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December 17, 2021

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Downtown Housing Project Weighed

See Page 6 • Submitted Rendering

Berlin Eyes Short-Term Rental Regs

Boardwalk Redecking:

The $1.6 million Boardwalk reconstruction project continues to work from north Photos by Chris Parypa to south and this week boards were seen being replaced between 19th and 21st streets.

See Page 8 • Photo by Chris Parypa

Park Scores State Demolition Grant

See Page 26 • Photo by Charlene Sharp

Cutest Pet Of The Month The winner of last month’s Cutest Pets of the Month Contest was Maxwell and Penny, 3-month-old English springer spaniels owned by Deck and Kathy Decker. See page 33 for this month’s contestants.

Submitted Photo

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December 17, 2021

December 17, 2021

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Resort, County Partner On Collecting Online Rental Room Taxes

Page 4

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Efforts to rein in scofflaw short-term vacation rentals that are not acquiring rental licenses and remitting the appropriate room tax were renewed this week with approval of a draft ordinance intended to strengthen the rules.

For years now, Ocean City officials have been monitoring the proliferation of short-term vacation rentals in the resort brokered by third-part online platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO, for example. The intent is to ensure the hundreds of short-term vacation rentals listed online, through sites such as Airbnb and VRBO, are acquiring the requisite business license and collecting and remitting room tax.

The concern has largely been on two fronts including the apparent lack of business licenses for the hundreds of online vacation rentals in addition to the lack of room tax remittal for those that do acquire the requisite business license. The companies enable property owners to rent homes, apartments and even single rooms to visitors searching online for accommodations by bypassing the traditional rental companies.

To that end, Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville and his staff along with the city solicitor have prepared a draft ordinance aimed at strengthening the town’s rental housing ordinance. Neville presented the draft ordinance to the Mayor and Council on Tuesday.

“Several years ago, we started work-

ing on the concept,” he said. “The concern was whether or not that format followed the same rules as traditional rental housing. Anyone renting short-term would have to follow the same rental license requirements. We reached out and did some additional coordination with Worcester County to try to ensure rental licenses were being acquired and room tax was being collected.”

The draft ordinance prepared to strengthen the town’s rental housing ordinance includes multiple changes to the existing ordinance. It would require all rental advertisements to include the rental license control number and updates definitions to include all housing types required to have a rental license.

It would also impose record-keeping requirements on the property owner and the hosting platform and require the

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property owner or their agent to be registered with the Maryland State Comptroller for the reporting, collecting and payment of the state’s sales and use tax. The changes also include requiring the property owner of a rental unit certify that all federal, state, county and municipal taxes are paid and current prior to the issuing of a rental license, among other changes.

Because hotel rental and room tax is remitted to the county and then transferred back to the municipalities, in this case Ocean City, the town will likely need some collaboration with Worcester officials on tightening the regulations. To that end, Mayor Rick Meehan late last month fired off a letter to County Commission President Joe Mitrecic seeking the county’s cooperation with affecting the appropriate changes. In Snow Hill last week, the County Commissioners threw their support behind staff drafting a bill to increase room tax collection efforts from third party hosting platforms.

“The Mayor and Council would like to request that the Worcester County Commissioners consider amending the county code to impose a requirement on third-party hosting platforms to collect and remit hotel rental tax,” Meehan’s recent letter to the commissioners reads. “Hosting platforms such was Airbnb, VRBO and many others have become very popular and a more common way for entities to list their property for rent to our visitors in Ocean City and Worcester County.”

Meehan explained in the letter the hosting platforms are not responsible for collecting and remitting room tax, which essentially leaves it up to the individual property owners. According to the letter, while some short-term rental property owners are following the rules by getting business licenses and remitting the appropriate amount of tax, many are not, which is why the strengthened ordinance is being proposed now.

“Currently, the owners of said properties are responsible for the collection and remittance of the hotel room tax,” the letter reads. “Unfortunately, hosting platforms are not responsible for this.

We believe there are a number of properties listed on the hosting platforms that do not have a rental license, thus, the owner is failing to collect and remit hotel rental tax to the county.”

In the letter to the county commissioners, Meehan asserted the issue essentially boils down to fairness.

“Our local hotels, motels, property management companies and many of our private property owners are complying with the collection and remittance of hotel rental tax,” the letter reads. “There should be a level playing field. We need to hold hosting platforms responsible for collecting and remitting the proper amount of hotel rental tax.”

The council voted 6-0 with Council President Matt James absent to forward the draft ordinance to first reading at a future meeting.

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Downtown Seasonal Housing Project Reviewed By Council

Page 6

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

The image shows the potential layout of a model block redevelopment effort, including housing for seasonal workers.

Submitted Rendering

OCEAN CITY – After decades of acquiring piecemeal properties for the proposed model block redevelopment, the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) this week pitched a proposal for a mixed-use, multi-purpose seasonal workforce housing project.

For about 20 years, the OCDC has been working on a redevelopment plan for the model block. There have been multiple land purchases and land swaps completed over the years with the Town of Ocean City’s assistance to consolidate the roughly 35,000 square feet of inner block purchases between Somerset and Dorchester streets and Baltimore and Philadelphia avenues.

There have been numerous concepts

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December 17, 2021

pitched for the model block over the years. The various ideas pitched over the years have been an IMAX theater, an aquarium, a retail village, and a children’s museum, among others. With the town’s growing seasonal workforce housing crisis, the OCDC’s model block was identified recently as a potential site for the workforce housing project.

During Tuesday’s work session, OCDC officials laid out conceptual plans to redevelop the model block with a mixeduse seasonal workforce project along with other amenities. OCDC President Kevin Gibbs explained the concept to the Mayor the Council.

“The OCDC has been acquiring property for the model block for the last 20 years,” he said. “There have been a lot of different concepts considered over the years. When the workforce housing issue arose, we started working with an advisory group. We think this proposal positions the model block to be used for workforce housing.”

Gibbs explained the proposal is a mixed-use project with affordable seasonal workforce housing, parking available on the ground level and some commercial and retail space. It would also provide housing for seasonal police officers downtown, along with an area designat-ed for the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) downtown bicycle officers to park and store their bikes, fill out reports and other tasks.

“We’re trying to show what it would look like after phase one,” he said. “We wanted to get something on paper, so you can visualize the goal. The bike patrol would have their own substation because it sounded like the OCPD needed their own space. That’s how this evolved. You could have police officers living downtown. We really think this project checks a lot of boxes for what Ocean City needs downtown.”

The proposal includes the development of a workforce housing project on the north side of the model block that would complement the existing workforce housing uses on the north side of Dorchester Street. Because of the urgency of the workforce housing issue, the portion of the proposed project would be included in phase one.

In phase two, a second parcel B along Somerset Street would be redeveloped with a mixed-use project with commercial space on the first floor that would integrate with the streetscape on Somerset Street currently underway. The intent is not to throw up dormitory-style housing, but rather integrate with the existing character of the downtown area.

Councilman John Gehrig said most of the parcels in the assembled model block were purchased through Inlet parking lot revenue, a portion of which is dedicated to the OCDC. Gehrig asked if there was a plan for who would get first crack at the new workforce housing -- town employees or private sector employees.

“The majority of the parcels in the model block were purchased through SEE NEXT PAGE

… Model Block Redevelopment Eyed

December 17, 2021

Inlet lot funds,” he said. “Since we used city funds, would our city employees be given top priority for the housing?”

Gibbs explained the plan was largely conceptual at this point and those types of issues would be resolved.

“We’ll be able to give you a full proposal,” he said. “The goal is to give you an answer for the town’s workforce housing problem. The goal is to get 200plus beds, improve police response downtown and improve the aesthetics in the downtown area.”

The Mayor and Council were generally pleased with the conceptual plan to redevelop the model block downtown with a mixed-used workforce housing project. Councilman Mark Paddack pointed out some of the other ideas that have been floated for the model block over the years.

“It’s a good idea,” he said. “I’ve watched all of the concepts and attempts to find the right match. This is looking toward the future. OCDC has the staff and the community behind them. We have a serious need for seasonal housing. Let’s move forward with it.”

Mayor Rick Meehan agreed.

“This is something that would bring a great impact to downtown,” he said. “It will certainly have an economic impact.

I think it’s a great proposal. The OCPD’s bike building is a great addition. I think it’s time to get us all together and get this moving forward.”

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With that said, the council voted 6-0 with Council President Matt James absent to approve the conceptual plan for the model block as a mixed-use seasonal workforce housing project.

The OCDC’s planned workforce housing project would not necessarily replace similar efforts at different sites in recent weeks. In September, Holtz Builders out of Wisconsin expressed a desire to build one or more dormitorystyle seasonal workforce housing projects in and around the resort area. The company has had success in developing seasonal workforce housing in other resort destinations around the country to help address labor shortages and provide clean, safe and affordable housing for seasonal workers.

City Manager Doug Miller said on Wednesday the council’s support for the proposed OCDC project did not necessarily supersede Holtz Builders, or ostensibly any other private-sector entity from pursuing workforce housing projects.

“This would be independent of any future Holtz Builders project,” he said.

“The council hasn’t discussed one project versus another. I would think our stance would be we need to fill that gap and the OCDC project won’t take care of it all by itself, so Holtz still has the ability to do a project. I think we would support that. We would support any effort to get town workers in housing during the summer.”

Page 7

Berlin Expects Short-Term Rental Regulations In New Year

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Town leaders continued their discussion of short-term rental regulations this week.

On Monday, Mayor Zack Tyndall and the Berlin Town Council reviewed draft short-term rental regulations developed after prior discussions. While opinions still vary, particularly regarding owner occupancy, Mayor Zack Tyndall said the ordinance was moving ahead.

“There’s a time and a place for us to be able to sort that out,” he said. “I think we’ve got a pretty good idea of the main components that need to be in a shortterm rental ordinance. Hopefully in January if not February we can be looking at something that’s crafted and ready for this body to entertain as well as a public

hearing on that as well.”

When the council last discussed the town’s proposed short-term rental ordinance in September, members of the public shared concerns about rental properties they’ve had in their neighborhoods. This week, commenters spoke on the benefits of short-term rentals offered through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Resident John Watson said he thought the town was on the right track by regulating short-term rentals but that he definitely wanted to see them permitted in town.

“I think anything that promotes our community and promotes our town is a good thing in general,” he said, adding that Airbnb had a lot of requirements of its own that were imposed on listed properties.

Watson added problems were just as

December 17, 2021

Pictured, from left, during this week’s meeting are Berlin elected officials Shaneka Nichols, Dean Burrell, Zack Tyndall, Jack Orris, Troy Purnell and Jay Knerr and Administrator Jeff Fleetwood.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

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“Let’s keep our community open to whoever would like to come here,” he said.

Watson added rather than require that a short-term rental be someone’s permanent residence per state records, the town could limit short-term rental properties to one per person.

Gabrielle Sargent told the council she didn’t live in town but that she and her husband had purchased property in Berlin that they were planning to use as a short-term rental.

“The opportunity to be able to have a short-term rental is what allows us to pay for the house,” she said.

She said visitors would spend money in town and only came because they appreciated the town’s quaintness. Sargent said the regulations the town was proposing, which include inspections and a local contact to handle issues, would be sufficient to address potential problems. She said if there were violations or complaints the town could simply not renew a property’s short-term rental license.

Councilman Dean Burrell said he was interested in seeing short-term rentals limited to one per person as Watson suggested. He said he wanted to prevent someone from buying a block of homes with the intention of making them all short-term rentals.

David Gaskill, the town’s attorney, said limiting the number of rental licenses in town was shaky ground.

“People have property rights,” he said.

Colin Zimmerman of the Coastal Association of REALTORS encouraged the town to start small.

“Solve the problems you have,” he said.

He said having the local contact would solve the majority of the problems potentially associated with short-term rentals.

He said if the program wasn’t working out the council could adjust it in the future.

“Don’t start by limiting private property rights,” he said.

When asked for her input, Ivy Wells, the town’s director of economic and community development, said the town didn’t have problems with short-term rentals currently.

“We’re a solution looking for a probSEE NEXT PAGE

. . Council Discusses New Ordinance December 17, 2021

lem,” she said, adding that the town benefitted from its “beautiful Airbnbs.”

Burrell agreed that there was not a problem right now.

“My mom used to say when it’s good it’s good and when it’s bad it’s bad,” he said. “We may be at this point looking for a solution to a problem we don’t have but somewhere down the road there’s going to be a property owner come to us and complain about what’s going on next door to him or her on a regular basis. In that case we want to have what we need to handle the situation and to provide that resident with the peace and quiet he is due living here in the town.”

Staff noted there was just one situation in recent history where there had been an issue with a short-term rental.

Burrell said he’d been contacted by residents that didn’t want to see the town lose its neighborhoods.

“I do not want to see the nature and culture of our neighborhoods impacted negatively or changed tremendously by these short-term rentals,” he said.

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols expressed similar worries. She said shortterm rentals could essentially be flipped every seven days. She acknowledged the comments from those present at the meeting but pointed out that many fulltime residents of the town were home taking care of their families and hadn’t been able to chime in.

“Until you can live here, this is not your home – you’re visiting,” she said.

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Watson said he didn’t see a problem with houses seeing new residents every seven days. He said he lived in town and didn’t want to see it saturated with Airbnbs but that he didn’t believe it ever would be because there were too many people who wanted to live in town fulltime. He said regulations would help create a balance and he didn’t see a problem with a house being flipped every seven days.

“It’s another family every week that comes to our town and says I love it here, I think I might want to live here one day,” he said. “You said flipping it every seven days was a problem. I don’t see it that way as long as the people that are coming here are respectful of our community.”

Nichols asked how he knew they would be.

“You flip it enough, the problems we don’t have will arrive…,” she said. “There have to be boundaries and things put in place up front for the what if.”

Watson said the people using Airbnbs in Berlin were no different from the people renting rooms at the Atlantic Hotel.

Nichols replied that the hotel was one building in a commercial district, not multiple properties spread out through town.

“That’s what the concern is,” she said.

Tyndall said the ordinance would be tweaked following Monday’s discussion and that it would be presented sometime in 2022.

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Page 9

Resort Tourism Officials Plan Website Revamping Effort

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Driving visitors to the town-sponsored tourism website in an ever-increasing world of other options was the subject of debate at this week’s Tourism Commission meeting.

During the Monday meeting, members debated the overall health of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), which, among other things, maintains the town-sponsored website ococean.com. The website is a clearing-

house of sorts for everything related to the resort, from hotel bookings and exploring Ocean City activities to dining options and seasonal deals.

Local businesses advertise and buy into the website, which provides onestop information on group bookings, conventions and marketing and the like and, for the most part, it has been successful in driving visitors to the site.

However, in a growing climate of national and multi-national booking sites such as Expedia and booking.com, for example, the town’s site has faced in-

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creased competition. A quick search for Ocean City lodging bookings this week revealed ococean.com appeared 13th on the list, for example.

During the tourism commission meeting on Monday, members debated whether the CVB and ococean.com needed revamping in the face of increased competition with other booking sites. CVB Destination Marketing Director Norma Dobrowolski said the organization has a healthy relationship with the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (HMRA) and the Chamber of Commerce, but the ococean.com site needs some changes to remain competitive.

“We have a great alliance with the HMRA and the Chamber,” she said. “It’s evolved into a powerful tool and it’s the identity of Ocean City. Ococean.com needs to be renovated. It’s time for that again. We need a revenue stream.”

Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said the ococean.com site does get a lot of traffic, but it provides more information about the resort than just booking arrangements.

“We want to drive people to the site and get them to stay on the site,” he said. “By getting them to book a room first, we can keep them on ococean.

We’re trying to provide an environment for businesses to do well. Once we get that room booked, they can stay and look at everything else on the site. Visitors can find everything they need and make their booking quickly.”

The number of local businesses subscribing to the ococean.com site has waned somewhat in recent years, largely because of the pandemic. For example, the number of members has dropped from around 320 pre-pandemic to about 290 now, but that was attributed to businesses in a tough environment finding other ways to spend their resources, according to Perlozzo.

“We’ve all kind of struggled,” he said.

“We’ve spent millions driving people to ococean and we did a good job with it.

It used to be seven to eight minutes on the site, but now it’s more like a minute.

That’s not a good sign.”

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Perlozzo said it was time to consider how to make the CVB and the ococean.com site even a better bargain for the business community.

“How do we become a better partner?” he said. “How can our partners spend more money on marketing? It’s going to require a separate system. We need to recruit meetings and conventions. We need to recruit sports tournaments. We need to do anything it takes to keep that ball rolling. You can see how large this can get.”

Perlozzo laid out a plan where CVB members could pay a per-room booked fee which would be reinvested in driving more people to the site. It was pointed out many local businesses pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to national and multi-national sites such as booking.com, for example.

“We’re proposing a $20 per room fee,” he said. “We’re recommending a per room fee for our partners. We have to have our partners understand we’re going to reinvest the money. I think it’s fair.”

Mayor Rick Meehan pointed out by investing in the town-sponsored site, local businesses could get a bigger bang for their buck and keep the money in the town as opposed to the national booking sites.

“What you’re suggesting would be a savings to our partners in the long run,” he said. “It saves them money and we need the hotels to understand that and buy into this.”

Councilman and commission member John Gehrig said many resort businesses would prefer to invest their marketing dollars in a local organization.

“Would the hotels want to book with a multi-national company like booking.com that isn’t going to reinvest anything in Ocean City?” he said. “They would rather spend with ococean.com as a partner that’s going to reinvest in the town.”

