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No Short-Term Help For Route 589

See Page 4 • File Photo

Ocean Pines Finally Counts Ballots

Courts Transformed: Henry Park in Berlin has been transformed, including turning the basketball courts

surface into a mural. Above, members of the Berlin Heat dance team are pictured at last Sunday’s unveiling event. See Photo by Steve Green page 28 for full story.

See Page 10 • Photo by Bethany Hooper

OC Halloween Activities Planned

See Page 41 • Photo by Chris Parypa

Cutest Pet Of The Month

Boardwalk Project:

The major redecking project for the Ocean City Boardwalk is now underway with the old surface being removed from 27th to 15th streets. The early stages of the project is pictured near 26th Street Monday.

Photo by Chris Parypa

The winner of last month’s Cutest Pet of the Month Contest was Cody, a six-month-old Springer spaniel owned by Alex O’Neill. See page 37 for this month’s contestants.

Submitted Photo

Page 2

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State Confirms Route 589 Improvements On Back Burner

Page 4

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – While lauding plans for Route 90 improvements, county leaders stressed the importance of widening Route 589 at a meeting with state transportation officials this week.

The Worcester County Commissioners thanked Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials Tuesday for including funds for Route 90 planning in the annual Consolidated Transportation Plan. Commissioner Chip Bertino, however, reminded MDOT representatives that Route 589 continued to get more and more congested.

“We experience the backups, especially during the summertime and the weekends, and we’ve been hearing for years that something’s going to happen on 589 and nothing’s happening other

than more congestion and more development,” Bertino said. “We just want to see progress.”

After a presentation from MDOT officials regarding projects planned throughout the state, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic thanked the agency for incorporating $500,000 in funding for planning regarding Route 90 improvements.

“I’m sure that I can speak for all the commissioners here and all the residents of Worcester County in saying it’s very good to see Route 90 and Route 589 at the top of this list,” he said. “It wasn’t even on the list the last time we met. It’s great to see that. Kudos go out to the governor for realizing that’s a necessary project for the county.”

Commissioner Jim Bunting pointed out that $500,000 wouldn’t accomplish much.

“Five hundred thousand is a long ways away from actually doing something,” he

said.

Tim Smith, administrator of MDOT State Highway Administration (SHA), said that funding would be used for a concept study that could identify environmental and structural issues and consider traffic data.

“The bridge structure, it’s in good shape right now,” Smith said. “That’s not a concern. But as age goes it’s not going to get better. That’s why we need to assess where it’s at now, what type of solutions we want to come up with.”

Bunting said officials needed to remember that if they completely replaced the bridge, it would reduce the number of entrances to Ocean City during construction.

“That’s part of that concept study, to look at even during construction that we’re maintaining what we need from both a safety and a mobility standpoint,”

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Smith said.

Bunting said he was also concerned about Route 367 in the Bishopville area, as it was seeing a lot of traffic from Delaware. He said there were plans for 2,200 new homes in that section of Sussex County.

“We have traffic now backed up two, three miles on weekends,” he said. “Twenty-two hundred homes within a mile of Bishopville, they’re all going to cut though.

That just puts a little more strain on 90.”

Smith said he would keep that on the radar.

“Our responsibility is kind of adapt and overcome,” he said.

Bertino said he kept hearing Route 589 linked to the Route 90 planning but said nothing in the MDOT plan addressed Route 589.

“We don’t want to necessarily just look at our routes in singular form,” Smith said.

“It’s all part of a system.”

He said linking Route 589 to Route 90 also served as a placeholder.

Bertino said the road was facing significant issues, as it would be getting another stoplight and saw new construction all the time. A Royal Farms is set to be built on Route 589 near the Cathell Road intersection. He said the traffic issues in front of the TidalHealth facility near the north gate to Ocean Pines still hadn’t been eliminated.

“I know it’s on the radar but it doesn’t seem as if, with all due respect, that any funding will be allocated in any near future to correct the challenges that we all know exist on 589,” Bertino said. “Am I missing something? I don’t see any funding on this at all for working on 589, improving it, but what I do see is a lot more development and a heck of a lot more traffic that’s using that corridor. But nothing’s changed on 589. Is that correct?”

Smith said nothing had changed in terms of funding being available for Route 589. He added that Worcester County had oversight of proposed development plans for Route 589.

When asked if he knew when focus would be directed to the corridor, Smith said he did not.

“We hear 589 is part of this Route 90 (planning), which is wonderful, but really you’re not going to be doing anything to 589 any time soon?” Bertino said.

“Correct,” Smith replied.

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza thanked transportation officials for presenting the Consolidated Transportation Plan and encouraged them to take note of the feedback provided Tuesday.

“These commissioners know their districts well so I would ask you on their behalf to please take the details of this meeting and see if maybe we can use this meeting to keep moving forward on some of our local Worcester County priorities,” she said.

Del. Wayne Hartman echoed Bertino’s comments regarding Route 589, even sharing a photo of a recent backup.

He said maybe it was time the idea of a roundabout was reconsidered.

“People may have had some experience with them now, it’s not as new of a concept,” he said.

October 22, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Public Input On Workforce Housing Site Process Requested

Page 6

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The proposed locations for seasonal workforce housing projects remain uncertain, but what is known this week is the public wants to be involved in the decision-making process.

Holtz Builders out of Wisconsin has expressed 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 in other resort areas to help address labor shortages and provide clean, safe and affordable accommodations for employees, both international J-1 visa students and domestic employees.

When the concept was first pitched to the Mayor and Council, it appeared the Park-and-Ride in West Ocean City

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

was the front-runner. Last week, it was learned there were significant obstacles to overcome with the Park-and-Ride and a municipal lot at 100th Street emerged as a new front-runner. Other locations include the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) model block in the downtown area.

No matter what location, it became clear this week the public is keen on being involved in the decision-making process. During the public comment period on Monday, resident Martin Brannigan told the Mayor and Council his condo community borders the proposed 100th Street location.

“Two weeks ago, there was a discussion on seasonal workforce housing,” he said. “I was told it was supposedly far into the future. Last week, I read it had basically been narrowed down to two sites, including the one right next to our

condo development.”

Brannigan said it was imperative that neighboring property owners are afforded an opportunity to participate in the process.

“I would like to know if there is a timetable for the decision-making and construction,” he said. “Once you get down to one location on which you decide to build this, will there be a public forum?”

Brannigan questioned the extent to which the seasonal workforce housing would be utilized.

“This is supposed to be for seasonal employees,” he said. “You’re talking about three, four-story buildings. I would like to know who is going to occupy these buildings in the offseason. This is not an insignificant project. If you’re determined to go through with this, it could potentially change the quality of peo-

October 22, 2021

ple’s lives, lower property values, and increase noise and trash, then I think the public has a right to be heard.”

Brannigan also questioned the obstacles with the Park-and-Ride site.

“The largest property I can think of among the five sites proposed is the West Ocean City Park-and-Ride,” he said. “I understand there are zoning problems and environmental issues, but also heard it was nothing that couldn’t be worked out. I would like to know more specifically about the drawbacks to the Park-and-Ride location.”

Local property owner Scott Chismar also spoke about the potential seasonal workforce housing project at a downtown location. He said the various condo boards in the downtown area keep in close contact and are abreast of the potential changes that could alter the landscape. He was addressing the seasonal housing issue, but also pointed out the potential development of the old Holt’s Landing property with a new hotel downtown.

“On any given day, a few decisions could really change the downtown area,” he said. “Obviously, the Holt’s Landing property is huge to everybody. The seasonal housing project has been considered for the whole model block and I have a lot of the same concerns. It would be nice if we had some kind of a forum for these downtown condo associations that would be most affected to at least have a voice in what’s going on.”

Chismar pointed out low-rent government-subsidized housing could potentially squeeze some downtown property owners out of the seasonal rental game.

“I do have rental properties, but I don’t rent out to the seasonal workers,” he said. “Mostly, mine are old school Saturday to Saturday rentals. This notion of government-subsidized housing and lowrent housing can really have an adverse effect on a lot of property owners that do rent their housing to seasonal workers.

It’s not exactly a fair playing field. Some of them will lose their businesses because they can’t compete with the government.”

Later in the meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan pointed out there was not enough seasonal housing inventory available to meet the summer workforce demand.

“It has been established there is a demand for workforce housing that exceeds the inventory we have,” he said.

“What the Mayor and Council is trying to do is determine what the need is. Right now, there is not enough availability to meet that demand. We’re going to work through it and keep everybody involved in the process.”

Meehan assured the public would have ample opportunity to participate in the decision-making process.

“It will be a long process and there will be plenty of opportunities for public input before any decisions are made,” he said.

“That’s how this body operates. Some of the locations might be eliminated before they even reach that stage because of other obstacles. I assure you everybody will have an opportunity to weigh in no matter where they are.”

County Okays Funds For EDU Study Casino Qualifies For Sports Wagering

October 22, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – A new study could result in changes to Worcester County’s water and wastewater policies.

The Worcester County Commissioners this week agreed to spend $40,200 on an EDU (equivalent dwelling unit) study that will determine if the calculations currently being used are accurate and how much wastewater capacity the county has available.

“We’re just making sure we’re dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s and not overcharging our customers,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said.

The commissioners agreed to spend $40,200 with engineering firm George, Miles & Buhr LLC (GMB) on an analysis of the county’s existing sewer and water flow rates to determine if adopting a consistent EDU rate across all districts would be beneficial. Currently, various water and sewer districts in Worcester County have different flow rates — EDUs equate to different gallons per day figures in each district.

Attorney Mark Cropper, who often represents developers seeking to purchase EDUs from the county, said the service areas (and their varying gallon-per-day rates) came into existence at different times amid changing environmental standards.

“The county should take a look at reevaluating the differences between the

various service areas and how the gallonage for each EDU has been determined,” he said. “It should be revisited because it may not accurately reflect the capacity being utilized by each usage.”

Cropper said that if in any particular service area one EDU equated to 300,000 gallons per day of usage, when in fact the average home only used 200,000 gallons per day, capacity was being lost.

“You have forever deprived others in the service area of that 100,000 gallons,” he said. “That capacity can never be used because it’s been allocated.”

If the gallons-per-day figures are higher than what it actually being used, that means there’s space available in the county’s wastewater treatment plants.

“If our numbers are not correct it could free up space in our treatment plants,” Mitrecic said.

Commissioner Chip Bertino said it was a good idea for county officials to know exactly what it had available as far as capacity.

“I’ll be interested to see what happens,” he said. “There’s been talk of having to expand. Do we have volume available without expanding?”

The county expects to have GMB’s review of flow data and development of consistent water and sewer EDU flow rates to serve all districts in about four months while the review of existing treatment plant allocation and the impact of a consistent flow rate is expected to take an additional two months.

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) on Thursday determined the Casino at Ocean Downs in Berlin has met the qualification requirements for a sports wagering license.

The MLGCC determined both the Casino at Ocean Downs in Berlin along with the Hollywood Casino in Perryville have met the qualification requirements.

The two casinos are among 17 entities that were designated in a law passed by the General Assembly this year to conduct sports wagering operations, pending a review of their qualifications to receive licenses.

The applications from the Casino at Ocean Downs and Hollywood Casino will now be forwarded to the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC), which is responsible for awarding the gaming licenses. Ocean Downs and Hollywood join other casinos in the state, including the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore, Live Casino and Hotel in Anne Arundel County and the MGM National Harbor Casino in awaiting license awards.

The MLGCC earlier this month determined the other three casinos listed had met the qualifications and submitted their applications to the SWARC. In August, SWARC determined the MLGCC qualifications were sufficient for

Page 7

SWARC to award licenses to the 17 entities established in the state legislation.

The process between the MCGCC and SWARC is ongoing, but there is some urgency to get the licenses approved, according to MLGCC Director John Martin.

“We’ve approved five facilities and our work is ongoing,” he said. “We’ll continue sending applications to the SWARC so that we can make awards and sports wagering can launch by late fall. It’s what the public wants and expects, and we’re doing everything we can to deliver it.”

MLGCA staff determined that Hollywood and Ocean Downs are qualified because they have gaming licenses in Maryland. Horseshoe, Live, and MGM were also found to be qualified because they hold Maryland gaming licenses.

The MLGCA’s licensing investigations of these five sports wagering facilities are ongoing, and any licenses that are issued may be revoked. MLGCA staff are also conducting background investigations of each facility’s sports wagering operator partners, contractors and employees, all of which must be licensed by Maryland Lottery and Gaming.

After the SWARC formally awards the facility licenses, the MLGCA staff will ensure that the licensees have finalized their systems of internal controls and satisfied other operational requirements before issuing licenses.

Board Replacement Project Now Underway In Resort

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A major re-decking of the Ocean City Boardwalk is now underway with the first phase of a two-year project slated for the northernmost and southernmost sections.

The complete re-decking of the Boardwalk has been on the town’s radar for the last couple of years. The project has been a regular fixture in the town’s capital improvement plan (CIP) for funding in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 and will be done in two phases.

The first phase has started on the north end of the Boardwalk and will run from 27th Street south to 15th Street. The first phase also includes the section from the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum to the pier as well as Sunset Park, City Engineer Terry McGean confirmed this week.

This year’s work is scheduled to be completed by mid-April, depending on weather and other factors.

The second phase scheduled for next offseason will finish the overall project from 15th Street south to the pier. The work is tentatively scheduled to begin next fall right after Columbus Day and be completed by April 2023.

The entire cost of the two-phase Boardwalk re-decking project is around $2.2 million, which is spread over two years in the town’s CIP. There are also some pier franchise lease funds totaling $100,000 in each year dedicated to the Boardwalk re-decking project.

The wooden sections of the Boardwalk were last replaced entirely in 2010 and 2011 with a life expectancy of 10 years, which put the project right in that window for replacement now. The urgency for the project first surfaced during strategic plan-

October 22, 2021

Early work on the Boardwalk redecking project is pictured at 27th Street.

Photo by Chris Parypa

ning sessions over two years ago and it was identified as a priority in the capital improvement plan.

The pandemic arrived and the cost and

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demand of lumber soared, placing the re-decking project briefly on the backburner. With lumber mills shutting down during COVID, and a high demand for treated lumber during the recent housing boom, the initial bids came in at roughly twice what was budgeted. The shortage has eased somewhat now and the town has been able to procure the necessary materials.

There has been talk over the years of replacing the Boardwalk with some other, more durable and long-lasting material, but resort officials have said often there is no substitute for the genuine article. Plastic or concrete options were explored for cost and durability reasons, but in the end, it was determined the traditional southern yellow pine was the best course.

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Pre-Pandemic Health Assessment Spotlights County’s Top Concerns

October 22, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The latest data shows that mental health, substance abuse and physical inactivity are key concerns for Worcester County.

The 2021 Community Health Assessment released by the Worcester County Health Department highlights the health issues facing the community. The assessment is based on 2019 data.

“Our data is pre-pandemic,” said Jennifer LaMade, the health department’s director of planning, quality and core services. “State data lags two years. We won’t be able to look at COVID data and the impact of COVID until next year.”

LaMade presented the health assessment to the Worcester County Commissioners this week. She said that the assessment, which is typically done every three to five years, was started in January 2020, just before the pandemic began. When COVID-19 became an issue, the process slowed and much was done virtually. The health department didn’t change its MAPP – Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships – practice, however.

“We used that process throughout the assessment to make sure that we’re not only looking at quantitative data but that we’re also talking to citizens and community members to see what’s important to them, what’s important to their health and how they would like to see the county health improved,” she said.

Delays related to COVID actually gave staff more time to review the relevant data.

“We really looked at racial inequities, gender inequities, inequities based on your zip code and where you live. As a part of that, we, through our town halls and though looking at the data and having work group meetings, we have selected three priorities to focus on in Worcester County for the next three years.”

Those priorities are mental health, substance abuse and physical inactivity/obesity.

“They’re not anything shocking or new,” LaMade said.

The 2019 data, and input from the community, showed that mental health continues to decline. Adolescent substance abuse is also a problem.

“We’re finding a lot of our teenagers are using substances and that we also have black/white disparities in that,” she said. “We see more Caucasian high school students binge drinking than necessarily African American high school students. And there’s some other disparities there as well.”

According to the health assessment,

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

in 2018 the percentage of Worcester County high school students who used tobacco or electronic vapor products was 41%, significantly higher than the state rate of 27%. Binge drinking rates among high school students are also higher in Worcester than they are in the state, as are rates of substance abuse.

