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December 8, 2023

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Air Show Moved To August In 2024

See Page 4 • Photo by Chris Parypa

School Budget Priorities Outlined

Decatur Wins State Title: Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team won the Class 2A Maryland Champi-

onship last Thursday in Annapolis. Above junior Trybe Wise elevates to convert a critical fourth down attempt late in the game. Below, senior captains Gavin Solito and Brycen Coleman are pictured during last Saturday’s Ocean City Christmas Parade (see page 49 for more on parade). See page 50 for a special front page to commemorate the achievement.

Photos by J.P. Cathell Photography, above, and Nick Denny

See Page 20 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Gingerbread House Fever In Berlin

See Page 14 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Critical Buckingham Meeting Near

See Page 6 • Rendering by Becker Morgan

Page 2

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SERVING DELMARVA FOR 60 YEARS

December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023

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Page 4

Oc air show Moved to august Weekend

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

EvEry Friday

The Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori team, pictured above, will headline the 2024 OC Air Show, now set for Aug. 24-25.

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OCEAN CITY – While the OC Air Show will take place in August next year, officials say they plan to return the annual event to its traditional mid-June date in 2025, with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as the headline act.

In a break from tradition, next year’s OC Air Show will move from its customary mid-June weekend to Aug. 24-25, 2024, according to the Air Dot Show Tour, which produces the annual aviation event in Ocean City.

While the lineup has yet to be announced, it appears the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels will not make an appearance, as schedules for both demonstration teams list them performing in other cities. According to the OC Air Show website, next year's event will feature the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori team.

“The Air Show in Ocean City has become a staple event in our summer season,” said Tom Perlozzo, Ocean City’s director of tourism and business development. “We understand that our residents and visitors are accustomed to enjoying the event in June, but due to challenges out of our control, the event will take place in August 2024.

Though a break in tradition, we think the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori, which will fly in honor of the NATO 75th Anniversary, will bring the same great crowds to Ocean City as in years past.”

He continued, “We do know our promoter is working hard to announce additional acts as well. We are confident that the Air Show will be equally enjoyed in August as in previous years, and we are very excited to welcome the Blue Angels on the traditional June weekend in 2025.”

When reached for comment Tuesday, City Manager Terry McGean said the town worked closely with Air Dot Show Tour CEO Bryan Lilley to bring the air show to Ocean City. He noted, however, that the promoter faced several challenges in securing major U.S. military jet teams for the 2024 event.

“This year, we were informed of various challenges he faced with the event's timing regarding jet team availability, both the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds were fully booked for the entire 2024 season,” McGean said. “After internal discussions with Mr. Lilley, the Mayor and City Council agreed to work with him to host the 2024 event in late August in order to have an opportunity to host the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori in honor of the NATO 75th Anniversary. Our residents and visitors have come to enjoy the wonderful display the Air Show brings, and we believe the Air Show will still be a tremendous success this year, as it has been in years past.”

SEE NEXT PAGE

… Blue Angels To Return In 2025

December 8, 2023

In 2022, the Ocean City Council voted to approve a terms sheet with the OC Air Show promoter that outlined the town’s desires to have no less than one major military jet team – the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, or two or more U.S. military single ship jet demonstrations – headline the annual event. The modified terms sheet allowed the town to move forward with negotiations on a formal three-year contract, a departure from the year-to-year memorandum of understanding it had with the promoter.

While next year’s air show will host the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori in August, McGean reported the town plans to return the event to its traditional mid-June date in 2025, with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as the headline act.

In the meantime, Perlozzo said his department is looking to add events to the 2024 summer calendar, including in June, when the air show was originally scheduled to return.

Officials add that there are no plans to move any other events in the 2024 calendar, including Jeep Fest, which is slated to return to Ocean City Aug. 2225, 2024. In an interview Tuesday, Jeep Fest promoter Brad Hoffman said he would work with the town to hold his event alongside the air show.

“I think more is better in this case,” he said. “I think we can both enjoy the

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

crossover and promote both events … ,” he said. “Jeeps and jets, it’s a great idea. Together, we can co-exist.”

The Air Dot Show Tour will visit six travel destinations in 2024, with each event featuring aircraft demonstrations from various military branches and civilian aviators.

Marking their return to the U.S. for the first time since 1992, the Frecce Tricolori will showcase their skills at two destinations: New York, commemorating the 500th anniversary of Giovanni da Verrazzano’s landing in 1524, and Ocean City, in honor of the 75th anniversary of NATO. Officially known as the 313° Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico, Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale, Frecce Tricolori, was established in 1961 and operates the Aermacchi MB-339-A/PAN, a twoseat fighter-trainer aircraft. With 10 aircraft, including nine in close formation and a soloist, they boast the title of the world's largest acrobatic patrol.

"Air Dot Show Tour events appeal to a diverse audience far beyond just aviation enthusiasts, encompassing destination travelers, families, thrill seekers, and people of all ages,” Lilley said. “Our events are a groundbreaking fusion of outdoor festival vibes and a high-flying aviation spectacular, offering a revolutionary blend of a center stage production with the exhilarating performances of an air show.”

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Page 5

Local Officials To Advocate For Buckingham Funding

Page 6

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NEWARK – While local officials will appeal to the Interagency Committee on School Construction next week, as of right now state funding for a new Buckingham Elementary School is deferred.

School system officials were advised Tuesday that Interagency Committee on School Construction (IAC) staff said Buckingham Elementary School was not eligible for funding. Nevertheless, Superintendent Lou Taylor and Sen. Mary Beth Carozza are expected to request an appeal of that determination at an IAC meeting next week.

“We are still very hopeful we’re moving down the right road but we can’t let off the accelerator on this,” Taylor said.

At the start of a public budget input meeting this week, Joe Price, the school

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

system’s facilities planner, told the school board he’d gotten an update from IAC staff just hours earlier. He said IAC staff recommended preliminary funding approval for roof replacements at Snow Hill Middle School and Cedar Chapel Special School and design funding for a new roof at Pocomoke Elementary School.

“The staff providing a ‘C’ funding status for the Buckingham replacement school project,” Price said. “‘C’ means deferred and not currently eligible for planning or funding approval pending IAC review or unresolved LEA issues. The IAC staff did not provide the Buckingham project a ‘D’ funding status. ‘D’ means denied and not eligible for planning or funding approval, so the window for Buckingham IAC approval remains open.”

He said the school system would submit a written appeal and that Taylor and Carozza would also appear before the IAC

via Zoom on Dec. 14 to speak on the need for a new school. He said the next round of IAC recommendations would be issued in March.

“I want to make sure the board knows we received this today, Mr. Price was in my office at 3 o’clock,” Taylor said. “We just received this today. I wanted to keep you in the loop as I promised before and I also want to share with you that this information will go to the commissioners first thing tomorrow morning so I’m communicating with them as well.”

School board member Jon Andes, the county’s former superintendent, said this situation was déjà vu for him. He recalled many other years of going to the state and begging for money only to get 26% or 27% for these types of projects.

“It’s very frustrating for all of us,” he said. “I know Mr. Price and the entire team has worked very hard in trying to convince

December 8, 2023

the staff of the IAC to provide the necessary funding that they should and ought to provide for the Buckingham Elementary School project. It’s frustrating for me to once again have to go through this process, argue with the state and go back and forth. When I was superintendent of schools we did this five times for five major projects. It just seems to get old after awhile that we’re building a quality facility for our students in Worcester County and once again the state is not supporting us.”

He said he was hopeful that Taylor and other local representatives would make a good case for the state funding during the IAC meeting.

“It’s about time the state steps up and pays their fair share,” Andes said.

Taylor said any local residents interested in writing letters of support for the project could send those to Alex Donahue, executive director of the IAC. Though planning for a new facility to replace the aging Buckingham has been in the works for years, news that the state would not be providing funding for the project was shared this fall. State officials advised the school system that because there was space in schools considered adjacent, there was no need for a new facility. In the weeks since, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Del. Wayne Hartman and Del. Charles Otto have pressed Gov. Wes Moore and his administration for state funding for the project.

“The Buckingham Elementary community has been patiently waiting for nearly 20 years while a new Ocean City Elementary School (2005) and a new Showell Elementary School (2020) were built,” a Nov. 28 letter from the officials reads. “It is now time to build the Buckingham Replacement School and to provide our Buckingham Elementary students with the school and the future they deserve.”

SHA To Begin Rt. 90 Improvement Project

BERLIN – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin a pipe rehabilitation and drainage improvement project along Route 90 (Ocean City Expressway) near Berlin in Worcester County on Monday, Dec. 11.

The project is expected to be completed by mid-February, weather permitting.

The project includes the installation of barrier walls to create a safe work zone, followed by the repair of a pipe that carries a tributary of Church Branch under the roadway.

Beginning Monday, the State Highway Administration’s contractor, Covington Machine and Welding Inc. of Annapolis, will begin to repair the pipe. The project also includes slope stabilization within the project limits. Crews will work weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Motorists should expect complete shoulder closures and intermittent single-lane closures during these work hours.

Officials Talk Chamber Name Change

December 8, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – A local chamber of commerce’s name change has prompted concern and criticism from several local officials.

In the wake of the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce’s name change to the Worcester County Chamber of Commerce, Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino and Ocean Pines Association (OPA) President Rick Farr have expressed their displeasure with the new moniker. Bertino worries about confusion with Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development and the fact that Ocean Pines businesses are losing their identity, and Farr says he is hearing from businesses upset about the change.

“The board as a whole does not support the name change and finds it very disappointing that the business community of Ocean Pines no longer has the distinct recognition of having a chamber of commerce,” Farr said. “I have received many calls from the business community and they are very upset with the change. While the board does not get involved with the day-to-day operations of Ocean Pines, we do represent residents who are business owners in our community. Local chambers such as the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce should be the single advocate that best to represents the community and the local businesses that reside within it.”

Worcester County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kerrie Bunting, however, believes the name change will better reflect the organization’s efforts and will strengthen Worcester County.

“Within Worcester County, we are fortunate enough to have a county Office of Economic Development and Tourism, multiple town Offices of Economic Development, Tourism Departments, and five independent Chambers of Commerce,” she said. “All of these entities work in concert toward the common goal of attracting, retaining, and supporting businesses and nonprofits. Is there overlap? Definitely, that’s where collaboration and cooperation come into play.

But there are also distinct functions each can offer the others to accomplish that goal. While the concept of a chamber utilizing the name of their home county is new for Worcester, it is far from unique.”

Bunting shared news of the chamber’s name change with partners last month. Bertino, a past president of the chamber, expressed his thoughts regarding the new name at the close of this week’s commissioners meeting.

“The assertion that the Worcester County Chamber of Commerce is better positioned to advocate for Worcester County and the entire lower shore region and best suited to assist county agencies in achieving these goals is inaccurate,” he said. “It is disappointing and dismissive of the worthy efforts and accomplishments of Worcester County

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Tourism and Economic Development as well as the businesses and individuals who support the chambers of commerce in Ocean City, Berlin, Snow Hill and Pocomoke.”

He said Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development had a team of folks that engaged with local chambers to promote commerce and showcase local communities.

“Worcester County Economic Development and Tourism is best suited to represent and articulate, in collaboration with the local chambers, these benefits and values at the regional, state and federal levels,” he said. “ It is counterproductive to this tradition that a single local chamber would set itself apart as a countywide entity and whether intended or not, eclipse and alienate the efforts of the local chambers of commerce and Worcester County Economic Development and Tourism.”

Bunting, however, said there was no reason the chamber couldn’t work collaboratively with Worcester County and other local groups.

“Chambers of commerce have existed in symbiotic partnerships with county and town economic development departments for decades,” she said. “To imply that they cannot coexist and join forces to improve the area’s economic health and stability does a disservice to both agencies. Chambers focus on the private sector. They provide support to individual businesses or nonprofits by offering networking, marketing, and educational opportunities. As chambers are nonprofits, they are able to advocate for or against legislation that may affect their members. All chambers are governed by their own board of directors, who are themselves local business owners. Another major function of chambers is as a community event organizer. Festivals, parades, tournaments, exhibitions, are all events chambers facilitate for residents and visitors.”

Reaction to the change within the community appears to be mixed. Marlene Ott, a local real estate broker, said “Why?” was the question she kept hearing.

“I suppose it’s a good thing but I’m not sure losing the Ocean Pines ‘branding’ is worth it,” she said.

John Viola, general manager of the Ocean Pines Association, said he met with Bunting Tuesday afternoon and confirmed that the association was considering leaving the chamber.

“We met with Chamber leadership and encouraged them to change the name back or at least incorporate ‘Ocean Pines’ into the new name,” Viola said in a statement. “We are reevaluating our membership at this time.”

Bertino made his reservations about the change clear as well.

“I believe county government should not support, encourage, promote or engage in any activity or effort by the newly named Worcester County Chamber of Commerce that undercuts or diminishes the roles of the other chambers within SEE PAGE 51

Page 7

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CIP Approved Without School Administration Building

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – County officials approved a five-year capital improvement plan after removing funding for a school system administration building this week.

The Worcester County Commissioners voted 4-3 to approve the fiscal year 2025 through 2029 capital improvement plan (CIP) on Tuesday. A $37 million new central office for Worcester County Public Schools was removed from the plan.

“I believe, with repairs and upkeep of that building that could be another 10 years before we had to do it,” Commissioner Caryn Abbott said.

Lynn Wright, the county’s senior budget accountant, presented the commissioners on Tuesday with the FY20252029 CIP. The requested plan included

projects totaling not quite $219 million over the five-year period. Wright said that $40 million, or 18%, of the project funding would come from assigned funds while nearly $128 million, or 58%, would come from bonds. The remainder would come from grants, matching funds, state loans or user fees.

Wright stressed that the CIP was a planning document.

“Inclusion of a project in the plan does not constitute a guarantee of funding from the county,” she said.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic questioned the inclusion of $5 million for broadband in the plan.

“We haven’t had an update from Talkie or any of the people that are doing installs…,” he said. “I think we need at least semiannual updates from people before we start putting money in the CIP.”

Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said an update was scheduled for January. He added that the $1 million a year included in the CIP was flexible but was included so that the county would have money for matching grants when it was needed.

“You all will approve whatever grants we go to partner with,” he said. “We definitely want our money to go as far as possible.”

Abbott said she’d like to see the $37 million school system administration building removed from the plan. The school system wants to replace the current central office, which is the old Worcester High School, built in 1952, with a new structure.

Mitrecic said just because something was in the plan didn’t mean it would be funded. His motion to approve the entire

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CIP, including the school system building, failed with a 3-4 vote.

“I’d just like to remind my colleagues here this is a wish list,” Mitrecic said.

“Every one of these projects would have to be voted on at a separate time and place. To include some of these things, I’m not exactly thrilled about the $5 million for the broadband but it is part of a wish list for the county so I include it. The central office is on the wish list for the board of education doesn’t mean we’re ever going to do it. I don’t think striking it off completely is the right thing to do. I think it’s part of their wish list just like any other department’s wish list.”

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked if the new administration building was on the school system’s CIP. Young said it was not.

“Their CIP is meant for the state,” he said. “It would be projects the state would fund. It’s highly unlikely the state would fund an administrative building.”

A motion to approve the CIP without the school system administrative building in it passed 4-3 with Mitrecic, Commissioner Diana Purnell and Commissioner Ted Elder opposed.

“That building they have there is older than half the buildings in the whole county, private or government,” Elder said. “To put it on the wish list is just the first step.”

Following the meeting, Bertino said he’d supported removing the school system’s administrative building because it wasn’t likely to be funded in the next five years with the variety of other projects underway.

“The CIP is a planning document,” he said. “The reality is in the next five years it’s very unlikely we’re going to move forward on a new administrative building.”

Commissioner Eric Fiori said the county had other projects that took precedence.