Meehan said getting people to change their booking habits would not come easily.

“The goal is to increase the number of bookings through ococean.com,” he said. “It’s going to take some time to move people to our site.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Resort’s Fire Boat Repair Bid Weighed

December 17, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The lone bid for replacing the motors on the Ocean City Fire Department’s fire-rescue boat came in slightly under budget.

The town received just one bid for replacing the department’s fire-rescue boat’s inboard motors with twin outboards. Typically, if there is only a single bid for a capital project, the council rejects the bid and re-advertises the project for a second bidding cycle.

However, on Tuesday, the council voted unanimously to accept the lone bid for the boat motor replacements and remanded it to staff for further review.

With that bit of business dispensed with, the bid submitted by Marshall Welding was opened and it came in at just over $94,000. The project was budgeted at $100,000.

Since 2013, the OCFD’s fire-rescue boat moored at its berth along the bayside at 13th Street has been an important weapon in the department’s arsenal.

However, during an emergency response in the ocean in August 2020, one of the vessel’s two inboard motors blew. Ever since, the fire-rescue boat has been drydocked as department officials considered the most efficient and economic way to get it back in the water and into service.

The decision was made to switch the two inboard motors with outboard motors. Through the conversion, the successful bidder will remove the existing engines and all accompanying hardware not needed by the outboard motors including transmissions, shafts, muffler, seawater filters and the like. The successful bidder will then provide motors in according with the requirements spelled out in the bid documents.

In 2009, a fireboat workgroup was formed to evaluate the department’s marine resources. Moore Boats, a side project for Ocean City restaurateur Leighton Moore, was commissioned to develop the fire-rescue boat and donated funds to help pay for it. Councilman Mark Paddack asked if the fire-rescue boat was donated entirely by Moore at the time.

Chief Richie Bowers explained the financing of the fire boat at the time.

“The owner of Seacrets donated part of the original cost,” he said. “There was a state waterways grant that helped too and we currently have another grant pending for $50,000.”

Mayor Rick Meehan helped explain how the fire-rescue boat was originally funded.

“It wasn’t an entire donation,” he said.

“It was a budgeted item. It came in over budget so the owner of Seacrets donated the overage.”

Paddock asked about the conversion to outboards and Bowers explained.

“It currently runs in the bay as well as the ocean,” he said. “We can trim the motors down and get into the shallow waters of the bay.”

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

Donation Gets Diakonia ‘One Step Closer’ To Expansion Project

Page 14

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

WEST OCEAN CITY – A company’s $150,000 donation will allow Diakonia to pay off the mortgage on its newest property on Route 611.

On Tuesday, Blue Water Development Corporation announced its donation of $150,000 to Diakonia, a nonprofit organization that provides housing and services to homeless individuals, families and veterans on the Lower Shore. Officials say the contribution will pay off the loan on a piece of property it acquired on Route 611 south of the Decatur Diner.

“Blue Water is all about community, and Diakonia is a vital part of helping the less fortunate get back on their feet,” said Blue Water CEO Todd

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Burbage. “We are thrilled to share our success and hope this donation helps Diakonia empower others to become successful members of our community.”

Diakonia Executive Director Bee Miller explained its Route 611 property will be the site of a future expansion project. She noted the nonprofit plans to build affordable permanent housing units and relocate its thrift store, food pantry and veteran and case management services, providing a more central location for community members and volunteers.

“Diakonia is recognizing the need for affordable housing in the future and this is a step in that direction,” she said.

Reid Tingle, executive board chair for Diakonia, agreed.

“This donation gets us one step clos-

December 17, 2021

On Tuesday, Blue Water Development announced its donation of $150,000 to Diakonia. Pictured in front, from left, are Blue Water CFO Rafael Correa, CEO Todd Burbage, dogs Blu and Oscar, Emily DeMarco, Diakonia Executive Director Bee Miller, Blue Water owner Jack Burbage and Samantha Pielstick. Back, from left, are Tracey Landman, Bethany Miller, Susan Parrish and Bryton Adkins, Diakonia Executive Board Chair Reid Tingle and Steve Kremer.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

er to building our new office in West

Ocean City,” he said. “The community has been vital in funding our mission, and the generosity of the Blue Water group will have a lasting impact on many residents of our community by providing help for today and hope for tomorrow.”

Blue Water officials say the $150,000 donation will allow Diakonia to continue its work in the community.

“Serving on the Diakonia Board of Directors, I see first-hand the impact Diakonia has in our community,” said Blue Water founder Jack Burbage.

“That is why I felt compelled to make this donation.”

Since 1972, Diakonia has been helping men, women and families in Worcester County by providing emergency housing, food assistance and resources to get them back on their feet.

What began as one humble house and four little cottages is now two buildings providing up to 50 beds, including family units allowing families to stay together.

Over the past 10 years, Diakonia has expanded to include case management, homeless prevention and veteran services, among other things.

Blue Water officials noted the community resource is maintained through the generous support of individuals and organizations alike, and through the hard work and dedication of staff and volunteers.

“Every human being deserves the safety and dignity of housing, and Diakonia works hard to support the unhoused community on the Lower Eastern Shore,” a statement from Blue Water reads. “We are stronger as a community when we support our friends and neighbors in times of struggle. Diakonia is so deserving of our support, and we are grateful for the lifesaving work they do in our hometown.”

For more information on Diakonia, or to donate toward its expansion project, visit www.diakoniaoc.org. Donations can also be sent to P.O. Box 613, Ocean City, Md. (specify for Diakonia Building Fund).

“Diakonia is still in need of volunteers for our food pantry, thrift store and donation center,” Miller added.

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 15

Livestream Meetings Pitched For Ocean Pines Board

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Discussions on the use of a hybrid meeting format highlighted a recent association board meeting.

Last week, Director Amy Peck presented the use of a hybrid live video format for the board’s consideration.

While in-person board meetings are currently videotaped and placed on the association’s YouTube channel, she argued livestreamed meetings would allow working and part-time homeowners to

make public comments and view discussions in real time.

“An important goal for me, as I serve on the board, is to increase community involvement …,” she said. “We still try to have meetings on Saturdays and Wednesday evenings, but using a live hybrid approach would allow people at home to still call in and have remote public input.”

Peck noted that the results of a recent homeowner survey showed that residents wanted more say in the community.

“One of the challenges they wanted us

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to address is transparency,” she added, “and having live meetings would help with that.”

General Manager John Viola told board members last week association staff were looking at two rooms for a potential hybrid meeting system: the Assateague Room at the Ocean Pines Community Center and the Clubhouse meeting room.

“We used it for the budget process last year and I thought it was great,” he said of the hybrid system. “The question comes up can we do this in a big room like this, so that we can have the video be live.”

Viola said staff recommended working with Mid-South Audio, the company that installed audio equipment in the Administration Building’s board room. He noted that cost estimates for outfitting the Clubhouse room totaled roughly $15,000, while cost estimates for the Assateague Room totaled roughly $30,000.

“The Assateague Room we would need to include a projector and screen,” he said.

Peck said last week that the association was looking to add doors and acoustic panels to the Clubhouse meeting room. To that end, she recommended the space for a potential hybrid system.

“In doing my research I believe that this room is the best room to test it out because the cost isn’t as much,” she said.

Peck added that meetings would con-

December 17, 2021

tinue to be recorded and posted online.

The hybrid system, however, would allow the association to hold both virtual and inperson meetings.

“I think we can come up with a friendly system for the community and a cost-efficient way to do this if we concentrate on this room,” she said.

President Larry Perrone said he had concerns about using the Clubhouse room.

“My concern about using this room are the occasions when we do have a large board meeting …,” he said. “If we’re going to go ahead and setting this up, my preference is the Assateague Room.”

He also noted concerns regarding the room’s acoustics.

“In the past, acoustics is why we stopped doing live broadcasts, because they were problematic,” he said.

Director Doug Parks said he supported a hybrid format for board meetings. He also encouraged staff to consider the use of the community channel.

“I’m all for this,” he said. “I think it would be beneficial to have the ability to have a livestream and the ability to interact with membership.”

Officials ultimately agreed more work needed to be done ahead of any board vote.

“We will continue on this,” Viola said.

“Obviously, because its $15,000-plus, unless I get it under we would need board approval.”

Worcester Will Provide Funds For Broadband Grants

December 17, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Worcester County will pursue state grant funding to continue its efforts to expand broadband access in rural areas.

The Worcester County Commissioners last week voted unanimously to approve using $96,000 as matching funds in applying for Neighborhood Connect grant funding. The program consists of four $500,000 grant opportunities.

“This is going to be great for a great many people who live in the Pocomoke area,” Commissioner Josh Nordstrom said.

Brian Jones, the county’s director of information technology, told the commissioners his department had included funding in the current year’s budget to match potential grants. He said the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Neighborhood Connect grant program gave the county the chance to apply for four $500,000 grants in partnership with Talkie Communications, its broadband partner.

He said he was proposing the county offer to match $24,000 on each of the potential grants.

He said if the county was awarded the grants, broadband in Pocomoke could be expanded. Areas targeted would include Johnson Road and the Cedar Hall area, among others.

“If we are successful at winning the grants, Talkie will be able to complete the southern portion of the fiber in the Pocomoke area and will cross Route 13,” Jones wrote in his report to the commissioners.

He said it would also allow for connectivity to the area’s visitor center.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this project,” Nordstrom said.

During last Tuesday’s meeting, the commissioners were also provided an update from Talkie leadership. Officials said their work was continuing in Pocomoke and would soon expand to Bishopville.

“We have a lot of demand in Bishopville,” Talkie’s Andre DeMattia said, adding that homeowners associations were sharing the company’s information and encouraging residents to sign up.

While the company has been awarded several grants, they have not yet received the funding. Once they do, work could speed up.

“We’re doing all this so far on our own dime,” DeMattia said.

He added that once Talkie actually receives the funding the company will be able to hire local workers. Currently, the company is using its workers from Chestertown and housing them in hotels.

“We’re spending $20,000 a month just on hotels…,” he said. “The idea is once the grants come in we’re going to hire locals.”

OP North Gate Improvements Discussed The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – A recommendation to repair the guard house and replace lighting highlights plans for improving the appearance of the North Gate entryway.

Last Saturday, General Manager John Viola came before the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors with an update regarding improvements at the North Gate bridge. While he noted the entrance had been power washed and decorated ahead of the holiday season, he said he was coming before the board with three options involving the existing guard house.

“I’m coming back with options on that,” he said, “to see what the board wants to do, with a recommendation from me and the staff.”

Last month, Director Frank Daly listed his suggestions for improving the appearance of the North Gate bridge and the surrounding area after receiving homeowner complaints. He called on the association to make several enhancements – including power washing and staining the bridge, replacing lights and adding a Christmas display in the guard house – ahead of the holiday season.

“We’re emerging from a pandemic,” he said at the time. “Let’s lighten the place up.”

In last week’s meeting, Viola noted there was some discussion last month involving the guard house, located between the span of bridges. He said the association had three options: to remove the structure at a cost of $2,500, to repair and maintain the structure at a cost of $2,500, or move the structure to White

Page 17

Horse Park, which would cost roughly $12,000.

“One of the biggest costs, if I peel that back, is the $5,000 estimate for a pad to put it on in White Horse Park …,” he said. “My team recommendation is to repair and maintain in the current position.”

Viola added that work has also begun to gather ideas and cost estimates for new lighting on the North Gate bridge.

He said his recommendation was to replace the white globes with different beam-mounted lights and to install spotlights at the four corners of the bridge.

Viola said lighting could improve the bridge’s approach and reduce the number of car accidents.

“There will be more work on this and certainly more presentation,” he said.

“I’d like to come in here with more options.”

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Robust Opposition Ends Proposed Easement Concept

Page 18

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Officials say a proposal to use a 10-foot construction easement for the development of a bike route has been eliminated from the strategic planning process.

Following an outpouring of opposition from property owners in Ocean City, a proposal to include a 10-foot construction easement in the town’s bike strategic plan will no longer be considered.

“We wanted to present to council first, get a thumbs up or a thumbs down from the council, and then proceed to get public input from all the property owners,” said Paul Mauser, president of the town’s Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). “We had a very professional process planned and it was short-circuited

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

by false information and fake news unfortunately. We’re not even going to get true data on this project. But it’s no longer being considered.”

Earlier this year, the town hired Toole Design Group, a national consultant, to develop a strategic plan that will be used to expand Ocean City’s bicycle network.

In recent years, the resort has embarked on a multi-phased initiative to install a continuous bike path from one end of town to another without using Coastal Highway. With the help of a strategic plan, officials say the town will have designs and cost estimates for several proposed biking corridors, including Coastal Highway, 94th Street, 146th Street, town alleys from 27th to 62nd streets and 62nd to 94th streets, and a 10-foot construction easement west of the primary dunes from 94th to 118th streets.

“We’re at the point now where we’ve picked all the low-hanging fruit,” Mauser said this week. “The only remaining bike routes we have left are the hard ones.”

During the Dec. 8 BPAC meeting, Mauser told committee members that plans to present a progress report on the development of the bike strategic plan had been pulled from the Nov. 30 Mayor and Council work session after receiving emails and phone calls from several property owners objecting to the 10-foot construction easement.

“I got at least 100 emails,” added Councilman Tony DeLuca, committee liaison. “Three supported it and 97 were kind of ugly.”

Officials noted that the strategic plan will be back on the Mayor and Council agenda for Jan. 11, but without a discussion on the use of the 10-foot construc-

December 17, 2021

tion easement.

“It was never approved,” DeLuca noted. “It was just part of our strategic plan, it was brainstorming … We had everything on that strategic plan but a bike monorail … You have to really think outside the box, so we were thinking outside the box with the 10-foot easement.”

DeLuca added that only one councilman had supported the idea of the 10foot construction easement. A majority of residents, however, had opposed it.

“That’s where we are,” he said. “If 97 people would have said, ‘We love this idea,’ we would have done it. But since they said no, it’s done. It’s just that simple to me.”

County Updating Critical Area Code

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials agreed to accept an update to Worcester County’s Critical Area Code.

The Worcester County Commissioners last week unanimously accepted a comprehensive update of the Critical Area Code that combines the county’s Atlantic Coastal Bays and Chesapeake Bay programs into a single ordinance.

“The legislation was prepared to update the code to reflect changes in state law since the ordinances were last comprehensively updated,” said Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs. “It was also done to simplify the program for our citizens, contractors and property owners.”

Mitchell told the commissioners his department had held listening sessions in the northern and southern sections of the county to gather public input on the update. He stressed that the changes would make the code simpler.

“It does not include additional regulations over and above what the commissioners have previously agreed to in prior amendments,” Mitchell said.

Natural Resources Administrator Jenelle Gerthoffer explained that the critical area encompassed all land within 1,000 feet of tidal waters and wetlands within Worcester County. She said the update was giving staff the chance to combine the two codes as Mitchell had said. The changes were made with the input of a consultant as well as input from the past and present county attorney. She said the update would bring the county’s laws in line with state laws.

“There have been changes to the state critical area law some of which have not been reflected in our county ordinance,” she said.

Mitchell read a letter of support for the changes from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program into the record. The commissioners voted unanimously to accept the proposed changes. The comprehensive update will now go to the Critical Area Commission for review before returning to the county commissioners for final approval.

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

Council Unanimously Chooses New Marketing Agency

Page 20

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – After an expedited months-long process, resort officials this week approved a replacement privatesector advertising agency to handle the town’s marketing campaigns.

In September, a request for proposal (RFP) was prepared and distributed seeking bidders for the town’s advertising agency contract. Every 10 years, Ocean City shops out its advertising firm contract, and for the last 20 years, the town has contracted with the firm MGH and its founder and CEO Andy Malis to handle the town’s advertising campaigns.

At the beginning of the process this year, MGH advised the town it was going in a different direction and would not seek a renewal of the Ocean City advertising contract. Interest in the town’s advertising contract was robust with 34 agencies participating in the pre-bid meeting. Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo and Communications Manager/Acting Tourism Director Jessica Waters and staff vetted the agencies who expressed interest in the advertising contract and winnowed the list to three finalists -BVK Advertising, Paradise Advertising and Marriner Advertising.

Perlozzo explained the process and the staff’s recommendation during a

Mayor Recognizes Former Company

work session on Tuesday.

“Our recommendation is in the packet,” he said. “We started this ambitious schedule in June and created the request for proposal and sent it out in September. We met to review the proposals in November and ranked each and every one of them and narrowed the list down to three. As you know, you all reviewed the proposals earlier this month.

After that entire process, we’re recommending going with BVK Advertising.”

In early December, the Mayor and Council had their own work session during which they reviewed the three finalists. The finalists were rated based on certain criteria including the agency’s creative approach and philosophy, experience, case study examples, the overall account managing and staffing teams and, finally, the financial proposal.

BVK’s total agency fee would be $975,000, which includes retainer and production costs. Funding for the advertising agency contract is derived from room tax revenue. Based on the staff recommendation, the council ultimately voted 6-0, with Council President Matt James absent, to choose BVK. Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said

BVK’s presentation was simply better than the other two finalists.

“I’m also in support of BVK,” he said.

“They were a level above and a step up.

Their case studies were fantastic. I think they would be the most professional and their combination of new ideas and experience really stood out.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said all three finalists acquitted themselves well during their presentations, but agreed BVK was a step above.