The assessment reveals that current marijuana use among high school students increased from 21.2% in 2016 to 26.4% in 2018.

LaMade said the county’s third priority moving forward is physical inactivity/obesity.

“Obviously they have the greatest impact on chronic diseases and we want to improve those,” she said.

LaMade said the health department had created work groups to target the three issues. Those groups are now meeting and discussing initiatives going forward.

“We will then be publishing the community health improvement plan,” she said. “That will have all the goals and objectives.”

To view the entire 2021 Community Health Assessment, visit the “Resources” tab at worcesterhealth.org.

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Farr, Daly Are Leaders After Ocean Pines Vote Count

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – A ballot count this week revealed candidates Rick Farr and Frank Daly were the top two vote-getters in this year’s Ocean Pines Association (OPA) board election.

Following a vote count on Wednesday, the Ocean Pines Elections Committee announced the results of the 2021 Board of Directors election.

Farr received 1,629 votes, Daly received 1,571 votes, Stuart Lakernick received 1,511 votes and David Hardy received 941 votes.

Election Certification In Question

“The next step in this election will be determined at a later date,” Elections Committee Chair Steve Habeger said this week. “We express our appreciation to all the candidates who have volunteered to serve our Association.”

This year, the four contenders vied for two seats on the association’s board, though Farr was later disqualified during the voting process after an anonymous tip raised questions about his homeownership status in the Pines.

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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 of Farr’s eligibility made its way to Worcester County Circuit Court in August, when Farr filed a complaint against the OPA and its Board of Directors.

Simply put, the suit challenges the determination on his eligibility and the board’s decision to proceed with the 2021 election and ballot count but to invalidate all votes for Farr. The disqualified candidate was soon joined by several co-plaintiffs alleging they had been disenfranchised after submitting their votes for Farr.

In recent months, the case has worked its way through the court system, and a temporary restraining order to halt the board election has since expired, allowing the association to proceed with its election and ballot count. On Sept. 30, however, the association’s Board of Directors voted to proceed with a “redo election” of the three remaining candidates. A second

October 22, 2021

motion to proceed with counting the existing ballots failed as the result of a tie vote.

“Beyond those participating in the lawsuit, a number of other Members have expressed their feelings that the ballot voting should be held anew to allow all Members the opportunity to vote on the three eligible candidates,” an Oct.8 statement reads. “Given the above considerations, on September 30, 2021, the Board of Directors decided it was in the best interest of OPA to proceed with allowing the Members the opportunity to cast their election ballots anew.”

Back in court last week, Judge Sidney Campen granted Farr’s request for an injunction, effectively putting a stop to the association’s redo election. He also ordered the association to count the existing ballots, including votes cast for Farr, by the end of the month.

Campen noted the ballot count could be relevant in how the case proceeds.

“If he lost, it’s moot,” he said last week.

A trial date has been set for Nov. 15, and Campen said he hopes to reach a conclusion in Farr’s case at that time.

During last Saturday’s board meeting, President Larry Perrone said it was unclear what would happen following the announcement of election results.

“The judge did not give us any direction regarding next steps,” he said. “If you are anticipating we will seat new board members and certify the election, I don’t know that that’s going to happen.”

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After Lightly Attended Hearing, Alley Swap Proposal Moves Ahead

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 22, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

• November 5, 2021 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

OCEAN CITY – A scantily-attended public hearing this week officially closed the books on a proposed land swap to help pave the way for the redevelopment of a decades-old midtown restaurant and nightclub.

Last December, the planning commission reviewed a proposed site plan for the redevelopment of the old BJ’s on the Water property along the bayfront at 75th Street. The property has since been sold to Ropewalk connections, which plan to develop the bayfront eatery Windward OC on the site.

The Ropewalk group operated the restaurant in its original footprint this summer as the Atlantic Beach House, but the long-term plan calls for the old restaurant to be torn down and replaced with a new two-story establishment on the same site with a sandy beachfront along the water, nearly 9,000 squarefeet of dining areas including over 700 square feet on a rooftop terrace and other amenities.

The project will go through multiple layers of the approval process, but the planning commission in December gave its blessing to the redevelopment concept. Last month, the Mayor and Council had before them a request to close a city-owned, seldom-used east-west alley between 74th Street and 75th Street to accommodate the redevelopment project.

Essentially what is a paper alley would be needed to accommodate the expanded parking for the establishment.

Under the proposal, the town would convey the 100-foot paper alley to the property owner. In exchange, the property owner would convey an easement to the town for a 100-foot section of alley that runs north-to-south between the existing parking lot and the back of the Quiet Storm surf shop.

That alley already exists and is 10 feet wide, allowing for vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic between 75th and

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74th Streets. With the property owner conveying an easement to the town at 10 feet wide, the north-south alley would essentially become a 20-foot wide alley.

In a nutshell, the property owners would gain access to the under-utilized 100foot east-west alley between 74th and 75th Street, while the town would get an expanded 20-foot alley running north to south between 74th and 75th Streets.

When the land swap was first proposed, it was pointed out there was a utility pole in the portion of the public right-of-way the town was getting in exchange for the paper east-west alley, which would impede vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic and limit the use of the entire 20-foot right-of-way.

The developer has since agreed to relocate the utility pole out of the town’s right-of-way. The developer also agreed to repave the 100-foot section of the north-south alley as part of its redevelopment plan. Last month, the Mayor and Council voted unanimously to approve the alley swap.

However, a public hearing was required to formalize the arrangement.

That public hearing was held on Monday with little fanfare and few comments.

One citizen, John Medelin, said he was pleased the developer agreed to make improvements to the north-south alley, but questioned if the simple swap of the two alleys was in the best interest of the town.

“I’m glad to see the developer will improve the alley,” he said. “I would like to suggest just closing the east-west alley and selling it to them.”

City Engineer Terry McGean explained swapping the two alleys made the most sense for both parties.

“We determined that it was going to be mutually beneficial,” he said. “We have determined the property no longer has any public use.”

The public hearing was closed, and the council voted unanimously to declare the east-west alley no longer had any public use, thus, completing the land swap.

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AGH Puppy Swim:

October 22, 2021

There were some exhausted dogs after last Sunday's 1st Annual Puppy Penguin Swim & Yappy Hour, hosted by the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation at the Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City. The popular event, which provided bay and pool opportunities to the four-legged attendees, served as the kickoff to festivities leading up to the hospital's Penguin Swim on New Year’s Day. Staff Photos

Council Officially Censures Paddack Over Facebook Comment

October 22, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Council on Monday voted to publicly censure a colleague over inappropriate comments on a local resident’s social media page.

The issue arose in mid-September when Councilman Mark Paddack allegedly commented on a Facebook story of a recently-married woman while the couple was honeymooning in Italy. In a picture from the honeymoon, the woman’s husband, Bobby Hammond, whose family owns and operates Atlantic Physical Therapy, was apparently seen wearing a baseball-style cap backwards. Paddack, in a Facebook story comment sent to Hammond’s wife, allegedly posted the following message deemed inappropriate and flirting with racism: “Tell the dude to turn his hat back where the white designed the hat to be worn. Where I come from, that is a punk. Immature POS.” The social media post quickly went viral and the Mayor and Council learned of it. For the record, Paddack has claimed his social media account was hacked, and there is an investigation into that claim. Paddack reached out to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office to conduct an investigation into whether his social media account was hacked. The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation was looking into the matter, per a statement from the Sheriff’s Office in midSeptember.

When the Mayor and Council learned of the alleged offensive post, Council President Matt James during the next meeting asked Paddack to consider taking a leave of absence, a request supported by others on the council. Paddack did not step down and has continued to assert his social media account was hacked. He said he retained an attorney and had reached out to the sheriff’s office to conduct an investigation.

In the weeks since, James has continually asked Paddack for an update into the investigation to no avail. In the meantime, the town’s elected officials have continued to be questioned by the public on the status of the investigation and Paddack’s status on the council. On Monday, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca made a motion to publicly censure Paddack over the alleged social medial comments.

“I make a motion to censure Councilman Paddack in relation to his behavior surrounding the September 11, 2021 Facebook messaging and his actions since that have failed to satisfactorily address the situation that occurred,” he said. “I believe the conduct was not becoming of a councilmember and, therefore, he deserves to be censured. His actions were not representative of this council and I believe this public censure places the council’s disapproval of the incident on the record.”

For the record, a public censure is just that. It’s the elected body’s way of putting into the public record it does not support or endorse the alleged comments, but rather condemns them as

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coming from one of their own. The council ultimately voted 4-2 in favor of the public censure with Paddack obviously opposed. The other nay vote came from Councilman Frank Knight, not necessarily because he didn’t support it, but rather because he only learned of the intent on Monday afternoon. Councilman Lloyd Martin was absent from Monday’s meeting.

“I’m just not prepared to accept this motion today,” said Knight. “I didn’t hear about this until 3:30 p.m. this afternoon.

I just need a little more time to digest this. I called the sheriff’s department myself to see what was going on with the investigation and I was told I’d have to wait. I also think this should be done with the full council.”

For his part, Paddack in the weeks following the comments has been decidedly mum on the issue, only asserting he

had initiated an investigation with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office to determine his social media page was allegedly hacked. With his colleagues preparing to vote on a public censure, Paddack was decidedly more vocal on the issue on Monday.

“So, it looks like you are trying to back-door me,” he said. “You’re not allowing me to continue the process I said I was doing. I don’t control the sheriff’s office, nor do I control the other entities that are looking into this matter. You’re showing a consistent cancel culture impatience. You are assuming I am guilty and you’re back-dooring me in public and trying to admonish me by saying you’re going to censure. Under what authority under the charter can this be done? There has been no crime committed here. What authority does the council have to do this behind my back?”

Page 15

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury explained what the prepared public censure meant and what the town’s charter does or does not allow under the circumstances.

“The charter does not contemplate the actions that allegedly occurred,” she said. “The only other dispute mechanism is a public censure. A public censure is an action denouncing the actions of one of the members. There is nothing else that can be done to you other than a public condemnation of conduct. There is nothing further that can be done.”

Stansbury explained there is nothing in the charter that calls for a removal from office under the alleged circumstances.

“In your charter, there is language about removal from office or disqualification from office, but there is nothing here SEE NEXT PAGE

… Resort Councilman Defensive, Challenges Colleagues

Page 16

that would meet those requirements,” she said. “If a member wants to publicly censure you, he or she is welcome to do that, and the motion can or cannot carry, but that would be the conclusion of the matter from a public body standpoint.”

Paddack was inconsolable about the pending vote for public censure.

“It’s childish and it’s unnecessary,” he said. “You guys do what you want.

There’s an election coming up. Go ahead and do it.”

Councilman John Gehrig said the majority of the elected officials had already condemned the alleged comments publicly, but a vote for public censure merely put their collective opinions on the record.

“I guess it officially puts it on the record that we condemn the language, whomever posted it,” he said. “Basically,

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we’ve already said that, but this formalizes it.”

James said he and his colleagues continue to field questions about the alleged incident through phone calls, texts, emails and when out in public.

“We’re still getting questions, and getting accused of sweeping it under the rug,” he said.

Paddack focused his rebuke of the pending public censure on James.

“It looks like you’re not being a team player,” he said. “What’s your motive here? You bring it up every week. I told you I do not have the reports. I have a colleague that called the sheriff’s department and he doesn’t have them. You don’t have any evidence.”

Councilman Peter Buas said much time has passed without any conclusion on the issue.

“It’s been six weeks without an update and that’s unacceptable,” he said.

“Not even a single this is what has happened so far. That’s just unacceptable.”

Paddack then turned his attention on Buas.

“You’re an expert on computer forensics?” he said. “You’ve worked in law enforcement and know how long criminal investigations take? In this case, it’s not even criminal at all. It hasn’t even been proven and you’re sitting here talking like it’s a criminal case. I think this is ridiculous with your efforts to undermine me.

I’ve been a team player up here and I’ve done nothing wrong.”

Paddack then turned to the alleged racism element of the alleged comments.

“Somebody decided they wanted to turn a simple incident into racism, and I

October 22, 2021

deplore racism, but to take what’s out there and turn it into that matter it has become is ridiculous and I hold you council president responsible,” he said.

Paddack continued to allege his social media account was hacked and said the investigation would determine that.

“This allegation against me was not on my council page,” he said. “This was on my personal and private Facebook page, for which I have no clue where it came from. I asked for some time. You can say six weeks all you want, but I’m not the one who controls that. I told you the truth. I don’t have the document. I think I’ve been very reserved and very respectful, but this is disrespectful to me as your colleague. You’re just taking something written on social media as journalism and make up whatever you want. You’re fueling the fire over what?

There is no crime here. I hope to God none of you commit a crime.”

James attempted to diffuse the growing argument.

“Just to clarify, nobody is accusing you of committing a crime,” he said. “We’re simply saying we do not support the behavior of what has been reported.”

Paddack responded back, saying it was James who, in the first meeting following the alleged social media comments, asked him to consider taking a leave of absence.

“You were trying to get me to resign,” he said. “That’s why I hired a lawyer.

There is a lawyer standing behind me.

What authority do you have to ask me to take a leave of absence? The voters are the ones who put me in office. You’re fueling the fire. You’re going to be running for office in a year. I may or may not be running in a year. If I didn’t make those comments, are you going to sit up here and apologize to the public for being wrong? Think about it.”

For his part, James said he hoped the investigation determined Paddack did not make the comments as alleged, and called out his colleague for not publicly denouncing the comments, whether he made them or not.

“If you can prove they came from someone else’s device, I would prefer if that was the case honestly,” he said. “I would love to stop getting the questions from people who are accusing us of sweeping this under the rug. We’re getting tagged on Facebook asking that you be removed. I explain the charter does not allow that. This is all we can do. All we can do is condemn the comments that were made. Until a couple of minutes ago, you hadn’t condemned them.

You haven’t denounced racism in six weeks until a couple of minutes ago. We continue to get questions from the public. This is our opportunity to let the public know we do not support what was said and that we condemn that behavior. No one has accused you of a crime and no one is calling for you to step down. This just let’s the public know where we are.”

In the end, the council voted 4-2 to approve the public censure, with Paddack and Knight opposed and Martin absent.

Resort Fund Balance Continuing To Grow

October 22, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Town of Ocean City pension plans are thriving and one sector is even funded at over 100%, resort officials learned this month.

During last Tuesday’s work session, Finance Director Chuck Bireley and Budget Director Jennie Knapp presented independent actuarial recommendations for contributions to the town’s two pension plans for fiscal year 2022. The town has two pension plans, one for general employees and a separate plan for public safety employees.

The Mayor and Council learned after the Pension Committee met in August, it was determined the annual contribution to the general employee pension plan should be $2.6 million, while the contribution to the public safety employee pension plan should be around $4.4 million. The combined $7 million contribution recommended is around $431,000 under what was budgeted.

More importantly, the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) plan will likely be funded at over 100% by the end of the fiscal year because the town is taking advantage of adopting the Medicare Advantage plan for retirees age 65 and over this year. The OPEB plan was funded at over 87% at the end of the last fiscal year and should be funded at over 100% by the end of the current fiscal year next June.

The result is no need for a contribution to the OPEB plan for the town this year. The OPEB contribution is actually $1.2 million under what was budgeted, according to Knapp.

“There is going to be a very significant savings in the OPEB plan,” she said. “There will be no contribution required. The plan will be over 100% funded. That plan was established in 2009 as a 30-year plan and it has reached 100% in 13 years.”

Councilman John Gehrig applauded the good news on the pension plan recommendations.

“That’s great news,” he said. “We’re at 87% in our pension plans. Next year, we’ll be at 100%.”

Knapp said the good news on the pension plans means the town’s fund balance, or rainy day fund, continues to grow.

“We’ll have over $28 million in fund balance,” she said. “I think you’re going to be extremely happy. We’re at 36% and what is required is 15%. This is by far the best year I’ve ever seen.”

Gehrig said the question remained should the town leave the $431,000 under what was budgeted or put it to some other use.

“When our fund balance continues to grow, that means we’re making money,” he said. “We have a 36% fund balance.

Do we need to push for 38%? It doesn’t hurt to take that $431,000 out of fund balance. Do we take it out, or leave it in there?”

