May 12

Priceless

May 12, 2023

Serving Greater Delmarva Since 1984

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Drowning Reported In Ocean City

See Page 27 • Photo by Campos Media

Incentives Okayed For Lifeguards

Solid Springfest: Unlike last year, Mother Nature cooperated for the 32nd Annual Springfest in Ocean City.

A couple is pictured enjoying opening day live music.

Photo by Chris Parypa

See Page 20 • Photo by Chris Parypa

Schools Budget Request Decreased

See Page 4 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Live Music And More:

The 16th Annual Berlin Jazz, Blues, Wine & Brews event attracted thousands to Photo by Steve Green Main Street on a perfect blue sky Saturday.

Berlin Citizens Reflect On Six Decades Running Local Business See Page 60 • Photo by Steve Green

Page 2

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SERVING DELMARVA FOR 60 YEARS

May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 3

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MOMS SPECIALS BREAKFAST

HOURS

Monday-Friday 9-11am Saturday & Sunday 9am-Noon

Sunday-Thursday 9am-9pm Friday-Saturday 9am-10pm

HHHLIVE ENTERTAINMENTHHH BRIAN BISHOP SUNDAY 5/14 • 2 P.M. JACK BANNON WEDNESDAY 5/17 • 5 P.M.

DAILY LUNCH & DINNER SPECIALS CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE EVERY DAY!

Happy Hour Specials - Mon.-Fri. • Drinks Noon-5pm | Food 2-5pm

37314 LIGHTHOUSE ROAD | RT. 54, SELBYVILLE, DE • 302-988-5000/302-993-6959

Happy Mother’s Mother’s Happy Day! Day!

AN OCEAN CITY TRADITION SINCE 1976!

LARGE GROUPS WELCOME Email For Reservations

OPEN EVERY DAY AT 11 A.M.!

SPORTS ON 70+TVS!

116th St. & Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, Md. 21842 • 410-723-2120

www.originalgreeneturtle.com

instagram: theoriginalgreeneturtle

facebook.com/theoriginalgreeneturtle

Page 4

Mother’s Day

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SunDay Brunch 11-3 p.m.

Big BlooDy mary Bar

Dinner 5 p.m.-Til’

410-524-5500

60th Street In The Bay

fagers.com

county Schools Funding request cut By $6 million

May 12, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners voted 4-2 this week to fund the school system at the maintenance of effort level in the coming fiscal year.

The majority of the commissioners this week voted to provide Worcester County Public Schools with funding of $100,006,640 for the coming fiscal year.

The amount is less than what the school system requested but meets the maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement, which states that local governments must maintain their education funding from year to year on a per-student basis.

“I don’t feel good about this at all but it’s time to do something,” Commissioner Jim Bunting said.

The Worcester County Board of Education’s proposed budget for the coming fiscal year included a $106 million county appropriation. The request was about 4%, or $4.1 million, higher than the current year’s budget. School system officials said the bulk of the increase was tied to salary increases proposed for staff.

In recent weeks, the commissioners have made various requests for more information from the school system, which, unlike the county’s other departments, provides not a line-by-line budget but a summary.

During a budget work session Tuesday, Commissioner Chip Bertino asked if the school system had provided the additional information county staff had requested in recent weeks. When staff said just some of the information had been provided, Bunting said he thought the budget should be funded at the MOE level.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic objected and said educating the county’s youth was probably the most important thing the county did.

“We certainly don’t want to incarcerate them later on,” he said. “I’m sure the sheriff doesn’t want to be chasing them around Worcester County when we end up with a bunch of uneducated youth at their wits end.”

He said going with an MOE budget was the wrong message to send to educators.

“There’s got to be some sort of meeting point,” he said. “I just can’t support this. Our youth are the future of this county.”

Commissioner Eric Fiori said the county had asked repeatedly for transparency, as it did with all departments.

“Many of our departments have reduced their ask and sharpened their pencils and done everything they can,” he said, adding that the school system hadn’t even made an attempt to reduce the proposed education budget.

He stressed that the MOE funding wasn’t an attack on education but rather an effort to ensure budget numbers were reviewed closely.

“What we’re looking to do is get a handle on the spending,” he said.

SEE PAGE 65

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Page 6

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Council Denies Hearing For Right-Of-Way Purchase Request

May 12, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A rendering of the proposed Margaritaville development is pictured at its southwest corner along Baltimore Avenue.

Image Courtesy of Becker Morgan Group

OCEAN CITY – The attorney for the proposed Margaritaville project said his client is exploring other options after the Ocean City council denied the developer’s request to hold a public hearing for the purchase of right-of-way along Baltimore Avenue.

In a work session Tuesday, the Mayor and Council had before them a request from the connections of the Margaritaville project to consider abandoning a portion of unused right-of-way along Baltimore Avenue – between 13th Street and 14th Street –and selling it to the developer.

Attorney Hugh Cropper said his client was seeking to purchase the easternmost 20 feet of right-of-way along the site of the proposed Margaritaville project. That additional land, he said, would allow the developer to meet the 90,000square-foot site requirement to qualify for a planned overlay district (POD) designation.

“We’re not asking for a yes vote,” he told the council. “All we’re asking for is that you set a public hearing, so you can take public comments on this request.”

Earlier this year, resort officials agreed to rescind an ordinance allowing the town to abandon a narrow strip of right-of-way between 13th and 14th streets to the developer of the Margaritaville project after Ocean City resident Margaret Pillas submitted a successful petition for referendum challenging the legislation. Cropper said the referendum had stopped the project from moving forward.

“We were trying to tailor the project from what we heard from the planning commission and the council when the referendum stopped us in our tracks,” he said this week. “This is where we were when we pulled the plug.”

In an effort to secure a POD designation for the project, Cropper told the council this week his client was willing to pay for any appraiser the town selects and purchase the easternmost portion of right-of-way at fair market value. He said while planned overlay developments were encouraged in the town’s comprehensive plan, they were difficult to achieve.

“This is an area designated for PODs,” he said. “The problem is between North Division Street and 15th Street, because of the width of Baltimore Avenue right-ofway, no one can achieve 90,000 square feet. We have a statute that says this is an area that qualifies for PODs, a comp plan that says this is an area where we want PODs, but nobody can qualify for a POD. This isn’t just a Margaritaville problem on 13th Street.”

Representatives also took time this week to present new conceptual designs for the Margaritaville project. Jack Mumford, principal architect at Becker MorSEE PAGE 67

Springfest Crowds Called ‘Phenomenal’

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Guests to Springfest are pictured last Thursday in Ocean City.

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Clear skies and large crowds highlighted last weekend’s Springfest celebration.

Last weekend, the Town of Ocean City celebrated its 32nd anniversary of Springfest, a free, four-day event featuring handmade crafts, live music and food. Held at the Inlet parking lot, Marketing and Communications Director Jessica Waters said the event attracted residents and visitors from surrounding areas.

“The 32nd annual Springfest event was an incredible celebration of the season, filled with vibrant energy and unforgettable experiences for our residents and guests,” she said. “The weather on Thursday and Friday started off a little chilly, but by Saturday the sun started shining and provided the perfect backdrop for the festivities, enhancing the already joyful atmosphere.”

Last year, Springfest opened as planned and attendees were able to enjoy the first two days. However, a nor’easter swept through the resort that Saturday, forcing officials to cancel the last two days of planned activities.

“This is not the Springfest we had hoped for, but our hardworking employees and vendors did the very best they could with challenging circumstances,” City Manager Terry McGean at the time. “We look forward to a bigger and brighter Springfest in 2023.”

Though no official numbers have been announced, officials report last weekend’s Springfest did have the desired effect of bringing more people to town.

In a resort committee meeting Tuesday, transportation staff said fair weather contributed to an increase in bus and tram ridership, particularly on Saturday. Waters added that the festival grounds were also busy throughout the weekend.

“The crowds were phenomenal, with people from all walks of life coming together to revel in the festivities,” she said.

“The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the outstanding crafts showcased by talented artisans, captivating visitors with their creativity and craftsmanship. The entertainment lineup was equally impressive, with a mix of free performances and paid acts that left everyone in awe.”

Festivities began last Thursday 4, and continued through Sunday, May 7. Springfest not only featured works of art and fine

Photo by Chris Parypa

crafts presented by more than 200 artists, but an array of food vendors, family activities, and national and regional acts.

“From the nostalgic melodies of Shadows of the 60s to the electrifying performance by Collective Soul, the music resonated through the air, creating a magical ambiance,” Waters said. “The cherry on top was Marty Stewart's captivating performance, captivating the audience with his unmatched stage presence and undeniable talent. Fun fact, Marty Stewart actually played at the first ever Springfest, so it was a real treat to have him back again.”

Page 7

OUR DISCOVERY FLIGHT GIFT CERTIFICATE ...

The Gift They’ll Never Forget!

Our Discovery Flight is a one full hour adventure that will last a lifetime. Includes pre-flight briefing, intro to flying and at least 1/2-hour of actual hands on flight time. You will be flying our Cessna aircraft with a FAA-certified flight instructor at your side.

You sit in the pilot’s seat. You fly the aircraft! Includes your own pilot log book. Located at the Ocean City Airport.

GREAT FOR BIRTHDAYS, MOTHER’S DAY & FATHER’S DAY, TOO!

ONLY $279.95 INCLUDING LOG BOOK

Must be a U.S. citizen - Must have passport or birth certificate at time of flight.

Berlin Budget Talks Continue With Salary Discussion

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Concerns about employee pay highlighted a discussion of Berlin’s budget this week.

On Monday, the town hosted a first reading of its proposed fiscal year 2024 budget. While council members expressed frustration that the town wasn’t able to do more for its employees, Mayor Zack Tyndall said the spending plan was a step in the right direction.

“I really think when we look at the 67 pages of this budget and the countless line items that are here it’s a really good team effort,” he said. “I think we’re putting a solid foot forward here for the people we represent.”

For the past several weeks, town officials have been discussing ways to eliminate a more than $300,000 shortfall in

the coming year’s proposed budget. In introducing the budget this week, Tyndall said some decreases in spending had occurred because grants had not been received and so would not require matching commitments from the town. The playground grant the town sought from Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources, for example, was unsuccessful. As a result, the town will not need to spend the associated $55,000 in matching funds.

He said in an effort to balance the budget he was also proposing the town increase salaries to 35% of the market rate. Until now, the town has been working with PaypointHR to determine how to bring staff salaries up to 50% of the market rate. Tyndall said that while this budget included smaller salary increases, it also included a 2.25% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all employees.

“I think we’ve all discussed wanting to hit 50% of market rate but we’ve also discussed that may not be feasible this year,” he said. “I think we’re all on the same page with that. I think asking PaypointHR to keep that as a goal of the town is a good thing but to ask them to use for their calculations 35% of market rate so we can get a final report.”

Councilman Jay Knerr said he was frustrated that employee compensation had often been the final piece of the budget process.

“In past years, at least since I’ve been on the council, it just seems like we’ve been throwing darts at the wall trying to determine how much we should increase employees’ pay,” he said. “It’s just not a good way to do things. So this is the first time we’ve done a pay study like this and we have a solid path going forward to bring employees to where they need to

CHOSEN MARYLAND’S BEST ICE CREAM BY FOOD & WINE MAGAZINE

A Family Tradition For 83 Years!

WEST OC: CORNER OF ROUTE 611 AND ROUTE 50 EAST BOARDWALK: CAROLINE STREET, WICOMICO STREET AND SOUTH DIVISION STREET LUNCH AND DINNER AT DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND NORTH, 12305 COASTAL HWY.

DUMSER’S DRIVE-IN, 4901 COASTAL HWY. NEWLY RENOVATED!

ICE CREAM MADE DAILY IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Ice Cream Our Specialty. Stop By Any Dumser’s Location For A Wide Variety Of Homemade Ice Cream, Milkshakes, Sundaes, Floats And Much More.

May 12, 2023

be.”

While 35% of the market rate is not ideal, Knerr said it was a step forward.

Councilman Dean Burrell said the town’s citizens had a dedicated staff serving them. He said that despite Knerr’s comments he felt the council had again considered the needs of staff last.

“That just irks me terribly,” Burrell said.

“Because if we’re going to be in this business of providing services to the citizens, we don’t do it. It’s those folks on those tractors. It’s those folks on those trash trucks. It’s those folks driving the police cars. It’s those folks taking our bills downstairs. I wish with my entire being that we could do more this year but folks going forward I don’t want to see us in this position again where we’re considering the needs of our staff last.”

Tyndall said in his very first budget meeting with staff he’d advised them he was setting aside $200,000 to implement the findings of the pay study.

“I helped do that all through this process,” he said. “I think we have done a good job of putting our human capital forward as a priority.”

Burrell said $200,000 was not enough and that he’d been amazed it was able to fund the COLA and the increased salaries.

Tyndall credited staff with working to review the figures to get the town to that point.

“I really thank our human resources director and our finance director who had to crunch these numbers a million times to get here,” he said.

When Councilman Jack Orris asked if the utilities would also be able to afford the pay increases proposed, staff confirmed that there was sufficient funding.

Councilman Steve Green said officials had known for the last several weeks the town was facing a shortfall and the budget would not represent an ideal outcome.

“It’s a discouraging situation to be in,” he said. “I feel like we’re trying to fix something that’s been many years in the making.”

He pointed out that years with no costof-living adjustment or a very small adjustment had led to the current staff being paid below market rate. He said that once the council approved a step and grade system, elected officials wouldn’t have to worry about pay beyond setting the amount of the annual COLA. He added that he liked the idea of the budget including a cost-of-living adjustment as well as money to bring salaries closer to market rate, since not every employee’s salary would be impacted by the market rate increase.

“I’d like to see the COLA be higher but I’m willing to accept it,” he said.

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols said she too was frustrated with the situation but had known this was going to be a challenging budget year.

“This is tough,” she said. “I don’t have a crystal ball.”

Berlin officials began budget work sessions last month, facing a more than $300,000 shortfall in the $11 million budget. A public hearing on the newly adjusted budget is set for June 12.

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 9

Commission OK’s Brewery Site Plan

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Plans for a new brewery will advance following approval from the Berlin Planning Commission this week. Above, the proposed site is pictured at the corner of Broad Street and Harrison Avenue.

Submitted Photo

Save The Drama For Your Mama Except On Mother’s Day!!

GOLFERS SWING IN “FORE” HOT WINGS & COLD BEER PITCHER OF DOMESTIC DRAFT & 12 BONELESS WINGS $19.99

BERLIN – Officials this week approved plans for a new brewery in Berlin.

The Berlin Planning Commission unanimously approved a site plan for Berlin Beer Company, a new brewery proposed for the former Broad Street Station building.

“It’s perfect for the location,” commission member Pete Cosby said. “I’m excited about it.”

Glen and Adam Davis approached the commission this week seeking site plan approval for Berlin Beer Company, which they plan to open at 115 Broad St. Adam Davis said he was partnering with The Street Kitchen, which will provide food at the brewery.

He told the commission they wanted to retain as much of the history of the building—which was a Southern States for many years and was initially built in the 1930s as a freight train station—as they could.

“We want to keep that character and the historic aspect of it,” he said.

Davis said they planned to restore the original board and batten siding on the building and add a 2,000-square-foot addition on the northwest portion of the site.

“That would house all the brew related things,” he said.

Davis stressed that he wanted the facility to be a community gathering place

West OC’s , Headquarters. NHL & NBA Playoffs, PGA, NCAA Lax & MLB Packages On 54 Hi-Def TVs In Stereo Sound

Mothers Day Special 5/14 • 11a.m.-7 p.m.

1/2 Off Entrees For Mom

Monday Domestic Pitcher & Pizza

Drink Specials 7 p.m.

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday $4 House $2 Natty $5 Guinness Margaritas Lights Pints $3 Coronas $3 Green Tea $4 Jameson

Friday: Buck-a-Shuck Oysters (4-7 p.m.)

BAR BINGO WITH BLAKE! EVERY TUESDAY

338K Hidden Harbour III Ocean City, MD 21842 • $299,900

and didn’t expect it to disrupt the neighborhood. He said he’d put most of the brewing activity on the site to the back, closest to Adkins Company.

“I don’t envision this being more than a community gathering place,” he said.

Commission members asked if parking was sufficient. Town staff said they wouldn’t know until the fire marshal weighed in on the facility’s occupancy.

Davis said he had 26 proposed spaces, which was more than the property had when it was Broad Street Station.

Cosby said he liked the project but wanted to see the landscape and lighting plan for the site.

“I’d like to see as many big trees as we can get,” he said.

Commission member Newt Chandler said he thought the proposal fit the property well.

“I think it’s a good plan” he said.

Commission member Ron Cascio echoed their comments and said his only concern would be noise but that he knew the Davis family and didn’t expect that to be an issue.

Glen Davis said it would definitely not be a music venue.

“We live four blocks from the place,” he said. “We don’t want to do anything that’s detrimental.”

The commission voted unanimously to approve the site plan contingent on the proposed parking being sufficient for occupancy and as long as lighting and landscaping plans were submitted.

3906 Coastal Highway, 1S Ocean City, MD 21842 Office: 410-524-6300 www.carefree-realtor.com Licensed In MD & DE

FREE 1 Year y!

Home Warrant

Lovely sunset bay views from this 1 bedroom , 1 bath waterfront in North OC. Fresh paint, kitchen, partially furnished … just waiting for you to move in & make it yours. Close to Northside park, restaurants, shopping, entertainment & OC’s beautiful beaches.

MLS#MDWO2012230

106 Talbot Street, #204 Ocean City, MD 21842 • $265,000

512 Robin Drive #24 Ocean City, MD 21842 $239,900

Located in the Cavalier Condo building in Downtown OC is this large 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath furnished 2 level unit. Only 1.5 blocks to the OC Boardwalk & Sandy Beach. Check out your new BeachGet-Away.Or maybe your new OC investment property. Either way you can be ready for the 2023 Summer Season with this property.Comes with Home Warranty.

MLS# MDWO2011640

This 1 bedroom, 1 bath, west end unit offers plenty of natural light with views of the bay and canal. Don't miss your opportunity to own this updated waterfront condo with deeded boat slip and new electric lift. A community boat ramp completes this package.

MLS#MDWO200746

A sizeable and private 19.38 acres in Bishopville with an amazing 375' of waterfront on the scenic St. Martin River. Close to the public boat ramp. Perk approved.

MLS#MDWO2009968

FREE 1 Year y!

Home Warrant

0 Daye Girls Road, Bishopville, MD 21813 • $1,100,000

HHHVOTED OC’S BEST BURGERS & WINGSHHH JUMBO LUMP CRAB CAKES • CRAB DIP • HOG HAMMERS FRESH BIG SALADS • CHEESESTEAKS • FISH & CHIPS & MUCH MORE!

HAPPY HOUR MONDAY-FRIDAY 4-7PM $3.00 Domestic Drafts & Bottles • $3.75 Rails $6.99 Basket w/ Fries - Boneless Wings, Sliders or Hot Dog • $8 1/2-lb. Steamed Shrimp

KIDS’ MENU • CARRY-OUT • APPAREL SHOP • GAME ROOM • KENO • FUN FOR EVERYONE

ROUTE 611 • WEST OCEAN CITY • 410-213-1500 www.greeneturtle.com

CarolSue Crimmins GRI, Broker 410-726-2999

Dawn Morris ABR, CMRS, RSPS 443-397-4183

Joseph Geiger CMRS, RSPS 443-880-6707

Harry C. Simone, II REALTOR 410-726-0770

oPeN DAily 11 A.m. • KitcheN oPeN UNtil 1 A.m.

25% oFF APPetizerS moN.-Fri. 3-5 P.m.

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 11

28th Street • 410-289-2020 • PitandPub.com Both locations

VICE CATERING AVAILABLE! FULL SEVR isit Us At PitandPub.com

For Details

PUB GrUB to Go

#1: 50 Wings, 3 Sides, 4 cornbreads

#2: 2 half BBQ chickens, 3 Sides, 4 cornbreads #3: 2 lb. ribs, 4 Sides, 6 cornbreads

LOCALS’ FAVORITE

#6: 2 lb. of your choice: Brisket, ribs, Pulled Pork or Pulled chicken 4 Sides, 12 Slider rolls

#7: PUB GrUB DelUxe, 1 lb. each: Pork, Brisket, Pulled chicken, 2 lb. ribs, 2 half BBQ chickens, 5 Sides, 12 cornbreads #5: 1 lb. ribs & 2 half BBQ chickens, 4 Sides, 6 corn #4: 3 lb. ribs, 5 Sides, 8 cornbreads

NorthSiDe oPeN DAily 11 A.m. • KitcheN oPeN UNtil 11 P.m.

– No Substitutions Please –

127th Street • 443-664-7482

Board Reviews Complaint Process Business License Fee To Double

Page 12

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Worcester County is in the final stages of establishing the new processes mandated by Maryland’s police reform measures.

While Worcester County’s Police Accountability Board (PAB) began meeting last fall, since then officials have been working to fill the two other bodies required by new state laws—the administrative charging committee and the trial board.

After filling the charging committee earlier this year, the PAB nominated trial board members at its most recent meeting.

“The Police Accountability Board and Administrative Charging Committee are fully staffed with well-qualified citizen-volunteers,” said Roscoe Leslie, the county attorney. “Both bodies are up and running and fulfilling their state-law mandated responsibilities. The final phase of implementation of the state law is selecting and training volunteers to serve on trial boards if that need arises. The PAB nominated individuals at the last meeting and we’ve begun the process of background checks to be followed by training.”

The Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021, which replaced the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights as the system for police discipline, went into effect last summer. As a result, Worcester County had to set up a police accountability board, a charging committee and a trial board.

The accountability board is at the top of a three-tier system and was tasked with ap-

pointing members to the charging committee, which will review complaints and investigations of police misconduct when they occur. The trial board will convene if the officer being disciplined doesn’t agree with the discipline recommended by the charging committee.

At the most recent PAB meeting, officials reviewed the complaint process and met with the leaders of local law enforcement agencies. Dr. Mark Bowen, a member of the charging committee, said that when complaints were filed with an agency, they were forwarded to the committee.

“We’re literally getting what the police department received, what actions and investigations the police department may have done on their own, and then they compile that and we take it from there,” he said.

He stressed that the process was very transparent and that once the committee had a complaint, it had 30 days to determine whether the officer should be charged or if the complaint was unfounded.

For cases when discipline is advised, the officer’s agency can hand down the discipline recommended by the committee or can hand down a harsher discipline. If the officer accepts the discipline, the process ends there. If the officer objects, the case gets sent to the trial board.

PAB members said the committee had reviewed three complaints so far. Two were unfounded and in the third case the officer accepted the reprimand recommended.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Town officials agreed to double the business license fee and explore the creation of a trader’s license for companies doing business in Berlin.

The Berlin Town Council voted 4-1 this week to double the business license fee from $75 to $150. While the rate will be the same for all businesses this year, staff are expected to explore a new rate structure based on either location or type of business going forward. They also instructed staff to begin laying the groundwork for establishing a trader’s license, which is already in place in many towns.

“They expect it,” Councilman Steve Green said. “I think it’s a missed opportunity to help offset some expenses.”

Last month, officials talked about plans to double the business license fee, which hasn’t been increased since it was created more than a decade ago. Councilman Dean Burrell, however, suggested staff consider different rates based on location. He indicated businesses on Main Street, for example, should be charged more than businesses on Old Ocean City Boulevard.

On Monday, Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, said she’d met with Mayor Zack Tyndall and Town Administrator Mary Bohlen regarding Burrell’s suggestion.

“We came to the conclusion that it’s

May 12, 2023

a little too soon for this year to be able to construct an entire business license structure based on, whether it’s location or type of business,” she said. “It was recommended we follow through with the motion presented last meeting.”

Councilman Jack Orris asked why the proposed motion called for a $150 fee for most businesses but a $300 fee for financial institutions. Bohlen said financial institutions had historically been charged double.

“I think it should be a level playing field,” Tyndall said.

Orris also asked if the town should consider creating a trader’s license.

Bohlen pointed out that if Berlin did require a trader’s license, it would be difficult to track whether companies doing business in town had them or not. Staff added that the town’s code stipulated that business licenses were for businesses that had physical locations in town. In order to establish a trader’s license the town would need to amend the code.

