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Md. Officially Commits To Route 90

OC Seasonal Housing Sites Discussed

Pines Drama Reaches New Heights

See Page 4 • Photo by Chris Parypa

See Page 9 • Photo by Chris Parypa

See Page 10 • Photo by Bethany Hooper

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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October 15, 2021

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Governor Proposes Early Funding For Route 90 Widening

Page 4

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the State Highway Administration (SHA) briefing to resort officials this week on pending projects was the Route 90 dualization is now firmly in the planning pipeline.

On Tuesday, SHA officials briefed the Mayor and Council on a variety of projects in various stages of planning or completion in and around the resort area. Topping the list was the proposed dualization of the Route 90 corridor, which has been Ocean City’s top priority. For years, Ocean City officials have expressed a desire to see Route 90 improvements, including expanding the current highway and its two bridges from two lanes to four lanes to ease

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

access in and out of the resort for the public, and perhaps more importantly, emergency services including fire apparatus and ambulances, for example.

For several years, Route 90 improvements had been further down the county’s pecking order in terms of priorities, behind the continued work on Route 113, Route 589 through Ocean Pines and even the eventual replacement of the Route 50 Bridge. In August, however, Gov. Larry Hogan announced funding would be included in the state’s Consolidated Transportation Plan (CTP) for the planning phase of dualizing Route 90 into Ocean City.

“Maryland 90 is a top priority not only for safety, access and the local economy, but also for its vital role in emergency response,” Hogan said during a keynote speech at the Maryland Asso-

ciation of Counties summer conference in August. “We are very pleased to be taking this important step forward.”

During his semiannual briefing with the Mayor and Council on Tuesday, SHA District Engineer Jay Meredith said the state was making good on the governor’s promise, but there were still funding and project planning steps to get through before the dualization of Route 90 became a reality.

“We’re still recovering from COVID,” he said. “We’re excited to report the dualization of Route 90 is in the pipeline.

It was preliminarily funded by the governor at $500,000. We’ve kicked it off.

We now have a project number for it.”

Meredith said SHA is in the very early stages of planning on how to improve Route 90.

“The plan is being developed,” he

October 15, 2021

said. “We’re not at the stage yet where we can say this is what it’s going to look like. We’ll be sure to keep Ocean City officials in the loop every step of the way.”

Meredith said there were important steps in the process to accomplish before any improvements to the major access point to Ocean City get underway.

“There will be an environmental assessment,” he said. “We’re at step one right now. There is a long way to go with this one.”

In response to a question about the process for dualizing Route 90, Meredith said all options would be explored.

“We’re looking at various options,” he said. “The options include widening the existing bridges or replacing them. More than likely they will be replaced. The big question is what happens to all of the traffic when it gets to Ocean City.”

Otherwise, SHA’s briefing to the Mayor and Council on Tuesday was fairly short and concise compared to other years. A question had been raised about synchronizing the traffic lights on Coastal Highway through SHA’s smart signal program, but Meredith said the unique nature of the highway would make that difficult.

“There was a question about the smart signal program on Coastal Highway,” he said. “It’s very complicated. It’s probably not a good fit down here. It’s virtually impossible with all of the pedestrian crossings.”

Meredith and his staff also briefed the Mayor and Council on pending paving projects in an around the resort area.

He said there would be patchwork paving done on Routes 90 and 50, but there were no immediate plans for projects in the resort itself, except for a paving project along Baltimore Avenue in the south end of town, which would likely be put off for a year.

“We planned to do ADA work on Baltimore Avenue from the Inlet to North Division Street,” he said. “Depending on the timing, we’d like to get that work done. It looks like paving on Baltimore Avenue from the Inlet to North Division Street will be next fall.”

Otherwise, Meredith and his staff were optimistic about the funding stream for highway projects loosening up as the pandemic wanes. Council Secretary Tony DeLuca took the opportunity of Tuesday’s briefing to pitch a couple of his own ideas for highway projects away from the resort area, but could impact Ocean City.

“I was glad to hear you say you were optimistic for the future,” he said. “I have a couple of projects to propose. I’d like to see the removal of the intersection at Route 404 and I’m proposing a by-pass.

This has been very frustrating for a couple of years for our visitors and condo owners. I go back and forth a couple of times a week and it always seems like it adds an hour to my trip. I’d also like to see a bypass at Cambridge. It can be done. People said it was crazy to build a bypass around Salisbury.”

October 15, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Page 6

State Urged To Probe Police Incidents

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Over three months after two incidents on the Boardwalk involving alleged police brutality, a coalition of African-American leaders on Tuesday held a press conference at City Hall seeking an independent investigation.

The Caucus of African-American Leaders (CAAL) held the conference on Tuesday after the arrests of four AfricanAmerican men in June. During those separate incidents, Ocean City police officers arrested multiple suspects after they allegedly failed to comply with orders to stop vaping on the Boardwalk in violation of the town’s smoking ordinance. In one instance caught on a cell phone video, one of the suspects is seen being kneed repeatedly by an officer. In another instance, a suspect is seen being tased by a police officer.

The videos went viral on social media and prompted state and local AfricanAmerican leaders to call for an investigation. It’s important to note the videos only showed fractions of larger events on the Boardwalk that escalated when the individuals involved reportedly did not comply with officers’ orders.

Each of the individuals involved was arrested and charged with various offenses such as assault, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstructing and

October 15, 2021

hindering and failure to obey a lawful order, for example. At least one of the suspects was scheduled to appear for trial on Tuesday, which prompted the CAAL press conference, but the trial was postponed until November.

In July, the CAAL and state and local NAACP branches had a Freedom Bus tour across the Eastern Shore that ended with a stop in Ocean City. CAAL and NAACP leaders met with Mayor Rick Meehan to call for an independent investigation into the incidents. On Tuesday, the CAAL leadership returned to Ocean City to call on the Maryland Attorney General’s Office to conduct an independent investigation. CAAL leaders cited recently-passed state legislation requiring an independent investigation during cases of alleged police brutality.

Carl Snowden of the CAAL said on Tuesday African-American leaders around the state would not sit still until an independent investigation into the June incidents was conducted.

“Our goal is pretty simple,” he said.

“We just want to make sure justice is served. It’s a simple proposition. If you touch one of us unjustly, you will have to deal with all of us. If you attack a hornet’s nest, you will deal with all of the hornets.”

Salisbury University NAACP Chapter President Dorien Rogers said the time was now to address not only the Ocean SEE PAGE 57

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 7

OC Councilman Questions Room Tax Review Findings

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY– A historical review this week of the town’s room tax over the last decade or so sparked a lively debate about where the revenue should be dedicated.

Budget Director Jennie Knapp on Tuesday provided a comprehensive review of the history of the town’s room tax and where the revenue is distributed through a formula approved by the Mayor and Council by ordinance. In 2007, the town’s room tax rate was increased from 4% to 4.5% by ordinance and 2% of the total room tax revenue was dedicated to advertising and marketing.

In 2020, the Mayor and Council raised the town’s room tax rate from 4.5% to 5% with the same 2% of the total revenue dedicated to advertising and market-

ing. According to statistics provided by Knapp on Tuesday, in 2007 when the ordinance changed, the total room tax collected at 4% was around $10 million, and the advertising budget was at about $1.7 million based on the 2% formula.

In fiscal year 2021, the statistics show the advertising budget as a percentage of the room tax has gone from 17% to around 40%. Knapp reported there was a funding gap between property tax and room tax revenue allocated to the general fund in the last decade. Knapp said more and more offseason special events required more police and fire crews, public works, trash collection and beach and Boardwalk cleaning, for example.

As the Mayor and Council considers another increase in the town’s room tax rate, it was suggested the formula that dedicates a certain percentage to advertising be reviewed. By way of background,

the town cannot increase the room tax rate. The Worcester County Commissioners must first approve a rate increase, which is then forwarded to the General Assembly. The latter is largely a formality because it’s essentially a local issue.

Knapp said the increase in the room tax rate over the years and the steady increase in room tax revenue has achieved the town’s desired results. However, she suggested because of the increase in special events, resulting in more strain on the budget in the form of a need for police, fire, paramedics and public works in the offseason, perhaps more of the gross room tax revenue should be directed to the general fund.

“It’s accomplished what we hoped it would accomplish,” she said. “It’s become the second biggest revenue source.”

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took exception to the concept of diverting more of the room tax revenue into the general fund to cover increased expenses.

“This was all brought up because there was a fundamental dilemma on how we invest money,” he said. “In the formula we all say has worked great, the room tax is paid for by the visitors. When we raised the room tax by a half-a-percent, should the increase go to the general fund?”

It’s important to note the town’s stated goal for fund balance, or a rainy day fund of sorts, is 15%, although in recent years the Mayor and Council have expressed a desire to grow that to 20% or beyond.

During Tuesday’s work session, it came up on separate occasions the fund balance in the current fiscal year had grown to about 35%. Gehrig said the ordinance is clear about the percentage of room tax dedicated to advertising and there was room in the budget to fund expenses caused by added special events.

“Right now, the ordinance is very specific,” he said. “We’re talking about raising the room tax again. My opinion is we should sprinkle it around everywhere.

We can reinvest it in our product. Every time we raise room tax, let’s have a formula in place. We act like room tax is not paying for any of these things.”

Gehrig said the town made tough choices during a budgetary downfall a few years back and those changes that are still in place are paying dividends.

“Cutting expenses is good business,” he said. “We right-sized the government.

When we can’t afford things, they have to be cut. That’s a positive thing. We made cuts, but we were still able to clean the streets and clean the beaches and maintain public safety.”

Knapp said Gehrig was incorrect about the perceived budget gap and defended her statistics and opinions.

“This is not cherry-picking numbers,” she said. “This is not about you and it’s not about me.”

Gehrig said the percentage of room tax dedicated to advertising was the catalyst for the steady increase in revenue over the last 10 years or so.

“How have we grown room tax?” he said. “It’s from advertising. Revenue minus expenses equals gross revenue. Isn’t that how to generalize this? It’s the same for a business or a household. To say we have a funding gap is misleading. The goal for fund balance was to get from 15% to 20%. Now, we’re at 36%.”

Council President Matt James attempted to diffuse the growing tension by pointing out the review of the history of the town’s room tax and associated revenue was meant to be a jumping-off point for a discussion of raising the rate again.

“I wanted to start the second part of the process,” he said. “That’s why I wanted this historical review, so we could all start on the same page.”

However, Gehrig continued to assert an alleged funding gap was disingenuous when the town’s fund balance was at an all-time high.

“I guess my point is to say we have a SEE NEXT PAGE

Park-And-Ride Not A Likely For Workforce Housing Site

October 15, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

… OC Fund Balance Currently At 36%

OCEAN CITY – It now appears the Park-and-Ride in West Ocean City is no longer the front-runner as a potential location for one or more seasonal housing

funding gap is incorrect when we have a 36% fund balance,” he said.

City Manager Doug Miller intervened on behalf of Knapp, who left the council chambers briefly at one point.

“This is not an inquisition,” he said.

“For over an hour, you’ve been hammering away at her.”

Gehrig asserted the town would be violating the room tax ordinance if it was decided to dedicate more of the revenue to the general fund. He pointed out the town was in the process of interviewing an independent auditor and that person should report directly to the Mayor and Council.

“We’re in violation of our own ordinance,” he said. “Why do we even have an ordinance if we clearly violate it? I think we should remove the $400,000.

That auditor needs to review you guys and reports to us. Things are happening we don’t know about.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said he supported the current formula and made a motion to pause the search for an independent auditor until it could be determined whom that person should report to. The motion included exploring the timeline for the next proposed room tax hike. The motion passed 5-1 with Councilman Peter Buas opposed and Councilman Lloyd Martin out of the room.

“I support the 60%-40%,” said DeLuca. “I like the term sprinkle it around.

It’s all about more fire, more police and more public works. You all know I’d like another half-percent. I want to know the timeline for doing that. We need to know what we need to know the sequence with Worcester County and Annapolis to have that in place by January 2023.”

projects, with the focus shifted to other locations in and around the resort.

Last month, the Mayor and Council got a presentation from the president of Holtz Builders out of Wisconsin expressing a desire to build one or more dormitory-style seasonal workforce housing projects in the resort area. Holtz Builders has had success in developing seasonal workforce housing to help address labor shortages and provide clean, safe and affordable accommodations for employees, both international J-1 visa students and domestic employees. The company has expressed an interest in developing such a project in Ocean City to help with the resort’s critical seasonal employee shortage and affordable housing needs.

Holtz President Dan Bullock pinpointed five potential locations, each of which comes with challenges. A favored early option was a portion of the Park-andRide in West Ocean City. Another option discussed was the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) model block downtown. The OCDC for years has been piece-meal acquiring property in the downtown area for its model block initiative, but it is uncertain if the quasi-private-public corporation is interested in utilizing the acquired property for work-

force housing.

Another potential site identified was a property on Dorchester Street, but it has been determined the parcel is too small to accomplish Holtz Builders’ plans for a dormitory-style seasonal housing project. Another potential site identified was a portion of the old 94th Street mall property, but it has been learned the property owner is not interested.

Finally, yet another site identified by Holtz was the town-owned municipal parking lot at 100th Street. Holtz and the city would need to accomplish a property swap with Delmarva Power in order to make the parcel a reality for the seasonal workforce housing.

Though it was favored by the council last month during preliminary talks, City Manager Doug Miller, who provided an update on the proposed locations on Tuesday, said the proposed Park-andRide site came with many challenges, although it hasn’t been entirely ruled out.

“We’re looking at a critical need for workforce housing sooner rather than later,” he said. “At our last meeting, the top choice was the Park-and-Ride. There are significant zoning issues and environmental issues to overcome. That’s not to say it can’t be done.”

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Miller then outlined the various challenges associated with the other proposed locations.

“The 94th Street property owner has no interest,” he said Tuesday. “The OCDC meets tomorrow, so the model block property is still in play. The Park-andRide would be greatly delayed. That leaves 100th Street, which we partially own, but that would require a property swap to create a contiguous town-owned property to accommodate the project.”

Whatever site or sites are ultimately chosen, Bullock said Holtz is ready to invest $20 million into seasonal workforce housing in Ocean City. Holtz would build and operate the workforce housing facilities. The town’s role would be partnering in property acquisition or assisting with grants or tax abatements and such.

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca made a motion to direct staff to continue to work with Holtz Builders on a suitable location, now likely either the 100th Street site or the OCDC’s downtown model block. The motion also included meeting with the OCDC leadership on a potential solution to the model block site. The motion passed 6-0 with Councilman Lloyd Martin out of the room.

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OPA Redo Election Stalls, Judge Orders Ballot Count

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Sidney Campen issued an injunction this week preventing the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) from proceeding with its “redo election.”

In an ongoing legal battle to determine the eligibility of disqualified board candidate Rick Farr, a hearing was held in Worcester County Circuit Court on Wednesday to discuss Farr’s motion for reconsideration of a preliminary injunction.

On Aug. 30, the court denied Farr’s request for a preliminary injunction to have

ballots for the 2021 board election held while the court considers the complaint brought against the association and its Board of Directors. In his arguments this week, attorney Bruce Bright told Campen his client was now seeking an injunction to halt the association’s redo election.

“It is different in that we are no longer seeking the same injunction we were before,” he said. “We want to prevent the new election from going forward.”

In early July, ballots containing the names of four approved candidates – incumbent Frank Daly and challengers Stuart Lakernick, David Hardy and Farr – were mailed to eligible voters for the 2021

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board election. After voting commenced, however, the association’s former secretary, Camilla Rogers, deemed Farr ineligible after an anonymous tip raised questions about Farr’s homeownership status in the Pines.

In the days that followed, the board voted on a motion to proceed with the 2021 election and ballot count, but to invalidate all votes for Farr. In August, however, Farr filed suit in Worcester County Circuit Court challenging those decisions.

He was soon joined by several co-plaintiffs alleging they had been disenfranchised after submitting their vote for Farr.

According to the association’s bylaws, candidates must be a recorded property owner within Ocean Pines on Jan. 1 of the year in which the election is held. The association contends Farr was not an owner of record, but a successor trustee to the property listed on his candidate application. Farr’s attorney, however, asserts he has been the “equitable and beneficial owner” of the property since 2000, based on his status as a beneficiary of the Farr Living Trust.

The matter is currently being litigated in circuit court, and a temporary restraining order to halt the board election has since expired, allowing the association to proceed with its election and ballot count.

But on Sept. 30, the association’s Board of Directors voted 4-3, with Daly and Directors Larry Perrone, Colette Horn and Frank Brown in favor, to proceed with a “redo election” of the three remaining candidates. A second motion to proceed with counting the existing ballots failed as the result of a tie vote. Daly abstained.

In his arguments this week, Bright said it was his understanding the initial request for a preliminary injunction was denied so the association could count ballots received through the Aug. 11 election deadline. He asserted the association had led the court to believe that it was eager to certify the election results and avoid the cost of a new election.

“They’ve done these things in a manner that was completely inconsistent with what they told your honor,” he said.

However, association attorney Anthony Dwyer said he had asked the court to not “handcuff” the board.

“There was an expense, but the board decided to hold a new election because these voters claimed they were disenfranchised,” he added.

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Most of Bright’s arguments at this week’s hearing centered on the board’s actions since the Aug. 30 court hearing.

He also highlighted Daly’s participation in a vote to redo an election in which he is a candidate.

“We’re not alleging fraud,” he said. “In this case, we’ve alleged bad faith …”

Dwyer, however, disagreed, saying, “They chose not to go in that direction,” he said of the board’s motion to count the ballots. He added, “I don’t think it’s appropriate to interfere with their judgement.”

In closing, Bright asked the court grant an injunction.

“If they are permitted to move forward on this path, everything gets messier and more complicated …,” he said. “There’s no harm to OPA if the status quo in the absence of a new election is maintained.”

Dwyer argued the plaintiff had not met the burden of proof for an injunction.

“Things have changed, but your honor found on all four prongs that the plaintiff hasn’t met his burden, and that hasn’t changed,” he said. “So there’s no reason to reconsider. “ Wednesday’s hearing lasted more than an hour and included arguments from both attorneys in the case.

In his closing statements this week, Campen said he was granting Farr’s request for an injunction, effectively putting a stop to the association’s redo election.

Ballots were scheduled to be mailed out to eligible voters on Oct. 15.

Campen noted the board had an opportunity to count the ballots, but instead chose to redo the election.

“I found that action is not in good faith,” he said.

In addition to issuing an injunction, Campen also ordered the association to count existing ballots, including votes cast for Farr, by the end of the month. He said that count could be relevant in how the case proceeds.

“If he lost, it’s moot,” he said.

It should be noted there was some discussion at Wednesday’s hearing about holding the ballot count in private, but it was soon acknowledged the association’s bylaws allowed ballot counts to be witnessed by any association member.

A trial date has been set for Nov. 15.

Campen said he hopes to reach a conclusion in Farr’s case at that time.

"We're going to move this case along," he added.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Developer Eyes 176 Townhouses For Berlin Site

October 15, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

The layout of a planned townhouse community at the northwest corner of routes 818 and 50 is pictured.

Rendering by the Atlantic Group & Associates, Inc.

BERLIN – Town officials want to know what the public thinks about a townhouse development proposed in the area of routes 818 and 50.

A developer met with the Berlin Planning Commission this week to talk about plans for a 176-unit townhouse community at the northwest intersection of Route 818 and Route 50 westbound.

Commission members said they wanted to hear from the community before weighing in on the project.

“Is this what the town wants?” commission member Ron Cascio said.

“That’s the question.”

