March 26

The Dispatch March 26, 2021

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OC Public Works Campus Dedicated

Berlin Council Supports Tax Increase

Sheriff Seeks 30% Funding Jump

See Page 10 • Submitted Photo

See Page 6 • Photo by Chris Parypa

See Page 38 • File Photo

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March 26, 2021

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Route 90 Bridge Upgrades Done One Day Early

March 26, 2021

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OCEAN CITY – Overnight closures of Route 90 this week to allow crews to complete extensive repairs and upgrades to one of the main access points to the resort finished up a day earlier than expected.

Starting on Monday, Maryland Department of Transportation-State Highway Administration (SHA) crews began extensive repairs to the entire length of Route 90 from Route 50 to Coastal Highway. As a result, Route 90 was closed in both directions each night and early morning from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The project was expected to be completed by 6 a.m. on Friday. However, SHA crews were able to complete the numerous projects by Thursday morning, or a day early. SHA performed bridge deck patching and joint repairs, lighting repairs, guardrail replacements and an overall cleaning and sweeping. SHA District Community Liaison Bob Rager acknowledged the complete closures of the spans caused inconvenience for some, but are sometimes needed to get projects finished efficiently and safely.

“All work was done this week using overnight closures to provide safe work zones and allow crews to make significant progress in a short amount of time,” he said. “We know this was an inconvenience, but these closures really give us the ability to knock out a lot of repairs in a short time and in a manner that’s much, much safer for motorists as well as work crews.”

March 26, 2021

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Page 5

Berlin Council Votes 4-1 For Property Tax Rate Increase

Page 6

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – After hours of discussion and four failed votes, Berlin’s elected officials approved a one-and-a-half cent tax increase this week.

On Monday, the Berlin Town Council voted 4-1 to approve a tax rate of $.815 per $100 of assessed property valuation. The decision, which will equate to a $45 increase for someone with a home assessed at $300,000, came after the town’s department heads said the flat $.80 rate Mayor Zack Tyndall proposed would not fund the town’s needs.

“This balanced budget you’re seeing tonight that’s entailed with an 80-cent tax rate is balanced on the backs of the employees,” Planning Director Dave Engelhart said.

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Tyndall opened Monday’s public hearing on the tax rate with comments on his draft general fund budget.

Though the proposed spending plan featured a deficit of $130,000 when he initially introduced the rate of $.80 per $100 of assessed value in early March, Tyndall said he’d spent the past two weeks balancing the $6.7 million budget.

“In the current draft you will see we no longer have a projected deficit and in fact have a little less than $100,000 in a contingency fund,” he said.

Tyndall added that the budget included funds for a new street sweeper, electrical access for town events, new tree lighting on Main Street, a feasibility study for a community center on Flower Street, phase one of a Rails to Trails program and a strategic plan.

“This plan will be a community centered document that will help guide Berlin in the upcoming years,” he said. “I remain confident that my proposal of 80 cents per $100 of assessed value tax rate is the best path forward for FY22.”

Resident Marie Velong said she supported Tyndall’s proposed rate, particularly considering the pandemic.

“I think everyone has been through some type of hardship this last year,” she said.

Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood told council members they should look at both budgets they’d been provided.

He said the one that had featured a $130,000 deficit had included department head input while the most recent budget draft had been adjusted by Tyndall. He suggested council members look at how the balanced budget had

March 26, 2021

been achieved. Fleetwood also encouraged officials to listen to input from leaders of each of the town’s departments.

“They are professionals in what they do so listen to them please…,” he said, acknowledging that setting the tax rate was a monumental decision. “When you make your decision, whatever that may be, we’re going to make that work. I can promise you that. But it’s a decision you’ve got to make.”

Velong stressed the importance of the town’s citizens, who elected the officials who hired town staff.

“You have to remember it’s the citizens who are the most important in this whole process,” she said.

Resident Carol Rose said she felt the town’s staff did have the best interests of the town’s citizens in mind. She asked Tyndall what he’d cut from the initially proposed budget.

“I think some of the citizens don’t know exactly what’s in the budget,” she said.

Tyndall said he had eliminated salary increases for employees.

“A portion of that did help close that gap of $130,000,” he said.

Resident Jim Meckley pointed out that taxes had been a campaign issue last fall. He thanked Tyndall for proposing a flat rate.

“We saw the results of the election, I think it spoke very clearly we were not in favor of a tax increase,” he said.

He added that while he felt bad for town employees, they had likely received the federal stimulus funds most Americans had.

Councilman Jay Knerr asked to hear from the town’s department heads. Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, said she was in a precarious position because she was a Berlin resident who was concerned about the tax rate but was also tasked with running a town department.

“There are things I need in my budget that are not there any longer,” she said.

She added that she could have made changes to her initially proposed budget if asked.

“If it was left up to us to make our own adjustments I think we probably could have worked some things out,” she said. “Instead we were told what we had to cut.”

Police Chief Arnold Downing said this was the 22nd town budget he’d worked on.

“We’ve actually had harder times in this town than this,” he said, adding that the town was doing well compared to some places.

Downing said that time and time again, elected officials recognized town employees for their efforts.

“Making statements are one thing,” he said. “Being in front of cameras are another. But to go ahead and really truly show the support when it’s time to go ahead and lay it on the line, that’s when it really matters.”

According to Downing, six of the last eight officers he’s hired have taken pay SEE NEXT PAGE

… Mayor Proposed Flat Tax Rate

March 26, 2021

cuts to come to Berlin. They left other municipalities in some cases because they didn’t feel the support of the town council, he maintained.

“I guaranteed them I would fight for them,” he said.

Like Wells, he believes he could have made changes to his department’s budget if asked. Instead, he said one person – the mayor -- had made line item cuts.

“Tell me who better than me can tell you what I need in a budget?” he said.

“You can’t arbitrarily say ‘I think this is not necessary’ and not even understand what that line means. You have to truly understand these lines.”

Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen, a 30-year Berlin employee, said the municipality had low turnover.

“The employees have always felt needed and wanted and respected,” she said. “The types of cuts that are proposed in this budget will take away that feeling of need and want and respect in one pen stroke.”

Kelsey Jenson, administrative manager, pointed out that while employees had received a 2% cost of living adjustment last year — after two years of no increase — that adjustment hadn’t resulted in an increase in net pay because of increasing healthcare costs.

Knerr said he had concerns with the way the budget had been developed simply to meet the 80-cent tax rate.

“Nothing destroys morale more than when you cut employee benefits,” he said. “It simply is wrong, and it shouldn’t be done.”

He added that some of the revenue items in the budget, such as grants from the county, weren’t guaranteed.

Councilman Jack Orris agreed that the council was in the middle of a guessing game.

“I understand the process but in my opinion this process is flawed,” he said.

Tyndall defended his proposed budget and the cuts he’d made after hours of research.

“It’s not done with the stroke of a pen,” he said. “It’s done with hours of research, it’s done with consultation with every single department head.”

He said he asked employees to explain their budgets and how each item was tied to a service provided to the town. He said the only items he’d removed were salary increases, some vehicle allowances and some cell phone allowances. He said all general fund employees currently received a cell phone allowance even if they worked behind a work station.

“I disagree with that fundamentally,” he said.

He added that he’d also determined that some capital requests could be delayed.

“Is it hard for me to tell our employees no? Most definitely,” he said. “I have to look them in the eye every single day.”

Tyndall said he’d provided the council with a draft of the budget last week even though when he was a council member he’d never received a copy of the budg-

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et before he voted on the tax rate.

“I don’t squash a difference of opinion,” he said. “If somebody disagrees with me—every single department head in here has said they disagree with what I’m doing. And that’s ok. I don’t hold a grudge. We disagree on something and we can have debate on that issue.

That’s all I’m asking for this evening.”

Councilman Dean Burrell said he understood that comment.

“But in a negotiation or a conversation there are usually two points of view and if I’m not receptive enough to consider someone else’s point of view, what good is talking?” he said. “What has been described here seems like the meetings with the department heads, the only point of view that was considered was yours. I don’t think that’s right.”

Tyndall said he had a duty to follow town code and present a balanced

Page 7

Members of the Berlin Town Council are pictured during Monday’s budget discussion.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

budget.

“I have to take into consideration that there are just about 5,000 people that

call the town of Berlin home,” he said.

“They have to be able to pay the tax rate SEE PAGE 36

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Berlin Council Wants To Revisit Tax Rate Review Policy

Page 8

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March 26, 2021

Resolution Changed Process In 2019

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall, who was elected last October, proposed keeping the property tax rate the same for the next fiscal year Monday night.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

BERLIN – Just two years after it was approved, the town’s tax rate review policy is drawing criticism from elected officials.

As the Berlin Town Council prepared to vote on a tax rate Monday, several council members expressed frustration with having to set the tax rate so early in the budget process. The current budget schedule — and its mandated adoption of a tax rate by the second meeting in March — was developed in accordance with the tax rate review policy approved two years ago.

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tion passed by the mayor and council in 2019,” Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said. “You, of course, have the right and ability to amend that process.”

In 2019, following a contentious budget process, the council adopted a policy setting a schedule for an annual tax rate review. The resolution states that the town council will review Berlin’s short- and long-term financial projections at or before the second meeting in January.

At or before the second meeting in February, officials will set the date for the tax rate public hearing. The resolution goes on to state that the public hearing for the tax rate and the decision on it shall come no later than the second meeting in March.

“The idea here is to schedule an ongoing rate review and review of shortterm and long-term financial projections and to have the tax rate set early enough in the budget process to be able to have the department directors build their budgets with the tax rate that you set,” said then-town administrator Laura Allen in 2019.

When a citizen asked this week why the tax rate had to be set before the budget was developed, Finance Director Natalie Saleh said it was because the tax rate was tied to the town’s main revenue.

She said because property taxes made up the majority of general fund revenue, the town needed to know what its tax rate would be to establish revenue estimates.

“In the past … we would go over the budget process and we would draft the budget and leave the tax rate to the very last,” she said. “There were some years we adopted the tax rate in the same meeting with the budget which creates basically kind of contradiction of what we’re trying to do.”

She said officials thought it would be more helpful to do a preliminary budget and a tax rate “side by side.”

Councilman Jack Orris, who has questioned the schedule before, again said he thought the process was flawed and should be reconsidered moving forward.

Councilman Jay Knerr agreed.

“I’m concerned about how this process went down,” he said. “It was a very difficult process. It truly seems backwards.”

While he wanted to make a motion to change the process, Mayor Zack Tyndall said it would take more than a motion, as the town had a resolution in place governing the process. Bohlen said she’d share the text of the resolution with all of the council members so it could be reviewed.

Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said the council could consider amending the timelines in the resolution if members were interested.

“It would be up to you if you wish to discuss it,” Bohlen said.

The council agreed to review the resolution at its next meeting.

Third Boardwalk Stabber Jailed

March 26, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – A third suspect, arrested in connection with a stabbing incident on the Boardwalk last June, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault and was sentenced to 10 years, all but six suspended.

On June 9 between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to two serious assaults on the Boardwalk at 11th Street and 15th Street. In the 15th Street incident, the victim was stabbed in the back. OCPD officers determined the same group of individuals were responsible for both assaults.

One of the suspects, later identified as Marquis Demby, 22, of Lincoln, Del., was apprehended soon after the incident at 15th Street. A knife used in the stabbing incident was recovered during his arrest. Demby was charged with first-degree assault and other counts.

In November, Demby pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Last week, another suspect, Orlando Nichols, Jr., 20, of Cambridge, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and was sentenced to 10 years, all but six of which were suspended.

He was also placed on probation for three years upon his release and was

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ordered to pay $1,990 in restitution.

In December, another suspect, Davione Cephas, 20, of Cambridge, also pleaded guilty to second-degree assault for his role in the incident.

Cephas was sentenced to 10 years, with all but six years suspended. He was also placed on supervised probation for three years upon his release.

The OCPD Major Crimes Unit continued the investigation and using City Watch surveillance images obtained from Boardwalk cameras were able to capture images of additional suspects in the two incidents. The images were released to the public via social media and local media outlets and OCPD detectives received numerous citizen tips.

Working with allied law enforcement agencies throughout the Eastern Shore, the other suspects in the two Boardwalk assault incidents were ultimately identified and arrested. Two other suspects are still awaiting adjudication in their cases. They are identified as Marcus Butler, 27, of Cambridge, Md., who has been charged with first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment, and Xavier Spence, 19, of Cambridge, who has been charged with first- and second-degree assault, dangerous weapon with intent to injure, and reckless endangerment.

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Ocean City Public Works Director Hal Adkins stands with a plaque recognizing his 32 years of service as well as former City Manager and Councilman Dennis Dare and Mayor Rick Meehan.

Submitted Photo

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City last week cut the ribbon on its new state-ofthe-art public works campus at 65th Street with a surprise nod to the director whose vision it was to create the complex.

With Gov. Larry Hogan and state transportation officials on hand, the Town of Ocean City last Friday cut the ribbon on the new public works campus on the bayside roughly between 65th and 67th streets. In a bit of a surprise, the Mayor and Council named the new facility after longtime Public Works Director Hal Adkins, who, along with his staff, began designing the campus over a decade ago.

Adkins, who was taken aback by the announcement, will be honored with a plaque in his name at the administration building. The dedication plaque recognizes Adkins not only for his vision in creating the new public works campus, but also his decades of service to the town as its public works director.

“Dedicated in honor of his exceptional vision, leadership, and multiple decades of exemplary service to the citizens and visitors of Ocean City, Maryland and the efforts he put forth to provide the highest level of quality and

professionalism for the town as director of public works,” the plaque reads.

Adkins, whose family and friends were on hand for the ribbon-cutting, was truly surprised by the dedication.

The current Mayor and Council was on hand for the dedication, along with former councilmembers with whom he served over the decades. He later reached out to his colleagues thanking them for the gesture.

“Thank you for the recognition and arranging for my family to be in attendance,” he said. “What a memory to cherish, and only because it’s who I am, I will continue to inform anyone and everyone that may approach me about the dedication that my career has truly been a team effort of many, some still with me, some who have unfortunately passed, but will remain with me in memory.”

Mayor Rick Meehan had high praise for the longtime public works director.

“Hal has truly made his mark on Ocean City and this new Public Works and Transit Facility would not be possible without him,’ he said.

The original public works complex was completed in phases between 1982 and 1984. The original facility included the procurement department, a stock room, a service center for fleet maintenance, a bus storage facility and SEE PAGE 12

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Gov. Larry Hogan and other state officials joined Ocean City Mayor and Council members and Public Works Director Hal Adkins in cutting the ribbon on the expanded public works campus last Friday.

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… New OC Facility Dedicated To Veteran Public Works Head

March 26, 2021

FROM PAGE 10 a single fuel depot for all municipal vehicles. At that time, the town’s transportation department consisted of around 13 buses known as “mighty mites,” and an overall staff of roughly 20 employees, the vast majority of which were seasonal.

By 2006, the fleet had grown to over 60 buses and the staff had grown to over 150 employees. At that point, the overall ability to store, maintain and service the fleet had surpassed the ability of the town’s resources. The public works complex lacked the daily office facilities, restrooms, and locker room space to adequately serve such a large seasonal staff.

In 2008, the town conducted a transit needs assessment in partnership with the Maryland Transportation Administration (MTA) which evaluated the public works campus and transit facilities. The completion of that study enabled the town to proceed with site planning, spatial needs and construction estimates for future capital improvements to the site.

In 2018, 10 years after the initial study and exhaustive efforts on planning and funding, the town solicited bids and awarded the project contract to Harkins Contracting. The new facility includes a bus storage facility, expansion of the fleet service bays, and two additional service bays for the larger 60-foot articulating buses.

The complex also includes a new administration building that houses the procurement department, a stock room, the fleet manager’s office, an automatic vehicle locator (AVL) room and, a break room for all of the mechanics and the entire transportation department operational staff.

The complex also includes a buswashing facility, an adjoining service facility for transit fare processing, and two new fuel depots. The vast complex also includes satellite areas for the police department, a midtown location for the beach patrol, an area for emergency services and other departments.

It also includes a holding area for use by the Department of Juvenile Services for juveniles who find themselves in trouble and cannot be mixed with the adult population in the cell areas of the Public Safety Building. The area will be utilized by juvenile services during the summer, and will be used by the Ocean City Police Department’s allied agencies during special events in the offseason.

Adkins began his career in 1984 as a plans examiner and worked his way through the ranks to become public works director in 1989. He is largely credited for helping shepherd Ocean City through a period of great growth and development.

March 26, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

Compost Program Grows To Five Participating Restaurants

Page 14

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A compost pilot program will expand this year with the participation of five resort restaurants.

Beginning April 1, Go Green OC – a local nonprofit dedicated to zero-waste goals in Ocean City – will launch the next phase of its compost pilot program. This year, The Bonfire Restaurant, 70th Street Dough Roller, 78th Street Mother’s Cantina and Real Raw Organics will join The Hobbit Restaurant in an effort to remove food from the waste stream.

“There’s a lot of people who want to do this, it’s just there’s no mechanism to do it,” said Garvey Heiderman, owner of The Hobbit and director of compost operations for Go Green OC. “We’re trying

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to be instrumental in creating that mechanism while making the numbers work on the back end.”

In 2018, Go Green OC partnered with The Hobbit to launch a pilot composting program. Since that time, the organization has composted thousands of pounds of food waste and collected more than $9,000 in grant funding and donations to support its efforts.

With four resort restaurants joining the pilot program this year, Go Green OC founder Josh Chamberlain said he is excited to see more food being removed from the waste stream.

“As a pilot program, we are using it as a data collection tool to show everybody the capabilities of what we can do,” he said.

Heiderman said all five participating restaurants will separate food waste into

March 26, 2021

Garvey Heiderman, who heads the compost operation for the Go Green OC group, is pictured placing food waste into a compost collection bin.

File Photo

separate receptacles, which will be collected twice a week throughout the year.

The waste is then moved to a farm in Bishopville, where it will be mixed with

wood chips and brown yard waste and placed on a new aeration system for composting.

“If you do this properly you don’t have to do too much to it, physically,” he said.

“You kind of just let Mother Nature do its work.”

While interest in joining the pilot program has grown, Heiderman explained the nonprofit is limited to collecting between 50 and 70 tons of food waste through the Maryland Department of Environment’s permitting exemption. As a result, he said, Go Green OC must limit the number of participating restaurants.

“We are still keeping the site under 5,000 square feet so that we fall under the Maryland Department of the Environment’s exemption, so we don’t have to get a permit from them …,” he said.

“We’re going to have to cap the program at 70 tons this year, so that’s the most we can handle on site to stay under that 5,000 square foot footprint.”

But Heiderman noted plans for the composting program don’t end there.

Though it would take major investments, he said, the nonprofit’s goal is to seek a composting permit and include more restaurants. That would also mean upgrading its aeration system.

“The plan – assuming everything goes as planned this year – is to expand the program and get to a point where I’ll become a licensed composter, and we will get a permit and take on more restaurants,” he said. “This will truly be the last pilot program type of year.”

Despite its limitations this year, Chamberlain said the nonprofit will still be able to remove up to 70 tons of food from the waste stream with the help of its participating businesses. He attributed the program’s ongoing success to community interest and volunteer efforts.

“Capping it off and moving that amount of waste would still be an extraordinary goal to reach,” he said.

For more information on Go Green OC and its composting program, visit gogreenwithoc.org or any of the nonprofit’s social media accounts. For those interested in donating to the compost pilot program, contact Josh Chamberlain at gogreenoccampaign@gmail.com.

“We’re doing this step by step and trying to understand the process,” Heiderman said. “The goal is to scale this and make it work.”

Gun Fired In North Ocean City Suspect Charged In Incident

March 26, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Washington, D.C., man was arrested last week after allegedly firing a handgun in the direction of an uptown hotel.

Around 6:50 a.m. last Tuesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) detective along with members of the Special Enforcement Unit and the Narcotics Unit responded to an uptown condo building to locate a suspect in reference to a possible shooting.

Officers met with condo employees, one of whom reported hearing a gunshot at roughly 4:30 a.m. Surveillance footage provided by cameras in the condo parking lot reportedly showed Cornell Holt, 28, of Washington, D.C., walking south in the direction of a nearby hotel.

The surveillance footage showed Holt retrieve a firearm from his right side, aim the firearm into the air and fire one shot in the direction of the hotel. OCPD officers located a .38 shell casing on the ground, according to police reports.

Officers reviewed further video surveillance from the hotel. At roughly 4:22 a.m., a Jeep Patriot, later found to be registered to Holt, entered the hotel parking lot. Holt could be observed in the footage walking from the hotel parking lot toward the condo building. About one minute later, condo surveillance footage showed Holt discharge the firearm in the parking lot as he was walking toward the hotel. Holt entered the lobby of the hotel about one minute later.

