June 11

The Dispatch June 11, 2021

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Big Wheel Leaving Resort Early

See Page 4 • Photo by Chris Parypa

Bus Driver Shortage Worries OC

Quite A Catch: A sea gull is pictured proudly with a small crab it snagged for a meal this week.

Photo by OC Yacht Shots

See Page 9 • File Photo

24th Mako Mania Tourney Results

See Pages 56, 65 • Photo by Hooked On OC

Cutest Pet Of The Month

Torch Run In Berlin: The final leg of the Worcester County Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics was

through downtown Berlin Monday.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

The winner of the Cutest Pet of the Month Contest was Winston, a westiepoo puppy owned by Mary Dunn. See page 59 for this month’s contestants.

Submitted Photo

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Big Wheel To Come Down Over Encroachment Issue

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

The Ferris wheel set up at Trimper’s Rides is pictured Wednesday with cones set up for safety.

Photo by Chris Parypa

OCEAN CITY – The huge Big Wheel Ferris wheel that returned to the downtown landscape late last week will be coming down next week after it was determined it was encroaching on the public Boardwalk.

On Monday, the Mayor and Council gave Trimper’s Rides, who partnered with Wood Entertainment to bring the giant Ferris wheel to the historic amusement part for a 40-day stint that began last week, a tight window to rectify a zoning violation caused by the attraction’s roughly 10-foot encroachment over the Boardwalk. The Mayor and Council gave Trimper’s one day to come back with a solution and late Tuesday afternoon, Trimper’s officials came to City

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Hall and informed City Manager Doug Miller they had little recourse but to remove the Big Wheel altogether.

The dismantling of the Big Wheel is expected to start on Monday, a process that could take several days. It will then be packed up and taken away. Miller said Trimper’s officials had little recourse but to totally remove the Big Wheel as reconfiguring its location would result in dismantling or moving other attractions in the park. The Ferris wheel’s encroachment over the Boardwalk triggered a zoning violation and the company has been fined since it was erected and will continue to be until the zoning violation is corrected.

Last year, during the height of the pandemic, historic Trimper’s Rides partnered with Wood Entertainment to bring the Big Wheel, a massive Ferris wheel with brilliant LED lights and 36 enclosed gondolas that reaches 150 feet into the sky to the iconic amusement part at the foot of the Boardwalk. The Big Wheel immediately changed the downtown landscape and was visible from much of Ocean City, West Ocean City and Assateague and drew visitors to the downtown area.

The reason the popular Big Wheel was even available last summer for Trimper’s and Ocean City was because of COVID restrictions on state fairs and other festivals around the country, to which the massive Ferris wheel typically makes the rounds. In October, Trimper’s officials told the Mayor and Council they desired to bring the Big Wheel back this summer for a 40-day stint in midsummer, but they desired to move it to the east closer to the Boardwalk, so it would be easily visible to vacationers as they got closer to the end of the famous promenade.

While the Big Wheel was clearly visible from all over the resort, as vacationers got closer to the end of the Boardwalk, its views were obscured by taller buildings and there was evidently some confusion between the new attraction and the other tall Ferris wheel on the pier at Jolly Roger’s, which has been a fixture on the downtown landscape for decades.

In October, Trimper’s came before the Mayor and Council seeking permission to site the Big Wheel closer to the Boardwalk to make it more visible from the south end of the Boardwalk. While the attraction’s footprint would rest easily within the historic amusement park’s property, the massive wheel and its gondolas would encroach over the Boardwalk and above the masses walking below.

There are sections in the town’s zoning code that allow businesses to encroach on the town’s right-of-way. For example, some business’s signs or awnings extend beyond the private property lines by as much as four feet. While generally pleased to hear the Big Wheel wanted to return to Ocean City this summer, the Mayor and Council in October were somewhat lukewarm on the attracSEE PAGE 6

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

… Measurement Error Leads To Big Wheel Removal

Page 6

FROM PAGE 4 tion’s planned encroachment over the south end of the Boardwalk and, after considerable debate, tabled the approval in order to consult with legal staff and risk management.

Fast forward to late last week and the Big Wheel suddenly emerged on the south end of the Boardwalk in its new location slightly further east with its gondolas towering over the public right-ofway by a little over 10 feet. Again, while few would argue the Big Wheel is a major attraction for Trimper’s and the south end of the Boardwalk, not all were comfortable with its encroachment on the public right-of-way, which apparently runs afoul of the town’s code.

After the discussion in October, the Mayor and Council never revisited the issue and it was not placed back on a fu-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ture agenda for further discussion. On Monday, Trimper’s Rides President Antoinette Bruno told the Mayor and Council the assumption after the October meeting was that the four-foot allowance discussed at that time was acceptable and that the Big Wheel’s new position fell just short of that. In reality, the Big Wheel’s encroachment over the Boardwalk right-of-way is over 10 feet.

Bruno said on Monday Trimper’s and Wood Entertainment sought to have the issue placed on an agenda over the past several months to no avail. She said surveys of the site along with Wood Entertainment’s desire to bring three other rides to Ocean City in order to make the trip profitable for the 40-day stint made the Big Wheel’s current position the only plausible one from an economic standpoint. Mayor Rick Meehan attempted to

halt the “it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission” attempt.

“Let’s not change what the issue is,” he said. “We think it’s a great attraction and a great ride. The issue is where it’s located.”

Bruno said it was challenging wiggling the Big Wheel into the park’s footprint along with Wood Entertainment’s other attractions it was bringing to the resort this summer. She essentially acknowledged the placement of the attraction ran afoul of the town’s code.

“We did our best to put the wheel up correctly,” she said. “It wasn’t an easy feat. The parking lot is not level and the ride is not square, it’s round. It’s not easy to measure and there are a lot of irregular angles. I think we made an error on some of the measurements.”

When the issue was first broached in

June 11, 2021

October, some on the council raised concern about safety with the ride’s gondolas over the masses walking below on the Boardwalk. Wood Entertainment’s Michael Wood attempted to dismiss those concerns on Monday. Wood also essentially admitted the attraction’s placement encroached on the public right-of-way.

“I can assure you we took every precaution with safety,” he said. “The state of Maryland, which is among the best in the country, did a very good job with the inspection. I take responsibility for the location of the ride. We might have made a mistake in the calculations.”

Meehan pointed to a similar situation in 1986 when Trimper’s installed a new roller coaster at the park, the platform of which was found to extend over the public right-of-way on Baltimore Avenue.

Ironically at that time, park patriarch Granville Trimper was the City Council President, but the council made the amusement park cut down the overhang.

“In 1986, the Tidal Wave was overhanging the street by 10 feet,” he said.

“The council at that time made them cut it off by 10 feet. This is like déjà vu. I think this could set a precedent. You put all of us in an uncomfortable position.

This is an enforcement issue and it puts the town in a very difficult position.”

Councilman John Gehrig on Monday said he understood the plight, but raised concern about setting a dangerous precedent that could allow other Boardwalk businesses to encroach on the public right-of-way.

“We talk about precedents all the time,” he said. “If we don’t enforce our rules, is everybody else going to do it?”

For her part, Bruno said the Big Wheel was already achieving the desired goal of getting people to walk to the end of the Boardwalk and support the businesses and other attractions on the south end. She said last year, because of COVID and the trams not running, many visitors did not venture south of the pier.

“People are walking the whole length of the Boardwalk,” she said. “We had 10,000 people in the park over the weekend. It has literally changed the makeup of the Boardwalk. We told him to be within that four feet. We realize we made a mistake.”

Gehrig said no one disputes what the Trimper family means to the south end of the Boardwalk, but the Big Wheel’s encroachment needed to be resolved.

“We’re here to try to solve this,” he said. “We respect what you’re doing down there. It wasn’t approved, and we have to enforce our rules. This isn’t us versus you. This is us and you trying to resolve this. How can we get this wheel back to where it meets the code?”

Councilman Mark Paddack said culpability wasn’t the issue.

“You’ve owned up to it,” he said.

“We’re in a tough position. It puts me in a tough spot because I want to collaborate with all of our businesses.”

SEE NEXT PAGE

… Trimper’s President: ‘We Did Our Best To Put The Wheel Up Correctly’

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 7

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FROM PAGE 6 For his part, Wood essentially said what has been done has been done and pointed to the attraction’s relatively short stint in Ocean City this year.

“We’re talking about a 40-day stint,” he said. “If it comes back, I guarantee it won’t be one millimeter over.”

Bruno explained it would cost $37,000 to deconstruct the Big Wheel and another $37,000 for reconstruct it in an area slightly further to the west. In addition, moving it now would come at the cost of moving, or eliminating together, one of the other attractions in the park.

She estimated the total cost of a do-over at around $100,000. However, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said economic issues were not relative to enforcing the town’s code and setting potentially dangerous precedents.

“It can be moved with some economic hardship,” she said. “Economic hardship is never a condition for a variance. I think we’re at a standstill. I think the will of the council is to have it moved.”

Gehrig agreed and said there was little recourse but to reconfigure the attraction’s siting.

“It’s your call on how to fix it,” he said.

“We love what you’re doing down there, but the code applies to everyone. We’re not picking on you, but 10 feet is a gigantic mistake. I don’t want to be punitive, but we want you to fix it.”

Councilman Peter Buas took a stronger stance, saying the economic ramifications of moving the Big Wheel at this point was secondary to sticking to the town’s code regarding right-of-way encroachments.

“I can appreciate the economic hardship argument, but you can’t make that argument retroactively,” he said. “I don’t believe for a second this was a mistake

at all. There can be no doubt if you’re seven to 10 feet over, that is a massive mistake.”

Buas also dismissed the notion the amusement park and the subcontractor expected permission for at least the four-foot encroachment after that first meeting in October.

“You can’t say you thought you had that four feet when it was abundantly clear in that meeting you weren’t given permission for even that four feet,” he said. “What happened is, you assumed you’d get permission for the four feet and now you’ve put us in a terrible position where we have to address a fantastic attraction downtown. One of the most important jobs we have is the predictability of our ordinances and that’s a terrible problem to be in.”

When questioned about the different sections in the town code about right-ofway encroachments on the Boardwalk such as signs and awnings, for example, Stansbury said there was some leeway, but the Big Wheel’s encroachment went beyond that.

“The town tries, sometimes at its own peril, to work with business owners,” she said. “When this came up in October, an idea, and frankly a very ambitious one, was for the town to consider this as an overhang or awning. That was an extremely generous way for the town to look at it. We weren’t comfortable looking at it with that very generous lens.”

After considerable debate, the Mayor and Council told Trimper’s and Wood Entertainment to come back with a plan almost immediately to move the Big Wheel, even at the cost of eliminating one of the other attractions, in order to meet the code.

“The bottom line is, come back with a plan on how to fix this tomorrow,” said Meehan. “Time is of the essence.”

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Proposed Butcher Operation’s Zoning Appeal Dropped

June 11, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – A property owner’s appeal of a county decision regarding his plans to butcher and sell beef has been dropped.

Though the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals was set to hear an appeal related to Newark resident Robert Ewell’s plan to sell beef from the cattle he raises on his farm, the item was pulled from this week’s meeting agenda.

“Upon further evaluation, it has been determined there is a more appropriate method to achieve the same result,” said Mark Cropper, Ewell’s attorney.

Earlier this spring, Cropper asked staff from the Worcester County Department of Development Review and Permitting for an interpretation of Ewell’s plans to “slaughter, package and sell livestock products (beef) from his cattle that he raises on his farm.” Ewell’s property, zoned A-1 agricultural, is located on Croppers Island Road.

The staff response, issued May 7, states that while agriculturally zoned land can be used to raise and sell livestock, and can be used for roadside stands offering processed agricultural products for sale, it cannot be used for the slaughtering of livestock.

“A slaughterhouse is specifically listed as a special exception use in the I-2 Heavy Industrial District per §ZS 1213(c)(1),” the report reads. “Therefore, since it is not listed in the A-1 District regulations, it is a prohibited use per §ZS 1-105(b).”

County staff indicated that a text amendment could be an alternative to a hearing with the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals on the issue.

“It is our collective opinion that a text amendment would be required in order to slaughter livestock raised on the farm,” the staff report reads. “To accomplish your goal of allowing it without a hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals as a special exception use, one suggestion would be to establish it as an accessory use in the A-1 District for ‘onfarm slaughtering of livestock (excluding rendering plants or facilities)’ which would be accessory to the agricultural use for livestock that are not only raised on the parcel on which the slaughtering activity is occurring, but also accessory to the sale of meat products at the roadside stand use on the parcel on which the slaughtering activity is occurring. Additionally, there could be adequate limitations proposed on the size of the building/use area associated with this activity, as well as enhanced setbacks, screening, etc., to reduce nuisance to adjoining property owners.”

Croppers Island Road residents had expressed concerns about the proposal to the county.

Bus Driver Shortage Now Critical

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With the peak season rapidly approaching, Ocean City still has a critical shortage of municipal bus drivers to meet the demand, although steps were taken this week to enhance recruitment.

During Monday’s regular council meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan briefed his colleagues on a special meeting of the Transportation Committee he called earlier on Monday to address the serious municipal bus driver shortage. The transportation committee is scheduled to meet next Tuesday, but Meehan called the meeting early after getting the most recent bus driver recruitment numbers.

“I called this meeting a week early after reviewing the notes from the city manager,” he said. “We’re still trying to aggressively recruit in the transportation department. The impact is highly visible as we’re only getting out about half of our weekend bus deployment.”

Meehan said the driver shortage is curtailing the town’s efforts to get buses out on the highway as the summer ramps up.

“This is a red flag,” he said. “We knew our recruitment of bus drivers was down.

The committee made a number of recommendations to try to increase the pool we reach from including paying overtime for the tram drivers and also recruiting from other divisions to work on the trams and the buses.”

Page 9

While the number of Boardwalk tram drivers is lagging, Meehan said the situation with bus driver recruitment was more acute. There are also issues with the number of drivers in the public works department’s solid waste division.

“The biggest problem right now, although we still have to address the trams, is with the buses and the number of deployments we’re able to put out on the roadways,” he said. “The number of deployments are about half of what we were able to do last year. Deployments are down significantly, and the number of drivers is down significantly. Currently, we have 44 drivers on staff. Last year at this time, we had 62, and that was during COVID summer.”

Meehan said the reasons for the shortages were varied.

“There’s a lot of reasons for that,” he said. “A lot of drivers did not come back, and some of that is COVID-related.

Some of them have taken other jobs. A lot of our drivers are retired, and they just didn’t come back. Also, what we’re seeing is what’s really affected everybody else. Increases in salaries have been going on in all businesses across Ocean City.”

Municipal bus drivers in Ocean City are required to have a CDL license and Meehan said there are a limited number of those licensees in the area and recruiting them is competitive.

“What we’re seeing is a number of these licensees are going to other areas SEE PAGE 10

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FROM PAGE 9 and getting employment in other departments where the salary is higher than what we’re offering,” he said. “We have to look at this seriously. We’re just starting to ramp up our bus service. We’re a little surprised just how fast it came back.

We thought it would start slow, but people are returning to public transportation.”

Meehan pointed to last weekend as an example of the problem.

“If you looked at the bus stops this weekend, there were numbers of people waiting for the bus,” he said. “There were large groups waiting for the bus and then crowding onto the buses more than the

drivers would like. None of those things are good for public safety when we have aggravated people crowding around bus stops.”

The mayor said the obvious first step to enhance recruitment is to raise the hourly rate for drivers in what has become a competitive employee market.

“In order to address this, we convened this meeting early,” he said. “What we really got down to is we’re going to have to increase the rate we pay our bus drivers with CDL licenses that run the fixed route on Coastal Highway and the Park-andRide.”

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don’t think we’re going to hit the numbers we hit in 2019, but we’re certainly going to be way ahead of 2020. We’re just not in a position to do that right now.”

Meehan said the bus driver recruitment shortcomings were not the result of a lack of effort.

“The transportation committee has worked on this since the beginning of the year and no stone has been left unturned,” he said. “The reality is, this is a different time and we’re going to need to pay more for these CDL drivers.”

With that said, a motion was made to increase the hourly rate for CDL drivers in transportation and solid waste to $19.89. The seemingly arbitrary rate was chosen because that’s where the positions slot in the town’s pay structure. The motion also included the $500 referral bonus. The council voted unanimously to approve the motion.

Councilman John Gehrig said increased revenue from having more buses and drivers out the road should make the increase budget-neutral.

“It shouldn’t be a big expense,” he said. “All of our revenue estimates in the budget were extremely conservative. The revenue should cover the cost.”

Meehan agreed.

“The increased deployments should cover the cost,” he said. “There aren’t many transportation systems in the country that make money, but it’s an added service that people expect and deserve.

We haven’t had many complaints, but we’re starting to get some.”

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rying bus drivers with a passenger endorsement and CDL drivers in the solid waste division is $15.60. Meehan said many jurisdictions in the area are paying $18 plus an hour.

Meehan said there was some help possibly on the way with as many as eight local school bus drivers joining the roster when schools are finished for the summer, but even some of those might be lured to higher wages elsewhere.

The mayor pointed to last weekend as an example of the critical shortage.

“Ridership this weekend last year was 1,200,” he said. “This year on the same weekend, it was 8,000. That was with a limited number of drivers and deployments. We simply need more buses out there. Our goal for this year is 75-minimum, but we’re just not going to be able to obtain that in the current conditions.”

Meehan said a motion was made at the transportation committee to increase the hourly rate for CDL-carrying bus drivers to $19.89 effective immediately. The increase in pay would be for the current summer season and would sunset on October 10, or just after Sunfest.

The mayor said the other part of the transportation committee’s motion was a $500 referral bonus. Current employees who refer someone to one of the CDL positions would get the $500 bonus if their referral stayed employed for at least 60 days.

“Time is of the essence, and we want to be at full strength by the end of June and as we head into July,” he said. “We

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

June 11, 2021

Left Behind:

Two Stabbed Over Mini Golf Dispute The beach is pictured Sunday morning around sunrise littered with trash left behind the day prior. Ocean City Public Works crews were soon on the scene getting the beach ready for the new day.

Photo by Chris Parypa

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Havre de Grace man is being held on two counts of firstdegree assault this week after allegedly stabbing two individuals he was playing miniature golf with on Sunday.

Around 7:08 p.m. on Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to the area of 18th Street and Philadelphia Avenue for a reported

serious assault. Responding officers located two stabbing victims in the area of Kingfish Street. One male victim had a roughly two-inch laceration on his upper left back, while a female victim had a cut on her right hand, according to police reports.

Ocean City EMS also responded and rendered emergency medical care at the scene. One of the victims was transported by Ocean City EMS to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. The second victim was treated on the scene by Ocean City EMS for a minor injury.

During the investigation, it was determined N’GAI the suspect and the vic- NAAMONE tims engaged in a phys- LINCOLN ical altercation while playing mini-golf together. OCPD officers identified the suspect as N’Gai Naamone Lincoln, Jr., 23, of Havre de Grace, Md. One witness reported a fight had occurred involving five people within the mini-golf course itself. A witness reportedly told police the fight moved from the golf course to the parking lot and included pushing and shoving before Lincoln fled the area with an unidentified female.

OCPD officers located Lincoln at the west end of Kingfish Street and he was taken into custody. A witness to the altercation was brought over and positively identified Lincoln as the suspect who had stabbed the male victim, according to police reports. During a search of Lincoln incident to the arrest, OCPD officers reportedly located a black assisted-opening knife with dark red blood on it.

He has been charged with two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of reckless endangerment and a fighting knife weapons ordinance violation. Lincoln had a bail review hearing on Tuesday and was ordered to be held without bond. A preliminary hearing has been set for June 28.

County Broadband Work Begins

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

POCOMOKE – Work to expand broadband access in the Pocomoke area is now underway.

Talkie Communications kicked off a county-wide fiber-optic network project in the Dun Swamp Road area this week.

“We are so thrilled for the citizens of this area,” Commissioner Josh Nordstrom said. “I hear from them constantly regarding the need for high speed internet here. It’s absolutely essential infrastructure.”

The commissioners on Thursday joined representatives of Talkie Communications Inc. for a ceremony to celebrate the start of the project, which actually began on Tuesday. Though Talkie was selected to be the county’s broadband partner in January, both Talkie and Choptank Fiber made presentations to the commissioners this spring about plans to bring broadband to Worcester County residents. As the county’s selected broadband partner, Talkie has already secured several grants to help fund its work in Worcester County. The company has not yet received those funds but wanted to begin work in the county now to show its interest, according to Brian Jones, the county’s director of information technology.

“They are financing this phase on their own…,” he said. “They are planning to build out 18 miles in the Dun Swamp area which is equivalent to the upper amount of 1.8 million.”

Jones said crews were drilling this week to lay conduit. Work will continue this summer and Talkie hopes to provide residents with access to broadband by October.

This is the first phase of Talkie’s work in Worcester County. After Dun Swamp, the company will pursue installations in the Sheephouse Road and Stockton Road areas.

As for county-wide broadband and the presentations made by Choptank and Talkie this spring, the commissioners have not yet made a decision to support either company’s effort financially. Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said that while broadband would make its way to Worcester County in about eight years

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on its own, the commissioners don’t want residents to have to wait that long.

“That’s not an acceptable timeline for us so we’ll have to look for a way to incentivize both companies to move forward,” Mitrecic said.

He said that discussion would be ongoing.

“There’s not one decision that’s been made,” he said.

Commissioner Chip Bertino said he was happy that Talkie was working with the county to get the broadband work started now.

“This is a good first step in moving the county forward to full broadband connectivity,” he said.

Nordstrom added that high speed internet would be an asset to economic development efforts in the south end of the county. It will also benefit residents.

“They’ll be able to do things they weren’t able to do before, like go back to school and apply for jobs,” he said.

“I’m excited, happy, thrilled, about Talkie beginning the process here in the southern part of Worcester County. They saw the need.”

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Page 13

Maryland Governor Shows Offshore Wind Farm Support

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was among the signees of a letter this week from the governors of nine northeast coastal states to President Joe Biden in support of increased offshore wind energy development.

In March, Biden announced an ambitious plan to jumpstart offshore wind energy projects off the East Coast, but it is uncertain what some of the bold actions proposed mean for a pair of projects already in the pipeline off the resort coast.

Biden announced a stated goal of deploying 30 gigawatts, or 30,000 megawatts, of offshore wind energy off the East Coast by 2030.