Developer Chris Carbaugh and attorney Mark Cropper met with the commission Wednesday to review the latest proposal for 24 acres along Route 50 westbound. The land was rezoned last year, at Carbaugh’s request, from industrial to B-2 business. Now, however, Carbaugh wants to have it rezoned to R-4 residential. He wants to see the site developed with a 176-unit townhouse community. Carbaugh said the pandemic affected the commercial plans for the property.

“A lot of those users put their growth plans on hold,” he said. “Since that time there’s been substantial interest in residential development in the town of Berlin so we wanted to go back and try to see if there was a way to incorporate the residential into this project and create more of a mixed use.”

Carbaugh said there would be commercial space on the corner and then townhouses on the substantial back section of property.

“This is a project the development group is looking to go as quickly as they can with, with the market as good as it is,” he said. “You can’t get these built fast enough. We’d like to see what we could do to keep the project moving forward.”

Cascio pointed out that zoning changes have to be based on a change in the neighborhood or a mistake. Cropper indicated this rezoning would be based on a mistake.

Carbaugh said a mixed-use development like what would be allowed in B-2 didn’t work with the current market.

“A downzoning to allow a fee simple product is what there’s the most interest in developing on the property,” he said.

At Cascio’s concern regarding the project’s density, Carbaugh said 40% of the project would be open space.

“It’s planned to accommodate a good density,” he said. “Some future growth for the town but it has significant open space, amenities, to be a nice project for the town to give people options to move SEE PAGE 53

October 15, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

Love Day Will Celebrate New Berlin Basketball Courts

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The community will celebrate the renaissance of Henry Park with Love Day on Sunday.

Area residents are invited to Henry Park on Sunday, Oct. 17, as the nonprofit We Heart Berlin celebrates the renovation of the basketball courts. The courts now feature a colorful mural and new backboards.

“People will have an opportunity to see old faces, meet new faces and celebrate with the people of Berlin,” said Adrian Bowen, a member of the nonprofit’s board. “Come and see the kids have fun.”

Love Day marks the culmination of a months-long effort to turn the Henry Park basketball courts into a mural and to upgrade the park’s basketball equipment.

In July, town officials approved We Heart Berlin’s proposal to have artist Shelton Hawkins — with the help of local volunteers — paint a brightly colored mural on the basketball courts. In the wake of that approval, We Heart Berlin expanded its efforts and began raising funds to cover the cost of paint as well as new backboards for the courts.

“Overall it was an amazing success,” said Tony Weeg, president of We Heart Berlin.

While a shipping mishap destroyed some paint and slowed the painting

The overhaul of the basketball courts’ surface into a mural required 225 gallons of paint and a team of 25 volunteers.

Photo courtesy of Tony Weeg

process, the mural was completed in 14 days.

“It took 225 gallons of paint,” Weeg said. “It took a total of 25 volunteers who went into the evening at times.”

He said it was encouraging to see the array of volunteers that came out to give their time to the project. Local children watched avidly throughout the process.

“There’s one kid I can’t wait to give a basketball to,” Weeg said. “He came out

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On Sunday, Oct. 17, We Heart Berlin welcomes the community to Henry Park to check out the refurbished courts.

“On this day we will celebrate many things, specifically, we will celebrate diversity through the appreciation of art, as well as sport with the unveiling of a new three-basketball-court-wide mural, six new acrylic backboards and breakaway rims, as well as new pole pads—all from

October 15, 2021

industry leader True Bounce,” a Love Day press release reads. “The amount raised through public and private contributions was just short of $33,000.”

The festivities, which start at noon, include a ribbon cutting by elected officials, live reggae music, a DJ and various basketball competitions. Local churches have also partnered to donate food and drinks.

Weeg is excited to see some of Stephen Decatur High School’s former basketball stars face off on the court. There are also plans for a three-point competition and free throws.

“Come out and meet somebody new,” Weeg said.

With the Memorial Day Parade canceled the last two years because of COVID-19, Bowen believes the community will be thrilled to be able to come out and enjoy an afternoon together at the park.

“I’m thinking this event is something people needed,” he said.

Bowen, who first brought up the idea of having Hawkins transform the courts into a piece of artwork, hopes the renovation of the courts will bring new life to Henry Park. Bowen grew up in the area and recalls seeing families in the past gathering at the park every weekend.

“That park’s a staple in the community,” he said. “I’m hoping by brightening it up and bringing something new it will bring people back out to enjoy the park.”

Wicomico County School Renovation Project Headed To State For Approval

October 15, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – The next phase in a renovation and addition project at Mardela Middle and High School will advance to the state’s school construction agency.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve design development documents for the Mardela Middle and High School renovation/addition project and to submit the design documents to the state for approval.

“We continue to progress,” said Facilities Planner Cayla Campbell, “and we are planning on a design development submission to the state by the end of October.”

Facility Services Director Leisl Ashby told board members late last month the design development phase is the next step in a long-awaited renovation/addition project at Mardela. She noted efforts to begin the school construction process began more than two years ago.

“You may recall two-and-a-half years ago the board approved a feasibility study that set the course for this project,” she said. “Although funding is challenging, it continues to be a high priority project for the board. Throughout the design process, the team has addressed the

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

many challenges of a combined middle and high school program.”

Architect Scott Cousin of Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates told board members last month the design development phase began in April, following state approval of the school system’s schematic design submission.

“We refined the site plans, the floor plans, building layout, exterior design,” he said. “Probably a bulk of the work is going to the inside of the building and developing the layout.”

With no further discussion this week, the school board voted unanimously to advance design development documents to the state’s Interagency Commission on School Construction.

In recent years, a renovation/addition project at Mardela has topped the school system’s priority list for school construction projects. Officials say the school, which was last renovated in 1980, needs new HVAC systems, safety improvements and adequate instruction space for the school’s 600-plus students.

“My job as principal is to ensure my students are provided with a safe environment that is conducive to instruction,” Principal Liza Hastings said in a public hearing late last year. “Unfortunately, the condition of our current building makes this difficult to achieve.”

Page 15

Designs for the renovation and addition to Mardela Middle and High School were approved by the Wicomico County Council this week.

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Tie Vote Derails, For Now, Proposed Route 54 Hotel, Restaurant Project

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

GEORGETOWN – A motion to approve a conditional use request for the development of a hotel and restaurant along Route 54 failed this week following a tie vote.

On Tuesday, the Sussex County Council voted 2-2 on a conditional use request from the Carl M. Freeman Companies to develop a hotel and restaurant on a 9.2-acre parcel off Route 54.

Councilman Mark Schaeffer and Councilwoman Cynthia Green said they supported the request, as the developer’s application addressed entrance and roadway improvements and imposed site conditions that limited the impact on wetlands and neighboring properties. Schaeffer added the project supports the economic development goals of Sussex County’s comprehensive plan and is within an identified growth area.

“The site is in close proximity to Route 54 and other properties zoned C1 Commercial and is adjacent to land zoned B-1 Neighborhood Business and Marine,” he added. “Numerous business uses are located in the general area, including a spa, a marina and two restaurants, which are just east of this site.”

Council President Michael Vincent and Councilman John Rieley, however, argued the conditional use request was

too intensive for the surrounding area and that the development was better suited in an area with major arterial roadways. They listed traffic congestion along Route 54, environmental impacts to surrounding wetlands and waterways and increased emergency response times as reasons to oppose the application.

“The existing residential use of this AR-1 zone is the most appropriate use for this property at this time given the location of the property and its surroundings,” Rieley said. “Based upon the record, the application would be detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the public, neighboring property owners, pedestrians and boaters in the area, in that it is out of character with the surrounding area, which mostly consists of residential developments of various sorts.”

It should be noted that Councilman Douglas Hudson recused himself prior to discussions on the conditional use application. The motion to grant the request ultimately failed as a result of the tie vote.

“The motion is defeated,” Vincent announced.

Earlier this year, the Carl M. Freeman Companies presented the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission with a proposed conditional use request of land in the AR-1 district for the development of a 70-room hotel and

8,500-square-foot restaurant at Route 54 and Bennett Avenue.

The applicant’s attorney, Jim Fuqua, told commissioners at the time the conditional use request – unlike a zoning change – would allow for restrictions on the property. The project also called for wetland buffers and a traffic signal to address environmental and road safety concerns.

Several nearly residents, however, have voiced their opposition to the project, arguing it would bring more traffic to Route 54 and impact quality of life.

Other topics of concern relating to the proposed conditional use application included pedestrian safety, emergency response times, stormwater runoff and flooding, to name a few.

At the planning and zoning level, commissioners in July voted 2-2 on a motion recommending the denial of the conditional use application, and the developer’s request advanced to the Sussex County Council for a public hearing.

Later that month, the county council agreed to defer voting until materials and testimony could be reviewed.

During this week’s vote, Rieley – who represents constituents in the Route 54 area – said the council had since received 386 letters in opposition to the conditional use request and one in support. He said he was voting to deny the request, as it was not compatible with the surrounding area.

October 15, 2021

“The use is not a residential project, but rather a commercial enterprise in the middle of a predominately residential area,” he said. “A proposed hotel is unlike any other commercial use in the area of the Route 54 corridor. Therefore, the entire project is incompatible.”

Schaeffer, however, said the proposed development was of a public or semi-public nature and was a desirable addition, as it would strengthen the county’s position as a tourism destination.

“I believe that the county’s comprehensive land use plan has the weight of law and should be followed, and I also believe the ordinances of the county also need to be followed,” he said.

“Based upon the record made during the public hearing, I believe this application should be approved …”

While he acknowledged the landowner’s property rights, Vincent said he believed the conditional use was not appropriate for the area.

“While the site is designated as a coastal area in the comprehensive plan, the proposed hotel and restaurant are too intensive of a use for this location,” he said.

With no further discussion, the council voted 2-2 on a motion to grant the conditional use request, and the motion failed. The applicant, Carl M. Freeman Companies, can now appeal the council’s decision.

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Berlin Again Gains Sustainable Award

October 15, 2021

Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells is pictured with the town’s bronze recertification.

Submitted Photo

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The Town of Berlin was recertified as a Sustainable Maryland community this week.

On Tuesday, Berlin was awarded recertification as a Sustainable Maryland community for the 10th year in a row. The program recognizes municipalities that want to go green and take steps to sustain quality of life long-term.

“It’s a pretty big deal,” Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said. “It helps out a lot when we apply for grants.”

Berlin was the first municipality in the state to receive the Sustainable Maryland designation 10 years ago. It’s been re-certified every year since. Fleetwood said that as of 2020, there were 157 municipalities in the state and that 79 of them had registered for the program but only 39 had been certified.

“It’s well worth the effort I can tell you that,” he said.

Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, traveled to Ellicott City Tuesday to receive a new bronze plate to add to the town’s wooden Sustainable Maryland plaque, which adorns the wall at Berlin Town Hall.

“Sustainable Maryland is an initiative of the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland that is designed to support Maryland’s 157 municipalities as they look for cost-effective and strategic ways to protect their natural assets and revitalize their communities,” Wells said. “By using best practices in resource areas like water, energy, planning, health, food and economy, a municipality can earn points toward sustainability.”

Wells said the program allowed towns to engage in initiatives that best suited their specific needs. She added the program offers tools, training, guidance and other resources to participating jurisdictions.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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October 15, 2021

October 15, 2021

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Motel Ruckus Leads To Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania woman was arrested last week after allegedly causing a ruckus at a downtown motel.

Last Thursday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a Boardwalk motel for a reported 911 call hang-up. OCPD officers met with a female identified as Erin Lawyer, 28, of Shippensburg, Pa., who had stepped on shards of glass in her motel room and sliced her foot open, according to police reports.

Because of her level of intoxication, Lawyer did not treat her wound and consequently bled on the carpet, the bed and the elevator, causing motel staff to decide to evict her and her boyfriend, according to police reports.

While OCPD officers observed, Lawyer and her boyfriend began to pack their belongings. Two private-sector security guards were also present, and as Lawyer and her boyfriend collected their things, the couple became disorderly

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COPS & COURTS more and more as time passed, according to police reports, with Lawyer reportedly yelling racial slurs at one of the security guards.

Lawyer and her boyfriend eventually packed their belongings and were issued an indefinite trespass warning for the motel property. When a motel employee issued a trespass warning, Lawyer reportedly swung her arms at the employee as if she wanted to assault her, according to police reports.

Lawyer was ordered off the property, but refused to move. After being told three times to pick up her belongings

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and move to the public sidewalk, Lawyer eventually walked westbound. She crossed Washington Lane onto a parking lot belonging to the motel. Meanwhile, a group of people had gathered to watch the commotion, according to police reports.

Lawyer was eventually placed under arrest for trespassing. Lawyer reportedly resisted being placed in handcuffs.

OCPD officers ultimately had to use a leg sweep to get Lawyer on the ground.

Once on the ground, Lawyer continued to thrash around and scream racial expletives toward the officers and the se-

October 15, 2021 curity staff.

By this point, Lawyer’s foot was bleeding heavily again. Ocean City EMS arrived and transported Lawyer to Atlantic General Hospital. Once at the hospital, Lawyer continued to scream expletives and racial slurs to the dismay of hospital staff, according to police reports.

Lawyer was ultimately charged with second-degree assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, failure to obey a lawful order and trespassing.

Burglary Arrest For Break-In OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was arrested last weekend after allegedly barging into a midtown condo uninvited.

Shortly after 1 a.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a residence on 46th Street for a reported breaking and entering that had already occurred. Ocean City Communications advised a muscular, shirtless male with tattoos had entered his unit without permission prior to the officers’ arrival.

OCPD officers arrived in the area and observed a male suspect matching the description later identified as Nico Smolec, 34, of Greensburg, Pa., pulling on a locked door at a condo building on 45th Street. Smolec was taken into custody on suspicion of breaking and entering at the residence on 46th Street.

OCPD officers met with the victim, who reported he was sitting on his couch at his residence when Smolec entered his unit uninvited. The victim told police SEE NEXT PAGE

October 15, 2021

... COPS & COURTS he got up and shoved Smolec and told him to leave or he was going to call the police. Smolec did exit the unit, but sat on a chair on the front porch for a while before leaving.

OCPD officers shortly thereafter found him trying a door handle at another condo nearby. Smolec was arrested and charged with fourth-degree burglary and trespassing.

Woman Lies To Police About Collision Driver OCEAN CITY – A Delaware woman was arrested for obstructing and hindering last weekend after allegedly falsely telling police she was the driver in a twovehicle collision.

Around 11:50 p.m. last Friday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to the area of 139th Street for a reported motor vehicle collision. OCPD officers observed the occupants of both vehicles involved standing near the collision site.

One male driver told police he was attempting to make a U-turn at 139th Street when an oncoming vehicle collided with his vehicle, according to police reports. An OCPD officer approached the group by the other vehicle involved and asked who was driving. The driver identified herself as Sara Carrow, 22, of Townsend, Del., according to police reports.

Carrow reportedly told officers her head was hurting from striking it during the collision. Carrow reportedly told officers she was definitely driving, but did not remember how she hit her head, according to police reports. She reportedly told officers she believed she injured her head by colliding with one of the other occupants in the vehicle.

However, OCPD officers observed a large crack in the windshield on the passenger side of the vehicle. That led officers to believe Carrow was not driving the vehicle at the time of the collision, because of the location of the windshield crack. No other occupants of the vehicle complained of head injuries, according to police reports.

Meanwhile, another occupant of the vehicle claimed he was driving at the time of the collision. According to police reports, OCPD officers spent over an hour at the scene trying to determine who was driving the vehicle at the time of the collision. When told she was wasting the officers’ time by continuing to insist she was driving the vehicle at the time of the collision, Carrow reportedly told officers she did not care. She was ultimately arrested and charged with obstructing and hindering an investigation and providing a false statement to police officers.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch cean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was patrolling in the area of St. Louis Avenue downtown when a vehicle parked near the public works department complex was observed with several people inside and the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.

The officer approached the vehicle and tapped on the window, as the driver, later identified as Jihad Martinez, 19, of Accokeek, Md., looked directly at him, according to police reports.

Martinez then put the vehicle in gear and sped away, driving over the officer’s foot in the process. The vehicle drove north on St. Louis Avenue at a high rate of speed as the officer ordered it to stop, according to police reports. The officer gave chase to the vehicle on his bicycle, and the vehicle stopped at 6th Street.

Several occupants of the vehicle fled the area on foot and dispersed in different directions.

The officer made contact with Martinez, who reportedly told police he did not know it was a police officer when

someone approached the parked vehicle. Martinez reportedly told police he got scared and drove away, not knowing it was a police officer who tapped on the vehicle’s window. At that point, Martinez was arrested for second-degree assault and fleeing and eluding.

Martinez reportedly told the officer there was a bag of marijuana in the vehicle. During a subsequent search, OCPD officers located inside a cereal box a revolver with six bullets in the chamber.

Martinez was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time he was stopped, but denied ownership of the loaded handgun, according to police reports. In addition to the initial assault and fleeing and eluding charges, possession of a handgun by a minor were tacked on. Last Friday, Martinez pleaded guilty to seconddegree assault and possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Hydrant Flushing Planned OCEAN CITY – The Town of Ocean

Page 21 City’s Public Works Department will begin conducting the fall hydrant flushing of the water system beginning Sunday, Oct. 24. The hydrant flushing, which is done bi-annually, will progress from south to north, beginning on South 1st Street and covering several blocks per day.

Currently, public works personnel are scheduled to perform the hydrant flushing throughout the late evening hours and into the early morning hours; however, circumstances may require those times to change. Residents and businesses are reminded that after flushing there may be a slight discoloration of the water. This is not harmful and will dissipate after a short time. If you wish to clear your pipes, run cold water for several minutes until the water runs clear.

The completion of this project is expected to be done by the afternoon on Thursday, Oct. 28. For questions or concerns about the hydrant flushing in your area, please contact the Public Works Water Department at 410-524-8388.

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Authorities are pictured recovering the body of a Delaware man near a private boat dock Sunday.

Submitted Photo

BERLIN – Police are investigating after the body of a Delaware man was recovered from the Sinepuxent Bay Sunday.

Maryland State Police confirmed this week that an investigation was underway after the body of a Delaware man was recovered from the water near South Point. According to police, the deceased has been identified as Parmanjot Singh, 22, of Delaware.

“We’re still investigating,” said MSP D/Sgt. Jason Ramey. “The autopsy is

not yet complete.”

Police responded to the South Point area Sunday after being alerted regarding a body that had floated to a residence’s dock. Ramey said Wednesday the investigation was ongoing and that the autopsy had not yet been completed.

According to police there were no obvious signs of trauma upon initial recovery of the body. The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released as it’s available, Ramey said.

Two Public Listening Sessions Scheduled For New Land Plan

SNOW HILL – As part of the 2022 Worcester County Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan (LPPRP) updating process, Worcester County Recreation and Parks and Environmental Programs professionals will host two public listening sessions on Nov. 3 and 10.

The LPPRP serves as guide for conservation and park planning and program improvements. The listening sessions will be opportunities for Worcester County citizens to ask questions, share ideas, and provide input on opportunities and priorities for conservation, parks, and recreation in the next five years. Maps depicting land preservation and parks, the result of a needs assessment survey and the existing six-year capital budget for park improvement projects, will be briefly shared.

All ages are welcome to attend

and participate in the sessions. The sessions will take place at the following outdoor locations (indoor locations will be available in the event of inclement weather): Wednesday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m. at the John Walter Smith Park pavilion at 6030 Public Landing Road in Snow Hill (or at the adjacent recreation center if inclement weather).

Wednesday, Nov. 10, at 3 p.m. on the Berlin Branch Library porch at 13 Harrison Avenue in Berlin (or in the library meeting room if inclement weather).

Under state law this plan must be updated every five years for the county to remain eligible for state Program Open Space funds. For more information please contact Katherine Munson at kmunson@co.worcester.md.us or 410-6321220.

