Oct. 14

Berlin Officials Begin

by Charlene Sharpe

ticipating in the daily Boardwalk parades

by OCYachtShots

Special

Council Approves Lowest Class E-Bikes On Boardwalk

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The discussion about allowing certain electric bikes, or e-bikes, on the Boardwalk under certain conditions came full circle this week with resort officials agreeing to allow the lowest-rated class of e-bike with provisions.

In 2020, the Mayor and Council narrowly passed an ordinance prohibiting the increasingly popular e-bikes on the Boardwalk. While all agreed the higher-class e-bikes, such as the Class 3, which can reach speeds up to 28 mph, could be dangerous and not likely appropriate on the congested Boardwalk, some on the divided council believed the lower Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes could be appropriate on the Boardwalk to provide an opportunity for those with disabilities or recuperating from an injury to enjoy the Board-

walk bike-riding experience.

Essentially, the Class 1 bikes are pedalassisted and, as such, require the operator to pedal. They can reach estimated speeds of 20 mph. The Class 2 e-bikes can also reach estimated speeds of 20 mph, but do not require the operator to pedal at all. The Class 3 e-bikes, like the Class 1, are pedal-assisted and require the operator to pedal at some time, but can reach 28 mph.

Earlier this year, the issue of prohibiting all e-bikes on the Boardwalk and the potential for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) civil rights violations arose anew at two separate times at the subcommittee level, first at the police commission and then at the bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee (BPAC). The consensus was some allowance for e-bikes on the Boardwalk at the same times other bicycles are allowed.

After considerable debate, the BPAC came up with a series of recommendations that included allowing only the Class 1 ebikes on the Boardwalk and a requirement to have the owners or operators register the bikes and apply a sticker so law enforcement could determine if they met the criteria. Those recommendations were presented to the Mayor and Council last month, and a decision was made to remand the issue back to the police commission for enforcement concerns.

After conferring with the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD), City Manager Terry McGean came to the Mayor and Council during Tuesday’s work session with an update.

McGean’s recommendations included allowing Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on the Boardwalk during the same times regular bicycles are allowed, establishing an ordinance prohibiting the reckless opera-

tion of all bicycles on the Boardwalk, evaluating the use of e-bikes during the offseason with a report to the Mayor and Council before the start of the next season, and, finally, establishing an ordinance banning the rental of Class 3 e-bikes in town, the latter because the thinking is if an individual could rent a Class 3 e-bike, the presumption would be for most they could be ridden in all areas where conventional bicycles are allowed.

The difference between the recommendations McGean presented and the motion ultimately made by Council Secretary and BPAC chair Tony DeLuca was the allowance for the self-motorized Class 2 ebikes on the Boardwalk. DeLuca’s motion, seconded by Councilman Mark Paddack, essentially followed McGean’s other recommendations.

After considerable debate, the motion passed unanimously. DeLuca said the intent of the proposed changes was to provide an opportunity for those with a disability or rehabilitating an injury to ride on the Boardwalk with the pedal-assisted bikes.

“I started this months ago,” he said. “The idea is to get people up there that wouldn’t be able to get up there. This can be a platform for that. We didn’t recommend allowing the Class 2 e-bikes on the Boardwalk. I reached out to Continental Cycles, and they said the Class 2 bikes are basically electric mopeds. They are apparently easy to ride wide open and sometimes difficult to control.”

McGean explained his research into existing state law regarding e-bikes.

“State law allows the Class 1’s and the Class 2’s on bike paths in parks,” he said. “We’re trying to stick with what the state is doing. It’s a little easier for law enforcement to distinguish. The goal of this on the staff side is to make this as simple as we could.”

Councilman John Gehrig questioned if allowing just the Class 1 e-bikes was too narrow. As he has said before on the same issue, the problem might not be the class of the e-bike, but the actions of the operators.

“I can understand Tony’s request for just allowing the Class 1,” he said. “I’ve never ridden a Class 3. It seems to me the Class 3 isn’t any more dangerous than the other two. Maybe the Class 2 is the most dangerous because you don’t have to pedal.”

McGean said it was a good idea, as with many other ordinances, to add elements incrementally.

“In my experience, it’s better to add than to take away,” he said. “A Class 3 typically looks a lot different than a Class 1 or 2. Most people have the ones and twos.”

DeLuca pointed out when the issue first arose, each class of bike was brought to a police commission meeting and police officers said at the time it would be difficult to distinguish between the classes as they rode down the Boardwalk.

“Just to refresh everybody’s memory why we didn’t allow any e-bikes on the Boardwalk,” he said. “We brought each type to the police commission. If they can’t tell the difference, it makes it difficult for enforcement. Whether we like it or not,

Photo

Charges Pending Against Local Driver In Fatal Collision

BERLIN – Maryland state troopers continued this week to investigate last Thursday’s fatal pedestrian hit-and-run crash in Worcester County.

Terri Wattay, 59, of Berlin, was transported from the scene by EMS personnel to Atlantic General Hospital where she was later transferred to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Police believe she was walking her dog at the time of the incident. The dog was not injured in the crash. Wattay died four days later on Monday.

The driver involved in the crash is identified as Russell Kimball, 62, of Berlin. Kimball was the operator of a 1999 Chev-

rolet Suburban. Police located Kimball and the vehicle at his residence on Grays Corner Road. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation and consultation with the State’s Attorney’s Office.

Shortly before 8:15 p.m. Oct. 6, troopers from the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack were notified of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the 11000 block of Grays Corner Road in Berlin. Wattay was found lying on the ground off the north side of the roadway.

The preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling west on Grays Corner Road when it struck the pedestrian who was on the right side of the roadway.

Evidence collected from the scene includes a right front side mirror and other parts from the vehicle.

While canvassing the neighborhood, troopers located a vehicle in a nearby driveway. The vehicle had damage to match the parts found at the nearby crash scene. Troopers subsequently made contact with the residents and with the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Kimball. He told police he swerved to miss a dog.

Maryland State Police from the Berlin Barrack and from the Criminal Enforcement Division Eastern Region responded to the scene. Deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and personnel from

the Ocean City Fire Department also responded. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is conducting the investigation.

Anyone who may have witnessed this hit and run is urged to contact the Maryland State Police Crash Team at 410-8194753. Callers may remain anonymous.

According to an obituary, Wattay was born in Salisbury and a former vet. The obituary from Bishop Hastings Funeral Home reads, “Terri was a retired Veterinarian from Berlin Animal Hospital. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Salisbury and Atlantic United Methodist Church in Ocean City. She was a member of the WACS Center.”

Officials Report Tame Fall Cruisin

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – While there was no shortage of arrests made or citations issued during last week’s Endless Summer Cruisin event, it remained far tamer than the annual pop-up rally that typically arrives two weeks earlier but didn’t materialize this year.

Resort and state officials last Tuesday began implementing the special event zone in Ocean City and throughout the resort area in anticipation of the Endless Summer Cruisin event that has arrived each fall for decades. The fall Cruisin event features classic cars, special events and concerts within Ocean City and in other areas around the region.

The special event zone, similar to a highway construction zone, includes stiff penalties for traffic violations, reduced speed limits, altered traffic patterns, and

an increased allied law enforcement presence in the resort.

After the initial legislation was passed three years ago, town officials and their representatives in Annapolis went back to the General Assembly seeking approval of a bill that would add the charge of “exhibition driving” to the original legislation. Exhibition driving covers a variety of violations including burnouts and the spinning of wheels, and while it largely focused on the pop-up car rally, similar behavior is often exhibited during the Cruisin events, particularly the larger spring event.

It's important to note most of the registered Cruisin event enthusiasts participate in the events sanctioned by the promoters including car shows at the Inlet lot and the convention center, along with drive-in movies, concerts and other amenities and are generally well behaved. However, as with most motorized special events, there is always a large group of hangers-on intent on just riding up and down Coastal Highway and committing many of the violations spelled out in the special event zone legislation.

A look at statistics provided by the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) this week on arrests made, citations issued, calls for service and other key indicators appears to show that was the case last week. It’s also important to note not all of the statistics are related to Cruisin event participants or even its hangers-on.

During the special event zone enforcement, the OCPD reported there were 691 officer-initiated calls for service, and 156 citizen-initiated calls for service, for a total of 847 calls for service over a four-day period. A total of 266 traffic stops were conducted, 399 traffic citations were issued, and 158 traffic warnings were issued. All in all, the OCPD and its allied partners handled 577 total traffic enforcement cases.

There were five collisions reported during the special enforcement zone operation last week and 12 incidents of exhibition driving. There were 31 total arrests last week during the special event zone including eight DUI arrests, five weapons arrests and three drug arrests. There were other serious incidents during the special event zone last week, but again it is not apparent they were related to the fall Cruisin event. OCPD Deputy Communications Director Ashley Miller said this week the special event zone and all it entails continues to achieve the desired results with the motorized special events, including the tamer fall Cruisin event.

“Our officers along with allied law enforcement personnel from the Maryland State Police and Worcester County Sheriff’s Office were out in full force this week,” she said. “The Endless Summer Cruisin event was well-attended.”

Miller reiterated generally speaking participants in the fall Cruisin event come to the resort to view the classic cars and not to wreak some of the same havoc other events bring.

“Our officers remained proactive and handled several exhibition driving incidents,” she said. “We did not really see any residual pop-up participants. The majority of the car enthusiasts in town were here to participate or view the vehicles participating in the Endless Summer Cruisin event.”

A line of cars is pictured last week during Endless Summer Cruisin’s Boardwalk parade. Photo by OCYachtShots.com

Police Service Calls Drop In Sept.

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A decrease in police activity highlighted a review of statistics for the month of September.

On Wednesday, Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro presented members of the Ocean City Police Commission with an update on police activity for the month of September.

Reviewing statistics from September of 2020, 2021 and 2022, Buzzuro noted that officer calls for service decreased from 3,504 in 2020 to 2,072 in 2022, while citizen calls for service decreased from 2,472 in 2020 to 1,588 in 2022.

“There’s movement in the right direction in those two areas …,” he said. “They continue to drop in the right direction.”

In the top 25 calls for service, the Ocean City Police Department reported traffic stops decreased from 1,954 in 2020 and 1,827 in 2021 to 883 in 2022, and disorderly calls decreased from 905 in 2020 and 427 in 2021 to 185 in 2022.

Buzzuro noted several factors, including special event activity in September, accounted for the high activity numbers witnessed in 2020.

“September 2020 was a very busy month,” he said, “especially the last couple of days.”

He also highlighted the police department’s efforts.

“Most of the calls in 2022 are lower than they were in previous years …,” he said. “There was a difference in this year ver-

sus the last two years, caused by the special event zone and regular enforcement.”

Buzzuro also noted a decrease in domestic incidents and collisions. He added that calls for suspicious person or activity had also decreased from 144 in 2020 and 133 in 2021 to 92 in 2022.

“It’s about, give or take, a 30% dropoff,” he said.

Under September enforcement, the department reported arrests decreased from 455 in 2020 and 278 in 2021 to 193 in 2022, while drug arrests steadily declined from 24 to 17.

Overall, Buzzuro credited the decline in activity to proactive enforcement measures.

“Within the top 25 calls for service, most of them have been lowered, some considerably …,” he said. “It’s evidence of a pretty productive month for us in terms of enforcement.”

Buzzuro added that the department had also reported its crime statistics to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program.

Also, the last couple of days we have forwarded our crime reports and statistics to the FBI UCR,” he said. “We’ve had one of the lowest Septembers we’ve had in years.”

Councilman Lloyd Martin, committee chair, also recognized the police department for its efforts.

“Things are going in the right direction, and it’s been doing that,” he said. “All the efforts you guys have put into H2Oi, or the pop-up events, it really helped … It’s important.”

Field Of 4 Set For Ocean City Council Race; Mayor Unopposed

SHAWN J.

OCEAN CITY – There will be at least one new familiar face on the Ocean City council after the municipal election next month.

The candidate filing deadline expired at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and the field has rounded out. There were several items of intrigue heading into Tuesday’s deadline along with some certainties.

Mayor Rick Meehan is unopposed and will remain in his position. Councilman Lloyd Martin did not file for re-election, ending a two-decade run on the council

including a long stint as council president.

Current Council President Matt James filed earlier this summer for re-election for his third term and will be among four candidates vying for the three open seats in November. Sitting Councilman Mark Paddack was the last to throw his hat in the ring, formally filing after Tuesday’s work session. Paddack had two high-profile negative incidents during his first term in office, raising questions whether he would file again.

Potential newcomers among the four candidates vying for three open seats include local Realtor Carol Proctor and local businessman and volunteer fireman

Will Savage. The other council seats currently occupied by Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, and Councilmen John Gehrig and Peter Buas will come up for election in 2024, with the mayor’s position up for grabs as it is every two years.

Resort voters will also have three referendum questions on which to weigh in on the ballot in November. One is related to the percentage of room tax revenue collected in the resort dedicated to marketing and advertising. Last year, the council approved an ordinance creating a graduated increase in the amount of collected room tax revenue dedicated to advertising, marketing and special events.

The current 2% formula will be in place for fiscal year 2023, but it would increase to 2.1% in fiscal year 2024 and 2.2% in fiscal year 2025. After a successful petition drive to get the issue on the ballot in November as a referendum question, the town’s electorate will have the opportunity to decide the fate of the room tax distribution ordinance on November 8.

The other two referendum questions are related to proposed salary increases for the Mayor and Council, which will appear as separate ballot questions. The salaries of the town’s elected officials have not been increased since 1989. Earlier this year, after careful research, City Manager Terry McGean recommended increasing the mayor’s salary from the current $30,000 to $50,000. Under the recommendations, a councilmember’s salary would increase from the current

$10,000 to $20,000, while the council president’s salary would increase from $11,000 to $23,000. Voters will have the opportunity to vote on those referendum questions on the November 8 ballot.

In an issue both indirectly and directly related to the resort, there will also be a countywide referendum question on the November 8 ballot regarding the county’s purchase of property adjacent to Stephen Decatur High School for a future sports complex. It’s largely a Worcester County issue, but Ocean City has been intrinsically involved because of its own desire to develop a sports complex in the area and tap into the growing youth sports market.

Again, with the passing of the Ocean City Mayor and Council filing deadline this week, the field of candidates for the November election is set. However, there are a few more dates of interest in the lead-up to the November 8 election.

Next Tuesday, October 18, is the universal registration deadline as set by the state board of elections. Universal registration allows a voter to vote in national, state, county and Ocean City elections. Candidate interim campaign expenditure reports are due October 31 and the deadline for requesting absentee ballots is Monday, November 7, or the day before the election.

Ocean City’s election will be held at City Hall on Tuesday, November 8, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in conjunction with federal and state elections.

SHA Officials, Council Discuss Roadway Projects

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Tuesday’s bi-annual spring update from Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is several large projects are progressing and there is a backlog of some of the smaller projects.

Twice a year, MDOT SHA officials come before the Mayor and Council to provide an update on various projects, upgrades and future plans around the resort area. On Tuesday, MDOT SHA Assistant District Engineers Mike Marvel and Dan Wilson briefed the Mayor and Council on a variety of projects large and small, including the eventual dualization of Route 90, or one of the major entryways into the resort.

Also discussed was the chronic flooding problem at the base of the Route 50 bridge that often closes a large section of the downtown area during a storm or even a modest rain event. The update included a laundry list of MDOT SHA projects in the resort either finished, in progress, or that have been completed. Wilson said beyond the major renovation projects, many of the items on the agency’s punch list for Ocean City were being held up by ongoing supply chain issues for materials.

“While many businesses are back to normal after the last couple of years, we at MDOT SHA are still feeling supply issues,” he said. “We share some of your concerns about maintenance projects and we are working on them, but some of the materials needed are still on backorder status.”

While the eventual dualization of Route 90 has been the prominent point of discussion during the bi-annual meeting, it was glossed over rather quickly on Tuesday because it is moving along through the planning and design process. For years, dualizing Route 90 has been a top priority for Ocean City in terms of MDOT SHA projects, but it has since moved up the list.

Last August, Gov. Larry Hogan announced during a trip to Ocean City the dualization of Route 90 had been moved up on the state’s priority list for Worcester County. In June, state officials announced $15 million had been included in the budget for the design phase of the project. In addition, an environmental impact study for the Route 90 project is underway, the results of which could be released as early as December, accord-

ing to Wilson.

With that said, Wilson returned to the issue of the flooding problem at the base of the Route 50 bridge. The town is planning a major redevelopment of the Baltimore Avenue corridor from North Division Street to 15th Street and MDOT SHA will be a major partner in that project, which includes milling and repaving the roadway, widening sidewalks and making them all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. Improving the flooding issue at the base of the bridge could be a component of that larger project.

“We do have a concern about the level of flooding at the base of the Route 50 bridge,” he said. “That is affecting businesses and residents. We are seeking a feasibility study to seek an evaluation. I know your staff has also been working on a plan.”

Public Works Director Hal Adkins said he had been working on a plan for correcting the flooding issue at the base of the bridge and had shared his ideas with MDOT SHA officials.

“It doesn’t need to be a multi-milliondollar project,” he said. “I’m not talking about elevating the portion of Philadelphia Avenue where it backs up to 6th or 7th streets.”

Adkins said his plan included a graduated sloping toward the base of the bridge to elevate the roadway and minimize the flooding.

“Picture a large speed hump down the base of the bridge with a gradual elevation. I think it would help with the flooding issue in that area,” he said. “You could end up creating something there that during a major storm, our first responders can still get in and out of there. That’s the concept.”

Wilson said MDOT SHA is considering reviving its pedestrian safety task force for the resort area. The task force was created years ago when the new median fence project was being discussed but it has disassembled for the most part. Wilson said MDOT SHA officials routinely sit in on the town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meetings and are well-versed in some of the ongoing issues.

“There has been an interest in restoring the pedestrian safety committee,” he said. “It shouldn’t be hard to start that up again. We can move forward with that. Any support we can get from you all would be much appreciated.”

While he had MDOT SHA officials on hand, Council Secretary and BPAC chair Tony DeLuca took the opportunity to advance some of his pet projects.

“I know I bring this up every time we meet with you, but I’d like to talk about Reach the Beach,” he said. “Statistics show our largest number of visitors come from the Baltimore and Washington areas and some of the backups add an hour to the trip.” DeLuca said he would like to eventually see an overpass at Route 404 and maybe a bypass at Route 213.”

He said those lights are the first encountered on the Eastern Shore after no signals along Routes 50 and 97, for example.

Berlin Councilmembers Sworn In

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Successful candidates in Berlin’s municipal election began their tenure this week after being sworn in by Mayor Zack Tyndall.

On Tuesday, new Councilman Steve Green and returning Councilmen Dean Burrell and Jay Knerr were sworn in. Burrell was quickly reelected as vice president of the council following an endorsement by Tyndall.

“I don’t have a vote in the matter but my colleague Vice President Burrell and I have worked well together over the past two years and then as councilmembers as well so I do respect and value your opinion,” Tyndall said.

This week’s council meeting, held Tuesday because of the holiday Monday, began with Tyndall swearing in Burrell, Knerr and Green and recognizing Troy Purnell, who previously held Green’s seat, for his 14 years of service as a councilman.

When it came time for council comments at the end of the meeting, those elected in the Oct. 4 election took the opportunity to thank their constituents. While Green and Knerr were unopposed, Burrell defeated challenger Tony Weeg by two votes in a tightly contested race in which just 72 of the 888 voters in District 4 cast ballots.

Burrell thanked the public for returning him to the District 4 seat.