“There are so many more pressing issues such as building Buckingham, our teachers being significantly underpaid, as well as the support staff, and bus contractors,” he said in a Facebook post. “To allocate $37 million for a new administration building for a five-year plan, I just have to disagree with it, and I needed that to be struck off the CIP so we can move some of these funds over to getting our teachers the pay they deserve.”

He said that when he voted earlier this year to approve a maintenance of effort budget for the school system, he emphasized the lack of transparency and accuracy within the school system’s budget.

“To my point, a very recent discovery by an independent auditor of a $1 million surplus due to previously inaccurate financial records,” Fiori said. “This was just discovered. Yet, there were to be many cuts due to a perceived lack of funding.

It's not a lack of funding problem, it's a lack of accurate accounting. My primary concern is ensuring fair compensation for dedicated teachers, support staff, and bus drivers. I advocate not only for transparency from the Board of Education but also for accurate financial accounting to guarantee that funds are allocated appropriately.”

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OCEAN CITY – A federal agency will parse through more than 1,000 comments as it drafts a final impact statement for US Wind’s offshore project.

On Nov. 20, the public comment period for US Wind’s draft environmental impact statement closed, setting in motion the next phase of the federal approval process. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will now review the 1,150 comments provided and begin formulating a final impact statement for the company’s construction and operations plan (COP).

“After BOEM holds the public hearings and addresses comments provided, BOEM will publish a final environmental impact statement (FEIS),” said BOEM’s Lissa Eng. “The FEIS will inform BOEM's decision whether to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the COP.” In October, BOEM announced a draft environmental impact statement on US Wind’s COP would be available for public review. In the weeks that followed, the federal agency held several virtual and in-person meetings allowing community members to view the company’s plans for its offshore wind project, located off the coast of Ocean City.

Those in opposition argue the project would not only affect offshore fishing grounds and wildlife, but the viewshed.

Community members also shared their concerns that the placement of wind turbines off the coast would impact property values.

Those in support, however, say the project supports renewable energy goals and local jobs.

As proposed, US Wind plans to construct up to 121 wind turbines, up to four offshore substation platforms and one meteorological tower within an offshore lease area located approximately 8.7 nautical miles from Ocean City’s shoreline and nine nautical miles from Sussex County, Del. If approved, BOEM reports the project could generate between 1,100 and 2,200 megawatts of renewable energy for the Delmarva Peninsula and support up to 2,600 jobs annually throughout the development and construction phases.

In a public meeting this fall, BOEM’s Lorena Edenfield said comments collected from the public will be used to finalize the EIS, which could be released as early as next summer.

“At that point, the final EIS goes to our decision maker, and they will decide whether to approve the action as proposed, approve it with modifications, or to disapprove it,” she explained.

Additional information on Maryland’s offshore wind project, including visual impact assessments and US Wind’s Construction and Operations Plan, can be found at https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/marylandoffshore-wind.

Page 9

Fisher’s Popcorn 146th St. O.C. MD

Resort Planners Revise Garage Parking Recs

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A new recommendation on garage parking will advance to the Mayor and Council with the favorable vote of a resort commission.

Limited to just the scope of parking dimensions, members of the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday voted to send a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and City Council that would increase the size of garage parking spaces. Commissioner Palmer Gillis said the increase would offer more space for

off-street parking in neighborhoods.

“If we’re restricted to only talking about interior, closed garage spaces, I know two, 10-foot spaces do not work for a two-car garage, flat out, take it to the bank,” he said. “So if we have to do that I think we need to bump up our recommendation as far as the width of the parking space on an enclosed garage.”

In November, the Ocean City Council voted to send proposed code amendments on off-street parking back to the planning commission for revisions. As proposed, the commission recommended the town change the dimensions of enclosed park-

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ing spaces on lots greater than 50 feet wide to 10-by-21 feet. The amendment would also require a five-foot driveway apron and changes to off-street parking for multifamily dwellings. Two-and-a-half parking spaces would be required for each three-bedroom unit, with a minimum of one space being unenclosed.

At its November meeting, council members argued the proposed code changes went above and beyond what was asked of the commission. Officials say resort planners were only directed to review the town’s code on garage parking dimensions.

“Right now, the recommendation is very different from what the instructions were,” Councilman Peter Buas said at the time.

Back on Tuesday’s planning commission agenda, Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville told commissioners they had been instructed to limit their discussions to parking dimensions. He said members had an opportunity to reconsider their recommendation.

“I think there was some interest on the on the council that they did in fact want to talk about some of your other recommendations,” he said. “But it was clear that there should be a recommendation coming forward from the commission that it be limited to just the parking space dimensions.”

For his part, Gillis argued if the commission was forced to abandon its recommendations for additional unenclosed parking, it should recommend a larger

December 8, 2023

garage parking space.

“If we’re restricted to size only, which I think is foolish since we’re only creating more storage space for the owners to not park in a bigger, two-car garage … 12-by24 feet for single spaces is the smallest I see possible,” he said.

Commissioner Kevin Rohe agreed, noting his company often constructed garage spaces 12 feet wide. He said anything smaller could result in a safety issue.

“I mean if you went into cardiac arrest in your garage, you couldn't get out,” he said. “It literally boils down to almost life safety.”

Commissioner Joel Brous, however, said a 10-foot width worked better on lots more than 50 feet wide.

“If you go to 12 feet wide on a 100-foot lot, you hinder someone’s property and what they can do,” he said. “That’s why I think 10 is a nice compromise.”

After further discussion, the commission voted to forward a parking size of 12by-24 feet to the Mayor and Council with a favorable recommendation.

Commission Chair Joe Wilson said other recommendations presented to the Mayor and Council could be discussed at a joint session scheduled for January.

“Anything that is not dimensions, we should save for that joint hearing in January,” he said. “I think there’s a lot to be discussed. But let’s save it for that meeting, so we can hear what they have to say and they can hear what we have to say.”

December 8, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 11

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Federal Agency Questions Town’s Dredging Window

Page 12

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials say disagreements over a dredging window could impact the timeline for a dredging project in the Little Assawoman Bay. On Tuesday, Councilman Bill Rymer told members of the Fenwick Island Dredging Committee that the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were working through a disagreement regarding the town’s dredging window. While the town hopes to start a dredging project next spring, he said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is disputing the project’s timeline.

“Until we can get the Army Corps to review the work from DNREC and agree

with them, while we have not yet received an Army Corps permit, I would expect that’s going to impose a dredge window restriction,” he told the committee. “That’s obviously extremely disappointing since our local experts, DNREC Fish and Wildlife, have a lot more intimate knowledge of this area and why they reached the conclusion to not require a window. And I’m hopeful they can present the information to the Army Corps so the Army Corps, which is the federal level, will follow suit with the local expertise.”

In mid-July, the town received a memo from DNREC Fish and Wildlife noting the town’s dredging project would not be constrained to a dredging window and could occur at any time throughout the calendar year. With that confirmation, members of the dredging committee began planning for a dredging project to take place in the

spring of 2024.

“Typically in other areas you can’t dredge between March 1 and September 30,” Rymer explained. “But DNREC said we don’t have those restrictions, so we are able to dredge in the spring.”

Rymer, however, told committee members Tuesday a representative from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had reached out to him after reading his comments in an article from The Dispatch. He said the representative questioned why Rymer believed the town could dredge in the spring.

“I have asked DNREC to provide that information to the Army Corps with the hopes that once the Army Corps receives that information and it’s shared with National Marine Fishery Services, that they will reach the same conclusion DNREC did,” he said.

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Rymer said if the federal agency decides to impose a dredging restriction, the town’s dredging project could not begin until Oct. 1, 2024. He said that also impacted the town’s partnership with Carl M. Freeman Companies, which will use the dredged material at one of its nearby properties.

“I spoke with the representative for the landowner, and they will accept dredge material in the fall of 2024 …,” he said.

“One important point the representative made was our work absolutely has to be done by December 31. So they are willing to work with us – and I sincerely appreciate their flexibility on this – but we have to be done by the 31st of December and all of our equipment removed.”

Rymer said if the Army Corps established a dredging window, the town could seek a waiver to start work in September.

He said he expected dredging crews to be in the water for 45 to 60 days.

“Every week, every day, counts,” he said. “So if the Army Corps sticks with the current timeframe, if we could get this waiver approved, we could gain back one full month in September.”

Committee member Andy Emerson questioned what would happen if the project was delayed.

“Is it right to assume that if, somehow or another, we were delayed in that second 90-day window from October through December, that essentially we would be reset for this entire project?” he asked.

“Wouldn’t we need to find a new dredge location for the material?”

Rymer said if the project were delayed, the town would have to start over and find another location to place the dredged material. In that case, he said the town could reach out to Seatowne – a community that had expressed interest in using the material to rebuild its wetlands – or it could work with the state to reconstruct Seal Island.

“Seal Island would take a lot more effort because ultimately we’d have to get the state of Delaware to approve us to reconstitute that island,” he said. “Based on our work with them, it would take at least two years.”

Emerson noted that the town’s infrastructure committee was working on initiatives to protect the town from sea level rise. He questioned if the material could be used to shore up street ends that did not have bulkheads.

“If this does get delayed, we would open it up and see if a portion of it could be used for sea level rise protection for our town …,” Rymer replied. “But we still need an area large enough to receive a bulk of the material coming out of the two channels.”

Despite the setback, Rymer said the town continues to work with Anchor QEA, the Lewes-based engineering firm, to develop a bid package. If permits from DNREC and the Army Corps are received in the coming weeks, he said the town could put the project out to bid in late January.

“Obviously, this issue about the dredge window should not impact DNREC’s permit, but we will continue to work with the Army Corps in the hopes we can get that window opened up …,” he said. “Hopefully our permit won’t be delayed as a result of that.”

December 8, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Gingerbread House Tradition Endures In Berlin

December 8, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A gingerbread house created as model of the Moore family home on South Main Street in Berlin is on display in the Atlantic Hotel dining room.

Submitted Image

BERLIN – A gingerbread tradition is once again on display in Berlin’s Atlantic Hotel.

For the sixth year in a row, the Atlantic Hotel’s Laura Stearns has recreated one of the town’s iconic structures in gingerbread. This year’s masterpiece, a gingerbread model of the Moore family home on South Main Street, is now on display inside the hotel.

“I do it because I think it’s fun for both the Atlantic Hotel and for the Town of Berlin,” said Stearns, who manages the hotel.

“It is one more thing that makes this town such a special place, especially at Christmas. And I love the challenge of bringing a local building to life in gingerbread. I never know if I can actually do it until it’s ‘glued’ together.”

Several years ago, a town-wide competition encouraged businesses to create gingerbread houses for a friendly competition among downtown shops. Stearns’ entry, which not surprisingly was a gingerbread rendition of the Atlantic Hotel, was so popular with customers she decided to put together another gingerbread creation the following year. She’s continued the tradition ever since.

This year, she decided to build the Joe and Susan Moore home on South Main Street because she loved the way the home’s Christmas tree could be seen through its windows. While she wasn’t actually able to get the tree inside the home on the finished product, the rest of the edible edifice is nearly identical to the historic home.

With the help of her family, Stearns spent weeks making the gingerbread, assembling the walls, pouring windows, adding siding and then trimming it with frosting. They experimented to get the details right, finally deciding on sticks of chewing gum broken into small pieces for the roof’s shingles. In the end, Stearns SEE PAGE 42

Gillis Issues Apology To Mayor, Council

December 8, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City Planning Commission member has issued a public apology for comments made against the Mayor and Council.

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission, commission member Palmer Gillis shared a public apology for remarks he made against the Mayor and Council at a November meeting. His comments centered around the council’s decision to return proposed code amendments on offstreet parking to the commission for revision.

“I would like to offer a public apology for the hasty statement that I made suggesting the council is in the pockets of the builders and developers and the real estate agents,” he said. “I also extend that to my fellow commission members.”

In October, the planning commission agreed to forward a new code amendment on off-street garage parking to the Mayor and Council with a favorable recommendation. As proposed, the amendment would change the dimensions of enclosed parking spaces on lots greater than 50 feet wide, require a five-foot driveway apron, and change off-street parking regulations for multifamily dwellings.

In early November, however, the Ocean City Council voted to send the recommended changes back to the commission, citing that the commission’s version of the code amendment did not align with what was discussed in last year’s joint meeting between the commission and the Mayor and Council.

At the following commission meeting on Nov. 21, Gillis shared his frustrations with the Mayor and Council, noting it was the second such recommendation on offstreet parking to be sent back. He argued the planning commission was wasting its time and alleged the council was “in the pocket of the builders, and developers and real estate agents.”

In a letter to the editor sent to The Dispatch Monday, Council President Matt James requested Gillis issue a public apology for his statements.

“With this lack of discipline, and professionalism, and Mr. Gillis’ loose talk, he has undermined the integrity of the Planning Commission and has soured the relationship with the City Council,” James wrote.

“Mr. Gillis making these baseless claims about members of the Council when they disagree or don’t accept a recommendation is unacceptable. Mr. Gillis owes each member of the City Council an apology, and I plan to address this topic further at our next public meeting.”

During his comments Tuesday, Gillis acknowledged James’ letter and issued a public apology.

“I would like to withdraw my statement,” he said. “For the record, it was wrong for me to have suggested that.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

Page 18

Electrical Wiring Cited As Fire Cause

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 2023

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BERLIN – The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated a residential structure fire off Route 50 Monday morning.

At 11:05 a.m., the Berlin Fire Company was alerted for a structure fire at 10849 Saint Martins Road near Berlin.

Upon arrival, crews observed fire and smoke coming from the front of a single-story home. Firefighters worked to quickly bring the fire under control and search for any occupants still inside. Crews then remained on scene for approximately 90 minutes performing overhaul operations, ensuring the fire was completely extinguished.

Deputies from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and conducted a thorough fire scene examination. Deputies determined the fire originated in the family room due to faulty electrical wiring.

Three residents who live in the home are being assisted by the American Red Cross as they are temporarily displaced.

Berlin was assisted by Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Showell and Willards Volunteer Fire Departments.

December 8, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

Page 20

school Board holds Budget input session The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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NEWARK – Concerns about teachers leaving Worcester County Public Schools for better pay elsewhere dominated a budget hearing this week.

On Tuesday, the Worcester County Board of Education hosted a public budget input session. Numerous speakers expressed their worries that teachers would begin to leave Worcester County if their pay wasn’t increased.

“They feel unappreciated and undervalued,” said Beth Shockley-Lynch, president of the Worcester County Teachers Association. “They are facing the challenge of remaining in Worcester County, a place they love and have been dedicated to, or leaving to go to one of our neighbors because the compensation is significantly above ours.”

As it does each December, the school system hosted a public input session in preparation for development of the coming year’s budget. Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert provided an overview of the current budget in advance of the hearing.

He said the school system had a $125 million budget primarily funded by county government. He noted that the school system did have a $1.5 million

surplus but said it was considered a best practice to end the year with a surplus because officials could never know exactly what expenditures would be.

“We needed it in case things come up,” he said, adding that as directed by the Worcester County Commissioners the school system had used most of the surplus to go toward school system retirees’ health insurance costs.

Tolbert added that 86.5% of the school system’s budget was spent on people.

“We have long believed the reason for our success in Worcester County Public Schools is our low class sizes,” he said. “The low class sizes do cost money. It is expensive but we strongly believe and we have for a long time that’s why we’re so successful.”

Tolbert said the county’s current year funding was at the maintenance of effort (MOE) level, which meant it was the same amount of funding on a per pupil basis the school system received the prior year. He said MOE didn’t include allowances for inflation or health insurance cost increase.

He said the MOE budget left the school system $1.6 million in the hole, which is why cuts were made to things like outdoor graduations and summer school programs at some schools. Tolbert said that at slightly more than

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December 8, 2023

$50,000, Worcester County’s starting teachers were the lowest paid in the state.

“I never thought I’d see Worcester at last in starting teacher salary but that’s where we are,” he said.

