the World Food Championships for three years.

“We are the representative for the entire state and offer qualifier events for chefs to win ‘Golden Tickets’ to the World Food Championships …,” said RAM Director of Events Kim Brennan. “This is the first time this competition has been hosted in Ocean City.”

Brennan said the cooking competition, which will be on display for all Trade Expo attendees, will feature two brackets, with three chefs in each bracket. The winning chef from each round will then compete against each other for $500 in prize money and a “Golden Ticket” to the World Food Championships in November. The seafood dish that each chef prepares will be judged anonymously.

“We’ve actually had to modify the logistics of the competition because we had so much interest from chefs locally …,” she said. “The winner from round one SEE PAGE 15

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

we would not pay. I believe that’s DelDOT’s responsibility.”

By eliminating a block of sidewalks near Dagsboro Street, Carmean said the town would save money. The original plan, she noted, had an estimated price tag of roughly $700,000.

“The new estimate for the five blocks was $522,000,” she said.

Carmean told committee members the town’s attorney had reviewed the contract and had submitted changes to Century Engineering. She said the next step would be to seek the council’s approval.

“What I’m asking the committee to consider is a recommendation to the council to sign the contract and start with the five blocks,” she said. “I imagine work will get started in the fall.”

With no further discussion, a motion to forward a favorable recommendation to the town council passed 4-0, with mem-

bers Basil Hanlon and Shari Robinson absent.

“So long as they’ve accepted the lawyer’s comments, we should move this forward to the council,” said committee member Tim Leahy.

In 2019, Fenwick Island initiated the first phase of its sidewalk construction project. Instead of pursuing a state-led project – which had a cost estimate of roughly $10 million – town officials decided to handle the project themselves and worked alongside state legislators to secure bond bill funding.

While the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has since included the project in its Capital Transportation Plan for 2026, Fenwick Island officials have decided to use state and reserve funding to begin the first phase of construction.

Carmean told committee members this week the town had roughly $629,000

Page 13

committed to its sidewalk project, with $80,000 earmarked for engineering fees.

She noted, however, that she also wanted council’s approval to commit an estimated $100,000 in county funding toward the project.

“The county has gotten all of this RTT (realty transfer tax) money and they are going to divide it among the towns based on population and tax revenue …,” she explained. “I think we should put that money toward this last block.”

The committee ultimately voted to send a favorable recommendation to the town council approving the use of county funds for the sidewalk project.

Officials say they hope to display the town’s plans for the sidewalk project both online and at town hall.

“I want to be transparent about what’s happening,” Carmean said. “People should know where the money is going, and that this decision was done in good faith.”

North Gate Bridge, Mailbox Improvements Underway Berlin Audit Highlights Enterprise Fund Losses

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 28, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – As association staff continue to remove the North Gate guard house, General Manager John Viola said he will move forward in seeking estimates for new bridge lighting.

In November, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors agreed to improvements at the North Gate entrance after fielding homeowner complaints about its dated appearance. In addition to power washing the bridge, officials also presented plans for adding new light fixtures and potentially removing the existing guard house, located between the span of bridges.

In an update last week, Viola told board members that association staff had begun taking down the structure.

“We did the work in-house,” he said.

“It’s pretty much almost completed, probably in another week or so. The cost, inhouse, is around $2,500.”

Viola added that he was also looking to replace the guard house with another centerpiece.

“We did look at possibly some ideas, and I’ll work with a work group and anybody that has ideas of what they would like to put there,” he said.

Viola told board members he would also seek their approval for the installation of new bridge lighting. He said the idea was to put taller light poles at each end of the bridge, as well as new lighting

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

The dismantled North Gate guardhouse is pictured.

to replace the old globes along the bridge span.

“We would take them and remove them, we would cut down the wooden poles that are there and then put up these new poles that would match the four larger poles at the beginning and end of the bridge,” he explained.

Viola said the next step would be to seek cost estimates for new lighting and move forward with the plan.

“This is a step in the right direction to start improving that bridge,” he said.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

Also in last week’s board meeting, Viola presented plans for improving the appearance of the association’s mailbox clusters.

Viola noted staff would create a priority list for replacing concrete pads at the mailbox clusters and identify the next 10 locations for which to begin work. He added the association had also identified roughly 100 mailbox pedestals that needed to be replaced, at a total cost of $50,000. The improvements would be funded through the maintenance budget.

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BERLIN – Most of the town’s enterprise funds still need improvement, according to a presentation of the fiscal year 2021 audit.

Representatives of PKS & Company presented the latest municipal audit at this week’s Berlin Town Council meeting.

Michael Kleger of PKS confirmed that the town’s enterprise funds still struggled to break even.

“I think you’re making progress, but I think there’s still a ways to go to kind of get where you need to be,” he said.

Kleger and Leslie Michalik, also of PKS, presented elected officials with an overview of the fiscal year 2021 audit.

Kleger said the town’s financial statements presented fairly.

“This is also known and often referred to as a clean opinion and is the highest level of assurance we can give as outside auditors,” he said.

Michalik said the general fund’s revenues exceeded expenditures by roughly $1.8 million. The town ended the year with a fund balance of $6,293,200. Though some of that is nonspendable and restricted, the portion that could potentially be spent—the assigned and unassigned categories—totaled more than $3.8 million. That represents eight months of operating expenditures for the town.

“The fund balance is a key measure of the health of the town,” Michalik said.

“It’s important to maintain an adequate level of fund balance.”

She pointed out that since the town’s highest level of fund balance in 2016, the amount had dropped but was now moving in a positive direction.

“You can see you had a little dip there in the middle and now you’re working your way back up,” she said.

The town’s largest source of revenue remains property taxes while it’s biggest expenditure continues to be public safety.

Michalik said the town’s four enterprise funds—water, sewer, stormwater and electric—were meant to cover their costs.

“These funds are intended to be run the same as a business for profit so they’re funded by user charges that are set at an appropriate level to cover their expenses,” she said.

Nevertheless, Kleger said the town’s water, sewer and stormwater funds were still generating losses from operation.

“These funds are typically meant to support themselves,” he said, adding that if they weren’t the town would have to continue to support them with money from the general fund. “That shouldn’t happen in an enterprise fund. An enterprise fund should be able to support itself in operations.”

Mayor Zack Tyndall said the town also had to do more to plan for capital needs.

Kleger agreed and said deferring capital improvements could eventually catch up to the town.

“Dealing with those things now makes a lot of sense,” he said.

Wicomico Partners With Provider For Broadband Funding

January 28, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SALISBURY – Officials say a partnership between Wicomico County and an internet service provider is expected to help expand broadband access to unserved areas.

In a meeting of the Wicomico County Council last week, Acting County Executive John Psota announced a non-legally binding partnership with Talkie Communications, a Chestertown-based internet service provider, to secure state grant funding for broadband infrastructure projects.

FROM PAGE 13 and the winner from round two will go head to head to determine the winner of the day.”

The World Food Championships is a five-day outdoor cooking competition where top chefs from across the globe compete in any of the 10 cooking categories. The winners of each category then advance to the World Food Championships finals for a shot at the World Food Champion title and an additional $100,000.

Brennan noted the winner of this year’s qualifier event in Ocean City will compete in the seafood category.

“They will only be accepting 30 chefs in that category from all over the world,” she explained. “So whoever wins this event will be one of 30 competitors worldwide.”

Brennan noted that the six competing chefs – all local to Ocean City – will be announced in the coming days.

“Competing at the World Food Cham-

pionships is an exclusive opportunity,” she said. “This is an opportunity for them to have access to be able to compete on a more international level. There’s tons of publicity between TV and national sponsorship opportunities. It can really propel some of these chefs to become more public entities than they are currently.”

Brennan said the seafood qualifier event will be held at the Ocean City Spring Trade Expo on March 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Between the different rounds, the competition will run the duration of Sunday’s Expo event,” she said. “It will be hosted onstage, so people can sit and stay the whole time or walk in and view as long as they wish.”

The Restaurant Association of Maryland will host other qualifying events for the World Food Championships throughout the year.

For more information, visit marylandrestaurants.com or worldfoodchampionships.com.

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

... 6 Local Chefs To Compete At Trade Expo

Page 15

Psota noted the partnership, selected through a request for proposal (RFP) process, has allowed Talkie to apply for $20 million in state grant funding with a letter of support from the county.

“The scope of work dealt specifically with the ability of a vendor to deliver broadband internet access to potential rural customers in areas we identified as being unserved …,” he told council members. “A partnership with a local jurisdiction identified in the letter of support is a requirement for a vendor who is applying for this latest state broadband grant.”

John Monar, Wicomico County’s information technology director, said over the past year the county had mapped roughly 2,100 properties with no wired broadband internet access. He said state grant funding would allow Talkie to complete expansion projects in those areas.

“Talkie will use FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Grant they were awarded to supplement many fiber projects in Wicomico County and as part of the 10% match requirement for infrastructure grants,” he explained. “Grant funding awards would allow for more than 300 miles of fiberoptic-to-the-premise (FTTP) broadband internet service to be made available to more than 2,100 primary unserved Wicomico County structures.”

When asked if the county would need to provide matching funds for any grant awards, Psota said it didn’t.

“This is a non-legally binding offer with

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no Wicomico County matching funds,” he said. “No funding request is being made by the executive to the council for this state grant, and there is no contracting for services.”

During the RFP process, Monar said the county received responses from Bloosurf, Choptank Fiber, Mediacom, Simple Fiber and Talkie Communications. Officials noted Talkie was selected based on its ability to expand broadband service to the most households, among other things.

Monar added that the proposed areas for broadband expansion include Cross Road, Athol, Royal Oak Road, Whitehaven, Allen, Whiton, Mt. Pleasant, Powellville/Mt. Hermon Road, North Pittsville and South Fruitland.

When asked if Talkie had completed any projects in Wicomico, Monar said they hadn’t. He noted, however, that they had completed buildouts in Queen Anne’s, Kent and Worcester counties.

“They do not have any in Wicomico so far,” he said. “Their first one will be the Deer Creek buildout on the east side of the county.”

After further discussion, the council agreed to continue its talks at a future work session.

“We are committed to and will continue to explore all viable and economically feasible options,” Psota told council members. “We acknowledge that this utility is critical to education, telehealth and economic development.”

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Berlin Mayor Outlines 2022 Town Goals

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Progress on a community center, new festivals, traffic safety improvements and rebranding are among numerous goals for Berlin in 2022.

Mayor Zack Tyndall this week outlined dozens of goals he compiled with input from the public and town staff.

“By and far this is a pretty good representation of the people, our employees and the elected body coming together,” Tyndall said.

In early January, Tyndall announced on social media that he’d like citizen input, as well as ideas from staff and elected officials, to compile a list of municipal goals for 2022.

During Monday’s council meeting, he presented an extensive list of goals within 10 categories. Those categories include maintaining and creating safe and inclusive public spaces, supporting diverse art and cultural activities, enhancing safety, managing infrastructure, increasing connectivity, promoting environmental stewardship, increasing tourism, improving town finances, communicating effectively and planning for growth.

Highlights within the list include continuing progress on a community center, improving the walking path at Stephen Decatur Park, looking at dog park pos-

One of the town's goals for 2022 includes the installation of life rings around the water at Heron Park.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

sibilities, identifying a location for a skatepark and installing life rings around the water at Heron Park. Other items include holding a Flower Street festival, a gospel festival, a homecoming parade and exploring an outdoor concert venue.

In the area of traffic safety, Tyndall talked about exploring options for roundabouts, the need for stoplights at Main Street’s intersections with major highways and completing a study for LEOPS (Law Enforcement Officers Pension System).

Another big goal for the town is work-

ing to bring a pedestrian bridge to Route 113 at Bay Street.

Council members praised Tyndall’s efforts to compile a list with input from town residents as well as elected officials and employees.

“This is a comprehensive list and it’s going to take some doing and working together to make a dent in it,” Councilman Dean Burrell said. “But I also think these goals lay out a splendid direction for our town.”

To view the complete list of town goals, visit the town’s website to access Monday’s council meeting packet.

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Officials Throw Support Behind Agritourism Bill

January 28, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Local officials testified in support of a bill that would allow for more agritourism in Worcester County this week.

On Tuesday, Worcester County Commissioner Diana Purnell and Melanie Pursel, director of the Worcester County Office of Tourism and Economic Development, testified in support of Senate Bill 32 as it was heard by the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. The bill was introduced by Sen. Mary Beth Carozza to pave the way for more agritourism in Worcester County.

“This legislation is a win-win for both the farm families who may need to diversify and pull in additional revenue just to keep the farm and a win for tourists who will have more options to explore and experience our local farms,” Carozza said.

Carozza told the committee the bill would simply add Worcester County to the list of 18 jurisdictions in which farm structures used for agritourism activities are exempted from certain requirements typically applied to commercial buildings. The bill would be effective June 1, so it would be in effect for the summer season.

“Specifically, this legislation would exempt an agriculture building in Worcester County used for agritourism from obtaining a change of occupancy permit if the building’s use of agritourism does not require it to be occupied by more than 200 people at any one time,” Carozza said.

Purnell addressed the need to support family farms as they were a key part of Worcester County.

“Family farms, they are the heart of the rural life in Worcester County,” she said. “And thanks to the growth of the agritourism market, family farms are also a key component in Worcester County’s tourism branding.”

She said Senate Bill 32 would give farmers the flexibility to use their existing structures for agritourism uses that complemented their farms.