This week, Hogan and the governors of eight other East Coast states sent a letter to Biden praising his offshore wind energy initiatives and offering a series of

Del.’s Carney Did Not Sign Biden Letter

recommendations to allow the states to collaborate in the development of offshore wind energy. Along with Maryland, the letter was signed by the governors of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Virginia. Oddly, Delaware was conspicuously absent from the state coalition’s letter to the president.

“The expansion of the offshore wind industry creates an unprecedented opportunity for the United States to capture significant economic development activity and build equality in coastal communities, while improving air quality and increasing the options for energy diversity,” the letter reads. “The importance of the federal-state partnership in realizing

this opportunity cannot be overstated, and we commend your administration for the significant steps it has taken in recent weeks to address the critical areas of port infrastructure, permitting, research and development, fisheries support, and natural resource restoration and mitigation.”

While there are already significant offshore wind energy projects in various stages of the planning pipeline, including two proposed off the coast of Ocean City, the governors’ letter urges the Biden administration to identify even more wind energy lease areas off the East Coast.

“State offshore wind procurement targets are increasing, and there is a substantial deficit in identified regional wind

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energy areas,” the letter reads. “As demand for federal lease areas is driven almost entirely by state-mandated power purchase needs, we recommend that your administration establish a timeline for identifying, characterizing and auctioning new federal lease areas that can support the states’ offshore wind procurement timelines.”

The governors’ joint letter urges the Biden administration to provide leadership to work through issues such as conflicts with maritime uses, fisheries and shipping that will need to peacefully coexist with wind energy farms off the coast.

“To ensure a sustainable coexistence with our coastal uses and natural resources, we request additional federal consultation with the states and increased regional leadership on addressing environmental, fishing and maritime concerns during and after the construction of facilities,” the letter reads. “We seek to provide more certainty to developers across projects in addressing legitimate interests in marine resources and maritime industries that will share space with this new industry.”

While the letter praises the president for his ambitious plans to expand offshore wind energy off the East Coast, it urges the administration to do it in an environmentally friendly way that keeps in mind the need to coexist with existing industries and ocean uses.

“To advance offshore wind energy development in an environmentally responsible way that ensures renewable energy coexists with natural resources, ocean users and communities, including fishermen and the tribes, we urge the federal government to provide leadership on regional natural resource impact assessment and mitigation frameworks for demonstrated negative impacts on marine resources, fisheries, and local cultures,” the letter reads.

Closer to home, two offshore wind energy projects – US Wind’s MarWin project and Ørsted’s Skipjack project – are already moving through the approval process, so it remains to be seen if the bold actions announced by the president will have any impact on those.

In 2017, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) approved two offshore wind energy projects off the coast of Ocean City. Technically, the PSC awarded Offshore Renewable Energy Credits, or ORECs, to the two successful bidders seeking to develop wind energy farms off the coast of the resort including the US Wind project and the Skipjack project.

From the beginning, Ocean City has not opposed, but rather supported, the development of clean renewable energy off the coast. The town’s problem from the beginning has been the proposed distance of the wind turbines from the coast of the resort and the potential impact on the offshore viewsheds. The issue has been debated at nearly every level and every step in the regulatory pro cess.

Proposed Shuttle Service Questioned

June 11, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Controversy surrounding a proposed shuttle service highlighted a recent meeting of the Fenwick Island Town Council.

In a council meeting late last month, Councilman Bill Weistling went on the record to address an organization’s statements pertaining to a proposed shuttle service in Fenwick Island.

“It’s a little concerning, we had an open meeting and discussed it,” he said.

“Anybody can contact any of the town committee members of Charter and Ordinance to verify the truth.”

In April, the Fenwick Island Charter and Ordinance Committee (C&O) held a meeting on a proposed ordinance amendment prohibiting shuttle services and low-speed vehicles on town streets and roadways. While the town code prohibits shuttle bus services, the committee was asked to review the ordinance and suggest changes that clarified the definition and use of a shuttle service after the town was approached by a business looking to operate a shuttle service in Fenwick Island.

“After reviewing what we reviewed, we do not think Fenwick Island is a suitable place for that type of service,” Town Manager Terry Tieman said at the time.

Following a lengthy discussion, the committee ultimately voted to table the ordinance amendment until the town’s attorney could address members’ questions and concerns. But Weistling told the town last month he had since been contacted by property owners who had received a newsletter from the Fenwick Island Society of Homeowners (FISH).

He said references to a “booze bus” operating in Fenwick were untrue.

“C&O never discussed or considered a booze bus. There was no proposal for a booze bus,” he said. “I now see signs in town stating, ‘No Booze Bus.’” Weistling noted an existing shuttle service has operated in Fenwick Island for years. But he said the police hadn’t received any complaints or violations for drunken behavior.

“I don’t know where this information came from,” he said. “We did not discuss a booze bus whatsoever. I’m sure some residents and property owners and members of FISH that contacted me do not like to be lumped into that category of being on a drunk bus and who have used the service for many years with their elderly family members.”

Councilman Bernie Merritt attributed the reports to FISH’s leadership.

“The problem is they are now using it as a platform to beat up the council and the committee process and the town. It’s out of control and the leadership has enflamed rhetoric all the time …,” he said.

“I ask the members of FISH stand up and make the leadership accountable and make them tell the truth and the facts.”

Councilman Mike Houser, a FISH member, said he had also taken calls from property owners regarding the issue.

“There is a small coterie of individuals

Marlene Ott

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

that have voiced their opposition and distain for what the town’s doing …,” he said. “Every code, every ordinance, every process has always been followed implicitly. And most particularly public input and participation guidelines have been followed by the letter, without exception … I don’t know how these misrepresentations are started in the town, but it’s wrong.”

During public comments, several residents shared their displeasure with the council’s comments regarding FISH and its leadership. Resident Jacque Napolitano said she was upset the council did not give the organization’s newsletter editor, Amy Kyle, a chance to respond.

“To personally attack a resident and committee representation of FISH the way you have, I’m just astounded and appalled,” she said.

Resident Janice Bortner said she was concerned about the impacts a proposed shuttle service would have on Fenwick.

“Has any of the council members or committee members had conversations with any of the developing companies about providing shuttle services into Fenwick?” she asked. “Have you required environmental impact studies from these developers? What about traffic studies and the impact on congestion on Route 54 and Coastal Highway?”

Mayor Gene Langan replied he hadn’t heard of a shuttle service bringing in people from outside Fenwick Island.

“That’s a new one to me,” he said.

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8 Years For Boardwalk Brawler

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Another suspect arrested in connection with a pair of serious incidents on the Boardwalk last June was sentenced this week to 10 years, all but eight years of which were suspended.

In March, Cortez Murray, 24, of Cambridge, Md. pleaded guilty to second-degree assault for his role in the stabbing and beatdown incidents on the Boardwalk last June. Back in court last Friday, Murray was sentenced to 10 years, all but eight of which were then suspended.

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

Last June 9 between 10 and 11 p.m., Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to two serious assaults in the Boardwalk, including one at 11th Street and one at 15th Street. In the 15th Street incident, the victim was stabbed in the back. In the 11th Street

Scooter Accident:

June 11, 2021

incident, an innocent victim was attacked by a large group of individuals.

OCPD officers determined members of the same group of individuals were responsible for both assaults.

One of the suspects, later identified as Marquis Demby, 22, of Lincoln, Del., was apprehended soon after the incident at 15th Street. A knife used in the stabbing incident was recovered during his arrest. In November, Demby pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Another suspect, Marcus Butler, 27, of Cambridge, Md., pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and was sentenced to 10 years, all but seven of which were suspended. Butler was also placed on supervised probation for three years upon his release.

In March, another suspect in the Boardwalk incidents last June, Orlando Nichols, 20, of Cambridge, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and was SEE NEXT PAGE

Around 12:30 a.m. last Sunday, Ocean City police officers responded to the area of 62nd Street near the Route 90 bridge for a reported motor vehicle collision involving five scooters. Two of the riders were treated for minor injuries with one transported to Tidal Health as a trauma patient. Officers set up a traffic pattern, closing all three lanes of southbound Coastal Highway, along with westbound Route 90. Coastal Highway and Route 90 was reopened at around 12:50 a.m., or about 20 minutes after the multiscooter collision.

Photos by Campos Media

… Suspect Latest To Get Jail Time In Major Incidents

June 11, 2021

sentenced to 10 years, with all but six years suspended. He was also placed on supervised probation for three years upon his release. In November, Davione Cephas, 20, of Cambridge, also pleaded guilty to second-degree assault for his role in the incident and was sentenced to 10 years with all but six years suspended.

Around 10:15 p.m. on June 9, OCPD officers responded to the area of 11th Street and the Boardwalk for a reported assault. Arriving officers found the victim slumped over on the Boardwalk and bleeding from several wounds on his face and head. Bystanders reportedly told police the victim had been assaulted by as many as 10 male suspects.

The victim was bleeding from his right eye, his mouth and his ears, according to police reports. Ocean City EMS responded and treated the victim at the scene before he was eventually transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center. An OCPD detective went to PRMC to interview the victim. According to police reports, the victim told the detective he was talking to someone on the Boardwalk when a group of males proceeded to attack him.

The victim told police the members of the group punched him several times until he fell to the ground. Once the victim was on the ground, members of the group began kicking and stomping him until he lost consciousness and that he didn’t remember anything else about the attack after that, according to police reports.

OCPD detectives reviewed surveillance video, received calls and emails and even a link to a Youtube video to identify the suspects and began making arrests. Two other suspects were arrested in connection with the 11th Street beatdown, including Murray, who was sentenced last week, and Sincere Sorrell, 18, of Cambridge. Sorrell is expected to appear for trial on June 17.

A video obtained by the OCPD allegedly showed Murray and Sorrell kicking and stomping on the victim while the victim lied motionless on the Boardwalk.

The video also shows Butler allegedly picking up an object and throwing it at the victim while he was unconscious.

A separate video showing a different angle of the attack allegedly showed Nichols kick the victim in the head at least three times in a stomping motion while the victim was on the ground and defenseless. The same video allegedly shows Cephas kicking the victim in the head two or three times while he was defenseless and unconscious on the Boardwalk. The video also allegedly shows Spencer striking the victim in the head with a skateboard at least two times, while also kicking the victim in the head. Spencer was also sentenced to 10 years after pleading guilty to seconddegree assault.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

June 11, 2021

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Resident Appeals Berlin BZA Decision June 11, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The decision by the Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals to allow a local bed and breakfast to host tented events is now the subject of an administrative appeal.

Resident Joe Hill is seeking a judicial review of the Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) decision to allow The Inn Berlin, a bed and breakfast on Harrison Avenue, to host outdoor tented events. A hearing for the matter has been set for October.

“All I can say is that if you lived in a quiet residential neighborhood and suddenly your next-door neighbor was allowed to have up to 20 large, tented events in their yard each year, you’d probably appeal the BZA decision allowing for that commercial activity to occur,” said Steve Rakow, Hill’s attorney.

In April, the BZA voted 3-1 to approve The Inn Berlin’s request to host outdoor tented events at the bed and breakfast.

While the property already had a conditional use approval to have up to 30 people dine at the inn, the new approval lets the inn host up to 20 outdoor events a year for up to 60 people.

Hill, whose home is adjacent to the bed and breakfast, was one of the residents who expressed concerns with the inn’s plans during that meeting. He’s worried about the noise and lights potentially associated with the inn’s events, and outdoor dining areas, in such close proximity to his home. Following the board’s decision to allow outdoor events, he launched a Go Fund Me page to help raise the legal fees needed for the appeal. At the same time, he’s been talking with the town’s elected officials about the importance of keeping businesses from impacting residential areas.

“What I’m hoping to accomplish is to change the laws to protect residents in R (residential) zones and keep businesses in B (business) zones,” he said.

While he wants to fight the BZA decision that will affect him personally, he also wants to see changes town-wide to ensure that businesses aren’t permitted in districts meant to be residential.

“Ask any person, would they want the same result in their backyard?” he said.

The connections of The Inn Berlin, however, don’t believe their bed and breakfast will create any problems in the neighborhood.

“We wanted to prove that with our actions and we haven’t even had the opportunity to hold an event yet,” said Marco Tomasello.

He and his wife Maya live at and operate The Inn Berlin. They said they addressed questions and concerns from neighbors at the BZA meeting.

“We’re sad that this matter is being brought to the court,” Maya Tomasello said. “It’s a lot of negative energy. We have to pay for this as well, to fight it.”

She’s confident the BZA’s decision will be upheld but acknowledged until the hearing is held, it will be harder to schedule things like weddings.

“It makes people not as comfortable to book events,” she said.

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore man was arrested on first-degree assault charges last weekend after allegedly pointing a handgun at two individuals on a secondstory balcony from the sidewalk below.

Around 1:30 a.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to the area of 34th Street for a reported disorderly male and female walking north along Coastal Highway. An OCPD officer turned onto 36th Street and observed a male suspect later identified as Stephon Mack, 24, of Baltimore, on the sidewalk looking up at a couple on a second-floor condo balcony and pointing a handgun at them, according to police reports.

OCPD officers also observed Mack’s female companion standing next to him and yelling at him, according to police reports. The officer requested additional units and exited her police vehicle. Mack put the handgun in his waistband and

June 11, 2021

walked north across the street. The officer ordered Mack to stop, but he kept walking and disappeared from sight between two buildings. The officer observed Mack then run north toward 37th Street, according to police reports.

OCPD officers made contact with Mack’s female companion, who reportedly told police she and Mack had been arguing and she was not sure why he ran. The female reportedly told police she and Mack were staying at hotel at 37th Street, which was the direction in which he ran.

Another OCPD officer observed Mack in the area of the hotel on 37th Street and detained him. The officer reportedly asked Mack where he was coming from, to which he responded he had been sleeping in his hotel room and had just woken up. He reportedly told police his female companion had called him, but he did not know where she was.

Mack was taken into custody at that time. During a search of his person, officers located a plastic bottle containing suspected MDMA, or molly. Officers went back to 36th Street to interview the victims who had the handgun pointed at them by Mack, according to police reports.

The female victim reportedly told police they had heard yelling from the alleyway between 36th and 37th streets. She told police her boyfriend had yelled down to Mack and his female companion to stop yelling at that late hour, at which point Mack pointed the gun at them while they were on the balcony. According to police reports, Mack said “you don’t know who the [expletive deleted] I am,” and “I could kill you right now.”

The male victim corroborated his girlfriend’s version of the incident, according to police reports. OCPD officers determined Mack and his female companion were registered to a room on the fifth floor of the hotel on 37th Street.

Officers searched the fifth-floor hallway for evidence. Behind a plumbing access panel in the hallway, OCPD officers located a balled-up sweatshirt, in which was wrapped a 9mm handgun, according to police reports. Mack’s female companion gave officers consent to search the room, which turned up a wallet containing Mack’s identification and credit cards and a plastic bag containing over 10 grams of marijuana.

Mack was charged with first- and second-degree assault, disorderly conduct, carrying a handgun on his person, the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, controlled dangerous substance possession and reckless endangerment.

He was later released on recognizance.

A preliminary hearing has been set for June 30.

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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OCEAN CITY – Nearly three years after the incident, a Pennsylvania woman impaled in the chest by a flying umbrella last week filed suit against the Town of Ocean City and the beach equipment rental operator.

In July 2018, Pennsylvania resident Jill Mendygral was impaled in the chest by an umbrella that had become dislodged from the sand and thrown through the air by a wind gust.

Last week, Mendygral, through her attorneys, filed a civil suit in U.S. District Court alleging negligence against the two named defendants, the Town of Ocean City and the beach equipment rental company 85 N Sunny, LLC. The suit seeks damages in excess of $75,000 against each of the named defendants.

Around 3:10 p.m. on July 22, 2018, Ocean City first-responders were dispatched to the beach at 54th Street after a gust of wind dislodged an unattended rental umbrella and sent it tumbling down the beach where it impaled Mendygral. The point of the wood-shaft umbrella hit the victim, who was sitting in a beach chair, and pierced her skin in the upper left chest below the collarbone. Ocean City Beach Patrol Surf Rescue Technicians (SRTs) quickly responded and, with the help of bystanders, secured the blowing umbrella while the first SRT on the scene began rendering aid and keeping the victim calm.

Ocean City Fire Department and EMS personnel arrived quickly and took over first-aid measures. Ocean City Fire Department personnel cut the umbrella’s wooden pole to facilitate taking the victim from the beach to awaiting paramedics. The victim was transported from the beach by Ocean City EMS and was transported to a designated medevac pad at 32nd Street via ambulance.

She was transferred to the Maryland State Police medevac helicopter and taken to now-TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, where she underwent emergency surgery. The suit filed last week outlines the timeline of the incident and the injuries and suffering Mendygral allegedly did and continues to endure.

“On the aforementioned date, while the plaintiff was enjoying her first day of vacation at the beach, suddenly and without warning, a beach umbrella became dislodged from the sand and into the air, violently stabbing the plaintiff in her chest,” the complaint reads. “The plaintiff was taken via helicopter following the incident to the hospital, where she underwent emergency

June 11, 2021

surgery to remove the umbrella that had stabbed her and became dislodged in her chest.”

The complaint alleges both defendants had a duty of care to ensure the beach was safe on that fateful Sunday afternoon.

“At all times hereto, the defendants were collectively and/or individually responsible for the care of the beach, including adequately monitoring the forecast and wind gusts and folding umbrellas in the downward position so they are unable to become dislodged from the sand, ensuring the safety of those lawfully using the beach, including the plaintiff,” the complaint reads. “At all times hereto, the plaintiff was conducting herself in a reasonable manner and in no way assumed the risk of harm or was contributorily negligent.”

The complaint outlines the alleged negligence on the part of the Town of Ocean City, including allowing a dangerous and hazardous condition to exist where the defendant knew individuals, including the plaintiff, would be present and where the defendant knew, or should have known, it constituted a hazardous or dangerous condition.

The complaint also alleges the town failed to warn of the dangerous and hazardous condition which the defendant knew or should have known existed by leaving umbrellas opened during unsafe conditions or otherwise failing to take the necessary precautions. The complaint also alleges the town was negligent for failing to inspect the beach while a wind advisory was in effect.

The complaint includes many of the same basic claims of negligence against the rental operator, 85 N Sunny, as it does against the Town of Ocean City, with a few variances. For example, the claims of negligence against 85 N Sunny blames the operator for “consciously choosing to leave the beach umbrellas open during a wind advisory when the defendant knew, or should have known, that doing so posed an unjustifiably high risk of serious injury,” and “failing to appreciate the unjustifiably high risk of injury to others by failing to close beach umbrellas while a wind advisory was in effect.”

The suit asserts as a result of the defendants’ negligence, Mendygral suffered severe and permanent injuries including, but not limited to, a chest wound requiring surgery, radiating back pain, pelvic pain, recurring numbness in her arm and hand, fevers, adjustment disorder, anxiety and depression. It also describes ongoing medical bills, loss of wages and a “substantial loss of enjoyment of life.”

OC Extends Contract With Rec Complex Project Designer

June 11, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The major redevelopment of the downtown recreation complex took another significant step forward this week with the extension of the contract for the project’s designer.

Over the last few years, resort officials have been moving forward with the redevelopment of the downtown recreation complex between 3rd and 4th Streets.

The large swath of open space in the otherwise densely developed downtown area has been utilized for many purposes over the years, but it is showing its age in recent years and is generally unpleasing and unwelcoming aesthetically. To that end, the Recreation and Parks Department two years ago initiated a process to begin redeveloping the complex.

With the assistance of the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC), the firm of Mahan and Rykiel was hired to develop concept plans for the park redesign, concept plans that were reviewed and approved by the Mayor and Council earlier this year. On Monday, City Engineer Terry McGean came before the Mayor and Council requesting Mahan and Rykiel’s contract be extended to allow the firm to move on to full design services for the park. The total cost of the design services contract is $216,918, which would be paid for through a future

Boardwalk Adds Bike Repair Station

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Officials say a new bike repair station has been installed at the south end of the Boardwalk.

On Wednesday, members of the Ocean City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) announced the installation of a new bike repair station at the Worcester Street police substation.

Committee President Paul Mauser said the repair station will be tested in the coming months before officials consider expanding the pilot program to other areas of the Boardwalk.

“The south end installation was chosen as the first pilot, to see how well the bike pump holds up to wear and tear …,” he said.

In December, committee member and local bike shop owner Joe Marx presented BPAC members with an idea to provide bike stations on the Boardwalk.

And earlier this year, the committee agreed to explore cost estimates and funding sources within the public works budget.

Officials say public works crews got to work this week installing a new Saris bike pump at the substation, which was selected as a pilot location for its proximity to City Watch cameras.

Mauser said this week the town would consider a second location at the north end of the Boardwalk if the pilot program is successful.

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bond issuance.

“It’s a little like putting the cart before the horse,” he said. “We’re asking you to approve the extension of the contract to design the downtown recreation complex, then, you can pass the resolution for the bond issuance.”

McGean explained the contract extension with Mahan and Rykiel would include the design of just about every element of the park complex, save for a few specialized elements.

“The $216,918 covers everything except designs for the skate park and the playground,” he said. “The design of the playground equipment will be performed by the playground vendor and the skate park will be done internally with a specialized consultant.”

For the east section, the plan includes an expanded skate park, relocating the existing basketball courts to the area of

the park closest to Philadelphia Avenue and an improved inclusive playground area. The east section would be connected to the west section via the raised pedestrian walkway across St. Louis Avenue.

There was some early discussion about closing that portion of St. Louis Avenue, but that idea got little traction.

The section to the west would be less developed and more passive. It includes a vast flexible lawn in the center surrounded by trees for pick-up sports and other events, a playground area, a spot for a pavilion or future temporary band stage for future special events and new restrooms for the entire complex. The recreational fishing areas along the bulkhead would also be retained.

The entire project is expected to cost around $3 million and would be done in phases as funding allows. There are considerable grants and other funding

Page 25

sources available, which could help offset the town’s expense and expedite some phases of the project.

“It will be a multi-phased project,” he said. “The first phase will include the infrastructure of the west park with the field, the fences and the paths,” for example.”

The proposed first phase would include much of the area to the west, while later phases would include the section to the east, including moving the basketball courts and expanding the skate park. The third and final phase would be the construction of the new restrooms, according to the plans presented.

