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BOE Votes Down Motion To Change Library Book Policies

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NEWARK – Efforts to change library book procedures in Worcester County Public Schools failed this week.

Motions by Worcester County Board of Education member Katie Addis to create a mature books section in school libraries and to give taxpayers the ability to challenge books both failed with no support from other board members. The decisions came after dozens of citizens voiced their support for current policies.

“I urge the board of education to stand firm in its commitment to intellectual freedom, ensuring our schools remain bastions of knowledge and enlightenment,” Berlin parent Tony Weeg said. “Let us collectively reject all attempts to stifle this freedom, understand-

ing that a well-rounded education is firmly built on exposure to a broad spectrum of ideas. We must actively champion the values of tolerance, diversity, and intellectual curiosity. By doing so, we not only enrich the educational experience for our students but also uphold the principles that form the bedrock of a democratic and enlightened society.”

Last month, several people in attendance at the school board’s monthly meeting voiced concerns about sexually explicit books in school libraries. Following that input, Addis told the board she’d like to see taxpayers allowed to challenge books, as currently only parents, guardians, employees and students can lodge formal complaints about books.

School board member Jon Andes said he thought the board should consider creation of a mature section for school li-

braries, as Cecil County did.

In anticipation of those discussions being renewed at this week’s meeting, dozens of citizens provided input related to books within school libraries Tuesday.

While some spoke in support of allowing taxpayer complaints and restricting books, the majority said they didn’t want changes to current policies.

“Every one of our students should have the opportunity to see themselves represented in literature inside our schools,” Dr. Margo Gill said.

Retired teacher Gwen Lehman said she was a taxpayer without children in school but that she didn’t seek the privilege of challenging books. She said she trusted the trained librarians to decide what books to put in school libraries.

Jan Adamchak said she felt changing the book complaint policy would dilute

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the authority of parents. Pocomoke area parent Emily Moore said she would love to see the board able to spend time on things like under-resourced schools rather than questioning the processes put in place by trained professionals. Berlin parent Tom Simon said that in potentially limiting access to certain books, many of which contain LGBTQ characters, officials should consider the fact that LGBTQ youth were more likely to commit suicide than their peers.

“The school may be the only safe space for marginalized youth. Inclusivity should be our goal,” he said.

Speaker Scott Wilkins was one of the commenters who shared concerns about library books. He said he wasn’t trying to wave a broad brush across any group and had friends that were LGBTQ. “I don’t share my bedroom realities and fantasies with them nor do they share theirs with me,” he said, adding that certain books were too explicit to be in schools.

Newark resident Pat Barbely said there was no place for sexually graphic books in school libraries. She said the argument that readers could potentially identify with the characters in the books wasn’t a valid one.

“This is a misery loves company concept. This does not justify making the books available…” she said. “What if it leads a student to think being sodomized is normal because it’s happened in the books they’ve read in the school libraries?”

Kate McCloskey said restricting access in school libraries wasn’t banning books, as they would still be available for purchase in stores and on websites. She said she’d like to see a restricted section that parents had to give their children permission to enter.

Richard Addis said taxpayers should have the right to challenge books.

“When you tell us we as taxpayers should not have a voice is the highest form of censorship. That is taxation without representation,” he said.

Snow Hill High School sophomore Ellie Zollinger asked the board to think of students as they made their decision.

“Books are not the issue here,” she said. “The issue here is with the people who do not want these books to exist.

Students are not being made unsafe by books, students are being made unsafe by bigots.”

Buckingham Elementary School parent Emily Vocke said books were a critical part of a child’s growth. She said she was sick of people trying to destroy the fabric of the local educational system.

She said that in the wake of the book complaints voiced at the last school board meeting a group called Worcester United had been formed to support local schools.

“We have been the quiet majority for too long,” she said. “This is just the beginning in making sure our public schools remain a safe space for every child.”

Bishopville parent Kate Hulme quesSEE PAGE 45

Habitable Attic Ordinance Advances

December 22, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A code amendment to allow habitable attic space will advance to a second reading without additional parking requirements.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted 4-2 to approve the first reading of an ordinance to amend the town’s zoning code. While the change would now allow habitable areas in the attics of residential dwellings, those in opposition argued that additional parking requirements were needed.

“For us not to address that, at least in the neighborhoods, I think is a mistake,” Councilman John Gehrig said.

In October, following a public hearing, the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to forward proposed code amendments to the Mayor and Council with a favorable recommendation. The changes would define dormers and habitable attics, revise the definition of building height to allow habitable attic space, and amend the minimum number of off-street parking spaces to require one additional space for any enclosed loft or habitable attic in a single-family detached dwelling and one additional half space for any enclosed loft or habitable attic in multifamily dwellings.

However, when the proposed code amendment was brought before the Mayor and Council at a work session on Nov. 28, the added parking requirements were removed.

“The motion that passed at the work session struck those two changes,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said Monday. “So there’s no new parking needed.”

Back on the agenda for a first reading Monday, Mayor Rick Meehan reiterated his objections to the removal of parking requirements. While he noted the benefits the proposed change would have on development, he argued it could also leave neighborhoods to contend with additional parking challenges.

“When I look at our single-family neighborhoods in particular, the size of the houses being built, and now the additional space it wouldn’t require for parking, I think it creates an unnecessary burden on those areas,” he said.

Meehan said that rentals exacerbated the problem.

“Larger townhouses and singlefamily homes with more bedrooms are bringing more cars to neighborhoods.

In many cases these larger properties are becoming or being built to specifically become vacation rentals,” he said. “Additional cars are flooding our streets and making these areas less desirable. Third-party rental platforms have changed the landscape, and I don’t believe we could ignore that.”

Meehan ultimately urged the coun-

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cil to place the added parking requirements back into the code amendment.

“I believe that the council wants to see development, and I think they want to see redevelopment, as do I,” he said. “But I’ve heard many times from council members that they want it to be quality and a development that fits with our community. I think the original ordinance as presented did that. I don’t think that section should be removed.”

Gehrig said he agreed with Meehan. He said the lack of parking requirements for habitable attics could impact neighborhoods.

“We are potentially making this worse,” he said.

Gehrig also shared his concerns about the proliferation of rentals in residential areas.

“I don’t know if I necessarily have an issue with this, or if I have an issue with rentals,” he said. “But the two of them are related, clearly.”

For his part, Councilman Peter Buas said other areas of the town code addressed parking. He argued that if attic space was converted to a bedroom, it would require additional parking.

“When it comes to zoning, as the zoning administrator said, if it looks like a bedroom and is used as a bedroom it’s going to require the space,” he said. “If it’s just a living space, it’s not going to require the parking space.”

Buas added that any rental property would require an inspection, which could address any parking concerns.

He noted, however, that the topic of short-term rentals was better suited for January’s joint session between the planning commission and the Mayor and Council.

“I get the concerns with the shortterm rentals,” he said. “I just want to make sure that we are adequately separating these conversations. All the concerns about short-term rentals are real and deserve a separate conversation when it comes to licensing.”

Stansbury said the council had two options – to include the added parking requirements recommended by the planning commission or to keep them out of the code amendment.

“If you want there to be a parking requirement for a habitable attic, then you would want what got presented to you on November 28,” she said. “If you don’t want there to be, you want what’s in front of you today.”

After further discussion, the council voted 4-2, with Gehrig and Councilman Will Savage opposed and Council Secretary Tony DeLuca absent, to approve the ordinance on first reading.

“I think if we had a major problem, we’d have a meeting full of people who are angry about parking in their neighborhood,” said Council President Matt James.

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Local Officials Appeal BES Funding Decision

December 22, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Local officials asked the state to reconsider a funding request for the replacement of Buckingham Elementary School during a hearing last week.

Superintendent Lou Taylor, Worcester County Commissioner President Chip Bertino and Sen. Mary Beth Carozza met with the Interagency Committee on School Construction (IAC) virtually last Thursday to make the case for Buckingham Elementary School. The state advised Worcester County Public Schools earlier this year the project would not be getting state funding because of space at adjacent schools.

“The board of education and my staff and I are eager to work with the IAC team as always to develop a pathway for state funding for the critically needed project,” Taylor said.

In early December, the IAC provided a “C” funding status for the Buckingham replacement project. The status means the project isn’t eligible for funding pending IAC review or unresolved issues. Local officials asked them to appeal that decision during the Dec. 14 IAC meeting.

“Buckingham Elementary is now a 45year-old facility which has never had a major renovation or addition,” Taylor said.

“Buckingham is also one of only two Worcester County schools which utilizes portable classrooms for instruction. Although the facility is in need of a replacement as evident by our January 2023 feasibility study, as with every major project we undertake this project is about the students.

Buckingham is our largest Title One school in Worcester County, it has a 42% minority student population and 60% of the students are eligible at Buckingham for free and reduced meals.”

Bertino told the committee the county had allocated $50 million for construction of a new Buckingham but that the project also needed state funding.

“Buckingham Elementary School is at the heart of our community, having enriched the lives of thousands of students during its many decades of service,” he said. “The time has come though to reinvigorate this facility, reimagining its potential for our 21st century students and we need your help.”

He said that during the past 10 years Worcester County received just .37%, or $14.8 million, of the $4 billion in state school construction funds dispersed statewide.

“Approving this $5.8 million request for Buckingham Elementary School would increase this percentage to only one half of one percent. A small investment for the state that will reap incalculable dividends for the families of our community and the state as a whole.”

Bertino added that Worcester County taxpayers funded nearly 80% of local school construction costs.

“Unlike other counties, Worcester County requests school funding once every three to four years and this is one SEE PAGE 47

Official Shares Offshore Wind Update

December 22, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials say they continue to monitor offshore wind projects off the coast of Ocean City.

On Monday, City Manager Terry McGean presented the Mayor and Council with a quarterly update on offshore wind activities near Ocean City. As the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) reviews public comments on US Wind’s offshore project, to be located off the coast of the resort, officials say the town would continue to advocate for a “no-build” alternative.

“I think it’s very clear the position of the Mayor and Council at this point is we’re in total opposition to the US Wind project,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “It’s hard to believe almost seven years ago, Terry and I attended the first meeting of the Public Service Commission in the Berlin library.

Seven years is a long time, and we tried to approach this many different ways to protect the Town of Ocean City, our future and our viewshed and our economy. And the door has been closed in our face at every single governmental level. So the town is unified in its stance, and we are in total opposition.”

In a presentation Monday, McGean offered several updates on various offshore wind projects taking place off the mid-Atlantic coastline. Regarding the US Wind project, McGean said city officials attended both in-person and virtual hearings this fall to voice the town’s opposition to the company’s construction of more than 100 wind turbines roughly nine miles from Ocean City.

“The in-person hearings, I think everyone would agree, were very disappointing,” he told the Mayor and Council. “They were really workshops and the only way the public could offer comments was by literally standing at a desk and talking to a court reporter.”

McGean noted that the town worked with its consultant, SLR International, to submit 279 comments to BOEM on US Wind’s draft Environmental Impact Statement. He said those comments were also shared with state and federal representatives.

“Comments addressed all aspects of the draft Environmental Impact Statement, from impacts to marine life, birds, navigation, fishing, our viewshed and our economy,” he said. “The mayor and myself also provided verbal comments to the open house court reporter and at the virtual meeting. Our comments opposed the project in its entirety and requested that BOEM adopt what’s known as a no-build alternative.”

McGean told the Mayor and Council the town now waits for BOEM to issue a final Environmental Impact Statement and record of decision on the US Wind project.

“BOEM has stated they expect to release the record of decision in the mid- to late-third quarter of 2024,” he

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

explained. “Once the record of decision is issued, the city will determine if we wish to accept that decision or file suit against BOEM. We are preparing for either eventuality and will have more information on how we are preparing for that at a future work session.”

McGean said officials are also monitoring legislative actions to increase funding for projects lead by US Wind and Ørsted. He added that Ørsted has withdrawn its Construction and Operations Plan (COP) for the Skipjack Wind project, to be located off the coast of Delaware.

“They have yet to submit a new application,” he said. “Given BOEM review times, once one is submitted, I would expect six months before BOEM formally accepts it and releases it to the public, and then at least another two years after that for any approval.”

McGean said Ørsted has committed to sharing any new turbine sizes and visual simulations with the town once its plans for the Skipjack project are finalized. However, he said the town will oppose the company’s request to waive customer rebates.

“Under the Public Service Commission order that awarded the ORECs (Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificates) to Ørsted and US Wind, any additional federal tax benefits or subsidies for the respective projects, 80% of those were supposed to be rebated back to Maryland ratepayers,” he explained. “Ørsted has formally made a request to the Public Service Commission not to do that due to financial hardship. We will be opposing that request through our state’s attorney and the Public Service Commission.”

McGean said the town is also monitoring potential lease areas off the mid-Atlantic region. One lease area, identified as A-2, would be located off the Delaware coast, roughly 33 miles from Ocean City, while another area, identified as B-1, would be located off the coast of Assateague Island, roughly 25 miles from Ocean City.

“Lease area B-1, the Maryland area, has since been removed from further consideration, primarily due to objections from the Department of Defense,” he said. “I’d love to take credit for it, but really it was the Navy that had issues with that lease area. That is a positive development for us. That lease area would’ve been within our visual envelope.”

McGean noted, however, that the town would continue to submit comments for the proposed A-2 site of Delaware’s coast.

“Ocean City will still formally comment requesting the turbine sizes be restricted in all areas such that the top of the nacelle is not visible from Ocean City,” he said. “We learned a hard lesson last time. The Delaware lease area is 33 miles away, and you can’t see the turbines from there, provided they don’t get any bigger than they are now.”

Page 7

Sewer Capacity Issues Halt Diakonia Expansion Project

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – A new facility for Diakonia is temporarily on hold as officials work through a sewer capacity issue.

Plans for a new facility that would allow Diakonia to expand its food pantry and housing programs have been in the works for some time, but the nonprofit’s supporters say they haven’t been able to start fundraising because sewer capacity issues remain unresolved. Though the Town of Ocean City has offered Diakonia sewer service, Worcester County officials say they won’t support the resort’s plan to provide sewer to just one West Ocean City entity.

“The reality is, we cannot consider moving forward with this project until we know the sewer capacity is in place,” said

Reid Tingle, chair of Diakonia’s board.

“We have grants from Senator Carozza and Delegate Hartman in place and are ready to move forward with construction plans once sewer capacity is in place.

The construction drawings allow us to launch fundraising efforts and seek state and federal grants.”

In early November, the Town of Ocean City advised Worcester County staff that the town would provide Diakonia the sewer capacity it needed for the new facility with no strings attached.

“The Town of Ocean City has received a request from Diakonia to allow their proposed supportive housing project located at 9601 Stephen Decatur Highway to connect to the West Ocean City District sewer system despite not possessing the necessary EDUs. Diakonia has agreed to deed restrict the property so

that it may only have the use and benefit of the treatment allocation while operating as a non-profit providing supportive housing consistent with the plan they have submitted to the County Planning Commission.,” a Nov. 3 letter from City Manager Terry McGean to county staff reads. “Given the clear public benefit of this project to all the citizens of Worcester County including Ocean City, the Ocean City Mayor and City Council will agree to accept a flow not to exceed an average 10,000 gallons per day from the Diakonia Project as calculated by the Worcester County Environmental Programs Director using typical per EDU flow allocations for the West Ocean City Sanitary District.”