“From tasting rooms for wineries to barn weddings set against the backdrop of horse farms, these new activities will ensure that farms can remain economically viable, entice those inheriting the land to continue farming and educate those from less rural areas about the value of farming,” she said.

Pursel said the bill would support the efforts local officials have already made.

“Here locally the Worcester County Commissioners have supported even local code amendments and changes to make it a little bit easier for these businesses to diversify and to expand their operations…,” she said. “We look forward to inviting you to visit some of these great places once they’re able to really add a lot more experience and enjoy the open farms here in Worcester County.”

Berlin Moving Toward New Smart Meters

January 28, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

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BERLIN – The Town of Berlin is moving forward with plans to purchase and install smart water meters.

The Berlin Town Council on Monday unanimously approved two requests for proposals (RFPs), one for the purchase of smart water meters and another for their installation. The new meters are expected to cost about $1 million.

“The town has really taken a long hard look at this,” said Josh Taylor of Davis Bowen & Friedel. “A million dollars is a lot of money and it is ultimately going to save the town a significant amount of money but also you’re getting a state-of-the-art meter reading system.”

The town’s need for new water meters came up in the fall when a water rate study revealed that the town was not receiving revenue for about 25% of water it produced. Staff said a lot of that water loss was tied to inaccurate meters.

“Mechanical meters, the day they come out of the box they begin to fail,” Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said.

“We know we’ve got the issue.”

Staff are aware of at least 400 inaccurate meters. Fleetwood said staff recommended issuing two separate RFPs, one for procurement of the meters and one for installation.

“I think this keeps people on their toes and keeps them honest,” he said.

Jamey Latchum, the town’s stormwater and wastewater superintendent, said that with the amount of water loss the town experienced, new meters wouldn’t take long to pay for themselves.

“Two years this would pay for itself internally,” he said.

Jean Holloway of the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project Inc., who performed the rate analysis presented in the fall, echoed the support for new meters. She said it was clear a large portion of the town’s water loss was related to unreliable meters. She added that smart meters would lessen the impact of leaks.

“This type of metering allows you to identify a leak in an individual line very quickly and you can avoid losing even more water,” she said.

Taylor noted that new meters would also allow water department employees to be more efficient.

“It’s going to make everyone’s job, I say easier but really more effective, more efficient, for years to come,” he said.

Taylor said DBF was also created a GPS map to track the installation process throughout town.

The council voted unanimously to approve each of the RFPs. Taylor said that while they were drafts, he didn’t expect them to change substantially before they were issued.

“There will be technical specifications and mapping that go along with them that we’re still finalizing,” he said.

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Library, City To Discuss Future Branch Location

Page 18

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

POCOMOKE – Library officials say they will reach out to the City of Pocomoke in an effort to better understand the town’s vision for a new facility.

In last Tuesday’s meeting of the Worcester County Library Board of Trustees, board members agreed additional conversations with the town’s officials were needed before selecting a site on which to build a new Pocomoke branch. Library Director Jennifer Ranck said the identification of a site was needed in order to apply for the state’s fiscal year 2024 capital grant program.

“When I submit something to the state, I want to submit something that’s strong …,” she told the board. “I don’t think they would look at it favorably if site selection was still in the air.”

In 2020, county officials began moving forward with plans for a new library in Pocomoke after selecting a building scheme for a shared facility on a vacant lot offered by the City of Pocomoke. The proposed site was expected to not only house the library, but a senior center as well.

But in October of that year, Ranck announced the library’s decision to forego the construction of a new branch on the downtown parcel after receiving the results of a phase two environmental study, which identified several underground

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

storage tanks on the site.

Despite the setback, Pocomoke’s city manager came before the Worcester County Commissioners last year with a proposal to seek state grant funding for the demolition of the long-vacant armory building on 2nd Street.

The goal, he noted, was to build a new Pocomoke library branch in its place.

In December, however, officials learned the project was not among the list of state grant award recipients.

“I believe they are planning to reapply for the strategic demolition grant,” Rank told board members this week. “Their application is due in June and they will find out sometime in November or December this year … I need some direction on how to proceed. This is something we need to be thinking about this month and next month.”

Ranck noted that capital grant funding applications were due to the state in May. But without a site selection, Ranck said it was not likely the library project would secure funding.

“The timing of this is pretty tough,” she said.

Ranck said officials had options for building a new facility. In addition to the proposed site at the old armory, she noted the county could rebuild the library at its current location on Market Street.

“Where the armory is doesn’t necessarily give us a bigger piece of property …,” she said. “I want to bring to every-

January 28, 2022

one’s attention we do have property where we can make something work in Pocomoke.”

When asked how the library would continue to operate during a rebuild, Ranck said it could utilize vacant space in downtown Pocomoke, or rent a trailer.

“There are possibilities,” she said.

After a lengthy conversation, the board agreed to schedule a meeting with town officials to hear their thoughts on a proposed location. Board member Jeff Smith

argued the town’s desire to have the library at a different location has delayed the project from moving forward.

“The town obviously wants us to do something different,” he said. “It may be helpful to sit down with the town.”

Ranck said regardless of the outcome, everyone agreed a new library branch was needed in Pocomoke.

“Pocomoke is our oldest branch …,” she said. “There are a lot of problems with it.”

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

futsal and other leagues. With the help of dedicated and certified volunteer coaches, children learn the fundamentals of the sports in which they participate, enjoy healthy competition and, most importantly, learn how to display the characteristics of sportsmanship, teamwork and hard work.

“We are very honored to receive this designation,” said Ocean City Recreation and Parks Recreation Superintendent Kate Gaddis. “Our staff and volunteer coaches work very hard to provide the best experience possible to kids participating in our programs. We strive for our youth clinics and leagues to give education and introduction to sports, provide a positive competitive experience to learn and grow, and most of all, we want kids to be active and have fun.”

Rec And Parks Earns Distinction

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department has joined an elite group of youth sports organizations from around the world with a designation of “Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider.”

The designation announced recently comes from the National Alliance of Youth Sports (NAYS), founded by former Ocean City resident Fred Engh. After a thorough review, NAYS recognized Ocean City Recreation and Parks for meeting or exceeding the highest standard of excellence for youth sports offerings.

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OPA Officials Discuss Electronic Signs

January 28, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

An existing community sign in Ocean Pines is pictured.

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – With the county’s approval to install electronic signs, association leaders last week discussed the next steps in replacing the community’s information boards.

Last year, the Worcester County Commissioners approved a text amendment allowing on-premises signs within a residential community. The change, presented by the Ocean Pines Association (OPA), will allow the association to replace its existing signage with up to eight electronic signs.

“We need to be reminded that the association and the Communications Advisory Committee put a lot of work in collaborating with Worcester County to pass a text amendment that even allows this within the boundaries of Ocean Pines,” said President Colette Horn.

“The objective was to replace as many as eight of the older signs, but to start with two.”

In a board meeting last week, General Manager John Viola presented the OPA Board of Directors with cost estimates for the two electronic signs.

“If you are looking at two electronic signs, you are probably looking at, all in, $80,000 to $100,000, depending on what contractor we go with,” he said. “If we are going to go forward with this, they feel we should go with the bigger sign …

The price would be higher, but within that range.”

Officials noted potential locations for the new electronic signs included the north and south gate entrances. However, Viola explained that the association’s current signage would have to be removed.

“It was my understanding if we do these electronic signs, part of the agreement with the county was that we would take down all those other signs that are there,” he said.

Josh Davis, the association’s director of marketing and public relations, agreed.

“I talked to the county Friday and the understanding was if we put any new electronic signs in, all of the old ones would have to be removed during the permitting phase,” he added.

During the board’s discussions last week, Horn noted the use of electronic signs would not only save time, but

Photo by Bethany Hooper

would improve public safety, as it could be used in emergency situations.

“The goal is to make it easier to maintain current information on the signs through the use of the electronic information transmission,” she said.

Director Larry Perrone said he did not think two electronic signs would be enough, considering the remaining signs would have to be removed.

“For us to consider doing two, I don’t think it’s appropriate,” he said. “After hearing that, my thought is we would need at least five, maybe six.”

He suggested electronic signs not only at the community’s entrances, but at The Point, the Yacht Club, the golf club and the administration building.

“If we are going to rip the rest down, I don’t think two is adequate,” he said.

“That changes the math on this thing tremendously.”

Viola agreed.

“You’re right, two doesn’t cut it,” he said. “And the number will be well over $200,000.”

Director Frank Daly questioned if that money would be better spent on an emergency notification system.

“Even if you go with the six signs suggested, from 8 o’clock at night to 6 o’clock in the morning, how much emergency notification are you going to get … ,” he said. “If we’re talking about spending $200,000 and we’re saying it’s for emergency notification, would we be better to spend $300,000 and put in something that would explode every cellphone in Ocean Pines at 3 o’clock in the morning, with a specific message?”

Director Doug Parks said he also had concerns about removing and replacing the existing signage.

“It harkens the question of how people consume information,” he added.

“We’re making somewhat of an assumption that their primary source of information is those signs, and I would argue maybe that’s not a valid assumption to base a costly decision on.”

Communications Advisory Committee Chair Cheryl Jacobs said the committee would take the board’s comments into consideration. Perrone added the committee could come back to the board with a recommendation.

“If we want to move forward, we can vote on it at that point,” he said. “But I think we have to understand this is going to be a very expensive proposition.”

Page 19

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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There was some unusual activity at the south end of the Boardwalk earlier this month as two artifacts in front of the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum were removed to allow the Boardwalk redecking project to continue. We asked Curator Christine Okerblom for a history refresher on the two items, which will be stored next to the museum until the project is completed.

Pictured above is an 1870s, two-and-a-half-ton anchor, the museum’s largest artifact. This anchor was found off the coast of Assateague Island and donated to the museum in 1981 in memory of BMC William H. Parker of the United States Coast Guard.

Pictured below is the British Manufactured Cannon, circa 1750. Referred to as a 12-pound, it was most likely acquired by an American private armed vessel during the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812. It was uncovered in the 1980s by a developer in front of a warehouse in the Fells Point area of Baltimore. A common practice of the day was to use condemned cannons as ballast and/or bollards on piers. Many were used as corner posts on warehouses to prevent wagon wheel hub damage.

Photos by Christine Okerblom

January 28, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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January 28, 2022

COPS & COURTS Burglary Arrest For Squatting

OCEAN CITY – A local homeless man was arrested for burglary last week after allegedly squatting in a vacant downtown condo unit.

Around 1:20 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a residence at 6th Street for a reported breaking and entering that had already occurred. The officers met with a complainant, who advised while he was in town he decided to check on his unit because he had some work done in December, according to police reports.

The victim said no one had been in his unit since December 15 when his son-in-law went to check on the progress of the work being done. The victim said when he opened the door to his unit, he observed a suspect later identified as Alex Alexis, 32, of no fixed address, inside. The victim reportedly told police he told Alexis he needed to leave.

Alexis grabbed some of his personal belongings and left. The victim did a walk-through of his unit to check if anything was missing. The victim reportedly told police when his son-in-law left the unit, he was sure to lock the door. The victim also told police the contractors were always sure to lock the door.

The only way for one to enter the unit was through the front door. The victim did not find anything missing in the unit.

Alexis had reportedly been staying in the northwest bedroom and there were blankets on the floor, a cloth face mask, gloves and a phone charger in the bedroom that did not belong to the victim.

There were empty liquor bottles in the bathroom of the unit that also did not belong to the victim.

Meanwhile, around 4 p.m., OCPD officers located a suspect matching Alexis’ description at a nearby hotel, and when they asked for his identification, he provided an address for which there is no building. At that point, Alexis was free to leave, but he was detained a short time later after he sprinted across Baltimore Avenue and was found on the Boardwalk.

He was taken into custody at that point for fourth-degree burglary. At the time of his second stop, Alexis provided a different address then what he had provided at the first stop. OCPD officers knew Alexis from previous encounters, including one first-degree burglary charge for which he did not appear in court.

Assault Arrest

OCEAN CITY – A Delaware woman was arrested last week on assault charges after a male victim provided police with a statement outlining her alleged pattern of abuse over the last

month or so.

The victim last week provided a sworn statement to an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer outlining the suspect’s, Lisa Oursler, 37, of Frankford, Del., series of alleged assaults against him over the last month or so. For example, the victim said in the statement on December 22, Oursler allegedly hit him in the head with a wine bottle, according to police reports.

On December 23, the victim woke up in the middle of the night handcuffed to a bed while Oursler was allegedly assaulting him sexually, according to the statement. On December 31, the victim said in the statement Oursler threw a wine glass at the victim in the presence of their neighbor, who was visiting the apartment. The victim said in the statement he had the police remove Oursler on December 24, but her mother dropped her back off at the apartment the same night.

The victim said in the statement Oursler had threatened him because she wanted payment for the drugs that belonged to her that the victim had flushed down the toilet. The victim provided his sworn statement to the OCPD and a warrant was issued for Oursler’s arrest last Thursday. She was served with the warrant last Friday and was taken into custody before being released on a $5,000 bond.

Traffic Stop Nets Handgun Arrest

OCEAN CITY – A Columbia, Md., man was arrested last weekend after a handgun was found in his vehicle during a routine traffic stop.

Around 2:50 a.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the area of 45th Street stopped a vehicle for driving 45 mph in a 35 mph zone. The officer made contact with the driver, identified as Ted Benoit, 25, of Columbia, Md. When the officer asked Benoit for his license, he told the officer he had lost it and provided a passport, according to police reports. When the officer asked for the vehicle’s registration, Benoit opened the glove compartment and the officer observed a black handgun.