The council voted 7-0 to extend the contract with Mahan and Rykiel. In a separate meausure, the council voted to pay the contract through fund balance, and then reimburse the expenditure through a future bond issuance.

Page 26

Arson Threat At Public Safety Building OCEAN CITY – A Temple Hills, Md. man arrested last Sunday had additional charges tacked on after allegedly threatening to burn down the Public Safety Building.

Around 11 p.m. last Sunday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was working in the booking section of the Public Safety Building when an inmate, later identified as Ricardo Thomas, 36, of Temple Hills, Md., began screaming at him. When the officer asked Thomas what was wrong, he reportedly told the officer his five-year-old daughter had been left alone on the Boardwalk when he was arrested around 3:15 p.m. that afternoon.

The officer reportedly told Thomas that was unlikely, but he would check into it.

Thomas then began screaming, “If there is anything wrong with my daughter I’m going to burn this [expletive deleted] place down to the ground,” and “if there is something wrong with her, they won’t have to worry about you as well,” according to police reports.

Cops & Courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

It was later discovered Thomas’ children were never missing, and they were with his sister the entire time. Thomas was charged with arson threat. His original arrest was for open container, disorderly conduct and littering.

Assault, Disorderly Arrest OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested on assault and other charges last weekend after allegedly getting bounced from a midtown bar and scrapping with security staff.

Around 1 a.m. last Friday, an Ocean

City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the area of 33rd Street observed a suspect later identified as Michael Miller, Jr., 26, of Berlin, fighting with security staff from a nearby bar in the bus lane along Coastal Highway. A witness reportedly told the office Miller had been asked to leave the bar and was yelling and cursing and trying to get back in.

Miller reportedly assaulted a security staffer and the altercation moved outside into the bus lane of the highway. The witness told the officer Miller attempted to tackle one the of the security staffers, but

June 11, 2021 he was pushed to the ground, which is about the time the officer arrived on the scene, according to police reports.

OCPD officers grabbed Miller and he went unconscious briefly, according to police reports. The investigation revealed Miller had been kicked out of the bar and assaulted an employee on the way out, which led to the altercation in the street.

Miller was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

Obstructing, Hindering Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Joppa, Md., woman was arrested last weekend after allegedly scrapping with police officers attempting to make an arrest on the Boardwalk.

Around 4:25 p.m. last Friday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were attempting to make an arrest at North Division Street and the Boardwalk when a woman, later identified as Izabella Forsyth, 18, of Joppa, Md., allegedly barged through them in an attempt to get between the officers and the suspect.

Forsyth reportedly pulled the officers away from the suspect and interfered with the arrest.

One officer reportedly threw her to the ground to remove her from the situation.

Forsyth reportedly stood up and broke free from the officers, and then threw her strawberry fruit smoothie at the officers, hitting two of them, according to police reports.

At that point, the officers attempted to arrest Forsyth for second-degree assault and hindering a lawful arrest. However, she reportedly resisted their attempts to handcuff her and additional charges were tacked on. Once taken into custody, Forsyth reportedly launched into an expletive-laced tirade at the officers on a crowded Boardwalk on a Friday afternoon in June.

Indecent Exposure Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania woman was arrested last weekend on indecent exposure and other charges after allegedly exposing herself at a midtown motel and banging on the door of another guest whom she did not know.

Around 12:43 a.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a motel at 31st Street for a report of a woman banging repeatedly on the door. Upon arrival, OCPD officers reportedly saw and heard a woman later identified as Miriam Aviles-Arias, 26, of Reading, Pa., banging on the door of unit 319.

According to police reports, Aviles-Arias was wrapped in a blanket. The officers made contact with the occupant of unit 319, who reportedly told police he did not know Aviles-Arias. The occupant told police Aviles-Arias had been repeatedly banging on his motel room door. By now, other motel guests began coming out of their rooms to see what the commotion was, according to police reports.

OCPD officers spoke with another motel guest on the third floor, who reportedly told police Aviles-Arias had been outside her motel room wearing only a black thong and nothing else. She went back in her room and came back out wrapped in a blanket, which is when the officers arrived. Aviles-Arias was arrested and charged with indecent exposure and disorderly conduct. OCPD officers waited for her to put on a T-shirt and shorts before SEE NEXT PAGE

... Cops & Courts

June 11, 2021

taking her into custody, according to police reports.

Hotel Assault Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was arrested last weekend after allegedly throwing a fan at a female victim during a domestic dispute at a midtown motel.

Around 10 p.m. last Friday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a motel at 31st Street for a reported domestic dispute. The officers met with a female victim, who reportedly told police she wanted them to escort her to her car. The victim told the officers she had been in an argument with her husband, identified as Gregory Sewell, 49, of Littlestown, Pa., and he stormed off.

The victim reportedly told the officers Sewell returned to the motel room and escalated the argument when he began throwing objects around the room. The victim told officer Sewell picked up a box fan and threw it in her direction, nearly hitting her.

OCPD officers located Sewell outside the motel and took him into custody. He was charged with second-degree assault and malicious destruction of property.

Fighting Woman Arrested OCEAN CITY – A Georgia woman was arrested on assault and other charges last weekend after allegedly punching another woman at a midtown nightclub.

Around 1:45 a.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a nightclub at 60th Street

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch for a reported assault. Security staff advised one of the female combatants was sitting on a curb near a nearby hotel. Officers met with the woman, later identified as Amber Veal, 24, of Guyton, Ga., who refused to provide her identity and began yelling.

OCPD officers interviewed the other female involved in the altercation. Bar security captured the incident and revealed Veal hit the other woman with a closed fist, causing her neck to snap back. The victim lost her balance and fell into a window in the bar, causing it to shatter.

According to police reports, the victim recovered from the first punch, only to be punched in the face again and kicked in the stomach by Veal. Veal was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and malicious destruction of property.

Page 27

amphetamine. OCPD officers located more meth inside a grocery bag on the back seat. According to police reports, in Smith’s purse officers located a glass smoking device with meth residue in it. Burrell and Smith were arrested and charged with motor vehicle theft, possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Delaware man arrested on motor vehicle theft charges last weekend after a license plate reader on the Route 90 Bridge alerted resort police.

Around 10:45 a.m. last Sunday, a license plate reader (LPR) on the Route 90 bridge alerted Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers to a stolen vehicle entering the resort. The vehicle had been reported stolen by the Providence, Rhode

Island Police Department back on May 10.

OCPD officers observed the stolen Toyota RAV at 56th Street and conducted a high-risk stop at 50th Street. OCPD officers ordered the driver, identified as Shaheed Miller, 27, of Laurel, Del., out of the vehicle and he was taken into custody. A spring-assisted knife was found clipped to his shorts, according to police reports.

Ocean City Communications confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen in Rhode Island. A background check revealed Miller’s Delaware driver’s license had been suspended and revoked, and that he also had an outstanding warrant in Delaware. He was arrested and charged with motor vehicle theft, possession of an assisted-opening knife and traffic charges.

Vehicle Theft, Drug Charges OCEAN CITY – Resort police arrested two Pennsylvania suspects last weekend after a license plate reader on the Route 50 Bridge pinged on a stolen vehicle.

Around 10:50 p.m. last Saturday, a license plate reader on the Route 50 bridge alerted Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers of a stolen black BMW entering the resort. OCPD officers tracked the vehicle and conducted a highrisk traffic stop on Baltimore Avenue, according to police reports.

OCPD officers confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen and made contact with the occupants, later identified as Messiah Burrell, 32, of Lancaster, Pa., and Amber Smith, 36, of Philadelphia.

During a search of the vehicle, OCPD officers located in a baggie in a small compartment near the steering wheel meth-

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Ocean Pines Candidates Discuss Views At First Forum

Page 28

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Four contenders in this year’s board election shared their views on various association matters this week in the first of two scheduled candidate forums.

On Wednesday, the Ocean Pines Elections Committee hosted a forum for the four candidates running in the 2021 Ocean Pines Association (OPA) board election. This year, candidates Frank Daly, Stuart Lakernick, David Hardy and Richard Farr will vie for two seats currently held by Daly and Frank Brown. A previously announced candidate, Lisa Romersa, has withdrawn from the race.

As part of this week’s forum, candidates were given time to share opening and closing statements and answer questions submitted by residents.

Daly, who was elected to the board in 2018, told attendees he was not running on promises, but on results.

“My core values of honesty, integrity and independence focus my efforts not on special political interests, only on yours, the homeowner,” he said. “I’m asking for your vote to continue my work and improve the core values of this community, our finances, its infrastructure and our management.”

Lakernick, who lost to two incumbents in last year’s election, said he hopes to bring his leadership and problem-solving skills and his experience in financial management to the board.

“This year, perhaps more than ever before, who you elect will determine the long-term success of Ocean Pines,” he said. “I will represent full- and part-time homeowners equally and work hard to make necessary improvements to our board. I wish to thank the 1,050 members who voted for me last time, and for the other members, I hope you please consider voting for me this time.”

Hardy said his management of personnel and large budgets in both the private and public sectors has prepared him for a position on the board.

“I look forward to being involved, bringing a new perspective to the Ocean Pines community,” he said. “I do believe everyone in the community should have an opportunity to have a voice in what’s done.

I will listen and be a part of this community.”

Farr said his career as a human resources executive, and experience on several executive boards, have taught him the value of people and their voices.

“I’m not a politician, I’m here for the people and here for the community,” he said. “I’m not going to make promises I cannot keep. But the promise I can give you is I will listen and make sure the voices of our community are heard and understood, and that those concerns are brought to the board.”

Last month, Daly presented the board with a recommendation to adopt the county’s short-term rental regulations into the association’s Declaration of Restrictions with enhanced enforcement provi-

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sions for violations. When asked this week about the current plan, Lakernick argued there needed to be a procedure for filing complaints, but added that the county should be responsible for enforcement.

“I think the rules are already in place from the county ...,” he said. “The enforcement mechanism is complaint driven. I don’t think we should put more restrictive covenants on owners here in Ocean Pines. If the county takes your fee of $200, the county is responsible for enforcement.”

Hardy noted that homeowners should comply with rental regulations and supported the idea of a better complaint process.

“If the county needs more assistance, we should find a path to enable them to do their job more efficiently,” he added.

Farr said it was important to educate homeowners and enforce regulations that are within the association’s purview.

“On things we can control, such as noise and trash, there are mechanisms in place that we can go ahead and push forward to make sure we hold these owners responsible for their properties,” he said, “so that they are maintaining it to the standards we have and expect in the community.”

Daly said the association was not trying to create more restrictions, but to have a more effective enforcement mechanism, as the county did not have the budget or the resources. He noted, for example, the association has the ability to

June 11, 2021

levy fines in certain sections of the community.

“We’ve had that for 20 years, and we haven’t used it,” he said. “We want to expand that to all sections so that when we get an irresponsible property that does not follow the existing law, that we can act faster and quicker than the county.”

Candidates this week were also asked how they would approach major infrastructure projects, such as the replacement of the southern fire station, Beach Club and North Gate bridge. Hardy highlighted the need for adequate funding and community involvement.

“I would expect we would assign committees, have them report back to us in an expeditious manner, have time for public comment from residents and then decide whether or not to move forward,” he said.

“We should be running ourselves as a business and do what we can afford.”

Farr said projects such as the Beach Club replacement would call for a cost analysis, drainage improvements and community input.

“If we are going to do a replacement, we need to get the community involved, to show them different plans like we did with the Yacht Club, making sure they know and understand what we are trying to do and making sure we are open with replacement costs for that,” he said.

Lakernick added the association would need more money in reserve to replace its infrastructure.

“A study shows we are going to need SEE NEXT PAGE

... Four Seeking Open Board Seats

June 11, 2021

24% of our assets in reserve so we can replace these things and it doesn’t hit us in our pocket real bad,” he said.

“Part of our assessments go to those funds so we can replace our infrastructure … We have to continue to apply best business practices on how we manage this money.”

Daly said while the association would not be responsible for funding the replacement of the fire station, it is responsible for projects such as drainage improvements and the development of a new Beach Club.

“With exterior and interior renovations, the Beach Club will be good for another 20, 25 years,” he said. “Those renovations would be under the referendum limit. But when we go to replace the Beach Club, get ready for some real big numbers you haven’t seen in Ocean Pines since you’ve lived here.”

Candidates this week were also asked how they would improve the working relationship among board members if elected. Farr said he would remain professional and establish open communication.

“I think that it’s important to have open collaboration between board members and understand why they are leaning a certain way or why they want to vote a certain way,” he said.

Hardy agreed.

“We’re professionals here,” he said.

“You respect what your peers believe to be the truth and you don’t live on innuendo and rumor.”

As a Rotary member, Lakernick said

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

he would follow the organization’s guiding principles for personal and professional relationships.

“If anyone is Rotarian, they know the four-way test - is it true, is it fair, will it build goodwill and better relationships, and will it benefit all concerned,” he said.

“That’s how I will be a director and relate to fellow directors on the board.”

Daly said there were disagreements among board members, but for the most part they worked together for the betterment of the community. He noted that most board motions made this year passed with five or more directors on one side of the issue.

“It tells you that people that probably aren’t number one on the Christmas card list with each other are working together, they do listen to the issues, and they do collaborate on issues, and we do that in a tough, politically charged environment …,” he said. “You’re not going to walk in as a new member of the board and sprinkle holy water on the board and they’re going to love each other. When you stay in the middle and focus on what somebody wants to do and how it benefits the association, you can work with both sides and get things done.”

Candidates this week spent two hours answering questions focused on roads maintenance, amenities, mailboxes, and community involvement, among other things. A second candidate forum will be held virtually at a date to be announced and homeowners are encouraged to submit their questions to elections@oceanpines.org.

Page 29

Pictured, from left, are OPA Board candidates Frank Daly, Stuart Lakernick, David Hardy and Richard Farr.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

June 11, 2021

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

Berlin Mulling Another Run At State Demolition Grant

Page 32

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The town could soon apply for another grant to help fund the demolition of derelict buildings at Heron Park.

Though Berlin didn’t receive funding during the state’s last round of strategic demolition grant awards, Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells is preparing another application following positive comments from state officials.

“They said we had a strong grant but the funding wasn’t there,” Wells said.

“They encouraged us to reapply.”

Staff is recommending submission of the grant application, which seeks more than half a million dollars to assist in the demolition of “the main campus footprint” at Heron Park.

Mayor Zack Tyndall, however, said the application wasn’t due until July and that it was too early to say if the town would apply.

“It’s still a little up in the air as to what route we’re going to go,” he said.

Tyndall said there were still parties interested in buying the park parcels and that the town was possibly going to issue a press release announcing that it was seeking proposals. He said there was also an opportunity to consider short-term options that made financial sense.

“A clear path forward to solicit those

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

June 11, 2021

things has not been developed yet,” he said.

In March, elected officials held a special listening session to gauge public interest in selling parts of the Heron Park property. The parcels that could be sold include parcel 57 (the southwest portion of the property off Old Ocean City Boulevard, adjacent to the railroad tracks and including most of the old poultry processing buildings) and parcel 410 (a 10acre rectangular portion of the property that runs behind Cropper & Sons and includes outbuildings and open space).

The two-hour listening session included a variety of presentations regarding plans for the park’s future, one of which called for a public-private partnership on a concert venue. Tyndall said the town hadn’t received any more information on that in the months since.

He added that while the councilmembers weren’t particularly interested in selling parcel 410, they were more open to getting rid of parcel 57. He stressed however that nothing had been decided yet.

Wells is hopeful that the town will submit the application for the demolition

grant, which would not require a match in town funds. She’s also working on an application for a Community Legacy Grant for approximately $200,000 that would help with the renovation of the old police station space. The space, adjacent to town hall, isn’t currently being used and would be ideal for community meeting area.

“We don’t have a community meeting space that’s easily accessible,” Wells said, adding that she regularly fielded calls from community members looking for meeting space.

BY BETHANY HOOPER

2016 the town has sold 190 different bike lots at a total value of roughly $16,000, or a little more than $81 dollars a lot.

“I emailed our procurement department, and they were able to give me exact numbers …,” he said. “The lowest sales price ever, in December 2016, was $1. The highest sales price ever was $1,311 in April 2017, per lot. That’s money that’s going to the police department.”

Councilman Tony DeLuca, committee liaison, questioned if the town should eliminate a potential revenue stream for the police department.

“This is over five years, $16,000,” he said. “So about $3,000 a year.”

Ocean City Police Department Sgt.

Allen Hawk, committee vice president, agreed to seek the department’s input on the proposed donation. Officials noted the town would only donate bikes that were in good repair.

“The condition is the key issue,” DeLuca said.

Mauser agreed.

“Not everything that comes in is useful,” he said.

After further discussion, the committee agreed to have Hawk come back with the police department’s recommendation. Mauser noted he would also reach out to the town’s attorney to discuss liability should the town move forward with the proposed donation.

“It’s a consideration,” he said.

Donating Confiscated Bikes In OC Discussed

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A proposal to have the town donate confiscated bikes instead of selling them at auction was discussed at the resort committee level this week.

Each year, the Town of Ocean City auctions off bikes that have been confiscated for one reason or another. Last month, however, members of the Ocean City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee pitched the idea of donating those bikes to local church programs and J-1 students instead.

In an update this week, Committee President Paul Mauser noted that since

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Virtual Learning Deadline Nears

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Less than a week remains for families to apply for a virtual learning option.

In a meeting of the Wicomico County Board of Education on Tuesday, Chief Academic Officer Rick Briggs reminded families interested in virtual learning for the 2021-2022 academic year to submit their applications, which will remain open through Thursday, June 17.

“Once all applications are submitted and we have a better idea on enrollment, our planning will intensify,” he said.

Earlier this year, Wicomico County Public Schools announced plans for full, in-person instruction this fall, as well as a blended learning option for eligible students who wish to remain virtual.

“No teacher would teach concurrently,” Superintendent Dr. Donna Hanlin said last month. “The vast majority of our teachers will be teaching face-toface. But we will assign a few teachers, based upon the numbers who want a virtual option, to teach virtually.”

Officials say they anticipate most students will return to the classroom five days a week next school year, and for them no application or commitment is needed. However, families interested in the Blended Virtual Learning Program are required to submit their applications

by June 17.

“A student who is accepted into the Blended Virtual Learning Program will remain virtual through at least the end of the first semester in January 2022,” Briggs said in a statement. “These blended virtual students will have a full instructional day like their in-person peers, but the day will be a mix of 20 percent or more of live, synchronous instruction during which the student must be actively engaged with camera turned on, and the remaining time in independent, asynchronous work. Virtual students will need a reliable daily internet connection. They should be self-motivated with excellent study habits to be successful in this program.”

In an effort to provide additional information on the blended learning program, the school system has created online information sessions. The second and final session will be held on June 14 at 6 p.m., with links available at www.wcboe.org. Questions can also be emailed to comments@wcboe.org.

“We encourage you to take your time and review not only the application itself but all of the available information to determine if the Blended Virtual Learning Program might be a good fit for your student,” his statement reads.

“Please visit the ‘2021-2022 School Year’ page on our website to review a variety of questions and answers about next school year.”

Atlantic General Hospital Would Like To Recognize The Event Sponsors and Community Support For This Year’s Anniversary Celebration. Modified, Due To The Covid-19 Pandemic, The 28th Anniversary Celebration, “The Party To Which You Give But Don’t Go”, Raised More Than $190,000 For The Foundation and Atlantic General Hospital, Through Sponsorships, Donations, and An Online Auction.

Legacy Sponsor

Kelly Foods Corporation for 17 consecutive years

Thank you ...

Premier Sponsors

George & Emily Tunis - Hardwire Myers Family Yard Designs

Benefactor Sponsors

Global Reimbursement Consultants Kathy & Mike Marshall Park Place Jewelers Rayne's Sand & Gravel, Inc.

Champion Sponsors

AGH Auxiliary AGH Medical Staff Bank of Ocean City Duffie Boatworks, LLC Esham Family Limited Partnership Frost Law Humphrey Rich Construction Group, Inc. InterMed Group Buddy & Laura Jenkins / Joan W. Jenkins Foundation Pool Tech, Inc. Quest Diagnostics Taylor Bank

Patron Sponsors

Allen + Shariff Engineering Dick & Ellen Bunting Dale and Charlotte Cathell Coastal Life Realty Group Deeley Insurance Group Delmarva Public Media Sally H. Dowling, M.D. and Family Eugene B. Casey Foundation Faw, Casson & Co., LLP Beth Gismondi Lilah C. Gonzalez, MD Steve & Kathy Hearne Tom & Beth Hershey Home Instead Jack Burbage Foundation Dr. Lee & Jennifer Klepper Kohler Healthcare Consulting, Inc. Mark & Donna Leiner in honor of Dr. Edwin Castaneda M&T Bank Rich & Laura Mathabel Matthew Farr Law R. Charles Nichols Tom & Doris O'Keefe Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645 Ocean Terrace Family Apartments Viola Candeloro Oceans East Luxury Apartment Homes

Peninsula Imaging, LLC Jim & Jan Perdue Pickles Pub of OC LLC Christine C. Rayne and W. Tim Rayne, Jr. Sello's of OC LLC Shenanigan's Irish Pub Greg & Eileen Stamnas G. Marvin & Beverly Steen The Bank of Delmarva The Campbell Foundation The Dispatch The SeaBoard - Jake & Meeghan Robinson The Warfield Family in memory of Bob Warfield The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Bobby Vermillion & Angela Vermillion Geri & Milt Warren Elsie & Bill Weistling of Fenwick Island John & Gail Whaley Kemp Wills & William Hatala

Contributing Sponsors

Atlantic Dental Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Avery Hall Insurance Group Beachwood Inc. Bergey & Company, P.A. Dave & Ann Bruning Viola P. Candeloro & Family Carey Distributors Inc. Centric Business Systems Charles T. Capute, LLC Chesapeake Utilities Bruce & Cheryl Clark Coastal Resort Sales and Rentals / Embrace Home Loans JL & Hugh Cropper IV Susan & Hugh Cropper III DePalma Dental Mark & Kathy Drew Gillis Gilkerson Harold B. Gordy W. Todd Hershey Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Hoen Nancy L. Howard Max Hutsell & Courtney McWilliams-Hutsell K.B. Coldiron, Inc. Kirby’s Pub 94th St. OCMD Jay & Mary Lynn Knerr Legendary Leaderboards, Inc. Longboard Cafe Mr. & Mrs. Hunter "Bunk" Mann Mann Properties Marshall Hotels & Resorts Claudia Nicholls / State Farm Ins Raymond C. Nichols O.C. Seacrets, Inc

Pivot Physical Therapy Procino-Wells & Woodland, LLC Provident State Bank Dorothy J. Rolfe Pete & Royette Shepherd Lois A. Sirman Snowden Lane Partners Southside Deli Ocean Pines Mr. & Mrs. David Speier Jeff & Rina Thaler Kevin Hodge & Theoni Rapo of The Federal Savings Bank Dr. Stephen & Ellen Waters Wilmington University Robert & Janet Wolfing

Auction Sponsors

Alyssa Maloof / The Mermaid Museum Bluewater Development Bob Kelly / Kelly Foods Bryan and Nicole Brushmiller Buddy Sass / Ocean City Golf Club Captain Danny McDorman Chef Vern Smith and Karen & Pino Tomasello Chloe McKenna Christine Glick Crabs to Go David and Patricia Ilczuk Shaffer Delmarva Shorebirds Elite Island Resorts Eric Mihaly, April Gershenfeld, and Basil Hanlon Janie Bunting Kendal and Julie Bunting Smith Judy Wilbur Malibu's Surf Shop Marcia Darlene Keresztenyi Mark Darby, Sharon Harcum and Seth Hetherington Matt and Brooke Borrelli Maya Tomasello Pam & Andrew Adkins / Bayville Package Store Paul and Kay Schrum Robin Tomaselli Rommel's Ace Hardware Ron & Sheila Croker Sara and David Hambury / West-O Bottle Shop Scott Kimmel Sea Level Designs SeaBoard Media Sean Coughlin Suzy & Steven Taylor Taste Events & Off the Hook Restaurant Group Tom Ruark and Kim Ruark Mihaly

AND A Very Special “THANK YOU” to the Anniversary Celebration Committee led by Co-Chairs Emily Tunis and Sara Hambury for planning another successful fundraiser!