“I think three very qualified firms were brought forward,” he said. “They were very specific about the types of advertising they would pursue if chosen. Their experience really set them a notch above the others. Their presentation was to the point and professional. They really did their homework and I think they’re the best.”

Councilman Mark Paddack agreed.

“I was very happy with all three of them,” he said. “BVK really floored me.

They were prepared with an outstanding presentation.”

With the vote taken and the finalist BVK approved, Meehan took the opportunity to recognize MGH and Malis for their two decades of service to the town.

“I know we’re starting a new era with

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December 17, 2021

a new advertising agency,” he said. “It just want to take a moment to thank MGH, which has been our advertising agency for the last 20 years.”

Meehan pointed out how MGH shepherded the town through trying times, particularly during the recession in 2009, and its campaigns kept people coming to Ocean City while other destinations were pumping the brakes on their advertising budgets.

“They built and developed the ococean.com site and they built our Facebook page,” he said. “Most people will remember the Rodney campaign. We took Rodney with us to an Orioles game and set him up on a lifeguard stand on Eutaw Street and people lined up to get pictures with him. We got a lot of exposure from that and nobody had any doubt it was an Ocean City campaign.”

Meehan pointed out other significant campaigns produced by MGH over the years. For example, he pointed out the End of the World campaign, the popular Cicada-Free Zone campaign, the Fun Family campaign and the Vacation Days campaign among others.

“They got us a lot of national exposure over the years,” he said. “When we did those press junkets in the big markets, they had the ability to really get us in the door. When we had a PR crisis, MGH always stepped up. I don’t want it to be forgotten just how MGH and Andy positioned us over the years.”

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BPD Details Safe Haven Program

December 17, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – With the proliferation of online-arranged sales of various items along with a spike in child custody-related incidents, the Berlin Police Department is taking a proactive stance in making its headquarters a safe haven.

Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing this week explained the safe haven concept at his department’s headquarters just off Route 113. The concept is essentially two-pronged with the Berlin Police Department (BPD) providing a safe, welllit environment for sales and transactions of items pre-arranged through social media marketing platforms.

Downing explained sometimes a potential seller meets a potential buyer at the appointed place and time, maybe a shopping center parking lot or a semipublic area, or even at the buyer’s home.

Dunkin Traffic Issues Discussed

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Town officials are seeking a solution to traffic issues associated with Dunkin Donuts.

Berlin Planning Commission members have asked town staff to work with the connections of the Brittingham Square, the Food Lion shopping center on Old Ocean City Boulevard, to address stacking related to the Dunkin Donuts drive-thru. The drive-thru configuration was approved by the commission when plans for the store were finalized in 2015.

“What are we going to do about something that we approved that’s not working out well?” commission member Ron Cascio said.

Cascio brought up the issue at last Wednesday’s meeting. He said he’d seen traffic backed up on William Street because there were so many vehicles waiting in line at the drive-thru.

“We’ve got to do something,” he said.

Other commission members echoed his concerns and noted that traffic was particularly backed up there in the morning. Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood agreed and noted that in addition to cars stacking on William Street, he’d also seen cars backed up toward Route 113.

“It’s bad,” he said.

Fleetwood said one solution could be pushing Dunkin Donuts customers to the Old Ocean City Boulevard entrance to the shopping center. He said the line of drive-thru cars could then taper around the parking lot.

“Somebody’s got to figure it out,” Cascio said.

Planning Director Dave Engelhart said he’d reach out to the owner of the plaza.

“I’ll talk to him and see what we can come up with,” he said.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

He said there have been incidents recently in Berlin where a buyer, or even a seller, has the property stolen with no money exchange, or even worse in some cases.

“In the last few weeks, we’ve had a couple of cases involving theft where an individual selling an item meets with the other party and has the item they are selling stolen and no money being exchanged,” he said. “This has been a big thing around the country. We’ve had at least two situations in Berlin.”

For that reason, Downing explained the BPD has been designated as a safe haven for those types of transactions in which the parties do not know each other.

“We’re telling folks not to go to unlit, lightly populated areas to make these transactions,” he said. “We’re also telling them not to go to strangers’ homes to buy and sell items if they are not familiar with the other party.”

Downing said making pre-arranged transactions through social media platforms is simply safer at the BPD. If one of the parties objects, it’s likely a red flag.

“We’re advising folks to come to the Berlin Police Department to make these exchanges,” he said. “They can come inside where it’s warm and there are officers around. It’s well-lit. We have 17 cameras around the building. It’s just a safer situation for all involved. It’s just a safe place to do exchanges.”

Downing said the BPD is aware of the proliferation of sales of items arranged online and the potential for danger.

“We know what the different social media platforms folks are using to buy and sell items,” he said. “People are getting jumped when they go to make a transaction in an unlit area like a corner of a shopping center parking lot, for example. Sometimes, the transaction is thousands of dollars and sometimes it is as little as $50.”

Downing explained the second prong of his department’s safe haven program involved child custody cases. In cases of shared custody arrangements, where one parent or guardian has custody of a child on certain days or certain times of day, one of the parties might not always follow the agreement, particularly around the holidays.

“In the last few weeks, we’ve seen a big increase in custody cases,” he said.

“It’s typical around the holidays where one or both of the parents or guardians don’t want to make exchanges for a variety of reasons.”

Downing said arranging custody exchanges at the police department is safer for all involved.

“We want to advise folks that the Berlin Police Department is a safe haven for custody exchanges,” he said. “A mom might say I want to come into the police department and wait inside for my husband or boyfriend or whomever to drop off my child. It’s just a safer situation. We want to avoid situations where someone, including a child, could be put in harm’s way. We have seen murder-suicide cases in Baltimore in the last couple of weeks involving custody issues.”

Page 21

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Arrest In Hotel Ruckus OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was arrested last week after allegedly setting off a hotel fire alarm, throwing furniture from the ninth floor to the hotel’s pool deck and assaulting two guests.

Around 10:35 p.m. last Wednesday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a hotel at 32nd Street for a reported individual removing and discharging a fire extinguisher on the ninth floor. Ocean City Communications advised the Ocean City Fire Department had also been dispatched because a fire alarm had been activated.

OCPD officers met with a hotel maintenance employee who reportedly advised he had been in the hotel lobby when he observed furniture being thrown onto the pool deck. The employee reported two tables, one chair and a balcony screen door had been thrown onto the pool deck and went upstairs to investigate.

The employee reported encountering the suspect, later identified as Noah Rudash, 23, of Mount Morris, Pa., on the

COPS & COURTS ninth floor. Rudash had removed a fire extinguisher and discharged it at the hotel employee, but the employee was not hit with any of the chemicals, according to police reports.

Officers heard the fire alarm sounding throughout the hotel. Officers went to the ninth floor and observed the box from which the fire extinguisher had been removed. The plastic box had been broken in order to remove the fire extinguisher and there was powder covering the wall around the box, the door to the stairway and the stairs, according to police reports.

Around 10:50 p.m., an OCPD officer was approached by two individuals who

reported they had been assaulted by Rudash. The couple had exited the hotel via a stairwell because of the fire alarm and the female was allegedly grabbed

by Rudash, who said, “You’re not going anywhere,” according to police reports.

The male in the couple then grabbed Rudash and performed an arm-bar takedown on him. Rudash retreated up the stairs and threw a “wet floor” sign at the male victim, striking him. A short time later, Ocean City Communications reported a second fire alarm had been activated in the hotel. OCPD officers located Rudash on the 12th floor sitting on a bench outside of the elevators. Rudash had white powder on his clothing and a

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December 17, 2021 fresh abrasion on his upper arm, according to police reports.

Rudash was detained in handcuffs at that point. He reportedly told police he was in his hotel room with his fiancé and her daughter when he heard a gunshot, according to police reports. Rudash told police he went out of the room to investigate and encountered a man with a pistol. According to police reports, Rudash told the officers he punched the unknown man in the face, but could not tell police where the man was then.

When asked about the furniture and the fire extinguisher, Rudash acted as if he did not know what the officers were talking about, according to police reports.

The couple was brought up and reportedly identified Rudash as the man who had assaulted them. Rudash was arrested at that point and charged with malicious destruction of property, assault, and causing a false fire alarm.

Woman Refuses To Exit Vehicle Being Towed OCEAN CITY – A Bivalve, Md., woman was arrested last weekend for obstructing and hindering after allegedly refusing to exit a vehicle police were attempting to tow following an alleged drunk-driving stop.

Around 12:10 a.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the area of 59th Street observed a vehicle without its headlights on. The officer stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver, who reportedly told police he was picking up the female passenger, identified as Taylor Hammond, 27, of Bivalve, Md. The driver reportedly told police he had not been drinking any alcohol, but he refused to submit to any field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired and driving under the influence.

Hammond reportedly told police there was no sober driver within 20 minutes to drive the vehicle home, so officers told her it was going to be towed. Hammond reportedly became angry and rolled up her window and locked the doors. The tow truck arrived a short time later and Hammond needed to exit the vehicle to complete the tow form and allow the vehicle to be towed to the impound lot.

Hammond reportedly refused to exit the vehicle and was told if she did not comply, she would be arrested for hindering. She reportedly kept the windows up and the doors locked, and when police asked her again to exit the vehicle, she shook her head from side to side and mouthed the word no, according to police reports. A short time later, Hammond did exit the vehicle and she was arrested and charged with obstructing and hindering.

Passed Out In Apartment OCEAN CITY – A Crofton, Md., woman was arrested last weekend after allegedly passing out uninvited in a downtown apartment.

Around 6:15 p.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a residence on Wicomico Street for a reported unconscious female on the floor of an apartSEE NEXT PAGE

December 17, 2021

... COPS & COURTS ment. Upon arrival, the officer met with the renter of the apartment, who advised he did not know the female or how she got into his locked apartment. The officer observed the female, later identified as Marissa Poliks, 23, of Crofton, Md., on the floor unconscious with her pants pulled down below her knees, according to police reports.

The officer was reportedly able to wake Poliks up and learned she had been the subject of a missing person call for service about an hour earlier. Poliks’ friends told police she had left a nearby bar located below the apartment in order to find a bathroom and had not returned.

Poliks exhibited signs of intoxication, but she was able to stand up and fix her pants, according to police reports.

Poliks reportedly seemed unbothered by the fact she was in someone else’s apartment without permission. Video surveillance reportedly showed Poliks sitting on a wall near the parking lot before going over the wall and walking up the steps to the apartment and entering a door that led to the stairs. She was arrested and charged with fourth-degree burglary and trespassing.

Parking Lot Assault Alleged OCEAN CITY – A Georgetown, Del., man was arrested last weekend after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend in a midtown nightclub parking lot.

Around 2:05 a.m. last Sunday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) of-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch ficer was dispatched to the area of 49th Street for a reported 911 call. Ocean City Communications advised hearing a female saying get off me and male saying get out of my car during the call.

The OCPD officer responded to the parking lot and observed a female crying. The officer asked the female if she had placed the 911 call and she acknowledged that she had, according to police reports.

The female victim had a laceration on her lower lip. The victim told police she and her boyfriend, later identified as Keith Wicks, Sr., 58, of Georgetown, Del., had been arguing inside a nearby nightclub. The victim said when the couple got to their vehicle, the argument turned physical with Wicks striking her in the face and causing the laceration to her lip.

The victim reportedly told police Wicks then drove off, running over her foot in the process.

Wicks reportedly called the victim while she was speaking with the police. The officers heard Wicks ask on speaker phone if the victim was with the police, which led officers to believe he was still in the area and could likely see them speaking with the victim. An OCPD officer asked for the phone to speak with Wicks in order to have him come back to speak with them, or for them to go where he was.

Wicks reportedly told the officer over the phone he had been in an argument with the victim, but nothing more. He reportedly denied anything physical occurred and that he did not want any involvement with police before hanging

Town Center Antiques Store Closing Sale!

Page 23

up. The victim provided police with a description of Wicks, what he was wearing at the time and that his Chevrolet Impala had Delaware tags that said “WICKY” on them, according to police reports.

An OCPD officers observed a male matching Wicks’ description about 100 feet from their location and walked toward him. At first, Wicks began to walk away at a fast pace, but eventually complied with the officers’ orders to stop and sit down on the curb, according to police reports.

Wicks reportedly told police the victim had been hitting him inside the nightclub and they left and went to the car.

Wicks reportedly told police the victim had struck and scratched him while in the car and he pushed the victim out of the vehicle in order to defend himself.

Wicks did have a scratch on his ear, but continued to assert nothing physical had happened, according to police reports.

Wicks reportedly told police he was trying to drive away as the victim was attempting to smash his windshield. In the police reports, officers noted Wicks had been telling two inconsistent stories about the incident, during one of which he reported nothing physical had happened, and the other that included him being scratched by the victim as he was pushing her out of the vehicle.

Wicks continued to deny causing the victim’s bloodied lip, however. Based on the evidence and testimony, OCPD officer determined Wicks was the primary aggressor and he was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

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Man Sentenced For Suffocation Incident Three Charged With Attempted Murder

Page 24

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Parkville, Md., man, arrested in August after attempting to suffocate his girlfriend in a downtown motel room, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault and was sentenced to five years, all but six months of which were suspended.

On Aug. 28, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a downtown motel for a reported domestic assault that had already occurred.

Officers met with a female victim, who reported she had been assaulted multiple times by her boyfriend, later identified as Robert Weeks, 29, of Parkville, Md. The victim advised she was first assaulted by Weeks around 10:30 p.m. when he allegedly threw a flip-flop at her, striking her in the head. While the victim walked north on the Boardwalk, Weeks allegedly hip-checked her to the ground, injuring her knee, according to police reports.

Around the same time that night, an anonymous caller advised Ocean City police of a male chasing a female who was crying hysterically, according to police reports. OCPD officers at that time were unable to locate either party.

Based on the descriptions provided by the caller, officers believed the couple referred to were the victim and Weeks, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police she was assaulted a third time at the downtown motel just before the officer’s arrival. The victim told police she was trying to sleep on the bed when Weeks threw water on her, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told police Weeks then straddled her, pinning her to the bed, before putting his right hand over her nose and mouth in an attempt to suffocate her.

The victim reportedly told police she could not breathe and could not move, and that she felt her life was in danger, according to police reports. The victim told police she pretended to lose consciousness so Weeks would stop suffocating her, according to police reports.

That caused Weeks to loosen his grip on the victim’s face and nose, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told officers Weeks pushed so hard on her mouth and nose that it caused her mouth to bleed. According to police reports, there was blood on the victim’s pillow. OCPD officers also observed numerous injuries to her face and knees, corroborating her version of the various assaults.

Officers found Weeks sleeping in the motel room and placed him under arrest. While officers escorted Weeks to a transport vehicle, he was uncooperative and threw himself on the ground, causing officers to temporarily lose their grip on him. He was charged with multiple accounts of assault.

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

POCOMOKE – Three Virginia individuals face attempted murder, burglary and other counts following an alleged incident in Pocomoke earlier this month, while allied law enforcement agencies probe suspected similar crimes in Accomack.

Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies on Dec. 3 initially responded to a residence in Pocomoke for a reported burglary. Deputies met with a male victim who advised when he arrived at his home, he observed a blue Ford sedan with Virginia license plates parked in his driveway.

The victim told police he was approached by an unknown female who asked him for some gasoline. While the victim was retrieving the gas from his garage, he observed an unknown male exiting his residence carrying his television. An altercation occurred, and the victim was assaulted and lost consciousness.

When the victim regained consciousness, the male suspect approached him again displaying a handgun. When the victim ran, the suspect discharged at least three rounds from his handgun.

The male and female suspect then fled the scene in the blue Ford sedan, which was also occupied by a second unknown male.

December 17, 2021

The victim entered his residence to call the police and observed that the suspect had attempted to set fire to his residence before leaving. The victim was able to extinguish the fire himself prior to help arriving, according to police reports. The victim noticed various items from his residence had been stolen.

Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) detectives responded immediately to assume the investigation.

On Dec. 7, WCBI detectives formally obtained arrest warrants for Wendy Taylor, 46, Gary Fleig, 45, and Coy Bailey, 54, all of New Church, Va. They have each been charged with attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree arson, first- and third-degree burglary, theft, and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

WCBI detectives are working with law enforcement in nearby Accomack County, Va., to determine if the incident in Pocomoke was related to an incident a day later in Virginia. On Dec. 4, there was a fatal residential fire in Accomack.

WCBI detectives are working with Accomack County detectives to determine if the two incidents with similar circumstances are related. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about either of the incidents is urged to contact Detective Corporal Rob Price of WCBI at 410-632-1111, or email rprice@co.worcester.md.us.

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 25

Page 26

Berlin Scores Demolition Grant

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 17, 2021

Heron Park is pictured with the existing buildings from the property’s poultry plant days pictured on the left.

File Photo

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The state awarded the Town of Berlin a $500,000 strategic demolition grant for Heron Park this week.

On Friday, Gov. Larry Hogan announced $63 million in awards to projects that promote community development and economic growth. Among the awards was a $500,000 grant the Town of Berlin applied for to help demolish the dilapidated chicken processing building at Heron Park.

“I’m really excited about this,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and commu-

nity development director. “This opens the door for this property’s potential.”

According to Wells, the town initially applied for the demolition grant last year.

Though Berlin didn’t get the funding, state officials encouraged the town to reapply this year.

“They really liked the project, there just wasn’t enough funding,” she said.