“This election was the first time that a vote had been cast against me sitting here since I’ve been here,” he said. “It really took some getting used to but those of you that encouraged me and had those uplifting comments I want each of you to know that they are and will be greatly appreciated. This election, this was believe it or not absolutely new to me. I’ve been sitting here almost forever. It was a learning experience and now that I have the confirmation of those folks of District 4 I will continue to do my best to support you and all of the citizens of the Town of Berlin.”

Green offered his congratulations to Burrell and Knerr as well as Weeg.

“Not a lot of people file for office,” he said. “We all know Tony’s a force for good. I look forward to him staying involved.”

Green went on to thank the volunteers on the town’s elections committee who’d made the municipal election possible and thanked Purnell for his 14 years of service to the town. He assured citizens he would be accessible to them moving forward.

“I want to let them know I’m open and available at all times,” he said.

Resident Sara Hambury suggested the fact that the police station was the District 4 polling location might have had a negative impact on voter turnout. Mayor Zack Tyndall said using the police station as a polling location was a temporary measure. Previously, District 4 voters cast ballots at the multi-purpose building. He said that once a community center is established in that neighbor-

hood, voting could take place there.

Resident Mary Hedlesky said she agreed with Hambury about the police station potentially deterring some residents from voting. She asked why the town’s election wasn’t on the same day as the national election in November.

“Traditionally municipalities have always voted separate from the national elections,” Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said. “If we did vote on the same day as the national election, it’s still not part of the election. It’d be separate.”

She added that the town had inquired with Worcester County about doing that in the past but that it hadn’t been possible.

“I do intend to talk to them about it again,” Bohlen said. “In the past we’ve been told it’s something they could not accommodate.”

Tyndall said it was important to note that there had been elections at the police station in the past and voters had turned out for those.

“You have to look at it in the scope of what occurred,” he said, adding that in this year’s election, two candidates had been unopposed and the only true contest was in District 4. “That does limit voter turnout as well.”

Bohlen added that the weather on the day of the election had been cold and rainy.

“That had an impact as well,” she said.

Commission Reviews New Policy For Mobility Devices

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Citing the need for a policy, members of a resort commission this week reviewed proposed regulations for using mobility devices at the beach, Boardwalk and city parks.

On Wednesday, City Manager Terry McGean presented members of the Ocean City Police Commission with a proposed policy for the use of wheelchairs, mobility aids and other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMDs) at the beach, Boardwalk and parks. In his presentation this week, McGean said he was proposing a policy that would regulate the size, speed and operation of mobility devices in those three areas.

“First of all, if you don’t have a policy then pretty much anything goes,” he said.

“So we need to get a policy in place.”

The issue of power-driven mobility devices, accessibility and disability rights was first brought to the attention of resort officials last month, when McGean came before two resort committees questioning the town’s prohibition of electric bikes, or e-bikes, on the Boardwalk. He said research into the town’s policies regarding mobility devices on the beach led to questions surrounding the validity of the prohibition and potential violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Since that time, officials have debated allowing e-bikes on the Boardwalk. And on Tuesday, the Mayor and Council voted to allow only Class 1 e-bikes on the Boardwalk during bike hours with an ordinance prohibiting reckless behavior.

McGean, however, told police commission members this week his proposed

policy touched on the use of mobility devices such as scooters, wheelchairs and ATVs but not e-bikes.

“This is different from e-bikes,” he said. “The last time I brought this up, the direction from the police commission was to separate out e-bikes from what I say are more conventional OPDMDs.”

McGean noted he first began exploring the legal requirements of allowing OPDMDs at the beach, Boardwalk and parks earlier this year, when it was learned a local was using his ATV on the beach.

“A couple of years ago, the city was approached by a gentleman who wanted to use an ATV to transport his disabled wife and beach equipment out onto the beach, and it was granted …,” he said. “He has, for lack of better terms, somewhat abused the privilege. There’s been

videos of him going out there by himself. Neighbors have complained he takes other people out there.”

To that end, McGean presented commission members this week with a policy that would apply to OPDMDs.

“I looked at three different areas – the beach, the Boardwalk and parks …,” he said. “Three different regulations would apply to those three different areas. Obviously, all of them allow wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters.”

On the beach, McGean said, mobility devices must be operated by the person with a disability and that the operator must present, on demand, proof or verbal representation of disability.

Mobility devices would also be limited to a maximum width of 36 inches, a maximum length of 72 inches, a maximum design speed of 15 mph and a maximum operating speed of 5 mph. The use of ATVs, golf carts, side-by-sides and similar high-speed vehicles are prohibited.

“You are allowed to get on the beach at a crossover and go one block north or one block south,” he added.

McGean noted that park regulations mirrored those outlined for the beach, and that Boardwalk regulations had a few differences.

When bikes are allowed on the Boardwalk, OPDMDs must have a maximum width of 48 inches and a maximum length of 108 inches. At all other times, mobility devices must have a maximum width of 36 inches and a maximum length of 72 inches.

Council President Matt James, commission member, questioned if the proposed beach regulation limiting operation of a mobility device to those with a disability was too restrictive.

“Some people are disabled to the point they can’t operate a device …,” he said. “Maybe the person that needs to be transported has to be on the device, but I don’t think we should be requiring them to operate it.”

Mayor Rick Meehan agreed, noting that he would like to see the change implemented for the beach but not the Boardwalk.

“I can see it on the beach,” he said. “But we never had any issues on the Boardwalk with having a single operator.”

After further discussion, the commission agreed to the proposed change, as well as an amendment to the policy allowing those with mobility devices to access the beach using a Boardwalk access point.

“This does not have to be in the form of an ordinance. It can be a policy, which I would suggest we do,” McGean told commission members this week. “I will make these changes and draft it in a policy format to bring to the full council.”

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told commission members that adopting a policy was the best way to address the matter.

“It’s better just to have a policy and follow the policy,” she said. “You can almost make up any policy you want. But absent of one, that’s where we have a problem.”

Fenwick Resiliency Study Identifies Future Flood Areas

FENWICK ISLAND – With inundation maps now complete, officials in Fenwick Island are seeking recommendations to address future flooding events.

On Tuesday, representatives from AECOM came before the Fenwick Island Infrastructure Committee to provide an update on a town-wide resiliency study. With grant funding from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), the company has been hired to complete GIS mapping of the town and develop short- and long-term solutions to sea level rise and flooding.

“You will have significant impacts in about 50 years from now,” said Kyle Gulbronson, project manager. “So we’re at the point now we know how bad things will be so we can start planning for solutions, to figure out how best to mitigate

Committee Seeks Recommendations

the flood damage.”

In his presentation this week, Gulbronson presented the committee with maps projecting water inundation over a period of 50 or so years.

AECOM officials noted the maps show 12% of bayside roads being inundated by 2060 and 33% of bayside roads being inundated by 2070.

“In 2030, you really don’t have many issues. The flood levels aren’t terribly more involved than they are currently,” Gulbronson said. “But as you move on through the years, there are additional areas that are inundated through the high tide cycle.”

Gulbronson said the maps projected bayside properties – particularly in the areas of North Schulz Road, South

Schulz Road and Dagsboro Street –would see the most inundation in the coming decades.

“You’ll see in 2070 you start seeing large areas of the bayside starting to be impacted on a daily basis. Some of the areas are under two feet of water during the high tide cycle,” he said. “You get to 2080, and you have significant impacts on the bayside, anywhere from a foot to two-and-a-half feet of flooding per day.”

Gulbronson noted, however, that the maps produced for the resiliency study would allow town officials to begin making changes that would address sea level rise and flooding. He said engineers would soon begin looking at the town and making recommendations to mitigate flood damage.

“We’re at the point where we’ve started to look at individual streets and what should be priority street segments for flood mitigation …,” he said. “The maps will allow us to focus on the areas we need to start quickly.”

Councilman Richard Benn, committee chair, noted that once recommendations are made, the town could seek grant funding for resiliency projects.

“We have ARPA funds, and there are a lot of stormwater grants available,” he said. “So as soon as we get this, we can start applying for those immediately for the needs we know the town is going to have and start getting those projects underway.”

Committee member Amy Coombs said the town would also need to work with the community in developing solutions.

“This is going to take a lot of work, working with the community and DNREC and individual properties,” she said.

When asked when AECOM would have recommendations for the town, Gulbronson said it would likely be the end of the year.

“It should be fairly quickly,” he replied. “We have to have this project finished by June, so we’re looking at probably toward the end of this year.”

Committee member Jay Ryan questioned if the flood maps accounted for storm flooding, and not just tidal flooding.

“Are you taking this into consideration when you are coming up with solutions?” he asked.

Gulbronson said it did.

“They will be built into the solutions,” he replied.

Mayor Natalie Magdeburger, chair of the town’s charter and ordinance committee, noted that the recommendations would also be used to develop ordinance changes. Officials noted that the town could look into raising bulkhead heights.

“We need to make plans now. We are only seeing the beginnings …,” she said. “It’s scary to hear it, but there’s nothing like good planning to get us where we need to be.”

Last December, the town selected AECOM to complete a resiliency study funded by DNREC. The project, however, was brought to a standstill in recent months as officials awaited contract approval between the state agency and the engineering company.

AECOM has also been selected by the Delaware Department of Transportation to complete a resiliency study of Route 1. The goal of the study, the agency reports, is to examine the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise on transportation infrastructure and to incorporate resiliency measures in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of projects.

“At the same time, we’re also doing a resiliency study for Route 1,” Gulbronson told committee members this week. “So some of the mitigation solutions that come out of that project will help [this project] as well.”

Berlin

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Elected officials expressed no major concerns regarding disc golf at Stephen Decatur Park during a six-month review of the program.

The Berlin Town Council on Tuesday met with representatives of Eastbound Disc Golf to review the nine-hole course currently set up at Stephen Decatur Park. With no major concerns shared, the council approved an extension of the agreement with the group and encouraged them to return with a proposal for a permanent course.

“I think this project was a good testament to our club’s mission,” Eastbound Disc Golf’s Shawn Johnson said.

Eastbound Disc Golf representatives initially approached the council in the spring of 2021 asking to set up a course at Stephen Decatur Park. Officials approved a six-month agreement with the group that allowed them to set up a temporary course at the park to see how it was received.

That agreement expired Sept. 30. On Tuesday, Johnson said he wanted to get some feedback from the town regarding the course’s use and configuration. Mayor Zack Tyndall said he’d seen increased use of the temporary course over the summer.

“It’s been neat to walk through the park and see people playing,” he said. “Overall my impression is that it’s going well.”

When asked what input she’d received from citizens, Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said early on, homeowners on Kenwood Court had complained about discs ending up in their yards. She said placement of a tee had been adjusted however and that appeared to have addressed the problem.

Public Works Director Jimmy Charles said he’d noticed people with out-of-town license plates stopping at the park to play.

“All in all I think it’s a good addition to Decatur Park,” he said.

Johnson, who said the disc golf group was also partnering with Pocomoke to install infrastructure at Winter Quarters, said that in Berlin, the group would like to return to the council with plans to make the current temporary setup permanent. The biggest change, he said, would be the addition of signage.

Councilman Jack Orris said he was comfortable with the existing nine-hole course and would like the group to return with a proposal for a permanent course.

Councilman Jay Knerr also expressed support.

“My experience has been very positive,” he said. “I see people using the course and being very respectful of other attendees in the park.”

Councilman Dean Burrell said he wanted to make sure the group wouldn’t be generating profit through the enterprise. Johnson said the group was a 501c3 organization.

Councilman Steve Green asked if Eastbound Disc Golf would be seeking funding from the town in support of a permanent course, as the group had in Pocomoke.

Johnson indicated the group would come back with a series of proposals for the council to consider.

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Columbia, Md., man was arrested on first-degree assault charges last weekend after allegedly running over a female victim while attempting to flee with the couple’s child.

Around 5:40 a.m. last Friday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a residence on Newport Bay Drive for a reported abduction or kidnapping. Ocean City Communications provided several notes about the incident to officers including hearing “says someone kidnapped the baby,” and “she thinks he’s going to kill her,” and “he hit her with the car,” according to police reports.

OCPD officers arrived and met with a female victim who had multiple bodily injuries to her head, torso and arms. Officers noted the victim was limping and complaining of pain all over her body, according to police reports. The victim advised her husband, Ryan Parham, 38, of Columbia, Md., took their one-yearson and had hit her with his car before fleeing the area, according to police reports. Parham was later located by Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies traveling on Route 50 near Whaleyville.

According to police reports, officers had a previous encounter with the cou-

Domestic Dispute Includes Alleged Abduction

Significant Injuries For Female

ple and the Worcester County Crisis Response Team responded and created a safety plan for the victim. After the plan was established, the victim told Parham she no longer wanted to be in the relationship and he became angry and began throwing glass items on the ground, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly advised Parham went upstairs in their residence where the one-year-old and the couple’s threemonth-old child were sleeping and attempted to leave the unit with the oneyear-old. The victim reportedly told officers she ran outside with a knife in an attempt to prevent Parham from leaving with her child, which was seated on Parham’s lap in the driver’s seat, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police she jumped on the hood of the vehicle, believing she could prevent him from leaving with the child. The victim told police she feared for the safety of the child, who was on Parham’s lap and not restrained, and for her own safety, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told officer Parham then began to drive forward, even accelerating, while she was on the

hood of the vehicle. As Parham accelerated, the victim fell off the hood of the vehicle, which is when she sustained her injuries. The victim had significant injuries corroborating her version of the incident, according to police reports.

When questioned, Parham told officers the victim was attempting to prevent him from leaving with their one-

year-old child, according to police reports. Parham told police he knew he struck the victim with the vehicle and that he should have stayed, but that the victim had not been on the hood and had only been struck by the driver’s side of the vehicle.

Based on the victim’s testimony and her significant bodily injuries consistent with being thrown from a vehicle and hitting her head and other parts of the body on the asphalt, Parham was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault.

Choke Hold Leads To Assault Charge

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A New York man was arrested last weekend after allegedly choking his girlfriend to the point she nearly blacked out in front of the couple’s 4-month-old child.

Around 9:30 a.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a residence on Old Landing Road uptown for a reported domestic assault. Ocean City Communications advised the victim had locked herself in a bathroom with a baby and were awaiting the arrival of

police officers, according to police reports.

OCPD officers reportedly arrived and met with the victim. The suspect, later identified as Boburkhon Naberaev, 21, of Brooklyn, N.Y., had left the scene. The victim’s mother was able to provide a description of the vehicle in which Naberaev left the scene, a handicap-accessible van with a wheelchair sticker on the hood, according to police reports.

Officers interviewed the victim, who advised she, Naberaev and their fourmonth child were lying on a bed in the condo when she went into a kitchen area to get the wi-fi password. The victim reportedly told police Naberaev yelled at her because she did not close the bedroom door. The victim told police she hurried back to close the door so others in the condo would not hear the argument, which continued quietly between the victim and Naberaev, according to police reports.

The victim advised at that point Naberaev grabbed her by the throat in what she described as “like a claw,” according to police reports, and pinned her down on the bed to the point she felt like she was going to pass out. The victim reportedly told officers she made a comment about not having an altercation in front of the baby, but Naberaev moved the baby out of the way and continued to choke the victim by putting his forearm across her throat.

The victim reportedly told police Naberaev continued to choke her for about five minutes. She was eventually able to get Naberaev off of her and immediately grabbed the baby and locked herself and the child in a bathroom, which is when OCPD officers were called.

OCPD officers observed multiple signs of injury on the victim, including scratches and abrasions on her neck and arms, along with red marks on her throat, evidently corroborating her version of the events. Naberaev returned to the scene about 45 minutes later and he was placed under arrest and charged with first- and second-degree assault. As officers were placing Naberaev under arrest, he said something to the effect “she’s alive,” according to police reports.

Outgoing Councilman Recognized

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Municipal officials thanked Troy Purnell for 14 years of service on the town council this week.

On Tuesday, Mayor Zack Tyndall and the Berlin Town Council officially recognized Purnell for his efforts during 14 years representing District 1 on the dais. Purnell, who was elected in 2008, opted to not seek reelection this year.

“On behalf of myself, our colleagues, our new colleague, all of our department heads and our citizens, and employees, thank you for your service,” said Tyndall as he presented the citation.

Purnell was elected to the town council in 2008, filling the seat left vacant when Gee Williams was elected mayor. He said he ran at the time because he felt his business experience would help the town.

“The town needs to be run like a business,” he said in an interview this week.

While the town’s skyrocketing electric rates were the big issue in Purnell’s early years on the council, one challenge that has persisted during the past decade is the municipality’s need to address its aging infrastructure. Purnell said the more than $4 million the town received in federal relief funds would help, he believes still more needs to be done.

“They’re going to have to bite the bul-

let,” he said. “The taxpayers should too. Stuff needs to work.”

If infrastructure and equipment needs aren’t addressed, citizens won’t be able to receive the services they expect, Purnell said. He believes the council will have to increase taxes significantly next year.

“They’re going to have to step up and understand reality and not bow to political pressure,” he said, adding that entering the LEOPS (Law Enforcement Officers Pension System) program alone would cost a nickel on the tax rate.

While he maintains that more needs to be done to improve the town’s finances Purnell said he’d thoroughly enjoyed his years of representing District 1. He enjoyed learning the nuts and bolts of the town’s operations and gaining an in-depth understanding of how the town worked.

“The people were great,” he added.

For his part, Tyndall said Purnell had provided valuable insight as a councilman.

“I’ve enjoyed the debate,” he told Purnell Tuesday. “I know we’ve not always been on the same side of issues. I do say this often, I’ve said this to you as well, having a diverse group of members up here, a diverse set of opinions, and backgrounds, really culminates into the best possible action forward. I appreciate the debate. I hope it continues. It’s always appreciated.”

Mayor Zack Tyndall, right, recognized outgoing Councilman Troy Purnell for his 14 years of service on the Berlin Town Council during Tuesday’s meeting.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Scrapping With Cops Arrest

OCEAN CITY – A Salisbury man was arrested last weekend after allegedly first exposing himself to a female at a midtown nightclub and then scrapping with an officer attempting to detain him.

Around 11:55 last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) patrolling in the downtown area was dispatched to a nightclub at 49th Street for a reported indecent exposure incident. The manager of the establishment reportedly told officers a male and female had been engaged in a verbal argument in the taxicab line outside the club and Phillip Whaley, 38, of Salisbury, had exposed himself to the female involved in the argument, according to police reports.

The officer approached Whaley about the alleged incident, but he became verbally aggressive and refused to speak to the officer or to provide any identification, according to police reports. When asked for identification a fourth time, Whaley re-

COPS & COURTS

portedly began to walk away, and the officer put his hand on his stomach and advised him that he was being detained.

Whaley was advised not to touch the officer but swiped his hand away. Four times the officer attempted to detain Whaley with his hand and each time Whaley swiped the officer’s hand away and continued to be aggressive and resist. The officer finally used a leg maneuver to get Whaley on the ground and he continued to resist, according to police reports.

The officer ultimately had to use force again to gain compliance over Whaley, who exhibited signs of intoxication, according to police reports. Whaley was arrested and charged with second-degree assault, resisting arrest and obstructing and hindering an investigation.

Knives Found At Traffic Stop

OCEAN CITY – A Salisbury man was arrested on weapons charges last week after allegedly being found in possession

of two spring-assisted knives during a routine traffic stop.

Around 9:10 p.m. last Thursday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the area of North Division Street utilized a database to determine the driver of a vehicle traveling on Baltimore Avenue was not licensed. The officer attempted to compare the registered owner’s information to the MVA photograph of the current driver, but the windows were tinted to the point the officer could not see the driver, according to police reports.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Jaden Maddox, 18, of Salisbury. During the traffic stop, the officer detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from the passenger compartment. Maddox advised he did not have a valid driver’s license and the vehicle belonged to a friend whom he was waiting to get off from work.