October 15, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 23

Ocean City To Host 10th Annual Halloween Activities

Page 24

OCEAN CITY – A weekend of free Halloween family fun is set for the 10th Annual O.C.Toberfest, Oct. 22-24.

Everyone is welcome to come experience all the thrills of the giant Halloween Beach Maze. Children of all ages can enjoy a pleasant scream as they meander the sands of the giant, bigger and better than ever, beach maze. Wicked witches, pirates of the sand, scary scarecrows, ghouls in the graveyard, creepy clowns, zombies and more will add to the excitement.

Another event that will take place as part of the O.C.Toberfest events will be the Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade on Saturday, Oct. 23rd at 1 p.m. on the Boardwalk near North Division Street. Dress up your pets and parade the boards or sit back, relax and cheer for your favorite. Lots of prizes and surprises will be awarded. While the event is free to participate, donations of pet supplies and monetary donations will be collected for the Worcester County Humane Society.

Following the Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade, bring your furry friends to Trimper’s Rides for more pet-friendly opportunities and vendors. Bark in the Park takes place on Saturday, Oct. 23 beginning at 3 p.m.

Residents and visitors who are crazy about decorating for Halloween are invited to dress their Jeeps or other vehicles in costume and ride down the Boardwalk during the annual Drive in Disguise parade on Saturday, Oct. 23

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Participants in last year’s The Great Pumpkin Race are pictured competing.

hosted by the Ocean City Jeep Club.

The parade leaves 26th Street at 3 p.m. and goes south towards the Inlet. Participating cars will then park for trunk or treating. For more information on the Drive in Disguise Parade visit www.ococean.com.

When the sun sets, the big LED screen comes to life on Oct. 23 for an old fashion drive-in movie experience featuring “Casper.” The movie will begin at 7 p.m. Audio will be local through speakers and available via FM transmission for your vehicle radio. Guests must still pay for parking in the Inlet parking lot using

the on-site kiosks.

The fun continues on Sunday, Oct. 24 with The Great Pumpkin Race at 1 p.m. on the Boardwalk near North Division Street. Build your own pumpkin race car to bring and compete in the wacky and zany side-by-side downhill race. Plus, there will be lots of room to watch these exciting races and crashes. Prizes will be awarded in each division as well for creativity. If you’re ready to start building your ghastly but spirited race car, download the complete event rules from www.SpecialEventPro.com.

While you’re waiting for the pumpkin

October 15, 2021

File Photo

races to start, make sure to check out the Big Toys on the Boardwalk where you can see, touch and climb in exotic cars, race boats, bulldozers and more.

The Big Toys will be parked from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. around the amusement pier and Inlet parking lot.

All O.C.Toberfest events are free thanks to the generous sponsorship by the Ocean City Mayor and City Council along with the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Parks Department, Special Events Department, Special Event Productions, Inc., and TEAM Productions.

Balloon Release Ban Now In Effect

October 15, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A new state law with its roots in Ocean City prohibiting the celebratory release of plastic and mylar balloons that often end up in the ocean or other waterways went into effect this month.

Introduced in the House last session

by Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-38C), who represents Worcester County and Ocean City, House Bill 391 breezed through both chambers and was signed into law by the governor with an Oct. 1 effective date. The new law prohibits an individual, association, partnership, nonprofit organization or any other group from knowingly and intentionally releasing a balloon into the atmosphere. The intent of the bill is to prohibit the intentional release of balloons at weddings, graduations and other ceremonies, which often end up in the ocean or other waterways and cause damage or even death to marine life.

Hartman, an avid fisherman who has seen first-hand the damage plastic and mylar balloons purposely released in the atmosphere can have on marine life, introduced the same legislation in 2020 and it was close to passing before the General Assembly session closed abruptly because of the pandemic. The balloon bill soared through the House and Senate this year on its way to passage.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is handling the enforcement side, although the agency could pass enforcement off to local jurisdictions. A violation of the law could result in a $100 fine, community service, or watching a video about environmental pollution.

MDE Secretary Ben Grumbles said this week the balloon ban will help make strides in eliminating pollution.

“In Maryland, it’s now illegal to be a plastic balloon litterbug, and that’s good news for our land, water and wildlife,” he said. “With the rising tide of plastic pollution, this new law is an important and timely step for the health of our Chesapeake Bay, coast and ocean.”

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is also involved in enforcement, but is handling the public outreach side in terms of getting the word out about the law change. DNR Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio explained the dangers of plastic balloons released intentionally.

“Balloons can be a great way to commemorate a special occasion, but when they are intentionally released into the air, they can harm and kill livestock and wildlife,” she said. “They can also cause electric outages when caught in power lines. The key is to find other ways to celebrate or honor a loved one, of if you have balloons, be sure to pop them and drop them in the trash rather than releasing them into the air on purpose.”

Worcester Reduces Rental B&B Fees

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County leaders agreed last week to lower rental license fees for bed and breakfasts.

Annual rental license fees for bed and breakfasts in unincorporated sections of the county will decrease to $200 following a vote by the Worcester County Commissioners Oct. 5.

“I think next spring at budget time we’re going to have to look at all these fees once again,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said.

Jennifer Keener, the county’s director of development review and permitting, said she’d reviewed license fees for bed and breakfasts at the commissioners’ request. Fees were established in 2019 and set at levels intended to establish a self-supporting licensing program. At that time, short-term dwelling rental licensing fees were reduced from $400 to $200, mobile home park unit fees dropped from $400 to $200 and long-term dwelling rental fees were dropped from $100 to $50. Licensing fees for bed and breakfasts weren’t discussed and so stayed at the proposed $400.

“Given that we only have two establishments in Worcester County in the unincorporated areas that are bed and breakfasts that are legally licensed, my recommendation if you do decide to reduce the fee, would be $250 which is consistent with our hotel/motel classifi-

cation,” Keener said.

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom spoke in favor of the reduction.

“This came up in discussion with the owners of the Mansion House Bed and Breakfast in Public Landing, one of the two that you mentioned,” he said.

Nordstrom said that because there were only two bed and breakfasts in the county it would be a minimal impact to the county financially if the fees were reduced. He added that hotels and motels could accommodate many guests, whereas the bed and breakfast only had six rooms.

“It seems to me that maybe it makes sense to lower it some,” he said.

Commissioner Ted Elder agreed and said he wanted to see the fee at $200, the same as it was for short-term rental establishments.

“A bed and breakfast is not like a hotel/motel,” he said, adding that hotels did way more business than bed and breakfasts did.

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the fee reduction. Mitrecic, however, said license fees would likely be discussed again next year.

“As this program moves forward we’re going to have to assess where we are with it and what it’s costing us and the income that we have from it,” he said. “I will go along with this today but I think we’re going to have to have an overall look at it again before budget time.”

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Wicomico Officials Discuss Future Broadband Projects

Page 26

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – A discussion on the county’s role in future broadband infrastructure projects highlighted a recent meeting with state and nonprofit officials.

Last week, the Wicomico County Council met with Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband Director Kenrick Gordon and Maryland Broadband Cooperative President and CEO Drew Van Dopp to discuss broadband projects and potential funding opportunities for Wicomico County.

“One of the big problems is Wicomico

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Funding Opportunities Weighed

County does not have large, unserved areas,” Gordon told council members.

“They have a lot of small areas that are really hard to build a network to.”

Gordon noted that his office had developed two funding programs in recent years – a small expansion program, geared toward unserved neighborhoods, and a grant program for major broadband infrastructure projects in larger, unserved areas. He noted the smaller grant

program would be applicable to those smaller projects in Wicomico.

“For the small projects, the counties have to be proactive,” Gordon said.

“They have to make a partnership with an internet service provider and come to my office to request the grant. We don’t give grants out unless somebody asks for them.”

Councilman John Cannon questioned if there was some disconnect between the county and internet service providers.

He noted recent middle-mile broadband infrastructure projects in Hebron and Tyaskin, for example, had occurred without the council’s knowledge.

“I thought it was a little odd that the council wasn’t aware of the broadband trunk lines going into different areas …,” he said. “Who determines the need?

How is that done? I’m saying this because I want to make sure Wicomico County isn’t missing out on grants.”

Van Dopp explained the Maryland Broadband Cooperative had identified those broadband projects as part of a memorandum of understanding with the Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband.

“It was through that process the OSB was able to provide funding for those projects,” he said.

Officials noted, however, that the

October 15, 2021

county would need to partner with an internet service provider if it wanted to take advantage of state grant funding and pursue smaller broadband projects.

“If there’s a particular neighborhood you’d like to see broadband go into, you can encourage, by way of being the fiscal agent, the internet service provider to go there,” Gordon said.

Councilman Joe Holloway questioned if all internet service providers had similar rates, and if those rates were explained to consumers before they sign on. Gordon explained those rates were disclosed as part of the grant application.

“The rates, in general, are anywhere from $60 to over $100 a month depending on the level of service you get,” he replied. “That’s become kind of the norm.”

When asked if the county could use money from the American Rescue Plan Act to provide matching grant funds, Gordon said it could. However, he encouraged the county to be proactive in seeking state grants.

“The $100 million that’s going to be coming out later in the fall for the large projects, and the $13 million coming out for the small projects, once those funds are gone they’re gone, and I don’t think there’s going to be another $100 million coming our way immediately following,” he said. “So I think you need to be proactive. You’re in competition with 18 other counties, and all of them are getting ready for the next round.”

Another Board Member Resigns, Two New Directors Appointed

October 15, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Ocean Pines Director Tom Janasek announced his resignation from the association’s board this week, leaving five remaining directors to appoint two new board members to fill vacant positions.

In a special meeting on Monday, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors voted by way of secret ballot to appoint candidates Josette Wheatley and Amy Peck to fill two vacant board positions resulting from the resignations of Camilla Rogers and Tom Janasek.

Monday’s agenda included a motion to remove Janasek from the board as a result of comments he made against Director Colette Horn late last month. But before the motion could be considered, Janasek went before the audience during public comments to announce his resignation. While he acknowledged his comments were inappropriate, he said he wasn't going to apologize for what was said.

"I apologize now for the people who voted for me and the people who supported me because I am not going to stay on the board when I know there's nothing I can do ...," he said. "This board is run by two people, plain and simple.

The minute Cami quit Josette was elected to the board. Once they started going after me, Amy is coming up next."

A motion to remove Janasek from the board came nearly two weeks after Janasek fired off an email to Horn after seeing her grab a drink with Board President Larry Perrone following a Sept. 30 meeting, in which the board voted to redo the 2021 board election. His email reads, “How deep are you up Larry’s [expletive deleted]?”

Janasek told association members Monday not only was he angry with the outcome of that meeting, but also the actions of Horn and Perrone, who participated in the Sept. 30 meeting via phone after stating he had been in close contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19.

“I was angry that Mr. Perrone and Ms. Horn were out celebrating a victory of starting a new election, but what they were celebrating was rigging an election in Ocean Pines,” Janasek said this week.

Director Tom Janasek is pictured at Monday’s OPA meeting with Directors Colette Horn and Larry Perrone.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

“That’s what we did, nothing else. We have votes sitting in a box. They are reay to be counted. We could’ve done it, but we didn’t. That is what bothered me most, and that’s the thing that still bugs me to this day.”

It should be noted Monday’s motion to remove Janasek from the board is not the first. In November 2020, a motion to remove Janasek over offensive remarks made against General Manager John Viola failed. Instead, the board voted unanimously to censure Janasek, who responded by issuing an apology to Viola.

“I apologized last time when they tried to throw me off the board because I thought it was what was good for the community,” he said this week. “A year later, and here we go again. I do make it easy to do it, but the fact is ever since Larry became president this has been the agenda item.”

Janasek told association members this week his comments were generally made in the interest of serving the community.

“I do it because I try hard to not spend money unwisely,” he said. “I try hard to not do things that don’t benefit the whole community.”

He said one of his chief concerns was unnecessary spending. He then pointed to the association’s attorney, Jeremy Tucker, to prove his point.

“We have an attorney here today,” he said. “It’s almost like, ‘Is it going to rain today? I don’t know, call Jeremy. What am I having for lunch? I don’t know, call Jeremy. Can we get Jeremy here?’

There’s nothing against Jeremy by the way … but what does he have to be here for?”

Janasek concluded his remarks by thanking the environmental committee members he had worked with the last

Page 27

eight years, as well as community members who had encouraged him not to give up. He noted, however, he didn’t want to stay on the board if it required Director Frank Daly’s support. His remark references the Sept. 30 board vote, in which Daly - a candidate in this year’s election - refused to abstain.

“I know that everybody thinks there’s one possibility, but frankly, after Frank voted for his own election, I don’t want his vote to keep me on the board,” he said. “So with that, I resign. Thank you all very much.”

Following the acceptance of Janasek’s resignation, Horn agreed to withdraw the motion to remove Janasek from the board. The five remaining board members then entered into a 30-minute closed session to discuss the appointment of two new directors to complete the existing terms of Janasek and Rogers, who stepped down on Sept. 30 after receiving criticism and threats for disqualifying board candidate Rick Farr from the 2021 election.

“The four candidates are: Jack Collins, Amy Peck, Tom Piatti and Josette Wheatley,” Perrone said in a statement last week.

When the board reconvened in open session Monday, directors submitted paper ballots with their top two choices.

Wheatley and Parks received four votes each, while Piatti received two votes and Collins received none.

The board then voted by paper ballot to elect Wheatley as the new association secretary, a position previously held by Rogers.

The two new directors will complete the existing terms, both of which run until August 2022.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Proposed Redesign For Town Building Meets Objections

October 15, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

Downtown Flooding: Ocean City was under a coastal flood advisory early this week as a result of a low-pres-

sure system off the coast resulting in tidal flooding. Above a vehicle passes through a submerged St. Louis Avenue Monday.

Photo by Chris Parypa

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BERLIN – Officials expressed concern over proposed changes to the building at the intersection of William and Pitts streets last week.

Though they agreed that improvements to the building that formerly housed Goober’s Restaurant are long overdue, members of the Berlin Historic District Commission (HDC) said the alterations proposed last Wednesday didn’t suit the structure. They agreed to a continuance so the applicant can return with adjusted plans in November.

“We have to keep the charm of the town,” commission member Robert Poli said. “We have to keep what it looked like in 1900 or 1850 or whatever. That’s what people come down here to see.”

Samantha Pielstick, property manager for Jack Burbage, presented the commission last week with plans to renovate the exterior of the structure at the corner of Pitts Street and Williams Street.

“We are looking to do an exterior reface of the building to freshen it up and give it a more cohesive look to the rest of the town,” said Pielstick, adding the proposal incorporated elements of the renovation plan presented in 2020 that never took place.

Carol Rose, chair of the commission, said it made no sense to renovate just a portion of the section of the building along William Street. She said the entire property had been in poor condition for years, with window panes falling out onto the sidewalk and stucco peeling.

“That building has sat there for decades,” she said. “Decades with nothing done unless it absolutely had to be.”

She objected to the shutters proposed for the building and said it should be brick, not stucco as it is now.

“I would not be in favor of any of this unless the whole thing is done and it’s done right,” she said, adding that William Street was a main entrance to the town.

“To go by there and look at that mess is SEE NEXT PAGE

… Berlin Officials Oppose Planned Renovation Concept

October 15, 2021

ridiculous.”

Commission member John Holloway said he didn’t like the plans as proposed either.

“It looks like a completely different more modern building rather than an old Victorian building,” he said.

Pielstick said the plans had been developed in an effort to appeal to the historic commission. She added that the building had been stucco for decades.

Rose, however, said the Maryland Historic Trust data showed that the building had been constructed with brick.

“We don’t want stucco over there again,” she said.

Pielstick said she wasn’t trying to be argumentative.

“We put money and time and effort into trying to find something you would like,” she said. “Perhaps the historic district would like to send us some renderings of what you would like us to do?”

Rose said that commission members were willing to meet with applicants as plans were drawn. She met with architects on the plans proposed for the building in 2020.

Commission member Nornie Bunting said he wanted to see improvements made to the building and also spoke in support of seeing brick on the structure.

“Anything’s better than what we’re looking at, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

HDC member Mary Moore said may-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 29

HDC members have concerns about the proposed redesign of a building at the corner of Williams and Pitts streets.

Submitted Rendering

be there was a compromise that could be reached.

“All of us want to see it look good,” she said.

Poli reminded his peers that the HDC was tasked with duties such as fostering civic beauty, strengthening the local economy and promoting the use and preservation of historic districts. In doing so the commission has to consider the architectural value of a building, its relationship to the surrounding neighborhood and aesthetic factors. He said it was important not to change the shape of the building.

“I would like to see this upgraded but to keep the same look like it was 1900,”

he said.

Moore echoed Rose’s concern about leaving a portion of the building on William Street unimproved.

Pielstick said she planned to renovate it all eventually.

“I’m trying to eat the turkey in one bite at a time,” she said. “I have a business and a use for 16 Pitts St. I want to get it going. Then I’m moving down the block.”

She added that she didn’t want to renovate the William Street section that’s not part of the restaurant space because she wasn’t sure whether that would be commercial space or not.

“Until I have determined the use inside I don’t want to re-front that,” she

said.

HDC members stressed that the town’s historic nature had to be preserved. Aspects of what Pielstick proposed, including an extensive awning and shutters, weren’t appropriate, Poli said.

“Wouldn’t it have been wise, more practical and efficient, if these plans were designed befitting the way the building should look?” he said. “These are drastic changes.”

Poli said he didn’t want to see the building’s roof changed while other commission members said they’d prefer to see brick instead of stucco on the building’s exterior. They also suggested the proposed shutters be removed and the awning be limited to the front of the building.

Pielstick said removing the stucco was cost prohibitive but Rose pointed out several other Berlin business owners had restored the brick facades of their buildings.

“I think you at least need to have someone give you a quote on what it would be to take it off,” Rose said.

Poli said the changes the commission suggested should reduce the cost of the project and those savings could be used to remove the stucco.

The commission voted unanimously to continue the hearing until the November meeting to give Pielstick time to make changes to the plans.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Spartan Race Set For Resort Return

October 15, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

Sunny Day Lunch: This youngster was all smiles after finding a beach walkway to enjoy her pizza lunch earlier Photo by Chris Parypa

this month.

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Raising Money For The Robert Dye Scholarship Fund For Local Nursing Students At Wor-Wic Community College

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Snacks

Contact Lynda 410.430.5089 with Raffle & Auction Donations

OCEAN CITY – With little discussion or fanfare, resort officials last week approved a one-day franchise agreement for food, drink and merchandise for the Spartan Race, which returns to Ocean City this weekend.

The Mayor and Council reviewed a resolution to grant a franchise to Spartan Race, Inc. for the sale of food, beverages, including non-alcoholic and beer only, and Spartan-themed merchandise during the event set for Saturday in the downtown area. The council approved the resolution unanimously with no discussion as a rather routine matter.

For the first time ever, Spartan, the Boston-based company that produces the high-intensity obstacle course races all over the country and throughout the world, brought its sprint-style competition to Ocean City in the fall of 2019. It was set to return last year, but the event was canceled because of ongoing COVID restrictions.

The Spartan Race is returning Saturday, Oct. 16. The Spartan obstacle course event includes a festival village at the Inlet parking lot with tents featuring food, music and vendors. The race itself will take place largely on the Boardwalk, beach areas and side streets in the downtown area with all manner of obstacles to overcome. Over 3,000 racers competed in the 2019 event, which included obstacles such as cargo nets, walls to traverse, rope climbs, monkey bars, water hazards, atlas carries, spear throws, sandbag carries and many others.

After last year’s event was canceled because of the pandemic, it is expected to return to Ocean City bigger and better this year. Spartan has added a kid’s race to its Ocean City event this year.