Returning to the issue of the business license, Burrell said if financial institutions had long been charged double he didn’t see why that should change now.

The council voted 4-1, with Burrell opposed, to set the business license fee at $150 for all businesses. Tyndall said staff would begin exploring language for a code amendment that would allow for the creation of a trader’s license.

OPEN 10AM 6 DAYS A WEEK FOR LUNCH & DINNER • DINE IN • CARRY-OUT • FRESH MARKET MOTHER’S DAY SPECIALS ON FACEBOOK

1

$ .99 PER CRAB

ALL YOU CAN EAT

DINE-IN Mon., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. 11am-3pm

For Carry-Out Call 410-213-0448 or Online www.shimpboatoc.com Check Out Our Daily Carry-Out Specials On Facebook

• Full Menu Available

Route 611 - On The Road To Assateague • 1/2 Mile South Of Rt. 50 • 9724 Stephen Decatur Hwy. • Ocean City, MD 21842

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

County Flush Fee Exemption Ask Denied By State

May 12, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – State officials denied Worcester County’s request for a flush fee exemption in Ocean Pines.

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) denied a request from Worcester County to exempt residents in the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area from paying the Bay Restoration Fee for calendar year 2023. As a result, residents will continue to see the $15 quarterly fee initially added to their bills last month.

“It was very disappointing,” said Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino, who represents Ocean Pines.

In January, Worcester County officials applied for an exemption to the Bay Restoration Fee. The fee, commonly referred to as the flush tax, goes to a dedicated fund used to upgrade publicly owned wastewater treatment plants throughout Maryland with enhanced nutrient removal (ENR) technology. Historically, low levels of nitrogen and phosphorous at the Ocean Pines plant have earned it an exemption from the fee.

This month, MDE officials advised Worcester County staff that 2022 discharge monitoring reports showed that the Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant averaged 2.84mg/L of total nitrogen, which met the requirement to be eligible for the exemption. The phosphorous level, however, averaged 0.315mg/L, which exceeded the eligibility requirement by 0.015 mg/L. The overage occurred when manufacturers were unable to supply a chemical needed for phosphorous removal because of national supply chain issues. Bertino said it’s not something he expects to happen again.

“We got jammed up last year because we were unable to purchase chemicals necessary to keep the phosphorus levels down,” he said. “As a result, the numbers shot up.”

He added that county officials had reached out to MDE regarding the issue but were advised nothing could be done as far as the fee.

He said county staff had done their best to advise Ocean Pines residents of the $15 quarterly increase by including information in the last bill. He said he’s gotten questions from residents but that they’ve been understanding once he’s explained the situation was caused by supply chain issues. Bertino does not believe the plant will have trouble hitting the requisite nitrogen and phosphorous levels next year.

Worcester County officials will continue to monitor treatment plant operations and will reapply for an exemption in 2024. Since the chemical supply interruption was restored last summer, the Ocean Pines plant has been operating normally, with nitrogen and phosphorus levels below the threshold.

Council OK’s Surfing Beach Changes

May 12, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A recommendation to expand some surfing beaches to the full allowable width received the support of the Ocean City council this week.

On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council had before them a request to expand surfing beaches south of 94th Street to their full allowable width. City Manager Terry McGean said the recommendation was one of five requests from the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) forwarded to the council for approval.

“The requested change is that the beach would initially be set up to its full width – in other words, the 50 yards to either end of the block,” he said.

“Then if it is not a good surfing day, then that beach would be narrowed.

It’s much easier to give the beach back to the general public than it is to take it away.”

Currently, beach surfing regulations are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September.

During that time, surfing is prohibited while lifeguards are on duty except for at designated surfing beaches.

In addition to a permanent surfing beach at the Inlet, two surfing beaches are established each day, one south of 62nd Street and one north of 62nd Street.

The surfing beach then moves two blocks each day so that any single location is only impacted by a surfing beach for a single day.

“The two locations rotate each day, they move two blocks,” McGean explained.

The town’s policy also establishes the widths of surfing beaches. For example, the surfing beach typical encompasses one block. But on good surfing days, it can be extended 50 yards north of the designated surfing beach street to 50 yards south of the designated surfing beach street.

“So if you consider the surfing beach from one street to another street, the size of the beach can increase an additional 50 yards either side beyond that, so it would go from midblock to mid-block,” McGean told the council. “What typically happens is the surfing beach is just set up at that one-block width, and then if it appears there’s a great demand, it’s a very good surf day, then that beach is expanded.”

McGean said ESA representatives had approached him in recent months with five recommendations involving current surfing beach regulations.

In addition to expanding the width of the surf beach, they requested the town establish additional surfing beaches, extend the surfing hours from 10 a.m. – when lifeguards go on duty – to 11 a.m., allow surfing when beaches are otherwise closed to swimmers, and reduce the season during which surfing beach requirements are

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

in effect.

“The last time this occurred, what was done was there was a group of all stakeholders put together,” McGean said. “So I encouraged ESA to do that.”

McGean said two meetings were held in recent weeks and included a beach patrol representative, beach stand operators, condominium managers, hotel owners, the mayor and two councilmen.

As a result of those discussions, a single recommendation was made to modify the procedure for establishing surfing beach widths. McGean said surfing beaches would be marked each morning at the full allowable width and narrowed to a street-to-street width if surfing demand is low.

“This would only be put into place on the south-end beaches,” he said.

“The beaches, once you get past 94th Street, are typically bad surfing beaches to begin with.”

A motion was made to establish the south surfing beach to the full allowable width each morning and to narrow, or reopen, the beach to swimmers based on surfing conditions.

Councilman Frank Knight noted that south-end surfing beach was south of 62nd Street. He questioned where the changes would occur.

“Are we saying south of 62nd or south of 94th?” he asked. “You mentioned 94th Street.”

ESA Executive Director Michelle Sommers recommended the changes occur south of 94th Street.

“In our discussions, south of 94th Street were the better beaches,” she said. “That’s where 94th Street came into play. There are still really good sandbars at 80th Street.”

After further discussion, the motion was amended to establish all surfing beaches to the full allowable width, excluding beaches north of 94th Street.

“So it would stay small north of 94th Street,” Council President Matt James said. “And when it’s south of 94th Street, we’d have both the north and south beach wider.”

Councilman John Gehrig questioned if the ESA was content with the recommendation.

“You offered four recommendations, you have one,” he said. “Is it good?”

One ESA representative said he would also like to see surfing hours extended to 11 a.m. but noted the organization could come back with other requests.

“Also, the surfers offer a little bit of lifeguarding out there …,” he said, noting that they do offer help to swimmers in distress. “That was part of the suggestion.”

Otherwise, Sommers said ESA was grateful for the town’s help and support.

“We’re happy,” she said.

With no further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Tony DeLuca absent, to approve the request.

Page 15

Springfest Weekend Bus, Tram Ridership Increases

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A municipal bus is pictured at a mid-town stop last weekend.

Photo by Chris Parypa

Mother’s Day Open at 1pm

Open 4PM Wednesday-Saturday

OCEAN CITY – Transportation officials say fair weather contributed to an increase in ridership and revenues throughout Springfest weekend.

On Tuesday, Transit Manager Rob Shearman presented members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee with an update on Springfest ridership.

With clear skies and warmer weather throughout the weekend, he said the transportation department reported an increase in the number of visitors using buses and trams.

“It was helpful that there was beautiful weather all weekend,” he said.

In a report presented to committee members this week, the town’s transportation department recorded more than 3,000 bus riders on Thursday and Sun-

May 12, 2023

day, more than 6,000 bus riders on Friday, and 9,862 bus riders on Saturday.

“You will notice the 9,800 figure on Saturday is on par with a mid-week day in the summer,” Shearman said. “Saturday was very well attended.”

He noted that bus ridership had increased when compared to Springfest weekend in 2021 and 2022.

“You can see there was a 70% increase over last year. Of course, the weather was not too favorable last year,” he said. “And it was still hovering around two-thirds of 2019 levels, but still a good increase from last year.”

Under tram ridership, the transportation department recorded 701 riders on Thursday, 1,123 riders on Friday, 981 riders on Saturday and 685 riders on Sunday.

“Ridership from this past weekend was about three-quarters of where it was in 2019, which is still very good,” Shearman said.

Officials noted the increase in ridership, combined with an increase in bus and tram fares, also increased revenues.

Bus revenues came in at 90% of 2019 revenues, while tram revenues came in at 82% of 2019 revenues.

“That really speaks for the fare increases helping us out in the way we had hoped it would,” Shearman said.

“That’s good news for us and will help us meet our budget.”

Shearman said his office had not heard any major complaints regarding the fare increases. This month, the municipal bus fare increased from $3 to $4, and the Boardwalk tram fare increased from $4 to $5.

“Very few people were caught by surprise,” he said. “Those that were understood why it was what it was and had really no anger or pushback over it.”

Mayor Rick Meehan agreed.

“I think everybody is seeing it everywhere, in their businesses, in their industries,” he said. “I think it’s that universal adjustment.”

Shearman also highlighted bus and tram deployments throughout Springfest weekend. He noted that bus drivers were able to meet demand.

“You will see our deployments are basically in lockstep with last year …,” he said. “So we’ve been fielding the same equivalent service this year as we have last year.”

Shearman added that tram drivers and conductors were also on hand throughout the weekend.

“We deployed a lot of trams over the weekend,” he said. “We had the staffing, and it was a good training opportunity because we have a large number of new drivers and conductors. So it was a good opportunity to get them out there and get them used to what they will be facing this summer. And I think the effect of the way we crafted our incentives incentivized people to come in and work for Springfest, to get their hours in.”

Committee members applauded transportation staff for their efforts throughout Springfest weekend.

“It’s encouraging,” Councilman Tony DeLuca said.

April Police Service Calls Reviewed

May 12, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – An uptick in traffic citations and a decrease in custodial arrests and drug citations highlighted a report on police activity.

On Monday, Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro presented members of the Ocean City Police Commission with an update on police activity for the month of April.

The department reported officer calls for service decreased from 2,801 in April 2022 to 1,134 in April 2023, while citizen calls for service increased from 791 to 959.

In the top 25 calls for service, Buzzuro noted traffic stops increased from 550 to

Resort Bus Riders Survey Underway

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials say residents and visitors have through June to complete a public transportation survey.

This spring, the town’s transportation department launched a public transportation survey. Transit Manager Rob Shearman told transportation committee members this week that residents and visitors can complete the survey before the end of June.

“The rider survey has been deployed,” he said. “There’s a banner on the town website and transportation website directing people to complete that survey online.”

Shearman said the transportation development plan is updated every five years. He noted the Maryland Transit Administration has hired a consultant to come in and provide the town’s transportation department with recommendations.

“The consultant did say they are also planning on one or several town hall style meetings with our seasonal employees toward the end of this month to obtain their input as well,” he said. “They are supposedly finishing up stakeholder interviews as well. Then they will be publishing a technical memo on that, which I’ll share with you.”

Officials say the survey will gather input regarding public transportation needs in Ocean City. While the survey link has been posted online, Shearman said paper copies are also available at the public works complex, city hall and the welcome center.

“So far we have had 70 surveys completed, most of them electronically, but a handful on paper …,” he said. “The survey runs through the end of June, so we are going to catch that first month of vacationers on this rider survey as well … A lot of what we are seeing right now are residents and employees.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

738, 911 hangups increased from 110 to 200, and citizen assists decreased from 196 to 94.

“Assist citizens is down significantly,” Mayor Rick Meehan noted.

Buzzuro said the reported decrease had to do with activity on the Boardwalk.

“In the last couple of years before that, we were experiencing calls for service for issues such as Boardwalk street performers and things like that …,” he explained.

“So we hadn’t really experienced that in April of 2023 as we had in previous years.

And we’re still coming out of some COVIDrelated activities.”

Buzzuro also reported disorderly calls had remained consistent at 72, while calls for suspicious person or activities had decreased from 81 to 65 and collisions had increased from 44 to 56.

“Collisions were slightly up, 56 this year versus 44 last year,” he told the commission. “And we’re fairly consistent with 2021 at 60.”

Under April enforcement, custodial arrests decreased from 116 in 2022 to 83 in 2023, drug arrests decreased from 16 to 13, and marijuana citations decreased from 12 to 3. Buzzuro added that DUI arrests decreased from 23 to 15, and weapons arrests decreased from 15 to 10.

“Within that number, there were seven for firearms, one for knives and two for other,” he said.

Commission members commended the police department for its efforts.

“It looks very good,” Mayor Rick Meehan said.

Page 17

Page 18

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

Ocean City Approves Incentives To Address Lifeguard Shortage

Page 20

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A lifeguard is pictured last summer communicating with colleagues north of him on the beach.

Photo by Chris Parypa

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week agreed to increase signing bonuses and overtime pay in an effort to address an ongoing lifeguard shortage.

On Tuesday, the council voted unanimously to increase the Ocean City Beach Patrol signing bonus from $250 to $500, purchase three new ATVs, and increase the overtime premium from $1 an hour to time and a half. City Manager Terry McGean said the proposed changes are not only expected to improve working conditions this summer but incentivize new and former lifeguards – or surf rescue technicians (SRTs) – to join the Ocean City Beach Patrol.

“We have completed all our pre-Memorial Day testing dates, and we have two more testing dates set for June,” he said.

“While the good news is the number of

F n e I n y w a i c D k s ’ I r s e lan h t o d!

M

Sun Last $2500 day Special Entree Menu For !

t Las For ! ay d n u

S

M

M

CHEERS! Happy Hours

4-6 p.m. Daily Throughout!

Wino Wednesdays $1000 Off All Bottled Wines

Open Wednesday - Sunday Reservations Recommended In The M Of Fenwick Island • 302-539-2607

applicants we’ve gotten have been up substantially – and in fact the number of new SRTs we are going to hire is up from what we had last year – the number of returning SRTs is down.”

McGean told the council this week officials have been taking steps to ensure the beach patrol had an adequate number of SRTs for the summer season.

Earlier this year, for example, the council approved a $250 signing bonus, as well as $1 an hour in overtime pay. Back on the agenda this week, McGean said he was looking to amend those incentives to include a $500 signing bonus, to be paid upon graduation from the SRT academy, as well as $2 an hour in overtime premium.

“Being a member of the beach patrol, a lifeguard, is one of the few occupations in the United States that does not require paid overtime, time-and-a-half overtime,” he said. “We had previously agreed to do a dollar an hour premium. We’d like to up that to $2 an hour premium overtime.

Again, we think given the staff that we have, we’re going to need to entice them to work some overtime. We think increasing that will help us to do that.”

McGean also proposed the purchase of three new ATVs. He noted the vehicles act as a force multiplier.

“We had three replacement ATVs scheduled for purchase in FY24, so starting in July,” he said. “What we’d like to do is go ahead and get those three ATVs now and not replace any of the existing ATVS until after the season so that we will be entering the 2023 season with three additional ATVs.” Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, however, argued that the town should still increase hourly pay.

“I still think and recommend that Ocean City’s beach patrol should have the highest starting average hourly rate in the state of Maryland and Delaware,” he said.

For his part, Councilman Frank Knight questioned if increasing the overtime premium from $1 an hour to $2 an hour was adequate.

“Do you think one extra dollar is enticement enough?” he said.

McGean said it had been discussed at the staff level, but noted any pay changes would impact future seasons.

“Our estimate is that each extra dollar an hour of overtime is about $10,000,” he said. “I think the staff is certainly open to that discussion with the understanding that whatever we do now we’re going to be carrying forward into the future.”

Council President Matt James argued that overtime pay should be equivalent to overtime pay offered within other departments. Officials noted that seasonal police officers were paid time and a half beyond normal working hours.

“I think it’s fair, if other departments are getting it …,” he said. “I think it’s the right way to go and the most fair option for our employees.”

Councilman John Gehrig agreed. He said providing time and a half could cost the town between $70,000 and $80,000.

“If we’re paying time and a half, and we need them, that sounds like a bargain to me for what we do,” he said.

For his part, Mayor Rick Meehan said the town should consider some form of pay increase.

SEE NEXT PAGE

County Moves Closer To Parking Fees At Public Boat Ramp

May 12, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BERLIN – Plans to charge parking fees to out-of-state users at a Bishopville boat ramp are moving forward.

A pilot program that will charge parking fees to out-of-state vehicles at the Shell Mill boat ramp in Bishopville should be up and running within a few months, according to county officials.

“We’re likely going to implement it during the summer,” said Weston Young, Worcester County’s chief administrative officer.

In March, the Worcester County Commissioners agreed to create a program to charge out-of-state users a $10 daily parking fee at the Shell Mill boat ramp.

County staff plan to use ParkMobile or a similar service to charge non-Maryland patrons $10 a day to park at the ramp.

From each $10, the county would receive $9.15 in revenue.

The pilot program was created as a way to bring some order to the facility as well as a way to ensure out-of-state users are contributing something to the upkeep of the site.

“The big complaint there is the num-

“Costs and salaries have changed dramatically, and I think we need to keep pace with that,” he said. “If we’re not amenable to raise the starting pay because of the way it affects the rest of the pay schedule … then I think Councilman Gehrig is correct. We put it on the other end and make it time and a half. I think that makes the difference.”

Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald thanked the council for considering an increase in overtime pay. As staffing shortages continue, he said SRTs will be expected to work longer hours.

“It’s going to require people working seven days a week, some of them you are going to see supervisors in stands,” he

said. “The mere fact that you brought that up today, and if it does go in that direction, that’s a good thing. These people are going to be burnt out if we’re not careful. They will have to work a lot more hours than they did in the past.”

Theobald noted, however, that SRTs will continue to guard the entire beach.

“This is going to be a challenge operationally, but no beaches will be closed and the public will be guarded appropriately,” he said.

After further discussion, a motion was made to increase the signing bonus from $250 to $500, purchase three new ATVs, and increase the overtime premium to be time and a half.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

… OCBP Signing Bonus Doubled

ber of Delaware users," Young said.

According to Commissioner Jim Bunting, who lives in Bishopville, the boat ramp is currently overused, particularly by people who live in nearby Delaware. This past weekend, for example, he said there were eight vehicles parked at the ramp. Six of them had Delaware tags.

“They don’t contribute to maintenance and they block it up for people in Worcester County,” he said.

During the summer, he said it’s not uncommon for vehicles to extend past the boat ramp’s parking lot, as boaters

Page 21

park along the shoulder of the road itself.

Bunting believes the array of new homes under construction in Sussex County will only exacerbate the problem.

“Delaware is allowing all these subdivisions a half mile outside of Bishopville,” he said.

Bunting said striping the parking lot at Shell Mill and instituting paid parking for out-of-state users would be a good test program for the county.

“I don’t know what the perfect solution is but we’ve got to start somewhere,” he said.

Page 22

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Sex Offender Sentenced SNOW HILL – A convicted sex offender has been sentenced to 20 years in the Division of Correction for his convictions on one count of third-degree sex offense and one count of second-degree assault.

On Monday, May 1, Todd Yates, age 62, of Berlin, was ordered by Judge Brian D. Shockley of the Worcester County TODD YATES Circuit Court to serve 10 years on each count, consecutively, and suspended seven years of that sentence.

Yates was placed on five years of supervised probation upon release and will be required to register as a Tier III lifetime sex offender and provide a DNA sample.

The charges arose as a result of police being dispatched to a residence located in Ocean Pines on June 5, 2022.

The investigation revealed that Yates had sexually assaulted a female victim while she was sleeping over at her friend’s

COPS & COURTS home. The victim told officers she was able to fight Yates off her and run to a neighbor’s house to contact police.

Officers from the Ocean Pines Police Department collected multiple evidentiary items from the residence and the victim was transported to Atlantic General Hospital for a SAFE exam, which revealed that she had suffered multiple injuries as a result of the attack. Officers then made contact with Yates and placed him under arrest.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser thanked Detective Bailey of the Ocean Pines Police Department for

PURPLEMOOSE.COM

SOCIAL

SURREAL

FRI. & SAT., MAY 12 & 13 • 9:30PM

VERTIGO RED

Man Makes Up Car Theft OCEAN CITY – An attempt to cover up the facts surrounding a traffic collision resulted in charges being filed against a Berlin man.

On May 4, around 10 p.m., Ocean Cit-

APPAREL SHOP

BETWEEN CAROLINE & TALBOT STREETS ON THE BOARDWALK 410-289-6953

FRI. & SAT., MAY 26 & 27 • 9:30PM

his comprehensive investigation and thanked the compassionate nurses and caregivers at Atlantic General Hospital, including their team of certified SAFE nurses, for their critical assistance in the investigation. Heiser also recognized Assistant State’s Attorney’s Pamela Correa, who prosecuted the case.

FRI. & SAT., MAY 19 & 20 • 9:30PM

SLAMM

SUN. & MON., MAY 28 & 29 • 9:30PM

DOC MARTEN & THE FLANNELS

FRI. & SAT., JUNE 2 & 3 • 9:30PM

May 12, 2023 y police officers were alerted to a motor vehicle crash around 94th Street. The initial caller told police his vehicle, which he was running after, had just been stolen and crashed into something. Another caller told police his vehicle was crashed into in front of his house on 94th Street and he watched the motorist flee the scene on foot.

Police arrived on the collision scene and observed a black Lexus had crashed into a parked Chevrolet Tahoe. The first 911 caller, identified as Ernest J. Leatherbury, 27, of Berlin, approached the scene to talk with police. Leatherbury said he gotten off work and went to a nearby bar. Upon leaving the establishment, Leatherbury told police he saw his vehicle being driven directly past him.

He told police he began chasing after the vehicle on foot when he received a “phone call from Lexus saying his vehicle was involved in a crash,” according to a police record. Leatherbury said he came upon the accident and saw the SEE NEXT PAGE

Ocean Pines Police Issue Safety Reminders

BERLIN – Ocean Pines Police is reminding residents of the importance of pedestrian and bicycle safety, and asking that walkers and bicyclists follow the rules of the road.

First, all pedestrians and bicyclists are encouraged to wear light colored or reflective clothing, so they are visible to drivers. Dark colors, worn at night or on overcast days, can be difficult for cars to see and may lead to slower reaction times.

When walking at night, it is also a good idea to carry a flashlight and wear a reflective vest or armbands. Taking a few extra moments to prepare can save someone from an accident, or even death.

Safety is everyone's responsibility.

Where a sidewalk is not provided, pedestrians must walk on the left shoulder or the left side of a roadway, facing any traffic that might approach from the opposite direction. Walking on the opposite side is a violation of Maryland Transportation Code 21-506b, and violators are subject to a $50 fine.

Cyclists must ride on the right-hand side of the roadway, going with the flow of traffic. Riding on the wrong side of the road could put turning cyclists in the path of oncoming traffic and would make them at fault in the case of an accident. Violators are also subject to a $50 fine under Maryland Transportation Code 21-1205a.

Maryland Transportation Code 211210b states that riders cannot operate a bicycle and wear ear plugs in both ears, including headphones. Many people like to listen to music or have a GPS for directions as they ride, but riders must only cover one ear so they can hear what is going on around them, such as an approaching emergency vehicle or a motorist trying to alert them. This violation carries a $60 fine.

Helmets are encouraged for all bicycle riders and are required by all persons under the age of 16 riding as a passenger or driver of a bicycle. If a parent or guardian allows such a violation, they may be subject to a $50 fine.

May 12, 2023

... COPS & COURTS driver leave the scene and he pursued the person.

Several different stories as to what happened next came from Leatherbury, who eventually admitted he had been drinking and he was intoxicated. At one point, Leatherbury said he was fine with being arrested if police felt the need.

At the crash scene, officers interviewed the second caller, who owned the vehicle that was crashed into. The resident said he saw a man running away from the scene in a black hooded sweatshirt after the collision and provided a description. Police confirmed with Ocean City Communications through a GPS plot of Leatherbury’s 911 call that his first communication was just 600 feet away from the crash scene and he then moved southbound on Caribbean Drive. Police followed the path Leatherbury took and found a black sweatshirt on the ground.

Further investigation found Leatherbury had been stopped in the same Lexus six different times, including once 41 days before the active incident. Interviews with witnesses on the scene of the collision led police to believe the stolen vehicle claim was fabricated.