Through the investigation, it was learned the Jeep Patriot displayed a hotel-issued parking placard assigned to a room, which turned out to be registered to a known female associate of Holt. The vehicle was registered to Holt and there was evidence of marijuana when detectives looked inside, according to police reports.

Through the investigation, detectives learned the night auditor heard the gunshot, ran out of the lobby and hid in a back office, according to police reports.

At 10 a.m., officers set up around the room, the hotel lobby and the Jeep in the parking lot. At around 11:45 a.m., Holt reportedly exited the room. While Holt was walking, OCPD officers observed him carrying a green and white shoe box. When officers moved in to secure Holt, he reportedly put the shoe box on the ground. Holt was then detained in handcuffs, and an officer observed a large knife protruding from the suspect’s front pocket. The weapons turned out to be a fighting-style knife with built-in metal knuckles, according to police reports.

Officers searched Holt and his belongings. Inside the shoe box were a pair of worn Nike shoes and inside one of the shoes was a black handgun. The handgun was found to have one live

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

round in it. In the other shoe, detectives located a magazine belonging to the handgun with two live rounds in it.

During a post-booking interview, Holt reportedly told detectives he had been at a nearby bar and returned to the hotel around 2 a.m. with his female friend. According to police reports, Holt told detectives he wanted to smoke “weed,” but did not want to smoke inside the hotel, so he exited the hotel and walked to the beach.

According to police reports, Holt claimed he located the black handgun on the ground near the beach access.

He reportedly told police he did not know if the gun was real, so he checked the magazine and determined there were live rounds in the chamber.

Holt reportedly told police he then test-fired the gun and claimed he fired the handgun twice. He reportedly told police he did not fire the gun to harm anyone.

Holt was charged with carrying a loaded handgun on his person, carrying a concealed dangerous weapon, reckless endangerment and knowingly altering a firearm’s identification number. He was held initially without bond, but was released the following day after posting a $25,000 bond.

Page 15

State Senate, House Likely To Approve Wade’s Law

Page 16

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Legislation with its roots in Worcester County that would increase the penalties for causing life-threatening injuries while operating a vehicle negligently inched closer to fruition this week with overwhelming support in the state Senate and House.

State Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R38) again this year introduced Senate Bill 17, or Wade’s Law, in the General Assembly and it now appears her persistence will pay off. Wade’s Law would

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establish the offense of causing a lifethreatening injury by motor vehicle or vessel as criminal negligence and would greatly enhance the penalties associated with a conviction.

Carozza first filed Wade’s Law in 2017 when she was Worcester’s representative in the House of Delegates and the bill passed the full House before dying in the Senate as the session expired. A similar situation played out in 2019 when the bill unanimously passed the Senate, but timed out before the full House could vote on it.

On crossover day on Monday, Sen-

March 26, 2021

ate Bill 17 got a favorable report from the Judicial Proceedings Committee before breezing through a vote by the full Senate, 47-0. Senate Bill 17 then moved to the House Judicial Committee. Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-38C) filed sister legislation in the House and it passed the full House with a 130-4 vote on Monday before moving to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. The respective committees will now reconcile amended versions of the legislation before it becomes law.

The bills were prompted by a fatal crash in Worcester County when it came to light the current penalty for criminally-negligent driving and causing a life-threatening injury is a $500 motor vehicle citation. If passed, Wade’s Law would increase the penalty for an offender if convicted to a maximum of 18 months in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.

On Feb. 22, 2016, a Stockton man drove through a work zone along a roadway in the south end of Worcester and struck two county roads department employees, killing Scott Tatterson of Pocomoke and critically injuring another, Wade Pusey, of Seaford. The collision left Pusey with several life-threatening and life-changing injuries from which he has not fully recovered.

The driver was ultimately indicted on charges of manslaughter, negligent driving and reckless driving, among others.

The driver was later found guilty of negligent driving and reckless endangerment and fined $500 for each conviction. The case was brought to Carozza’s attention by former Worcester County prosecutor Bill McDermott, who pointed out the anomaly in the current penalties for offenders.

Joining Carozza in testifying at the Senate committee hearing was Je’Ani Lyles, who was also a victim of a horrific crash caused by a negligent driver and suffered life-threatening and life-altering injuries in June 2018. During testimony, Lyles’ mother Carla described not only the horror of the crash with her daughter severing her T-8 vertebrae with paralysis from the chest down. She pleaded for a more just penalty to hold those who are criminally negligent responsible for their actions.

Carozza praised her colleagues in the Senate for passing Wade’s Law. “I am so grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for passing this common sense public safety legislation,” she said. “This legislation provides a just penalty for survivors like Wade Pusey and Je’Ani Lyles who have suffered lifethreatening injuries as a result of criminally-negligent driving. … Let this be the year we see Wade’s Law all the way through to final passage. We are completely committed to seeing this through for the sake of future victims. You keep fighting the good fight.”

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Pa. Man Handed 8-Year Sentence In Hotel Stabbing

March 26, 2021

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FAREWELL TO

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – After pleading guilty last week, a Pennsylvania man, arrested last June after stabbing another man multiple times at a midtown hotel, was sentenced to 17 years with all but eight years suspended.

Around 5:30 a.m. last June 26, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a midtown hotel for a reported stabbing incident. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim who had two stab wounds, one to his abdomen and one to his face, which were bleeding profusely, according to police reports. The victim was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in stable condition, but needed surgery to repair the injuries.

Officers located the suspect, identified as Dalton Rowles, 23, of Shermans Dale, Pa., in the hotel parking lot.

Rowles had attempted to flee, but was detained by first-arriving officers. According to police reports, Rowles had blood on his clothing and body and also had a cut on his hand and scrapes on his arm.

The investigation revealed the victim and his girlfriend were sharing the motel room with Rowles and his girlfriend. The victim and his girlfriend were reportedly in a verbal argument in the bathroom when Rowles became angry and began banging on the bathroom door. According to police reports, Rowles then took a fixed-blade hunting knife from his bag and began stabbing and kicking the bathroom door in an attempt to enter, according to police reports.

When the victim exited the bathroom, Rowles reportedly stabbed him in the abdomen and face. The two men continued to fight until a third couple, which was outside the hotel room, entered and separated the two men.

Rowles reportedly fled the scene, but was detained by first-arriving OCPD officers.

Rowles was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault. During a subsequent interview, Rowles reportedly told police he and the victim had been arguing off and on for a number of days.

Rowles told police when he was banging on the bathroom door in an attempt to get the couple to come out, he had threatened to kill the victim and admitted that he stabbed the victim when he exited the bathroom.

Last Thursday, Rowles pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and was sentenced to 17 years, all but eight of which were suspended. He was also placed on supervised probation for three years upon his release.

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Settlement Likely In 2017 Beach Death Civil Suit

Page 18

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – While progress in the case has been hampered by continued COVID-19 restrictions, it appears a resolution in the $1 million civil suit filed against the Town of Ocean City by the family of a woman found deceased and buried on the beach four years ago is pending.

In July 2017, the decedent, Ashley O’Connor, 30, of Plano, Texas, was found buried in a hole on the beach near 2nd Street. The victim’s family in 2019 filed a $1 million civil suit against the Town of Ocean City alleging negligence on the part of the defendants.

Due in large part to COVID, the case has moved slowly over the last year-anda-half and a motion was filed this week

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Judge Grants Deadline Extension

seeking an extension of several key deadlines in the case. However, language in that motion suggests the parties could be nearing a resolution in the case.

“The parties had not initially engaged in significant, and likely costly, discovery to facilitate an early settlement conference, which was conducted in February of 2020,” the motion reads. “Without disclosing substance, the parties have made substantial progress towards resolution and are optimistic the matter will soon be resolved.”

On July 31, 2017, the Ocean City Public Works Department’s beach clean-

ing crews were completing their overnight duties between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. when they discovered a deceased woman on the beach at 2nd Street later identified O’Connor. The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Forensics Unit, with assistance from Maryland State Police crime scene technicians, processed the scene and removed the victim’s body from the sand around 4:15 p.m. that afternoon, or several hours after it was first discovered. The victim was evaluated by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who determined the cause of death was accidental and the manner of death was asphyxia due to suffocation.

March 26, 2021

After an exhaustive investigation, OCPD detectives determined that around 2 a.m. on July 31, 2017, O’Connor walked alone onto the beach in the area of 2nd Street and shortly thereafter fell into or sat in a hole roughly three- to four-feet deep made by a person or persons unknown. Around 6:30 a.m., she was discovered buried in the sand.

O’Connor had been vacationing in Ocean City with her parents and the family members had been at a Boardwalk establishment. At some point, O’Connor’s mother walked back to their lodgings on the Boardwalk nearby and the victim a short time later walked down the Boardwalk and onto the beach around 2nd Street. OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro said video surveillance showed O’Connor walking on the Boardwalk and then briefly on the beach, but there was no available video evidence of her falling into or sitting in the large hole.

At some point after O’Connor ended up in the hole, the dry sand surrounding it collapsed for reasons unknown, covering the victim. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death to be accidental caused by asphyxia due to suffocation. It was not known after the incident, nor will it ever likely be known, how the hole collapsed around O’Connor.

However, the $1 million civil suit filed by the decedent’s family in July 2019 asserts the town was negligent for a variety of reasons, including that it invites visitors to use the beach at all times, night and day, and does not post warnings about potential holes and heavy equipment cleaning the sand overnight. However, a city ordinance prohibits being on the beach between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

In the formal complaint, the plaintiffs allege the town was negligent because the town’s crews failed to see the decedent in a hole on the beach and drove over her “not once, but multiple times, entrapping her and failing to look into the hole in which Ashley O’Connor was located.”

The Town of Ocean City has since filed a motion to dismiss the case, asserting the town invites residents and visitors to enjoy the beach at certain times of the day, but there was an assumption of risk for the decedent to be on the beach at that early hour of the morning.

While certain language in the motion filed this week suggests a resolution may be near in the case, the federal judge approved the extension of key deadlines, largely pointing out COVID restrictions have made discovery difficult.

“Accordingly, the parties are seeking another extension, as in the addition to the resolution efforts, the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed or interfered with both parties’ pursuit of the case, and at this time, depositions have not yet been taken,” the motion reads. “Additionally, a critical non-party witness, who discovered the decedent who had been cooperative, did not appear when the defendant’s attempted to take his rescheduled deposition and fact discovery is still not completed.”

Surveillance At Local Recycling Stations Eyed

March 26, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Worcester County is moving closer to installing cameras at local recycling centers to prevent illegal dumping.

The Worcester County Commissioners voted unanimously last week to explore pricing associated with placing surveillance cameras at recycling drop-off locations in Bishopville, Whaleyville and at the Walmart in Berlin. The stepped-up enforcement plan comes in the wake of last year’s Keep Worcester Clean advertising initiative.

“I believe the cameras would be a better solution than what we’ve undertaken this past year,” Commissioner Ted Elder said.

In 2019, the commissioners approved a threepronged Keep Worcester Clean campaign to address illegal trash dumping at the county’s unmanned recycling centers and along county roads. The effort included an education campaign that was launched last year.

“We did both a billboard and commercial campaign which we thought went really well,” Public Information Officer Kim Moses said.

In addition to public service announcements, the county leased two billboards for 24 weeks at a cost of $11,900. The county also worked with D3 Corp to develop some campaign materials at a cost of $2,470 and with WBOC/WRDE on 48 primetime commercials at a monthly cost of $2,028.

Along with the advertising, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of illegal dumping—21 illegal dumping incidents in 2019 and 25 in 2020. In all there were 22.12 tons of trash dumped illegally in 2019 and 21.77 tons of trash dumped illegally in 2020.

It’s common to see trash of all types dumped at local recycling center, including in front of the Walmart on Route 50.

File Photo

“We did have an overall reduction in the amount of dumping which took place in 2020,” Moses said. “It went down just a small amount, however, it actually increased substantially during the time period that we were running these commercials on television and on the internet.”

She said staff felt it would be more effective to put cameras up along with signs advising them of the presence of cameras. According to Moses a similar program has proven helpful in Wicomico County.

Elder, who suggested installing cameras when the issue of illegal dumping at the recycling centers first came up, agreed.

“I’d like to see a price put together to post cameras at these three sites especially,” he said, indicating Bishopville, Whaleyville and the Berlin Walmart The commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with plans for installing cameras at the recycling drop-off sites.

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A vehicle is pictured after crashing through the front door of the 26th Street 7-Eleven.

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania woman was arrested on drunk-driving charges last weekend after allegedly crashing her vehicle through the front of a downtown convenience store.

Around 11:50 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to the area of a convenience store at 26th Street for a singlevehicle collision. The officers observed a 2015 Hyundai Sonata had driven through the entrance to the convenience store.

Ocean City Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene to evaluate the driver, identified as Chelsea

Maggi, 28, of Ridley Park, Pa., but Maggi refused EMS evaluation.

According to police reports, Maggi initially told police she had consumed multiple alcoholic beverages at a downtown bar. She later clarified she had three vodka drinks over the course of several hours from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Maggi consented to a battery of field sobriety tests, which she did not complete to the officer’s satisfaction.

Maggi was transported to the Public Safety Building where she refused to submit to an intoximeter test, according to police reports. She was charged with driving while impaired, driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to control speed to avoid a collision.

Board Withdraws Short-Term Rental Regs Motion OPA To Hold Town Hall Meeting To Further Discuss

March 26, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Citing heightened community interest, the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) will hold a town hall meeting next month on proposed shortterm rental guidelines.

On Saturday, OPA Director Frank Daly withdrew a motion to approve short-term rental guidelines after association officials spent nearly two hours fielding questions and concerns from property owners regarding regulations, enforcement and long-term impacts on the community.

“We are moving the vote on short-term rentals to the April 21 board meeting,” he said at the start of Saturday’s board meeting. “We’re doing so to have a town hall on April 17. This is the last move of this item. It’s going to be voted on this year.”

President Larry Perrone said an “unbelievable outpouring” of comments – both positive and negative – prompted the board to schedule a separate meeting focused solely on short-term rentals.

“If, from that town hall meeting, adjustments need to be made to the short-term rental motion, then it will give the work group time to do that,” he said. “But we want to have a vote by the next board meeting, and I think it’s appropriate.”

Last year, an Ocean Pines work group began meeting with the Architectural Review Committee, the police chief, fire marshal and fire chief, county zoning officials, homeowners and Ocean Pines’ attorney, among others, to draft proposed changes to the association’s architectural guidelines on shortterm rental properties. According to association officials, there are roughly 180 short-term rentals in Ocean Pines.

As proposed, the guidelines would require singlefamily residences rented for 28 days or less to have both a Worcester County rental permit and Ocean Pines rental permit and sticker. The association’s permitting process would require annual inspections to ensure the residence complies with maximum occupancy and safety requirements.

The guidelines set occupancy limits, a required number of waste receptacles, and a required number of off-street parking spaces based on square footage of finished areas. For example, 1,200 square feet of finished area would allow four occupants and require two waste receptacles and two off-street parking spaces, while more than 4,500 square feet of finished area would allow for 10 occupants and require five waste receptacles and five off-street parking spaces.

Bedroom occupancy limits must also comply with Worcester County code.

As proposed, the guidelines would also require short-term rental owners or representatives to live within 30 minutes of the property and to respond to and address complaints. Rental permits will be withdrawn for a period of one year if residences do not comply with occupancy and safety requirements.

Daly – a work group member – told community members last week ongoing issues at three or four properties in Ocean Pines prompted the association to tighten controls on short-term rentals. He added the proposed guidelines are complaint-driven and match what is required by the county in its short-term rental regulations.

“In serious, egregious, life-threatening, safetythreatening, property-threatening situations or repeat

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

violations, the general manager today has the authority under the declaration of restrictions to immediately request board action,” he said. “None of that today applies to short-term rentals. There is nothing in our governing documents that controls short-term rentals or enables us to regulate them in any way. That’s why this started out.”

More than 100 people – including several shortterm rental owners – participated in Saturday’s virtual board meeting, and comments from the public regarding proposed guidelines lasted nearly two hours.

Property owner Wendy Ballenger-Subasic said a vast majority of rental properties in Ocean Pines caused no issues. She added that most renters contributed a large amount of revenue to the community each year.

“I feel like the good is being punished by a few bad apples,” she said.

Resident Mike Lombardi agreed. He questioned the impact the proposed guidelines would have on current, and future, homeowners.

“I think we’re overcorrecting for the sins of a few, and penalizing everyone,” he said.

Community members also questioned permitting fees and the implementation date of the proposed regulations.

“If there is a rule change of this nature, to make it effective immediately hurts the season …,” one property owner said. “If we were to implement these rules for this season, I would literally have to cancel every single one of my rentals for the whole season. It would adversely affect my income.”

Representatives from the Coastal Association of Realtors also attended Saturday’s board meeting. In a letter issued last week, President Joni Williamson urged the board to reconsider the proposed rental guidelines. In addition to concerns over the number of parking spaces, the group also took issue with the proposed occupancy limits.

“By regulating who can live in a home you as an Association are infringing on a homeowner's right to fair housing,” the letter reads. “You are legislating who can live in a home and who can not and what their marital and family status has to be. You are violating a homeowner's fundamental private property rights. By creating this ordinance you are going to discourage people from buying homes in Ocean Pines. They are instead going to look to other beach communities. This will lead to home prices dropping, business closing, and your property losing value.”

Daly told community members the proposed guidelines were a compromise between two extremes: to do nothing to address short-term rental issues, or to ban short-term rentals altogether.

“We tried to draft something that was in the middle,” he said. “If someone has a different idea, now would be a great time to come up with it … Not only would it be welcome, but refreshing if someone had a different approach.”

Officials said a town hall meeting on the proposed short-term rental guidelines will be held April 17 at 9 a.m., with a vote to follow at the April 21 board meeting.

“The board does appreciate the comments and involvement the community has shown today on this issue,” Perrone said. “Again, we look forward to the town hall meeting. You’ve given this board a lot of things to consider today, and we will look at some of these issues before we get to the town hall.”

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March 26, 2021

March 26, 2021

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STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS) will expand inperson instruction to four days a week in response to new federal guidance.

On Monday, Wicomico County Superintendent Dr. Donna Hanlin announced the school system’s return to four days of in-person instruction beginning no later than Monday, March 29. She noted new guidance on social distancing from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would allow school buildings to accommodate more students.

“As you may have heard, last Friday the CDC issued new guidance for schools that allows for physical distancing of three feet between students rather than the previous recommendation of six feet,” she said in a statement.

“While there are still some details to be sorted out, we’re pleased that this new guidance gives our schools the flexibility to have more students in classrooms starting almost immediately. We believe we can now safely and consistently serve students in our schools with these CDC guidelines and with mask wearing, careful observance of physical distancing by students and staff, hand washing and sanitizing, ventilation, and regular cleaning and disin-

March 26, 2021

fecting in schools.”

In February, Wicomico County students transitioned back to hybrid inperson learning – with two days of inperson instruction and two days of virtual learning – as part of the school system’s Return to School Action Plan.

Hanlin said this week all current hybrid students, and any virtual students who were on a school’s waiting list for hybrid instruction as of last Friday will begin four days of in-person instruction by no later than next Monday.

Wednesdays will remain an asynchronous learning day for all students.

“Please be aware that having more students in school each day means we will need to increase the number of students on our school buses, and the level of physical distancing that we have enforced until now may no longer be possible,” she said. “We wanted parents and guardians to be aware of this as they decide whether their students will use school transportation or personal transportation.”

Hanlin noted virtual learning students seeking to transition to hybrid inperson instruction should contact the school principal to make a request.

Students may also remain all virtual for the remainder of this school year.

“We will continue to evaluate the impact of this increase of students in our buildings, especially monitoring any increase of in-school coronavirus spread,” she said. “Our ultimate goal is to move to daily in-person instruction by mid-April for those who wish to have it.”

Hanlin said she plans to make her recommendation to expand in-person learning to five days a week at the next school board meeting on April 13.

“Wicomico County Public Schools looks forward to working with everyone in our schools and in our families to support students during this expansion of in-person instruction,” she said. “It’s a very positive step toward a more normal time that we are all eager to see.”

Earlier this month, several parents came before school board members asking them to return to traditional instruction. As school systems in surrounding counties returned to full-time, in-person learning, they urged WCPS officials to do the same.

“We are at a point right now, between CDC guidelines and our local health department, to open our schools full time, five days a week,” parent Darren Lombardo said.

At the time, Hanlin noted the challenges of returning to five days of instruction in Wicomico, which had a larger student population.

“We have 15,000 students in our system, and we have the responsibility to not only educate them but keep them safe,” she said. “We fully recognize face-to-face learning is the optimal way for students to learn, and we want that to happen, but we just have to make sure we do it safely.”

March 26, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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cops & courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Gun Fired In Hotel Room OCEAN CITY – A South Carolina man was arrested last week after a handgun he left hidden in an uptown hotel room allegedly discharged through the wall of an adjacent hotel room.