Wells worked with a grant writer and resubmitted the application to seek funding this time around. While the town hadn’t received strategic demolition funds in the past, she was cautiously optimistic that its $500,000 application would be granted. On Friday, the state confirmed that it had when it released this year’s awards. Hogan announced $63 million in state revitalization program grants. The funding went to 214 projects through six different programs, one of which was the strategic demolition program.

“We were very excited to read the governor’s press release and learn of the approval of our grant application for this project,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

“Town staff worked very hard on the application, and we look forward to receiving the official notification of approval before proceeding.” While the Town of Berlin received $500,000 for Heron Park, other Worcester County strategic demolition awards included $175,000 for installation of a ADA accessible elevator at the Snow Hill Visitor and Heritage Center as well as $150,000 for pre-development activities associated with the revitalization of the former Bank of Ocean City Building.

“These projects and initiatives support responsible redevelopment that is driven by local partnerships,” Hogan said in Friday’s news release. “Our state revitalization programs spur economic growth in Maryland’s diverse and vibrant communities, attracting additional public, private, and nonprofit investment while improving quality of life for residents.”

In Berlin, town officials have been discussing possibilities for the more than 60-acre Heron Park property for months.

Last month, the town issued a request for proposals regarding parcels 57 and 410, the sections of the park closest to Old Ocean City Boulevard.

“Ultimately, it’s up to the town council to decide what the future holds for Heron Park,” Wells said.

Pines Bulkhead Contract Awarded

December 17, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Ocean Pines board members last week approved an $850,000 contract for the next phase of a bulkhead replacement program.

Last Saturday, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve an $850,000 contract with Fisher Marine to replace 2,000 linear feet of bulkhead along Pintail Drive North.

“We received three bids in regard to the upcoming fiscal year bulkhead replacement contract,” said Public Works Office Manager Linda Martin. “The best bid that staff is recommending is Fisher Marine for $850,000. They are a reputable company that has worked with Ocean Pines in the past. It will include 11 locations.”

In his comments last week, General Manager John Viola said he was coming before the board earlier with his purchase request in an effort to secure a better price. The $850,000 contract, he noted, included an $85,000 deposit, which he said was being negotiated.

“We’re coming to the board asking for early approval on the bulkhead work that we would do in the next fiscal year,” he said.

When asked how bulkhead replacement costs compared to last year’s project, Viola noted that prices had increased.

“Last year, by going early and certain other things, we came in at $355 a linear

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

foot. Everybody else was well over $450, if not higher …,” he replied. “This one’s coming in at $425, but every other bid well exceeded that.”

Viola added that other bids the association received this year were between $240,000 and $280,000 higher than Fisher’s. He told board members the association had planned to complete 2,000 linear feet of replacement this year, as opposed to the 3,000 linear feet completed last year.

“We did struggle to get it completed by May,” he said. “It’s something we don’t want to happen here.”

When asked if the project would have an impact on assessments, Viola said it wouldn’t result in an increase at this time.

Director Doug Parks also questioned if the association would need to increase its contribution to the reserve fund.

“Right now we have about $1.4 million in the bulkheads …,” he said. “Do we need to look at, in next year’s budget, any change in contributions to the reserve funding based on this spend?”

Viola said it was something to consider. He noted there were several moving parts when it came to the cost of lumber, oil and labor.

“I believe it’s going to continue to increase per linear foot,” he said, “and I do believe it would have an effect on the assessment two years from now.”

With no further questions, the board voted 7-0 to approve the $850,000 contract with Fisher Marine.

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Page 27

Supreme Court Asked To Hear OC Topless Ordinance Case

Page 28

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Unsatisfied with the denial of an appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals, attorneys for the plaintiffs challenging Ocean City’s ordinance prohibiting female toplessness this month petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit earlier this year denied a request for a reversal of the U.S. District Court decision in April in favor of the Town of Ocean City and its ordinance prohibiting female toplessness in the same areas where men are allowed to go topless, such as the beach and the Boardwalk for example. The plaintiffs in the case, in yet another attempt to reverse the ordinance, filed a motion

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

in the U.S. District Court of Appeals in September to reverse the lower court’s decision, but the high court denied a request for a new hearing and new oral arguments in the case.

This week, Devon Jacob, attorney for the named plaintiffs in the case, filed a petition in the U.S. Supreme Court to have the highest court in the land review the case and decide whether or not to take it up. Jacob filed the writ of certiorari on Wednesday in the U.S. Supreme Court, and in simplest terms, it asks the same essential questions posed during proceedings in the lower courts. The first question reads “Is protecting the traditional moral sensibilities an important governmental interest on which the government may lawfully base a discriminatory gender-based classification as the Fourth and Sev-

enth Circuits held, or not an important governmental interest as the 10th Circuit, and this court, held?”

The second question reads “Is the all-encompassing sex and gender classification of ‘female,’ provided in Ocean City’s ordinance, sufficiently tailored to achieve an important governmental interest?”

The U.S. District Court opined protecting a community’s moral sensibilities did serve an important governmental interest and the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld that decision. It now remains to be seen if the U.S. Supreme Court will grant the writ of certiorari and take up the case at the highest level.

Parties who are not satisfied with the decision of a lower court must petition the U.S. Supreme Court to hear their case. The primary means to petition the

December 17, 2021

court for review is to ask for a writ of certiorari, which is a request to have the U.S. Supreme Court order a lower court to send up the record of the case for review.

Asking the highest court in the country to take up Ocean City’s topless ordinance case could be a long shot. The Supreme Court typically accepts around 100 to 150 of the 7,000 cases it is asked to review each year. However, the Supreme Court is not under any obligation to hear cases and usually only does so if the case could have national significance, or it might harmonize conflicting decisions in the federal circuit courts or could have precedential value.

In January 2018, a civil suit was filed in U.S. District Court challenging an emergency ordinance passed by the Mayor and Council in June 2017 prohibiting females from going topless in the same areas as men are allowed to go shirtless, including the beach and Boardwalk, for example. The plaintiffs in the case, including local resident Chelsea Eline and four others, argued the emergency ordinance passed by the Mayor and Council in June 2017 violated their constitutional rights allowing them, and ostensibly any other woman who chose to do so, to go topless in certain areas of the resort where men are allowed to go shirtless.

In April 2020, a U.S. District Court judge dismissed the case, essentially opining Ocean City officials have a better understanding of the public sensibilities of their residents and visitors regarding the issue of allowing women to go topless in the same public areas where men are allowed to go shirtless, including the beach and Boardwalk for example. The U.S. District Court’s ruling in the case relied largely on the precedent-setting U.S. v. Biocic case heard by the Supreme Court nearly three decades ago.

The plaintiffs’ attorney argued the U.S. District Court relied on the decades-old U.S. v. Biocic when ruling in the case against the town’s topless ordinance, while there have been more recent cases that went the other way on the female topless issue. From the beginning, Ocean City has successfully contended the town’s ordinance is valid because it serves the important governmental function of protecting the general public’s moral sensibilities.

During testimony at the District Court level, Ocean City officials testified the ordinance passed in 2017 reflected the general public’s moral sensibilities regarding female toplessness in public, based on a sampling of calls, emails and personal interactions with residents and visitors to the resort. The plaintiffs countered with testimony from a noted expert on the changing public sensibilities regarding female toplessness in public areas and asserted the sample size put forth by town officials during testimony did not represent the general public’s feelings on the issue.

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 29

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Berlin Planners Advance Proposed Lumber Yard Site

December 17, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

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BERLIN – Berlin officials reviewed plans last week for a lumber yard planned near Route 113.

The Berlin Planning Commission offered no major concerns about a Decks and Docks location planned for an industrial property on Franklin Avenue.

Company representatives are eager to make the Berlin site Decks and Docks’ first Maryland store.

“This property right now is underutilized,” said Brian Basye, manager for Decks and Docks. “We could take that property and do so much more with it.”

Basye told the commission Decks and Docks, which has 20 stores in seven states, wanted to set up a lumber yard in Maryland. After looking through Berlin, the company settled on the site at 513 Franklin Ave. Basye said the company didn’t need much indoor space but would fence in the one-acre property because there would be lumber stored outside. As a supplier, Decks and Docks wouldn’t be doing deck and dock work but would be working with other local businesses to sell them lumber for jobs.

“We’ll partner with contractors in this area,” Basye said.

Decks and Docks’ Nicole Smith said the company wanted to review their concept with the commission to see if there were any major concerns. She said they wanted to plan a project that commission members felt fit Berlin.

“We’re not at all married to anything specific,” she said.

Chris Denny, chair of the commission, said he’d like to see some exterior photos from other Decks and Docks locations so he’d have an idea of what the outside storage of lumber would look like. Commission member Pete Cosby encouraged the Decks and Docks representatives to incorporate a significant amount of landscaping into their plan.

“We want the town to look good from (Route) 113,” he said.

Commission member Austin Purnell praised the plan.

“It’d be nice to have a functioning business back there,” he said.

Commission member Ron Cascio echoed Cosby’s comments.

“We’re just concerned with what it looks like from the highway,” Cascio said.

With no major concerns from the commission, Basye said Decks and Docks would prepare a formal site plan and return to the commission to seek approval in the coming months.

Assateague Hiker Finds Fossil Crab Claw

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

ASSATEAGUE – Providing further evidence man’s interactions on Assateague Island are comparatively short-lived, scientists at the Smithsonian have confirmed a fossilized blue crab claw found on the barrier island could be as many as two million years old.

Earlier this year, an intrepid hiker was walking the beach at Assateague as she typically does, picking up trash and rescuing overturned horseshoe crabs and such, when she came across the interesting find. The object appeared to be a fossilized blue crab claw, but she was uncertain what it was and how old it might be.

The hiker reached out to the Smithsonian to help identify the item. A paleontologist from the Smithsonian’s Department of Paleobiology was able to identify the object as, indeed a fossilized crab claw. The Smithsonian’s paleontologist responded to the fossilized blue crab claw’s finder.

“My colleague and I are quite certain that your specimen is a fossil crab claw,” he wrote. “Given the nature of other fossils found in your area, the fossil is likely Pleistocene in age, or two million to 12,000 years ago.”

The correspondence from the Smithsonian paleontologist explained the

The discovered specimen, front, is compared to the crab claw it’s believed to be.

Submitted Photo

distinguishing characteristics of the find.

“The extra rock around it is a very well consolidated matrix that was so hard it didn’t readily erode,” the response reads. “The claw did erode a bit though, which is why it isn’t immediately distinguishable as a claw. The tips are gone and parts of the infilled area where the original flesh would have been has shown through though, making the whole specimen look a bit odd.”

The paleontologist explained fossils found on public lands are protected by the 2009 Paleontological Resources Preservation Act and advised her to return it to the source. The finder did return the fossilized crab claw and it is now part of the Assateague Island National Seashore’s small collection of fossils.

Page 31

Survey Finds Most Ocean Pines Residents ‘Very Satisfied’

Page 32

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Results from a recent strategic planning survey revealed Ocean Pines property owners are “very satisfied” with their community.

Last Saturday, Strategic Planning Advisory Committee Co-Chair Bernie McGorry presented the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors with the preliminary results of a homeowner survey that was finalized earlier this summer and distributed in September.

“We’re working on a strategic plan for Ocean Pines, and we wanted to really look at overall satisfaction …,” McGorry told board members. “The headline here is to

thank the property owners for the tremendous engagement. Our goal was to get 1,000 completed responses. We got 1,838.”

McGorry noted that respondents included 1,127 full-time property owners, 684 part-time property owners, 24 renters and three that owned property with no home. According to preliminary results, 95.2% of participating property owners were satisfied, with 68.5% being either very or extremely satisfied and 83% recommending Ocean Pines as a place to live.

“Overall, Ocean Pines residents are very satisfied and are very likely to recommend Ocean Pines to others,” he said.

McGorry said the issues most impor-

December 17, 2021

tant to Ocean Pines residents were safety, maintenance of infrastructure and community appearance. He noted, however, that maintenance of infrastructure had the largest gap between level of importance and the satisfaction rate.

McGorry added that respondents identified the top core values as integrity, accountability, collaboration and sustainability. They also identified transparency between OPA and its members, infrastructure issues and collaboration between the Board of Directors and the general manager as the top challenges.

“The good news is transparency and collaboration don’t cost a lot of money,” he said. “It could mean increasing communication.”

McGorry told board members last week the survey identified concerns of traffic on Route 589 and support of electronic voting. He also noted that participating residents were against assessment fee increases, but felt that fees for non-resident use of amenities were too low.

McGorry also highlighted indifference when it came to new and improved amenities.

“My conclusion here is in general there is only lukewarm interest for any new or improved amenities,” he said. “The top three were walking and bike paths, a fitness center and improved street lighting.”

McGorry said committee members would spend the coming months analyzing survey responses. He added that a recommendation for the community’s strategic plan would come before the board in July.

Board members last week thanked McGorry and committee members for their efforts in developing the survey. Director Doug Parks, however, encouraged committee members to evaluate the community’s core values.

“How do you measure, how do you evaluate and report on integrity?” he said.

“It’s something I would throw back to the committee and say, ‘Let’s try and understand how we evaluate that so we can make a decision if we had to.’”

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.

BANDIT

BRENDA

CANDY CORN

CAPRI

CASSANDRA

The Shark Restaurant 12429 Sunset Ave., WOC 410-213-0294

Bank Of Ocean City Ocean Pines 410-208-9380

The Dispatch www.mdcoastdispatch.com Subscribe For Email Articles

Maryland Title Service 11500 Coastal Hwy., Suite 7, OC 410-723-2000

Shore Results Realty Kim McGuigan, Broker, OC 443-992-4990

CRASH

LATTE

MA CHERIE

MACHIATTO

SPIKE

Adkins Of Berlin Harrison Avenue 410-641-2200

Taylor Bank Main Street, Berlin, Md. 410-641-1700

Barefoot Mailman Motel 35th Street, Ocean City 410-289-5343

Casual Designs Rte. 54, Fenwick 302-436-8224 Rte. 50, Berlin 410-629-1717

BJ’s On The Water Inc. Ocean City 410-524-7575

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

The Dispatch’s Pets of the Month

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

Pet’s Name: Buster Baxter Pet’s Age/Breed: 1.5 years old mix Pet’s Owners: Andrea and Andy

Pet’s Name: Tabasco Pet’s Age/Breed: 3-year-old tabby Pet’s Owner: Dixie Wells

Pet’s Name: Flint Pet’s Age/Breed: 2-year-old Golden mountain dog Pet’s Owners: Jim and Kim Heaney

STEVE GREEN EDITOR

Pet’s Name: Tessie Pet’s Age/Breed: 6-month-old border collie Pet’s Owners: Mike Rose & Katie Cathcart

Pet’s Name: Ruby Pet’s Age/Breed: 9-month-old bernedoodle Pet’s Owners: Ruthann and Jim Mitchell

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, Maxwell and Penny, owned

by Deck and Kathy Decker.

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 Jan. 21.

Pet’s Name: Winnie Pet’s Age/Breed: 3-year-old catahoula Pet’s Owners: The Battistas

Pet’s Name: Fiona Belle Pet’s Age/Breed: 4-year-old chihuahua Pet’s Owners: Cole Gibson & Beth Pistilli

Pet’s Name: Ash and Cinder Pet’s Age/Breed: 4-year-old Chesapeake Bay retrievers Pet’s Owners: Anne & Michael

Pet’s Name: Willow Pet’s Age/Breed: 4-year-old golden doodle Pet’s Owner: Danielle DiMichele

Page 34

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 17, 2021

People in Society The faces of the Headlines Salon front desk, John Ostrander (Owner) and Kelly Oltman (Salon Director), hosted a fun-filled holiday party for their stylists at the Johnny’s Pizza in Ocean Pines.

by Jeanette Deskiewicz Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

In the gift room of the Annual Holy Savior Parish Christmas Bazaar, Carol Applegit and Marianne Cott rang up shopper purchases.

The eclectic group of Thom Lord, Don Solo, Eugene Matthews, John Hofman and Tony Christ provided musical entertainment at the Headlines Salon Holiday Party.

Processing all the credit card payments at the Annual Holy Savior Parish Christmas Bazaar were El Diffendal and Melissa LaCour.

Dressed in their festive best were Barb Anzalone, Karen Wendel, and Kandy Bartholomew in the Christmas Shop of the Annual Holy Savior Parish Christmas Bazaar.

Delivering orders to vehicles was a cold task for Jane Inman and Jessica Smith at the Powellville United Methodist Church Drive Thru Luncheon.

Powellville United Methodist Church Drive Thru Luncheon matriarch Joyce Davis, got kudos from Santa for all her hard work in the kitchen.

Local jewelry artists Bill Curtis and Manette Cramer had their handmade bracelets and necklaces for sale at the 2021 Holiday Shoppers Fair.

The Ocean City Convention Center hosted an amazing shopper’s fair over Thanksgiving weekend with Melanie Collins, Shirelle McNeil and Sharon Bradford working the registration table.

Staying warm at the Powellville United Methodist Church Drive Thru Luncheon were Diane Smith and Pastor Cameron McDonough at the bake table.

Judge Denies Ocean City’s Motion To Dismiss Cell Tower Suit

December 17, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A private-sector wireless telecommunications company’s civil suit against Ocean City over the installation of small-cell towers in residential communities will continue after a federal judge this month denied the town’s motion to dismiss the case.

In June, the Mayor and Council had before them a request from Crown Castle to install three small-cell towers in residential neighborhoods in the north end of town. For the record, Crown Castle installs small-cell towers and nodes around the resort and contracts with wireless providers such as Verizon and Sprint, for example, to provide the hardware.