At a meeting this week, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said he’d been advised

by Diakonia leadership that a couple of

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the commissioners had met with nonprofit officials after Ocean City agreed to provide EDUs. “They seem to feel that the commissioners want them to negotiate with the Town of Ocean City to allow more flow,” Mitrecic said. “I can’t even express how wrong that is to me. I’m hoping we can bring the people in from Diakonia at our next meeting and we can do something to get this EDU situation moving. I know there are no Mystic Harbour EDUs available but I know ocean city has granted them flow. The fact that we are holding this hostage so to speak to negotiate more flow out of West Ocean City into Ocean City’s plant is just absolutely wrong.”

While no commissioners responded to Mitrecic’s concerns Tuesday, after the meeting Commissioner Eric Fiori said Mitrecic was misinformed. He acknowledged that there had been conversations with members of Diakonia’s board.

“We informed them that Ocean City granting capacity just for the Diakonia project would not be something we would support due to the fact that multiple businesses have been waiting for water and sewer allocation for an extended period of time,” he said. “There currently is a waiting list for Mystic EDU’s totaling around 100 EDU’s. We informed them we would entertain the idea of additional capacity if and only if businesses along the sewer line could be added on if they currently sat on the waiting list. This is the meeting that’s going to occur the first part of the new year with multiple department heads. It is unethical for one project to move forward as others sit and wait.

There is a waiting list for a reason. That list is granted allocation in the order in which it was requested. Unfair advantages have plagued our county for years.

We cannot be the judges of whose project is held in higher regard in the community. We must keep the playing field level.”

Tingle, however, said that as far as he is aware Diakonia is the only entity that has asked the town for sewer capacity.

He added that if Diakonia gets sewer capacity from Ocean City, it frees up space on the EDU waiting list.

“We are third on the list I believe, so there are more moving up than being passed over,” he said. “I am confident that there is a resolution that will work for everyone. This project is the rare project that benefits everyone. The expanded food pantry, long term affordable housing and veterans housing should be above political disputes.”

He also said that Diakonia representatives had scheduled two meetings with county officials but that the county had canceled both meetings. Nevertheless he’s hopeful the EDU issue can be worked out.

“The county commissioners have always been strong supporters of Diakonia and its mission,” Tingle said. “We look forward to meeting with them to answer any questions about our proposed connection to the Ocean City sewer district.

The area is in dire need of affordable housing and additional capacity for our food pantry.”

Council Removes Testing For Uptown Substation

December 22, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week agreed to eliminate testing requirements for an uptown substation.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted to amend a conditional use agreement and remove testing requirements for a Delmarva Power substation at 137th Street.

Ryan Showalter, legal counsel for Delmarva Power, told officials this week that ongoing testing at the facility demonstrated the substation meets all noise and safety standards.

“Testing has been done at a significant cost to ratepayers for many years, and we demonstrated we are complying with your codes,” he said. “We respectfully request that you release us from any further testing of that substation.”

In 2013, Delmarva Power received conditional use approval from the Mayor and Council to expand its substation at 137th Street, but with the condition that the company conduct acoustic and electromagnetic frequency (EMF) testing at the substation twice each year. And since 2014, the company has provided reports and results to the town on a semi-annual basis.

“The substation was expanded and improved several years ago and as part of the town’s approval of the conditional use agreement, a condition of testing was imposed that required both noise and electromagnetic field testing on a semi-annual basis for that property,” Showalter told the council Monday. “The testing has been conducted since 2014 with reports provided to Ocean City. And all of those reports have demonstrated the substation complies with applicable noise and safety standards.”

Delmarva Power representatives this week came before the council with a request to remove the testing requirements from the company’s conditional use agreement. The company reports the cost to perform such tests range from $100,000 to $120,000 and are passed on to the ratepayers.

“We’ve searched throughout not only the Delmarva Power system, but also its sister companies,” Showalter said. “They are not aware of any substation in any of those systems that has a similar testing requirement.”

City Manager Terry McGean said he had reached out to the Caine Woods Community Association, with emails sent to the president, past president and a board member.

“I did reach out to the Caine Woods civic association to let them know this was on the agenda, let them know what the request was,” he explained. “They had no objections to the request.”

With no discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Council Secretary Tony DeLuca absent, to amend the conditions of Delmarva Power’s substation expansion and to eliminate acoustic and EMF testing at the substation.

“We think the demonstrable history of compliance warrants elimination of this extraordinary testing requirement,” Showalter said.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Sports Complex Group Eyes State Funding, RFP Process

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Recommendations to seek state funding and initiate an RFP process highlighted last week’s meeting of the Ocean City Sports Complex Task Force.

Last Thursday, members of the task force reconvened to discuss funding and legislative options for a proposed sports complex in Worcester County. Before going into closed session to discuss property acquisition, the task force agreed to pursue funding options at the state level and to seek proposals from operators to run

the facility.

“There’s essentially two costs, the cost to build and the cost to operate,” City Manager Terry McGean said in an interview last week. “We believe based on what we’ve seen, if we get an operator on board early, the operational costs could be done so we break even.”

For years, resort council members have expressed their desires to develop a sports complex somewhere near Ocean City. And in 2019, the town commissioned the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) and its consultant, Crossroads, to conduct a market and economic analysis for a proposed sports complex in the Ocean City area.

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When the pandemic hit, however, MSA was tasked with revising the study and producing a site-specific assessment of a 95-acre site next to Stephen Decatur High School.

While the county initially took the lead on the project, the Worcester County Commissioners voted last year to terminate its contract for the purchase of the property and to end any county involvement in the development of a complex. Since that time, resort officials have agreed to take on the project and form a task force to address community concerns.

With nearly 30 members at the table earlier this fall, the task force kicked off its first meeting with a presentation from MSA and Crossroads, as well as from Sports Facilities Companies, a national firm specializing in sports facilities management.

By the end of the meeting, the task force agreed a proposed complex should include both indoor and outdoor facilities but that more information was needed on the funding mechanism.

Last Thursday, the task force reconvened to discuss the town’s funding options. The group unanimously agreed to seek a 1% room tax increase from the Maryland General Assembly, with a portion of that additional revenue to be dedicated to the development of the sports complex.

“In open session we presented a funding option to pursue 80% funding from the state in partnership with the Maryland Stadium Authority,” McGean said. “And for the 20% local share, we would go to the state to ask for an increase in the room tax, as

December 22, 2023

we’ve done in the past, and dedicate sixtenths of the room tax for our share of the debt service. In that case, the sports complex would not be paid for with property tax, but by room tax.”

McGean said the town would also seek state funding for site assessment and preliminary design work.

“This year, we are going to ask for $500,000 or $1.2 million, depending on which way we get the funding, for site assessment and preliminary design,” he said.

“The next legislative session, we would go for the full construction amount.”

To keep the project moving, however, the task force sent a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and Council to essentially forward fund the site assessment and design work.

“The first official task force recommendation to the Mayor and City Council was to recommend that the council pass a resolution to reimburse the town $500,000 toward the project from a future bond issue …,” he said. “This will give us some seed money to keep moving while we wait for the legislature.”

The task force also recommended the town issue a request for proposals (RFP) to sports complex operators. McGean said the sooner an operator is found, the sooner the facility can start making money.

Following its open session, the task force entered into a closed session to discuss property acquisition. Excluding the cost of land, officials estimate the sports complex to cost between $157 million and $170 million.

December 22, 2023

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Resort Planners OK Majestic Site Plan

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 22, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A rendering of the Majestic Hotel redevelopment project is shown from a northeast viewpoint along the Boardwalk.

Submitted Image

OCEAN CITY – Following a lengthy discussion about parking and exterior design, resort planners this week voted to approve a site plan for a redeveloped Majestic Hotel.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-1, with Commissioner Pam Robertson opposed, to approve the site plan for Majestic Hotel redevelopment project. While the new facility will feature an art deco design, Robertson said she had concerns that the exterior did not follow design standards for the upper downtown design overlay zone.

“There are so many things that are inconsistent with the overlay,” she said.

Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy presented commission members this week with a site plan for the Majestic Hotel project, located along the Boardwalk at 613 Atlantic Avenue. As proposed, the buildings on the property would be demolished for the construction of 100 hotel rooms, hotel amenities, nine employee housing units and 8,780 square feet of commercial space.

“This is a big project that has been in the works, as you know, for several months,” Gordy said. “They have been doing some redesigns trying to get exactly what it is that they’d like to present for the redevelopment of the Majestic Hotel.”

Gordy told the commission the project would be developed with the use of air rights – granted by the Mayor and Council in July – and a front-yard setback variance, which would allow the first floor of the hotel to be built 12 feet closer to the Boardwalk. She said the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals granted the request on Oct. 13.

“What they are going to do is build the enclosed structure, instead of 32 feet back, they have gotten approval to come up to the 20-foot mark and have a 20foot remaining setback,” she explained.

Gordy said the project would also feature both onsite and off-site parking, with a satellite lot to be located across the street at 607 Baltimore Ave. Architect Rick Schoellkopf said parking would provide one space per hotel room.

“It sounds like we’re building less parking than required but we’re not,” he explained. “What we’re doing is so much better than what’s there now. Right now, there’s 22 spaces for 75 units. We’re going to put 100 spaces for 100 units.”

Schoellkopf noted, however, that the developer would utilize parking nonconformity credits for the retail and employee housing aspects of the project. He said commercial space located along the Boardwalk would not have parking.

“I think we know 90% of those folks are coming off the Boardwalk and not parking …,” he said. “And the employee housing is going to be deed restricted.

It’s going to be J-1s that don’t have cars.

So we don’t feel like we’re putting a lot SEE PAGE 51

December 22, 2023

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Officials Approve Revised Commissioner Districts

Page 14

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL– Officials approved revised commissioner districts following a public hearing this week.

The Worcester County Commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve revised district maps. The maps were adjusted following the release of the latest U.S. Census data, as districts are meant to maintain equal populations.

“We started this process last spring,” said Jennifer Keener, the county’s director of development review and permitting.

For months, county staff have been working on the redistricting process, which involves reviewing Census data and using software to come up with new district maps. The most recent Census found that the county’s population was 52,607, an increase of 1,059 residents

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

(2%) since the 2010 Census.

County staff used software to develop new maps based on the population changes. A four-week public comment period regarding the maps resulted in 11 comments, Keener told the commissioners last month. She said that two of them pertained to the actual maps while nine pertained to the timing. Worcester County Board of Elections representatives previously voiced concerns regarding the timing of the process.

The fact that there is a Feb. 9 filing deadline for candidates running for seats on the Worcester County Board of Education worried election officials. They said candidates needed to know for sure which district they were in before they could file.

With those concerns in mind, the commissioners introduced an emergency bill—which goes into effect immediately as opposed to 45 days after passage—

to revise the districts. The goal, according to the bill, is to strive for a population of 7,515 people in each of the seven commissioner districts while maintaining a majority minority district and maintaining the current boundaries as much as feasible.

“What you have in your packet today is a county bill that replaces section 2102, defines the new commissioner districts as well as appendix I which has the maps by Census block listed,” Keener told the commissioners this week. “This was done in response to revised Plan A, based on the feedback we received in the public hearing process.”

During Tuesday’s public hearing on the proposed districts, just one citizen spoke.

Snow Hill resident Kathryn Culbertson said she felt the public hadn’t had adequate opportunity to review the revised districts.

“I don’t feel this process has involved

December 22, 2023

the public at the length it needed to,” Culbertson said.

Keener said that the county had released drafts of the updated district maps in September.

“Those maps were available, interactive, on our website,” she said. “A public hearing was held on Oct. 17 and public hearing comments were open for four weeks.”

She said the county did not receive any calls or requests for individual maps but the maps were posted online for those who wanted to see them.

Culbertson said that there were 11 public comments submitted in the not even 30-day period that the county accepted public comment. She added that the “ridiculously short period of time” during which comments were accepted, many people were busy.

“That’s a very difficult and busy time of year for all of us in town, whether we have children, full-time jobs, part-time jobs, whatever,” she said.

Culbertson said it seemed like the redistricting was being pushed through.

“Yes, maybe the information was available to the commissioners but as much as I looked for it both publicly and on the website I still couldn’t find it until after Thanksgiving on the county website and I had to dig through the November (meeting) package in order to find the link to the website,” she said.

The commissioners made no further comments and voted 7-0 to approve the revised maps.

Residential Development Project Reviewed In Berlin

December 22, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Developers shared updated concept plans for a residential development near the intersection of Germantown Road and Route 113 in Berlin.

Representatives of Karbyte Enterprize LLC met with the Berlin Planning Commission last week to review plans for a townhouse and duplex project proposed for 12 acres in Berlin. Though the last iteration of the project, presented in June, featured a retail component, that has been removed and the number of homes had been reduced.

“Having received your comments we went back to the drawing board and made some revisions and alterations,” said Mark Cropper, the attorney representing the developers.

In June, the group presented the commission with a trio of concept options for the site. The preferred option at the time featured a 9,000-square-foot retail space, 32 townhouses, 13 villas and 44 condos.

Salvatore Benvenga told the commission last week they’d taken the comments the commission made about that proposal into consideration as they’d tweaked the plan. At last week’s meeting he presented the commission with two possibilities—a townhouse and duplex project or a townhouse only concept.

Benvenga said his preferred option was the townhouse and duplex scheme.

“This proposal provides 35 duplex and 15 townhomes,” he said.

He added that because the commission had suggested the inclusion of amenities at the last meeting he’d also worked in a pool, a pickleball court and a playground.

“We do want to provide value and a sense of community for the Town of Berlin,” he said.

Benvenga said the other option for the development was a townhouse scheme that was made up of 64 townhouses.

“In both of these options we incorporated amenities, we also have shown a mulch walking trail around the perimeter of the property, again to bring a sense of community and value to the town of Berlin,” he said.

Commission member Ron Cascio said he liked the scale of duplexes rather than townhouses.

“We have enough of that,” he said.

Benvenga said his company preferred the mixed option as well. When asked if the units would be rentals, he said they would not. As far as whether the units would be two or three stories, Benvenga said there would be some of each.

“We’re still in the process of doing some market research to determine what would be most appropriate and desirable,” he said.

Benvenga said the proposed design included some on-street parking areas for additional parking.

“We could have extended it more but we didn’t want to encroach into the wetlands,” he said.

Commission members praised the idea of including some additional parking areas.

“We’ve also allocated two handicapped accessible spaces on either side of the central block,” Benvenga said.

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Chris Denny, chair of the commission, asked what the price range would be for the proposed homes. Benvenga said that while the price would depend on what the market value was, he was expecting the homes to be in the upper $300,000 to low $400,000 range.

“We’re not looking to go super high, exclusive,” he said. “The goal is to make this work.”

Denny said that there was potential for the houses to become short-term rentals.

Benvenga said there would be a homeowners association that would develop standards for the community.

“It would be part of the discussion,” he said.

Berlin residents Gina and Marie Velong expressed concern about the project’s stormwater management and stormwater’s potential impact on neighboring areas.

“We need assurances that’s going to be actually checked and monitored,” Gina Velong said.

Marie Velong also brought up the issue of potentially connecting the development to other parts of Berlin.

“This is something I think you should have in mind when you’re approving these types of developments,” she said.

Commission member Pete Cosby said he always considered possibilities for interconnection.

“This particular project is situated such that the opportunity doesn’t exist,” he said. “You’ve got protected wetlands behind it. If we see the opportunity we encourage it.”