Last Wednesday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a hotel at 112th Street to investigate suspicious circumstances. They met with the hotel general manager, who reportedly advised hotel staff discovered damage to a hanging wall mirror inside a room on March 12. When employees went to replace the mirror last Wednesday, they discovered a suspected bullet hole on the interior wall behind the mirror.

Detectives examined the wall and determined a ballistic had been fired, traveled through the wall into a neighboring room, went through the hanging wall mirror, a bed’s headboard and into the adjacent wall where the projectile came to rest, according to police reports.

The general manager reportedly told police the room was being rented longterm by a family of four, including Jamir Jones, 18, of Dillion, S.C., two other adults and a 13-year-old juvenile. Jones reportedly told police a man they only knew as “Zae” had recently stayed with them and had recently left. According to Jones, Zae had a handgun and forgot it in a laundry basket in their room. Jones said he and the other two adults went to work at a chicken factory in Delaware on Mar-

HAPPINESS

ch 11, leaving the 13-year-old juvenile at the hotel.

Jones reportedly told police the juvenile was looking for something and moved the laundry basket, causing the gun to fall to the floor and discharge, which caused the damage. The juvenile reportedly admitted moving the laundry basket and the firearm fell to the floor, causing it to discharge. The juvenile denied ever touching or manipulating the handgun.

Permission was granted to search the interior of the room and officers discovered that room’s hanging wall mirror was also damaged with what appeared to be the entrance hole for the projectile. Permission was also granted to search the vehicle of the adult male in the family and the handgun was located in the trunk rolled up in a ballcap. The gun was unloaded, and the magazine was located within a shoe in the trunk. A computer

check revealed the gun was reported stolen in Dillon, S.C. Officers went back to the hotel room to question the other adult male in the family, but Jones reportedly admitted the gun was his at that point. Jones advised he left the handgun hidden in the laundry basket while he went to work on March 11, and when he returned, he learned the 13-year-old juvenile had fired inadvertently.

Jones also acknowledged he made up the original story about the man known only as “Zae,” according to police reports.

Jones was charged with a slew of weapons charges, reckless endangerment and providing a false statement to a police officer.

Domestic Assault OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City man was charged with first-degree assault last weekend after allegedly attempting to

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Around 7:25 p.m. last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to the area of 11th Street for a reported domestic assault involving strangulation. Upon arrival, the officer reportedly observed a female who appeared to be hiding behind a vehicle outside a residence. According to police reports, the officer met with the female, who constantly looked back over her shoulder at the residence.

The only information the victim could supply to the officer was that her boyfriend, later identified as Travis McKenna, 41, of Ocean City, was inside the residence and was “drunk, aggressive and is going to fight you,” according to police reports. The officer observed red marks on both sides of the victim’s neck, which appeared to be consistent with hand imprints from a strangulation, according to police reports.

The officer observed McKenna standing behind the glass storm door of the residence, but when the suspect observed the uniformed officer, he reportedly shut the door quickly. McKenna did come out eventually, but stood on the porch and refused to come down the steps to talk to the officers, according to police reports. When the suspect appeared about to walk back inside, two OCPD officers went up the steps and attempted to take him into custody, but McKenna resisted, according to police reports.

McKenna was eventually placed under arrest and handcuffed. When asked what his name was, McKenna remained silent on multiple occasions. OCPD officers eventually had to get his identity information from the victim, according to police reports.

During a subsequent interview, the victim reportedly told police McKenna had his hands around her neck during the incident, but at no time did she fear for her life, nor did she lose consciousness.

However, the victim did tell police because of McKenna’s level of intoxication, she believed had she not been able to break free of his grip, she wasn’t certain what he would have done to her.

Based on the evidence and testimony, McKenna was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault, resisting arrest, obstructing and hindering, malicious destruction of property and disorderly conduct. He was later released on a $10,000 bond.

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. . Cops & Courts

March 26, 2021

Passenger Threatens Cops

OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore man was arrested this week after allegedly threatening police officers during a midtown traffic stop.

Around 1:35 a.m. on Monday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was patrolling in the midtown area when he observed a vehicle driving erratically. According to police reports, the vehicle swerved from the far-left lane to the bus lane and back again, and appeared to be driving in complete disregard for any other vehicles on the road.

A traffic stop was initiated at the corner of Coastal Highway and Convention Center Drive. As the officer was exiting his vehicle, the passenger door of the suspect vehicle swung open and the passenger, identified as Aundre Gaston, 35, of Baltimore, allegedly got out and launched into an expletive-laced tirade at the officer, asking him, among other things, the reason why he was pulled over.

According to police reports, the officer realized Gaston was becoming more agitated, hostile and aggressive toward him and another officer who arrived to assist.

The officer reportedly told Gaston to walk back to him and he would explain the reason for the stop. However, Gaston stared at the officer, then reached into the front seat.

The officer ordered Gaston to stop reaching into the vehicle and told him to walk back toward him slowly. At that

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch point, Gaston reported rolled up his sleeves and started walking directly toward the officer with both of his fists balled up and threatened the officers.

The initial officer drew his conducted electronic weapon, or Taser, targeted Gaston and told him if he continued walking toward him in his aggressive stance he would be tased. He was ordered to lay down on the ground, but instead walked back toward his vehicle, according to police reports.

Fearing Gaston was going back to get a weapon, or lock himself in the car, the two OCPD officers moved in on Gaston and, after a physical struggle, were able to take him into custody. He was charged with second-degree assault, resisting arrest, obstructing and hindering, disorderly conduct, failure to obey a lawful order and intoxicated public disturbance. The driver was issued minor traffic citations.

Mom, Daughter Charged OCEAN CITY – A local woman was arrested on drunk-driving charges and her mother was arrested on numerous other charges following a two-vehicle collision in north Ocean City last week.

Around 10:25 p.m. last Wednesday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a motor vehicle crash on Twin Tree Road in north Ocean City involving a moving vehicle striking a parked vehicle. Responding officers located two heavily-damaged vehicles at the scene. The investigation revealed the driver, later identified as Erin Esbenshade, 23, of Ocean City, allegedly left the scene and walked into a residence directly in front of the crash scene.

Erin Esbenshade reportedly told po-

lice she had been driving her mother and a friend home and was traveling too fast at a curve in the road, which caused her to strike the parked vehicle. Roadway evidence allegedly showed Erin Esbenshade’s vehicle struck a curb, drove on a sidewalk and a lawn prior to the collision with the parked vehicle.

Two people were injured during the collision, including the driver, Erin Esbenshade, and a passenger, identified as Karen Esbenshade, 50, of Lititz, Pa. According to police reports, Erin Esbenshade exhibited signs of intoxication and did poorly on field sobriety tests. She was ultimately arrested and charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene and other counts.

Meanwhile, when police arrived, Karen Esbenshade was reportedly standing in front of the damaged vehicles, both of

Page 27 which were registered in her husband’s name, according to police reports. Karen Esbenshade told police, “we’re just working it out between us,” according to police reports.

Karen Esbenshade, who was injured with a cut under her eye, reportedly tried to walk away from the officers and go inside the house. The officers ordered Karen Esbenshade to remain outside as she was relevant to an active DUI investigation, but she continued to try to go inside the house, according to police reports.

An OCPD officer reportedly grabbed her arm, but she tried to pull away. Karen Esbenshade then fell on the ground and would not get up. Instead, she was shouting loudly off and on for about a minute until police got her back on her feet and SEE PAGE 28

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. . Cops & Courts

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FROM PAGE 27 escorted her to a patrol car, according to police reports.

Karen Esbenshade continued to yell and scream and resist the officers’ attempts to get her under control. At one point, she bit an OCPD officer and clenched her teeth on his arm and would not let go, according to police reports.

When police were transporting Karen Esbenshade to the Public Safety Building, she reportedly began kicking the plexiglass window covering in the transport vehicle repeatedly, to the point the entire vehicle would shake, according to police reports. She was ultimately charged with second-degree assault, disorderly conduct, intoxicated endangerment and malicious destruction of property.

Jail For Wrongly Touching

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch OCEAN CITY – A Beltsville, Md., man, arrested last June for touching women inappropriately on the Boardwalk, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault and was sentenced to 79 days in jail.

Around 2:30 a.m. last June 27, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was on mounted patrol on the Boardwalk in the area of 4th Street when he observed a male suspect, later identified as Richard Alarcon, 24, of Beltsville, Md. Other evening shift officers had shown the officer a picture of Alarcon earlier and advised he was reportedly touching women’s buttocks inappropriately on the Boardwalk.

The officer continued patrolling north on the Boardwalk with Alarcon still walking behind him about a block away before the officer stopped in the area of 7th Street. According to police reports, the officer watched as Alarcon walked closely by two women on the Boardwalk.

As the group passed the mounted officer, one of the women said aloud Alarcon had just touched her buttocks. The victim explained to police Alarcon had

just touched her inappropriately as they neared the mounted officer’s position on the Boardwalk.

The victim was visibly upset and told the officer she wanted to press charges against Alarcon. When asked why he had touched the victim, Alarcon reportedly told her he had done it because he thought she was cute. Alarcon was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.

Verdict Appeal Rejected BERLIN – A Maryland appeals court this week denied an appeal filed by a Berlin man convicted last year of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

On Oct. 2, 2019, Vernell Moore, 26, of Berlin, was pulled over on Whaleyville Road after law enforcement officers had recognized him from prior investigations and suspected he was driving on a suspended or revoked license. During the course of the traffic stop, a K-9 unit was

March 26, 2021 brought to the scene and positively alerted to the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

A search of Moore’s vehicle led to the discovery of crack cocaine and the suspect was arrested for possession with intent to distribute. Last March, Moore was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 15 years. He appealed the conviction, asserting the initial stop was predicated on an assumption by the officers involved that he was driving on a suspended or revoked license. The appeal also asserted the officer who initially pulled him over unnecessarily stalled the stop in order to allow time for the K-9 unit to arrive on the scene. The Maryland Court of Special Appeals this week denied Moore’s appeal and upheld the conviction in the Worcester County Circuit Court.

“In this timely appeal raising Fourth Amendment challenges, Moore contends that police lacked reasonable articulable suspicion for the traffic stop, and that they improperly prolonged Moore’s detention to conduct a canine scan,” the opinion reads. “For the reasons that follow, we disagree and affirm the judgment.”

In the appeal, Moore asserted an Ocean City Police Department officer passed him on the road in Berlin and radioed his colleagues in the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office to check on the status of his license. The OCPD officer had recognized Moore from prior drug investigations. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office detectives conducted a background check and determined Moore’s license had been revoked prior to pulling him over. Moore asserted the traffic stop was predicated on a hunch by the OCPD officer who had passed him on the road.

“In our view, this stop was not predicated on impermissible speculation, but on appropriate police work that confirmed the detective’s suspicion about Moore’s license status,” the opinion reads. “We agree with the motion court that the detectives did what the Fourth Amendment demands, by making visual observations in the field, investigating further by obtaining additional information from a law enforcement database, and then sharing what they learned with each other. This investigation and collaboration supplied the detective with facts raising a reasonable suspicion that Moore was driving on a suspended license.”

In the second question raised on appeal, Moore asserted the officer who initially pulled him over delayed the stop until the K-9 unit from the Berlin Police Department arrived on the scene. However, the entire stop from start to finish was just 11 minutes.

“Applying the constitutional yardstick of reasonable diligence, we are satisfied that the detective was reasonably diligent in conducting the records checks and ticket writing necessary to complete the traffic stop,” the opinion reads. “Moreover, we agree with the motion court that the 11 minutes from traffic stop to dog alert further evidences prompt police work rather than pretextual prolongation. Even though there is no safe harbor timeframe for a reasonable traffic stop, this encounter falls on the shorter end of the spectrum for stops that have passed constitutional muster because records checks or ticket writing were still underway when the canine alerted.”

March 26, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Wicomico Holds Budget Hearing

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SALISBURY – Discussions on funding challenges and federal relief funds highlighted a public hearing this week on Wicomico County’s proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2022.

On Monday, Acting County Executive John Psota held a public hearing on the fiscal year 2022 operating budget.

“This is the public’s opportunity to voice their opinions on what they feel are the funding needs of the county for fiscal year 2022,” he said. “These comments will be taken into consideration when finalizing the budget.”

Finance Director Pam Oland told community members this week budget challenges for the coming year include a potential $2.6 million loss in state disparity grant funding, salary negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police and adequate compensation for correctional officers, as well as the unknown impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on local income tax.

Other budget challenges, she added, include funding for three major capital projects – a new public safety building, an airport runway extension, and a renovation and expansion at Mardela Middle and High School.

Oland also highlighted departments’ expense requests for fiscal year 2022.

The spending plan includes a $369,000 increase in maintenance of effort funding for the board of education, a $288,000 increase for Wor-Wic Community College and a $143,000 increase for the county’s capital lease program, among other things.

“We asked the departments to try to come to us with a flat budget request,” she said, “and like everyone else, they are experiencing increased costs.”

Oland said the proposed tax rate for fiscal year 2022 is 91.95 cents per $100 of assessed value, representing a 1.4% revenue increase.

“Based on the charter, we are only allowed to increase our tax rate by either 2% or the CPI-U as of the proceeding December …,” she said. “Due to COVID, there was limited inflation over the last 12 months, and that CPI-U number is 1.4%, so we are only allowed to increase our revenue by 1.4% in fiscal 2022. The 2% would have allowed us to increase it by an additional $363,000, and that is revenue we will not be allowed to put in the tax rate for this fiscal year.”

Oland noted most of the county’s revenue comes from local property and income tax. In fiscal year 2020, a bulk of that money was earmarked for education, public safety and debt service.

In the coming fiscal year, proposed county contributions to the Wicomico County Board of Education total $57.1 million, which includes $369,000 in maintenance of effort funding. But Oland noted that contribution could increase.

March 26, 2021

“There’s still some uncertainty as to whether or not that is the right maintenance of effort,” Oland said. “So there is discussion that unfortunately that number is low and we would have to increase it up to another $800,000.”

Officials noted the county received more than $20 million in recovery funds through the American Rescue Plan Act. However, the county is prohibited from using the money to fund pensions or cut the tax rate.

“It is important to note that the American Rescue Plan Act provides funding to Wicomico County in the amount of $20,094,328,” Psota said. “Split equally in two tranches, one year apart, the recovery funds are to be used as replacement revenue lost due to COVID-19, and we are awaiting interpretation and guidance from the federal government on its use.”

During Monday’s public hearing, resident Darren Lombardo urged county officials to consider the needs of the people when deciding how to use the federal funding.

“When we accept funds, we need to make sure we are not being handcuffed as a society, as a county, in receiving those funds,” he added.

Eileen Johnson, representing the advocacy group Push4Education, urged officials to prioritize the county’s investment in students.

“As a county we still invest less per pupil than we did over 12 years ago, and our state’s poorest county, Somerset, invests far more per pupil than we do,” she said. “We are woefully behind to address that, and we need more revenue.”

She also asked the county to support infrastructure projects that benefit the education system. She advocated for broadband improvements and a renovation and addition at Mardela Middle and High.

“We are destined to have worldclass schools in our county,” she said, “and we need to recognize that as a real possibility.”

Superintendent Dr. Donna Hanlin thanked county leaders this week for their continued support. She noted the school system’s spending plan was a “bare-bones, maintenance of effort budget.”

“We are especially thankful to our employee groups – our teachers, our classified employees and administrators – who stepped up to the plate, understanding the impact both financially and otherwise that this past year has had on our community, and through negotiations agreed to only a step on the salary schedule and no cost-of-living increase at all in salaries for the coming year,” she said. “It’s only through this successful collaboration and negligible increase in health care and the hard work and dedication of budget managers to realign existing funding to meet priorities for the coming year that we have been able to balance a maintenance of effort budget for FY2022.”

State’s Attorney Eyes Another Prosecutor

March 26, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County State’s Attorney says it will take another prosecutor to handle the backlog of cases created by COVID-19.

State’s Attorney Kris Heiser told the Worcester County Commissioners this week she was seeking funding in the coming fiscal year for a new prosecutor to help with the county’s surfeit of cases.

Heiser’s prosecutors, who already handle more cases than their peers throughout the state, are now forced to catch up with trials not held in 2020 because of the pandemic.

“There have been only three jury trials in our county since March of 2020, which means we still haven’t resolved over 20,000 cases that were charged last year,” she said. “That is going to take us years and years to catch up, meaning that not only do I have enough work for another prosecutor and another investigator, I have enough work for several more of both and that work is going to exist for years.”

Heiser presented a fiscal year 2022 budget request of $1,531,857, which is 11.5% higher than last year’s budget.

Heiser praised her existing nine prosecutors, who she said handled more cases in more courthouses than any county in the state. According to Heiser, the average caseload for a prosecutor in Maryland is 1,350 cases a year. In Worcester County, prosecutors’ average annual caseload is 2,700.

“We’re definitely doing more with less and we have been for quite some time, but this isn’t sustainable moving forward, especially now,” she said.

Catching up with the cases not resolved in 2020 is expected to take years.

In an effort to speed the process up, the court will be holding criminal trials more frequently. Rather than criminal cases the first half of the month and civil cases the latter, the court will be scheduling criminal cases the entire month, according to Heiser.

“They’re also going to schedule multiple jury trials on the same dates,” she said. “In case one defendant fails to appear for court, the second jury trial will be ready to go. That also means I’ve got to have two prosecutors in my office ready to try a jury trial case every single day there’s any jury trial, which means that I have to have more prosecutors prepared to be in court and they won’t know which case is going to be tried.”

She said she felt she’d be doing the county a disservice if she didn’t ask the commissioners for the personnel increase.

“Your approval of these positions will continue to send a message to everyone in the world that maybe doesn’t experience the same level of support for law enforcement as we do in Worcester County,” she said. “We certainly want to continue to have that reputation that we take law and order seriously and you can count on our police and our prosecutors to keep us safe.”

OPA Releases Investigative Reports The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – The Ocean Pines Association released two investigation reports last week detailing allegations made against the board’s president and concerns regarding a movement to oust the general manager.

Last week, the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) released two investigation reports – one involving a review of the management team and another involving a recent complaint against President Larry Perrone.

Earlier this month, the association’s board directed legal counsel to draft both reports after community members raised concerns about how the investigations were handled. Director Frank Daly told the association’s membership at the time the statements would “provide maximum

Page 31

transparency to the community.”

The following is a summary of the items discussed in both investigation reports.

Complaint Highlights Discord Between Phillips, Perrone In January, Director of Amenities and Operational Logistics Colby Phillips filed a complaint against Perrone alleging he had violated Resolution B-08, which addresses director and officer ethics and misconduct.

Following an investigation into the matter – and a closed board meeting in late January to discuss the complaint – the board found no violation had occurred. Phillips submitted her resignation on Feb. 16, ending a nearly seven-year tenure with OPA. But in the days that followed, community members called on the association’s board to address its treatment of Phillips

throughout the investigation process.

There was also a motion to hold a special meeting for Perrone’s removal, though it was later withdrawn.

A summary of the investigation released last week shows Phillips submitted a B-08 complaint against Perrone with allegations the board president had yelled at her on multiple occasions and spoke to her in a “condescending manner.” Her examples of interactions with Perrone date as far back as last June.

“On January 4, 2021, Ms. Phillips had a meeting with Mr. Perrone, the General Manager, and another Ocean Pines employee to discuss the Bainbridge project,” one complaint reads. “Ms. Phillips recalled that Mr. Perrone asked a series of questions in a yelling voice. Ms. Phillips reported she pushed back stating to Mr. Perrone, ‘Why are you always yelling at SEE PAGE 44

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 26, 2021

March 26, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Judge Finds State Not Doing Enough With CAFO Emissions

Page 34

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – A landmark decision by a Montgomery County Circuit Court judge last week could have a lasting impact on the chicken farming industry in Worcester County and across the Eastern Shore.

The Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT), through its legal counsel the Chesapeake Legal Alliance, is claiming a major victory after a Montgomery County Circuit Court judge last week ruled against the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). The impacts of the judge’s ruling could greatly impact the poultry industry on the Eastern Shore.

Last year, the MDE completed a final revision to its five-year general discharge permit, which governs the poultry industry and the vast number of chicken-raising operations across the shore. MDE regulates pollution generated by Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), which are industrial-sized agricultural facilities, but ACT, through the Chesapeake Legal Alliance (CLA), challenged the department’s lack of oversight on the level of nitrogen, in the form of ammonia emissions from chicken houses, that finds its way into local waterways.

In the suit filed in Montgomery County Circuit Court, ACT asserted tens of

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

millions of pounds of nitrogen, in the form of ammonia, blast out of the thousands of chicken houses on the Eastern Shore onto surrounding land and waterways. The plaintiffs allege the ammonia discharge causes algal blooms, robbing local waterways of oxygen and devastating aquatic life. The Montgomery County judge saw it that way with her opinion released on March 11.