Based on the evidence, the officer or-

dered Maddox and his passenger out of the vehicle and told them to sit on the curb. During a search of the vehicle, the officer located a purple bat-shaped double spring assisted knife which, when activated, revealed two blades exposed resembling the shape of a bat.

In the center console, the officer located a second spring-assisted knife with the emblem of an eagle on it, according to police reports. Based on the evidence, Maddox was arrested and charged with possession of two spring-assisted knives and driving without a license.

Upset Over Getting Bounced

OCEAN CITY – A Pasadena man was arrested last week after allegedly getting tossed from a downtown bar and attempting to fight with bar security.

Around 1:30 a.m. last Sunday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the area of a downtown bar reportedly observed group of bar security staffers engaged with a male suspect later identified as Connor Brady, 24. According to police reports, Brady was agitated and acting aggressively toward the bar security staff. Brady was attempting to push past a crowd of his friends in an attempt to reach on of the bar security staffers, according to police reports.

As the officer observed, Brady ran back across Philadelphia Avenue and attempted again to aggressively approach one of the bar security staffers while his friends attempted to restrain him, according to police reports. Additional officers arrived on the scene and Brady was arrested for disorderly conduct.

OCPD officers spoke with bar management, who advised Brady had been removed from the establishment because he and his friends were allegedly harassing a female patron. Bar management reportedly told police what began as a verbal altercation turned physical and one of his staffers was assaulted, but that the establishment did not wish to press additional charges. Bar management did identify Brady as the main aggressor in the altercation, according to police reports.

Ruckus On Boardwalk

OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore woman was arrested last week after allegedly screaming on the Boardwalk after an altercation with a male individual and causing a ruckus while police were attempting to detain her.

Around 9:50 p.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a reported assault at 13th Street and the Boardwalk. Communications advised the individuals fighting were walking north on the Boardwalk and that a female had been hitting a male, according to police reports. An OCPD officer stationed himself at 14th Street and the Boardwalk and identified the fighting individuals that matched the descriptions provided walking north, according to police reports.

The officer detained both parties, including a female suspect identified as Samantha Richman, 29, of Baltimore. When the officer began attempting to handcuff Richman, she began screaming and continued to scream even after being advised by the arresting officer to stay calm and stop yelling, according to police reports.

Richman’s tirades continued as multiple people walking on the Boardwalk showed looks of disgust and appall on their faces, according to police reports. The officer gave Richman a formal command to stop screaming and disturbing the public and she complied after some time, according to police reports.

Richman reportedly denied ever being in a physical altercation with the male involved, although a witness told police she had been the primary aggressor. She continued to scream that she did not care who was staring at her as a crowd began to form on the Boardwalk in the area of 14th Street due to the commotion. She was ultimately charged with disorderly conduct, public intoxication and failure to obey a lawful order.

Suspended Sentence

OCEAN CITY – A Hancock, Md. woman, arrested in July on theft and drug possession charges after skipping out on a bill at a downtown restaurant, pleaded guilty last week and was sentenced to 90 days in jail, all of which was suspended in favor of probation.

Around 10:30 p.m. on July 6, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a downtown restaurant for a reported theft of service. The officer met with a server, who reported he had waited on three people at a table. When the server brought the bill to the table, the patrons advised they did not like one of the menu items they were served and a manager took the item off the check.

When the server returned with the mod-

ified check of around $49, the patrons left just $7 on the table and left the establishment, according to police reports. The officer spoke with a manager, who advised his security staff followed the three suspects out of the bar and yelled to them if they did not return to pay their bill, the police were going to be called.

The manager reportedly told police the suspects walked away faster and entered a vehicle at 19th Street. The restaurant’s security staff was unable to locate the vehicle and its occupants, according to police reports. Around 3:20 a.m. the next day, OCPD officers located the suspect vehicle at 14th Street and St. Louis Avenue and observed three suspects sleeping in it. The vehicle make, model and tag number matched the vehicle seen leaving the area where the alleged theft of service occurred the night before at the downtown restaurant, according to police reports.

The female front seat passenger was identified as Joshalyn Morris, 22. The vehicle was determined to be unregistered and uninsured and a tow truck was called. During an inventory of the vehicle’s contents, OCPD officers located various amounts of heroin and fentanyl and paraphernalia, according to police reports.

OCPD officers interviewed Morris, who said she left $8 for her part of the $49 restaurant bill, but only $7 total was left at the table before the suspects fled the scene. Morris then reportedly told police she wasn’t going to pay the bill until the item which the party wasn’t happy with was taken off the check. However, the receipt indicated the manager had taken the item off the check. In the end, Morris was arrested and charged with theft, possession of heroin and fentanyl and posses-

sion of paraphernalia.

Last week, she pleaded guilty to possession of heroin and fentanyl and was sentenced to 90 days in jail, which was then suspended. Morris was placed on probation for three years.

Hit-and-Run Probation

OCEAN CITY – A Virginia man, arrested in July and charged with leaving the scene after allegedly colliding with another vehicle in a downtown restaurant parking lot, pleaded guilty this week to driving without a required license and was sentenced to 30 days, which was then suspended.

On July 9, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to the area of 12th Street and Philadelphia Avenue in an attempt to locate the driver involved in a reported hit-and-run collision. The of-

ficer observed a vehicle matching the description provided driving erratically at a high rate of speed and cutting off other vehicles, according to police reports.

The officer followed the vehicle across the Route 50 Bridge where it had been stopped by a Worcester County Sheriff’s deputy near Route 611. The driver was identified as Messiah Johnson, 19, of Petersburg, Va. During an interview, it was determined Johnson had collided with a vehicle at a downtown restaurant parking lot and had left the scene. Johnson denied being in any type of collision. He was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident and multiple other traffic violations. This week, he pleaded guilty to driving without a required license and was sentenced to 30 days, all of which was suspended. He was then placed on probation for one year.

Berlin Museum Establishes Humphreys Arboretum

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A new designation at the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum pays homage to a revered local woman known for her dedication to science.

On Saturday, the Taylor House Museum announced the creation of the Dr. Mary Humphreys Arboretum. The designation makes the lawn of the museum, which contains several significant trees, the first arboretum in Worcester County.

“It’s a really wonderful way to honor someone who dedicated her life to botany,” said Donna Main, a member of the museum’s board.

Saturday’s announcement came after the Taylor House Museum received accreditation as an arboretum earlier this year. Main said the museum’s con-

nections were looking for a way to show appreciation to the Humphreys

Foundation when the arboretum concept came up. Humphreys, a longtime Baker Street resident, was a retired biology professor known for her interest in birds and botany. Though she passed away in 2009, the community foundation she started in 1998 to support local charities continues to provide much needed financial assistance to local nonprofits. At the Taylor House Museum, in recent years the foundation helped fund a new roof, porch replacement, and a new handicap ramp, among other projects.

By memorializing the lawn as an arboretum, museum officials felt they’d be honoring Humphreys with a project she’d have loved.

“The purpose of the Dr. Mary Humphreys Arboretum, located on the property of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, an 1830s House Museum administered by the Berlin Heritage Foundation, is to celebrate the life of a local, lifelong Berlin resident who distinguished herself in the 1930s, earning a master’s and doctoral degree from Duke University and working as a botany professor at Mary Baldwin College from 1943 to 1968,” read the museum’s arboretum application. “Dr. Humphreys was a founding member of the Berlin Heritage Foundation, and her knowledge and appreciation of trees and wildlife continue to inspire local residents.”

An inventory of the trees on the property shows that a variety of key species are represented. The lawn is home to two southern magnolia trees and also includes silver, red and sugar maple trees. Sycamore, scarlet oak and tulip trees are also present.

“We don’t have a big property with a lot of trees but we have significant trees,” Main said.

Now that the property has been designated an arboretum, the docents will be trained to include information about the trees—several of which are more than 150 years old—in their talks about the museum. The facility will also celebrate the arboretum annually and ensure the public continues to have access to the lawn to appreciate the trees.

Museum officials are hopeful the designation honors the memory of Humphreys and also inspires interest in trees among citizens. Main said it would remind people of the importance of trees.

“They’re not just beautiful and majestic to look at but they improve air quality and provide shade,” Main said. “Getting the arboretum status guarantees that we will maintain the property to a higher level and help educate people about the importance of trees.”

Going forward, the museum plans to label smaller plants (trees are already labeled) and to plant additional trees.

The museum is also committed to continuing a professional tree maintenance program.

Main, Melissa Reid and Jack Orris to celebrate the new Dr. Mary Humphreys Arboretum.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Wicomico Bans Ag Storage Tanks

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Officials voted last week to prohibit dissolved air flotation (DAF) storage in Wicomico County.

Following a public hearing Oct. 4, the Wicomico County Council voted unanimously to approve legislation banning the storage of liquid organic fertilizer or soil amendments.

The passage of the bill, one of three presented to the council last month, concludes a three-year effort by local elected officials and county residents to address concerns associated with DAF storage.

“This [bill] came about after it was decided prohibition may be possible,” council attorney Andrew Mitchell said this week. “I was directed to determine whether it was within the authority of the council to do that. I provided a legal opinion, and the brief answer was the Wicomico County Council can exercise those powers granted by the state of Maryland not limited by the county charter and does have the authority to prohibit and regulate the storage of DAF within the county.”

The topic of DAF storage was first introduced in 2019, when a building permit was issued to allow a local farmer to construct a multi-million-gallon DAF tank on Porter Mill Road. Several nearby residents and environmental advocacy groups, however, have since shared their concerns with the council regarding the smells and potential hazards associated with the tank. There has also been litigation in Wicomico County Circuit Court challenging the validity of that storage tank and the permit issued for its construction.

In the years since the issue was first brought to the council’s attention, the legislative body has enacted – and extended – a moratorium on the issuance of building permits related to the construction of DAF tanks.

In September, however, the council was presented with three legislative bills – one to prohibit DAF tanks, one permitting DAF tanks in the I-2 heavy industrial zone with certain restrictions, and one permitting DAF tanks in the A-1 agricultural-rural zone with certain restrictions.

“What we’re trying to do here is come up with some sort of reasonable compro-

mise …,” Council President John Cannon said at the time. “We don’t want to compromise an industry, but we certainly don’t want to subject neighborhoods to the issues and problems that have come before us.”

Last month, the council ultimately voted to introduce legislation banning opentop DAF storage.

Back on the agenda for a public hearing last week, Holly Porter, director of the Delmarva Chicken Association, said her organization was in opposition to the ban.

“We ask the council to consider the proposal of allow this structure in A-1 with the special exceptions, and even with restrictions, even though some were not quite science based,” she said. “There is a better way for this council to support all citizens of this county, including those in agriculture.”

Farmer Lee Richardson, however, said he supported the ban.

“I’m standing in front of a county council that is well aware of agriculture and has known agriculture for a long time, and I think you are doing the right thing with this bill …,” he said. “I will fight for the poultry industry the rest of my life, but it will be for the right thing … This bill needs to be passed, and it needs to be passed sooner than later.”

Mitchell said the county could enact laws related to zoning for the health and welfare of its citizens. He also addressed concerns relating to right-to-farm laws and the ability to enact a ban.

“I did not see that it affected the right to farm …,” he said. “To show it’s an unconstitutional taking, you have to show all the beneficial use of the property has been taken away. That’s certainly not the case here. If someone had farmland, or any other land, and they wanted to use it for a DAF tank, that’s not a taking. They would’ve already had to have had it there and have it taken away or have no other use they can make of the property.”

After further discussion, the council voted 5-2, with Cannon and Councilman Joe Holloway opposed, to approve a bill banning DAF storage with several amendments.

“Where we are right now, I’m not in favor of this bill,” Cannon said. “But I will vote in favor of the amendments because if this bill passes I want it to be the best bill we can possibility get out of here.”

More

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – When does an attic or a loft officially become a bedroom or living space was a question raised during last month’s joint meeting between the Mayor and Council and the Ocean City Planning Commission.

During the joint session, the issue of building height for new residential projects arose. Years ago, resort officials passed an ordinance that changed the design standards for the downtown area encouraging pitched roofs, dormers and other aesthetically pleasing features as opposed to flat roofs.

The concept was to replicate historic features in keeping with traditional Ocean City architecture, particularly in the downtown area. However, the result in many cases has been the empty open space under the pitched roofs, such as attics or even lofts, has been converted to an extra bedroom or bonus room, for example.

A developer or homeowner wants to maximize the square footage of a unit, but there are parking and density requirements to consider. There are strict code requirements for building height and the number of on-site parking spaces required per unit based on the number of rooms, and site plans are approved based on those calculations.

The issue now has become an open space unintended for habitation is often being converted to an extra bedroom or bonus room. Complicating the building height issue are changing regulations regarding flood plain elevation and freeboard requirements. It’s not an entirely new issue, but it was revived during the joint session between the Mayor and Council and the planning commission.

Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville asked if the Mayor and Council desired the planning commission to pursue the issue and come back with a recommendation.

“The issue is how we measure building height,” he said. “Sometimes, there is a loft space under the roof and dormers. What if a developer wanted to utilize that space? The larger issue is should the planning commission proceed with a process, or does the Mayor and Council want to take a look at it conceptually?”

Mayor Rick Meehan said changes in the design standards were borne out of a desire to encourage aestheticallypleasing pitched roofs and dormers on new residential projects in keeping with traditional downtown architecture.

“Peaked roofs were part of the design concept,” he said. “That was the original intent. Now, it often becomes living space.”

However, Planning Commission Chair Pam Buckley said developers and homeowners converting what was otherwise an attic, loft or open space with maybe a small set of steps into a legitimate bedroom with perhaps a bathroom changes the code requirements. Once an open space is enclosed with a door,

it technically becomes a bedroom and changes the calculations regarding parking, density and height requirements.

“It doesn’t meet the zoning code,” she said. “Developers are building it out as an extra room. A four-bedroom, three-bath turns into a five-bedroom, four-bath. It’s up to you to tell us if you want to pursue this.”

Councilman Peter Buas said the design standards encouraging pitched roofs and dormers, for example, created the issue for many.

“The bonus room is an unintended consequence of the pitched roof and design ordinance,” he said. “Pitched roofs and dormers are encouraged with development incentives.”

Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis said it’s not an entirely new issue.

“Back in the 1970s when the parking standards changed, developers would come in with plans for a one-bedroom and a den, and the den then quickly became an extra bedroom,” he said.

Meehan said with the town’s parking issues, and the problem of added bedrooms causing the need for more onstreet parking in the neighborhoods, the issue should be explored further.

“You shouldn’t get a free pass from the parking requirements because you enclosed an attic or an open space into an extra bedroom,” he said.

The council directed the planning commission to take a deeper dive and come back with a recommendation.

Worcester To Update Comprehensive Plan

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials began reviewing Census data last week in preparation for an update of the Worcester County Comprehensive Plan. County staff shared the latest Census information with members of the Worcester County Planning Commission last week. The economic and population data will come into play as the county updates its comprehensive plan, a process that will likely begin in the spring.

“I just want to have you start thinking about where we are,” said Jennifer Keener, the county’s director of development review and permitting.

Keener told the commission the comprehensive plan, which addresses future growth and community needs, would be updated to reflect recent data.

As far as population, while growth was dramatic between 1990 and 2000, Keener said the 2020 Census showed that it had dropped off. The comprehensive plan projected population in Worcester would be above 62,000 by now when in fact it’s just 52,607.

In coming years, growth is not expected to exceed 1% a year.

“We definitely didn’t grow as much as we anticipated…,” she said. “Regionally we’re pretty much on track with where the other jurisdictions have been.”

Keener pointed out that the median age in Worcester was 50.5, significantly higher than the 38.3 and 38.5 state and national averages.

She said there were 22,661 households in Worcester County during the 2020 Census and that the average household size was 2.26 persons.

Slightly more than 30% of the population lives alone in the household. Keener said just 22% of households had school-age children. About three quarters of the county’s 22,681 household are owner occupied while a quarter are renter occupied.

Keener said the Census data was something commission members would need to take into consideration as they updated the comprehensive plan.

“Some of the things you have to look at—where do we grow, where do we go, do we have the actual capacity,” Keener said.

She said the county was in the process of drafting a request for proposals to find a consultant to help with comprehensive plan outreach.

“The goal is to do more than just meetings, it’s to have the consultant design an outreach program,” Keener said.

She said she hoped that the consultant could be selected in the coming months so that the process could begin in the spring.

“The state has given us a loose framework of 2021-2024,” she said.

Harrison Group Adds Dunes Suites, Dunes Court In

BERLIN – Harrison Group Resort Hotels & Restaurants announced this week it has added Dunes Suites and Dunes Court, both located at 28th Street in Ocean City, to the growing oceanfront hotel portfolio and look forward to welcoming guests to both of these coastal destination resort properties.

Dunes Suites is a family-friendly ocean-front hotel property featuring 64 inviting oceanfront suites with sweeping views of the ocean and the wide Atlantic coastline. Hotel guests will enjoy the direct beachfront experience and the close proximity to the famous Boardwalk. The desirable direct oceanfront location is within easy walking distance to amusements, shops, restaurants and other local attractions. Each spacious 350square-foot accommodation is equipped with a full-size refrigerator, countertop stove, microwave oven, coffeemaker and private balcony showcasing the beautiful ocean vista. Convenient amenities such as complimentary wifi, upgraded bath products and free parking enhance the individual guest experience.

Dunes Court, situated directly off the Boardwalk and Atlantic Ocean, is just

steps to local attractions, shops and dining. This 49-unit beachside property is less than a quarter block from the Atlantic beaches and Boardwalk. The Dunes Court offers a charming, affordable destination for families and friends to stay during their beach vacation. The threestory building embraces a 1960’s coastal vibe, but with all the updated comforts

and modern conveniences you would expect of an established larger hotel. Inspired by good times and sunny beach days, the accommodations are bright and airy, and each guest room includes a mini-fridge and microwave, plus guests will enjoy complimentary wifi and a nostalgic courtyard outdoor pool.

Harrison Group Resort Hotels & Res-

taurants is a family-owned company that owns and operates 17 unique oceanfront hotels in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina under Hilton, Marriott, IHG and Choice brands as well as eight independent hotel properties. Fourteen hotels are located in Ocean City, one hotel is located in Corolla, N.C. and two hotels are located in Virginia Beach, Va.

Berlin Cruisers: More than 100 classic cars showed up Saturday for the Berlin Chamber of Commerce’s annual Cruisin Berlin event. Heavy foot traffic was reported throughout the day. Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Charity Boardwalk Event On Tap

OCEAN CITY – The First State Marines will be offering the 3rd Annual Semper Fi Bike, Run & Walk event this Sunday.

The event offers a casual Boardwalk bike ride or an opportunity to run or walk the iconic Ocean City Boardwalk. Pet friendly, bring your dog, all are welcome.

This is a charity fund raising event with organizers hoping to direct a significant amount of funds to the Believe in Tomorrow Foundation to support the charity’s mission to help critically ill children with cancer and their families by providing a beach getaway to cope with stressful times during their treatments.

This event also helps First State Marines continue to support the “Semper Fi & America’s Fund” and the goal to help combat wounded and critically ill veterans and their families through as well.

Mayor Rick Meehan will kick of the parade of participants. Attendees can run or walk or ride your bike. Registra-

tion starts at the Inlet parking lot at 8:30 a.m. with a staggered start for each component starting at 10 a.m. and registration open until noon.

Onsite registration includes an event T-shirt. Registration prices are $28, adult riders; $15, kids under 13; and $80, a family of four.