Tolbert presented four potential scenarios for salary adjustments next year.

He said a salary step increase and no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) would leave WCPS with a $3.91 million budget shortfall while a salary step and a 2% COLA would result in a budget shortfall of over $5.8 million. A salary step and a 4% COLA would lead to a shortfall of $7.45 million while a salary step and a 6% COLA would lead to a budget shortfall of $9.22 million.

Nevertheless, most speakers asked the school board to ensure teachers in Worcester County had competitive salaries. Mike Ewing, a parent of an Ocean City Elementary School student, said fewer teachers would lead to larger class sizes.

“Make your voices heard amongst the commissioners and please do not settle for anything less than what is best for this county,” he said.

Willy Brown of Pocomoke said the county would lose teachers if a maintenance of effort budget was approved for the second year in a row. Berlin Intermediate School parent Kim Jackson agreed.

“Maintenance of effort will mean staffing cuts,” she said. “Maintaining small class sizes is crucial.”

Snow Hill Middle School parent Amanda Bunting agreed.

“If the county passes a maintenance of effort budget for the school system it means staffing cuts,” she said. “We are successful because of the low student to teacher ratio in our classes.”

There were also requests for adequate funding for materials of instruction.

“The provision of instructional materials should not be reliant on donations and fundraisers,” said Tom Harris, a parent speaking for Snow Hill High School.

Shockley-Lynch said that while Worcester was consistently the highest performing school system in the state, it had the lowest starting salary.

“Other counties have made education a priority,” she said. “They have given consistently yearly COLAs that range from 3% to 9% depending on the year in order to keep quality people in education.”

She said a teacher with 10 years experience could make $8,000 more in Wicomico County than that teacher would make in Worcester.

“Other departments in the county received significant increases…,” she said.

“Right now it feels like our teachers are the only ones that are being cut.”

Other parents echoed the calls for teacher raises.

SEE PAGE 43

December 8, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 21

Planners To Begin Court Denies Motion In Mailloux Appeal Comp Plan Review

Page 22

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – The Appellate Court of Maryland will convene in March to hear oral arguments regarding the dismissal of charges against Tyler Mailloux.

Last Friday, the Appellate Court of Maryland denied a motion from the Office of the Attorney General seeking to advance oral arguments in the appeals case involving Mailloux, a local man who was charged earlier this year in the hit-and-run death of 14-year-old Gavin Knupp. The motion, unopposed by Mailloux’s legal counsel, asked the court to move its argument date from the March 2024 session to the February 2024 session and to set a corresponding due date of Jan. 22 for a reply brief.

“Given the importance of the jurisdictional issues in this case, and given that Gavin Knupp’s tragic death occurred almost seventeen months ago, the State respectfully requests that this Court advance argument in this case to the February 2024

session of this Court,” the motion reads.

In April, 17 traffic charges – including failure to immediately stop at the scene of an accident involving bodily injury and failure to immediately stop a vehicle at the scene of an accident involving death – were filed against Mailloux, 23, of Berlin, in the death of Knupp last July.

Knupp was struck and killed by a motorist in a black Mercedes while crossing Greys Corner Road on July 11, 2022.

Knupp was returning to a vehicle driven by his older sister and died from injuries sustained in the collision. Mailloux allegedly fled the scene and did not return, according to charges filed. Six days after the incident, the Mercedes identified as the vehicle in the collision was seized from a local home.

During a motions hearing on Aug. 18, Judge Brett Wilson granted a motion to dismiss the case against Mailloux in Worcester County Circuit Court over lack of jurisdiction, although he noted that charges could be refiled in district court. Immedi-

ately following the ruling, the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a notice to appeal.

Since that time, both the attorney general’s office and the office of the public defender, Mailloux’s legal counsel, have filed briefs with the Appeals Court of Maryland.

While the state argues that relevant statutes gave both the district and circuit courts concurrent jurisdiction over all charges filed in the case, the appellee opined that the “plain language” of the statute indicates charges in the case should have been filed in district court.

Both parties have also asked that oral arguments be heard. While the court is scheduled to hear oral arguments at its March proceedings, the state last Tuesday issued a motion to advance oral arguments to the February session and to set a filing date of Jan. 22 for its reply brief.

Last Friday, however, the Appellate Court of Maryland denied the motion. Oral arguments will be heard in March, at a date to be determined.

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BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort planners will begin a 10-year review of the town’s comprehensive plan this month.

On Dec. 19, members of the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission will hold the first of several monthly meetings to review the town’s comprehensive plan. Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville said the technical review process would start with an introduction in December and monthly meetings beginning in January.

“I think this time around we're proposing a different schedule, one that's a lot quicker to get to the point of being ready to go out for public hearing,” he said.

Neville told community members the last comprehensive plan update was completed in 2017 and adopted in 2018. While the upcoming process would be similar, he said each meeting would focus on certain topics.

“Rather than going in numerical order, I propose that we group some of the chapters together that have common topics and themes,” he said. If you're ready to move forward with this schedule at the next meeting on the 19th, we would be able to just review the introduction chapter, which was new the last time. It was an opportunity to summarize a lot of the basic themes of the comp plan and what was being proposed as changes.”

Neville said the following meetings would then focus on certain chapters. January, he explained, would be dedicated to population characteristics and economic development, while February would be dedicated to land use, community character and housing.

“The housing element is one of the main ones that the state has mandated that we do an update for …,” he said.

“We need to tackle that fairly early in the process so that we understand what the implications are after we look at the housing element section.”

Neville said it was also an opportunity to invite the Maryland Department of Planning to the commission’s meeting.

“Housing is a big topic with a lot of new legislation that we have to respond to,” he said, “and they have a wealth of information about it in terms of guidance.”

Neville said the commission would then review transportation and downtown development in March, community facilities and public safety in April, and implementation in May. Neville told commission members the goal was to have a draft document available for public input in June. Any comments, he said, could then be added to the comprehensive plan.

“I think we can focus on just a couple of things that need to be changed, and then that frees up time to address any new topics that come out of the discussion,” he said.

After further discussion, the commission agreed to dedicate the second commission meeting of each month to a comprehensive plan review, beginning Dec. 19 at 6 p.m.

December 8, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 23

Crack, Weapon Charges OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore man’s open container consumption in a parked car led to drug and assault charges last month.

On Nov. 24, around 11 p.m., Ocean City police observed a 2007 Toyota Camry in the parking lot of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center occupied by four individuals. A police officer observed a male, Sentell Burks, 26, drinking from a bottle of New Amsterdam vodka from the backseat with the vehicle’s door ajar and the inside light on.

A search of the vehicle initially revealed nothing. While police were preparing to transport him for processing for the open container violation, Burks removed his seatbelt and opened the vehicle’s door, telling police he needed to spit. The officer allowed Burks to spit and then attempted to place his seatbelt on him. Burks refused to turn his head away from the officer and attempted to “bite my fingers, jerking his head quickly toward my hand,” according to the statement of charges.

At police headquarters, Burks told the officer he had a knife on him in his sock.

While he was being transferred to booking staff, Burks dropped a “Tic Tac” container with a white crystal rock inside recognized by the officer as crack cocaine.

Burks was charged with second-degree assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of a controlled dangerous substance of schedule II (cocaine) and two counts of open container of alcohol.

Drug Possession Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Maryland motorist’s speedy ways led to police discovering drugs on him and inside his vehicle.

On Nov. 27, shortly after midnight, Oc-

COPS & COURTS ean City police officers were conducting an impaired driving enforcement detail and located a suspected impaired driver around 16th Street and Baltimore Avenue.

The 2017 Blue Honda Civic had reportedly driven through a red light at North Division Street and the vehicle’s brake light was out. Police followed the vehicle for multiple blocks, observing the motorist, later identified as Derek Kemble, 24, of Catonsville, rapidly accelerating in between stoplights and not stopping behind the white line at multiple intersections.

After police pulled over the vehicle, the officer observed Kemble looking through his phone for his insurance while speaking rapidly. Kemble’s eyes were observed as unusually red, leading police to wonder if he was under the influence of any substances. Kemble performed poorly on Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement Tests.

Kemble was placed under arrest for driving while impaired by controlled dangerous substances. Kemble was found to have a “hollowed-out body of a pen, with a white powdery residue inside of it,” according to the statement of charges. Police also found a clear bag in Kemble’s wallet containing a pill broken into small sections confirmed to be alprazolam. The

bag also contained another pill labeled “111” confirmed to be carisoprodol, a schedule IV controlled dangerous substance. Kemble was found to not have a prescription for either substance.

A further search of Kemble’s vehicle was initiated due to probable cause. Police found another bag containing cocaine as well as a “small, crystalized rock-like

substance on the driver’s seat,” which later was confirmed as crack cocaine.

A records search found Kemble had his driver’s license suspended due to refusing a chemical test for a suspected DUI on Aug. 22 in Ocean City. After that stop, an order of suspension form was issued, meaning his driving privileges would be suspended 45 days after the stop.

In the Nov. 27 arrest, Kemble consented to an intoximeter test, which revealed his alcohol concentration was zero per 210 liters of breath. Therefore, the driving while impaired charge was dropped, but Kemble was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance of schedule II (cocaine), possession of a controlled dangerous substance of schedule IV (alprazolam) and possession of a controlled dangerous substance of schedule IV (carisoprodol).

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Officials Debate Electronic Signs, Noise Ordinance

Page 24

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Members of a Fenwick Island committee agreed last week to revise a proposed ordinance on electronic signage, with provisions that support the town’s dark skies initiative.

Last Thursday, members of the Fenwick Island Charter and Ordinance Committee reviewed a proposed ordinance that would allow some electronic signs to be used in Fenwick Island. Citing the council’s concerns that the ordinance did little to address the town’s dark skies initiative, members agreed to revise the ordinance and add language to address issues such as brightness and color.

“I don’t think dark skies stands for the proposition that you shouldn’t have any light,” said Mayor Natalie Magdeburger, committee chair. “It’s about using light well

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

and using the right type of light for the purpose you are intending.”

In October, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted to send an ordinance allowing certain electronic signs to be used in Fenwick Island back to the charter and ordinance committee for revisions. While the proposed ordinance, requested by members of St. Matthews By-The-Sea, would allow electronic signs displaying static written messages, council members expressed concerns that the use of such electronic signs would go against a dark skies initiative protecting the town from light pollution.

In a presentation last week, Councilwoman Janice Bortner told committee members the town’s comprehensive plan referenced town culture and the dark skies initiative. She shared her concerns about the proliferation of electronic signs and the impact it would have on the com-

munity.

“We value, and we feel the community values, what we have as far as a residential community,” she said. “We’re not looking to be Ocean City.”

Others, however, shared their support for the proposed ordinance. Warrens Station owner Scott Mumford said an electronic sign would allow his restaurant to advertise hours of operation, particularly in the off-season.

“From my standpoint, I’ll never add anything to the restaurant if it’s going to take away from the character of the restaurant and the town,” he said.

Mike Houser, representing St. Matthews By-The-Sea, said he was hoping something could be done to expedite the ordinance revisions. He said his church was looking to replace its sign with an electronic one, which he argued would produce less ambient lighting.

December 8, 2023

“Bottom line, for many years the church has been an advocate for the Town of Fenwick Island,” he said. “We’re looking for the Town of Fenwick Island to be an advocate for us as well.”

Committee members said they supported the town’s dark skies initiative and agreed to add language ensuring the proposed ordinance complied with the dark skies initiative. Magdeburger said the revised ordinance could establish the hours of operation, as well as set limitations for the color and brightness of electronic signs.

“This is more complicated than we initially viewed this to be …,” committee member Ann Riley added. “I understand the church wants to get this resolved quickly, but I don’t know that it’s something we can resolve quickly.”

Magdeburger said she would draft a revised ordinance and bring it back to the charter and ordinance committee in January.

“We want to make sure the town maintains the atmosphere we like but also permits the use of signage the business community would like to see along Route 1,” she said.

The committee last Thursday also agreed to start drafting changes to the town’s noise ordinance. With a directive from the town council to review existing regulations, Magdeburger said she was proposing the ordinance include decibel limits, time components and a fine escalation clause for repeat offenders.

“I do think we need to put a clause in there that covers multiple offenses,” she said. “I think that’s one where the fine should go up with each offense.”

In March, the town council voted to have the charter and ordinance committee review the town’s noise ordinance after Councilwoman Janice Bortner brought forth a motion to remove time constraints.

During that discussion, Bortner said that while the town code stated an enforcement time of midnight to 8 a.m., members of the town’s residential concerns committee wanted to see it removed.

“In there, it says the enforcement is from midnight to 8 a.m., and we’re saying we don’t feel that’s necessary …,” she said at the time. “It should be all the time.”

Back on the agenda last week, Magdeburger suggested hours of enforcement be changed, with a start time of 11 p.m.

She also recommended the town set decibel limits based on the time of day.

“It’s good to have that hard number,” Riley added. “It’s easier to enforce.”

Lastly, Magdeburger suggested an escalation clause for repeat offenders. In the case of rental properties, she said the offender would receive the fine.

“What we have in the ordinance is it would be issued to the person violating it, and they would have to pay it,” she said.

“But if there are multiple violations at that property, then the issue becomes that they lose their license to rent. So it does go back to the property owner.”

After further discussion, the committee agreed to begin drafting changes to the town’s noise ordinance.

December 8, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 25

UMES Begins Ag Center Project

Page 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 2023

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“This new center will provide modern research and education space to allow faculty and students to conduct 21stcentury science to serve our clientele in an efficient and more effective manner,” said Dr. Moses T. Kairo, dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences.

The project is supported in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture through a $9.4 million grant under the 1890 facilities improvement program and $17 million from the Maryland Legislature.

“Agriculture is a key driver of the Eastern Shore’s economy – and we rely on our farmers, growers and producers to help feed the region and the country. To support their efforts, UMES has long worked to keep Maryland at the forefront of agricultural innovation. That’s why we fought to secure more than $9 million in federal investments for the construction of this new education and research center that will prepare a diverse pipeline of

students with the tools to lead the next generation of agribusiness,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), a member of the Appropriations Committee.

The building, in the planning stages since 2013, weathered uncertainty when post-pandemic market conditions in the construction industry rose.

Plans for the 25,231-square-foot agricultural facility include specialized research laboratories along with traditional classrooms, conference rooms and faculty offices. The design also includes offices and support space for agricultural extension services, including six greenhouses comprising 7,500 square feet.

“By supporting our undergraduate programs in agriculture, the building will provide space and technology for educational experiences, allowing UMES students and the community the opportunity to support the future of the agriculture industry,” said UMES President Heidi M. Anderson.

Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, the USDA under secretary for Research, Education and Economics, delivered the keynote address.

The project emphasizes UMES’ mission as a land-grant institution, Kairo said. Founded originally for the establishment and support of agriculture experiment stations to advance research in farming, ranching and food production, an additional focus is now on the triumvirate areas of agricultural research, teaching and extension.

Fenwick Committee Talks Residential Rental Policy

December 8, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials agreed not to pursue ordinance changes as the town explores a residential rental policy.

Last week, the Fenwick Island Charter and Ordinance Committee voted unanimously to forward a recommendation that the town council not pursue ordinance changes related to residential rentals. Instead, the committee agreed new language could be added to the existing rental license application.

“I don't know that this is a charter and ordinance issue at this point,” said Mayor Natalie Magdeburger, committee chair. “I think it's going to be more of a council and office staff kind of issue. But I do like the idea of changing the form.”

Last year, members of the town’s residential concerns committee began exploring a rental policy that would establish regulations aimed at protecting town residents. And last December, the Fenwick Island Town Council agreed to forward the group’s suggestions to the town’s charter and ordinance committee for review.

As part of that discussion, the charter and ordinance committee last week invited representatives with Granicus, a government services platform that offers rental compliance services, to talk with officials. Granicus’ Jeffrey Goodman said the company helps roughly 800 communities create and enforce short- and longterm rental regulations.