The court ordered MDE to go back to the drawing board to fix the state’s permit that regulates CAFO pollution.

The judge opined MDE must regulate the millions of pounds of ammonia emanating from the poultry industry production areas and require those emissions to be accounted for and controlled because of the “definite and real impact on the bay.”

Environmental groups in Maryland, including the plaintiff ACT, quickly applauded the judge’s ruling and claimed victory for local waterways. ACT Executive Director and Assateague Coast Keeper Kathy Phillips was among those praising the decision.

“Today, communities on the Lower Shore of Maryland can breathe a sigh of relief, literally, knowing Maryland clean water regulations will not better protect the water they drink and the waterways they fish and recreate in,” she said. “This ruling will work to protect watershed communities, including those

communities facing environmental injustices, who will see improved water quality and the co-benefit of reduced air pollution.”

The CLA is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to protect and restore clean water and promote healthy ecosystems in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and represented ACT in the suit against MDE. CLA Co-Director David Reed said in a statement the court’s ruling will go a long way in helping to achieve those goals.

“Today, CLA not only celebrates a win for our client, Assateague Coastal Trust, but a win for the Chesapeake Bay,” he said. “This landmark decision protects our waters and reduces pollution in neighborhoods and communities across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We commend the court for recognizing that ammonia pollution emitted into the air impacts our water too.”

Meanwhile, the Delmarva Chicken Association (DCA) immediately railed against the court’s ruling, calling it a potential death knell to the poultry industry. In a statement, DCA Executive Director Holly Porter called out ACT for taking the case to a jurisdiction not necessarily known for being agriculturefriendly.

“It’s no accident the plaintiffs in this case crossed the Chesapeake Bay to file their challenge in chicken-free Mont-

March 26, 2021

gomery County,” the statement reads.

“They deliberately searched for a forum that rarely adjudicates matters of agricultural law. Delmarva Chicken Association fully expects the state of Maryland to appeal this decision and see that the Maryland Department of the Environment’s AFO permit, which received the EPA’s approval during review, is sustained by a higher court.”

In the statement, Porter asserts the ACT suit relied on flimsy science and said chicken farmers across the shore are already taking steps to alleviate ammonia pollution from chicken houses.

“Ambient air quality data collected

by Maryland environmental regulators show that ammonia levels on Maryland’s Eastern Shore are far below an MDE-determined 350 parts-per-billionthreshold, even in areas near chicken farms,” the statement reads. “The plaintiffs relied on a faulty mathematical model for ammonia emissions that assumes chicken farms house birds every single day of the year, which they don’t, assumes farmers never control ammonia with little amendments, which they do, and assumes the Eastern Shore has no ammonia-absorbing forested land, which, needless to say, it does.

The researchers have admitted their model is not a realistic approach, but it fits these plaintiffs’ preconceived notions and they were only too eager to rely on it in court.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

… Department Heads Blast Mayor For Proposed Budget

Page 36

FROM PAGE 7 we set.”

Knerr said Tyndall had never reached out to the council.

“That in itself make it a dysfunctional process,” he said. “You need to be more inclusive.”

Tyndall argued he’d been following the budget work schedule that had been shared months ago.

“I go above and beyond to make sure the council is informed,” he said.

Knerr said everyone wanted the town to move forward.

“But I think we also want to work with you and help you make decisions,” he said. “This is a very important one. Please utilize the wisdom and years of experience of the council. We can help you in this process.”

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols said she was concerned about the town delaying spending on things that might be needed. She questioned cuts to training programs.

“I can’t in good faith at a time I’m saying we don’t have funding to fund salary increases, I can’t say I’m going to support funding a national conference,” Tyndall replied.

Nichols said she wanted healthy conversation on the budget so Berlin could maintain its quality of life.

“If we don’t address how we move forward with this budget, or how we move forward with this tax rate, how are

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

we going to fix anything?” she said.

“How do we maintain the level of comfort that this town as a whole has gotten accustomed to if we don’t address this right here? It’s not necessarily about politics it’s about what do we do to maintain and keep this town functioning at the same level that we’re on right now.”

Councilman Troy Purnell pointed to past history. He said the town should have raised taxes incrementally and instead cut the tax rate a few years ago. He added that road improvements weren’t even considered in the proposed budget. Looking at that and the town’s other expenses — and the fact that officials just approved a new reserve policy — Purnell said the town really needed a nine-cent tax increase.

“Politically, it’s probably suicide,” he said. “But it’s what needs to happen.”

He said if the rate had been raised to 88-cents two years ago, the town wouldn’t be in this position.

According to staff, a rate of $.815 would generate an extra $69,581 while a rate of $.82 would generate an extra $92,775 and a tax rate of $.83 would generate an extra $139,162.

Tyndall pointed out that if the council wanted to fully fund the department heads’ proposed budget the rate would have to go to $.83. A $.83 rate would mean an additional $90 a year for someone with a home assessed at $300,000.

When asked about tax rates in neigh-

boring jurisdictions, staff said the rate in Pocomoke was $.9375, the rate in Snow Hill was $.86 and the rate in Ocean City was $.4559.

Finance Director Natalie Saleh encouraged officials to consider the future and the town’s need to continue providing services.

“The tax rate is a mechanism to operate the general fund and provide uninterrupted services,” she said.

Burrell said he felt the budget as Tyndall presented put the town at jeopardy.

“When you impact on staffing that impacts on services and needless to say the quality of services,” he said.

Though the possibility of delaying a decision on the tax rate was brought up, Tyndall said his recommendation to keep the rate flat would not change.

“At 80 cents we’re going backward,” Purnell said.

Knerr, citing a comment from Velong regarding the number of citizens who relied on a fixed income, said he thought any increase should be eased into. He made a motion to set the rate at $.815 but received no second.

Colin Zimmerman, government affairs director for the Coastal Association of REALTORS, said he supported Tyndall’s tax rate and asked the council to plan any increase in a stepped fashion in consideration of residents.

“That may give the people of Berlin a way to plan for it in their own budgets,” he said.

Purnell said costs increased every year and made a motion to set the tax rate at $.86. The motion received no second and Burrell went on to make a motion to set the rate at $.83. When that motion failed to get a second, Orris suggested postponing a decision.

“As chief executive of the administrative arm it’s very difficult for us to progress further in this process without some sense of revenue understanding…,” Tyndall said. “By postponing this you’re not going to make it any easier.”

Saleh agreed that delaying would stall the budget process since property taxes were the primary source of revenue for the general fund. She added that the council should consider unexpected expenditures such as infrastructure or vehicle failures.

March 26, 2021

“What if something happens unpredictable through the budget year?” she said. “We don’t have a healthy financial stability going forward three years in the future.”

Velong said she agreed with Tyndall’s budget rollbacks.

“This is a small town,” she said. “It’s not a major city like Ocean City or Salisbury.”

She added that training conferences like those Tyndall had cut were just a way for employees to “get to go someplace and have a good time on the city’s money.” She added that Knerr’s proposed $.815 rate was a compromise.

“If you’re going to do anything, the distance you have to go is 83 cents,” Tyndall said. “Much less than that, you’re going in the wind.”

Burrell asked if that was the case why hadn’t Tyndall proposed that rate.

“Because I saw a path forward that didn’t involve raising taxes,” Tyndall said. “I understand how hard economic impacts are on our community.”

Burrell said based on his 83-cent comment Tyndall should have proposed that rate.

“We’re sitting here playing politics,” Burrell said. “We’re sitting here playing politics with the future of our town and the wellbeing of our town.”

Tyndall maintained his recommendation was for an 80-cent rate and that it would not jeopardize services.

“If that is your vision your vision is flawed,” Burrell said.

Tyndall replied that his tax rate recommendation came after hours of consultation with department heads.

“I’m sorry but my professional opinion was 83 cents in all the discussions,” Saleh added, stressing that she wasn’t thinking about raises or benefits but rather the town’s resilience. “The bypass on 80 cents, it’s scrambling.”

Fleetwood said he agreed. Purnell echoed that.

“We can be the cheapest or we can be the best,” Purnell said.

A motion from Nichols for $.83 cents failed with just two votes. A subsequent motion to approve a $.815 rate passed 4-1, with Purnell opposed because he wanted a larger tax increase to help the town.

Health Department Outlines New Vaccine Directives

March 26, 2021

SNOW HILL – Starting March 30, the Worcester County Health Department, based on direction from the State of Maryland, is expanding COVID-19 vaccination coverage to include those age 18 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 illness.

During the week of March 29-April 2, Moderna vaccine clinics will be held on Tuesday, March 30 at the Pocomoke Health Center; on Thursday, April 1 at Northside Park in Ocean City; and Friday, April 2 at the Elks Lodge #1624 in Pocomoke City.

Those eligible can register online through MarylandVax.org. To register, go to https://www.marylandvax.org/clinic/search. Search “Worcester” to find health department clinic dates and locations. Officials recommend anyone who is not comfortable filling out web forms seek the help of a friend or family member to complete the registration process.

If you are unable to schedule your own appointment or not able to seek help from a friend or family member, please call 667-253-2140 and someone will help you to register. Once registered, you should receive a confirmation email within minutes--be sure to check your spam/junk folder.

The timeline for COVID-19 vaccination expansion is as follows: Phase 2A: Effective Tuesday, March 23, eligibility opened for all Marylanders

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

60 and older. According to Maryland Department of Health data, nearly 90% of the state’s COVID-19 deaths are in the 60+ age range. Additionally, pre-registration for the state’s mass vaccination clinics, including the site located at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, is now open for Marylanders 60 and older at covidvax.maryland.gov.

Phase 2B: Effective Tuesday, March 30, eligibility opens for all Marylanders

16 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 illness. According to CDC data, nearly 90% of individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 have an underlying medical condition.

Phase 2C: As of Tuesday, April 13, eligibility opens for all Marylanders 55 and older, as well as essential workers in critical industries, including food services, utilities, construction workers, transpor-

tation, financial services, IT, and other infrastructure.

Phase 3: Tuesday, April 27. Eligibility opens for all Marylanders 16 and older.

Individuals currently eligible in Phase 1 will continue to be prioritized at the state’s mass vaccination sites.

For more information about future vaccine clinics, COVID-19, and the current Phase, visit WorcesterHealth.org.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ted, assigned and unassigned funds, calls for a stabilization reserve fund of 20% of the town’s general fund operating budget, which at this point would be roughly $1.1 million. The policy calls for the town to maintain a health insurance fund balance of 40% of the average of the last three years’ premiums as well as a disaster recovery fund of $250,000 and a capital reserve of $100,000. The policy also calls for the town to keep a debt service balance equal to one year of general fund debt service.

The town’s auditing firm has recommended in recent years that the town set up a reserve policy. A draft proposed last year was deemed unnecessarily detailed by elected officials and has since

been reworked.

When presenting the reconfigured document, Saleh stressed the proposed amounts included in it were figures the town could work toward.

“That’s the goal we will try to achieve,” she said earlier this month.

“Once they’re achieved and in place, it’s a good foundation not to rely on tax increase, not to rely on cutting capital projects.”

Saleh said this week the policy was being presented for final approval.

“It’s basically the same,” she said.

“We were requested to remove the draft watermark and present it for your approval.”

The council voted unanimously to approve the policy.

Berlin Council Approves Formal Reserve Policy

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Town officials approved a new reserve policy this week.

On Monday, the Berlin Town Council voted unanimously to approve a reserve policy meant to guide the town toward a better financial position. Mayor Zack Tyndall thanked staff for the effort that went into the document.

“There was a lot of work that went in all around,” Tyndall said.

According to a presentation earlier this month from Finance Director Natalie Saleh, the policy was created to set up reserve goals for the town to improve its resilience. The policy, which addresses the town’s restricted, commit-

County Sheriff Seeks 30% Increase In Budget Funding

Page 38

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Increases in proposed public safety and emergency services spending highlighted a Worcester County budget work session.

The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday met with department leaders to begin reviewing the proposed fiscal year 2022 budget. General fund revenues for the coming year are estimated at $211 million while proposed expenditures total $219 million.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Worcester County Emergency Services are both seeking an increase in funding in the coming year in efforts to ensure public safety.

“We have over eight million visitors per summer and we need our residents and visitors to feel safe and secure if we want to maintain Worcester County as a national landmark,” Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said.

Crisafulli has proposed a budget of $9.7 million — a $2.2 million increase over the current year’s budget — for the

coming fiscal year. The nearly 30% increase in funding would allow his department to hire three new deputies and convert seven part-time positions to fulltime. The additional manpower will ensure that there’s adequate police coverage when other officers are at mandated training and will also enable the office to assist allied agencies better, according to Crisafulli.

“Outside of Ocean City, our office handled more than 50% of the total law enforcement calls for service last year and we project that that number’s going to increase due to a continued staffing issue throughout the county,” he said.

“As I’ve mentioned previously, recruitment is a national issue that all law enforcement agencies are dealing with.”

He added that West Ocean City was growing and was at the point it needed a dedicated patrol unit.

Crisafulli’s proposed budget also includes funding for 18 replacement vehicles, vehicles for the potential three new deputies and funding for an armored rescue vehicle that could be used in a hostage standoff or natural disaster.

“I know some of the critics say this is militarizing the police however this is just not true,” he said. “Adding a rescue vehicle doesn’t change our approach to community based policing. These vehicles are used to protect deputies and civilians in hostile situations with armed

March 26, 2021

subjects and to rescue people in all kinds of potentially dangerous conditions. The sheriff’s office can use the rescue vehicle as an ambulance during a hurricane. And when a severe weather tears through our community, what kind of vehicle do you want to respond to your neighborhood?”

He added that the vehicle could be used by officers responding to unruly crowds in Ocean City and would also be useful during hurricanes and potential flooding.

Emergency Services Director Billy Birch told the commissioners his department was seeking an additional $1,062,824 in the coming year, bringing the department’s budget to $3.8 million.

Much of that increase—$580,000— would pay for capital equipment meant to address radio interference problems.

“That’s an awful lot of money,” Commissioner Josh Nordstrom said.

James Hamilton, the department’s assistant director, said the new equipment was needed to address an interference problem the county’s radio system has been dealing with for several years.

“Our radio system is impacted by signals that travel farther than they should,” he said. “It’s getting worse, not better.”

Additional funding in the department’s proposed budget would allow for the hiring of six new employees.

Obituaries

March 26, 2021

Dr. Philip John Young BERLIN – Dr. Philip (Phil) John Young, passed away on March 17, 2021 at home surrounded by his family.

Phil was born on May 20, 1939 to Andrew Joseph Young, Sr. and Mary Frances (Brooks) Young of Parkville, Md. He attended Calvert Hall High School and then graduated from Loyola College in 1963. Phil married his high school sweetheart and loving spouse Elizabeth Anne DR. PHILIP (Day) Young in 1964 JOHN YOUNG and together raised their family in Hunt Valley.

Phil was a dedicated licensed psychologist who received a Doctorate from George Washington University in 1977.

Over the next 40 years, he worked as a School Psychologist for Baltimore County Public Schools, taught psychology and managed a successful private practice.

Phil dedicated his life to working with under privileged, at-risk children as well as adults to identify and address a wide variety of learning and psychological issues.

Phil was an Army veteran, historian, an avid fly fisherman and a golf and tennis enthusiast who put his love for family above all else. He was a member of Synepuxent Gun and Rod Club, the National Rifle Association, Ocean Pines Boat Club and the Republican Party, among others.

Philip is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Anne, and his children, John, David and his spouse Marta and Stephanie (Young) Clayville and her spouse Brooks Clayville. He also is survived by five wonderful grandchildren, Patrick, Kevin, Matthew, Jackson and Harris.

Funeral services will be held on March 29, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 11211 Beauchamp Road, Berlin, Md. 21811. Interment will follow at All Hallows Episcopal Church, 109 West Market Street, Snow Hill, Md. 21863. A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Snow Hill Lions Club, P.O. Box 82, Snow Hill, Md. 21863.

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Robert David Biniasz OCEAN CITY – Robert David Biniasz, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Albert G. and Frances (Gutowski) Biniasz. Aside from his parents, two brothers and one sister preceded his death. He is survived by daughters Diana Chavis and Debra Foard along with four grandchildren Cory and Connor ROBERT Chavis and Kaylin and DAVID BINIASZ William Foard. He is also survived by his longtime partner Geraldine Price; sister Bernadine Biniasz; and

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch brother Gregory Biniasz.

Mr. Biniasz had served in the United States Air Force. Later he became a successful insurance agent and eventually relocated to the Eastern Shore. He enjoyed occupations such as owning a bicycle rental business and snowball stand, bartending and eventually settled into the late-night shift security officer role at the Golden Sands Condominium. He loved driving, especially his classic Cadillac convertible, watching western movies and laughing at The Three Stooges.

Cremation followed his death. A graveside family service will be arranged at a later date. A donation in his memory may be made to the Ocean City American Legion, Post# 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City, Md. 21842. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burgagefuneralhome.com

Francis Edward Dolan OCEAN CITY – Francis Edward Dolan, age 89, died on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at his home in Ocean City.

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Daniel and Evelyn May Dolan. He is survived by his children, Daniel Dolan

and his wife Lonnie of Glen Rock, Pa. and Lori F. Thompson and her husband Charles, Michelle Arnold and her husband William, all of Baltimore. There are seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were siblings Ronald “Bud” Dolan, and ShirFRANCIS ley Cover. Also survivEDWARD DOLAN ing are several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Dolan had served in the United States Navy and later was a Captain in the Baltimore Fire Department. After retiring, and moving to Ocean City, he was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

He was an avid sports fan and followed the University of Maryland Terrapins, Orioles and Ravens.

Cremation followed his death. Services will be announced at a later date. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Columbarium in Ocean City.

Peggy Zellman Welsh FRANKFORD – Peggy Zellman Welsh, age 66, of Frankford, Del., died Friday,

Page 39 March 12, 2021 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. She was born in Bedford, Ky. and was the daughter of the late Clarence W. and the late Christine (Brix) Adams.

Peggy was Vice President of Calvin B. Taylor Bank before retiring.

She is survived by her husband, Jerome E. Welsh of Frankford; a son, Chad D. Zellman and wife PEGGY Teresa of Pittsville; two ZELLMAN WELSH brothers, Frank Adams of Stone Mountain, Ga. and John Adams of Edgewood, Md.; three sisters, Rose Dunnivant of Aberdeen, Md., Margaret Lancaster of Bel Air, Md. and Linda Young of Rising Sun, Md.; a grandson, Danny Zellman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute at www.tidalhealth.org/about-us/donate.

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

Page 40

Healing Arts Center of the Eastern Shore owners Chrissy Ehrhart, Alexis Southward and Berkleigh Diaz welcomed the community to a Healthy Alternative Happy Hour last Saturday.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

People

By Jeanette Deskiewicz

FEATurinG THOSE HElPinG CAuSES in THE rESOrT ArEA

Beehouse Soap’s Jeff Smith and Mithila Jegathesan sold their hand made bath products at the March Healthy Alternative Happy Hour held at the Healing Arts Center of the Eastern Shore.

In Society

March 26, 2021

During the Healing Arts Center of the Eastern Shore Healthy Alternative Happy Hour, nate and Dawn Gears of DHTCBD hosted a Q&A session on their products titled, “Beyond the Stigma.”

Harrison’s Harbor Watch restaurant employees Blade Forsythe, Parker Harrington, Christine Cortazzo and Kara Mihabetz interviewed applicants at the Harrison Group Job Fair this month.

The hungry crowd for the OCDC Downtown Association Committee Granville Trimper Breakfast was well taken care of by natalie Beck, Kevin Gibbs and Haley Jones of The Dough roller.

Though the boat show was cancelled, the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club is still raffling off a boat with members Henry Schubert and Bill Hickey selling tickets at the Ocean Pines Farmers Market.

Hoping to fill some open positions at the Harrison Group Job Fair were Erica Pletcher and Avian Smith of the Flagship Motel on 26th Street.

At the Ocean Pines Farmers Market, David Joseph Deacon and David Bean brought fresh produce from DJ David & Company Farm, out of Georgetown, Del.

Selling a variety of goods at the Saturday morning Ocean Pines Farmers Market were ingrid Parker and Jessica Gilbert of rainbow’s End Tack Shop.

Young volunteers Saylor Amos and Harper Edmunds sat diners for the OCDC Downtown Association Committee Granville Trimper Breakfast.

Off-Premise Alcohol Sales Headed To Permanent Status

March 26, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A pair of bills circulating in the General Assembly seeking continual alcoholic beverages for offpremise consumption or delivery passed through their respective chambers this week.