Page 34

Darrell Thomas Nottingham OCEAN CITY – Darrell Thomas Nottingham, age 84, of West Ocean City, died on Friday, June 4, 2021 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake as a result of Alzheimer’s disease.

He was the son of the late John and Beatrice Nottingham. He is survived by his wife Pat, and son Jeff and his wife Heather and granddaughter Sarah. Also surviving is his brother David and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his DARRELL THOMAS son Matthew.

Darrell was a mem- NOTTINGHAM ber of the first graduating class of Stephen Decatur High school (1955). He then began his career as a waterman, operating charter boats in Florida and Ocean City until captaining the Mariner party boat in Ocean City. He was a long-time member of the Ocean City Marlin Club.

Darrell donated his body to the Anatomy Board of Maryland. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory may be made to The Ocean City Reef Foundation, P.O. Box 1072, Ocean City, Md. 21843, or online at: ocreefs.org. (Please reference “Big Dad’s reef or Darrell Nottingham.)

A celebration of life was held Thursday, June 10 at the Angler Restaurant on Talbot Street and the Bay. Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

John Peter Henglein OCEAN PINES – John Peter Henglein passed away on Memorial Day, May 31, 2021 at the age of 81 after courageously fighting pancreatic cancer, diabetes, asbestosis and several other health issues.

John was born to Pete and Milldred Henglein on July 19, 1939 in Rockaway Beach Queens, N.Y. He grew up near the water where he loved fishing, clamming and crabbing in Jamaica Bay. He joined the US Navy at 18 and served four JOHN PETER years as a maintenance HENGLEIN mechanic second class.

He worked for Con Ed in New York as an engineer and eventually worked for the New York City Board of Education as a Facilities Manager overseeing numerous public school buildings. He retired to Ocean Pines and was active in many organizations which brought him many friends: John was a member of the boat club, anglers club, 500 club, platform tennis and most importantly the Ocean Pines Fire Department where he volunteered for many years driving the ambulance, directing traffic and assisting EMTs and Police attending fires.

John was also instrumental in the development and maintenance of the Ocean Pines Veterans Memorial, volunteering to place bricks, helping to maintain the grounds, purchase flags and oversee the raising and lowering of the flags for commendations. The Worcester County Veterans Foundation presented John with recognition for his service as a member of the Board of Di-

Obituaries

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

rectors and at a ceremony in Annapolis he earned the title of one of "Maryland's Most Beautiful People" in 2009.

John's passions in life were fishing, boating, vacationing and going on cruises with his wife and friends. He loved participating in raft ups with his friends and participating in the Believe in Tomorrow program where he took families for boat rides, fishing and seeing the ponies in Assateague.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Carolyn Henglein; his children, Elaine Hoffer of DeBary, Fla., Timothy Gusek of Fort Ann, N.Y., Stacey Rollman of Rockaway Beach, N.Y., Marilyn Merlot of Hampstead Md., and Michael Gusek of Pearl River N.Y., nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

His final wishes will be respected. He will be cremated and his ashes spread in the water that he loved so much. A celebration of life will be held in July at the Ocean Pines Fire Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Ocean Pines Fire Department in John's name.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service.

Violet Harris Cropper Steger OCEAN CITY – Violet Harris Cropper Steger “Pete,” age 96, passed into heaven on June 6, 2021 surrounded by the arms of her loving family, grateful to the end for her full, happy, independent and blessed life. She has now claimed the promise of the resurrection and is forever at home with her Savior with whom she faithfully served.

Pete, as everyone knew her, was as much a fixture of the resort town as the pier, the Boardwalk, the Inlet and the beach. Born in Ocean City on Aug. 10, 1924 to Clifford Potts Cropper, mayor from 1940 to 1944, and Henrietta Adams Cropper, she was one of eight daughters: Marietta, Evelyn, Marcella, Bessie, Pete, Sally Charlotte and Frances. She was one of 146 direct descendants of her parents. She had the disVIOLET tinction of being Ocean HARRIS City’s oldest born native. CROPPER STEGER In fact, she never lived farther than three blocks from her childhood home at 8 North Division Street.

Upon graduating from Ocean City High School in 1941, Pete went to Beacom Secretarial School in Wilmington, Del. She stayed for three weeks but cried and begged her parents every day to let her return to her beloved Ocean City. Her parents finally relented, and she returned home to work for her father in his business, CP Cropper Fish & Oyster Company, until her marriage to William Anthony Steger, Oct. 28, 1943.

They had three sons and when they

were grown, she worked with her husband at their business, Inlet Marine Supplies, and managed their other business, the Steger Apartments. She was at the business a total of 50 years, 1933 to 1983, and managed the apartments from 1962 until she sold them to her son, Gary, in 1995.

Pete met the love of her life, Bill, who was stationed with the US Coast Guard in Ocean City, in January 1943 and married him in October of that year. United for almost 54 years, until his death in 1997, together they lived and experienced the peaks and valleys of life, growing stronger and more committed in marriage, acknowledging the Lord for his mercy and grace. Their love produced three wonderful sons, William Anthony Jr, Roger Adams and Gary Clifford.

Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. She was a loving and devoted mother to her three sons and the best wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Pete also enjoyed attending church activities and serving the Lord.

She loved collecting sand and shells from different beaches. Her ministry in serving her Lord was sending church bulletins to those who could not attend church services, visiting the Berlin Nursing Home twice a month with the group from the Presbyterian Church, participating in prayer chains and sending thousands of notes and cards to family and friends throughout the years with words of encouragement and inspiration. Also she was a life member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. In her later years one of her favorite past times was sitting in her yard watching and feeding the birds.

In our lifetime, we are on a journey and only passing through this land for a little while. The destination is heaven for all who believe and love our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Pete lived her life fully and every day in his service and love and was the greatest inspiration to all who knew her. She read her Bible every morning and evening, completing it twenty-three times. Pete was well known within her family and friends for her delicious meatloaf dinners. Though she was never fond of cooking, this is a tradition and recipe from her mother that she was proud to carry on. Everyone loved these dinners and it was with delight that we watched her precious great-grandson, William, 18 months old at the time, first experience one. He ate a plate full and wanted more.

Here is the recipe that she wanted to share with everyone.

Mom-Mom’s Meatloaf Recipe 3 pounds hamburger Two eggs Two-thirds can tomato soup Six ounces of cream or evaporated milk

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

June 11, 2021 Two shakes garlic salt Four seconds onion salt medium covering Light covering paprika Three squirts Worcestershire sauce Heavy covering bread crumbs or cracker meal Two and a half handfuls oatmeal Enough milk to make soft and pink (one squirt) Two or three squirts Heinz ketchup Mix thoroughly but gently Gently form in medium size pan, don’t pack it Bacon on top Two cups water and remaining tomato soup and pour on top Cook 45 minutes at 425 degrees uncovered.

Pete leaves behind her three sons and their wives, William and Kim, Roger and Joy, Gary and Cathy, who lived with and cared for her for many years; grandsons Roger, Jr. and other half Ashley, Isaac and wife Abigail and Joshua and wife Jenna; and five great-grandchildren, Anna, Leland, Honaley, William and Evan.

Also mourning her loss are sister Sally Bradford and husband Russell; sister Charlotte Bergey; her special niece Louise Henrietta Parker who she loved like a daughter; 19 nieces and nephews; 49 great-nieces and nephews; 46 greatgreat-nieces and nephews; nine greatgreat-great-nieces and nephews; and special friends Carol and Jen Sweeney.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Ocean City, on Friday, June 11 at noon.

Rev. Dan McKenty will officiate. A reception will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation be made to Son’Spot Ministries, c/o Gary Steger, P.O. Box 756, Ocean City, Md. 21843; or First Presbyterian Church, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, Md. 21842, or Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21804. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Melson Magee FENWICK ISLAND – Melson Magee, 82, of West Fenwick Island, Del., passed peacefully on June 5, 2021 at the home of his daughter Ellen Lorraine and son-in-law Richard Magee in Abingdon, Md. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maureen L Magee; his father William "Handy" Magee; mother Louella Hall Magee; grandchildren Amy Melissa and Alexander Michael; as well as several siblings.

He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed do-it-yourself projects. He worked as a truck driver/maintenance technician for Gray's Farm/Shady Park until his retirement in the mid-1980s. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to All Souls Connected, 139 Robin Drive, Barto, Pa. 19504. Or donate directly on the website http://www.allsoulsconnected.org/.

Cremation services are being handled by Highview Funeral and Cremation Services in Fallston, Md. No service is planned at this time.

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

Page 36

Critical Call For Blood Donors

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – The Blood Bank of Delmarva this week announced a critical shortage with just a three-day overall supply and just over a one-day supply of type O blood.

The Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) is reaching out to citizens all across the peninsula to step and donate in order to restore the much-needed supply. The BBD cited numerous reasons for the critical shortage, many related to COVID. The long-term impact of the pandemic has resulted in a year of virtually no new donors.

There were 235 fewer blood drives and roughly 5,000 Delmarva residents who were regular donors before the pandemic have not yet returned. Complicating the situation, recently there has been a surge in blood usage as hospitals perform more surgeries and patients seek medical care that was postponed during the pandemic. The increased need and the lag in donations has created a chronic gap in blood donations that has reached a critical stage.

“As the region opens up, hospitalizations are going up and far outpacing the number of donations we are receiving,” said BBD Senior Executive Director Patty Killeen. “Through our new media campaign, we must raise awareness and encourage lapsed donors who

June 11, 2021

have not donated since before COVID19 to return, and to attract the next generation of blood donors to help us build a healthy blood supply.”

Through humor and compelling narrative, the campaign is being launched to show a new generation of potential donors not only how important it is to regularly donate blood, but also how easy it can be. With the campaign, the BBD is hoping a bit of humor will help tackle preconceived notions around donating blood and send the message that donating is easy. For example, one of the campaign’s messages includes “things that hurt more than giving blood.”

The BBD points out donating blood only takes about an hour, but that one hour could save three lives. The BBD is taking extra precautions to prevent the person-to-person spread of COVID even with vaccinations increasing and the pandemic seemingly waning.

The BBD provides safe blood and blood products to all 19 hospitals on Delmarva. It relies on 80,000 volunteer blood donors each year to ensure the needs are met on the peninsula.

The BBD operates four donor centers around the peninsula and in a normal year, hosts 600 blood drives, although that number was greatly reduced during the pandemic. Donors can schedule an appointment by calling 1-888-8BLOOD8, or visiting www.delmarvablood.org.

Pocomoke Truck Traffic Concerns

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – County officials are expected to discuss changes to truck routes in Pocomoke after hearing concerns from citizens.

The Worcester County Commissioners agreed last week to discuss changes to truck routes at their first meeting in July. Residents of Old Virginia Road and a handful of other streets have asked commissioners to revisit a previous decision to allow truck traffic on certain roads.

“I’m the one who brought it here so it’s sort of a mea culpa for me but I want to get it right, whatever the right thing is for the constituents in my district,” Commissioner Josh Nordstrom said.

Following a decision to allow the installation of a speed camera on Old Virginia Road outside of Pocomoke High School last week, Nordstrom said he was also concerned about truck traffic on the road. He said that since that road and a handful of others had been opened up to truck traffic they’d been overwhelmed.

“When I first brought it here I didn’t see any issue with it but I have been told otherwise by the people I represent,” he said.

Nordstrom said he’d nearly been run off the road by a tractor trailer himself and that he’d seen how the shoulder of the road was worn down from where so many vehicles had to leave the road to allow tractor trailers to pass.

“There have been many many complaints,” he said. “I think we should take another look at this. I did not anticipate the amount of truck traffic coming through those roads.

They’re coming from all over and they’re all size trucks.”

Commissioner Jim Bunting agreed that residents were concerned.

“I’ve also had a lot of calls from people down in Pocomoke saying to get the trucks off the road,” he said.

Commissioner Ted Elder reminded the commissioners that the change had been made in part to help a local trucking company avoid a hairpin turn.

“That should also be brought up,” he said.

Nordstrom said he was willing to help businesses if possible but not at the expense of the residents who lived on the roads in question.

The commissioners asked Dallas Baker, the county’s director of public works, to return to them with more information and recommendations in July.

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

Former day care site Will reopen as sunny start learning center

Page 38

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A popular local daycare will reopen under new ownership this summer.

Dee Shorts, the Worcester County Public Schools chief academic officer for pre-k through eighth grade, has partnered with Nan Howe, a retired Ocean City Elementary School teacher, to open Sunny Start Learning Center at the facility previously known as Beary Best Day Care. Beary Best closed almost two years ago after decades of caring for local children.

“We wanted to fill that gap Beary Best left open,” Shorts said.

Shorts and Howe, who both spent years teaching at Ocean City Elementary School, said Beary Best, which is located on Friendship Road, had always had a great reputation.

“It really feeds to Ocean City Elementary School and we were always super impressed with the kids that came from Beary Best,” Shorts said, adding the ar-

HAPPINESS

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ea had lost a mainstay in child care when the center closed. “With our background in education and our love for kids and community, we just thought let’s try.”

She and Howe started talking about the possibility in December.

“When Dee came up with this idea I said oh my goodness,” Howe said. “It was really a community need.”

They were even more excited about the possibility when they contacted Beary Best’s owners, the West family, and toured the building.

“It was like the kids walked out yesterday,” Shorts said.

They agreed to lease the space and are planning to open the Sunny Start Learning Center in August. They have space for 30 kids and are currently in the process of hiring employees. Shorts said they were excited to secure retired Worcester County Public Schools teacher Georgia Wierengo as the center’s director. Before she taught for the school system, Shorts said Wierengo had opened Little Lambs Learning Cen-

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ter.

“We knew we needed somebody who’d look at this place as their own,” Shorts said.

She said having a capable director was also critical when she was still working full-time for the school system

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and Howe was busy as an education consultant. When asked if she was concerned about any conflict of interest considering her position with the school system, Shorts said she was not. She added that she’d consulted Superintendent Lou Taylor regarding her plans early in the process. She said Sunny Start would not be a pre-k program.

“This is going to be a child care center,” she said.

Shorts said the center wouldn’t be in competition with the schools but would support the schools, particularly Ocean City Elementary.

“Our job is to just support the school system,” she said, adding that Sunny Start would accept children as young as infants and would offer before and after school care.

Howe and Shorts said they were making some cosmetic changes to the facility but planned to hold an open house Aug. 11 and welcome kids on Aug. 16. They want to make sure the center is open before the school year begins. Community interest is already high, as Howe said the Wests were getting calls from people interested in sending their children to the facility.

“I feel so proud we’re able to step in the shoes of Mr. and Mrs. West and continue the tradition of Beary Best,” Shorts said.

Decision Delayed Over Sole Source Vendor Questions

June 11, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Citing the need for additional information, officials in Wicomico County last week agreed to postpone their decision on a sole source vendor request.

Last week, the Wicomico County Council voted to postpone a resolution authorizing a software company as a sole source vendor for the county’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

“I’ll make a motion to postpone to allow for a work session to get a better idea of where the program is, where the county is with the funding …,” Councilman John Cannon said.

In last week’s meeting, Purchasing Agent Nicholas Rice and Planner Jesse Drewer came before the council seeking the authorization of Benevate Inc. as a sole source vendor. Officials noted the software, which is currently used by four other Maryland counties, would allow Wicomico to streamline its application and intake process for the grant-funded Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

“When we looked at this software and other software for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, we evaluated four different ones recommended by the state Department of Housing and Community Development,” Drewer said. “For the cost and the timeframe

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

for implementation, this company was selected … It was the cheapest one we found with a significant cost factor of $50,000 to the next available software. This was only $29,000 for a oneyear timeframe.”

To that end, officials told county leaders they were seeking a waiver of the competitive bidding process to select Benevate as a sole source vendor.

Councilman Ernie Davis, however, shared his concerns regarding sole source requests.

“It seems like everything is brought under sole source vending,” he said.

“We haven’t had anything in the last couple years that’s been bid out.”

Rice explained that projects were bid out all the time, but that only sole sources requests required council approval.

“We do bids all the time,” he said.

“They don’t come before the county council because they’re not required to. The only time you see these are when they are sole sources.”

Davis, however, said the council needed more information on the reasoning for a sole source request.

“We understand you guys know what you’re doing, but it would be nice if we knew what the process was …,” he said. “It would be nice to get this stuff beforehand.”

Rice noted that time was running out to approve the sole source request, as the software would be needed for the program’s application process.

Page 39

“This software has a four-week timeline for implementing it,” Drewer added, “and our program did open today.”

Councilman John Cannon said he was more concerned about spending $29,000 on software that would only be used for a year.

“I’m not sure why we are considering spending that money for a rental assistance program when it’s only a temporary program,” he said.

Drewer explained the rental assistance program was funded through a $7 million grant the county received from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. He

said the software would cut down on staff time and allow applicants to submit documents digitally.

“This would be funded through the $7 million grant,” he said. “The lifetime of this grant for expenditure is September of 2022. So we have 15 to 17 months of timeframe for this grant, and we just started incurring costs today.”

After further discussion, the council voted 6-1, with Councilman Bill McCain opposed, to postpone the authorization of the sole source vendor.

“It’s always good to have as much information as possible,” Councilman Josh Hastings said.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

June 11, 2021

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 41

Students

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

June 11, 2021

In The News

Sixth grade students in Victor Hall's computer science class at Berlin Intermediate School are pictured practicing coding their VEX GO robots to prepare for the coding obstacle course challenge. VEX GO is a construction system that teaches the fundamentals of STEM through fun, hands-on activities that help young students perceive coding and engineering. Above, Miley Cabello-Vargas, Olivia Mongellie, Kami Shump and Lizzie Thompson take their creations out for a test run.

Submitted Photos

BERLIN – The following represents several press releases received recently.

•Worcester Preparatory School’s 43 graduates received over $6.6 million in merit scholarship offers and will attend 36 different colleges and universities in 19 states and D.C. this fall. As COVID19 restrictions lifted, this year’s graduates were honored with the first-ever, outdoor WPS commencement ceremony on campus, Friday, May 28. Nineteen members of the class (44%) entered WPS in either pre-kindergarten or kindergarten.

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During the socially distanced ceremony, Head of School Dr. John McDonald announced the Top Senior Award recipients including: Valedictorian Hannah Perdue (Salisbury), Salutatorian Joseph Schwartz (Salisbury), and Best AllRound Student Summer Walker (Church Creek).

Distinguished WPS ’06 alum, Dr. Christian Castaneda, a Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellow at New York-Presbyterian Queens, delivered the Commencement Address to the Class of 2021.

•The Ocean Pines Golf Members’ Council recently awarded five scholarships totaling $11,000 to local high school seniors.

The scholarship committee of the Golf Members’ Council each year honors students who have exhibited an interest in the game of golf, and who demonstrated exemplary academic and extracurricular records.

Bob Long, scholarship committee chairman, said awards are given on behalf of Ocean Pines Golf Club members that support the fund throughout the year.

He said members have raised more than $35,000 for scholarships over the last six years.

“This year’s $11,000 amount is by far the greatest and reflects the work put in

by Scotty Wheatley who, for many years, chaired the Ocean Pines-Taylor Bank Scramble that helps raise funds for junior golf programs and scholarships,” Long said. “Scotty passed away this past February, and in his memory his friends contributed to the creation on a scholarship in his name.”

Long said awards for Worcester Preparatory School students were presented during the school’s graduation ceremony.

“The members were disappointed that Stephen Decatur was unable to hold its awards presentation night and are hopeful to present awards in person again, next year,” he said.

The 2021 recipients of the Ocean Pines Golf Members’ Council Scholarships are: Samantha Herold is an Ocean Pines resident who attends Stephen Decatur High School. She has played on the golf team for four years and has been a fouryear honor roll student with a challenging selection of courses. Her extracurricular work includes music, dance and equestrian interests. She will attend West Virginia University. Herold is the 2021 Scotty Wheatley Scholarship winner and was awarded $2,000.

Todd (T.J.) Bescak is a Worcester Preparatory School graduate and lives in Berlin. He is a former resident of Ocean Pines, where he lived off the seventh hole. Bescak is an honor roll student who SEE NEXT PAGE

has also shown an interest in acting and the arts. He is a four-year member of the golf team, and All-Conference golfer, and a team captain. He will attend Arizona State University. Bescak was awarded $3,000.

Kaden Mault lives in West Ocean City and is a graduate of Worcester Preparatory School. He has been an honor roll student and Advanced Placement Scholar with an interesting mix of non-academic interests. Mault is a four-year member of the golf team. He will attend Indiana University. Mault was awarded $2,700.