Leatherbury was taken to the Public Safety Building where he declined an intoximeter test, but he did allow police to review his phone calls and text messages. The review found a text message from a contact advising him to tell police someone stole his vehicle and “stick with the story,” per police reports.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch At the crash scene, police located marijuana in plain view inside the Lexus as well as an assisted opening knife.

Leatherbury was charged with obstructing and hindering a police officer, making a false police report and possession of an assisted opening knife.

Theft, Fraud Charges OCEAN CITY – A Delaware man faces five theft and fraud charges for the unauthorized use of stolen credit card information.

On May 5, an Ocean City police detective was assigned to investigate a reported theft and fraud case. The detective went to a local hotel to meet with the manager who advised three individuals staying in the hotel were using stolen credit card information to pay for three rooms, which were under the name of Demetrius E. Adams, 36, of New Castle, Del. The hotel manager told police she had received a call that night from an employee with the Office of the County Attorney for Montgomery County who noticed unauthorized charges on her work credit card from the hotel. The hotel manager was able to determine Adams and one of the other individuals with him were employees of a nearby hotel and had access to the credit card information of current and future guests.

Police investigation confirmed the various credit cards being used to pay for the hotel rooms were linked to future stays at the nearby hotel where Adams worked. Authorities found about $15,000 in charges had been made with the stolen credit card information.

When police went to the fifth floor of

the hotel room to interview Adams and the other guests, Adams and one of the guests fled into the stairwell but were quickly detained. Adams admitted to using credit card information for future stays at his place of employment on the current hotel rooms he had rented as well as rooms in Wilmington, Del. Adams said it was because he was homeless.

Disorderly Conduct OCEAN CITY – Blocking traffic lanes multiple times and using foul language in public led to charges against a man last weekend.

An Ocean City police officer on marked patrol last Saturday around 5 p.m. noticed a male, Timothy Greenhorn, 44, intentionally stepping off a sidewalk on Baltimore Avenue into the travel lanes

Page 23 forcing vehicles to slow to avoid striking him.

The police officer who observed the behavior issued Greenhorn a warning to not walk in the middle of the road. About 30 minutes later, a police officer was approached by a citizen advising a man was acting in a “strange manner” walking northbound on Baltimore Avenue.

A municipal bus driver then waved to a police officer for assistance, pointing to Greenhorn in front of the bus preventing passage. Greenhorn, when questioned, denied being in the road, despite clearly blocking the bus from passing.

Greenhorn was searched and immediately began cursing at a high volume.

Due to noncompliance, Greenhorn was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct.

Fundraisers Planned For Local Transplant Recipient

Page 24

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Several events are being planned to raise funds for a local lung transplant recipient.

On April 12, Ocean City resident Emily Sachs, 35, received a life-saving lung transplant at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Now, her family is working with volunteers and the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) to raise funds that will cover some of her medical bills.

“We’re very appreciative of the community for all they’ve done so far,” Sachs’ husband, Scott Heiner, said. “I’ve even had

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

friends from Ireland, as soon as I posted the notice on Facebook, donate. It’s been amazing.”

Sachs was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis – a genetic condition that affects vital organs – at the age of 2. And while she didn’t have many health issues growing up, Heiner said her condition worsened in 2016.

“She didn’t have many issues with it, but in her 20s she started getting more random and frequent hospitalizations,” he said.

That year, Sachs was placed in hospice. But with the help of medication, her health improved, and in the six years that followed, she was able to find a job and

live a more normal life.

“She worked at TJ Maxx in Ocean City,” Heiner said. “It was a good way to get her started again because she hadn’t worked in four years.”

But after a series of medical complications in 2022, Heiner said his wife was placed on the transplant list. And in April, Sachs underwent a 13.5-hour-long doublelung transplant procedure at Johns Hopkins, where she continues to be treated.

“We were told she’d spent at least two weeks in the hospital, but every patient is a little different,” Heiner said. “We’ve just been going with it day by day.”

Heiner said Sachs’ transplant cost $1.2 million. And while Medicare will cover 80% of the bill, Sachs does not qualify for supplemental insurance. To that end, the family is expected to pay the remaining 20%.

“Just the surgery itself was $1.2 million, and 20% is about $200,000,” he said.

“So they told us we would need to start fundraising. That’s why we partnered with COTA.” COTA is a national nonprofit dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-related expenses. Despite its name, the organization works with individuals of any age with a single-gene disorder such as polycystic kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, or sickle cell disease.

In Ocean City, volunteers are raising funds for COTA in honor of Sachs.

On May 23, for example, organizers will host a dine-and-donate event at the West Ocean City Outback. From 4-10 p.m., a

May 12, 2023

Emily Sachs.

Submitted Photo

portion of sales will be donated to Sachs’ cause. Attendees are asked to mention Emily Sachs by name or bring a copy of distributed flyers.

Organizers will also host a fundraiser at Buxy’s Salty Dog on June 13, from 610 p.m., and another at Shenanigan’s – where Heiner works – on Sept. 17.

But Heiner said community members can also make donations through Sachs’ website, www.COTAforEmilysLungs.com, or by mailing contributions to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, 2501 West COTA Drive, Bloomington, Ind., 47403.

Checks should be made payable to COTA, with “In Honor of Emily’s Lungs” written on the memo line.

Organizers say 100% of all funds raised through COTA assists patients with transplant-related expenses.

HOME OF THE ORIGINAL FRESH -SQUEEZED “ORANGE CRUSH” VOTED BEST CRABS 15 YEARS

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!

VOTE FOR US THRU MAY 31ST

BEST BAR/HAPPY HOUR! ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY: DJ Billy T • 3 pm SATURDAY: Dust N Bones • 1 pm DJ Billy T • 6 pm SUNDAY: HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! Opposite Directions • 1 pm DJ Billy T • 6 pm THURSDAY: DJ Billy T • 3 pm

HAPPY HOUR

Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m.

$3.50 Domestic Drafts & Rail Drinks $5.50 Glasses Of Wine $7 Original Orange Crush $9.99 Jerk Chicken $11.99 Wings $9.99 1/2-Lb. Steamed Shrimp $11.99 Steamed Mussels $21.99 2 Dozen Steamed Clams (Mussel Style Add $2)

FRIDAY: ALL DAY: Oyster Frenzy

Open Fri. & Sat. 11am-11pm (Kitchen Closed 9 pm) • Sun.-Weds. 11am-9pm (Kitchen Closed 8 pm) • Thurs. 11am-10pm (Kitchen Closes 9 pm) South Harbor Rd • West End, Ocean City • 410-213-1846 Waterfront WiFi • www.weocharborside.com

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 25

Ocean City Police Seasonal Hiring Down From Last Year

Page 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – How marijuana use affects seasonal officer recruitment highlighted discussions at a resort commission meeting this week.

In an Ocean City Police Commission meeting Monday, Police Chief Ross Buzzuro presented the department’s final recruitment numbers for the coming summer season. With testing now completed, he noted the department has hired 29 seasonal officers and 52 public safety aides (PSAs).

“We’re at a total of 81,” he said, “as opposed to 90 last year.”

For decades, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) has enhanced its workforce with seasonal officers and PSAs during the summer months. And while interest in the seasonal program gained some momentum two years ago, recruitment continued to lag throughout the winter months.

In this week’s update, Buzzuro noted that the OCPD has hired 23 new seasonal officers and six returning seasonal officers, for a total of 29 seasonal officers in 2023.

“Last year, we had 42,” he told the commission. “There were 37 new seasonal officers and five returns.”

Buzzuro added that the department has also hired 40 new PSAs and 12 return PSAs for a total of 52 PSAs in 2023.

May 12, 2023

“Last year, we had 48,” he said. “So if there’s a bright spot, it would be that.”

Council President Matt James, commission member, questioned the department’s failure rate.

“What’s the percentage of failure once the academy starts?” he asked.

Buzzuro said it was minimal. He said those that do drop out tend to do so within the first week.

“I will tell you we had one that started the academy that for whatever reason was converted to a PSA,” he explained.

“We will generally lose one or two the

first weekend and then it stabilizes from there.”

Mayor Rick Meehan also questioned the department’s application process, and the failure rate for those that apply for seasonal positions.

“Out of the total applicants, what’s the number one reason they fall out?” he asked.

Officials noted the number one reason was failed background checks. Meehan questioned if that had to do with marijuana usage. Police officers report seasonal candidates who have used mar-

ijuana in the two years prior are eliminated from the process.

“Does a lot of it still have to do with the time period of the last time they smoked marijuana?” Meehan asked.

Officials said that and other discrepancies contributed to the failure rate.

Buzzuro, however, noted that the time period for marijuana abstinence would soon be lowered to one year.

“There’s a difference in the caliber of applicants than what we saw in years past,” he said. “I think some of that has to do with where we are in current times.”

SNOW HILL – The Office of the State’s Attorney for Worcester County announced it has earned the highest conviction rate in the State of Maryland for the prosecution of alcohol and drugrelated driving offenses, according to 2021 data released by the University of Maryland’s National Study Center for Trauma and EMS. Worcester County prosecutors handled over 1,000 DUI/DWI cases during the 2021 calendar year and secured an impressive 92.2% conviction rate. The statewide average conviction rate for 2021 was 77.2% by comparison.

The Maryland State’s Attorney’s Association has previously recognized Wor-

cester County prosecutors for having the state’s top conviction rate each year since 2019.

“We continue to be very proud of our aggressive efforts in the prosecution of DUI cases,” said State’s Attorney Kris Heiser. “These are results that our citizens expect and deserve and are results that should serve as caution to would-be drunk drivers. Now more than ever before, there are so many options available to avoid drinking and driving and the tragic impacts that it can have on our community.”

Heiser added, “Because drunk driving is a crime that is 100% preventable, it remains a priority for our prosecutors, who

take every case seriously and have a proven track record of securing convictions. As we prepare for a busy summer, locals and visitors alike should know that DUI enforcement efforts will continue to keep our community safe. I thank all of our police agencies for actively patrolling the roadways in search of these dangerous drivers, and for their diligence in preparing strong cases for us to prosecute in court.”

Heiser also recognized the dedication of Assistant State’s Attorneys Farlow, Stewart, Rinaldi, Smith, Reid and Baldwin, who are responsible for prosecuting the vast majority of these offenses as part of the Office’s District Court Division.

Prosecutors Score State’s Highest Conviction Rate

Your Countertop Specialists

Fabricating & installing quartz, granite and solid surface tops Up to date, state of the art equipment

Family Owned & Operated

SINCE 1982

Call: 443.856.4437 or See Us On Facebook 34407 Dupont Blvd., Unit 9 • (Rt. 113 North) Frankford, DE Visit our website for showroom hours • www.creativeincounters.com

N.J. Man Found On OC Beach After Extensive Search Day Before

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Ocean City Fire Department rescue swimmers are pictured along with U.S. Coast Guard vessels searching for the missing swimmer last Saturday.

Photos by Campos Media

BY STEVE GREEN EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A missing New Jersey swimmer’s body was found on the beach Sunday morning after an extensive search.

It was confirmed Sunday after 21year-old Praise Ezechibueze’s body was found early in the morning on the beach near 4th Street by a walker. The citizen reported to officers around 5:30 a.m. a body on the beach about a mile south of where he was swimming the day before.

Members of the Major Crimes Unit and Forensic Services responded to the scene. Detectives were able to identify the individual as Ezechibueze, who was then transported to the Holloway Funeral Home.

On Saturday, May 6, at approximate-

ly 3:29 p.m., the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) and Ocean City Police Department responded to a missing swimmer call in the area of 25th Street and the beach. Rescue swimmers from the OCFD immediately deployed into the ocean and began searching the area for the submerged swimmer, a male in his twenties. The Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP) also joined the search effort, along with members of the United States Coast Guard and Maryland Natural Resources Police.

The OCBP will return to guarding the 10 miles of beach the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Until then, the city would like to remind everyone of the beach patrol’s motto: “Keep Your Feet in the Sand until the Lifeguard’s in the Stand”. Ocean City is prone to strong rip currents, which can occur at any surf beach with breaking waves.

First responders are pictured on the beach after trying to locate the missing N.J. man.

Page 27

Family Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of Selbyville Business

Page 28

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SELBYVILLE – What started as a passion for boating has turned into a successful business for one local couple.

Last month, Route 113 Boat Sales & Service celebrated its 20th year of operation. With Capt. Glen Smith, wife Karen, and son Zak at the helm, the family owned business has grown from a small boat dealership to a multi-faceted sales and service operation.

“We do everything,” he said. “Sales, service, storage, transportation, launch and retrieval. We store about 200-plus boats a year, and we winterize 300-plus boats a year.”

Smith said he and his wife retired from the information technology business in 2001, packed up their family and moved to the beach. A year-and-a-half later, however, the couple began looking for new business venture.

“I did a couple of consulting jobs, but

after a year-and-a-half or so we realized not working at age 47, 48 is probably not a good decision,” he joked. “So I looked at many different business opportunities down here, either to start something or buy something. Nothing seemed like a good fit.”

To that end, Smith said he and his wife decided to take their love of boating and turn it into a business.

“I always had a passion for boating, both of us, so we figured let’s look into it,” he said. “We literally wrote a four-year business plan in Excel, bought a commercial property down the street, renovated it and executed on the plan. We were absolutely tickled. Actually, I was terrified because I had never run a boat store before.”

Smith said opening a boat dealership came with its challenges. He said he remembers the first boat that came onto the lot.

“The first boat we got in, Karen’s reading off the manual, how to hang a motor

May 12, 2023

Route 113 Boat Sales & Service owners Zak, Glen, and Karen Smith are pictured this week.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

on the back of a boat, and I’m turning the wrenches and doing it,” he said. “The first

Eastern Shore Physical Therapy Free Discovery Visits May 15th Thru 19th.

Find out what is causing your pain and how to fix it.

We guarantee you One on One personal care.

Call to 410-641-2900 to sign up.

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

motor we had to hang three times to get it right.”

But the risk paid off, Smith said. That first year, the couple ordered 12 boats.

And in the years that followed, the company averaged 89 boat sales annually.

“Karen sold the first boat,” he said.

“She kicked me out of the office for a few hours, and when I came back, she said we had made our first sale, a 17-foot Triumph that sold for about $15,500 with trailer.”

From the early 2000s until the Great Recession, Route 113 Boat Sales cemented itself as one of the area’s top dealers. And in the years since, the company has expanded its product line to include three brands – Triumph, Pursuit and Cobia.

“The highest-end line is Pursuit, which is crazy high-end,” he explained. “Next would be a boat that’s not real popular around here but is gaining popularity, and that’s call Pathfinder. Then Cobia is the one we sell the most of. They are all fishing boats, fishing crossovers. Most fishing boats now have a lot of family amenities.”

Smith even recalled the most expensive boat he ever sold – a 44-foot S428 Pursuit with four Yamaha XTO motors.

“Selling something in that size or price range is rare,” he said. “In fact, it’s the first time we had sold anything that size.

That boat now resides up in the Indian River.”

After 20 years of operation, Smith said his son is now taking over daily operations at Route 113 Boat Sales, where he has played an integral role in building the company’s service department.

“Zak focused in on service, and he went from knowing nothing to being a master Yamaha tech,” Smith said. “He sends all his people to Yamaha school, Garmin school, to generator school to do all the things you need to do to service these big boats.”

Smith said information on Route 113 Boat Sales & Service can be found online at www.rt113boatsales.net, or by visiting the company’s social media accounts. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and closed Sunday.

Wor-Wic’s Impact On Health Care Workforce Expanding

May 12, 2023

SALISBURY – Health care’s COVID19 crisis mode is in the past, but there is one refrain still recurring: the need for more skilled health care workers.

The pandemic highlighted the necessity, but the major cause is an aging workforce. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that retiring nurses are projected to leave more than 203,000 job openings per year through 2031.

At the same time, that aging population also has more health care needs, so the demand for nurses is projected to grow by 6% each year in that period. For health care providers as a whole, 13% growth is projected. Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore is no exception – which is why recruiters from local health care organizations are becoming a common sight on the campus of Wor-Wic Community College.

“There are all kinds of opportunities for people in health care here,” said Angela Brittingham, chief nursing executive at TidalHealth. “Acute care, longterm care – there are jobs at the hospitals and at satellite locations. We need certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, med techs and rad techs. Any health care field is going to be in demand in our area.”

Brittingham earned her nursing degree at Wor-Wic, and went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing; now she is working on finishing a doctor of nursing practice degree. She says she appreciates the good foundation it gives to those starting out in health care. “Nurses graduate from WorWic ready to hit the ground running,” she said. “And they’re local, so they want to care for their families, friends and neighbors just like we do at TidalHealth.”

TidalHealth and other local health care facilities not only recruit Wor-Wic graduates, but also offer students a training ground as they complete practicums – real-world training that is part of the curriculum.

“Wor-Wic’s health care programs are vital to our community and support the workforce demands to help us care for our patients in the community,” said Mandy Bounds, vice president patient care services and chief nursing officer for Atlantic General Hospital.

At Atlantic General Hospital, nursing students are welcomed in paid student nurse positions and summer internships.

“The nurse internships are 10 weeks, for 40 hours a week, for students going into their final year of nursing school – between the LPN and RN year,” said Bonita Conner, RN, a surgical services manager at Atlantic General and a WorWic graduate. “They get really good experiences.”

“We also offer LPN-RN positions and LPN positions for those who would like to work as a LPN and not pursue their RN at this time,” Bounds said.

Bounds earned her nursing degree at Wor-Wic and furthered her education to

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

earn a bachelor’s, master’s and doctor of nursing practice degree. “Wor-Wic graduates are prepared and ready to meet the needs of our local hospitals. At Atlantic General Hospital, we value our partnerships for training of the future graduates of the Wor-Wic programs,” Bounds said.

Students who have these experiences will have a more solid grasp on skills they can then bring, after they graduate and obtain a license, to a full-time nursing job in Atlantic General’s medical-surgical department, the operating room, emergency department or intensive care unit.

Erin Cowder, a recruiter for Atlantic General, said the organization values Wor-Wic students. “Our goal is to build even more programs with Wor-Wic,” she said. “There is always a need.”

Page 29

Amy Edwards, medical-surgical clinical educator, Erin Cowder, recruiter, and Bonita Conner, surgical services manager, all of Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, visited Wor-Wic Community College to talk to nursing students and highlight available jobs.

Submitted Photo

Reserve Your Table For Mom! Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday 00

$23 Special Entree Menu Dine-In Only

Happy Hours 11:30 a.m-5 p.m. Daily

Throughout!

Drink & Food Specials

54 Open Wednesday-Sunday • Fenwick Island • U.S.A. • 302-436-2305

AGH Auxiliary Donates Funds, Recognizes Volunteers

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023

Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary leadership presented to hospital leadership a $50,000 donation. Above right, from left, are 21-plus year volunteers Jane Bartolomeo, Nicholas Bartolomeo, Mary Lou Jones and Kathleen Loetz.

BERLIN – During the annual celebration in April, the Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary presented a check for $50,000 to the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation and honored the continued dedication and volunteer service of their members.

Volunteers support AGH by donating their time and expertise in every aspect of the hospital and health system, as well as in the community, providing more than 40,000 hours of service to the hospital annually. From the mail room to the front lobby, these volunteers make an extraordinary impact on the day-to-day operations of Atlantic General Hospital and Health System.

Volunteers also serve on hospital teams and committees, providing crucial insight and community support to Atlantic General Hospital.

New Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary officers were sworn in during the celebration. This includes President Laura Rohe, Treasurer Richard Buccheri and Recording and Corresponding Secretary Jackie Choate.

The AGH volunteers’ passion and dedication to serving the Eastern Shore community is unwavering and they are truly appreciated for everything they do. For this year’s celebration, volunteers were recognized for their years of dedicated service to Atlantic General Hospital.

In addition to honoring the volunteers’ years of service, a special recognition was given to student volunteer Rina Dirickson who has spent years volunteering her time at the Thrift Shop every weekend.

Mary Lou Jones was also commended by the Worcester County commissioners’ office for her 30 years of dedicated service to Atlantic General Hospital.

Volunteers recognized by years of service were: One to five years: Eileen Betz, Vera Camillo, Bruce Campbell, Francis Carothers, Diane Cohee, Susan Decker, Debra Doyle, Ronald Engle, Linda Getgen, Margaret Hamilton, Arusa Islam, Patricia Kearney, Janice Kosesky, Sharron Lewis, Lois May, Jennifer Mays, Kaila McCabe, Pamela McGregor, Carol Miller, Kathleen Myers, Elise Scott, George Shoben, Kim Peters, Lee Peterson, Arthur Thomas, Peter Varghese, Mallie Barnett, Candida Daniele, Corinne Eby, Linda Finocchiaro, SEE PAGE 32

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

Page 32

… Volunteer Service Celebrated

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Happy Mother’s Day! Great Seafood, Steaks & Burgers

May 12, 2023

Coins Crabcakes “No Mumbo, Just Jumbo”

Park Avenue • Fri & Sat • 7pm Karaoke Party w/ DJ Jeremy Every Tuesday • 8pm

Mother’s Day Specials Sunday

Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop leaders presented a special recognition to student volunteer Rina Dirickson before her future endeavors at Johns Hopkins University. Below, President/CEO Don Owrey swears in the 20232024 auxiliary officers.

FREE Bingo Every Sunday Noon - 3pm Early Bird Special Menu Daily 2-5:30pm

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

MON - FRI: 2pm • SAT & SUN: 11:30am 28th St. Plaza • 410-289-3100 • coinspuboc.com

Dine In, Carry Out & Online Ordering Available FROM PAGE 30 Marianna Freeman, Mary Gernhardt, Henrietta McCroskey, William Megary, Dorothy Pinto, Nancy Sullivan, Audrey Vanscoy, Kathleen Willett, Richard Buccheri, Pat Cooke, Joan McLaughlin, Cordelia Whittington, Denise Buccheri, Nancy Cartwright, Granvill Jones, Martha Quinn, Laura Rohe, Christine Bauer, Amelia Bloodsworth, Shirley Deemer, Rob Eckenrode, John Ensor, Jeanne Major, Millie Miller, Eileen Patterson.

Six to 10 years: Fran Adelhardt, Carol Applegit, Loretta Kletzli, Charleen Kuhblank, Fred Kuhblank, Jacklyn Mattson, Gerald Niedentohl, Elizabeth Parkin, Joseph Sowinski, Ellen Yannuzzi, Julian Coates, Jr., Dorothy Duvall, Cynthia Roman, Steven Stein, Audrey Wahl, Joan Dempsey, Deborah Staufenberg, Eileen Leonhart, Carole Mankus, Joan Murphy, Karol Salafia, Nick Salafia, Jean Beatty, Barbara Lischak.

Eleven to 15 years: Robert Schultz, Ann Hamilton, Bruce Jarvis, Kathleen Tallman, Mina Engle, Nancy Jarvis, Hanna Myers, Mary Jo Scarbath, Karen Schultz, Theresa Wallace, Susan Wilson, Tina Preziotti.

Sixteen to 20 years: Betty Bowers, Eileen Martin, Kathryn Reeves, Kathy Schneider, Jane Wolnik, Nancie Beste, Joyce Brittan, Mary Cetola, MaryAnn Frontera, Joyce Melocik, Sandy Miller, Ellen Morvick, JoAnn Poremski, Beth Riley, Jackie Shockley, Carmen Sowinski, Carolyn Beatty, Jackie Choate, Rita Landis, James Morvick, Joan Stearn.

21+ years: Lorena Christian – 22 years, Kathleen Loetz – 22 years, Jane Bartolomeo – 23 years, Nicholas Bartolomeo – 23 years, Mary Lou Jones – 30 years.

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

Page 34

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023

People in Society Knights of Columbus members helped serve drinks at Springfest.

by Charlene Sharpe Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Volunteers from the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City are pictured at Springfest serving drinks.

Amanda Laick and Carol Rose are pictured at a “Meet the Pop-Up Library” event introducing the Worcester County Library’s new bookmobile.

Tori Grundman, Ryan Nellans and Mike Poole volunteered at the Berlin Jazz and Blues, Wine and Brews event.

Members of the Ocean City Lioness Club helped serve drinks at Springfest.

Volunteers from the Ocean City Center for the Arts are pictured serving drinks at Springfest.