Cascio agreed that while commission members might want to make the town more walkable and bikeable, it was hard when it was built piece by piece over centuries.

Page 15

“It’s extremely difficult to do that in a town that’s a couple hundred years old,” he said.

Berlin resident Kate Patton had questions about forest conservation on the site.

Planning Director Dave Engelhart said forest conservation had already been recorded with the property’s deed and that the town relied on the county to review that.

Commission members said they were pleased Benvenga had worked in the amenities they’d suggested.

“I think this is on the right track,” commission member Matt Stoehr said.

In response to the commission’s input, developers said they would proceed with plans for the townhouse/duplex option.

The property, which is currently zoned part B-1 and part R-1, would need to be rezoned as part of the process.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 22, 2023

December 22, 2023

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 22, 2023

Hanukkah Celebrated:

On the last day of Hanukkah, the Town of Berlin and The Inn Berlin hosted the first-ever Menorah lighting. The Menorah was set up on the grounds of The Inn, which hosted last Thursday’s event that also featured food and games.

Photos by Charlene Sharpe

OP Approves New Trash Vendor

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – Officials in Ocean Pines last week approved a new trash and recycling contract.

Last Saturday, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors voted to approve a new trash and recycling contract with Republic Services. Senior Executive Office Manager Linda Martin said the proposal was one of three bids the association received.

“All three bids include options for yearly and seasonal pickups,” she explained. “They (Republic) are going to also provide a special leaf pickup as well, and this will be an inclusive contract. So it will be the only contractor allowed in Ocean Pines.”

The Ocean Pines Association received three bids for trash and recycling service. Republic Services, located out of Delmar, submitted a bid that charged $27.50 for trash pickup two times a week, $27 for trash pickup once a week, and $1.40 for recycling once a week.

While the cost of trash pickup would increase, officials say it would be offset by a lower recycling fee. General Manager John Viola added that Republic would also offer five special leaf pickup events throughout the year.

“We have emphasized with them the leaf situation here,” he said. “They will have five or six events that they have added in that they didn’t have before.

It’s a two-day period each time because

that’s how long it takes them to cover Ocean Pines. They will address the leaves. So that’s an enhanced service.”

Director Steve Jacobs questioned how the company would collect the leaves.

“What I have seen over the last two weeks or so is various homes move leaves from their property right to the roadside. They’re not bagged …,” he said. “My question is, will the contractors vacuum them up or collect more bags than they normally do?”

Viola said he doubted that Republic would vacuum up the leaves, but said he would learn more in the coming weeks.

“We have a policy …,” he said. “You rake up your leaves in your ditch, and then you are supposed to bag it … They haven’t told me they are going to go with a suction, and I doubt that’s going to happen.”

Viola also told board members last week the bid Republic submitted to the association was not the lowest, but that the company was recommended because of its reliability.

“They are a proven contractor,” he said.

Viola added that the price of trash and recycling pickup could also increase each year of the three-year contract.

“They would have the ability to increase the price by 5%,” he said.

After further discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the trash and recycling contract with Republic Services.

December 22, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

COPS & COURTS Sex Abuse Sentence SNOW HILL – A Maryland man was sentenced to 25 years in jail after being convicted last summer of sexual abuse of a minor.

On Dec. 15, 2023, Alvin Lee Redmon, Jr., age 29 of Lusby, was sentenced to serve 25 years in the Division of Corrections for his conviction on the charge of sexual abuse of a minor.

He was found guilty by ALVIN a jury on July 19, after a REDMON two-day trial in the Worcester County Circuit Court. Judge Beau H. Oglesby presided over the case and imposed the maximum sentence allowed by law.

The charges stem from a complaint of sexual abuse which the victim originally reported to authorities in Calvert County in November of 2021. Further investigation revealed that the abuse had occurred over the course of several years and in multiple jurisdictions, including Ocean City. Redmon was the boyfriend of the victim’s mother at the time of the abuse in Ocean City and the victim was 15 years old.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser praised the collaborative efforts of Ocean City Police Department and all multi-disciplinary partners at the CRICKET Center who assisted in this investigation, and thanked Assistant State's Attorney Mary-Ann Burkhart who prosecuted the case.

The mission of the CRICKET Center is to create a community response in which abusers are held accountable and children and families experience hope and healing. The multidisciplinary team is made up of law enforcement officers, child protective service personnel, prosecutors, advocates, mental health therapists and medical personnel. To learn more, or to report suspected child abuse, please contact 410-641-0097.

fentanyl in wax fold packaging. Fentanyl is a lab produced/man-made substance that is significantly cheaper to produce. … Due to the inherent risk associated with field testing substances, officers did not conduct a preliminary field test of the substance. The substance will be analyzed by a certified chemist in a controlled environment.”

Inside a bag belonging to Schussler was a black pistol crossbow, which is an illegal weapon per Ocean City code.

Schussler was charged with possession of schedule I drug (heroin), possession of schedule II drug (fentanyl) and possession of a dangerous weapon (pistol crossbow) under town law.

First-Degree Assault OCEAN CITY – A local man is facing first- and second-degree assault charges due to a dispute over a package.

On Dec. 8, around 10 p.m., Ocean City Communications alerted police officers on duty to an incident on 61st Street.

The caller told dispatchers a male, later identified as William Fitzgerald Jr., 57, of Ocean City, had flashed a knife at him.

Communications advised police an additional call had come in advising of a stolen package nearby.

Upon arrival, police interviewed the caller, who said his neighbor, Fitzgerald, had accused him of taking his package.

When confronted, the man, who does not speak English, told Fitzgerald he did not have his package. Fitzgerald returned to the man’s unit 15 minutes later pointing a black handled knife at him.

The man told police he feared for his life as Fitzgerald threatened him.

When interviewed, Fitzgerald denied having a knife when he confronted the man. Police could see the knife in ques-

tion on the counter. Police told Fitzgerald he was being charged with assault, leading to a tirade and a police officer being shoved into the rear of a patrol vehicle.

Fitzgerald is charged with first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree assault.

Vulnerable Adult Assault OCEAN CITY – A woman’s broken bone caused by an Ocean City man’s aggression led to a first-degree assault charge earlier this month.

On Dec. 7, around 1:45 p.m., an Ocean City police detective was dispatched to Atlantic General Hospital in reference to an assault that had occurred. A woman was being treated at the hospital for a broken left wrist that had occurred when she was struck by her son-in-law, Brandon J. SEE PAGE 20

Heroin, Fentanyl Possession OCEAN CITY – A Delaware was caught in Ocean City this month with heroin and fentanyl as well as an illegal weapon.

On Dec. 9, Ocean City police responded to a resort hotel for an eviction that stemmed from the occupant making “inappropriate comments towards hotel staff,” according to the statement of probable cause. Police were also told the man, Ryan Schussler, 40, of Ocean View, also smoked in the unit against hotel policy.

When police identified Schussler, his name was put through a wanted check, and it was discovered he was wanted in Pennsylvania on failure to appear in court on possession of a controlled dangerous substance case.

Prior to taking him into custody for extradition, Schussler was searched and a total of 47 white wax folds were found containing heroin and fentanyl. The drugs were found inside various pockets in his shorts. The statement of probable cause stated, “Currently, law enforcement is seeing a mixture of heroin and

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... COPS & COURTS FROM PAGE 19 Crippen, 35, of Ocean City. The woman told police Crippen was “on a crack binge” and was angry over financial issues. An argument over the lack of hamburger buns in the house the day before led Crippen to hit the woman in the arm with a shoe. Though she knew she was seriously hurt, the victim did not seek treatment or inform police because she feared Crippen. The woman told police Crippen had assaulted her in the past and she feared for the safety of her grandchildren under his care.

Police responded to Crippen’s residence, and he fled the building across Coastal Highway. Crippen was apprehended a short time later and placed under arrest. Crippen agreed at headquarters to talk to police about the incident that led to the woman being hospitalized. Crippen was unaware he had broken the woman’s wrist, saying he had only tossed a tennis shoe at her from three feet away.

Crippen was charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and two counts of abuse to a vulnerable adult.

Theft, Home Invasion Charges

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OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City man faces numerous charges after a domestic incident, including home invasion and motor vehicle theft.

On Dec. 5, around 6 p.m., Ocean City police was dispatched to assist a citizen in a downtown unit. A woman told police her husband, Carl Magaro, 35, of Ocean City, had forcibly taken her car keys from her. The victim told police Magaro was released from jail earlier the same day after being arrested on a warrant and that he was through a court order not to be at their unit.

According to the woman, Magaro returned to the unit to gather his belongings. When he asked for her car keys to get other items, she refused, saying she would unlock the car so he could retrieve his items. Magaro became upset and, according to the police report, “forcefully grabbed the back of her neck with one hand and with his other hand, he grabbed onto her hand that was holding her car keys.”

The woman was able to get free of Magaro and locked herself inside the unit. Magaro began kicking and hitting the door and eventually gained access to the unit by breaking the deadbolt. Magaro began assaulting the woman in an attempt to get the key fob to her vehicle.

The victim was able to get free and call police with Magaro inside the unit he was not allowed to be in per a court order.

The court order was the result of a situation that unfolded on Dec. 1 when Magaro stole the victim’s iPhone, her tablet, her wallet and her vehicle, a 2019 Honda Accord valued at $27,000. An arrest warrant was issued, and Magaro was eventually apprehended.

For the two situations, Magaro faces numerous charges, including motor vehicle theft, theft $100 to under $1,500, home invasion, third-degree burglary, robbery and second-degree assault.

December 22, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 21

Fenwick To Revise Berlin Audit Finds Finances In Solid Position Police Policy Manual

Page 22

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – The town is in a solid financial position according to its latest audit.

The Berlin Town Council last week reviewed the FY 2023 audit with representatives of PKS & Co. “The town is in a healthy financial position and the books and records are in good order,” said PKS & Co.’s Alyssa Revell.

Leslie Michalik of PKS & Co. told officials on Monday that the PKS team spent a significant amount of time working with town staff to review Berlin’s finances. She said they didn’t notice any internal weaknesses.

“Our opinion is a clean, unmodified opinion which is the highest level of assurance we can give,” she said.

Revenues for the fiscal year that end-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ed June 30 were $8.7 million, according to Michalik. That represented an increase in revenue of just over $1 million.

“The largest source of revenue is property taxes which is $4.5 million or 51% of your general revenues,” she said.

The town’s general fund expenditures totaled $6.6 million with 39% representing public safety.

Revell outlined the status of the town’s four enterprise funds — water, sewer, electric and stormwater. They’re funded with user fees.

“They’re all intended to run like a forprofit business,” she said.

In the electric fund, operating income increased to about $812,000. The water fund ended the fiscal year with a net operating loss of almost $49,000, but Revell pointed out that was an improvement over the previous year.

The sewer fund ended the year with operating income of almost $748,000 and

the stormwater fund ended the year with operating income of $10,448.

Mayor Zack Tyndall pointed out that was likely the best year the stormwater fund had had.

“That would be the first year stormwater operated on its own,” said Natalie Saleh, the town’s finance director.

Council members pointed out the audit again showed a surplus. Councilman Steve Green said the unassigned fund balance had been about $21,000 in 2018 and was now $3.2 million.

“I think that is something we should all be very proud of,” he said.

The Government Finance Officers Association recommends jurisdictions maintain an unassigned balance of at least two months of operating expenditures.

“We’re at five months,” Green said.

“It’s really a testament to our financial director and her staff,” Councilman Jay Knerr said.

December 22, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – The Fenwick Island Police Department will create a new policies and procedures manual with the help of a national company.

At its most recent meeting, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted unanimously to use Lexipol – a national policy development company specializing in public safety – to update the Fenwick Island Police Department’s procedures manual. Chief Michael Morrissey the company’s proposal also includes a training component for the department’s police officers.

“All in all, with this package, I think it will professionalize our police department and make us one of the best training train departments in the area,” he said.

In a meeting in October, Morrissey told the council a draft of the police department’s procedures manual had been worked on for several years but had been “cut and pasted” from other police department manuals. To ensure the department was up to date with its procedures, he recommended the town contract with Lexipol to create a new manual.

Back on the agenda this month, Morrissey recommended the town council approve a $22,000 contract with Lexipol. He noted that other municipalities, including Ocean View and South Bethany, had used the company to update their police manuals.

“From what I understand, South Bethany is in the same position we are, updating their policy manual from the beginning to the end,” he said.

Morrissey said an updated manual will help the department receive reaccreditation. He added that Lexipol would also work with the police department to ensure procedures are being implemented. He said a training component would focus on topics such as use of force, car chases and more.

“Our officers will be receiving training, directed by me, in topics such as stops and bias-related training,” he said. “This training will be in four-hour blocks it'll be it'll be given over the Internet and a test will be given at the end to ensure they watch the videos did the training. This will help us achieve our 16 hours of mid-service training per year and plus we we can extend that to make sure our officers are getting more than the minimum standards.”

After further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to approve the Lexipol contract.

“I think it’s absolutely a best practice for police,” said Mayor Natalie Magdeburger.

The council this month also approved a request from the police department to upgrade its Tasers. Morrissey said the town has entered into an agreement with Axon to phase in the upgrades over the next five years.

“We're paying for part of this cost with state grants,” he explained. “What I'm requesting this month is the January payment, since we were just getting into this agreement, of $5,100.”

After further discussion, the council agreed to move forward with the request.

Ocean Pines To Install Electronic Sign

December 22, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – The Ocean Pines Association will move forward with installing its first electronic sign along Ocean Parkway.

Last Saturday, the Ocean Pines Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a $22,118 capital request to install an electronic sign at the North Gate entrance to Ocean Pines. General Manager John Viola said he was seeking the board’s authorization to contract with Phillips Signs for the installation.

“We’ve certainly heard about this for like 15 years,” he said. “Well, it’s going to happen, hopefully with approval today.”

For a number of years, the Ocean Pines Communications Committee has been actively working on plans to upgrade the association’s information boards with electronic signs. The group has even gone so far as to seek a county text amendment to permit on-premises electronic signs within an established residential community.

As part of that effort, the board last month voted to have Viola seek cost estimates for the purchase and installation of digital signs in Ocean Pines. He told the board last Saturday staff recommended using Phillips Signs to install the first sign, which will be placed in the existing wooden frame at the North Gate bridge.

“There was a demonstration at the administration building the other day, and it was pretty impressive,” he said. “So we will be coming forward today for approval for one sign at the north gate bridge. If we get

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Page 23

approval today, it will take about six to eight weeks lead time to get it and then install it.”

During last Saturday’s board meeting, Director Steve Jacobs questioned the cost.

While he said he supported the project, he asked if the association could get a cheaper price if it bought more signs in the future.

“My question is we are only approving the one sign now,” he said. “Assuming we use the same contract, can we insist as best as possible to get some sort of quantity discount? If that’s the direction we’re doing in, and I suspect that is, then I think there’s a need for us to make it clear we need to drop the cost down as best we can.”

Director Elaine Brady, liaison for the communications committee, said it was something to pursue.

“I don’t disagree …,” she said. “When we do go forward, John is a master at negotiations. He’ll probably be able to get us a discount if we go forward with the rest of the project.”

Viola told the board he was only tasked with getting a cost estimate for one sign.

While he noted the cost was reasonable, he said he would work with the vendor to secure a lower price.