When COVID-19 emerged around this time last year and Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency, restaurants and bars were closed to the public and many went to a carryout and delivery model including modified ways of selling alcohol. The state and allied local liquor boards relaxed the rules for selling beer, wine and spirits through carryout or delivery and mixed drinks in sealed containers for off-site consumption.

While certainly not ideal, the relaxed rules sustained many businesses for several weeks, allowing them to generate some revenue and keep people employed. Although many of the key metrics have stabilized, a pair of bills have been introduced in the General Assembly allowing establishments to continue to sell alcoholic beverages for offpremise consumption or delivery permanently.

Senate Bill 205, introduced by Senator Sally Hetterman (D-Baltimore), was passed on third reading by the full Senate on a 46-1 vote on Monday. House

Bill 12, introduced by a trio of western shore delegates, also passed on third reading by the entire House with a 1284 vote last week. Both bills have now crossed over to committees in the respective chambers for reconciliation before final passage.

According to language in the bills, a restaurant, bar or tavern that is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption is authorized to sell those same alcoholic beverages, including a mixed drink or closed container, for off-premise consumption or delivery if the alcoholic beverage is purchased along with prepared food other than prepackaged snacks.

The purchaser must be at least 21 years of age and provide valid identification at the point of sale if the beverages are picked up, or off-site if the beverages are delivered. Alcoholic beverages sold for off-premise consumption or delivery must be in the manufacturer’s original sealed container, or if the beverages are mixed drinks or cocktails, must be served in a container sealed with a cap, cork or lid with no holes for straws or sipping. Off-premise alcohol sales would have to end by 11 p.m., according to language in the bill.

The bill authorizes a county to adopt a local law or ordinance that allows holders of certain classes of liquor licenses to sell alcoholic beverages off-premise under the described conditions with the

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approval of the local licensed beverage commissions.

State Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R38) was among the senators voting in favor of the legislation this week, calling the carryout provision a “lifeline” during these challenging times.

“Senate Bill 205 is an absolute top priority for the very survival and longterm recovery of our restaurants in each one of your districts,” she said. “I grew up in the restaurant business. Throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic, I have been working with our local restaurants on their very survival and keeping

Page 41

jobs in those restaurants. This legislation is essential to our Maryland restaurants’ long-term COVID recovery.”

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot championed the idea last summer.

“These are sensible reforms, I believe, to Maryland’s outdated alcohol statutes, and I believe these temporary changes should be made permanent,” he said. “It’s why I’ve asked Governor Hogan to allow these changes to remain in place through the 2021 legislative session, which would give the Maryland General Assembly an opportunity to memorialize these changes into law.”

Page 42

March 27: AYCE Breakfast All-you-can-eat breakfast at the Whaleyville United Methodist Church located at 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road in Whaleyville. $8/adult and $4/child from 710 a.m. Pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages will be served. Masks required to enter and social distancing guidelines will be enforced; indoor dining at 50% capacity or carry-out.

April 1: Furnace Town Opens Furnace Town Historic Site, 3816 Old Furnace Town Road, will open its doors to the public for the 2021 season. Hours of operation will be Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.4 p.m. On Saturday, April 3, 200 treat-filled Easter eggs will be hiding on the grounds for children to seek and find during the day in celebration of opening. 410-632-2932.

April 2-5: Kids Easter Celebration Trimper Rides will hold an opening park celebration on Saturday and Sunday, April 3 and 4 with opportunities to meet the Easter bunny as well as Easter egg hunts. All-day rides available for $20 open at noon.

April 3: Spring Celebration From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in downtown Berlin, enjoy a safe Easter egg hunt in downtown Berlin and visits with the Easter Bunny starting at 10 a.m. at Worcester Youth and Family Counseling and continuing along the Main Street Bunny Trail until 4 p.m.

Things To Do The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Wear your homemade Easter Bonnets and take a selfie at the Berlin Spring Celebration of Hope Selfie Display at Artisans Green, next to House and Health Freedom.

April 3: Fried Chicken Dinner Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Willards will hold a drive-thru fried chicken dinner. Menu includes four piece fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, cole slaw, apple sauce, roll and cupcake. $14 each. 410-835-8340

April 6: Faith-Based Partnership Via conference call from 10-11 a.m. join the Faith Partnership: A cooperative effort for local worship centers and Atlantic General Hospital and Health System to increase health awareness, education and healthy living incentives for our community members. For information, contact: Gail Mansell at 410-641-9725 or gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org.

April 9: Bingo Is Back After a tough year, the Knights of Columbus on 99th Street behind St. Luke’s will

bring back its weekly Bingo night on Friday nights. Doors open at 5 p.m. and with bingo starting at 6:30 p.m. Social distancing and masking rules in effect. 410-5247994.

April 9: 2nd Friday In Berlin 2nd Fridays in Berlin are back with a new vibe from 5-8 p.m. Live outdoor and indoor music, kids art, shops open late, plenty of restaurants offering outdoor dining as well as desserts.

April 10-11: Kids Create Art projects will be organized by the Art League of Ocean City at Trimper Rides.

All-day rides available for $20 open at noon.

April 17: Chicken & Dumplings The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will be holding a “Chicken & Dumplin'” carryout only at the main station. 5-7 p.m. Chicken, dumplings, green beans and sweet potatoes.

Cost is $13 and $7 for an additional pint of dumplings. Call ahead by April 14 to

Eastern Shore Physical Therapy Free Arthritis Workshop SATURDAY, APRIL 24 • 10 A.M.

If Arthritis Limits Your Activities This Is For You! CALL 410-641-2900 TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW

410-641-2900 • WWW.EASTERNSHOREPT.COM 314 FRANKLIN AVENUE, SUITE 405 (NEXT TO LAB CORP), BERLIN, MD. 21811

March 26, 2021 have your carryout ready 619-922-9950.

April 17: Walk With A Doctor Educate, exercise and empower during the virtual “Walk with a Doc” at 9 a.m. on the Atlantic General Hospital Facebook page, where there will be a short presentation by neurologist Dr. Preeti Yonker, who will discuss Parkinson’s disease.

You can then walk wherever you and share your selfies on social media with the hashtag #walkedwithagh.

April 17: Bikers Food Drive The public is invited to join the Bikers Without Borders Foundation from 9 a.m.2 p.m. at the Food Lion in Ocean Pines for the Fill-the-Truck Food Drive. Members will be collecting canned goods, nonperishable food items, and monetary donations for local food banks.

April 17-18: Kids Build Trimper Rides will welcome kids to take a look at construction vehicles up close and design their own skyscraper. All-day rides available for $20 open at noon.

April 24-25: Kids Unite Trimper Rides will hold safety education and demonstrations featuring first responders and their vehicles. All-day rides available for $20 open at noon.

May 1: May Day Celebration The Ocean Pines Garden Club will host its 3rd Annual May Day Community Celebration on May 1, rain or shine. It is your chance to show your community support by creating a beautiful basket of fresh flowers and display it in a way that it is visible from the street. The only rule is the basket must contain fresh flowers and greens. Place a zip lock bag near your creation that contains five copies of your name, address and the inspiration for your creation for the judges. Judges will visit displays between 9:30 and 12:30.

Baskets will be judged on condition, distinction, originality, color harmony and design, balance and proportion. All participants will receive certificates of appreciation and winners will receive ribbons.

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.

Ocean Pines Exploring Handicap Playground Concept

March 26, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ties for constructing a handicap-accessible playground in Ocean Pines.

Last Saturday, the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors agreed to move forward with an effort to

Board Self-Evaluation Survey Discussed

OCEAN PINES – Association officials last week agreed to explore opportuni-

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Ocean Pines officials say a new self-evaluation process could help the board address its issues.

Last Saturday, Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Director Colette Horn presented the board with a self-evaluation process to be used during closed meetings. She said the survey would help examine board, officer and director performance and develop plans for areas of improvement.

“This discussion is meant for transparency processes,” she said. “It is not a process we intend to take place as part of our public meetings. This is work that we as a board need to do.”

Following a special meeting earlier this month to consider President Larry Perrone’s removal from the board – and to consider waiving board privilege on two investigation reports – Horn said the board was committed to working on its problems and finding ways to move forward.

“In the for-profit world, as well as the nonprofit world, the stakeholders are increasingly expecting to see board selfevaluation results as a measure of effectiveness and accountability,” she said.

“This discussion is meant to give direction to a self-evaluation process for the OPA board that is modeled after best practices.”

Horn noted the survey would examine four categories: board mission and purpose, board management and relations, board composition and director performance and officer performance.

“This isn’t about pointing fingers … it’s about moving the board forward …,” she said. “This is another tool we can put in our toolbox and use.”

Director Camilla Rogers said she supported the idea.

“I think it’s going to be a very helpful tool and open up some avenues for discussion,” she said.

Perrone agreed, saying, “We’re going to do something to try and help create a better working environment for the board.

I agree with this approach, and hopefully it will be beneficial for the entire board.”

Horn said she envisioned board selfevaluations to be an ongoing process.

Officials said the idea was to discuss the survey at the next closed meeting.

“This type of thing becomes an ongoing process to keep boards focused on accountability to the stakeholders and transparency to the membership,” she said, “as well as the professionalism that the membership deserves from us as we conduct our business as a board.”

Director Frank Daly also encouraged the board to set goals at the beginning of

each year.

“At the beginning of the year, clearly state to the community what we plan to achieve and measure results in achieving what we said we want to do,” he said.

“Because working well together and achieving nothing doesn’t solve any problems in the community.”

Director Doug Parks said he’s seen mixed results from self-evaluations.

“I’m not as enthusiastic about filling out a survey and expecting results to come from that,” he said. “But we’ve all got our own experiences and opinions on things. I’m not saying it’s not fixable.

I’m just saying I also want to look at other ways of getting to that point of actually producing and managing ourselves appropriately for the membership.”

Horn added, “The survey gives us some discussion points, and I think the survey will help us identify those discussion points that are most salient to our current performance concerns. We would certainly want to have some goals and accomplishments come from that.”

establish a handicap-accessible playground in Bainbridge Park.

“The recreation and parks committee has been working on an issue, looking at establishing a handicap playground in Ocean Pines to help provide some recreational activities for wheelchairbound individuals, not just children but adults as well as individuals who may be additionally physically handicapped,” President Larry Perrone said. “There’s been some preliminary work done by Director of Parks and Recreation Debbie Donahue.”

Perrone told board members he had presented Worcester County Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting with the idea at a groundbreaking ceremony in Bainbridge Park last week.

“We were encouraged by commissioners to seek assistance from the county and the state for funding because this will be an expensive project,” he said. “We have already received correspondence from individuals in the county to Debbie Donahue and myself about moving forward with this project. I just wanted to bring this to the board’s attention to see if we had a consensus to move forward at this point to determine whether or not this is something we want to do in Ocean Pines.”

Director Camilla Rogers said she supported the idea, but questioned the

Page 43

need.

“I think this is an absolutely wonderful idea,” she said. “But as we’re prioritizing expenditures, what is the need for this in the community, if known?”

Perrone said it was something the association would explore. He said a handicap-accessible playground could be used not only by those who live in the community, but by families who come to Ocean Pines to vacation or visit relatives.

“Also, the county itself does not have a facility like this,” he said. “If we move forward with this, certainly a contribution from the county and possibly the state or federal government will be involved.”

Director Doug Parks agreed, noting that the association could fund its portion out of the new capital reserve fund.

“I think we should pursue it, especially if there are opportunities for other funding sources other than OPA,” he said.

Director Colette Horn noted the only other amenity that provided access for those with disabilities was aquatics.

“It certainly demonstrates the need in this community,” she said. “We don’t have exact numbers, but we could get data on that. But I think it’s a very worthy project, particularly since there is likely to be support from the county, the state, and possibly the feds.”

… Investigative Reports Highlight Tensions Within OPA

Page 44

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

FROM PAGE 31 me?’ Ms. Phillips recalled Mr. Perrone continued to disagree with her about the project in an aggressive and condescending manner.”

Phillips also alleged Perrone insinuated she was behind a smear campaign to get rid of General Manager John Viola and stated she could never be general manager because of her lack of financial background.

“On January 11, 2021, Ms. Phillips attended a meeting with the General Manager, Mr. Perrone, Ms. Horn, and the Human Resources Manager to discuss the management review report received by the Board,” another complaint reads. “Ms. Phillips found it objectionable that she was being counseled about allegations raised by other employees about her that were found to be unsubstantiated. Ms. Phillips felt the only reason she was being told the information was to make her feel bad and get her to quit.”

For his part, Perrone denied the allegations that he had yelled at Phillips, but acknowledged that he did make statements about her ability to hold the general manager position and expressed concerns about the Bainbridge improvement

project.

“He acknowledged asking direct questions about the project,” the summary reads. “He believes that Ms. Phillips often failed to address his questions. He believes it is his duty as a Board member to scrutinize the project thoroughly to protect Ocean Pines.”

In January, Viola directed Michael Neary of Lerch, Early & Brewer to investigate the allegations. His findings – supported by witness statements from employees, the human resources manager, Viola, and Directors Doug Parks and Colette Horn – were submitted to the board on Jan. 28.

“The Board met in closed session on January 29, 2021 to consider the B-08 complaint filed by Ms. Horn,” the summary reads. “The Board found no B-08 violation. The Board announced the finding at a brief public meeting on February 4, 2021 as required by Resolution B-08.”

Report Probes Management Team, Effort To Undermine GM Last August, the board authorized a review of management operations under Viola after hearing concerns employees and community members were working together “to oust the general manager.”

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Neary’s report, submitted to the board in early December, included findings from his review with each member of the management team.

“The management report concluded that all members of the management team were working to support the General Manager and the interests of Ocean Pines,” a summary of the report reads.

“Several members of the management team, however, expressed concerns that Ms. Phillips may have been involved directly or indirectly with OPA members’ efforts to undermine the General Manager leading up to the last election of the Board of Directors. No direct evidence corroborated the concerns raised. The circumstantial evidence was insufficient to find that Ms. Phillips worked to undermine the General Manager.”

The summary also highlighted concerns from five employees that suggested Viola favored some departments over others.

“One group believed the General Manager favors the Golf Department and Recreation and Parks Department over Public Relations/Marketing and Amenities and Operational Logistics,” the summary reads. “Whereas another group reported

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the General Manager favors Amenities and Operational Logistics over others.”

The report also states Viola had no knowledge of any team member working against him, but noted some prior and current board members “were critical of him.”

“The General Manager did report concerns about confidential Ocean Pines information appearing in the press,” the summary reads. “Two specific incidents where confidential Ocean Pines information made it to the press involved information only disclosed to a core group of senior managers. No direct evidence pinpointed any member of the management team in particular as having leaked the confidential information to the press ...”

The summary continues, “All members of the management team believed the team was working well together since the last Board election in August. The uncertainty surrounding whether a new Board would retain Mr. Viola seems to have fostered some of the suspicion and discord amongst staff. The outcome of the election appeared to have been a calming influence on the management team.”

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Berlin’s Easter Event Aims To Celebrate ‘Spring And Hope’

March 26, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

will be in town, but roaming from shop to shop, not sitting in one place.

The streets will also not be closed.

“The word we have gotten is neither the town nor the state are ready to grant road closures,” Frene said.

Nevertheless, he says everyone wants to avoid a situation like the one the town had in October, when so many visitors showed up for Octoberfest that the streets had to be closed.

For the Spring Celebration of Hope, organizers have developed a back-up plan in case hordes of people do descend on Berlin.

“In the event that we had an unsafe situation with too many people, we’d relocate the bunny meet-andgreets to the lawn of the Taylor House Museum,” Frene said. “Typically the Spring Celebration is not a huge all day event.”

Merchants are hopeful the modified Spring Celebration will be the start of a better year in Berlin.

“We don’t want to just cancel everything,” said Mike Queen, president of

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The town’s spring celebration will mark the start of what merchants hope is the beginning of a return to normal in Berlin.

The Spring Celebration of Hope, set for April 3, will include a variety of socially distanced activities meant to bring people to town in a safe way. It is expected to be just the first of many 2021 events in Berlin.

“We’re going to try to have every event we normally have but rework it so it’s safe,” said Steve Frene, deputy director of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce.

Instead of the classic egg hunt that drew hundreds of kids to a small area, organizers will hide eggs on the sidewalk along Main Street throughout the day. Rather than gathering attendees in one spot for an Easter bonnet contest, a selfie station will be set up with a hashtag participants can use for a social media contest. The Easter Bunny

Page 45

the chamber.

He added that events were vital in that they brought visitors to town.

“That’s what it’s about — promoting Berlin,” he said.

While navigating the pandemic has been difficult for downtown shops, Queen said the impacts of the past year varied.

“It looks like some people are doing really good, others are hanging on by a thread, and others are opening up new businesses,” he said.

They’re all hoping for a good year in 2021, however, and the chamber is doing what it can to bring a sense of normalcy back to Berlin. Frene pointed out that the Spring Celebration’s name had been tweaked to include the word “hope.”

“Berlin is celebrating spring and hope,” Frene said, “as we get vaccinated, as all the metrics go down and we see light at the end of the tunnel and things start to return to normal.”

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Remembering Franky Pettolina

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Public Works Director Thankful For Recognition Editor: (The following letter represents the contents of an email to current and former Ocean City Mayor and Council members after the surprise dedication of the new public works campus in his honor.)

I can only hope that all of you realize that I started my career with the Town of Ocean City with specific goals in mind. In the simplest of summaries, those goals were to silently operate behind the scenes in an effort to assure that those who made Ocean City their vacation destination would make great memories and would reflect/remember Ocean City as a clean and enjoyable place to visit, and for those who decided to make Ocean City their residence, would enjoy public services, and responsiveness, that are unparalleled by any other municipality and to provide an overall infrastructure that would support redevelopment and growth without the need for building moratoriums, and finally, and of most importance, to achieve these goals by building a team of men and women who would possess a “Can Do Attitude” and a stance of “Treat Others The Way You Would Want To Be Treated”.

At this point in my career, I can only hope I have achieved these goals, or at least partially.

I never, and yes I do mean never, set out to build monuments to myself.

It was quite the polar opposite. The concept was to start quietly in 1984 and then exit someday by simply turning off the office light switch and walking out the door and down 65th Street to see what else life has to offer me, or vice versa.

So, let it be known you all totally caught me off guard yesterday. Thanks to “Wear The Damn Mask (lol)” my glasses were fogging up so I took them off when the initial ceremony started.

Without them on I’m damn near blind so I didn’t even see my family until I was standing with (Ocean City Mayor) Rick (Meehan). I don’t like being caught off guard but, I’ll get over that (lol).

In closing I say thank you for the recognition and arranging for my family to be in attendance. What a memory to cherish. And, only because “it’s who I am,” I will continue to inform anyone and everyone that may approach me about the dedication that my career has truly been a team effort of many.

Some still with me, some who have unfortunately passed, but will remain with me in memory.

Hal Adkins Ocean City (The writer has been employed by the Town of Ocean City since 1984 including since 1989 as the director of public works.)

March 26, 2021

IN MEMORIAM

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

The sudden passing of longtime Ocean City Marlin Club President Franky Pettolina this week shook the resort’s fishing community with his legions of friends both grieving his passage and celebrating his life at the same time.

Pettolina, the affable sportfishing captain and marine surveyor, who stood at the helm of the Ocean City Marlin Club for many years, was a shining star that winked out far too early. News of his unexpected passing spread like a sudden squall disrupting a tranquil sea through the local fishing community.

In the days following his death, cherished memories, favorite pictures and endless yarns about great adventures on the water and the inevitable “one that got away” flooded social media. Symbolically, Franky was the “one that got away” far too early and the entire community mourns his passage and celebrates his amazing life.

Over the last 21 years, I’ve written countless pieces about tragedies and untimely deaths, and it’s embarrassing to say after a while one often becomes desensitized, or detached even, from the subject matter. In this tragic case, I am very much attached.

I have known Franky professionally and socially for decades, and while time often passes without seeing old friends and familiar faces, whenever we crossed paths it was as if we were right back where we left off. It’s a true sign of friendship.

Professionally, Franky was an invaluable resource for all things fishing and boating-related and I often relied on him and his vast expertise to explain technical issues, or fill me in on what was really going on behind the scenes, often off the record. As Marlin Club president, a job he handled with aplomb, he was often the de facto face of the local fishing community.

On a personal level, over the years we spent countless hours telling and retelling fishing stories or watching a ballgame over a beer. He went to Ursinus College in Pennsylvania where he met his wife Jen, and he remained a big man on campus years after he graduated, but his true football love was the Florida Gators.

He was truly one of a kind and he lit up any room he walked into with his quick wit, intelligence, amazing stories and endless tales of chasing billfish and tuna in the canyons off Ocean City, and in far-reaching places like Mexico and Costa Rica and all over the Caribbean.

Franky was a little sprout following around his dad Captain Frank and mom Maddie and the other fishermen

and mates growing up around the marinas in the resort. His fishing prowess is legendary, and he later became the captain and fisherman generations of young sprouts in the fishing community grew up following around.