Betsy Gravenor-Stacey and Elena Coelho are pictured in front of the Worcester County Library’s new bookmobile.

Donna Main and Worcester County Commissioner Ted Elder attended an event celebrating the launch of the library’s new bookmobile.

Volunteers Cinda Krempel and Nate Reister are pictured at Berlin Jazz and Blues, Wine and Brews.

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Jennifer Ranck and Commissioner Ted Elder pause for a photo at a “Meet the Pop-Up Library” event introducing the Worcester County Library’s new bookmobile.

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

Page 36

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

Speed Cameras Eyed In Berlin To Address Traffic Concerns

Page 38

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – The town is moving forward with plans to explore the addition of speed cameras to help with enforcement.

Two months after representatives from the speed camera enforcement company RedSpeed made a presentation to town officials, Mayor Zack Tyndall said this week he wanted the conversation to continue.

“We’d like to have more public discussion regarding speed as it relates to speed cameras,” he said.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Last week, Councilman Jack Orris shared information about an upcoming community meeting he’d set up with Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing regarding speeding on Broad Street. In the wake of that announcement, Tyndall said he wanted to have more discussion regarding speeding in general. He said if people saw cars speeding on their street, they should call the police department at 410-641-1333.

Downing said his department targeted speeding as best it could. Past speeding details have resulted in surprising statistics.

“When we do details on certain streets

Sofas • Love Seats • Sectionals • Loungers

we find out that 35-40% are the individuals who live on those streets,” he said.

He added that he’d had officers monitor one street that was a hotspot for speeding for one hour. That resulted in two violations.

“We have to go ahead and make sure that we use our manpower in the best way that we can,” he said.

Downing added that the array of schools in Berlin also meant speeding was an issue when parents were rushing to drop off children in the morning.

“We understand that during certain times, peak times, that means between 7:30 and 8:30, when everyone’s going to the five schools in town, there’s definitely a better need for enforcement,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we could have 40 officers and not be able to handle that level of enforcement.”

He said the force multiplier for Berlin could be speed cameras. He’s planning to work with RedSpeed going forward to develop a contract for the town so a study of locations for speed cameras can begin. In February, company representatives said they’d set up cameras for a brief traffic study to determine how big of an issue speeding was and where the best locations for cameras would be.

In the meantime, Downing said his department was focused on controlling speeding with the three E’s—engineering, education and enforcement. He said that typically when the department asked schools to share the message speeding

May 12, 2023

did drop for a period of time.

We have to get that message out the best way we can,” he said. “We’re thinking of different ways we can do that.”

Officials pointed out that another traffic issue related to schools was the new traffic pattern at Stephen Decatur Middle School in the morning, which has all vehicles exiting the property turn right on Seahawk Road. Downing said his officers were keeping an eye on the area.

“No one’s going to go all the way down Flower Street to come around and go back to West Ocean City,” he said.

“They’re either going to go down Mary Road or they’re going to make that Uturn (at Coastal Early Learning Center).”

The meeting to discuss speeding concerns related to Broad Street and District 2 is set for May 25 from 5-6 p.m. at the police station.

“Some residents of District 2, Broad and West streets specifically, commented to see if it was possible to have a sitdown with the chief and just discuss what’s been observed and possible solutions to speeding and traffic concerns,” Orris said. “I thought it was a great idea and since Broad and West streets are two of the biggest arteries that other streets come off within District 2, it seemed like a good opportunity to have interested folks submit questions, open a dialogue and provide an additional forum for our police department to engage with the community.”

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

First Friday Reception:

The Ocean City Center for the Arts hosted the First Friday art opening on May 5. Above right, The "Gather" show artists gathered in the Thaler Gallery of the Ocean City Center for the Arts celebrating their group show for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The exhibition will be on display through May 27. Above left, the Tong Family Charitable Trust sponsored the exhibition and was represented by Pansy Tong and Scott Allen. At left, middle, Olivia Kershaw Smith and Marian Bickerstaff attended the First Friday art opening. At left, bottom, Susan Allen and Terry Lake recycled violins into pieces of art using mosaics in their "Mosaic Melodies" show.

Submitted Photos

Take your landscaping to the next level with AC Plant and Turf.

Trees and shrubs are a generational investment. Maintaining the size, appearance, and overall health is our number one goal. Our team of certified arborists have designed specific, effective plant health care programs. Our Turf team understands the importance of a thick, luscious green lawn and how it can add value to your home. After an initial soil sample, AC Plant and Turf can design a custom seven step fertilizer program that will keep your lawn as healthy and weed free as possible.

NOW HIRING PLANT CARE TECHNICIANS

ACPlant&Turf.com - 302-945-8450 Locations in Lewes and Selbyville, Delaware.

Selbyville is our newest location so we can better serve southern Delaware and the greater Ocean City area

Page 40

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023

COMMUNITY News In Photos

The Delmar Memorial VFW recently donated donated $3,000 to Wor-Wic Community College. From left, Jason M. King, director of veterans services at WorWic, and Stefanie K. Rider, executive director of the foundation and director of development, along with Catherine D. Emerson, Veterans Upward Bound advisor, far right, accept the donation from Cale Johnson, Barry Nuss and Dean Elliott of Delmar Memorial VFW Post 8276. The donation will fund a scholarship to help veteran students obtain computers and other technology needed for their coursework.

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club recently donated $1,000 to Worcester G.O.L.D. Nicholas Cranford, executive director of the organization, is pictured accepting the donation from Christina Dolomount-Brown, president of the club.

Submitted Photos

Wicomico Retired School Personnel Association held a memorial service in April for those who have passed this year. Nine people were remembered. Alison and Stewart Soper led the group in Amazing Grace and Joyce Willey shared poetry.

Worcester County Deputy Sheriff Patricia Donelson was recognized recently as School Resource Officer of the Year for Worcester County by American Legion Post 166. Deputy Donelson received her award plaque at Showell Elementary School from Post 166 2nd Vice Commander Bob Paul, who was joined by Leon Miller of Berlin American Legion Post 231.

Melissa Reid, president of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum in Berlin, recently spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City about the history of the Taylor House Museum and what it offers to the community. Reid is pictured with Bob Wolfing, president of the club.

Wayne Littleton (left), director of Randy's Crew, accepts a $1,000 check from Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club president Christina Dolomount-Brown. Mr. Littleton shared information regarding his efforts to continue to help people in need through this project at the May 4th dinner meeting of the club.

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 41

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE NEWS Deputy Director Appointed SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners promoted Matt Laick to the position of deputy director within Development Review and Permitting (DRP).

Laick stepped into his new role on May 1.

“Matt is a welcome addition to the leadership team,” DRP Director Jennifer Keener said. “He has an extensive background in project management, which will be an asset to Worcester County, as we move forward with various projects, such as the Comprehensive Plan.”

Laick, who joined DRP as the geographic information systems (GIS) analyst III in 2021, brings 23 years of management and local government experience to this position.

He previously served as the 911/GIS coordinator for the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security where he was responsible for coorMATT LAICK dinating GIS data across all the 911 centers in the state of Delaware as well as managing any special projects. He also served as the director of the Mapping and Addressing Department for Sussex County, where he was responsible for parcel mapping as well as a readdressing project for the entire county.

“It is an honor to serve as the deputy director of DRP,” Laick said. “I look forward to working with all of the County departments, citizens, business owners, and visitors.”

Laick received a Bachelor of Earth Science Degree, with a concentration in meteorology, from California University of Pennsylvania, and he earned a Masters of Applied Geography Degree, with a concentration in geographic information systems, from New Mexico State University.

He also served with the Bureau of Land Management in Las Cruces, New Mexico, as a geographer working on land exchanges and range management. He received project management certification from the University of Delaware. Laick is also a certified GIS Professional.

Company Expansion SALISBURY – Dry-Tek Environmental, a well-established company in the crawlspace restoration and encapsulation industry, has expanded its reach to Salisbury, Md. Senior advisors Meredith Mears and Andy Ball have successfully collaborated

RE/MAX One recently celebrated the grand opening of its Ocean City office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The agency was also welcomed into the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. Above, representatives are pictured at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Submitted Image

to secure the new location at 400 Snow Hill Rd., marking the second facility for DryTek Crawlspace Solutions on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland.

DryTek has been a dependable supplier of crawlspace solutions to owners of residential and commercial properties on the Delmarva Peninsula for 20 years. With their team of experts and their commitment to customer satisfaction, DryTek has established itself as the leading company in their industry.

DryTek President Austin Ireland expressed his satisfaction with the lease negotiation process, stating that "Merry was simply outstanding throughout the lease negotiation transition process. Her knowledge of commercial leasing ins and outs gave us peace of mind and confidence that we were making the right move."

Mears, who represented DryTek during the negotiations, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with the company on such an important move. She said, "Working with Dry-Tek on such an important move demonstrated a level of trust from them I recognize and am grateful for.

I'm glad we were able to secure a long-term lease for them in such a great location."

Unfortunately, a previous tenant needed to abruptly close their doors, tasking SVN advisors Andy Ball and Rick Tilghman to find a suitable replacement quickly. Ball noted the speed at which the deal was closed, stating that "We were able to secure a long-term lease with a credible tenant within the SVN network before we

could even place a 'For Lease' sign on the property."

Casino Revenue Report OCEAN PINES – Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate $174,742,218 in revenue from slot machines and table games during April 2023.

It was the sixth-best single-month gaming revenue total in the history of Maryland’s casino program and represented an increase of $3,997,260 (2.3%) compared to April 2022.

Casino gaming contributions to the state in April 2023 totaled $72,376,182, an increase of $522,884 (0.7%) compared to April 2022.

Contributions to the Education Trust Fund in April 2023 were $52,624,918, an increase of $396,476 (0.8%) compared to April 2022. Casino gaming revenues also support the communities and jurisdictions where the casinos are located, Maryland’s horse racing industry, and small, minorityand women-owned businesses.

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

The gaming revenue totals for April 2023 are as follows: MGM National Harbor (2,353 slot ma-

chines, 210 table games), $75,496,985 in April 2023, an increase of $4,964,819 (7.0%) from April 2022.

Live! Casino & Hotel (3,830 slot machines, 179 table games), $62,014,953 in April 2023, an increase of $3,207,374 (5.5%) from April 2022.

Horseshoe Casino (1,452 slot machines, 122 table games), $16,444,785 in April 2023, a decrease of $2,491,708 (13.2%) from April 2022.

Ocean Downs Casino (848 slot machines, 19 table games), $7,926,689 in April 2023, a decrease of $308,141 (-3.7%) from April 2022.

Hollywood Casino (702 slot machines, 19 table games), $7,481,880 in April 2023, a decrease of $984,083 (-11.6%) from April 2022.

Rocky Gap Casino (618 slot machines, 16 table games), $5,376,925 in April 2023, a decrease of $391,002 (-6.8%) from April 2022.

Retirement Announced SALISBURY – Perdue Farms, the 103year-old, family-owned company and fourth-largest producer of chicken products in the United States, today announced the intention of Randy Day, CEO, to retire this summer.

Day, who has worked at Perdue for more than 40 years, has served as CEO since 2017. He will remain in his current role to assist Kevin McAdams, COO and President, in the succession transition.

“I have spent my entire adult career at Perdue, and I love this company. After 43 years, I would like to spend more time with my wife, our children, and our six (soon to be seven!) wonderful grandchildren. I am looking forward to mentoring and transitioning Kevin over the next few months.

We are confident that Kevin possesses qualities that align with our company’s values and vision to be the most trusted name in food and agricultural products,” said Day. “It has truly been an honor to lead Perdue Farms the past six years.”

“Randy has been instrumental to some of our company’s biggest initiatives in both agribusiness and food production and will be instrumental in the CEO succession plan as well. I am incredibly grateful to Randy for his more than 40 years of service at Perdue, especially for his leadership as CEO since 2017,” said Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms. “His guidance was invaluable as we navigated the unprecedented and challenging COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.”

Cruisin Ocean City Returns Next Week For 32nd Year

Page 42

OCEAN CITY – Get ready for one of the hottest car shows on the East Coast, the 32nd Annual Cruisin Ocean City, as it returns to the resort area, May 18-21.

The nationally recognized event attracts more than 3,000 customs, hot rods, street machines, classics and more. While the main events take place at the beachside Inlet Parking Lot and the Ocean City Convention Center, there will be various citywide locations.

Scheduled to appear at this year's Cruisin will be Joe and Amanda Martin from the hit show Iron Resurrection. Joe and Amanda Martin will be at the Inlet on Friday and inside the convention center

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

on Saturday meeting fans. Also, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic movie American Graffiti, Mackenzie Phillips and Candy Clark will be inside the convention center on Thursday and Friday and at the Inlet on Saturday. Plus make sure to check out the movie show cars display inside the convention center on Thursday and Friday. Additional entertainment includes Deejay Seaside Jimmy, Cruisin Gold Deejay, the 8th Annual Pin Up Contest, a Neon and LED light car show, a pedal car show, drive-in movies, bingo, live music and much more. New this year there will also be a Husband Calling Contest Friday afternoon on the

Inlet stage.

Back by popular demand, The Doo Wop Project, featuring members of the hit Broadway musicals “Jersey Boys” and “Motown the Musical,” will be shaking up the stage of the Ocean City Performing Arts Center, Thursday May 18 at 8 p.m.

The Doo Wop Project traces the evolution of Doo Wop music from the classic sound of five guys singing harmonies on a street corner to some of the biggest hits on the radio today. Throughout the show the audience is taken on a journey from foundational tunes by groups such as the Crests, Belmonts and Flamingos through their influences on the sounds of Smokey Robinson, the Temptations and the Four Seasons and all the way to Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Amy Winehouse. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the OC Box Office. For additional information visit www.OceanCityConcerts.com. Only a few concert tickets remaining!

Some of the country’s top national names will be showcasing their products in manufacturers midway at the Inlet Parking Lot. Plus, at the convention center, there will be Gateway Classic Cars and vendors both inside and outside selling automotive merchandise along with arts & crafts, jewelry, T-shirts and many other specialty items. There will also be a Car Corral, Swap Meet and Artwork Contender Showcase inside the Convention Center.

Additional Cruisin Ocean City high-

May 12, 2023

lights are the special Boardwalk parades that will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. from 27th Street to the Inlet lot.

On Sunday, the Grand Finale Awards will take place at the Inlet. Before Cruisin comes to an end there will be more than 500 trophies, plaques and awards presented plus over 3,000 giveaways.

Spectator tickets are $15 a day for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 1820, and $10 a day for Sunday, May 21, good at the Inlet and Convention Center.

Children under 14 are free with an adult.

Show hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sunday with the Grand Finale Awards starting at 2 p.m. For additional information visit www.cruisinoceancity.com or call 410-798-6304.

Cruisin Ocean City promoters issued a statement this week calling safety “our number one priority.” The statement added, “The event does not tolerate unlawful activities or the disrespect of Ocean City. During Cruisin the town of Ocean City will be classified as a Special Event Zone where there will be increased fines for speeding, negligent/reckless driving, spinning wheels and alcohol related offenses. We encourage everyone that comes to Ocean City for Cruisin, both participants and spectators, to respect the town and abide by the rules. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated. We look forward to a wonderful and safe Cruisin Ocean City for 2023 and years to come.”

Ratcliffe Foundation Pledges $900K To Hatchery Competition

May 12, 2023

SALISBURY – From blown glass to sporting equipment, water quality monitoring to baked goods, and many products and services in between, more than 100 entrepreneurs have made their dreams a reality with the help of Salisbury University’s Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery entrepreneurship competition.

Many more will have that opportunity over the next three years, as the foundation recently pledged an additional $900,000 to continue its sponsorship of the program at least through 2026. The new gift, which also includes funding to continue the University’s Ratcliffe Foundation Management Excellence Scholarship, brings the foundation’s total investment in SU to $2.9 million.

“When SU partnered with Carole Ratcliffe and the Ratcliffe Foundation to create the Shore Hatchery program in 2013, we set out to help local entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses quickly, and the success we’ve seen from this program is exponential,” said SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre.

“Our numbers show the program has far exceeded our initial targets of starting a business in six months or less and growing to employ five or more people in the following three years. With winners who have self-reported estimated profits of some $98 million and with nearly 700 jobs created in the past decade, we see a direct impact of the Shore Hatchery’s support on the development of our local, state and national economies.”

Through the Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery, entrepreneurs throughout the Mid-Atlantic vie each semester for their share of an annual $200,000 prize pool.

In addition to funding, winners are assigned a mentor from the program’s board of directors, whose members include some of the biggest names in business, such as Chris Perdue of Perdue Farms, Inc. and Mike Cottingham of the Rommel Companies.

The name “Shore Hatchery” is, in part, a tribute to Perdue’s grandfather, Frank Perdue, long-time CEO of famed poultry producer Perdue Farms and benefactor of SU’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business, which oversees the entrepreneurship program. Shore Hatchery competitors also have the opportunity to take advantage of prototyping equipment and other services offered by SU’s Dave and Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship — named in honor of its benefactors, owners of the Rommel Companies.

“Being an entrepreneur is tough,” said William Burke, SU executive director of entrepreneurship. “It feels like everything is against you, and you’re out there on your own. The economic ecosystem SU and the Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery provide — for both competitors and winners — can be a game-changer. We’re here to help start-ups and encourage economic growth.”

“It’s not just about the money,” added Carlene Cassidy, Ratcliffe Foundation CEO. “It’s about access to the experts, the resources and the wealth of knowledge that [Burke] and the team at Salisbury have collected. That might be more important than the cash itself.”

The program supports the vision of

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Philip E. Ratcliffe Jr., a Baltimore area real estate developer, and his wife, Carole, a successful businesswoman in the boating industry.

Though Philip did not get to see the Shore Hatchery become a reality — he died in 2009, four years before the first competition — Carole spoke highly of the way the competitors carried on their entrepreneurial spirit. She attended many of the competitions in person prior to her passing in 2018.

She and the foundation were drawn to SU as a potential home for the Shore Hatchery in part due to the Perdue School’s Student Entrepreneurship Competitions. Created with sponsorship from MaTech, BAI Aerosystems, Lorch Microwave, LWRC and K&L Microwave founder Richard Bernstein in 1986, the annual student business plan contest is one of the oldest of its kind in the nation, boasting a

prize pool of up to $100,000 in recent years.

“The Ratcliffe Foundation has taken the Perdue School’s reputation as an entrepreneurial incubator and elevated it to the regional and national levels,” said Dr. Christy Weer, dean of the Perdue School.

“We are so grateful not only to have the opportunity to play such a major role in the local entrepreneurship ecosystem, but to provide resources for business startups throughout the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.”

In 2014, the Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery drew the attention of producers from the hit ABC-TV series Shark Tank, on which entrepreneurs attempt to attract celebrity investors. Auditions for the national show were held at SU in 2014 and 2015; a third scheduled audition was canceled due to nationwide COVID-19 protocols in 2020.

During that time, three Shore Hatchery

Page 43

winners have been selected to appear on national TV networks featuring their businesses and products: The owners of Tania Speaks organic skincare and The Frozen Farmer ice cream appeared on Shark Tank, and Tip Tough finger protector has appeared on QVC and the USA Network.

All three walked away with investment deals. The Home Shopping Network has also carried products supported by the Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery.

“It’s unlikely Philip Ratcliffe could have envisioned the impact the foundation and programs he and Carole created have had on the next generation of entrepreneurs,” said Jason Curtin, SU vice president of advancement and alumni relations, and executive director of the SU Foundation, Inc. “With this gift, the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation is ensuring their legacies continue to make a difference for years to come.”

Safety Concerns Raised Over Former Dairy Queen Site

Page 44

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Citing concerns about safety and security, the owner of the former Dairy Queen property said efforts are ongoing to redevelop the site.

On April 28, Town Manager Pat Schuchman came before the Fenwick Island Town Council to discuss a potential resolution declaring 1007 Coastal Highway a nuisance property. As the town awaits a building permit for the redevelopment of the former Dairy Queen site, she said concerns have been raised about safety.

“We spoke with our police department, and they received several calls for this property,” she said. “One in particular was a concern of a displaced person staying in the building. There’s water coming from the property. The building and the renovations have been abandoned since last spring, and obviously there are structural integrity issues. It’s hazardous for our police officers, members of the public, and in particular, children who are running around playing.”

In January 2022, Balsamo Real Es-

tate LLC, owner of the Dairy Queen property, submitted a building permit for interior demolition and roof replacement, though officials say that work was ultimately abandoned. And late last summer, the company submitted to the town a development plan, which highlighted a 1,500-square-foot addition and the creation of new restaurant space.

Since that time, however, the redevelopment project has been held up as litigation has worked its way through Delaware Superior Court. When town staff advised the company they would not consider the development plan until a building permit application was submitted, Balsamo Real Estate filed a lawsuit, seeking a writ of mandamus commanding the town uphold its code. A judge ultimately dismissed the case in March.

On the agenda for discussion last week, Schuchman brought her concerns regarding the old Dairy Queen building to the town council. She noted the roof was caved in, the building was boarded up and that there was evidence of broken glass.

“Again, I have serious questions about the integrity of that building,” she

May 12, 2023

said. “It’s a hazard. I worry about any incident that can cause injury to the public.

I would like to suggest that it is in violation of Chapter 69, which is nuisance buildings.”

While she noted her concerns about the building, Mayor Natalie Magdeburger argued the town did not have enough information.

“I’m not prepared to declare it a nuisance …,” she said. “But I do think we should contact the previous tenant because obviously their engineers thought there were some concerns, and I think we should contact the owner and see if there’s engineering that shows it is safe.”

Magdeburger also noted there was a possible agreement between Balsamo Real Estate and SoDel Concepts to bring a Surf Bagel to the Coastal Highway property.

“Perhaps it’s just a matter of time, and we can get more information from Balsamo Realty in terms of them prepared to file for a building permit next week or whenever it is,” she said. “Then we don’t need to move forward.”

Councilman Richard Benn said he was most concerned about the fence cur-

rently placed around the property.

“What is there now is woefully inadequate, and I think that has to be addressed immediately with either more permanent fencing or they’ve got to enclose the building somehow to make it secure,” he said.

Magdeburger suggested the town send a letter to the previous tenant, Grab and Go Taco, as well as Balsamo Real Estate, seeking assurances that the building is structurally sound. She said the council could revisit the issue at the next town council meeting.

When reached for comment this week, Joe Balsamo Jr. of Balsamo Real Estate said the company is waiting for architectural plans to be completed before it can submit a building permit for the property.

“Believe me, we didn’t want this building to look the way it does,” he said.

Balsamo said the town’s concerns could have been addressed months ago, when the company submitted its development plan.

“Everything is in the works,” he said.

“It takes time, but we could’ve had this done a long time ago.”

HERE’S MY CARD For More Information, Contact Pamela Green PHONE: 410-641-4561 • FAX: 410-641-0966 • EMAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM ROOFING

licensed & Insured Ocean City #35727 Maryland #95090 Delaware #2007214173

PORCH COVERS

• All New Roofs Carry 10-Year Warranty • All Jobs Inspected By Owner At Completion • Customers’ Satisfaction Guaranteed Over 25 Years Experience In Roofing & Siding

PIANO TUNING

QUALIFIED MECHANICS TO HELP WITH YOUR ROOFING NEEDS!

Nick French • 443-783-8255 Nfrenchti@gmail.com

fOR a fRee estIMate Call OffICe: 410-289-1115 OR Call the OWneR DIReCt: 443-366-2786

302-212-9800

HOME, LAWN & PATIO SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL HOME ORGANIZER

CARPET CLEANING

meckservicesanddesigns@gmail.com MHIC #135919 DE #2018608353

hOMe, laWn & PatIO seRvICes

• Upholstery Cleaning • Carpet Cleaning • Oriental Rug Cleaning & Repair • Tile & Grout Cleaning

• General Repair & Maintenance • Pavers • hardscaping • Decking • landscaping • Outdoor living Contact us today for a free estimate!