“We got a very good price here,” he said. “We’ll try to get a cheaper price. I did mention that high level to them, and they said they would work with us. I don’t think it will be a major discount, but this technology is coming down.”

With no further discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the capital request.

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Improvement Projects Advance With Board Support

Page 24

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – Requests to fund an irrigation system upgrade, racquet sports building improvements and a tiki bar expansion highlighted a recent meeting of the Ocean Pines Board of Directors.

Last Saturday, General Manager John Viola came before the board with several capital requests. The first request, he said, was to contract with Irrigation Services Inc. for the first phase of the association’s golf course irrigation project.

“The irrigation system at the golf course is probably over 50 years old, 30 to 50 years old,” he said. “There was information out there that we did put in a second system years ago that was some adding of sprinklers … But the system was basically antiquated. We are coming forward today looking for approval to start

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

replacing it.”

Proposed capital items for the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget include funding for a new irrigation system at the golf course. Viola told board members last week the first phase would include the replacement of pump stations at fairways one and nine and the range.

“Apparently the driving range was done years ago,” Viola said. “It certainly didn’t meet the standards we expected.”

Viola said the project would total $934,000. Officials noted Irrigation Services was the lowest bidder for the project, with two other bids coming in at $995,000 and $1.07 million respectively.

“We’ll be signing a contract in the next couple of months, assuming that we get approval today,” he said.

When asked about the project’s timeline, Viola said the association must first complete the contract. Once that is done,

he said work would start in the fall.

“In January or February, I hope to have the contract, which will go through legal,” he explained. “We’re looking at the bulk of the work to be done between November 2024 and March 2025, which would have minimal disruption to the golf course.

If we can do work before that, we will.”

After further discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the capital request.

Viola also came to the board last week with a request to proceed with improvements at the racquet sports building. He said the project would focus on renovations of the restrooms, interior storage and director’s office.

“Each month this year we will be doing renovations there, assuming I get approval to go forward today,” he said. “The biggest requests we have received from the advisory committee are bathrooms, inc-

December 22, 2023

reasing the restrooms.”

Viola said he was requesting the board authorize the association to use the Whayland Company to complete the project, in partnership with Ocean Pines Association staff. He said the cost of the project would total $140,000.

“I’m excited to have a team in place to do it,” he said. “It’s a hybrid between our team, as well as two outside contractors who I look at as part of the team.

Hopefully this will start sometime in January or February.”

With no discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the capital request.

The third request Viola presented to the board last Saturday was the expansion of the tiki bar, located at the association’s Yacht Club. He said the expansion would allow the tiki bar to better serve patrons.

“We have a tiki bar at the yacht club.

It’s a very popular place. With that said, it needs enhancing,” he said. “It needs replacement to fully be able to reach out to the customers, so that we can fulfill the customer requirements. Right now, it doesn’t.”

Viola said the association was working with Matt Ortt Companies and an outside contractor, the Whayland Company, to complete the project. He said the project totaled $197,500 and would be completed by Memorial Day. “Again, the work would be done with a combination of the public works team as well as the outside contractor we’ve been utilizing over the years …,” he said. “The Whayland Company has done this building, as well as many other projects with us. They will be doing the outside work.”

The board once again voted unanimously to approve the capital request.

Lastly, Viola presented the board with a request to construct a new pavilion at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial. He said the pavilion would replace an existing gazebo and would be funded in a 50/50 split with the Veterans Memorial Foundation.

“It will be something similar to what we have at White Horse Park,” he explained.

“The Veterans Memorial Foundation will be contributing half of it. So right now, the estimate is $100,000, with $50,000 I believe the board will approve as a match.”

Viola said the Veterans Memorial Foundation came forward with the contribution, and the board had directed staff to work with an outside contractor on the project.

He said the Whayland Company would build the pavilion with a $50,000 contribution from the association.

Jacobs, however, questioned the foundation’s $50,000 donation.

“The cost is split 50/50,” he said. “Do we know the foundation has the money or has moved the money?”

Association President Rick Farr, a member of the foundation board, confirmed it did.

“They do have the money to do so,” he said.

With no further discussion, the board voted to approve the capital request for the pavilion project.

December 22, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 25

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 22, 2023

People in Society Berlin Police Department officers joined local kids during the CRICKET Center’s “Shop with a Cop” event.

by Charlene Sharpe Featuring ose Helping Causes In e Resort Area

Law enforcement joined The CRICKET Center team and local kids for the annual “Shop with a Cop” event.

Randy’s Crew hosted a fundraiser for the Worcester County Humane Society at Park Place Jewelers. The nonprofit crew supports a variety of local causes.

Carolyn, Pete and Bella donned matching sweaters for a family photo with the Grinch outside Park Place Jewelers.

Rayvin and Ocean City Police Department’s Officer Brumley got to know each other during “Shop with a Cop.”

Berlin Police Department Corporal Avery Marshall is pictured being presented with the “Officer of the Year” award by Chief Arnold Downing.

Ava Sharpe introduced Wiggles to the Grinch at a fundraiser for the Worcester County Humane Society hosted by Randy’s Crew and Park Place Jewelers.

Courtney DeVito and Sara Gorfinkel are pictured at a menorah lighting ceremony at The Inn Berlin.

Zack and Chelsea Tyndall are pictured in front of the menorah at a Hanukkah celebration at The Inn Berlin.

Evelyn and Cate Nellans paused for a photo with Ivy Wells during Berlin’s first ever Hanukkah celebration.

OPA Officials Recognize State Championship Team

December 22, 2023

BERLIN – The Ocean Pines Association Board recently presented a plaque and commendation to the Stephen Decatur High School Football team for winning their first-ever state championship.

The SDHS Seahawks finished the season a perfect 14-0, capping off the campaign with a 21-13 win over the Huntingtown Hurricanes on Nov. 30 to capture the MPSSAA 2A Football State Championship title.

OPA President Rick Farr presented the commendation, which read in part, “… the perseverance, talent, and outstanding leadership displayed by each member of the team, coaching staff, and all those who supported them have brought immense pride and honor to the Stephen Decatur High School and the community of Ocean Pines; and their triumph stands as a testament to the power of teamwork, determination, and commitment to achieving greatness both on and off the field … We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the players, coaches, staff, families, and supporters whose dedication and unwavering support contributed to this remarkable success.”

Seahawks Head Football Coach Jake Coleman said it was an honor to be recognized. He added that “an undefeated season is great,” but equally impressive was the resilience shown by his team over their last two games.

Coleman reflected on the 2022 season that ended with a 40-33 loss to Milford Mill Academy, despite having the lead with just 42 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 27

Members of the Stephen Decatur High School football team are pictured with a plaque and proclamation read by OPA President Rick Farr.

Submitted Photo

"That, I think, told us a lot about ourselves," he said. "We took what we learned ... and what we needed to do, and then we approached it for the next 365 days to make those improvements."

The team once again met Milford Mill late in the season, on Nov. 24. This time, Decatur prevailed 35-34.

"We found ourselves behind after having an early lead. And these guys stuck together, they fought it out, and they ended up defeating the defending state champion," Coleman said. "That victory right

there just says so much about the group of guys and their commitment to each other, their passion and love for each other.”

A week later, the Seahawks faced off against the Huntingtown Hurricanes for the state championship.

"We had our share of calls that didn't go our way, but these guys never wavered.

They stuck together. They are true champions," Coleman said.

After the title game, Coleman said he talked to his team about what it means to be "a true champion."

"We love that you guys recognize us ... but we want to be humble in these moments and be thankful and be grateful, and we want to conduct ourselves so that we continue to honor you and the community.”

Coleman also thanked members of the community for donating to a Go Fund Me that raised more than $20,000 for state championship rings for all the players and coaches.

"We just appreciate all of your support ... it's been amazing," he said. "And now we're going to try and go back-to-back."

Page 28

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 22, 2023

December 22, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 29

OC First Responders Participate In Cadaver Lab Training

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCFD personnel are pictured during training exercises this month. Submitted Photo

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Fire Department’s Fire/EMS Division has taken a significant leap in advancing the skills and expertise of its EMS clinicians through an innovative cadaver lab training session held at headquarters.

The groundbreaking training was organized by Community911 Training, LLC, a Massachusetts-based company renowned for its specialized training programs for emergency responders.

The cadaver lab training stands out as it allows practitioners to work with real human anatomy, which cannot be replicated by mannequins or virtual simulations. Such realistic training is crucial, as Ocean City paramedics and EMTs must be ready for anything in the field, from stopping bleeding to per-

December 22, 2023

forming advanced airway procedures like intubation, often in life-saving situations.

Evidence has shown that cadaver lab training significantly enhances anatomical knowledge, allowing clinicians to fully integrate and apply the techniques they will need in emergency situations.

In the high-pressure field of emergency and field medicine, every minute is critical. This training not only expedites the delivery of care but also boosts the confidence of Ocean City EMS clinicians.

Fire/EMS Division Deputy Chief Chris Shaffer expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.

“This hands-on training with cadaver tissue provides our EMS Clinicians with the most realistic experience our team can receive,” said Shaffer. “We can’t thank the Ocean City Paramedics Foundation enough for their continued commitment to education and providing our team with the best of the best.”

This valuable program was funded by the Ocean City Paramedic Foundation, a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to the training of Ocean City Paramedics and the acquisition of essential equipment. The foundation's commitment ensures the highest lifesaving capabilities for the community.

To learn more about their initiatives and support their mission, visit www.ocpf.org.

December 22, 2023

Prayer Breakfast To Kick Off Second Dreamfest In OC

OCEAN CITY – The Town of Ocean City announced the second inaugural Dreamfest on Martin Luther King Weekend set for Jan. 1214, 2024.

The three-day event will be filled with a vibrant fusion of music, captivating history tours, powerful commemorative speakers, and exuberant celebrations all around Maryland's Coast. Come together with friends, family, and the community to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s enduring legacy and the vision he had for a world united in equality and peace.

"We want to celebrate Rhythm and Blues while also honoring the civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr., along with the history this holiday weekend represents," said Mayor Rick Meehan. "Dreamfest promises an enriching experience for our residents and visitors alike, offering a diverse array of activities all around Maryland’s Coast.”

To kick off the event, on Friday, Jan. 12, the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Rick Meehan will host a Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Dreams and Determination.

The inspirational breakfast will feature keynote speaker Colonel Gregory D. Gadson and an inspiring performance by the Morgan State University Choir. Tickets can be purchased online at ococean.com.

Dreamfest will deliver soulful sounds and rhythm with three captivating shows at the Performing Arts Center. On Friday, Jan. 12, relive a night with the King of Pop with the Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience. Then on Saturday, Dr. Fink and frontman Marshall Charloff, will present the greatest and most authentic tribute to Prince and The Revolution with The Purple Xperience. Concluding on Sunday, 10-time Grammy and Dove award winners’, Take 6, a cappella group will harmonize the stage with a, you will not want to miss, performance.

In addition to the Performing Arts Center shows, guests to the event are invited to explore Maryland’s Coast with African American historic sites throughout the county including celebrations at the Ocean City Art League, museum tours at the Sturgis One Room School Museum in Pocomoke City, local black history discussions at the Calvin B. Taylor Museum in Berlin and much more. To view a full list of events and sites, visit ococean.com/dreamfest.

The event is intended to be three unforgettable days celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. For more information on Dreamfest or to purchase tickets to a Performing Arts Center show visit ococean.com/performing-arts-center.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

WHOLE HOUSE ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT & SAFETY INSPECTION

A $249 VALUE FOR ONLY $99 • Check the electrical service panel and wiring • Tighten screws and lugs on circuit breakers to ensure proper functioning • Apply Noalox on branch circuits’ aluminum wires • Check all outlets with tester for loose connections, open grounds, neutral wires, proper polarity

• Test/inspect GFCI outlets and breakers • Check for double tapped breakers to eliminate overloading a circuit breaker • Survey for proper surge protection • Check smoke detectors and make recommendations for compliance with local electrical codes

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Page 32

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 22, 2023

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE NEWS

Casino Revenues

The gaming revenue totals for November 2023 are as follows: MGM National Harbor (2,275 slot machines, 207 table games), $66,641,884 in November 2023, a decrease of $4,964,304 (-6.9%) from November 2022.

Live! Casino & Hotel (3,850 slot machines, 179 table games), $58,030,400 in November 2023, an increase of $890,850 (1.6%) from November 2022.

Horseshoe Casino (1,374 slot machines, 122 table games), $14,600,437 in November 2023, a decrease of $1,731,347 (-10.6%) from November 2022.

Ocean Downs Casino (844 slot machines, 19 table games), $7,066,674 in November 2023, an increase of $460,961 (7.0%) from November 2022.

Hollywood Casino (696 slot machines, 22 table games), $6,818,038 in November 2023, an increase of $7,199 (0.1%) from November 2022.

Rocky Gap Casino (623 slot machines, 16 table games), $4,561,060 in November 2023, a decrease of $316,330 (-6.5%) from November 2022.

Maryland Lottery and Gaming is responsible for regulatory oversight of the state’s casinos. In this role, the agency provides direction and guidance to its casino partners on financial, security, regulatory and licensing procedures for the facilities.

BERLIN – Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate $157,718,494 in revenue from slot machines and table games during November 2023, down $5,652,970 (-3.5%) compared to November 2022.

Casino gaming contributions to the state in November 2023 totaled $66,150,282, a decrease of $1,561,142 (-2.3%) compared to November 2022.

Contributions to the Education Trust Fund in November 2023 totaled $47,727,562, a decrease of $1,527,874 (-3.1 %) compared to November 2022. Casino gaming revenues also support the communities and jurisdictions where the casinos are located, Maryland’s horse racing industry, and small, minority- and womenowned businesses.

Maryland’s six privately owned casinos offer both slot machines and table games: MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County; Live! Casino & Hotel in Anne Arundel County; Horseshoe Casino Baltimore in Baltimore City; Ocean Downs Casino in Worcester County; Hollywood Casino Perryville in Cecil County; and Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegany County.

SALISBURY – Tim Robertson, Maintenance Technician with SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate, has been promoted to maintenance supervisor.

This promotion comes in recognition of Robertson’s outstanding dedication and contributions to the company over the past six years.

In his new role as maintenance supervisor, Robertson will be responsible for overseeing and managing maintenance projects, ensuring they are completed efficiently and to the highest standards.

This includes training new maintenance technicians, managing reTIM sources effectively, and implementing best prac- ROBERTSON tices to optimize maintenance processes.

For more information about SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate and their Property Management division, please contact Rick Tilghman at Rick.Tilghman@svn.com or 410.543.2440.

Firm Recognized SALISBURY – Building Design+Construction magazine again ranked Becker Morgan Group as one of the nation’s top architecture/engineering (AE) firms in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

The annual report ranks leading firms nationwide, with a record 552 firms participating this year. Becker Morgan Group ranked No. 64 and was recognized as a leader in numerous sector-specific categories.

W. Ronald Morgan, AIA, president and founder of Becker Morgan Group, continues to attribute the firm’s success to its clients and staff.

Morgan said, “We remain grateful for our clients’ trust and confidence in our staff’s unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of design.”

Becker Morgan Group ranked in the following categories: hospitality (No. 30), education/K-12 schools (No. 88), government (No. 67), healthcare (No. 119), multifamily (No. 138), office (No. 132), retail (No. 51), industrial (No. 66), sports (No. 91), and cultural (No. 67).