“I like to say we do everything, soup to nuts,” he said.

Goodman told committee members that Granicus not only helped towns draft rental policies, but also ensured compliance. He said the company monitored rental platforms – including Airbnb and Vrbo – issued violation letters, collected complaints and offered a tax collection portal, among other things.

“Our philosophy is to meet you where your needs are,” he said, “and not everyone needs every sort of thing.”

When asked what the company charged to offer such services, Goodman said it was based on the number of listings and types of services provided to the town.

“We have found that between better tax compliance and better fees coming in, and reducing the kind of manpower it takes to run that system, that I think pretty much everywhere that we've contracted with has seen a positive return,” he replied.

Magdeburger, however, questioned if such services were needed in Fenwick, as less than 200 of the 800 homes were rented. She asked Goodman to generate a cost estimate for the town.

“I'll talk to someone who can get together a nice packet or something for you to be able to have that on paper,” Goodman replied, “something like a quote.”

In terms of a rental policy, Magdeburger said the residential concerns committee had recommended that renters acknowledge the town’s regulations and agree to pay all taxes and assessments, ensure the property meets all building,

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

health and safety codes, comply with overnight occupancy restrictions and noise ordinances, and more.

Committee member Ben Waide said most of the recommendations were already found in the town code. He said their concerns would be better addressed in the town’s rental license application.

“My recommendation is that instead of putting in a totally freestanding rental code with a separate enforcement authority, that we simply go in and change one form that we currently have to reinforce some of these issues that the residential concerns committee voiced.”

Magdeburger agreed. She added that the town’s regulations could also be added in the guide book the town distributed to renters and their guests.

“I think we can coordinate that,” she said. “But I'm not sure that it's a charter

and ordinance project.”

Committee member Ann Riley questioned how the town handled rental violations. Town Manager Pat Schuchman said the town issued a written notice to the property owner.

“If three of these occur in one year, we can suspend or revoke your license right then and there or not issue you a license next year,” she said. “That doesn't happen all that often.”

Magdeburger said town staff could simply rewrite the rental application form to reference the town’s regulations. Committee member John Nason also recommended the town add indemnity language.

“It would be nice to put language in the town agreement that says the property owner gives a broad form indemnification of the town against any and all

Page 27

claims made by the renter or the tenant,” he said.

Nason also questioned if the town had a problem with unlicensed renters, Schuchman said staff were fairly knowledgeable on existing rental properties.

To that end, she questioned the town’s need to hire a rental management company such as Granicus.

“It's going to cost us to find the few who are not getting a license,” she said.

After further discussion, the committee agreed to share its findings with the town council and recommend no ordinance changes. The committee, however, agreed to add new language to the town’s rental license form outlining the town’s requirements.

“There was really nothing in the recommendations that required a charter and ordinance change,” Waide said.

Page 28

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 2023

People in Society Pablo, Rosa, JP and Judy supported local businesses by shopping in Berlin on Small Business Saturday.

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

Paul Yoder, Susan Ayres Wimbrow and Brent Lewis are pictured at The Greyhound in Berlin.

Velda and Patrick Henry set up a table in Berlin on Small Business Saturday.

Bishopville children are pictured at a “Cookies and Cocoa with Santa” event held at Wilson United Church.

Deborah Passwater and Karen Jones helped shoppers at British Rose.

Margaret Mudron set up at Merry Marketplace in Berlin.

Olga Kozhevnikova and Jonah Ridgley are pictured at World of Toys on Small Business Saturday in Berlin.

Toby Gilbert is pictured prepping for a busy Small Business Saturday at Gilbert’s Provisions in Berlin.

Ami Jachimski and Frankie Knight helped organize several holiday events last weekend in Bishopville.

Matthew McGuigan set up a table selling custom made knives at Gilbert’s Provisions on Small Business Saturday.

Taylor House Museum To Host Children’s Tours

December 8, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Two new events are being offered to introduce children to a local museum.

The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum will host two children’s tours in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

“It’s a great way for families to see the museum in a different light,” said Melissa Reid, president of the museum. “You can experience the house more authentically because it will be lit by candlelight.”

On Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. the museum will host a “December Around the World” tour for children. That will be followed Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. with a “The Night Before Christmas” tour. Tours are $5 a person though children under 5 can attend for free.

Reid said the museum has typically offered candlelight tours to adults but in an effort to expand children’s programming this year it decided to work in some kids’ tours.

“We realized December is a great time to do more kids activities,” she said.

The first children’s tour will highlight different holidays celebrated throughout the month of December.

“In the Harrison Room we’ll have a display of holidays from around the world,” Reid said.

The Dec. 20 event will tie “The Night Before Christmas” to items in the house.

Reid said the book was published around the time the Taylor House was built.

“We thought that would be great—to focus on the holidays but with a historic element,” she said.

She believes children will enjoy the tours because they’ll have interactive elements and will give kids the chance to explore the candlelit museum with flashlights. The tours will include cookies and homemade gingerbread.

“We’ll also have our ‘food from the 1830s’ display up,” Reid said. “That’s only out for the holidays.”

This month’s children’s tours follow a series of successful children’s programs held this fall. The series, Junior Historians, gave kids a chance to do a craft tied to an artifact in the museum. They learned about things like historic board games and stained glass.

“The kids that come seem to enjoy it,” Reid said. “The activity is always specifically connected to something in the museum’s collection.”

For more information on any of the museum’s events, visit its website or Facebook page. In addition to the children’s tours on Dec. 13 and 20, the museum will also host adult tours at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Attendees will have a chance to buy a $10 raffle ticket to win a “Berlin basket” filled with gift cards to local businesses.

The winner will be drawn Dec. 21.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 29

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

Ocean Pines Doubles Down On Holiday Displays

Page 32

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN PINES – The Ocean Pines Public Works team is leading an effort to make the community merry and bright this holiday season.

General Manager John Viola said spending was increased for holiday decorations this year, thanks to a reallocation and repurposing of budget funds.

That includes about 25,000 lights, seven large and illuminated Christmas trees, and live trees at both the north and south gates.

Public Works also put in more than 50 live trees at White Horse Park, ahead of the annual Hometown Christmas tree lighting.

The community response to the increase in decorations has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I'm just so impressed with the decorations and the whole place,” resident Peggy Sedor said. “I rode through yesterday and I said, ‘this is the best place in the world to live!’ It's just beautiful and the decorations are just exquisite.

Everybody is saying it.”

Public Works Director Eddie Wells credited Tony Howard and his team for

December 8, 2023

Some of the 25,000 Christmas lights added to Ocean Pines are pictured.

putting up decorations around the community.

“Tony is a valued employee, and he has a great eye for landscaping and decorating,” Wells said. “He and his crew have done an awesome job with

Submitted Photos

everything so far, and there’s more to come over the next several weeks.”

Viola said roughly double the holiday decorations are going up this year.

“We are getting many, many positive comments about all the new dec-

orations, and it’s a credit to Public Works,” he said. “We hope everyone in the Ocean Pines community enjoys all the new displays, and we hope everyone has a very merry Christmas and holiday.”

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December 8, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BERLIN – The annual Pamper Yourself for Charity campaign raised a total of $6,140 for local charities, including a donation being presented to Coastal Hospice for $3,507 on Giving Tuesday.

Carol Withers, owner of A Perfect Face Day Spa, and her staff have arranged the Pamper Yourself for Charity effort for 28 years in honor of Carol’s mother, Elizabeth “Libby” Chaney, who passed away from breast cancer in 1995, while under the care of Coastal Hospice at home.

This year the proceeds have been directed to two local organizations close to the family’s heart – Coastal Hospice’s The Macky and Pam Stansell House and American Cancer Society.

Pam and Macky Stansell were introduced to hospice when Pam’s mother, Jacque Donovan, passed away prior to Libby. Pam and Macky Stansell became involved with Coastal Hospice after her passing, which led Macky to sitting on the board and becoming Coastal Hospice Board of Directors Chair and major donor for the now Macky & Pam Stansell House, which opened its doors to the first patients

Page 33

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 2023

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE NEWS Practitioner Welcomed SALISBURY – Hudson Behavioral Health has hired Alexandra Richards, PMHNP-BC, as its psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This is a new role within the organization and will allow expanded prescribing and treatment services.

In her role at Hudson Behavioral Health, Richards will collaborate with both the clinical team, led

by Director of Clinical Operations Susan Forrest, MSW, CAC-AD, and the ALEXANDRA mental health team, led RICHARDS by psychiatrist Efigenio Leynes Bautista, MD. Richards will play a pivotal role in the opening of the new outpatient facility planned for early 2024.

“I first met Alexandra when she interned with us in 2021, and quickly realized how dedicated she is to the mental health field,” said Leslie Brown, CEO of Hudson Behavioral Health. “Our plans for the future are ambitious and exciting, and I know she will be an asset to our success.”

Richards received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Del Tech in 2018, and her Master of Science in nursing from Walden University in 2022. As part of her studies to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Richards interned at Lower Shore Clinic and Inspiration Health Services.

Hudson Behavioral Health was founded in 1980 and is licensed to operate in both Maryland and Delaware. The nonprofit is accredited by The Joint Commission, receiving its Gold Seal of Approval.

Provider Accepting Patients POCOMOKE CITY – Natalie Parks, DNP, FNP, MSN, BSN, provides care at TidalHealth Primary Care in Pocomoke City, Md. Parks earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing, master’s degree in science and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Salisbury University and is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.

Parks is a member of the American Association NATALIE PARKS of Nurse Practitioners and the Nurse Practitioner Association of Maryland. She once traveled on a mission trip to Nicaragua to provide clinical care in the operating room and family clinic set-

Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kevin Anderson recently visited Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development (WCTED) in Snow Hill to talk with area tourism and economic development professionals. Pictured above are Commissioner Chip Bertino, WCTED Director Melanie Pursel, Anderson, and Commissioners Diana Purnell and Caryn Abbott.

Submitted Photo

tings.

When Parks is not seeing patients, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping, exploring the Eastern Shore by boat, scrapbooking and playing with her German shorthaired pointer, Boone.

Parks is accepting new patients at TidalHealth Primary Care, located at 305 10th St., Suite 101 in Pocomoke City. To schedule an appointment, call 410-9126167.

Property Leased SALISBURY – Flo Brotzman, senior advisor with The Hanna Team at SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate, recently leased 1505 S. Salisbury Boulevard. This will be the new home of Eastern Shore Primary Care & Wellness.

Eastern Shore Primary Care & Wellness was founded by Martin Melson, CRNP, president, and Sherry Byrd, vice president. The practice will be accepting new patients, and will also offer DOT physicals, urine drug testing, and spa services. There will be three full-time nurse practitioners (CRNP) and one physician. Eastern Shore Primary Care & Wellness will be accepting most insurances.

“Martin and I would like to thank Flo Brotzman, Senior Advisor at SVN Miller, who was key in making our dream come true,” said Byrd. “She was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and always available.”

Doctor Recognized SALISBURY – Dr. Robert L. Joyner, Jr., director of the Richard A. Henson Research Institute at TidalHealth, was recently presented with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)’s highest honor, the Sister Mary Yvonne Jenn, CRNA, RRT Lifetime Achievement Award, at the 2023 American Association for Respiratory Care Congress in Nashville, Tenn.

This award is bestowed annually to an individual who epitomizes the respiratory care profession and contributes significantly to the respiratory care credentialing system during their career.

Joyner earned a B.S. ROBERT JOYNER in respiratory therapy from Salisbury University and a PhD in physiology from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth in Hanover, N.H. He has been a respiratory therapist (RT) since 1988. Over the years, he’s held many roles in the respiratory world including bedside RT, clinical instructor, director of clinical education, and the program director at Salisbury University from 2003 to 2019.

Joyner started his NBRC journey by earning his first national respiratory care credential in 1989 and worked his way through the ranks. In the past 14 years, he’s served on numerous NBRC committees including the Written Registry Exam-

ination Committee, the Acute Critical Care Specialist Committee, and the Board of Trustees. In 2016 and 2017, Joyner served as president of the entire national credentialing organization. During his time as president, he spearheaded numerous endeavors that continue to shape the NBRC today.

In 2019, Joyner decided to focus on his passion for research and accepted a position as director of the Richard A. Henson Research Institute at TidalHealth. Despite this change in trajectory, Joyner’s lifelong passion for academia, leadership and research prepared him well for this role.

Joyner’s experience with the NBRC’s multidisciplinary national board exam development is invaluable to his position as director because it provided him with the comfortability to execute projects requiring collegial multidisciplinary cooperation, a skill that is essential in clinical trial management. Outside of his work with the NBRC, Joyner cites his time as associate dean of the Henson School of Science and Technology as well as director of the School of Health Sciences at Salisbury University as influential in molding him into the leader he is today.

As director of the Richard A. Henson Research Institute, Joyner is responsible for the execution of clinical trials from start to finish. He is also responsible for providing research education across the TidalHealth system, a task he has taken in stride since joining the research department. Under his leadership, the Research Institute has transformed from a siloed oncology research effort to what it is today: a thriving, system-level resource that provides opportunities that extend care offerings for TidalHealth providers.

When asked to recall a memorable moment since joining the Research Institute, Joyner said, “I am proud of my team that carried out the COVID-19 research effort of an aerosolized investigational medication. We were the highest enrollers in the world and not a single person on that trial at TidalHealth died.”

This is a demonstration of the worldclass care that the research team is capable of delivering.

It is with great gratitude and excitement that the hospital congratulates Joyner on this tremendous achievement. TidalHealth admires his dedication to the respiratory care profession and looks forward to his continued triumphs as director of the Research Institute.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 2173

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR SAT., DEC. 9TH 10AM-3PM • SELBYVILLE B.P.O. ELKS LODGE

VENDORS • AUCTIONS • BAKE SALE PRIZES • FOOD • FUN • UNIQUE GIFTS HOMEMADE SCENTED CANDLES & JEWELRY FOOD MADE & SOLD BY THE ELKS LODGE

PLUS - TROOP 2173 IS PREPARED TO RESPECTFULLY RETIRE ANY FLAGS BRING THEM TO THE EVENT

13308 WORCESTER HWY/RT. 113 BISHOPVILLE, MD FREE PARKING For additional information, call Eileen Dudley 443.880.7180

December 8, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Page 36

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 2023

COMMUNITY News In Photos

In an effort to rekindle holiday traditions in Bishopville, residents Frankie Zurla, Bethany Ramey and Ami Jachimski for the past several years have been organizing a holiday bridge lighting ceremony, cookies and cocoa with Santa and a candy cane hunt. Pictured are excited children at this year’s candy cane hunt at the park.

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club recently donated $3,000 to Toys for Tots.

Pictured is Christina Dolomount-Brown, right, presenting the check to Dena Holloway.

Submitted Photos

On Nov. 20 the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club conducted a youth identification project at Snow Hill Elementary School. Four classes of kindergarten students were fingerprinted as part of an identification form that is given to the parents.

Finnegan Bozman, a student in Mrs. Mulinos' classroom, is being fingerprinted by Optimist member Sharon Sorrentino.

Worcester County Historical Society recently held its fall meeting and awarded mini-grants to these organizations. From left to right are Kimberly Jones of the Sturgis One Room School Museum, Christy Gordon of the Delmarva Discovery Center, Dr. Cynthia Byrd of the Julia A. Purnell Museum, Newt Weaver of the Worcester County Historical Society, Sally Eschenburg of the Rackliffe House, Christine Okerblom of the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and Jefferson Moak of Furnace Town.

At Buckingham Elementary School, during the first quarter of the year Jessica Grimes’ kindergarten class put money in a piggy bank whenever they spotted kindness. The class decided in September to donate the $39 raised to the Humane Society of Worcester County.