The officer drew his service weapon and called for additional units, according to police reports. Benoit and his passenger were ordered to exit the vehicle and were detained. The handgun was a 9mm with an empty magazine and no round chambered.

Benoit was arrested for handgun violations. A search of the vehicle, which had temporary North Carolina tags, revealed no registration or insurance cards. The temporary tag did not come back registered to any vehicle. The SEE NEXT PAGE

January 28, 2022

... COPS & COURTS check of the vin number revealed the vehicle had last been owned by an individual in Maine, but the registration had expired.

Jail Time For Motel Melee

OCEAN CITY – A local man, arrested in July on multiple charges after allegedly fighting with a manager at a downtown motel and destroying motel property, pleaded guilty last week to resisting arrest and was sentenced to six months in jail.

Around 8:45 p.m. last July 22, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a motel at 26th Street for a reported individual refusing to leave. Upon arrival, OCPD officers observed a suspect later identified as Jamie Zielinski, 40, of Ocean City, arguing with a motel manager. According to police reports, Zielinski was under the influence of drugs and had a physical altercation with the motel manager.

When interviewed, the manager reportedly told police he had received multiple complaints about Zielinski being unconscious in the motel courtyard, according to police reports. The manager reportedly confronted Zielinski in the motel’s mechanics room and a physical altercation ensued. According to police reports, the motel manager was sweating and breathing heavily and was bleeding from his elbow.

OCPD officers inspected the motel’s mechanics room and found it to be in disarray. According to police reports, there were signs knocked over, a power drill was on the floor and there were numerous containers of nails and screws thrown around the floor. The manager was still distraught from the altercation and could provide little other detail about the fight in the motel’s mechanics room, according to police reports.

The manager reportedly told officers when he approached Zielinski in the mechanics room, he grabbed the suspect by the arm in an attempt to escort him from the premises. Zielinski then started punching and kicking the manager and hitting him in any way he could, according to police reports.

OCPD officers interviewed a witness, who told police he observed Zielinski and the motel manager fighting in the courtyard. The witness told police Zielinski was thrown out of the nearby mechanics room and a fight ensued with the manager in the courtyard of the motel, according to police reports.

Zielinski was evaluated by Ocean City EMS and reportedly said he was on Suboxone and did not feel well and wanted to go to the hospital. Zielinski then changed his mind and jumped out of the ambulance, according to police reports. At that time, OCPD officers were just arriving on the scene.

By now, a crowd of around 30 people had gathered to witness the scene, according to police reports. Zielinski walked south on the sidewalk at 26th Street and took a radio he had in his possession and threw it 20 feet into the air, with little regard to where it would

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

come down among the crowd that had gathered, according to police reports.

He attempted to catch the radio as it came down, but missed and it smashed in pieces on the ground.

OCPD officers attempted to arrest Zielinski at that point, but he reportedly resisted. Once in handcuffs, Zielinski refused to sit on the curb as ordered. OCPD officers got blood on them during the confrontation and Zielinski told them he was HIV positive and that he hoped he had given them HIV, according to police reports.

Zielinski reportedly continued to yell racially-charged expletives at the crowd and at the officers during the confrontation. He was ultimately charged with second-degree assault, malicious destruction of property, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and other counts. Last week, Zielinski pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and was sentenced to 18 months, all but six months of which were then suspended.

Brothers Get Probation For Affray

OCEAN CITY – Two Philadelphia brothers arrested in October after tackling a man on the beach following an incident near 49th Street each pleaded guilty last week to affray, and each was placed on probation for 18 months.

Around 1:20 a.m. on October 23, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to the area of 49th Street in reference to a disorderly group of people. While officers were arriving at the scene, Ocean City Communications advised there were two males involved in the incident walking north on Coastal Highway.

OCPD officers located one of the males, who was reportedly talking on his phone. The male could be overheard telling someone over the phone he had been punched in the face and had gotten out of the area, according to police reports.

While the officers were talking with the male victim, two other men, later identified as Neil Horner, 32, of Philadelphia, and Patrick Horner, 28, of Philadelphia, ran toward the male victim, according to police reports. When the victim saw the two Horner brothers running toward him, he fled toward the beach.

While the officer was observing, Neil and Patrick Horner tackled the victim to the ground. The victim could not lift his face out of the sand because Patrick Horner was holding his face down.

Meanwhile, Neil Horner was pinning the victim’s torso and legs to the ground, according to police reports.

The officer ordered Neil and Patrick Horner off of the victim and the three men separated. Neil Horner and Patrick Horner advised the victim was the friend of another man who had assaulted Neil Horner, and police observed dried blood on Neil Horner’s face, according to police reports.

Neil Horner and Patrick Horner were each arrested and charged with seconddegree assault and affray. Last week, each Horner pleaded guilty to the latter and each was placed on probation for 18 months.

Page 23

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 28, 2022

People in Society Packing up the carryout crabcake dinners were Sonny Nock, Beth Sise, and Brooke Loring at Stevenson United Methodist Church last Friday.

by Jeanette Deskiewicz Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

On dish duty for the carryout crabcake dinner, were Bob Murray and Kathy Azbell in the Stevenson United Methodist Church kitchen.

Serving breakfast with a smile were Bonnie Morison, Kathy Foote, Adrienne Celeste and Ken Hidenfelter at the Knights of Columbus on 99th Street.

At the Knights of Columbus monthly breakfast, George Ward and Tom Herwig had the cash lotto calendars available for sale.

The Annual Delmarva Art Expo took place last weekend, with Talbot County author Don Parks and his daughter, Jodi, promoting his best sellers.

Sharing a booth at the Annual Delmarva Art Expo were authors Dawn Brotherton and Mo Barrett with a variety of book genres.

Mother and daughter Mary Knight and Frankie Zurla helped out at the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary booth at the Delmarva Art Expo.

High School friends Mary Adkins and Ariel Alexander reunited at the Ocean City Blood Drive, working together as blood collection technicians.

Blood donors were taken care of at the canteen by volunteers Richard Thomas and Dave Tabinowski at the 22nd Annual Ocean City Blood Drive.

Assisting at the registration table for the 22nd Annual Ocean City Blood Drive was Pattie Toll with Blood Bank of Delmarva Fleet Supervisor Paul Kuloszewski.

Ocean City Seeks Dismissal In Second Cell Tower Lawsuit

January 28, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – For the second time in roughly six months, a private-sector telecommunications company has filed suit against Ocean City’s denial of the installation of small-cell towers in residential communities, and for the second time the town has filed a motion to dismiss the case.

In July, private-sector wireless communications company Crown Castle filed a civil suit in U.S. District Court challenging the Town of Ocean City’s denial of the installation of three smallcell towers in the north end of town. The town’s motion to dismiss that case was later denied by a federal judge.

In early December, Crown Castle filed a similar suit against Ocean City challenging the denial of three other small-cell towers in the Mobile Home (MH) zoning district in the Montego Bay community after a spirited public hearing in October. Two weeks ago, the town filed a formal answer to that second complaint, asserting it should be dismissed. Last Monday, a federal judge approved a motion to consolidate the two cases in the interest of judicial expedition after the two parties consented to the consolidation.

For the record, Crown Castle installs small-cell towers around the resort and contracts with wireless providers such

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

as Verizon and Sprint, for example, to provide the hardware. Last June, the Mayor and Council had before them a request from Crown Castle to install three small-cell towers in residential neighborhoods in the north end of town at Old Landing Road, Bering Road and Marlin Drive.

After considerable discussion, the council voted 4-3 to tacitly deny Crown Castle’s request for the three identified locations in the north-end residential, or R-1, communities. Crown Castle responded by filing suit in federal court challenging the town’s denial for those three locations. Ocean City filed a motion to dismiss that case, a motion that was ultimately denied.

After the town denied three more applications from Crown Castle for smallcell towers in the MH zoning district in Montego Bay in October, the telecommunications company filed a second complaint in federal court in December, again challenging the town’s denial. Earlier this month, the town, through its attorneys, filed a formal answer to the second suit, seeking its dismissal.

In its second suit challenging the town’s denial of the three Montego Bay locations, Crown Castle asserts it has established a need for the small-cell towers to improve and enhance wireless service in the residential community.

“This case involves Ocean City’s unlawful denial of Crown Castle’s applica-

tions to install telecommunications services equipment in the public rights-ofway on three new street light poles in an area of the town-zoned Mobile Home Residential (MH),” the complaint reads.

“Crown Castle has attempted to work cooperatively with the town for several years to obtain approval for Crown Castle to deploy necessary advanced telecommunications facilities to serve residential areas of the town. Indeed, Crown Castle has identified a specific need for wireless service in the area around the proposed three MH nodes, and made numerous proposals and attempts to remedy that need.”

Crown Castle’s second complaint seeks a declaration and judgment that the town’s actions are in violation of the company’s agreement with Ocean City and an order requiring the town to grant the company’s applications to install the three nodes in the MH zoning district.

“The town’s denial was not supported by substantial evidence contained in the written record and the denial effectively prohibits the provision of telecommunications services and personal wireless services in the vicinity of the proposed three MH nodes,” the complaint reads.

“Ultimately, the town’s denial is unreasonable and unjustified, and, therefore, the town unreasonably withheld its approval in breach of the right-of-way use agreement between the parties.”

However, in its formal answer to the

Page 25

second suit, the town asserts it has the authority under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules to deny the three requested towers in Montego Bay for aesthetic reasons.

“In areas of the MH zoning district adjacent to where Crown Castle sought to place the facilities, there are no aboveground utilities in the rights-of-way,” the answer reads. “Each of the homes has a decorative light post on private property in the front yard. Crown Castle proposed to install facilities in the rightsof-way on structures that are significantly larger and bulkier than the decorative light posts, and higher than the highest building in the area. It effectively demanded special treatment as compared to other utilities using the rightsof-way.”

The town’s formal answer asserts Crown Castle has not established a need for the three requested towers in Montego Bay. “An expert hired by the city reviewed the data and concluded that it did not demonstrate a need for the facilities,” the answer reads. “His report was not contested, either before or at the public hearing on the applications. The town issued a written decision in the form of a resolution, denying the applications based on the record of the proceedings on the application. On the record presented, the town was not required to approve the facilities.”

Page 26

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HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, Jan. 29: Rogue Citizens Sunday, Jan. 30: Pickin’ Party, DJ Billy T Thursday, Feb. 3: DJ Billy T

January 28, 2022

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eagles landing named state’s top course

January 28, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City’s Eagle’s Landing golf course earned yet another feather in its distinguished cap this week when it was named the number one golf course in Maryland by Golfer’s Choice for 2021.

While the resort may be known for its beautiful beaches and historic Boardwalk, it has been the municipally-owned public golf course Eagle’s Landing that continues to pile up the accolades. This week, Golfer’s Choice named the municipal course the top golf course in Maryland.

Eagle’s Landing was last named the top golf course in Maryland by Golfer’s Choice in 2016 and spent the last two years in the top three for Maryland golf courses. In July, Eagle’s Landing was named among the top 25 most underrated golf courses in the country by GOLF.com.

Eagle’s Landing consistently finds itself on short lists for the best municipal course in Maryland. Recently, the town’s course was ranked by Golf Advisor magazine as the third best course in the state. There have been years when Eagle’s Landing has been named the top course in the state, but it has consistently been in the top five over the years.

Golfer’s Choice is a compilation of customer reviews from GolfPass.com, which includes reviews in categories such as conditions, value, layout, friendliness, pace of play and amenities. Eagle’s Landing Head Golf Professional Bob Croll said this most recent award is particularly special.

“We are thrilled to be ranked number one on the Golfer’s Choice list and the greatest thing about this ranking is that it comes from our customers,” he said.

“Eagle’s Landing is truly a crown jewel of Ocean City that showcases the beauty of the Eastern Shore environment, offers a challenging championship course, and

provides great customer service.”

The municipal course, designed by renowned golf course architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Eagle’s Landing has been owned and operated by the Town of Ocean City for over three decades. The course was recognized on GOLF.com’s list for its “lush greens, an abundance of wildlife, plus a spectacular view of the serene Sinepuxent Bay and unspoiled beauty of Assateague Island National Seashore. Variety of water holes, large white-sand bunkers, elevated tees, lush, rolling fairways, and contoured greens.

Six of Eagle’s Landing’s 18 holes meander through the saltwater marshes of Sinepuxent Bay.” Eagle’s Landing and the town are committed to protecting and preserving its natural resources and habitat and is the first full-certified Audubon Sanctuary in Maryland. The municipal course has been thriving this year largely because it is considered a great value compared to some of the private courses in the area.

Wic. sheriff requests Funds For shortfall

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – County officials last week voted to reallocate $106,000 in unanticipated revenue to the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.

Last week, the Wicomico County Council voted unanimously to appropriate $106,640 to the sheriff’s department for the purchase of uniforms, computer equipment and weapons upgrades, among other things.

Major Tod Richardson told council members the reallocation is expected to cover a budgeting shortfall that resulted from additional hires.

“We’ve been able to go from 13 openings to one opening,” he said. “The reason for these shortages is a result of last February, when we were doing our budget, we had no idea we were going

to get this many … I think we anticipated five or six in the academy for the entire fiscal year. It’s been 12 or 13.”

Of the $106,640 in unanticipated revenue proposed for the sheriff’s department, officials noted nearly $47,000 would come from confiscated funds.

“They are forfeited in court by either a plea agreement or by a judge as a result of the trial,” Richardson explained.

Councilman Bill McCain questioned if that forfeited money went to the general fund.