Mason Brown is a Worcester Preparatory School graduate and resides in Rehoboth Beach. In addition to being on the golf team, Brown was an All-Conference basketball player, and a member of the varsity soccer and lacrosse teams. He is an honor student who has not shied from rigorous and challenging coursework. He will attend the University of Miami. Brown was awarded $2,200.

Ryan Brafman, a graduate of Worcester Prep, lives in Rehoboth Beach. He is an Advanced Placement Scholar and AllConference tennis player, with an interest in medicine. Last year, he also joined his school’s golf team. He will attend Davidson College. Brafman was awarded $1,100.

•During its General Membership meeting on June 3, the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines awarded four $1,000 scholarships to deserving seniors from Stephen Decatur High School. Donna Potenza, the chair of the scholarship committee, presented the scholarships to awardees Rafe Grant Parson, Brooklynn Pugner, Grace Watson and Kathrine Elizabeth Wrench in recognition of their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement and dedication to their community.

•Among the University of Vermont graduates this spring were Stella Cunningham of Berlin and Shuvan Shrestha of Berlin.

•The following local residents were recently named to the Dean's List at the College of William & Mary for the spring 2021 semester: Berlin resident Elsa Quillin. Pocomoke resident Carey Hickman and Snow Hill resident Mohammad Ali. •Zachary Tucker of Fenwick Island, Del., is one of more than 700 Lebanon Valley College students named to the Dean's List for the spring 2021 semester. Dean's list students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.4 out of 4.0. Tucker, a graduate of Century High School, is pursuing a master of business administration in business administration at The Valley.

•James Church of Ocean City has been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the McDaniel College Spring 2021 Dean's List with Honors.

•Justin Paul Canakis of Ocean City was among the 270 graduates awarded the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) at the college's 130th commencement. Canakis is the son of Carla and Dr. Jerrold Canakis of

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 43

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Sandy Buchanan represented the Worcester County Garden Club in presenting the club’s 2021 scholarship recently to Emma Merritt at Pocomoke High School’s recent Senior Awards ceremony held outside in the school’s stadium. Worcester County Garden Club’s mission includes promoting the love and study of gardening and floral design and to practice and teach good stewardship of the land, community and heritage. Each year, a $1,000 scholarship is presented to a deserving Worcester County public school senior who plans to major in horticulture, botany or agricultural, ecological or environmental studies. Merritt has chosen an environmental resources management major.

Ocean City and the brother of Dr. Andrew Canakis and Alexander Canakis.

He earned a bachelor of science degree in biological chemistry from the College of William & Mary in 2017. Canakis is continuing his medical training in internal medicine at George Washington University, Washington, DC. •Nearly 2,300 students have been named to the Spring 2021 Dean's List at Kutztown University, including Page Athey of Selbyville, Del.

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Development Director Named OCEAN CITY – The Art League of Ocean City recently welcomed Nancy Dofflemyer of Ocean Pines as its new director of development.

“Nancy has more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience and many local connections.

She will be a major asset to our team as the Art League looks to the future and new outreach opportunities,” said Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League.

NANCY Since 2004, Doffle- DOFFLEMYER myer was golf director for the Harrison Group and their 11 hotels and six restaurants. She founded and is the former president of the Executive Women’s Golf Assn., Eastern Shore Chapter, and also founded the Pink Ribbon Classic benefiting the American Cancer Society, and the Winterfest Gala Black Tie Event. In 2016, Dofflemyer received the Eastern Shore Golf Hall of Fame Award and also the prestigious EWGA/LPGA Nancy Oliver Founders Award that recognizes members who display exceptional long-term volunteer leadership and service and exemplify the spirit and mission of the EWGA which is enriching women’s lives through the game of golf.

“I am excited to join the talented team at the Art League, and my true passion for the arts has now come full circle,” said Dofflemyer, who received her liberal arts degree from Stockton University in Pomona, NJ. “I also studied fine art and dance at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and enjoy weaving, pottery and dancing my way through my life's journey. I look forward to developing and expanding art in our community.”

Chief Investment Officer Named OCEAN CITY – Blue Water Development, a premier real estate investment and outdoor hospitality management company, recently named Carl Kruelle as chief investment officer. As the first CIO in Blue Water's 19-year history, Kruelle will be based out of Blue Water's corporate office in Ocean City.

"I'm thrilled to be joining one of the Mid-Atlantic's best-known brands in outdoor hospitality at such an exciting time," said Kruelle. "The COVID-19 pandemic obviously had a huge impact on the travel industry as a whole, and I look forward to helping Blue Water continue its growth in the RV resort & campground sector as consumers discover, or rediscover, the great outdoors.”

A graduate of the University of Delaware, Kruelle possesses over 20 CARL KRUELLE years of experience in real estate investing, financing, asset management and capital raising. Prior to

June 11, 2021

joining Blue Water, Carl was President of PEG Capital Partners, Chief Investment Officer of Roch Capital, Chief Lending Officer/Chief Credit Officer of Applied Bank, and President & Founder of Broad Creek Capital. While these positions have provided him with broad knowledge of all asset classes of real estate, his consistent focus on hospitality assets throughout his career made him the perfect fit for Blue Water.

"As the outdoor travel trend that began well before the pandemic continues to build momentum in its much-awaited wake, Carl couldn't be joining us at a better time," said Blue Water CEO Todd Burbage. "He brings a wealth of experience in and knowledge of the real estate investment sector to our team, and we know that he will help us continue to expand our portfolio in an aggressive yet strategic way.”

In his new role at the company, Kruelle will manage all aspects of Blue Water's investments. This will not only involve continuously assessing and analyzing the performance of the 21 properties that the company currently owns or manages (plus seven RV resorts and four hotels under development), but also supporting its strategic growth in the outdoor hospitality sector as a whole – with a particular focus on its rapid geographic expansion.

"Blue Water is undoubtedly in the business of making deals and so am I, so I can't wait to see what, or should I say where, is next," said Kruelle.

Acquisition Announced MILLVILLE, Del. – Mercantile Processing Inc. (MPI), a Delaware-based merchant services and point of sale company, has acquired Coastal Business Machines (CBM) and announced a furthered expansion in the tri-state area.

Founded in Sussex County, Del. where the headquarters still remain, MPI has offered point of sale and merchant services in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virgina for decades. The addition of Coastal Business Machines allows them to broaden their local and tristate point of sale clientele.

Kyle Morgan, CEO & Head of Product for MPI, expressed his excitement, saying, “We have been looking for a way to grow our reach in the area and taking on CBM does exactly that. It also allows us to offer POS systems as well as our whiteglove service level, to a larger audience.”

The acquisition allows for MPI to continue service work and upgrades for Coastal Business Machine clients.

"We are a local business offering local service," Tiffany Phippin, MPI POS Specialist who manages the customers who were recently acquired from CBM. "I am looking forward to working with these local businesses to help them grow and prosper."

SEE NEXT PAGE

Pandemic Sparks Changes Within Insurance Industry

June 11, 2021

BY KRISTIN COANE

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

BERLIN – It’s beneficial every now and again to review the insurance industry and here’s an update on the various different types and current market place standards.

Life Insurance: A recent insurance survey conducted by the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association (LIMRA) found that one-third of consumers were considering buying life insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate was higher among African American respondents (38% versus 31% of Caucasians), which wasn’t a surprising statistic given that 56% of African Americans already own some form of life insurance, compared to 52% of the general population.

Interestingly, 42% of survey respondents reported that they had tested positive for the coronavirus, which presumably led a lot of people to start thinking about their own mortality.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Funeral Insurance: The more than half million deaths caused by COVID-19 also prompted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to offer financial reimbursement for funeral expenses.

The agency is now accepting applications for qualifying (coronavirus-related) funeral or burial assistance of up to $9,000, or up to $35,000 for families with multiple deaths.

The pandemic has impacted millions of Americans in many different ways – from illness and KRISTIN COANE death to job loss and business interruption. We can offer assistance for a variety of insurance options to help meet your needs. Please contact us for a complimentary insurance review.

Health Care Insurance: The coronavirus also prompted some key changes to the state and federal health insurance

exchanges. The new American Rescue Plan included a provision that makes Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act health plans more affordable for people who earn above 400% of the federal poverty level. The new premium subsidies will make health insurance affordable for many middle-income Americans – possibly more so than employer plans.

In fact, employees may be inclined to shop and compare plans, especially if they’re thinking of leaving their current job and want to remain insured. Now that there is a competitive option via the individual market, younger/healthier employees may choose to opt out of their employer plan, which could potentially change the dynamic of affordability. In other words, if employer-plan risk pools are left with mainly only older and sicker workers, health insurance premiums could in turn rise in the employer market.

Property Insurance: COVID-19 isn’t

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the only catalyst for change in the insurance industry. Extreme weather events in recent years have overburdened the property insurance industry. In Florida, for example, tens of thousands of homeowners have been dropped from their homeowners policies in light of major financial losses experienced by insurers. It was recently reported that more than 50 insurers in Florida experienced $1.57 billion in total underwriting losses in 2020 alone.

The forecast this year isn’t much better. The average hurricane season features about a dozen tropical storms, half of which turn into hurricanes. Last year, there were 30 named storms in the U.S., 13 of which were hurricanes. This year meteorologists are predicting that 17 named tropical storms will form, from which eight will likely become hurricanes.

(The writer is the Operations Director with Key Financial Services. Her team can be reached by calling 410-629-0357.)

Brew Pub Ground Breaking

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – SoDel Concepts recently broke ground on Ocean View Brewing Company, the hospitality company’s 14th restaurant and second brewpub. The hospitality group plans to open the new brewpub in early 2021.

The June 3 groundbreaking occurred on the corner of Route 26 and Woodland Avenue in Ocean View, Del. The property is near NorthEast Seafood Kitchen, another SoDel concept.

“The Ocean View-area community has always been so welcoming,” said Scott Kammerer, president of the hospitality company, which will open Matt’s Fish Camp in Fenwick Island this month. “We have so many loyal customers in Ocean View, and we are excited to bring fresh, homemade beer and delicious chef-driven food to the area.”

In 2019, SoDel Concepts opened its first brewpub, Thompson Island Brewing Company. The restaurant is just outside the entrance to Rehoboth Beach near sibling Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar. The brewpub quickly won fans — and awards at prestigious beer competitions.

Jimmy Valm, head brewmaster at Thompson Island, will oversee both breweries. While OVBC will feature unique beers, it will also feature some of Thompson Island’s most popular brews.

Matt Patton, vice president of construction, is overseeing the project, which is being built from the ground up. He is working with Lighthouse Construction and Fisher Architecture to develop the 200-seat restaurant.

Patton, a certified cicerone, also handles the company’s beer program.

“We will make world-class beer at Ocean View Brewing Company,” he said.

“Expect a comfortable atmosphere with a beautiful beer garden, superior service and a menu full of coastal favorites.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

June 11, 2021

News In Photos

Coastal Hospice recently received a $15,000 gift from Charity United Methodist Church in Salisbury. The monies will be used to support charitable care for those who do not have the resources to pay for expenses not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or insurance such as room and board at Coastal Hospice by the Lake and the Macky & Pam Stansell House. Hospice care itself is provided free of charge.

The donation was one of six made to local charities in need in the community.

Above, Barbara Stephens, left, and Karyl Tyler, right, of Charity United Methodist Church deliver the donation check to Coastal Hospice CEO Alane Capen to be used to support Coastal Hospice’s charitable care fund.

Submitted Photos

Town of Ocean City Solid Waste Supervisor James Purnell reached his 50th anniversary of employment last month with the resort. Purnell, who started work with the town in May of 1971, has spent his entire career as an employee of the Public Works Department. “As a society, we have transitioned from having a job that is a ‘lifetime career’ to one that is more so ‘job hopping,’ said Public Works Director Hal Adkins. “James (or Jimmy as I like to call him), is a fine example of a dedicated employee who has chosen to make working for the Town of Ocean City a life-long career. His dedication to the job is unequaled. He operates quietly behind the scenes as a Supervisor in our Solid Waste Department to assure our homeowners, business community, and visitors receive top-notched service. I take great pride in working alongside Jimmy and am honored to recognize him for this outstanding accomplishment.”

The Wicomico Retired Educational Personnel (WREP) met recently for their spring meeting at the Salisbury Moose Lodge pavilion. The outside venue allowed members to visit in person for the first time in 14 months. WREP welcomes all Wicomico County Board of Education retired staff to join our organization.

Belonging to WREP includes membership in the Maryland Retired School Personnel Association (MRSPA). Above, WREP President Lynne Bratten is pictured with Executive Branch members.

Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League of Ocean City, presented Darlene Jameson a donation towards the Healthway Drive Community Garden across from Atlantic General Hospital. The Art League raised the funds through a Paint Night in May at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort.

The Ocean City Surf Club teamed up with Dunkin and presented 60 Dunkin Gift Cards to show community appreciation for the service of the Ocean City Police Department. Pictured, from left, are PSA Renas, OC Surf Club Vice-President Rusty Ruszin, OC Surf Club Secretary Kevan Thomson, OC Surf Club President Tommy Vach and PSA Olshefski. The club issued special thanks to Public Information Officer Miller and Dunkin representative Melanie Davidson.

In observance of Memorial Day, the Worcester County Garden Club placed a wreath at the Veterans Monument in downtown Berlin. The wreath was designed and created by member Sue Ann Hudson. Club President Deb Young said the wreath laying was “a good opportunity to show our pride and respect for our fallen military as well as to our active service members and military families. We owe our freedoms to those who dedicated their lives to preserve our rights and uphold our democracy.” The Worcester County Garden Club is a member of Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to provide support, leadership and education for garden clubs and the public about best practices for horticulture, conservation, and landscape design. Individuals interested in learning more about Worcester County Garden Club can contact the membership chair at WorCtyGardenClub@gmail.com. Pictured, from left, are Sue Ann Hudson, Deb Young, Martha Bennett, Suzy Young and Pat Arata.

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch

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

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

NEWS DEPARTMENT SHAWN J. SOPER Managing Editor ssoper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHARLENE SHARPE Staff Writer/Copy Editor csharpe@mdcoastdispatch.com BETHANY HOOPER Staff Writer bhooper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHRIS PARYPA Photographer

SALES DEPARTMENT TERRI FRENCH Account Executive Entertainment Editor terri@mdcoastdispatch.com JEANETTE DESKIEWICZ Account Executive jeanette@mdcoastdispatch.com

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

BUSINESS OFFICE 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 $75 per year, $55 for six months.

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.

No Choice But To Enforce Encroachment The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

June 11, 2021

HOW WE SEE IT

Back on June 20, 1986, the headline in this newspaper read, “The Tidal Wave rides again, but controversial roller coaster told to move.”

It was an unfortunate mistake then and it’s the same situation this week, oddly enough for the same property.

The Ocean City Council had no other choice but to stand firm 35 years ago this month and the same goes for this week’s situation.

Back in October, the Ocean City Mayor and Council did not officially take a position on a request from Trimper’s Rides to have the Big Wheel hang over the Boardwalk. It was a mistake to not put a vote on the record, but what was clear is permission was not granted to encroach on the public right of way. The majority of the council expressed clear opposition to the request, but the matter was ultimately referred for more staff review and more discussion at a future work session. The meeting never came.

Fast forward to last week and con-

cerns immediately started to be heard during the construction of the 150-foot Ferris wheel. It was not in the same position as last year. It was closer to the boards in the area where the former Zipper ride was located. The assumption among some was Trimper’s and the ride owner, Wood Entertainment, had found a way to position the Ferris wheel to accomplish their goal of having it in the sightlines of Boardwalk-goers to improve admission sales. An error, according to amusement park officials, in the construction and measurements of the Big Wheel led to about 10 feet of overhang over the Boardwalk.

The city has fined the operators and the ride would have to be relocated to continue operating. Rather than spend about $100,000 to tear the ride down and site it westward bringing it into compliance, the Big Wheel will move out of town early next week.

The issue here is the city code, not objects hypothetically being dropped from an enclosed gondola. Violating

the code as well as going against clear opposition from the council on the request is the concern City Hall needs to be worried about. Permission was never given. The ride was constructed with the encroachment.

The city needs to look no further than across the street for a precedent.

In 1986, the council voted 5-1 (with property owner and council president Granville Trimper abstaining) to shut the Tidal Wave roller coaster down as a result of a safety inspection section encroaching 3.2 feet onto South 1st Street. The council considered allowing Trimper’s to operate the ride for the summer with promises to address encroachment over the off-season, but in the end the council opted it was too dangerous to set the precedent, especially considering Trimper was a colleague. The station was trimmed to come into compliance within the week.

Thirty-five years later, the same precedent logic applies today with this week’s Big Wheel situation.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Targeting Overnight Car Sleepers Will Help Editor: With another tourist season upon us, like most property owners, I’m always looking for ways to help eradicate the challenging issues we face annually.

Seems every weekly periodical at this time features reports of just about every criminal activity imaginable.

I’m sure at one time or another, we’ve all thought; “What can I do?”

One simple outside the box idea where we all can make a difference is to diligently monitor your neighborhood for “guests” sleeping overnight in their cars and on the beach.

Most troublemakers that come here and commit crimes don’t stay in even the most inexpensive hotels here. They drive to quiet bayside areas or roll out a sleeping bag on the beach, spend the night and they’re at it again the next day. That’s where the fast-food refuse, diaper bags, vomit, etc. originates, for those who have been complaining about that. I’ll leave their restroom location options up to your imagination.

This problem has worsened in recent years and is beginning to occur not only on notorious weekends, but for most of the summer.

Sleeping in vehicles overnight is prohibited and any law enforcement officer will confirm that the subsequent obligatory search will very likely produce a drug and/or weapons violation.

This year, it seems more and more beachgoers are setting up camping

tents on the beach during the day. While I’m not sure if this is legal, sleeping on the beach between 10pm & 6am definitely is.

There was a reader’s letter last year submitted by a beach stand operator noting human feces, syringes, used condoms, and a host of other atrocities he encounters upon setting up every morning. This is unacceptable.

Here’s where we locals can get involved. Look for and report any suspicious overnight vehicles on your street.

Also, any overnight camping on the beach. Encourage your neighbors to do the same and if your area has a neighborhood watch program, join and get involved.

Marshall Reynolds Ocean City

Library Program Supported Editor: Last week’s The Dispatch relates in detail a recent Worcester County Commissioner’s meeting and the questions made to the Library Director Jennifer Ranck. The headline read, “County Commissioner Again Question Library Program.”

As I understand, the concern raised is a grant that was given to the Library by a company, Zoobean through their offering Beanstack. The concern stated that Zoobean supports Black Lives Matter (BLM) and that by accepting the money the library was committing a political act.

I checked Zoobean’s website and

they do support BLM. Also on Zoobean’s website their stated goals are fostering reading among children and teens and inclusion. From what The Dispatch article stated the content in the reading program created by the grant was not slanted to any one view other than one of inclusion.

I also checked the internet to see what companies also support BLM: Airbnb, Cisco, Docusign, DoorDash, Grubhub, IBM, Microsoft, Peloton, Salesforce, Shopify, Uber, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, EA Games, Spanx, Levis, Gap Brands, Nike, Wendys, McDonalds, Coca Cola and UnitedHealth Group.

This list is by no means exclusive or complete.

Given the views stated by the commissioners, they should demand that the library only take donations or grants once they have determined that the person or entity making the donation has no political opinions at all. I frequently donate to the library and my donation has never been questioned for a political intent.

I absolutely support Ms. Ranck and library’s goal of getting people to read and providing material that represents the diversity of our great nation.

Rich Brown Ocean City

Thanks To Elks Club Editor: This year I contacted the Elks Club SEE NEXT PAGE

June 11, 2021

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR about honoring my husband, an Ocean City native and three-time purple heart recipient, who served in Vietnam.

I worked with the club to create a banner that now proudly hangs on the boardwalk at Somerset street where he grew up. Seeing the banner brought closure neither he or I knew he needed. It was the recognition he never received all those years ago. Many thanks to the Elks Club for providing this outstanding program – giving veterans an opportunity to close old wounds.

Christine Parks Ocean City

Jobs Worth Shoving Editor: It’s been a long time since I heard the old country classic “Take This Job and Shove It,” but I was reminded of it recently when I read the letter from the foreign wind company touting the benefits of bringing union jobs to the area to build their giant towers in the ocean.

I went to Youtube and listened to the tune again, and now, with apologies to the great Johnny Paycheck, I offer my version.

“Take those jobs and shove ‘em We don’t need them on the Shore Killing birds and trashing views Ain’t what I’m paying for.

You keep on tryin’ to sell it With talk of jobs and more, But we will protect our ocean And we’re certainly not that poor.

You say this junk will last for 20 years But all that rare-earth metal ore Is dirty-mined in distant lands Where nobody’s keeping score.

You’ll fool the well-intentioned folks With talk of being green While ignoring all the hidden ways Turbines are far from clean.

So take those jobs and shove ‘em We don’t need them on the Shore Killing birds and trashing views Ain’t what I’m paying for.”

Spencer Rowe Berlin

Decatur Appreciates Community Support

Editor: For the past few weeks, Stephen Decatur High School has been extremely fortunate to host live events and celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class of 2021. Members of the class of 2021 did not have the easiest of senior years. In the prime of their high school experience, the landscape of schooling changed. Still, our seniors learned new technology and learned to navigate on-line classrooms.

They forged new ways to serve and, perhaps most importantly, they learned how to adapt to change. On behalf of the Stephen Decatur High School faculty and staff as well as our entire community, let me say how proud we are of them.

Celebrating their successes in such spectacular ways would not have been possible without the support of our par-

Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ents, students, faculty and staff, and community members. Specifically, we would like to recognize and express our sincere appreciation to the following individuals and organizations whose enthusiasm, dedication, commitment, and selfless support truly made possible a Senior Awards Night, a Baccalaureate Service, a Boardwalk Procession, and a Commencement Ceremony.

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan Special Events Director for the Town of Ocean City Frank Miller Ocean City Police Lieutenant Scott Harner Ocean City Police Department Ocean City Public Works Department Bob Rothermel and crew from Team Productions Worcester County Sergeant Robert Trautman Worcester County Sheriff’s Department Bill Baker, Jessica Martinez, and Power 101.7 Radio Station Meeghan and Jake Robinson of The Seaboard Chris Bunting and Ocean Aerial Ads Coastal Community Church Keller Williams Realty Susan Jones of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Ocean City Fire Department Ocean City businesses and restaurants School Resource Officer Kenny Reed Technology Specialist for Worcester County Public Schools David Dodson Stephen Decatur High School faculty and staff Stephen Decatur High School After Prom Committee Worcester County Public Schools administrative staff.