Pictured, from left, during a recently planning meeting are Brad Hoffman, who helps with organizing the annual event; Brian Morrison of the Believe in Tomorrow Foundation; Bob Broderick of the First State Marines; and Sgt. Norge Bermudez. Below, Esther and Jerry Lupton patriotically pedaled for a cause last year.

Harbor Day Features Fleet Blessing, Music, Vendors

OCEAN CITY – Worcester County Recreation and Parks invites the community to Harbor Day at the Docks on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will take place along Sunset Avenue in the West Ocean City commercial harbor.

Entrance to this family-friendly, maritime heritage festival is free, and complimentary bus service will be available to shuttle patrons to and from the Park N’ Ride to the event parking lot.

Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with the Blessing of the Fleet, followed by a per-

Fenwick To Host Safety Symposium

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – A symposium held by a Fenwick Island committee will give community members a chance to voice safety concerns regarding walking and biking on Coastal Highway.

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, members of the Fenwick Island Planning Commission will host a mini symposium in support of the town’s comprehensive plan. Committee Chair Amy Kyle said the purpose of the meeting is to hear from community members about safety hazards related to Coastal Highway, inform residents of ways to improve bike and pedestrian safety and identify alternatives that would create a safe environment along Fenwick’s busy thoroughfare.

“This is about what can be done to improve safety for all users along the

Coastal Highway that serves as our main street,” she said.

The symposium, entitled “How We Can Make Fenwick Safer For Walking & Biking,” will include introductions, public comments, a review of sidewalk projects and presentations from Bike DE Executive Director James Wilson, Dewey Beach Town Manager Bill Zolper, William (BJ) DeCoursey, an associate policy scientist at University of Delaware, and Jennifer Cinelli-Miller, the Delaware Department of Transportation’s transportation planner for Sussex County.

Next week’s event will be held from 10-11:45 a.m. at town hall in Fenwick Island. To access a Zoom link, visit fenwickisland.delaware.gov.

“This event is open to the public and available in person and on zoom,” Kyle said.

formance from Trinidad and Tobago. At noon, there will be a crab cake eating contest sponsored by Captain’s Galley Crab Shack. The first 12 individuals to sign up will be invited to partake in the contest. The Permilla Project will take the stage from 1-3 p.m.

Other highlights of the day will include local fisherman displays, vendor demonstrations, nautical artisans, educational exhibits, and activities galore for children.

There will be plenty of vendors selling scrumptious foods and refreshing

beverages and those seeking a unique water experience will have opportunities to tour the harbor on the Sail Alyosha catamaran or the OC Bay Hopper.

Harbor Day at the Docks is an annual festival that celebrates the rich history, culture, and heritage of both the sport and commercial fishing industries.

For more event information, visit www.harbordayoc.com, visit the social media pages @harbordayoc, or contact Tyler Keiser at 410-632-2144, ext. 2505 or tkeiser@marylandscoast.org.

Decatur Homecoming:

It was a special weekend for Stephen Decatur High School, as it celebrated its annual Homecoming. The weekend got underway with a thrilling last-minute victory on Friday night for the Seahawks football team over North Caroline, 16-14. Though the on-the-field heroics were remarkable, it was the moments off the field that left many with special memories. The king and queen of the Decatur Homecoming were seniors Daniya Smith and Joshua Alton, who are pictured above left with Principal Tom Sites. Alton, who has autism, was diagnosed last year with Stage IV Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma. Complications from a surgery have him currently wheelchair bound as he has lost the use of his legs. Additionally, a special designation of Homecoming Princess was bestowed on Lakelyn Draheim, a local 5-year-old girl who has a highly aggressive brain tumor. Her older brother is a member of the Decatur football team and her dad is a coach and teacher at Decatur. She is pictured above right with her family and Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor. Submitted Photos

Pines Committee Members Resign

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors is seeking volunteers to fill vacancies following a slew of resignations from the Ocean Pines Elections Committee.

In a statement released last week, Association President Doug Parks announced several resignations from the elections committee. As a result, the board is now seeking volunteers to fill open seats.

“Unfortunately, the Board has received resignations from several members of the Elections Committee,” he said. “The decision from each committee member to resign was their own decision alone.”

He continued, “We are saddened these volunteers chose to resign their position, as the work they have done and the time they have spent supporting the community has been commendable. The Board thanks them for their volunteer spirit and their willingness to step up and serve the Association.”

Parks’ statement did not identify who or how many from the elections committee had submitted resignations, nor did it give a reasoning for their departures. The association’s website, however, has removed the names of all committee members except Director Rick Farr, who serves as a board liaison.

Parks did not return requests for com-

ment this week but announced that the board would be seeking volunteers to serve as elections committee members.

“As there are now vacancies on the committee, the Board is soliciting for volunteers to serve on this important advisory committee …,” he said in a statement. “Please consider volunteering in support of the Ocean Pines community.”

Parks’ announcement came less than a week after the elections committee held a hand count of paper ballot votes from the 2022 Board of Directors election, which revealed significant discrepancies in vote totals for the six candidates.

The hand count, performed by committee members and volunteers, revealed totals were off by more than 100 votes for five of the six candidates and that 15 votes now separates the third- and fourthplace candidates, Monica Rakowski and Amy Peck.

“This hand count also verified that the tabulation program needs to be investigated to identify the reason for the reporting an excess of votes, above the maximum number of paper ballots, that were scanned on 8/11/22,” a report from Ocean Pines Elections Committee Chair Carol Ludwig reads. “The failure to verify the information generated by the tabulation program resulted in an inaccurate report of results by Elections Committee Chair.”

Election results were first called into question last month when the committee released its report on the 2022 election.

In August, the committee announced the six candidates – Steve Jacobs, Stuart Lakernick, Josette Wheatley, Paula Gray, Rakowski and Peck – received a total of 9,053 votes.

The report, however, states a total of 2,839 online and paper ballots were returned in the 2022 board election. With each property given the opportunity to vote for up to three candidates, that would mean a maximum 8,517 votes could be counted.

To that end, the committee announced plans to hold a hand count of paper ballot votes, which revealed five of the six candidates had between 100 and 300 less votes than originally reported. The difference between the third- and fourth- place candidates had also narrowed from 152 votes to 15 votes, and the total number of votes had decreased from 9,053 to 8,113.

“In the coming months, the Elections Committee will review our processes, investigate glitches in the current tabulation/scanner programs, working towards the delivery of accurate information,” Ludwig said in a report. “We offer our sincere apologies for two weeks of uncertainty as we moved cautiously towards what we felt was the most immediate resolution – to provide the correct results.”

Parks said those wishing to serve on the elections committee are asked to complete an application form, found under the “Committees” tab on the association’s website, oceanpines.org, or at the front desk of the administration building.

Berlin Hosting Oktoberfest, Fall Sidewalk Sale

Live Music, Food, Vendors Planned

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Oktoberfest returns to Berlin this weekend with traditional German food, beer and music.

Berlin will welcome visitors Saturday, Oct. 15, for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and fall sidewalk sale.

“It’s Oktoberfest in Berlin,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. “Where else are you going to experience authentic food, beer and music other than Berlin — on this day also known as Beerlin.”

On Saturday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Berlin will host its annual Oktoberfest celebration. Vendors will line Main Street, which will be closed to vehicle traffic, and musicians will be set up at each end of town. The Edelweiss Band, sponsored by Burley Oak Brewing Co., will perform on the town’s stage while The Dunehounds, sponsored by Sterling Tavern, will perform outside Sterling Tavern.

The event will feature the Scales N Tales Reptile Show and facepainting for children, while numerous food and drink vendors will be catering to the adults.

“We have more food choices this year because of the increase in restaurants,” Wells said.

Gilbert’s Provisions is offering handmade brats, Baked Dessert Café is serving pretzel twists, apple hand pies and German chocolate cake, Pop’s Kitchen is offering pizza slices to go and Stevenson United Methodist Church is offering homemade vegetable beef soup. In addition, J&M Meat Market will serve bratwurst, Island Creamery will feature German chocolate cake ice cream and The Sterling Tavern will serve up Bratwurst sandwiches, hot dogs, German potato salad and even pretzels and beer cheese, among other items.

As for the beer, Burley Oak will have beer stations set up at the corner of Pitts and Main streets and in front of The Globe.

Wells recommends that attendees park at Berlin Intermediate School, as a shuttle sponsored by the Ocean Downs Casino will bring them to Main Street. The shuttle will operate from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information on this year’s Oktoberfest in Berlin, visit the event page on Facebook or go to berlinmainstreet.com.

Full Moon Beauty: October’s beautiful full moon is pictured rising over north Ocean City last weekend.

Photo by ocyachtshots.com

Golf Pro Welcomed

OCEAN PINES – Ocean Pines Association has announced the hiring of Bob Beckelman as the new golf pro for the Ocean Pines Golf Club.

Beckelman grew up in Annapolis, and West Chester, Pa., and studied aerospace engineering at Penn State University. He’s been a Professional Golfers' Association member for 25 years and has lived on the Eastern Shore for the last 35 years.

Beckelman started his professional golf career at the Ocean Pines Golf Club, first from 1992 to 1997, and then returning from 2000 to 2007.

“I was hired here originally as an assistant under Buddy Sass, and then left to help build the Deer Run Golf Club, and then came back as the head golf professional in Ocean Pines,” he said.

Beckelman said “a phone call” brought him back to Ocean Pines for a third time.

BUSINESS And Real Estate News

for the North American region.

As a part of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, WRDS enables comprehensive thought leadership — democratizing data access and giving global users the power to analyze complex information through curated research and analytics tools. SSRN is a worldwide collaborative of more than 2 million users that is devoted to the rapid worldwide dissemination of research.

The award recognizes one rising business school each year from North America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions.

onsite observations and interviews.

“As a private accreditor, The Joint Commission surveys health care organizations to protect the public by identifying deficiencies in care and working with those organizations to correct them as quickly and sustainably as possible,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, accreditation and certification operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend Hudson Behavioral Health for its continuous quality improvement efforts in patient safety and quality of care.”

Coordinator Hired

BERLIN – Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT) has welcomed Debbi Dean Colley as the new community engagement coordinator.

Brenda Davis, ACT’s new executive director, states, “We are so excited to have Debbi as part of our team. We have many new programs and projects on the drawing board and she’s the perfect candidate to help make them come to fruition.”

BOB BECKELMAN

“Honestly, when I first got into the golf business, I loved it and I enjoyed it so much,” he said. “I had been around Ocean Pines for a while already. When I was in college, I was working summers at the club, and waited tables and I bartended. I just got to know the people and really loved the community, and I had a lot of friends and built a lot of relationships here.

“Once I started at the Ocean Pines Golf Club, I enjoyed the golf community so much, I planned on working my way up the ladder and eventually finishing my career here,” Beckelman continued. “There’s been some changes along the way, but it’s still my plan – I started here, and I want to finish here.”

Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola said he’s happy to have Beckelman back.

“I reached out to the Golf Advisory Committee and the golf community, and they all told me this was the right guy for the job,” Viola said. “He obviously, knows the club and he knows the community. We’re happy to welcome him back and I think he’s going to be a great addition to the team.”

Award Recipient

SALISBURY – Salisbury University’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business has been named the recipient of the sixth annual WRDS-SSRN Innovation Award

“The WRDS-SSRN Innovation Award is presented to schools that have made a commitment to research, with an increase in publications and citations as a result of that commitment,” said Dr. Christy Weer, dean of the Perdue School. “This is not only a great honor for the Perdue School as a whole, but for the many faculty and students who have facilitated that research in recent years.”

Designation Earned

SALISBURY – Hudson Behavioral Health has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Behavioral Health Care by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

Hudson Behavioral Health underwent a rigorous, unannounced site review in May of 2022. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with behavioral health standards spanning several areas including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control and medication management.

The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help health care organizations measure, assess, and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted

New Location

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City recently became home to a new DQ® restaurant coming to town.

American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) recently announced its new DQ Grill & Chill® restaurant opened in Ocean City. Conveniently situated at 11401 Coastal Highway, the restaurant is locally owned by Mike Ramadan and is operated by the trusted general manager of all his DQ locations.

An experienced multi-unit operator who first joined the brand as a franchisee in 2006, this Ocean City location is Ramadan’s fifth American DQ Grill & Chill restaurant, and he is thrilled to open his newest business in the bustling Gold Coast Mall. With an impressive background in business ownership, Ramadan also owns a local liquor store, pizza restaurant and recently bought another restaurant in Ocean City. His entrepreneurial expertise has proven to be an asset as he continues to grow his investment portfolio alongside the DQ brand.

“After more than 15 years with the brand, DQ continues to be a wonderful investment,” said Ramadan. “I am always seeking ways to build my portfolio while also investing in the local community by offering hometown staples and concepts that will bring joy to our customers’ lives, and I’m honored to bring the DQ brand to Ocean City. I know this location will be a welcome addition to the community, and quickly become a staple for those who

This position encompasses social media specialist, fundraising campaigns, marketing, preparing press releases, along with volunteer coordination with an extension of outreach into the community. An artist at heart, Colley was born in Pittsburgh and attended Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. She has traveled internationally to London, England, and Rimini, Italy, teaching advanced platform work to colleagues in the salon industry. She then studied environmental education at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pa., which then led her into the environmental sector and devoted herself to the issues surrounding waterway destruction.

DEBBI DEAN COLLEY

Colley has a strong background in project management, event coordination and volunteer service with a previous commitment as the Project Manager for Grow Berlin Green (GBG). This was an extension of ACT, which was a multi-year campaign to the area as a model community for participatory environmental protection, conservation, and smart growth policy and practice. GBG was instrumental to Berlin as the first Maryland municipality to qualify for “Sustainable Maryland Certified” status by the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center. Colley feels she has come full circle back to her old stomping grounds with her environmental education and action.

She is excited to be working with the ACT director, Brenda Davis, the coastkeeper, Gabby Ross, along with the entire ACT team and board to engage the community through outreach and communication. Her goals are to connect with businesses, schools and organizations to become partners and enact regulations that encompass the purpose and vision of Assateague Coastal Trust.

River Run

People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Nicole Selby, Staci Aperance and Christina Welch attended the 25th anniversary gala for Worcester GOLD.

Homecoming Harvest included a performance by the Bucky Bear Belters from Buckingham Elementary School. Students Emma Hailey, Gwen Byron and Madeline Evans are pictured with music teacher Emely Martin.

Melissa Reid, Jack Orris and Courtney Bauerle helped out at the Taylor House Museum’s Homecoming Harvest.

Claire Otterbein and Amanda Hailey are pictured at a 25th anniversary gala for Worcester GOLD.

Mary Beth Carozza and Charlotte Cathell are pictured at the Worcester GOLD 25th anniversary gala in Ocean City.

Taylor Carty and Nicholas Cranford welcomed guests to the 25th anniversary gala for Worcester GOLD.

Zack Tyndall and Larry Ryan are pictured at the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum during Homecoming Harvest. Chris Oswald and Psalty strolled through town during the Berlin Fall Cruisers Classic Car Show.

Summer Widmyer and Simba Sims performed at Homecoming Harvest on the lawn of the Taylor House Museum.

Tom Westcott and Reese Cropper III paused for a photo at the Worcester GOLD 25th anniversary celebration in Ocean City.

COMMUNITY News In Photos

The Ocean City Lions Club recently presented an electric wheelchair to Mindy Lupiwok. Pictured from left to right are Lions President Norm Cathell, Treasurer Greg Cathell, Mindy (front) and her husband Mike Lupiwok. The Ocean City Lions loan medical equipment free of charge to the community.

The Kiwanis year starts Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30. On Sept. 28, at the last meeting for Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City, President Tim Lund (right) passed the gavel to Bob Wolfing, the club’s incoming president.

Charlie Dorman of the Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club presented Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League of Ocean City, with a $8,250 donation to support a free performance of Artrageous for the schoolchildren of Worcester County. This donation will allow the schools to bus their students to the Ocean City Performing Arts Center on Oct. 24 to see an inspiring performance of song, dance, and art creation.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City honored Carolyn Dryzga as “Kiwanian of the Year” for her outstanding effort and contributions to the club. Dryzga, pictured with Tim Lund, the club’s president, has served as treasurer and reporting secretary. She’s also a past president of the club and past lieutenant governor for the district.

Worcester County Garden Club member Jackie Davies recently received two awards at the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland District 1 “Harvest Highlights” Flower Show in Wye Mills. Her floral arrangement won first place in the “Harvest Dance” class for American traditional line mass design using fresh plant materials. It also received the tri-color award for the “Autumn Traditions” section comprised of three classes with four entries each.

The Republican Women of Worcester County recently held their 13th Annual Patriot Day Fashion Show at the Grand Hotel in Ocean City with fashions by Bruder Hill. The theme this year was “Honoring Local Women Who Have Served in the Armed Forces.” Pictured are the women who were honored for their service.

Rescheduled Annual Marine Debris Plunder Set For Sunday

BERLIN – Due to Hurricane Ian, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) postponed the 3rd Annual Marine Debris Plunder to Sunday, Oct. 16.

Boaters and land lubbers alike are encouraged to join the plunder to pick up debris that has been carelessly discarded in the bays, beaches and streets and bring their loot to the West Ocean City Boat Ramp for a weigh-in. Captain Jack Sparrow along with his pirate crew will be on hand to assist with the weighin and will properly dispose the debris.

Those that bring their loot by boat can pull up to the finger pier of the public boat ramp and the crew will unload and trade the trash collected for commemorative T-shirts while supplies last. Land pirates can pull up to the tent by the public rest rooms and volunteers will be on hand to assist with the loot and provide T-shirts as well.

Preregister for this event is required either online at the Maryland Coastal Bays Program website, www.mdcoastalbays.org, or call Sandi at 410-2132297, ext. 106 and register by phone. Registration is now open. There will be

no registration at the event.

Thanks to a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the support of Worcester County, Ron Jon Surf Shop and Sandpiper Energy, supplies will be provided for those who preregister. Supply packets can be picked up at Pure Lure in the West Ocean City Harbor at a pre-arranged date.

The intent of this event is to engage the community in picking up debris in the waterways and streets and bringing it to one location where it will be weighed and disposed of properly. All participants will be asked to fill out data sheets on the debris. This data will be used for an outreach campaign next year reminding visitors of the importance of keeping waterways clean.

Boaters pursuing debris in the water will receive specific instructions as to what is marine debris and what is a live trap as crabbing season is in effect. It is illegal to tamper with any live traps. Low tide for this day is at 6:45 a.m.

Natural Resources Police will attend the event in case participants have any questions as to what is and is not marine debris.

Boaters will be encouraged to pursue abandoned crab pots, derelict crab pots that have been clearly abandoned and are sitting in shallow water and marshes. Every year crabbers lose their pots to careless boaters who do not pay attention and run over crab pot floats, floats identifying pot location. Once these floats are cut, the pot becomes untraceable until it washes into shallow

water or on top of a marsh. Unfortunately, ghost pots continually re-bait as crabs crawl inside, eventually die and new crabs arrive to eat those. These ghost pots also trap and kill pretty much anything that fits, including terrapin, otter and fish.

For event specifics, go to www.mdcoastalbays.org or contact mcbp@mdcoastalbays.org.

Tourney Raises $17K For Breast Cancer

OCEAN PINES – The Ocean Pines Pickleball Club raised more than $17,660 for the American Cancer Society (ACS) during the 5th Annual Pickleball Pink Ribbon Classic, held Oct. 7 at the Ocean Pines Racquet Center.

All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign, which has been active since 1993.

Event Director Chris Shook said the Pickleball Pink Ribbon Classic is especially meaningful to her. This is her third year directing the tournament.