During a discussion of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Spartan, which outlines both the company’s and the town’s responsibilities, it was projected this year’s event could draw as many as 5,000 competitors.

Earlier this week, a check of the Spartan website revealed there were about 200 spots available for the three different race times in Ocean City next Saturday. The early morning session starts from 7:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., while the morning session runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. There is also an afternoon session from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In the initial MOU, there was $80,000 allocated in the town’s tourism budget to return the event to Ocean City. However, in the final MOU, the town’s fiscal contribution had been winnowed to $65,850, which covers the Spartan host fee, banners and a pedestrian bridge.

The town’s in-kind services will not exceed $50,000.

Harbor Day At The Docks To Celebrate Maritime Culture

October 15, 2021

WEST OCEAN CITY – The Worcester County Recreation and Parks Department invites the community to the return of Harbor Day at the Docks along Sunset Avenue on the West Ocean City commercial harbor on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This family-friendly, maritime heritage festival, which was not held last year due to the pandemic, is free of charge to all visitors.

Harbor Day at the Docks is a festival

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

celebrating the rich maritime history, culture and heritage as well as the sport and commercial fishing industries. Highlights of the day will include local fishermen displays, storytelling, nautical artisans, educational exhibits, fresh seafood, fun kids’ activities, and the blessing of the fleet.

Live music will be performed all day

by Trinidad & Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra, Permilla Project, Still Surfin’ and Jolly Tars.

Author Announces Book Signings

OCEAN CITY – Robert M. Craig has published two new books in his growing collection of histories and recollections of old Ocean City, and meet the author events have been planned for next week to celebrate their release.

In 2019 Craig published “Maryland’s Ocean City Beach Patrol” and “Saving Lives: A History of the Ocean City Beach Patrol,” two illustrated books about the beach patrol organization that is a family tradition for Craig. The author served between 1960 to 1965 on the beach patrol.

Craig’s son served between 1999-2001, and the author’s father, serving 1935 to 1987, was captain from 1946 until his retirement in 1987.

Now Craig has released two new books and will be featured at two “Meet the Author” events in which Craig will present a short talk about his recent years writing about the town in which he grew up in the 1950s and 1960s, the various summer jobs, music, and experiences of yesteryear.

“Oyster Shell Alleys: Remembrances of Times Past” is a collection of semi-autobiographical short stories which opens with a moving account of the author’s boyhood engagement with the service personnel of the Lankford Hotel in the back alleys (the metaphoric oyster shell alley) and undercroft of the 1924 landmark hotel. He follows with humorous accounts of a Christmas pageant at a local church, accounts of childhood pastimes and mischievous tricks on the boardwalk, and reminiscences of Boardwalk Elvis, of the author’s lifeguard test, and of rescuing “Big Bake” (the town’s most famous cop) from a rip current.

“Irma’s Seed, Beach Poems and Life Poems” includes laments regarding the passing of the historic cottages of the town, poems about the Alaska Stand, feeding seagulls on the beach, and Trimper’s Merry-go-Round and much more.

Although the two library “meet and greet” events are celebrations of Craig’s latest books on Ocean City, the author will also have available for sale the two beach patrol books, and his 2018 book of first-hand memoirs of 34 Vietnam vets (including the author). Craig is the au thor of 13 books, the latest published this month on Atlanta’s Public Art. The local book release events will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 19 at the Ocean

Pines Library at 11107 Cathell Road off Route 589 and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Ocean City Library on 100th Street bayside. Both events are free. Guests will be able to purchase books by cash or check (no credit card availability). Author is happy to sign books and/or write a dedicatory inscription.

Craig is Professor Emeritus of the College of Design, Georgia Tech (where he taught in the architecture school from 1973-2011). His books on architecture have won regional book awards from the Southeast Chapter, Society of Architectural Historians, the Southeastern College Art Conference and the Georgia State Archives.

Page 31

• October 16, 2021 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (drive-thru) James G. Barrett Medical Office Building Atlantic General Hospital Campus, Berlin, MD • November 5, 2021 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Ocean Pines Community Center Ocean Pines, MD *Clinic dates subject to change based upon flu vaccine availability. AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacy will be onsite offering high dose flu vaccines for ages 65 years and older, which will be billed to Medicare or private insurance.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 15, 2021

October 15, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 15, 2021

Bank Leader Re-Elected OCEAN CITY – The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) announced community banker Reid Tingle, President/CEO of Bank of Ocean City, was re-elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board. ICBA is the nation’s voice for community banks.

“I am honored to be re-elected to represent our industry and help ICBA communicate the positive story of community banking,” Tingle said.

“As relationship-based lenders, committed to REID TINGLE ensuring the financial health of local consumers and entrepreneurs, community banks are central to creating communities of prosperity nationwide.”

In addition to helping shape and advocate ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, Tingle’s duties include engaging in grassroots activities in Maryland and serving as a liaison between independent community bankers and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C. He will also work to recruit new members to ICBA. ICBA is the only organization dedicated exclusively to promoting the interests of locally operated community banks and savings institutions. With trusted fi-

BUSINESS

Merger Announced

And Real Estate News nancial expertise and high-quality customer service as their hallmarks, community banks offer the best financial services option for millions of consumers, small businesses and agricultural enterprises.

“Mr. Tingle is a dedicated advocate for his community, who is well-respected by his industry peers,” said ICBA Chairman Robert M. Fisher, president and CEO of Tioga State Bank. “We are fortunate to have Reid serve in this volunteer capacity in pursuit of creating an environment where community banks, and the communities they serve, continue to flourish.”

Specialist Joins AGH BERLIN – Endocrinology specialist Jacqueline Messner has joined Atlantic General Diabetes and Endocrinology Center this month from Frederick. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Medical College of Georgia

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Messner’s practice is focused on diabetes and endocrine disorders, and she is also a certified diabetes educator. She believes her greatest gift is the education she provides to patients, which empowers them to manage JACQUELINE MESSNER their health.

Messner is a member of the Nurse Practitioner Association of Maryland, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She teaches full time at Salisbury University in both undergraduate and graduate nursing pro-

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BERLIN – ERA Martin Associates, local real estate brokerage in Salisbury, has partnered with Shamrock Realty Group of Ocean Pines to create the Shamrock Division, a branch of ERA Martin Associates.

ERA Martin Associates has been serving Delmarva’s real estate needs since 1985. Originally founded by Bill Martin, the brokerage has stayed locally – and family – owned and operated ever since.

“We are a traditional real estate company that provides a dedicated staff, innovative resources, industry expertise, and local connections with a global reach. We have a teamwork mentality and empower our agents’ careers by leveraging each other’s strengths,” said Joni Williamson, President at ERA Martin Associates. “We are beyond excited to welcome the Realtors at Shamrock Realty Group to Team ERA. They bring a unique set of skills and experiences that we cannot wait to collaborate with.”

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October 15, 2021

Required minimum Distribution Reminder The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Shamrock Realty is an independent real estate company with deep family ties and a tradition of service dating back to its founder and broker, Gary James. Gary founded the company in 2006, together with Pam Wadler, vice president and associate broker. The company has expanded through the years, and currently has 24 affiliated Realtors. Shamrock Realty Group provides real estate services throughout the Lower Eastern Shore, while specializing in the Ocean City, Ocean Pines and Berlin markets. This partnership will allow both companies to expand their market shares and provide more opportunities for their agents to grow their businesses.

“The merging of our two brokerages just made sense,” said Gary James. “Our group of professionals has been growing. And the booming market since the COVID-19 pandemic proved that we needed more resources at our disposal.

We are happy to have made such a beneficial relationship with the team at ERA Martin Associates.”

“We believe that it will be vastly advantageous to our agents to now have strong connections and a presence in both Worcester and Wicomico counties,” said Bill Martin, chairman and founder of ERA Martin Associates. “An exceptional real estate agent is an expert on the area SEE PAGE 37

Page 35

WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE

BY COLLIN MACOMBER

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

BERLIN – Last year, the Setting Every Community Up for Security Enhancement (SECURE) Act increased the age for required minimum distributions (RMDs) from 701⁄2 to 72. The purpose of RMDs is to spread out the tax burden associated with the years of tax-deferred earnings investors accrued in qualified retirement plans.

If you expect RMDs to be an unnecessary burden income during retirement, you might consider paying the taxes while you’re still earning income to reduce those taxes in retirement (particularly if you expect your tax rate to be higher in retirement). Another option is to convert some of your traditional IRA assets to a Roth IRA, which isn’t subject to RMDs when withdrawn in retirement (as long you’ve held the account for at least five years). If you do end up having to pay taxes on RMD income that you don’t immediately need in retirement, you may consider reinvesting those assets in a

taxable account, naming your beneficiaries as heirs. Or, you can gift up to $100,000 a year to a qualified charity.

Since qualified charitable distributions generally are not subject to ordinary federal income taxes, you can make charitable contributions without increasing your taxable income.

RMD rules are complex, and vary based on your birth date, the type of plan involved and changing rules based on legislation. Additionally, it’s important to develop a distribution plan that coincides with your timeline for drawing from all of your retirement income sources, including pensions and Social SeCOLLIN curity. Please feel free to MACOMBER contact us to help develop your income distribution plan based on your personal circumstances.

RMDs generally apply to SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans, profit sharing plans and other defined contribution plans.

However, note the date you must start taking RMDs differs by plan. According to the IRS, if you were born after June 30, 1949, the start date for IRAs (including SEPs and SIMPLE IRAs) is April 1 of the year following the calendar year in which you reach age 701⁄2. For 401(k), profit-sharing, 403(b) or other defined contribution plan, the start date is April 1 following the calendar year in which you turn age 72 (age 701⁄2 if born before July 1, 1949) or retire (if your plan allows this).

RMDs for inherited IRAs work a bit differently now. A non-spouse beneficiary who inherits an IRA from someone who passed away in 2020 or later is not required to make annual RMDs but must withdraw the entire account balance within 10 years.

Finally, be aware that new life expectancy calculations will be published in 2022. They are expected to include a larger life expectancy factor per age, which will produce lower RMD amounts.

(The writer is part of the team at Key Financial Services in Berlin. The team can be reached at 410-629-0357.)

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Page 36

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 15, 2021

People in Society Welcoming attendees onto the Seacrets beach for the 2021 Believe in Tomorrow Beach Bash were Jon Bricker, Lyn Meixner, Dan Pendergast, Gene Ringsdorf, and Mike Hocko.

by Jeanette Deskiewicz Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

The Moore Team of Keller Williams, Tammy Hall, Michael Moore, Mary Moore and Renee Moore, opened the doors to their new Ocean Pines office with a ribbon cutting celebration.

Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group member Laura Mathabel (second from left), was thanked by board members Susan Lloyd, Toni Keiser, Jessica Jersey, and Jennifer Klepper for hosting the September Social.

It didn’t take long for Irene Aragon, Peggy Reinholt and John Reinholt to sell out of the mystery boxes at the Beach Bash to benefit the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation.

Bob and Darlene Powers worked the t-shirt stand for the 2021 Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation Beach Bash.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members Steve Haffrin and Art Flora helped youngsters onto the boat during the Big Truck Day in Ocean Pines.

At last month’s Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group social, new member Ellen Schwartz was introduced to the group by Lisa Ashcraft.

The Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation had many great volunteers helping out at the Beach Bash including Walt and Jill Lambert at one of the many food stations.

Kiwanians Sandy Mcabee and Carolyn Dryzga sold lunch items to hungry participants of Ocean Pines Big Truck Day in Veterans Memorial Park.

The Britts Team of Keller Williams, Mandy Gaca Martenson and Lauren Britt Hudson, came to celebrate the Moore Team’s new Ocean Pines office.

October 15, 2021

... BUSINESS NEWS FROM PAGE 35 that they serve. Now we’ll have almost 90 professionals serving the lower Eastern Shore, dedicated to knowledge, community, and service”.

Wadler added, “When we first began talking to Joni [Williamson], it was obvious that we shared the same values and passion for real estate. Despite their growing size, ERA Martin still has that family feeling that we maintain at Shamrock.”

Williamson said, “We are all Team ERA. We learn together, collaborate, and share ideas and knowledge. Working in a supportive, non-competitive environment allow us to celebrate each other’s successes. We are so excited for all of the future celebrations with the Shamrock Division.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted by the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at the ERA Martin Associates Shamrock Division building. The ceremony and celebration will take place from 5-6 p.m. at 11049 Racetrack Road in Ocean Pines.

Deputy Director Appointed SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners appointed Gary Pusey as the new deputy director within Development Review and Permitting (DRP).

Pusey stepped into his new role on Oct. 8.

“Gary is a dedicated leader with a wide range of planning experience to bring to Worcester County,” DRP Director Jennifer Keener said. “He will be a valuable asset to our team, and I look forward to working with him.”

Pusey, brings more than 35 years of planning experience to this position. He has served as the planning director for Somerset County since 2010, where he oversaw planning, zoning, environmental regulations, housing programs, grant management, and building permit issuance and inspections.

Prior to taking on that role, he served as the chief of long-range/transportation planning with the City of Salisbury and Wicomico County Government from 2002-2010, GARY PUSEY where his long-range planning activities included preparing and updating the comprehensive plans and other planning studies.

“Worcester County has long had a reputation for implementing high-quality planning efforts, which I believe is attributable to the efforts of the County Commissioners, Planning Commission and staff members, with valuable input from the public,” Pusey said. “I look forward to being a part of that process, and hopefully I can contribute to those efforts.”

The DRP deputy director is responsible for assisting the director with all aspects of development, review, permitting, and other functions, including staff supervision, and coordinating planning studies and documents, including the upcoming review of the Worcester County Comprehensive Plan.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

Page 38

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 15, 2021

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above is a sunset scene from the Inlet last Thursday night. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com. This week's Photo of the Week is sponsored by Ørsted, the world leader in clean energy. Learn more at orsted.com/md-de

October 15, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You're moving from a relatively stable situation to one that appears to be laced with perplexity. Be patient. You'll eventually get answers to help clear up the confusion around you.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): A vexing situation tempts you to rush to set it all straight. But it's best to let things sort themselves out so that you can get a better picture of the challenge you're facing.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Financial matters could create some confusion, especially with a torrent of advice pouring in from several sources.

Resist acting on emotion and wait for the facts to emerge.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): That goal you've set is still in sight and is still in reach. Stay with the course that you're on. Making too many shifts in direction now could create another set of problems.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): It might be time to confront a trouble-making associate and demand some answers.

But be prepared for some surprises that could lead you to make a change in some long-standing plans.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Congratulations. You're making great progress in sorting out all that confusion that kept you from making those important decisions. You're on your way now.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): A difficult experience begins to ease. That's

the good news. The not-so-good news is a possible complication that could prolong the problem awhile longer.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Your self-confidence gets a muchneeded big boost as you start to unsnarl that knotty financial problem.

Expect some help from a surprising source.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Congratulations. Any lingering negative aftereffects from that not-so-pleasant workplace situation are all but gone.

It's time now to focus on the positive.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Your self-confidence grows stronger as you continue to take more control of your life. Arrange for some well-earned fun and relaxation with someone special.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): As usual, you've been concerned more about the needs of others than your own. You need to take time for yourself so that you can replenish all that spent energy.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Stronger planetary influences indicate a growing presence of people eager to help you navigate through the rough seas that might mark your career course.

BORN THIS WEEK: You can balance emotion and logic, which gives you the ability to make choices that are more likely than not to prove successful. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 62

Page 39

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 40

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

October 15, 2021

WITH BUNK MANN

That newborn parent look Reminiscing at a funeral Playoff baseball games

The view looking south from the Inlet

Sports teams wearing pink in October When change turns out to be good A heavy overnight rain

New shoes that feel old

When people sent baby announcements in the mail Tom Petty

A big pot of chili on a Sunday

Stone Free was located on Caroline Street behind the former Maryland Inn just off the Boardwalk. It was a popular shop that catered to the so-called "hippie" crowd of the early 1970s as well as younger teens fascinated with the psychedelic culture of that era.

Remembered for the tunnel where dozens of black light posters were on display, Stone Free was known as a "head shop," which specialized in beads, bongs, rolling papers, and leather goods. It was run by a man of Indian descent named Ashook who wore white clothing and practiced yoga on the beach next to the Boardwalk.

The psychedelic period ended in the mid-70s and Stone Free faded into history. Although gone now for over 45 years there are some that say on a calm night the smell of incense still lingers in the air along Caroline Street - another memory of a vanishing Ocean City.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishingImage courtesy Wayne Cannon oc.com.

October 15, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 41

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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October 15, 2021

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LENNON LARICCI Coins Pub: Saturday, Oct. 16

BRIAN BISHOP Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, Oct. 20

October 15, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 43

Who’s Where When HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Thursday, Oct. 21: DJ Billy T

DEVIATION BY DESIGN Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday, Oct. 16

ON THE EDGE Ocean Club/Clarion: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 15 & 16 Lenny’s Beach Bar: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 15 & 16

OCEAN CLUB 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The Clarion Hotel Friday & Saturday, Oct. 15 & 16: On The Edge LENNY’S BEACH BAR & GRILL Friday & Saturday, Oct. 15 & 16: On The Edge OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 410-641-7501 1 Mumford’s Landing Rd., Ocean Pines Saturday, Oct. 30: DJ BK

SLAMM Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 15 & 16

MALLOW HILL Fager’s Island: Friday, Oct. 15

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PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, Oct. 15: Beats By Styler Saturday, Oct. 16: Dunehounds Sunday, Oct. 17: Beats By Styler Mondays: Beats By Styler Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax PURPLE MOOSE 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boardwalk Saturday, Oct. 16: DJ Adam Dutch Friday & Saturday, Oct. 15 & 16: SLAMM SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Oct. 15: Late Last Night Duo, Turning The Tide, Gypsy Wisdom, DJ Tuff, DJ Bobby O Saturday, Oct. 16: DJ Cruz, Full Circle, The Freddie Long Band, My Hero Zero, DJ Bobby O Thursday, Oct. 21: Full Circle Duo

Page 44

Martinek Headed To National Hall Of Fame

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SPORTS

October 15, 2021

Seahawks Edge North Caroline, Improve To 4-2 In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team edged North Caroline, 2922, last Friday to improve to 4-2 on the season.

Decatur scored 15 unanswered points in the third quarter to take a 22-7 lead heading into the fourth. North Caroline battled back in the fourth with 15 points,

while Decatur added another score to close out the 29-22 win.

Decatur quarterback Ashten Snelsire went 13-17 for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Zimere Handy carried 14 times for 136 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Handy also caught four passes for 42 yards and two touchdowns. Brycen Coleman caught four passes for 50 yards, while Luke Mergott caught four passes for 25 yards.

Stephen Decatur varsity wrestling coach Todd Martinek is headed to the Maryland Chapter of the National Hall of Fame. Pictured above, Martinek is hoisted after a recent state championship meet.

Submitted Photos

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

Tough Guy Of The Week:

This week’s Atlantic Physical Therapy “Tough Guy of the Week” award went to A.J. Trimble for a solid performance in a win over Parkside. Pictured above is Trimble (center) flanked by Head Coach Jake Coleman (left) and ATP’s Charles Curran (right).

Submitted Photo

Mallards Sweep Three, Improve To 8-1

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity soccer team swept three games this week to run their win streak to five games.

Last Friday, the Mallards came from behind to beat Delmar on Homecoming, 5-3. Delmar led, 3-2, at the half with

Worcester goals coming from Dylan McGovern and Anderssen Taylor. In the second half, Worcester got goals from Ben McGovern, Dylan McGovern and Richins to pull ahead for the 5-3 win. On Monday, Worcester beat Delmarva Christian, 3-1. Pearson Schul scored a first half goal, while Michael Wehberg and Logan Ginnavan added second half goals.