Established in 1983, Becker Morgan Group is a leader in architecture, engineering, surveying, land planning, and interior design in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States.

Learn more at www.beckermorgan.com.

Practice Joins Health System SALISBURY – Chesapeake Health Care announced this week the newest additions to its growing family of healthcare providers.

Dr. Mitchell Gittelman and Maria Garde, PA-C, along with their dedicated team, have joined forces with Chesapeake Health Care, bringing over two decades of experience in family medicine right here to Salisbury.

Gittelman, a cornerstone of the community’s healthcare for 20 years, led a local family medicine practice with a focus on compassionate and attentive care.

He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Osteopathic Medicine and has been practicing on the Eastern Shore since 1999.

Garde, PA-C, has a Master of Physician Science degree from St. Francis University, and boasts more than 20 years of expertise in family medicine. Together, they offer comprehensive healthcare for indi-

Tech MD, formerly Cards Technology, recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony at its location in Ocean Pines. Cards Technology is now Tech MD, featuring enhanced service offerings, better IT services and faster response times. Above, representatives from Tech MD and the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce are pictured cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

Submitted Photo

viduals and families ages six and above.

Gittelman said, “I am thrilled to join Chesapeake Health Care and its compassionate and dedicated team of healthcare providers. Our practice is a perfect complement to Chesapeake Health Care’s existing offerings, and we look forward to working together.”

Brian Holland, CEO of Chesapeake Health Care, echoed this excitement, stating, “We are pleased that Dr. Mitchell Gittelman and his staff are joining our growing team of medical providers. Dr. Gittelman is well-known in the community for his compassion and attentiveness to care, and we look forward the positive impact this collaboration will have on our community.”

The addition of Gittelman, Garde, and their team aligns seamlessly with Chesapeake Health Care’s commitment to providing outstanding healthcare to our community. Whether you’re an existing patient or new to our family, we extend a warm welcome to experience the exceptional care that defines Chesapeake Health Care. For appointments and inquiries, please contact Chesapeake Health Care at 410-749-1015 or visit www.ChesapeakeHC.org.

Chesapeake Health Care, established in 1994, is a multidisciplinary healthcare practice providing quality care to more than 55,000 patients annually in the Lower Eastern Shore across Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties in Maryland. With a team of approximately 150

providers and 16 locations, Chesapeake Health Care offers a broad spectrum of healthcare services to the region’s patients, including adult and family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, mental health, dental, school-based health centers, and pharmacy services.

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December 22, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 22, 2023

Food Drive Donations:

The annual month-long Student Government Association-sponsored Food Drive at Worcester Preparatory School wrapped up last week. The Upper School gathered to sort and divide the collected donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items for distribution to several local non-profit organizations. Canned goods and non-perishable food items donated by the students will be disbursed to nine distribution centers throughout Maryland and Delaware. These items will be used to help feed those in need during the holiday season and beyond. In addition, students also donated $3 each to help buy Submitted Photos meats for the holiday dinners. Above, upper school faculty and students are pictured organizing the donations.

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carousel Group marks 24th Year as Golf legacy sponsor

December 22, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

The Atlantic General Hospital Foundation held its 2023 Robert E. Warfield Memorial Tournament, AGH’s 30th Annual Fall Golf Classic, last fall at the Ocean City Golf Club.

On Dec. 4, Atlantic General Hospital leadership and staff, Fall Golf Classic committee members, and Michael and Matt James of James Hospitality all came together to commemorate the success of the event. James Hospitality’s Carousel Group has been the tournament’s Legacy Sponsor for 24 consecutive years. With the help of the many sponsors, golfers and volunteers, the event raised $87,000 for the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation.

At right, from left, are Laura Powell, AGH event coordinator/development assistant; Toni Keiser, AGH vice president of public relations; Steve Green, AGH Foundation board chair; Max Hutsell, Fall Golf Classic event co-chair; Matt James, James Hospitality vice president of operations; Michael James, James Hospitality president; Charlotte Cathell, AGH Board of Trustees chair; Don Owrey, AGH president and CEO; Steven Tyson, AGH donor relations officer; and Jessica Jersey, AGH grant operations officer.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 22, 2023

COMMUNITY News In Photos

Members of Girl Scout Troop 365 of Berlin recently visited TidalHealth Peninsula Regional to donate to Brooke’s Toy Closet, a program that provides new toys to children in the emergency department and pediatric units. The girls used proceeds from their cookie sales to buy toys to fill the closet in an effort to brighten the spirits of kids in the hospital.

Participants in Buckingham Elementary School’s Girls on the Run program recently completed their first 5k. The 10-week program, designed for third and fourth graders, includes lessons to help the girls gain self-confidence, while learning how to be a friend and have friends, while creating a fun, safe, positive environment for them. The team, which in its second year at Buckingham consisted of 14 students, is sponsored in part by United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore.

Submitted Photos

Berlin resident Helen Wiley this month marked 16 years of volunteering at the Church Mouse, the thrift shop on Main Street in Berlin. The store, operated by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, uses its proceeds to support a variety of local charitable causes, including Samaritan Ministries in Pocomoke and the Cricket Center, among numerous others.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Berlin would like to thank the community for participation in the church’s annual Shred-It event. The well attended event was an opportunity for people to shred sensitive documents as well as collect food items for The Spirit Kitchen at Stevenson United Methodist Church.

Around the world every year on Nov. 10, active duty Marines and members of Marine Corps veteran associations gather to celebrate the birthday of the founding of the Marine Corps. That tradition was upheld by the First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League when it held its celebration at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. Marine veterans Bob Broderick and Jim Wright, Marine Recruiter Mark Sanchez from Salisbury, and Marine veteran Don Coffin are pictured escorting the cake into the ball.

The James M. Bennett High School class of 1973 recently held its 50th reunion, during which class members donated to raise funds for a one-time scholarship.

The one-time award of $1,060 will go to a Wor-Wic Community College student who graduated from JMB and is enrolled in a nursing or emergency medical services program. From left, Gene Malone, Wicomico Board of Education president, Sharon Donohue Morris, James M. Bennett High School class of 1973 member, and Beverly Robertson Plachta, president of the James M. Bennett class of 1973, present a check for the scholarship to Heather Trader, development specialist for the Wor-Wic Community College Foundation, and Stefanie K. Rider, executive director of the foundation and director of development.

December 22, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

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

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

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

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

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

Wishing all of our readers and customers a wonderful holiday season! May it be filled with joy and happiness!

The staff of The Dispatch Newspaper

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE OCEANSIDE MOTEL 5 story building: 28 large efficiency units with elevator and pool.

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Lighted China Cabinet with glass shelving. Selling because moved & too big for dining area. $500 Please call or text 443-880-8885.

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Trees must stand naked, Just as I will at the Gates, With their hearts in hand.

9,000 people receive The Daily Buzz everyday, do you?

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www.mdcoastdispatch.com

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.

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19991

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

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

To all persons interested in the estate of CALVIN MARTIN, AKA: CALVIN EDWARD MARTIN, Estate No. 19991.

Notice is given that BEVERLY MARTIN, whose address is 14 POPLAR TRAIL, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on NOVEMBER 29, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of CALVIN MARTIN, who died on SEPTEMBER 25, 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 29th day of MAY, 2024.

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: 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:

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

Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 8, 2023 BEVERLY MARTIN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-8, 12-15, 12-22

Third Insertion MARIANNA BATIE, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

ESTATE NO. 19908 To all persons interested in the estate of DANIEL STERLING GOOD, Estate No. 19908. Notice is given that JACQUELINE GRIMMER GOOD, whose address is 5 DUCK COVE CIRCLE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on DECEMBER 4, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DANIEL STERLING GOOD, who died on OCTOBER 27, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of JUNE, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 38

December 22, 2023

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 with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: 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 8, 2023 JACQUELINE GRIMMER GOOD Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-8, 12-15, 12-22

Third Insertion ARLETTE K BRIGHT, ESQ THE LAW OFFICES OF ARLETTE K. BRIGHT, PC 1002 EASTERN SHORE DRIVE, #B SALISBURY, MD 21804

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 4th day of JUNE, 2024.

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: 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 8, 2023 JOHN L. ANDERSON Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-8, 12-15, 12-22

of RICHARD C MEURER, SR, who died on NOVEMBER 8, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of JUNE, 2024.

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: 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 15, 2023 BETH A GRIFFITH Personal Representative True Test Copy

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19992 To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN J. ANDERSON Estate No. 19992.

Notice is given that JOHN L. ANDERSON, whose address is 2602 PARIA CANYON CONVERSE, TX 78109, was on DECEMBER 4, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN J. ANDERSON, who died on MAY 20, 2023, 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.

JAMES W. ALMAND ESQ AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20000 To all persons interested in the estate of RICHARD C MEURER, SR. Estate No. 20000. Notice is given that BETH A GRIFFITH, whose address is 810 SHIRLEY DRIVE, ABERDEEN, MD 21001, was on DECEMBER 7, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-15, 12-22, 12-29

Second Insertion

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 ROGATE COURT of KINGS COUNTY, NY, appointed ABRAHAM SHILOACH, 2315 AVENUE S, BROOKLYN, NY 11230 and JOSEPH SHILOACH, 1627 EAST 3RD STREET, BROOKLYN, NY 11230 as the PERSONAL CO-ADMINISTRATORS of the Estate of ELIYAHOO SHILOACH, who died on AUGUST 05, 2020, domiciled in NEW YORK, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is VICTORIA L. O'NEILL, whose address is 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 15, 2023 ABRAHAM SHILOACH JOSEPH SHILOACH 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 12-15, 12-22, 12-29

AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND P A VICTORIA L. O'NEILL ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

Second Insertion

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20003 Notice is given that the SUR-

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

CASE NO.: C-23-CV-23-000260 Subject Property: 9500 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 6F SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD, 1 ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND 21030 Plaintiff vs.

JOHN D. HICKS 118 SW 15TH TERRACE CAPE CORAL FL 33991 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND S/O ROSCOE R. LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY ONE WEST MARKET STREET, ROOM 1103 SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 AND All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as: 9500 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 6F OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 AND UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 9500 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 6F OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 The unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Representatives anq their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest.

Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 15, Parcel No. 10113679, Property Descrip-

tion: U 6F BEACH HWY PYRAMID CM, Assessed to JOHN D HICKS and, also known as 9500 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 6F, OCEAN CITY, Maryland 21842, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six ( 6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 6th of December, 2023 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 (3) successive weeks , warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by February 6th, 2024, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights ofredemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 15, 2023 BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MD TRUE TEST COPY 3x 12-15, 12-22, 12-29

Second Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-23-000264 Subject Property: 644 GULF STREAM DR SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD, 1 ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND 21030 Plaintiff vs.

December 22, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

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.

TESTATE AND INTESTATE SUCCESSORS OF JAMES M. WALKER, BELIEVED TO BE DECEASED, AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUH, OR UNDER THE INDIVIDUAL BELIEVED TO BE DECEASED 1806 STRINGTOWN RD SPARKS, MD 21030 AND MANUFACTURERS ANDTRADERS TRUST COMPANY F/K/A ALLFIRST BANK SERVE: CSC-LAWYERS INCORPORATING SERVICE COMPANY, RESIDENT AGENT 7 ST. PAUL STREET, SUITE 820 BALTIMORE; MD 21202 AND MONTEGO BAY CIVIC ASSOCATION, INC. SERVE: JAMES W. ALMOND, RESIDENT AGENT 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY STE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 AND (All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the, property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:) 644 GULF STREAM DR OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND S/O ROSCOE R. LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY ONE WEST MARKET STREET, ROOM 1103 SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 AND UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 644 GULF STREAM DR OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 The unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Representatives anq their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest.

Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 18, Parcel No. 10318459, Property Description: LOT 78 GULF STREAM DR, MONTEGO BAY MOBILE HM PK SEC 8C, Assessed to JAMES M. WALKER, also known as 644 GULF STREAM DR, OCEAN CITY, Maryland 21842, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six ( 6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 6th of December, 2023 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 (3) successive weeks , warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by February 6th, 2024, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 15, 2023 BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MD TRUE TEST COPY 3x 12-15, 12-22, 12-29

Second Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

CASE NO.: C-23-CV-23-000265 Subject Property: 917 YACHT CLUB DR SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD, 1 ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND 21030 Plaintiff vs.

MARTIN A FERRIS, III, VERONICA S. FERRIS, RONALD S. DEUTSCH, ESQ., TRUSTEE, BANK OF AMERICA, NA, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT MARCIA L. FUDGE, SECRETARY, STEPHANIE L. STAATS, TRUSTEE AND BALTIMORE FIELD OFFICE DIRECTOR, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND, SERVE: ROSCOE R. LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY AND (All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the, property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:) 917 YACHT CLUB DR OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND AND UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 917 YACHT CLUB DR OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND The unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Representatives anq their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest.

Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 11, Parcel No. 03136167, Property Description: LOT 48 2491 SQ FT YACHT CLUB DRIVE SEC I MARINA VILLAGE THS SC,

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 Assessed to MARTIN A FERRIS, lll and VERONICA S. FERRIS, also known as 917 YACHT CLUB DR, OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six ( 6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 6th of December, 2023 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 (3) successive weeks , warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by February 6th, 2024, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights ofredemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 15, 2023 BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MD TRUE TEST COPY 3x 12-15, 12-22, 12-29

Second Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-23-000261 Subject Property: 115 NOTTINGHAM LN SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD, 1 ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND 21030 Plaintiff vs.

GARY PISNER 6451 SPRINGHOUSE CIRCLE CLIFTON VA 20124 and WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND SERVE: ROSCOE R. LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY ONE WEST MARKET STREET, ROOM 1103 SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 AND (All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the, property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:) 115 NOTTINGHAM LN OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND 21811 AND UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 115 NOTTINGHAM LN OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND 21811 The unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Representatives anq their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest.

Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 26, Parcel No. 03101622, Property Description: LOT 1-10-190 8734 SQ FT NOTTINGHAM LA PL OCEAN PINES SEC 10, Assessed to GARY PISNER and , also known as 115 NOTTINGHAM LN, OCEAN PINES, Maryland 21811, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six ( 6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 6th of December, 2023 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 (3) successive weeks , warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by February 6th, 2024, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights ofredemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 15, 2023 BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MD TRUE TEST COPY 3x 12-15, 12-22, 12-29

Second Insertion REENA J PATEL ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804 IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF: GEORGE F. CARROLL ESTATE NO. 19462 NOTICE OF JUDICIAL PROBATE To all persons interested in the above estate: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by TENLEY A CARROLL-SELI, 2809 EMERYWOOD PARKWAY, STE 380, RICHMOND, VA 23294 and RICHARD A STANLEY, 3008 ARUNDEL HILL, SW, SHALLOTTE, NC 28470, for judicial probate of the will dated 2/4/1999 and for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at WORCESTER COUNTY COURTHOUSE COURTROOM 4,

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 40

December 22, 2023

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.

ONE W. MARKET ST. SNOW HILL, MD. 21863 on 1/16/2024 at 10:00 A.M. This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills.

Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 15, 2023 TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 2x 12-15, 12-22

First Insertion ROBERT L. MARVEL, JR. ESQ. 108 EAST MARKET STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19645 To all persons interested in the estate of DONALD ORAN CULVER, Estate No. 19645. Notice is given that ERIC CARL CULVER, whose address is 8080 STEVENS ROAD, SALISBURY, MD 21804, was on DECEMBER 15, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of DONALD ORAN CULVER, who died on OCTOBER 27, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of JUNE, 2024.