“It touches home,” she said. “I’m a

two-time breast cancer survivor, and a lot of people here are survivors. It’s also just a fun time for everybody to come out and play some pickleball. The turnout was great, and we’re very happy with the new courts and the court repairs by Ocean Pines.”

Event organizer Julie Woulfe said 128 players competed on 16 courts, and 29 volunteers helped service the event. Thirty-one sponsors supported the tournament.

“Volunteers make these types of things happen,” Woulfe said. “Our wonderful volunteers planned the tournament, solicited sponsors and donations, baked cookies, put together lunches, set up and took down tables and accessories, monitored courts and scores, put together raffle items, gathered snacks and medals, coordinated with ACS, and helped clean up.”

Gold, silver and bronze medals were given to the top players.

According to ACS, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events “have collectively grown into the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement providing a supportive community for courageous breast cancer survivors and metastatic breast cancer thrivers, including caregivers, and families alike.”

The events over the years have translated into more than $71 million invested in breast cancer research grants.

ACS has also responded to a quarter of a million requests for cancer information through the nonprofit’s helpline and chat services. An ACS mobile app has connected almost 4,000 women facing breast cancer with trained breast cancer survivors to support them.

with Scott Lenox

The remnants of Hurricane Ian were moving through early last week, resulting in the ocean being closed for business all the way through Wednesday. The back bays weren’t much better as wind and rain battered the area which caused unfavorable conditions for any kind of fishing. The weather improved drastically on Thursday as Ian’s wake was chilly, but very calm and sunny. Folks got right back to fishing and our 6th Annual Ocean City Inshore Classic was a record breaker.

The 6th Annual Ocean City Inshore Classic tournament put on by Fish in OC and Hooked on OC had a record number of boats at 53 and a record purse of over $23,000. The water was a little dirty, but overall conditions were good. There were over 80 fish weighed over the two days of fishing. Some boats fished the entire 32 hours straight, while others fished just a few hours at a time. There were lots of fish caught and a good time was had by all.

Top honors in the OC Inshore Classic went to a team of regular readers of my column and fishing report will recognize. Big Bird Cropper and Shaun Flaherty

used Bird’s “dredging” technique at the Route 50 Bridge and found two rockfish of 13.6 and 10.4 pounds – good enough for first and second place in the rockfish division, 40% of the tournament prize money and 40% of all of the calcutta money, totaling $8,880 for team Lost Time. This is the first time in six years of fishing the event that Big Bird has landed in the top spot and it couldn’t have happened at a better time. It also couldn’t have happened to two better guys. Third place in the rockfish division was won by team Playdate who won $585 for their 9.6 pounder.

The first fish weighed in this year’s OC Inshore Classic was a quality 5.8pound flounder caught by Derek Yobst with team Gunther & Sons. Derek’s flounder held on to the top spot in the flounder division and received a check for $6,007. Second place in the flounder division was taken by team On the Run, who weighed a 4.4 pounder, and third place was taken by team Reel Quick with a 4 pound flounder.

First place in the tautog category was won by team Bait R’ Up whose impresSEE PAGE 48

Captain Willie Zimmerman and the crew of RoShamBo put this group on two swordfish and a limit of blueline tilefish. Submitted Photos

Fish In OC

FROM

sive 5.2 pounder received a check for $2,383. Team Bait R’ Up was not across the board in calcuttas however so team Sporty, who finished in second place, took the $500 calcutta. That made Dan Iacangelo’s 4.2 pound tog worth $2,027. Third place in the tautog division was won by team Reel Quick who weighed in a 3.2 pound fish.

The open division included several different species and this year’s first place was a very nice 4.2 pound sheepshead caught by team Reel Quick. Com-

bine first place open with third place flounder and third place tautog and team Reel Quick wins a total of $2,711 in prize money. Team On the Run had a 4.2 pound bluefish that was pushed into second place by that time, but they still had a good tournament that saw a check for $871.20 for second place open and second place flounder. Third place open was a 3.8 pound sheepshead caught by team Reel Lucky.

Away from the tournament there was some very good sea bass fishing for the ocean bottom fishing fleet when they returned to the fishing grounds. The Angler, Morning Star, Judith M and Ocean Princess all saw excellent sea bass fishing with a few flounder mixed in and the Angler even saw two trips with boat lim-

its of sea bass. Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star also saw the first scup of the season and some surprise keeper tautog on one of his trips. There haven’t been very many tuna caught off in the canyons yet this fall, but the offshore fleet is making due with a very good swordfish bite and some excellent blueline tilefishing. Boats are seeing multiple swordfish bites a day and limits of blueline on most of their targeted trips recently. Captain Willie Zimmerman of the RoShamBo had an awesome deep drop trip that ended with two swordfish and a limit of blueline tilefish.

This weekend is the 3rd Annual Broadbill Bash swordfish tournament in memory of Rena Bishop and benefiting the Burbage Regional Cancer Care

Center. This is a fish two of three-day event with fishing days Friday, Oct. 14 through Sunday, Oct. 16. There are prize categories for swordfish, tuna, wahoo and dolphin. Weigh-ins will take place at Sunset Marina on Friday, Oct. 14 from 5:30 until 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15 from 5:30 until 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 16 from 5:30 until 7 p.m. I’ll be bringing you nightly leaderboard updates in my Daily Angle fishing report, and I’ll bring you all of the winner right here in The Dispatch next week. Until then, tight lines.

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

Above top left, top junior angler honors in the OC Inshore Classic went to Logan Moyer for his 8.2 pound rockfish. Above top center, Captain Jason Mumford of Lucky Break Charters put this group on four keeper flounder and a keeper tautog. Above top right, Stacey Schindler caught two nice flounder while fishing the OC inlet with Rich Daiker. Above left, The Cannuli family fishing on Reel Quick won third place flounder and first place open in the OC Inshore Classic. Above right, these anglers had a great day on the Tortuga when they had 8 keeper flounder.

Opposite page, top left, “Zig” was surprised by this jumbo keeper tautog while sea bass fishing on the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins. Opposite page, top right, Dave Walker caught this huge 5.6 pound triggerfish fishing on the private boat Gulf Stream. Opposite page, middle left, first place in the tautog category for the OC Inshore Classic was a 5.2 pounder caught by team Bait R’ Up. Opposite page, middle right, Big Bird Cropper and Shaun Flaherty took first and second place in the OC Inshore Classic with 13.6 and 10.4 pound rockfish. Opposite page, bottom left, Derek Yobst of team Gunther & Sons caught a 5.8 pound flounder good for first place in the OC Inshore Classic. Opposite page, bottom right, these big sea bass were caught on the Angler with Captain Chris Mizurak at the helm.

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above, as was the case during the recent nor’easter, one of the first places to flood in Ocean City during storms is under the Route 50 Bridge bayside along St. Louis Avenue and Caroline Street. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): This is a good time for the usually outspoken Lamb to be a bit more discreet. You still can get your point across, but do it in a way less likely to turn off a potential supporter.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Good news: All that hard work you put in is beginning to pay off. But you need to watch that tendency to insist on doing things your way or no way. Be a bit more flexible.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You might want to delay making a decision on the future of a long-standing relationship until you check out some heretofore hidden details that are just now beginning to emerge.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Your reluctance to compromise on an important issue could backfire without more facts to support your position. Weigh your options carefully before making your next move.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): This is a good time for ambitious Leos or Leonas to shift from planning their next move to actually executing it. Your communication skills help persuade others to join you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Relationships -- personal or professional- present new challenges. Be careful not to let a sudden surge of stubbornness influence how you choose to deal with them.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): You might need more facts before you can

decide on a possible career change. But you should have no problem making a decision about an important personal matter.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): You're respected by most people for your direct, no-nonsense approach to the issues. But be careful you don't replace honest skepticism with stinging sarcasm.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): A newly emerging situation could require a good deal of attention and some difficult decision-making. However, close friends will help you to see it through.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19):

Family matters need attention. Check things out carefully. There still might be unresolved tensions that could hinder your efforts to repair damaged relationships.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Of course you deserve to indulge yourself in something special. But for now, tuck that bit of mad money away. You'll need it to help with a looming cash crunch.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): A temporary setback in your financial situation is eased by changing some of your plans. You'll be able to ride it out quite well until the tide turns back in your favor.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a gift for understanding people's needs. You have a low tolerance for those who act without concern for others.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Driving with a full moon overhead

Justin Tucker’s reliability

Random text messages from my son

Baseball playoff intensity

When intense people laugh

Short phone calls

Starting the day with a smooth school drop

Funny driver’s license pictures

Early morning grocery shopping

Young people attending church

When voter turnout is high

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITYWITH BUNK MANN

The Paddock was built by Gabby Mancini on 18th Street and Philadelphia Avenue in what was then considered “way up the beach.” It opened in 1953 as a bar and restaurant specializing in live entertainment. The interior was knotty pine and had a mural painted over the bar featuring horse racing.

The original building, pictured, was partially destroyed by Hurricane Hazel in 1954. The tall chimney blew down, demolishing the roof and part of the interior, but Mancini rebuilt and turned it into one of Ocean City’s top nightclubs. An evening at the Paddock in the 1950s meant long dresses for ladies and suits and ties for men. Live bands were featured and the Saturday afternoon jam sessions were legendary.

Gabby Mancini gave up his business interest in the Paddock in 1969 but always believed in the future of Ocean City. His son, today, also known as Gabby, owns a popular restaurant in Fenwick Island appropriately known as “Mancini’s.”

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Photo courtesy of Gabby Mancini Jr.

The Dispatch Classifieds

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: 410-641-4563

HELP WANTED

POOL: General Maintenance, Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects.

Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required.

Able to pass CPO test. Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others. 410.289.4902 Ask for Suzanne.

KITCHEN : Cooks, Kitchen Help, Food Runners wanted. Flexible schedule, clean kitchen, new equipment.Weekly pay checks. Friendly work environment. American Legion Post #166. Contact Sam Wiley 443-235-0876

PIANIST/ORGANIST

Part-Time 6-8 hours per week

Play hymns, special music, & accompany the choir.

Please submit a cover letter, full contact info, resume, and three references to:

St. Matthews By the Sea UMC

ATTN: SPRC

1000 Coastal Hwy Fenwick Island, DE 19944

Or email: smbts@verizon.net

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS

For:

Paramount Construction Services is seeking experienced professionals to join our organization in Ocean City MD. Applicants should have several years of experience with knowledge of kitchen and bathroom remodeling for residential homes and condominiums. Paramount is currently looking for Project Managers, cabinet installers, tile setters, painters / drywall, electricians and plumbers. Please call 410-390-5773 or send resume to ocjobs@paramountserv.com

SNAP-ED NUTRITION EDUCATOR/LEADER

The University of Maryland Extension SNAP-Ed program is seeking to fill a full-time SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator and Project Leader position. A full position description along with qualifications and online application can be accessed at the following link: https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/99658

EOE

Worcester County Health Department

OFFICE SECRETARY II- Full Time, State Benefits. This position provides secretarial support for the Community Health Adult Services program within the Nursing Department. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, considerable organizing and filing of both electronic and paper documents, scheduling, and drafting correspondence, compiling and summarizing data into concise form, client assistance with Maryland Access Point intake services, program reporting, preparation of technical and confidential reports, as well as taking and typing meeting minutes. Background check required.

APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by October 18, 2022.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext.1221

• Fax: 410-641-0966

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

Worcester County Health Department

ACCOUNTANT II- Full Time, State Benefits. This position assists and supports the Accountant Supervisor with the day-today operations of the Worcester County Health Department. This requires an advanced level of examining, analyzing and interpreting accounting systems, records and reports by applying generally accepted accounting principles in order to maintain health department accounting systems and prepare financial reports/statements. This also includes the preparation and management of budgets, management of the agency’s corporate purchasing card program and management of inventory. Background check required.

APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by October 18, 2022. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext.1221

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS

OPPORTUNTIES!!!

Full Service automotive center, now has

be dependable.

Matt

in

Pay &

for

&

The

RENTALS

HOUSE FOR RENT

AVAILABLE

NOV 1ST TO MARCH 31ST

1 BR,

$800 monthly/$300 weekly

3

weekly

YR RENTAL, HOUSE, WEST OC: 4 BR, 2 1/2 BA House in nice neighborhood. Nice porch overlooking pond. Community pool. Families preferred. $2,800 per mo. + util,’s. 443-880-5323.

WINTER RENTAL: 3BR/2BA. 117th St. $1350 per mo. + Utlil.’s (no pets,no smoking) Call 410202-2632.

WINTER WEEKLY RENTALS Utilities Included

welcome. Single Family Home, 94th St. area. Rent negotiable. Call/text for more info. 410-7265200.(Job inhibits phone calls, text if can’t reach by calls).

REAL ESTATE

FSBO

4BR, 3 Full BA 2 Master Suites Deer Point

BURY, MD 21801, was on SEPTEMBER 22, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MILTON LEONARD, JR.,who died on JANUARY 30, 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 22nd day of MARCH, 2023

estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21ST day of MARCH, 2023

Register of Wills on or before the 28TH day of MARCH, 2023

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

All

WINTER RENTALS: OC & West OC $750 per mo. studio & $1,000 per mo. 2BR/1 BA. 410-430-9797.

ROOMMATE

ROOM(S) FOR RENT: Seeking Roommate(s). YR or Seasonal. Indoor Hot Tub. Non smoking, pets

COMMERCIAL

YARD SALE

YARD SALE: Sat. 10/15 & Sun 10/16. 8am-1pm. Misc. household items. Some collectibles. 10016 Blue Marlin Dr., West Ocean City.

So many dark puddles

Splashing from here to there Wet from head to toe!

Dispatch Legal Notices

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

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

RUFUS JOHNSON

Personal Representatives

True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT

Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House

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 SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

JAY WILLIAM BOSLEY

Personal Representatives

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 09-30, 10-07, 10-14.

Second Insertion

(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 OCTOBER 07, 2022

ELIZABETH JOHNSON Personal Representatives 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 10-07, 10-14, 10-21

Second Insertion

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19384

Third Insertion

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19393

To all persons interested in the estate of RALPH W. DENSTON, ESTATE NO. 19393. Notice is given that GREGORY WAYNE DENSTON, 212 WALNUT STREET, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 AND SUSAN DENSTON HITTE, 6819 JACKRABBIT COURT, WALDORF, MD 20603,were on SEPTEMBER 22, 2022, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of RALPH W. DENSTON, who died on JANUARY 19, 2022 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the

decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22ND day of MARCH, 2023

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

(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

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

GREGORY WAYNE DENSTON SUSAN DENSTON HITTE

Personal Representatives

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 09-30, 10-07, 10-14

One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

3x 09-30, 10-07, 10-14

JOHN B. ROBINS, IV, ESQ. ROBINS & ROBINS, P.A. 128 EAST MAIN STREET

PO BOX 506

SALISBURY, MD 21803-0506

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19392

VERONICA HANSLEYDEAN, ESQ. ORLANS, PC 1602 VILLAGE MARKET BLVD. SUITE 310 LEESBURG, VA 20175

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19189

To all persons interested in the estate of HELEN CHILCOAT CROSBY, ESTATE NO. 19384. Notice is given that LINDA CAROL CROSBY TAYLOR, 3863 STATE ROUTE 90, UNION SPRINGS, NY 13160, was on SEPTEMBER 30, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of HELEN CHILCOAT CROSBY,who died on AUGUST 29, 2022 with a will.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19375

To all persons interested in the estate of MILTON LEONARD, JR., ESTATE NO. 19375. Notice is given that RUFUS JOHNSON, 6599 BONITA AVENUE, SALIS-

To all persons interested in the estate of ROBYN F. BOSLEY, ESTATE NO. 19392. Notice is given that JAY WILLIAM BOSLEY, 12845 FOX RIDGE COURT, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813, was on SEPTEMBER 21, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBYN F. BOSLEY,who died on SEPTEMBER 02, 2022 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the

To all persons interested in the estate of G. JEFFREY KNEPPER, ESTATE NO. 19189. Notice is given that ELIZABETH JOHNSON, 409 WASHINGTON AVE, STE 1000, TOWSON, MD 21204, was on SEPTEMBER 28, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of G. JEFFREY KNEPPER, who died on FEBRUARY 12, 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

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 30TH day of MARCH, 2023

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

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

(2) Two months after the

The Dispatch Legal Notices

C-23-CV-22-000190 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, the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 11:00 AM the following timeshare intervals:

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 OCTOBER 07, 2022

LINDA CAROL CROSBY TAYLOR

Personal Representatives

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 10-07, 10-14, 10-21

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication

OCTOBER 07, 2022

PAMELA H. DALTON 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 10-07, 10-14, 10-21

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 07, 2022

JOSEPH W. CHUPEIN, JR. Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT

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 24th day of OCTOBER, 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.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19401

Notice is given that the SURROGATE COURT of CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ, appointed PAMELA H. DALTON, 1 CHRISTIAN STREET, UNIT 21, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19147, as the ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of CINDY K. SUPPA MALEC, who died on AUGUST 05, 2022, domiciled in NEW JERSEY, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is PETER S. J. LEES, 4415 UNDERWOOD ROAD, BALTIMORE, MD 21218-1151. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER.

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

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

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative

ECKELL SPARKS JONATHAN E. BECKER ESQ. 300 W. STATE STREET SUITE 300 MEDIA, PA 19063

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19385

Notice is given that the ORPHANS COURT of DELAWARE COUNTY, PA, appointed JOSEPH W. CHUPEIN, JR., 25 W. SECOND STREET, MEDIA, PA 19063 as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of KATHLEEN A. BASCELLI, AKA: KATHLEEN ANNA BASCELLI, who died on MARCH 29, 2022, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is MATTHEW J. COLFLESH, 394 OCEAN PARKWAY, OCEAN PINES, MD 21811 At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER.

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

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

Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 10-07, 10-14, 10-21

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 21842-3307

Plaintiff

vs. GROUPWISE INC., et al Defendants

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 28th day of SEPTEMBER, 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 31ST day of OCTOBER, 2022

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 07, 2022

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 10-07, 10-14, 10-21

First Insertion

AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000190

BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. Box 3307 Ocean City, Maryland 21842-3307 Plaintiff vs. JOVINA C. BAINO, 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.

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: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. 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 deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443.672.8107.

TRUE TEST COPY

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 10-14, 10-21, 10-28

PATRICIA CLEARY, ESQ. BYRD & BYRD,

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

ESTATE NO. 19016

To all persons interested in the estate of IRENE PINO, AKA: IRENE B. PINO, ESTATE NO. 19016. Notice is given that JOSEPH L. PINO, 11333 MARINA DRIVE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on OCTOBER 05, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of IRENE PINO,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 (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5TH day of APRIL, 2023

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

GALLANT

Artrageous Returning To Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – On Sunday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m., the Art League of Ocean City will bring a high-energy national touring stage show to Ocean City at the Performing Arts Center. Artrageous is an interactive art and music experience for all ages, combining the visual and performing arts with audience participation.

Tickets range from $25-$35, and are available at ArtLeagueofOceanCity.org, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th St., and also at the Ocean City Convention Center box office. Sales benefit the programs of the Art League of Ocean City and also allow for free tickets for Worcester County teachers on Sunday, and a free performance on Monday, Oct. 24 for 1,200 Worcester County students.

The Humphreys Foundation and the Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club — along with support from T.E.A.M. Productions, the Town of Ocean City, and private donations — are funding the special free Monday show that the performers will gear towards the school children. Worcester County teachers have lesson plans they can use to prepare the students ahead of time for what they will see and how they will participate.

Artrageous previously performed in Ocean City and for the Worcester County schools in 2018 to a sold-out crowd on Sunday night and a full house on Monday and is performing an all-new show in 2022.