BERLIN – Decatur varsity wrestling coach Todd Martinek next month will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame-Maryland Chapter for his lifetime of service to the sport.

Martinek shares a distinction with two other Marylanders in the National Hall of Fame who each wrestled, coached and refereed in the Maryland State Finals.

He won the state championship at Bel Air in 1989 wrestling at 108 pounds. Martinek then moved on to Salisbury State University where he captained the school’s last team in 1992 before SU dropped its Division III program.

After graduating from Salisbury, Martinek started an eight-year run at head coach at Bennett High School and compiled a 73-38 record. He then moved on to become an assistant at Decatur, com-

piling an 80-4 record. Martinek then became a wrestling official for the next three years and refereed at the state dual meet and individual state tournament in 2009 and 2010.

Martinek returned to Decatur as head coach in 2012. Entering the 2021-2022 season, he has coached five state champions and 46 state place-winners. He has been named Bayside Coach of the Year at both Bennett and Decatur.

In addition to his accolades as a competitor, referee and coach, Martinek and former Decatur Coach Kevin Gilligan conceived of the highly-competitive War on the Shore tournament starting in 2002. In 2015, Martinek began hosting the All-American Summer Wrestling Camp featuring coaches from Princeton University.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Awards and Induction Ceremony will be held in Annapolis on Sunday, November 14.

Decatur Golfers Claim Bayside Title

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

to claim the Bayside Conference title.

Evan Oglesby and Kole Kohut led the way with rounds of 78, while Jacob Bauer shot an 88 and Abby Wesche finished with a 94.

this week’s

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity golf team won last week at Queenstown

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October 15, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 45

with Scott Lenox It was a mostly difficult week of fishing this past week thanks to Mother Nature’s mood change as blustery northeast winds and rain dominated. The weather was a real bummer this past weekend because the tuna fishing was on absolute fire offshore and we had the Ocean City Inshore Classic presented by TC Backer Construction scheduled inshore.

The northeast wind definitely closed down the ocean for a few days, but thankfully we had enough die-hard inshore fishermen that we managed 31 boats and over $16,000 in prize money for the Inshore Classic. It was another great week of tuna fishing before the wind and an awesome weekend of inshore tournament fishing despite the wind. With the addition of a $500 calcutta for this year’s Inshore Classic Tournament, we had an increased payout despite having 13 fewer boats compared to last year. The weather forecast hindered our participation and the fishing, but anglers still had a fun weekend and we still paid out a lot of money.

After a couple of quiet years, Team Reel Quick jumped back into the money this year by winning first place in both the tautog and open divisions. The first place

tautog weighed in at 3.2 pounds and the first place open division was a beautiful 10.6 pound sheepshead. Team Reel Quick cashed $2,598 for these two division winning fish. First place in the flounder category was caught on day two by the On the Run with Captain Dave Caffrey. On the Run also won the $500 calcutta in the tautog category so the 3.8pound flounder and 3.4-pound tautog were worth over $5,600 in prize money.

The big money in this year’s Ocean City Inshore Classic was once again won by the team fishing on board Dat’s Hoo with team Captain Tim Bielaski. Dat’s Hoo showed up at the scales on Saturday just 15 minutes before closing with a big rockfish caught just moments before at the Route 50 Bridge. The big striper was 34 3/4” long, which is just 1/4” shy of being too big to keep. Rockfish measuring 35” and over must be released. Thankfully it was within the “slot” for legal rockfish on the Maryland coast and weighed in at 16 pounds even. Dat’s Hoo was once again across the board in calcuttas and because there were no other qualifying rockfish they got all the money worth $6,530.

SEE PAGE 46

Captain Chris Little of the Talkin’ Trash had 12 big yellowfin tuna for this crew.

Submitted Photos

Page 46

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 15, 2021

Above top left, this limit of nice flounder came over the rail of the Angler with Captain Chris Mizurak at the helm. Above top center, Donny Post won the Junior Angler Award in the Inshore Classic with a 4.6 pound sheepshead. Above top right, Tom Tatum from West Chester, Pa. caught his limit of flounder in the east channel north of the Route 50 Bridge. Above left, the crew of Dat’s Hoo repeated as the big winners of the Ocean City Inshore Classic with the only keeper rockfish of the event. Above right, the crew from On the Run with Captain Dave Caffrey won first place flounder in the classic.

Opposite page, top left, Captain Willie Zimmerman of the RoShamBo put this crew on a white marlin release and a limit of fat yellowfin tuna. Opposite page, top right, 12-year-old Mason Kohler had a great time on board the Lucky Break with Captain Jason Mumford catching bluefish and two keeper flounder. Opposite page, middle left, this crew from the Wrecker had a limit of yellowfin tuna thanks to Capitan Bobby Layton. Opposite page, middle right, this lucky angler caught a slot red drum while fishing the Oceanic Pier in downtown Ocean City. Opposite page, bottom left, Team Reel Quick won first place tautog and first place open category in the 5th Annual Ocean City Inshore Classic. Opposite page, bottom right, these shooters hit their mark on board Dusk to Dawn Bowfishing with Captain Marc Spagnola.

... Fish In OC FROM PAGE 45 Offshore tuna chunking was on absolute fire once again last week with some boat limits of big fish being caught before the wind started blowing. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were all blown out, but fishing was insane early in the week.

Big yellowfin in the 40- to 80-pound class with some bigger fish were being caught inside the Washington Canyon on chunked baits like butterfish and sardines.

There were a few bigeye tuna in the mix as well along with a white marlin release or two, but all of that shut down on Friday when the wind started northeast and

blew hard all weekend. Hopefully the wind doesn’t blow the bait and the fish too far south and the offshore fleet can get back to them when the wind stops blowing.

Back bay fishing is improving all the time with cooling water temperatures with just about every species available in the Ocean City Inlet and Route 50 Bridge areas this time of year. Flounder are staging up in the East Channel and “fish bowl” around the bridge and there are plenty of keepers to be had if you put in your time and use the right bait. Gulp, minnows and shiners will work for good flounder action and keepers can be caught, but your keeper to throwback ratio will improve if you can find some live bait like bunker, spot or mullet. Fish

deeper water on a slow moving tide with these larger live baits and you’ll have your best chance at catching a keeper over 16 1/2”. There are good numbers rockfish being caught at the bridge with some nice bluefish in the mix as well.

Live bunker, mullet and spot are catching lots of fish especially around the few bridge openings just west of the drawbridge. “Schoolie” sized fish from 14” to 24” can be found the entire length of the bridge, but most keeper rockfish are being caught in the deeper water closest to the main channel. There are also some keeper rockfish between 28” and 35” and some keeper bluefish being caught on Stretch lures fished in these deep spots as well. The first place rockfish of 16 pounds and 34 3/4” was caught on a

Stretch 25’.

This weekend is the final ocean tournament of the season with the 2nd Annual Bishop Broadbill Bash hosted by Sunset Marina in honor of Rena Bishop.

Rena passed away in April after a large fight with cancer. There are categories for swordfish, tuna and mahi with guaranteed prize money and added entry levels.

I’ll have all the winners right here next week and in my nightly fishing report the Daily Angle at www.FishinOC.com. Until next week, tight lines.

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

October 15, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Page 48

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting 5-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Call Rose 443-8808444.

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

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

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

Oct. 16: Moondance At Rackliffe Join the Rackliffe House for an evening of live music, dancing, sips and bites, 7-10 p.m. Live music by Everett Spells, libations from local breweries and distilleries and savories and sweets from local caterers. $75 per person, must be 21 years old. Casual elegant attire includes three drinks with options to buy additional tickets. Limited available, reserve early at rackliffehouse.org or call 410-641-4179.

Oct. 16: Pink Party Benefit The 6th Annual Hope Palmer Pink Party at Sunset Grille from 2-6 p.m. featuring $1.98 beer, crushes, drinks and wine. Cost is $25 cover charge, which will be donated directly to the Atlantic General Hospital’s Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center. Checks will be presented in the name of Rena Bishop.

Oct. 16: Car/Bike Show From 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (rain date, Oct. 23), the 15th Annual Cruizers for Christ Car/Bike Show will be held at the Whaleyville United Methodist Church, located at 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, Whaleyville.

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 sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, and baked goods.

410-641-0059.

Oct. 16: Harbor Day At The Docks Event from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Commercial Fishing Harbor in West OC. A free maritime heritage festival featuring seafood cooking demonstrations, crab picking contests, fish cleaning demonstrations, local fisherman displays, nautical artisans, educational exhibits, entertainment, food and fun kids’ activities. HarborDayOC.com.

Oct. 16: Church Rummage Sale Ocean City Presbyterian Church, 1301 Philadelphia Avenue (parking lot behind church), from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Oct. 16: Oktoberfest From 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Stevenson United Methodist Church will offer homemade vegetable beef soup and baked goods for guests to the town’s Oktoberfest celebration.

Oct. 16: Soup Showdown The Costen House Museum in Pocomoke City is holding a "Soup Showdown" Fundraiser at Glad Tidings Church, 1519 Market

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do

Things To Do St., Pocomoke. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Attendees can vote for favorite soup. Cost is $15 per person. Tickets costenhousemuseum.com or at the door. To contribute soup or sponsor, Rita Ullman, 443-783-5285.

Oct. 17: Puppy Penguin Swim The Atlantic General Hospital Foundation will host the Puppy Penguin Swim and Yappy Hour from 1-3 p.m. Local dogs and pups will have the opportunity to play in the water at Ocean City’s Residence Inn by Marriott while the adults partake in Yappy Hour drinks and food. Entry is $20 per pup (one pup per person). Pups each get a free gift, with a complimentary drink for their adults.

Learn more and register at www.agh.care/puppyswim or call 410-641-9671.

Oct: 17: Church Open House From 2 - 4, St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Berlin is celebrating Fr. Michael Moyer's 22 years of ministry with an open house, saying farewell as he prepares to move to St. Alban's Anglican Episcopal Church in Tokyo, Japan. The open house also celebrates the church renovations and the restoration of the stained glass windows which are registered with the Library of Congress. There will be a string quartet and light refreshments.

Oct. 17: Semper Bike Ride The second annual Semper Fi Bike Ride will begin in the Inlet parking Lot, and riders can register as late as 11 a.m. Avid riders will be able to do a 40-mile ride and/or a 63mile ride from the Ocean City Inlet to the Indian River Inlet and beyond to Gordons Pond and back. For more information email websergeant@firststatemarines.org or call Bob at 410-353-0033.

Oct. 20: Fall Meeting The Ocean Pines Boat Club Annual Fall General Meeting in the Assateague Room of the Ocean Pines Community Center.

Doors open 6:30 p.m. for socializing and light refreshments. Meeting begins at 7 p.m. Speaker is Lyndsey Odachowski on the subject of "Medical Cannabis in Maryland." The public is invited.

Oct. 20: Membership Workshop The General Levin Winder Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, will hold a workshop for membership applications and supplemental applications, 4-6 p.m. at Snow Hill Library, 307 N. Washington St. Register: bdm58oct@-comcast.net, 410213-8238.

Oct. 20: Trunk Or Treat American Legion Post #123 will host the free event, 6-8 p.m. Children will receive a hot dog, chips and bottle of water. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Event sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary and American Legion Riders.

Oct. 22: Oyster Fritter Sandwich Hosted by American Legion Post 123, 10111 Old Ocean City Blvd. Public is welcome. Cost is $9.

Oct. 22-24: Beach Maze Part of O.C.Toberfest, on North Division Street & Boardwalk in Ocean City. Experience the thrill of a giant Halloween Beach

Maze. Children of all ages can enjoy a pleasant scream as they meander the sands of the giant, bigger and better beach maze.

Wicked witches, pirates of the sand, scary scarecrows, ghouls in the graveyard, zombies and more will add to the excitement.

Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. Free.

Drive-in Movie Saturday night 7 p.m. at the Inlet.

Oct. 23: Beer Festival Octobertfest Shore Craft Beer Festival at Sunset Park, 12:30-4:30 p.m. A celebration of great, local beer with delicious food from food trucks, live music. Admission charge.

Oct. 23: Garage Sale The Parke at Ocean Pines is holding its community sale (rain date is Sunday, Oct. 24) from 7:30 a.m.-noon in the driveways of its residents. Parke residents are selling their treasures for others to enjoy.

There are clothes, lamps, artwork, household items, electronics, furniture and more. 410-208-4994.

Oct. 23: BBQ Carryout The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will hold a carry out BBQ Half Chicken with coleslaw dinner or pint of BBQ pulled pork with coleslaw dinner for just $12 each. Pickup times are 5-7 p.m. at the main station. Orders must be called in by Oct. 20 to 619-922-9950.

Oct. 23: Fall Bazaar Delicious homemade chicken salad, soups, oyster sandwiches and baked goods are on the menu for the Mostly Drive-Thru Fall Bazaar of Allen Asbury United Methodist Church in Allen from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Allen Community Hall (26575 Collins Wharf Road, Allen). Pre-orders for chicken salad and soup are now being taken on Facebook (Asbury-Allen Umc) or by calling 410-546-2043. Please pre-order by Friday, Oct. 15 and give a preferred pickup time so we can have your order ready. Only a limited amount of soup and chicken salad will be available for purchase without pre-order. Oyster sandwiches will be sold at the drive-thru window and do not have to be pre-ordered. A portion of the proceeds from this event will support the church’s outreach to the Christian Shelter and HALO (Hope and Life Outreach) in Salisbury. 410-546-2043.

Oct. 24: Blessing Of Animals The Church of the Holy Spirit in Ocean City will hold a Blessing of the Animals ceremony from 11:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. in the church parking lot. The church is located at Coastal Highway and 100th Street. Pets should be on leashes or otherwise under their owners’ control. Any size, shape or type of pet is welcome. You may also bring a photo of a departed pet, or a stuffed animal that means a lot to you. Call 410-723-1973 for further information.

Oct. 30: Fall Bazaar From 8 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Swann Keys Clubhouse located on Activities Way in Swann Keys development. Crafters, food, homemade baked goods, 50/50 drawing, giveaways, Crime Stoppers demonstration and more.

October 15, 2021

Nov. 5: Fall Glow Walk Put your glow (sticks) on and enjoy a fun free walk starting in Stephen Decatur Park and the downtown (approximately 4.5 kilometers). Hosted by the Berlin Parks Commission in partnership with the Worcester County Health Department Just Walk Worcester program. Free raffle entry for every walker. Registration starts at 4:45 p.m.

Nov. 6: Sight & Sound Bus Trip Stevenson United Methodist Church’s Women’s Group is organizing a bus trip to Sight & Sound Theatres in Ronks, Pa. to see Queen Esther. Bus leaves the church at 8 a.m. on Nov. 6 and returns at 11 p.m.

Reservations due Oct. 10. Checks to be made out to Stevenson Women, 123 N. Main Street, Berlin, Md. 21811. Questions, Pat Oltman, 443-614-2518.

Nov. 6: Artisan, Craft Fair The entire Ocean Pines Community Center will be turned into a Winter Wonderland by the Pine’eer Craft Club with all custommade items displayed by vendors. Proceeds from sales and activities benefit the Ocean Pines community. Nancy Burkett, 302-233-0761.

Nov. 6: Auxiliary Dinner The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will hold a carry out Chicken and Dumpling Dinner for just $12 per dinner.

Green beans and Sweet Potato sides. Extra pint of dumplings, $7. Pickup times are 5-7 p.m. at the main station. Orders must be called in by Nov. 3 to 619-922-9950.

Nov. 6: Christmas Bazaar The Community Church at Ocean Pines will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Family Life Center of the church at 11227 Racetrack Road, Berlin. The bazaar will feature Christmas decorations and trees, linens and things, new and gently used clothing, gifts and potpourri, children’s books and toys, and a bake sale. Proceeds from the event will support the Shepherd’s Nook outreach ministry.

Nov. 13: Christmas Bazaar Atlantic United Methodist Church will hold its 43rd annual event 10 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring vintage and new jewelry, baked delights, gift shopping, a silent auction and carryout lunch. Thrift shop will be open as well. Proceeds support local missions.

Nov. 19: Bazaar, Marketplace St. Peter's Episcopal Church downtown Salisbury starts its Holiday Bazaar and Marketplace as part of Third Friday, 5-8 p.m. continuing Saturday, Nov. 20 (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) All are welcome to visit the church's parish hall or may bid online for selected items, beginning Nov. 1, at www.biddingowl.com.

Check https://stpeterschurch.net/holidaybazaar/ as event nears.

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

October 15, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

Pre-Payment is Required. We Accept All Credit Cards.

HELP WANTED MAINTENANCE HELP: White Horse Park is seeking full time maintenance person. High School Diploma and Valid Drivers License required. Applicant should have knowledge of general maintenance, carpentry, vehicle and equipment maintenance. Must be able to operate light equipment and lift at least 50 lbs. repeatedly.

Must pass drug test and background check. Salary negotiable.

Apply whpcamd@yahoo.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LANDSCAPING: Need 1 landscaper. Call 410-251-4649.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– JOHNNYS PIZZA: Now Hiring Driver! Apply within at 56th Street or call 410-726-7061 to apply.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC: Year Round, Competitive Wages.

443-754-1047.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– DENTAL HYGIENIST: Part-time Dental Hygienist needed at a team oriented dental office. Welcoming, patient first, family environment.

Please send resume to: dentistryinthepines@gmail.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

CASHIER/ SALES ASSOCIATE Must be friendly & dependable

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS/ CARPENTERS Must have experience.

Competitive pay.

Call 443-856-5600 or email your resume at skylineconstructionoc@ gmail.com

FT/PT - Year Round & Seasonal - Various Shifts Competitive Hourly Wage Benefits Available

To Apply-go online www.petromg.com *Employment *Retail *OC MD *Cashier Wine Rack *Search *Cashier Sales Assoc.-Wine Rack Rt. 50 Wine Rack 12827 Ocean Gateway West OC, MD

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

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

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

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

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

ROOMS DIVISION MANAGER We are currently recruiting for a year round Rooms Division Manager for our Oceanfront Convention Hotel (250 rooms with 85 adjacent condominiums). The preferred candidate should have a minimum of 3 years hotel front desk management with working knowledge of housekeeping, inventory/revenue experience, good verbal communications and telephone etiquette. Qualified candidates only should apply. Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package available. Apply in person, Mondays thru Saturdays, 10am-4pm.

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT CLARION RESORT FOUTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 Phone: 410-524-3535 x.7128 Fax: 410-723-9109 EOE M/F/D/V Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Full Time Year Round Positions ~EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT ~CATERING ASSISTANT ~HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR ~FRONT DESK AGENT ~NIGHT AUDIT ~MAINTENANCE ~PAINTER ~ROOM ATTENDANT ~ROOM DIVISION MANAGER ~SERVERS ~BARTENDER ~HOSTESS/HOST Seasonal Positions ~SECURITY ~GRILL COOKS ~SERVERS ~BARTENDER ~HOSTESS/HOST ~BUSSER ~FOOD RUNNERS ~POOL ATTENDANT ~WAREHOUSE CLERK ~BEACH STAND

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION HELP NEEDED TOP PAY FOR THE RIGHT INDIVIDUALS PLEASE CALL JENNA AT 410-726-1840 Looking for a JOB? We’re looking for YOU!

Pointe On The Bay Small, family-oriented timeshare/ condominium resort.

We’re looking for a part time, year round, reliable person to join our team.

Duties include working with another team member to maintain safety standards of building, including keeping walkways, stairways and balconies clear when needed.

Occasional repair and paint in units on an as needed basis. Other tasks as listed in job description. Salary dependent on job skills.