In a recent article he wrote for our media partner Fish In OC, Franky recalled growing up fishing with his dad and how he developed a love of the sea.

“You see, I’m am one of the most fortunate guys in the world,” he wrote.

“Not only do I get to go fishing as part of my job, but I get to go with my best fishing buddy most of the time. Dad and I have been fishing together since I was first able to hold a rod, and by the time I was a teenager, that turned into a summer job. As I got older, that summertime job eventually turned into a career of sportfishing and marine surveying. Chasing fish and crawling around boats, all the time under Dad’s watchful eye. Yep, a very fortunate guy, making memories while doing something we both love. A ton of memories.”

Franky, those of us who knew you so well are the fortunate ones and the ton of memories you leave behind will not dim.

An impromptu sign on the front of the Ocean City Marlin Club this week sums up the emotions welling up in the community.

“Franky, You’re Forever in Our Hearts,” it reads.

Similar emotions spilled out all over social media all week too lengthy to completely cover in this space.

“To one of the best people I’ve ever met in my life and someone who truly changed the course of my life, thank you. Hope there’s Fireball and white marlins on the chain up there,” one post reads.

“I had a particular friend that could make me smile, laugh and enjoy life for no apparent reason other than his joyous way of life. His laugher was infectious, and he always wanted to please everyone around him,” reads another.

“Words cannot express the gratitude we have simply by knowing him.

If more people could be like him, the world would be a better place. Franky will forever be one that lives on in so many hearts and never be forgotten,” reads yet another.

“I’m not exaggerating even a little when I say Franky Pettolina was the most loved person I know. He was like the sea, everywhere and around forever. My heart is broken, but everyone whoever spent any time with Franky is truly better off for having known him,” reads one more.

Franky was captain of the sportfishing boat Last Call, an irony that cannot be escaped this week on so many different levels, but his spirit lives on.

The Dispatch

March 26, 2021

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

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

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Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OP Best To Slow Rental Changes HOW WE SEE IT

When it comes to the drafting of shortterm rental regulations in Ocean Pines and other areas, the philosophy needs to be don’t let perfect get in the way of good.

There is no magic formula to address some of the ills associated with shortterm rentals, such as crowding, trash and noise. Governments should do what they can to protect their neighborhoods from being overrun with short-term rental properties because it’s highly likely inevitable issues will arise with these types of renters. It’s a delicate balancing act.

According to Ocean Pines officials, there are about 180 short-term rentals in the community, meaning properties rented for less than 28 days. Proposed is the requirement for a Worcester County rental permit ($200 annually) and an Ocean Pines rental permit be secured.

Ocean Pines’ permit will require annual inspections to monitor occupancy limits and off-street parking space requirements. Additionally, the guidelines would require property owners or their representatives, such as an Airbnb host or rental company, to live within 30 minutes.

A work group has studied the matter for about a year in Ocean Pines. Last week the public had an opportunity to weigh in on the planned short-term rental regulations with a majority not in favor of what is proposed. Therefore, a town hall meeting has been planned.

Though it’s been studied by the community’s work group, the timing of this move is wrong. Resident Mike Lombardi was right when he said at last week’s meeting, “I think we’re overcorrecting for the sins of a few, and penalizing everyone.” Additionally, there are private property rights issues to contend with when it comes to these changes. Ocean Pines may be going too fair with its regulations on top of what the county has in place.

With the board to further consider the proposed regulations on April 17 with a vote to follow the next week, the concerns for the coming season are real. A brief online glance around Ocean Pines properties on Airbnb this week compared to last week confirms bookings are being made for this season in swift fashion. It will be a major problem for rental companies and the private homeowners to lose the rental income should the changes put in place be put into effect immediately. Fairness questions from homeowners are understandable.

Ocean Pines would be wise to not rush to pass new regulations one month before the season. The timing is unfair. Worcester County’s own short-term rental regulations went into effect last year and apply to Ocean Pines. Rather than making its own more onerous rules, the better approach is to focus on enforcing existing regulations with the season so close with a re-evaluation in the fall.

Page 47

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

There was a healthy discourse Monday night over the property tax rate at Berlin’s Town Hall. It had a bit of everything, including a few awkward silences, unsuccessful motions, some raised voices and a handful of harsh comments pointed at the mayor.

New members of the council are clearly feeling their way through their first budget process, while Mayor Zack Tyndall is following through on plans he outlined during his successful campaign to unseat former Mayor Gee Williams last fall.

It should come as no surprise Tyndall submitted a budget plan keeping the property tax rate the same. He said that’s what he would do. Retaining the 80 cents per $100 of assessed valuation rate actually means most property owners in Berlin will be paying more because the town property values increased over last year by 3%. Tyndall, as he pledged last year, kept the tax rate the same. In fact, each of the five mayoral candidates last fall said they would not increase taxes this year during budget plans.

Tyndall got roughed up big time at Monday’s meeting, but he stood his ground amid a clearly orchestrated stream of blunt criticism from department heads for his budget and concerns from his council colleagues about excluding them from his budget creation process. Councilman Jay Knerr took specific exception to Tyndall’s latest budget for review being shared on Friday night at 9 p.m. Councilman Jack Orris called the town’s current budget process “flawed,” a word Councilman Dean Burrell used to describe Tyndall’s vision for the town.

Though the opposition to a flat tax rate from staff was predictable, it was startling to hear the level of angst thrown the mayor’s way. Though there were plenty of “respectfully” and “with all due respect” precursors made before launching into criticism, the department heads’ agitation with Tyndall was obvious. It was clear last fall the hope at Town Hall was for Williams to be re-elected. Staff members were simply more comfortable with him after 12 years in the mayor’s office. It was thought Tyndall was going to be more challenging to work with than Williams. It was also known Tyndall wanted to bring change to the town government. This platform of change was given the ultimate vote of confidence when he scored 69% of the votes in a five-horse mayor’s race.

Tyndall is right to want to hold the property tax rate the same. He was given a mandate by town citizens who clearly wanted a change in leadership and soundly voted out former Williams largely because of the 18% tax increase in 2019. Tyndall campaigned on keeping taxes the same and addressing spending. His message resonated. His position is popular in the community but frowned on at Town Hall.

Where the first-year mayor potentially ran afoul was in making the cuts himself rather than instructing departments heads to make their own reductions and being more inclusive with his fellow council members. He felt well versed enough to make the calls on every line item in the budget through meetings with the department heads. It was said this week department leaders would prefer to cut their own budgets a certain amount rather than having the slices made for them. The argument goes the departments leaders know what’s critical in their budgets and what’s not. It’s an understandable point.

Tyndall took numerous jabs this week from staff and his colleagues, but he was unwavering in his belief the tax rate should remain flat. Referring back to his predecessor who often lambasted critics in town chambers, Tyndall said, “I don’t squash a difference of opinion. If somebody disagrees with me — every single department head in here has said they disagree with what I’m doing. And that’s ok. I don’t hold a grudge. We disagree on something and we can have debate on that issue. That’s all I’m asking for this evening.”

Compromise won out this week with a 1.9% increase in the tax rate (from 80 cents to 81.5 cents). The result seems to be nobody is happy. I am just fine with it because it’s probably the best outcome for Berlin property owners looking to achieve financial stability this year.

How hot is the real estate market? The numbers confirm it’s a seller’s market, but concerns have been bubbling up privately among some veteran Realtors who have been through the up and down cycles including the 2008 disaster. Time will tell how the market will perform, but a look inside the numbers in Worcester County confirms demand running high and supply low. It’s not unlike the vaccine situation. Here’s some interesting real estate data for February.

•Ocean City: There were 157 closed sales in the month, which is up 57% from last February. There are 164 current listings compared to 170 last February. The median sold price was $322,500, up 38% from February 2020. Compared to the five-year average of 111 days on the market for properties, February’s sold properties were on average on the market for 43 days. There were 173 active listings in February compared to the five-year average of 696.

•Worcester County: There were 219 closed sales in February, representing an increase of 45% over last February. The median sold price was $311,000, up 33% from February of 2020. Properties in the county in February remained on the market for an average of 40 days compared to the five-year average of 99.

Students

Page 48

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 26, 2021

In The News

Berlin Intermediate School students in Victor Hall’s Technology Education are using their iPads to learn the basics of digital photography while focusing their camera lenses on three themes (Line, Shadow and Reflection). In the final product, each student will produce an iMovie consisting of original digital photographs along with custom digital artwork images. Fifth grader Connor Calloway is shown capturing lines outside the school’s front entrance.

The Wicomico High School JROTC Academic Leadership Team will be one of 40 in the nation, and the only program in the state, to qualify and compete in the 2021 JROTC Academic Bowl, which will be held 18-22 June in Washington D.C. Pictured are Cadet Captain Dana Bozick, Cadet First Lieutenant Robert (Bobby) Schaller, Cadet First Lieutenant Dahyun Son, Cadet Sergeant First Class Oliva Terbilcox and Cadet Private First Class Minaal Khwaja. This marks the third consecutive year Wicomico’s JROTC Academic Team has qualified for the National Championships. To qualify to participate at the national level, the Wicomico High JROTC Academic Team competed against 1,200 programs throughout the nation over a five-month period. Submitted Photos

Jackie Selba’s eighth grade religion class at Most Blessed Sacrament participated in a Knights of Columbus essay contest with the theme, “How do I Live and Embody the Virtue of Charity?” Each student in her class submitted an essay to a panel of judges. Three essays were chosen as winners. The Knights of Columbus, Council 11285 from St. Michael the Archangel parish in Georgetown, Del. and mission church, Mary Mother of Peace in Millsboro, awarded the three students gift cards and certificates on behalf of Grand Knight Robert Oliver. Pictured, from bottom, are John McGinley, Katherine Erickson (first place) and Richard Glorioso, (middle row) Gianna DePietro (third place) and Isabel Mitchell (second place) and (top) MBS Principal Kathleen Manns and Selba.

Berlin Intermediate School students in Diandra Bratten's sixth grade Social Studies class have been learning about Ancient Greece. In one of their latest lessons, students combined their knowledge of the Parthenon along with their knowledge of area and volume to construct their version of the Parthenon using the Minecraft app. Above, Jayla Mitchell is working on her Parthenon design.

Sixth grade student Lexi O'Hara purchased snacks as a "Thank You" treat for the faculty and staff at Berlin Intermediate School. She had the giftbox delivered to the school as a surprise. O'Hara gave the front office notice to be expecting a package, upon its arrival a gift note from her was inside, saying, "You guys deserve it, having to work with all of these children."

March 26, 2021

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 49

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above, the demolition crews are pictured at rest at The Embers in Ocean City Sunday evening. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

Page 50

Real Estate Market Update BERLIN – What is housing inventory and why does it matter? In short, “months of inventory” is a snapshot of time taken at the end of the month. It is the number of houses that are for sale (active listings) divided by the average number of homes sold in either the last 12 months or last month.

A healthy real estate market is said to have 8-12 months of inventory available.

When inventory goes above 12 months there are more houses than buyers and it becomes a buyers’ market. When inventory drops below eight months, it becomes a seller's market and prices start to go up because homes are harder to buy. There are currently 1.56 months of inventory available in the lower three counties and it continues to drop.

Because inventory is low, home prices continue to rise. The median home price in February was $256,500, which is up from $255,000 in January and up $31,500 from February of 2020.

There are only 418 active listings in the lower three counties compared to 1,353 in February 2020.

In all three counties throughout February, new settlements were up 43.6% compared to the same time last year.

Individually, new settlements throughout January were up by 29.7% in Wicomico, 45% in Worcester, and 110% in Somerset.

New listings in January were down 9.7% compared to the same time last year in all three counties. Individually, new listings were down by 11.6% in Worcester, 1.4% in Wicomico, and 28.1% in Somerset from February of 2020.

Active listings in all three counties were down by 62.7%. Individually, there were 276 active listings in Worcester, 162 in Wicomico, and 66 in Somerset.

The average Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM) for January was 37, or 53.8% less than the same time last year.

Over the last five years, the average DOM was 90 for February.

“Homes are not sitting on the market,” said CAR President Joni Martin Williamson. “Buyers are competing for homes on the first day they land on the MLS, and sometimes even before they hit the market. In many cases, we are seeing offers above list price and buyers are trying to remove as many contingencies as possible to make their offer the most attractive.”

Williamson added, “We need new

Business And Real Estate News The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

homes and unfortunately that is not something that happens overnight. The lower shore needs to do everything it can to make itself attractive to home builders and businesses and government needs to work with developers to incentivize smart growth. Lack of inventory affects everyone but it hits new home buyers the hardest. Accessing to affordable housing and all levels continues to be a cornerstone of the Coastal Association of REALTORS®.”

Plaza Building Sold SALISBURY – Tonney Insley, advisor with SVN | Miller Commercial Real Estate, recently settled on the building known as The Plaza Building, a threestory, approximately 4,000-square-foot office building located downtown.

This is the third deal Insley has completed downtown with local investor, Bret Davis. According to Insley, 132 E Main Street (part of the proposed Ross Apartments) and The City Center (located just next door to the Plaza Building) both are older properties that will be redeveloped into anchor locations in downtown Salisbury. In each of these deals, Insley represented the sellers of the properties and Bret Davis represented the buyer side.

“Our goal for the Plaza Building is to refresh the office space and cut out a section of flooring to allow both the second and third floor to view all the natural light from the massive 20-foot main windows,” Davis said.

Insley had represented the owners of the Plaza Building for several years handling the property leasing.

“It has been a great pleasure to be part of the revitalization of downtown and to work with Bret and other developers on the rebirth of Main Street in Salisbury. I was glad to assist in guiding the sellers through this process,” said Insley.

The downtown Salisbury market has been active in 2021 as it has been for the past year or so with Insley having been part of over 10 transactions in

downtown totaling over 100,000 square feet and over $4.5 million in value. As Insley settled this deal, he also has two others on Main Street under contract.

Comcast Now Serving Pines BERLIN – Comcast announced it has completed construction in Ocean Pines, expanding the company’s advanced fiber-optic network to 8,352 homes.

In addition to Gigabit internet service, residential customers in Ocean Pines will have access to all Xfinity services, including the Xfinity X1 video platform, Xfinity Home, Xfinity Voice and Xfinity Mobile. Businesses in the area will be able to select from the full suite of Comcast Business products and services, including Ethernet network speeds up to 100 Gigabits-per-second.

Comcast also will offer Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program, providing low-cost broadband service, digital literacy training and discounted computers.

“We’re excited to bring Comcast’s products and services to some of our residents,” said Ocean Pines Association Treasurer and former President Doug Parks. “We appreciate Comcast’s commitment and investment in our area.”

“Comcast has built a powerful network with a simple purpose – to keep our customers connected,” said Chris Comer, Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs in Comcast’s Beltway Region. “We recognize that technology drives innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth, and we are excited for our investment in Ocean Pines.”

Amazon Eyes Del. Site SALISBURY – In partnership with the City of Seaford and Gillis Gilkerson, Principal Brad Gillis of NAI Coastal recently brokered a lease bringing Amazon to the Delmarva Peninsula.

Beginning in May, the corporation will occupy 104,000 square feet and 12 acres of commercial land at 1700 Du-

March 26, 2021 laney Street in Seaford, Del. “Sussex County is in the midst of experiencing rapid, widespread residential and commercial growth,” said Gillis.

“Amazon’s establishment of a physical presence on the Delmarva Peninsula signals the community’s continued development alongside its population.”

Delivery stations like the one planned for Dulaney Street allow Amazon to provide fast and efficient delivery for customers, as well as countless jobs to communities nationwide.

“We are very happy Amazon chose Seaford,” said Mayor David Genshaw.

“The creation of new jobs is a huge win for our City and beyond. We look forward to working with them in their efforts to better serve their customers here on Delmarva.”

Upon completion of renovations, the new Amazon facility is expected to bring hundreds of full and part-time jobs starting at $15 per hour to Seaford. With parking for 550-plus vehicles and convenient access to interstates leading to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and Wilmington, the Dulaney Street property is positioned to become one of the Eastern Shore’s leading distribution centers.

New Restaurant For Fenwick FENWICK ISLAND – SoDel Concepts’ President Scott Kammerer announced the plan to open the company’s newest restaurant, Matt’s Fish Camp Fenwick, in the former location of Ropewalk Fenwick Island. This will be the third Matt’s Fish Camp location. The concept has become a favorite of locals and visitors to the Delaware Beaches over the past nine years with a simple menu that focuses on fresh local seafood and coastal comfort classics.

Located at 700 Coastal Highway in Fenwick Island, the menu at Matt’s Fish Camp Fenwick will emulate that of the other Matt's Fish Camp locations with favorites like colossal crab cakes and lobster rolls but will also feature some chef inspired dishes available only at the Fenwick location.

“We are really excited about this opportunity as a company,” said Kammerer. “With this new restaurant we can continue to pay tribute to our founder Matt Haley, the restaurant’s namesake, and serve great food in a beautiful space along Delaware’s Coast. We will be open year-round and will offer indoor and outdoor dining.”

A Guide On Clearing Out Your Spring Cyber Clutter

March 26, 2021

BY SAM CARD

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

BERLIN – As the days lengthen and the warm weather returns, spring cleaning in many households begins. While it is great to declutter and dust off the winter cobwebs in the house, it is critical that you look at your digital spaces as well. The following are some ways to bring spring cleaning to your computer, all without breaking a sweat.

Manage Your Email Unsubscribe from newsletters: It’s all too easy to delete an email, especially if you simply swipe from a mobile app, but that email will come back. Find the unsubscribe link at the bottom and make sure it’s gone for good. Outlook now has an Unsubscribe button which will help you perform that action too.

Create rules: If you get regular emails from certain places that are simply informational, create a rule to move them to another folder. While it can lead to “out of sight, out of mind,” it can also allow you to deal with important things in your Inbox and then deal with everything else later.

Manage Your Notifications With all the features Office 365 has it is easy to receive a lot of distracting notifications. From Outlook on their desktop, in the Yammer app, in the Teams app, from other apps and services popping up, and also through those same apps sending notifications as emails. Spend a couple of minutes per application to look at the notification settings and find a level that works for you depending on the applications you give focus to and the types of notifications that are important to you.

Clean Up Your Sharing In Office 365 collaborating and sharing are encouraged, but what happens when we’re finished collaborating on documents, seeing each other’s calendars, or accessing a team site? We forget to stop sharing. This clutters up a variety of places: Outlook, OneDrive, SharePoint, Office applications’ file open screens, etc.

This is a good reminder to stop sharing content and resources with people when we’re finished working with them, and to remind them to stop sharing with us – it will reduce our places to find and save content, and make things much simpler.

Improve Password Security Use a Password manager: Signing up for one of the many password managers is a great way to securely collect and keep all of your account passwords in one place. You are also more inclined to set up and choose a unique password for each account you have if you have a password manager.

Secure your accounts with multi-factor authentication: There’s many options to choose from, but they all require something you know (password) and something you have (device). For any website that stores your personal health or payment information, opt in to any multi-factor authentication it offers.

Remove Old Apps These programs take up precious storage space, and they also make your op-

IN DEPTH WITH SAM CARD The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

erating system work harder than it needs to. They force your computer to incorporate entries in the Start menu, sift through settings files, and install updates for programs that you're not actually using.

In addition, each application on your system can become a target for hac- SAM CARD kers or data-mining companies, so the fewer you maintain, the better.

Clean Your Digital Clutter It's an inevitable consequence of modern-day computing that as you use your device, junk files will build up: items you've created and forgotten about, temporary files created by the operating sys-

tem or applications, and so on. You can't stop this from happening, but you can stay on top of the mess with a regular clear-out. This also goes for your browser history, start by opening each browser, clear your browsing data, erase cached files, and plug-in data. This should make your browser a little lighter on its feet.

Finally, removing unused browser extensions can have the same benefits as uninstalling unused applications. This will streamline your browser, lowering its demands on your computer's resources.

Physically Clean Devices Seriously, grab an antibacterial wipe or screen cleaner and wipe down your devices – especially your phone. With the power off, take off the laptop case

Page 51

and give the device a good cleaning. Take care to make sure the fan is clear of dust or other obstructions. A slow fan will cause the hardware to heat up, which, in turn, can slow down the performance of your computer. For desktop machines, turn off and unplug your machine, gently wipe around and under the monitor and keyboard. Special cleaners will blow dust particles away from your keyboard and remember to clean your cases and bags.

Taking the time to spring clean your computer is a great way to get back disk space while also rechecking your online security.

(The writer can be reached at SCard@cards-tech.com. To learn more about Cards Technology, visit www.cards-tech.com.)