The requests for three locations included Old Landing Road, Bering Road and Marlin Drive.

After considerable discussion, the council voted 4-3 to tacitly deny Crown Castle’s request for the three identified locations in the north-end residential, or R-1, district. In July, Crown Castle filed a complaint in federal court seeking an expedited review of the case, declarations and judgments that the town’s denial is not supported by the evidence and an order to require the town to grant Crown Castle’s applications to install and operate the three nodes in the R-1 district among other things.

In October, the Town of Ocean City, through its attorney, filed a motion to dis-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

miss the case. In the motion to dismiss, the town asserted the request from Crown Castle for the three north-end sites was not a formal application, but rather a feeling-out of sorts to see if resort officials could support the proposed sites before moving forward with design and engineering of the small-cell towers.

The town asserted in its motion to dismiss Crown Castle had never formally applied for the three proposed locations, making the federal suit the private telecommunications company filed in July somewhat putting the cart before the horse. In somewhat of a cart before the horse case, the town’s motion to dismiss essentially asserted Crown Castle had never formally filed applications for the three north-end R-1 sites. Last Tuesday, a U.S. District Court judge denied the town’s motion to dismiss the case,

asserting it was a moot point whether Crown Castle had formally filed applications for the three proposed residential sites.

The federal judge’s memorandum in support of denying the town’s motion to dismiss the case asserts the town’s tacit denial of the proposed uptown locations superseded the formal application process for Crown Castle.

“First, if Ocean City’s proposed exhibits are not considered, this court simply accepts as true the allegations contained in Crown Castle’s second amended complaint,” the order reads. “Crown Castle alleges that Ocean City specifically advised it that it could not apply to install the nodes unless the Mayor and Council first approved the location and design. Under that construct as alleged in the complaint, denial of approval by the Mayor and Council could well amount

CHRISTMAS DAY PLAY FREE AT 68TH STREET 11AM-5PM

Page 35

to a final decision, since Crown Castle would be left with no recourse, if, as alleged, it was also precluded by the denial from filing an application to obtain a more formal pronouncement. At least under a motion to dismiss standard, then dismissal would be inappropriate.”

The judge’s order essentially asserts the town’s motion to dismiss the case should be denied whether formal applications for the three nodes were filed or not. “… Crown Castle has stated a plausible claim that the denial of approval by the Mayor and Council amounted to a denial of an application to install three R1 nodes,” the judge’s order reads. “Thus, this court need not formally reach the appropriateness of taking judicial notice over the attachments, since Ocean City’s motion must be denied whether they are considered or not.”

Page 36

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 17, 2021

COMMUNITY News In Photos

Sherrie Beckstead presented to Rina Thaler, executive director, and John Sisson, president of the Art League of Ocean City, a $3,000 donation made by an anonymous foundation in Washington, D.C. The gift, along with contributions from Beckstead and others, will continue to endow the $5,000 Sidney M. Beckstead Scholarship for the Arts for 2022, awarded annually to a local art student to further college education.

The latest painted utility box under the Ocean City Development Corporation’s Public Art Program was completed by artist Rebekah Venturini of the Art League of Ocean City. This public art project, located on the northeast corner of S. Baltimore Avenue and Dorchester Street, was sponsored by Park Place Jewelers. PPG Paints on 8th Street provided some of the paint and paint materials used for this Submitted Photos project.

At its December holiday meeting at Lighthouse Sound, the Ocean City Lioness Lions Club members brought new and gently used purses filled with toiletries, makeup, and many other treats to be given to the women at the Samaritan Shelter in Pocomoke City. Pictured more than three dozen purses are club members Michelle Bankert and Michelle Brauning.

Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League of Ocean City, presented the first Annual heART Awards to artist Randy Hofman and Larry Noccolino, executive director of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, at the Art League's holiday luncheon on Dec. 9 at Fager's Island. Hofman and Noccolino have teamed to fill the convention center walls with more than 40 of Hofman's paintings depicting life in the resort.

Cathy Redden from Bethany Beach was one of the winners of $500 in gift cards from local businesses in the recent gift card raffle by the Ocean City Lioness Lions Club. All monies raised by this raffle are funneled into the community. Pictured are Club President Bev Topfer and Redden.

Delmarva Dancing recently donated $1,000 to the Selbyville Elks Lodge 2173, Veterans Fund in Bishopville. Pictured, above from left, are Debbie Littlefield, Treasurer, Delmarva Dancing; Charles Derrickson, Exalted Ruler, Selbyville Elks Lodge; Kim Lynch, Treasurer; Eileen Smith, President; Diane Denk, Secretary; and Charlie Bell, 1st Vice President. Additionally, Delmarva Dancing donated $500 to the Toys for Tots campaign.

At a recent District 22B Lions Club meeting, Ocean City Lioness Lions Club President Bev Topfer presented a check for $500 to past District Governor John Lawrence for the Lions Vision Research Foundation (LVRF). The primary purpose of LVRF is to support low vision research and rehabilitation to minimize those disabilities.

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

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

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

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

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– DENTAL HYGIENIST: Family Dental Practice seeking part time Dental Hygienist. Patient oriented, relaxed atmosphere. Please forward resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC: Year Round, Competitive Wages.

443-754-1047.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

PART-TIME SECURITY JOB Secure premises and personnel, patrol property, monitor surveillance equipment, inspect building, equipment and access points, sign in co-owners and guests, maintain security log.

Salary $13 to $14 per hour based on experience. Part-time, year-round position. Interested candidates should email Michelle Jones, Head of Security Atlantis at AtlantisHSOC@gmail.com or call 410-524-9100.

AUTOMOTIVE If you are looking for a change, NOW is the time!

We are an automotive business with several parts stores, service centers, and a used car dealership with multiple locations. We are now hiring for PARTS STORE ASSOCIATES for our location in Ocean Pines, Maryland. Great Pay and Benefits including Company Matched Retirement Plan.

Call 302-339-6910

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

Selbyville Goose Creek Fenwick Goose Creek

Hiring for All Positions for Both Locations.

Apply Online www.mygcjob.com

Assawoman Ale Shoppe Hiring for all positions.

Apply within store.

52nd Street Bayside, OC

POSEIDON PLUMBING & HOME SERVICES NOW HIRING TRIM CARPENTER & FOREMAN. We offer paid training, vacation, and personal days, as well as a quality benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Wage is BOE from $17-$30/hour.

Based in the Berlin/OC area.

What we require: -Valid Drivers License -Reliable Form of Contact -Background Check -Ability to Pass a Drug Test -Positive Attitude & Willingness to Learn If you feel that you can fill one of these positions, please call us to set up an interview. We can be reached at 410-251-1096.

POSEIDON PLUMBING & HOME SERVICES

POSEIDON PLUMBING & HOME SERVICES NOW HIRING MITIGATION CREW LEADER Must have relevant experience and clean driving record/ background. Based in the Berlin/OC area. Wage is BOE from $17-$22/hour. We offer paid training, vacation, and personal days, as well as a quality benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance.

Benefits after 90 days.

Please call us to set up an interview at 410-251-1096.

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

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER

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

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

CLUBHOUSE ATTENDANTS Beautiful community in Ocean View is seeking part-time year round Attendants to work in our clubhouse and fitness areas.

Availability to include days, evenings and weekends.

Excellent people skills a must!

Some computer skills preferred.

A perfect position for individuals looking for extra income.

Send resume to: susan.brewer@casinc.biz EOE

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

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

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

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800 Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Year Round Positions ~SERVERS ~HOSTESS/HOST ~BUSSER ~BANQUET SERVER ~BANQUET HOUSESTAFF ~CATERING ASSISTANT ~DISHWASHER ~ROOM ATTENDANT ~LAUNDRY ~MAINTENANCE

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

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 12-27-2021

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

“Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

EOE M/F/D/V

TOP WAGES! EXCELLENT BENEFITS! HOUSING AVAILABLE!

HOUSING NEEDS

RENTALS

LOOKING FOR ROOM RENTAL: Short to long term. Quiet, friendly, middle aged contractor, no bad habits. Working in Sussex and Worcester County. 302-470-5216.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WEEKLY RENTALS

ROOMMATES 94TH STREET HOUSE: Hot Tub. House in bad shape. Cheap rent or will accept work in lieu of rent.

Must love dogs, other pets welcome. Prefer no drug addicts or sociopaths. Pls Call Rob 410-7265200. Best time to call after 4pm.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

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

Page 38

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

COMMERCIAL

PETS

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

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

AKC LABRADOR RETRIEVER PUPPIES: M/F, Blacks and Yellows, OFA Certified Parent. Serious homes only. 410-208-8800 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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

LOOKING EVERWHERE?

Check Here First!

The Dispatch Classified Pages Can Point You in the Right Direction!

Help Wanted, Rentals, Yard Sales, Real Estate, & More!

FOR SALE

READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS? DINING ROOM SET FOR SALE Holiday Dinners just around the Corner!

Beautiful solid wood dining set.

Table seats 8-10 with two leaves. Lighted China Cabinet with glass shelving. (Chairs not incl’d.)

Selling because moved & too big for dining area.

Must see! $575.

Berlin. 443-880-8885

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

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18980 To all persons interested in the estate of STEPHANIE A CHICCA, ESTATE NO. 18980.

Notice is given that TRACY L PARKER, 8517 MARSHALL CREEK ROAD, NEWARK, MD 21841, was on, NOVEMBER 16, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of STEPHANIE A CHICCA, who died on NOVEMBER 04, 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 16TH day of MAY, 2022.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 03, 2021 TRACY L PARKER 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 12-03, 12-10, 12-17

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18985 To all persons interested in the estate of MARIAN T. CICERO, ESTATE NO. 18985. Notice is given that MARK D. CICERO, 2000 ROSETTA WAY, DAVIDSONVILLE, MD 21035, was on, NOVEMBER 17, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARIAN T. CICERO, who died on SEPTEMBER 08, 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 17TH day of MAY, 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 DECEMBER 03, 2021 MARK D. CICERO 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 12-03, 12-10, 12-17

Third Insertion JOSEPH E. MOORE, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18997 To all persons interested in the estate of MARK D LILJENQUIST, ESTATE NO. 18997. Notice is given that DAVID FLOYD LILJENQUIST, 10722 PINEY ISLAND DRIVE, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813, was on, NOVEMBER 24, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARK D LILJENQUIST, who died on OCTOBER 15, 2021, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24TH day of MAY, 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 DECEMBER 03, 2021

December 17, 2021 DAVID FLOYD LILJENQUIST 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 12-03, 12-10, 12-17

Third Insertion RAYMOND D. COATES JR, ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19002 To all persons interested in the estate of JACK DUNLAP, ESTATE NO. 19002. Notice is given that JOHN JARVIS DUNLAP, 101 PINE STREET, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, NOVEMBER 30, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JACK DUNLAP, who died on OCTOBER 19, 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 30TH day of MAY, 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 DECEMBER 03, 2021 JOHN JARVIS DUNLAP 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 12-03, 12-10, 12-17

Third 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. 19003 To all persons interested in the estate of MARY KATHERINE TRADER, ESTATE NO. 19003. Notice is given that ANGELA NOELLE TRADER YOST, 1847 UNIONVILLE ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on, NOVEMBER 30, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARY KATHERINE TRADER, who died on SEPTEMBER 19, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30TH day of MAY, 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 DECEMBER 03, 2021 ANGELA NOELLE TRADER YOST Personal Representative

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 03, 2021

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 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 12-03, 12-10, 12-17

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000145 VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS TIMESHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff v.

ROBERT GLEESON, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN THE VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES, BERLIN, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000145, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the Villas of Ocean Pines, located at, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit Aj10 Aj10 Aj10 Aj10 Am13 Am13 Am13 Am13 An14

Time Interval 15 9 39 49 3 7 9 11 18

An14 Au21 Au21 Au21 Ay25 Ay25 Bc29 Bc29 Bf32 Bf32 Bf32 Bf32 Bf33 Bg33 Bh34 Bq43

47 8 11 18 10 13 17 48 6 9 14 17 15 52 42 10

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

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2021 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-672-8107.

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 12-03, 12-10, 12-17

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

EMERGE, INC. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN THE VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES, BERLIN, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000196, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the Villas of Ocean Pines, located at, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 11:15 a.m., the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Time Unit Interval Br44

2

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

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no war-

Page 39

ranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

cated at, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 11:45 a.m., the following timeshare intervals:

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2021 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-672-8107.

Condomimium Unit

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 03, 2021 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 12-03, 12-10, 12-17

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000200 BORDERLINKS I TIME INTERVAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff v.

PAUL COLLINS, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN THE BORDERLINKS I CONDOMINIUM OCEAN PINES, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000200, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the Borderlinks I Condominium, lo-

Ae5 Ae5 Ae5 Aq17 Ar18 As19 Bi35 Bj36 Bo41 Bv48 Bz52

Time Interval 14 20 43 15 38 7 34 4 39 3 15

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

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2021 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-672-8107.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 03, 2021 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 12-03, 12-10, 12-17

Third Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000206 VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS TIMESHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff v.

MILTON HELLMAN, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN THE VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES, BERLIN, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000206, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the Villas of Ocean Pines, located at, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 12:00 p.m., the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Time Unit Interval Bf32 Bg33 Bh34 Bq43 Br44

25 32 17 34 4

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

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

Page 40

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

fore the 2ND day of JUNE, 2022.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2021 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-672-8107.

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:

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 03, 2021 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 12-03, 12-10, 12-17

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19006 To all persons interested in the estate of REBECCA LONG RUARK AKA: REBECCA LONG RUARK PAPARELLA, ESTATE NO. 19006. Notice is given that CHARLES PAPARELLA, 8004 GREENBRIAR SWAMP RD, SALISBURY, MD 21804, was on, DECEMBER 02, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of REBECCA LONG RUARK, who died on NOVEMBER 16, 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 be-

(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 DECEMBER 10, 2021 CHARLES PAPARELLA 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 12-10, 12-17, 12-24

Second Insertion

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 2ND day of JUNE, 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 DECEMBER 10, 2021 BETTY M BIVENS 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 12-10, 12-17, 12-24

First Insertion NEIL ESKIN ESKIN LAW, LLC 1700 REISTERSTOWN ROAD, SUITE 212 BALTIMORE, MD 21208

DON E. RICHARDSON ESQ. P.O. BOX 258 SALISBURY, MD 21803

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000211

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19008

LOCKE CAPITAL, LLC C/O ESKIN LAW, LLC 1700 REISTERSTOWN ROAD, SUITE 212 BALTIMORE, MD 21208 Plaintiff

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM H BIVENS, ESTATE NO. 19008.

Notice is given that BETTY M BIVENS, 12209 OCEAN GATEWAY, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on, DECEMBER 02, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM H BIVENS, who died on SEPTEMBER 17, 2021, without a will.

vs.

BRIAN D. JONES 4543 MANOR VIEW ROAD BALTIMORE, MD 21229

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the

AND AARON JONES 4543 MANOR VIEW ROAD BALTIMORE, MD 21229 AND NAOMI JONES 4543 MANOR VIEW ROAD BALTIMORE, MD 21229

AND STATE OF MARYLAND OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL S/O BRIAN FROSH, ATTORNEY GENERAL 200 ST. PAUL PLACE BALTIMORE, MD 21202

December 17, 2021 and redeem the property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgement will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.

AND WORCESTER COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE S/O PHILLIP G. THOMPSON, COLLECTOR 1 W. MARKET STREET ROOM 1105 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND ALL UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED BELOW; ALL HEIRS, DEVISEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, AND EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS OR SUCCESSORS IN RIGHT, TITLE, INTEREST, AND ANY AND ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY AND PREMISES SITUATE IN THE WORCESTER COUNTY, KNOWN AS 11829 STEAM MILL HILL ROAD, WHALEYVILLE, MD 21872 AND DESCRIBED AS LEGAL DESCRIPTION 15245 SQ FT STEAM MILL HILL N OF WHALEYVILLE BEING KNOWN AS DISTRICT 03 ACCOUNT NUMBER 001105 ON THE TAX ROLL OF THE COLLECTOR OF TAXES Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 11829 Steam Mill Hill Road, Whaleyville, MD 21872 in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Locke Capital, LLC, the Plaintiff.

A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description 15245 SQ FT STEAM MILL HILL N OF WHALEYVILLE, District 03 Account Number 001105 Known as 11829 Steam Mill Hill Road, Whaleyville, MD 21872.

The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid.

It is thereupon this 9TH OF DECEMBER, 2021 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 8th day of FEBRUARY, 2022,

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 17, 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 12-17, 12-24, 12-31

First Insertion NEIL ESKIN ESKIN LAW, LLC 1700 REISTERSTOWN ROAD, SUITE 212 BALTIMORE, MD 21208 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000212 LOCKE CAPITAL, LLC C/O ESKIN LAW, LLC 1700 REISTERSTOWN ROAD, SUITE 212 BALTIMORE, MD 21208 Plaintiff vs.