Email: suzannewatson18@gmail.com

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work o Experience preferred. o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus. o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

TOP WAGES! EXCELLENT BENEFITS! HOUSING AVAILABLE! FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD. 21842 EOE M/F/D/V

Check Out The Dispatch’s E-dition Online:

mdcoastdispatch.com

Page 50

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Dispatch Classifieds

The Dispatch Legal Notices

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

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

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

Busy Ocean City Title Company Hiring Clerical Support/Receptionist Staff Person Full Time, Year Round Position.

Requires Excellent Communication and Organizational Skills.

Email resume to: Helene@Beachsettlements.com

Third Insertion MARIANNA BATIE, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18907

Date of Publication OCTOBER 01, 2021 DONALD LEE SQUIRES, SR. 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 10-01, 10-08, 10-15

Third Insertion HIRING AT BOTH LOCATIONS APPLY IN PERSON South Location 31st St. Coastal Hwy. 410-289-2581 North Location 128th St. Coastal Hwy. 410-250-2304

Looking For Employees?

Start Your Search in...

The Dispatch

FARMS FOR SALE

HOUSING NEEDS

100 ACRE FARM: Salisbury, MD. Yearly farm income $20,000.

Beautiful water view perc. Access to Nanticoke River & Bay. Price $1,500,000. Phone or Text 443235-6488.

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SEEKING HOUSING: Looking for small apartment in OC, Ocean Pines, or Berlin. Need ASAP. Please call 443-754-7054.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FOR LEASE: Retail Banking Center with drive thru. Contact Brian Gamm. 443-880-2225.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 OfficeRetail and 1 Warehouses. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 206 16TH STREET: 1180SF of retail space available. Very busy location (Layton’s Plaza). Was Hairworks for 38 years. Can be office, retail, hair salon. Landlord will make deal to qualified renter with good idea. Call 202-641-6166.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

RENTALS WINTER RENTAL: Downtown OC, 2BR/2BA apt. $800/mo.+ gas & elec. Wi-fi & basic cable incl.

Occupancy limited to 2. No smoking/pets. Call 410-202-6353.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

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To all persons interested in the estate of NORMAN LEWIS SQUIRES, JR., ESTATE NO. 18907. Notice is given that DONALD LEE SQUIRES, SR., 45 MIDFIELD ROAD, NEW CASTLE, DE 19720, was on, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of NORMAN LEWIS SQUIRES, JR., who died on AUGUST 22, 2021, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24TH day of MARCH, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

VICTORIA L. O’NEILL, ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HWY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18900 To all persons interested in the estate of KATHLEEN MARY GALLOWAY, ESTATE NO. 18900. Notice is given that GARY GALLOWAY, 13349 PEACH TREE ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KATHLEEN MARY GALLOWAY, who died on MAY 12, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 20TH day of MARCH, 2022.

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

October 15, 2021 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 01, 2021 GARY GALLOWAY 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 10-01, 10-08, 10-15

Third Insertion VICTORIA L. O’NEILL, ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HWY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18912 Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS COURT of YORK COUNTY, PA, appointed JULIE M. HARMAN, 613 PLEASANT VIEW ROAD, LEWISBERRY, PA, 17339 as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of SUSAN E. CHOPPER, who died on MARCH 25, 2021, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is VICTORIA L. O’NEILL, ESQ. whose address is 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 01, 2021 JULIE M. HARMAN Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 10-01, 10-08, 10-15

Third Insertion CHRISTOPHER F. DRUMMOND, ESQ. 119 LAWYERS ROW CENTREVILLE, MD 21617 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18864 Notice is given that the CIRCUIT COURT-PROBATE DIVISION of PINELLAS COUNTY, FL, appointed KAREN TIPPET POPULARLAWHORN, 48060 POST OAK ROAD, ST. INIGIOES, MD 20684, as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of JOHN J. POPULAR, JR., who died on JUNE 14, 2021, domiciled in FLORIDA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is N/A. 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; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 01, 2021 KAREN TIPPET POPULAR-LAWHORN Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street

October 15, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 10-01, 10-08, 10-15

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18849 To all persons interested in the estate of GERTRUDE BAILEY PRYOR AKA GERTRUDE BAILEY, ESTATE NO. 18849. Notice is given that JAMES R. BERGEY JR., 8938 WORCESTER HIGHWAY, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GERTRUDE BAILEY PRYOR, who died on AUGUST 26, 2020, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21ST day of MARCH, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 08, 2021

JAMES R. BERGEY JR. 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 10-08, 10-15, 10-22

Second Insertion MICHELE PROCINOWELLS, ESQUIRE PROCINO-WELLS & WOODLAND, LLC 225 HIGH STREET SEAFORD, DE 19973 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18881 To all persons interested in the estate of MICHAEL ALBERT HUDSON, ESTATE NO. 18881. Notice is given that MAVIS A. TICE, 901 SAINT LOUIS AVE., UNIT C, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on, OCTOBER 05, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MICHAEL ALBERT HUDSON, who died on MAY 14, 2021, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5TH day of APRIL, 2022.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 08, 2021 MAVIS A. TICE 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 10-08, 10-15, 10-22

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18920 To all persons interested in the estate of ERNEST COHRS, ESTATE NO. 18920.

Notice is given that CATHRYN WOOLSEY, 8330 TERRA GRANDE AVE., SPRINGFILED, VA 22153, was on, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ERNEST COHRS, who died on SEPTEMBER 15, 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 30TH day of MARCH, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 08, 2021

CATHRYN WOOLSEY 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 10-08, 10-15, 10-22

First Insertion NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended August 31st, 2021, the L. FRAN-KLIN and GERTRUDE H. PURNELL FOUNDATION, INC., is available for inspection at the office of the foundation, 227 Powell Circle, Berlin, MD 21811, during regular business hours for a period of 180 days from the publication of this notice.

PERSONS INTERESTED IN THIS REPORT SHOULD CONTACT: JASON D. PARKER SECRETARY, AT 227 Powell Circle BERLIN, MD 21811 TELEPHONE 443-614-6928 1x 10-15

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18915 To all persons interested in the estate of STEVEN LEROY SCHLEGEL. ESTATE NO. 18915. Notice is given that MELINDA M. JONES, 37042 DUNCAN CROSSING, WILLARDS, MD 21874, was on OCTOBER 07, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of STEVEN LEROY SCHLEGEL, who died on SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 with a will.

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

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

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

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

Page 51 of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 15, 2021 MELINDA M. JONES Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 10-15

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18927 To all persons interested in the estate of BETTY ELIZABETH BISHOP. ESTATE NO. 18927. Notice is given that LARRY EDWARD BISHOP SR., 1008 LIMESTONE COURT, SALISBURY, MD 21804 was on OCTOBER 06, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of BETTY ELIZABETH BISHOP, who died on MARCH 14, 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this pub-

lished notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 15, 2021 LARRY EDWARD BISHOP SR. Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 10-15

First Insertion CRYSTAL BRADY, ESQ. 2001 BAYNARD BLVD. WILMINGTON, DE 19802 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18930 Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS COURT of NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DE, appointed MICHAEL RUSSEL, 4020 FOREST POINT DRIVE, MUSKEGON, MI 49441, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of E. JEANETTE QUILLEN AKA EMILY PLEASANTON QUILLEN, EMILY P. QUILLEN, EMILY JEANTTE QUILLEN, who died on JANUARY 31, 2007, domiciled in DELAWARE, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is CRYSTAL BRADY, ESQ who address is 6225 CRAIN HIGHWAY, UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20772.

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

Page 52

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 15, 2021 MICHAEL RUSSELL Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 10-15, 10-22, 10-29

First Insertion B. RANDALL COATES, ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET PO BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18932 To all persons interested in the estate of WILSON KENNETH PAYNE AKA WILSON K. PAYNE, JR., ESTATE NO. 18932. Notice is given that JUANITA LYNN WATSON, 37260 DAVEY JONES BOULEVARD, GREENBACKVILLE, VA 23356, was on, OCTOBER 08, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILSON KENNETH PAYNE, who died on SEPTEMBER 01, 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 8TH day of APRIL, 2022.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 15, 2021 JUANITA LYNN WATSON 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 10-15, 10-22, 10-29

fore the 8TH day of APRIL, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 15, 2021 JAMES WILLIAM BLIMLINE 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 10-15, 10-22, 10-29

First Insertion First Insertion RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18934 To all persons interested in the estate of MARTHA MILLER MITCHELL BLIMLINE, ESTATE NO. 18934.

Notice is given that JAMES WILLIAM BLIMLINE, 19 LINKS LANE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, OCTOBER 08, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARTHA MILLER MITCHELL BLIMLINE, who died on JULY 31, 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 be-

GERALD W. SOUKUP ESQ. 9414 BELAIR ROAD SUITE 103 BALTIMORE, MD 21236 SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18936 To all persons interested in the estate of RANDALL L. BREST. ESTATE NO. 18936.

Notice is given that JUDITH E. BREST, 27 HARBORVIEW DRIVE, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on OCTOBER 08, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of RANDALL L. BREST, who died on JULY 05, 2021 with a will.

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

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

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills

within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 15, 2021 JUDITH E. BREST Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 10-15

October 15, 2021

First Insertion MICHAEL B. MATHERS, ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18940 To all persons interested in the estate of PAUL D. SCARBOROUGH JR. AKA PAUL DANIEL SCARBOROUGH JR., ESTATE NO. 18940. Notice is given that BETTY J. SCARBOROUGH, 203 COLBOURNE LANE, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on, OCTOBER 12, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PAUL D. SCARBOROUGH JR., who died on AUGUST 15, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12TH day of APRIL,

2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 15, 2021 BETTY J. SCARBOROUGH 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 10-15, 10-22, 10-29

… 176-Unit Townhome Community Proposed Off Route 50 In Berlin October 15, 2021

FROM PAGE 12 into the town.”

Planning Director Dave Engelhart suggested the commission consider the impact of the potential development on the town. He said there would be significant real estate taxes coming to the town once the project was complete.

The town would also receive EDU (equivalent dwelling unit) fees for sewer capacity and impact fees.

Commission member Matt Stoehr asked if those fees outweighed the increased costs that came with more residential development.

Cropper said the town had plenty of water and sewer capacity to sell and that the developer would have to pay the infrastructure costs associated with extending water and sewer to the site.

Carbaugh echoed his comments.

“The town has already extended water and sewer to this property that’s not being utilized right now,” he said. “So you made a substantial investment in getting infrastructure out here for development yet nobody’s utilizing that.”

As far as sewer capacity, Engelhart said that wouldn’t be a problem because the town’s wastewater treatment plant had been designed for future expansion.

“Berlin doesn’t really have a problem with any of the newer development paying for itself,” he said.

According to Engelhart, the town’s costs came when new development couldn’t be served by the town’s aging infrastructure. When there was new development on Gay Street a few years ago, for example, the town had to upgrade water lines so they’d be able to serve the sprinkler systems in the new building.

He added that if the townhouses sold for around $350,000, the town would receive $466,000 in real estate taxes each year. He said EDU fees for the development would be nearly $3 million and impact fees would be roughly $350,000.

“I think it makes a significant impact on the town but not in a negative way,” he said. “That’s the way I’m thinking about it.”

Commission member Austin Purnell pointed out that in addition to the direct financial impact, new homes in the area would lead to more spending in local shops and restaurants.

“It’s going to help support that as well,” he said.

When Stoehr asked whether the development could prompt a stoplight at the Route 50 and Route 818 intersection, Engelhart said the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) did not have plans for one.

“We have had meetings with SHA and they have said there will never be a red light there,” he said.

Chris Denny, chairman of the commission, said he worried that Route 50 — which initially bypassed dense devel-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

oped areas — was becoming too congested. He said he worried development there would bring too many people to the area.

“It’s going to be New Jersey and New York plates,” he said.

Carbaugh argued that people who already lived in the area needed places to live. He said he had engineers working for him that were leaving Oceans East because rent kept increasing.

“The rents are going up every year to where my employees can’t afford it,” he said. “They could get a mortgage and it’d be cheaper… This is a perfect product. I think that’s what Berlin’s kind of about, for those local people to have a place to be. This I believe would fit that bill.”

Cropper said Worcester County was deficient in new home inventory.

“There’s nothing out there,” he said.

“I guess the question for this planning commission and the mayor and council, is if there is going to be somewhere that gets developed to address that need, do you want it to be here?”

He added that there was a larger need for residential property than commercial, as evidenced by the fact that there were still vacancies near Home Depot.

“Because we can’t find anything in Berlin we’re finding out builders are skipping Berlin and have now started looking at Snow Hill and at Pocomoke and even further south,” Carbaugh said.

“And they’ve even started doing small projects because we can’t get anything going here in Berlin. Do we want to miss that opportunity?”

Commission member Newt Chandler said there was a need for housing but questioned the density of the proposed development.

“I don’t think it’s a bad location for it but it’s a lot of people,” he said.

Commission member Pete Cosby said growth was a major issue and that officials needed to figure out how to ensure Berlin remained “the jewel” it is now. He believes the town should find a way to purchase development rights to limit growth. As far as Carbaugh’s project, however, Cosby said that like Chandler he thought the density was a bit much.

“Do something to make it cool, make it different,” he said.

Cosby said he liked the fact that the townhouses were not rentals but said the commission wouldn’t have any way to prevent the developer from changing it to rentals in the future.

Denny agreed.

“That happens time and time again,” he said.

He said he wanted to hear from residents regarding the proposal and encouraged them to share their views with local officials in the coming weeks.

“I’d like to see the town folks have an opportunity to weigh in on this,” he said.

Page 53

COVID-19 Staff Vaxed Virtual Appts.

Available

Estate Planning Wills & Trusts Powers of Attorney Medical Directives Elder Law 9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy. #112 Ocean City, MD 21842 www.batielaw.com

443-856-4676 Monday-Friday

Flat Fee Available Home Visits Available Upon Request

Page 54

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 15, 2021

STUDENTS In The News

Upper School students at Worcester Preparatory School celebrated spirit week by dressing accordingly to each day of the week’s theme leading up to Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 9. Class Colors Day was Monday, Oct. 4. Seniors pictured, below front from left, are Hannah Brasure, Lily Baeurle, Sumira Sehgal and Ava Nally; and, back, Grace Baeurle, Anna McDonald, Anna Marie Buas, Ashlyn Roselle and Miranda Beebe.

Below, freshmen pictured were Nazli Vnal, Jayden Scopp, Danielle Carr, Avery Roselle, Lilly Doran, Maxine Ruggerio, Emma Zajdel and Bella Marinelli. Second from bottom, sophomores Sara Freih. Evelyn Westman, Esi Mehilli, Elaina Elrick and Caitlin Williams are pictured. Bottom are seniors Natalie Brushmiller, Sophie Haines and Anna Carpenter.

Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) hosted the Berlin Fire Company for a Fire Prevention Assembly this month to explain the importance in knowing fire safety measures. The Lower School attended the assembly, where Berlin Fire Company spokesperson Jimmy Corron highlighted this year’s theme of Fire Prevention Week, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.” Pictured, from left, are Liam McAllister, Jack Jarvis, John Parker, Brock Hidell, Emerson Bofinger, Elliott Mason, Sparky the Fire Dog, Hannah Coyle and Kaylin Zervakos.

Submitted Photos

Students in Jen Spicer's third grade class at Ocean City Elementary are studying how fossilized Megalodon teeth can provide information about the prehistoric species and its environment. Pictured are Thiago Tirado-Cano, Cash Foster and Emilia Hovannisyan.

The Berlin Fire Department visited pre-k three and four students at the Berlin Education Station at the Berlin Activities Depot. They learned all about the gear they wear and about the tools on the truck.

Berlin Officials Review Draft RFP For Heron Park Property

October 15, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The town will soon begin seeking proposals from entities interested in Heron Park.

Elected officials this week drafted a request for proposals (RFP) for the disposition and development of parcels 410 and 57 at Heron Park. Officials made sure the language included will allow interested parties to pursue one or both of the parcels.

“It provides that flexibility,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

For months, officials have been discussing the potential sale of parcels 410 and 57, the portions of Heron Park closest to Old Ocean City Boulevard. On

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Tuesday, Tyndall and the council went through a 28-page draft RFP based on similar requests issued by other municipalities in the region. Tyndall launched the discussion by sharing the news that the possibility of partnering with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on the project, something that was discussed last month, was not a feasible option. He said he met with DNR Oct. 4.

“It was a very good meeting but the program was determined not to be a fit for that parcel at this time,” he said.

Tyndall said the town hadn’t had any relevant RFPs on file to serve as models for the Heron Park documents.

“So what I did was I reached out to some of the other municipalities,” he

OC Vacant Lot Options Discussed

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week winnowed down the options for a seldom-used, city owned parking lot that could be the catalyst for a major redevelopment project.

Off and on for decades, there have been attempts to redevelop the old Holt’s Landing property at the base of the town at South Philadelphia Avenue to no avail.

Recently, a development group has begun moving forward with a potential resort hotel complex on the site, but has run into challenges with meeting the required amount of parking.

Sarantis Properties is well into the planning and design of a new luxury 90room hotel on the site with a full-range of upscale amenities. The property offers some of the best panoramic views in Ocean City near the Inlet. Adding intrigue to the discussion, the Harrison Group is also considering redeveloping the old Oceanic Motel nearby.

Last month, architect Keith Iott, representing the Sarantis family, approached the Mayor and Council about a potential lease or sale of the town’s old Whiteside property on nearby South Philadelphia Avenue in order to meet the project’s parking needs, along with plans the Harrison Group had for the old Oceanic Motel property nearby at the Inlet. The Sarantis project needs about 34 parking spaces to meet the code.

After Iott’s presentation late last month, a motion was made to direct staff to explore the best options for conveying the property to the developers. On Tuesday, City Manager Doug Miller presented the options to the elected officials.

Miller explained the first option was a short-term lease with an entity. Miller said the city desired to work with a single entity on the potential sale or lease of the Whiteside property as opposed to multiple parties. Under the first option, the town would enter a short-term lease with the entity at fair market value. The shortterm lease option would run for the length of the project’s use of the property and

would allow the city to pursue a future realignment of South Philadelphia Avenue.

Another option discussed was a longterm lease with an entity, which would meet the developer’s parking goals, while still leaving open the option to realign South Philadelphia Avenue in the future. Yet another option, considered the cleanest option, would be to simply sell the Whiteside property to the developer.

Miller presented a fourth option, which he recommended. In a hybrid of two options, Miller explained the town could enter a lease with the entity providing parking within 600 feet of the future hotel property, but not necessarily on the Whiteside property. The option would satisfy the developer’s parking needs, while still leaving open the option for a future road realignment.

“The fourth and perhaps best option is to enter into a lease that would not have to be as short-term with an entity at fair market value for parking spaces with 600-feet from the project, but not necessarily Whiteside, leaving assignment of the particular spaces to the town,” he said. “This option will allow the council to pursue the South Philadelphia Avenue right of way and adjacent land road realignment should it ever so desire.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca made a motion to direct staff to explore the option of a short-term lease, essentially option four, with the caveat the city wants to work with a single entity. The motion passed 6-0 with Councilman Lloyd Martin absent.

In a letter sent to the Mayor and Council, Iott explained the reasoning for a desire to lease or buy the old Whiteside property. “… while this stunning location is perfect for the hotel, the site is quite small and unusually shaped. With the lease or purchase of the Whiteside lot, the new hotel will be able to provide amenities and guests experiences that are warranted for this location. While we are not privy to the plans of the Harrison Group, they desire to jointly lease or purchase the lot with Sarantis.”

Page 55

said. “I do want to publicly thank the City of Salisbury and Mayor Jake Day who sent over voluminous amount of RFPs for me to look through.”

He said he’d drafted what he felt was appropriate but proceeded to seek council input regarding various word choices throughout the document.

Planning Director Dave Engelhart reminded officials that it was likely that the zoning on the parcels would have to be changed moving forward, as Heron Park in its entirety is zoned residential.