Page 52

Best Beats

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 26, 2021

on the beach

Who’s Where When 45TH STREET TAPHOUSE 443-664-2201 4507 Coastal Hwy. Tuesdays: Aaron Howell Wednesdays: Aaron Howell (137th St. Tavern)

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, March 26

BEATS BY WAX Crawl St. Tavern: Sundays Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Coins Pub: Wednesdays

ATLANTIC HOTEL 410-641-3589 2 North Main St., Berlin Mondays: Earl Beardsley BUXY’S SALTY DOG DRY DOCK 28 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 26: Wes King String Band, 7 p.m.

OTTO GRUNDMAN Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sunday, March 28

BEATS BY ADAM DUTCH Purple Moose: Saturdays 2 p.m.

COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Wednesdays: DJ Wax CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd. Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Sunday, March 28: Otto Grundman, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, March 31: Jason Lee, 5 p.m.

CRAWL ST. TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, March 26: Marlin City Madmen, 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 27: Rogue Citizens, 9 p.m.

Sunday, March 28: Going Coastal, 4 p.m. (Cork) DJ Wax, 10 p.m.

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. in the Bay Friday, March 26: DJ RobCee, 9 p.m., Saturday, March 27: Opposite Directions & Friends, Noon; DJ Groove, 9 p.m.

BLAKE HALEY Greene Turtle West: Tuesdays

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Fridays, Saturdays & Wednesdays

JASON LEE Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, March 31

KARAOKE W/WOOD Pickles Pub: Mondays

AARON HOWELL 45th St.Taphouse: Tuesdays Taphouse Tavern: Wednesdays

DJ GROOVE Fager’s Island: Saturday, March 27

March 26, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 53

Who’s Where When

MARLIN CITY MADMEN Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, March 26

MISSPENT YOUTH Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, March 26 & 27

MY HERO ZERO DUO Seacrets: Friday, March 26

WEST KING STRING BAND Buxy’s Salty Dog: Friday, March 26 Greene Turtle West: Sunday, March 28

GOING COASTAL Cork Bar: Sunday, March 28

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Fager’s Island: Saturday, March 27 Seacrets: Thursday, April 1

HIGH FIVE SWAN DIVE DUO Seacrets: Saturday, March 27

HONEY SHINE The Globe: Friday, March 26

“Your Friends At The Beach”

DCMA PCAM® AMS® CMCA Certified MHIC #68055

410-213-7144

•Administrative Management •Financial Management •Building Maintenance Service •Custodial Services •Pool Services •24-Hour Emergency Service 9923 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Suite D-6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Steve@OceanPointLtd.com • www.OceanPointLtd.com

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, March 19: Beats By Styler, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 20: Andrew Robear Mondays: Karaoke With Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax PURPLE MOOSE 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Streets On The Boardwalk Friday & Saturday, March 26 & 27: Misspent Youth Saturday, March 27: DJ Adam Dutch, 2 p.m.

SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 26: My Hero Zero Duo, 5 p.m., Kono Nation Duo, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 27: High Five Swan Dive Duo, 5 p.m.

Kono Nation Duo, 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 1: Opposite Directions, 5 p.m.

$ 00

1 OFF

Any 3-, 4-, 5-Litre Wine Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 4-30-21 • MCD

Resort Property Management

GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Rte. 611, West OC Sunday, March 28: West King String Band Tuesdays: Bingo with Blake Haley

15% OFF

Cheers!

Any Case Of Wine

Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 4-30-21 • MCD

10% OFF

750 ml/1.5 L Bottle Of Wine Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 4-30-21 • MCD

BEER • WINE • SODA Open 7 Days A Week Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. & Sun., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Gas • Ice Cigarettes 410-641-2366 • Main St. & Old O.C. Blvd., Berlin, Md.

Page 54

Sports

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Seahawks Sweep Pair, Improve To 4-1

March 26, 2021

In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

of wins over Bennett and Wicomico, the Seahawks dropped their first of the season to Parkside, 4-0. Last week, the Seahawks rebounded from that loss with a pair of 4-0 wins over Mardela and Crisfield. Next up is a home game against Wicomico. Decatur beat Wicomico, 5-0, back on March 8.

Decatur Girls Drop Two, Fall To 2-3

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity soccer team enjoyed a big week, sweeping a pair of games against Mardela and Crisfield to improve to 4-1 on the season.

After opening the season with a pair

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

After a season-opening loss to Snow Hill, the Seahawks routed Mardela, 8-0, and Wicomico, 14-1. Then Decatur dropped the next two to Bennett, 5-0, and Parkside, 2-1. The Decatur girls were back in action on Thursday against Mardela.

Annual St. Pat’s Tourney Back In Action

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity soccer’s see-saw season continued last week with a pair of losses to Bennett and Parkside.

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Although somewhat scaled back and with pandemic guidelines in place, the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s annual St. Patrick’s Tournament is going on this year.

After a one-year hiatus, the St. Patrick’’s Tournament returned last

Expanding Our Reach.

Broadening Our Commitment.

week with a modified format. The opening weekend featured the adult men’s and women’s division. The weekend, from Friday to Sunday, the adult co-rec and over 30 divisions will play at Northside Park. No spectators are allowed and masks are required when players are not participating and there are other restrictions in place, but the tradition continues this year.

The Dispatch Is On The Web: www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Seahawks Suffer First Loss To Wicomico

Decatur quarterback Ashten Snelsire drops back to pass against Wicomico last weekend. The Seahawks fell to WiHi to suffer their first loss of the season.

Submitted Photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team suffered its first loss of the season last weekend, falling to Wicomico, 25-12, at home on Friday.

After starting the season 2-0 with a pair of lopsided games, the Seahawks dropped its first against the Indians last Friday. Decatur had opened the season with a 38-12 win over Parkside and a 52-8 rout of Bennett. Bry-

Tough Guy Of The Week:

cen Coleman rushed for a touchdown and Luke Mergott caught a TD pass from Ashton Snelsire to account for Decatur’s 12 points.

The Seahawks will face Parkside again at home on Friday. Decatur is playing a short seven-game season in the spring this year because of COVID restrictions. They will play Parkside, Bennett and Wicomico each twice at home and on the road before finishing up with Snow Hill in the traditional season-ender for both schools.

This week’s Atlantic Physical Therapy “Tough Guy of the Week” award went to Luke Scott for this strong play on the offensive line against Bennett. Pictured above is Scott (center) flanked

by Atlantic Physical Therapy Director of Clinic Operations Bobby Hammond (left) and Head Coach Jake Coleman (right).

Submitted Photo

The Dispatch Classifieds

March 26, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

$15/Week For Minimum Of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available)

HELP WANTED FROG BAR & GRILL JOB FAIR: Fri. 4/2, 4pm-7pm & Sat. 4/3, 10am-2pm. Hiring all positions.

Open interviews. 221 Wicomico St., OC. Email resumes/inquiries in advance to frogbaroc1@gmail.com.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LANDSCAPE WORKERS NEEDED: Must have valid DL. Reliable transportation to work. Call 410-641-2177. The Moore Companies, Berlin, MD. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CONDO CLEANERS: Clean condos in Ocean City. Spring, Summer, and Fall. Lisa’s Cleaning Service. 443-783-5033.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WORSHIP MUSIC LEADER: Vocal and instrumental skills. Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, Berlin, MD. Call 410-641-4882 or email secretary@htcanglican.org –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

Must have: Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License

Exp. Required!

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Now Hiring

• DELIVERY DRIVERS Make Up To $20/Hour Full-Time or Part-Time Call 443-856-5652 or Apply In Person Downtown Location 710 N. Philadelphia Ave.

TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD North Location 129th Street, OC Hiring: Host/Hostess Bus Person Foodrunners Must be flexible with hours Email:

THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING FULL-TIME SEASONAL: FRONT DESK HOUSEKEEPING MAINTENANCE/ BELLMAN Daytime & Evening Positions Available

jenvank@yahoo.com

APPLY IN PERSON

Or stop in to fill out an application.

1800 Baltimore Avenue

AUTOMOTIVE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES! Large automotive center with auto parts/ marine store, service centers, and used car dealership, is now hiring for: ~Service Parts & Advisors ~Experienced Tow Truck Drivers ~Technicians ~Maryland State Inspector Excellent Pay and Benefits.

Call: 302-344-9846

I NDI A N RI VER MA R INA NOW HI R ING SUMMER POSI TI ONS!

•FUEL DOCK ATTENDANT •DOCK HANDS •RAMP ATTENDANTS

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

Come Join Our Winning Team!

Now accepting applications for the following positions!

FT, YEAR ROUND BENEFITS INCLUDE VACATION, SICK DAYS, HEALTH INSURANCE, 401-K. Competitive hourly wage + Temporary $2 extra per hour until further notice

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

Now Hiring ALL POSITIONS Kitchen, Servers, Bussers, Hostess Apply in Person

Now Hiring ALL POSITIONS Kitchen, Servers, Bussers, Hostess

RT. 54, FENWICK ISLAND

Apply in Person IN THE OF FENWICK

Monday-Friday 11am-4pm

Call 410-641-9530

NIGHT SUPERVISOR

PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

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

Deadline For Insertions, Cancellations And Payment Is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Pre-Payment Is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard.

SOUTHSIDE GRILL WOC: Hiring Line Cooks, Kitchen Help, Dishwashers. YR, FT or PT. Ambitious, willing to work individuals only. Pay neg. based on performance. 9923 Stephen Decatur Hwy. 410-2131572.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FULL MOON SALOON: Now hiring a full time server and full & part time kitchen staff. Apply within at 12702 Old Bridge Road, WOC. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– PURPLE MOOSE JOB FAIR: Sat., March 27, 10am-1pm. Hiring doormen/security. Between Caroline & Talbot Streets on the Boardwalk.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BALI-HI RV PARK: Bishopville, MD. Maintenance Man/ Groundskeeper. Grass cutting. Experience in plumbing and electric.

40 hrs/wk, $15/hr. 410-352-3140.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BALI-HI RV PARK: Bishopville, MD. RV Park Manager. 40 hours per week, $15 per hour. Full Time.

Call 410-352-3140.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– C L E A N E R S / VAC AT I O N RENTALS: Needed for Ocean City and Ocean Pines. Experience preferred but not necessary. Text or call 443-397-1189.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Page 55

Reservationist Over Night Front Desk Front Desk Room Attendant Houseperson Laundry Attendant Room Inspectors Maintenance Server Cashier Barista Looking for experienced personnel with customer service skills. Must be flexible with hours. Email resume to jobs@carouselhotel.com or stop by and complete an application at the Front Desk.

We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE

NOW HIRING DRIVER & BARTENDER Call 410-726-7061 for Interview Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Year Round Positions ~ROOM ATTENDANT ~LAUNDRY ~LOBBY ATTENDANT ~OVERNIGHT CLEANER ~HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR ~FRONT DESK AGENT ~NIGHT AUDIT ~RESERVATIONS ~PAINTER ~FRONT DESK SUPERVISOR ~FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER Seasonal Positions ~SERVER ~BARTENDER ~HOSTESS/HOST ~BUSSER ~FOOD RUNNERS ~POOL ATTENDANT ~WAREHOUSE CLERK ~GRILL COOKS ~BEACH STAND ~SECURITY EXCELLENT BENEFITS! FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

The Dispatch

Classifieds

Page 56

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

Currently hiring manpower for

•STUCCO & EIFS MECHANICS •CARPENTERS •CONCRETE BLOCK •COATINGS SPECIALISTS •FLAT CONCRETE •CONCRETE REPAIRS •PT WELDER •COMMERCIAL CAULKING •WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLERS •WAREHOUSE HELP (DRIVER’S LICENSE REQ’D) Experience Preferred. Tools, transportation & a valid driver’s license are a plus. Competitive benefit package available.

Please apply in person at 11935 Hammer Rd, Bishopville, MD, or apply online: http://allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch TECHNICIANS Peninsula Irrigation, Inc. is expanding & currently seeking exp. installation & service technicians.

Exp. pref., but will train right person.

Must be self-motivated, have drivers license & transportation.

CASHIER/ SALES ASSOCIATE

Call 410-352-5252

Must be friendly & dependable FT/PT - Year Round & Seasonal - Various Shifts Competitive Hourly Wage Benefits Available Temporary $2 extra per hour until further notice

To Apply-go online www.petromg.com *Employment *Retail *OC MD *Cashier Wine Rack *Search *Cashier Sales Assoc.-Wine Rack Rt. 50 Wine Rack 12827 Ocean Gateway West OC, MD ’S E T OC WES UN PLAC F T MOSTO WORKE MAK AND $ $$$

HIRING AT BOTH LOCATIONS ALL POSITIONS INCLUDING MANAGEMENT

APPLY IN PERSON South Location 31st St. Coastal Hwy. 410-289-2581 North Location 128th St. Coastal Hwy. 410-250-2304

NOW HIRING! YEAR-ROUND FULL- OR PART-TIME

•LINE COOKS Please apply in person.

Greene Turtle West, Rt. 611, West OC 410-213-1500

NOW HIRING - YEAR ROUND COOK OCEAN PINES LOCATION

Set Schedules. Starting Wage $12.00/hour.

Must be 18 years or older.

Apply On Website: www.ronjonsurfshop.com/thecompany/careers Send Resumes To: OCSales@rjss.com Store Address: 6701 Coastal Highway #8, Ocean City, MD 21842

Off the Hook Restaurant Group is hiring energetic individuals who desire to execute the total Guest Experience to the fullest.

We offer an Honest, Fresh and Local approach to each of our guests in our five restaurants; Hooked OC, Tailchasers OC, Just Hooked Fenwick Island, Off the Hook Bethany Beach, and Hooked Up Millville.

• • •

FRONT OF HOUSE POSITIONS BACK OF HOUSE POSITIONS Permanent Employees Seasonal Employees Growth Motivated Employees Be available for open/close shifts, weekends and holiday schedules.

If you are interested in a rewarding career with a winning team, please visit any of our restaurants or please send resume to: gbowers@irseafood.com

NOW HIRING AWESOME PEOPLE

The Castle in the Sand Hotel and The Barefoot Mailman are currently seeking applicants for the following positions for the 2021 season.

FRONT DESK ATTENDANTS NIGHT AUDITOR HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES FOOD & BEVERAGE STAFF Experienced applicants are preferred, but not required. We require a satisfactory pre-employment background check by all applicants. Please contact Bob at 410-2896846 for further information or to schedule an interview.

FULL TIME OPERATIONS MANAGER BAY FOREST COMMUNITY, OCEAN VIEW, DE Bay Forest Community, a fast growing Homeowners Association, in Ocean View, Delaware, is looking for a full time Operations Manager who must demonstrate proficiency in some or all of the following areas: grounds management, facilities management, and community operations. Operations Manager must exhibit good interpersonal skills, have good written and oral communication skills, basic computer knowledge, and ability to perform small repairs and maintenance. If you are a team player, looking for a challenging yet rewarding position, please send resume to Stefanie.Minemier@casinc.biz by April 1, 2021. Salary dependant on experience.

Sunset Island, Ocean City, MD

A Beautiful Bayside Location in Ocean City with a Friendly Team Environment.

Now Hiring Clubhouse/Pool Attendants.

Part-Time Seasonal Position.

Excellent people skills a must.

You must be able to work mornings, nights and weekends. 8 hour shifts.

Please Fax Resume to 410-520-0398 or Email: linda.horensavitz@casinc.biz

I NDI A N R I V ER MA R I NA I S NO W HI R I NG! •MAINTENANCE •NIGHT WATCH 3PM-11PM SHIFT

•GENERAL CLERICAL

Apply Online at delawarestatejobs.com

Call 410-726-7061 for Interview NOW HIRING SEASONAL SALES ASSOCIATES FULL-TIME & PART-TIME POSITIONS

March 26, 2021

Holding open interviews

EVERY SAT & SUN 11am-2pm (March 27th & 28th)

for:

•SERVERS •HOSTS •BUS STAFF •KITCHEN STAFF •SECURITY

Come by and join our 2021 family!

54th ST OCMD 410-723-5565

Behind Chauncey’s Surf Shop

For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071 AA/EOE

UI Professional I Contractual Recruitment #21-001150-0002

The Maryland Department of Labor (MDOL) Division of Unemployment Insurance is accepting applications from qualified candidates for the position of UI Professional I. Worksite Location: Salisbury, Maryland SALARY $17.94 per hour Bilingual (Spanish) applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college or university.

Experience: None Note: Applicants may substitute additional experience in unemployment insurance as defined above for the required education at the rate of one year of experience for one year of education, for up to four years of the required education.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

Applications that meet the minimum and selective qualifications will be referred to the hiring manager for interview selection.

Must have two years using Microsoft Office.

To proceed with your application, please visit the link to apply directly to this position.

https://www.jobapscloud.com/MD/sup/bulpreview.asp?

R1=21&R2=001150&R3=0002

The Dispatch

Classifieds

March 26, 2021

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER Farmers Bank of Willards has a Full-Time Personal Banker position available at the North Ocean City location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please email your resume to kelly.drexel@fbwbank.com or call Kelly Drexel at 410-250-1512 Application cut off is 04-05-2021

RETAIL SALES PERSON

“Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

Needed for fast growing, established outdoor furniture company. Exceptional Opportunity to Earn and Learn! Must be Professional, Detail-Oriented, and Courteous. Occasional deliveries and assembling.

5 days a week, 9 months a year.

Hourly pay plus commissions.

Resume and References Required.

WINDSOR info@WindsorTeakFurniture.com .COM or drop off Mon-Fri, 4pm-5pm

TEAK

RENTALS SUMMER SEASONAL: 2 rooms, Sleeps 2 per room. May-September. Electric included. $4000 per person. Call Tricia 443-610-4665.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YEAR ROUND RENTAL: Houses for rent in Salisbury, MD. Only 40 minutes from Ocean City. Rents are $900-$1200/month. Call 443373-5638.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WEEKLY RENTALS Poolfront Room $215.

Efficiency Room $245.

2 BR Apartment $350.

3 BR Suite $400.

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

1300 Coastal Hwy., Ocean Bay Plaza, Fenwick Island

FOR SALE ITEMS WANTED

COMMERCIAL

VARIOUS ITEMS WANTED: Used mobile home in good condition, class c motor home, shed, and adult tricycle for disabled veteran.

Call 410-629-1663.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– UPSCALE MIDTOWN OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT: 2,130 sq.ft.

No CAM fees. 443-880-2225.

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BOATS PONTOON BOAT WANTED: 27’ Tri-Hull with Trailer. Ocean Pines or surrounding areas. 410-8323824.

ROOMMATES

YARD SALES

ROOMMATE: Looking for responsible working adult. Private room furnished or unfurnished. $700/month + half utils. Background check req’d. No drugs or alcohol. Call/Text 443-727-9018.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

FREE SAMPLES - CAKES, PIES, FUDGE Starting bew bakery business - Need help with name!

This Saturday & Sunday 9am-? Weather Permitting.

Yard Sale Items Will Include: Designer Clothes, Shoes, and Purses at Thrift Store Prices!

10340 Sussex Road, West Ocean City

The Dispatch

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BEDS/BEDDING: 2 twin beds with full bedding $350. 410-250-0067.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDROOM FURNITURE: Twin Beds, Chest of Drawers, & Night Stand, with Full Bedding. $400.

Call 410-213-1897.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

LEGAL RATES

Legal Notices

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

THIRD INSERTION NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18605 To all persons interested in the estate of JESSIE CAUSEY, ESTATE NO. 18605. Notice is given that WANDA GORDY, P.O. BOX 45, FRUITLAND, MD 21826 and LESLIE SHRIEVES, 1691 ST. LUKES ROAD, SALISBURY, MD 21804 was on, MARCH 01, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JESSIE CAUSEY, who died on JANUARY 13, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1ST day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or

SERVICES OUTDOOR STEP SERVICES: Nonskid tape application. Step painting. Cement steps/stoops upkept. Colored cement plastering.

Concrete repairs. 717-680-1948 or 410-212-6255.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– NEED KINDLING?: I will crack it at your house. $25/hour. Call Bill at 443-717-1635.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Ceja’s Landscaping & More!

•YARD MAINTENANCE •PAINTING •POWER WASHING 410-251-3425 410-202-2545

Page 57

(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 MARCH 12, 2021

WANDA GORDY Personal Representative LESLIE SHRIEVES Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-12, 03-19, 03-26

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18626 To all persons interested in the estate of RALPH THOMAS PHILLIPS , ESTATE NO. 18626. Notice is given that RALPH PHILLIPS JR., P.O. BOX 1695, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on, MARCH 02, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RALPH THOMAS PHILLIPS, who died on NOVEMBER 9, 2020, 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 2ND day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the 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 MARCH 12, 2021 RALPH PHILLIPS JR. Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-12, 03-19, 03-26

THIRD INSERTION

WILLIAM E. ESHAM III ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18633 To all persons interested in the estate of PEGGY SHARP PITMAN, ESTATE NO. 18633. Notice is given that SANDRA BEATTY, 221 VIRGINIA AVENUE, ST CLOUD, FL 34769 and LAWRENCE C PITMAN JR, 10521 FOXBERRYPARK COURT, RENO, NV 89521 was on, MARCH 04, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PEGGY SHARP PITMAN, who died on OCTOBER 20, 2020, 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 SEPTEMBER, 2021.