LILLIE E. SKIDMORE 115 WHITHERSPOON LANE NEWARK, DE 19713 AND THE ESTATE OF LILLIE E. SKIDMORE S/O PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE 115 WHITHERSPOON LANE NEWARK, DE 19713 AND STATE OF MARYLAND OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL S/O BRIAN FROSH, ATTORNEY GENERAL 200 ST. PAUL PLACE BALTIMORE, MD 21202 AND WORCESTER COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE S/O PHILLIP G. THOMPSON, COLLECTOR 1 W. MARKET STREET ROOM 1105 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND ALL UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED BELOW; ALL HEIRS, DEVISEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, AND EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS OR SUCCESSORS IN RIGHT, TITLE, INTEREST, AND ANY AND ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY AND

PREMISES SITUATE IN THE WORCESTER COUNTY, KNOWN AS MARKET STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND DESCRIBED AS LEGAL DESCRIPTION 6 ACS N W SIDE R-394 S OF SNOW HILL BEING KNOWN AS DISTRICT 02 ACCOUNT NUMBER 011662 ON THE TAX ROLL OF THE COLLECTOR OF TAXES Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863 in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Locke Capital, LLC, the Plaintiff.

A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description 6 ACS N W SIDE R-394 S OF SNOW HILL, District 02 Account Number 011662 Known as Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid.

It is thereupon this 9TH OF DECEMBER, 2021 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 8th day of FEBRUARY, 2022, and redeem the property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgement will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 17, 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 12-17, 12-24, 12-31

First Insertion NEIL ESKIN ESKIN LAW, LLC 1700 REISTERSTOWN ROAD, SUITE 212 BALTIMORE, MD 21208 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000213

December 17, 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 LOCKE CAPITAL, LLC C/O ESKIN LAW, LLC 1700 REISTERSTOWN ROAD, SUITE 212 BALTIMORE, MD 21208 Plaintiff vs.

CLARENCE JONES 4214 RIDGEWOOD AVENUE BALTIMORE, MD 21215 AND THE ESTATE OF CLARENCE JONES S/O PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE 4214 RIDGEWOOD AVENUE BALTIMORE, MD 21215 AND STATE OF MARYLAND OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL S/O BRIAN FROSH, ATTORNEY GENERAL 200 ST. PAUL PLACE BALTIMORE, MD 21202 AND WORCESTER COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE S/O PHILLIP G. THOMPSON, COLLECTOR 1 W. MARKET STREET ROOM 1105 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND ALL UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED BELOW; ALL HEIRS, DEVISEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, AND EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS OR SUCCESSORS IN RIGHT, TITLE, INTEREST, AND ANY AND ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY AND PREMISES SITUATE IN THE WORCESTER COUNTY, KNOWN AS PUBLIC LANDING ROAD, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND DESCRIBED AS LEGAL DESCRIPTION 10 ACS COR PUBLIC LANDING & MCCABE CORNER ROADS BEING KNOWN AS DISTRICT 02 ACCOUNT NUMBER 009013 ON THE TAX ROLL OF THE COLLECTOR OF TAXES Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as Public Landing Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863 in Worcester County, State of Maryland,

sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Locke Capital, LLC, the Plaintiff.

A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description 10 ACS COR PUBLIC LANDING & MCCABE CORNER ROADS, District 02 Account Number 009013 Known as Public Landing Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid.

It is thereupon this 9TH OF DECEMBER, 2021 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 8th day of FEBRUARY, 2022, and redeem the property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgement will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 17, 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 12-17, 12-24, 12-31

First Insertion NEIL ESKIN ESKIN LAW, LLC 1700 REISTERSTOWN ROAD, SUITE 212 BALTIMORE, MD 21208 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000214 LOCKE CAPITAL, LLC C/O ESKIN LAW, LLC 1700 REISTERSTOWN

ROAD, SUITE 212 BALTIMORE, MD 21208 Plaintiff vs.

RONALD MOLOCK, SURVIVING OFFICER OF THE MOLOCK GROUP, INC., A FORFEITED ENTITY 9849 WALLERTON ROAD MARDELA SPRINGS, MD 21837 AND STATE OF MARYLAND OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL S/O BRIAN FROSH, ATTORNEY GENERAL 200 ST. PAUL PLACE BALTIMORE, MD 21202 AND WORCESTER COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE S/O PHILLIP G. THOMPSON, COLLECTOR 1 W. MARKET STREET ROOM 1105 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND ALL UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED BELOW; ALL HEIRS, DEVISEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, AND EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS OR SUCCESSORS IN RIGHT, TITLE, INTEREST, AND ANY AND ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY AND PREMISES SITUATE IN THE WORCESTER COUNTY, KNOWN AS 708 SECOND STREET, POCOMOKE, MD 21851 AND DESCRIBED AS LEGAL DESCRIPTION 76’ X 136’ W SIDE 708 SECOND ST POCOMOKE BEING KNOWN AS DISTRICT 01 ACCOUNT NUMBER 015958 ON THE TAX ROLL OF THE COLLECTOR OF TAXES Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 708 Second Street, Pocomoke, MD 21851 in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Locke Capital, LLC, the Plaintiff.

A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description 76’ X 136’ W SIDE 708 SECOND ST POCOMOKE, District 01 Account Number 015958 Known as 708 Second Street, Pocomoke, MD 21851.

The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid.

It is thereupon this 9TH OF DECEMBER, 2021 by the

Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 8th day of FEBRUARY, 2022, and redeem the property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgement will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 17, 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 12-17, 12-24, 12-31

First Insertion MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18988 Notice is given that the SURROGATE COURT of CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ, appointed ANNETTE MURPHY, 425 AUSTIN AVENUE, BARRINGTON, NJ 08007, as the EXECUTRIX of the Estate of JAMES C. MURPHY SR., who died on OCTOBER 03, 2020, domiciled in NEW JERSEY, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is MICHAEL B. MATHERS ESQ., whose address is 115 BROAD STREET, PO BOX 910, SALISBURY, MD 21803.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER COUNTY. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other writ-

Page 41 ten 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 DECEMBER 17, 2021 ANNETTE MURPHY 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 12-17, 12-24, 12-31

First Insertion NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18993 Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS COURT of NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DE, appointed JOSEPH MORGAN, 39 W 711 BENTON LANE, GENEVA, IL 60134, and PATRICK GERARD MORGAN, 316 PENN STREET, WYNNEWOOD, PA 19086, and RICHARD A. MORGAN, 5 ISABELLA COURT, HOCKESSIN, DE 19707 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES of the Estate of JOAN F. MORGAN, who died on MAY 14 , 2021, domiciled in DELAWARE, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is JOHN A. SURJCEK, whose address is 8906 WHITETAIL COURT, PERRY HALL, MD 21128.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication DECEMBER 17, 2021 JOSEPH MORGAN Foreign Personal Representative PATRICK GERARD MORGAN Foreign Personal Representative RICHARD A. MORGAN 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 12-17, 12-24, 12-31

First Insertion NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19010 Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS COURT of PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, PA appointed YOLANDA J. CUSAAC, 7 WESTBURY DRIVE, LUMBERTON, NJ 08048, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of LORRAINE E. BRINKLEY, who died on DECEMBER 27, 2015, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is NATHANIEL DOVE, whose address is 5202 DEVENPORT COURT, GLENN DALE, MD 20769.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 17, 2021 YOLANDA J. CUSAAC Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-17, 12-24, 12-31

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 17, 2021 PATRICIA GADO Personal Representative

First Insertion 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 12-17, 12-24, 12-31

STEVEN W RAKOW, ESQ. 5700 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 305 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19011

First Insertion

To all persons interested in the estate of DORIS NAOMI WILLIAMS. ESTATE NO. 18972. Notice is given that KAREN CAREY, 10323

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

To all persons interested in the estate of LISA MCCAFFREY, ESTATE NO. 19011.

Notice is given that PATRICIA GADO, 150 NOTTINGHAM LANE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, NOVEMBER 08, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LISA MCCAFFREY, who died on AUGUST 12, 2021, without a will.

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18972

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 MAY, 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.

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

HENRY ROAD #6, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on DECEMBER 07, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of DORIS NAOMI WILLIAMS, who died on AUGUST 28, 2021 with a will.

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

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

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the un-

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 17, 2021 KAREN CAREY Personal Representative

December 17, 2021 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 12-17

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19009 To all persons interested in the estate of YVONNE MILLINER JORDAN. ESTATE NO. 19009. Notice is given that TERESA BAUMANN, P. O. BOX 178, GIRDLETREE, MD 21829, was on DECEMBER 06, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of YVONNE MILLINER JORDAN, who died on AUGUST 18, 2021 with a will.

will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

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.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 17, 2021

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

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 12-17

TERESA BAUMANN Personal Representative

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

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

Call 410-524-7994 with any questions.

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

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

Has bingo all year. Doors open 4:30 p.m. with first game sharply at 6:30 p.m. Kitchen open for light fare. 410-250-2645.

Dec. 18: Breakfast Buffet AUCE breakfast buffet at the Whaleyville United Methodist Church located at 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road in Whaleyville. Cost is $8/adult and $4/child, from 7-10 a.m. Buffet will include pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages.

Dec. 19: Christmas Concert The Community Church at Ocean Pines Chancel Choir under the direction of Sally Hendon will perform Lloyd Larson’s “Holy Night Of Miracles, A Cantata of Hope for Christmas.” Both sung and told, this story of Christmas, will be accompanied by Richard Smith and a six-piece chamber ensemble. Soloists will include Jennifer Hope Wills, Dave Holloway and Chet Bober with narration by Steve Clancy.

Dec. 23: Christmas Food The N.O.E.L. (Nothing Other than Eating and Loving) Community is excited to be able to provide food for locals for Christmas again this year. While a big part of the Christmas Day dinner allows for entertainment and social gathering, volunteers have modified outreach this Christmas to ensure safety for everyone involved. Between the hours of 10 a.m.noon on Dec. 23, there will be a distribution of bags of non-perishable foods filled with some traditional food items to prepare at home. For those who are not able to prepare food, there will be a special bag with food for you to enjoy as well.

These bags will be distributed at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church on 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, at the main entrance to the Church Hall (separate entrance than Shepherd’s Crook).

For more information about the N.O.E.L Community or this event, please contact the office at St. Paul's by-the-Sea at 410289-3453. If you would like to make a donation to the N.O.E.L. Community, please send donations to The N.O.E.L.

Community c/o St. Paul's by the Sea at 302 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. The N.O.E.L. Community provides outreach year-round to local pantries and social service agencies in the area.

Dec. 27-29: Bus Trip The 50+ Senior Center in Ocean City at 104 41st Street, is planning an overnight trip to Cape May. Contact Siggy at 410289-0824 for further information.

Dec. 31: OC NYE Fireworks Promptly at midnight at Northside Park after a walking trail of Winterfest of Lights.

Admission fee to Winterfest applies, fireworks free.

Jan. 1: New Year’s Day Concert The Ocean City Performing Arts Center will host a brief meet and greet with Ocean City officials followed by a free concert.

Jan. 1: AGH Penguin Swim The 28th Annual Penguin Swim will take place once again on the beach at 1 p.m. in front of the Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel at 91st Street All participants are required to register either online or in person and check in on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to receive a wristband to gain access to the swim area. Advance online registration is recommended at www.aghpenguinswim.org.

Jan. 1: New Year’s Day Run The Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation and the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce are continuing the New Year’s Day tradition with the Annual Hair of the Dog Run and Leo Brady Exercise Like the Eskimos Plunge. Run, walk and plunge into the New Year with these fun, family-friendly events. Proceeds benefit the local community by providing grants to non-profits and student scholarships.

The 5K run will start at 10 a.m., followed by the 1 Mile walk at 10:05 a.m. The Leo Brady Exercise Like the Eskimo Plunge will take place at noon. This year, both events will celebrate their post party at the Bethany Boathouse, which will have a special opening for the holiday weekend. Enjoy music, great food, drinks, and an all you can eat nacho bar. To register, visit thequietresorts.com.

Jan. 6: AGH Job Fair Atlantic General Hospital and Health System will be kicking off 2022 by hosting a job fair in search of motivated candidates to join the team, from 3-6 p.m. at the hospital. All interested candidates should call 410-641-9612 or contact jobs@atlanticgeneral.org to register.

Jan. 7: Cash Bingo The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be holding a cash bingo at the main station. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Doors open at 5 p.m. and early birds begin at 5:45.

Regular games begin at 7. Twenty regular games, two specials and jackpot.

50/50. Food and beverages available for purchase. Call 619-922-9950 to reserve your tickets.

Page 43

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Worcester Girls Split Two, Boys Drop Pair

Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team swept seven matches last weekend to take the title in the Grindstone Duals in Carroll County. Decatur’s Noah Reho picked up his career 100th win during the tournament.

Submitted photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity basketball teams split a pair of games this week to improve to 4-2 on the season.

The Mallards lost to Delmarva Christian in a close one, 47-43. Lily Baeurle led the way with 16 points, while Ansley Gardner pitched in 10.

Two days later, the Worcester girls

Decatur Track Teams Strong In First Meet

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

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beat Delmar, 43-25. Again, Baeurle led the way with 17 points, while Morgan White scored seven and Myranda Beebe added six.

Meanwhile, the Worcester boys dropped two games this week after starting the season 3-0. The Mallards lost to Delmarva Christian, 57-36. In its second game last week, Worcester fell to Delmar, 72-27. Michael Wehberg led Worcester with nine points, while Harrison Humes scored six.

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity indoor track teams turned in strong performances in the first meet of the season last week with the boys finishing third overall among the 12 schools competing and the girls finishing fifth.

On the boys’ side, in the 55-meters, Jaden Holland finished 18th and Ryan Calloway finished 19th. In the 300, Connor Herr finished 16th and Ethan Cowder finished 25th. Patrick Haynes finished 23rd in the 500, while Alex Ward was 25th and Gavin Weeks was 26th.

Ethan Justice finished first in the 800, while Gavin McCabe was seventh and Brian Herbert was 25th. Tristan Dutton finished first in the 1,600, while Shiloh Carmack was 17th and Herbert was 23rd. Justice finished second in the 3,200. Haynes was 11th in the 55-

meter hurdles. Jay McCarter was third in the high jump. Owen Mielnik was first in the pole vault, and Xavier Arnold was 18th in the shot put.

On the girls’ side, Miah Schwind was 23rd in the 55-meter hurdles, while Lily Olsen finished 32nd. Tiara McDonald was seventh in the 300, while Breanne Ferguson was 17th and Kylie Powell was 23rd. Ferguson finished fourth in the 500, while Summer Banks was 12th. Amber Marshall was ninth in the 800, while Chloe Resnick was 21st and Rachel Plata was 22nd.

Marshall was fifth in the 1,600, while Resnick finished 10th. Ava Becnel was seventh in the 3,200 and Daniela Carrasco-Gonzalez was eighth. Summer Brenner was sixth in the 55-meter hurdles, while Alexandria Urbanski was ninth and Abigail Melito was 16th.

Brenner finished first in the high jump, while Rachel Peretz finished seventh in the shot put and Sasha Mete was 19th.

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 45

BUSINESS And Real Estate News Hospital Job Fair BERLIN – Atlantic General Hospital and Health System will be kicking off the new year by hosting a job fair in search of motivated candidates to join the team.

The job fair is for all open positions throughout the health system and includes a diverse range of rewarding clinical and non-clinical roles. Some of these roles include nurses, nursing assistants, medical receptionists, medical office assistants, housekeeping, collections/billing and more, The job fair will take place Thursday, Jan. 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the hospital. All interested candidates should call 410-6419612 or contact jobs@atlanticgeneral.org to register.

On Jan. 6, participants should arrive at the hospital’s main lobby to sign-in. Candidates will have the opportunity to engage in on-site interviews with Atlantic General hiring managers, and same-day offers of employment may be given to those who qualify.

To view a list of open positions, visit the Atlantic General Career Portal at www.agh.care/careers.

OP Employee Thanked BERLIN – Ocean Pines Board members on Saturday honored retiring Senior Executive Assistant Michelle Bennett.

During a regular Board meeting, Association President Larry Perrone thank Bennett for her hard work and dedication over the last decade.

Bennett would have celebrated her tenth year with Ocean Pines in April. She officially resigned on Nov. 30.

“Unfortunately, Michelle Bennett … has tendered her resignation,” Perrone said. “Most people probably don't know, but Michelle works very closely with the Board in addition to working directly for the general manager, so we have a little something for Michelle.”

Perrone presented Bennett with a thank you plaque, and Board members posed for a photo with her.

General Manager John Viola released a statement about Bennett’s resignation on Dec. 3.

“I am writing to you all today to announce the resignation of Michelle Bennett, effective Dec. 28, 2021. Michelle has been a trusted, highly valued member of Ocean Pines Association for almost 10 years and has provided the General Manager’s Office and the Board of Directors with excellent service. She has received an employment opportunity that will enable her to utilize her accounting experience fully,” Viola said. “Michelle has been a great asset to Ocean Pines Association and will be missed very much. Please join me in wishing the very best to Michelle in her new career endeavor.”

Bennett also released a brief statement, last week.

"I am excited to join a local private family-owned business, where I will utilize my accounting experience fully,” she said. “I have enjoyed serving the Ocean Pines community for almost 10 years and will miss working with the team.”

Promotion Announced SALISBURY – Hudson Behavioral Health announced it has promoted Joshua Pippin to serve as program manager, Maryland housing. In this new role he will help oversee recovery services in Hudson’s five Maryland Level 3.1 treatment homes.

Pippin joined Hudson in 2020 as a behavioral health aide. He later advanced to the position of house manager, where he monitored residents’ daily activities and medJOSHUA PIPPIN ications, provided transportation when needed and completed administrative work.

“In the 16 months he’s been with us, Josh has been integral to the recovery of many patients, and he has contributed significantly to the success of the program,” said Hudson CEO Leslie Brown.