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October 22, 2021

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OP Property Owners Survey Ongoing

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OCEAN PINES – Association officials continue to seek the community’s participation in a strategic planning survey.

During an Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors meeting last Saturday, Director Colette Horn presented the community with an update on the Ocean Pines property owner survey.

“The goals were not lofty goals, so we certainly don’t want to just rest on our morals,” she said. “We’re still hoping to get as many people to complete that survey as possible.”

The Ocean Pines Strategic Planning Advisory Committee has been charged by the board to gather information necessary for them to make recommendations regarding the development of a strategic plan for OPA. To that end, committee members last month released a survey to gather community input on top priorities for the coming years.

Committee Co-Chairman Bernie McGorry said last month the goal for the survey is to capture a broad range of demographic and interest groups, including both young families and retirees, and full-time homeowners and seasonal residents.

The committee’s target is at least

1,000 respondents, with at least 500 part-time residents and 500 full-time residents taking part. The survey has 15 questions and takes less than 15 minutes to complete.

“The goal was to make the survey easy to find and simple to take part in,” McGorry said in a statement. “And the data we collect, we hope, will help align Board members and management on priorities for the next three-to-five years, and give homeowners a say on that.”

In her update last week, Horn said the association has received 1,352 completed surveys as of last Sunday.

She added that 495 of those surveys were completed by part-time residents.

“We’d like to see more 30- to 40year-olds, and 40- to 50-year-old homeowners, complete the survey,” she said.

“But otherwise we are in good shape with respect to our goals.”

For more information, or to complete the survey, visit www.oceanpines.org.

Those who wish to fill out a paper copy of the survey can do so by emailing info@oceanpines.org, or calling the administration office at 410-641-7717.

Paper copies will also be available at the administration building and Public Works/CPI office, and at the visitor’s center at The Parke.

Individual survey responses are confidential, and the overall results will be shared at a future town hall meeting and on the Ocean Pines website.

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Page 21

COPS & COURTS Newlywed Assault Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania woman was arrested on assault charges last weekend after allegedly slapping her newlywed husband in the midtown area.

Around 10:55 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to the area of 49th Street for an alleged domestic assault that had just occurred. Upon arrival, officers located a vehicle following a female, later identified as Lisa Hood, 31, of Pottstown, Pa. Officers stopped the vehicle and met with the male driver, while other officers detained Hood.

OCPD officers spoke with the driver, whose right side of his face was bright red, according to police reports. The male victim told police Hood had slapped him in the face during an argument, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told police he and Hood and been in a relationship since 2019 and that they had just been married on Oct. 9 and were staying in Ocean City. Hood was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.

Downtown Disturbance OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore man was arrested last weekend after allegedly causing a disturbance in the downtown area.

Around 9:30 p.m. last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to the area of 12th Street for a reported disorderly male.

Ocean City Communications advised a complainant had called and reported she found an intoxicated male sitting on the steps of her residence without permission, according to police reports.

The complainant advised the individual had walked off, but she was concerned he would return and harm her.

OCPD officers arrived on the scene and located two residents on the street, who were reportedly pointing at the suspect, identified as Curtis Severe, 61, of Baltimore. The officers reportedly observed Severe walking toward them on 12th Street and identified themselves as police officers. The officers reportedly told Severe the encounter was being recorded.

Severe exhibited signs of intoxication, according to police reports. He walked toward the two witnesses and asked, “Do you know who I am?” according to police reports. The witnesses advised Severe he should probably keep walking. OCPD officers separated Severe from the witnesses in order to talk to him, according to police reports.

When officers interviewed Severe, he was reportedly confrontational and told them he was from Afghanistan and had served in Vietnam, according to police reports. Severe then stepped off the sidewalk in Wilmington Lane and a vehicle had to brake suddenly to avoid hitting him. When advised to step out of the

travel lanes to let the vehicle pass, Severe refused, according to police reports.

The initial complainant told OCPD officers Severe had been laying on her front porch uninvited. When the complainant told Severe to leave, he refused, stating he had painted the building and was allowed to be there, according to police reports.

Severe was ultimately arrested and charged with trespassing and disturbing the peace. During the arrest process, he allegedly screamed expletives at the arresting officers.

Bartender, Security Assaulted OCEAN CITY – A Selbyville woman was arrested last weekend after allegedly assaulting a bartender and a security staffer during an incident at a midtown establishment.

Around 11 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a bayfront restaurant at 60th Street for a reported assault that had already occurred. Upon arrival, OCPD officers located a female suspect, later identified as Melissa Oates, 49, of Selbyville, on the ground in a fetal position, SEE NEXT PAGE

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... COPS & COURTS according to police reports.

OCPD officers met with bar staff, who advised Oates had assaulted a security staffer and a bartender and had been trespassed from the property and told not to return, according to police reports.

Bar security advised Oates had physically assaulted a bartender and staff escorted her out of the bar area. Once Oates was outside, bar security advised her to leave the premises and pointed to the front gate area, according to police reports. Oates reportedly refused to leave the establishment’s parking area and screamed racial slurs toward bar security staff. At one point, she kicked one staffer in the shin, according to police reports.

OCPD officers arrived and told Oates to leave the premises or she would be arrested. She responded by launching into an expletive-laced tirade at the officers,

according to police reports. Meanwhile, a crowd had gathered to watch the incident unfold. Oates was arrested at that point and charged with second-degree assault, disorderly conduct and trespassing.

OCPD officers viewed bar surveillance footage and observed Oates in an apparent argument with a bartender. At one point, Oates threw a cup at the bartender, striking him in the forehead. Bar security staff escorted Oates out of the establishment and she was seen arguing with staff and kicking one of them in the shin while they were trying to escort off of the premises, according to police reports.

commotion coming from the area of Worcester Street. The officer responded and made contact with the suspect, identified as Walter Everett, 59, of Ocean City, along with another man.

The officer observed Everett and the other man in an argument that escalated into a physical confrontation, according to police reports. The other man attempted to walk away from Everett, but Everett continued to pursue him and shoved onto a bench. The force of the victim landing on the bench caused the bench to rock backward with its feet off the ground, according to police reports. Everett was eventually arrested for second-degree assault.

Boardwalk Assault Charges

Downtown Assault Arrest

OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested this week after allegedly assaulting another man on the Boardwalk around Worcester Street.

On Monday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was patrolling in the downtown area when he heard a

OCEAN CITY – A Wilmington, Del. man was arrested on assault charges last weekend after reportedly starting a fight with another man in the downtown area.

Around 12:25 a.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a reported fight

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October 22, 2021 in progress near a closed business on South Baltimore Avenue. When officers arrived, they located a suspect later identified as Jonathan Stephenson, 31, of Wilmington, Del., on the ground with another man standing over him.

The other man was reportedly telling Stephenson to calm down and that he didn’t want to fight. There were numerous bystanders in the area who told officers Stephenson had been acting crazy and trying to pick fights, according to police reports. Stephenson was taken into custody at that point.

OCPD officers spoke with the other man, who reportedly told them Stephenson was trying to pick fights with others and he tried to prevent a fight from starting. The victim told police Stephenson jumped on him and tried to put him in a headlock. Stephenson was able to get both of his arms around the victim’s neck, but the victim was able to tuck his chin in to avoid being strangled. The victim told officers Stephenson was choking him, but at no time did he ever feel like he was going to lose consciousness, according to police reports.

The victim told police he was able to throw Stephenson onto the ground, and Stephenson then bit him in the calf, according to police reports. The victim told officers he held Stephenson on the ground until police arrived. The victim had injuries consistent with his version of the events, according to police reports.

Stephenson was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.

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OCEAN CITY – A Pylesville, Md. man, arrested in June after scrapping with bar security staff, was found guilty this week on one count of second-degree assault and was sentenced to 10 days in jail.

Around 12:15 a.m. on July 25, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a bar at 53rd Street for a reported assault that had already occurred. The officer met with the bar manager, who reportedly told police the suspect, later identified as Angelo Koulatsos, 23, had been removed from the bar by security staff and had fought with him and staffers near a gazebo at the establishment.

The bar manager told police Koulatsos had hit him in the face with a metal bar stool during the altercation. The manager had a roughly two-inch laceration on his face that was bleeding, according to police reports.

OCPD officers met with another bar security staffer who reportedly had his shirt ripped during the altercation. A third staffer told police Koulatsos had hit him in the back with a metal bar stool. OCPD officers viewed surveillance video from the establishment and observed Koulatsos allegedly shoving another man.

The video shows bar security staff following Koulatsos out of the bar area toward the gazebo area, but the rest of the fight was not captured on video. However, the video does show the metal bar stools in disarray, according to police reports. Koulatsos was arrested and charged with multiple counts of seconddegree assault and malicious destruction of property. On Monday, he was found guilty of one count of second-degree assault and was sentenced to 10 days in jail.

October 22, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 23

Water, Sewer Talks Center On ‘The Right Growth’ Concerns

Page 24

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Officials say they want more feedback before approving plans for countywide water and sewer.

On Tuesday, George, Miles & Buhr (GMB) representative Katherine McAllister met with members of the Wicomico County Council to discuss a draft water and sewer master plan.

While the countywide plan was released late last month with a goal of receiving council’s approval, officials this week said they wanted more input before moving forward.

“I think this is the biggest thing that’s held the county back in terms of growth,” Councilman Josh Hastings said. “That being said, I want to make sure we have the right growth.”

In September, GMB representatives

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

delivered their final draft of a water and sewer master plan, providing a roadmap of sorts for financing, constructing and maintaining a countywide system.

“The purpose of this was to provide a plan to look at the county’s existing growth areas to see where you have failing septic issues,” McAllister said this week. “We did develop a plan that I do want to emphasize is fluid. It hopefully gives you an idea of where to start if you are going to address these on-site systems that are failing.”

Simply put, officials say the plan identifies 12 potential water and/or sewer utility service districts within the county’s growth areas and calls for the creation of a public works water division and more than $200 million worth of infrastructure.

McAllister noted that while 12 areas have been identified as proposed service areas for county water and sewer, two –

East Delmar and East Wicomico – were not listed as priorities.

“Even though in the comprehensive plan those two areas are identified as growth areas – and they may be in 20, 30 years – at this point we do not anticipate them being large growth areas,” she said.

McAllister told officials this week potential service districts were identified using growth areas within the county’s comprehensive plan. Councilman Joe Holloway, however, said the master plan did not identify areas east of Salisbury.

“We hear a lot about failing septic systems, and the area you don’t have identified, where we have the biggest problems, is the area directly east of Salisbury,” he said.

McAllister noted that the area was identified in the City of Salisbury’s growth boundary. She noted it wasn’t logical for the county to duplicate any services within

October 22, 2021

those boundaries.

“How they are served, from a political standpoint we do not get involved with that,” she said. “From a technical standpoint, we believe anybody within a municipal growth boundary should be served by that municipality.”

Holloway, however, noted that Salisbury would not allow for water and sewer service without annexation.

“We’ve heard that from all the municipalities we’ve talked to,” McAllister replied.

“The Town of Delmar was open to urban services, but that was the only one.”

McAllister told officials this week it was her company’s recommendation that the county enter the water and sewer business, develop a water division and serve residents that are not currently within any municipal growth boundaries.

“As you move forward that way, you may find that you have other alternatives as far as working with municipalities to help share some of the burdens that they have,” she said.

McAllister said the county’s first steps include altering water and sewer maps to align with the areas it wishes to serve.

“State funding and grant funding are not available unless everything aligns properly,” she said.

McAllister noted the county would also need to hold public meetings and apply for discharge permits and funding. Those efforts, she said, would allow the county to develop a user rate structure.

“Until it’s mapped, until you have the discharge capacity and know where you are working, it’s very hard to come up with a cost,” she added.

Holloway noted that some of the community’s concerns, including those pertaining to growth, were not addressed in the water and sewer master plan. He also questioned if the development of water and sewer infrastructure would account for future growth.

“The state will only fund existing homes …,” McAllister replied. “You are not going to get grant funding to build twice the capacity … Any other capacity is paid locally.”

When asked if there were any incentive programs to cover homeowners’ hookup costs, McAllister said it was something she could research.

“In addition to what the county puts in, each home needs to connect into the public system, and that’s a cost …,” she said.

“There are probably programs out there that help.”

After further discussion, the council agreed to hold off on approving the master plan until it received more public input.

McAllister, however, noted the council’s questions would only be answered once the county moved forward.

“Right now, this is a plan that gives you the starting blocks,” she said. “To get all the answers, the next steps need to be taken.”

Councilman John Cannon agreed.

“We’re going to have second-guessing, we’re going to have nay-sayers, we’re going to have devil’s advocates …,” he said.

“But as a council, we have to recognize that we don’t fall victim to any ‘paralysis by analysis,’ as I like to say. We have to do our due diligence, but we have to move forward and not lose sight of the big picture.”

Ocean City Police Continuing To Trial Body Camera Vendors

October 22, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City’s police chief says he hopes to have a body-worn camera vendor selected by the start of next year.

At the Oct. 13 meeting of the Ocean City Police Commission, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Chief Ross Buzzuro provided officials with an update on the department’s implementation of a body-worn camera program.

“We continue to move forward with body-worn cameras,” he said.

Earlier this year, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation mandating law enforcements agencies to use body-worn cameras by 2025.

In July, however, the OCPD announced plans to launch a program by the start of next season. Since that time, department officials have formed a committee, met with camera vendors and initiated a trial run of the body-worn camera program.

“We just finished one cycle with one vendor,” Buzzuro told commission members this week. “We’re now in the midst of another cycle with another vendor, of prototypes being in the field.”

Buzzuro said the department will be reviewing footage from those evaluations before selecting a vendor. He said the plan is to choose a company at the beginning of next year.

“So far, the sentiment has been very

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Selection Likely Coming Early 2022

Page 25

positive in terms of body-worn cameras,” he said, “where we are, where we’re at, where we’re moving to.”

Department staff have warned resort leaders initiating a body-worn camera system would be a costly endeavor for the town. But officials say they would work with the Eastern Shore delegation

to explore funding options.

“It’s very important to get ahead of the game,” Councilman Lloyd Martin said this week. “I think we’re doing that very well.”

The police department’s aggressive campaign to launch a body-worn camera program came earlier this year, after a

series of highly publicized Boardwalk incidents in which the agency’s use of force was called into question.

In two cases, attempts to issue citations for vaping on the Boardwalk ended with physical confrontations between OCPD officers and the suspects, and the online circulation of cellphone footage showing snippets of the incidents.

In the days that followed, the state’s Office of the Public Defender called on Ocean City’s police department to expedite its use of body-worn cameras.

BY BETHANY HOOPER

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.

“Within the first 10, every line item there has been a reduction [in calls],” he said.

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.

Officials on Wednesday also received an update on last weekend’s Endless Summer Cruisin car show. The four-day event kicked off last Thursday with hot rods, classics, customs and more making their way to Ocean City.

“It was relatively a non-event,” Buzzuro said. “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.”

Service Call Decline In Resort For September

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A decrease in calls for service highlighted a monthly report on police activity.

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

Buzzuro noted that the department 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

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Berlin Considering Well Replacement County To Tackle Aging Siren System

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BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Town officials are reviewing options for a well on Branch Street after identifying mechanical issues.

Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood told the Berlin Town Council this week the town’s Branch Street well — one of three — is now offline. Town staff identified mechanical issues with the aging well during routine maintenance.

“We are in the process of determining what the next step will be,” Fleetwood said.

While the town’s other two wells are meeting its needs, Fleetwood said the Branch Street well still needed to be repaired or replaced. The well, which dates back to the 1940s, is just one of many pieces of aging infrastructure the town is trying to maintain. Mayor Zack Tyndall said this highlighted the need for capital planning going forward.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

“I think the takeaway is the Town of Berlin has a lot of aging infrastructure,” he said.

Fleetwood said the options for the well were basically repair or replacement. Repair, however, will reduce the flow in the well.

“What you’re doing in essence is putting another sleeve inside of that well so it’s going to reduce the size of the well,” he said.

He said he was working with engineers as well as Tyndall to determine the best option for the town moving forward. Fleetwood stressed the town’s other two wells were capable of handling municipal demands. The town typically operates on 400,000 to 500,000 gallons per day of water. One of the functioning wells generates 1.5 million gallons per day while the other well generates 500,000 gallons per day.