I am so honored to be a part of this amazingly supportive community. The Stephen Decatur High School graduating seniors are our students but they are the sons and daughters of our community. Thank you again to everyone in our village who had a role in raising them and supporting them, and thank you to everyone who assisted us in celebrating their achievements.

Thomas Sites Berlin (The writer is the principal of Stephen Decatur High School.)

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 even-ing 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.

Page 49

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

It’s looking more and more like students returning to school in the fall may not be required to wear masks. Some local private schools, like Worcester Prep, for example, adopted the “restaurant concept” last month following CDC guidance where masks are worn in common areas like hallways but removed when students are seated at desks spaced apart. A grassroots movement in some Maryland public school systems looks to take it even further.

For example, members of the Carroll County Board of Education and state legislators in the region wrote letters to the state education department this week requesting the in-school mandate be lifted. School board officials want the state to make masks optional immediately.

On the local front, Worcester County Public Schools on May 7 lifted the outdoor mask requirement for teachers and students. Many parents have been vocal on social media about their hopes masks will not be required when students return in the fall. Local elected officials are encouraging citizens they hear from to write the state superintendent of schools to voice their opinion. However, most seem to agree it’s unclear whether the decision rests with the state education department or the governor’s office. If it rests with the governor, schools should be allowed to be mask free now since the statewide mandate was lifted May 15.

Local artist Patrick Henry created quite a stir on his Facebook page this week when he vaguely referenced the Berlin Council’s recent decision to remove from the budget a $27,500 feasibility study for a new community center on Flower Street. Henry attended elementary school in the building in the 1960s and the building’s future is important to him. He wrote, “In 2001 I was asked to attend a meeting with former Delegate Bennett Bozman, former Berlin Councilman John D. Smack Jr. and former County Commissioner James Purnell, to pour over plans with replacing the aging building with a new larger one. Recently, I was notified that next week the Berlin Council will decide on plans to replace the building with one that could greater serve the needs of our community. Unfortunately, I was also told that some of ‘the powers to be’ may not consider it financially expedient for the spending of taxpayers money on such a project. So sad.”

Henry’s post resulted in dozens of comments and shares, including some statements from the town’s elected officials.

On his Facebook page, Mayor Zack Tyndall thanked Henry for discussing the issue, saying, “… The cost of this study and planning would be taken out of a reserve fund that currently holds over $400,000 to be used solely for the community center. As many of you are aware, the Multipurpose Building on Flower Street has fallen in disrepair. For over 20 years, a new community center has been discussed and promised to the Berlin community. Year after year, the discussions begin and end with the mantra ‘it can wait until next year.’ I ask that you please reach out to your respective Councilmembers and let them know how vital this funding is for the future of our community.”

Town council members called foul on Henry’s post, saying the facts were not represented. A common concern among the council members was removing the feasibility study should not be taken as not supporting a new community center for the area. They say a feasibility study is not needed because the likelihood is the new community center will not even be located at the site of the current building in question.

Councilman Troy Purnell was the bluntest, saying, “Patrick, Total BS. Whatever you heard and whoever you heard this from is a liar. From this Councilperson you can be assured that the community center is a priority but the Mayor did not propose in his budget 1 dime for this to be built. We do not need to spend any money on a ‘feasibility’ study as we know it is feasible. We need to put some more money in the budget to get grants to FUND building it.”

Councilman Jay Knerr added, “Patrick, I can tell you the entire council is committed to building a new and improved Community Center. The three new council members when running for election, all recognized the immediate need for a new building. … Jack Orris is going to propose at the council meeting that the town form a Community Center Committee in order to get some solid ideas down on paper so we can start moving this forward. That is a positive step in the right direction. In order to construct a new center we will certainly need a lot more money than the current reserve amount, but we can leverage the funds we do have to apply for grants. Part of the new committee’s mandate will be to explore those options. Sometimes the rumor mill goes astray. …”

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols, who lives on Flower Street, said, “We, all 5 of the Council members of the town of Berlin fully support and are ready to work towards building/establishing a Community Center on Flower Street. The only thing that we don’t agree with is spending part of our $420k that has been allotted for said Community Center on a Feasibility Study costing $27.5k, which would be deducted from the current $420k, when this study is not required in order to receive all possible grant funding. … With all do respect, please folks before jumping to conclusions reach out to us.

My counterparts and I are more than willing to explain exactly what’s going on. I have been waiting, like you Mr. Henry since the days of Bennett Bozeman for this Community Center and plan to see it happen.”

Page 50

Every Sunday: Berlin Farmers Market Main Street will be closed every Sunday through September from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in downtown Berlin. A producers only market featuring produce, flowers, baked goods, art and homemade products. Free parking.

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

June 11: Crab Cake Dinner Stevenson United Methodist Church will hold a carryout only crab cake dinner from 4-6:30 p.m. Costs are $12, one crab cake sandwich with greens beans, baked potato and cole slaw; $20, two crab cake sandwiches with sides; and $8 for just a

Things To Do

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

crab cake sandwich. Bake sale table available.

June 12: Pulled Pork Carryout The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be holding a Smoked Pulled Pork Carryout from 5-7 p.m. at the main station. Half pint smoked pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw and a roll (for sandwich making) for $12. Additional pint of pork $10. Call 619-922-9950 by

June 10 for orders.

June 12: Pig Roast ABATE of Sussex County Lone Scouts will host a pig roast from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at 34291 West Line Road in Selbyville.

Adults, $15; children 12 and under, $7; and $13 for ABATE members. Mini bike rides, basket of cheer raffle, door prizes every hour, live band, primitive camping available. Rain date is June 13. 302-7323429. Vendors welcome.

June 12: World Knit Day From 10 a.m.-noon, Worcester County Library Snow Hill branch invites the public to join for a knit in public event.

June 12: Anglers Club The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Library.

Speaker will be local legend Big Bird Cropper, providing a rundown on what is happening in early season fishing and maybe throw in a few useful tips. Also learn updates on fishing regulations and other fishing issues. All welcome.

June 12: Flag Day Ceremony Scout Troop 225 will present the flags at The Flaig-Wagner Banquet Room inside the Ocean City Elks Lodge at 2 p.m. Since 1949, The Elks Grand Lodge

has adopted mandatory observance of Flag Day by every lodge and that requirement continues today. 443-3865284 June 12: Car & Truck Show The show is set for Saturday, June 12 at MAC, Inc., the Area Agency on Aging, in Salisbury. Vehicle registration begins at 9 a.m., and the cost is $15. Dash plaques will be awarded to the first 50 registrants. Trophies will be awarded at 2 p.m. A total of 48 trophies will be awarded in various car and truck categories, in addition to People’s Choice and Best in Show awards. The event also features a kids craft booth, craft vendors, food and music. There’s still time to register to be a craft vendor; registration fee is $15. Call 410-726-6249

by Friday, June 11 to register your craft booth.

June 12: Benefit Bingo Worcester County Humane Society will hold the 4th Annual “Wags and Whiskers” Thirty-One Bag, Cash and More Bingo fundraiser at the Ocean Pines Community Center with doors opening at noon. All proceeds benefit the homeless dogs and cats at the no kill shelter.

When it’s game time, participants will have multiple chances to win official Thirty-One bags, cash and many other prizes. The bingo games will run from 1-4 p.m. Event goers must be 18 or older. Advance tickets are $25 for 20 regular games for Thirty-One bags full of goodies and gift cards. There will be two special bingo games for an additional small fee.There will also be an opportunity to participate in a Chinese auction, SEE NEXT PAGE

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Things To Do

June 11, 2021

raffle boards and a candy bar game for additional items and prizes as well as snacks and beverages available for purchase.

June 13: Sundaes in the Park Free live music and ice cream sundaes at Northside Park starting at 7 p.m. and a new drone show at 9 p.m.

June 16: GOLD Golf Tourney Worcester County GOLD (Giving Other Lives Dignity) will holds its GOLD on the Green Charity Golf Tournament on the Newport Bay Course at Ocean City Golf Club. Proceeds provide emergency assistance for urgent needs like housing, utilities, and basic needs for children and vulnerable adults. GOLD is seeking teams of golfers, sponsors, and donors to make this important fundraiser a success.

Call 410-474-3414 or head to www.WorcesterGOLD.org for more information.

June 18: Freedom Walk Juneteenth Snow Hill Freedom Walk at Byrd Park with registration at 8:30 a.m. and walk starting at 9. Walk sponsored

by Snow Hill United, Worcester County NAACP and African American Heritage Society of Snow Hill & Surrounding Areas. 443-944-6701.

June 19: Classic Car Festival Selbyville’s 64th Annual Old Timer’s Day

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Classic Car & Family Festival will feature classic vehicles across multiple decades as far back as the 1930’s. A family-friendly affair, the event also includes food vendors, children’s activities, and live music from The Glass Onion Band sponsored by Mountaire Farms. Vehicle entry into the car show is $10, and the first 100 registrants receive a commemorative event gift sponsored by Murray Sod. Prizes awarded for each category by decade, as well as cash prizes for People’s Choice and Best of Show. For complete details, schedule of events, and to enter a vehicle, visit www.thequietresorts.com.

June 19: Assateague Fishing Derby Assateague State Park will be holding its annual Youth Fishing Derby from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is free for all; participants must be children 16 and under. Participants will get the chance to learn fishing techniques and try their hand at surf fishing alongside Assateague State Park employees who will be on hand to instruct participants in proper fishing methods for the surf. Fishing equipment will be provided but is limited so participants should bring their own equipment if possible. Prizes will be awarded.

June 19: Judy Johnson Event The Worcester County NAACP will commemorate Negro League Baseball Player Hall of Famer Judy Johnson, a Snow Hill native, from 11 a.m.-noon. He will be recognized in front of the Judy Johnson Memorial at the Snow Hill Library at 307 N. Washington St., in Snow Hill. Judy Johnson’s long-time friend James Knott will share personal stories. Rayner

"Ray" Banks, ambassador for the Baltimore Negro Leagues, will also be present. 443-944-6701

June 19: Teach A Kid To Fish The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will host the annual Teach A Kid To Fish Day from 9-11 a.m. at the South Gate Pond near the Sports Core Pool. Kids of all ages are invited to “test the waters” and learn fishing skills and techniques with the members of the Ocean Pines Anglers Club. A wonderful opportunity for parents and grandparents to introduce a new generation to the sport of fishing.

The pond is stocked with several species of fish and participants will have the opportunity to try out their newly learned skills. Participants are encouraged to bring insect repellent and a bottle of water. Please bring your own rod. Bait will be provided. There will be a drawing for a free rod and reel. The event is free.

No pre-registration is required. For more information contact John McFalls at 610505-1697

June 19-20: OC Air Show The 14th annual event takes place Saturday and Sunday featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and many other acts. www.ocairshow.com

June 21: Luncheon The Democratic Women’s Club of Worcester County’s luncheon will be from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club’s ballroom. All are welcome.

The first in-person event in more than a year will include choice of three entrees and dessert, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and more. Social distancing protocols in place. Cost is $30. Deadline for registra-

Page 51 tion and payment is June 1. Reservation form is on the DWC’s Facebook page, website, www.dwcmd.org, or email, demwomensclubwc@gmail.com.

June 21-24: Summer Wellness Camp Worcester County Health Department is hosting a free four-day Summer Wellness Camp, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day at the Delmarva Discovery Museum in Pocomoke. The camp will include local guest speakers with presentations that will help prepare youth for their teenage years.

Field trips around Worcester County will also be included, incentives like power banks, bookbags, and pop sockets and a free boxed lunch to-go for each day. Due to space, the program is limited to 12 participants (ages 13-19 years old). Registration is required. The first 10 participants to attend will receive True Wireless Stereo Earbuds. To enroll call 410-6321100, ext. 1103 or email twila.fykes@maryland.gov June 26: Yard Sale The Parke at Ocean Pines is holding its community sale (rain date is Sunday, June 27) from 7 a.m. to noon in the driveways of its 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.

July 29: Kiwanis Club Car Show The first Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City Car Show will be held from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Ocean Pines Veterans Memorial Park. Registration costs $15 per entrant from 8-9 a.m. There will be judged classes, trophies and awards.

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June 11, 2021

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Library Board Supports Current Grant Process

June 11, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

Art Show Held: The Ocean City Center for the Arts hosted its First Friday art reception and Rare Earth group art

show last week. Above left, Kal Dupchen won second place for his mixed media art. Above right, Don Lehman won first place for his painting. The show opened on First Friday, June 4, and continues through June 26.

Submitted Photos

BERLIN – Reaffirming the library’s grant process, the board of trustees voted this week to leave decisions on grant applications to the executive director’s discretion.

On Tuesday, the Worcester County Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to allow Executive Director Jennifer Ranck to apply for any grants she deems appropriate for the library, reaffirming a decision that officials say the board made last year.

“That gave me permission to apply for whatever I wanted to on behalf of the library …,” Ranck said this week, “which is helpful in applying for grants.”

The board’s decision comes less than a week after the Worcester County Commissioners met with Ranck to discuss a teen reading program and its possible link to a political movement. The “Read Woke from Home” challenge, which offers two $500 prizes to teens who participate, was called into question after commissioners learned the program was funded by one of Beanstack’s Black Voices Microgrants, which according to Beanstack’s website are “in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.”

Ranck told board members this week she was asked by commissioners to explain the library’s process for applying for grants. While she couldn’t point to specific meeting minutes, she explained the board had voted to leave it to her discretion when choosing grants.

To that end, the board on Tuesday voted to reaffirm its previous decision, allowing the executive director to apply for library grants without the board’s permission. Ranck said she would continue to inform the board of any grant applications made on behalf of the library.

“We trust you to do your job,” board member Vicki O’Mara added.

Ranck noted that while the library received county funding for personnel services, materials and maintenance, it has never asked for money to fund its programs.

“That’s why we go after grants,” she said.

She noted, for example, the library recently applied for federal funding through the American Rescue Plan to establish a mobile outreach program that would visit child care centers, schools and senior centers.

“This would be a game changer for this library …,” she said. “I don’t know what the chances are, as this is a statewide competitive grant.”

Board members this week also voted to approve the library’s $2.86 million budget for fiscal year 2022. Ranck noted the spending plan included a $99,000 increase for salaries and the purchase of a replacement vehicle.

“Everything I asked for, I received …,” she said. “I think we are very supported by the county.”

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Sports

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Seahawks Complete Perfect Regular Season

June 11, 2021

In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team beat Bennett, 103, in the regular season finale to complete a perfect, albeit shortened 2021 campaign.

The Seahawks ran the table this spring, going 6-0 in the regular season.

With the 10-3 win last Thursday, the De-

catur girls completed a season sweep of the Clippers. The Seahawks earned the top seed in the state 2A-East Section II region when the brackets were released.

Decatur will face North Caroline, seeded fourth, when the regional tournament opens this week. If the Seahawks advance, they would face the winner of the other semifinal between secondseeded Parkside and third-seeded Easton.

Decatur Boys Top Bennett In Finale

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Decatur’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team closed out the regular season with a narrow 9-8 win over Bennett last Thursday.

With a win over the Clippers, the Seahawks finished the regular season

with a 4-2 record. The Decatur boys earned the number-three seed in the state 2A-East Section II region when the brackets were released this week.

They will face second-seeded Easton on the road when the regionals get going this week. Parkside is the top seed in the section and will face fourth-seeded North Caroline.

Worcester Prep last week doled out its spring post-season awards for boys’ and girls’ varsity lacrosse and boys’ and girls’ varsity tennis. Pictured first row, from left: Natasha Richter, varsity tennis, most improved; Caitlin Williams, varsity lacrosse, Coach’s Award; Claire Windrow, varsity lacrosse, Most Improved; Myranda Beebe, varsity lacrosse, Most Valuable Player; Sumira Seghal, varsity tennis Most Valuable Player; and Summer Walker, varsity tennis, Coach’s Award.

Pictured back row, from left: Graham McColgan, varsity lacrosse, Coach’s Award; Ryan Brafman, varsity tennis, Coach’s Award; Anders Taylor, varsity lacrosse, Most Improved; Joseph Schwartz, varsity tennis, Most Valuable Player; Graham McCabe, varsity tennis, Most Improved; and Hunter Gentry, varsity lacrosse, Most Valuable Player.

Submitted Photo

Seahawks Seeded First In 3A-East Region

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity baseball team earned the top seed in the state 3A-East Section II region when the brackets were released this week.

The Seahawks went 9-1 on the season, their only loss coming to Parkside.

Decatur started the season with five

straight wins and closed out the regular season with four straight. Decatur is the number-one seed in the state 3A-East Section II regionals, which got underway this week.

Decatur earned a first-round bye and will face the winner of the game between fourth-seeded Bennett and fifthseeded Oxon Hill. For the record, the Seahawks beat Bennett, 14-3, in their only regular season meeting.

Decatur Track Teams Solid In Final Meet Decatur Softball Earns 1st-Round Bye

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity outdoor track teams turned in strong performances last week in the last regular season meet of the year with Bennett and Parkside.

The Decatur boys finished third with 27 points and the Decatur girls finished second with 54 points. On the boys’ side, in the 100, Jaden Holland finished fourth. Tristan Dutton was second in the 800, while Jake Gillespie finished seventh. Dutton also finished second in the 1,600, while Ethan Justice was fourth and Philip Becnel was 10th. Liam Foley finished first in the 3,200, while Gillespie was fourth. Holland finished fourth in the long jump, while Bryce Solomon finished fourth in both the discus and the shot put.

The Decatur boys team of Dutton, Foley, Justice and Gavin McCabe finished first in the 4x800 relay. The team of Justice, McCabe, Kyler Stubblebine and Becnel finished first in the 4x400.

On the girls’ side, Summer Banks finished fourth in the 100, while Miah Schwind was fifth and Eva Luzier was eighth. Breanne Ferguson was fourth in the 200, while Alexis Berrie was fifth and Sadie Peters was sixth. Mackenzie

Cathell finished third in the 400, while Ferguson was fifth and Peters was sixth.

Carolina Novelli was first in the 800, while Cathell was fourth. Novelli also finished first in the 1,600, while Avery Braciszewski was fourth. Amalia Murphy finished first in the 3,200, while Alexandria Urbanski finished third. Urbanski also finished second in the 300meter hurdles.

The Decatur girls team of Novelli, Cathell, Murphy and Braciszewski finished first in the 4x800. The Decatur girls team of Ferguson, Schwind, Berrie and Ivorie Helmbright finished second in the 4x100. The Decatur girls team of Leah Seitz, Macy Seitz, Luzier and Peters finished second in the 4x400. The Seahawk team of Luzier, Leah Seitz, Macy Seitz and Ferguson finished second in the 4x200.

Jessica Janney finished first in the high jump and second in the long jump.

Urbanski finished fourth in the long jump and Schwind finished fifth. Janney also finished first in the triple jump.

The meet last Friday closed out the regular season for the Seahawks. The boys’ and girls’ teams opened the postseason on Thursday with the state 3ASouth Section II championships at Bennett.

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

dela, 6-2, on May 26. Decatur avenged that loss with a 10-0 win over the Warriors in the very next game in the season finale. Decatur earned the second seed and a first-round bye in the state regionals, which got underway this week.

The Seahawks will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between third-seeded Bennett and sixth-seeded Oxon Hill.

Big Thresher Highlights Mako Mania

BERLIN – Decatur’s softball team earned a number-two seed in the state 3A-South Section II regional when the seedings were announced this week.

The Seahawks started the season with eight straight wins before falling to Mar-

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Back in action after a one-year hiatus, the 24th Mako Mania tournament last weekend out of Bahia Marina was a memorable one.

After 23 years, the popular Mako Mania tournament was left at the docks last year during the pandemic, but returned last weekend for the 24th time and it did not disappoint. The crew on the Gulfstream took first place in the signature mako division with a 129-pounder worth $46,580, the tournament’s top prize.

Perhaps creating the biggest stir, however, was a big thresher hauled to the scale at Bahia Marina by the crew on the Reel Fun. The thresher topped out at

over 410 pounds and was worth $12,462 in prize money. The Jacked Up took second in the thresher division with a 306pounder worth $7,308.

In the mako release division, it was the Side Piece taking first and earning $2,200. The Keep Er Wet took second and earned $5,967, while the Mako Me Crazy took third and earned $3,609. The Reel Obsession swept the bluefish division with a 10-pounder worth $3,606, and a four-pounder worth $1,134. The Take Em won the W.W. Harman Award for most mako releases with three and earned $1,500.

A total of 30 boats and 137 anglers participated in the tournament last weekend. The total prize money awarded was $84,366.

New Owners Bring ‘Fresh, Modern Look’ To Berlin Bed And Breakfast

June 11, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A new bed and breakfast offers guests a place for a quiet getaway in one of Berlin’s historic homes.

The Inn Berlin, located at 15 Harrison Ave., opened last month. The property offers five guest rooms as well as space for small private events.

“It’s meant to be a nice, peaceful haven,” said Karen Tomasello, who owns the property with her husband.

Pino and Karen Tomasello, well known in the resort’s restaurant industry from their years operating Fresco’s and Sello’s, were looking for an investment property when they stumbled across what was then the Waystead Inn last year. Though they initially looked at the property in the spring, it wasn’t until their son and daughter-in-law, Marco and Maya Tomasello, agreed to operate the bed and breakfast that they decided to move ahead with the purchase. The Tomasellos then spent six months redesigning and updating the facility.

“We took our time to do it right,” Karen Tomasello said. “We wanted a fresh, modern look.”

Along with redecorating the interior, the Tomasellos enhanced the exterior of

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

the historic home, adding a deck, patio and wrap-around porch. They re-graded the back of the property and added more landscaping throughout the 1.5-acre site.

In May, Marco and Maya Tomasello welcomed the first guests to The Inn Berlin. Most customers so far have been tourists from metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia and Baltimore. There have also been some small groups, such as a bridal party that enjoyed a brunch on the inn’s terrace and yoga on the lawn.

“It’s been people looking to escape the city and relax and enjoy a quiet weekend in a cute town,” Maya TomaSEE PAGE 58

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The common spaces as well as the interior rooms of The Inn Berlin have been completely redecorated by the new owners.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

… Operators Offering Gluten-Free Dining For Guests

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

FROM PAGE 57 sello said.