LAWN CARE

Quality Service by Certified Technicians Since 1983

(302) 436-5652 www.brasurescarpetcare.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

LANDSCAPING

Ken Walsh – 410-641-3762 est. 1977 • MhIC 8465 www.WalshHomeImprovementInc.com

LANDSCAPING • IRRIGATION HARDSCAPING • FREE ESTIMATES Full Service/Yearly Maintenance Contracts Available

Specializing In: Custom Additions, Kitchens, Baths

443-783-2224 • edgarcjr@aol.com

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 45

Pink Party Proceeds Presented:

Sunset Grille’s annual Pink Party, in honor of cancer survivor Hope Palmer, raised $13,415. The proceeds from the event benefit Atlantic General Hospital’s John H. ‘Jack’ Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center. Last month, Hope Palmer and Jack Burbage presented the donation to Atlantic General Hospital Foundation Board Chair Steven Green and Atlantic General Hospital leadership, including President/CEO Don Owrey.

Pictured, from left, are Toni Keiser, AGH vice president of public relations; Burbage, CEO of Blue Water Development; Steven Tyson, AGH donor relations officer; Green; Palmer, corporate communications director of Blue Water Development; and Owrey.

Submitted Photo

HERE’S MY CARD For More Information, Contact Pamela Green PHONE: 410-641-4561 • FAX: 410-641-0966 • EMAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM MVA LICENSED

BLINDS/SHADES

LANDSCAPING

Spring Clean-Ups, Hardscaping, Landscaping & Grading

Carmelo A. Freni 33040 Old Ocean City Road 410-629-0708 Parsonsburg, MD 21849 Carmelo@FreniLandscaping.net FreniLandscaping.net Visa & M/C Accepted

WAINWRIGHT’S TIRE CENTER INC. AUTO

AMA Consulting & Business Svcs, Inc TAX RESOLUTION/CREDIT SERVICES

PERSONAL TRAINING

We Solve Your Problems

Mae Phillips

SALES & SERVICE Custom Wheels Computer Wheel Alignment Lube & Oil Change Shocks & Struts

Exhaust Systems Air Conditioning & Brake Service Road Service – Truck & Farm

(434) 382-8920 11806 Sheppards Crossing Road Whaleyville, MD 21874 amaconsultingandbusiness@gmail.com www.amaconsultingbusiness.com

410-641-2000 • 18 Broad St. • Berlin

BOB NAILS IT

MHIC#76938

Del.#2007215731

HOME REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENTS

Quality You Can Depend On!

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 410-430-6817 bobnailsit@gmail.com

no appointments needed!

Open Tues.-Fri.: 8am-4:30pm Sat.: 8am-1pm 11022 Nicholas Lane, Unit #7 Ocean Pines, MD

MHIC# 142762

We now acccept

Walk-Ins Welcome,

MEN’S HAIR SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HANDYMAN SERVICES

443-235-6249 • ARTISTICRENOVATIONS.COM

410-973-2430

Page 46

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured

in this space. Above the Inlet totem pole sculpture is pictured last week on a beautiful blue sky day. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 47

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 70

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): As- out. Remember: You do best when pects indicate a potential for confu- you're able to balance sense and sension or misunderstanding. Keep those timent.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): lines of communication open between you and your mate or significant other. Aspects show conflicting signs around TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): friendships. Be careful about taking Romantic aspects are strong, but con- advice from someone who might have fusing. Be alert. Use your good Bovine an agenda that is not in your best insense to avoid charging into some- terests.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. thing that isn't quite what it seems to 21): Relationships are supposed to be be.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): about give-and-take, but you might Working out problems with family find that you've been doing all the givmembers or others close to you should ing while getting little in return.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): be your priority. Travel aspects are strong, especially in job-related situa- Sometimes indecision can be a positive factor in helping to resolve doubts tions.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): about a potential commitment. Don't The Cancerian Crab likes to take be rushed into acting before you feel charge of things. But be careful you ready to do so. don't pinch off more than you can AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): hold, or you might find it all slipping Take off those rose-colored glasses out of your grasp. and see this new situation for what it LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): A new is -- and for what it isn't. Remember: opportunity beckons Leos and Leonas You haven't been told the whole truth who are ready to take on some tough yet. challenges. Family matters continue to PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): improve, but still need close attention. Watch that you don't drain your energy VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): reserves as you dive into a new and What seems to be a disappointment increasingly demanding project. Take could be a blessing in disguise. Use time out for rest and relaxation. that good Virgin mind to analyze the BORN THIS WEEK: You live your situation and learn some valuable les- life on a finely tuned balance between sons. the perception of a Taurus and the cuLIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): riositiy of a Gemini. You excel in the There are some conflicting consider- arts. © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc. ations that will need careful sorting ON PAGE ANSWERS 46

TRUSTS

Trust Planning To: • Protect Assets • Protect Children • Protect Privacy • Simplify, and 9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy. #112 Ocean City, MD 21842 NEW LOCATION

• Avoid Probate

1321-B Mt. Hermon Rd. Salisbury, MD 21804

443-856-4676 Monday-Friday www.batielaw.com

Call us for a free 30 minute phone consultation.

OCEAN CITY

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 48

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Friday afternoons off

The view looking south from the Inlet jetty Learning a new word

Church bells in the distance Hot and dry weekends

A longer than expected ride on a wave Hot corn on the cob

Teens goofing around together The first pool dip of the year

Rainy Sunday nights at home

Clothes straight from the dryer

vanishing

May 12, 2023

WITH BUNK MANN

One of Ocean City’s most popular amusement centers was Planet Maze on Coastal Highway and 33rd Street. Opening in 1995, it was a favorite yearround venue for birthday parties, fundraisers, and good family fun.

Included among the climbing maze and arcade games was Lasertron -- the home of every kid’s favorite rainy day activity.

Even parents delighted in playing laser tag, wearing headsets that flashed red and green when hit by a light beam from a plastic gun. As one young participant recalled, “the game was always over too soon. We were having so much fun the time just flew by.”

Another feature of Planet Maze was Lost Galaxy Golf where large alien characters were displayed around a lunar landscape of meteors and volcanos. The whole complex was family entertainment at its best.

Planet Maze was torn down in the fall of 2018; today a 105 room hotel, the Tru by Hilton Ocean City Bayside, occupies the former site.

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

Photo by Bunk Mann

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 49

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

HELP WANTED BUILDING ATTENDANT: PT/FT summer season. Monitor pool, parking lot and buildings. Report to property manager. Good pay. call 410-250-1111 or send resume to fred@paradiseoc.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– OFFICE CLERICAL POSITION Part Time, Small Local Established Company looking for person to assist our office staff. Flexible schedule and hours, no wknds. General Office skills required. Great for retirees. Call 410-641-4411.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– POOL: General Maintenance, Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects.

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

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

410.289.4902 Ask for Suzanne.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– OFFICE CLERICAL: position full time, small local established company seeking motivated person to assist our growing office. Salary with benefits, general office skills required. Call 410-641-4411 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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.

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

NOW HIRING

Maintenance Technician Needed Immediately Great Pay & Benefits based on experience •Work with a well-established OC Hotel/Restaurant Group •Perform preventative, routine, & emergency maintenance •Repairs on restaurant equipment with emphasis on refrigeration •Provided a company vehicle – with valid driver’s license •Prior experience with diagnostic abilities, electrical, major plumbing & troubleshooting

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE FULL TIME/SEASONAL $17/Hr. Paid weekly Company Truck End of Season Bonus Call and leave messge

410-641-9512

Health Insurance, 401K, sick leave, and vacations included.

Forward resume to : Restaurant Maintenance, PO Box 160, Ocean City, MD 21843 or email: jeb@harrisongp.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Glenriddle Community

Full time 8:30am-5:00pm Send resume to: tmacintosh@legumnorman.com

Check Here First!

SEASONAL STAFF Beautiful community in Ocean View is seeking parttime seasonal staff May through September to work in our clubhouse and pool areas.

Availability to include days, nights, weekends and holidays. Excellent people skills a must! Some computer skills preferred. Competitive salary and incentive bonus program offered.

Perfect position for individuals looking for extra income.

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

www.mdcoastdispatch.com FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER

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:

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

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

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

Housekeeper Full Time

Eastern shore resident is seeking a mature, responsible and experienced person to perform various housekeeping duties at a Berlin, MD estate five days weekly. Full time position with benefits and 401K. Reliable transportation necessary.

Call 410-803-4135, fax resume to 410-272-2249 or e-mail: tgreaver@bscamerica.com.

Cleaning services need not apply.

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS Must have

Tools, Transportation, Drivers License Experience Preferred PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS rhp510@aol.com 410-641-9530 Now Hiring Seasonal Sales Positions Excellent people skills & retail experience helpful FT/PT now thru Oct. Competitive starting pay, parking available.

Join our fun, friendly staff APPLY IN PERSON: Ocean City Boardwalk between Somerset & Wicomico St 410-289-7011

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 50

May 12, 2023

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

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING! •MAINTENANCE •GENERAL CLERICAL •FUEL DOCK ATTENDANTS •DOMESTIC •RAMP ATTENDANTS •DOCK HANDS •BOAT YARD ATTENDANT •NIGHTWATCH

Apply Online at delawarestatejobs.com

COOKS AND CLEANING HELP WANTED Flexible schedule, clean kitchen, new equipment.

Weekly pay checks. Friendly work environment.

If interested apply in person. Open daily 12:00 p.m.

American Legion Post #166, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, MD. Cleaners Wanted for OC Conscientious individual or team. Great pay & min. hrs. Summer Sat’s in OC. Experience preferred.

Cell phone & vehicle req.

(443) 880-0525

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

NOW HIRING! PAYING TOP DOLLAR!

•EXPEDITOR •SERVERS •COOKS

•HOSTESS •PT BARTENDERS •FOOD RUNNERS Please apply in person.

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

Now Hiring Seasonal FT/PT

•LINE COOKS •DISHWASHERS ($15-$20/hr)

•SERVERS •COUNTER Village of Fenwick 300 Coastal Hwy Fenwick Island, DE 302-581-0255

WEST OC’S MOST FUN PLACE TO WORK AND MAKE $$$$

Daytime hours, 10-4 Mon-Fri Serious inquiries only

Please Apply in person, 6600 Coastal Highway, OC, MD

Now Hiring Cosmetologists Hair Stylists Nail Technicians To Apply: Call 410-213-1122 or Email info@blissoc.com

www.smicompanies.net NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Apply in person, 139th St. Coastal Hwy, Ocean City

THUNDERBIRD BEACH MOTEL NOW HIRING PM FRONT DESK NIGHT AUDITOR MIDNIGHT-8AM

APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Fri 10am-2pm 32nd St & Baltimore Ave Ocean City OC HOTEL NOW HIRING FOR:

Seasonal ~MAINTENANCE ~HOUSEKEEPING ~DAY LAUNDRY

CLASS A OR B CDL DRIVER SMI Services of Delaware, a Sediment and Erosion Control Company located in Selbyville, DE is looking for a Class A or B CDL driver.

This position will be a working driver / loading / unloading position. You may not just be hauling / driving all day. MUST have a clean driving record and be able to pass a DOT Physical and drug screen. Applicant shall be reliable, able lift up to 50lbs, able to perform physical labor and have great work ethic.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

Please apply in person at 20 E. Railroad Ave, Selbyville, DE 19975

Daytime/Evening CUSTOMER SERVICE/CASHIER in Ocean City, MD Looking for energetic, fun-spirited people to work day or night.

Cool place to work.

Competitive Wages.

COMPETITIVE PAY, OVERTIME HOURS AVAILABLE!

NOW HIRING!

HOLIDAY INN POOL BAR •COOKS •SERVERS

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

Experienced Only Need Apply.

Must have valid Drivers License

NOW HIRING!

• BARTENDER •COOK •DELIVERY DRIVERS •SERVERS Call Pam 410-726-7061 or apply within 56th Street

Call Seahawk Motel

410-250-3191 HYGIENIST/ASSISTANT Friendly boutique dental practice, with great patients, looking for a PART TIME HYGIENIST and a PART TIME ASSISTANT. Please send resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com

Maryland Paramedic/Firefighter I Berlin Fire Company/EMS Berlin Fire Company/EMS is accepting application packets for one full time with benefits Maryland Paramedic/Firefighter I position. Requires Class B noncommercial drivers license or ability to obtain within six months from date of hire. Starting salary $46,956. with additional potential for overtime shifts. 24/72 shifts.

Submit resume, copy of driver's license, three year noncertified driving record, copies of all fire and EMS certifications and training by Friday, May 26 at 2:00 pm to: Berlin Fire Company EMS ATTN: Employment, P.O. Box 382, Berlin, MD 21811 No phone calls or visits to the station. All questions will be answered during the interview process.

Also accepting resumes with copies of certifications to update our part-time/on-call/as-needed paramedic and EMT lists. Please mail to same address as above.

Please use USPS Express or Priority Mail so you can track your application packet to ensure timely delivery.

RENTALS

AUTOMOBILE

SEASONAL SUMMER, WEST OC, HOME RENTAL: 3BR/2BA. Waterfront, Central Air, W/D, Furn.

Pleanty of parking. Call for more details 443-373-8147.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SEASONAL BAYSIDE CONDO: 2BR/2BA, W/D. Fully furn. Sleeps 4-6. $15,750./season, Cable & WiFi incl. Located near Jolly Roger. Call 410-603-6120 or mbjcproperties@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEEKLY RENTALS: Oceanfront Home 5BR/3BA, Private beach, huge decks, rent by the week.

Available: 5/26-6/2, 6/2-6/9, 9/19/8, 9/8-9/15 Starting at $5,000 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1997 TOWN & COUNTRY LX: For Sale, Historic Value. Electric seats/electric windows. Great condition! 107,000 miles. $3,800. Call 443-754-7709 for more info.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

COMMERCIAL WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 Office or Retail Space for Lease. 1,656. Sq. feet. Plenty of Parking. 443-4974200.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE SPACE: 2,100 Sq. Ft., 1,500 Sq. Ft., and 1,867 Sq. Ft. Masonry construction. 18’ high ceilings, large garage door & bathroom. Rt. 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

YARD SALE MYSTIC HARBOUR COMMUNITY YARD SALE: Located off Rt. 611. Sat 5/13/ 23, 9am-3pm .

Come pick up some treasures.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GLENRIDDLE COMMUNITY YARD SALE : Open to the Public Saturday, 5/20, 8 AM – 1 PM ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– COMMUNITY YARD SALE on Saturday, 5/20 from 7am-12 pm The Point at Ocean Pines. Rain date will be Sunday, May 21st..

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Set in flowing peach, Smiling as she takes the stage Now brushed with speckles!

CHECK HERE FIRST

FAMILY GATHERINGS DINING ROOM SET FOR SALE Holiday Dinners Coming Soon!

Beautiful solid wood dining set.

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

Selling because moved & too big for dining area.

00 Must see! $575. $5 Berlin. 443-880-8885

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023

Page 51

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

Third Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY CASE NUMBER: C-23-CV-23-000092 FIG SERIES HOLDINGS, LLC C/O JAMES F. TRUITT, JR. 20 EAST TIMONIUM ROAD SUITE 100 TIMONIUM, MD 21093 Plaintiff V CORA DANIELS NEELON GAIL E. NEELON 1300 OCEAN PARKWAY OCEAN PINES, MD 21811 and WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND (For Maryland Annotated code 14-1836(b)B1)(v)purposes only)

three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear In this Court by the 19th of JUNE, 2023, and redeem the property 1300 Ocean Pkwy, Ocean Pines, MD 21811 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff's title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 28, 2023 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MD 3x 4-28, 5-05, 5-12

and

Third Insertion

Any and all person having or claiming to have any interest in the fee simple in the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Rolls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes for said County known as: 1300 Ocean Pkwy, Ocean Pines, MD 21811, 3rd (third) Election District, described as follows: all that lot of land and imps. LOT B-10-1129 7725 SQ FT OCEAN PKWAY PL, OCEAN PINES, SEC 10

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY CASE NUMBER: C-23-CV-23-000093

ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption In the following property 1300 Ocean Pkwy, Ocean Pines, MD 21811 In the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: all that lot of land and imps.

LOT B-10-1129 7725 SQ FT OCEAN PKWAY PL OCEAN PINES SEC 10 The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 20th of APRIL, 2023 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order In some newspaper having general circulation In Worcester County once a week for

FIG SERIES HOLDINGS, LLC C/O JAMES F. TRUITT, JR. 20 EAST TIMONIUM ROAD SUITE 100 TIMONIUM, MD 21093 Plaintiff

scribed as follow all that lot of land and imps U 4C BEACH HWY PYRAMID CM ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption In the following property 9500 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 4C, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, In the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: It is thereupon this 20th of April, 2023 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order In some newspaper having general circulation In Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear In this Court by the 19th of JUNE, 2023, and redeem the property 9500 Coastal Hwy, Unit 4C, Ocean City, Md 21842 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff's title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 28, 2023 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE

V JOSEPH CENTIOLE MARIETTA CENTIOLE 9500 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 4C OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MD 3x 4-28, 5-05, 5-12

and

Third Insertion

WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND (For Maryland Annotated code 14-1836(b)(1)(v)purposes only)

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19581

and

To all persons interested in the estate of IRA BERNARD BARBER, Estate No. 19581.

Notice is given that TANISHA DURDEN, 2353 PITKIN AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11207, was on APRIL 17, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of IRA BERNARD BARBER, who died on FEBRURAY 2, 2023, without a will.

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

Any and all person having or claiming to have any interest in the fee simple in the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Rolls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes for said County known as: 9500 Coastal Hwy Unit 4C, Ocean City, MD 21842, 10th (tenth) Election District, ·de-

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17TH day of OCTOBER 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 28, 2023 TANISHA DURDEN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 4-28, 5-05, 5-12

Third Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY CASE NUMBER: C-23-CV-23-000089 FIG SERIES HOLDINGS, LLC C/O JAMES F. TRUITT, JR. 20 EAST TIMONIUM ROAD, SUITE 100 TIMONIUM, MARYLAND 21093 Plaintiff

RALPH GROTON ROBERT REED MARY KAY REED 17 SOMERSET AVE AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND (for Maryland Annotated Code 14-1836(b)(1l(v) purposes only) and Any and all person having or claiming to have any Interest in the fee simple in the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Rolls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes for said County known as: 17 Somerset Avenue, Pocomoke, MD 21851, 1st (first) Election District, described as follows: all that lot of land LOT 8 BLK B 17 SOMERSET AVE PL POKOMOKE HEIGHTS ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding Is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property, 17 Somerset Avenue, Pocomoke, MD 21851 in the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: all that lot of land LOT 8 BLK B 17, SOMERSET AVE PL POKOMOKE HEIGHTS. The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 20TH DAY OF APRIL, 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 general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested In the property to appear in this Court by the 19th of JUNE, 2023, and redeem the property 17 Somerset Avenue, Pocomoke, MD 21851 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption In the property, and vesting In the Plaintiffs title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 28, 2023

v.

JOHN GROTON

BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MD 3x 4-28, 5-05, 5-12

Third Insertion MICHAEL B. MATHERS, ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 218030910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19697 To all persons interested in the estate of KATHRYN L. PHILLIPS, Estate No. 19697.

Notice is given that SCOTT R. PHILLIPS, 5533 ADAMS RIDGE ROAD, CLARKSVILLE, MD 21029 and TERRY A. PHILLIPS, 22 SUNDIAL CIRCLE, OCEAN PINES, MD 21811, were on APRIL 25, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of KATHRYN L. PHILLIPS who died on DECEMBER 15, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25TH day of OCTOBER 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unen-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 52

May 12, 2023

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966. forceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 28, 2023 SCOTT R. PHILLIPS TERRY A. PHILLIPS Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 4-28, 5-05, 5-12

Second Insertion SUSAN HUESMAN MITCHELL, ESQ. STEEN, WAEHLER & SCHRIDER-FOX, LLC 92 ATLANTIC AVENUE UNIT B PO BOX 1398 OCEAN VIEW, DE 19970 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19698 To all persons interested in the estate of RUTH INGEBORG BRITTINGHAM, Estate No. 19698. Notice is given that R. JORDAN BAYLY, 12506 WHITESVILLE ROAD, LAUREL, DE 19956, was on APRIL 26, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of RUTH INGEBORG BRITTINGHAM, who died on MARCH 25, 2023, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 26TH day of OCTOBER 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the

creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 5, 2023 R. JORDAN BAYLY Personal Representative True Test Copy

Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-05, 5-12, 5-19

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 5, 2023

Second Insertion

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-05, 5-12, 5-19

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19702 To all persons interested in the estate of BETTY J. HEIMRICH, Estate No. 19702. Notice is given that ROBERT A. HEIMRICH, 12512 DEER POINT CIRCLE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MAY 1, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of BETTY J. HEIMRICH, who died on APRIL 24, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1ST day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

ROBERT A. HEIMRICH Personal Representative True Test Copy

Second Insertion MICHAEL B. MATHERS, ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 218030910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19703 To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE C. VAN NOSTRAND, Estate No. 19703. Notice is given that GEORGE G. VAN NOSTRAND, 4613 NW 20TH STREET, OCALA, FL 34482, was on MAY 1, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of GEORGE C. VAN NOSTRAND, who died on APRIL 4, 2023, with a will.

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

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 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 1ST day of NOVEMBER 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 5, 2023 GEORGE G. VAN NOSTRAND Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 218631074 3x 5-05, 5-12, 5-19

Second Insertion REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19701 To all persons interested in the estate of MARY K. GOECKEL, Estate No. 19701. Notice is given that LYNNE RUSKOSKI, 106 DAVIS COURT, BERLIN, MD

21811, was on MAY 1, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of MARY K. GOECKEL, who died on MARCH 4, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1ST day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 5, 2023 LYNNE RUSKOSKI Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-05, 5-12, 5-19

Second Insertion TIMOTHY S. BARKLEY, SR. BARKLEY LAW OFFICE, PC PO BOX 1136 MT. AIRY, MD 21771 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19699

To all persons interested in the estate of RUSSELL J. EGELAND, Estate No. 19699.

Notice is given that EMILY SCHULTZ, 2226 133RD PLACE, SE, BOTHELL, WA 98012, was on APRIL 27, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of RUSSELL J. EGELAND, who died on MARCH 24, 2023, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of OCTOBER, 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 5, 2023 EMILY SCHULTZ Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-05, 5-12, 5-19

First Insertion REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023

Page 53

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

First Insertion

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19713

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

To all persons interested in the estate of SIMONE PAULETTE LOUISE SMITH, Estate No. 19713. Notice is given that HELEN ST. JOHN MALONE, 11733 GRAY'S CORNER ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MAY 05, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of SIMONE PAULETTE LOUISE SMITH, who died on MARCH 19, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of NOVEMBER 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 12, 2023 HELEN ST. JOHN MALONE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-12, 5-19, 5-26

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19605 To all persons interested in the estate of MARIA F JOHANSEN, Estate No. 19605.

Notice is given that CHARLES STELLA, 31684 COOK ROAD, NORTH RIDGEVILLE, OH 44039, was on MAY 05, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of MARIA F JOHANSEN, who died on FEBRUARY 21, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 12, 2023 CHARLES STELLA Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-12, 5-19, 5-26

First Insertion NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19715 Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS COURT of MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA, appointed(state) JOHN H. BROCKWELL JR., C/O HOWLAND HESS BIRNBAUM, 2444 HUNTINGDON PIKE, HUNTINGDON VALLEY, PA 19006 as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of LINDA J BOETTCHER, who

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 died on OCTOBER 8, 2022, domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is BARRY JACKSON, whose address is 23 WEST STREET, 2ND FLOOR, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this

published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 12, 2023 JOHN H. BROCKWELL, JR. Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTOCTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-12, 5-19, 5-26

First Insertion ABANDONED VESSEL

Notice is hereby given that the following vessel has apparantly been abandoned for more than 180 days.

The vessel is described as: 1976 CATALINA YACHTS, 27’, WHITE IN COLOR, HULLED FIBERGLASS SAILBOAT. MD Vessel #4985 DB. HULL IDENTIFICATION :#CTYL259M76G. Located at 110504 SUSSEX ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, TRUDY STOCK, 443880-7453.

Application for Title will be made in accordance with Section 8-722 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Res-oures Article, if this vessel is not claimed and removed from the above property within 30 days of notice.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication May 12, 2023 1x 5-12

taylor house museum to start season next Week

Page 54

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

8th street & philadelphia ave.