“Now he will have a chance to take what he learned working in a single house and expand his impact across our growing system.”

Pippin also served as the house manager at Strictlin House, a Maryland Level

Nineteen employees from Jolly Roger Amusement Parks spent Giving Tuesday working at Diakonia in West Ocean City, renovating a two-bedroom family unit by repairing and painted dry wall, the floor, replacing kitchen cabinets and working on landscaping. Crews also updated the Thrift Shop and pantry. Diakonia Executive Director Bee Miller said, "Jolly Roger’s provided invaluable support ... we really needed the repairs to our family unit, pantry, and Thrift Store and Jolly Roger really came through. We can't thank them enough."

Submitted Photo

II recovery residence for men over age 18. While there he managed intake administrative duties, assisted with community resources and provided crisis intervention when necessary.

Associate To Serve On Board SALISBURY – Becker Morgan Group Associate Emily McMullen, AIA, was elected as an at-large board member of the Chesapeake Bay/Delaware Valley Chapter of the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE).

The A4LE is committed to enhancing the educational experience, and leading innovation at the intersection of learning and place. Members include educators, facility planners, and architects. As an architect, McMullen is passionate about shaping the future of educational facilities

and is excited for her role on the A4LE board, “I am honored to be a part of the A4LE Chesapeake Bay/Delaware Valley Board so I can collaborate with designers and educators from the chapter area and beyond on best practices for teaching and learning and how they become the foundation for the schools we design.”

This position will allow McMullen and Becker Morgan Group to help shape the educational built environment and be at the forefront of emerging trends.

“Becker Morgan Group is proud of Emily’s commitment to the industry and the firm’s education clients, and her involvement is a testament to the level of expertise we work to provide our clients,” said Brad Hastings, leader of the firm’s education studio. “We are proud and work diligently to be leaders in educational design.”

Page 46

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 17, 2021

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 from a previous summer when riders on the Tidal Wave are pictured around sunset. 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

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December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): I know, dear Lamb, that you don't like anyone trying to take charge of one of your projects, but try to be a bit more flexible. A new idea could help hasten a positive result.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): I'm sure, like the time-thrifty Taurus that you are, that you've done much of your holiday shopping. But don't relax yet.

Wrap those gifts now to save yourself lots of unwanted pressure.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Be receptive when a family member or friend asks to confide in you. Your positive reaction could ensure that he or she will have a happy holiday experience.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Don't be rushed into wrapping up that workplace problem. Consider leaving it until after the holidays. This way you'll have the facts you need to reach the right resolution.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): You'll get news that will make you glow brighter than the lights of the holiday season. Be sure to use what you learn both carefully and kindly, to avoid giving the wrong impression.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): That frayed relationship could be mended in time for the holidays if you were more flexible. Give a little, and you could get back a lot more than you imagined.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Things might not seem to be settling down as quickly as you would prefer. But it might

be just a little holiday time flutter. You'll soon get news that will lead to more stability.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Stop getting so involved in everyone's personal problems that you lose precious time with loved ones. Remember, even the Supreme Court closes for the holidays.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): All signs point to a bright holiday, with all of those pesky problems finally resolved in your favor. Share the good times with people you love and, of course, who love you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Your plans should not be set in stone and cemented over. Leave some openings in case you need to make changes. Spend the holidays with your nearest and dearest.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Surprise! This holiday finds you on the receiving end of the generosity of those who are usually the recipients of so much that you give so freely and lovingly.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): That piece of good news assures that you'll be swimming in clearer, calmer waters this holiday season. There might be a storm or two ahead, but you'll weather it all in fine style.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a flair for seeing things as you'd like them to be, as well as a gift for turning your perceptions into reality. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 58

Page 47

OCEAN CITY

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 48

Things I Like...

By Steve Green Berlin’s Main Street at night this time of year

vanishing

December 17, 2021

WITH BUNK MANN

A big breakfast after church

How busy north OC is during Winterfest A really good Hallmark card When fakeness is confirmed

Walking the halls of a school again Nice bank tellers

Volunteering types

Youth athletes having fun competing When a movie lives up to the hype

A full day of football on a rainy Sunday

Fashions in the 1890’s and early 1900’s were far more formal than what can be seen in Ocean City today. In that era, people dressed up to stroll on the Boardwalk. Men wore hats and suits — or at least a coat and tie — and women wore long skirts, fancy hats and long-sleeved blouses. Many of the ladies carried parasols to protect them from the mid-day sun.

Bathing suits were also much different and covered up most traces of bare skin. Men wore T-shirts while the ladies had so much material in their swimwear that it’s a mystery that they were able to swim at all in their heavy water-soaked garments.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishPostcard from 1912 courtesy of Bunk Mann’s collection ingoc.com.

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 49

Changes Proposed To Strengthen OC’s Cell Tower Ordinance

Page 50

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – In an effort to bolster the town’s existing regulations on small wireless facilities after recent and current challenges, resort officials this week approved changes to enhance and improve the existing ordinance.

Over the last several months, town officials have had before them multiple requests to install small-cell wireless towers in residential neighborhoods in the north end of the resort. Earlier this year, Crown Castle submitted requests for three locations including Old Landing Road, Bering Road and Marlin Drive.

The request for those applications were denied by a narrow council vote and are now the subject of a federal suit filed by Crown Castle challenging the town’s denials. Next, Crown Castle submitted requests for three more small wireless facilities in the Montego Bay community, but those requests were also denied after a spirited public hearing.

In response to the requests and subsequent challenges, City Engineer Terry McGean has been working on revisions to the town’s small wireless facilities ordinance, and an associated resolution that will codify those ordinance changes.

“What you have before you is essentially a pyramid of five documents that build one upon the other to enhance and improve our regulation of small cell facilities,” he said. “The first document you have is a modification of our utility ordinance and clarifies some things.

The second document is a resolution that more formally adopts the provide policy that the town has and enhances that policy.”

McGean explained there is a small ordinance change included that clarifies penalties and there is a revised utility installation agreement for all of the utilities whenever they want to do any underground work in the town. The final document presented for approval is an actual specific permit that addresses small cell wireless facilities.

“We have definitions that cover ex-

December 17, 2021

actly what is in our utility ordinance,” he said. “We clarified who can install what in our right-of-way and who can install underground in our right-of-way.”

McGean said the resolution requires a specific permit for the installation or modification of small wireless facilities.

“It continues the prohibition of small wireless facilities in our R-1 and MH-1 neighborhoods without the expressed approval of the Mayor and Council,” he said. “It also implements minimum spacing requirements for small wireless facility installations. We’re attempting to address the concerns from the council on what’s to prevent one company from coming it and a second company coming in right behind them and installing a pole immediately adjacent to it.”

McGean said there were other sections in the proposed documents that attempt to limit the proliferation of small wireless facilities.

“It requires applicants to state which part of the FCC law they believe their proposed installation falls under and to factually support the claim,” he said. “It requires the applicant to submit a full

network plan. Again, I believe that’s been a concern of the Mayor and Council. Are we talking about five towers, 10 or 100?”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca asked if the documents as proposed define exactly what a small cell tower is.

“It does essentially by way of how the FCC defines it,” McGean said. “The FCC has some very specific regulations and definitions as to exactly how big these things can be and still be considered small cell facilities and how big the related equipment can be. What we tried to do in our definitions is reference the FCC definitions.”

Councilman Mark Paddack praised the depth and detail of the proposed ordinance changes and made a motion to move the ordinance to first reading.

The motion passed on a 6-0 vote with Council President Matt James absent.

“These documents are 30 pages long and there is a ton of information in here,” he said. “It is very detailed. I want to make sure it will withstand a legal challenge ...”

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Town Broadens Park RFP options

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Town officials agreed to accept Heron Park proposals that include even more of the property than initially discussed.

The Berlin Town Council agreed this week to entertain proposals from entities interested in parcels 410, 57 and 191.

Though the town has been soliciting proposals for parcels 410 and 57, officials agreed this week that if an interested party wanted to propose something involving parcel 191 that was fine too.

“We’re not locking ourselves into getting rid of it today or keeping it today,” Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols said.

Last month, the Town of Berlin posted a request for proposals (RFP) related to parcels 57 and 410 at Heron Park. Parcel 57 consists of the southwest portion of the property off Old Ocean City Boulevard, adjacent to the railroad tracks and including most of the old poultry processing buildings, while parcel 410 is the 10acre rectangular portion of the property that runs behind Cropper & Sons and includes outbuildings and open space.

Mayor Zack Tyndall told the council this week that one of entities who’d attended

the RFP site visit had expressed interest in parcel 191, which is located in front of parcel 410 and includes a town storage building.

“There is a structure on that property,” Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said.

“That structure houses a significant amount of water resources valves, fire hydrants, etc. If you were to consider throwing this into the proposal for the Heron Park revitalization we need to think long and hard about a storage structure for all of this stuff.”

Councilman Jay Knerr said he thought it was too early to make that call.

“I think we should wait to see what kind of proposals we get in the RFP and then make the decision,” he said.

Tyndall said including it might allow the interested entities to look at the park more holistically. Knerr said potentially building another storage structure would require money and land.

“There’s a lot of pushups involved in that,” he said.

Councilman Troy Purnell said he was open to hearing proposals but that didn’t mean he felt the town should dispose of all the parcels.

“I’m not in favor of at this point parcel 410 being disposed of either,” he said.

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Page 51

The parcels under consideration for sale are pictured on the park property.

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Councilman Jack Orris said all options should be considered.

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Tyndall said he’d advise the parties that have expressed interest in submitting RFPs that parcel 191 could be included.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

HOME OF THE ORIGINAL FRESH -SQUEEZED “ORANGE CRUSH” over a million sold!

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December 17, 2021

Best Beats On The Beach Who’s Where When ATLANTIC HOTEL 410-641-3589 2 North Main St., Berlin Mondays: Earl Beardsley BUXY’S SALTY DOG/ DRY DOCK 28 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 17: TBA

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CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th St. & Baltimore Ave. In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays: Phil Perdue COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Wednesday Dec. 29: DJ Wax CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, Dec. 17: Reform School Wednesday, Dec. 22: Acoustic Campfire CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, Dec. 17: Jacked Up Saturday, Dec. 18: The Dunehounds Sunday, Dec. 19: Karoake with Jeremy

BLAKE HALEY Greene Turtle West: Tuesdays

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays, Mondays & Wednesdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday, Dec. 17 Sunday, Dec. 19 Thursday, Dec. 23

DJ TUFF Seacrets: Friday, Dec. 17 Saturday, Dec. 18

CORK BAR Saturday, Dec. 18: Upside of Down FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, Dec. 17: DJ RobCee Saturday, Dec. 18: DJ Groove Monday, Dec. 20: Bryan Clark GREENE TURTLE NORTH 410-723-2120 116th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 17: TBA

DJ JEREMY HARBORSIDE Saturday, Dec. 18 Crawl Street Tavern Sunday, Dec. 19

BRYAN CLARK Fager’s Island Monday, Dec. 20

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 53

Who’s Where When

JACKED UP Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, Dec. 17

FIRST CLASS Ocean Club/Clarion: Friday & Saturday, Dec. 17 & 18

HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Friday, Dec. 17: DJ Billy T Saturday, Dec. 18: Rogue Citizens, DJ Jeremy Sunday, Dec. 19: Opposite Directions, DJ Billy T Thursday, Dec. 23: DJ Billy T OCEAN CLUB 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The Clarion Hotel Friday & Saturday, Dec. 17 & 18: First Class

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Seacrets: Friday, Dec. 17 & Thursday, Dec. 23 Harborside: Sunday, Dec. 19

ROGUE CITIZENS Seacrets: Friday, Dec. 17 Harborside: Saturday, Dec. 18 - 1pm Pickles Pub: Saturday, Dec. 18

UPSIDE OF DOWN Cork Bar: Saturday, Dec. 18

ACOUSTIC CAMPFIRE Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, Dec. 22

SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE Seacrets: Saturday, Dec. 18

THE DUNEHOUNDS Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, Dec. 18

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, Dec. 17: Beats By Styler Saturday, Dec. 18: Rogue Citizens Sunday, Dec. 19: Beats By Styler Mondays: Beats By Styler Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 17: Opposite Directions, Funk-Shue, Rogue Citizens, Never Ending, Late Last Night & DJ Tuff Saturday, Dec. 18: John McNutt Band Shake Shake Shake DJ Tuff DJ Cruz Thursday, Dec. 23: Opposite Directions, DJ Cruz

Page 54

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 17, 2021

OBITUARIES Laura Jeanne Gulyas BERLIN – Laura Jeanne Gulyas, age 62, passed peacefully Dec 2. 2021 at the Harrison House Nursing and Rehabilitation center in Snow Hill Maryland.

Laura was born in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Stephen Joseph Gulyas, Sr. (June 1994) and Louise Lee Gulyas (December 2015). She was preceded in death by her older sister Louise Marian “Mimi” Peuser (August 2015) and her brother Stephen Joseph Gulyas, Jr. (April 2019) and sister-in-law, Margaret “Peggy” Gulyas. She is survived by her brother Thomas Lee Gulyas, his wife Belinda and son Thomas “TJ” Gulyas of Berlin. She also leaves behind Stephen Gulyas, III (nephew), Heather Gulyas (niece), Michael Gulyas (nephew), Olivia Peuser (niece) and her beloved dog “Hugo.”

Laura attended Salisbury State College where she received both her B.S. and M.S. degrees. She was a member of Holy Savior Catholic Church. Prior to her diving accident, she was a very social person who loved the nightlife in Ocean City, was a lifeguard at various private pools in Ocean City and worked as a biotech for the City of Salisbury Wastewater Treatment Plant. She was crowned “Ms. Wheelchair Maryland” in 1986.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Dec. 11 at Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church in Ocean City. Rev. John T. Solomon officiated. Interment will be private for the family at a later date.

A donation in her memory may be made to the Worcester County Humane Society, 12330 Eagles Nest Rd, Berlin, Md. 21811.

Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Donald Carl Pace, Sr. REISTERSTOWN/OCEAN CITY – Donald Carl Pace, Sr., age 84, died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Carl L. and Lillian (Eck) Pace.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Janet Glaser Pace; sister Doris Wyatt; and wife Arleen L. Pace. He is survived by a daughter, Nancy L. Brown and her husband, Francis of Reisterstown, and son Donald C. Pace, Jr. and his wife, Marissa of ManDONALD alapan, N.J. He is also CARL PACE, SR. survived by grandchildren Erica Brown, Harrison Brown and wife Brooke, Donald Pace, Philip Pace and Gemma Pace and one great-grandchild Oliver Brown.

Mr. Pace received his Bachelor of Science from Towson State Teachers College and his master’s degree from

Michigan State University. His passion for teaching led to membership in the National Education Association and his employment with the Baltimore County Board of Education where he taught middle school science for more than 30 years. After retiring he moved to Ocean City where he enjoyed carving wood duck decoys, playing golf, rooting for the Orioles and Ravens and boating.

He had a talent and love for music and was a member of the Ocean Pines’ Pine Tones as well as being an accomplished pianist.

Mr. Pace kept spirits high with a smile, warm hugs and he was always quick with a joke.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his honor too Towson University, towsonuniveristy.givingfuel.com or St. Paul’s School for Boys, stpaulsmd.org or Health Care for the Homeless at giving.hchmd.org.

A graveside service was held on Dec. 15 at noon at Dulaney Valley Memorial Garden in Timonium. Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Raffaella D. Cascio OCEAN CITY – Raffaella D. Cascio, 89, of Ocean City and formerly of Bal-

was very proud of. The Ocean City Police Department always knew her as "Mrs. C." for her countless number of calls and she received an award for helping out as Block Captain.

“Mary” or “Aunt Latchie” as she was affectionately known, had a great love for life. She loved her gold jewelry, shopping, QVC, anything leopard print, Disney and Disney trips, traveling, flowers, gardening, and cooking and eating traditional Italian food. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

Mary is survived by two sons, Frank J. Cascio (Byron Atkinson) of Ocean City, and Joseph M. Cascio (Christy Cascio) of Florida; grandchildren, Colby Cascio of Ocean City, Joey Cascio, Jr. (Lauren Cascio) of Timonium and Heather Edge (Jonathan Edge) of Florida; one great-grandchild and another great-grandchild on the way; a sister, Lucy Kowatch; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and Godchildren.

Along with her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by the Rev. John T. Solomon will be held Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021 at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City at 1 p.m. A viewing for close family will be from 11:30 a.m. to noon and a viewing for relatives and friends will be from noon-1 p.m.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Ocean City Police Department or Holy Savior Catholic Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home, Crisfield. To send condolences please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com.

RAFFAELLA D. CASCIO

Mark Mitchell

timore and Fallston, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 at Atlantic General Hospital.

Born in Baltimore on Sept. 19, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Nicholas Esposito and Catherine Madonna Esposito. Her loving husband of 54 years, Frank Anthony Cascio preceded her in death on March 27, 2016.

She attended Saints Philip and James School and graduated from Seton High School. She was the owner and operator along with her husband of The Golden Charm Rooms and Apartments in Ocean City for more than 30 years. She loved her job and the relationships she formed with the annual tenants over the years. Prior, she worked at Woolworth, H&S Bakery, Noxell Corporation and was gift wrapper at Hochschild Kohn’s.

She was a member of Saints Philip and James Catholic Church in Baltimore and was Block Captain for the Ocean City Police Department which she

BERLIN – On Sunday, Dec. 5, Mark Mitchell of Berlin went to be with the Lord after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer.