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

The Dispatch

Page 58

Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

fore October 1, 1992, nine 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 MARCH 12, 2021 SANDRA BEATTY Personal Representative LAWRENCE C PITMAN JR Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-12, 03-19, 03-26

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18634 To all persons interested in the estate of ROBERT FRANCIS GRADY, ESTATE NO. 18634. Notice is given that KATHLEEN DOROTHY FOWLER, 64 WATERTOWN ROAD, OCEAN PINES, MD 21811 was on, MARCH 04, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBERT FRANCIS GRADY, who died on FEBRUARY 27, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim

against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the 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 MARCH 12, 2021 KATHLEEN DOROTHY FOWLER Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-12, 03-19, 03-26

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18637 Notice is given that the PROBATE COURT of SUSSEX COUNTY, DE, appointed KAREN MOTON, 22 S. MAIN STREET, SELBYVILLE, DE 19975 as the EXCUTRIX of the Estate of CHARLES D. MOTON, who died on DECEMBER 13, 2019, domiciled in DELAWARE, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is DOROTHY SWIMM, whose address is 3 SILVERWOOD CIRCLE #3, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21403.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

(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 MARCH 12, 2021

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 12, 2021

KAREN MOTON Foreign Personal Representative

JEFFREY L STEVENS Personal Representative

True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-12, 03-19, 03-26

THIRD INSERTION

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18646 To all persons interested in the estate of JEANNE MARIE STEVENS, ESTATE NO. 18646. Notice is given that JEFFREY L STEVENS, 17 70TH STREET 23, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 was on, MARCH 08, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JEANNE MARIE STEVENS, who died on DECEMBER 29, 2020, without a will.

True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-12, 03-19, 03-26

THIRD INSERTION

LESLIE LOBOS, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000028 VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS TIMESHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff v.

LOLITA F. MAXWELL, ET AL. Defendants

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.

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN THE VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES, BORDERLINKS CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN PINES, MD

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000028, the un-

March 26, 2021 dersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the Villas of Ocean Pines, located at, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit Bq43 Ag7

Time Interval 3 43

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

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

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

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

For more information, call: Leslie Lobos, Esq., Trustee, at 240-449-8862.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 12, 2021 3x, 03-12, 03-19, 03-26

SECOND INSERTION

MARK H. WITTSTADT, ESQ. JUSTIN HOY, ESQ. QUINTAIROS, PRIETO WOOD & BOYER, PA 1966 GREENSPRING DRIVE, SUITE LL2 LUTHERVILLE-TIMONIUM,

MD 21093 SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S SALE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY 409 BONNEVILLE AVENUE POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND 21851 By virtue of a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Ernest J. Barnes to Bank of America, NA dated April 20, 2005 and recorded in Liber 4449, Folio 392 in the Land Records for Worcester County, Maryland, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction, at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, (Sale will be held at the courthouse door), on APRIL 5, 2021 AT 1:00 PM All that lot or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the Town of Pocomoke, in the Election District, Worcester County, State of Maryland, and BEGINNING for the same on the Northeasterly side of Bonneville Avenue at the line of the property now or formerly of Lewis Gunby, and running thence by and with said Bonneville Avenue in a Southeasterly direction a distance of 47 feet and 6 inches the line of the property now or formerly of George H. Long, which was conveyed to him by deed from Quince Ashburn and wife; thence running in a Northeasterly direction by and with said Long land a distance of 85 feet to the line of a certain Johns Sidney Collins to a point a distance of 102 feet from an iron pin driven in the ground on the inside of the sidewalk on Fifth Street, said iron pin being a boundary between the property now or formerly of the said John Sidney Collins and the property now or formerly of Harrison Hargis; thence running in a Northwesterly direction by and with the line of the said Collins property a distance of 47 feet and 6 inches to the line of the property now or formerly of Lewis Gunby; thence running in a Southwesterly direction by and with the line of the said Gunby land a distance of 85 feet to the place of beginning; The improvements thereon being known as 409 Bonneville Avenue, Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851.

The property is residential and is believed to be improved by a dwelling. The information contained herein was obtained from sources deemed to be reliable but is offered for informational purposes only.

Neither the auctioneer, the Trustee nor their agents or attorneys make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy of the information.

Prospective purchasers are

The Dispatch

March 26, 2021

Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

urged to perform their own due diligence with respect to the property and the uses thereof, prior to the foreclosure auction.

The property will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $2,345.00 in the form of certified check or cashier’s check will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within 10 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. If the purchaser fails to settle within the aforesaid ten (10) days of ratification, the purchaser relinquishes their deposit, and the Trustee may file an appropriate motion with the court to resell the property.

Purchaser waives personal service of any paper filed with the Court in connection with such motion and any Show Cause Order issued by the Court and expressly agrees to accept service of any such paper or Order by certified mail and regular mail sent to the address provided by the purchaser and as recorded on the documents executed by the purchaser at the time of the sale. Service shall be deemed effective upon the purchaser 3 days after postmarked by the United States Post Office. It is expressly agreed by the purchaser that actual receipt of the certified mail is not required for service to be effective. If the purchaser fails to go to settlement the deposit shall be forfeited to the Trustee and all expenses of this sale (including attorney fees and full commission on the gross sales price of the sale) shall be charged against and paid from the forfeited deposit. In the event of resale the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds or profits resulting from any resale of the property regardless of any improvements made to the real property. Interest is to be paid on the unpaid purchase money at the rate of 6.375% per annum from the date of sale to the date the funds are received in the office of the Trustee. Taxes, ground rent, water rent, condominium fees and/or homeowner association

dues, all public charges/assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges, if applicable, to be adjusted for the current year to date of sale and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for the costs of all transfer taxes, (including agricultural transfer taxes, if applicable), documentary stamps and all other costs incident to settlement. Purchaser shall be responsible for physical possession of the property.

Purchaser assumes the risk of loss from the date of sale forward. If the Trustee is unable to convey either insurable or good and marketable title, or the sale is not ratified for any reason by the Circuit Court including errors made by the Trustee, the purchaser’s sole remedy at law or in equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit without any interest.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 19, 2021 MARK H. WITTSTADT SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE JUSTIN HOY SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE AUCTION.COM 1 MAUCHLY, IRVINE, CA 92618 3x, 03-19, 03-26, 04-02

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18644 To all persons interested in the estate of DANIEL HERMAN RUNDE, ESTATE NO. 18644. Notice is given that PAMELA RUNDE, 23246 COURTHOUSE AVENUE, ACCOMAC, VA 23301 was on, MARCH 08, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DANIEL HERMAN RUNDE, who died on FEBRUARY 11, 2021, with a will.

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

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the 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 MARCH 19, 2021 PAMELA RUNDE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-19, 03-26, 04-02

SECOND INSERTION

MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18649 To all persons interested in the estate of THORNTON FREDERICK THOMAS FRANK, ESTATE NO. 18649.

Notice is given that JENNIFER LOUISE FRANK BURNS, 700 AUGUSTA DRIVE, ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48309 was on, MARCH 09, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THORNTON FREDERICK THOMAS FRANK, who died on DECEMBER 25, 2020, 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 ob-

jection 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 9TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the 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 MARCH 19, 2021 JENNIFER LOUISE FRANK BURNS Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-19, 03-26, 04-02

SECOND INSERTION

MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18654 To all persons interested in the estate of C GRISE MCCABE JR AKA CHARLES MCCABE, ESTATE NO. 18654. Notice is given that GERALD E MCCABE, 35966 PEPPER ROAD, SELBYVILLE, DE 19975 and GREGORY E MCCABE, 30175 RABBIT NAW ROAD, SELBYVILLE, DE 19975 was on, MARCH 10, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of C GRISE MCCABE JR, who died on JANUARY 30, 2021, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the

Page 59 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 10TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the 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 MARCH 19, 2021 GERALD E MCCABE Personal Representative GREGORY E MCCABE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-19, 03-26, 04-02

FIRST INSERTION

sentative 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 SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the 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 MARCH 26, 2021 ORLANDO HARRISON MARINER III Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-26, 04-02, 04-09

FIRST INSERTION

STEPHEN M HEARNE ESQ STEPHEN M HEARNE, P.A. 105 W. MAIN ST, 1ST FLR SALISBURY, MD 21801

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18652

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18660

To all persons interested in the estate of ORLANDO HARRISON MARINER JR, ESTATE NO. 18652. Notice is given that ORLANDO HARRISON MARINER III, 211 EAST FEDERAL STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 was on, MARCH 17, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ORLANDO HARRISON MARINER JR, who died on DECEMBER 31, 2020, with a will.

To all persons interested in the estate of RONALD MITCHELL WILSON, ESTATE NO. 18660. Notice is given that STEPHEN M HEARNE, 105 WEST MAIN STREET, SUITE 1, SALISBURY, MD 21801 was on, MARCH 17, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RONALD MITCHELL WILSON, who died on FEBRUARY 22, 2021, with a will.

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

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.

The Dispatch

Page 60

Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

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 SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the 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 MARCH 26, 2021 STEPHEN M HEARNE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-26, 04-02, 04-09

FIRST INSERTION

WILLIAM E. ESHAM III ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18663 To all persons interested in the estate of CHARLES B WHEELER JR, ESTATE NO. 18663. Notice is given that

MARTHA ANN WHEELER, 5 CANNON DRIVE, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on, MARCH 18, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CHARLES B WHEELER JR, who died on JANUARY 26, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the 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 MARCH 26, 2021 MARTHA ANN WHEELER Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-26, 04-02, 04-09

FIRST INSERTION SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18665 To all persons interested in the estate of VALJEAN BLAKE. Notice is given that DELORES BLAKE, 9747 HOTEL ROAD, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813, was on MARCH 19, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of VALJEAN BLAKE, who died on AUGUST 18, 2018 without a will.

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

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

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 26, 2021 DELORES BLAKE 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 03-26

FIRST INSERTION

LESLIE LOBOS, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811

March 26, 2021

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000037 BORDERLINKS I TIME INTERVAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff v.

SAMUEL PASCHALL, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN THE BORDERLINKS CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN PINES, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000037, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the Borderlinks Condominium, located at, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit Ae5 Ae5 Aq17 Bi35 Bi35 Bu47 Bu47 Bv48 Bz52

Time Interval 5 9 37 1 37 3 10 19 46

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

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

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will

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

For more information, call: Leslie Lobos, Esq., Trustee, at 240-449-8862.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 26, 2021 3x, 03-26, 04-02, 04-09

FIRST INSERTION

LESLIE LOBOS, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000041 VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS TIMESHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff v.

THERESA A. BUONOMO, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN THE VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES, BORDERLINKS CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN PINES, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000041, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the Villas of Ocean Pines, located at, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit Aj10 Aj10 Aj10

Time Interval 7 10 44

Aj10 Am13 Am13 An14 Au21 Au21 Au21 Au21 Au21 Ay25 Ay25 Ay25 Bh34 Bh34 Bq43 Bq43 Bx50

52 10 49 19 2 3 19 20 52 2 7 16 16 44 45 52 49

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

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

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

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

For more information, call: Leslie Lobos, Esq., Trustee, at 240-449-8862.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 26, 2021 3x, 03-26, 04-02, 04-09

FIRST INSERTION

I WILLIAM CHASE, ESQ. THE BELVEDERE TOWERS 1190 W NORTHERN PKWY #124 BALTIMORE, MD 21210 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

The Dispatch

March 26, 2021

LEGAL RATES: Legal advertising rate is $7 per

column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-CV-20-000127 WILBARGER, LLC P.O. BOX 2367 DENVER, CO 80201 Plaintiff vs.

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

SHIH FAMILY TRUST C/O JAMES SHIH, TRUSTEE 10850 NANTUCKET TERRACE POTOMAC, MD 20854

MAY, 2021 and redeem the property, 56.6’ X 94’ X 74’ X 64’ N Side Newbridge Rd S of Pocomoke, Pocomoke, Maryland 21851 and answer the Complaint of or thereafter a final decree will be rendered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff, WILBARGER, LLC, a title, free and clear of all encumbrances, except for ground rents.

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

AND All other persons having or claiming to have an interest in 56.6’ X 94’ X 74’ X 64’ N Side Newbridge Rd S of Pocomoke Defendants

ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property, 56.6’ X 94’ X 74’ X 64’ N Side Newbridge Rd S of Pocomoke, Pocomoke, Maryland 21851 assessed to Shih Family Trust, and sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiffs in these proceedings: 56.6’ X 94’ X 74’ X 64’ N Side Newbridge Rd S of Pocomoke Account No.: 01-008447

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

It is thereupon this 18TH OF MARCH, 2021 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County,

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks before the 12th day of APRIL, 2021 warning all persons interested in said property to be and appear in this Court by the 18th day of

Legal Notices The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 26, 2021 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x, 03-26, 04-02, 04-09

SECOND INSERTION SHAHZAD KHAN, ESQ. RACHEL STARIHA, ESQ. KHAN LAW FIRM, PLLC 1315 FREEWAY DRIVE REIDSVILLE, NC 27320 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY FILE NO. 21 CVD 323 ALYSSA MARIE WRAY Plaintiff v.

ELIZABETH IRENE JONES Defendant NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

Page 61 TO: ELIZABETH IRENE JONES, the Defendant herein: TAKE NOTICE that a pleading has been filed against you in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: ABSOLUTE DIVORCE BASED UPON ONE YEARS CONTINUOUS SEPARATION. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than forty days from the date of the first publication and upon your failure to do so, the Plaintiff will apply to the Court for the relief sought.

This the 16th day of March, 2021.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 26, 2021 3x, 03-26, 04-02, 04-09

Page 62

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

t only took a few minutes for me to remember how much my kids love hotels.

It’s been about a year since my boys have been anywhere outside the area. With Beckett on spring break last week, we opted for a few nights at the Hyatt in Cambridge. Pam and Beckett went Wednesday for some time together, and Carson and I came after deadline and school Thursday.

Within a few minutes of the four of us being in the hotel together, it all came back to me. My kids seriously enjoy hotels, but there are pros and cons for us as parents.

Being the age when he is much cooler than his parents and always looking to flex his independence muscles, Beckett likes to venture off by himself (even if it means hanging out in a game room with his phone).

I also remembered soon after we arrived Carson is a bit of a wreck in his new surroundings the first day and especially at night when it comes to sleeping. When we traveled a lot, we knew we had to be cognizant of Carson’s difficulty with change of routine.

The good thing is he’s much better now than he used to be, and he can still function just fine. He’s just a bit off.

There was a time if he was off we didn’t leave the room with him because of menacing behaviors. Now he’s just clingy with his parents as his comfort level grows. There are worse things.

Since we have been at home with the boys sleeping in their own rooms for over a year, I have forgotten how active they can be in their sleep, especially when sharing a bed. On our last night, Pam awoke to Carson standing over her at 2:54 a.m. He didn’t act like anything was wrong. I walked him back to bed in his adjoining room and saw Beckett was not in bed. It was clear Carson was concerned. I had that unmistakable parent panic for about 30

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I came back to grab my phone for a flashlight and reluctantly whispered to Pam, “Beckett is not in bed.” I think I muttered something about let me check around the rooms. When I called out his name, he was in the dark bathroom in their room because “his bladder was about to explode.” He had evidently woken Carson. After way too much analyzing of the situation, both kids eventually got back in bed.

I laid down in our bed with Pam and knew I was not going straight back to bed as my heart was racing from the few terrifying moments of not knowing where our kid was. It seemed the kids were in the same boat as far as falling back asleep. They laughed for the next hour or so about who knows what, but I’m confident it was goofy stuff.

After an hour or so, we had enough.

It was sweet to hear them having fun together but by 4 a.m. it was time to get back to sleep. The threat of me having Carson go in and sleep with his mom while I slept with Beckett was enough to get them straight.

I soon realized it was Beckett who was causing the trouble. I heard him say to his little brother, “Stop Carson, we need to sleep. I don’t want to sleep with stinky dad.” After a few minutes of more laughter, all was quiet again.

I

nspiration is something I crave, and it comes in all sorts of forms.

Last Sunday Pam and I started our morning watching an ESPN feature on a Down Syndrome man Chris Nikic, who at 21 years old completed an Ironman competition in Florida comprised of a 2.4mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile marathon run in one day. It was an emotional account of the Special Olympics athlete’s challenges, his family’s tremendous and unwavering support and the amazing work and dedication involved in the effort, includ-

ing learning how to ride a bike just a year before the competition. Google Chris Nikic and watch this emotional story.

Another name to search is Ryan Lowry, a Leesburg, Va., man with Autism who became an Internet sensation with a poignant cover letter he wrote to prospective employers on LinkedIn. The letter read, “Dear Future Employer, My name is Ryan Lowry. I am 19 years old, living in Leesburg, Virginia and I have autism. I also have a unique sense of humor, am gifted at math, really good with technology and a really quick learner.

“I am interested in a job in animation or in IT. I realize that someone like you will have to take a chance on me, I don’t learn like typical people do. I would need a mentor to teach me, but I learn quickly, once you explain it, I get it. I promise that if you hire me and teach me, you’ll be glad that you did. I will show up every day, do what you tell me to do and work really hard.

“Please let me know if you would like to talk about this with me. Thank you.”

Thankfully, many companies have made hiring with neuro-diversity a priority in human resources. Ryan has several offers and seems to be on a good track forward with a job placement.

Throughout his 11 years, we have learned to never underestimate our Autistic son. Carson’s struggles are real but his gifts are tremendous. He has value. Finding his place in an adult world will be challenging, but we have faith his life will have purpose because he works hard and wants to do well just like Chris and Ryan.

(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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Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): With change dominant this week, don't be surprised to find new facts emerging that could put another slant on a situation and offer you another choice. Think it through before you decide.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): There could be some lingering problems from a previous matter that involved a decision you felt you had to make. Resolve the situation with your strong Taurean no-nonsense approach.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): The Gemini's carefully made plans could be undone by someone's unexpected decision. Getting the full story behind that surprise move can help you decide how to deal with the matter.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Recently uncovered information might put a new light on a situation you thought had been resolved. Keep an open mind about possible changes that you might have to consider.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): With a potential revision of an old agreement, you can't beat the Big Cat for knowing how to sharpen a "clause" to the best advantage. Someone close could have the news you've been waiting for.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Certain issues in the workplace could put you in the middle of a dispute you'd rather not deal with. Express your honest feelings before the pressure to take sides builds up.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): You might feel uneasy disagreeing with

vanishing

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

someone you've been close to. But your relationship should be able to withstand and even thrive when confronted with your true feelings.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): A romantic situation seems to be creating more confusion than you can handle. If so, own up to your feelings. The sooner you do, the better your chances are for working things out.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): With change directing the Archer's aim, consider a second look at your plans and see where they might benefit from a revision. A workplace matter is close to a resolution.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): New contacts help you learn some important information about upcoming developments. The week calls for the Sea Goat to be more flexible than usual in a number of matters.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): With both change and uncertainty in your aspect, you might feel less confident in a previous decision. That's OK. Check it out and see where it could be modified, if necessary.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Old relationships that seemed to be sinking are buoyant again, and new relationships are benefiting from Cupid's loving care. This could be a good time to make a major move.

BORN THIS WEEK: While you prefer to tread your own path, you'll go out of your way to help someone in need. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like ...

OCEAN CITY

Page 63

WITH BUNK MANN

The Wheels of Yesterday Museum was located on Route 50 about a half mile west of town in the old Villani Furniture building. Opened in 1996 to house Granville Trimper’s collection of antique and classic cars, it was a popular tourist attraction in West Ocean City. At its peak 45 vehicles were on display.

Items in the museum included Jack Benny’s 1917 Overland, a 1929 Ford fire engine, a 1955 Nash Metropolitan and local legend Bo Ruggerio’s 1964 Rolls Royce.

In later years, an eye-catching double-decker Greyhound Scenicruiser bus was parked beside the building.

Antique gas pumps, kiddie pedal-cars and slot machines from Ocean City’s World War II era were also on display while a gift shop rounded out the Wheels of Yesterday Museum.

The museum closed following the 2012 season and the building was later demolished. Today a motel occupies the site of one of Ocean City’s unique attractions.

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

Photo by Brandon Seidl

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

By Steve Green

Adults with silly nicknames

Getaways to the Hyatt in Cambridge Compromising

March Madness upsets

Driving through small Eastern Shore towns When a complicated matter gets resolved Seeing my kid overcome a challenge

When a soccer game goes to penalty kicks Hal Adkins’ recognition last week

The temperature swings of spring

When free throws win a hoops game ANSWERS ON PAGE 62

Page 64

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 26, 2021