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: 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 22, 2023 ERIC CARL CULVER Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-22, 12-29, 1-5

First Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20007

To all persons interested in the estate of ANDREW DEREK DAVIES, Estate No. 20007. Notice is given that REBECCA GSELL, whose address is 10656 WORTON ROAD, WORTON, MD 21678, was on DECEMBER 14, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of ANDREW DEREK DAVIES, who died on DECEMBER 9, 2023, 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 14th day of JUNE, 2024.

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 be-

fore the earlier of the following dates: 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 22, 2023 REBECCA GSELL Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-22, 12-29, 1-5

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19577 To all persons interested in the estate of KATHLEEN JOYCE TAMALAVICZ, Estate No. 19577. Notice is given that STEVEN CRAIG TAMALAVICZ, JR. whose address is 9939 ORCHARD ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on DECEMBER 15, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of:KATHLEEN JOYCE TAMALAVICZ, who died on SEPTEMBER 25, 20222 without a will.

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

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

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

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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 22, 2023 STEVEN CRAIG TAMALAVICZ, JR. Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 12-22

without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having any objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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 22, 2023

First Insertion

PATRICK LEE JOHNSON Personal Representative True Test Copy

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO.19997

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 12-22

To all persons interested in the estate of MELODY ANN JOHNSON, Estate No. 19997.

Notice is given that PATRICK LEE JOHNSON, whose address is 28384 MASTERS COURT, EASTON, MD 21601, was on DECEMBER 5, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the small estate of: MELODY ANN JOHNSON, who died on NOVEMBER 26, 2023

First Insertion B. RANDALL COATES, ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, PA 204 WEST GREEN STREET PO BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF

APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20011 To all persons interested in the estate of BARBARA O. HUDSON, Estate No. 20011.

Notice is given that G. KIRK HUDSON, whose address is 105 S. CHURCH STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on DECEMBER 18, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of BARBARA O. HUDSON, who died on DECEMBER 3, 2023, 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 18th day of JUNE, 2024.

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: 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 22, 2023 G. KIRK HUDSON Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-22, 12-29, 1-5

December 22, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 41

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 22, 2023

Best Beats On The Beach Who’s Where When CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Sunday, Dec. 31: First Class trio

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, Dec. 22

BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays

DJ GROOVE Fager’s Island: Saturday, Dec. 23 & Monday, Dec. 25

CORK BAR Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Saturday, Dec. 23: Lennon & The Leftovers

Berlin Liquor Store Largest Liquor Store In OC Area!

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BEER•LIQUOR•WINE Every Thursday And Sunday Senior Citizens Get

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10818 Ocean Gateway, Berlin, MD 21811 410-973-2873

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, Dec. 22: Bilenki Duo Wednesday, Dec. 27: Steve Kuhn CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, Dec. 22: Pier Pressure Saturday, Dec. 23: RoastJohn/Fitzkee Brothers FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, Dec. 22: DJ Greg, DJ RobCee Saturday, Dec. 23: DJ Groove, Monday, Dec. 25: DJ Groove Wednesday, Dec 27: Bryan Clark

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Friday & Saturday, Dec. 22 & 23

BRYAN CLARK Fager’s Island: Wednesday, Dec. 27

BEATS BY TUFF Seacrets: Friday, Dec. 22 Pickles Pub: Saturday, Dec. 23

BEATS BY DEOGEE Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays, & Wednesdays

December 22, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 43

Who’s Where When

ROASTJOHN/FITZKEE BROTHERS Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, Dec. 23

LENNON & THE LEFTOVERS Cork Bar: Saturday, Dec. 23

WAZZUP Purple Moose Saloon: Saturday, Dec. 23

BILENKI DUO Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, Dec. 22

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Seacrets: Friday, Dec. 22

PIER PRESSURE Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, Dec. 22

FULL CIRCLE DUO Seacrets: Saturday, Dec. 23

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HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West End O.C. Friday, Dec. 22: DJ Bigler Saturday, Dec. 23: Dust N Bones Duo, DJ Bigler Thursday, Oct. 28: Dust N Bones Duo PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, Dec. 23: Beats By Tuff Sundays: Beats By DeoGee Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee Thursdays: Beats By Wax PURPLE MOOSE SALOON 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards Saturday, Dec. 23: Wassup SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 22: DJ Tuff, Opposite Directions Saturday, Dec. 23: DJ Bobby O, Full Circle Duo Thursday, Dec. 28: Stealing Savannah Duo, DJ Connair

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 44

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

December 22, 2023

WITH BUNK MANN

Smell of a real Christmas tree Big wave photos

The Christmas morning exhaustion when the kids are little My teenager liking to work

Reflecting while driving in silence Smiles on youth athletes’ faces A puppy as a Christmas gift

Birthday greetings on Facebook

A tree wrapped with holiday lights Classic Christmas movies

Not working the day after Christmas

Prior to the mid-1970s, Ocean City was a seasonal resort. The tourist season ran from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day and it was said, “you could fire a cannon down Baltimore Avenue the day after Labor Day and not hit a soul.” Less than 900 people lived in town year-round.

This aerial photo from the spring of 1955 shows a mostly vacant town with the Oceanic Motel down by the Inlet in the final stages of construction. The large dark building in the upper left is the Atlantic Hotel and the Inlet Lodge can be seen on the far right. The building facing the Boardwalk with the cupola still houses Trimper’s beautiful 1912 carousel and popular kiddie rides, but the Tidal Wave Roller Coaster was still 30 years in the future.

The Inlet Parking Lot was in its infancy and was only two lanes deep along a much more narrow beach.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingPhoto by Liz Sacca Kuczinski oc.com.

HOROSCOPES

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): holiday season brings family and The holidays allow you to let your friends together to help you repair a usually downplayed soft side really very special relationship that recently glow. Don't be surprised to find a underwent a serious test of commitment.

Scorpio looking to share the light.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Dress up in your party best and en- Set aside those workaday woes, and joy the compliments that come your enjoy the holidays with family and way. You'll have a great time recon- friends. You'll learn soon enough the necting with old friends and making cause behind those workplace problems. new ones.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Holiday galas give you many chanc- 21): Aim for a happy, festive time es to do what you're so good at – with family and friends. Reach out to namely, being the life of the party. friends from the past and restore or Indulge yourself in the good times. reconnect those once-strong ties.

You earned it!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): CANCER (June 21 to July 22): A family member pays you a surprise Get out and experience the holiday visit to help you celebrate the holifun. And remember, while you're a days. Meanwhile, that workplace probtraditionalist with most things, open lem is closer to getting resolved. your mind to how others like to celeAQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): brate.

Your holiday plans are working out as LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): This you had hoped they would. Congratis a good time to fill the family den ulations! Also, expect news about a with the love and warmth that you long-needed change in the workplace. lucky Leos and Leonas exude. Invite PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): friends to share in your happy cele- Your holiday plans could suddenly brations. change, but rest assured, it's for the VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): better. Be ready to go with the flow Indulge yourself in the holiday festiv- and accept the unexpected. ities with family and friends, and forBORN THIS WEEK: You aim high, get about those small details that of- and you aim true. You are a good ten keep you from enjoying the mo- friend whose loyalty can be relied upment to its maximum. on. © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc. LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): The ANSWERS ON PAGE 46

ANSWERS ON PAGE 54

…citizens voice support For Existing Library Procedures

December 22, 2023

FROM PAGE 4 tioned whether those complaining about certain books had read them. She added that the books in question were in high school libraries and were recommended for readers 16-plus, which is the age of most high school students.

“Our librarians have spent their lives educating themselves on what is age appropriate to represent our current student bodies,” she said. “I ask you to keep the policy as it stands.”

Following public comments, Coordinator of Instruction Jennifer Sills and Stephen Decatur High School Library Media Specialist Brittany Tignor reviewed Worcester County Public Schools’ existing library procedures. They said the policies were available online for the public to see and had been developed with industry best practices.

Sills expressed concern with allowing taxpayers to initiate formal book complaints, a multi-step process that involves research by staff and creation of a committee to study the book.

“Our current procedure allows school patrons to request a review, it gives those directly involved in the educational process a say,” Sills said. “I’m concerned if we extend this to any resident we’re going to set a precedent that could lead to a disproportionate influence by a minority and not necessarily reflect the values of our student and parent community which is who we should be serving the most.”

She added that as far as a restricted section, creation of such a section would likely be in direct contradiction to best practices from organizations like the American Association of School Librarians. She and Tignor said they were both parents and rather than restrict books felt that parents should be having conversations with their children about what they were reading and what was appropriate in terms of their family values.

Board members thanked them for their presentation. School board member Bill Buchanan asked how many parents restricted books. Sills said a couple of elementary school parents had restricted books last year. She said there hadn’t been any of those requests from high school parents.

Addis made a motion to create a restricted or mature section, similar to what officials did in Cecil County, for middle and high school libraries with an “opt-in” waiver for students who wanted to visit.

School board member Jon Andes said he’d been struggling with balancing the rights of students and the rights of parents while considering the issue of library books.

“I’m still struggling,” he said. “I don’t have an answer.”

School board member Elena McComas said that considering there was already a policy in place she’d like to foster that, making sure parents were aware they could already restrict access to books for their children. Buchanan brought up all the time it would take for someone to review every book in the school libraries. He said there were

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

more than 27,000 books in high school libraries in Worcester County. He also brought up the fact that the school system could be violating Title 9 by restricting access.

“This is getting very murky on this optin,” he said. “Do we want to jeopardize a possible legal situation coming out of this?”

School board member Bill Gordy said he felt the parental safeguards were already in place. School board member Donald Smack agreed. Todd Ferrante, chair of the board, said it was ultimately the parent’s responsibility. “. We can do a better job making sure they know what their options are,” he said.

Addis said she wanted to make it clear she wasn’t questioning books because of LGBTQ characters but rather because

of their sexual content.

“To me this is not about censorship.

This is deciding whether or not these books in question are age appropriate for the minors they’re available to,” she said.

She was the only board member to vote in favor of her motion to create a mature section. Following the vote Ferrante asked staff to come to the next meeting with ideas on how to better educate parents about the existing opportunities that existed for them if they wanted to restrict their child’s access to certain books.

Addis went on to make a second motion to adopt a policy and procedure that would allow taxpayers to make book complaints. Her peers again expressed their disagreement. Gordy said in his view, taxpayers were given a voice when

Page 45

they were able to speak during the public comment portion of every meeting. He said there had been hours of taxpayer input during Tuesday’s meeting.

Buchanan said stakeholders able to weigh in should be those with a vested interest, such as students and parents.

“Being an opinion holder does not give you the right to chart an educational direction,” he said.

Ferrante said he felt there was already a court case that addressed the issue. Heather Stansbury, the board’s attorney, said the issue was very nuanced.

“We should not govern entirely always by the threat of a lawsuit but we should always bear in mind the law,” she said.

Addis’s motion failed, as she was the only board member to vote in support of it.

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Taphouse Opens West OC Location

Page 46

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Taphouse West Bar and Grill is pictured at its new location on the corner of Route 50 and Keyser Point Road.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

Merry Christmas!

Closed thru Tuesday Dec. 26 Reopen Wednesday Dec. 27 New Years Eve Party With First Class Trio Accepting Dinner Reservations Now

Great Seafood, Steaks, Burgers & Crab Cakes...

- ENTERTAINMENT -

“No Mumbo, All Jumbo”

- DJ GIDDY UP -

Shortcut Sunny • Saturday 7:30pm

Sing A Long Saturdays 4-6:30pm

- OFF SEASON SPECIALS -

Fun Songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s

Tuesday: Seafood Frenzy 25% Off All Seafood Entrees Fact Trivia at 7 Wednesday: 20 Dolla Make Ya Holla Night Thursday: Shrimp & Lobsta Night

“A Great Balls of Fire Good Time”

Early Bird Special Menu Daily 2-5:30pm

Happy Hour Daily 2-5:30pm Food and Drink Specials

to sing along with, to cheers with your friends & friends you haven’t met yet.

Geat drink specials featuring $4 Green Tea Shots $5 Margaritas

TUES - THURS: 2pm • FRI, SAT & SUN: 11:30am (Closed Monday)

28th St. Plaza • 410-289-3100 • coinspuboc.com

Dine In, Carry Out & Online Ordering Available

WEST OCEAN CITY – A popular Ocean City establishment now has a location in West Ocean City.

The connections of the 45th Street Taphouse opened up Taphouse West Bar and Grille last weekend on the corner of Route 50 and Keyser Point Road.

Zev Sibony is excited to bring some of the Taphouse favorites to a new location.

“We’re here to make a home in West Ocean City,” he said. “We want people to be comfortable here. We want to be West Ocean City’s neighborhood bar.”

Sibony said that when Hogfin, the restaurant previously located on the site, closed, he’d quickly expressed interest in the space. He’d long thought it had potential.

December 22, 2023

“There’s a bunch of people in West Ocean City and they want a neighborhood bar to call their own,” he said. “I think that’s something I can bring to them.”

With locations in Ocean City on 45th Street and 137th Street, Sibony said he wants to bring the West Ocean City location the best of both places. Taphouse West will aim to please a broad range of patrons, with everything from $1 beers to high-end cocktails.

“We’re bringing the whole gamut,” Sibony said.

As far as food, the restaurant will feature Taphouse mainstays like the wing and crab pretzel as well as some items unique to the West Ocean City location.

“In the grand scheme it’ll probably be a cross between 45th Street and the tavern,” Sibony said. “We’re really excited about the menu.”

While adding yet another location will add to Sibony’s management duties, he said the team he had in place made it possible for all the family’s locations to run smoothly.

“I was very comfortable, with the team I have, that we’d be able to pull it off,” he said.

Following a successful soft opening Dec. 15, Sibony plans to have Taphouse West open from 11 a.m. to midnight from now until Memorial Day. During the summer, it will likely stay open until 2 a.m.

… State Agrees To Work With Worcester BOE

December 22, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

FROM PAGE 6 of those years,” he said. “Our community is deeply committed, highly invested and increasingly motivated to building and maintaining a new quality Buckingham Elementary School. Please reconsider your decision to enable Buckingham Elementary, a Maryland four star school, to build on its legacy of exceptional learning.”

Carozza said the Worcester County request for funding was based on facts, figures and fairness.

“The Buckingham community has patiently been waiting for nearly 20 years while a new Ocean City Elementary School was built in 2005 and a new Showell Elementary was completed in 2020,” she said. “You can imagine the alarm of the Buckingham Elementary community and all of Worcester when we learned earlier this fall that the IAC, using a new interpretation of adjacent schools, determined that Buckingham replacement school to be ineligible for state school construction funding. Worcester County officials were surprised since the new definition was not enforced when Worcester completed the new Showell Elementary School in 2020.”

She added that one of the issues mentioned by IAC staff during recent discussions was combining Buckingham Elementary and Berlin Intermediate School into one facility.

“We see this as unworkable for several reasons,” she said. “It would be a much

larger school construction project, with site size constrictions at both Buckingham and Berlin Intermediate. This could result in the county trying to find a 25- to30-acre site in northern Worcester County causing more complications and delays for our Buckingham students.”