“My understanding is it’s supposed to go to the general fund of the county,” he said. “Now the county might turn around and allocate it to the sheriff.”

Richardson said that was his request.

“Rather than come to you and ask for contingency money, I’m asking for money straight out of unanticipated revenues,” he said.

Finance Director Pam Oland noted the council would need to recognize the unanticipated revenues in the general fund, and then allocate them to the sheriff’s office.

“What we’re asking is to recognize them and spend them on general fund accounts for the sheriff’s department,” she said.

After further discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve the $106,640 in unanticipated revenue and reallocate it to the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.

“What has happened is there are very specific needs that the sheriff’s office has,” Oland said. “So, we’re asking, instead of using contingency funds, let’s utilize funds that we’re getting anyways and amend the budget to allow these specific funds to help the sheriff’s office.”

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County Commissioners Meet With Body Camera Vendor

Page 28

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The implementation of a body camera program for the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is expected to cost $2 million over five years.

Sheriff Matt Crisafulli met with the Worcester County Commissioners last week to present information regarding body cameras and his office’s proposed agreement with the vendor Axon.

“My office has researched with various body worn camera vendors and we’ve elected to proceed with Axon, which is also the vendor for all of the allied agencies here in our county,” he said.

Axon representative Stephanie Sapp showed the commissioners a sample camera and outlined how the program would work for Worcester County. She said the estimated $2,024,647 cost over five years would include the cameras as well as the hardware and software needed. Videos will be accessible via a website that can be accessed by law enforcement agencies as well as the prosecutor’s office.

Implementation To Cost $2M

When asked about how the videos would be uploaded, Sapp said officers would place their body cameras in a dock upon returning to the office.

“Once the camera is docked it’s going to automatically take care of offloading that evidence for the day to evidence.com,” she said, adding that charging and updates would also occur while the camera was docked.

Sgt. Chris Larmore said that because some officers didn’t typically report to the sheriff’s office when their shift was over, docking stations would be set up at police departments in Pocomoke and Berlin.

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked if there was any chance videos could be accessed by anyone outside of law enforcement. Sapp said encryption would prevent that and that the original copy of a video would always be saved.

Larmore pointed out the sheriff’s office had used in-car cameras for several

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“My in-car camera has never gotten me in trouble, it’s only gotten me out of trouble,” he said. “People have made complaints about me as most police officers get complaints. The camera has always saved me from the complaint.”

With the Axon system, officers that use their cars regularly will have their vehicles outfitted with cameras that will be linked to their body camera.

“When the lights go on the camera will come on,” Larmore said.

Bertino expressed concerns about the potential for hacking.

“Will your company indemnify us if in fact you are hacked and evidence is destroyed or tampered with?” he said.

Axon’s Sam DeBurra stressed that the sheriff’s office would always have the original copy of video.

“That is foolproof, tamperproof,” he said.

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When Bertino said that didn’t really answer his question, DeBurra said Axon would provide the county with its legal documentation.

As far as a potential timeline, DeBurra said once the contract was signed, body cameras would be available by the end of March. In-car cameras, however, won’t be available for nine to 12 months.

Larmore noted that the county’s quote from Axon expired July 30, 2022. When asked about pricing after that point, DeBurra said the company’s standard inflation was 5% to 10%.

“Every year we reassess pricing,” he said.

While Worcester County and Ocean City law enforcement officials have been talking about implementing body cameras for some time, the state mandate doesn’t require agencies to have them in place until 2025. In addition to the camera program costs, Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser in recent months has shared with officials the changes – more staff and more space – that her office will need to deal with the video that will soon be a part of every case.

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oPa Proposes changes To candidate Verification Process

January 28, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Proposed changes to the candidate verification process were presented to association members last week.

Last Saturday, President Colette Horn presented the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors with the first reading of revisions to Resolution M-09, which establishes the roles and responsibilities of the Search Committee and the procedures for candidate search. Horn said the first reading also includes changes to the candidate registration form attached to the resolution.

“This is something I’m putting forth,” she said. “This pertains to the candidate registration process and the election process.”

Horn told board members last week revisions have been made to Section 8 of the resolution, which outlines the candidate search responsibilities of the association secretary.

The resolution would now require the secretary to use Worcester County land records or State Department of Assessments and Taxation records to verify a

candidate’s property ownership. It also allows the secretary to seek information from an applicant regarding their registration form, though the secretary may not grant time to complete or correct a form that has already been submitted.

“The secretary can attach any information that resolves any questions,” Horn added.

The revision would also require the secretary to include their reason for rejecting an application when notifying applicants of their acceptance or rejection of a candidate application. The secretary must then submit the list of eligible candidates to the Elections Committee, and the list of eligible candidates and their registration form would then be released to the public.

“The new concept there is the release of the registration forms,” Horn said, “which we have not done in the past.”

Director Doug Parks, however, said he disagreed with the revision that would not allow an applicant additional time to provide information to the secretary.

“Suppose they have to go to the county to get information that was requested, and the county doesn’t get back to them in a reasonable amount of time ….,” he said.

“If they didn’t have any particular fault on

their part for not getting information in a timely manner, we are discounting people for what I consider an unreasonable reason. I can’t support that.”

Director Larry Perrone said it must also be made clear that a candidate’s eligibility would be based on county land records.

“With the recent litigation … the judge said ownership is basically inferred based on our membership roles, and that’s not the case,” he said. “Membership roles may not accurately reflect who is the owner of the property. So I would like to see added to this a resolution that the membership roles are not determinative of ownership, and that the secretary will rely on the county land records and not the membership roles maintained by Ocean Pines.”

Director Frank Daly told board members last week he wanted to schedule a special meeting in the coming days to present 14 proposed bylaw changes for referendum.

“I think until we see those, and until you all have a chance to look at them, that some of the discussion on this should be held in advance,” he said, “because some of those proposed changes directly address these issues and would directly affect this form.”

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Page 29

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Horn suggested delaying a second reading of the proposed changes to Resolution M-09. However, Jim Trummel, chair of the Bylaws and Resolutions Advisory Committee, said he did not recommend it.

“There’s no reason why a candidate cannot go and fill out a form and put it in today,” he said. Delaying M-09 and its consideration is not necessarily what you really want to do.”

Perrone suggested adding the second reading to the agenda for the special meeting.

“If Frank is going to call a special meeting to go over the bylaws next week, as part of that special meeting we can include a second reading of this resolution and make changes at that time, after the discussion takes place regarding the bylaws,” he said.

The first reading of revisions to Resolution M-09 comes weeks after a Worcester County Circuit Court judge ruled 2021 board candidate Rick Farr an eligible Ocean Pines homeowner. Farr was disqualified during the election process last year after an anonymous tip raised questions about his status as a homeowner of the address listed on his candidate application.

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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 Friday: Bingo Knights of Columbus will host with doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Held at the Columbus Hall at 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke's Church. Play every game for just $24. Light refreshments available. Call 410-524-7994 with any questions.

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

Every Wednesday: Bingo Elks Lodge 2645, corner of Sinepuxent Avenue and 138th Street in Ocean City.

Has bingo all year. Doors open 4:30 p.m. with first game sharply at 6:30 p.m.

Kitchen open for light fare. 410-2502645.

Jan. 28-29: Monster Trucks No Limits! Monster Trucks & Thrill Show returns to the Wicomico Civic Center Friday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 29 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Group rates available. Call the box office at 410-548-4911 for information. Fees apply. Ticket prices subject to change.

Jan. 29: Breakfast Buffet AUCE breakfast buffet at the Whaleyville United Methodist Church located at 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road in Whaleyville. $8/adult and $4/child from 7-10 a.m. Buffet will include pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages.

Feb. 3: AGH Pfizer Clinic From 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Atlantic Health Center, 9714 Healthway Drive, Berlin. This clinic is available to those ages 5 and older. Register at www.agh.care/vaccine.

Feb. 5: Drive-Thru Fried Chicken From 11 a.m. until, Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Willards will offer for $14 each. Dinner includes four pieces

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do fried chicken (breast, wing, thigh and leg), string beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, cole slaw, applesauce, roll and cupcake. Please stay in your car and use east driveway. 410-835-8340.

Feb 8: The Atlantic Coast Sportfishing Association Meeting The Atlantic Coast Sportfishing Association is having its next meeting on Tuesday February 8th. The meeting is held at the American Legion of Berlin, Post 123 on Old Ocean City Blvd. Meeting officially starts at 7:30 p.m. Show up early to get a seat, meet and mingle with new friends, have a beverage or bite to eat.

This month’s guest speakers are from the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed in Ocean City. They will be speaking on new regulations, navigation, safety issues and answering questions. Guest are welcome to attend. For any questions contact ACSA President Ron Smith, at: smitty3894@aol.com.

Feb. 10, 17: Audition Prep The Ocean Pines Players announces Pre-Audition Prep Class for the May production of “The Big Bad Musical.”

The free class is designed to review the music and concept of the musical. This class will be offered twice, from 6-7 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Community Center.

The purpose is to encourage the youth in the community to participate in live theater.

Feb. 11: Valentines Sip ‘n Shop 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Includes welcome champagne, appetizers, local vendors, entertainment, and door prizes. $10 donation at the door will benefit American Legion Auxiliary Unit 166 programs. Held at American Legion Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue, OC. Email enock@nockinsurance.com for more information.

Feb. 12: Valentine Dinner Sons of the American Legion Post 166 23rd Street and Philadelphia Avenue

to host, including N.Y. Strip steak and shrimp dinner, baked potato, vegetable, dessert and complimentary drink. Cost $20 per person. Tickets available at the Post or call 410-289-3166.

Feb. 12: AGH Pfizer Clinic From 9 a.m.-noon at the Barrett Medical Building, 10231 Old Ocean City Boulevard, Berlin. This clinic is available to those ages 5 and older. Register at www.agh.care/vaccine.

Feb 15: Legion Meeting American Legion Auxiliary Unit 166 will meet at 6 p.m. for social hour with meeting at 7 p.m. at American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 23rd Street, Ocean City. If you have a family member that is a veteran or active military, join the mission to support veterans, active military, and their families. Current members and those interested in becoming a member are encouraged to attend.

Feb. 18: Spaghetti Dinner Berlin Fire Company will hold carryout dinner 4:30-7 p.m. featuring spaghetti with meat sauce, salad and garlic toast for $12.

Feb. 18-19: Chess Tournaments Show off your skills and compete against other chess players during the annual Adult & Youth Chess Tournaments at the Wicomico Civic Center.

The youth tournament, for ages 5-18, kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18.

Players are guaranteed four matches and can register in advance for $7, or day-of for $12.

The adult tournament, for participants 18 and older, begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8. Registration is $20 in advance or $25 at the door and players are guaranteed three matches. Rated youth players are welcome in the adult tournament.

Awards will be given to first, second and third place winners of each division.

Players are also encouraged to bring

Things To Do activities are printed free of charge. To ensure that an event is listed in a

timely manner, please submit information as early as possible, since all items will be listed in advance as space permits. Be sure to include the date, name of event, time, location, address and a contact number. Email to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com; fax to 410-641-0966; or mail to The Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811.

January 28, 2022

their own chess sets and clocks.

Register online at www.WicomicoRecandParks.org.

Feb. 18-20: Boat Show Sponsored by the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, the 39th annual event will feature over 350 boats, 150 exhibitors and 50 boat dealers. Hours are 11 a.m.7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 20.

Feb. 19: Virtual Dr. Walk Check out Atlantic General Hospital’s Facebook page at 9 a.m. where there will be a short presentation from a provider. You can then walk your favorite route and share selfies online using #walkedwithagh. tsimmons@atlanticgeneral.org.

Feb. 22-23: Auditions The Ocean Pines Players announces Youth Auditions for the May production of “The Big Bad Musical” at the Ocean Pines Community Center located at 235 Ocean Pkwy. With no experience necessary, these auditions are open to ages 8-17 and designed to be safe, casual, and fun. A cast of 18 is necessary. For more information and the audition form, please go to: http://sites.google.com/view/oceanpinesplayers or email Director, Frank Pasqualino BigBadMusicalOPP@google.com.

Feb. 23: Grief Support Group From 5:30-7p.m. in Atlantic General Hospital’s Conference Room 1, the goal of the support group is to provide hope for the future at a difficult time. Gail Mansell, 410-641-9725, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org.

Feb. 26: Spa Day This popular event returns to the Community Center with a Mardi Gras-style twist! Kids can enjoy an hour of pampering including nail painting, hair styling, a Mardi Gras craft, and snacks on Saturday, Feb. 26. Appointments are available from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Call 410-641-7052.

March 3-6: OC Film Festival In partnership with the Art League of OC, this festival features films by local and international filmmakers of every background and genre. Screenings at multiple venues around OC. ocmdfilmfestival.com.

January 28, 2022

Decatur Wrestlers Edge Kent Island, 49-24

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SPORTS

Decatur Girls Rout Snow Hill, 52-25

Page 31

In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team routed county rival Snow Hill, 52-25, last week to remain unbeaten on the season.

The Decatur girls got out to a big early lead against the Eagles and never looked back on their way to the

52-25 win. With the win, the Seahawks improved to a perfect 9-0 on the season. Next up a road game at Crisfield on Friday, followed by another road game against Queen Anne’s next Tuesday. Also looming next week is a road game against Wicomico next Thursday. The Seahawks outlasted Wicomico, 54-42, in their first meeting of the season.

Seahawks Solid In Indoor Bayside Meet

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity indoor track teams turned in solid team and individual performances last week at a Bayside Conference meet in Snow Hill.