“This is the type of opportunity that can change kids’ lives,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “When children are exposed to the arts at an early age, it opens up possibilities they may not have considered in their lives and gives them an outlet of self-expression.”

Artrageous is a troupe of traveling actors and musicians from Vancouver, Canada who banded together in the 1980s to perform and see the world. Starting with children’s puppetry theatre and rising from a fire that destroyed their theater, the troupe has performed for the likes of Sir Richard Branson, Steve Forbes, and General Colin Powell, and in venues and events all over the world. A preview of the show is available at www.artrageousexperience.com.

As people who live and breathe the arts, creativity, community, and inspiration, the performers share their passion with the world in a show that focuses on art, music, theater, singing, dancing, and audience interaction, all on one stage. Audience members will witness the creativity of an artist creating a masterpiece before their eyes in moments. Combined with captivating vocals, intricate choreography, and exciting music, Artrageous takes their audiences on a visual journey to a gallery of finished paintings, culminating in the performers inviting the audience to come on stage and join in the artmaking.

The Berlin Town Council voted unanimously to approve a mural design, pictured above, for the concrete wall that separates Burbage Park from the town’s power plant.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Town officials approved plans for a mural to brighten up Burbage Park.

The Berlin Town Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve a mural design for the concrete wall that separates Burbage Park from the town’s power plant. The mural, designed by local resident Brian Robertson, features the town’s name and the words “Powered by Kindness.”

“I like the play on words,” Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols said. “I like how it truly not just represents Berlin but the power plant and the folks that encompass this town, not just the citizens but the work force as well.”

Tony Weeg, president of the local nonprofit We Heart Berlin, approached the council Tuesday seeking approval of plans to paint a mural on the wall behind Burbage Park. The mural is just the latest of several Burbage Park improvements by We Heart Berlin.

The William Street park, which was previously a spot overlooked by most residents, now features a brick walkway and ping pong tables. A gazebo will be installed

this week. Weeg said the mural would add an artistic touch to the park. He said the project was being funded with a $3,000 grant from the Worcester County Arts Council as well as support from donations.

“We’re geared up and ready to roll,” Weeg said, adding that the wall just needed to be cleaned before painting could begin.

Tim Lawrence, director of the town’s electric utility, praised the concept.

“It’ll be a good addition,” he said.

Public Works Director Jimmy Charles said his crew had trimmed plants in the area and would do more later.

“Once the mural’s up we’ll be able to reevaluate what we need to finish so you have good vision of that area,” he said.

Weeg said the mural, which is meant to be bright and colorful, will be painted by Jason Wharton and Patti Backer with some help from Weeg and Robertson. He pointed out it was designed with the same font used on the town’s billboard.

“There’s obviously no cost to the town for any of this,” he said.

The council voted unanimously to approve We Heart Berlin’s power plant mural project.

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus

All ladies who love to sing are invited to the Delmarva Woman’s Acapella Chorus, Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Contact Mary 410-629-9383 or Carol 302-242-7062.

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Tuesday: Dancing

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

Every Tuesday: Beach Cleanup

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

Every Tuesday: Tango Practice

Argentine Tango practice 7-9:30 p.m. Experienced dancers and anyone interested in watching or learning more are welcome. No partner required. More information at TangobytheBeach.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. 410-250-2645.

Every Thursday: Beach Singles

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

Every Friday: Bingo

Knights of Columbus hosts with doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Held at the Columbus Hall at 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke's Church. Play every game for just $24. Light refreshments available. Call 410524-7994 with any questions.

Oct. 14: Crab Cake Dinner

Stevenson United Methodist Church will host from 4-6 p.m. Carryout but can eat in side. Bake table available. Cost is $14 for crab cake sandwich, green beans, baked potato and cole slaw; $24 for two sandwiches, green beans, baked potato and cole slaw; and $10 for sandwich only.

Oct. 14-15: Quilt Show & Boutique

Quilters by the Sea Guild will host from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Pkwy. Quilt show, boutique, raffle baskets and more. Free Admission.

Oct. 14-16: Town Cats

Town Cats of Ocean City will be at the Autumn Home & Condo Show with Arts & Crafts Fair and OC Pet Expo at the

Things To Do

Roland E. Powell Convention Center. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Oct. 15: Cruizers For Christ

From 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the 16th Annual Cruiz ers for Christ Car/Bike Show will be held at the Whaleyville United Methodist Church, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road. Entry fee is $12. Trophies will be given to the Top 20 and "Best in Show." There will be vendors, a silent auction, gospel music and food for purchase including scrapple sand wiches, hamburgers, hot dogs and baked goods.

Oct. 15: Gospel Music Festival

The Germantown School Community Heritage Center announces the return of its annual Tindley Gospel Music Festival from 1:30-4 p.m. Tindley, known as the godfather of Gospel Music, wrote more than 50 hymns during his lifetime. The event will not only celebrate the Berlin native’s music, but will also offer storytelling and historical contexts of his music, storytelling and food vendors. Health vendors and voter registration will also be provided. The event is free. Dedicated tours of the Taylor House Mu seum exhibit will be offered on the morn ing of Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Oct. 15: World Singing Day

The Delmarva Chorus of Sweet Adelines International, along with event sponsor Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks, invites singers of any age to gather at noon in the White Horse Park pavilion to just sing for World Singing Day, a joyful comm unity experience for musicians and nonmusicians alike, from shower singers to celebrities, as they gather in their communities and sing together without the pressure of performing.

Oct: 15: Fried Chicken Dinner

New Hope United Methodist Church in Willards will host from 11 a.m.-until. Cost is $15 per adult and carryout available. 410-543-8244.

Oct. 15: Mobile Headquarters

The mobile headquarters of the Republican Women of Worcester County will be on Route 50 in front of Sherwin Williams from 1-3 p.m. Information on Republican candidates and campaign signs and materials will be available.

Oct. 17: Club Meeting

Democratic Women's Club of Worcester County will meet at the Ocean Pines Library for coffee and conversation, 9:30 a.m., and regular monthly meeting, 10 a.m. Featured speaker is Nanci Osborne, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. She will give an overview of the organization. New and prospective members are welcome to attend.

Oct. 19: Fundraising Dinner

Bethany United Methodist Church on Stephen Decatur Highway in Berlin is hosting a fundraising dinner at Carrabba's Italian Grill from 4-7 p.m. The fundraiser is part of the Carrabba's Cares Event where a percentage of each check goes to Beth-

any Church when you mention that you are there to support the church. It may be used for dining in or carryout. Proceeds will benefit the programs and missions of the church.

Oct. 20: Dine And Donate

The Sterling Tavern will offer from 5-8 p.m. with the restaurant donating a portion of total bill to Stevenson United Methodist Church’s Rolling Stones Youth Ministry.

Oct. 20: Furnace Town Tour, Lunch

The Ocean City 50-Plus Center is planning a trip to Furnace Town in Snow Hill and lunch at Blacksmith Gastropub. Call 410-289-0824 for information.

Oct. 20: Farm-To-Library Event

The Friends of the Ocean Pines Library will present as part of the organization’s semi-annual membership meeting. Local farmers will share their stories. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be served. The membership meeting begins at 10 a.m., followed by the Farm-ToLibrary event at 11 a.m. The general public is welcome and there is no charge. Guest speakers will be Matthew Harhai, Goat Plum Tree Farm, Berlin; Nancie Corbett, Bluebird Farms, Berlin; and Carol Cross, Cross Farms, Berlin.

Oct. 21: Fried Chicken Dinner

Berlin Fire Company will be offering its Friday night carryout dinners at the upstairs banquet hall, 4:30-7 p.m. or until sold out. Meal is four pieces of chicken, homemade macaroni and cheese, string beans and roll for $15. Next dinner Nov. 18.

Oct. 21: Fish Fry

Bowen Willing Workers in Newark will be having a Flounder Fish Fry on at 4:30 p.m. Fried fish, green beans, mac n’ cheese, cornbread, dessert and beverage for $10.

Oct. 22: Blood Drive

Join the Bikers Without Borders Foundation for the first Bikers for Blood Drive at the Blood Bank of Delmarva in Dagsboro. Donations begin at 8 a.m. and continue throughout the day until 2 p.m. Delmarva Billiards, located in the same parking lot, will be opening at 9 a.m. with a full menu available all day as well as billiards and music. In the parking lot, you’ll find several local businesses and vendors providing information and support to those providing the gift of life. To schedule an appointment, visit: https://tinyurl.com/BWOBRiders.

Oct. 22: Rummage Sale

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

Oct. 22: Chicken, Dumplings

Calvary United Methodist Church, 8607 Ironshire Station Road, will host Pre-Homecoming Chicken n Dumplings Dinners "to go" sale. Starting 10:30 a.m. until sold out. Platters are $12 and comes with two sides and roll. Sides include macaroni and cheese, greens, potato salad and string beans. Drinks and dessert table items av-

ailable for sale.

Oct. 22: Knupp Event

The Ocean Pines community is coming to gether to honor Gavin Knupp by renaming the skate park. Gavin was passionate about skateboarding along with many more outdoor activities. He loved encouraging others to #doitfortheskateedit. Event at the Sinepuxent Brewing Co. is for the first ever benefit in honor of Gavin Knupp. Good food, beverages, giveaways, 50/50 raffles, silent auction items and more.

Oct. 22: Furnace Town Halloween

From 4-8 p.m., Halloween in the Forest at Furnace Town Historic Site, 3816 Old Furnace Rd., Snow Hill. Spooktacular games, music and trick-or-treating. Cost is $5/person. www.furnacetown.org.

Oct. 22: Blood Drive Event

Bikers Without Borders Foundation along with the Blood Bank of Delmarva are hosting a blood drive and hope that you will give the gift of life at the Dagsboro Donation Center, 32442 Royal Blvd., Dagsboro Del. 19939 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration requested prior to event 888-8256638. Food available on site for purchase, vendors and DJ. Bikerswithoutbordersfoundation@gmail.com.

Oct. 27: Trick-Or-Treating

Wor-Wic Community College will hold a family-friendly trick-or-treat event from 5:30-7 p.m. at the campus on the corner of Route 50 and Walston Switch Road in Salisbury. Treat Street will be held rain or shine.

Oct. 28: Fall Party

Stevenson United Methodist Church will hold from 6-8 p.m. with food, candy, games, pumpkin decorating, music and bonfire. Stop by Buckingham Presbyterian’s Trunk or Treat, too.

Oct. 29: Breakfast Buffet

AUCE breakfast buffet at the Whaleyville United Methodist Church located at 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road in Whaleyville. Cost is $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.

Nov. 4: Berlin Glow Walk

This year’s Fall Just Walk event will begin in Stephen Decatur Park and follow a 4.5-mile route around and through downtown Berlin. Participants are asked to bring and wear glow-in-the-dark items to light up the night in a walk around the community. Limited supplies will also be available at registration. Pre-registration is available at justwalkworcester.org. Dayof registration starts at 5 p.m. in Stephen Decatur Park, 130 Tripoli Street, and the walk starts at 5:30 p.m. Strollers and friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. All participants will receive a free raffle entry for a Berlin Basket.

Nov. 5: Holiday Craft Fair

The Pine’eer Craft Club of Ocean Pines will host the 11th annual event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Community Center. The event is free and open to the public. Local artisans, crafters and many Craft club members will display and sell their hand-crafted items. The fair is a juried event, meaning organizers will limit the number of similar products.

STUDENTS In The News

Upper School students at Worcester Preparatory School celebrated Spirit Week by dressing according to each day of the week’s theme leading up to Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 8. Pictured above on Athletes Day are sophomores Emma Zajdel, Nazli Unal and Danielle Carr. Dressed as best lunch ingredients, below, are sophomores Aleksy Klimins, Lucas Nicastro, Ryan Mann, Mike DePalma and Ben McGovern.

Ocean City Elementary School second grade students Owen Nodine and Berkay Cakir in Mrs. Leitgeb's class are hard at work creating seasonal fact families during math class. Submitted Photos

Students Gavin Jadwin and Ronan Keller in Kelly Upchurch's Enrichment class at Berlin Intermediate School used microscopes to look at a sample of pond water to observe different microorganisms.

Head of School Dr. John McDonald, of Worcester Preparatory School, announced seniors Sajiv Satyal, Morgan Schoch and Sophia Spadaro of Ocean City have been named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Pictured, from left, are Director of College Counseling Vickie Garner, Satyal, Schoch, Spadaro and McDonald.

Freshman Caitlin Shimko, above, runs for a touchdown during the high school powerpuff games with encouragement from teammates Anisha Batra and Elliot Windrow. Bottom, the junior girls earned the championship trophy at the powderpuff games. Pictured, front from left, are Lebby Becker, Caitlin Williams, Moorea Phillips and Maggie McCabe; standing, from left, are Natasha Richter, Madilyn Nechay, Summer Vent, Claire Windrow, Ansley Gardner, Esi Mehelli, Sara Freih, Natalie Chadwell and Elaina Elrick.

Trail Projects Planned For Assateague

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

ASSATEAGUE – Popular nature trails in Assateague Island National Seashore were closed this week until the spring to accommodate major reconstruction projects for some of the infrastructure.

The closures of the Life of the Marsh Trail and the Life of the Forest Trail on Assateague also affects the parking areas associated with them. Both the trails and the parking lots will be closed to vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. The length of the closures is difficult to predict because the projects are weatherdependent, but the reconstruction is expected to be completed no later than March 2023.

The project is necessary to reconstruct the deteriorating sections of each trail and both overlooks. The trails were severely damaged as a result of Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, or 10 years ago. While the boardwalks were replaced and elevated, the overlooks were not.

The structures have continued to age and the trails no longer meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

The new trail construction will provide additional seating and wheelchair access with improved observation areas, according to parks officials.

The project is being funded by park entrance and pass fees and is an example of how those fees collected from visitors to Assateague Island National Seashore remain on the barrier island and are used to continually improve it. Roughly 80% of all revenue generated from Assateague Island State Park entrance fees and certain visitor pass fees stay on the barrier island for visitor experience-related projects. The other 20% goes into a fund that can be used for national parks with no entrance fees of very low visitor fee revenues.

Other examples of projects funded in the last year through the barrier island’s visitor fees include the new boardwalk at the visitor’s center, the renovation of a well on the island, the design of a freshwater distribution system, the reconstruction of the state line fence and the replacement of the entrance sign at the visitor center. The Old Ferry Landing recreation area is undergoing reconstruction with a project that began in September.

The Life of the Forest Trail is pictured on Assateague Island. Submitted Photo

ocean city Receives ‘sustainable maryland’ award BY SHAWN J. SOPER

OCEAN CITY – The Town of Ocean City on Tuesday was one of 17 municipalities around the state honored with a Sustainable Maryland Award at the Maryland Municipal League (MML) annual fall conference.

Ocean City was first certified as a Sustainable Maryland Certified award winner in 2016 and the award for the resort was renewed in 2019. During Tuesday’s MML fall conference the Town of Ocean City was honored with the Sustainable Maryland silver award.

The town was awarded after continuing to complete a variety of action items aimed at creating a sustainable community for residents and visitors. To achieve certification, the town created the Coastal Resources Legislative Committee, or Green Team, comprised of elected officials, municipal leaders, staff, local residents and community leaders to work through a lengthy checklist of action items to improve sustainability in the community.

The Sustainable Maryland program is

Resort Recognized For actions

an initiative of the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland designed to support the state’s 157 municipalities as they look for cost-effective and strategic ways to protect their natural assets and revitalize their communities. The initiative encourages best practices in resource areas such as water, energy, planning, community health, food and the local economy.

The Sustainable Maryland program awards points for checking the boxes for each of its initiatives aimed at a greener approach. For example, a total of at least 150 points is required to reach the Sustainable Maryland bronze level, while 400 points is needed to reach the silver level. Over the course of multiple years, Ocean City and its Green Team members have been able to reach the silver level with the award this week.

The list of action items identified and completed by the Town of Ocean City to achieve the renewed Sustainable Mary-

land certification was lengthy, but included things such as environmentallyfriendly practices, supporting health and wellness for residents and visitors, expanding WiFi access in public areas such as government buildings and public parks, expanding recreation opportunities, providing electric vehicle charging stations and encouraging renewable energy opportunities where possible, and on and on. The Green Team and two staff worked through the checklist over the last three years to achieve the renewed certification. Mayor Rick Meehan praised the work of the Green Team and its partners for achieving the award this week.

“It’s an honor for the town of Ocean City to receive the Sustainable Maryland Certified Award,” he said. “Protecting our coastal community and investing in our natural environment is not only important for today, but for our future generations to come. The town has a great network

of people who contributed to this award, both internally and through our partners.

The Coastal Resources Legislative Committee has done an excellent job protecting resources in our community and working with our partners.”

Sustainable Maryland Program Director Mike Hunninghake, who presented the awards at the MML fall conference on Tuesday, agreed it was partnerships that made gaining certifications for 17 communities in Maryland possible. Gaining success in the program is challenging, according to the statistics. Just 41, or 26%, of the 157 municipalities in the state are certified Sustainable Maryland communities, while 89, or 57%, are registered for the program.

“We are pleased to be awarding a record number of certifications this year,” he said. “These certifications show a commitment to sustainability by Maryland’s municipalities that is truly impressive in both depth and breadth. The commitments and associated actions are a critical investment for a future where local governments will increasingly be at the forefront in the fight against climate change.”

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG

410-289-0973

28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Oct. 15: TBA

COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL

Oceanfront

Castle In The Sand 37th & 38th St. 410-289-6846

Friday, Oct. 14:

Zion Reggae

Saturday, Oct. 15: Shortcut Sunny, Kevin Poole & Joe Mama Sunday, Oct. 16: Chris Diller Duo, Monkee Paw Thursday, Oct. 20: The Chest Pains

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th St. Plaza

On Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Oct. 15: One Night Stand

CORK BAR

Saturday, Oct. 15: TBA

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, Oct. 14: Darren O’Neill Wednesday, Oct. 19: Shortcut Sunny

CRAWL STREET

TAVERN 443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, Oct. 14: Dust N Bones Saturday, Oct. 15: Drew Cooke

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St. In The Bay Friday, Oct. 14:

DJ RobCee, No Go Romeo Saturday, Oct. 15:

DJ Hook, Fizz, Downhill Uprise Thursday, Oct. 20: Bryan Clark

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Rt. 611, West O.C. Saturday, Oct. 15: Wack

Best Beats

On The Beach

CRASH THE PARTY

Friday,

DUST N BONES Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, Oct. 14

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, Oct. 14

GARY HAMMER OC Eateries: Saturday, Oct. 15

REAGAN KENT OC Eateries: Friday, Oct. 14

SHORTCUT SUNNY Coconuts : Saturday, Oct. 15 CCF Bayside : Wednesday, Oct. 19

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday &Thursday

DJ HOOK Fager’s Island: Saturday, Oct. 15

DARREN O’NEILL Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, Oct. 14

DREW COOKE Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, Oct. 15

BRYAN CLARK Fager’s Island: Thursday, Oct. 20

DJ TUFF Seacrets: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 14 & 15

NO GO ROMEO Fager’s Island: Friday, Oct. 14

BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays

DJ DEOGEE Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays & Wednesdays

THE DUNEHOUNDS

THE MALONES

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, Oct. 15:

The Dunehounds, DJ Rutger

Sunday, Oct. 16:

Opposite Directions

Thursdays: DJ Billy T

OC EATERIES

443-252-3700

12849 Ocean Gateway, Rte. 50, West OC

Friday, Oct. 14:

Reagan Kent

Saturday, Oct. 15: Gary Hammer

Wednesdays: Trivia w/ Kennedy

Thursday, Oct. 20:

DJ Karaoke w/ Kennedy

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By Deogee

Saturday, Oct. 15: Phantom Limbs Sundays: Beats By Deogee

Mondays: Karaoke with Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee Thursdays: Beats By Wax

PURPLE MOOSE

SALOON

Between Talbot & Caroline Sts.