410-289-4891 •picklesoc.com open year-round every day 8th st. liquors open every day

SUNDAY FUNDAY! $5 Bloody Marys & Mimosas ‘Til 3 p.m.

Beats By DeoGee w/Late Night Happy Hour Drinks

HAPPINESS HAPPY HOUR MONDAY-FRIDAY 3-6PM

MONDAY: UNTIL 6PM 1/2-Price Wings (Some Flavors Not Available) TUESDAY: UNTIL 6PM $2 Beef, Pork Or Chicken Tacos $3 Tecate WEDNESDAY: UNTIL 6PM 1/2-Price-1/2-Pound Hand-Pattied Burgers (Some Burgers Do Not Apply)

BERLIN – The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum will kick off its 2023 season next week on International Museum Day. On Thursday, May 18, the museum on Main Street in Berlin will once again welcome visitors in to tour the historic home.

With new exhibits and updated displays, museum officials are hopeful both new and repeat guests will stop by the facility this year.

“We’re really striving to tell the stories of Berlin,” said Melissa Reid, president of the museum.

As it has in recent years, the museum will kick off its season on International Museum Day with refreshments for guests as well as a membership drive. Memberships, which are $20 for individuals and $30 for families, help fund the museum’s efforts to share Berlin history. The museum also offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities.

“The money goes right back into telling the stories of Berlin,” Reid said.

Those who visit the museum this year will be able to view its new exhibit on Calvin B. Taylor. Though the facility is named after the renowned figure from Berlin’s history, this is the first time there’s been an entire exhibit dedicated to Taylor. Reid said the new display was, appropriately, in the same room as the Rev. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley exhibit.

“Calvin B. Taylor and Rev. Tindley were

The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum off Main Street is pictured.

contemporaries,” she said. “They knew each other.”

Another change visitors will notice this year is the layout of the main bedroom upstairs. It has been reconfigured to reflect the way the room would have actually been used in the 1830s.

“It’s a more realistic setup,” Reid said.

One of the biggest changes at the museum this year, however, doesn’t relate to one exhibit but rather all of them. Museum staff and volunteers spent the offseason developing a self-guided tour booklet, complete with QR codes that provide links to audio, so that visitors who’d rather tour

File Photo

the museum at their own pace can do so.

“There will still be a docent but if people would rather explore at their own pace there’s a book,” Reid said. “We wanted to give people different options on how to explore the museum.”

Along with its historic exhibits, the museum will once again host various events throughout the year. The first of its Concerts on the Lawn” series will take place June 11, when the High and Wides will perform at 6 p.m.

For a full listing of museum events or information on how to become a member, visit taylorhousemuseum.org.

(Food Specials With Purchase Of Beverage Some Restrictions Apply) Friday 9:30pm Beats By Deogee 80’s & 90’s $5 Crushes 9:30pm Saturday 9pm Rogue Citizens Sunday 9:30pm Beats By Deogee Late Night Happy Hour Drinks 10pm Monday 9:30pm Karaoke w/ Wood $2 Natty Lights $3 Grenades 9:30pm Tuesday 9:30pm Beats By Wax $4 White Claw $4 Deep Eddy 9:30pm Wednesday 9:30pm Beats By Deogee $4 Select Craft Beer & $5 Bulletts 6pm Thursday 9:30pm Beats By Wax $2.50 Domestics $3 Grenades $4 White Tea 9:30pm

WHOLE HOUSE ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT & SAFETY INSPECTION

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

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

Call 410-641-1434 Worcester County Lic. #M917 • Maryland Lic. # 3506

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 55

Page 56

Who’s Where When BUXY’S/ DRY DOCK 28 410-289-BUXY 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Monday, May 15: Aaron Howell Duo

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Best Beats

COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday & Saturday, May 12 & 13: Park Avenue Tuesdays: Karaoke w/DJ Jeremy

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, May 12 & Monday, May 15

On The Beach BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays

CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL 410-289-6846 37th & 38th St. Oceanside at Castle In The Sand Hotel Friday, May 12: Darin Engh, Lime Green Band Saturday, May 13: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama, Royal Flush Band Sunday, May 14: Darren O’Neill, Rick & Regina Monday, May 15: Fil Rhythm Duo Tuesday, May 16: Bilenki Duo Wednesday, May 17: Chris Diller Duo Thursday, May 18: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama

May 12, 2023

DARIN ENGH Coconuts Beach Bar: Friday, May 12

NATIONAL RECORDING ARTIST: KIND VILLAIN Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, May 12

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

BRIAN BISHOP Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sunday, May 14

KARAOKE W/ DJ WOOD Pickles Pub: Mondays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Thursdays & Fridays & Saturday & Sunday, May 13 & 14

SOCIAL Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, May 12 & 13

DJ TUFF Seacrets: Friday, May 12

CORK BAR Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Saturday, May 13: Going Coastal CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Sunday, May 14: Brian Bishop Wednesday, May 17: Jack Bannon CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, May 12: National Recording Artist: Kind Villain Saturday, May 13: Fuzzbox Piranha

BEATS BY DEOGEE Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays & Wednesdays

JJ BILLINGS BAND Fager’s Island: Friday, May 12

JACK BANNON Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, May 17

BINGO W/BLAKE HALEY Greene Turtle West: Tuesdays

SCREAMING MONKEYS Seacrets: Saturday, May 13

DJ DAVIE Seacrets: Sunday Wednesday, May 14-17

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 57

Who’s Where When

ROGUE CITIZENS Pier 23: Friday, May 12 Pickles Pub: Saturday, May 13

KEVIN POOLE & JOE MAMA Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday, May 13 & Thursday, May 18

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, May 12: DJ RobCee, The JJ Billings Band, The Rockets Saturday, May 13: DJ Groove, Sons Of Pirates, No Go Romeo Monday, May 15: DJ RobCee, Josh Christina GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Rt. 611, West O.C. Tuesdays: Bingo w/ Blake HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Thursdays & Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, May 13: Dust N Bones, DJ Billy T Sunday, May 14: Opposite Directions, DJ Billy T

FUZZBOX PIRANHA Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, May 13

AARON HOWELL DUO Buxy’s Salty Dog: Monday, May 15

GOING COASTAL Cork Bar: Saturday, May 13

ROYAL FLUSH BAND Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday, May 13

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By Deogee Saturday, May 13: Rogue Citizens Sunday, May 14: Beats By Deogee Mondays: Karaoke w/Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee Thursdays: Beats By Wax PIER 23 410-289-3323 12817 Harbor Rd. West O.C. Friday, May 12: Rogue Citizens Saturday, May 13: Endless Embers Sunday, May 14: No More Whiskey PURPLE MOOSE SALOON 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards Friday & Saturday, May 12 & 13: Social

NO MORE WHISKEY Pier 23: Sunday, May 14

SONS OF PIRATES Fager’s Island: Saturday, May 13

PARK AVENUE Coins Pub: Friday & Saturday, May 13 & 14

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, May 14 Seacrets: Thursday, May 18

SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, May 12: DJ Tuff, DJ Bobby O, Hotel Don’t Tell, Billy Walton, The Event Horizon Saturday, May 13: DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, DJ Davie, John McNutt Band, Tunnel’s End, Screaming Monkeys Sunday & Monday, May 14 & 15: DJ Davie, Cellar Sessions Tuesday & Wednesday, May 16 & 17: DJ Davie, Element K, Thursday, May 18: DJ Connair, DJ Cruz, Opposite Directions, GoGo Gadjet

Page 58

Every Sunday: Farmers Market Berlin will host along Main Street with 35-plus vendors from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Rain or shine. TheBerlinFarmersMarket.com.

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

Call Rose 443-880-8444.

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus All ladies who love to sing are invited to the Delmarva Woman’s Acapella Chorus, Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Contact Mary 410-629-9383 or Carol 302242-7062.

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

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

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

Meetings are held at the Worcester County Berlin Health Department at 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. 410-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do 289-4725.

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

Every Wednesday: Bingo Elks Lodge 2645, corner of Sinepuxent Avenue and 138th Street in Ocean City. Has bingo all year. Doors open 4:30 p.m. with first game sharply at 6:30 p.m. Kitchen open for light fare. 410-250-2645.

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

302-436-9577 or BeachSingles.org.

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

May 12: Crab Cake Dinner Stevenson United Methodist Church is hosting from 4-6 p.m. Carryout but eating inside an option as well with bake table available. Cost is one crab cake sandwich meal, $14; two crab cake sandwich meal, $24; and one crab cake sandwich, $10. Bake sale table available.

May 13: Bike Ride Day Ocean Pines Bike Ride Day will be held from 3-6 p.m. For more information, email Patti Stevens of the Worcester County Bike & Pedestrian Coalition at patti59.stevens@gmail.com, or Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue at ddonahue@-oceanpines.org.

May 13: Furnace Town Celebration From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Furnace Fairies and Gnomes Celebration takes place with Furnace Town being invaded by fantasy creatures for one day only.

Frolic with fairies, garden with gnomes, ride a unicorn, trade with an ogre, say hi to giants and make friends with a mermaid. Vendors, food, games, and entertainment galore. Kids 5-15, $5; 15-plus, $10; and kids under 5, free.

May 13: High Tea Benefit The Ladies High Tea Fundraiser will be held from 1-3 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 10301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. Scones, sandwiches, desserts and a variety of teas. Silent Auction for a child's quilt and other opportunities to win prizes. $20 donation per person RSVP now to reserve your spot! 443-604-8068. Donations received go toward the Roof Replacement Fund.

May 13: Club Meeting The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Library. The speaker will be Joe Jankowski, director of “Protectors of the St. Martin River”. He will address the history of the group, what they’re involved in with a river of major importance to Ocean Pines and surrounding area, and what progress they’re making in growing oysters in our coastal bays.

All welcome.

May 13: Book Signing The Greyhound Bookstore, located at 9 South Main Street, Berlin, will host from 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. a book signing by two local authors, CK Laurence and Jerry Lyons for their first book in the Ricky Burns Mysteries series. This book is titled "Two in the Head." It is a true crime story based loosely on the Aaron Hernandez double murder case in Boston a few years ago. Lyons was the investigator for the Aaron Hernandez defense team. Their next book in the series will be based loosely on the Casey Anthony murder case in Orlan-

May 12, 2023

do, Fla. Lyons was also the investigator for Casey's defense team.

May 14: Mother’s Day Breakfast From 8 a.m.-noon, American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 166, 23rd St. & Philadelphia Ave. in Ocean City will host, featuring scrambled eggs, home fries, sausage, bacon, scrapple, chipped beef, biscuits, pancakes, danish, coffee, tea and juice. Bloody Marys or Mimosas $5. $15 per person, $10 for children.

Open to the public.

May 17: Golf Tournament MAC, Inc., Your Area Agency on Aging is hosting a golf tournament to benefit its Meals on Wheels program. Checkin begins at 8 a.m., followed by the shotgun start at 9 a.m. Play will be best ball format. Teams are forming now. The cost is $400 per team of four; $100 for individuals. Participation in the tournament can make a real difference in the lives of older persons on the Lower Shore. Funds raised will help MAC provide home-delivered meals to local seniors who are unable to prepare their own food. Many of our elderly neighbors are isolated and alone and need help in securing the most basic of human necessities – food. To register or for more information, visit https://macinc.org/specialevents/golf/.

May 18: Museum Day International Museum Day will he observed at the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission to see all the exhibits and amazing displays. www.ocmuseum.org.

May 18-21: Cruisin OC The nationally recognized event attracts more than 3,000 customs, hot rods, street machines, classics and more. While the main events take place at the beachside Inlet Parking Lot and the Ocean City Convention Center, there will be various citywide locations. Spectator tickets are $15 a day for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 18-20, and $10 a day for Sunday, May 21, good at the Inlet and Convention Center. Children under 14 are free with an adult. Show hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday with the Grand Finale Awards starting at 2 p.m. For additional information visit www.cruisinoceancity.com or call 410798-6304.

May 19: Flounder Dinner Bowen United Methodist Church in Newark will host from 4:30 p.m. until sold out. Dinner includes fried flounder, green beans, mac ‘n cheese, cornbread, dessert and beverage. Cost is $10. Carryout available.

May 20: Chicken Platters Fried and baked chicken platters to go for $10 at Calvary United Methodist Church at 8607 Ironshire Station Road in Berlin. Platters sold with two sides and a roll. Potato salad, mac n’ cheese and green beans. Also, a desSEE NEXT PAGE

May 12, 2023

...Things To Do sert table and drinks for sale. From 10:30 a.m. until sold out.

May 20: Old Pro Open It's Par-Tee Time at the 6th Annual Old Pro Open. Get ready to swing into the largest mini-golf tournament on the East Coast on 68th Street, OC. www.oldprogolf.com.

June 3: Community Yard Sale The Parke at Ocean Pines is holding its community sale (rain date is Sunday, June 4) from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the driveways of residents.

The Parke is an active 55+ Adult community of 503 homes. Parke residents are selling their treasures for others to enjoy. There are clothes, lamps, artwork, household items, electronics, furniture and more. Maps will be available at the main entrance of the Parke located at Central Parke West, located off of Ocean Parkway at the south entrance of Ocean Pines.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

walk through the park. After the walk, participants are encouraged to visit health vendors and participate in free health screenings, including blood pressure and a diabetes risk assessment. Pre-registration is encouraged and can be found at Eventbrite.com The first 100 individuals to register will receive a commemorative T-shirt. For more information, please call 410632-1100 extension 1108.

June 13: Kid’s Carnival Fish Tales, located on 22nd Street bayside in Ocean City, will be hosting from noon-3 p.m. To celebrate the end of the school year, Fish Tales decided to have this fun family event for children. This day will be filled with carnival games, face painting, inflatables, children’s vendors, kid’s crafts, pony rides and food and drinks. A commemorative T-shirt will be available for purchase. All proceeds from the day will be donated to the Lower Shore Spe-

Page 59

cial Olympics. If anyone would like to be a vendor, contact India Bandorick at 410-289-0990 or email her at india@ocfishtales.com.

June 14: AARP Meeting Ocean City AARP Chapter 1917 will meet at 10 a.m. in the Ocean City 50 Plus Center located on 41st St. and Coastal Highway. Please arrive early at 9:30 for a social half-hour and refreshments. Guest speaker will be from the Burbage Funeral Home. New members are welcome. 410-2500980.

June 16-18: OP Players Show Theater-goers should make note that the Ocean Pines Players (OPP) production of the Pulitzer nominated play, Love Letters, now has a different performance schedule and venue. There will be no performances in May. The play will be offered on Friday and Saturday, June 16 and

17 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, June 18 at 2:30 p.m. All shows will take place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 10301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. The ticket-holders from the May performance dates have been contacted and offered their choice of a transfer of their tickets to the new dates or a full refund. Any ticketholder who has not yet received notification should email info@oceanpinesplayer.org to make their preferred arrangements. OPP regrets any inconvenience to its audience but feels confident that these changes will result in a satisfying theater experience.

Ticket buyers are reminded of the benefits of OPP memberships such as a 20% discount on performance tickets, priority seating and early bird access when there’s reserved seating. It’s recommended that patrons go to: https://oceanpinesplayers.org to become a member and then buy tickets to the show.

June 8: Meet & Greet Republican Women of Worcester County invite you to come meet and socialize with other members and Republicans. Bring a friend. All are welcome. Cash bar from 5-7 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club.

June 10: Furnace Town Music Get ready to groove this summer at Furnace Town, showcasing a lineup of talented musicians and artists from around the shore. Enjoy live performances in a stunning outdoor venue.

Bring your friends, family and loved ones for an evening filled with music, food, drinks, and fun. Cost is $10/adults, $5/kids 5-15.

The schedule is: June 10: 5-8 p.m., Vintage Blue Bluegrass Band June 24: 5-8 p.m., Flatland Drive Bluegrass Band July 8: 5-8 p.m., Bryan & The Barn Owls-Americana July 24: 5-8 p.m., The Folk Heroes & The Folk Villains Aug. 5: 5-8 p.m., Hoedown with DJ Kay Aug. 19: 5-8 p.m., Ampersand – Traditional American Music.

June 10: Just Walk Event In celebration of Men’s Health Month, the Worcester County Health Department in collaboration with the City of Pocomoke will be hosting their first Just Walk for Men’s Health event at Cypress Park in Pocomoke City. It will include a walk, no-cost health screenings, health education, and more.

This family and pet-friendly event is open to all county residents. Registration and check-in will start at 8:30 a.m. followed by opening remarks at 9:00 a.m. by special guests Pocomoke City Mayor Todd Nock and Al “Hondo” Handy. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a prewalk warm-up with Gary Press, owner of G Fit Boot Camp, followed by a

ole 7 H rse 2 y nl ou sO fC OC’ ini Gol M

23rd Street ~ Temple Of Dragons

28th Street ~ Medieval Faire

ble

ssi

air

lch

ee Wh

e Acc

136th Street ~ Caribbean Pirates 68th Street ~ Dinosaurs & & Indoor Safari Village Indoor Under Sea Adventure www.oldprogolf.com • 410-524-2645

Long-Time Business Owners Reflect On 61 Years Of The Moore Companies

Page 60

BY STEVE GREEN EDITOR

BERLIN – It’s the end of an era for Danny and Mary Moore.

For the long-time Berlin couple, their professional lives over the last 60-plus years have focused on operating The Moore Companies, a full-scale landscaping and lawn care company based in Berlin and founded by Daniel S. Moore, Sr., Danny’s father, in 1962.

On April 14, the Moore’s sold their family business to Chester River Landscaping, a family-owned business with a 200-acre nursery in Chestertown that offers services all over the Delmarva Peninsula. The company had been looking to enter the coastal Worcester County market for some time after establishing a presence in Delaware recently.

Throughout the company’s history, The Moore Companies has handled lawn care and landscaping services for the Town of Ocean City, dozens of regional public and private schools, Salisbury University, University of Maryland, U.S. Navy athletic fields, Assateague Island National Seashore, U.S. Coast Guard Station, U.S. Post offices in Salisbury, Cambridge and Centreville, Tidal Health, Atlantic General Hospital, the Fort Washington Community Hospital, The Parke in Ocean Pines, the Ocean Pines Association, Hidden Harbour in Ocean City, Mallards Lakes in Fenwick Island, Bethany Bay in Millville and numerous homeowner associations through the region. At the time of its sale last month, the company had grown tremendously since its modest roots.

Early Modest Roots Moore’s Sod Farm was born after the historically destructive Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962. The storm ravaged the midAtlantic coast from March 5-9, 1962. In the storm’s immediate wake of destruction was an urgency amongst businesses to rebuild and get ready for the summer season, including preparing the grounds of hotels and other tourism-based businesses for visitors. A local farmer, Moore, Sr. was looking to help and started selling sod to address the emergency associated with numerous damaged lawns around the island.

After borrowing a sod cutter from the thenOcean City Golf and Yacht Club, Moore Sr. went about meeting the need and established Moore’s Sod Farms, which began to grow high-quality grass sod. Over time, the business evolved into general landscape construction with commercial and residential clients.

“My father had a dairy farm, and he always had several jobs. He started this business in 1962 when people needed to have lawns due to the March storm,” Danny Moore said. “Back then places like the Surf and Sands Motel had lawns in between the building and Boardwalk. They needed to quickly get their places back in shape and they knew if they tried to seed it, it wasn’t going to be fully mature when people started visiting Ocean City.”

At this time, Danny Moore had just graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Agriculture. He joined the U.S. Navy after college and stayed for four years. While a student at Maryland, he met his future wife, Mary, but it was in the summer of 1961 when a true connection was

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

made at Danny’s lifeguard stand in Ocean City. On Aug. 4, 1962, Danny and Mary married and honeymooned for a week in Rehoboth Beach, Del. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last summer. It would become clear 1962 was an important year for the Moore’s personally and professionally.

The Moore’s spent their early years together living in Montgomery County while Danny worked in the Navy on a diving vessel and Mary in an art gallery. After leaving the Navy, the couple returned to Berlin and began working in the family business, then Moore Sod Farm, in 1965 under his father.

Moore said he was “the low man on the totem pole” in those days working with his father. “So many of the guys I have hired over the years I have told them, ‘if you complain about anything I want you do in this business, I want you to know I have done it all, don’t complain about it,’” Moore said. “I have done the worst job in this business and did it for many years until I got moved up the ladder. It was so primitive when we first started out in the sod business. It’s always been a lot of physical work, but it was so much different when I first got started.”

Moore worked with his dad until 1973 when he purchased the business, adding a number of additional services like lawn care, landscape lighting, shrub and tree care and irrigation installation and service.

In 1994, the company changed the name to The Moore Companies, which better represented the full scope of the services offered by the business.

“Once we got out of the sod business and no longer grew sod, it didn’t make sense to continue as is,” Moore said. “The new name better represented everything we did and how we morphed over the years.”

Changing Times As with any small business, especially in recent years with inflation and economic changes, challenges have arisen. Mary Moore has typically handled the business side of the operation while Danny managed the field and oversaw everything.

“Danny has built up a great business over all these years. We have been blessed with a great foreman and have had some really wonderful people to work with us,” she said.

Moore said operating a business is harder today than ever with many obstacles resulting in increasing expenses that must be met to continue operations.

“Over the last few years, I started seeing these concerning trends in business.

Every single town we go in we have to pay $250 just to go in and do business. The fuel, the fees, the regulations – all these things together got me concerned and at our ages it was becoming stressful,” Mary Moore said. “Starting a few years ago, it became so hard to find labor and keep people. We became very aware of a changing economy and there were many signs over recent years that all culminated in us being where we are today.”

Throughout their business life, Mary Moore said it was important for her and her husband to hire fine people with morals to represent them. It’s why their employees always wore uniforms and drove company trucks. She said all employees were also drug tested before her husband would

May 12, 2023

Mary and Danny Moore are pictured this week outside their office in Berlin at the BroadMoore building they developed.

Photo by Steve Green

even considering hiring them.

“He would say go to 10th Street and get drug tested and then we can talk about pay and the job. We couldn’t have any of that,” she said. “When our trucks show up to your HOA or your business, we wanted our people to have uniforms on with their names on them. If they weren’t fluent in English, they would give the person Danny’s business card and say call the office.

Maybe this is just us and our era. It was terribly important to us that whoever was on your property that you knew they were professional and you were safe. I believe that you feel good about yourself if you look good. For us that was the khaki pants, belts on, collared shirt with name on it. To me that image was just as much about us as our customers in this day and age. It was important to Danny and I that our customers felt secure and we never had a problem with anyone.”

‘A Period Of Adjustment’ Today, the Moore’s are adapting to a new normal after 61 years of working on some aspect of their business just about each day. Over the years, it was common to see Danny Moore out on a job site amid yellow company trucks with shovel and wheelbarrow in tow. Conversely, it was a frequent sight to see Mary Moore’s car in front of the company’s office at night within the BroadMoore building in Berlin the couple constructed years ago.

“It’s very, very strange. This is going to take a while to adjust. I still wake up every day thinking I need to check the weather to direct the crews or do this or that,” Danny Moore said. “It’s a period of adjustment after all these years. I still look at the weather every day.”

Mary added, “everyday was always just get up and get to work, talk to people, get payroll done, pay the bills. People ask me, ‘how’s retirement?’ Well, it’s not started yet because we still have bills from March and April when we were operating. Danny is retired and I am happy for him. It’s close for me.”

Mary was reflective as she looked back on her and her husband’s business over the last 60 years.

“Danny built up a great business over all these years. I am really proud of him,” she said. “He’s a very humble man, he’s always been that way, like nothing is a big deal, but it’s a big deal. I really am proud of him and us really. We tried to do every-

thing with integrity. We have a lot to be proud of, especially with our kids, too, who grew up answering the phone at home saying the company name as kids.”

According to Mary and Danny Moore, talk of selling the business began organically through their four adult children who huddled together in recent years, encouraging their parents to pursue sale opportunities.

“Alex, Ann, Elizabeth and Maureen were all involved in this process, and each one of them had their own unique interest and expertise in working together to make this thing happen,” Danny Moore said. “They were a tremendous help along the way.

They really wanted everything to turn out great for us. They felt it was time for us.

They helped a lot.”