The Branch Street well, when it was functioning, produced 350,000 gallons per day.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners will seek input from fire companies as they explore plans to replace the county’s fire sirens.

The commissioners agreed last week to discuss the aging fire siren system with the county’s fire and EMS committee later this month. An analysis of the system indicated that nearly all of the sirens should be replaced.

“I’m looking for direction from the commissioners on how we wish to go forward with this,” said Billy Birch, the county’s director of emergency services.

In early 2021, the commissioners agreed to hire Federal Siren to evaluate the county’s warning sirens. The company’s survey revealed that nearly all of

October 22, 2021

the sirens are of an age they should be replaced, Birch said. They’re also not DC powered (battery based).

“The criticality of that is if we run out of power in an emergency… then the sirens may or may not work,” he said.

Siren locations are also a problem in some areas, as they’re not necessarily located at firehouses. There are also parts of the county they’re missing.

“Some critical areas like campgrounds and some designed communities may not get the same notification level based off of the current locations of the siren,” Birch said.

He said the commissioners needed to determine if they wanted a new fire siren system or a combination system that would include fire sirens as well as emergency notifications. When asked about the difference between a fire siren and an emergency notification siren, Birch said the difference would be the purpose behind it.

“Right now, currently we use it for notification of the volunteers and staff to go to a scene for a specific emergency call,” he said. “As far as the emergency notification system, that could be used in event of a tornado… it’s a different sound.”

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom said he thought the topic should be discussed with fire company officials at the committee level. His motion to table the issue until after the committee met in late October passed unanimously.

Court Sides With Broadband Efforts Ramp Up For South End PETA In Ad Case

October 22, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – The first round in a federal suit challenging the Lower Shore’s public transportation system’s denial of accepting advertising from an animal right advocacy group went to the plaintiffs this week as a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction.

In August, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed suit in U.S. District Court against Shore Transit and the Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore seeking injunctions after the quasi-government entities denied their application to place advertising on Shore Transit buses. PETA then renewed its application this summer, asserting Shore Transit’s denial violated First and Fourteenth Amendment rights to free speech and expression.

When Shore Transit and its parent Tri-County Council did not respond the PETA’s second application, the animal rights advocacy group filed suit in U.S. District Court seeking preliminary and permanent injunctions against the transit system’s advertising policies. PETA desired to place ads on the buses which featured the slogan “No one Needs to Kill to Eat,” advocating the closure of animal slaughterhouses. Shore Transit denied the application, citing its policy prohibiting ads that are political, controversial, offensive, objectionable or in poor taste.

While the federal suit moves on, this month a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against Shore Transit and the Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore, prohibiting the agencies from denying PETA’s advertising on the buses.

“Upon consideration of the plaintiff’s motion for preliminary injunction and the papers filed in support of and opposition to the motion, the court finds that the plaintiff has established a likelihood of success on the merits, a likelihood of irreparable harm, that the balance of equities tips in its favor and the public interest supports the issuance of preliminary injunctive relief,” the order reads.

As a result, PETA’s advertising messages cannot be rejected while the court considers the overall case.

“The defendants Shore Transit and the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, as well as their agents, servants, employees, attorneys and all others in active concert or participation with them are hereby enjoined from enforcing Shore Transit’s restrictions on advertisements that Shore Transit deems political, controversial, offensive, objectionable or in poor taste,” the order reads. “The defendants Shore Transit and the Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland are hereby enjoined from refusing to accept the proposed advertisements submitted by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals on May 12, 2020.”

SNOW HILL – Efforts to expand broadband access in rural parts of southern Worcester County could bring high speed internet to some homes as soon as this month.

Officials from Talkie Communications, the county’s broadband vendor, said this week customers in the Dun Swamp Road area could have access to broadband by late October/early November.

“The county’s been great to work with,” said Talkie Communications’ Andre DeMattia. “The commissioners really want this.”

After soliciting proposals last fall, the Worcester County Commissioners selected Talkie as the county’s broadband partner in early 2021. At that point, the company was able to begin applying for grants

to help expand access to broadband. DeMattia said those grants will make the expensive project — estimated at $52 million — more feasible.

Though the company is using its Chestertown crew to handle work in Pocomoke right now, once grant funding begins to arrive — likely in January — DeMattia plans to hire a local installation team. With that in mind, the company has leased the county’s old liquor warehouse. It will serve as storage space initially but later could provide staff space.

“We’re excited,” DeMattia said. “As soon as we get into the warehouse things will go faster.”

The company is currently working in the Dun Swamp Road area of Pocomoke and from there will go to Stockton Road and Sheephouse Road. DeMattia said the company hopes to simultaneously begin installation in the Bishopville area.

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“The community wants it,” DeMattia said. “I’ve had so many contact me.”

He said many people in Pocomoke had already signed up for service and that more would likely do so when they heard their neighbors were connected. The company offers fiber-optic access starting at $69.99 a month. For those with limited income, the company does participate in the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, which covers $50 of the monthly cost for eligible households.

He added that while the grants Talkie planned to use to fund its work were meant to bring high speed internet to rural, unserved areas, Talkie would eventually overbuild and offer service in the more populated parts of Worcester County. He said those interested should visit Talkie’s website, talkiefiber.com, as community interest will determine where the company offers access.

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Berlin Celebrates Henry Park Overhaul, Mural On Courts

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 22, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Residents of all ages descended on Henry Park Sunday to join together to celebrate newly refurbished basketball courts.

The courts, which now constitute a brightly painted mural, were christened with hours of one-on-one and three vs. three play as the community cheered from the sidelines Sunday. Elected officials and an estimated 1,500 area residents attended the first ever Love Day at Henry Park to commemorate the refurbishment of the park’s basketball courts, which sport a new paint job as well as new backboards.

“It is my sincere hope this court plays a part in making the citizens and the children and everyone here in the town of Berlin better people,” longtime Councilman Dean Burrell said. “I would like to ask us, as this event came together, let us continue to be together to work for the betterment of the Berlin and remember to keep our children first.”

The nonprofit We Heart Berlin spent months fundraising and coordinating an effort to turn the Henry Park basketball

About 1,500 came out to Henry Park in Berlin Sunday to celebrate the unveiling and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new basketball courts.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

courts into a mural. Twenty-five volunteers spent two weeks putting 225 gallons of paint on the more than 16,000square feet of courts under the guidance of artist Shelton Hawkins. Hawkins, mural designer Kelsey Hess and We Heart Berlin’s dozens of supporters and volunteers were among those in attendance

Sunday.

“I’ve never seen a community come together to do a project like this,” said Hawkins, who has spearheaded similar projects throughout the country. “This is amazing.”

Police Chief Arnold Downing praised the partnerships that supported the proj-

ect along the way — six churches stepped up to provide food for Love Day — and expressed optimism for We Heart Berlin’s plans for a Berlin skatepark.

“Whatever you can say, whatever can come out of your mouth, whatever’s in your heart can happen,” he said.

Tony Weeg, founder of We Heart Berlin, thanked the countless people who played a part in bringing the mural and backboards to the park.

“One thing I have to mention is why I do all of this,” he said. “For me when I moved to Berlin three short years ago it became very clear to me the connectivity between the two sides of Berlin was very nil. My goal in life is to sort of drive change in positive ways. To drive change here in Berlin and figure out ways for us to get across this highway again with ease so that our children and our families can walk to the ice cream store. Instead of having only one intersection having more than one intersection. And if we do bigger and better things we’re going to have to because people from all sides are going to want to get to this side. That’s what I really want more than anything.”

He talked about the importance of being thankful and “how to live on the high of gratitude.” He drew laughter when he acknowledged Councilman Jay Knerr, who defeated him in last fall’s SEE NEXT PAGE

… ‘I’ve Never Seen A Community Come Together To Do A Project Like This’

October 22, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

For We Heart Berlin founder Tony Weeg, the completion of the mural project represents a significant attempt to address “connectivity between the two sides of Berlin.”

Photos by Steve Green

election.

“Thank you for beating me in the town council race,” he said. “You enabled me to do this. I cannot thank you enough.”

Jeron Whaley, one of the DJs emceeing the event, took a moment to recall his own years playing basketball at Henry Park with Adrian Bowen, the Berlin native who first brought up the idea of painting the courts.

“He’s a friend of mine,” Whaley said.

“Many days I spent on Branch Street playing in their backyard, tearing their court up, in the house probably tracking dirt everywhere… When we first came out here we had the rusted rims, we had the crack going down the center of the court, that’s how we avoided rolled ankles. The backboards, it would just lean and lean with you. This is huge.”

Bowen, a We Heart Berlin board member, told the crowd how the concept for the courts came about when he first saw Hawkins’ work in Easton two years ago.

“I seen what it did to that neighborhood and I said man I have to do something to get the kids and everybody else

back out in the community because this park used to jump,” he said. “This park used to jump at every moment.”

He sent a message to Weeg on Jan. 28 looking for direction on how to make the concept a reality.

“Little did I know this was the guy,” he said. “This was the direction I needed to seek. He went in headfirst along with me.”

He said he was grateful for everyone who helped.

“I want to thank each and every person that came out here and put a stroke of paint down,” he said.

As balls bounced off backboards and teenagers practiced their layups — one group scrimmaging with a Berlin police officer and Mayor Zack Tyndall — Sen. Mary Beth Carozza said the overwhelming success of the event was a testament to community partnerships.

“This is so uplifting,” she said, adding that the event was likely just the start of something within the community. “It’s setting a tone that this can become even more of a place of celebration.”

Hundreds of school-aged kids enjoyed the new courts at Henry Park last Sunday.

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Ocean Pines Considering Sick, Safe Leave Policy Changes

Page 30

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Proposed revisions to the association’s sick and safe leave policies dominated much of the discussion at last week’s board meeting.

Last Saturday, the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors voted to support two motions regarding employee policies on sick and safe leave. The first motion approved last week sets a 240hour limit on carryover sick and safe leave time, while the second establishes a policy to gift sick and safe leave time to workers in need.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

“These two motions, together, I think will encourage responsible use of our sick and safe leave policies,” said Director Colette Horn.

Horn said she submitted the two motions for the board’s consideration after working with the association’s human resources director and administrative staff to develop sick and safe leave policies.

She said what was presented to the board mirrored policies from neighboring municipalities.

“Our HR director was involved in the development of this policy as a representative of the employees and also to ensure what we are doing is within the law,”

she explained. “We also did research on the policies of the neighboring communities – Worcester County, Berlin, Ocean City – and this policy is in keeping with the standard for this community …”

Director Amy Peck said she understood the value of attracting and retaining employees, particularly in the midst of a workforce shortage, but questioned if the 240-hour limit would hurt employee morale. She noted the employee handbook currently allowed for unlimited carryover.

“If we keep the present policy in place, it helps retain your long-term, your experienced, your most valuable, employees,” she said. “And I also think it helps attract new employees.”

When asked what employees’ thoughts were on the proposed revisions, General Manager John Viola noted there was a “passionate” response. While there was some concern that employees would lose sick leave they had already accumulated, Horn noted full-time staff with an employment date prior to May 1, 2022 will be able to keep sick leave that exceeds 240 hours and will be allowed to accumulate up to 240 hours more.

“If they have 1,000 [hours], they can accumulate another 240 …,” she said.

“What they already have they won’t lose, but any that goes in excess of 240 they would be incentivized to donate to the sick leave bank.”

Director Doug Parks said he supported the concept, but wanted to see the exact

October 22, 2021

language that would be used in the employee handbook. Director Frank Daly agreed.

“I’d like to know if there is any consideration for developing the language and giving us a little more time …,” Parks said.

“I think that would be helpful.”

Horn noted that language provided in the motions would be inserted verbatim into the handbook.

“The idea today was to get approval in concept, approval of the policy, and then have the language developed by our director of HR, and for her to go through the handbook and make sure there are no conflicts,” she said. “That language would come back to the board for approval.”

After further discussion, the board voted 6-1, with Peck opposed, to support a motion setting a 240-hour carryover limit, but allowing employees with more than 240 hours’ leave to retain what they have and accumulate up to 240 hours over their leave balance once the policy goes into effect.

The board then voted unanimously on a motion to establish a policy for gifting sick and safe leave time to co-workers in need. Horn noted the establishment of a sick leave bank ensures sick leave time is not lost, but donated to those who need it.

“This also was benchmarked against the communities around us, and it is very much closely aligned with the policy that Worcester County has for a similar program to gift sick and safe leave …,” she explained.

Council Approves Third Motorized Gate

October 22, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Another street-end on the Boardwalk will be equipped with a motorized gate after resort officials approved the request.

In recent years, there have been a handful of incidents in the U.S. and abroad when terrorists have killed and injured dozens of victims by crashing vehicles into areas where large groups of people gather. The Boardwalk in Ocean City naturally fits the description with dozens of access points where an ill-intending vehicle could reach the famed promenade and its large crowds.

To that end, about three years ago, the Town of Ocean City launched a Boardwalk hardening project with permanent and semi-permanent barriers in most locations and gated access points at a few locations to allow fire, police, emergency services to access the Boardwalk when necessary.

The initial power-operated gates were installed at just two locations, Dorchester Street and 3rd Street, to allow access to the Boardwalk during emergencies and certain special events. On Oct. 12, the Mayor and Council had before them a request to add another motorized gate at the north end of the Boardwalk at 26th Street. Public Works Director Hal Adkins explained the need for the request.

“At the time of the initial Boardwalk hardening project, only two locations were selected by staff for installation of power-operated gates,” he said. “Those two locations were Dorchester Street and 3rd Street. Now that we have experienced the limits the hardening project has placed on the daily operational staff, such as cleaning crews, and some special events, such as car Cruisin parades we would like to convert the manual gate at 26th Street to a power-operated gate.”

Adkins explained the total cost of converting 26th Street to a power-operated gate was around $38,000. However, when the Boardwalk hardening project was completed there was a remainder of $14,000, which was diverted to the public works campus project at 65th Street. Adkins said the unused portion of the Boardwalk hardening funding could be diverted to help cover the cost of installing a power-operated gate at 26th Street. The remaining $24,000 for the project could be funded through parking revenue, Adkins said.

In response to a question why 26th Street was chosen and not the Boardwalk end at 27th Street, Adkins said 26th Street made more sense for his crews getting on and off the Boardwalk from an operational standpoint as opposed to the various motorized special events that hold Boardwalk parades, for example.

The council approved the request with a unanimous vote.

October Peace: Puffy clouds, a blue sky and a quiet Route 50 Bridge created quite the fall image on Monday

afternoon.

Photo by Chris Parypa

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 22, 2021

October 22, 2021

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 22, 2021

BUSINESS And Real Estate News Golf Tourney Raises $11K BERLIN – The Coastal Association of REALTORS® (Coastal) hosted its 3rd Annual Coastal REALTORS® Foundation Golf Tournament on Thursday, Oct. 14, at the Ocean City Golf Club.

The association raised well over $11,000 for the Coastal REALTORS® Foundation, which is a fund held by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and is accessible to members of Coastal to support their chosen local organizations.

A total of 84 players participated in the tournament, and the following prizes were awarded by Coastal: First Flight & Overall Winner: Erik Brubaker, Marcie Thiele, Hunter White and Bill Brown; Second Flight: Robert Skudrna, Mar Stirone, Jerry Zentz, and Kirk Slicer; Third Flight: Eugene Jubber, Lloyd Martin, Stephan Van Wijk, and Rich Currance; Closest to the Pin: John Kilian; Women’s Longest Drive: Marcie Thiele; and Men’s Longest Drive:

Erik Brubaker.

Prior to and during the tournament, Coastal sold tickets for a chance drawing on a “Love Where You Live” gift basket, which included several gift cards to local attractions and restaurants as well as a three-night stay in an Ocean City condo.

Mair Zaleski was the big winner.

“Congratulations to our winners and thank you to our players, sponsors, and volunteers,” said Coastal President Joni Williamson. “The Coastal REALTORS® Foundation has already awarded over $39,600 in grant funding to 37 different local charities and this event means we can continue supporting these important organizations in our community.”

Hospital Hires Search Firm BERLIN – As the next step in the process to identify a new president and chief executive officer, Atlantic General Hospital’s CEO Search Committee has retained the national executive search firm WittKi-

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A ribbon cutting ceremony and welcoming event was organized by the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce last week to celebrate the new RE/MAX Advantage Realty office on 115th Street bayside.