“We zoned this R-1 because that’s where parks are allowed,” Engelhart said.

Tyndall suggested officials ask members of the Berlin Planning Commission to make up part of the committee that will eventually review the submitted proposals.

Council members said they wanted to make sure the RFP would allow entities to submit proposals for parcel 410, parcel 57 or both. Tyndall confirmed that it would.

Revisions and adjustments discussed Tuesday will be worked into the draft in the coming days so that it can be reviewed again by the council at the meeting scheduled for Oct. 25.

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Page 56

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 15, 2021

COMMUNITY News In Photos

The Worcester County Commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing Oct. 3-9, as Worcester County Fire Prevention Week and October as Fire Prevention Month. Those pictured include, first row, Senior Deputy Fire Marshal Rob Korb, Jr., Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon, and Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Matt Owens; second and third row, Commissioners Diana Purnell, Ted Elder, Bud Church, Jim Bunting, Chip Bertino, Joe Mitrecic and, top, Josh Nordstrom.

The Worcester County Commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing Oct. 10-16, 2021 as Worcester County History Week. Those pictured include Ocean Pines Marketing and Public Relations Director Josh Davis, Delmarva Discovery Museum Acting Director Christy Gordon, Beach to Bay Heritage Area Executive Director Lisa Challenger, Worcester County History Week organizer Nancy Howard, Newt Weaver and Christine Okerblom of the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum; Heather Nottingham of Calvin B. Taylor House Museum and Commissioners Diana Purnell, Ted Elder, Bud Church, Jim Bunting, Chip Bertino, Joe Mitrecic and Josh Nordstrom.

The most prestigious award given each year by the outgoing president of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City is the Kiwanian of the Year award. President Steve Cohen, at right, presented the award to Candy Foreman and Roy Foreman, spouse co-chairs of the club’s "Dawg Team." The couple chaired the team that provided food for the "The Wall That Heals" volunteers, all the summer weekly Concerts In The Park, the 4th of July Celebration, the Pine'eers Craft Fair, the Kiwanis Car Show, the Summer Flea Market, the Big Trucks Day and three upcoming fall events.

The Worcester County Commissioners joined with Patty Behr, president of the Eastern Shore Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, to proclaim Oct. 15 as White Cane Awareness Day in Worcester County to encourage area residents and employers to value the white cane as a tool of independence for the blind in both public spaces and businesses.

The Kiwanis year begins on Oct. 1 every year. It's the time when new officers take over. The Kiwanis Capital District has divisions by geographic territory. Division 5 encompasses 11 clubs on the Eastern Shore of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia that are governed by a lieutenant governor. On Sept. 29, Steve Cohen, outgoing president of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City, was installed as the new lieutenant governor of Division 5. Above, Cohen is pictured with Outgoing Division 5 Lt. Governor Christine Johnson holding the banner denoting the lieutenant governor post now resides with the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines-Ocean City.

The Worcester County Commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing October as Shore Craft Beer Month in Worcester County and encouraged residents and visitors to take part in the many local craft beer centered events this month, including the 7th Annual Autumn Shore Craft Beer Fest in Ocean City’s Sunset Park on Oct. 23. Those pictured include, front row, Paul Carlotta of Sinepuxent Brewing, Business Development and Retention Specialist Michele Burke, Tourism and Economic Development Director Melanie Pursel and Anne Neely of Shore Craft Beer; and, second and third rows, Commissioners Diana Purnell, Ted Elder, Bud Church, Jim Bunting, Chip Bertino, Joe Mitrecic and Josh Nordstrom.

… caucus seeking independent probe

October 15, 2021

FROM PAGE 6 City incidents, but all examples of alleged systemic racism.

“We’re matching our actions to our words,” he said. “We’re not just fighting for these incidents. We’re fighting for all instances of injustice.”

Snowden pointed out one of the OCPD officers involved in the incidents is married to the Worcester County State’s Attorney.

“We met with the mayor and the police chief,” he said. “One of the officers involved is married to the Worcester County State’s Attorney. We’re calling on the Maryland Attorney General to conduct an independent investigation.

The mayor decided not to have an independent investigation. Generally speaking, when an officer is involved, there is an independent investigation.”

Larry Diggs of the Harford County NAACP chapter promised aggressive action if the organization’s demands were not met.

“Our mission is to address and hopefully eradicate systemic racism,” he said.

“We cannot continue with this. We’re going to be aggressive. The journey of 1,000 miles starts right here.”

For his part, Snowden said the African-American leadership is not claiming the young men involved in the incident were absent of blame, but merely the level of force allegedly used did not match their actions.

“Police brutality has to stop,” he said.

“What happened on the Boardwalk in June is unacceptable. We don’t claim any young man did anything right or wrong, but what happened to them was unacceptable.”

Rogers said the coalition is simply seeking justice and accountability, not just for the incidents in Ocean City, but for all instances of alleged injustice.

“If you see something unjust going and you don’t do anything, you must be comfortable with it,” he said. “That’s why we’re taking action. There was no accountability here. What can we do to bring accountability to our community?”

In advance of Tuesday’s press conference, Snowden implied the city and its police department were under the impression the June incidents would blow over in time.

“If elected officials believed that by doing nothing and saying nothing, that this matter would blow over, they are in for a rude awakening,” Snowden said.

Ocean City officials did not attend the press conference on Tuesday, but were aware of the issues raised by the coalition, according to Communications and Marketing Director Jessica Waters.

“We are aware of the requests by the CAAL,” she said. “We have met with statewide representatives and have listened to their concerns. We continue to work with local representatives of the NAACP from Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset County to work together and move forward.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Page 58

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 15, 2021

OBITUARIES Paul Phillip Rouchard OCEAN CITY – Paul Phillip Rouchard, age 87, of Ocean City, passed away on Sept. 9, 2021 in Melbourne, Fla. He was born on Nov. 28, 1933 in Baltimore County to the late Marcella Anderson and Jean Rouchard.

Paul had a zest for life, a drive and determination to get things done. His hands were his tools; always moving, tinkering and fixing-creating and bringing new life to old things. When his hands weren’t holding a hammer or working on his latPAUL PHILLIP est project, they were ROUCHARD extended openly to family, friends, and neighbors. A true gentleman-humble and generous, always happy to see you. He had an attitude of positivity and a warm smile no matter what.

In his life’s work, he designed and built fiberglass pools and waterslides. He holds a U.S. Patent for inventing bolt together fiberglass waterslides and went on to build and own waterslides in Ocean City and several states.

Paul was a master mechanic and self-taught engineer who could fix anything. He owned and operated Ocean Designs for 20 years, a large machine and tool company based in Bishopville where he built fiberglass boats as well as did boat metal fabrication.

Paul had many interests throughout his life and always kept himself busy. He earned his pilot license and loved flying his two airplanes. He built and raced his own stock car in the early 70’s. He even owned a car dealership at one time.

In his later years, Paul loved nothing more than taking his boat out in the bay while listening to Jimmy Buffet, often over to Fish Tales or M.R. Ducks. He never met a stranger, and enjoyed sharing stories and a cold beer with new friends.

Paul approached life very much like he did the open water, with no destination and endless possibilities. He was truly one of a kind, and he will be dearly missed.

Paul was preceded in death by five brothers and one sister. He leaves behind his three children, Pamela Stone, Phillip Rouchard and David Rouchard, all of Florida; his loving wife Mary Dean of Ocean City, her children, Debi Cook, Dean Thompson and Dorette Thompson; as well as seven grandchildren. He also leaves behind a sister, Jackie Fields of Timonium, Md. A mass will be held at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 4 p.m.

John H. Purnell BERLIN – John “Jack” H. Purnell was born on the 4th of July on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Jack enjoyed life — a life that included business, international travel, and a devoted love for family and friends. He died peacefully after a long illness that he endured with remarkable patience and dignity.

Jack spent his younger years in Long

Island, New York, followed by his teens in Beirut, Lebanon where his father took an overseas assignment. He then returned to the United States and graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an M.B.A. with distinction from Wharton.

He married Pat, his wife of 56 years, and moved to St. Louis where he was employed with Anheuser-Busch for 36 years. His many responsibilities included heading Corporate Planning and Development and Anheuser-Busch International, Inc. He served as a member of the Anheuser-Busch Strategy Committee and the Corporate Office.

To borrow a tagline from the company, making friends was his business.

He loved to travel, for work or pleasure, and developed solid friendships with his international business associates. Often, after difficult meetings or negotiations, he defused tensions oJOHN H. PURNELL ver dinner with his famous sense of humor, sharing stories and jokes. He was a brilliant negotiator of “the win-win” in business and personal interactions.

During retirement, Jack served on the boards of Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis and Gene Slay’s Boys’ and Girls’ Club of St. Louis. He also worked as an "Executive in Residence" in The John M. Olin School of Business at Washington University, where he advised students and taught a popular class for future marketers.

Jack will be remembered for his positive outlook, mentorship, generosity, kindness, humor, and genuine love for the treasured people in his life. His favorite karaoke song was “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. His way of leading life was a good one.

Along with his wife, Pat, he is survived by his brother, two daughters, and three grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m. at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Berlin.

Janie Loretta Everett BERLIN – Janie Loretta Everett, 82, of Berlin, passed away peacefully on Oct. 5, 2021 in Woodbine. Born on Nov. 1, 1938 in Pikeville, Kentucky to the late Gilmer and Virginia Lell.

She was a member of the Red Hat Ladies, a licensed cosmetologist from 1973, received a diploma from Christian Growth Study Plan in Experiencing God, worked for Safeway Inc. as a meat wrapper, deli clerk, deli manager to become deli merchandising eastern division until her retirement 29 years later. Janie loved to love on people with JANIE kindness, prayers and LORETTA caring, loved cooking, EVERETT sewing, bowling, spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and serving God. Janie is survived by her loving hus-

band Sam Everett; her three children, son and wife Michael and Sandi Hurley, daughter Debbie Merson, daughter and husband Brenda and William Dabolt; grandchildren Melissa Benson, Christopher Lynn, Austin Merson, Amy Goodell, Ashley Hurley, Jasmine Dabolt and Audrey Dabolt; great grandchildren Julian Lynn, Jake Benson and Michael Lynn; four siblings, sister Mossie Hornfeck, brother and wife Burlin and Geneva Lell, sister Betty Hurley, sister and husband Carol Jean and Wallace Arthur; and her many nephews and nieces. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2021 with visitation starting at 12:30 p.m. at Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road, Berlin, Md. 21811.

Memorial donations in memory of Janie Everett may be made to the Community Church at Ocean Pines Outreach Center, 11227 Racetrack Road, Berlin, Md. 21811 or the John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, P.O. Box 49143, Baltimore, Md. 21297-9143 or online at hopkinscancer.org, or to Gilchrist Hospice, 11311 McCormick Road, Ste. 350, Hunt Valley, Md. 21031 or online at gilchristcares.org/donation.

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

Candy Gebhart BISHOPVILLE – Candy Gebhart passed away peacefully at her home in Bishopville under the loving care of her husband Mickey and her son Kevin on Saturday, Oct. 9.

Candy was born and raised in Bishopville graduating from Stephen Decatur High School before starting her nursing career at Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing at Beebe Healthcare. With over a 40-year nursing career primarily focused on emergency care, Candy was by nature a caregiver and one of the world’s great hosts.

She had a BIG HEART and LIVED LIFE out LOUD. She was contagious.

She listened, and she made you feel loved, welcomed and special. There were no strangers to her.

I think this quote could have been her mantra – “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget CANDY how you made them feel.” Thank you for mak- GEBHART ing so many people FEEL loved.

She leaves behind her beautiful childhood home filled with her warmth, creativity, and some of the best flowerbeds on the Eastern Shore. Her family of Mickey, Jessica, David, Kevin, Charlotte and Sophie will celebrate the fruits of her labor for generations to come. The annual summertime visit of her granddaughters from Hong Kong was always the highlight of her year.

Funeral services took place on Thurs-

day, Oct. 14, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Frankford, Del. The Celebrant of her life was Father Jim Jackson. Interment followed at Roxana Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to be made to Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department at 10709 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, Md. 21813 or to Coastal Hospice at PO Box 1733 Salisbury, Md. 21802.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Tyler Groton RANDALLSTOWN – Tyler Groton, 35, died unexpectedly on Oct. 6, 2021, at Northwest Hospital in Randallstown, Md. Tyler was born on Feb. 22, 1986, in Salisbury to parents Thomas C. Groton III and Althea Smith Groton.

Tyler is survived by his parents, Judge Thomas Groton III and Althea Smith Groton, and brother Clay Groton IV and wife Melissa of Cambridge. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, T. Clay Groton, Jr. and Marie Danzeglock Groton, and maternal grandparents, Andrew Custis Smith and Belinda Hill Smith. He is TYLER GROTON also survived by an aunt, Lynne Weidner; cousin Melisa Anne Weidner; niece Anna Groton; nephew Adam Groton; aunt Tish Dryden; uncle Ray Dryden; cousins Alex Dryden and James Price; as well as numerous friends.

Although born in Salisbury, Tyler grew up in Snow Hill. He had been a member of the Nassawango Country Club swim team and later became a certified lifeguard in which capacity he worked for the lower shore YMCA for many years.

He was a member of the Boy Scout Troop 193 in Pocomoke and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Tyler's Eagle Scout project consisted of building a shelter for homeless cats. He also participated for a number of years in the gifted and talented writing program. Tyler completed the Crystal Beach Triathlon, placing first in his age group.

After attending Snow Hill elementary and middle school, he graduated from Salisbury Christian School where he whetted his appetite for acting; appearing in "Motel," "Fiddler on the Roof" and numerous other plays at the school. He attended Towson University and graduated in 2008 with a Bachelors’ Degree in Theater. As a theater major at Towson, he appeared in "Zoo Story," "Diary of Anne Frank" and "Largo Desolato" among several others. He also served on lighting, sound, building, backstage and costume crews. Tyler was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He lived in the Mt. Vernon Section of Baltimore City where he was active with numerous theaters in the area, most prominently the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company.

In a memorial, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company indicated "Tyler was a SEE NEXT PAGE

October 15, 2021

... OBITUARIES multi-talented artist who worked as an actor, crew member, and bartender and as one of our most meticulous and charming house managers. He brightened every room that he entered. Tyler was smart, witty, talented, and full of life.

There was no doubt he was attending a show when you heard his infectious laugh." He appeared in plays such as "Romeo & Juliet," "A Christmas Carol," "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead," "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "The Tempest" among others.

Upon graduation from Towson University Tyler was employed by McDonogh School in the theater department, he booked and managed hundreds of events in the Burke Center, Ceres M. Horn Theater, and Klein Lyceum.

The McDonogh School community mourns the sudden death of Tyler Groton, the Assistant Manager for the Burke Center for the Performing Arts. Groton joined the McDonogh Family as Theatre Manager in 2011 and quickly became an integral part of the staff and a beloved member of the community.

“Tyler’s presence on campus will be sorely missed. He impacted everyone in one way or another,” says Head of School David J. Farace ‘87. “But it was his connection with kids that made the biggest impression. They appreciated his patience as a teacher and his sense of humor. Tyler loved any excuse to dress up, whether it was Halloween, Spirit Week, or a well-tailored suit for the opening night of a show.”

He brought his expertise and experience to McDonogh where he built sets, designed lighting, operated sound and light equipment, guided the tech and backstage crews, and booked and managed hundreds of events in the Burke Center, Ceres M. Horn Theatre, and Klein Lyceum annually.

Tyler made his directorial debut in 2015 when he guided a group of talented Middle School actors in a performance of “The Little Prince”. Groton said he was attracted to the play because of its large ensemble which makes up the scenery and props that have a constant presence in the story. Tyler had the performers wear LED bracelets so they became stars, literally and figuratively. “I really wanted everyone on stage to have a purpose and feel that without them the play wouldn’t have been what it was,” he said.

He was most proud of his role in bringing “The Laramie Project” to the McDonogh stage in the fall of 2019.

As the Director of the play, which details the brutal killing of gay college student Matthew Shepard, Groton said he not only wanted to stretch the actors’ ability with the demanding piece of documentary theater, but he also wanted to foster discussion about the treatment of LGBTQ people.

In a 2020 McDonogh Magazine article, Groton explained that Matthew Shepard’s story resonated with the cast, crew, and the audience of “The Laramie Project” well after the final bow, “I love when a show has an emotional impact, when it doesn’t leave you at the curtain call, when you go home and are still thinking about it,” he said. “I love when

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch it starts conversations and brings up things that maybe you couldn’t do in another medium.” Indeed, the play served as a catalyst for conversation about how people speak to each other, treat each other, and view each other.

Farace, who played the role of Shepard’s father in “The Laramie Project”, says, “I had the unique opportunity to be directed by Tyler. I learned so much through that experience – beyond acting skills. I am so grateful that he had the opportunity to bring this meaningful play to the stage.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Groton and his colleagues quickly pivoted and became experts in coordinating webinars and virtual events. During the 2020-2021 school year, he helped guide members of the Upper School Theatre Lab through “Zoomicals: The Musicals”, a weekly virtual opportunity designed to keep students engaged in theatre, and She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms, an online production that takes place in a virtual world.

“Tyler’s presence in the arts community was incredibly impactful. Students loved him because he treated them like people – never talking down to them.

Colleagues loved him because he had the unique ability to make you feel seen and respected while not compromising his own identity and big personality,” recalls Kara Zimmerman, Director of Fine and Performing Arts. “His laugh could make even the most stoic person smile.

He will be forever missed.”

Tyler was proudly an organ donor.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, at 11 a.m. at All Hallows Episcopal Cemetery in Snow Hill. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to the Tyler C. Groton Memorial Fund at McDonogh School, 8600 McDonogh Rd, Owings Mills, Md. 21117. Gifts will be used to support the theater program.

Letters of condolence can be made to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com.

Ellen Grant Wattay MILFORD, Del. – Ellen Grant Wattay, age 86, born Nov. 29, 1934, died on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2021, while in hospice at the Milford Veterans Home.

Having moved with her family to Ocean City in 1968, she was the daughter of the late T. Earl and Mildred L. Grant of Mallard Island.

Ellen was proud to have been a physical therapist in the United States Air Force, a passion for which she developed into a profession locally, and earned a doctorate. As her father before her, she was also an avid fan of Washington Football which she passed down to her boys. Ellen’s retirement led her to reELLEN GRANT side in Salisbury and latWATTAY er Smyrna, Del. She is survived by her four sons, David (wife Lisa), Adam (wife Christine), Dana (wife Molly), and Matthew; her grandchildren, Derek (wife Megan), Shannon, Brianna, Amity, Kory, Benjamin, Jessica, Cameron, Spencer, Nolan, and Justine; and great-grandchildren Kinsley, Sawyer and Adriana.

A private Celebration of Life dinner will be held at a later date.

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Rough Seas:

The Wicomico Street Pier is pictured on a cloudy, windy and wet Monday in Ocean City.

Photo by Chris Parypa

John David Sweigert, Jr. ANNAPOLIS – John David Sweigert, Jr died on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. He was 81 years old.

Dave, as he was known, was born on May 10, 1940 in Glen Ridge, N.J. He was the son of the late Lillian R. Sweigert and John D. Sweigert Sr. Dave was raised in Salisbury and graduated Wicomico High School in 1958 and attended Goldey-Beacom College.

On June 18, 1966, Dave married the love of his life, Anne Townsend Deeley.

They started their family in Towson and moved to Queenstown in 1978, where they continued to raise their two daughters. Once they were empty nesters, Anne and Dave retired to Ocean City and several years later moved to Crisfield.