On The Boardwalk

410-289-6953

Friday & Saturday, Oct. 14 & 15:

Tonight’s Crush

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Oct. 147:

DJ Bobby O,

DJ Tuff, The Way Outs, Crash the Party, The Malones Saturday, Oct. 15:

THE CHEST PAINS

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

DJ Tuff, DJ Cruz, High Five Swan Dive Trio, The Malones, Stealing Savanah Thursday, Oct. 20:

DJ Connair, Opposite Directions

TONIGHT’S CRUSH Purple Moose: Friday

Saturday, Oct.

ZION REGGAE BAND Coconuts Beach Bar:

ONE

PHANTOM LIMBS

FIZZ

Fager’s

KEVIN POOLE & JOE MAMA

Beach

SPORTS In The News

Decatur Boys Knock Off Unbeaten Parkside

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity soccer team knocked off previously unbeaten Bayside South rival Parkside last week.

Parkside entered the contest last Thursday against the Seahawks with a perfect 7-0 record and sat at the crowded top of the Bayside South

standings with Bennett. The Decatur boys had been on a roll of their own, winning four straight after the only blemish of the season, a loss to Kent Island last month.

The Decatur boys blanked the unbeaten Rams at home to improve to 7-1 on the season. Decatur faced unbeaten Bayside South leader Bennett on Thursday in a game played too late to be included in this edition.

Mallards Sweep Two, Run Streak To Four

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity soccer team stayed on a big roll this week, beating Salisbury Christian, 8-2, on homecoming, followed by an 8-0 win over Holly Grove on Monday.

The Mallards have now won four

straight after dropping a pair of games in mid-September. The win streak has included the 8-2 win over Salisbury Christian last Saturday, followed by the 8-0 shellacking of Holly Grove on Monday on the road.

During the four-game win streak, the Mallards have outscored their opponents by a combined 24-2 including three shutouts.

Seahawks Rally Past North Caroline Late

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team rallied past North Caroline at home last weekend to improve to 41 on the season and run its win streak to three games.

The Seahawks got an early field goal in the first quarter, but that was the only score by either team during the first half defensive struggle. North Caroline scored a touchdown in the third, the lone score in the quarter, and took a 7-3 lead heading into the fourth.

Decatur rallied with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, while the Bulldogs added another score, and the Sea-

hawks outlasted North Caroline, 16-14, to improve to 4-1. Decatur’s only loss thus far on the season came at the hands of Kent Island back on September 16.

Brycen Coleman was just 12-21 passing for 110 yards, but he ran the ball 11 times for 61 yards and made three catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns. Coleman led the Seahawks with 231 all-purpose yards. Nathan Tapley had a nice night at quarterback, completing four of five passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Gavin Solito caught six passes for 50 yards, while Trybe Wise caught three passes for 38 yards. Decatur faces Queen Anne’s on the road on Friday.

Worcester Prep Golfers Remain Unbeaten

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s varsity golf team won its eight straight match against conference opponents this week with a sweep at Nutter’s Crossing.

The Mallards shot a team-low 155, beating Gunston’s second-place 174. Aleksey Klimins shot a match-low 36 and was the medalist. Michael DePalma shot a 39, while Vanesska Hall and Harrison Humes each shot 40. The conference championship match is set for next Wednesday at Glen Riddle.

Decatur’s Trybe Wise stiff-arms a North Caroline defender during last week’s come-from-behind 16-14 win over the Bulldogs. Wise had three carries for 38 yards during the game.

Photo courtesy Bayside Sports-Vince Risser

Tough Guy Of The Week: This week’s Hammond Family “Tough Guy of the Week” award was shared between defensive standouts Logan Bradshaw, who was the defensive leader in the Seahawks’ 13-12 win over Parkside, and Dalontae Henry, who had two interceptions in the game. Pictured above, from left are Bobby Hammond, Bradshaw, Henry and Coach Jake Coleman.

Submitted Photo

Beach Franchisee Defaults In OC

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Despite granting an extension and favorable terms for catching up, resort officials this week were left with little choice but to terminate a midtown beach rental franchisee and debar him from future consideration.

In August, Randy Dougherty, operator of the beach rental franchise for the parcel between 57th Street and 59th Street, came before the Mayor and Council requesting an extension for his installment payments owed for July and August. The franchisee cited a slow start to the season, including bad weather through much of June, along with other economic challenges, for the reason for the request of the extension.

Dougherty told the Mayor and Council his business at the midtown parcel had since picked up and he anticipated getting back on track, but was seeking more time to get caught up. City Clerk Diana Chavis said the franchisee was seeking a 30-day extension, hopefully seeking to pay his $4,000 July payment in August and his $4,000 August payment in September. As a show of good faith, Dougherty brought a check for $2,000 to the meeting as a first installment of sorts.

Every three years, the town bids out the beach rental franchises by different areas throughout the town and the successful bid for the parcel between 57th Street and 59th Street came in at $10,000 per year for each of the three years, or a total of $30,000.

Dougherty did make his full payment in 2021, but for the aforementioned reasons, he struggled with making the 2022 installments, which is why he sought the extension plan that was ultimately granted. However, Chavis explained since the council voted to grant the extension, unforeseen circumstances arose that led to the franchisee defaulting on the payment program.

“Mr. Dougherty emailed on September 19 advising he had to leave Ocean City for a couple of days after the meeting at City Hall due to a family emergency,” she said. “He hired someone to work the stand for the rest of the summer and was able to make enough money to meet the financial obligations to the city.”

In short, the franchisee’s three-year obligation to the town was $30,000, of which he paid in full in year one. In year two, he made a partial payment of $6,000, for a total of $16,000 for the three-year contract, resulting in a deficit of $14,000 still unpaid. Chavis said per town code, the parcel was offered to the second highest bidder at $9,000 for the remainder of the contract but that franchisee declined.

Chavis’ recommendation was to terminate the franchise based on no further payment, debar the operator and refer the matter to the city solicitor for collection action and possible litigation.

The council voted unanimously to approve the city clerk’s recommendations. Councilman Mark Paddack said he was disappointed it didn’t work out.

“I remember this discussion,” he said. “I really hoped he would hold up his end of the bargain. Once he reneged, we were left with little choice.”

In a related issue on Tuesday, the council voted to approve the auction of the beach rental franchises in December. At the request of Chavis, who conducts the auctions and monitors the beach rental franchise program, the section set for auction are the parcels between the Inlet and 27th Street, or essentially the valuable Boardwalk area. Of the 34 parcels, 20 first-time successful bidders have exercised their options, leaving 20 to be auctioned in December.

Demolition Plans Move Ahead

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Municipal officials agreed to hire a local company to prepare bid documents for the demolition of the former Tyson building at Heron Park.

The Berlin Town Council voted unanimously this week to approve a proposal from Davis, Bowen & Friedel for engineering administration services associated with the demolition of the former Tyson plant. The town received a $500,000 strategic demolition grant from the state last year to demolish the dilapidated chicken processing building on parcel 57 at the park.

“This is regarding strategic demolition funds granted by DHCD that do have a timeline attached to them so we do want to get this project underway,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

Andrew Welch of Davis, Bowen & Friedel met with the council Tuesday to review a proposal from the company regarding preparation of bid documents (at a cost of $23,500) and engineering administration services (at a cost of $16,000) for the demolition of the former Tyson plant. He said much of the work would involve surveying the property to locate pertinent features of the site, including all structures and property lines.

“All those are important to develop a set of specifications for a demolition project,” he said.

Welch added that an important part of

the process would be a pre-bid meeting for companies interested in the work.

“The most important thing is that bidders tour the entire building and can formulate their bids based on knowledge of the plant itself,” he said.

When asked if the survey would show any encroachment on the property, Welch said that would likely be clear with the markings surveyors would leave in the field. He said the survey would also include photographs.

The council voted unanimously to approve the Davis, Bowen & Friedel proposal. Staff indicated it was the first step toward demolition of the aging building, which will likely be done whether the park property is sold or not.

“We’re trying to move forward with the demolition grant,” Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said. “Some of this is also tied to the ongoing discussion of the sale of the property.”

Elected officials are currently in talks with Gillis Gilkerson regarding the developer’s offer to purchase much of the Heron Park property. The company’s proposal offered the town $1.5 million for three parcels—parcel 410, 57 and 191— and would involve partial demolition of the existing structures to create a commercial project. It’s likely that if the town accepts the proposal, the building will be demolished per the specifications from Gillis Gilkerson whereas if it’s not accepted the entire structure will be torn down.

… pilot e-Bikes program moves

they are coming. Why not have a pilot program in the offseason and listen to our police department and allow the Class 1’s out there first.”

Gehrig reiterated his desire to allow each class of e-bike and enforce the behavior of the operators.

“Why not make it easy?,” he said. “It should be all or nothing. I think we’re anticipating a problem that might not be a problem. Let’s just see how it goes. It’s the operator and not the bike. If you act like an idiot, it will be enforced.”

Paddack agreed.

“I don’t think the bikes are dangerous, I think the people using them can be dangerous,” he said. “The Boardwalk is technically Atlantic Avenue and a state road subject to state laws.”

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury pointed out while the Boardwalk is technically a state roadway subject to state traffic laws, it was challenging to apply state laws on essentially a pedestrian promenade.

“Atlantic Avenue is very unique,” she said. “We don’t think the police department has the resources to enforce all of the state traffic laws up there with everything else going on.”

Paddack said the offseason would provide an appropriate test case for allowing e-bikes on the Boardwalk.

“The real challenge is the season,” he said. “I don’t think we’ll have a problem in the offseason. I agree with the incremental approach. I’ve seen e-bikes up there already and there really isn’t a problem.”

OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro was asked about the difference between reckless riding and negligent riding, which each come with varying degrees of enforcement and penalties.

“There is some discretion,” he said. “The challenge is getting into the mindset of the operator. There is a distinction between wanton and willful. That’s where it gets difficult.”

Stansbury agreed there would be some enforcement discretion for police officers, and there would likely be some outreach and education in the beginning. A similar approach was taken when the town adopted a “no smoking” policy on the Boardwalk and began issuing citations.

“It gives them the option to stop a bicycle if reckless behavior is observed,” she said. “It could be an advising situation, or a warning or a citation. You don’t have that on the Boardwalk right now. We’re looking for compliance first.”

Buzzuro said it would provide the OCPD with another resource as it attempts to enforce reckless bicyclists on the Boardwalk.

“It’s another tool in the toolbox,” he said. “I think there is a need for this. There is also the issue of liability to consider if someone gets hit and injured by one of these e-bikes.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said any decision by the council must consider the sheer amount of traffic on the Boardwalk.

“One thing we haven’t talked about are all of those pedestrians on the Boardwalk,” he said. “It’s a little different than a trail in a state park where you might en-

counter a jogger or a walker. It’s called a Boardwalk for a reason. You don’t see people crossing at every single point. We are now mixing more and more motorized and semi-motorized vehicles out there on a pedestrian walkway.”

Paddack suggested that part of the motion regarding a bicycle safety ordinance for the Boardwalk should more appropriately be considered negligent and not reckless behavior. He said reckless implies wanton and willful behavior and is the highest standard. He said perhaps negligent might be the more appropriate approach.

Gehrig continued to assert the whole discussion about the proposed ordinance, or likely multiple ordinances, was based on the concerns about the bikes themselves and not the actions of the operators.

“People are basing a lot of this on fear,” he said. “We’re anticipating the worst behavior. There are bikes on the Boardwalk already.”

After considerable debate, the council unanimously passed the motion as presented, allowing just the Class 1 e-bikes on the Boardwalk along with the other provisions.

Victoria Ann Magin

OCEAN CITY – The life of Victoria Ann Magin, 57, of Ocean City, will be honored at a celebration of her life from 3 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, on the beach at 15th Street in Ocean City.

Friends and family are encouraged to come and share their fondest, craziest or most memorable moments spent with Vicki, who died on Wednesday, Aug. 10. She was 57.

Born on Oct. 24, 1964, in Monroe, N.C., to Mary Lou Webster and Donald Magin, she grew up in Ocean City and loved being a true Ocean City girl. She often said salt water and sand ran through her veins.

Vicki is survived by her daughter, Magin Locklear; son-inlaw, Woody Locklear; granddaughter, Mackenzie Abbott; grandsons, Dakotah and Crew Locklear; sister, Jane Hudson; and many beloved friends including Diana Whittington, Victoria Wilgus and Ginger Eby.

She had a deep passion for being a grandmother and considered her grandchildren the lights of her life. They called her Granny and she had a close bond with each of them. She and granddaughter Mackenzie shared a love for unique pens, and they often gave each other pens as gifts. She loved her children, as well, going out for girls' days with her daughter and considering her son-inlaw as her own son.

She and her older sister, who grew up calling Vicki her baby doll, enjoyed shopping at Goodwill, then sharing their finds, especially clothing.

A 1982 graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, Vicki also completed courses at both Salisbury University and WorWic Community College. She was employed by Buckley Property Services of Ocean City.

Betty Jean Scott

SNOW HILL – Betty Jean Scott, age 93, passed away at her home in Snow Hill, Maryland on Monday, Oct. 4, 2022.

Born in Salisbury, she was the daughter of the late Homer Disharoon and Gertie Mae Phippin.

She is survived by her daughter, Jean Ellen Scott Holloway (Earl) of Newark; brother, Gilbert “Skip” Disharoon (Virginia), of Salisbury, Maryland, two grandchildren, Scott Holloway (Anne), of Snow Hill, Maryland, and Kelley Holloway (Greg) of Parsonsburg, Maryland, and four great-grandchildren, Savannah Grace Holloway, Jace Brent Holloway, Brodie Diamond and Braylon Mills. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

OBITUARIES

donations be made in Betty’s name to Bates United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 116 N. Washington St., Snow Hill, Md. 21863, or Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802.

Services were held. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home, Snow Hill.

William F. McBride Jr.

BERLIN – William (Bill) F. McBride Jr. of Berlin, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, at the age of 72.

He was the loving husband of Lisa (Stanwick) McBride who celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary on Sept. 4, 2022.

OC Cruisers, the National Rifle Association, and was also a firearms instructor. He loved to build things, both boats and airplanes. Charlie also started OC Monogram Company in the year 1987 with his wife, Cathy. Charlie was a talented sign maker and photographer.

Cremation followed his death. No formal services are scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

James Richard Kyger, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Contractors for a Cause: https://contractorsforacause.org/contact-us/ (there is a special tab to donate in Jimmy’s memory). Checks may also be mailed to Contractors for a Cause, P.O. Box 1282, Ocean View, Delaware 19970. Please include in the memo that the donation is being made in Jimmy’s memory.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21st at Oak Ridge Church, 361 Tilghman Road, Salisbury, Maryland. Gathering to immediately follow until 7:00 p.m. at the Cottage Cafe, 33034 Coastal Highway, Bethany Beach, Delaware.

Terri Lynn Wattay

He was the son of the late William Sr. and Beatrice McBride of Warminster, Pa. He was predeceased by his twin brother, Jack McBride, and sister, Patricia McBride Hare Seese. Surviving with his wife are his two daughters, Megan Dandrow (Matt), Alison McBride (Kory); two grandsons, Hayden Dandrow and Simon Fast; step-grandson Dorian Dandrow; and many much loved nieces and nephews.

OCEAN CITY – James Richard Kyger, Jr. (“Jimmy”), 60 years old, passed on Oct. 8, 2022, after his battle with cancer.

BILL McBRIDE

He worked for Prudential 18 years and then started a new career at Lowes and Home Depot. He retired from Home Depot in 2016 and enjoyed fishing, boating and happy hours with friends and family. If you asked Bill how he was doing, he always answered “Fantastic, living a dream!”

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. A private celebration of life to be determined.

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

John Charles Ritchie

OCEAN CITY – John Charles Ritchie, age 69, passed away Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, at Coastal Hospice at The Lake in Salisbury.

Born at PG Hospital in Cheverly, Md., he was the son of the late John Philip Ritchie and Elwilda Arline Bolan Ritchie.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Stacey Morgan; his five children, Madison, Austin, McKenzie, Hanley and Dylan; his two step children, Gus and Cash; and his granddaughter, Briar, who all adored him. He is also survived by his mother, Iris Kyger; his brothers, Eric Kyger and Kenny Kyger; his sister, Tracy Armesto; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, James Richard Kyger, Sr., and his two sisters, Patricia Kyger and Jeanne Stevenson.

Jimmy was born on Nov. 30, 1961, in Baltimore. He moved to Ocean City in the 1980s, where he started his contracting career and became the President of All States Construction, Inc. He then went on to acquire Masterjack in 2007 and founded Delmarva Supply Corporation in 2015.

Jimmy was a pillar of the community and dedicated much of his time and resources to nonprofit work. He was one of the founders of Contractors for a Cause (“CFAC”) and single-handedly headed the Maryland chapter of CFAC. Through his CFAC leadership, he provided structural repairs for numerous organizations and arranged countless charitable events. In 2013, he was awarded the Most Beautiful Volunteer Award by the Worcester County Commissioners.

BERLIN – Terri Lynn Wattay, VDM, age 59, of Berlin, passed away Monday, Oct. 10, 2022, at University of Maryland Hospital.

She was born in Salisbury and was the daughter of Carol Ann (Bishop) Parsons and the late Kenneth Douglas Whittington Sr.

Terri was a retired Veterinarian from Berlin Animal Hospital. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Salisbury and Atlantic United Methodist Church in Ocean City. She was a member of the WACS Center.

TERRI LYNN WATTAY

Terri was always out to help the less fortunate and encouraging others. She and her mother graduated together from Salisbury State College in 1985 and then she graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. She dedicated her life to saving and loving animals. Terri loved spending time in the garden with her flowers, birds and God. Her simple pleasures were hot tea, Coca-Cola, lobster and cheese.

JOHN CHARLES RITCHIE

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Rose Noyes Ritchie; son John Philip Ritchie of Berlin; daughter Laura Beth Ritchie of Virginia Beach; and grandchildren, John Charles (Jack) Ritchie, Jett Alexander Ritchie, Orion, Thierry, Sidney and Tavi.

Jimmy was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing and camping. He loved spending time with his family on his property, which he self labeled, “Muskrattown Yacht and Country Club.”

Jimmy was always up for an adventure. He loved traveling, and spent much of his time exploring different cities, both internationally and domestically.

She is survived by her mother, Carol A. Parsons and step father Richard of Salisbury; a son, Benjamin G. Wattay of Smyrna, Del.; a daughter, Jessica L. Wattay of Kennett Square, Pa.; a brother, K. Douglas Whittington, Jr. and his wife Carol Anne of Cambridge; a sister, Beth Whittington and her fiancé Dan Childers of Ocean City; a step-sister, Lisa Reed and her husband Roger of Berlin; a uncle, Roland Jennings Whittington and his wife Susan; a niece, Krista Drescher; a great nephew, Drake Stolba; many cousins and her fur babies, Yona (little bear), Halo and Weezy.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Oct. 14, 2022, at Atlantic United Methodist Church in Ocean City with Rev. George Patterson officiating. Friends may call an hour before the service.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marvel Edmond Scott, and a sister, Joyce Lowe.

BETTY JEAN SCOTT

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that

Also surviving is a sister, Becky Jones (Neal) of Exeter, N.H. He was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Ritchie.