At the request of IAC members, IAC Executive Director Alex Donahue provided an overview of the Buckingham funding situation.

“Under the IAC’s longstanding process for counting available capacity in a project and adjacent schools, the Buckingham replacement project as currently proposed has been found to be not eligible for state funding participation,” he said.

According to Donahue, when state funding is requested officails look at elgibile enrollment for the school in question as well as the capacity of adjacent schools.

“I would note that the rules under which this analysis is conducted have not changed significantly in many years,” he said. “What is different between this year as compared with past years in which previous projects were evaluated is that the IAC now has the capacity to fully implement these rules to a degree which they may not have consistently been implemented in previous years.

Nevertheless IAC staff are looking forward to working through the next couple of months with Worcester County Public

Angelo Russo

January 22, 1975 - August 20, 2003

Trudy Russo November 1, 1943 December 6, 2022

Tony Russo

August 15, 1941 June 8, 2023

Missing You All at Christmas Everday without you, since you all had to go, It’s like summer without sunshine and winter without snow.

We wish that we could talk to you, There’s so much we would say Life has changed so very much since you all went away.

We miss the bond between all of us and we miss your kind support You’re in our minds and in our hearts and every Christmas thought.

We’ll always feel you close and though you’re all far from sight, We’ll search for you all among the stars that shine on Christmas night.

We Love & Miss You All So Much, Lisa, Chelsea, Jeffrey & Brayleigh

Schools and Worcester County to identify how the state may support improvements in WCPS portfolio including Buckingham Elementary. We’re looking forward to this continued dialogue and appreciate very much the good efforts and time and investment made by all the presenters today from Worcester County as well as staff and look forward to more discussion on this topic in coming weeks.”

IAC Chair Edward Kasemeyer acknowledged Carozza’s concern about a combination of Buckingham and Berlin Intermediate.

“I think Alex has a more comprehen-

Page 47

sive concept that hopefully might work for them,” he said. “He’s going to be in contact with them in the near future to try to work that out.”

IAC member Atif Chaudhry asked that the committee be kept informed throughout the process.

“After Alex’s conversations with Worcester County it may be helpful just to provide us with some updates on next steps so we can have those as background, given the concerns with the community,” he said. “I personally would love to learn more information about what options are available.”

Page 48

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

Every Monday: Bridge Games Are you interested in joining others for a game of Bridge at the Ocean City 50+ Senior Center? If so, please call or text Tish at 410-804-3971.

Every Monday: Overeaters Anonymous Meetings are from 7-8 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Library branch. No dues or fees. Call 410-459-9100.

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus All ladies who love to sing are invited to the Delmarva Woman’s Acapella Chorus, Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Contact Mary 410629-9383 or Carol 302-242-7062.

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and education group promoting weight

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do loss and a healthy lifestyle. Meetings are held at the Worcester County Berlin Health Department at 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. 410289-4725.

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

All are welcome.

Every 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 op-

en for light fare. 410-250-2645.

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

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Caregiver Support Meeting The Caregiver Support Group will continue to meet on the second and fourth Thursdays in the Ocean Pines Library. Meetings will run from 3-4:30 p.m. The meetings are private and confidential.

Dec. 29: Cher Tribute Band The Beat Goes On-Cher Tribute Show at 40th St. Performing Arts Center at 7pm American singer/actress Lisa McClowry's

December 22, 2023 one-woman Broadway show of the Goddess of Pop. ococean.com.

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

Dec. 31: Berlin New Year’s Two New Year’s Eve ball drop celebrations.

Kids Ball Drop at 6 p.m. on the corner of Pitts and Main Streets. Adult celebration starts at 10 p.m. with DJs Big Al Reno and Schwab on the stage with music and a ball drop at midnight. Event by Town of Berlin and Berlin Main Street, Berlin Arts and Entertainment.

Dec. 31: OC New Year’s Ring in the New Year in Ocean City with fireworks at two locations. Ocean City’s large fireworks display will take place downtown on the beach at midnight near Dorchester Street. The show will be accompanied by music at the Caroline Street Stage starting at 9 p.m. A smaller fireworks display will be available uptown at Northside Park.

Jan. 1: Penguin Swim AGH 30th Annual Penguin Swim will take place in front of the Princess Royale Hotel 91st Oceanfront swim starts at noon. Annual event to support local hospital. $30/person before Dec. 30 $35/person after or onsite. aghpenguinswim.com.

Jan. 1: Beach Walk Join Assateague Coastal Trust staff to celebrate the "Iliah Fehrer and Judy Johnson Memorial Beach Walk" on New Year's Day at Assateague Island. The beach walk will start at 10 a.m. and the State Park staff will be available from 10 a.m.-noon at the Day Use Boardwalk. Meet at the Assateague State Park’s Day Use Boardwalk. Discover treasures as you explore the beach, identify seashells, shorebirds, and so much more as you take in the tranquility of the beautiful Assateague Island. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as it is often 10-15 degrees colder along the water.

Stop by the Day Use Boardwalk for a fireside chat with the park staff, share stories, ask questions and make a connection.

Hot chocolate will be provided by ACT. For more information, please contact Debbi Dean at outreach@actforbays.org.

Jan. 10, 17: Strategic Plan Sessions Salisbury University’s Business Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) is currently seeking Berlin resident input on a new strategic plan. Town residents are invited to community listening sessions to share their opinions and ideas as the town plans for the future. There are currently two sessions planned, including Wednesday, Jan. 10, 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin and Wednesday, Jan. 17, 6-7:30 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower Street, Berlin.

Jan. 13: Indoor Flea Market, Breakfast At Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Berlin, from 8 a.m. to noon. Shoppers welcome. Flea market and breakfast items for sale. For more information, contact 410-641-2186 or bethany21811@gmail.com.

montego Bay celebrates First crab Basket tree

December 22, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY – On Dec. 9, the Montego Bay Civic Association celebrated the lighting of its first crab basket Christmas tree.

Coordinated by residents Karen and Bill Corun, the community donated 120 decorated crab baskets, a snowman, a crab, lights, tree topper and money for the construction materials.

The ceremony began with Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) Chaplin Alex Bean leading a prayer, followed by Councilman John Gehrig leading the lighting countdown.

The association’s residents were also joined by Mayor Rick Meehan and representatives of the OCFD and Ocean City Police Department.

“The volunteerism from our community that helped to make this project a success was outstanding,” said Karen Corun.

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OCEAN CITY – The nonprofit Maryland Citizens for the Arts is coming to Ocean City on Jan. 11 for a Southeast Maryland Strategic Community Gathering to meet with local artists and arts organizations to receive their feedback about the state of the arts in Maryland.

The nonprofit along with the Art League of Ocean City are hosting a complimentary dinner for artists and arts organizations at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St., on Thursday, Jan. 11, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Along with dinner, attendees will create ceramic butterflies that will contribute to a public arts installation at the Arts Center.

Maryland Citizens for the Arts is a statewide arts advocacy and education organization. Founded over 40 years ago to provide “One Voice for all the Arts in Maryland,” MCA works to highlight the role the arts play in the increased quality of life they provide for all Marylanders.

Worcester County and Ocean City are vital parts of the arts community in Maryland’s Southeast Region, and the two nonprofits are seeking feedback that will guide the future of MCA’s work in arts advocacy.

“Whether MCA is new to you or you’re a regular collaborator as an artist or arts organization, this event is for you,” Dana Parsons of MCA said. “MCA looks forward to seeing you there to be in the community with one another through art making and to plan the future of the Maryland arts sector together.”

Early registration is suggested.

Register at MDarts.org under the Events tab or call MCA at 302-8417257.

Page 49

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Page 50

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 22, 2023

OBITUARIES Sara Davis Thompson BERLIN – Sara Davis Thompson, age 85, died after a long illness on Dec. 15, 2023, at the Macky and Pam Stansell House in Ocean Pines, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Berlin on Sept. 6, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Raymond J. and Elizabeth C. Davis. She was married to the love of her life, the late Richard E. Thompson, who passed away in 1991.

SARA Sara was a past memTHOMPSON ber of the Berlin Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary. She was an aide at Buckingham Elementary School for 10 years and was then a substitute teacher at Stephen Decatur High School for over 30 years. She was appointed to the Worcester County Board of Educa-

tion in 1995 and was elected to that position until the end of 2020, making her the longest serving board member in the State of Maryland.

In January of 2021, she was honored to have the board room at the Worcester County central office named after her.

She was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Berlin and served on the vestry several times. She also volunteered at St. Paul’s Church Mouse at least once a week for several years.

She enjoyed playing bridge and spending time with her many friends and family, whom she loved to spoil.

She is survived by her son, Raymond Miles Thompson and his wife Kelly of Ocean City; her daughter, Susan Thompson Hutchinson and her husband Eric of Berlin; four grandchildren, Amanda Shenton (Jordan) of Suffolk, Va., DJ Thompson of Berlin, Nathan

Thompson (Sierra) of Berlin, and Miles Thompson of Ocean City; and two great-grandchildren whom she adored, Kayleigh and Jaina Shenton of Suffolk, Va. A viewing was held on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. A funeral service was held on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Berlin. Mtr. Suz Southern and Rev. Carl Mosley presided. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 429, Berlin, Md. 21811, or the Berlin Volunteer Company, 214 N. Main St, Berlin, Md. 21811. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

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Frances J. Michael-Murray BERLIN – Frances J. Michael-Murray, age 80, went peacefully into the arms of our lord, peacefully at home holding the hand of the love of her life and husband of 38 years, Rodney Murray.

Fran was born on July 22, 1942, in Forestville, Va. She was the daughter of the late Mary and Byrd Jones. She was preceded in death also by a sister, Nancy Jones, and a brother, Alvin Jones, whom she loved very much.

Fran is survived by FRANCES her loving husband of 38 MICHAELMURRAY years, Rodney A. Murray. Where you saw one of them the other was not far behind. They were both long-time, active members of Taylorville Christian Church and they both shared a love of reading, collecting art and antiques, traveling, and entertaining. Fran was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and loved nothing more than a good old-fashioned political debate. Fran is survived by her two daughters, Shelly Posey and her husband John of La Plata, Md., and a daughter, Sandra Haentschke and her husband David of Mayodan, N.C. Fran is also survived by her three bonus daughters of Rod’s, Sherri Brickey and her husband Darel of Salisbury, Robin Row and her husband Mike of Marshall, Va. as well as Kimberly Lacona and her husband Mark of Berlin. Between them they have 14 grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren whom they idolized. Fran is survived by three brothers, Richard Leith and his wife Lyn of Strasburg, Va., Lonnie Jones and his wife Dawn of Quantico and Clyde Jones and his wife Dorea of Stafford, Va. She is also survived by a sister, Mary Yordy and her husband Gary of Heathsville, Va., and a sister-in-law, Artie Jones of Sandston, Va. Fran is survived by too many to list friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and her partner in crime, whom she adored, Ella, her rescue chihuahua whom she idolized and Ella idolized her mom too.

Fran will be missed and never forgotten; she touched many lives and volunteered her time to help those in need.

A celebration of life will be held and announced to honor a life well lived sometime in March at Fran’s church, Taylorville United Christian Church. A catered lunch will be served in the church hall afterwards.

Instead of flowers, the family is requesting that you make donations to Taylorville Christian Church/Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 456, Berlin, Md. 21811 Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and funeral Service located at 504 Franklin Ave., Berlin, Md. 21811. If you would like to leave condolences for the family, please visit: https://www.easternshorecremation.com/obit uaries/frances-j-michael-murray?obid=30109345#/obituaryinfo.

… Officials Discuss Majestic Parking, Art Deco Design

December 22, 2023

FROM PAGE 12 of pressure on the parking situation.”

Schoellkopf said the most notable aspect of the project was the building’s exterior, which would feature colors such as pink and mint and various art deco elements. While acknowledging that the design was a departure from traditional coastal architecture found in the downtown district, Schoellkopf said the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) supported the project.

“The building itself is a little risky I think because it’s a little colorful, a little lively,” he said. “I was happily surprised that the OCDC really supported it.”

Commissioner Joel Brous said he supported the art deco design.

“I like the retro, I really do,” he said.

Commission Chair Joe Wilson agreed.

“There’s some precedence for it,” he said. “I think it’s cool. I like it a lot.”

For his part, Commissioner Palmer Gillis said he supported both the design and the parking plan but questioned the lack of parking for retail employees.

Schoellkopf said the goal would be to staff the hotel and retail areas with seasonal workers living in the onsite employee housing units.

“Most of those employees would be for the retail and the hotel,” he said.

Going back to the exterior design, Wilson questioned what materials would be used. He said the OCDC had requested paint colors and materials be provided to the organization.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Schoellkopf said the exterior would feature metal, plank boards and other materials. He said he would provide the OCDC with paint samples.

“Colors was one of their concerns,” he said. “We’ll certainly have them look at the final colors. We will address that.”

Schoellkopf explained that while the upper downtown design overlay zone provided design standards for development projects between 3rd and 17th streets, they did not apply to façades that face the Boardwalk. He said the façade, however, should match the sides and back of the building.

“The only spot downtown that’s exempt from the OCDC is Boardwalk facing units,” he explained. “Technically the sides and back of a Boardwalk building are OCDC. But there’s another thing in the OCDC that says the front and sides and back should look alike.”

While she acknowledged that the OCDC had no control over the Boardwalkfacing façade, Robertson said she was surprised that the OCDC accepted the proposed design for the project.

“Art deco really isn’t Ocean City,” she said. “I’m surprised it’s not the coastal cottage look … It’s not traditional.”

Wilson, however, argued it was difficult to apply such design standards to large redevelopment projects. Schoellkopf agreed.

“It’s hard to do a big building that looks like a little seaside village,” he added.

Robertson also questioned the design

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incentives that allowed the developer to include units above the fifth floor.

“What justifies getting extra rooms above the fifth floor?” she asked. “What are they giving back to get the incentive?”

Schoellkopf said the owner would not only provide employee housing and sidewalks but would pay for a bus stop on city property and reconstruct 7th Street, among other things.

“There are a bunch of things that are costly to the owner that are assets to the city,” he said.

For her part, Gordy said staff recommended the commission approve the site

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plan with several conditions. One of those conditions, she noted, was that the developer must comply with the minimum requirements of the OCDC upper downtown design overlay zone.

“That right there is a condition of approval …,” she said. “This decision doesn’t have to be made tonight if you need to have more information, if you need to think about any of the items you have questions about.”

After further discussion, however, the commission voted 4-1, with Robertson opposed and Commissioner Kevin Rohe absent, to approve the site plan with both staff and OCDC recommendations.

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Page 52

Reflection: ‘Yes Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus’ The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Dispatch Forever In Memory Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005) “Iron Man” Shawn Soper (July 24, 1963-February 15, 2023) The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly On Friday Mornings MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd.

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

NEWS DEPARTMENT CHARLENE SHARPE Associate Editor csharpe@mdcoastdispatch.com BETHANY HOOPER Associate Editor bhooper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHRIS PARYPA Photographer

SALES DEPARTMENT TERRI FRENCH Account Executive Entertainment Editor terri@mdcoastdispatch.com CHANTAL APPLE Account Executive capple@mdcoastdispatch.com

ART DEPARTMENT COLE GIBSON Art Director cole@mdcoastdispatch.com DAVID HOOKS Graphic Artist dhooks@mdcoastdispatch.com PAUL HALLAM Graphic Artist/Webmaster phallam@mdcoastdispatch.com

BUSINESS OFFICE PAMELA GREEN Bookkeeper/Classifieds Manager classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices. The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year. Subscription rates are $260 per year.