During an interview Monday, Mary Moore became emotional talking about her family and reflecting on the journey of owning and operating a family business. The interview took place in Danny’s office, which features a large scheduling wall with old notes from his granddaughters in the corners and family pictures throughout the room.

Mary Moore said an aspect that brings her tremendous pride is the fact they were able to send their four kids – Ann, Alex, Elizabeth and Maureen -- to then-Worcester Country School throughout their upbringings and on to college without any of them incurring student debt. Danny Moore was one of a small group of founding members of the now Worcester Preparatory School over 50 years ago. Ann lives in Rehoboth Beach, Del. as does Alex. Elizabeth lives in New York City and Maureen is a resident of Portland, Ore. “To this day, our kids say thank you Mom and Dad for everything and tell us how many of their friends today are still paying off their student debt,” Mary Moore.

“It gets me emotional because we are proud. They tell us, ‘thank you so much, you all did everything for us.’ Now we get to see them living their lives …”

Though the new owner is now serving all of The Moore Companies’ previous contracts and customers, the Moore’s have an entire inventory of lawn care equipment, from the large to the small, scheduled to be auctioned through Pete Richardson Auction Sales on Sunday, June 11 at 8 a.m. The auction will place at 35640 Woodyard Road, Willards, Md. 21874.

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 61

Mallards Roll To Conference Championship, 10-4 Record

Page 62

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023

Members of the Worcester Prep varsity boys lacrosse team are pictured above left after winning another ESIAC Conference title. Above right, junior goalie Connor Ferguson is pictured making an outlet pass in the championship game. Ferguson set the school’s single season save record with 191 stops on the season.

Submitted Photos

BERLIN – After a rough start with three straight loses to Bayside Conference teams, the Worcester Prep boys lacrosse team won nine of its next 10 games to finish the season with a 10-4 record.

Last Friday, the season culminated with another Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) championship. The Mallards took down Gun-

Seniors Recognized:

ston, 16-5, behind seven goals by senior Griffin Jones and five goals by senior Jack Gardner. Junior Cole Campbell added two goals and sophomore Ryan Mann had a goal and five assists. Junior goalie Connor Ferguson was strong in goal with eight saves. In his first year as the team’s goalie, Ferguson set the school record for single season saves with 191 stops.

On the girls side, Worcester Prep traveled Thursday night to battle for the ESIAC Championship against Sts. Peter and Paul. The game took place too late to be included in this edition. The Lady Mallards looked to pull off a huge upset having lost to the Sabres 19-2 on April 4 and 22-7 on May 2.

Last week on Senior Game Night, the Mallards advanced to the championship

game by defeating Gunston 13-8. WPS was up 7-5 at half and was able to stretch the lead in the second half. Sophomore Emma Zajdel powered the offense with five goals. Freshman Lo Malinowski added three goals and an assist. Also in the book with two goals each were Isabella Borsoni and Caitlyn Hoen. Junior goalie Caitlin Williams had six saves in the net.

Worcester Preparatory School held Senior Game festivities for members of the boys and girls lacrosse teams playing in their last homes games of their high school careers last week. Above, from left, are Julia, Ansley, Jack and Galen Gardner, and Tim, Griffin and Jamie Jones. Above right, from left, are Matthew, Sara and Melissa Miller; Chris, Caitlyn and Jennifer Hoen; Tim and Julie Lyons, Ava and Jason Wilsey; Laurie, Annie and Nick Carter; and Jennifer, Isabella and Eric Borsoni. Below left, from left, are Borsoni, Miller, Wilsey, Hoen and Carter. Below right, Gardner and Griffin are pictured with Coach Drew Haugh and the championship hardware.

Submitted Photos

May 12, 2023

Decatur Boys, Girls Lax Teams Fall In Bayside Championships

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SPORTS In The News

Junior Ryder Swanson homered in the third inning to even the game with Cape He would later score the game winner.

Photo by DSN

BERLIN – All the spring sports teams for Stephen Decatur High School are seeded high in the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) postseason tournaments, which are now underway.

•On Monday, in the first home Bayside Conference championship game of the night, Easton defeated Decatur’s boys lacrosse team, 15-9, getting out early and cruising to a comfortable win.

Freshman John Fohner had three goals on the day. Freshman Ashton March and Luke Popielaski added two goals. Graham Geiser had two assists on the day. The boys record stands at 9-4 on the season.

Moving into the post season and the MPSSAA Class 2A playoffs, Decatur is the No. 2 seed in the region and will battle Bennett on Friday night in the region semifinals. If Decatur wins over Bennett, as it did 18-6 on April 28, it will likely set up a rematch with Easton in the region finals.

•Decatur’s girls lacrosse team lost the Bayside Conference championship at home on Monday to Queen Anne’s 9-3.

The loss dropped the team’s record to 8-5 on the season.

Queen Anne’s overmatched the Seahawks from the start to gain the conference crown and remain undefeated. Junior Sadie Kauffman scored twice and senior Kayla Brady added a goal in a losing cause.

Despite the loss, Decatur is the No. 1 seed in its region in the MPSSAA Class 2A playoffs. Decatur will host the winner of the Bennett-Easton game in the region semifinals. Decatur lost to Bennett, 8-6, on May 5 and crushed Easton, 19-6, on April 17.

Boys Baseball: Decatur ended its regular season last Friday with a thrilling 21 win over Cape Henlopen, improving its season record to 17-2. Cape fell to 12-41 on the season.

Cape was first on the board scoring off an error and a hit to take a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Junior Ryder Swan-

Page 63

Decatur junior Matt Wright delivers during a stellar outing on the mound against Cape last week.

Photo by DSN

son crushed a leadoff third inning homer to tie the game at 1-1. The game stayed at 1-1 until the top of the seventh inning when with two outs and a full count senior AJ Kolb delivered a clutch single scoring Swanson for the go-ahead run. Matt Wright was dominate on the mound for the win.

Decatur scored a No. 1 regional seed in the MPSSAA Class 3A baseball tournament. Decatur plays May 13 against the winner of the Crofton-Bennett game Thursday.

Girls Softball: The girls softball team at Decatur ended its regular season on a high note last week with a crushing of Easton, 16-2, improving its record to 162 on the year.

As the No. 1 regional seed in the MPSSAA Class 3A region of the softball tournament, the Seahawks will square off in the region semifinals on May 15 at home against the winner of the Arundel-Chesapeake game.

Decatur freshman goalie Declan Horan stuffs a shot in the first half against Easton.

Photo by J.P. Cathell Photography

With a hat trick, freshman John Fohner was a bright spot in Monday’s 15-9 loss to Easton.

Photo by J.P. Cathell Photography

Junior Sadie Kauffman fires a goal in the 9-3 loss to Queen Anne’s Monday.

Photo by DSN

Page 64

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023

STUDENTS In The News

Worcester County Sheriff Deputy Jake Howard recently visited Ocean City Elementary to teach students about the importance of making smart decisions.

Pictured after one of their D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) lessons are fourth grade students from Lynn Wrench and Kathleen Emche's classes.

Submitted Photos

Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) sophomore Angeline Todorov, right, and freshman Jude Damouni each placed third in the Ocean City – Berlin Optimist International Essay Competition. Damouni went on to place first in the Ocean CityBerlin Optimist Club Oratorical contest, in both the club and zone level competitions, which included competitors from Sussex and Wicomico counties.

The topic of the four-minute speech was "Discovering the Optimism in Me.”

Kara Casale and Ms. Grace Heflin's PreK-3 class at Ocean City Elementary has been learning about the life cycle of a butterfly. They observed their caterpillars turning into a chrysalis and are now excited to watch them become beautiful butterflies.

Worcester Preparatory School recently added raised garden beds and a paver walkway near the tennis courts. The school is in the process of welcoming a new group of pollinators to campus. Students from all divisions have been working on this project and recently Lower School students completed the garden by planting their own beds. Once the garden is finished, it will be dedicated in honor of Kathleen Otway, a cherished member of the WPS community who recently lost her battle with cancer. Above, the second grade class stands over their planted garden boxes in celebration of Earth Day. Standing behind the students are teachers Abby Harrison and Julia Allison and Story Hill Farm owner Helen Raleigh.

Below, upper school volunteers Vanesska Hall, Jenna Hess and Izzy Huber were on hand to help lower school students plant the Butterfly Habitat. Second from bottom, first graders Eleanor Brown, Avery Anderson and Camden Haley were big helpers in carrying water to the new pollinator garden. Bottom, first grader teacher Angie Bunting’s 1st-grade class planted their pollinator garden with the help of Assistant Head of School/Head of Upper School Mr. Mike Grosso and Upper School volunteers Vanesska Hall, Tyler Netting, Ayla Yonker and Jenna Hess.

… County To Fund $100M For Schools

May 12, 2023

FROM PAGE 4 Commissioner Diana Purnell said teachers were already not being paid enough.

“Yes, we need transparency, yes we need to see what’s going on,” she said.

“We ask for that in every department. The board of education has not been like they should have but I tell you what, the ones that are going to suffer is not anyone in our department necessarily, but our kids are going to suffer. Right now teachers are walking away from school systems throughout this nation. They’re going to walk away from Worcester County as well.”

For years, the school system was able to attract teachers partially because of its proximity to the beach, according to Purnell.

“You can’t sell sand anymore because when they come into this community they’re going to have to make enough money to pay rent,” she said. “Rents are outrageous. We don’t have housing right now.”

She said funding the school system at the MOE level was harming the community as a whole. She said kids already weren’t getting the mental health support they needed.

“They’re going to walk out of Stephen Decatur one day with a diploma in their hand and it’s not going to be worth one damn thing,” she said. “They’re not going to be able to function.”

Commissioner Caryn Abbott said the county had given the school system months to provide the requested information. In response to Purnell’s assertion that teachers were leaving their jobs, Abbott said it was because of safety concerns, not pay.

Fiori said he agreed with Purnell as far as education being a priority.

“That is why we’re pushing the way we’re pushing,” he said, adding that there was non-education related spending within the schools’ budget. “We want to get this money to our educators. That’s why we want to see the transparency.”

Bunting said the county was impacted by the state’s wealth formula, which resulted in the state providing about 20% of the education budget, leaving the remaining 80% to the county.

“Right next door in Wicomico County it’s the exact opposite,” he said.

Abbott returned to the issue of transparency.

“At the end of the day the taxpayers

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

fund our schools and they deserve transparency,” she said. “That’s all we’ve been asking for and we haven’t gotten it.”

Mitrecic responded the board of education wasn’t a county department but rather a department run by an elected board.

“What they do with the money once we fund it, that’s up to them,” he said.

Mitrecic said state officials would tell the school system to raise its tax rate if it needed more money for education.

“We have one of the lowest tax rates in the state,” he said, adding the county was fortunate to have a large number of nonresident property owners that contributed to the county’s tax base.

“Fund it the way you want to fund it but in all honesty we don’t really have a purview over the board of education,” he said, adding it was similar to the sheriff’s office and the state’s attorney’s office in that regard.

Bertino said those agencies were also headed by elected officials but provided more detailed budgets than the board of education. He said the county had funded the school system beyond the maintenance of effort level for many years.

“When maintenance of effort became a state mandate, because of the generosity of our predecessors, that threshold was made much higher,” he said. “As a result, we’ve been paying considerably more moving forward.”

He said many county employees would feel their departments’ budgets were sacrificed so the school system could be funded.

Bertino said the requests this year for more budget details were to understand where taxpayer money was going, not to micromanage school system spending.

The commissioners voted 4-2, with Purnell and Mitrecic opposed and Commissioner Ted Elder absent, to approve a maintenance of effort budget for the school system. Staff noted the county’s proposed budget also includes funding for the school system’s OPEB (other post-employment benefits) liability.

“It costs somewhere between $6-7 million a year for existing retirees at the board of education,” said Weston Young, the county’s chief administrative officer. “They have $2.8 million in their budget. The county fully funds the remainder of that.”

He said that while that was the annual retirement expense, the county also put money toward the school system’s longterm OPEB liability, which amounts to more than $140 million.

Page 65

Hathaway Home Services Debbie Berkshire Luxury Home Collection Specialist Bennington Debbennington4@gmail.com Ocean Pines: 11001 Manklin Meadows Lane • 410-208-3500

www.PenFedRealty.com

Like Us.

Watch Us.

410-603-8065

OPEN HOUSE • Sat. May 13th • 12noon-3pm

30 FORT SUMTER

A Stunning 2 bedroom, 2 bath with Sunroom, one car garage located at The Parke of Ocean Pines, a Premier 55 Plus Community. Open Floor Plan boasts 10-foot ceilings, crown molding, engineered hardwood floors as well as a formal living room, dining room, breakfast room and a chef style kitchen with custom designed tile backsplash, island, granite counters kitchen overlooks family room! Great for entertaining family and guests with double sided mantled fireplace in the family room or sunroom. New roof (2 years old), large laundry room with a Tankless Rinnai water heater, oversize one car garage and asphalt driveway. Enjoy all the amenities the Parke and Ocean Pines has to enjoy! Home has been lovingly maintained by original owners with Heat, Air and termite warranties in place for your peace of mind. All furniture is negotiable, home is being sold AS-IS as a matter of convenience to the seller. Do not pass on an opportunity to make this house your home! Call now for your private showing.

$389,000

28 HIGH SHERIFF

Contemporary ranch offers a bright and airy open floor plan that comes fully furnished. This 3-bedroom, 2 bath home boasts cathedral ceilings, skylights and a split bedroom style floor plan and oversize 2 car garage. Large eat-in kitchen features huge pantry and lots of cabinet and counter spaces. Ceramic surround mantled fireplace situated in the corner of the living room. Enjoy the ambiance of the fireplace while entertaining family and friends in formal dining room. The primary bedroom suite includes a large walk-in closet and separate full bath.

3-season porch with vinyl tech windows and heater that can be used for your year-round outdoor enjoyment.

Home is complete with pull down floored attic in primary suite walk in closet and spacious laundry room!

$399,000

5 LONG POINT

Amazing opportunity to own a gorgeous 2 bedroom, 2 bath Pintail model home in the Premier Plus 55 Community of the Parke at Ocean Pines. Home boasts stunning hardwood floors, 10-foot ceilings with crown molding throughout! Expansive gourmet style eat in kitchen, pearl blue granite counters installed in 2018 and ceramic tile flooring. Kitchen overlooks a fabulous formal dining room and light filled Great Room! Impressive primary suite with huge walk in closet and luxurious bathroom. New Roof (2022), Hardwood floors in bedrooms (2020), new chandelier in dining room, designer window valance and french doors in primary suite, new garbage disposal, new Dishwasher (2020), new Whirlpool washer and dryer (2020), new electric hot water heater, and new rear steps off Great room! Home is complete with and encapsulated crawl space with dehumidifer, oversize 2 car garage, large laundry room, semi-annual HVAC services and annual pest inspections. Furnishings are negotiable!

Home is Aggressively priced so act quickly before it is gone. Call for your private showing today!

$409,000

©2021 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

Page 66

Joyce Grace Elder BERLIN – Joyce Grace Elder, age 72, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Born in Greensburg, Pa. she was the daughter of the late Roy Calvin Bataille and Betty DiFloria Bataille.

She is survived by her husband, Theodore “Ted” Elder; children, Kimberly Ann McAllister of Bishopville, Jeremy Robert Elder of Whaleyville, and Roy Calvin Bataille, III (Amber) of Harrington, Del.; six grandchildren, Drew Birch, JOYCE ELDER Autumn Houck, Roy Bataille, IV, Taryn McAllister, Dalton Bataille, and Colton Bataille; and six great-grandchildren, Caleb Birch, Colby Birch, Lincoln Houck, Layton Cropper and Elliott Houck. Also surviving are niece Rena Bataille and her son Devin Bataille.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Roy Calvin Bataille, Jr., in 1976.

Joyce was the co-owner and operator, with her husband, Ted, of Elder’s Garage in Whaleyville. She attended SonRise Church in Berlin, had been a pen pal writer for many years, enjoyed ceramics and most of all loved her family.

Services were held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joyce’s name to the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company, 214 N. Main St. Berlin, Md. 21811. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Peggy Ann Auker OCEAN CITY – Peggy Ann Auker, 73, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Peggy was born on July 28, 1949, to the late Jasper and Ida Semiclose of Bloomsburg, Pa. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert P. Auker, and their three children, Robert P. Auker II (Diana), Alison A. Merritt (Stephen) and Michelle A. Prestas (MiPEGGY AUKER chael). Also surviving are her brother, Bill Stahl (Sandy), and her two sisters, Jackie Vivian (Blaine) and Alice Hutnick (Michael).

She loved spending time with her seven beautiful grandchildren, Marley, Lorelei and Sullivan Auker, Cameron and Brayden Merritt and Zoey and Layla Prestas. Peggy was an avid reader and loved reading with all of them. They all loved her dearly and have so many memories like baking Christmas cookies and the “best apple pie.” Peggy also enjoyed going to the beach and the annual family vacations to Florida.

Peggy graduated from Bloomsburg Area High School in the class of 1967 and attended Bloomsburg University. She married Robert in 1969 where they resided in Berwick, Pa. and raised their family. Peggy and her husband Robert started residing in Ocean City during the summer months in 1973, where they managed Souvenir City. They, along with their children, became the proud owners of Souvenir City, and eventually Souvenir City 2, on the boardwalk in Ocean City.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OBITUARIES They acquired the family business in 1992 and have put their whole hearts into making it a nostalgic experience. She was best known for her kindness, her smile, and her “Peggy Projects.” She will be greatly missed by many employees, whom she treated as family. Many of the foreign students considered her their “American mom” since they were far away from home. She would do anything to make them feel welcome. Peggy was also a Longaberger consultant for many years and loved helping friends and family organize their homes.

Her spirit was spread through volunteering over the years. She was an active volunteer for the Girl Scouts, and her latest endeavors included being a member of Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary at St. Mary Star of the Sea/Holy Savior Catholic Church. She also volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister and enjoyed donating and volunteering at the annual Christmas Bizarre.

A mass will be held at Holy Savior Catholic Church located at 1705 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, on Monday, May 22, 2023, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Peggy A. Auker can be made to Atlantic General Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center, donations can be made online at www.agh.care/give by choosing “other” for gift and writing RCCC in the comment box or by mail addressed to Atlantic General Hospital Foundation, 10320 Old Ocean City Boulevard, Berlin, Md. 21811 with “Regional Cancer Care Center” in the memo.

All support would then be directed to where Peggy received the highest level of care possible for her battle against pancreatic cancer.

Betty Ann Raymond OCEAN PINES – Betty Ann Raymond, 83, of Ocean Pines, passed to eternal life April 20, 2023 from a decades-long and complicated heart condition.

With her at the end, at PRMC Salisbury, were her immediate family: husband Bob Raymond, 88; her daughter Patti McDermott; and grandsons Evan and Shane, along with their Pastor Frank Harpster of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Also in attendance by Facetime, were Betty’s son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Kim Raymond of Millsboro, Del. Mrs. Raymond was born Sept. 25, 1939, in Hampstead, Md. to Helen and Harry Luckabaugh and their four children, Joan, Ray, Bob and Jean (all now deceased). The family moved to Baltimore during WWII where Betty and her siblings grew up. The Luckabaugh’s were early members of Ascension Lutheran Church where they all remained till leaving home.

They were quite musically inclined, and the three daughters sang for the USO during the Korean War. Betty had a lifelong love of singing, and she participated in choirs in school and church throughout her entire life, and many friends and family were blessed to have her sing at their weddings.

As a student of the second graduating class of Parkville High School, Betty helped to write their alma mater. Betty sang soprano in her church choirs (and solos) for virtually the rest of her life. She

and husband Bob were well-known Karaoke singers in Baltimore, Delaware, Ocean City and Florida for all of their married lives. They were literally thrown together in an accident involving an auto/motorcycle in Connecticut in June 1969 and married Dec. 18th of that year in what many called a “story-book romance,” (it was written by Carol Ann Ellis in Grey Shore magazine several years ago).

Betty graduated in 1957 from Parkville H.S. in Baltimore County, Md. After graduating as an RN from Union Memorial’s nursing school in 1960, she worked locally, and in Wash. State and D.C. hospitals until she retired in 2004. Most notable of those positions held, was Nurse/Manager of the Albert Witzke free clinic in East Baltimore for most of the nineties.

Betty loved adventure; she and her husband took frequent motorcycle trips out of state. She loved the beach and pools, spending many summer-time hours with the “pool ladies” at White Horse Park. When the weather got colder, she and Bob would travel, in their RV, to Fla. where they made many life-long friends.

The two of them loved to travel and made trips to the Caribbean, Europe and Hawaii. In her travels, Betty would always try to include a visit to a festival or open-market to view and buy jewelry. She would often design pieces for herself and others.

The couple loved to party. They were always welcoming hosts, and many will remember their frequent parties where music, shooting pool, as well as a dip in the pool, were enjoyed by all. Betty’s door was always open to neighbors, friends and acquaintances on weekends, holidays, and any time of day or night. She was known as the life of the party, the joke and story teller, the entertainer. Many of these parties were held at their son Tim’s bar, the Kildaire Tavern in North Baltimore. The Raymond’s moved festivities to the ocean when they both retired in 2004. Last year they moved with daughter Patti and her two sons to their current Ocean City address.

Both husband and wife sang in St. Peter’s church choir from 2004 until shortly before the Covid pandemic. Additionally, they performed live music shows at bars, libraries, nursing homes, etc. on the eastern shore and in Southwest Fla. Recently, their daughter Patti (and sons) have been singing Karaoke at the Marriott Hotel, weekends in Ocean City, continuing family tradition. Mrs. Raymond has been cremated, and her remains will be placed in the columbarium at St. Peters where her husband will be placed with her upon his demise.

A memorial service will be held for Betty at St. Peters on Saturday June 24 at 1 p.m.; a reception for friends and guests will follow in the church’s fellowship hall. Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

Thomas Edgar Kirwan BERLIN – On May 4, 2023, Thomas Edgar Kirwan passed away.

He was the beloved husband of the

May 12, 2023 late Shirley F. Kirwan (nee Fritz); devoted father of T. Wayne Kirwan (Adele) and Gail Kirwan; loving grandfather of Jennifer Rush, Kristopher Kirwan and Kelly Risolo (Mike); cherished great-grandfather of Thomas Risolo, Charlotte Kirwan, Emily Risolo and Cooper Kirwan; and survived by many loving family and friends.

Family will receive friends on Friday, May 12 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City. A Burial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with inurnment following at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Those who wish may contribute to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center c/o UMMC. Condolences may be left at www.harrywitzkefuneralhome.com.

Michael Anthony Liewald OCEAN CITY – Michael Anthony Liewald, age 45, passed away on Monday, April 10, 2023, at Franklin Square Medical Center in Baltimore.

Born in Takoma Park, Md., he was the son of Wayne and Cleda Liewald.

Michael graduated with the class of 1995 from Parkdale High School. After which, he moved to the Ocean City area with his family. Through the years, Michael worked vigorously to obtain his college degrees and ended with his Masters of Education from Wilmington University.

While attending school, Michael worked as a server and bartender forming many friendships and touched many lives throughout these years. Following his education, he began working with troubled teens at a local counseling center. MICHAEL After some time, Michael LIEWALD was offered a counseling position at C. Milton Wright High School in Baltimore, where he loved all of his co-workers and being a counselor to all of the students.

In his spare time, you could most likely find Michael spending time with family, friends, and his dogs. He enjoyed attending concerts of the Dave Matthews Band, as he attended over 40 shows, he also loved to travel and sing karaoke. Michael may have lost his battle with lung cancer but he fought as hard as he possibly could to the very end. He passed peacefully surrounded by the people he loved the most.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Christa Andrews and Caryn Liewald; three nieces, Cameron Andrews, Calyssa Guns, and Cailyn Guns; two aunts, Valerie Buchanan (Mike) and Cynthia Nelson (Danny); many cousins; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Warren M. Liewald, Hellen L. Liewald, Mac C. Nichols, and Corda M. Nichols, as well as, one aunt, Carla Kaufman and one uncle, Clifton Liewald.