The Decatur boys finished fourth overall as a team among the 10 Bayside Conference schools competing in the meet with 51 points. Kent Island was first, Parkside was second and Easton was third. The Decatur girls finished sixth among the 10 schools competing, with 39 points. Kent Island was first, Parkside was second and Bennett was third.

On the boys’ side for the Seahawks, in the 300, Connor Herr was 20th, Ethan Cowder was 23rd, and Alex Ward was 26th. In the 500, Gavin McCabe was seventh and Gavin Weeks came in 17th. Ethan Justice was third in the 800, while Gavin McCabe was seventh and Michael Hoos was 17th.

Tristan Dutton finished first in the 1,600, while Ethan Justice was third.

Dutton also finished third in the 3,200, while Brian Herbert was 12th. In the

relays, the Decatur boys finished fifth in the 4x200, fourth in the 4x400, and third in the 4x800. Brand Fitzgerald finished fifth in the high jump, and Xavier Arnold finished ninth in the shot put.

On the girls’ side, Tiara McDonald was seventh in the 55-meter dash, while Miah Schwind was 18th. McDonald also finished third in the 300, while Kyliegh Powell was 19th and Abigail Melito was 24th. Carolina Novelli was 13th in the 500, while Rachel Plata finished 14th. Novelli finished seventh in the 800, while Plata was 15th and Chloe Resnick was 19th.

Novelli finished fourth in the 1,600, while Clarice Piela was 12th and Resnick was 13th. Macy Woroniecki was second in the 3,200 and Ava Becnel finished 10th. In the relays, the Decatur girls finished sixth in the 4x200, sixth in the 4x400, and third in the 4x800. Rachel Peretz finished fifth in the shot put, while Tanner Ellis finished 11th.

The Seahawks competed in another Bayside Conference meet in Snow Hill on Thursday, the results of which were too late to be included in this edition.

Stephen Decatur’s Michael Rayne takes care of a recent opponent at the 285pound weight class.

Submitted photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team took care of business in a relatively close one against Kent Island last week, beating the Buccaneers, 49-24.

The Seahawks took a loss at 106 by forfeit, and suffered losses at 113, 120 and 126 before getting on track. Coby Drummond got Decatur on the board with a win over Collin Edds at 132. Timothy Lyons kept it going with a win over

Chase Kelley at 138.

Gavin Solito beat Jack Mulligan at 145, but Evan Haworth fell to Cody LaTorre at 152. Parker Intrieri beat Kent Island’s Cameron Faulkner at 160, and Jack Quisguard kept it going with a win over Nicholas Morey at 170.

Noah Reho beat Guiseppe Mellinger at 182 and Alex Koulikov beat Davide Vanwie at 195. Henry Brous beat Kent Island’s Justin Dillon at 220 and Michael Rayne won by forfeit at 285 to complete the 49-24 win for the Seahawks.

Seahawks Sweep Two, Rebound After Skid

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – After taking a couple of back-to-back losses, Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team rebounded with a pair of wins last week.

The Seahawks had won four in a row before falling in back-to-back games against Bennett and Parkside.

However, the Decatur boys got back in the win column last week with a pair of victories over Snow Hill and Washington.

The 58-55 win over Snow Hill at home last Wednesday avenged an earlier loss to the Eagles back on December 10. Back in action last Friday, the Seahawks routed Washington at home, 77-45. The Seahawks will face county rival Pocomoke on the road on Friday. In their first meeting, the Seahawks beat the Warriors, 75-57. With the pair of wins, the Seahawks improved to 8-3 on the season. Their longest win streak of the season was four games, while they lost two in a row at one point.

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

– Sunday School Back in Session

Stevenson United Methodist Church

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

– Service Also Livestreamed On Facebook

Page 32

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 28, 2022

COMMUNITY News In Photos

A ribbon cutting was held Jan. 19 at Salisbury University’s East Campus Complex to celebrate the new Eastern Shore Child Care Resource Center (ESCCRC).

Previously known as Salisbury University’s Lower Shore Child Care Resource Center, the new ESCCRC will coordinate coverage for the entire Eastern Shore after the Maryland Family Network redistricted to make the shore one district instead of its previous two. Resource centers provide leadership, training, coaching, program support and other services to child care providers as well as assist families in finding child care.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City entertained a guest speaker regarding the Worcester County Veterans Memorial last month. Kiwanis Club President Tim Lund, left, and Worcester County Veterans Memorial member and Kiwanian Jim Spicknall are pictured after Spicknall spoke to the group.

Submitted Photos

Santa came early to the Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health in Berlin after the Delmarvelous Stampers held a baby shower at their December meeting in order to restock the baby boutique at the center. Pictured are Stampers Joan Dori and Kris Barron making their special delivery.

The General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), presented the Award of Excellence in Historic Preservation to Jeannie and Brittany Mariner. The Mariner’s have restored the Showell-Mariner House, in keeping with the style of the 1858-59 era. The home is a showpiece with antiques, an interesting setting for the Windmill Creek Winery and Vineyard. Jeannie Mariner gave a presentation to the chapter about the history and restoration of the home.

Revelation Craft Brewing Company presented Beebe Medical Foundation with a check for $7,615.50 from the Hudson Fields Beer Garden in Milton. From the end of April through October at Hudson Fields in Milton, Revelation offered eight brews on tap, accompanied by outdoor seating, a mix of rotating food trucks, live music and family-friendly fun. From left to right, are Stephanie Hertz, general manager, Sean Flannigan, Gift Officer, Beebe Medical Foundation, Kyle Shaffer, marketing and sales manager, Kay Young, Executive Director of Development, Beebe Medical Foundation, Tom Protack, President, Beebe Medical Foundation, and Amy Popovich, Event Coordinator, Beebe Medical Foundation.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City is proud to support its five SLP (Service Leadership Programs) student Kiwanis Clubs in Worcester County schools. On January 24th, 2022, a check for $500 was presented at Berlin Intermediate School (BIS). Pictured left to right are BIS Principal Ryan Cowder, longtime BIS teacher and advisor for the Builders Club Jane Slotter, Kiwanis Club of OP-OC President Tim Lund and Kiwanis Club of OP-OC Advisor to the BIS Builders Club Doreen O'Connor. The check is used by the club for their programs during the school year allowing the students to complete projects in support of the community.

January 28, 2022

Advisor Joins Firm

BERLIN – After spending more than five years at Bank of America – Merrill Lynch, Matthew Danmyer has joined the independent advisors at Montgomery Financial Services, LLC. He will serve clients out of both of the firm’s Eastern Shore locations in Ocean Pines, Maryland and Lewes, Delaware.

As a Fiduciary and a Registered Investment Adviser representative of Montgomery Financial Services, Matt will provide a holistic planning approach for his clients. This includes retirement income planning, proactive tax planning, portfolio management, long term care strategies, insurance solutions and ongoing financial coaching and education.

“We are thrilled to have Matt join our team,” said Jeff Montgomery, Owner & President of Montgomery Financial Services. “Adding a financial advisor who shares the firm’s passion for client service is a testament to the culture on which the firm is founded.”

New Employee Welcomed

SALISBURY – CFS, Inc. (Comprehensive Financial Solutions) provides personalized solutions to its clients across Delmarva and throughout the United States, including Financial Planning, Small Business Retirement Plans, Tax, Insurance, and Wealth Management.

This past year was remarkable for CFS. “In 2021 our firm made a commitment to continue developing a support team to improve internal processes, customer service, client retention and firm expansion. These efforts will alTIM GONZALES so allow our firm to continue attracting top tier Financial Professionals – creating a diverse and talented team for our clients,” announced CFS Partner, J.D. Schroen, CPA. With that being said, CFS would like to introduce its newest team member, Tim Gonzales, Certified Financial Planner®. Tim joins CFS with 17 years’ experience in the financial industry, including earning the Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ designation. Tim chose CFS because of its commitment to the client experience, commitment to growth and most importantly, because of its support team’s dedication to clients. The firm’s level of client care “was the most impressive and alluring feature of CFS,” confirmed Tim.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BUSINESS And Real Estate News After an in depth “courtship,” CFS partners are confident Tim will be an excellent addition to the team. Tim’s belief that a broad and full client relationship can lead to an increased recognition of possible risks to overall financial plans and can enhance the likelihood of positive outcomes, aligns with the company’s core commitment to comprehensive client care.

A graduate of Salisbury University, Tim has lived on the Shore for over twenty-five years, and makes his home in Salisbury with his wife, Amy, and their miniature poodle pup. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and appreciating the great outdoors.

Fire Marshal Appointment

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners appointed Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Matt Owens to serve as the new fire marshal. He will step into his role March 7, 2022.

“It has been a pleasure working with Matt for almost 26 years,” said Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon, who will retire in March following 35 years of service. “He is well re- MATT OWENS spected in the community and, especially, among the county’s public safety agencies.”

Owens, a highly-trained, certified law enforcement officer, joined Worcester County Government (WCG) in 1996, when the Fire Marshal’s Office consisted of a team of two housed in the basement of the Worcester County Court House.

He also serves as a part-time certified instructor at the Police Academy at WorWic Community College, where he plays a role in training each new generation of law enforcement and correctional officers. Prior to joining the WCG team, Owens worked as a fire investigator/inspector in the former Wicomico County Fire Marshal’s Office.

“When people call 911, it’s the worst day of their life,” Owens said. “We have a good team. We’re here to do a job and

to do it professionally. The satisfaction you get out of this doesn’t come from someone patting you on the back saying you did a good job. It comes from helping others on their worst day.”

Owens followed his father and brother into the fire service. He became a cadet with the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Company at age 13.

“I knew at that point the love for the fire service was in my blood,” Owens said. “If it wasn’t for my family pushing me to be the best person I can be, I would have never been able to do this job.”

Owens and his wife, Kim, have two children, Tyler and Trevor. Owens enjoys spending time at Assateague and hunting.

Firm Partner Announced

SALISBURY – InFocus Financial Advisors, Inc. is excited to announce that the Vice President, Robert Jeter, II CFP®, CRPC®, has recently become a partner at the firm.

Since joining the Financial Advising industry in 2012, Robert has acquired extensive experience in Financial Planning and Investment Management. Robert’s level of commitment to client success and the team’s success is matched only by his diligence in investment management, his work ethic, and over all dedication to his profession. He has clearly earned this position as partner.

Robert is involved in the community as a current board member of the ROBERT JETER Southern Delaware Estate Planning Council, a current member of the Professional Partners of the Eastern Shore, and a former board member of the Wicomico County Farm & Home Show.

Robert is a graduate from the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University where he successfully earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance. He is a Certified Financial Plan-

Page 33

ner® as well as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®. Robert and his wife, Kelly, currently live in Salisbury, MD. InFocus Financial Advisors’ mission is to change lives by providing the solutions that can help increase our client’s financial security and peace of mind in retirement.

Property Manager Added

SALISBURY – SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate welcomes Cody Adams.

Cody joins SVN as a property manager.

He will be based out of the Salisbury, MD office.

Cody was born and raised on the Eastern Shore. He currently lives in Salisbury with his wife Megan, and their baby girl Josie and their dog Bo. Cody previously worked as a heavy equipment operator and has a background in construc- CODY ADAMS tion. His hobbies include hiking and camping, motorcycles, PC building and gaming. He also enjoys cooking and grilling and craft beer.

SVN | Miller Commercial Real Estate, with offices in Salisbury, MD, Bethesda, MD, Easton, MD, Seaford, DE, and Onley, VA is a regional firm specializing in commercial real estate in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Resort Lot Sold

OCEAN CITY – Henry Hanna and Flo Brotzman of The Hanna Team with SVN Miller closed on the corner parcel at Philadelphia Avenue and Dolphin Street in Ocean City, MD. The lot was purchased

by Dolphin Street Development of OC, LLC and they plan to build 22 upscale townhomes on the land.

Jeff Thaler, owner of Dolphin Street Development, is one of the top developers in Ocean City and specializes in land use development. Thaler has done recent projects such as Island Cove Townhomes, Seagate 57 Townhomes, Island Time Townhomes, Island Waves Condominium, Spain roof-top restaurant above the Cambria Hotel, Hilton TRU, Candy Kitchen, Country Inn & Suites, The Ocean City Art Center and many other beautiful hotels, condominiums, townhomes, restaurants, retail, and office projects.

“It was a pleasure working with Jeff, his knowledge of Ocean City and expertise in development were essential in getting this deal to settlement smoothly,” said Brotzman.

BERLIN LIONS CLUB

WHOLE HOG SAUSAGE SALE SATURDAY

February 5, 2022 8 a.m.-until???

Sausage Only - $6/lb - Hot & Mild - 4lb Minimum $5 Bloody Marys, $5 Sausage & Egg Sandwiches Call 410-641-1064 to Place Pre-Orders Sponsored by Berlin Lions Club • South Route 113 • Berlin, Maryland

Page 34

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 28, 2022

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above is a winter scene captured five years ago over Assateague Island looking north toward Ocean City. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

January 28, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Put that restless surge to good use this week by preparing your winterweary home for spring. Also, be more flexible about accepting a workplace change.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your well-known ability to be patient is challenged as you wait for more news about a promising opportunity that could lead you to a new career path.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A setback in your travel plans could prove to be a blessing in disguise.

Use this extra time to help close a growing gap between you and a family member.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Don't let a sudden sense of separation between you and your spouse or partner go unchallenged. It's important to make a strong effort to clear things up.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Use the information you recently received to make some long-deferred changes regarding a personal situation.