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effer.

WittKieffer will launch their national recruitment efforts in November. The firm’s senior partner, Rachel Polhemus, will work with the search committee through the New Year to identify four to six semi-finalist candidates for interviews, with the goal of selecting the new president and CEO by spring.

Polhemus has vast experience as an executive recruiter, including more than 17 years of experience at WittKieffer, combined with management consulting experience for leading healthcare and Fortune 500 firms.

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October 22, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35 than other chronic diseases, even hypertension and diabetes, is responsible for more than $81 million in hospital charges for children, and for an additional 2.3 missed days of school per child.”

... BUSINESS NEWS for Atlantic General Hospital,” said Charlotte Cathell, chair of the CEO Search Committee.

The target start date for the new hospital leader is May 2022 at the latest.

Funding Award Announced

Asthma Grant Received SALISBURY – TidalHealth, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and Chesapeake Housing Mission, has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the Rural Maryland Council for its EXHALE Asthma Control program. The grant is being used to identify, educate on and address asthma triggers or trigger-promoting conditions in Lower Shore homes that negatively affect breathing.

The program is administered by a TidalHealth community health worker who will conduct a comprehensive home and health assessment to determine what is needed to create a healthy, safe, energy efficient home. Households are being referred to the EXHALE team by local health or social service providers or other community partners.

The goal is to not only address the high rate of uncontrolled asthma and other obstructive lung diseases on the Lower Eastern Shore, but also to correct those

The Keller Williams Team of Erik Brubaker, Marcie Thiele, Hunter White, and Bill Brown won first place in the 3rd Annual Coastal REALTORS® Foundation Golf Tournament.

Submitted Photo

contributing factors like lack of proper healthcare and a primary care provider, and substandard housing. The program includes home upgrades and repairs by Habitat and Chesapeake Housing Mission, when needed.

“The link between poor housing conditions, poverty and health on the Lower Shore is shown by the high rates of chil-

dren with asthma and adults with asthma, COPD, or lung cancer. Asthma is the most common chronic lung disease in children and is one of the largest racial and ethnic health disparities for Emergency Department (ED) visits,” said Kathryn Fiddler, Vice President of Population Health at TidalHealth.

“Asthma is the cause of more ED visits

SALISBURY – The Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) Office of Network Advancement has announced awards for the 2021 No Wrong Door Community Infrastructure Grants: Scaling Network Lead Entities funding opportunity.

MAC, Inc., Your Area Agency on Aging, was among the recipients, receiving $291,233. A total of nearly $3.5 million was awarded to 12 organizations nationwide. MAC will serve as an NLE in linking clinical and community-based services to improve the lives of Marylanders.

The grant will work to strengthen pathways for referrals to screen and track older adults and individuals with disabilities for risk of food insecurity, social isolation, and/or benefit from referral to evidence-based self-management and falls programs; encourage physicians and hospitals with patients who could benefit from these services to connect with community providers; collaborate with service providers to track changes in health status and healthcare cost reduction; and work to increase data sharing of outcomes across clinical and nonclinical systems.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 22, 2021

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

Chris Parypa’s Photo of the Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above is a scene captured in north Ocean City looking south. 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

Adopt A Pet From The Shelter These Loving Animals, Sponsored Each Month By Local Businesses, Are Available For Adoption At The Ocean City Humane Society: 410-213-0146.

To Sponsor A Pet, Call 410-641-4561 • Annually, 10% Of The Proceeds From This Page Are Donated To The Shelter The Humane Society Desperately Needs Volunteers To Help Care For The Cats And Dogs. Any Amount Of Time You Can Spare Will Be Appreciated.

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October 22, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

The Dispatch’s Pets of the Month

Pet’s Name: K-Cat Pet’s Age/Breed: 3-year-old tortoiseshell Pet’s Owner: Patrick Priest

Pet’s Name: Qtip Pet’s Age/Breed: 12-year-old Cairn terrier Pet’s Owner: Tim Bohms

Pet’s Name: Riley Pet’s Age/Breed: 7-year-old miniature grey hound/beagle mix Pet’s Owner: Mary Baracco

Pet’s Name: Jake Pet’s Age/Breed: 5-year-old labrador Pet’s Owners: Chris & Christine Okerblom

STEVE GREEN EDITOR

Pets Names: Cornbread & Finn Pet’s Age/Breed: 4-month-old Bernefie & Golden retriever. Pet’s Owners: Charlie Haugh, Savannah McCauley own Finn; Colton Haugh, Annie Seipp own Cornbread

Pet’s Name: Winnie Pet’s Age/Breed: 3-year-old Louisiana Catahoula leopard dog Pet’s Owner: Stephanie Battista

The Dispatch presents the latest edition of its Pets of the Month Contest.

Each month one special animal, or two, in some cases, is picked as the cutest photo of the bunch through a private vote of our staff. Here we present this month’s pets, submitted by our readers.

On the front page is last month’s winning entry, Cody, owned by, Alex O’Neill.

Those interested in participating in future months’ contests are invited to send their lovable pet photo to us at editor@mdcoastdispatch.com (preferred) or to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 or drop it off at our office in Berlin at 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd.

Please be sure it’s a high-quality photo suitable for reproduction and to include your mailing address, the pet’s name, age and breed and the owner’s first and last name. The next series will appear in this space on Nov. 12.

Pet’s Name: Buster Baxter Pet’s Age/Breed: 1-year-old Mixed breed Pet’s Owners: Andrea & Andy Olachia

Pet’s Name: Monk Pet’s Age/Breed: 4-year-old mixed rescue Pet’s Owners: Bob Wine & Gudda Nicholas

Pet’s Name: Bella & Tucker Pet’s Age/Breed: Chesapeake retriever, 9, and hound mix, 1 Pet’s Owners: Katie Turner & Darren Schaffer

Pet’s Name: Homer & Oliver Pet’s Age/Breed: Longhaired chihuahua, 10, and chiweenie, 2 Pet’s Owners: Mindy & Vince Schumaker

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Page 38

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 22, 2021

People in Society New F&B Director of the Hilton Suites Oceanfront Thomas A. Raymond and Harrison Group Director of Sales Ruth Walters showcased some of their new dishes at the OC Chamber of Commerce October Alive After Five.

by Jeanette Deskiewicz Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

All the Toms (Herwig, Foglesong, and Irwin) kept things moving in the Knights of Columbus kitchen for the Sunfest edition of their monthly breakfast buffet.

Attendees of the October OC Chamber of Commerce Alive After Five participated in a Poker Run with Dawn Dillon and Suzanne Jackson of Jolly Roger handing out cards in the Baja room.

Come sample the wares of Richard Thomas and Bob Pellenbarg during breakfast this Sunday 10/24, at the Knights of Columbus Hall on 99th Street Bayfront.

Representing the OC Power Squadron at the Ocean Pines and Salisbury Area Chambers’ joint mixer were Ken Wolf, Fred Stiehl, Dale Christensen, and Jerry Leuters.

Ocean Pines Chamber Executive Director Kerrie Bunting and Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce President Bill Chambers brought their organizations together for a joint mixer at Ocean Downs Casino.

SACC Board Member Shawna Kearsley and UMES Government Relations Director Jim Mathias networked at the joint mixer hosted by the Ocean Pines and Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerces.

Helping concert-goers find their seats for the Eli Young Band performance at Sunfest were George and Theresa Solyak of the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club.

Sunfest 2021 helped the OC Recreation Boosters get a boost to their fundraising efforts with Harry How and Neil Byrne volunteering at the wine booth.

Ocean City Shriner Club members Teresa Friedlander and Ed Dewaters poured beer to raise money for the non-profit group at this year’s Sunfest.

October 22, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Mars, your ruling planet, begins a journey that will open up a growing number of possibilities. Put that surging Arian energy to good use and explore it to your heart's content.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): This is the time to prepare for a career move coming up next month. Update your resume. Get those proposals in shape.

And don't forget to buff up that Bovine self-confidence.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Your Gemini instincts will guide you to the right people who might be able to help you get over that career impasse that has been holding you back. Expect to make changes.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): You're getting closer, but you still have a ways to go before reaching your goals. Continue to stay focused, no matter how difficult it can be for the easily distracted Moon Child.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Your Leonine pride might be keeping you from getting to the source of a disturbing situation. Don't be shy about asking questions. Remember: Information is power.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): It's a good time to shake up your tidy little world by doing something spontaneous, like taking an unplanned trip or going on a mad shopping spree.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): This is a good week to get advice on your plans. But don't act on them until you

feel sure that you've been told everything you need to know to support your move.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Be careful. You might be probing just a little too deeply into a situation that you find singularly suspicious. The facts you seek will begin to emerge at a later time.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): This is a good week to make new friends and to look for new career challenges. But first, get all those unfinished tasks wrapped up and out of the way.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Relationships need a fresh infusion of tender, loving care. Avoid potential problems down the line. Stay close to loved ones as the month draws to a close.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Aspects favor relationships, whether platonic, professional or personal. On another note: Be a mite more thrifty. You might need some extra money very soon.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): This is the absolute right time to let those often-hidden talents shine their brightest. You'll impress some very important people with what you can do.

BORN THIS WEEK: You are impelled by a need to find truth, no matter how elusive. You would make a wonderful research scientist or an intrepid detective. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 62

Page 39

Estate Litigation Probate Estate Planning Civil Litigation Medicaid 9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy. #112 Ocean City, MD 21842 www.batielaw.com

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vanishing

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 40

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Learning the high road is best at times A field of green grass freshly cut Wind chimes doing their thing in the distance When a storm drastically changes our weather The documentary, “Dopesick” NFL RedZone when the Ravens are not playing Cream-based seafood soups Tree stands Reading a nicely done obituary When optimism is not forced A long third down conversion in football

OCEAN CITY

October 22, 2021

WITH BUNK MANN

For nearly 40 years, Dale’s Esso Center was the first thing people saw when entering Ocean City.

The gas station at the foot of the Route 50 Bridge was one of just a handful of local businesses to stay open year-round in the 1940s and 1950s.

William Dale started the business in 1941 but it was taken over by his wife Elizabeth after their marriage ended. She managed Dale’s Esso from 1943 to 1953 and pumped gas, checked oil and washed windshields in an era when that type of work was rarely attempted by a woman.

When Mrs. Dale’s health began to fail, she leased the station to Burton Birch. He successfully ran it for another 30 years until the building was demolished and the land developed to become an entry park.

Today a fountain containing a white marlin sculpture occupies the former site of Dale’s Esso.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishingPhoto courtesy Sue Byrd oc.com.

Ocean City To Host 10th Annual Halloween Activities

October 22, 2021

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

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

There is no charge to go through the Halloween Beach Maze this weekend.

File Photo

Boardwalk during the annual Drive in Disguise parade on Saturday, Oct. 23 hosted by the Ocean City Jeep Club.

The parade leaves 26th Street at 3 p.m. and goes south towards the Inlet. Partic-

ipating 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

Page 41

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 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.

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 22, 2021

Best Beats On The Beach Your Countertop Specialists

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DJ TUFF Seacrets: Friday, Oct. 22

FRANKIE MORAN Atlantic Hotel: Friday, Oct. 22

GREENE TURTLE NORTH 410-723-2120 116th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Oct. 22: DJ BK Sunday, Oct. 24: DJ BK HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Friday, Oct. 22: DJ Billy T

DJ JEREMY Harborside: Saturday, Oct. 23 Crawl Street Tavern Sunday, Oct. 24

October 22, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 43

Who’s Where When Saturday, Oct. 23: Rogue Citizens, DJ Jeremy Sunday, Oct. 24: Opposite Directions, DJ Billy T Thursday, Oct. 28: DJ Billy T

ELVIS FEST Ocean Club/Clarion: Friday - Sunday, Oct. 22-24

TRAILER PARK ROMEO Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, Oct. 22

OCEAN CLUB 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The Clarion Hotel Friday - Sunday, Oct. 22-24: Elvis Fest OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 410-641-7501 1 Mumford’s Landing Rd., Ocean Pines Saturday, Oct. 30: DJ BK

SUGAR JACK Purple Moose: Friday, Oct. 22 & Saturday, Oct. 23

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, Oct. 24 Seacrets: Thursday, Oct. 28

HIT PARADE Fager’s Island: Friday, Oct. 22

CHEST PAINS Coins Pub: Saturday, Oct. 23

SMOOTH RYTHM Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, Oct. 22

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

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

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PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, Oct. 22: Beats By Styler Saturday, Oct. 23: Rogue Citizens Sunday, Oct. 24: 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. 23: DJ Adam Dutch Friday & Saturday, Oct. 22 & 23: Sugar Jack SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Oct. 22: Triple Rail Turn, DJ Tuff & The Way Outs Saturday, Oct. 23: John McNutt Band, DJ Cruz & Lima Bean Riot Thursday, Oct. 28: Opposite Directions

Page 44

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 22, 2021

COMMUNITY News In Photos

The Delaware State Society Daughters of the American Colonists (DAC) met on Oct. 12 at Harpoon Hanna's Restaurant in Fenwick. A check for $1,000 was presented by DAC to Winnie Lewis, president of Friends of the Fenwick Lighthouse. Members, pictured from left, are Irene Phillips, Lynne Hastings, DAC State Regent Lynne Murray, Harriet Ritter, Winnie Lewis, Linda Oberkofler, Connie Duke, Ginger Apyar, Carol Halsey, Retta Mills, Sue Mallory, Darlene Stevens and Ginger Moore.

If running out of food is any indication, the first Festa Piccola in Ocean City was a huge success for the Ocean City Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy.

Patrons lined up before the 11 a.m. opening and the lodge began running out of food within the first hour of the five-hour event. Chair Sal Castorina said, “We offered the same great homemade Italian food and baked goods that we feature in March but because of Covid we offered carry out only. We were overwhelmed by the response and ran out of food much earlier than we anticipated.” Castorina said the team will “have plenty to serve at our next scheduled St. Joseph’s Day Festival, March 19, 2022.” Serving homemade Italian foods from the kitchen were, above from left, Barb Graziosi, Sharon Smith, Donna Potenza and Rosemarie Pomilla. Below, selling homemade Italian pastries, cakes cookies and more were, from left, Rosemary Gear, Cretia Motsco, Rosemary Rogers and Jo Alexander.

The Art League of Ocean City’s cocktail party, hosted at the Spain Wine Bar at the Cambria Hotel, celebrated the sponsors and homeowners of the Sand Castle Home Tour, currently in progress through Oct. 31, a benefit for the nonprofit art league. Top, Art League of Ocean City Executive Director Rina Thaler and Board President John Sisson pose with John Rego of T&G Builders at the thank you party.

T&G is the 2021 tour's main sponsor. Above, Mary Foelber, chair of the 2021 Sand Castle Home Tour, Michael Foelber, and homeowners Seanna and Matt Covell celebrate at the cocktail party. At right, Christine and Brian Selzer received a custom home portrait of their South Point residence that is included on the virtual home tour.

Submitted Photos

October 22, 2021

Seahawks Edged By Queen Anne’s, 35-34

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SPORTS Mallards And Dragons Deadlocked In 2-2 Tie

Page 45

In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity soccer team ran its winning streak to six games last Friday before tying the Salisbury School on Monday at 2-2.

The Mallards had been on a roll since their only loss of the season to Cape Henlopen back on September 24, winning six straight to improve to 9-1 on the season. Last Friday, Worcester beat Delmarva Christian, 2-0, at home on Sen-

ior Day. Dylan McGovern scored on a penalty kick in the first half to take a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, the Mallards got a goal from Anderssen Taylor on an assist from Pearson Schul to secure the 2-0 win. On Monday, however, the Mallards tied Salisbury School, 2-2, on the road, ending the winning streak. Worcester trailed 1-0 at the half, but scored two second-half goals. Salisbury School added a second-half goal and the game ended in a 2-2 tie.

Worcester Prep Golfers Remain Unbeaten

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s varsity golf team one its match last week to remain unbeaten on the season.

The Mallards shot a team-low 168

to win the match while Gunston shot a 188 and Salisbury School shot a 218.

Michael DePalma was the medalist with a low score of 38. Worcester’s Vanesska Hall shot a 39, Harrison Humes finished with a 42 and Owen West shot a 43.