Last Saturday, the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum hosted a children’s wassail and gingerbread event to provide local kids with a glimpse of historic holiday traditions.

December 8, 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

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

HELP WANTED

COMMERCIAL

YARD SALE

WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 Office or Retail Space for Lease.

1,656. Sq. feet. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

Sat 12/9 & Sun 12/10 8am-12noon

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: GlenRiddle Community, FT, M – F 8:30am – 5:00pm Send Resume to: tmacintosh@legumnorman.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– POOL: General Maintenance, Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects.

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

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

410.289.4902 Ask for Suzanne.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC: Small Engine mechanic, Year round, Competitive Wages. Call 443-754-1047.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING!

Now Hiring For:

•FOOD RUNNERS •EXPO

•GENERAL CLERICAL •BOAT YARD ATTENDANT •NIGHTWATCH

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

Stop in to fill out an application!

Downtown Berlin 119 N. Main Street

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

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

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

ELECTRICIAN Full-time, Year-round Now accepting applications.

Established company, 5+ years exp, service type projects, health, dental, paid vacation, 401k w/matching, company van.

Hawkins Electric 443-856-2001 ask for John Ross.

Boutique family Dental Practice looking for a

RDH and a

Certified Dental Assistant Flexible Days/Hours available Please call 410-208-9009

RENTAL

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

TOWN OF BERLIN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITUNITIES VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS Current Open Positions: Special Projects Administrator, Customer Service Representative, Police Officers, and Police Communications Officers (dispatchers). Training opportunities available.

We are seeking motivated individuals to come work for the Town of Berlin. Overview of employee benefits: Members of the Maryland State Retirement System (LEOPS for Police Officers), a competitive health benefits package including a health reimbursement account, employer-paid life insurance, 100% tuition reimbursement, vacation accruals based on tenure, 12 sick days per year, 15 paid holidays per year, and two personal days per year, and much more!

Apply: Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a confidential Town of Berlin application for employment, a resume, and three professional references to the Town’s Human Resources Director at kjensen@berlinmd.gov. Applications can be found under our employment section at www.berlinmd.gov or you can call 410-641-2770 and arrange to pick one up at 10 William Street Berlin, MD 21811.

EOE/M/F/V/D

LOOKING EVERYWHERE? CHECK THE DISPATCH CLASSIFIED PAGES!

ROOMMATE HOUSESHARE: Full house privileges. $700 per mo. WiFi & util’s incl. except cable. In desireable Montego Bay, OC. Prefer to rent to male 20-30s.

Young man already on premises. No pets (cat on site) No smoking indoors. Bkgrnd, credit & income verification.

Call Mary Ellen 973-270-3613 –––––––––––––––––––––––– HOUSE SHARING: Nice house, 94th Street area. Enclosed hot tub room, other amentities. Nice pets considered. Seeking employed males 20-30 years old who have their life together. Winter or year round. $600/month plus utilities. Text Rob, 410-726-5200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

OCEAN PINES: 3BR, 2BA. 1,328 sq. ft. Just remodeled. $2,000 per mo. + util’s. No pets. Credit report required.

Text only to: 443-614-4615.

–––––––––––––––––––––––– WATERFRONT BAYSIDE: Newly remodeled 2BR, 2BA condo in North OC. 4 steps to ground level off of your private balcony. Full Kitchen, LR, DR, W/D, balcony w/tables + seating for 6. Seasonal-monthly.

Dec-April, $2,000, util’s incl.

443-223-4623.

––––––––––––––––––––––––

Year-round Fully furnished Room for rent in a beautiful home, to share, in South Ocean Pines.

Full house privileges, all utilities included.

Only $800 month No smoking. No pets.

Call 443-880-2317

NORTH OC

REAL ESTATE

Year-round X-Large home 4 Master BR 1 Regular BR 4 Full Baths

FOR SALE OCEANSIDE MOTEL

Large Kitchen, Back Porch, Washroom.

$3,200/mo. + util’s Call John 443-880-2486

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE SPACE: 1,500 Sq. Ft., Masonry construction. 18’ high ceilings, large garage door & bathroom. Rt. 90/Bishopville.

Call 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––

CAREGIVER

ESTATE SALE Furniture, rugs, antiques, paints, kitchenware, clothing, etc.

11602 South Hills Dr Berlin, MD 21811

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

CAREGIVER IN YOUR HOME: Honest, dependable, trustworthy & compassionate care. Hospital & home health exp. Exc. Ref.’s Call Debbie Bell 302-339-7162.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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

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

OCEAN PINES

5 story building: 28 large efficiency units with elevator and pool.

Principals only.

866-872-9159 CHECK HERE FIRST!

AIR B & B RENTAL IN WEST OC AVAILABLE DIRECT! NO EXTRA FEES 4 Bed 3.5 Bath Home Walking distance to all West OC restaurants!

Bring the family home this year for the Holidays and Winter fun in OC! Or rent until May! Fully furnished.

Only $199 a night and we allow Pets!

Email me direct at kimatdfg@aol.com for details!

Third Insertion COATES, COATES & COATES, PA RAYMOND D. COATES, JR, ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19950 Notice is given that the ORPHANS COURT of WESTMORELAND, PA, appointed KIMBERLY A. KOCHERA, 46 BEL AIRE DRIVE, DELMONT, PA 15626, as the EXECUTRIX of the Estate of JUDITH V. CYMEK, who died on JANUARY 9, 2023, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is RAYMOND D. COATES, JR., whose address is 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300,OCEAN CITY, MD 21842.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the

following MARYLAND coun ties: WORCESTER. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or 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 NOVEMBER 24, 2023 KIMBERLY A. KOCHERA Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 38

December 8, 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 Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 11-24, 12-1, 12-8

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19981 To all persons interested in the estate of NAOMI ETHEL SMITH TAYLOR, Estate No. 19981. Notice is given that KENNETH TAYLOR, whose address is 10441 NEW QUAY ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on NOVEMBER 15, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of NAOMI ETHEL SMITH TAYLOR, who died on NOVEMBER 5, 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 15th 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: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication NOVEMBER 24, 2023 KENNETH TAYLOR 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 11-24, 12-1, 12-8

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19965 To all persons interested in the estate of LIDIJA ULDRIKIS, Estate No. 19965.

Notice is given that KAREN ADCOCK, whose address is 41 GLOUCESTER ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on NOVEMBER 17, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of LIDIJA ULDRIKIS, who died on 0CTOBER 22, 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 17th 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: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication NOVEMBER 24, 2023

KAREN ADCOCK 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 11-24, 12-1, 12-8

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19868

To all persons interested in the estate of LAWRENCE JOSEPH MCCARTY, Estate No. 19868. Notice is given that MICHAEL L. MCCARTY, whose address is 145 S. HAVILAND AVENUE, AUDUBON, NJ 08106, was on NOVEMBER 21, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of LAWRENCE JOSEPH MCCARTY, who died on JULY 22, 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 21ST 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.

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 1, 2023 MICHAEL L. MCCARTY 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 12-1, 12-8, 12-15

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

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 pre-

sented 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 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

First 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

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

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

December 8, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com tacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 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

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19987 To all persons interested in the estate of NELSON EMMETT BRENNER, Estate No. 19987. Notice is given that KARA TURNER whose address is 9621 18TH BAY STREET, NORFOLK, VA 23518, was on DECEMBER 1, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: NELSON EMMETT BRENNER, who died on SEPTEMBER 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 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 8, 2023 KARA TURNER 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 12-8

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

The Dispatch Can Now Be Viewed In Its Entirety ONLINE! Updated Every Friday

www.mdcoastdispatch.com Easy Navigation, Page-Flip Technology Zoom In And Out For Easy Viewing

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 2023

STUDENTS In The News

Students in Kara Wolf's third grade class at Ocean City Elementary are preparing for the holiday season. Students recently celebrated all the things for which they are thankful, added feathers to the school's thankful turkey and created Thanksgiving lapbooks.

Submitted Photos

Worcester Prep recently held its fall sports season awards ceremonies for middle school sports. Boys soccer winners, above seated, were Most Improved Player Wesley Wisniewski, MVP Johnny Crossett and Coaches Award Remy Leverage-Frye. Above, standing are golf Coaches Award Nonda Gjikuria, MVP Chase Thompson and Most Improved Player Keerat Brar.

Berlin Police Department Detective Cpl. Jessica Collins and K-9 Officer Dock smile with Worcester Prep pre-kindergarten students Brooks Luckenbaugh, Priyansh Patel and Leo Hudson during the Touch a Truck Experience at Worcester Prep.

Worcester Prep pre-kindergarten students Isabel Betz, Olivia Nieli and Reagan Whitlock climbed aboard a Berlin utility vehicle under the guidance of Berlin Public Works Superintendent Cody Chesser during the “Touch a Truck Experience” at Worcester Prep.

Middle school girls standouts at Worcester Prep included, below seated, volleyball Coaches Award Isabella Forman, MVP Madison Andrews and Most Improved Player Havi Russell-Wood. Below, standing, are girls soccer Most Improved Player Ella Conev, Coaches Award Elena Gjoni and MVP Scarlett Shimko.

Del. Hospitality Group Welcomes Waterman’s To Company

December 8, 2023

WEST OCEAN CITY – Waterman’s Seafood Co. joining the FINS Hospitality Group, according to an announcement sent to local media this week.

Founded in 1982 by Ed Horner, Waterman’s started as a seafood market, which still remains today, but is also a popular seafood restaurant that offers crabs, fresh seafood, fried chicken and much more.

Jamy Davy, Jeffrey Hamer, Maksym Sopinskyy and TJ Linton are sole partners in the recent buy, according to the press release.

Davy is the current owner and has been an owner since 2004 when it was purchased by him and the Bergey family. In 2019, he became the sole operator. Davy will continue to be involved in the daily operations, as he and Jeffrey Hamer have several other restaurant partnerships within the FINS Hospitality Group.

Jeffrey Hamer started FINS Hospitality Group in 2005 with FINS Fish House and Raw Bar on Rehoboth Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Over the years, FINS Hospitality Group has expanded to now seven locations: FINS Fish House & Raw Bar, FINS Ale House & Raw Bar (Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island), Claws Seafood House, Big Oyster Brewery and most recently, JR’s Seafood Shack.

Hamer continues to be involved in all aspects of the locations, taking pride in the success and direction of the company.

Sopinskyy established his career with FINS Hospitality Group in 2005. He has since then worked every kitchen position from dishwasher to line cook, prep, line leader, sous chef and chef.

Sopinskyy also holds degrees in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management from Delaware Technical Community College and Johnson & Wales University, respectively. He presently serves as executive chef of FINS Hospitality Group, overseeing all culinary operations for all locations. In demonstrating his culinary experience and knowledge, Sopinskyy has been a major contributor to the success of the group.

TJ Linton began working in the restaurant industry when he was only 19.

He joined FINS Hospitality Group in 2016. Since then, he has been involved with opening several of the FINS locations and has managed for each one over the course of his tenure. Linton is currently the District Manager of the group and plays a pivotal role in the new Waterman’s partnership.

Waterman’s General Manager Rod Parsons has been with the company for almost 30 years and will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. By adopting the business as his own, Parsons quickly became, and will remain, an essential piece to the success of Waterman’s.

Likewise, Assistant Manager Jessica Bradshaw, who was recently named coastal event planner of the year, will also continue with Waterman’s. She

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

has been with the company for over 20 years and will remain an integral part of the operations. The management team at Waterman’s is a valuable addition to FINS Hospitality Group and the company’s organic growth.

“This merger will bring all of the employees under a common ownership so that they can receive benefits, retirement, and all of the other perks FINS Hospitality Group has to offer,” said the press release announcing the acquisi-

Page 41

tion. “Being a part of FINS provides opportunity for growth as the FINS and Big Oyster brands continue to expand. Waterman’s will remain the same but jointly be a part of the Fins brand. Waterman’s, welcome to the FINS family.”

Page 42

… Gingerbread Tradition Continues

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 2023

Atlantic Hotel General Manager Laura Stearns, left, is pictured at work with family members on the gingerbread house, pictured above left, currently on display at the hotel. Bottom right, Allan and Mary Lee Beaulieu’s Rayne’s Reef building creation is pictured.

Photos by Charlene Sharpe

FROM PAGE 14 said they used about 70 cups of flour, 14 cups of sugar, 14 cups of molasses, 14 cups of shortening and 28 eggs (combined with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves) on the gingerbread. As for the icing, that took about 28 pounds of confectioners’ sugar and more than 40 egg whites.

“The hardest part of making the house every year is designing the pattern because I try to make the scale and roof pitches accurate,” Stearns said. “This year the roof also gave me a bit of a hard time as it kept sliding down. I ended up gluing it with melted sugar.”

Inspired by Stearns’ efforts, customers Allan and Mary Lee Beaulieu wanted to add to the hotel’s gingerbread display and on their own created a gingerbread replica of neighboring business Rayne’s Reef. It is also on display in the hotel.

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…Requests Include Pay Increases, Small Class Sizes

December 8, 2023

FROM PAGE 20 “Denying our high performing school system the proper funding is incredibly shortsighted,” Buckingham Elementary School parent Tom Simon said. “Please keep the pressure on the commissioners to fully fund Worcester County Public Schools.”

Commissioner Caryn Abbott said that earlier Tuesday, the commissioners had reviewed the county’s Capital Improvement Plan and had removed funding for a $37 million administration building. She said WCPS had cut popular programs like summer school but had ended the year with a $1 million surplus.

“Once again, I want to say you don’t have a funding problem you have a priority problem,” she said, adding that she wanted the school system to make teachers, support staff and bus drivers the priority.

John Abbott said everyone wanted to see teachers get the raises they’d been promised. He said the public also wanted more transparency regarding the budget.

Kimberly Shreeve, a Snow Hill Middle School teacher, said years ago teachers would wait for an opening in Worcester to come here. She said that was no longer the case.

“This personal agenda of a budget

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

School Funding Specifics Discussed

process has caused WCPS employees to feel unappreciated and disrespected.

If the county passes only a maintenance of effort budget there will be devastating consequences.”

She said there would be positions lost and cuts to programs and materials.

“Teacher and support staff salaries cannot be ignored. Right now we have the highest test scores in Maryland,” she said. “We are at the bottom in salaries. This is how our hard work has been rewarded. We received an embarrassing and insulting 1% pay raise while other county departments received 5 to 12% pay raises. They’ve shown us where their priorities lie and they should be embarrassed. Last year the county commissioners gave themselves an 8% pay while some educational assistants working in our county are having to rely on government assistance to feed their families.”

Stephen Decatur High School teacher Shannon Bone said teachers were being used as political pawns.

“Where can your priorities lie when you cannot fully fund schools?” she said.

Newark resident Pat Barbely asked for better pay for teachers, bus drivers and support staff.

“Worcester County schools are well funded, we just have a priority problem with how the money is dispersed,” she said.

School board members said they ap-

Page 43

preciated the public’s input and would consider it as the budget process moved forward.

“You have a commitment from this board to work as hard as possible and to work with everyone to support the teachers, support staff and the bus drivers,” said Todd Ferrante, president of the board. “We’re going to do our best this year to accommodate you and give you what you deserve. We appreciate what you do every day. We can’t tell you enough, what you do for our kids is invaluable.”

Page 44

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

Every 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 410-629-9383 or Carol 302-2427062.

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

Every Tuesday: 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

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do 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 open for light fare. 410-250-2645.

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

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. 8: Christmas Concert Hosted by Stevenson United Methodist Church, the Arlene Reichert Memorial Concert Series presents Community Christmas Concert and Traditional Carol Sing-along at 6:30 p.m. Featuring Stevenson UMC organist Ty Thompson, S. Paul UMC Concert Choir, Buckingham Elementary School Choir, Whatcoat UMC Chancel Choir and Stevenson UMC Praise Band. A love offering will be taken to benefit St. Paul UMC

Stained Glass Restoration Fund. Fun for the entire family.