Cremation followed his death. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday May 13 from 1-6 p.m. at the Golden Sands at 10900 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. All are welcome to come spend some time with the family or just drop in to pay respects as there will be no formal service. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

… Margaritaville Developer Seeks Right-Of-Way Purchase

May 12, 2023

FROM PAGE 6 gan Group, said the proposed room count had been reduced from 265 to 257, and gross square footage had been reduced by roughly 10,000 square feet. He also noted that the 13th floor, as well as all stacked parking, had been eliminated, and the oceanfront recreation deck had been lowered.

“It’s still a work in progress, but this is where we are right now,” he said.

When asked if significant changes have been made to the project, Mumford said there have been several reductions.

Cropper said those changes would be reviewed as part of the approval process.

“We have a lot to do, even if you vote to sell us this land,” he said. “We have to go back through the POD process, we have to go back through site plan, we have to go back for everything. So these are very conceptual.”

Mayor Rick Meehan questioned if another public hearing was also required for the air rights the developer secured over Washington Lane, the alley that bisects the property.

“You’ve made changes …,” he said. “I thought granting the air rights was very specific to the project as presented.”

Cropper said officials could have that discussion at a later date.

“I assumed that if we reduced the project to address concerns, the air rights would still be valid,” he replied. “But we can talk about that.”

Back to the topic at hand, Cropper said his client was simply seeking a public hearing to consider the purchase of right-of-way along Baltimore Avenue.

“I think it’s clear you haven’t needed this 20 feet in 100 or however many years since the Sinepuxent plat was recorded, and you are not going to need it,” he said. “Your engineers have been telling you for four or five years that you’re not going to need it. We’re asking to buy it.”

Councilman Will Savage questioned if the developer could still build the resort to 12 stories without the POD designation. Mumford said they could, as it was allowed under the height by right statute.

“We’ve reduced the building down to 12 stories now, which we would be allowed by right anyway,” he said. “But we would have larger setbacks.”

Savage said he supported the Margaritaville project, but not at the expense of the Baltimore Avenue project, a phased redevelopment of the corridor that would include undergrounding utilities, widening sidewalks and improving the overall streetscape.

“The issue for me is you are asking us to take a hunk out of the Baltimore Avenue project for the future …,” he said.

“If we give it away now, a council 50 years from now isn’t going to have that opportunity and we don’t know what the town’s needs will be then.”

Cropper, however, disagreed.

“I cannot envision a situation where this town would take over the whole 75 feet of right-of-way because you would cut off people’s front porches, you would cut off buildings,” he said. “It would narrow up that oceanfront strip so much that

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

the remainder wouldn’t even look like what Ocean City looks like today.”

Meehan said he took issue with the project’s setbacks, particularly along the Boardwalk. He questioned if securing a POD designation would increase setback requirements. Cropper said it could, as setbacks would be determined by the planning commission and, ultimately, the Mayor and Council.

“I stand to be corrected, but I think this project as a POD has more open land area than height by right because the southern parking lot in a POD has to remain completely open …,” he added.

“With height by right, I think you would have more lot coverage and taller buildings.”

Councilman Peter Buas said having a POD designation was the best approach for completing the project, but he shared his concerns about how the developer’s purchase of right-of-way would impact the Baltimore Avenue project.

“I agree wholeheartedly the POD is very valuable and is better than doing it without the POD,” he said. “I just can’t get past our plan for Baltimore Avenue, to fund the road and revert the entire right-of-way for the whole corridor to the property owners. Selling it doesn’t flow with that plan. I can’t support selling it.

But when the project’s completed, and we go with that reversion, I stand fast in that commitment.”

Council President Matt James also

voiced his concerns regarding the developer’s request.

“My concern is if we were going to sell this section of Baltimore Avenue, we’d have a section to the north and south that would remain city right-of-way,” he said. “If we were to move forward with any version of the Baltimore Avenue redevelopment plan, we would be handcuffed in that one block.”

Councilman John Gehrig said he didn’t oppose having the public comment on the proposed purchase and made a motion to move the issue to a public hearing. Councilman Frank Knight seconded the motion.

City Manager Terry McGean clarified that the connections of the Margaritaville project were not interested in purchasing the entire Baltimore Avenue right-of-way, just the easternmost 20 feet.

“If the Baltimore Avenue project went forward the way it’s currently designed, the expansion would still occur at the Margaritaville property,” he said.

After further discussion, the council voted on the motion to move the issue to a public hearing. The motion failed, with Buas, James, Savage and Councilwoman Carol Proctor opposed.

In an interview following Tuesday’s meeting, Cropper said the council’s decision did not come as a surprise. He said his client continues to explore options for the Margaritaville site.

“The developer is committed to mov-

Page 67

ing forward with the project and they are exploring whether to do a site plan under the statute we call height by right, or whether to do a site plan which is not a POD,” he said. “With height by right, if you have a parcel over a certain size, as that parcel gets bigger you are able to increase height if it complies with shadow requirements.”

Cropper, however, said his client preferred having a POD. “We prefer POD because it’s a master plan development that has flexibility,” he said, adding that the town’s planning commission could also negotiate project elements such as setbacks.

But Cropper said the 90,000-squarefoot requirement for securing a POD designation cannot be met without the right-of-way.

“You should read any law so it has meaning, so having a POD area between North Division and 15th Street, where none of properties qualify, is not a good situation …,” he said. “It impacts any properties up and down there.”

Cropper also acknowledged the council’s concerns regarding the Baltimore Avenue project, but he argued the developer’s request to purchase a portion of the right-of-way could support the town’s road redevelopment plans.

“This would have been a first step to get it done,” he said. “And if we paid for it, they could have earmarked it for the project.”

7 Auctions by A&M Auctions!

View Website for Complete Ads, Terms, Directions, Photo & More Info.

All Auctions Conducted Online @ www.AMauctions.com via HiBid.

On-Line Only Auction – Ocean Pines, MD!

Personal Property located at: 90 Boston Drive, Ocean Pines, MD 21811 Auction Held Online Only w/Bidding ending Wed. May 17th, 2023 Starting at 5 PM 2002 Dodge Dakota 4 Door Pick-up Truck w/92K miles, Artwork, Glassware, China, Silver, Appliances Collectibles, Housewares, Jewelry & more!

Auction conducted online at www.AMauctions.com.

Personal Property Preview: Monday May 15th, 2023 from 5 PM – 6 PM

On-Line Only Auction – Onancock, VA!

Personal Property located in Onancock, VA 23417: Address provided soon!

Auction Held Online Only w/Bidding ending Wed. May 31st, 2023 Starting at 5 PM

2004 Mercury Grand Marquis, Antique and Modern Furniture, Sterling Silver, Artwork, Primitives, Tools, Estate Vehicle & more!

Auction conducted online at www.AMauctions.com. VAAR#2907003739 Personal Property Preview: Monday May 29th, 2023 from 5 PM – 6 PM

On-Line Only Auction – Fallston, MD (Harford County)!

Personal Property located at: 2412 Rochelle Drive, Fallston, MD 21047 Auction Held Online Only w/Bidding ending Thursday June 1st, 2023 Starting at 5 PM Antique & Modern Furniture, Eastern Shore Corner Cabinet Period Furniture, Sterling Silver, Collectibles, Primitives Tall Case Clock, Generator, Tools & more! Preview is Online!

Auction conducted online at www.AMauctions.com.

(3) Onsite Online Only Auction: 7 June, 2023 @ 5 PM - On-Line Only Auction – Farm Equipment! Personal Property located at: 25622 Rewastico Road, Hebron, MD 21830. Auction Held Online Only w/Bidding ending: Wed. June 7th, 2023 Starting at 5 PM. John Deere 6400 Tractor, John Deere MX10 Rotary Cutter, Agco White MDl 6600 Planter, Grapple Bucket & more! 7 June, 2023 @ 6 PM - On-Line Only Auction – Seaford, DE! Personal Property located at: 138 Hollyoak Drive, Seaford, DE 19973. Auction Held Online Only w/Bidding ending Wed. June 7th, 2023 Starting at 6 PM! Antique and Modern Furniture, Jewelry, Collectables, Artwork, Tools & more! SUMMER 2023 - On-Line Only Auction – Lewes, DE! Personal Property located at a home in: Lewes, DE. Date to be listed soon! Glassware, China, Collectibles, Housewares & more!

(1) Upcoming Auction at 8000 Esham Rd, Parsonsburg, MD: 14 June, 2023 - On-Line Only Auction Sale – Parsonsburg, MD! Selling from the Estate of Shirley Truitt and many Eastern Shore Estates and Consignors! Auction Held Online Only w/bids ending: Wed. June 14th, 2023 Starting @ 5PM. Items located @ the A&M Auction Facility, 8000 Esham Road, Parsonsburg, MD. 1940 Plymouth Deluxe Four Door Hot Rod (restored), Enormous Selection of Sterling Silver, Estate Jewelry, Selection of Antique & Modern Furniture, Artwork, Glass/China, Collectibles, Oriental Rugs & more!

View Website for Additional Information, Terms, Directions, Online Bidding & Pictures!

Auctioneer - Dave Allen 410-835-0384 or 302-545-1903 www.AMauctions.com

Page 68

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023

Letters To The Editor Teachers Need To Speak Up And For Their Students Editor: (The following represents an open letter to Worcester County teachers and administrators.)

Everyone in this community knows our teachers and administrators are the best of the best. The problem is our system is flawed, and two entirely different thought processes all together. At this point no one can deny our government is at best corrupt, and worst-case scenario it has been infiltrated and failing us on purpose. Your employers, the public school system fall under the governmental umbrella. It is not a standalone entity or structure from the government by any stretch of the imagination.

Teachers and administrators have it really tough these days, I know. The reality is we're all in this together, and America is on her knees. I'm not referring to whose president either. The president does not run our country, and never has, corporations do.

Thank you to all the teachers and administrators who still care. Perspective is everything, and how we think and feel about something does not equal truth. The truth is our entire system is not in alignment with nature, and natures laws. This is why we are experiencing a disharmonious atmosphere

within every aspect of our lives in the US and globally. Nature is the great equalizer and balancer of all things.

The school system is under major scrutiny right now because there are forces at play that know controlling the minds of our kids is one of the many ways they will be able to harness their power over the US, and control the direction of humanity globally. The problem I see is that many refuse to see the deeper issues playing out, for favor of disrupting their comfort zone. This is what I call living inside of the problem, where doing nothing is absolutely doing something, which is helping the controllers take us down that much easier.

This is a real problem for me and my associates who cannot allow this to occur.

People need to stop turning a blind eye and allowing themselves to be fooled and hemmed up by taking things personally. Again, emotions do not equal the truth, and the powers that be know this, and use it to their advantage.

It's called divide and conquer. They are using us as pawns, keeping us distracted and divided from seeing what's really happening in the US and around the world. Smaller weaker groups are much easier to control especially when they are mad, angry and upset. This also creates disharmony in the body causing illness and disease.

Berlin Liquor Store Largest Liquor Store In OC Area!

Cold & Warm Beer

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

10% OFF

10% OFF

Liquor And Wine (On Orders Of $50 Or More)

Liquor And Wine

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Must bring in coupon. Expires 6.2.23 • MCD

10% OFF ALL CASES OF WINE! 7 DAYS A WEEK (Must Be Same Size Bottles 750 ML or 1.5 L)

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

What our teachers can do is stay focused on teaching and doing the amazing job they have always done. Although understand this, any teacher at this point that wants to remain in alignment with their soul will have to start speaking up to things they know are not in alignment with the best interest of our children. Again, two different things.

For example, seeing unique or different and infiltrating the minds of small children by conditioning and grooming are two separate powers entirely. Don't let the fluff and twisting of words and scenarios fool you as a disguise of freeform or freedom. Protect our kids, they are the future.

If you are unaware of what is really happening in the world, within our government, and the organizations that make decisions for humanity as a whole, please reach out. I will walk you gently down the path of discovering what's really been happening, and right underneath our noses for decades. I am happy to teach workshops to educate our educators on the truth. We need to come together as peaceful and loving community members and take full control of our future.

Do not confuse this message as being political or religious in any way, as I am neither. Understand this, teachers and administrators, none of this is your fault in how we got here. However, it is absolutely your responsibility to at least look into all the allegations being made against the system in which you collect your paycheck. You cannot hide behind cognitive dissonance any longer, it's time to rise up and question everything and stand up to authority regardless how uncomfortable it is. If you choose not to educate yourselves then kindly step aside and remain.

Jamie Rice Ocean City

Forensic Audit Needed Of Public School Budget Editor: Below are my comments from the public hearing on the FY24 budget.

Please publish as an op-ed.

Transparency and accountability should be the cornerstone of Worcester County Government. We work for the people in our county and as you've heard tonight, they request this of all of us, as they should, they are the taxpayers.

The largest part of our budget is the Board of Education and coincidentally the least transparent and accountable to the taxpayers. It's time to end the excuse "it's never been done before" or "this is unprecedented", when it should have been done all along.

We owe it to all county taxpayers to be as transparent as possible.

With that in mind, I propose a forensic audit of the last five years by an independent agency and let true transparency begin there and not go back to the days of a skin and bones budget that lacks any real transparency or accountability to the people asked to fund our schools, the county taxpayer.

This was not in my comment. I would like to add that this is not because we want to cut positions or fund the bus drivers, as has been stated by some, but quite the opposite. Those comments have never been said by the County Commissioners that I am aware of.

My comment begins at one hour, 29 minutes. https://worcestercountymd.new.swagit.com/videos/225571 Caryn Abbott Pocomoke (The writer is a Worcester County Commissioner representing District 1.)

TO OUR READERS: The Dispatch welcomes any and all letters from our readers.

All letters are encouraged typed, but not required, and we reserve the right to edit each letter for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Letters should include writer’s name, address and day and evening telephone numbers. If we are unable to reach the writer, we will have to withhold the letter. Due to space restraints, letters under 500 words in length will be given top priority. Letters can be mailed to The Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811, emailed to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com or faxed to 410-641-0966.

May 12, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Budget Process Needs Tweaking How We See It

Did public school funding get cut this week? The simple answer is yes but it requires a deeper dive.

The fact is the Worcester County Board of Education asked for $106 million from the Worcester County Commissioners in its fiscal year 2024 budget, representing a $4.1 million increase over the current year’s budget. The budget was approved by the elected school board and moved to the county level as a request. On Tuesday, the Worcester County Commissioners did not approve the school system’s requested budget, reducing the county’s allocation to $100 million at the maintenance of effort level, which is a state requirement mandating each school system maintain at least the same level of per-pupil funding from the previous year. The county’s approved allocation meets the mandate.

What the school system does with the county’s funding will be interesting to observe, but it was made clear by Board of Education President Todd Ferrante last month it will not impact the pay of educators. The proposed budget includes a union ratified agreement for teachers to receive a step increase as well as a 4% cost of living adjustment. On the prospect of the school system’s proposed budget being reduced, Ferrante said, “If they don’t give us enough money … we’ll have to figure out how to do what we can do and do with less. We have to find it somewhere.” It’s clear, however, teacher pay adjustments cannot be touched as it was negotiated and signed as a contract.

Though this budget process has been unique in recent history, it’s important to keep perspective in mind. This is not the first time the school system’s proposed budget has been reduced or not approved as proposed by the commissioners. It’s also not unusual for school system officials and the commissioners to not be on the same page philosophically. It is, however, one of the more public shows of discourse between the two groups.

It's our hope moving forward lessons have been learned and procedural changes are made next year. We don’t believe the commissioners should be able to make changes to an approved budget by the Board of Education. The commissioners and school board members are each elected by the people of the county through district boundaries.

However, we support better communication through the crafting process of the school system’s spending plan. A work group made of the members of the school board and commissioners during the budget review process could help alleviate these concerns and heighten concerns over transparency. We support the need for scrutiny but believe there is a fine line to maintain between transparency and micromanaging.

Page 69

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green It’s been interesting during the public school budget process to monitor the level of engagement online among teachers. When the story about this week’s decision by the County Commissioners to reduce the school system’s budget allocation by $6 million was posted to the newspaper’s Facebook page, several teachers expressed themselves clearly. It was refreshing to see the educators express their concerns because typically there is a fear of speaking out against school and county officials. There may still be some hesitancy among many teachers but there were a few who got some opinions off their chest. I applaud them for speaking out and here are a couple from veteran teachers to illustrate the point.

Berlin Intermediate School current teacher of the year David Wells said, “There is a direct correlation between the success of students and high quality teachers. The 4 commissioners who voted against this must be incapable of understanding how important maintaining low class sizes and high quality teachers are to to the educational process. They are so concerned about where the money is allocated, yet in 20 years I have never seen a commissioner in my school to observe the taxpayers money at work. They may not understand now, but they will soon.”

Stephen Decatur High School teacher and coach Jamie Greenwood took exception to a comment made by new Commissioner Caryn Abbott, who said teachers are leaving the profession because of safety concerns and not pay as was maintained by fellow Commissioner Diana Purnell. In response, Greenwood posted, “Caryn Abbott, you are wrong. Teachers in our area are leaving over money and student behavior not safety concerns. Our School Resource Officers do an outstanding job protecting our school.

I do agree that the BOE should be transparent. Their lack of transparency has cost us a pay raise. With an inflation rate of 8% last year, it makes it harder to stick with teaching. Insurance, groceries, gas, utilities, etc are on the rise and our pay stays the same. I scratch my head. Those at the top are not the ones struggling to make ends meet. I doubt any of them work a 2nd or 3rd job to provide for their families, if they have them.

Hopefully next year the BOE and the executive team with get things together and provide the requested information in the appropriate time and help out those that make Worcester County Public Schools the great school system that it is. Those of us in the trenches every day would like a bone thrown our way occasionally.”

Last June everyone walking into the student “rise up” ceremony at Berlin Intermediate School wondered why there was a huge police presence outside and inside the building. It was unclear why law enforcement was all over the place until Trenton Hilliard’s name was called. Two days earlier, Trenton’s father, Glenn, was killed in the line of duty while responding to call with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. Hilliard was a Berlin police officer for five years before becoming a deputy in Wicomico.

When the child’s name was called and he was recognized as a sixth grader for specific academic honors, the room immediately rose to give Trenton and his family a standing ovation. It was certainly fitting for all of us to put aside the request to hold all applause until the end of the ceremony. It was impossible to not be moved by this show of support. I will never forget this moment, one full of raw emotion, sincerity and humanity as well as tremendous strength by this young man. His father had been killed just 48 hours before the ceremony, but he showed tremendous fortitude in being present for the event and handling himself with remarkable composure.

It was impossible to not remember that day this week when a Wicomico County jury found Austin Davidson guilty of all charges including first degree murder, second degree murder, first degree assault, second degree assault, reckless endangerment, firearm use/felony-violent crime and more. During the trial, the jury viewed body cam footage showing Davidson shooting Hilliard three times. It took the jury just three hours to find him guilty and a pre-sentence investigation has been ordered.

Amid concerns over a lifeguard shortage this summer, the Ocean City Mayor and Council unanimously voted to increase the Ocean City Beach Patrol’s signing bonus from $250 to $500 and add $1 an hour to the overtime premium. No change was made to the hourly pay for the lifeguards. It was a point that bothered Councilman Tony DeLuca, who said, “I still think and recommend that Ocean City’s beach patrol should have the highest starting average hourly rate in the state of Maryland and Delaware.”

Similar sorts of compensation changes for positions appear to be happening within other governments as well as the private sector, as labor continues to be the dominant factor facing employers of all shapes and sizes.

In this case in Ocean City, officials think the adjustments to the signing bonus and the overtime pay will be enough to keep the resort’s beaches safely covered. An hourly pay change will likely be needed at some point, but there are complexities to that with other positions within city government. For this summer, the key point is, according to Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald, “This is going to be a challenge operationally, but no beaches will be closed and the public will be guarded appropriately.”

Page 70

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Puzzle Answers

A

May 12, 2023

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

PUZZLE ON PAGE 47

St. Paul’s

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

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

n interview with long-time local business owners Danny and Mary Moore this week resulted in more personal parental reflections than usual for me.

At one point, Mary Moore spoke of the pride she and her husband have for their business but especially their four grown children. She said in a casual conversation, “they are everything to us, it’s always been that way.”

It was a short, impactful statement.

It’s how my wife and I feel about our sons. It’s been that way ever since they were born, and I suspect it will be forever.

Life is about timing. While Mary’s personal comment about the importance of family would have resonated with me no matter, it comes as today we celebrate our Beckett’s 15th birthday. It doesn’t seem possible that I have a 15year-old son (or a 13-year-old for that matter).

Kid birthdays naturally provide an opportunity to reflect. When I think about my son currently, it’s impossible to not marvel over his last year. As a teen in full-blown puberty, we are on a roller coaster ride to be honest. There are super days but there are also difficult ones, usually a result of mood extremes, social issues not shared with us and typical rebelliousness.

An old parental saying is, “the days go slow, but the years go fast.” It’s so true in many ways.

In Beckett’s case, this last year has been the most memorable one yet.

Throughout his eighth-grade year, our kid expressed a desire for a change in his life, specifically high school. He wanted to try boarding school and he articulated his reasons eloquently and clearly.

It was difficult to digest for Pam and me. It was initially a simple “no way” and then we came to the realization we were being selfish. Over the course of months and visits to the school, we realized we should allow him the opportu-

$ 00

1 OFF

Any 3-, 4-, 5-Litre Wine Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 5-31-23 • MCD

15% OFF

Cheers!

Any Case Of Wine

Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 5-31-23 • MCD

10% OFF

750 ml/1.5 L Bottle Of Wine Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 5-31-23 • 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.

nity to do something different if he felt like he needed more. We didn’t understand it and his desire for change hurt us deeply, but we had to put aside our parental feelings and not be selfish.

Last August, we took him to school for move-in day. It was a difficult day, something akin to college drop-off but four years early. I have never experienced the extreme of mixed emotions.

It was heart breaking and thrilling at the same time mixed in with self-doubt, guilt and worry.

For the first few months, we saw him every couple weeks with visits home or events at his school. He was happy and making new friends. We rarely heard from him other than texts, resulting in some difficult times for Pam and I and a major period of adjustment in our lives.

Over the Christmas holiday break, we started noticing some changes with Beckett. It was clear things were changing, but we needed to wait for him to express his feelings.

In January, with an application deadline for next year nearing, we noticed more changes with Beckett about boarding school. He was still positive about the new school generally, but we saw undeniable differences in his demeanor on each drive back to school. He seemed conflicted, but he would not say what was going on. A typical teen, he was being aloof and guarded. We suspected he was contemplating whether he wanted to continue for the second half of this year, let alone return next year.

The conversation eventually took place when it came time to make the deposit for next year. He wanted to return home. We figured he meant after his freshman year. He was thinking immediate and had a path back to Worcester Prep in his mind as he knew the school was in between semesters. He wondered if he could come home for the second semester.

Over the last four months, it has been impressive to watch him transition

back home. Beckett seems intent on showing he has changed. He has become more independent and focused on his schoolwork. In fact, he almost didn’t play lacrosse this spring because he was worried about getting behind on schoolwork. We convinced him balance was important, and he did play and enjoyed it.

When he first returned home, it was great to see Beckett treating us much better than before. He seems to have a newfound appreciation for us as his parents based on his experience away at boarding school and seems grateful for the love, support, acceptance and flexibility. He also likes the homecooked meals a lot. He has said several times he was happy he went away to school because he learned a lot. I can see near the top of that list is the value of home.

Before he left for boarding school, he seemed fascinated with what other kids were doing and why they could do things he could not. For instance, we were not okay with him camping out on the beach with a bunch of older teenagers, but other friends his age were allowed. He would not take no for an answer and fought us. We stood our ground, building up resentment.

Today, when these inevitable types of situations arise, he will still ask but without as much fight. However, he even said how he was glad he did not do something recently because there was some overindulgence of drinking and a kid was hurt.

On his 15th birthday, I am proud of our boy. Life with him is not always fun and easy, but he is kind-hearted and growing into a good person. We are all works in progress, and it’s awesome to be able to watch our son change and evolve over time with support and love (and even some anguish at times).

(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.)

Locally INSIDE SEATING & CARRYOUT Famous OPEN 7 A.M. DAILY For 45 Years!

Cafe

Breakfast Try Our Casino Omelette SUBS • SANDWICHES Rt. 50-West Ocean City • 410-213-1804

Located Between Comfort Inn Suites & Starbucks Across From Outback Steak House

May 12, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 71

Page 72

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 12, 2023