She added that while they’d always planned to operate the inn as a bed and breakfast, she and her family got permission from the town to host tented events on the property after hearing from people interested in outdoor venues.

“There was a need and we thought it’d be great supplemental income,” Karen Tomasello said.

The bed and breakfast’s entirely gluten-free menu — which includes locally sourced eggs and produce — is also proving to be an attraction. Because Maya Tomasello has Celiac Disease, she knows how difficult it can be to maintain a gluten-free diet while traveling. The Inn Berlin’s eatery, Hive, is 100% gluten-free.

“While many restaurants and dining establishments offer ‘gluten-free’ menus and options, the majority are not actually Celiac-safe because of cross contamination,” the inn’s website reads. “Our kitchen is stocked with only the best ingredients, which are all hand-selected to be sure they are 100% gluten free and 100% delicious.”

While lodgers are all served breakfast, because Hive is not a full-service restaurant other meals and add-ons, such as picnic lunches, themed dinners and charcuterie boards, have to be arranged prior to a guest’s arrival.

“It’s very specialized,” Marco Tomasello said.

The inn will, however, be offering pop-up ticketed dining events to the public. The first of those, set for June 11, features a six-course tasting menu paired with wine and mead. Maya Tomasello, who handles all the cooking, said she’d like to host pop-up dining events once a month.

“It depends how busy I am with the

June 11, 2021

One of the rooms at The Inn Berlin is pictured.

bed and breakfast,” she said. “Our first priority is our guests.”

Though there has been some concern voiced by area residents about the potential impact the inn’s restaurant could have on the nearby homes, Marco and Maya Tomasello pointed out they live on the property and have no intention of upsetting the neighbors.

“We live here,” Maya Tomasello said.

“We like our peace and quiet.”

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

As part of the local community, the Tomasellos and The Inn Berlin will also continue the family’s tradition of supporting local causes. The Inn Berlin took part in Atlantic General Hospital’s 28th Anniversary Online Auction and will be featured in the upcoming Sand Castle Home Tour benefiting the Art League of Ocean City.

“We like to give back,” Karen Tomasello said.

ADOPT A PET FROM THE SHELTER

The exterior of the bed and breakfast as well as the grounds have been upgraded over the last six months.

Submitted Photo

These Loving Animals, Sponsored Each Month By Local Businesses, Are Available For Adoption At The Ocean City Humane Society: 410-213-0146.

To Sponsor A Pet, Call 410-641-4561 • Annually, 10% Of The Proceeds From This Page Are Donated To The Shelter The Humane Society Desperately Needs Volunteers To Help Care For The Cats And Dogs. Any Amount Of Time You Can Spare Will Be Appreciated.

BANDIT

BOSS HOGG

BUTCH

ECLAIR

JIMBO

Adkins Of Berlin Harrison Avenue 410-641-2200

Bank Of Ocean City Ocean Pines 410-208-9380

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

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

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

MAMA CASS

PAC MAN

TAWNEY

VANITY

VEEKA

Hooters of Ocean City Ocean City www.hootersofoc.com

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

The Dough Roller Five Locations In Ocean City

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

Elliott’s Hardware Rte. 611, West Ocean City 410-213-1088

THE DISPATCH’S PETS OF THE MONTH

June 11, 2021

Pet’s Name: Rhya Pet’s Age/Breed: 9-year-old Cream retriever, American bulldog, Great Pyrenees mix Pet’s Owners: Patricia & Michael

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Pet’s Name: Pumpkin Pet’s Age/Breed: 14-year-old tabby Pet’s Owner: Candi Daniele

Pet’s Name: Luna Pet’s Age/Breed: 2-month-old Cavachon Rachel Ross Pet’s Owners: Shelley Ross

Page 59

Pet’s Name: Dixie Pet’s Age/Breed: 9-year-old golden retriever/tree walking coon hound mix Pet’s Owner: David Battista

STEVE GREEN EDITOR

Pet’s Name: Abby Pet’s Age/Breed: 3-year-old English Springer Spanial/mini poodle mix Pet’s Owners: Mary Easton & John Lee

Pet’s Name: Bella Pet’s Age/Breed: 10-year-old lab/golden mix Pet’s Owner: Dave Sherman

The Dispatch presents the latest edition of its Pets of the Month Contest.

Each month one special animal, or two, in some cases, is picked as the cutest photo of the bunch through a private vote of our staff. Here we present this month’s pets, submitted by our readers.

On the front page is last month’s winning entry, Winston, owned by Mary Dunn.

Those interested in participating in future months’ contests are invited to send their lovable pet photo to us at editor@mdcoastdispatch.com (preferred) or to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 or drop it off at our office in Berlin at 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd.

Please be sure it’s a high-quality photo suitable for reproduction and to include your mailing address, the pet’s name, age and breed and the owner’s first and last name. The next series will appear in this space on July 9.

Pet’s Name: Dexter Pet’s Age/Breed: 11-year-old miniature dalmatian Pet’s Owners: Paul & Patricia Ellis

Pet’s Name: Dietzi Pet’s Age/Breed: 6-month-old Italian greyhound/poodle mix Pet’s Owners: Elaine Bean

Pet’s Name: Bosco Blu Pet’s Age/Breed: 6-year-old Australian labradoodle Pet’s Owners: The Poggi family

Pet’s Name: Cooper Pet’s Age/Breed: 5-month-old shih tzu Pet’s Owners: Terri McIntyre & Phillip Vecchioni

Help Lifeguards By Following Laws Including No Alcohol GUARDING THE BEACH

Page 60

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

June 11, 2021

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – It is against the law to have alcohol on the beach in Ocean City.

Our lifeguards are required to enforce the city ordinance that makes it unlawful to have an open container anywhere in Ocean City including the beach. If people do not comply with the law or present any resistance we immediately contact the Ocean City Police Department.

It amazes me that drinking still occurs on the beaches of Ocean City. I have to say, though, there is some irony to a 40year-old beach patron hiding his beer from an 18-year-old lifeguard. The fact is our guards do see you hiding it and are going to ask you to take it off the beach. Trying to cover it up with a coozy, or pour it into a red Solo cup is unDAMIEN SANZOTTI acceptable. It is the alcohol that is illegal not the container it is in.

Not only is consuming alcohol unlawful

Rookies in a recent Surf Rescue Training Academy are being instructed in how to care for an individual with a head, neck or back injury. A significant factor contributing to severe ocean injuries is alcohol consumption.

Submitted photos

on the beach, but there are numerous safety issues that arise. We deal with a high number of heat related illnesses on the beach that are alcohol related. The fact is that alcohol dehydrates you, and having only a beer or two on a hot day increases the risk of heat related illness. Alcohol increases the loss of body fluids, accelerates dehydration, and leads to heat exhaustion. If untreated it may result

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in heat stroke which is almost always fatal.

Furthermore, swimming in the ocean after consuming alcohol is dangerous.

Salt water and alcohol make the worst cocktail, and we rescue numerous people every summer that probably would not have gotten into trouble if they were not drinking. It is a known fact that alcohol impairs your judgment. This can lead to se-

HERE’S MY CARD

rious incidents like near drownings or other serious injuries. We can usually tell when someone has been drinking when we rescue him or her. On the open water, alcohol is easy to smell on someone’s breath. I tell all my guards that if they rescue someone who has been drinking they should ask the person to leave the beach.

The Center for Disease Control reports alcohol was involved with 25-50% of adult and adolescent deaths that occurred during water recreation. Additionally, alcohol is involved with nearly half of all the drownings among adolescent boys. The Ocean City Beach Patrol is asking you to follow the laws of Ocean City and make your beach trip much safer as a result.

Please help your guard by following all the local ordinances (rules) and laws, so they do not have to leave their stand as often, to ask you to stop a prohibited activity.

(The writer has been with the beach patrol for 18 years and is currently a sergeant. He is a physical education teacher at Berlin Intermediate School.)

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OCBP ALUMNI OF THE WEEK

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 61

Jeannie Barr: Competition, Friendship

(Editor’s Note: The following is a series on the men and women who have spent their summers protecting all those who came to Ocean City for fun and safe vacation.)

OCEAN CITY – Growing up, Jeannie Barr was always competitive. The outlet she chose for her competitive spirit was swimming, which she would pursue throughout her life. One of her biggest rivals turned out to be her older brother, Chris. Jeannie remembers that they were "super competitive with each other with swimming … our whole lives."

In the early 80's, Chris had joined the Ocean City Beach Patrol. It was a time when then Assistant Captain George Schoepf was pushing hard to turn the patrol into a national powerhouse in lifeguard competitions. Guarding and training became standards of the OCBP. Jeannie heard about the adventures, races and competition and "figured I could do this". In 1986, Jeannie would tryout and pass the beach patrol test.

"I was really lucky during my four years on beach patrol. Some of my brother’s friends were still on the patrol, which was fun,” she recalled. “I had some really in-

tense rescues; I was part of the first female traveling OCBP competition team (and) my fourth year I became the fourth female OCBP crew chief in beach patrol history.”

The longer Jeannie was on the beach patrol however, the more she came to understand that being a guard was a lot more than just competition.

"You go through these super intense rescues and situations with folks and it bonds you. I’m so grateful for everyone I got to know and am still close with today. Those are some of the best people I know," she said.

Most guards will remember their most dangerous rescue or their closest race.

Jeannie recalls one memory above others. "When I was a Crew Chief on 74th Street, I got a call to wait by the water and that someone was going to replace me on my stand,” she said. “Next thing I knew, here comes Lt. Warren Williams in the Zodiac (an inflatable motorized rescue boat) to pick me up. Warren and I spent the rest of the day playing in the surf. He taught me how to go in and out of waves without flipping. The whole time we just

Jeannie Barr, left, is pictured after a lifeguarding competition on the beach.

Submitted Photo

talked and laughed. He was the best story teller. I learned more history and fun stories about OCBP that day. He was so much fun. I never learned why I was chosen to go out with him, but what an honor it was. He was such a great man. I’m definitely grateful for that experience."

After the summer of 1989, Jeannie left the OCBP but not the experience. Of the lifelong friends she made, Jeannie re-

HERE’S MY CARD

marks that it "doesn’t matter how long you go between talking. You can text or talk on the phone and it’s just like yesterday.

Those are true friends."

She lives in Massachusetts with her daughter and their dog. She still competes in open water distance swimming, including the time she raced her older brother Chris in the Swim from Alcatraz in the San Francisco Bay. MVA LICENSED

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Who’s Where When 45TH STREET TAPHOUSE 443-664-2201 45th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, June 11: Sean Loomis & Adam Bilenki, 9 p.m.

Saturday, June 12: Stepbrothers, 9 p.m.

Sunday, June 13: Keith White Duo, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, June 16: Aaron Howell, 8 p.m.

Thursday, June 17: Ward Ewing, 9 p.m.

Best Beats The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

on the beach

June 11, 2021

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, June 11 Crawl St. Tavern: Tuesdays

BEATS BY WAX Purple Moose: Monday, June 14 Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Coins Pub: Sundays & Wednesdays

9TH STREET TAPHOUSE 443-664-2641 9th St. & Boardwalk Friday, June 11: Wes Davis, 6 p.m.

Thursdays: Chino Rankin, 6 p.m.

ATLANTIC HOTEL 410-641-3589 2 North Main St., Berlin Mondays: Earl Beardsley

DJ BK Greene Turtle North: Friday, June 11 Buxy’s Salty Dog: Sundays

BUXY’S SALTY DOG/DRY DOCK 28 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, June 11: Dust N Bones Duo Sundays: Local’s Party w/ DJ BK COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL CASTLE IN THE SAND HOTEL 37th & 38th St. 410-289-6846 Friday, June 11: Darin Engh, Noon; Stratus Fear, 5 p.m.

Saturday, June 12: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama, Noon, Taylor Knox Band, 5 p.m.

Sunday, June 13: Top Shelf Duo, Noon; The Dunehounds, 4 p.m.

Monday, June 14: Sean Loomis, Noon Bob Wilkinson & Joe Smooth, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, June 15: Taylor Knox, Noon; Heather, Tall Paul & Kristie, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, June 16: Chris Thomas, Noon; Decade 80, 4 p.m.

Thursday, June 17: Heather Vidal, Noon; Kevin Poole, Joe Mama, & Chris Thomas, 4 p.m.

COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, June 11: Full Circle, 9 p.m.

Saturday, June 12: Jim Long, 2 p.m.

Sundays: DJ Wax, 10 a.m.

Wednesdays: DJ Wax, 8 p.m.

CHEST PAINS Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, June 11

BEATS BY ADAM DUTCH Purple Moose: Friday -Sunday, June 11-13 & Tuesday June 15

WES DAVIS 9th St. Taphouse: Friday, June 11

BAD W/NAMES Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, June 11 & 12

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Sunday, June 13 Fridays & Wednesdays

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd. Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Sunday, June 13: Rick & Regina, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, June 16: Bilenki Duo, 5 p.m.

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, June 11: Chest Pains, 9 p.m.

Saturday, June 12: Fuzzbox Piranha, 9 p.m.

Sunday, June 13: Karaoke w/DJ Jeremy, 9 p.m.

Monday, June 14: DJ TBA, 10 p.m., Tuesday, June 15: DJ RobCee, 10 p.m.

Wednesday, June 16: Disco Night, 10 p.m.

Thursday, June 17: Hot Sauce Band, 9 p.m.

CORK BAR Sunday, June 13: Dwayne Wilson, 4 p.m.

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. in the Bay Friday, June 11: Spank, 5:30 p.m.; DJ RobCee, 9:30 Uncle Jesse, 9 p.m.

Saturday, June 12: Spank, 5:30 p.m.; 7 Deadlies, DJ Groove, 10 p.m.

Monday, June 14: Side Project, 5 p.m., DJ Hector, 9 p.m. (deck) Party Like It’s, 10 p.m.(stage)

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday, June 11 Sunday, June 13 & Thursday, June 17

ON THE EDGE Ocean Club/Clarion: Friday & Saturday, June 11 & 12 Lenny’s Beach Bar: Monday-Thursday, June 14-17

KARAOKE W/WOOD Pickles Pub: Mondays

STEPHEN ANTHONY Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill: Friday & Saturday, June 11 & 12

DJ GROOVE Fager’s Island: Saturday, June 12

JOINT OPERATION Seacrets: Tuesday, June 15

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 63

Who’s Where When GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Rte. 611, West OC Friday, June 11: West King String Band

SEAN LOOMIS & ADAM BILENKI 45th St. Taphouse: Friday, June 11

HONEY SHINE Pickles Pub: Saturday, June 12

HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Friday, June 11: DJ Billy T, 3 p.m.

Saturday June 12: Side Project, 1 p.m.; DJ Jeremy, 6 p.m.

Sunday, June 13: Opposite Directions, 1 p.m.; DJ Billy T, 6 p.m.

Thursday, June 17: DJ Billy T MULLIGAN’S 410-213-7717 12445 Ocean Gateway, West OC Thursday, June 17: TBA

RICK & REGINA Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sunday, June 13

FULL CIRCLE Coins Pub: Friday, June 11 Seacrets: Monday, June 14

OCEAN CLUB 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The Clarion Hotel Friday & Saturday, June 11 & 12: On The Edge Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill Friday & Saturday, June 11 & 12: Stephen Anthony, Noon Friday-Sunday, June 11-13: First Class, 4 p.m.

Monday-Thursday, June 14-17: On The Edge OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 410-641-7501 1 Mumford’s Landing Rd., Ocean Pines Friday, June 11: Overtime Saturday, June 12: Tranzfusion Sunday, June 13: Exit 93 PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, June 11: Beats By Styler, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 12: Honey Shine Sunday, June 13: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke With Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax

KEVIN POOLE & JOE MAMA Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday & Thursday, June 12 & 17

JIM LONG BAND Seacrets: Friday, June 11 Coins Pub: Saturday, June 12 (solo)

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, June 13 Seacrets: Tuesday, June 15

WEST KING STRING BAND Greene Turtle West: Friday, June 11

RISING SUN REGGAE Seacrets: Tuesday & wednesday, June 15 & 16

DUST N BONES DUO Dry Dock 28: Friday, June 11

PURPLE MOOSE 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boardwalk Friday, June 11: DJ Adam Dutch, 2 p.m., Bad W/Names, 10 p.m.

Saturday, June 12: DJ Adam Dutch, 2 p.m., Bad W/ Names, 10 p.m.

Sunday, June 13: DJ Rut, 2 p.m.; DJ Adam Dutch, 10 p.m.

Monday, June 14: DJ Wax, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, June 15: DJ Adam Dutch, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, June 16: DJ Rut, 9 p.m.

Thursday, June 17: DJ Rut, 9 p.m.

SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, June 11: Jim Long Band, 5 p.m., S.T.O.R.M., 9 p.m., Steal The Sky, 10 p.m.

Saturday, June 12: DJ Bobby O, 10 a.m.

Liquid A, 5 p.m., S.T.O.R.M., 9 p.m., Crash The Party, 10 p.m.

Sunday, June 13: Triple Rail Turn, 5 p.m.

S.T.O.R.M., 9 p.m.; The Event Horizon, 10 p.m.

Monday, June 14: Full Circle, 5 p.m.; New Direction, 9 p.m.; The Benderz, 10 p.m.

Tuesday, June 15: Opposite Directions, 5 p.m.; Ballyhoo w/Joint Operation, 7 p.m.

Rising Sun Reggae, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, June 16: Rising Sun Reggae, 9 p.m.; My Hero Zero, 10 p.m.

Thursday, June 17: John McNutt Band, 5 p.m., Yawd Lynk, 9 p.m.

Go Go Gadjet, 10 p.m.

Page 64

The Ocean City Coast Guard Auxiliary hosted an event with demonstrations and safety checks on the boardwalk in conjunction with National Safe Boating Week.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

People

By Jeanette Deskiewicz

FEATURING THOSE HELPING CAUSES IN THE RESORT AREA

During the May Monthly Mingle, members of the Young Professionals of the Pines Aaron Creighton and Tyler Lennox did some networking in the nice weather.

In Society

June 11, 2021

Ocean City Ravens Roost #44 members Michele and Chuck Sardelis and Susan and Frank Betterman enjoyed the Tailgate Party held during this year’s convention.

T.C. Studio owners Jamie and Ali Jacobs (center) had the help of their moms Teresa Papademetriou and Bethie Short setting up for their Five-Year Anniversary Celebration.

Celebrating T.C. Studio’s 5th Anniversary in business, were Tim and Stacy Shepps, at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Locally stationed, U.S. Coast Guard Fireman Logan Leboef and Coast Guard Academy Cadet Lucca Possamai were on hand for the National Safe Boating Week event on the boardwalk.

Coconuts bartenders Taylor Robinson and Julia Mikuta served beer to those attending The Council of Baltimore Ravens Roosts Convention last weekend.

Associate Pastor Mack Palmer and wife Kendra gave their blessings for another five years, during the 5th Anniversary Celebration at T.C. Studios.

The Young Professionals of the Pines group is taking off with Dave Botscheller and Ani Anders joining in at the May Monthly Mingle at Pines Public House.

Running security at The Council of Baltimore Ravens Roosts Convention Tailgate Party were John Delph (Roost #94) and Otis Layton (Roost #75).

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 65

with Scott Lenox We had some good weather and some very good fishing to start the month of June with more bluefin tuna being caught offshore with a few more yellowfin and bigeye tuna mixing in. Sea bass fishing continued to impress with a few limits and some big fish and although flounder fishing in the back bay wasn’t great, it did improve with some cleaner water moving in.

The first offshore tournament of the season was able to happen with the 24th Annual Mako Mania hosted by Bahia Marina and we saw fish in every category. It was a good week of fishing and I’m hoping the trend continues. I was one of the original planners of the Mako Mania with the late, great Captain Steve Harman so many years ago. I was glad to see it happen again this year for the 24th time. Thirty boats entered the tournament looking to grab a piece of over $85,000 and thanks to rough seas on Friday, all 30 boats fished both Saturday and Sunday.

The main winners in the tournament were the Reel Obsession who swept the bluefish category with fish of 4 pounds and 10 pounds. The thresher shark cat-

egory was represented by a secondplace fish from the Jacked Up who caught a 306 pound thresher and first place that was won by the Reel Fun who weighed a 410-pound thresher shark on Saturday. The mako category was swept by team Gulf Stream who weighed a 129.8-pound mako on Sunday afternoon to steal the show and all of the mako money. The fish was well over the legal length of 71 at 75 inches and was worth first, second and third place money that totaled over $45,000.

Offshore anglers that weren’t fishing the Mako Mania were enjoying good weather and sea conditions and very good fishing for tunas in the Poorman’s Canyon. Boats trolling spreader bars, squid chains and ballyhoo were, and are having great luck with bluefin tuna in both “under” and “over” sizes. “Under” bluefins are fish between minimum legal size of 27 and 47 inches and “over” bluefins are fish from 47 to less than 73 inches. There are a few yellowfin tuna in the 40-50-pound class and some bigeye tuna mixing in with the bluefins and I’ve seen bigeyes to over 160 pounds, SEE PAGE 66

This crew had a great day on the Marli with Captain Mark Hoos when they boxed three bluefin tuna and a pile of golden tilefish.

Submitted Photos

Page 66

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

June 11, 2021

Top left, it was no trouble for this charter filling the fish box on the Boss Hogg with bluefin tuna, golden and blueline tilefish and big sea bass. Top middle, this keeper flounder was caught on board the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins at the helm. Top right, a four-pound sea bass was the fish pool winner on board the Angler with Captain Chris Mizurak last week. Above left, Captain Jason Mumford of Lucky Break Charters put this lucky angler on a keeper sized rockfish while fishing around the Route 50 Bridge. Above middle, Shawn Flaherty had an awesome day with Roy Rigs at the south jetty when he landed an inshore grand slam of 21-inch flounder, 21-inch trout and 30-inch rockfish. Above right, while fishing the Mako Mania out of Bahia Marina Captain Brandon Miller and the crew of his Miller Time had a close encounter with an estimated 12-foot great white shark.