Dec. 9: Cookies Sale St. Mary's Episcopal Church Annual "Cookies By the Pound" Sale, 9 a.m.noon at 18 Third Street, Pocomoke City.

We will have loads of beautiful and tasty homemade cookies, candies and other treats for sale for only $8 a pound. We do the baking, all you have to do is select which cookies you want for only $8 a pound. Perfect for gifts or for yourself.

Be sure to come early for the best selection. We will also hold a basket silent auction during the sale.

Dec. 9: Holiday Craft Show From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Selbyville Elks 2173, 13308 Worcester Highway, Bishopville, Md. 21813. There will be 15 different vendors. There will be a bake sale table, Chinese Auction and the Elks will have burgers and hotdogs for sale. If you are interested in becoming a Boy Scout with Troop 2173 you must be 11 years old or in the fifth grade. If you wish to donate or have any questions about this event, call Eileen Dudley at 443-880-7180.

Dec. 9: Ocean City Comic Con Convention Center 40th St. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Features hundreds of guests, vendors, exhibitors, cosplayers, and artists on the show floor. Kids 10 & older $12, kids 9 & under free. oceancitycomiccon.com.

Dec. 9: Anglers Club Meeting The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Library.

There will be a summary of this year’s kids fishing events, Teach A Kid To Fish and The Youth Fishing Contest. Also the Walt Boge Memorial Fishing Contest awards will be presented and all things fishing discussed. Members are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or donation for Diakonia shelter. All welcome.

Dec. 9: Breakfast With Santa The Auxiliary of Ocean City American Legion Post 166 welcomes local boys and girls for breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10 a.m. Santa will be sitting down with the kids for breakfast and a little pre-Christmas entertainment and gifts. There’s a minimal charge to cover the food: Children 3 and under are free, tickets are $5 for those 4 to 11, and $10 for guests 12 and over. officealpost166@gmail.com.

Dec. 9: Dramatic Reading The Lower Eastern Shore Chapter of the Maryland Writers Association in partnership with the Salisbury Art Space will present a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” 7:30 p.m. at the Salisbury Art Space in Downtown Salisbury. The hour-long adaptation by local director Andrew Heller captures all the humor and humanity that people have come to associate with the Christmas classic. John Ebert leads the ensemble cast as Scrooge with local writers and

December 8, 2023 actors providing the supporting voices.

This event is the latest in a monthly series of live readings performed at the Salisbury Art Space.

Dec. 9: History Discussion The Germantown School will host Dr. Clara Small from 10 a.m.-noon as she discusses the history of the role of Buffalo Soldiers. This is the third in the series, Veteran Voices. The event is free, but registration is recommended. To register, email: germantownschool@gmail.com or call 410-641-0638. The Germantown School is located at 10223 Trappe Road, Berlin, Md.

Dec. 9: Vendor Market The Ocean Resorts Golf Club in Berlin will hold its Holly Jolly Holiday Vendor Market from 2-5 p.m. The event will feature area artisans selling handmade goods and gifts for those who want to shop local for the holidays. There will also be family activities such as visits and hayrides with Santa, an interactive story time and face painting. An ugly sweater contest and a golf putting contest with prizes will also be held. The event is free; hayrides cost $5 per family.

Dec. 12: Feast Day Celebration St. Paul’s by-the-Sea will celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe and invite the community to a special Holy Eucharist service at 6 p.m., which will begin with a procession outside following the statue of the Virgin Mary into the church through the red doors. Bulletins will be provided with English and Spanish translations, side by side so everyone will be able to follow the service.

After the service, there will be a celebration in the church hall which will include Mexican music and food that is traditional for the occasion.

Dec. 14: Hanukkah Celebration Hosted at The Inn Berlin at 5:30 p.m.

Join in as the menorah is illuminated together on the final night of Hanukkah.

Event will take place outside.

Dec. 17: All-Faith Service Join the All Faith Friendship Association at 4 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Berlin for a special interfaith holiday service. Blue Holidays: A Service of Remembrance, Hope, and Light will hold space for people experiencing grief of some kind during the holiday season. In a time of joy, we acknowledge loss too.

Together we will pray and light candles of remembrance and hope. Light refreshments will be served after.

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

December 8, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 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. Saturday, Dec. 9: Shortcut Sunny

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DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, Dec. 8

BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays

BRYAN CLARK Fager’s Island: Monday, Dec. 11

CORK BAR Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Saturday, Dec. 9: Santacon CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, Dec. 8: Jack Bannon Wednesday, Dec. 13: Kevin Poole CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, Dec. 8: Josh Pryor Trio Saturday, Dec. 9: Lennon LaRicci, Risky Business FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, Dec. 8: DJ Greg, DJ RobCee Saturday, Dec. 9: DJ Groove, Making Waves Monday, Dec. 11: Bryan Clark

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

KEVIN POOLE Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, Dec. 13

SHORTCUT SUNNY Coins Pub: Saturday, Dec. 9

DJ TUFF Seacrets: Friday, Dec. 8

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

December 8, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 47

Who’s Where When

RISKY BUSINESS Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, Dec. 9

SUGAR JACK Purple Moose Saloon: Saturday, Dec. 9

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Seacrets: Friday, Dec. 8

ROGUE CITIZENS Pickles Pub: Saturday, Dec. 9

LIGHT UP THE MOON Seacrets: Friday, Dec. 8

MAKING WAVES Fager’s Island: Saturday, Dec. 9

FULL CIRCLE Seacrets: Saturday, Dec. 9 & Thursday, Dec. 14 (duo)

LENNON LARICCI & THE LEFTOVERS Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, Dec. 9

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PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, Dec. 9: Rogue Citizens 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. 9: Sugar Jack SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 8: DJ Tuff, Opposite Directions, Light Up The Moon Saturday, Dec. 9: DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, Full Circle, Dear Zoe Thursday, Dec. 14: Fulll Circle Duo, DJ Connair

ALL ADS LINKED TO ADVERTISERS’ WEBSITES Updated By Every Monday At www.mdcoastdispatch.com

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Page 48

Things I Like...

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

December 8, 2023

WITH BUNK MANN

By Steve Green

Christmas Parade night in Berlin

J.P. Cathell Photography’s coverage of the Decatur championship Pizza on a football day

Pictures from local parades

Watching boats coming through the Inlet Kids at play in a neighborhood My house after a long day

Carriage rides around Berlin Hampden in Baltimore

Sound of laughter in a house

A street full of decorated houses

The Boardwalk had been extended to 26th Street by 1960 (and to 27th Street following the March Storm of 1962). Hotels such as the Beach Plaza, the original Commander, and Harrison Hall were in their "heyday" and motels such as the Santa Maria, Sea Scape, and Stowaway were popular venues for summer visitors.

The city limits ended on 41st Street in 1960. Ocean City was still highly segregated at that time and Blacks were not served in the town's restaurants or welcome on the beach or Boardwalk. "Jim Crow" laws would remain into the late 1960s.

A gallon of gas cost 31 cents in 1960, a Ford Fairlane V-8 was $2501, and a slice of pizza and a Coke on the Boardwalk cost 50 cents. Two crab cakes with a choice of two vegetables was $1.65 at Phillips Crab House. This might sound good but the average annual salary was only $5,600 as the decade of the 60's began.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.

Photo courtesy of John Hurlock

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 58

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Although taking advice isn't always easy for the headstrong Sheep, you might want to consider what someone you respect will have to say about an upcoming decision.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): A new offer is tempting, but don't be bullied into a quick decision. Rely on your keen Bovine business sense to alert you to anything that might be questionable.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Your "Gemini Twin" nature rallies to help you deal with this week's hectic schedule, both in your personal and professional lives. One caution: Watch your diet.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Avoid rushing to make up for lost time on a stalled workplace operation. It's best to set up a schedule and pace yourself. Welcome the help of your colleagues.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Despite those glittering holiday distractions that you love so well, be sure to keep your feline senses set on high to alert you to anything that might require fast action.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Making an effort to restore fraying relationships proves to be more successful than you dared hope. The holidays also bring new friends into your life.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Pri-

vate and professional matters compete for your attention. Be honest in your assessment of which should get more of it – and for how long.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): A seemingly endless list of must-do tasks is best handled by tackling them one by one. Don't forget to take energy-restoring timeouts between each job.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): A vexing relationship seems destined to deteriorate no matter what each side tries to do. A third party's advice just might prove to be helpful.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Reach out and ease any tensions caused by home or workplace pressures before they threaten the relationship-building progress that you've made.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): You often go out of your way to show kindness to others, so don't be surprised if other people want to do something nice for you this week.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): People in your life respect your Piscean wisdom, so don't hesitate to speak up about a matter that you feel isn't being handled quite the way it should.

BORN THIS WEEK: Your personal warmth helps you make friendships, and your sense of fair play helps you keep them. © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

December 8, 2023

Christmas Parade Results:

The 40th Annual Ocean City Christmas Parade marched last Saturday in north Ocean City. In each division, the winners are listed in order of finish.

School Band: Snow Hill High, above, Pocomoke High and Decatur High Top Floats: Ocean City Elementary School PTA, Harrison Group and The Bearded Men Society Marching Units: Pocomoke High JROTC, Chincoteague Pony Drill Team and Snow Hill JROTC Best Vehicle Winners: OC Local Jeep Society, OC Jeep Club, above right, and Hogs & Heroes MD Chapter Coca-Cola Award Winner: OC Stars, top right Carousel Award Winner: Floating Down Coastal Highway, at right Mayor’s Choice Award Winner: Jolly Roger, top left Photos courtesy Town of Ocean City

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 49

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Page 50

Priceless

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 2023

December 1, 2023

Decatur Caps Off Historic Season With State Championship Serving Greater Delmarva Since 1984

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Stephen Decatur High School’s football team capped off a perfect season last Friday night to win the school’s first state championship in football over Huntingtown of Calvert County, 21-13.

The championship game of the 2023 MPSSAA Class 2A playoff was held at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium with a crowd of about 5,000 in attendance.

Thousands of local residents made the two-hour trek to Annapolis to cheer on the team, which had a police and fire escort to and from the stadium.

Decatur jumped out early with a first quarter touchdown to take a lead it would never lose. At halftime, Decatur was up 14-0 with two touchdown receptions by junior Trybe Wise from senior Brycen Coleman, who has committed to play Division I football for Vanderbilt University.

In the third quarter, Huntingtown took the opening drive of the second half the length of the field to cut the lead to 14-7. Decatur answered back, however, late in the quarter with a four-yard rushing touchdown by Coleman to build the lead to 21-7. With 11 minutes to go in the final frame, Huntingtown completed a sevenyard touchdown reception, but the extra point attempt was blocked.

With the score 21-13, Huntingtown received the ball after a Decatur punt with five minutes to go. Huntingtown turned the ball over on downs on its own 23-yard line with four minutes to go. Coleman was intercepted while driving for the clinching town, however, giving Huntingtown hope. Huntingtown drove from its own eight-yard line to inside Decatur’s 20-yard line with one minute to go. Decatur’s defense held tight though, forcing a turnover down with about 40 seconds left. It was victory formation for the Seahawks at that point.

For the season, the Seahawks ended up 14-0, while the Hurricanes of Huntingtown were 10-3 with the loss. On what was a dominating season from start to finish, Decatur outscored its opponents 554-148.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall announced Friday the Seahawks will lead the annual Berlin Christmas Parade on Thursday.

Photos by J.P. Cathell Photography

… OPA Reevaluating Membership

December 8, 2023

FROM PAGE 7 their individual communities or interferes with the objectives of Worcester County Economic Development and Tourism or attempts to co-opt the relationships county government has with local, regional, state and federal partners and businesses,” he said.

Donna Frankowski, a chamber board member, said there was no reason a countywide chamber couldn’t coexist with other entities.

“It must also be understood that government run economic development offices are totally different entities, which often work in collaboration with chambers of commerce to support and serve local businesses,” she said. “We, here in Ocean Pines, have an extremely vibrant, dynamic chamber and much of its success can be attributed to our president Kerrie Bunting.”

She said that since Bunting came on board about five years ago, the chamber’s membership base had grown significantly. In 2022, after an in-depth strategic planning workshop, Frankowski said the board realized the chamber was limited by the relatively few businesses within the borders of Ocean Pines. The chamber’s growth reflected an increase in members from surrounding areas, which led the board to believe the chamber had outgrown its borders.

As a result, the chamber began pursuing expansion.

“We have spent months researching

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

and planning this expansion,” Frankowski said. “In May this year, Kerrie invited other chambers in the county, county commissioners, and representatives from the county department of economic development among others to discuss our idea and address possible concerns.

This decision was not made lightly! Essentially, our plan is not to change how our chamber runs; our goal is to signal to businesses further afield, that we are willing and able to provide service and support from our Ocean Pines location.

The most obvious way to do this is to change our name to reflect inclusion of the entire county.”

Those concerned with the change, however, maintain that businesses throughout the county are already being supported by the chambers closest to them and through the efforts of Worcester County’s economic development team.

“It is hoped that during this season of ‘peace and good will to all,’ that efforts are made by the Worcester County Chamber of Commerce to reestablish the bonds of good will that have existed among the businesses, communities, organizations, chambers of commerce and government agencies throughout Worcester County and beyond,” Bertino said. “As a community, as a county, we are most successful when we work collaboratively and collectively in pursuit of common goals. That’s the Worcester way.”

Page 51

Local officials this week shared their concerns regarding a name change from the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce to the Worcester County Chamber of Commerce. The local chamber office is pictured above.

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Page 52

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 2023

OBITUARIES Mary Virginia Tunis OCEAN PINES – Mary Virginia Tunis joined her husband, family, friends, and dogs in heaven on December 2nd, 2023. She passed peacefully and ascended, leaving this world from the embrace of her son, daughter, friends, and loving caretakers at the Woodlands in Ocean Pines. Heaven is aglow with her arrival.

Born on July 7, 1935, Mary Virginia Webster joined a large family with MARY TUNIS brothers Sam, Tom, and Rolland, and sisters Sibby and Nancy (deceased as an infant). Mary landed in this world in Cambridge in the throes of the Great Depression. But the obstacle of a mere economic meltdown was nothing to a woman of Mary’s grit, perseverance, brilliance, positivity, and kindness. Mary learned early to “grow her way forward.” She had a green thumb for plants and life. She nurtured everything she touched, and the world flowered in her presence.

Mary was humble yet had amazing talents that seemed to be limitless. She was the center of her high school basketball team at a towering 5 feet, 4 inches. Mary could jump! While tending the gardens and chickens to keep the family fed, Mary excelled in school and went on to become a world class nurse after putting herself through nursing school in Wilmington, Delaware.

It was her nursing skills that brought her together with George Tunis, Jr., as Mary cared for George’s father following a stroke. Mary was a stunning Eastern shore “gemstone,” but it was her kindness and caring way that left George breathless. They fell hopelessly in love, were inseparable, and are together again after raising a surviving family that includes two children, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Mary was the consummate wife of the 1950s and her style put June Cleaver to shame. Mary kept a firm hand on the household tiller, cooked like Julie Childs, and patched up every kid in the neighborhood from endless bike and skateboard road-rash incidents. Lidocaine was not a thing yet, but Mary could take the sting away from iodine with her kindness and loving touch.

Between nursing and raising a family, Mary was the queen of the petrochemical chemistry world, supporting George in his career at DuPont. Mary was George’s secret weapon. She was the “behind the scenes,” no credit needed, business genius that could size people up in 20 minutes or less. Mary had a “sixth sense” for good people, and she had amazing breadth and depth in any meeting or business dealing. She came from a farm, but she taught her children that no matter where you came from, we are all the same. She was equally comfortable weeding her gardens (without bending her knees!) as she was with a cocktail in her hand in the company of oil company owners and CEOs. She could host a party for

200, make all the food (real time), and float from guest to guest making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the house.