Dave had a huge heart and a kind gentle soul. His favorite pastime was sitting at the kitchen table and reminiscing with family and friends. He was an avid advice giver, a great listener and the best hugger. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh and was us- JOHN DAVID ually the butt of many SWEIGERT, JR. jokes, especially made by his late wife, Anne. Dave’s greatest joy was being a grandfather and getting to see his grandchildren grow. He loved to tell them family stories and he never ever missed a chance to tell them how much he loved them and how proud he was of them.

What we know Dave loved the most about life was simply telling people that he loved them. He wholeheartedly believed in just plain LOVE. And that spreading love was the way to keep his heart and soul at peace. He reminded us to never miss a chance to say I love you and to always let people know what they mean to your life.

He is survived by his two daughters, Sara “Sallie” Arciero (Cletus) of Atlanta, Ga. and Abigail “Abbie” McNomee (Michael) of Annapolis; two grandsons, John Cletus Arciero and Quinlan James McNomee; and two granddaughters, Deeley Catherine Arciero and Charlotte Rayne McNomee. He is also survived by his sister, Alice Ann Wells (Dean); two sisters in law , Laura “Candy” Chester (late George) and Daisy Gutberlet

(Richard); brother-in-law Haskin “Sandy” Deeley (Beth); nephews JD Wells (Beth Ann), John Chester (Molly), Deeley Chester (Kristy), Daniel Gutberlet and Sam Deeley; nieces Carole Ann Brazeal (Donny), Cara Chester, Laura Bren (Dan), Allison Gutberlet, Maggie Gutberlet and Caroline Gutberlet; two great-nieces Rebecca Diggs and Rowan Chester; and six great-nephews, JR Diggs, David Wells (Kaitlyn), Brian Wells, Austin Bren, Gavin Bren, Kade Chester and Beauden Chester. He is also survived by his long-time friend, Michael Thommen whom he thought of as a son.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local food bank.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be announced at a later date.

Wanda Jean Cohen BERLIN – Wanda Jean Cohen, age 73, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury.

Born in York, Pa., one of 10 children, she was the daughter of the late Lester Elwood Smith and Cecilia Marie Eckenrode Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Charles Cohen, in 2016.

She is survived by her daughter, Meryl A. Cohen of Berlin.

Wanda had worked in customer service at Home Depot in Berlin. WANDA JEAN COHEN She was a member of Temple Bat Yam Temple in Berlin, loved shopping, spending time with her daughter Meryl and their pet cats Ralph and Lola.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. at Temple Bat Yam Synagogue in Berlin. Rabbi Arthur Rutberg will officiate. Interment will be on Friday, Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. in Montefiore Cemetery in Jenkintown, Pa. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her memory may be made to Temple Bat Yam, 11036 Worcester Hwy, Berlin Md. 21811, or Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733 Salisbury, Md. 21804. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

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October 15, 2021

Nursing Shortage Merits Government Intervention How We See It

There is a national crisis in health care today, and the pandemic is only a contributing factor in the widespread emergency. There is a major nursing shortage affecting every hospital system to varying severities.

The statistics detailing the shortage are startling. For instance, as of last month, open nursing jobs are 255% higher in 2021 compared to the same time period last year. The reasons are numerous including increased need for care in general, high burnout rates due to increased responsibilities, more older nurses retiring annually than young counterparts entering the field, a national phenomenon known as “the great resignation,” some nurses refusing to be vaccinated and recent healthcare legislation making the field less attractive.

While hospitals continually compete for nurses in a spirited marketplace, many are focusing on retention. They are showing their current nurses the money through higher average wages and availability of overtime. The theme is retaining the best and brightest nurses, while also continuing to recruit others at every turn. Some nurses are following the money, leaving their current jobs

in local hospitals for other employment in metropolitan hospitals where the rate could be triple the status quo with a signing bonus and travel stipend.

Due to shortages in full-time nurses, the demand for national travel nursing has exploded. Travel nurses on average are billing more than $150/hour, as a result of hospitals desperately needing their services to meet their shift demands. It’s become a cutthroat market.

The crisis has now reached the point the medical community is seeking a national declaration from the government.

In a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, the American Nurses Association President Ernest Grant requested mobilizing federal resources to help the private sector combat this public health emergency.

“The nation’s health care delivery systems are overwhelmed, and nurses are tired and frustrated as this persistent pandemic rages on with no end in sight.

Nurses alone cannot solve this longstanding issue and it is not our burden to carry,” wrote Grant in the letter. “If we truly value the immeasurable contributions of the nursing workforce, then it is

imperative that HHS utilize all available authorities to address this issue. ANA stands ready to work with HHS and other stakeholders on a whole of government approach to ensure we have a strong nursing workforce today and in the future. Our nation must have a robust nursing workforce at peak health and wellness to administer COVID-19 vaccines, educate communities, and provide safe patient care for millions of Americans. We cannot be a healthy nation until we commit to address underlying, chronic nursing workforce challenges that have persisted for decades."

Nurses are critical to medical care.

They are the front-line individuals who truly care for those needing medical assistance. While the doctors steer the treatments, the nurses are the soldiers who carry out those orders. In many cases, nurses are the single biggest indicator of quality service. A successful medical care model does not function without enough nurses. Government often rises to help private businesses in times of crisis, and the current nursing shortage in the health care world certainly qualifies as such a situation.

Letters To The Editor Numerous Unanswered Questions About Wind Editor: (The following is the letter I have sent to the Public Service Commission about the proposal to expand the wind farms off our coast.)

Dear Mr. Johnston and Commissioners, I am an environmental professional working on the shore for over 30 years, and I have some questions and a couple comments for the commission.

I see that the big wind companies have not yet found a place to bring the power ashore. Citizens of lower Delaware have rejected plans to build the necessary infrastructure on their ocean front. A report from their Public Service Commission task force recommended that the State “explore the procurement of other renewable resources in lieu of offshore wind.” And here in Maryland, the Park Service has ruled that there will be no turbines in their viewshed, and no station will be built on Assateague Island. That leaves Ocean City.

Will the State use the big stick of eminent domain to take private or municipal property for this use? Imagine that legal battle.

If the Commission doesn’t know where the power will come ashore, isn’t any ruling on wind farms putting the cart before the horse?

My company has done numerous tidal studies over the years. NOAA data clearly show that yearly global sea

level rise is holding steady at 3 millimeters, about one-eighth of an inch. It’s a little more here on the Shore because the peninsula has been sinking since the last Ice Age. NOAA data are easily accessible on the web.

Is such a miniscule rise in sea levels enough to make us panic and put this industrial junk in the ocean? This will be a permanent blight on the natural world. Once done, we can’t go back.

Do we really want to put these giant machines in the middle of the Atlantic Migratory Flyway that is used by millions of birds every year? This is nuts.

The vision of birds being sliced and diced and falling from the sky is sickening.

It’s true that burning coal spews particle pollutants. Wouldn’t our tax dollars be better spent converting the coal-fired plants to cleaner-burning natural gas?

How about using our tax money to plant more forests and marshes to sequester carbon?

Shouldn’t we be subsidizing more solar power and more energy conservation?

Why are we giving billions of our tax dollars to foreign companies?

If this boondoggle ever gets built, I know the mobs of true believers will stand on the beach and see these machines as spiritual icons, symbols of hope that if we stop sinning, we can avoid the Apocalypse.

Not me. Instead of an infinite, soulexpanding horizon, I’ll see a wall of

rusting machinery.

And at night, all those blinking red lights will remind me that the follies of mankind never end.

Spencer Rowe Ocean City

Charter Not Followed With Bond Ordinance Editor: (The following letter was addressed to the Ocean City Mayor and Council with a copy sent to this newspaper for publication.)

Section C-409 of the Town Charter of Ocean City, entitled "Passage of Ordinances" reads in part, "No ordinance shall be passed at the meeting at which it is introduced. At any regular or special meeting of the Mayor and City Council held not less than six (6) days nor more than sixty (60) days after the meeting at which an ordinance is introduced. it shall be passed, or passed as amended, or rejected, or its consideration deferred to some specified future date."

I have watched the video of your Regular Session on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. When Ordinance 2021-19 was up for second reading, a motion was made "to adopt Ordinance 2021-19, not to exceed $48,945,000." There was no mention of passing the ordinance "as amended" as required by the Town Charter.

I have also reviewed the actual sigSEE NEXT PAGE

October 15, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Letters To The Editor nature page of Ordinance 2021-19 found on page 26 of the ordinance.

There is no mention of the ordinance being finally "passed as amended".

It is my opinion that Ordinance 202119 is an invalid ordinance because it was not passed by the proper procedure.

Considering the fact that the Town does not expect to go to the bond sale until around Thanksgiving, there is ample time to re-do the ordinance properly. It also gives the Mayor & City Council additional time to be more precise regarding the cost, design and location of the new firehouse. Furthermore, I believe that there should be a public hearing regarding the new firehouse so that the public can weigh in on the project.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Vincent dePaul Gisriel, Jr. Ocean City

Bill Gibbs Will Be Missed

By Local Veterans Group Editor: It was with great sorrow our Vietnam Veterans of America OC Chater#1091 heard of the passing of our friend and supporter Bill Gibbs.

I met Bill for the first time a few years ago when we were planning a memorial for Barry Howard Berger, the only Ocean City native born to be killed in action in Vietnam. I was told he and Barry were best friends in school. We were a young organization and this was a large project for us to undertake.

Bill gave us his full support and contacted Barry's school mates who attended the dedication. Bill also funded our yearly scholarship to Stephen Decatur High School. While Bill was not a veteran himself, he certainly was an outstanding supporter. He is the only honorary member of VVA1091. We will miss you.

Nelson Kelly (The writer is the president of the Ocean City Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #1091.)

Wind Farm Supporters Deserved More Coverage Editor: As a resident of Ocean City who participated in the PSC wind hearings mentioned in your article, the article content stunned me. Far from split, the wind hearing testimony began with a handful of admittedly influential people, lamenting over possible viewshed alterations, who hundreds of residents, environmental groups, and trade associations supporting the project subsequently drowned out.

Unfortunately, the article precisely follows the reasoning of those voicing

project opposition by separating results and reasoning. Project managers zoned the turbines at twelve to twenty-seven miles off the coast for very specific economic and scientific reasons, not as an attack on the Ocean City skyline. Project zoning considerations minimized migratory bird impacts inside ten miles and whales and shipping lanes impacted outside 28 miles.

Testimony against the wind project sounds exponentially less reasonable when compared to support rooted in science and climate modeling. Moving towards renewable energy transfers some burden from intense carbon emitting energy production with negative climate warming impacts exemplified in Ocean City flooding, inundation, and extreme weather impacts. The coastal community needs green energy normalization. Otherwise, coastal resilience proposals like those in Nassau, New York, become a possibility with million-dollar sea walls as one of few solutions for rising sea levels and flooding. An enormous cement wall around the beach creates far more issues with viewsheds than turbines miles off the coast.

Overall, most residents who understand the project’s importance for Ocean City and other coastal communities support it. Unfortunately, those who did not attend the hearings and only read the article may incorrectly assume parties for and against the project split evenly.

Ciera Miller

Vocal Minority Represented At Wind Farm Hearing Editor: I read with interest your paper’s coverage of the Maryland Public Service Commission hearings on offshore wind last week. It suggested there was an equal or close to equal number of testifiers on both sides.

I was there for both. By my count over the two hearings, the number was 92 pro-wind and 17 anti-wind, with less than 10 of those opponents being nonelected citizens. You can watch for yourself on the Maryland Public Service Commission’s website.

This is important because it remains clear that a small minority of loud voices is drowning out the beliefs of the majority. In fact, many Eastern Shore residents, including residents of Ocean City, believe that offshore wind turbines are a positive for all of us in both the near and long term. The time to make change is now.

The fact that 84% of the 109 folks who took the time to testify in favor last week is just one manifestation of that.

Kim Abplanalp Ocean City

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

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Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green While a solid crowd was in Ocean City last weekend for the Cruisin event, the fall installment continues to be tame. Even at the height of the concerns over vehicle events in Ocean City a few years ago, the fall Cruisin weekend has always been the quietest with the least problems for police when compared to the spring version and the pop-up rally.

“It was relatively a non-event,” Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro said during Wednesday’s Police Commission meeting. “I think everyone had a good, positive experience in Ocean City. From a public safety aspect, we faired very, very well. There were minimal incidents throughout town the entire weekend.”

There will come a point when the special enforcement zone will need to be reconsidered for this specific weekend. It’s too soon to consider lifting the safety and enforcement enhancements the special event zone brings with it at this time, but it should be considered in 2023 if next year is another quiet weekend for the fall Cruisin event. The Columbus Day weekend – which many businesses view as the end to their season -- has traditionally not been a major thorn in the city’s side. A few years of peace will be needed before any consideration to do away with the special event zone for the pop-up weekend and the spring Cruisin event.

Also, during the police commission meeting this week, Buzzuro recapped September crime figures. Buzzuro reported a significant decrease in calls for service compared to September 2019 and September 2020.

“You can see there was a fairly significant decrease in calls for service, starting with officer calls, which were reduced by more than 1,000 from September of 2019 to September of 2021 …,” he said. “The better gauge is the 2019 gauge.”

Buzzuro added that citizen calls for service had decreased by 400. And in the top 25 calls for service, traffic stops had decreased by more than 700, disorderly calls had decreased by 360 and citizen assists had decreased by 148, when compared to September 2019. Under September enforcement, custodial arrests decreased from 293 in 2019 to 278 in 2021, drug arrests increased from 14 in 2019 to 21 in 2021, and drug citations (marijuana) had decreased from 39 in 2019 to 20 in 2021. While weapons arrests had increased from 12 in 2019 to 30 in 2021, Buzzuro noted it was an improvement from 2020, which had a reported 40 weapons arrests.

“We know we are moving in the right direction,” Buzzuro told commission members.

Time is of the essence when it comes to a potential workforce housing complex to serve Ocean City. It will likely be a couple summers before any sort of project is built and major obstacles preventing a site decision now should be considered serious. Too many complications should result in the city moving on to easier options.

Therefore, Ocean City is right to shift its focus away from the problematic park-and-ride site – favored by city elected officials during a discussion last week. Further review of the park-and-ride facility revealed significant issues to overcome. While a downtown site is under consideration, the city seems to be favoring the 100th Street parking lot, which is under utilized most of the summer. Any sort of development agreement would require a deal with a utility company on a land swap, but it appears at this point to be a viable option and also the simplest.

There may be some temptation to consider the downtown model block program, but it would seem logical for a seasonal housing complex to not be located in the town’s downtown area. The town’s model block program has long been envisioned as a prime redevelopment opportunity with the goal of enhancing activity and interest in the core block between Philadelphia and Baltimore avenues. A seasonal workforce housing complex, which by its nature would sit vacant many months, would not accomplish this worthwhile goal of creating a new destination point in the downtown core.

Ocean City should give the 100th Street site all its attention because without adequate housing the labor shortage of recent years will become commonplace.

There appears to be a race currently among residential developers on the lower shore. Some frank conversation at this week’s Berlin Planning Commission confirmed the observation. Under consideration by the commission is a proposed 176-unit townhouse community at the northwest intersection of Main Street and Route 50. Developers are trying to capitalize on the hot real estate market before it fizzles out. Make no mistake there will be a real estate correction in the future as history confirms it’s inevitable. It just a matter of when.

In the meantime, developers want to build housing to meet the demands and interests of buyers before the market changes. Developer Chris Carbaugh was blunt when he talked about the benefits of the townhouse community.

“This is a project the development group is looking to go as quickly as they can, with the market as good as it is,” he said. “You can’t get these built fast enough. We’d like to see what we could do to keep the project moving forward. … Because we can’t find anything in Berlin we’re finding out builders are skipping Berlin and have now started looking at Snow Hill and at Pocomoke and even further south. And they’ve even started doing small projects because we can’t get anything going here in Berlin. Do we want to miss that opportunity?”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

I

Puzzle Answers

October 15, 2021

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

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t was a weird week at home.

Beckett, 13, left Monday for a three-day, two-night field trip at Echo Hill Outdoor School in Worton. He has been away from home before but what made this trip unique was the inability to communicate. There were no phones or electronics allowed. It was meant to be an exciting, fun and interesting outdoor experience for he and his classmates.

A departure from normal life was the goal, and I think it was mission accomplished.

Being a teenager, even if he did have his phone with him, communication would have likely been sparse anyway. Short responses like, “all good,” “I did,” “yes” and “okay” would have probably been the norm. It’s funny how I missed those texts back.

I was pleasantly surprised how talkative he was about the trip when he got home. I figured he was going to need time to decompress assuming he probably did not sleep well camping out.

He talked about how much he liked his camp counselors, how “chill” the teachers were who chaperoned and how it was cool to spend time with his classmates in a different environment.

As parents, we certainly wanted to hear more details about everything, but we also know he will share more as time goes by. When he first got home, all he wanted to do was take a shower.

Afterwards, he was anxious to get on his phone and catch up on whatever he missed. He hunkered down in his room and was clearly enjoying being alone.

Pam and I had to exercise some restraint and give him space. Of course, he had plenty of time away from us on his trip, but I also realize he needed to wind down. We needed to be patient.

The thoughts I was having reminded me of this column I read a few weeks ago on raisingteenstoday.com headlined, “The Power of Solitude: Why A-

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lone Time Could Be The Key To Your Teen’s Well-Being.” I thought parts of the column was worthy of sharing.

“The harsh reality is that our slickpaced society has placed a negative connotation on “alone time,” especially as it relates to teenagers. If they’re not busy at school, in extracurricular activities, involved in sports, working or engaged with friends every moment of the day and they’re spending time alone they must be lonely, lazy, unpopular, or depressed.

What we may not realize is that when our kids are given the freedom to escape from their busy lives, even for as little as a few minutes a day, they begin to develop more insight into who they are as a person. In fact, according to science-backed studies, inserting a healthy amount of solitude into an overstuffed schedule can actually prove beneficial to our kids’ emotional and mental health. … before you begin worrying that your child is spending too much time alone, here are a few reasons why learning to enjoy solitude may be the absolute best thing your teen can do for themselves.

Teens crave privacy. In fact, their need for privacy isn’t just normal, it’s necessary. Teenagers have a lot of growing up to do and they need the space to do it. One of the benefits of spending time alone is that it gives kids the freedom to do what they want to do. No compromising, no discussion, no negotiating – it’s their choice. It also gives them a chance to think about what motivates them, what they’re passionate about and what interests them which means they can dream, ponder and create in a way they never could if they were constantly surrounded by others.

When kids spend time alone with their own thoughts they begin to develop a greater understanding of who

they are by tapping into their emotions.

Through self-reflection, they learn what makes them happy, sad, frustrated, etc., and in turn, they tend to become more content with who they are and rely less on validation from others to make them feel fulfilled or worthy. They’re not drawn into the never-ending desire to be accepted, to fit in or to be in the cool crowd and they don’t need the constant validation of likes, hearts or thumbs ups to feel good about themselves.

Being constantly busy and surrounded by other people every moment of the day can be mentally exhausting. Spending time alone doing what they enjoy gives teenagers the time they need to re-energize after a long day. In fact, Lea Waters, psychologist and author of the book “The Strength Switch,” said kid’s brains are like computers. “It’s a little bit like if you have too many programs running on your computer. Your computer starts to slow down. When you shut those programs down, the computer speeds up again.” Just like computers need to reboot, so do kids. … the fact is teenagers who learn to accept and enjoy solitude in their life actually begin to crave the benefits that accompany it.

When you’re comfortable with yourself and the idea of being alone you tend to choose who you spend your time with far more wisely. Kids who get to know themselves through self-reflection have less tolerance for drama, games, and gossip and they have greater strength to walk away from it.

They know who they are, they appreciate the peace in their life and they’re not afraid to step away from stress when life becomes unnecessarily complicated.”

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

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 15, 2021