Continue to exercise financial restraint.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): That new responsibility you're now considering could lead to many opportunities. But be sure you have all the facts before you agree to take it on.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): A friend might try to advise you against a potentially risky move. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but hear him or her out before you decide.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): You might feel justified in demanding an apology, but it might be wiser to settle things so that today's adversary doesn't become tomorrow's enemy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Good news: Expect a more positive aspect to dominate your personal and professional lives. Someone close to you seeks your counsel.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): A disappointment can turn into a learning experience. Now, at least, you know what not to do. Meanwhile, expect more options to open up.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): What goes around comes around, as a friend from the past returns a favor.

Don't be timid about accepting it with good grace. You deserve it.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Your spiritual strength helps you deal with a family member's problem. Expect some difficulties, but stay with it until it's ultimately resolved.

BORN THIS WEEK: You can observe people and situations with absolute honesty. You'd be a fine social worker, psychoanalyst or member of the clergy. (c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 46

SUNDAY BRUNCH 930am-1pm v

‘ ‘ French Toast, Eggs Benedict, Featuring: Creme Brulee Steak & Eggs, Mimosas & Bloody Marys!!

WINTER SPECIALS

Sunday - Early Bird & NFL Specials All Day/Night Monday - Burger & Prime Rib Night Tuesday - Seafood Frenzy Night/Trivia Wednesday - Mambo Italiano Night Thursday - Shrimp & “Lobsta” Night NFL DIVISIONAL ROUND WEEKEND

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL MENU DAILY 4-6PM

19 Big Screens To Watch All Your Sports Action • Keno

Happy Hour Daily 3-6pm Food and Drink Specials

Mon-Fri: 3pm • Sat: Noon • Sun: 930am 28th St. Plaza • 410-289-3100 • coinspuboc.com

Dine In, Carry Out & Online Ordering Available

OCEAN CITY

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 36

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

A blue sky morning after a snowfall

vanishing

January 28, 2022

WITH BUNK MANN

Songs written by the singer

Animated films adults like too Eddie Murray’s batting stance

Different takes on shrimp and grits

Remote start for a snow-covered vehicle

Randomly running into friends in an airport The last few miles of a long road trip

Royal Farms fried chicken on the beach Memories of my college years living in Hampden

When the underdog wins

The Ocean City Beach Patrol poses on the beach at Caroline Street in 1948. The man in the center of the front row is Bob Craig, who served as captain of the beach patrol from 1946 to 1986.

The city limits ended at 26th Street in those days, but there were few bathers north of the Commander Hotel on 14th Street. The beach patrol numbered less than 20 guards at any given time in the 1940s.

The building in the background with the tower was the U.S. Coast Guard Station. It was moved to the south end of the Boardwalk in 1977 and today serves as the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanPhoto courtesy Ocean City Beach Patrol ishingoc.com.

NEW TO TOWN?

Make sure your estate planning documents are up-to-date!

Power of Attorney Advance Directive Living Will 9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy. #112 Ocean City, MD 21842 www.batielaw.com

443-856-4676 Monday-Friday

Wills & Trusts

Call us for a free 30 minute phone consultation.

January 28, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

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

HELP WANTED DENTAL ASSISTANT: Small family dental practice seeking a Dental Assistant. Must be x-ray certified.

Please send a resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License Must have:

Exp. Required!

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC: Year Round, Competitive Wages.

443-754-1047.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GATE ATTENDANT: Assateague Point Community, Route 611. 1am9am, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday. Call 410-641-1671.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

HELP WANTED

CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN/ MARINA TRAVEL LIFT OPERATOR

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

Apply online at delawarestatejobs.com

NOW HIRING FULL TIME BARTENDER Call 410-726-7061 Or Apply Within at 56th Street

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING! •NIGHTWATCH •BOATYARD •MAINTENANCE

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

HOTEL RESERVATIONIST Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is an hourly full-time position, located on site at the Castle in the Sand Hotel in Ocean City, MD. Must be available weekdays and weekends for morning or mid shifts as scheduled by supervisor. This position is seasonal with potential to become year round.

Essential Job Functions: •Answer reservation calls for a busy, unique, oceanfront resort with many different kinds of accommodations such as suites, efficiencies, condominiums, and cottages.

•Focus on providing excellent customer service on each call while kindly keeping the focus of the call on the hotel, room types, and amenities in an effort to sell the room in the most efficient amount of time as possible.

•This role will include heavily assisting with the Booking.com and Expedia platforms which will consist of entering and modifying reservations, updating inventory and rates, answering guest messages in a professional manner, etc.

•Assist with reservations duties for our sister property, Barefoot Mailman, as needed.

•Any other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements: •Education – High School Diploma or equivalent •Excellent customer service skills •Strong verbal and written communication skills •Reliable with exceptional work ethic and positive attitude •Must be extremely detail oriented and possess the ability to multi-task •Good knowledge of standard computer software packages Experienced applicants are preferred, but not required.

We require satisfactory pre-employment background check by all applicants.

Please contact Bob at 410-289-6846 for further information or to schedule an interview.

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

FRONT DESK ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

A beautiful award winning community in Ocean View, DE is seeking a self-motivated, driven, and goal-oriented administrative assistant. Must be organized and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and be computer proficient in MS Office and have the ability to learn a variety of software programs. Excellent customer service skills are a requirement of the position. Previous experience in working with HOAs preferred but not required. Full-time, year-round, 40 hours/week.

Interested candidates should email resume with salary requirements to: Susan.Brewer@casinc.biz or fax 302-537-4075 EOE

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work

o Experience preferred. o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus. o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online:

https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER Farmers Bank of Willards has a full-time Personal Banker position available at our West Ocean City location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 2-7-2022 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

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

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Year Round Positions ~SERVER ~ROOM ATTENDANT ~MAINTENANCE ~HOSTESS ~HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT TOP WAGES! EXCELLENT BENEFITS! HOUSING AVAILABLE!

FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD. 21842

HELP WANTED EOE M/F/D/V

ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST II

This position at the Indian River Marina is a specialized position within the Division of Parks and Recreation. This position will be trained in the knowledge of various Marine standards which include the make and model of vessels, transient organization, boatyard and dry stack operations, general knowledge of Charter Fishing, fuel dock and general overall docking procedures. This position not only utilizes software specific to the marine industry, along with the normal day to day Administrative Specialist duties of timekeeping, revenue collection and reporting, special events, general retail, clerical duties, and the working knowledge of Microsoft-Office suite.

Apply online at delawarestatejobs.com

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

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER FLOATER Farmers Bank of Willards has a full-time Personal Banker/Floater position available for our North Ocean City and Millsboro locations.

Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please email resume to kelly.drexel@fbwbank.com or call Kelly at 410-250-1512 Application cut off is 2-7-2022 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

Check Out The Dispatch Online E-dition: Free. Fast. Every Friday. www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Page 38

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

RENTAL NEEDS

COMMERCIAL

ROUND RENTAL YEAR WANTED. DE/OC/WOC/OP area.

Older local couple. Will pay year in advance. 410 422-1691.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SEEKING HOUSING: I am looking for a small apartment in Ocean City, Ocean Pines, or Berlin. Need ASAP. Please call 443-754-7054.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

STORAGE WEST OCEAN CITY: 2 car garage with attached work room. 775 sqft. Call 410-7260075.

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

Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

RENTALS

WEEKLY RENTALS Poolfront: $245 Efficiency: $275 2 BR Apartment: $350 3 BR Suite: $425

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

Commercial Office in Ocean Pines Area Approx. 1000SF Available Now 410-977-7254

GET YOUR DAILY BUZZ!

7000 PEOPLE RECEIVE THE DISPATCH DAILY BUZZ EACH DAY!

Read the News Before Its Printed.

Sign Up Now At:

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

The Dispatch Legal Notices LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Third Insertion PAUL D WILBER, ESQ WEBB, BURNETT, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP 115 BROAD STREET P.O. BOX 910 SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19026 To all persons interested in the estate of MARY ELLEN CROPPER, ESTATE NO. 19026. Notice is given that W. CARLTON CROPPER, PO BOX 246, NEWARK, MD 21841 and DEBORAH LYNN HAYES, 2936 BEAUMONT FARM ROAD, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22901 was on, JANUARY 07, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARY ELLEN CROPPER, who died on SEPTEMBER 07, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7TH day of JULY, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the credi-

tor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 W. CARLTON CROPPER Personal Representative DEBORAH LYNN HAYES 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 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Third Insertion COATES, COATES, & COATES B. RANDALL COATES ESQ 204 WEST GREEN STREET PO BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19028 Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS COURT of MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA, appointed TIKKIA M CRAWFORD, 832 VOILET STREET, NORRISTOWN, PA 19401 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of ROBERT LEE PURNELL, who died on MARCH 21, 2021, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is B. RANDALL COATES ESQ, whose address is 204 W GREEN STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER COUNTY. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 TIKKIA M CRAWFORD Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, TRUSTEE PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000196 VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS TIMESHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff

January 28, 2022

Third Insertion PETER S. BUAS, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000228 FS ENTERPRISES LLC 4841 CRAIN HIGHWAY UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20772 Plaintiff vs.

ROBERT L. YOUNG 2027 CLEMENTINE STREET POCOMOKE, MD 21851 AND ABB, INC. 4702 SNOW HILL ROAD SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ROSCOE LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY GOVERNMENT CENTER, ROOM 1103 1 W. MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863

v.

AND EMERGE, INC. Defendant NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, this 7th day of January, 2022, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 8th day of February, 2022, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 1st day of February, 2022.

UNKNOWN OWNER OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 85, ACCOUNT NO. 01032992, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION LOT 8 & P/O LOT 6 CLEMENTINE STREET PL HUGH MCMICHAEL SUBDIV, DEED REFERENCE: 03785/00149, ASSESSED TO ROBERT L. YOUNG, THE UNKNOWN OWNER’S HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, AND THEIR OR ANY OF THEIR HEIRS, DEVISEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS OR SUCCESSORS IN RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST AND

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share interval: TIMESHARES SOLD: VOP=Villas of Ocean Pines Borderlinks Timeshare Owners Association, Inc. Condomimium Unit Br44 Time Interval 2 Price $50.00 Purchaser VOP

ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 85, ACCOUNT NO. 01032992, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION LOT 8 & P/O LOT 6 CLEMENTINE STREET PL HUGH MCMICHAEL SUBDIV, DEED REFERENCE: 03785/00149, ASSESSED TO ROBERT L. YOUNG Defendants

ITEM NO. 85, ACCOUNT NO. 01-032992, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION LOT 8 & P/O LOT 6 CLEMENTINE STREET PL HUGH MCMICHAEL SUBDIV, DEED REFERENCE: 03785/00149, ASSESSED TO ROBERT L. YOUNG. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 1st of January, 2022 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 6th day of March, 2022, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgement will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Third Insertion PETER S. BUAS, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000229 FS ENTERPRISES LLC 4841 CRAIN HIGHWAY UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20772 Plaintiff vs.

THE ESTATE OF WINFIELD R. LANKFORD 2027 BYPASS ROAD POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851

ORDER OF PUBLICATION Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding:

AND ALICE LANKFORD 2027 BYPASS ROAD POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 AND MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL OF POCOMOKE CITY 101 CLARKE AVENUE

January 28, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Dispatch Legal Notices LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com P.O. BOX 29 POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ROSCOE LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY GOVERNMENT CENTER, ROOM 1103 1 W. MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND UNKNOWN OWNER OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 45, ACCOUNT NO. 01029363, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION PAR2 110 X 150 X 130.1 X 151.35 W/S R-359 POCOMOKE, DEED REFERENCE: 00101/00222, ASSESSED TO ALICE G. LANKFORD AND WINFIELD R. LANKFORD, THE UNKNOWN OWNER’S HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, AND THEIR OR ANY OF THEIR HEIRS, DEVISEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS OR SUCCESSORS IN RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST AND ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 45, ACCOUNT NO. 01029363, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION PAR2 110 X 150 X 130.1 X 151.35 W/S R-359 POCOMOKE, DEED REFERENCE: 00101/00222, ASSESSED TO ALICE G. LANKFORD AND WINFIELD R. LANKFORD Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding: ITEM NO. 45, ACCOUNT NO. 01029363, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION PAR2 110 X 150 X 130.1 X 151.35 W/S R-359 POCOMOKE, DEED REFERENCE: 00101/00222, ASSESSED TO ALICE G. LANKFORD AND WINFIELD R. LANKFORD. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for re-

demption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 1st of January, 2022 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 6th day of March, 2022, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgement will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Third Insertion PETER S. BUAS, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000001 ZST RENTALS, INC. 207 WEST FEDERAL STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 Plaintiff vs.