Tough Guy Of The Week: This week’s Atlantic Physical Therapy

Tough Guy of the Week award went to Khi Reid for his strong performance against North Caroline. Pictured above is Reid (center) flanked by APT’s Charles Curran (left) and Head Coach Jake Coleman (right).

Submitted Photo

Decatur quarterback Ashten Snelsire scampers in for a touchdown in the Seahawks narrow 35-34 loss to Queen Anne’s last week.

Submitted Photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team dropped a close one to visiting Queen Anne’s last weekend, 3534, to fall to 4-3 on the season.

The Seahawks led 21-14 at the half, but the Lions scored the lone touchdown of the third quarter to tie the game at 21-21 heading into the fourth. Queen Anne’s outscored Decatur, 14-13, in the final quarter to pull out the one-point win.

Ashten Snelsire threw 47 passes in

the game and completed 30 to finish with 391 yards and two touchdowns.

Snelsire also ran for a touchdown. Luke Mergott scored two rushing touchdowns. Decatur only ran the ball 17 times in the game. Caden Shockley was the leading rusher with eight carries for 26 yards.

Marqui Henry led the passing attack with eight catches for 144 yards. Zimere Handy caught seven passes for 78 yards, Mergott had three catches for 67 yards and Brycen Coleman caught six passes for 50 yards.

Decatur Girls Win Bayside South Title

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity cross-country teams were outstanding in the Bayside South championship meet last week with the girls finishing first as a team and the boys coming in

second.

On the girls’ side, Decatur’s Amber Marshall finished first overall and claimed the Bayside South individual title. Macy Woroniecki was fourth overall, while Avery Braciszewski finished fifth, Clarice Piela was seventh and the Chloe Resnick was 12th.

Page 46

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 22, 2021

with Scott Lenox

First place swordfish honors in the Broadbill Bash were won by the Southern C’s when they landed this 218-pound beauty, above. Opposite page, top left, this crew caught 13 stud yellowfin tuna while fishing with Captain Shawn Gibson on board the Reel Current. Opposite page, top middle, Captain Willie Zimmerman of the RoShamBo put this group on a limit of fat yellowfin tuna and was back to the dock in time for a late lunch. Opposite page, top right, Captain Joe Drosey of Rhonda’s Osprey made this crew’s day when he put them on nine yellowfin tuna.

Opposite page, middle left, this young angler is all smiles after catching a keeper flounder with Captain Jason Mumford on board the Lucky Break. Opposite page, middle center, Captain Wayne Blanks of Bayside Guide Service fished the East Channel and put this crew on 8 keeper flounder. Opposite page, middle right, Captain Jeremy Blunt of the Wrecker and his team boated 9 yellowfin tuna and two bigeye including this big 216 pounder. Opposite page, bottom left, the crew of Kilo Charlie won first place heaviest tuna in the Broadbill Bash with this big 202 pound bigeye. Opposite page, bottom right, this two-man crew had five keeper flounder up to 25.5 inches while fishing on board the Saltwater Adventures with Captain Tony Battista.

Submitted Photos

The last offshore tournament of the season took place over the weekend and though the format was changed because of an unfavorable forecast, it was a successful event. The 2nd Annual Bishop Broadbill Bash was changed from a fish two of three-day event to a fish one of two-day event and 16 boats fought it out for over $80,000 in prize money. In the end the crew of the Southern C’s caught the heaviest swordfish at 218 pounds and won over $16,000. The big money winner of the Bishop Broadbill Bash came out of the heaviest tuna category

where Kilo Charlie won over $33,000 in addition to a $5,000 Atlantic Tackle gift card for their 202-pound bigeye tuna.

Congratulations to all of the winners and to the Bishop Broadbill Bash on another great event.

Offshore tuna fishing was on fire once again last week with lots of yellowfin tuna being caught on the chunk down in the Washington Canyon. Yellowfin in the 40to 60-pound class along with a couple of very nice bigeye tuna were caught on chunked butterfish and sardines with the SEE NEXT PAGE

October 22, 2021

... Fish In OC best fishing being early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Fishing is definitely better during the week as a big crowd of boats will most likely spook fish down from the surface. Friday was slick calm and there were over 150 boats in the Washington and there was a noticeable difference with success rates. Boats still caught fish, but it was more like four or

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

five as compared to limits of 18 or more the next day when the weather was rougher and there were far fewer boats.

Flounder fishing in Ocean City’s back bays was good last week with clean water conditions at the end of the outgoing tide. There are still some fish being caught in the Thorofare and behind Assateague Island, but the hot spots are around the Route 50 Bridge and Inlet.

The East Channel north of the Route 50 Bridge was very good last week with lots of keeper sized fish over 16.5” being

caught. There are plenty of throwbacks being caught on Gulp baits, but most of the keepers are falling for live bait like “peanut” bunker, mullet or spot. Drift the deeper water on a slow-moving tide in clean water and you could see some good fishing for the next several weeks.

With cooling water temperatures we’ll start to see more rockfish and tautog being caught around the bridge and south jetty. Grab some jigs for the rockfish and some sand fleas or green crabs for the tautog. You might luck into a nice

Page 47

sheeps-head or drum on the sand fleas as well.

Make sure you check out my nightly fishing report the Daily Angle at www.FishinOC.com for up to date reports.

Until next week, my last for 2021, tight lines.

(The writer is the owner of Fish in OC and host of Ocean City’s fishing tel-evision 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.)

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 443-880-8444.

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

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

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

Kitchen open for light fare. 410-2502645.

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

Oct. 22: Fried Chicken Dinner The Berlin Fire Company will be kicking off its Friday night carryout dinners. From 4:30-7 p.m. dinners will be available for $12 featuring four pieces of fried chicken, homemade macaroni and cheese, string beans and a roll.

Next dinners will be on Nov. 19 featuring steamed shrimp and clam strips and Dec. 10 when spaghetti will be offered.

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

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do 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). Preorders for chicken salad and soup are now being taken on Facebook (AsburyAllen 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. 24: OCFD Open House The Ocean City Fire Department will host an open house at fire headquarters, 1409 Philadelphia Avenue, featuring a variety of activities for residents of all ages. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children in attendance will have the opportunity to participate in the junior firefighter challenge to get an idea of what it is like to be a firefighter and use a fire hose to extinguish a fire. Additionally, the department will have give-aways, light refreshments, and new heavy rescue on display.

Oct. 26-28: Safe Boating Course The Ocean City Power Squadron, a unit of the United States Power Squadrons, will present a comprehensive Safe Boating course at the Ocean Pines Library.

This course will be given on three nights including a review and exam on the last night. The course will run from 6-9 p.m. each night. The course is free, there is a $20 charge for the course book if you wish to have one for reference or you may borrow a book with a $20 deposit which will be refunded if you return it unmarked on the last class night. Please arrive 15 minutes early the first night for registration. Class instruction will be conducted in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

Oct. 27: Marine Corps Meeting The First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League meets the Fourth Wednesday each month at the Ocean City American Legion Post 166 on 23rd Street. Any Marines and Navy Corpsman who have served in the Corps, living in Worcester and Sussex counties, are welcome to meet their fellow veterans and consider joining the detachment and support the mission for community service through camaraderie and volunteerism. 410-430-7181 or email websergeant@firststatemarines.org.

Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, 23: Coat & Toy Drives The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City announces its annual coat and toy drives. Collections are in the Ocean Pines Community Center parking lot from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Unwrapped toy donations will be delivered to Worcester G.O.L.D. and coats will be taken to Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary, and St. Peter's Lutheran Church.

Boots, shoes, thermal ware, sweatshirts, sweaters, jeans, gloves, scarves and blankets are also accepted.

Oct. 29: 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. 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.

Oct. 30: Chicken BBQ Benefiting the Stephen Decatur High School wrestling team, the drive-thru event at the old Harley lot will feature chicken, coleslaw, chips, roll and soda for $10 from 11 a.m. until sold out.

Oct. 30: Breakfast Buffet AUCE breakfast buffet at the Whaleyville United Methodist Church located at 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road. $8/adult and $4/child, 7-10 a.m. Buffet will include pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages.

Nov. 2-4: Basic Boating The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering the Maryland Basic Boating Safety Course, virtually. Cost is $20 for all three evenings. Register or get more information by calling Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807, or Email: CGAUXOC@Gmail.com.

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

October 22, 2021 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, 443-6142518.

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 custom-made 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/holiday-bazaar/ as event nears.

Nov 25: Thanksgiving Dinner The 42nd Annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner will again be held at the Ocean City Baptist Church from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Come and receive a great meal at no cost. The men and women of the church and community will be preparing and serving the dinner. Please call Ocean City Baptist Church to inform of attendance at 410-289-4054 or sign-up online at OCBaptist.com. Dinner will be available for shut-ins with a call.

October 22, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 49

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.

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

HELP WANTED

WORCESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

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: Family Dental Practice seeking part time Dental Hygienist. Patient oriented, relaxed atmosphere. Please forward resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BOAT YARD HELP NEEDED: Year Round. Mechanical ability a plus. Duties include shrink wrapping boats, blocking up boats and assisting technicians. Temporary probationary period. Must live in OC/Berlin area. Call Dennis at Harbor Marine at 410-213-2296.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST TRAINEE- Full Time, State Benefits.

Duties include performing inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with environmental health laws and regulations. Duties are performed in various programs, which include Food Service Facility Compliance, Public Swimming Pool/Spa Compliance, Rabies Prevention & Vector Borne Disease and Nuisance Complaint Investigation and Abatement.

At the time of hire, the selected applicant must possess a certificate of eligibility to be licensed as an Environmental Health Specialist from the Maryland Board of Environmental Health Specialists. Valid driver’s license and background check required.

CASHIER/ SALES ASSOCIATE Must be friendly & dependable 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

Looking For Employees?

Start Your Search in...

The Dispatch Print and Online

APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by November 1, 2021.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221.

FUNERAL ASSOCIATE / GROUNDSKEEPER The Burbage Funeral Home located in Berlin, MD is looking for several individuals to join our funeral home staff. Some job duties include assisting funeral directors with funeral services, doing removals both during normal business hours and after hours, and maintaining funeral home grounds. Must be willing to work nights and/or weekends and be on call as needed. Also must be able to lift 100 pounds. A valid driver's license is required.

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

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS/ CARPENTERS Must have experience.

Competitive pay.

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

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 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

Send resume to j.weldon@burbagefuneralhome.com

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

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 Follow The Dispatch On Facebook, Instagram & Twitter, And Get News Updates As They Happen!

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 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

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 Third 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.

HOUSING NEEDS

RENTALS

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– UPDATED 1BR/1BA APT: Available for rent in beautiful downtown historic Berlin, MD. Walking distance to shops and restaurants. $1100/month plus utilities with first and last month’s rent due at signing along with $1100 security deposit. No smoking. No pets. Call (410) 641-2111, ask for Jessica.

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FOR SALE IN HOME SALE: Christmas & holiday decorations, knick-knacks, antiques, dishware, glassware, furniture, home goods, fishing rods/reels. Way too much to list.

Call for details,make arrangements to see everything. 443-523-7878.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– DINING ROOM FURNITURE: Holiday Dinners just around the Corner! Beautiful solid wood dining set. Table seats 8-10 with two leaves. Lighted China Cabinet with glass shelving. Must see! $575. Berlin. 443-880-8885. Can send pics.

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YARD SALES ESTATE SALE PART I: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 22 & 23, 8:30-12:30.

Furniture, Christmas, Kitchenware, Asian Decor, Linens, + A Lot More!

Prices start at 25¢. 10524 Sussex Road, West Ocean City.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MOVING SALE - NICE STUFF!: Bayside West OC Off Rt 611.

12461 Coastal Marsh Dr Unit 402.

11/3-11/5, 12-6pm and 11/6-11/7, 9am-5pm. LR/BR/DR furniture, lamps small appliances, kitchen items, home decor, very good or like new condition.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Got Yard Sale?

The Dispatch is the best way to get the word out!

Print & Online

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

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

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.

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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

Third 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 unen-

October 22, 2021 forceable 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

Third 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

Second 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 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

October 22, 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 Second 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

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

Second Insertion

RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

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. 18934

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18940

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.

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.

Second Insertion

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

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

First Insertion MARIANNA BATIE, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18819 To all persons interested in the estate of LISA SASSI AKA: LISA CAROL SASSI. ESTATE NO. 18819. Notice is given that RICHARD SASSI, 12501 SEA BOUY COURT, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 was on JULY 13, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of LISA SASSI, who died on DECEMBER 18, 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 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:

Page 51 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 22, 2021 RICHARD SASSI 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 10-22, 10-29, 11-05

First Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18906

First Insertion

To all persons interested in the estate of ROBERT QUICKEL AKA: ROBERT E QUICKEL, ESTATE NO. 18906. Notice is given that CLAUDIA QUICKEL, 9 76TH STREET #104, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on, OCTOBER 15, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBERT QUICKEL, who died on JANUARY 27, 2021, with a will.

BAYARD, P.A. STEVEN R. DIRECTOR, ESQ. 600 N. KING STREET, SUITE 400 WILMINGTON, DE 19801

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.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18862

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 15TH day of APRIL, 2022.

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 10-22

Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS COURT of SUSSEX COUNTY, DE, appointed MARGARET ANN WOODEN, 333 S SETON AVENUE, EMMITSBURG, MD 21727, as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of LESTER F WOODEN, who died on DECEMBER 26, 2020, domiciled in DELAWARE, USA. 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.

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 22, 2021 CLAUDIA QUICKEL Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 22, 2021

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the

MARGARET ANN WOODEN Foreign Personal Representative

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 10-22, 10-29, 11-05

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 First Insertion I. WILLIAM CHASE THE BELVEDERE TOWERS 1190 W. NORTHERN PKWY, SUITE 124 BALTIMORE, MD 21210

WILBARGER, LLC P.O. BOX 2367 DENVER, CO 80201 Plaintiff

vs.

ESTATE OF CHARLES SCHOOLFIELD C/O ESTELLA SCHOOLFIELD, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE 407 MAPLE STREET POCOMOKE, MD 21851 AND

UNKNOWN OCCUPANT RESIDING AT 1223 NEW BRIDGE ROAD POCOMOKE, MD 21851 AND

THE COUNTY OF WORCESTER SERVE ON: ROSCOE LESLIE COUNTY ATTORNEY 1 W. MARKET STREET ROOM 1103 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND

ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation once a week for three successive weeks, before the 8th day of NOVEMBER, 2021, warning all persons interested in said

Do You Know 6,500+ People Receive The Dispatch’s Daily Buzz Every Day? Sign Up At www.mdcoastdispatch.com And Get Local News As It Happens!

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO. C-23-CV-20-000119

It is thereupon this 14TH OF OCTOBER, 2021 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County,

ALL OTHER PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE AN INEREST IN 1223 NEW BRIDGE ROAD Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property, 1223 NEW BRIDGE ROAD, POCOMOKE, MD 21851 assessed to Estate of Charles Schoolfield, and sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiffs in these proceedings: 1223 NEW BRIDGE ROAD ACCOUNT NO.: 01-009214

The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid, although the required time for filing a Complaint has elapsed.

property to be and appear in this Court by the 15th day of NOVEMBER, 2021, to redeem the property, 1223 New Bridge Road, Pocomoke, MD 21851 and answer the Complaint of or thereafter a final decree will be rendered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff, WILBARGER, LLC a title, free and clear of all encumbrances, except for ground rents.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 22, 2021 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 10-22, 10-29, 11-05

First Insertion BROOKE H. BOWMAN 162 WEST STREET ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18942 To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE L. RALPH JR., ESTATE NO. 18942. Notice is given that MICHAEL SHAWN RALPH, 5871 MUSTANG COURT, SALISBURY, MD 21801, was on, OCTOBER 13, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GEORGE L. RALPH JR., who died on SEPTEMBER 11, 2021, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by con-

October 22, 2021 tacting 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 13TH 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 22, 2021 MICHAEL SHAWN RALPH 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 10-22, 10-29, 11-05

Fenwick Committee Forwards Height Amendment To Hearing

October 22, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – An ordinance amendment to include mechanical equipment into the town’s commercial height regulations will advance to a public hearing.

On Wednesday, the Fenwick Island Charter and Ordinance Committee met to discuss a proposed ordinance amendment to include mechanical equipment into the calculation of a commercial building’s height.