Mary was elegance and kindness personified. She was inspiring to all, hardworking to a fault, and was the best friend anyone could have. She believed true friends show up to help when things are not going well, and she left that mission with all that were close to her. Earth lost a mom, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend on Dec. 2, but all gained an angel.

Services will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Coastal Hospice at P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802 in Mary’s name. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Beverly Montgomery OCEAN CITY – Beverly "Joan" Montgomery, 88, of Ocean City, passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, 2023.

Joan was born on Oct. 25, 1935 to the late William and Elizabeth Lewis in Westwood, N.J. After graduating from Park Ridge High School in 1954, Joan went on to work in New York City as a receptionist and office assistant for the purchasing division of JCPenney. Upon the return of her beloved from the military, she BEVERLY married Harold “Lee" MONTGOMERY Montgomery, her forever, in 1957, and were married for 66 wonderful years. Soon after their marriage, they started a family and built their life together in Park Ridge, N.J. After working in NYC, Joan was then employed by the Bergen Record as a newspaper distributor and then assumed multiple roles in the Park Ridge public school system. She finished her career there as the adored school attendance secretary and coordinator for the PRHS Athletic Department.

Joan's favorite pastimes included dancing, playing “bunco," and spending special time with family and friends.

Her loved ones were truly her greatest source of joy and pride in life. Joan's belief in the good of others was always displayed in her selfless acts. She was known for her beautiful heart, her peppy "let's go" attitude, and her sincere and loving devotion to her husband, family and church.

She is survived by her loving family, son, Scott (Diane) Montgomery; son, Brad (Kaye) Montgomery; daughter, Cindy (John) Leitgeb; and her five grandchildren Jason (Ariel) Montgomery, Kaitlyn (Matthew) Beck, William Montgomery, Jenna Leitgeb, and Christopher Leitgeb; along with extended

family Mark (Robyn) Carlson, Richard (Christina, Rachel) Carlson and Amy (Zeven) Carlson.

A celebration of life service at Bethany United Methodist Church, in Berlin, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16 at noon with family and friends. Prior to the service, family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m.-noon at the church.

All donations may be made out to Bethany United Methodist Church (8648 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, Md. 21811) in loving memory of Beverly “Joan" Montgomery.

Barbara Kathryn Warren Huffer LAUREL, Del. – Barbara Kathryn Warren Huffer, age 86, of Laurel, Del., died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023 at Christiana Care Hospital. She was born in Salisbury and was the daughter of the late Elbert L. Warren and Hester (Campbell) Warren.

She was a proud member of the first graduating class at Stephen Decatur High School in 1955. She and her late husband Glenn were founding members of the Delmarva Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. She was a board member for the Old Christ Church and Old Church Landing in Laurel, a member of the Delmarva Power Vingt Cinq Club, and a supporter of the Ward Foundation. She loved BARBARA HUFFER her ball games and spent many hours watching her sons and grandchildren compete. She also loved fishing, boating, and any time spent near the water.

She is survived by two sons, James H. Willey Jr. and wife Joann of Salisbury, and Warren E. Willey of Georgetown, Del.; three step-daughters, Sheila Burke and husband Mike of Nellysford, Va., Sandy Huffer and Susan of Annapolis and Denise Yetzer and husband Steve of Charlottesville, Va.; a brother Walter C. Warren and wife Jeani of Salisbury; sister, Martha W. McCabe of Ocean City; two grandchildren, James H. Willey III (Amanda) and Jessica Lea Willey; five step-grandchildren, Ryan Burke (Seana), Ashley Burke, Violet Yetzer, Grace Yetzer and Boyd Yetzer; and a step-great granddaughter Ripley Burke. She is also survived by many close friends, especially Gloria Nolan, Helen Mae Chamblin and Joann Jackson, and the father of her sons, James H. Willey Sr. A funeral service was held Dec. 2, 2023 at Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville with a visitation held an hour before the service. Burial was in the Bishopville Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at Doyle’s Restaurant in Selbyville.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her

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

memory may be made to Friends of Bishopville Cemetery, P.O. Box 62, Bishopville, Md. 21813.

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

Peggy L. Sherman SALISBURY – Peggy L. Sherman, age 69, of Salisbury, died Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023 at PRMC in Salisbury. She was born in Pennsylvania and was the daughter of the late Lloyd Sherman and Geraldine (Koppenhaver) Sherman.

Peggy was a retired office manager for Hitchen's Bros. Construction, George Burt Cropper and Kap Construction.

She is survived by two children, Ryan N. Timmons and wife Jennifer PEGGY L. and Jessica F. Short and SHERMAN husband Kirby all of Bishopville; one sister Pat Sherman of Pennsylvania; six grandchildren, Ashley Byrum, Aalyah Timmons, Sarah Bryant, Kirby Short, Jr., Kayla Short Lewis and Nathaniel Short; and great granddaughter Peyton Lewis.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Larry Sherman and Pell Sherman, and one sister, Darlene Wenke.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Dec. 9, 2023 at Bishop Hastings Funeral Home 19 South Main Street, Selbyville, Del. Friends may call one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, donation in her memory may be made to American Heart Assoc. P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284 0692 or Worcester County Humane Society P.O. Box 48 Berlin, Md. 21811.

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

Melody Ann Johnson BERLIN – Melody Ann Johnson, 70, passed peacefully into the hands of God on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Tidal Health in Salisbury.

Melody was predeceased by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Edward Johnson, Sr., and her brother Edward Johnson, Jr. She is survived by her brother Patrick L. Johnson and his wife Carolyn T. Johnson; a niece Genevieve Lee Johnson; sister-in-law Teresa Quillen Johnson; a niece Amy J. Holloway; her step-granddaughter Brittany L. Carey; along with her step-son and wife Stacey and Karen Carey.

Melody was a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, Class of 1971, and Frostburg State College Class of 1975. Her great loves in life were her family, the Stevenson United Methodist Church, hunting and fishing, serving the Girls Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, serving as a member of the Boggs Disharoon American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 123 in Berlin, along with numerous community activities involving veterans, and assisting the elderly.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral ServSEE NEXT PAGE

December 8, 2023

... OBITUARIES ice. Memorial donations can be made to the Boggs Disharoon American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Boggs Disharoon Unit #123, P.O. Box 412, Berlin, Md. 21811 or to the Stevenson United Methodist Church Spirit Kitchen, 123 North Main Street, Berlin, Md. 21811.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later time.

Frances Ada Graf TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Frances Ada Graf, age 77, passed away on Nov. 24, 2023, at Hospice of West Alabama.

Born March 17, 1947, in Greensboro, Ala., she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Grace Graf. She was preceded in death by her sister Col. Nancy Graf.

Fran is survived by her sister, Mary Lundell; brothers Oscar Stanely Graf, Jr. and Edward Graf; her daughters Heather Cuesta and Kate Wicklein Greer; and granddaughters Nina Cuesta and Maia Greer.

After three years of college in Alabama, she moved to Ocean City in 1972 where she raised her daughters.

She attended and taught Sunday School at Atlantic Methodist Church. She also worked alongside her husband, Michael Wicklein in various businesses, The Castle Pub, two Ledo Pizzas, 17 years at the 65th Street Slide and Ride and 20 years with Ocean Promotions.

Fran was a wonderful homemaker and gourmet cook. She loved to travel and to go on long summer visits to “Sweet Home Alabama” with her daughters.

Many families and friends, including her two best lifelong friends Nina (Alabama) and Lynda Richardson Smith (Salisbury) attended the celebration of life, which was held at the Villa at Fosters in Alabama.

A donation may be made in her name to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, a cause that held a special place in Fran’s heart, mailed to Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 560, Demopolis, Ala. 36732 payable to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

John P. Cimetta OCEAN CITY – John P. Cimetta passed away Tuesday Nov. 28, 2023 in Florida with his dear friend John Cobak by his side.

Johnny was born in Livingston N.J. on October 16, 1961. Before his family moved to Ocean JOHN City in 1976, the family CIMETTA lived in Caledonia N.Y. John rejoins his father and mother Alfonse and Mary Ann Cimetta, his two sisters Leslie and Lisa with our Heavenly Father. John is survived by nieces Catie and Lizzy, nephews Cheyne and Nicholas and cousins in New York and Texas.

John was in the Stephen Decatur Class of 1979 and went to Salisbury State College. Johnny loved the beach

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

life and working restaurants in Ocean City. He did some Marine Construction too. John's many Ocean City friends remember John as a fun-loving and caring friend.

A celebration of life is being planned for one more good time on the beach and a party for John.

Bruce B. Jarvis SALISBURY – Bruce B. Jarvis, 81, passed away on Oct. 25, 2023 at Peninsula Tidal Health in Salisbury.

Bruce was born on Sept. 30, 1942, the youngest of four children in Van Wert, Ohio to the late Dr. James R. Jarvis and his wife, Mary Lawrence.

After graduating from Van Wert High School, he attended Ohio Wesleyan University and BRUCE graduated in 1963 with JARVIS a B.S. degree in Chemistry. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in 1966.

Dr. Jarvis was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Northwestern University from 1966-67. At the end of the position at Northwestern in 1967, he joined the faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Maryland in College Park. Dr. Jarvis was the chair of the Chemistry Department from 1993-1998.

His research program ranged from basic studies in physical organic chemistry to natural products chemistry and was supported continually by various government agencies, foundations and corporations including NSF, PRF, NIH, EPA, U.S. Army, USDA, NeoRX Corporation and Center for Indoor Research.

His research in later years focused on the chemistry and toxicology of molds (particularly black molds) associated with damp buildings that can have serious effects on those living and/or working in these buildings. He spent a sabbatical year 1999-2000 as Visiting Professor at Technical University of Denmark.

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He retired as Professor Emeritus from the University of Maryland, College Park in June 2004. He published over 150 papers in peer-reviewed journals, numerous review articles and two books.

He requested that his body be given to the Maryland Anatomy Board to be used for the advancement of science.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Parke Clubhouse, 2 Arcadia Court, Ocean Pines, Md. from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy, and their three children, David of Ocean Pines, Laura of Hanover and Jeffrey of Finksburg; six grandchildren, Krystal, Matthew, Michael, Katia, Bella and Andre; two great grandchildren, Josee and Joselynn; a brother Jim of Ames, Iowa; and a sister, Sally, of Lima, Ohio.

A Bruce B. Jarvis Endowed Scholarship in Chemistry is in place and any donations can be made at giving.umd.edu/giving/

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 2023

Redistricting Hearing In Snow Hill Dec. 19

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday presented a commendation to Chase Ponton, a member of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 261, in recognition of his efforts to improve a county park. For his Eagle Scout project, Ponton, who is pictured here with the commissioners, his parents and school system officials, built a flagpole patio at Bishopville Park.

Submitted Photo

SNOW HILL– A public hearing on the county’s redistricting plan is set for later this month.

This week, the Worcester County Commissioners introduced an emergency legislative bill to establish revised commissioner districts.

A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 19.

According to the bill introduced by the commissioners this week, it is meant to establish revised commissioner districts in response to the shifting population identified in the 2020 U.S. Census. The most recent Census found that the county’s population was 52,607, an increase of 1,059 residents (2%) since the 2010 Census. With the updated figures, Worcester County Development Review and Permitting Department staff were tasked with creating new maps for the county’s election districts, as some districts have to grow while others have to shrink to ensure the population in each remains nearly equal.

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.

County staff worked for months to review the Census data and used software to generate potential district map options. A four-week public comment period resulted in 11 comments, Worcester County Development Review and Permitting Director Jennifer Keener told the commissioners last month.

She said that two of them pertained to the actual maps while nine pertained to the timing of the process. 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.

In response to the concerns, the commissioners introduced the redistricting bill as emergency legislation, meaning it will go into effect as soon as it is passed.

This month’s public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 19, in the commissioners’ chambers in the Worcester County Government building. To see a copy of the bill, visit the county’s website, co.worcester.md.us.

December 8, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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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 8, 2023

OC Air Show’s Move To Late August Unfortunate How We See It

It was a good news, bad news deal for the OC Air Show this week.

First, the event date change from mid-June to late-August is a major negative. The event will not be as successful and well received late in the season as it has been held in June for every year except 2020. The 2024 air show will likely be held the same week as the annual Jeep event, raising some logistical concerns with the daily beach parades, although the “Jeeps and Jets” marketing opportunity exists.

For Ocean City area businesses, it’s a blow because their employment situation is in flux in late August. College students will have left the beach for their schools by the end of August, resulting in staffing challenges typically.

The air show is a major help in June, and it carries a major economic impact for the downtown area. It’s a weekend many circle and get excited about each summer.

Second, the fact the event will not have one of the two major armed forces demonstration teams in the lineup is

significant. The event needs either the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds or the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to headline for it to be successful and continue to be a draw. While the other acts in the lineup bring excitement, it’s these jet demonstration teams that bring the sizzle to the event each year. Ocean City officials have acknowledged this in the past.

Due to their schedules being posted two years out, it's been known for a while neither the Thunderbirds or the Blue Angels would be featured in 2024.

Along with their precision flying and impressive maneuvering, these teams boost patriotism and American pride.

When the air show coincides with Father’s Day, that Sunday on the beach is special for everyone in attendance.

With “challenges out of our control,” as city officials maintained this week, the event will move forward without those teams and the new date. Both are significant changes, tolerable only if it’s for one year. Some excitement can be generated by the announcement of

the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori team being booked for 2024. While it doesn’t carry the same patriotic feel of our own country’s military performing, the Italian acrobat team features 10 Aermacchi MB339 jets flying in three types of shows dependent on weather – low, flat and full. Other civilian acts and a couple U.S. military jets are expected to round out the 2024 lineup.

Looking ahead, the good news for air show enthusiasts is the 2025 event will feature the return of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels for the first time since 2017. This is a significant development, and the timing of the announcement dims the significance of the 2024 event’s unfortunate news.

While Ocean City tourism officials did their best to be optimistic about the event date change and the plan to introduce new events in June to lessen the loss of the air show, the fact is the air show date change is major. It's acceptable for the air show to be rescheduled for one year, but it cannot be permanent.

Letters To The Editor Unacceptable Comments Editor: During a recent Ocean City Planning Commission meeting, Palmer Gillis disparaged members of the City Council with reckless and baseless accusations.

In response to learning about the Council’s decision to return a set of proposed code amendments to the Planning Commission for further review, Mr. Gillis made allegations suggesting that the Council members are unduly influenced by external parties. Specifically, “They’re in the pocket of the builders, and developers, and real estate agents.”

With this lack of discipline, and professionalism, and Mr. Gillis’ loose talk, he has undermined the integrity of the Planning Commission and has soured the relationship with the City Council. Mr. Gillis making these baseless claims about members of the Council when they disagree or don’t accept a recommendation is unacceptable. Mr. Gillis owes each member of the City Council an apology, and I plan to address this topic further at our next public meeting.

The City Council is made up of seven dedicated professionals who work very hard for the residents of Ocean City. Our decisions are always informed, well-considered, and aligned with the welfare of Ocean City’s residents. We do not always agree, but we maintain a high level of respect for all involved. I am proud of each member of the Council as well as the staff and leadership of the Town of Ocean City.

Matt James Ocean City (The writer is the president of the Ocean City Council.)

In-Depth Wind Farm Coverage Needed Editor: I find it interesting that following BOEM’s presentation of the environmental impacts of US Wind’s proposed power plant to be built a mere 8.5-14 miles off our coast, the media has failed to produce any in-depth reporting on this issue so vital to our community. Rather, publications have printed misrepresentations from US Wind’s Dave Wilson on page after page.

Has any reporter even tried to read the official review of the Draft Environmental Impact statement Ocean City produced? Our town painstakingly devoted time and resources to provide vital information to BOEM and its citizenry regarding this project. Our town enlisted experts in cultural and visual resources, underwater acoustic, economics, marine biology, marine mammals and ornithology to properly communicate the impacts of this project. One would think a newspaper would have been interested in researching and printing this information or, at the very least, using it to challenge Mr. Wilson’s assertions.