Charlie had attended four years of Electrical School in Washington, D.C. and became a member of Local Union #26 Electrical Union. He was a member of the

Jimmy will be remembered in so many ways, whether it be through his contributions to the Eastern Shore, his loyalty to his friends and family, “Kyger Fries,” and, of course, his jokes. His children will remember him for his bigger than life personality, his unconditional support, the beautiful life he provided for them and the countless life lessons he imparted.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, Md. 21811 or the WACS Center, 11827 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

VICTORIA ANN MAGIN

JIMMY KYGER

Knupp Tragedy Reflections

Editor:

I’m a local to Ocean Pines. I’m a mother of four. I’m a teacher. I’m a coach. I’m a Girl Scout leader. And I created the Do It For Gavin – Justice For Gavin Facebook page.

Gavin Knupp went to school with my oldest daughter. They had some classes together and some mutual friends. They followed each other on social media, but they weren’t great friends. In fact, until the morning of July 12, 2022, I had never heard the name Gavin Knupp. Late the night before, on my daughter's 14th birthday, I had seen a post on Facebook about a 14-year-old being involved in a hit-andrun accident. By the time I woke up for work the next morning it had been reported that the boy had died. My husband and I knew that if a 14-year-old had been involved, then our daughter would know him and that she would be impacted by his death. We made the decision to wake her up hours before she would have woken up on her own and tell her what we had read. It took her less than 30 seconds to log onto her social media and identify Gavin Knupp as the name of the boy who passed. That was hours before his name was released by the media, and she immediately started tearing up and telling me that while she had hoped to not know the person at all, if it had to be someone she knew why couldn’t it have been someone who wasn’t so nice? Why couldn’t it have been someone else?

On that morning in July, I had no answers for my own 14-year-old. As the weeks, and now months, have gone on and she has asked what kind of person could just leave him there or why can’t

Letters To The Editor

those responsible just do the right thing and turn themselves in, I have less answers still. How can I explain the inexplicable, the inexcusable, the incomprehensible?

To the person(s) responsible for the death of innocent 14-year-old Gavin Knupp, I beg of you: come forward. Do the right thing. Every single day, every hour, every minute of your silence you are tearing apart a family that did nothing to deserve the pain that you have caused. I have had the honor and privilege of meeting and speaking to both Ray and Tiffany over the past several weeks. These are two wonderful humans who I had never met until after the passing of their son. When I started the Do It For Gavin — Justice For Gavin Facebook page, I did so with two goals in mind: organize all of the thoughts and ideas from people in the community who wanted to help and support the Knupps, and show the Knupps that their community was ready to rally for and support them in their desperate time of need.

I am honored to say that I do feel like I have been able to accomplish those goals already. Honestly, I truly am blown away by the support of the amazing community that we live in. So many have shown unwavering support for Ray, Tiffany, and Summer. Merchandise is being sold for the Gavin Knupp Foundation, donations are being made in his name, local businesses are offering constant support; all in Gavin's honor. The goal in all of this is to remember Gavin Knupp not for his

death, but for the life he led and the person that he was. As Tiffany and Ray have said many times over, he was so much more than just the way he died. I want to thank everyone for the support that they’ve shown the page and the Knupps. It has restored my faith in humanity and assured me that I live in a community worth raising my children in.

My final thoughts are simple, and they are again directed to the person(s) responsible for Gavin‘s death. Had you come forward in the days that followed, rest assured that I and several other people within our community would have understood. I could have wrapped my brain around someone freaking out in the middle of the night after such a shocking and severe accident. I could have wrapped my brain around wanting to get some affairs in order before turning yourself/yourselves in. I could have wrapped my brain around a lot of different things. And had that been the case, had there just been a delay in justice because of someone wanting to get things in order, someone wanting to prepare a statement, someone wanting to strategize on how they could take accountability and not entirely ruin their own lives, I would have understood. And so would so many others.

I wouldn’t be outraged. I wouldn’t be calling for boycotts. I wouldn’t be doing everything in my power to make sure that justice is seen in this case. And please know and understand that when I say justice, I don’t simply mean justice for Gavin's death. Gavin will get his justice.

What I’m calling for, what I’m begging for, is justice for the entire Knupp family. For the agony that they have experienced in these weeks of silence. For the injustice that you continue to give daily. For the resources being used by my tax money to go find you and find the evidence instead of having it offered. For every ounce of unnecessary insult to injury that you have continued to cause through your silence.

I along with many others in this community will not rest until that justice is served. While I may have asked for leniency had you done the right thing from the beginning, I no longer want to ask for leniency. In fact, I will write however many letters I need to and send them to whoever needs to read them begging for you to have the maximum sentence imposed. Again, you did not just rob this family of their 14-year-old. You did not simply take away an entire human life. Every single action (and inaction) that you have chosen in the last several weeks that have followed have added layers of pain to an injury you could already never repay.

Everything that I have done for the Knupp family has been not only to show them that there are people there who will remember their son for the person he was and will fight for the justice that they deserve but has also been a plea to you to do the right thing. An outward appeal to you to be a human, to find grace and acceptance for the actions that you took that resulted in the death of a child, to realize that your inaction continues to add layers of hurt to this family. I pray every single day that one of the many screenshots sent to you of posts and comments from myself and others in this community will

eventually hit home with you, that something that one of us says will hit you so hard that it allows you to finally, finally do the right thing.

Please, come forward and give this family some peace. Peace is not something that they should be fighting for.

Andrea Clymire Berlin

‘Take Those Jobs and Shove ‘Em’

Editor:

It’s been a long time since I heard the old country classic Take This Job and Shove It, but I was reminded of it recently when I read yet another letter touting all the benefits of bringing jobs to the area to build giant wind machines in the ocean.

I went to YouTube and listened to it again, and now, with a tip of the hat to the great Johnny Paycheck, I offer a new version. It goes like this:

Take those jobs and shove ‘em We don’t need them on the Shore.

Killing birds and trashing views Ain’t what we’re paying for. Billions of our tax dollars

Will be poured into the sea, But there are many cheaper ways To make clean energy

We know that there are better paths

To keep the planet healthy, And we know that your agenda Is simply to get wealthy.

You say this junk will last for 20 years, But all that rare-earth metal ore Is mined in distant third-world lands Where nobody’s keeping score. You’ll fool the well-intentioned folks With talk of being green.

Letters To The Editor

They know not all the hidden things

That makes it far from clean.

The clutter of our daytime views May get even worse at night. Is there no place left on earth

To be free of blinking lights?

(Chorus)

So take those jobs and shove ‘em We don’t need them on the Shore

Killing birds and trashing views

Ain’t what I’m paying for.

1. Our children will not be allowed to go there to play at will. Its purpose is to host teams competing from out of town.

2. The use of public funds to build a fantastically expensive project at the northern part of our county is wrong headed. The northern part of our county is congested enough. It should be built in the southern end whose economy needs a boost.

Given the current economic situation, is this the right time to be building a major capital project? Vote against or “no” on question A.

Dennis W. Evans Berlin

Support For Petition Effort

Editor:

Spencer Rowe Berlin

Vote Against Question A Editor:

We have all heard the expression, “the devil is in the details”. Now and until Nov. 8 Worcester County residents are going to be asked a ballot question. Question A will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot as well as the mail-in ballots people started to receive Oct. 4. Question A titled "Local Referendum by Petition Bond Issuance for Design and Construction Costs of a Worcester County Sports Complex." It will read, "The purpose of this question is to determine whether the County Commissioners may finance a portion of the costs of designing and constructing a Worcester County Sports Complex by issuing a bond." Then, for or against.

Doesn’t this sound so reasonable? Why not some will ask, we need a sports complex in our county, a place where our children can safely play. Well let’s look at some of the details surrounding this sports complex.

3. The 95 acres just off Flower Street will cost taxpayers $75,000 an acre or $7.1 million. Land is available in other parts of the county far, far cheaper.

4. This sports complex located next to the high school will benefit the hotels and restaurants in Ocean City and West Ocean City greatly.

5. Once again, a project being considered and approved by the same four commissioners with no business plan, no total transparency reminiscent of the Black-Eyed Susan River Boat fiasco in Snow Hill.

6. It is estimated that a government owned sports complex requires approximately 25% subsidy to operate, not including debt service and capital reserve funding. Where is that money coming from?? A tax hike will be probable.

7. Efforts to obtain total costs for a sports complex from our County Commissioners have been unsuccessful. Why, could it be they do not know?

This is a fast-tracked sports complex that never appeared in our county capital improvement plan until less than a year ago.

As a vacation property owner, but not a full-time resident of Ocean City, I fully support the attempt to get the referendum on the ballot to overturn the Margaritaville Right-of-Way Conveyance to the developers of Margaritaville.

If you are eligible to vote in Ocean City, I hope you can find the time to support this petition. The size of this project does not fit the property and will forever change the historic nature of the downtown area. The property certainly needs to be redeveloped, but not to the size and magnitude of what Margaritaville is planning. How is Margaritaville going to support their parking needs since the mayor vetoed Margaritaville's attempt to provide tandem and stacked parking? I hope the Mayor and City Council members do the right thing and make the Margaritaville developers do what all the other developers up and down Baltimore Avenue have had to do when they developed their properties. It is not fair or just to allow this developer to come into Ocean City and the elected officials of Ocean City rewrite the rules to accommodate this development.

Why can't Margaritaville build a property per Ocean City's current rules and laws that support the size of the site?

Ross Rappaport Ocean City

The Dispatch

Forever In Memory Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer

25, 1927-May 5, 2005)

The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984,

Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly

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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.

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How We See It

Right Decision On Boardwalk E-Bikes

Ocean City Mayor and Council members were wise to tweak their position on electric bikes (e-bikes), but it’s going to take a summer season to decide whether the right provisions were put in place.

As of now, Class 1 e-bikes will be permitted on the Boardwalk during appropriate riding times. The approved class of bike requires pedaling and is designed to provide users with assistance. The council’s decision went against the staff recommendation of additionally allowing Class 2 bikes, which do not require any pedaling.

The concept appeared to be a start with approval of the lowest class of ebikes for now to assure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and review the situation before next season. Though wise to be aware of ADA requirements, the city should have considered this vulnerability before voting down e-bikes in a 4-3 vote in 2020. The denial would seem to be a clear violation of a handicapped person’s right to enjoy biking on the Boardwalk. We think allowing the Class 1 e-bikes addresses any legal concerns.

Before the summer season, the plan at City Hall is to review how allowing ebikes on the Boardwalk over the off-season impacted public safety. We suspect the read over the fall, winter and early spring months will be inconclusive. It’s going to take a full summer to determine if public safety is compromised at all by the addition of e-bikes.

We do not expect a major safety issue with this move. The Boardwalk on most summer mornings can be congested by all sorts of users. There are walkers, joggers and bikers. The bikers come in all sorts of styles – regular, tandems, three-wheel fun cycles and surreys – as well as users. Most are responsible but some are not. Some bikers don’t use common sense and are unaware of their busy surroundings.

On any given Boardwalk morning, unsafe situations play out. Anyone who spends anytime on the boards has surely witnessed some incidents and close calls. One we observed while walking in July involved a banana bike stopping abruptly in front of a surrey with four occupants. The surrey ran up and over the front wheel of the banana bike, which was stopped by the user to answer a cell phone. The surrey flipped over on its side but nobody was injured. The ringing cell phone caused the banana biker to abruptly stop in front of the surrey and other bikers causing a collision.

While e-bikes could add a new aspect to the scene on summer mornings, Boardwalk safety has more to do with the users than the equipment. It’s always been this way, and a summer season will be needed to get an accurate review of this change’s impact. We suspect it will be minimal.

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green

The community should be proud of Stephen Decatur High School, especially the parents of current students who voted a senior with Autism and a grim prognosis as Homecoming king and a 5-year-old girl battling an aggressive brain tumor as honorary Homecoming princess.

Homecoming weekend is always special for Decatur. The weekend got underway with a thrilling last-minute victory on Friday night for the Seahawks football team over North Caroline, 16-14. Though the on-the-field heroics were notable, it was the moments off the field that left many with special memories. Daniya Smith was named queen. Alton, the king, was diagnosed last year with Stage IV Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma. Complications from a surgery have him currently wheelchair bound as he has lost the use of his legs. Alton has been unable to attend school due to the severity of his health issues and the cancer spreading throughout his body. The family is just hoping for a miracle at this point. When he was announced as king Friday, the school’s student body gave him a standing ovation and began chanting his name. Another touching moment came when a special designation of Homecoming princess was bestowed on Lakelyn Draheim, a local 5-year-old girl who was diagnosed last year with a highly aggressive brain tumor. Her older brother is a member of the Decatur football team and her father a teacher at the school. Like the Alton family, the Draheim family appears to have exhausted all medical options, praying for a miracle for their little girl.

While both Alton and Draheim families face difficult journeys ahead with unfavorable realities, it was special to see these young people feted by their community. Memories were made for everyone. Congratulations to the Decatur students who demonstrated tremendous empathy and awareness with their actions.

The Knupp family appeared on local news stations this week in touching features. After watching the WBOC and WMDT segments, the takeaway seems to be the family has more information than the public about the investigation. Armed with details that can’t be shared publicly at this time, the family is at peace with how law enforcement is handling the investigation. This is what matters at this time.

On WBOC’s interview with Steve Hammond, mom Tiffany Knupp said, “We know that the police department and everybody is working overtime. And we have complete faith in them and we know how hard they're working and we saw that from the beginning. The fact that it's taking a while is a good thing. They're getting everything right so we trust in that … You think of death and mourning and that totally cripples us, trust me all day long. But there's also this level of strength that we have and I totally, firmly believe it's Gavin just kind of pushing us along because he would not want us to be upset. That's not his personality. He would want us to fight for him and we are for sure.”

During the same interview, sister Tiffany Knupp showed remarkable poise and maturity for her age, saying, "Naturally everyone's going to be frustrated with how long. Time is a frustrating thing, but we are more worried about having a conviction and having an outcome we want than how long it takes. We don't want to rush something and then get it wrong and then we're upset about that for years and years to come."

The filing deadline in Ocean City passed this week for the November election. Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan will serve another two-year term after being unopposed.

As far as the council goes, there will be three open council seats, which are currently held by Lloyd Martin, Matt James and Mark Paddack. After 20 years in office, Martin, as has been expected, opted to not seek a sixth term in office. James and Paddack will face challengers in local business owner Will Savage and Realtor Carol Proctor. It has been a bumpy first term for Paddack with two high-profile negative situations putting him in the news. The first was an alleged racist comment he posted on a local woman’s Facebook story. Paddack claimed he was hacked. A police investigation was unable to confirm whether he made the comment, but it did report the slur was made off his home IP address. Another disturbing domestic situation involving his son at a restaurant also took place later. It was unknown whether Paddack would seek another term. It’s clear he gave it a lot of thought because he didn’t file until the day of the filing deadline.

With just four council candidates, this municipal election will feature one of the smallest fields of council candidates in recent history. In fact, if Paddack had not filed at the last minute, James, Savage and Proctor would have been automatically elected. There were six candidates in 2020 for four open council seats. There were five candidates in 2018 when three seats were open. There were five candidates in 2016 with four seats available.

It’s the end of an era in Ocean City with Martin’s decision. As a long-time convenience store owner, Martin came in contact arguably with more citizens than anyone. Martin was not one typically seen out at functions and events, however. He preferred to stay out of the public light during his time in office. However, the resistance to be out at cocktail parties and fundraisers should not be confused with not caring. I recall a brief conversation I had with him at his store while delivering papers years ago. He was behind the counter, and we talked about issues at the time at City Hall. While he may not have said a lot at council meetings and was low profile, Martin was engaged during his years on the council and talked often to his constituents. He was a good councilman for Ocean City over his 20 years of service.

Puzzle Answers

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

Homecoming weekend festivities brought Beckett home for a couple days from boarding school.

It was a whirlwind 48 hours, but it was great to see him. While it was so foreign at first to not have our oldest son around, it’s weird how life adapts. Now, after two months away at school, it seems strange when he’s home.

Boarding school for Beckett was the biggest decision of our lives. It was something we prayed about and anguished over for months. He brought the idea to us a couple years ago asking for a change. So far, we have no regrets. He’s happy and content at his new school overall.

There have been some maturity and independence hiccups along the way, but we expected these things. He’s 14 years old after all. He’s learning what it’s like to get up on his own every morning without his parents. He’s living among students from 23 different countries. He’s being forced to try new foods previously never an option. He’s learning what it’s like to live with three other boys his age.

As his parents, we are learning a lot as well about our levels of involvement with him and what our engagement should be. Throughout his life, we were probably guilty of micromanaging him. He needed our guidance through reminders about this or that and some hovering to keep him on track. He called us “too strict” more times than I can remember, but it never bothered me. Parenting is about following the gut in my opinion, and we do what we think is right at the time. Sometimes hindsight finds it was the wrong call, but more times than not time confirms the right decisions were made.

A key premise of boarding school is being part of a community. Many teachers live on campus in houses and some even “on dorm.” Each adult who works at the school wears multiple hats. The

humanities teacher is also the football coach and a dorm parent. The algebra teacher is also a student advisor and sailing coach. The grade dean also serves as a diversity club advisor, life skills teacher and assistant volleyball coach. The concept is the students and adults live and work together in what culminates in a community. As the evolution continues, the adults learn a lot about the students and trust is built. It seems to be a healthy thing.

It’s been interesting to follow Beckett’s lead as far as coming home. Most weekends are busy on his campus so he stays there. When he hears of a fun weekend at home, he asks about coming home. We want to see him so we do whatever it takes.

Whenever we are nearing his campus returning from home, he asks me when’s the next time he would see us. He says it’s just something he likes to keep in the back of his head.

It’s a good thing for us too because life is just different, not terrible, without him at home. There’s more time and space. I am not sure we will ever get used to this new life. I still get sad when I walk into his room. It’s a constant state of mixed emotions. Missing him but happy for this new chapter in his life because of all the new experiences he is having. It’s what I imagine parents work through as they transition after their kids go to college

Though it’s just been two months, I think boarding school is resulting in a newfound awareness about his parents, and we have seen a marked change in how he treats us. He has sent us some random heartfelt texts about his life to date. I think these are a result of some writing exercises that are causing reflection. These are quite different than normal for him. Most of his life he has taken us for granted. It’s normal I think especially for a young teen.

When he comes home now, I notice a bit of relief, or maybe it’s peace. He likes his school and enjoys the new life

he is starting there, but he’s come to truly appreciate being home. The peace and quiet and familiar confines of his room seem to be most welcomed as compared to sharing a quad with three other boys.

I can see his mixed emotions. He even said at one point, “sometimes I wish I was a day student at my new school, but then I would miss my friends in my dorm.” It’s been interesting to observe this new introspective side.

As we were walking out the door to church Sunday morning, he asked what the plan was for the rest of the day. I told him we would get on the road about lunch time to head back to school. He remarked how fast the weekend went by but was looking forward to seeing his friends and three soccer games this week. He’s happy at both places for different reasons.

Though he’s not physically laying his head at home every night, there is still plenty of parenting that goes on even though we are 200 miles away. We just aren’t living with him. We hear from him daily in some fashion. Sometimes he needs something, like yesterday. Sometimes he’s asking a question. More often he’s responding to us.

A few weeks ago, I texted him good morning and to make sure he was up. Consistently waking up and getting to breakfast sign-in on time has been the biggest challenge thus far. He didn’t respond for hours, as visions of him sleeping in his bed ran through my head. I finally remembered he was on a mandatory three-day immersion trip on the river – without phones -- as part of the curriculum. I had forgotten until we got a picture of him from his advisor holding a hawk in the woods. It was a unique experience for him that balances out the missing him.

(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.