“It’s basically marrying up what is already written in the residential side of the height ordinance to the commercial side,” said Councilwoman Natalie Magdeburger, committee chair.

According to the town’s zoning code, total building height in the commercial district cannot exceed 30 feet – or 32 feet if the building has a freeboard that elevates the structure. But there are exceptions for roof-mounted solar panels, chimneys and elevator shafts, which can extend 4.5 feet above the maximum height to accommodate the elevator’s service equipment.

Magdeburger said the ordinance would be amended to add that “mechanical equipment and any other items attached to or mounted onto a building shall be included in the calculation of a building’s height.”

A first reading of the proposed amendment passed on first reading at the August town council meeting and was subsequently referred to the Charter and Ordinance Committee for further discussion. During this week’s meeting, committee member Mike Quinn questioned the purpose of the ordinance amendment.

“What outcome are we looking for?” he asked.

Magdeburger noted the amendment would not only match what was written in the residential zoning code, but would allow for more consistent building heights throughout town.

“What I’m trying to do is match it up, so we have consistency in our code and that our roof line doesn’t become more elevated than it is today,” she said.

While the amendment would not prohibit mechanical equipment on building roofs, it would make it part of the building height.

One committee member, however, questioned if that would encourage property owners to place their mechanicals at ground level, in the setbacks.

“Are we going to create a different nuisance?” he asked.

Building Official Pat Schuchman noted it was a concern of prior committee members.

“At ground level, that would create more of a noise issue than on the roof,” she explained. “It was discussed at previous C&O meetings.”

After further discussion on the pro-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

posed ordinance amendment, and its impact on the placement of mechanical equipment, the committee agreed to schedule a public hearing before advancing the amendment to the town council for a second reading.

“We will readdress those concerns after the hearing,” Magdeburger said.

Committee members on Wednesday also agreed to look into the status of a code rewrite project.

Over the course of a year, the town has paid $20,000 to KCI Technologies to complete a rewrite of sections of the Fenwick Island code. Magdeburger, however, noted the town has yet to receive any completed product.

“It’s not a difficult job,” committee member John Nason responded. “Why it’s taken $20,000 and 13 months, I’m at a loss to understand.”

Committee members this week agreed to explore other companies to complete the code rewrite. Magdeburger replied that she first wanted to receive some update or documentation from KCI. “Before we move forward, I definitely want to get what we paid for and see what that product is, and how usable it is,” she said.

Page 53

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October 22, 2021

OBITUARIES

Christopher Earl Price OCEAN CITY – Christopher Earl Price, age 37, died on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.

Born in Salisbury, he was the son of Earl “Tim” Price and Mary (Todd) Price of Berlin. Along with his parents, he is survived by his brothers, Matthew and Jonathan Price, both of Berlin; sister Amy Brooks and her husband David of Willards; paternal grandmother, Frances D. Price of Selbyville; and mater- CHRISTOPHER nal grandmother, June R. EARL PRICE Todd of Ocean City. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Earl Price Sr., and maternal grandfather, Omar W. Todd. Also surviving are several beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Chris leaves behind many good friends and his “Shenanigans family” which were so very much a part of his life.

Chris was a 2002 graduate of Stephen Decatur High School and had been employed as a waiter in Ocean City. He had a smile that could light up the darkest room. He loved warm weather, skate boarding, surfing and of course, living at the beach. An animal lover, especially cats, he wanted to save every cat that came his way.

Cremation followed his death. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. A donation in his memory may be made to the Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, Md. 21811.

Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Pierce, and sister, Ginger Ward.

She also leaves behind her faithful dog, Smokey.

Pat was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will always be remembered for her faith in God, her love of family, her laughter, love of gardening and making crafts and personalized greeting cards which she shared with those that she loved.

Pat was a retired Registered Nurse (RN) in Charles County, Md. prior to her retirement to the Eastern Shore. She held an Associate’s Degree from College of Southern Maryland. She was a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea-Holy Savior parish where she served for many years as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and in the ministry to the sick at Berlin Nursing and Rehab Center. She previously served as a volunteer with Coastal Hospice for over 15 years and was awarded the Coastal Hospice “Heart of Hospice” award in 2006.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Savior Catholic Church, 1705 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 at 2 p.m. Due to COVID restrictions, there will be no visitation in the church prior to Mass and masks are required. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to United Needs and Abilities, 688 E. Main Street, Salisbury, Md. 21804 or Coastal Hospice, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802.

Arrangements in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service.

To give condolences, visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

Patricia E. Dyer BERLIN – On Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, Pat Dyer of Berlin left this world peacefully in her home.

Earlier this year, Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe, of 61 years. Together, they had three children, sons Joseph James Dyer (Teresa) and Michael Dean Dyer, Sr. (Ellen) and daughter Tami Marie Dyer (D). She leaves behind to cherish her memory 10 grandPATRICIA E. children, Michael, Daniel, John, Steven, Becca, DYER Brad, Lindsay, Alex, Danny and Megan; 17 great grandchildren; her brother, Thomas (Butch) Pierce; and many nieces

Mark D. Liljenquist OCEAN CITY – Mark D. Liljenquist, long-time resident of Ocean City, passed away on Friday Oct. 15, 2021, at the age of 67.

Mark is survived by his four brothers, John, Blaine, David and Tom. Mark came to Ocean City in 1975 and started The Necklace Lab Jewelry store on the Boardwalk at N. Division St. In 1987 he branched out and started Mark Douglas Jewelers which he MARK D. operated with his part- LILJENQUIST ners. Mark also had jewelry stores in Salisbury, Towson, and Glen Burnie.

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helicopter landing at inlet lot okayed For Big toys event

October 22, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A helicopter landing at the Inlet lot will go off as planned this weekend as part of the Big Toys on the Boardwalk event after questions were raised about the operator’s level of insurance coverage.

A permit request to land a Enstrom F-28F helicopter on the Inlet lot on Sunday was part of the Mayor and Council’s consent agenda during Monday’s meeting. The consent agenda includes a batch of items for approval, typically special events or sports tournaments, for example, that do not require a lot of debate and are usually passed as a collection.

Such was the case on Monday when the consent agenda appeared to be on a path of easy approval. However, questions were raised about the level of insurance coverage for the helicopter’s operator, who would set it down in a section of the Inlet lot.

“In 2018 when this occurred previously, was the promoter required to get special event additional insurance coverage?” said Councilman Mark Paddack. “I have no doubt this will go off just fine, but I think we need to make sure they have the proper level of insurance in case something happens.”

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said she would look into the insurance issue.

For the record, a helicopter landed at the Inlet lot during the Big Toys on the Boardwalk special event in 2018.

“I think Councilman Paddack’s question is a valid one,” she said. “This event is Sunday. I would like to meet with the risk manager and recommend meeting with Special Events Director Frank Miller to make sure the operator is insured.”

As a result, the request to land the helicopter at the Inlet lot was removed from the consent agenda. The council then unanimously approved the remaining four items on the consent agenda.

The F-28F is a small, two-seat helicopter. It will land on the Inlet lot at roughly 9 a.m. on Sunday morning as part of the larger Big Toys on the Boardwalk event. Big Toys on the Boardwalk is an added-value, family-friendly event that allows kids of all ages to get behind the controls of unique vehicles, from exotic cars and race cars, to bulldozers and heavy equipment to fire trucks and ambulances, for example.

The special events department will secure a 120-foot by 120-foot landing zone in the northeast corner of the Inlet lot. A fire truck will be on the site as required during the landing and take-off.

The fire truck will also be part of the Big Toys on the Boardwalk event.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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School’s Computer Science Program Continuing To Evolve

Page 56

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

NEWARK – A growing computer science program at Worcester Technical High School is giving more and more students an introduction to information technology.

Teachers Aarti Sangwan and Mary Miller provided the Worcester County Board of Education with an overview of Worcester Tech’s computer science program this week. Miller said the program, which is in just its fourth year, was providing skills and experience that would help

students after high school.

“Students in our program have this opportunity to come right out of this program and go right (to work) in the community, or what the majority of our students do, they do go to college,” she said.

According to Sangwan, the program was started four years ago to provide Worcester Tech students the Project Lead The Way computer science pathway. Sangwan, who was initially the only computer science teacher, was joined by Miller three years ago. The program has now grown to include 90 students who are offered four classes — computer sci-

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Miller said the introductory class, computer science essentials, gave students a taste of what they were getting into.

“If you’ve ever heard ‘don’t just play on your phones, program them,’ that’s what they get to do,” she said.

From there, students go on to program robots and learn text-based programming. The final class in the program is cyber security.

“They work on the ethics of conduct, both in their personal life and company’s life,” Miller said. “They get to talk about— debate—what you do in cyber security, what should you do, and what you protect against.”

Sangwan said the majority of the students in the program, 74%, came from Stephen Decatur High School while 15% came from Pocomoke High School and 11% came from Snow Hill High School.

While most students are boys, Sangwan said there were several programs, such as Girls Go Cyber, that were meant to encourage more girls to explore the field.

Lucy Murphy, a Snow Hill student taking part in the program, said it had started off with coding and then moved on to robots and working with Javascript.

“In this program we focus a lot on project based learning so that way students can focus on what they like to and express themselves creatively in the

October 22, 2021

course,” she said.

Miller said an externship with Cards Technology that she’d done over the summer had allowed her to ensure the program taught the skills students really needed in the IT field.

“They taught me everything I needed to know so that when our students come out of high school they can go and work in the industry right here,” she said.

Cards has also partnered with the program to offer internship opportunities.

Senior Myra Cropper told the board interning at Cards had given her valuable hands-on experience.

“I’m able to use the skills that I’ve learned in the first three computer science classes and apply that to some realworld applications,” she said, adding that it had broadened her view of IT. “It’s really given me kind of an insight into what these industries look like. This before wasn’t really something I thought about doing as a job but now it is. There’s really more that goes into IT and cybersecurity than I thought about.”

Superintendent Lou Taylor praised the success of the growing program and encouraged Cropper and Murphy to use what they were learning to do good.

“Certainly, you’re two bright shining stars to help lead our country into the next phase of technology,” he said. “It’s my wish as I become an older citizen now that the things you will do will help our country become a better country.”

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OC Councilman Seeks ‘Proactive, Exciting Business Approach’

October 22, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – One week after debating the town’s budget manager over the use of some of the town’s growing room tax revenue, Councilman John Gehrig this week launched into lengthy dissertation on his vision for the resort.

Gehrig on Monday used his time at this week’s council meeting to read into the record a long email he sent to his colleagues on the council outlining his perception of where Ocean City is and urging a continued push forward in the future. The speech came a week after Gehrig was critical of Budget Manager Jennie Knapp over the use of a percentage of the town’s room tax revenue to pay for added expenses caused by special events.

“Right now, we are at a critical time in the future of Ocean City,” he said. “As leaders, we need to decide who we are, who we want to be and how we are going to get there.”

Gehrig suggested to his colleagues the time was now to make pointed decisions about the future and not just general concepts.

“In the past, we have made some general decisions, but we have not set expectations,” he said. “This has led to roadblocks seemingly every step along the way. We are persistently faced with

lack of action, lack of fire, and lack of desire. This allows the status quo to reign. I am not saying that my way is the right way or the only way, but someone needs to rise up and get the conversation started. We need to make some decisions and mandate them while establishing clear goals, objectives, timelines, and accountability.”

Gehrig said the town is currently in the midst of a philosophical debate with regards to the room tax discussion. He said on the one hand, there is a status quo government control with a tax and spend mentality. On the other side, there is a business-minded growth approach that encourages reinvestment in the town’s product.

“The first side thinks tourism is the cause of all of our problems and uses fear to paralyze us, while the other side states tourism is the source of our solutions and uses bold ideas to propel us forward,” he said.

Gehrig essentially said the two prevailing philosophies were standing in the way of accomplishing the town’s ultimate growth goals.

“The trouble with the government control model is that we have allowed the market to expand already,” he said.

“We welcomed the re-development and increased tax base that came with new hotels, new condo buildings, and new construction, in general. Further,

we hired a director of tourism and business development who has generated revenue and is formulating a plan.

Doing these things sacrificed the status quo mindset. We now need to grow in order to support those projects, the businesses that we permitted to open, and the JOHN new director of tourism.

GEHRIG If we went through all the effort to make that hire, shouldn’t we ensure that he has the tools he needs to succeed?”

Gehrig said his dissertation was not a means to put forth his own ideas, but rather a call to action for some of his colleagues.

“To be clear, I am extremely bullish on Ocean City,” he said. “People want to be here. We see this with the visitors who are visiting Ocean City for the first time and in the conferences we are attending. We experienced the highest room tax in the history of Ocean City.”

Gehrig said room tax contributed roughly $11 million to the general fund to pay for services residents and visitors expect. He said of that $11 million, over $1 million in unbudgeted “surprise” revenue paid for new hires budgeted this year including 10 police officers, six EMTs and a communications operator.

“We have an all-time Ocean City rec-

Page 57

ord with almost $30 million in the bank,” he said. “This unassigned fund balance climbed to a record 36%. This is almost double the goal we established five years ago during our strategic planning session. This is very exciting. Real estate demand is high, property owners are making upgrades and new businesses are opening.”

Gehrig pointed to the town’s recent financial successes as an even better reason to keep pushing forward.

“There is incredible momentum,” he said. “Now is the time to push forward with full force and vigor, not retreat into our comfortable hole. We appreciate and learn from our past but press forward by looking through the windshield and not the rear-view mirror.”

Gehrig said resort leaders often make promises at election time, but there is often little or no follow-through.

“We all make promises to our residents each election cycle,” he said.

“Now is the time to decide if those were just words. Will we be bold and take action to honor those campaign promises? Or will we be scared to move and rely only on our taxing power? Do we want a typical government mindset or a proactive, exciting business approach that takes advantage of our momentum? Either way, let’s make a decision and set clear and actionable objectives for our staff. You know where I stand.”

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Page 58

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 22, 2021

STUDENTS In The News

Stephen Decatur High School has announced its 2021 Homecoming Court ahead of this weekend’s annual dance. Pictured, above from left, are seniors Avery Braciszewski, Caroline Taylor, Darby Moore, Bailey Pusey and Georgia Oglesby. Below, back from left, are Seniors Khi Reid, Joe Buxbaum and Noah Reho; and, front, Zachery Thornton and Sam Woodley. The Homecoming King will be crowned during the annual pep rally on Friday afternoon, and the Homecoming Queen will be crowned during halftime of Friday’s Homecoming football game.

Berlin Intermediate School’s sixth grade students in Kelly Powell’s Enrichment class toured downtown Berlin for different electrical elements. Students then applied their findings toward the discovery and creation of a light circuit. Pictured are Mackenna Foreman, Emory Jack, Catrina Donmoyer, Donavon Robbins, Israel David, Aiden Buchheit and Tanner Edelmann.

Submitted Photos

Ocean City Elementary students in Melanie Coleman’s first grade class celebrated a “Poppin’ Partner Party.” Students popped a balloon to reveal who their writing partner would be for the school year. After the writing partners were unveiled, the students exchanged bookmarks created especially for their partner, and shared their first published story, while enjoying a lolliPOP.

Stephen Decatur High School Premier Driving School Athletes of the Month were seniors Tristan Dutton (cross country) and Emma Johnson (volleyball). Dutton recently broke the school record for the home course hill, and Johnson's volleyball squad holds a firm grip on the first place spot in the Bayside South. They are pictured with Premier representative Kelly Sisk and Principal Tom Sites.

Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli visited Worcester Preparatory School Upper School students to share the dangers of driving while impaired. Pictured, from left, are Harrison Humes, Griffin Jones, Crisafulli, Gavin Conaway, Madilyn Nechay and Avery Roselle.

During Sprit Week, upper school students joined in on the Harry Potter theme.

Pictured, back from left, are Morgan Schoch, Lily Baeurle, Ava Nally, Annie Carter, Sophie Haines, Sumira Sehgal, Natalie Brushmiller and Izzy Huber; and, front from left, Anna Carpenter, Morgan White, Claire Windrow and Caitlin Williams.

Annual Golf Tourney Raises $112K For Atlantic General

October 22, 2021

BERLIN – The Atlantic General Hospital Foundation held its 2021 Robert E. Warfield Memorial Fall Golf Classic last month at the Ocean City Golf Club. Despite scattered rainstorms, this year’s tournament was a great success, attracting 208 golfers on 52 teams. Volunteers, Atlantic General staff and participants shared a fantastic day full of great food, fresh orange crushes, golf and prizes.