PERRY K. MASCIANA 209 TEAL DRIVE OCEAN PINES, MD 21811 AND MARIA A. MASCIANA 209 TEAL DRIVE OCEAN PINES, MD 21811

350 CAMINO DE LA REINA, SUITE 300 SAN DIEGO, CA 92108 AND CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES, JUDGMENT HOLDER P.O. BOX 1978 SALISBURY, MD 21802 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ROSCOE LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY GOVERNMENT CENTER, ROOM 1103 1 W. MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND UNKNOWN OWNER OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 50, ACCOUNT NO. 08004226, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION LOT TRADER BLDG COR GEO ISLAND LNDG RD & R-12 STOCKTON, DEED REFERENCE: 03793/00549, ASSESSED TO PERRY K. MASCIANA & MARIA A. MASCIANA, THE UNKNOWN OWNER’S HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, AND THEIR OR ANY OF THEIR HEIRS, DEVISEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS OR SUCCESSORS IN RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST AND ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 50, ACCOUNT NO. 08004226, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION LOT TRADER BLDG COR GEO ISLAND LNDG RD & R-12 STOCKTON, DEED REFERENCE: 03793/00549, ASSESSED TO PERRY K. MASCIANA & MARIA A. MASCIANA Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding: ITEM NO. 50, ACCOUNT NO. 08004226, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION LOT TRADER BLDG COR GEO ISLAND LNDG RD & R-12 STOCKTON, DEED REFERENCE: 03793/00549, ASSESSED TO PERRY K. MASCIANA & MARIA A. MASCIANA. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

AND MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC, JUDGMENT HOLDER

It is thereupon this 7th of January, 2022 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County,

Page 39

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 8th day of March, 2022, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgement will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000161 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

ELLIS NORMAN, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000161 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit 201 201 201

Time Interval 1 3 4

201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201

6 10 15 16 20 21 25 38 41 43 45 49

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Bay Club Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: The full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card. Bids for intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the payment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC.

P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000184 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

JAMES HENDERSON, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000184 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 at 11:15 AM the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit 312 312 312 312 312 312 401 401 401 401

Time Interval 17 18 19 24 25 39 1 4 8 10

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Bay Club Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Page 40

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Dispatch Legal Notices LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Terms of Sale: The full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card. Bids for intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the payment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000221 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

MICHELLE MARIA JONES, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD

By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000221 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 at 11:30 AM the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit 405 405 405 405 405 405 405 405 405 405 405 406 406 406 406 406 406 406 406 406 406 406 406

Time Interval 11 14 15 16 17 39 43 47 49 50 52 2 7 9 10 12 14 17 19 20 40 45 46

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Bay Club Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: The full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card.

Bids for intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the payment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000224 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

MARY E. THOMPSON, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000224 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, FEB-

January 28, 2022

RUARY 5, 2022 at 11:45 AM the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit

Time Interval

407 407 407 407 407

17 18 20 28 39

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Bay Club Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: The full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card. Bids for intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the payment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000005 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

GROUPWISE INC., ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-22-000005 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 at 12:00 PM the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit 408 408 408 409 409 408 408 408

Time Interval 17 21 36 17 18 20 22 36

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Bay Club Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: The full

amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card. Bids for intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the payment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19030 To all persons interested in the estate of THOMAS MICHALOWICZ, ESTATE NO. 19030. Notice is given that KARIN ANNE EDDY, 1156 RINCON DEL MUNDO, ESCONDIDO, CA 92029, was on, JANUARY 12, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THOMAS MICHALOWICZ, who died on DECEMBER 21, 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 12TH day of JULY, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative

January 28, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Dispatch Legal Notices LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com 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 JANUARY 21, 2022 KARIN ANNE EDDY 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 01-21, 01-28, 02-04

First Insertion WIDDOWSON AND DASHIELL, P.A. 312 W. MAIN STREET, SUITE A-SOUTH SALISBURY, MD 21801 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-FM-21-000029 IN THE MATTER OF DIANE MILLS PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN OF PERSON AND PROPERTY OF ALLEGED DISABLED PERSON NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN A petition has been filed seeking the appointment of a guardian of the person of DIANE MILLS, who is alleged disabled person.

If you are related to or otherwise concerned with the welfare of the alleged disabled person, you may obtain further information from the court at 1. W. Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863.

Any response must be received by the court no later than 30 days after the date of issue of this notice. Date of Notice: January 21, 2022.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 28, 2022 MARY M. KENT JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-28, 02-04, 02-11

First Insertion JOHN F. ROBBERT ESQ. 29H ATLANTIC AVENUE OCEAN VIEW, DE 19970 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19029 To all persons interested in the estate of ELIZABETH S. KANGAS AKA: ELIZABETH SLEDZ KANGAS, ESTATE NO. 19029. Notice is given that ANN T KANGAS, 113 ELIZABETH WAY, BETHANY BEACH, DE 19930, was on, JANUARY 20, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELIZABETH S. KANGAS, who died on NOVEMBER 21, 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 20TH day of JULY, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 28, 2022 ANN T KANGAS 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 01-28, 02-04, 02-11

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19041 To all persons interested in the estate of SHARON ROSE ARMSTRONG, ESTATE NO. 19041. Notice is given that TERESA SOKOLOFF, 6746 CARLINDA AVENUE, COLUMBIA, MD 21046, was on JANUARY 18, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: SHARON ROSE ARMSTRONG, who died on NOVEMBER 11, 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; 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 JANUARY 28, 2022 TERESA SOKOLOFF Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 01-28

First Insertion PROCINO-WELLS & WOODLAND, LLC MICHELE PROCINOWELLS, ESQUIRE 225 HIGH STREET SEAFORD, DE 19973 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19042 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the REGISTER OF WILLS COURT of SUSSEX COUNTY, DE, appointed BARBARA MCGUIRE, 111 CRAZY HORSE TRAIL, MILLSBORO, DE 19966 as the EXECUTRIX of the Estate of ELLEN E GALIFARO, who died on JUNE 11, 2021, domiciled in DELAWARE, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is SHERRI HOLDER, whose address is 6861 AMERICAN CORNER ROAD, DENTON, MD 21629.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER COUNTY. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 28, 2022 BARBARA MCGUIRE Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House

Page 41 One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 01-28, 02-04, 02-11

First Insertion B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET PO BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19043 To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN WILLIAM SHIPE, ESTATE NO. 19043.

Notice is given that CRYSTAL HIRSCH, 602 LANCASTER COURT, SALISBURY, MD 21804, was on, JANUARY 18, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN WILLIAM SHIPE, who died on NOVEMBER 23, 2021, 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 18TH day of JULY, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 28, 2022 CRYSTAL HIRSCH 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 01-28, 02-04, 02-11

First Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19044 To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM T COLEMAN JR, ESTATE NO. 19044. Notice is given that HEATHER FERGUSON, 181 JOE MELTZ ROAD, WARWICK, MD 21912, was on, JANUARY 19, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM T COLEMAN JR, who died on NOVEMBER 21, 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 19TH day of JULY, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 28, 2022 HEATHER FERGUSON 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 01-28, 02-04, 02-11

First Insertion JAMES A. LIST, ESQ. THE LAW OFFICE OF JAMES A. LIST 5700 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 100 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Dispatch Legal Notices LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19045 To all persons interested in the estate of DELLA ANN TRUITT, ESTATE NO. 19045.

Notice is given that STEPHANIE TRUITT-DRIMAL, 10135 BEAVERDAM CREEK ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, JANUARY 19, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DELLA ANN TRUITT, who died on JANUARY 13, 2022, without a will.

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

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 19TH day of JULY, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 28, 2022 STEPHANIE TRUITTDRIMAL 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 01-28, 02-04, 02-11

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19048 To all persons interested in the estate of LEE A. ROLFES, ESTATE NO. 19048.

Notice is given that MARY ELLEN ROLFES, 301 PACIFIC AVENUE, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on JANUARY 21, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: LEE A. ROLFES, who died on JANUARY 05, 2022 with a will.

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

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

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; 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 JANUARY 28, 2022

MARY ELLEN ROLFES Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 01-28

First Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, TRUSTEE PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000176 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 Plaintiff v.

TIMESHARE REDEMPTION, LLC., ET AL. Defendants NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, this 21st day of January, 2022, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 21st day of February, 2022, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 14th day of February, 2022.

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share interval: TIMESHARES SOLD: BC=Bay Club Time Share Owners Associates, Inc. LJCH=Lemonjuice Capital Holdings, LLC

January 28, 2022

Price Purchaser

$50.00 BC

Date of Publication JANUARY 28, 2022

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

303 20 $50.00 BC

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-28, 02-04, 02-11

Condominium Unit 303 Time Interval 22 Price $1250.00 Purchaser David Devito Condominium Unit 303 Time Interval 30 Price $4500.00 Purchaser LJCH

First Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, TRUSTEE PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

303 38 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

303 39 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

303 40 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

303 42 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

303 43 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

303 46 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

303 49 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

303 50 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

303 51 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

304 1 $50.00 BC

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share interval:

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

304 3 $50.00 BC

TIMESHARES SOLD: BC=Bay Club Time Share Owners Associates, Inc.

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

304 4 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

303 13 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

304 6 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

303 14 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

304 8 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

303 16 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

304 9 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

303 17 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

304 10 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval

303 18

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000180 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 Plaintiff v.

STEVEN C. PHOEBUS, ET AL. Defendants NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, this 25th day of January, 2022, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 21st day of February, 2022, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 14th day of February, 2022.

LJCH=Lemonjuice Capital Holdings, LLC Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

304 12 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

304 39 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

304 40 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

304 42 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

304 49 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

304 50 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

304 52 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 3 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 4 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 10 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 11 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 16 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 17 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 36 $60.00 LJCH

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 37 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 39 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 42 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 45 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 46 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 47 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 49 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 50 $50.00 BC

Condominium Unit Time Interval Price Purchaser

305 51 $50.00 BC

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 28, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-28, 02-04, 02-11

Commissioners To Consider Route 611 Land Reclassification

January 28, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – After delaying a vote at their last meeting, the Worcester County Commissioners are expected to make a decision regarding a Route 611 land reclassification next week.

On Tuesday, the commissioners are expected to make a decision regarding a request to reclassify 8.34 acres of land from Resource Conservation Area (RCA) to Limited Development Area (LDA). They delayed a vote on the matter last week after hearing from concerned residents.

“We’ve been handed a heck of a lot of information that we didn’t have before today, and, in addition, testimony from people who really care about the outcome of this one way or the other,” Commissioner Josh Nordstrom said last week.

“I’m going to ask that we table his for a couple weeks so we can go through all this information and ask questions of our staff and other people so we can make the most informed decision possible.”

Following a favorable recommendation by the Worcester County Planning Commission, the commissioners were presented last week with a request to reclassify the Route 611 property currently home to the Maryland Coastal Bays Program office from RCA to LDA. Attorney Hugh Cropper said an error occurred in the property’s original mapping and should be corrected. Though the land was labeled RCA because it was home to a golf course at one time, technically principal build-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ings—such as the former golf clubhouse being used by MCBP—are not permitted in the RCA. Cropper said he was seeking a refinement now from RCA to LDA. “It doesn’t set a precedent,” he said.

“The issue is whether or not a mistake occurred.”

South Point resident Diane Stelzner said she was concerned about the proposed change. She said classifications like the RCA were meant to protect environmentally sensitive areas. She noted that when the property was purchased by Ayres Creek Family Farm in 2016 it had the RCA designation.

“The developer purchased the entire property knowing the potential was limited by the RCA,” she said.

Stelzner added that the proposal was more than a refinement as it would open the door to more intense development.

“Please don’t be swayed today by false truths and manipulated facts,” she said.

Another South Point resident expressed concern about traffic in the vicinity.

“Traffic on Route 611 and particularly Assateague Road is really congested now,” she said, adding that she didn’t understand why the property owner was seeking the change.

Cropper said it was simply to correct the designation so that if MCBP ever leaves the owner can lease the space to someone else. With the current RCA designation, the property can only be used by a nonprofit conservation organization— something that was only made possible by a text amendment approved a few years ago.

“The text amendment was written for Coastal Bays,” Cropper said. “If Coastal Bays left there’s nothing you can do with it.”

He said the property owner hoped the organization stayed forever.

Page 43

“But if they ever left or ceased to exist I guess he’d like the option to try to rent to somebody else,” Cropper said.

When asked what approving the change versus not approving it meant for the site, staff said the change wouldn’t allow the owner to expand any of the structures on the site or the impervious surface.

“This is a precursor to something else that could be done down the road,” said Bob Mitchell, head of the county’s department of environmental programs.

Nordstrom made a motion to table the issue so that the information presented by Cropper as well as the opponents to the change could be reviewed. The commissioners voted 4-2, with Commissioners Joe Mitrecic and Jim Bunting opposed, to table the issue. Mitrecic noted that the public hearing on the matter was closed and that the commissioners were simply delaying their decision.

Page 44

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Warren Leroy Sinclair

BERLIN – Warren Leroy Sinclair, 64, passed away on January 24, 2022, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, Md. He was born to Henry Irvin Sinclair and Mary J. Harris Sinclair in Baltimore, Maryland on October 14, 1957. He is survived by his loving wife WARREN of 31 years, Dianne SinLEROY SINCLAIR clair (Bennett) and they lived together in Bishopville, Maryland for many years.

He is survived by his two children, Shelly Marie Sinclair, of Berlin, and Melissa Ann Hudson (Kris), of Salisbury.

He is also survived by two granddaughters; Jaelyn and Aria Hudson, as well as one great-grandchild, Brodie Kelm. He leaves behind one brother, Joseph Sinclair (Karen), of Showell, Md., and four sisters; Lynn Kelley (Jerry) of Snow Hill, Diane Williams (Mike) of Berlin, Sharon Puckett (the late Jim Puckett), of Crisfield, and Sue Carey (Mike) of Selbyville.

He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

Warren served as a member of the Showell Volunteer Fire Company for almost 47 years. He worked his way up and later achieved the status of president and vice president of the Showell Volunteer Fire Company, as well as being a chairman of their board. He also held the title of Chief Engineer and Assistant Chief. In addition, he was a fire police officer for 11 years, serving Worcester County.

In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, crabbing and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of the West Ocean City Hunt Club for over 20 years. He also was a football fan, especially the Washington Redskins.