Mark was born in Berlin on Dec. 18, 1958. He was the son of Robert and Ruth Ann Mitchell; both preceded him in death.

Mark met the love of his life, Julie Ann Yacenech and they married on November 14, 1987. He worked for the State of Maryland for over 30 years. After Mark retired from the state, he went to work MARK for Peninsula Regional Medical Center as spe- MITCHELL cial police until his illness disallowed him to continue.

Mark aka “Maddog (25)” was an avid softball player and golfer. In 2008, his softball team won the 40-and-over USSSA softball world championship.

Mark enjoyed hunting, fishing and eve-

Obituaries cost $50 to appear in The Dispatch and photos are no extra charge. Direct all inquiries to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com, fax to 410-641-0966 or mail to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811.

rything outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years Julie Mitchell; son Corbin Andrew, daughter Chelsea Ann; and sonin-law Laboy Mitchell. He is also survived by the light and spirit of his life, his granddaughter Seanna Rose. Not to forget his loyal Jack Russell who never left his side throughout his illness, “Binky”.

Our hearts are warm knowing Mark gave his heart and soul to the Lord before his passing. His family donated his body to the Anatomy Gifts Registry in hopes that medical research on myelofibrosis will ensure another family never has to lose their loved ones too soon, to such a horrific disease.

To honor Mark's wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. However, a celebration of life will be held at Waterman’s Seafood Restaurant in Ocean City on Jan. 15, 2022, from 2-5 p.m.

George Thomas Baker OCEAN CITY – George Thomas Baker (Tommy), age 74, of Ocean City, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021. Tommy was born in Georgetown and lived most of his life in Worcester and Wicomico counties.

Tommy was survived GEORGE by his loving wife of 56 THOMAS BAKER years, Judy Elliott Baker; daughter Doris Shockley (Alan); son Edward Baker (Jenn); daughter Patricia Britton; and brother-in-law, Tom Elliott.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dawn (Kirk), Justin, Jacob, Zack, Christian, Leia, Andrew and Brian, and two great granddaughters, Lainie and Callie. Along with those named above, Tommy is survived by four sisters, Wanda Hill, Pearl Toomy, Joyce Baker, and Ann Baker; several special nieces and nephews; special “buddies from church”; and a special relationship with his Pastor Brad and his wife Shannon Diehl. Tommy was predeceased by his parents, Elijah A.G. Baker and Hester Elizabeth (Webb) Baker, and two brothers, John Littleton and Virgil Baker.

Tommy worked with heavy equipment by running his own business and for the Town of Ocean City, he was part-owner of Elliott’s Sports Marina, and enjoyed retirement by gardening, fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, cruising in his El Camino and playing dominoes with close friends. Tommy was also very active with his church.

He held deacon positions, Bible study groups, Sunday School teacher, and endlessly volunteered his time and services to church and church families.

A memorial service will be held in the future.

Donations in honor of Tommy may be made to Berlin First Baptist Church, 613 William St., Berlin, Md. 21811. 410641-4306.

December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 55

Page 56

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 17, 2021

Letters To The Editor The “Re-Branding”

Editor: Last year when the $4 trillion of borrowed stimulus unleashed by Mr. Trump in 2020 was followed by $1.9 trillion of additional stimulus passed in March of 2021 and $1 trillion of supposed “infrastructure spending” on Nov. 15, unleashed by Mr. Joe Biden, all in less than two years, I gasped. Amazingly our government felt that still was not enough and subsequently unleashed a two-year money printing binge that printed an unheard of $120 billion a month of new dollars used to buy some of the new debt above as well as some mortgages

with the proceeds. This printing binge caused a sugar high among our citizens and was unparalleled in the history of our nation.

To say we have been in a sugar high is an understatement. The summers of 2020 and the summer of 2021 in spite of the Wuhan flu restrictions, were both strong for most businesses in Ocean City. This strength was largely due to the unparalleled borrowing, printing and spending of this federal money. It was the first time in our country’s history that our government became involved with a medical problem and thought they could print and borrow their way out. A vi-

rus that killed many of our older citizens has an average age of death at 79 years old. Cancer and heart were not dethroned by the Wuhan Flu and retained their positions of No. 1 and No. 2 in deaths.

It has been equally interesting to watch how our local politicians responded to this federal government induced “sugar high” by participating in the spending binge. The Town of Ocean City was a beneficiary of about $4 million federal dollars. Although business during the summer of 2020 was strong, there were over 400 national riots and Ocean City was touched by this too.

So last year the mayor and members of the council went on a hiring binge. Hiring 23-24 new employees and spending a lot of the federal money, 10 were police officers. With no apparent concern or assurance that this bloat in the payroll will be carried with current tax revenue in future thinner years.

Moreover, they did not stop in 2021.

Recently they have embarked on a “re-branding” of the town. They brought Perlozzo over from the county where he has been practicing his “re-branding” and are allowing him to hire an additional staff of six more permanent positions to assist him with the supposed “re-branding,” as well as an additional sales and marketing teams yet to be defined. This raises some interesting questions. Does our government need to “re-brand” the town? Wasn’t our local government responsible for the brand we have now? If so, who was responsible? What went wrong that requires re-branding? Moreover, did our local government’s past actions have anything to do with what happened? If not, what are they doing?

Central to the “re-branding” is member Gehrig’s grandiose idea that building athletic fields for children’s sports will benefit Ocean City. As a Division I college athlete at William and Mary for four years, I, too, love sports. Also, as a father who took his two daughters to numerous athletic fields from Virginia Beach to Pasadena, Md. for soccer and softball, I have an opinion that I will share later on, on the purported benefit to Ocean City. Suffice it to say that member Gehrig has joined with County Commissioners, including Joe Mitrecic, to push the athletic field idea forward. I believe Perlozzo is playing big in this plan.

To sum up, the “re-branding” effort of our quaint town is underway, and no one on the council has either owned up to the current branding or even fessed up as to why the current branding has gone awry. Independent of the millions that have been and will be spent many believe that the council is unable to brand our town. I know many people and myself believe we are blessed as a beautiful seaside resort and everyone within a tank of gas already knows about us. That the local government’s job is to keep the town clean and allow businesses to host, serve and entertain our guests.

We may not know if all the new hires by the Mayor and Council members produce a new image or not. I am a little concerned that the last time Mayor Meehan, Lloyd Martin, Dennis Dare and Mary Knight initiated a government expansion like this one was 2005-2007, followed by a severe recession and increased taxes in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. When the tax rate went from $.38 per $100 to $.472 per $100. I wonder why these new council members James, Gehrig, DeLuca and Paddack, who ran and were elected on platforms not to raise taxes, all voted for these new hires and budget expansion?

Then there is Mr. Buas who ran on transparency, we shall see.

Mayor, please explain how this is any different than the government expansion prior to the great recession? Most importantly why we should expect a different result?

A department head recently told me: “It is the will of the town fathers.” Maybe someone should check with the town mothers on the wisdom of this expensive “re-branding”?

Tony Christ Falls Church, Va.

Mask Letter Response Editor: The letter to the editor by John Fager in the Dec. 10 edition (“Step Up Education Officials”) contains a number of undocumented claims that are just not accurate based on science and data. Even a cursory look at research on the statements made about the supposedly negative impacts of masks on kids’ health and learning suggests many of these claims are based more on exaggerated anecdotes and fear rather than actual facts. One good source addressing many of these claims is this article on respected medical web site webmd: https://www.webmd.com/lung/children-masks#1 The letter also claims that Florida, whose leaders have opposed most health based precautions, has low COVID rates. What is claimed may be based on a few recent data points touted in some media. What it ignores is that over the course of the pandemic, Florida’s total case rate is still higher than the national rate and among the highest in the U.S. See for example: https://www.factcheck.org/2021/11/scicheck-desantis-comments-socialmedia-posts-mislead-on-covid-19s-toll-i n-florida/ Most importantly, it is demonstrably clear that masks are very effective in reducing transmission of the virus, and that unmasked children can spread it to school teachers and staff, their families, and others. Any look at the overwhelming consensus of public health officials and experts, based on their assessment of data, shows that masking in children is currently the best and safest way to send your child to school and cut down the rate of infection.

Terry Grogan Ocean City

December 17, 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

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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

Demolition Grant Huge For Berlin How We See It

There is no overstating the importance of Berlin scoring a demolition grant from the state to raze existing buildings on the Heron Park property. In fact, it’s the best news to ever come out of this regrettable 2016 property purchase.

It’s well known Berlin is in a pickle with Heron Park. There was blunt talk about the park and its future during last fall’s campaign season. The town needs to make the best out of what is becoming painfully clear – the town never should have purchased the land and bailed out the private property owners who were themselves stuck with a huge headache. It’s an industrial piece of property plagued with environmental and structural problems. It’s going to take a lot of money for it to become a viable piece of open space with any real benefit to town citizens.

It’s resources the Town of Berlin does not have the luxury of spending. Up until this grant was awarded the only positive to come out of this property purchase was the early grassroots of the advisory committee that met for months brainstorming future initiatives. The committee’s long-range work and discussions about the property’s future were ultimately grounded with the realization no money existed to do anything of note.

What happens next will be interesting. The $500,000 grant – one of 27 issued through a Maryland revitalization program under the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development – is not expected to fund the entire building demolition and removal effort. The town will likely have to ante up some funds to complete the work, but it’s a necessary investment. Once the demolition work is complete, the town will have much to decide on the property.

The property should be more appealing on the real estate market once the site is cleared. We continue to support selling parcels of the property to reduce the town’s debt burden on the purchase.

Addressing the huge payments – totaling about $275,000 annually – should be the top priority. It seems a majority of the council supports at least exploring the prospect and evaluating potential buyers.

Conversely, holding on to the property for a larger park redevelopment concept is as intriguing as it is complicated.

Any effort to transform this property into a performing arts venue or outdoor event space will take town funds, albeit through a public-private partnership or going it alone. It’s money the town should not flirt with spending.

Significant funding help through the demolition grant represents opportunity for the town. It’s been a long time since the property’s prospects even slightly bordered on optimism. We continue to believe selling at least a portion of the property fronting the road is the town’s best bet.

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Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green There are currently nine Superintendent of Schools vacancies in Maryland school systems. Most of these have been through announced retirements, including in Wicomico County and the most recent being in Frederick County this week where an embattled superintendent opted to retire days after being put on an administrative leave after a justice probe found mistreatment of students with disabilities.

This wave of public school retirements is representative of what’s happening across the country during the pandemic. Whether it’s called “The Great Resignation” or “The Great Retirement,” the fact is many people are facing the realities brought on by the pandemic. Some older workers’ decisions could be tied to accepting a buyout as they near retiring age, increasing technology needs through remote working, concerns over contracting COVID-19 while working or seeing their retirement accounts grow enough in recent years to feel like the time is right.

Whatever the case, governments everywhere seem to be dealing with departures among senior staffers. It’s especially pronounced in education where employees in all facets of school systems are pressured like never before. For those wondering, Worcester County Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor signed a new four-year contract earlier this year. Taylor said during an informal non-school meeting last week he remains committed to the public school system and has every intention of continuing to serve through his term.

Though the incident occurred in Glen Burnie, it was noteworthy this week this media outlet, and presumably most across the state, was provided with police body-worn camera footage of the incident. With Ocean City police beginning to don the body cameras next summer, it’s an interesting practice to note.

After a suspect refused to comply with repeated orders from police, a man walking toward police holding a knife was fatally shot. The suspect’s mother was later found in the house dead as a result of trauma. For news purposes here, the most germane part of the case was how the Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Office of the Attorney General handled the release of the body camera footage. A link to the video was embedded in a press release about the incident with a disclaimer outlining how such high-profile cases will be handled moving forward.

The release stated, “The IID will generally release body camera footage or dashboard camera footage within 14 days of an incident. There may be situations where more than 14 days is necessary, including if investigators need more time to complete witness interviews, if there are technical delays caused by the need to shield the identities of civilian witnesses, or to allow family members to view the video before it is released to the public.”

Though a body camera poses a host of logistical issues for police departments, namely funding the cloud storage requirements for saving these videos, Ocean City is doing the right thing moving forward on this front. In situations like last summer’s sensational arrests of individuals requiring force, access to the video within two weeks will help clarify questions surrounding the incidents in a timely fashion.

Vaccination is a matter of personal choice. I received my third shot last month. My wife did as well, and both my kids are double vaccinated.

I am a believer and trust the science that it’s best for us and those around us. Approximately one quarter of Worcester County’s population is not vaccinated currently, and the great majority of those are choosing to not get the shot for their own personal reasons. I agree with those who are losing patience with this group. On the unvaccinated and the growing volume of current COVID-19 positive hospitalizations, an emergency room doctor recently told me, “It appears that we are at this point burning through the unvaccinated,” referring to none of the patients currently hospitalized being vaccinated. This opinion piece, headlined, “I’m furious at the unvaccinated,” from New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow on Sunday sums up what many are feeling now. Some excerpts to share, but you can find the whole piece online with a quick search.

“I have heard all the reasons for resistance. There are the people who have politicized the virus and see getting vaccinated through a partisan lens. There are the people who view government pressure, and especially mandates, to put something in your body as overreach and anathema to the American ideal of independence and freedom. There are people who don’t trust the government, sometimes with good reason,” the opinion read. “I have heard it all. And I reject it all. … We now have to consider the very real possibility that the virus will not be eradicated, but will become endemic. … Even if eradication is all but impossible, it is possible to control the virus and mitigate its spread, if more people are vaccinated. So yes, I am furious at the unvaccinated, and I am not ashamed of disclosing that. I am no longer trying to understand them or educate them. Barriers to access have fallen. The only reason for remaining unvaccinated that I now accept is from people who have medical conditions that prevent it. … All others have a choice to either be part of the solution or part of the problem. The unvaccinated are choosing to be part of the problem.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

I

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December 17, 2021

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

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f my pulse on school-aged families in this community is even close to right, there’s a lot of excitement today. It’s the last day of school for two full weeks.

It doesn’t require having kids in schools to understand there’s a host of mental health concerns currently facing students, educators and parents. Although tough to relegate all to consequences of the pandemic, there are new struggles today confronting students, parents and teachers.

I truly believe we need to slow the pace of life for everyone. Consequences of the pandemic, such as the associated isolation, economic consequences and an awareness of the divides of society, are real. Social awkwardness, anxiety, pressure and normal maturation of uncertainties have combined to create an abyss of oddness. Though no simple solutions, all agree mental health has become a top issue facing schools.

From many conversations, I sense parents, students and teachers need breaks from the routine more often.

Parents are more open about their issues in life. Students, dependent on their age, hold reservations about expressing themselves. Teachers will share their concerns, but many seem reticent as they do not want to appear whiny about their professions.

Make no mistake, the stress, pressure and anxiety are real. All it takes is a chat with a classroom teacher.

The fatigue is obvious. The same goes for the parents. There seems to be an undercurrent of intense pressure, resulting in some kids feeling overwhelmed while others are distancing themselves amid self-doubt and waning confidence.

The challenges are different for each child dependent on age, life circumstances and socioeconomic fac-

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tors. It’s clear there are mental health concerns beyond the pale of normalness. The problem is finding the root cause and working toward solutions.

There is a vulnerability that’s different now and it’s palpable. In my household, there are many battles to work through. Each child brings a host of complexities to our world. This is to be expected, but everything seems more edgy and emotional these days.

We think it stems from anxiety.

The only thing Pam and I know for certain is the right approach is to stay present. We want to be aware. Remaining committed is easy for us. It’s the constant shades of gray accompanying the tasks that consequently give us the challenges. It’s comforting to know there are others experiencing similar journeys.

Perspective is paramount. If we are present, trying and loving, maybe that’s enough. Maybe it’s all our kids need. Maybe not. It certainly does not always seem like it’s enough. Through the trials and tribulations, I am choosing to believe being consistent matters.

Every family in each household is dealing with unique differences. I believe each child has different needs.

We need to open our collective eyes and be cognizant of these challenges.

Bringing perspective and support will help everyone.

If one parent decides at 13 his or her kid can have social media, it doesn’t mean the parent across town who prefers to wait has the right to criticize the other’s discretion. Situations like this compound the daily issues facing parents, resulting in unnecessary worry and wasteful energy. There needs to be more tolerance and awareness and less external judging and second guessing of what we do not know. A bumper sticker, “Support More, Judge Less,” works for me.

Everywhere I turn parents are beating themselves up. I do it. My wife does it. It’s natural I suppose to second guess decisions and question feelings and thoughts. It’s a consequence of love. I supposed a certain amount of anguish is inevitable, but it sure would be better for everyone if we support each other and compete less. More asking with concern rather than inferring with skepticism.

This following message came from the National Autism Association, but I think it applies to so many aspects of parenting and for all of us who are working our way through this journey.

“Am I doing this right?

I’m doing this wrong.

What could I do better?

I should have tried that.

I should have known that.

This person thinks I’m over-parenting.

That person thinks I’m under-parenting.

I’ll do better.

I’m doing everything I can.

I need to do more.

But wait a second.

I know what they think, but what do I think?

It’s not what I think, it’s what I know.

Everything I do is because I love.

I love. I love. I love. So I will keep trying.

I will keep going.

And I’ll always come back to what matters most.

Those eyes. That heart. That smile.

My beautiful child, and their amazing life ahead.

And I won’t forget to give myself a few fist bumps along the way.”

(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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December 17, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 17, 2021