On Oct. 13, Atlantic General leadership and staff, Fall Golf Classic committee members and Michael James from the Carousel Group, the 22-consecutiveyear Legacy Sponsor, all came together to commemorate the success of the event. With the help of the many sponsors, golfers and volunteers, the event raised $112,500 for the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation. Proceeds from the tournament enable the not-for-profit healthcare organization to advance the health of the residents and visitors of the community through a coordinated care delivery system that provides access to quality care, personalized service and education.

Winning teams in the tournament were first place, Lou Taylor, Buzz Taylor, Dan Parker and Penny Parker; second place, USI Insurance Services, Jim Brannon, Steve Niewinski, Mark Scott and Bryan Shepherd; and third place, i.g. Burton team of Charlie Burton, Bob Earle, Mike Larking and Danny Michaels.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 59

Pictured, front row from left, are Joy Stokes (AGH Event Coordinator), Sally Dowling (AGH Co-interim President/CEO), Steven Sweigert (Fall Golf Classic Committee Co-Chair), Lester Dennis, Michael James (The Carousel Group President), Lisa Cook, Kam LaBrunda (AGH Development Analyst) and Toni Keiser (AGH VP Public Relations); and, back, Caroline Phillips (AGH Development Officer), Steve Green (AGH Foundation Board Chair), Max Hutsell, Bill Harrington, Cate Nellans and Kim Justice (AGH Co-interim President and CEO). Committee members not present included Daniel Bunting (Co-Chair), Sonia Baker, Sarah DelliGatti, Tara Downes, Hank Fisher, Sam Glaeser, Sara Hambury, Al “Hondo” Handy, Ryan Kirby, Mary Lynn Knerr, Matthew Kraueter, Jennifer Kraueter, Gary Miller, Claire Reynolds, Nicole Selby and Terry Wright. Submitted Photo

The Golden Ball Challenge was won by the Atlantic Orthopaedics team of Tom Beck, Munna Garg, Dan Pascucci and Phil Spinuzza.

The Women’s Longest Drive honors went to Penny Parker and Poppy Granite.

Bragging rights for Men’s Longest Drive went to Lou Taylor and Brendan Murphy.

Capturing prizes for the Men’s Closest to the Pin were Taylor Ballard and Richard Silberstein.

Earning the top three places in the

Putting Contest were Matt Zaleski, Doug Taylor and Brandon Mallon.

For the Floating Green Contest, awards were presented to Bob Yocubik, Bryan Shepherd, Tom Bradshaw, Les Dennis, Dan Pascucci, Joe Sise and Rick Holland.

Page 60

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 22, 2021

Letters To The Editor Disappointing Attack

Boardwalk Parade: Among the hundreds of Corvettes featured at the Boardwalk parade during the Free State Corvette Weekend was this beauty owned by Ocean Pines residents John and Erin Lynch.

Photo by Jim Halvorsen Photography

Editor: After the Tuesday, Oct. 12 Ocean City Council work session, it was brought to my attention there was an attack by Councilmember John Gehrig on Budget Manager Jennie Knapp during her presentation to explain the history of room tax.

As former City Engineer for the Town of Ocean City, I am sure fellow employees will be apprehensive that they, too, will be harassed and berated if they deliver information to the elected officials and are met with disrespectful behavior.

As former City Manager of the Town of Ocean City, I know the city charter requires elected officials to deal with individual city employees only through the City Manager. Councilmember Gehrig should have followed the city charter and met with City Manager Doug Miller and discussed the issue in detail. If that wasn’t satisfactory, he should have asked Council President Matt James to schedule it in closed session since it involved a single employee and that he was accusing Mrs. Knapp with “You’re completely out of control with it. You’re making decisions we don’t even know about.”

I hope Council President James will schedule this charter violation for discussion and the possible reprimand of Councilmember Gehrig. City Manager Miller was correct in requesting Council President James to stop the inquisition by Councilmember Gehrig, but he was denied and the president allowed the condescending bullying to continue.

As a former Ocean City Councilmember, I know the complete budget is given to every elected official, and it contains a line-by-line itemization of revenue and expenses. In this case, the $400,000 was shown as a deduction from the tourism budget with an explanation that it was being transferred to Special Events.

These departmental budgets were reviewed in a budget hearing on April 8, 2021. Councilmember John Gehrig was not present at that budget hearing and thus missed an opportunity to address his concern. Instead, he waits 6 months and berates and assaults an innocent employee for doing her job as requested.

As a resident, I’m embarrassed and disappointed that our town leadership seems to have lost all civility.

Dennis W. Dare Ocean City

Vaccine Mandates Editor: I got vaccinated. I am in that age group most at risk. It was my choice. I can still catch COVID and I can still pass it on to others, but I am less at risk, all good so far.

But the federal government is now mandating the vaccination for entire segments of the workforce with no regard to individual situations, benefits or risks. So, if mandates for whole segments of the population are a good idea, why hasn’t Congress mandated that they themselves be vaccinated? Or are we being played?

Charles Eary Selbyville DE

October 22, 2021

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

Berlin, Md. 21811 PHONE: 410-641-4561 FAX: 410-641-0966 WEBSITES: www.mdcoastdispatch.com www.facebook.com/thedispatchoc J. STEVEN GREEN Publisher/Editor editor@mdcoastdispatch.com

NEWS DEPARTMENT SHAWN J. SOPER Managing Editor ssoper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHARLENE SHARPE Staff Writer/Copy Editor csharpe@mdcoastdispatch.com BETHANY HOOPER Staff Writer bhooper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHRIS PARYPA Photographer

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The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices.

The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year.

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POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Maryland Coast Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Maryland Coast Dispatch offices are located at Route 346 and Graham Avenue, Berlin, Maryland.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Berlin Community Showing Its ‘Heart’ How We See It

While aesthetically pleasing, the true beauty of the murals on the basketball courts in Berlin’s Henry Park is symbolic.

The colorful mural represents the completion of a major grassroots effort rooted in a passionate desire to make Berlin better.

We Heart Berlin nonprofit founder Tony Weeg and his team deserve a tremendous amount of the credit, as do the donors and volunteers who made this overhaul possible. It’s all about the connections that will be made on this court and how it represents progress and innovation.

During most of the speeches during the Love Day ceremony, several backs were turned from the speakers.

There seemed to be a concerted effort to listen to the words and sentiments expressed, but also witness them in action.

The speeches – some of which were touching for their sincerity – were all well and good, but they are just words. Proof of their accuracy and application could be found on the basketball courts while the officials were speaking. Hundreds of school-aged kids – 90% of which were Black – were laughing and joking around while shooting hoops on the beautiful new court. The comradery and the stiff wind made for some special moments.

The reality is some of the elected officials were completely unaware of this project’s meaning. At least two officials admitted it was their first time at the park, so their words were puffery. The best messaging came from those who were involved in the project along the way. The meaningful words came from the volunteers who spearheaded this initiative.

We Heart Berlin group’s campaign was amazing. It’s hard to believe this group is less than a year old, but the achievements are significant already. To raise more than $35,000 in a few months and to put these dollars to work to effect a positive change confirms what can be done when the right idea merges with timeliness, passion, creativity and charitable giving.

There was life at the park this week, not just during last Sunday’s Love Day event. It’s going to help connect the sides of Berlin in time, but in the short term this project serves as confirmation on what is possible through a partnership of diverse interest.

In his comments, Weeg got some laughs when he joked one of the best things to happen to him was his election loss last year. It’s truly been a positive for Berlin overall because working in the community in this grassroots fashion suits Weeg and his connections best.

This passion is easily visible and on display for all driving south along Route 113 any day of the week.

Last Sunday was a bright day for all of Berlin literally and figuratively. It provided an opportunity to reflect on the pride we should all feel for the historic town, no matter a born and raised native or a newcomer.

Page 61

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green Things got uncomfortable at City Hall this week, but the dialogue needed to happen.

The Ocean City Mayor and Council is right to not let the situation involving an online comment made by Ocean City Councilman Mark Paddack (who says he was hacked) blow over. At this week’s council meeting, the council voted 4-2 to issue a “public condemnation” of the following comment Paddack made on a woman’s Facebook picture of her husband on their honeymoon: “Tell the dude to turn his hat back where the white designed the hat to be worn. Where I come from, that is a punk. Immature POS.” During the discussion of the censure, Paddack got angry and personally went after Council President Matt James. Paddack called the censure “childish and unnecessary.” He interrupted his colleagues and the town attorney repeatedly, saying, “you guys do what you want, I know an election year is coming up, go ahead and do it.” Paddack clearly lost his cool, saying to James, “you do what you have to do young man.” In response to Councilman Peter Buas commenting six weeks without an update on an investigation is “unacceptable,” Paddack responded, “and you’re the expert in computer forensics, huh? … and you’ve worked in law enforcement and know how long criminal cases take? In this case, it’s not even criminal, it hasn’t even been proven. … I think this is ridiculous … there’s no crime here … I did nothing wrong, nothing wrong. Somebody decided they wanted to turn a simple incident into racism, and I deplore racism.

But to take what’s out there and turn it into the matter that it has is ridiculous and I hold you responsible, council president.”

Officially the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office reported this week the probe into the hack by the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation is ongoing. It was learned this week included in the investigation are messages exchanged between Paddack and a local resident who questioned him about the situation. In messages that clearly came from him and were shared with this paper, Paddack wrote, “Do not believe what you will read. I may errored in a drunk state but needed time to confirm. I just do not recall … They are throwing me under the bus. I will not allow it. I need to confirm was I errored I judgment or hacked?... The truth will be known on my time and no one else …”

Former Ocean City Councilman Dennis Dare came to the defense of his former co-worker Jennie Knapp, current budget manager, this week with a letter to the editor, which was also posted on his old councilman page. Dare specifically calls out Councilman John Gehrig for violating the city’s charter requiring council members to “deal with individual city employees only through the City Manager” as well as a concern “fellow employees will be apprehensive that they, too, will be harassed and berated if they deliver information to the elected officials and are met with disrespectful behavior.” His entire letter is printed this week.

To Dare’s online post, Gehrig responded, “… you and I have different philosophies. We see things differently. You are a lifelong government spender. I am a business-minded person and want investments to bring in new revenues. It is no surprise that you and I disagree on this Room Tax issue. It is also no surprise that some of the staff you managed may have the same philosophy as you. And that led to a detailed conversation at the council meeting the other day. This 60/40 room tax formula (60% of room tax collections goes to the General Fund and 40% goes to the Ad Budget) has been wildly successful and I believe that is a unanimous consensus with the elected officials. Consider this... room tax is our second largest revenue source and came in at over $18 million this year with $1.8 million of that over budget, meaning it was "surprise" revenue. Per the formula, 60% of that (or over $1 million) was used by the General Fund to pay for the 10 new police officers, 6 new EMTs, and 1 new Communications Operator we budgeted to hire this year. All of those public safety personnel that keep our residents safe year round were paid for by the devil called Tourism. …

The history lesson we received at the council meeting used phrases like ‘funding gap’ in describing our ability to pay our bills, basically suggesting that the increased Advertising Budget has created some sort of gap in paying our General Fund expenses. I asked how that was possible but was referred to some bar chart from 2007. … Your bias is incredibly apparent …”

While Gehrig’s tact could have been better at last week’s meeting, his points are legitimate. Though it was a shame his questions offended a longtime employee, the inquiries about room tax revenue distributions are valid.

The city’s long-held statements about off-season growth resulting in higher budget expenses are redundant. The growth dollars now far outweigh the added expenses associated with it. The numbers confirm it. Ocean City’s current fund balance of 36% should be the envy of many municipalities.

It’s truly impressive the resort has been able to grow its fund balance – or rainy day fund – to this unprecedented level. Ocean City officials, however, must now take action to lower these reserves. It’s far above the stated goal of 15%. These funds can be put to good use continuing to grow tourism or reducing property taxes. A combination of both is the answer. The only non-answer is to continue retaining the revenue hiding behind the played message of it’s needed in the event of a massive emergency.

Page 62

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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t’s a bumpy ride parenting a young teen.

Not everything I see and hear from my 13-year-old makes me proud, but that’s the case with most parents. There’s some days I remind myself how much I love him even when I don’t like him a ton for his words and actions.

There is a lot to worry about with teens. In my son’s case a seemingly never-ending bout of forgetfulness and misplaced priorities ranks high on the list. It never ceases to amaze me what slips through the cracks with the kid on a daily basis. One day he will write every single homework assignment down in his agenda. The next day he will not even take it out of his binder, saying he forgot. One day he crushes a test and the next he struggles. I know we are all day-to-day beings, but the drastic extremes are shocking.

Throughout all his chronic absentmindedness and mistakes in judgement, I find comfort knowing what’s in his heart. While his empathetic side may not always be present to others, his mom and I see it each and every day when it comes to his special needs little brother.

He is his best when he’s with Carson.

He’s protective, patient, nurturing, attentive and understanding when it comes to Carson. It’s interesting to observe because patience and attentiveness are specific areas of struggle for Beckett in life.

I think anyone who has a special needs person in their life is better off for it. Carson turns 12 years old next month.

I can’t imagine life without him. He has changed everything. I am a better person for being Carson’s father. Beckett is a better person for being his brother and Pam would say the same thing as his mother. Carson’s biggest gift to all of us is perspective. None of our individual life’s challenges compare to the journey he must navigate as a child with a complicated genetic disorder, Autism, horrific social anxiety and severe Apraxia. The

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Despite all his little brother’s struggles, Beckett says often how lucky we are Carson is so “high functioning.”

When Beckett recently observed another special needs child having a disturbingly violent meltdown at an event we were attending, he talked at length about how far Carson has come in his life. I just listened to his take in admiration. I commented how his mom and I pray he will be able to speak one day.

He said he was confident he would after observing how far he has come in his life and how much he has changed. He had no doubt in his mind. Though strange to say as a 45-year-old father about his 13year-old son, I drew strength from his confidence.

I also find comfort in the relationship he has with Carson. It’s not a normal sibling relationship. They don’t walk to the ice cream store together. They don’t skateboard around or even play basketball together. Beckett is great with him but there are limits to what kind of supervision requirements we want to put on him. Carson can be prone to unexpected actions and Beckett doesn’t need the pressure that comes with keeping him safe.

Nonetheless, I am so thankful for Beckett’s way with Carson. It’s best told through another example.

The mornings with Carson are structured around time. He gets up at 6 each morning. He has a certain time to eat, brush his teeth, get dressed and be in the truck on the way to school. He is best on a routine, and I am keeper of the morning schedule because I, too, like structure.

One day recently we arrived at school with Carson forgetting his favorite stuffed animals. Throughout this school year, he has been taking a stuffed animal to school for security reasons presumably.

It helps with school anxiety. We just let it go. Of late he has now been taking two of his little friends to school with him.

Once a week we seem to leave these friends behind, but we don’t realize until we get to school. Knowing this will set him off, we return home.

When we got home, Carson raced into the house looking for his stuffed animals. Beckett, whose school day starts later than Carson’s, jumped up from eating his breakfast and said, “slow down Carson, what’s up? What’s wrong Dad?” I told him. He then retrieved the stuffed animals he was looking for from the bathroom, giving them to Carson with a pat on the shoulder. It was if he said, “it’s all good now, okay.” When Carson didn’t say thank you or hug him back, I made him turn around. All I had to say was “hey,” and he took back off for Beckett, picking him up and dropping him back down awkwardly. They both laughed, and we were on our way.

Though he doesn’t show it, I know Beckett has resentment toward his brother. He talks about it every now and again. It’s understandable. He must harbor some regret because his disabilities affect his life, no matter how dedicated we are to ensuring his upbringing is as typical as possible.

There are many poignant comments about being a special needs sibling. If he would allow it – which he never would – I would have a particular one framed and hung on his bedroom wall.

On the topics of siblings of special needs individuals, actress Sally Phillips, who has a son with Down’s Syndrome, said, “The siblings of special needs children are quite special. Absolutely accepting and totally loving, from birth, someone who is different mentally, and has a different way of seeing the world, is a wonderful trait. It’s a trait I wish there was another way of getting, but there isn’t. And it does involve a degree of not having it fantastically easy.”

(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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October 22, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

October 22, 2021