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

December 22, 2023

How We See It

In the spirit of the season, we would like to devote some space to perhaps the most famous response ever to a letter to Santa.

An editorial that appeared in 1897 in the New York publication The Sun answered the question, “Is There A Santa Claus?” The editorial was penned by Francis Pharcellus Church in response to eight-year-old Virgnia O’Hanlon’s question about Santa’s existence.

Here’s the editorial, which we found timely to share this week: “Is There A Santa Claus?

We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun: ‘Dear Editor, I am eight years old.

Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.

Papa says, ‘If you see it in The Sun it’s so.’

Virginia, your little friends are wrong.

They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think

that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas!

How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias.

There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight.

The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did

not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove. Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, not even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real?

Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God, he lives and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.”

Letters To The Editor Empower Our Students To Understand, Engage Editor: I am writing to express my unwavering support for intellectual freedom, the right to access diverse educational materials, and a staunch opposition to any efforts that limit the exploration of ideas. As a concerned community member and parent of children in the WCPS system, I believe our educational institutions must foster an environment that encourages critical thinking, open discourse and the free exchange of ideas.

Recent developments have brought to light concerns about initiatives such as Moms for Liberty, patriot education, and instances of book removal from our libraries, which threaten the principles upon which our educational system stands. We must safeguard the fundamental right of students to explore a wide range of perspectives, even those that may be deemed controversial or challenging.

We must equip our students with the skills necessary to navigate a complex and diverse world. By embracing a curriculum that reflects a variety of viewpoints, we empower students to think critically, form their own opinions, and engage in meaningful discussions that contribute to their intellectual growth.

I urge the Board of Education to stand firm in its commitment to intellec-

tual freedom, ensuring our schools remain bastions of knowledge and enlightenment. Let us collectively reject all attempts to stifle this freedom, understanding that a well-rounded education is firmly built on exposure to a broad spectrum of ideas.

We must actively champion the values of tolerance, diversity, and intellectual curiosity. By doing so, we not only enrich the educational experience for our students but also uphold the principles that form the bedrock of a democratic and enlightened society.

Furthermore, a person holding a position on the school board without having children in the school system raises concerns about potential ulterior motives and should prompt a critical examination of the true intentions. It is imperative to question what drives their interest in shaping educational policies and decisions, as the absence of a personal connection to the schools may lead one to wonder whether their motives align with the genuine welfare and development of the students, or if there exists an alternative agenda that warrants scrutiny.

Tony Weeg Berlin

Praise For Letter Writers Editor: Bravo to Jan Adamchak and M Scott Chismar for their letters to the editor in

the Dec.15, 2023 issue.

It seems to me that people who try to control others do this because their own life is out of control.

Live and let live. Stop the hate.

Teri Denton Willards

Concerns Raised Over Power Plant Closure Editor: I’m sure glad I don’t have to rely on the mainstream media for all my news.

I recently learned through other media that the Brandon Shores coal fired power plant outside of Baltimore is scheduled to shut down and close in 2025. I guess that wouldn’t be a problem if the needed improvements to the power grid were going to be completed by then. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

The power grid operator – PJM Interconnection – which coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and District of Columbia, serving 65 million customers – said the shutdown of the Brandon Shores plant will disrupt the reliability of the region’s grid, as the grid operator would need to divert electricity generated elsewhere, but transmission upgrades in Maryland aren’t expected to be finished until 2028. That “region” includes Baltimore and the immediate SEE NEXT PAGE

December 22, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Letters To The Editor surrounding areas. How long before it affects the rest of the state? Asking for a friend.

The decision to close Brandon Shores and two other plants was the result of a 2020 agreement between the plant operator, Talen Energy, and the Sierra Club, which aims to avoid future litigation or permit disputes related to coal at Talen’s “transitioning sites”. Hmmm – do what we want and we won’t sue.

Both PJM and Talen have confirmed they are currently engaged in negotiation with the Sierra Club and Maryland state officials to find a solution. “We are always mindful of regional electric system reliability and how it relates to electricity consumers in Maryland”, said Maryland Public Service Commission spokesperson Tori Leonard in a statement. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is now involved and has greenlighted PJM’s nearly 800-milliondollar emergency plan for transmission upgrades to blunt the Brandon Shores closures. The FERC Commissioner said on Nov. 8 the shutdown could cause “severe voltage collapse in Baltimore and the surrounding zones, including Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania,” adding such a scenario would be “potentially catastrophic”.

I think this might be a good time to write to Governor Moore and Senators Cardin and Van Hollen to voice our concerns. We should also let our Congressional representatives and state senators and delegates know about any concerns we have.

Carol Frazier Ocean Pines

Biden Supporting A Scam Editor: Buyer Beware. As if the OC offshore wind turbines were not enough energy assault on us Worcester County citizens, here comes Sunnova Energy Solar panels, the Chinese tech solar scam who preys on the lower income class and elderly.

As explained on Fox News, and falsely pushed as a great investment on propagandist CNN, for $60,000+ one can own a cheaply made solar roof for his mobile home, run by the CEO and former Enron official, John Berger. Sunnova is given an “F grade” by the Better Business Bureau for deceptive sales practices, preying on the vulnerable and product unreliability.

But, this is a scam widely approved by President Joe Biden who awarded Sunnova a $3B federal government deal to push his green (not green at all) energy. When one’s electric bill is $45/month, for an ex-

tra $176/month over a contracted 25 years, he can partake in this solar scam, while Sunnova scoops up the tax credit. Who cares when the elderly, on a fixed income, lose their retirement savings? Biden’s clean & green energy is hard (hardly) at work for the better of our environment.

These scams need to end promptly. They’re sick, don’t work and suck tax dollars in the wrong direction.

Say no to cheap solar energy scams.

And say a loud “no” to offshore wind turbines, too. They’re all a scam.

Susan Ostrowski Berlin

Small Business Success Critical Editor: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently launched The Season of Small Business, a campaign designed to encourage shopping at small businesses throughout the holiday season. All sources reported another successful Small Business Saturday (Nov. 25) in the books, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The holiday season, as a whole, is essential to the success of local, independently owned small businesses that rely on increased consumer spending to achieve their annual revenue goals.

Small businesses are a crucial part of local economies and communities. In Maryland, there are over 634,000 small businesses that account for 99.5% of all businesses in the state and employ roughly half of the state’s workforce. To put this in perspective, for every $100 you spend at a locally owned small business, roughly $68 stays in your local economy. We all win big when we shop local & shop small.

‘Tis the season to be thankful and enjoy quality time and precious moments with family and friends. It’s also an excellent opportunity to show appreciation for locally owned small businesses who add so much to our communities and support them by shopping and dining “small” throughout the holiday season and into the new year.

For more information about the SBA’s Season of Small Business campaign, visit www.sba.gov/SeasonOfSmallBusiness. If you’re an entrepreneur, the SBA has programs that can help you start and grow your small business, including access to capital, free one-on-one counseling, free or low-cost training, and government contracting assistance. Learn more at sba.gov.

Best wishes for joyous and healthy holidays.

Stephen D. Umberger (The writer is the district director of SBA Baltimore.)

Page 53

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green The optimist in me sees some hope the state may pivot a bit on providing funding for a new Buckingham Elementary School. However, the realist was taken aback a bit by the comments from the IAC leader who wants to pursue other options to help with the Buckingham situation.

Though the comments from the local officials were important, the key part of last week’s Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) meeting came after their impassioned requests when Chairman Edward Kasemeyer acknowledged receiving communications from the county’s citizens in support of the project. Kasemeyer then asked IAC Executive Director Alex Donahue to share more information with the board. Donahue said state funding is not eligible due to “available capacity” due to a state-rated formula that is now being fully implemented when in the past it was not adhered to with dedication. Nonetheless, Donahue said he “looks forward” to continuing the dialogue and investing time into an amenable solution. I took that to mean it’s not an option for the state to fund the requested $5.8 million of the overall $50 million-plus project.

“I would note that the rules under which this analysis is conducted have not changed significantly in many years,” Donahue said. “What is different between this year as compared with past years in which previous projects were evaluated is that the IAC now has the capacity to fully implement these rules to a degree which they may not have consistently been implemented in previous years. Nevertheless, IAC staff are looking forward to working through the next couple of months with Worcester County Public Schools and Worcester County to identify how the state may support improvements in the WCPS portfolio including Buckingham Elementary. We’re looking forward to this continued dialogue and appreciate very much the good efforts and time and investment made by all the presenters today from Worcester County as well as staff and look forward to more discussion on this topic in coming weeks.”

It was Kasemeyer’s comments that lead me to think other options are going to be presented to the county rather than a new Buckingham Elementary School, which is 45 years old and has not been renovated.

“I think Alex has a more comprehensive concept that hopefully might work for them,” Kasemeyer said. “He’s going to be in contact with them in the near future to try to work that out.” Board member Atif Chaudhry responded, “After Alex’s conversations with Worcester County it may be helpful just to provide us with some updates on next steps so we can have those as background, given the concerns with the community. I personally would love to learn more information about what options are available.”

It’s this talk of other options – such as combining Buckingham and Berlin Intermediate into one huge school building – that’s worrisome, as it appears to be a show of the IAC’s hand the state’s decision on new construction funding is going to stand. The details of these other options should be known in the coming months.

The public comment portion of this week’s Worcester County Board of Education meeting lasted for about two hours, but it was inspiring to hear all the passion from local parents, teachers and students.

An online group called Worcester United was formed shortly after the November school board meeting when some citizens in the county and elsewhere aired concerns over books available in high school libraries they deemed offensive and inappropriate. At that meeting, there were more speakers for banning books than opposed. At Tuesday’s meeting, the board room was full and there were far more speakers supportive of a diverse book selection and opposed to books bans.

Many of the speakers are affiliated with the Worcester United group, which has been meeting and the Facebook group has grown to 601 members in just a few weeks. The full public comment section of the meeting can be viewed on the school system’s YouTube channel.

Berlin resident Tony Weeg, a parent of a public school graduate and two current students, represented the Worcester United’s general premise, saying “Let us collectively reject all attempts to stifle this freedom, understanding that a well-rounded education is firmly built on exposure to a broad spectrum of ideas. We must actively champion the values of tolerance, diversity, and intellectual curiosity. By doing so, we not only enrich the educational experience for our students but also uphold the principles that form the bedrock of a democratic and enlightened society.”

After the public comments and a thorough review of existing procedures on book evaluation and selection, the school board made the right decision to not make any changes to its existing book review policy. There is an extensive procedure in place that’s appropriate and proper. Moving forward, it’s wise of the school system to provide some education to its parents about the process that currently exists about books. Parents have the ability to restrict what their kids check out if they desire, but most are simply unaware of this option. With books bans in the news across the country, it's wise to inform, or re-inform, parents of these rights.

Page 54

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

T

Puzzle Answers

December 22, 2023

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

PUZZLE ON PAGE 44

St. Paul’s

Episcopal Church 3 Church Street Berlin MD www.stpaulsberlin.org 410~641~4066

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP

9:30am Fourth Sunday of Advent Holy Eucharist 3:00pm Lessons & Carols at Historic St. Martin’s Church (No Live Stream) 6:15pm Pre-Service Special Music Program, featuring Katerina Burton 7:00pm Holy Eucharist Livestream On Our Facebook Page

he holiday buildup combined with the typical workload got the best of me this week. Therefore, I’m cheating a bit this week and looking back at some past Christmas reflections in this space. Forgive me for slacking but here goes with some memories.

2019: A morning spent in the emergency room will surely make this a Christmas I will never forget.

My oldest son, Becket is affectionately referred to around the house as “bruiser” because of his beefcake mentality. He’s a tough little boy with a disposition to match. I find him hilarious, particularly during meals of late when he consistently points to the high-chair tray and says “down, down, down,” meaning he wants the food put down in front of him now or at least at a quicker clip. He continued to live up to his nickname on Christmas Day when a mishap involving a box, containing a Diego toilet, and a wall led us to the ER. Christmas morning was a wonderful time, and, although Beckett is just 19 months old, he seemed to be enthralled with what transpired in the house from the time he went to bed on Christmas Eve to the next morning. The transformation was not lost on him. Carson, the 7-week-old, on the other hand, slept through all the excitement nearby.

After Beckett rummaged through some of the bigger toys and some of his new and cherished board books, we decided to open some gifts ourselves.

There we were enjoying the excitement of Christmas morning when we spotted Beckett standing atop the box, which was about eight inches off the floor.

This was nothing new and situations like this play out repeatedly around our house.

However, as luck would have it, just before I could get to him to bring him off the box, he clumsily fell backwards, hitting the wall with his head.

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(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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Once the great revealing took place, the kids went about opening their presents.

Beckett’s aggressive style was on full display, ripping open the gifts at a frenetic pace, commenting on what he saw and then moving on to the next wrapped box. Some gifts slowed him down more than others, while some, such as clothes and books, barely stopped him in his tracks.

On the other hand, Carson was methodical and probably would have been happy with his one large gift – a standup kitchen set, complete with burners, a refrigerator, microwave and other items. He loved it and at least initially did not seem too interested in the other gifts under the tree. Eventually, he turned his attention to them. It was a good thing because his big brother seemed intent on opening them as soon as were distracted.

For Beckett, the thrill is the opening of the gifts to see what he received and playing with them later, while Carson is more deliberate and seems to prefer to spread out the actual opening to enjoy the toys one-by-one as they are received. It sums up our kids and their unique personalities well actually.

Once all the gifts were opened and we forced breakfast on them, we pulled our annual Christmas morning surprise on them. Each year we hold back a big gift from Santa until later in the morning.

One year, for example, it was a backyard trampoline.

While the entire morning is befitting of videotaping, it’s this surprise that I think is the most treasured moment of the day because they truly were surprised. It started snowing a couple hours later.

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The only unusual aspect of this tumble was the fact he hit the corner of the wall. It was a direct hit, splitting open his head with a sizable gash. He takes harder falls daily in his numerous jaunts around the house, and I was initially unaware how serious it was because he quickly stopped crying.

Unfortunately, a few seconds after the fall, I turned him so my wife could look at the back of his head and she noticed he was bleeding heavily. A few minutes later, we were on our way to AGH. The entire ER experience and stitching lasted less than two hours, and it was a small blip on what was a busy Christmas day.

2012: Christmas can be stressful for parents of little ones, but it’s also the most special time of year and well worth any anxiety that it brings.

There we were at 7 on Christmas morning in our new holiday pajamas Pam buys each year, waiting for our boys to join us. Pam had already been up for more than an hour in case Beckett wandered downstairs before us.

The boys had already had a full Christmas and I think it caught up with them. Due to our large family, we had already had two Christmas celebrations that apparently tired them out.

Either way, a few minutes after 7 that morning, Pam and I were in their rooms pulling off their covers and reminding them what day it was.

It only took the one reminder for their excitement to return and ignite their curiosity of whether Santa had come. We should all be able to bounce out of bed as fast as they did and to be that nimble on our feet at 7 in the morning.

Once they were up, their enthusiasm was awesome to witness.

In his typical fashion, Beckett was the most anxious and enthusiastic to see what Santa brought him and his brother, Carson, who has adopted a more subdued approach to most things

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