A visitation will be held at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, MD on

January 28, 2022

OBITUARIES Tuesday, February 1, 2022 from 10 a.m. to noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to the Showell Volunteer Fire Company located at 11620 Worcester Highway, Showell, Md., 21862. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Mark Alan Ferragamo

BERLIN – Mark Alan Ferragamo, 72, died on January 19, 2022, in Berlin, Md. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Alfonso Ferragamo and Lillian (Bell) Sim. He was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life Judith Ferragamo. Mark is survived by his three children Joseph Ferragamo and David McComas of Ocean City and Pamela McComas of Clifton, Va., as well as David’s dog Andy who MARK ALAN Mark adored. Mark also FERRAGAMO loved his many nieces and nephews and enjoyed watching them grow and start their own families.

Above all else, Mark was known for his great love of family and friends and for living a full and true life. We will remember his booming laugh, sharp wit, and great capacity for love.

No formal services are planned; however, his children will hold a Celebration of Life in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Suite 800, Washington, D.C., 20004. Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

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

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Charles Edward Miller III

BERLIN – Charles Edward “Chuck” Miller III, died peacefully Monday, January 17, 2022 at his sister’s home in Berlin, Maryland surrounded by his loved ones. Chuck was 70 years old.

Chuck is survived by his daughter, Victoria Lewis and husband Shayne of Salisbury, Maryland; his sister, Conni Hall and her husband, Dale of Berlin, Maryland; his brother Chris Miller of Berlin, Maryland and his brother Joey Miller and wife Janet of Ocean Pines, Maryland.

Chuck is also survived by his two grandchildren, Mason Lewis and Rose- CHARLES mary Lewis of Salisbury, EDWARD Maryland. He was fortu- MILLER III nate to have beloved nieces and nephews also; Sara Patrick of Ocean City, Maryland and her daughters Logan and Sydney Patrick; Kathryn Brummitt and husband James of Purceville, Virginia and their daughters Abby and Becca Brummitt; Joseph (Joby) Miller of New Smyrna Beach, Florida and Josh and Jenna Miller of Ocean Pines, Maryland.

Chuck was born on July 17, 1951 in Baltimore, Maryland and was the son of the late Charles Edward Miller II and Ruth (Johancen) Miller Gilfillan. Chuck and his family moved to Ocean City in 1960 and lived and worked as an offshore fisherman there until his move to Florida in the mid-70’s. He lived in Islamorada, Fort Lauderdale, and New Smyrna Beach; or wherever the fishing took him.

As one of his many “brothers” said after his passing, “the offshore fishing community lost one of the best, Captain Chuck Miller.” His “brothers” are too nu-

merous to mention here, but the family would like to acknowledge their love and support and presence in his life over the years. He was certainly loved and was a mentor to many young fishermen beginning their journey. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

“Perhaps I should not have been a fisherman,” he thought. “But that was the thing that I was born for.”

Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea. A Celebration of life will be conducted later, COVID permitting, with a Mass and memorial gathering. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Coastal Hospice of the Eastern Shore or St. Mary’s Star of the Sea parish in Ocean City, Maryland. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

Sue Garliss

OCEAN CITY – Sue Garliss, 78, of Ocean City, passed away on January 14, 2022.

Born in Baltimore, Md. on October 21, 1943, she was the daughter of the late James Gough and Margaret Schmitt.

After graduating from Towson High School, she moved down to the shore to chase her dreams in selling real estate in Ocean City, Md. She is survived by the love of her life, Joe Garliss, whom she was married to for 57 years. Preceding her in death is daughter, Elizabeth “Beth” Garliss. She is also survived by a daughter, Wendy Garliss, of Ocean City. She leaves behind many grandchildren; Miranda, Morgan, Austin, Gabrielle, and Jewelian.

She loved deeply and we take comfort in knowing that Sue is now at peace surrounded by the light. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

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January 28, 2022

The Dispatch Forever In Memory Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005)

The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly On Friday Mornings MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd.

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

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

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

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The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices. The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year. Subscription rates are $260 per year.

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

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 45

Letters To The Editor Downtown Project Questioned

Editor: The Honorable Rick Meehan, Town Council, Mr. Miller, Ocean City Planning and Community Development, and Ocean City Development Corporation: (The following was submitted to The Dispatch as well as the assignees:) As an owner in Assateague House Condominiums, 210 Worcester Street, I am writing to state my opposition to the requested zoning variances for 700 S. Philadelphia Avenue, “Old Town” Ocean City, BZA 2608, File 2209500001. In my opinion by allowing the building to proceed with the requested variances will create a nuisance for residents, businesses and visitors while only benefitting the developer of the project, Effie’s Beach LLC, Sterling, Virginia.

By allowing these variances, the negative impact will cause parking shortages for existing residences, businesses and visitors in an already parkingdeficient area of Ocean City. The setback variances will totally destroy the beauty and relaxing atmosphere of Sunset Park as well as create a life safety issue for the residents of the new proposed hotel.

The downtown area of the town is already grossly deficient in available parking for the visitors and employees of the Boardwalk and amusement area businesses. The “agreement with the town for the 40 off-site parking spaces” will add to this deficiency by another 40 available spaces, not to mention the need for additional employee parking.

During the “season” already at my building it is a daily battle, sometimes with very aggressive individuals of unauthorized vehicles parking on our property. By allowing these parking variances to go into effect and with the addition of more traffic for the new conference center, this will only make this situation worse for residents of our building as well as neighboring buildings.

Allowing the passage of the zoning variance on the “setback” and “perimeter landscaping” will virtually turn Sunset Park into an alley way next to a hotel. If I read the plans correctly the building will literally be built on the border of the park, not to mention moving an electrical transformer into the park. The beauty of Sunset Park is the quiet openair area with a view of the Inlet and bay.

With an eight-story building literally built on the park edge, Sunset Park will be nothing more than a shaded lot no longer enjoyable for residents and visitors.

Maybe the town can annex the property and expand the park?

I would be remiss if I did not bring up the life safety hazard created by eliminating the required setback in the shadow of the recent deaths of 19 civil-

ians in New York. By removing the appropriate setback on the “northern side” of the property and the proximity of the water on the other side, emergency access will only be available on the alpha (front) side of the building. This means there is no emergency ingress or egress for emergency personnel to reach potential victims or the ability to establish a means of emergency egress for firefighters in the event of an emergency.

To put this simply, no aerial or tower ladder trucks and potentially ground ladders will not be able to access over two of the three sides of the structure to conduct rescue operations. Even with the modern fire safety equipment technology today there is no guarantee it will work property in a hazardous environment.

My other concerns include night time light pollution, i.e. the Cambria Hotel, day time shadow pollution, noise pollution due to the increased size, potential negative stormwater management impacts to an already stressed area, ingress and more importantly egress of the guests and visitors onto Philadelphia Avenue after events visiting the proposed use of the project. The height of the building, this project will dwarf the other building within a few blocks of the site.

According to the rules, the property owner must “demonstrate a hardship” to receive a variance. This is where the Appeals Board and Town Council needs to ask, do we need this building, or do we want this building? Clearly Mr. Sarantis wants the building this size, but does not need the building to be this large. A beautiful hotel and spa could easily be built within the requirement of the codes and laws without exceptions.

Does Ocean City need another 80-room hotel/spa/conference center that will disrupt other property owners, residents, visitors and the environment? Simple, the answer is no. The charm of “downtown OC” is the smaller, older-style buildings around the Boardwalk and Inlet, unlike North O.C. Bryan Teague Ocean City

New Leadership Desired

Editor: We need to get our head out of our behind. We keep putting the same people in office by listening to what they say.

We never pay attention to what they have done. We need to be involved by paying attention to individuals who are running for office, by what they have done, not just what they say they are going to do and never do.

We need more and better people running for office in all parties. We have a news media that has not been truthful with the American people and this fright-

ens me. They, and social media, have put a scare in anyone who really would like to run, but fear for their family. People who are narcissists don’t have a problem with the news media or social media, they relish it. It appears the reporters must say whatever their CEO states or lose their cushy job. We no longer have truly investigative reporters who went out to find the truth no matter who it hurt. We as a free people, for now, need to do our own homework.

Another thing that is hurting this country and its people is the fact that this administration continues to pit American citizens against each other.

That is a prime way for our country to fall apart. We are the most diverse country in the world and should be proud of it. In last week’s article, an individual was characterized as a radical.

All the gentleman was saying are the steps needed to easily control a country, just like at China, Russia, Iran, etc.

Look back at history and there have been more than 70 incidents at the capitol in the past with some including bombs and guns. What is the reason this one is getting so much attention.

Another issue is what is being taught in school. There used to be a time when civics was taught before the federal takeover of our schools. This course was about our country and how it began, good and bad. This is the reason we need more than public schools and our tax dollars to follow the student and better educate our children. We now rank 27th in the world with the average expenditure of $30,165 per student compared to an average of $15,566 for the rest of the world.

Joann Roland Berlin

Thanks for Law Enforcement

Editor: Are there bad cops in the system?

Sure. We have seen a recent spate of attacks on police, and a jury soon will decide whether the police who did not intervene to stop some of their brethren from killing George Floyd should be held accountable.

But the vast, vast, majority of police are “good cops”. They joined their departments to protect and serve us, and they do a fine job of it, day in and day out. Bashing “the police” is unwarranted and counter-productive.

I suggest that the next time you see a police officer you approach that person, and say something like “Thank you for your service to our (town, county, state)”. They deserve it and will appreciate it.

Ken Abraham Former Deputy Attorney General, founder of Citizens for Criminal Justice, Dover, Del.

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.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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(The following is a reprint of an article from 2013.) walked around much of Monday with Beckett’s underwear in my coat pocket.

I just didn’t know what to do with it. Underwear is not exactly something I can leave on my desk or in a drawer or in my truck without raising some questions. Therefore, I figured the safest place was for it to stay in my pocket to ensure it returned home at the end of the day.

For some reason, my oldest son, 4, made sure to grab a pair of his underwear before we left the house earlier that morning. As we were leaving the house, he bolted upstairs to his room and quickly came down. As crazy as the mornings are around my house, I never even followed up to see what he was doing. He came right back without anything in his hands so I didn’t think anything of it.

I would not have discovered anything had it not been for the unusual bulge in his jacket as we were walking into school. When I asked him why he was bringing underwear to school, he looked bewildered, saying, “for show and tell, maybe.”

In typical bargaining fashion, he wanted to know in exchange for not taking his underwear to school if he could bring one of his superheroes, some individual called Wolverine, who was already in my pocket from the car ride to school because it was causing bickering between Beckett and his little brother, Carson.

I told him he could take his action figure so long as it remained in his coat pocket while he was at school. He was fine with that, but was quick to strike a deal over which pocket it had to be in.

“I can’t put him in the same pocket as my underwear Daddy,” he reasoned.

I agreed, thinking to myself because that would be weird, of course.

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s a non-verbal kid at the age of 3, communication with Carson can be tricky, but there’s no disputing he has a way of getting his point across in some not so subtle ways.

Communicating with Carson is similar to what you would see when a detective speaks with a suspect who is undergoing a polygraph machine. The questions need to be worded as such as to elicit a yes or no answer.

With Carson, that’s the best way to get an answer to our questions. A simple head nod yes or a head shake no.

For instance, of late for whatever reason, Carson wakes up in the morning shaking his head no. That’s particularly funny because he almost always shakes his head in the affirmative to everything.

What’s causing him to express no appears to be a sudden distaste for breakfast. Of late, every morning I walk into his room he is sitting on his bed shaking his head no. It took me a couple days to figure it out, but he is in a phase currently where he wants nothing for breakfast, or at least not as soon as he wakes up.

The “no” mood quickly wears off and he returns to his “yes” mode until he is asked again about breakfast.

Ask him at 7 a.m. if he wants to get a bath, go to the doctor’s office for a shot or come to work with daddy, he gives an enthusiastic yes. However, mix in a quick breakfast question, he returns to a major case of the no head shakes.

Even later when he finally gets hungry and eats his breakfast, he still shakes his head no even while chewing his pancakes. There’s something about breakfast that brings on the no’s.

I don’t know how this came about, but it’s quite funny.

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or Christmas, both kids received gift certificates to Toys “R” Us from family members out of the area. Pam and I decided when the time was right we would take

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them to the store and let them pick out what they wanted.

I remember doing this one year for Christmas when I was around 8 years old. My parents decided to give my sister and me a certain amount to buy gifts with and we then went on a shopping spree. I remember struggling mightily with what to buy because I didn’t want to make the wrong decision. I ended up buying several games for my Nintendo.

Last weekend my boys got a similar opportunity but it was a smaller dollar amount. After all, Christmas was just a few weeks ago.

Initially, Beckett wanted everything.

The larger items the better for him.

Fortunately, he was in a cart so I could just move on past something that I knew was outside his budget. However, I was unable to keep his attention away from some sort of Batman cavelike monstrosity.

Currently, superheroes or anything like that are huge for Beckett, and he received several gifts from Santa along those lines. He wanted this bat cave thing to supplement some of his earlier gifts. The problem was it took up his entire budget. Later, we found a smaller version he paired with some other smaller items that fit his budget.

While Beckett was pointing out everything he wanted in the store, I could see Pam a few aisles away pointing things out to Carson he would like and waiting for the head nod of approval or outstretched arms. He ended up settling on a handful of items as well.

As we were leaving the store, Beckett saw another big item he wanted.

When I told him the cost, he said, “man, why is everything so expensive?”

I did not have a good answer.

(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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January 28, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 28, 2022