Maybe, if there was interest in the truth by our media, Mr. Wilson would have been questioned on his assertion the turbines would have aviation lights that only turn on a few hours a year. Maybe, we would know that technology has yet to be fully developed or approved by the FAA for this use and that actually those lights will blink 24/7, one minute on, one off causing such massive light pollution every home in Ocean City would need blinders.

Perhaps, if this 39-page document

was more widely read, an investigative reporter would research the multitude of NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) violations. For example, one might recognize there are other areas more suitable to construction that would not destroy scallop beds or the vitally important Shuster Horseshoe Crab Reserve.

Maybe, just maybe, the readers of the local press, or the listeners of local television stations would know the importance of horseshoe crab blood in our medical industry and that it is sustainably harvested like human blood. Sadly, instead, what we know is that Orsted is now sponsoring WBOC’s West Ocean City Weather Cam and that short term monetary gains far outweigh any long-term outlook.

The states to the north and south of Maryland understand the absolute devastation to the ecosystems and economy if these power plants are allowed to be built. They are fighting hard in all aspects of media and courts. New Jersey has multiple active suites. CFACT is in the preliminary processes of filing suits in Virginia and Virginia Beach has just denied Dominion the ability to land high voltage cables on its shores (Delaware should do the same). I understand battles are readied to defend Delaware as well.

The business and residents of Ocean City must show our town and its elected officials that we are appreciative of the efforts put forth to inform and fight for our coast, our town, our livelihoods. We must all flood the Mayor’s office and Town Council with our desire for them to join our fellow coastal states in an all-out efSEE NEXT PAGE

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 8, 2023

Letters To The Editor fort to save our shores.

Dianna Harris West Ocean City

Event Support Appreciated Editor: The arts are alive and well in Ocean City. On behalf of the Art League of Ocean City, thank you to everyone who made this year’s Diamond Jubilee Gala a wonderful success. It was an elegant and fun-filled evening at the oceanfront Ashore Resort to support the 60th anniversary of the Art League, help our nonprofit continue our outreach programs, and update our beautiful home, the Ocean City Center for the Arts.

Thank you to the more than 200 guests who attended our gala to support the arts. Our gala committee did an outstanding job of coordinating the event and creating decor. The committee includes chairs Courtney Blackford and Nancy Dofflemyer, and members Virginia Pappas, Heather Ross, Eileen Stamnas, Dawne Pappas, Rebecca Galyon, Patti Selig, Meredith Moore, Cindy Leiner, Cheryl Taustin, and Jennifer Klepper.

Our thanks also goes out to our Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Sponsors: Gudelsky Group of Companies, Jack Burbage Foundation, Atlantic Planning & Development, Emily and Paul Schwab, Bank of Ocean City, Leighton and Rebecca Moore, and Ashore Resort & Beach Club.

Sapphire sponsors were Jerry and Patti Selig, Carey Distributors, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Joan W. Jenkins Foundation, and Snowden Lane. Also, Pohanka of Salisbury, T&G Builders, John Sisson, Billy and Madlyn Carder, Jim and Jan Perdue, T.E.A.M Productions, Gayle and Dirk Widdowson.

Pearl and Topaz sponsors were Sunsations Group, Ryan Wilde, Joe Smoot, Linda Gundersen, Delaware Elevator, Old Pro Golf, Kit and Jocky Creasy, Ocean Downs Casino, Harrison Group, Sandy and Beth Deeley, Sea Glass Pool & Spa, and Dr. Greg and Eileen Stamnas. Thank you to OC Wasabi, Candy Kitchen Shoppes, Phil Cropper, Kathy Denk, and Drew Berkeley for the extra special touches to the evening.

Our gratitude goes out to those who donated to our auction: Nancy Ellen Thompson, Ricky Sears, Bruno Baran, Andree Tullier, Duane Sabistan, Pat Lang, Lisa Scarbath, Elaine Bean, Joe DiGiulio, Ray Ewing, Virginia Pappas, Park Place Jewelers, Kuhn’s Jewelers, Just Tree Creations, Kate Elaine Hammen, and Adam Showell. Also Elite Island Resorts, Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, Luna Blu Italian Restaurant, Innerbloom, Kathryn Redden, Captain Steve, Bruder Hill, The Sterling Tavern, Island Creamery, Forgotten 50 Distilling, Atlantic Hotel, A Perfect Face, Cambria/Spain Wine Bar, Patti Selig, Paul Cullen, Pino & Karen Tomasello, Embers, Touch of Italy, Gregory Poulos Photography, Seaborn Seafood, Barn 34, Rina Thaler, and The Hobbit.

Our 50/50 raffle was won by Shannon Southcomb who took home more than

$9,000. Thank you to all of those who purchased a raffle ticket.

The board and staff of the Art League are grateful to the many members of the community who came together in support of the arts on its special 60th anniversary year.

Rina Thaler Ocean City (The writer is the executive director of the Art League of Ocean City and Ocean City Center for the Arts.)

Why Should Maryland Be National Wind Leader?

Editor: Recently, Danish company Orsted announced it was ceasing operations on Ocean Wind I and Ocean Wind II offshore wind farms off the coast of New Jersey, citing increased costs due to interest rates, inflation and supply chain issues. It’s kind of funny that this industry, so beloved of the Biden Administration, is suffering losses and is even imperiled

by Bidenomics.

For a majority of the people on the Shore this is very good news. And we love the additional bad news for the OSW (and indeed the entire “green energy”) industry coming out almost every day“clean energy stocks are tanking, local governments saying “Nope! Not welcome here!” or passing regulations that bring to light just how incredibly expensive and unworkable these technologies truly are, etc. In my opinion, anything that interferes with the “green” steam roller is welcome news.

We must be careful and watchful though. We have a Presidential Administration that is all in for green energy, no matter the cost, no matter the incredibly poor outcomes. And Maryland Governor Moore is so excited about the possible sight of thousands of turbines on land and sea that he is even hoping to add the Chesapeake Bay to the national park system. In April, Governor Moore tweeted: “Here’s why Maryland will become the national leader in offshore wind: ~Our 3,000-plus miles of shoreline for generating wind power ~Our skilled workforce powering offshore wind manufacturing in Baltimore ~Investments in clean energy from my Innovation Economy Infrastructure Act”.

The only way you can come up with 3,000 miles of shoreline in Maryland is by using the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay. I also find it interesting that it was recently announced that the world’s largest steel mill (Sparrows Point in Baltimore) will get a second life as a wind turbine factory.

Our federal and state governments have proven over the years that there is no amount of taxpayer funds they will not happily shovel out to “green” companies with very little oversight or even any evidence that the technologies work.

Please remain watchful and pay attention and when you see or hear something, please spread the word and let your state and federal representatives know what you think about it.

Carol Frazier Ocean Pines

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Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green It was a no brainer for the Worcester County Commissioners to strike a $37 million central office building for the Board of Education from the county’s capital improvement plan submitted to the state. It’s puzzling why it was even listed on the plan, considering current conversations about aging school facilities and the capital projects needed as well as the current strained relations between the commissioners and school officials.

While it’s true the project could simply be viewed as a “wish list” item, there is no need to include the concept if the chances of it being supported at the county or state level are remote, as was stated this week. This administration office project being included in the capital plan became an opportunity for at least one commissioner to raise similar concerns expressed during the budget discussion earlier this year. It was almost as if the school board teed up a political football for those commissioners concerned with how county dollars are spent within the school system.

“There are so many more pressing issues such as building Buckingham, our teachers being significantly underpaid, as well as the support staff, and bus contractors,” Commissioner Eric Fiori said in a Facebook post. “To allocate $37 million for a new administration building for a five-year plan, I just have to disagree with it, and I needed that to be struck off the CIP so we can move some of these funds over to getting our teachers the pay they deserve … My primary concern is ensuring fair compensation for dedicated teachers, support staff, and bus drivers. ...”

Earlier during the meeting in Snow Hill, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic told his fellow commissioners they were looking at the capital improvement plan the wrong way. It’s no secret Mitrecic, the former commission president until the 2022 election, does not see most matters the same as Fiori and the other commissioners in an unofficial voting block – Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting and Caryn Abbott. It’s been a year since the last election and it's clear Bertino, Bunting, Abbott and Fiori have a majority hold on most county matters.

“I’d just like to remind my colleagues here this is a wish list,” Mitrecic said. “Every one of these projects would have to be voted on at a separate time and place. To include some of these things, I’m not exactly thrilled about the $5 million for the broadband but it is part of a wish list for the county so I include it. The central office is on the wish list for the board of education doesn’t mean we’re ever going to do it. I don’t think striking it off completely is the right thing to do …”

In response to that point, Bertino, the current commission president who was reappointed to the position this week in a 6-1 vote (Mitrecic opposed), said after the meeting, “The CIP is a planning document. The reality is in the next five years it’s very unlikely we’re going to move forward on a new administrative building.”

It's been tremendous to observe the Stephen Decatur High School’s football program in recent years under Coach Jake Coleman and his coaching staff. It’s safe to say this was the most talented football team Decatur has ever had and the culmination of a perfect season came last week with the state championship crown in Annapolis. The atmosphere at the game was electric and the community support on hand was inspiring. From the field, it looked like Decatur’s side of the stadium was at least three times the number of fans present for Huntingtown, which was just 30 miles away from the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis. The local crowd’s support throughout the game was amazing to witness.

It has been special to watch the community wrap its collective arms around this team all season, especially during the playoff games at home.

Most impressive may be the fact Decatur’s team won the sportsmanship award given to one of the six state championship teams for the fall season.

Coach Coleman and his son, star quarterback Brycen Coleman, spoke about the ride this team has been on and the state championship during an interview with Bill Baker on Power 101.7 yesterday. The coach was full of praise for his players as well as the community that has supported them all season.

“It has been overwhelming, all of it. We want to be true champions, be humble and thankful. We want to thank everyone for all their support. It has been amazing,” Coleman said. “We are just regular people living a dream right now and we are so thankful for everyone. Throughout all this year, we are so grateful.

Our kids are likable. They are not jerks. They are good, humble kids who don’t think they are better than anyone else. I think that’s why we became Delmarva’s team. They came from good parents, and we are grateful.”

Brycen Coleman, who has committed to play Division I football at Vanderbilt University in Nashville next year, made history on an individual basis, becoming the first player in the state to accumulate over 1,000 yards receiving, rushing and passing in a career. On this year’s special team, Brycen Coleman, who started basketball season immediately after the state title win, said, “Everybody had the same goal all season. I think when you have a bunch of guys working toward the same goal it’s really hard to stop that. We were all working together and pushing each other going back to last year.

Plus, this is a very talented team and will be next year, too. There is a brotherhood here now that will always be there. Winning is now the culture here.”

Looking ahead, Coach Coleman said the team is only losing two starters on offense from the high-powered unit that put up 554 points (giving up just 148).

He said, “The quest is to go back-to-back. Anything else will be disappointing.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Puzzle Answers

O

December 8, 2023

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

PUZZLE ON PAGE 48

St. Paul’s

Episcopal Church 3 Church Street Berlin MD 410~641~4066

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP In Person Services 8:30 a.m. (no music) 10:30 a.m. (with music) With Livestream On Our Facebook Page St. Paul’s Episcopal Church - Berlin, MD www.stpaulsberlin.org

n the drive to school yesterday, Carson and I saw a group of teens in shorts and T-shirts waiting for their buses. It was 26 degrees, and I initially thought the frost on my windshield was messing with me.

For some reason, I have given far too much thought to this concept of teenagers, mostly boys, refusing to wear a suitable amount of clothes. In our house, we have two extremes.

Carson, 14, does not like to be cold and basically only wears oversized hooded sweatshirts these days. On cold mornings, he has been known to wear two hooded sweatshirts to school. We have recently compromised and found a suitable middle ground.

Conversely, Beckett, 15, is never cold.

Thanks to puberty and body changes, he is a massive sweater and often carries an extra shirt with him to change into if he suspects he may get pit marks.

If it was up to him, I think he would be one of those boys in shorts and a T-shirt at the bus stop. What once irritated me is now more of a curiosity as to why my teen won’t dress for the weather, or at least wear a jacket. His favorite outfit these days would be athletic shorts and a hooded sweatshirt.

One day I was scrolling through social media and came across a post on raisingteenstoday.com headlined, “Aren’t they freezing? The REAL reason teenagers won’t wear coats.” It was as if my social media account was reading my mind or at least eavesdropping on the giggles Carson and I shared over the boys freezing at the bus stop.

Some highlights of the column resonated: “The other day, I was waiting patiently parked behind a school bus in my neighborhood while 20 or so middle schoolers piled in heading to school. It was absolutely freezing outside. The temperature hovered around 34 degrees, it was drizzling and the wind was whipping making it feel a whole lot colder than it

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actually was.

And… there they were… nearly every teenage boy was wearing shorts and a hoodie. No coat. No gloves. No scarf.

Nothing to keep them warm. Just a pair of thin shorts and a fleece hoodie.

I mean, come on… aren’t they freezing their tails off? Aren’t they shivering?

Aren’t they wishing they put a few extra layers on?

Even my own son, on more mornings than I can count, ventured off to school in a lightweight hoodie. When I offered up the suggestion, “Soooo, it’s really cold out this morning. You might want to think about wearing a coat,” all I’d get in return was an eye-roll at the mere mention of the idea and a “Nope, I’m good.”

My daughters are pretty much the same way. They’re big fans of hoodies on freezing days and they don’t think twice about leaving the house on a Friday night in the dead of winter wearing a crop top. “Don’t worry… I’m fine,” they’d say. Really??? How can they be “fine?” …. So, parents, FINALLY the mystery of why your teenager (and pretty much every other teenager on the planet) chooses to leave their coat buried in the back of their closet is solved.

Here’s the REAL reason teenagers won’t wear coats, according to teenagers.

(Heads up… it’s not just one reason.)

With every parent screaming “FINE… freeze then!” when their kid walks out the door totally underdressed, this might offer some peace of mind.

It turns out there’s some truth to this!

According to an article in the Washington Post, “The metabolic rates for kids up through their teens are higher than those of most adults, and so are their activity levels. As a result, kids tend to generate more heat than adults do.”

Experts say, if your kids skip the coat, at least encourage them to wear a hat and gloves, which will prevent frostbite and keep heat from escaping from their head. (Ummm… good luck with that.) … Coats are bulky and a big pain

to carry around in school. A lot of high schoolers either don’t have a locker (or choose not to have one) which means they have to carry their coat around all day in addition to their back backpack.

And, for the middle and high schoolers that do have a locker, shoving a big, bulky, puffy coat into a small locker can be a serious challenge. …

You know when your now big kid was a toddler and they had to have their comfy “blankie” before they could drift off to sleep? Well, it turns out, for some teenagers, their cozy hoodie provides the same emotional comfort. Hoodies are like a security blanket for big kids. … It doesn’t matter how comfortable a coat is, apparently it’s no match to a soft, worn-in fleece hoodie. Plus, according to teens, the more you wear your favorite hoodies, the comfier they get. And, since most teens wear their hoodies oversized, they can scoot their hands in the sleeves and stay toasty while they desperately try to stay awake during their teacher’s boring history lecture. … Some teenagers claim they’ve lost more coats than they can count, so why bother? Especially when there’s no chance of losing their hoodie since they never (or rarely) take it off.

As much as teens say they don’t care about fitting in, a lot of them actually do care. In fact, they care a lot. And, who can blame them? No one wants to be the odd man out. … They’d rather be cold than stand out like a sore thumb in the crowd. … Buckle up and just ride this one out. If you’re really concerned about them freezing in frigid temps, encourage them to layer under their hoodie and wear a hat and gloves. But, don’t be surprised if they roll their eyes and sigh heavily.

(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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