Opposite page, top left, Captain Joe Drosey of Rhonda’s Osprey put this group on three “under” bluefins and a big 164-pound bigeye tuna. Opposite page, top right, Captain Chris Watkowski and mate Jacob Bialk teamed up with anglers on the Spring Mix II to land this 405-pound thresher shark. Opposite page, middle left, Sven Sheppard and friends had an awesome night of shooting with Dusk to Dawn Bowfishing and Captain Marc Spagnola. Opposite page, bottom left, William Coates caught the first legal red drum I’ve seen with this 26-inch fish while fishing the Route 50 Bridge with a bucktail. Opposite page, bottom right, Captain Kane Bounds of Fish Bound had a limit of sea bass and several nice flounder up to five pounds for this crew.

... Fish In OC

FROM PAGE 65 which is nice. More yellowfin and bigeye should be mixing in and then eventually taking over as water temperatures offshore warm and the bluefins move off to the north.

Ocean bottom fishing for sea bass has been very good over the past several weeks and continued through last week. There have been limits of 15 fish per person on several party and charter boats and there have been some true jumbos over 4 and 5 pounds. More flounder are being caught by ocean bottom fishermen with a few here and there on sea bass baits and more on flounder baits that are being presented on purpose. Captain Kane Bounds of the Fish

Bound found the flounder hungry on one trip last week where his anglers caught a limit of sea bass and several nice flounder to over 5 pounds. There are also a lot of cutlassfish being caught on ocean going party boats the last few weeks. This long, shiny, toothy critter is a hard fighter and the flesh is actually very good if cleaned properly. Once they show up in numbers on a wreck it’s time to go though because they can shut down a sea bass bite quick.

Back bay flounder fishing improved a little over the past week or so with some cleaner water moving in. Storms, wind and runoff had the back bay full of grass and debris for several days and the water was way less than clear. Recently some cleaner water has made it’s way into the back bays from the ocean and flounder have responded. Kristen and I had a chance to go late last week and we found some throwbacks and a nice

21” fish behind Assateague Island in 812 feet of water. The Fish in OC Deadly Double in chartreuse baited with a 4” Gulp swimming mullet and tipped with a big Atlantic Tackle minnow did the trick for us. There has been an excellent bite for striped bass around the Ocean City Inlet and Route 50 Bridge area with fish anywhere from 12 inches all the way up to 35 inches or better. Big Bird Cropper’s Roy Rig and the Fish in OC Thing A Ma JIG have been very effective for all sizes. Bird and I fished last week around the 50 Bridge and south jetty and caught over 50 fish on these lures and I just missed keepers with a couple of fish over 27 inches.

Our buddy Shawn Flaherty kayaked over to Assateague Island and fished the south jetty where he had a stellar day. Shawn had an inshore grand slam of three different keeper species that included a flounder at 21 inches, a rock-

fish at 30 inches and a very nice weakfish at 21 inches. That is some awesome inshore fishing.

There are two fishing tournaments coming up in a couple of weeks with the Indian River Marina Kid’s Catch-All Tournament and the Ocean City Marlin Club Small Boat Tournament both slated for Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27.

The Kid’s Catch-All is a great tournament for youth anglers and the Small Boat Tournament is a great tournament for boats under 35 feet. Contact the Indian River Marina at 302-227-3071 for more info on the Kid’s Catch-All and contact the Ocean City Marlin Club at 410-213-1613. Until next week, tight lines.

(The writer is the owner of Fish in OC and host of Ocean City’s fishing television show Hooked on OC. He has worked in the fishing industry and been fishing the waters in and around Ocean City for over 25 years.)

June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 67

Page 68

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

June 11, 2021

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above is a scene from under the Wicomico Street Pier during last Sunday’s sunrise. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

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June 11, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Apply online: https://worcesterhr.co.worcester.md.us/ For further information, contact Human Resources: Phone- 410-632-0090, ext. 1407.

PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

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

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

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

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

40 hrs/wk, $15/hr. 724-825-8746.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LANDSCAPE WORKERS NEEDED: Must have valid DL. Reliable transportation to work. Call 410-641-2177. The Moore Companies, Berlin, MD. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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.

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Page 69

THUNDERBIRD BEACH MOTEL NOW HIRING FRONT DESK NIGHT AUDIT HOUSEKEEPING PM BELLMAN/ MAINTENANCE APPLY IN PERSON Monday-Friday 9am-3pm Thunderbird Beach Motel 32nd Street, Ocean City

NOW HIRING! ’S T OC CE WES UN PLA F K T MOSTO WORK E A M D A N $$$$

THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING FULL-TIME SEASONAL: HOUSEKEEPING MAINTENANCE/ BELLMAN

SEASONAL OC HOTEL NOW HIRING FOR:

Daytime & Evening Positions Available

Must Be Dependable.

Call Seahawk Motel

APPLY IN PERSON

1-800-942-9042

Seasonal Day or Evening Housekeeping Positions Evening Laundry Person

1800 Baltimore Avenue Monday-Friday 11am-4pm YEAR-ROUND FULL- OR PART-TIME

•HOSTESS •LINE COOKS •FOOD RUNNERS •BARBACKS Please apply in person.

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

NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS FOR SUMMER •Front Desk •Maintenance •Housekeeping •Houseman Send Resume: Johanna@ocrooms.com

Or Call for interview: 410-213-9556

The Dispatch

Classifieds

Page 70

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 NOW HIRING - ALL SHIFTS FRONT DESK ATTENDANTS NIGHT AUDITOR HOUSEKEEPING

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

B.E.S.T. Motels Now Accepting Applications For

HOUSEKEEPERS Apply In Person ONLY 12noon-3pm Tuesday – Friday ONLY Executive Motel 3001 N Baltimore Avenue 2nd Floor Office Ocean City, Maryland

We require satisfactory background check by all applicants.

Apply On Site - Safari Motel 13th Street & Boardwalk | 410-289-6411

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

GRILL CHEF We are hiring a Working Chef/Grill Supervisor for our beautiful ocean front beach bar and grill. Successful candidate must have a minimum of three years hands-on kitchen supervisory experience in a high volume restaurant and excellent employment references. We offer excellent benefits and salary (commensurate with experience).

Housing available. Qualified applicants, forward resume with salary requirements to:

CLARION RESORT FOUTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 Phone: 410-524-3535 Fax: 410-723-9109 EOE M/F/D/V

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Full Time Year Round Positions ~EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT ~HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR ~FRONT DESK AGENT ~NIGHT AUDIT ~MAINTENANCE ~PAINTER ~ROOM ATTENDANT Seasonal Positions ~SECURITY ~GRILL COOKS ~SERVERS ~BARTENDER ~HOSTESS/HOST ~BUSSER ~FOOD RUNNERS ~POOL ATTENDANT ~WAREHOUSE CLERK ~BEACH STAND TOP WAGES! EXCELLENT BENEFITS! HOUSING AVAILABLE! FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

June 11, 2021

PART-TIME FRONTLINE ASSOCIATE Farmers Bank of Willards has a Part-Time Frontline Associate position available at the Talbot Branch, Ocean City location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 06-23-2021 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER We are currently recruiting an experienced Food & Beverage Manager to work under our Food & Beverage Director.

Responsibilities include overseeing and being responsible for our busy restaurants, bars, & conference center.

The candidate should have excellent communication skills and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to train employees. Must have strong management experience in a large restaurant, banquet and/or convention services experience. Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays. Excellent salary and benefits package. Send resume and salary requirements to:

CLARION RESORT FOUTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 Phone: 410-524-3535 Fax: 410-723-9109 EOE M/F/D/V

NIGHT SUPERVISOR FT, YEAR ROUND BENEFITS INCLUDE VACATION, SICK DAYS, HEALTH INSURANCE, 401-K. Competitive Hourly Wage + BONUS

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

CASHIER/ SALES ASSOCIATE Must be friendly & dependable FT/PT - Year Round & Seasonal - Various Shifts Competitive Hourly Wage + BONUS Benefits Available

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

NOW HIRING - YEAR ROUND COOK OCEAN PINES LOCATION

Call 410-726-7061 for Interview

The Dispatch

Classifieds

June 11, 2021

I NDI A N R I VER MA R I NA I S NOW HI R I NG! •FUEL DOCK ATTENDANT •DOCK HANDS

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

NOW HIRING DRIVER, BARTENDER, COOK & COUNTER Call 410-726-7061 for Interview or Apply Within at 56th Street.

SUN N FUN MOTEL

To all persons interested in the estate of JUNE MUNSEY, ESTATE NO. 18629. Notice is given that WILLIAM CATHELL, 10 CRESTHAVEN DRIVE, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on, MAY 21, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JUNE MUNSEY, who died on JULY 03, 2020, with a will.

Berlin’s Newest Eatery!

Now Hiring: ALL POSITIONS Call Matt at 302-593-4141 or email

HIRING AT BOTH LOCATIONS ALL POSITIONS INCLUDING MANAGEMENT APPLY IN PERSON South Location 31st St. Coastal Hwy. 410-289-2581 North Location 128th St. Coastal Hwy. 410-250-2304

YARD SALES

COMMERCIAL

HOUSING NEEDED

FOR LEASE: Retail Banking Center with drive thru. Contact Brian Gamm. 443-880-2225.

SEEKING APARTMENT: Looking for unfurnished apartment that allows for small pets in upper- or mid-Worcester County. Call 410430-7576.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

THIRD INSERTION

APPLY IN PERSON 29th St & Baltimore Ave. Mon-Fri 9am-3pm

COMMUNITY YARD SALE: Sat. 6/12, 8am-1pm, RAIN OR SHINE. Ocean Reef Community (West OC-Rt. 611 to Airport Road).

Household items, children’s toys/clothes, etc. Multiple houses!

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YARD SALE: Furniture, Tools, Kitchen Ware, Antiques, & More.

10016 Carey Road, Berlin. Saturday, June 12th, 8am-1pm.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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

LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18629

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER

“Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

Legal Notices

NOW HIRING FOR*FULL TIME 2ND SHIFT FRONT DESK CLERK 4PM-MIDNIGHT *DAYTIME HOUSEKEEPING

thesterlingtavern@gmail.com

Farmers Bank of Willards has a Full-Time Personal Banker position available at the Talbot Branch, Ocean City location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 06-23-2021

The Dispatch

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Ride the B in OC!

LOOKING EVERYWHERE? CHECK HERE FIRST! Help Wanted, Yard Sales, Rentals, Roommates, Services, & More!

Print & Online ~ www.mdcoastdispatch.com

THE DISPATCH CLASSIFIEDS CAN POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21ST day of NOVEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 28, 2021 WILLIAM CATHELL Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT

Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 05-28, 06-04, 06-11

THIRD INSERTION

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18752 To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN HENRY WILLIAMS, ESTATE NO. 18752. Notice is given that ETHEL BELLE WIDGEON, 100 S. CHURCH STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 was on, MAY 20, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN HENRY WILLIAMS, who died on APRIL 28, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 20TH day of NOVEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unen-

Page 71 forceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 28, 2021 ETHEL BELLE WIDGEON Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 05-28, 06-04, 06-11

SECOND INSERTION

MATTHEW G. BATHON ESQ. 899 CASSATT ROAD, #320 BERWYN, PA 19312 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18756 Notice is given that the SURROGATE COURT of GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ, appointed DOROTHY A. CHATTIN, 108 SOUTH LINCOLN AVENUE, WENONAH, NJ 08090 as the ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of MICHAEL A. MASLOWSKI, who died on DECEMBER 20, 2020, domiciled in NEW JERSEY, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is G. HOWARD BATHON, whose address is 127 CHARLESBROOKE ROAD, BALTIMORE, MD 21212.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 04, 2021 DOROTHY A. CHATTIN Foreign Personal Representative

The Dispatch

Page 72

Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 06-04, 06-11, 06-18

SECOND INSERTION

JACKSON LAW FIRM, PLLC AARON C JACKSON ESQ. 1215 MANOR DRIVE SUITE 202 MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18762 Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS COURT of YORK COUNTY, PA, appointed JENNIFER W CARTER, 260 LEPPO MILL ROAD, HANOVER, PA 17331 and JEFFREY A WAREHIME, 6840 LAUREL SUMMIT DRIVE, HANOVER, PA 17331 and JOHN ANDREW WAREHIME, 6765 E MOULSTOWN ROAD, HANOVER, PA 17331 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES of the Estate of PATRICIA M WAREHIME who died on DECEMBER 09, 2020, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is JAMES G STURGILL, whose address is 20 LIBERTY STREET PO BOX 546, WESTMINSTER, MD 21157.

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 delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the credi-

tor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 04, 2021 JENNIFER W CARTER Foreign Personal Representative

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch dersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

JEFFREY A WAREHIME Foreign Personal Representative

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 04, 2021

JOHN ANDREW WAREHIME Foreign Personal Representative

STEVEN GLENN DODD Personal Representative

True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 06-04, 06-11, 06-18

SECOND INSERTION

MINDY G. SUCHINSKY ESQ. 4550 MONTGOMERY AVE. SUITE 775N BETHESDA, MD 20814 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18763 To all persons interested in the estate of BONNIE L DODD, ESTATE NO. 18763.

Notice is given that STEVEN GLENN DODD, 96 WHITING COVE ROAD, LOCUST HILL, VA 23092 and JOEL F. LIPSITZ, 11540 SULLNICK WAY, GAITHERSBURG, MD 20878 was on, MAY 26, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BONNIE L DODD, who died on MAY 12, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 26TH day of NOVEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the un-

JOEL F. LIPSITZ Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 06-04, 06-11, 06-18

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18771 Notice is given that the CHANCERY COURT of SUSSEX COUNTY, DE, appointed KATHERINE L. MYRICK, 7104 JOHN CALVERT COURT, ELKRIDGE, MD 21075 and ROBERT A. WEBSTER, 6016 ADOCK LANE, HANOVER, MD 21076 as the EXECUTORS of the Estate of CATHERINE M. WEBSTER who died on DECEMBER 17, 2020, domiciled in DELAWARE, USA. 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 delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 11, 2021 KATHERINE L. MYRICK Foreign Personal Representative ROBERT A. WEBSTER Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 06-11, 06-18, 06-25

FIRST INSERTION

SUSAN S. TILGHMAN SEIDEL, BAKER & TILGHMAN, P.A. 110 NORTH DIVISION STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18775 To all persons interested in the estate of LARRY DENZIL KENT, ESTATE NO. 18775.

Notice is given that LORI MILLER, 9 CLARK AVENUE, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 was on, JUNE 07, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LARRY DENZIL KENT, who died on MARCH 23, 2021, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7TH day of DECEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the

June 11, 2021 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 JUNE 11, 2021 LORI MILLER Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 06-11, 06-18, 06-25

FIRST INSERTION

LESLIE LOBOS, TRUSTEE PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000076 BORDERLINKS I TIME INTERVAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff vs.

POORMAN TIME SHARE DISPOSAL SERVICES LLC, et al.

Defendants NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 8th day of JUNE, 2021, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceeedings, made and reported by Leslie Lobos, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 12TH day of JULY, 2021, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 5th day of JULY, 2021.

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share intervals: Timeshare Week-Unit Wk 15, #Ae5 Wk 43, #Bi35 Wk 09, #Bo41 Wk 42, #Bu47 Wk 12, #Bv48 Wk 46, #Bv48 Wk 38, #Bz52

Price $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $1000.00

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 11, 2021 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 06-11, 06-18, 06-25

FIRST INSERTION

LESLIE LOBOS, TRUSTEE PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000077 VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS TIMESHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff vs.

OCEAN DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC, et al.

Defendants NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 8th day of JUNE, 2021, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceeedings, made and reported by Leslie Lobos, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 12TH day of JULY, 2021, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 5th day of JULY, 2021.

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share intervals: Timeshare Unit-Week Aj10-45 Ay25-46 Ay25-48 Bb28-33 Bb28-35 Bb28-42 Bb28-46 Bc29-13 Bc29-51 Bg33-12 Bg33-32 Bq43-14 Br44-36 Br44-43

Price $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 Not Offered For Sale Not Offered For Sale $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 Not Offered For Sale Not Offered For Sale Not Offered For Sale Not Offered For Sale $50.00

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 11, 2021 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 06-11, 06-18, 06-25

Platform Tennis Players Gather To Memorialize Freeman

June 11, 2021

BERLIN – About 100 platform tennis players last Saturday gathered at the Ocean Pines Racquet Center to remember Jim Freeman, an active player who passed away on March 15 after a battle with cancer.

Freeman was recalled both as a teacher, and as a friendly and fun-loving guy who enjoyed the sport. He also loved a cold beer, and his favorite football team, the Eagles, from his native Pennsylvania.

Sue Walter, who organized “The Celebration of Life – Play & Party” in honor of Freeman, said more than $2,200 had been donated for the event by platform members. The funds covered the luncheon expenses and a memorial to Freeman, and the rest will help with costs of future Platform Tennis Club events.

Walter said Freeman's request for his own celebration of life, was that his friends "gather, play, eat and drink and party.”

"I think he'll be watching today," she said.

Indeed, the event was filled both with heartfelt remembrances, and with lots of smiles and laughter.

"I don't think you could even imagine how much it meant to Jim and, when he was sick, what a bright spot you were," June Freeman, his widow, said. "The best move we ever made was joining [the Platform Tennis Club]. Our life is so much richer and fuller, and we have so many friends ... I could never ask for anything better in my life. All I can say is, I love you and thank you so much.

You've been so good, and you are family to me and always were family to Jim, and always put a smile on his face. He just loved you all."

John Walter remembered Freeman as a man who was born to be a teacher.

Freeman worked for 31 years as a seventh-grade science teacher at Keith Valley Middle School in Horsham, Pa. After he retired, Freeman continued teaching – as a platform tennis instructor in Ocean Pines.

"If it wasn't for Jim, we wouldn't have met anybody here," Walter said, becoming emotional. "We're all close. We've had Christmas dinners with June and Jim ... and it's been a blessing."

Walter also recalled one of the first times he played platform tennis with Freeman, when he learned about his "very colorful vocabulary."

"When I started to play platform tennis, one day he was off the rails, [and] there were f-bombs, s-bombs ... everything. I said to June, 'What's this all about?' June told me, 'He doesn't play well with other people sometimes,’” Walter said, getting a big laugh from the crowd.

Susan Morris said she met Freeman at a platform tennis tournament. Her family was visiting from New Jersey, and he invited them to play the next day.

"I thought, wow – how generous was that, that this man walked over, a total stranger, and said, 'Won't you come and join us,'" she said. "Within a couple of weeks, we bought a house and were here. And it was because he walked over and said hello that we're here."

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

In planning the physical part of the memorial, Walter said she first thought about getting a bench in honor of Freeman. She said Tracey Jones had another idea and reached out to her brother, Doug Dawson, a master woodcraftsman, who quickly sketched a design of a wooden bar table filled with symbols of some of Freeman's favorite things.

"He blew our socks off, what this man has done," she said.

The memorial, unveiled on Saturday, features a tabletop of eight hand-carved, wood platform tennis paddles, with pictures of some of Freeman’s favorite things on each one, from his beloved Philadelphia Eagles and his favorite Yuengling beer, to fishing, photography, golf, and the U.S. Marines emblem. It will become a permanent part of the Ocean Pines Racquet Center.

Page 73

A memorial featuring some of Jim Freeman’s favorite things will be installed at the Ocean Pines Racquet Center.

Submitted Photo

Wicomico Adopts Revised Capital Improvement Plan

Page 74

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – County officials approved a $172 million capital improvement plan last week.

The Wicomico County Council voted unanimously June 1 to adopt an amended Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2022-2026.

The capital planning document – which outlines future capital projects, their costs, and funding sources – features more than $172 million in proposed projects over the next five years, including $19.6 million for a new public safety building, $28.8 million for a renovation and addition at Mardela Middle and High School and $13 million for new cell construction at the county landfill, to name a few.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

$28M For Mardela Schools Included

The CIP that was adopted this week also includes funding for a master plan and phase-one park development at Connelly Mill, which the county purchased in 2019.

While the county is currently using property to take fill dirt for the county’s landfill, officials have begun looking at opportunities for future recreational use at the site. The CIP includes $100,000 in fiscal year 2022 to develop a master plan and $1.8 million in fiscal year 2024 for the first phase of development.

While they did not oppose the development of a park at Connelly Mill, coun-

cil members this week shared their concerns regarding how the project would come to fruition.

In April, Recreation, Parks and Tourism Director Steve Miller came before the council seeking a Program Open Space land conversion from the undeveloped West Metro Core property on Levin Dashiell Road to the Connelly Mill property.

The transfer, he explained, would allow the county to develop Connelly Mill into a public recreation space using lease monies from the West Metro Core. While the county purchased the

June 11, 2021

West Metro Core in 2009 with plans to develop a public sports complex, those plans never materialized and for the last 12 years the site has been leased to a local farmer.

Late last month, the council voted to postpone the land conversion to give officials more time to discuss the matter. Several council members said they supported Connelly Mill’s development, but didn’t want to see the county abandon plans for the West Metro Core property.

“The Metro Core, we have an inomeproducing property where we can convert that money to Connelly Mill,” Councilman Joe Holloway said at the time.

“We don’t have to give up West Metro land. It can be used in the future.”

Just before the council was set to vote on the proposed CIP last week, Councilwoman Nicole Acle made a motion to amend the planning document, eliminating references that the county’s share of funding for the Connelly Mill property could come from the potential sale of the West Metro Core and funds accumulated from years of farming on the land.

“I don’t want this in the CIP with the assumption that’s going to happen,” she said.

Councilman John Cannon agreed with Acle’s reasoning, noting the council had yet to decide the future of the West Metro Core property. He noted, however, that the capital planning document was just that, a plan.

“I would be inclined to keep it in, simply because of the fact it does not hold the county or council to those expenses or that plan as a whole,” he said. “It simply says we agree that we’re going to look into that possibility.”

After further discussion, the council voted 4-3, with Cannon and Councilmen Josh Hastings and Bill McCain opposed, to amend the CIP to remove references of a potential sale of the West Metro Core property. The council then voted unanimously to adopt the CIP as amended.

“We’ve been 10 years without building a park down there, and I’ve been getting phone calls from people in that area wanting that park,” Council President Larry Dodd said. “If we sell that park, then they’ll never get a park.”

In a work session following Tuesday’s adoption of the CIP, Miller presented the council with the possibility of a partial land conversion. He said the option would leave a portion of the West Metro property under a Program Open Space restriction, and convert the remainder to the Connelly Mill property.

It would also mean the county could using funds to develop master plans for both sites.

“It could move both projects on a forward path,” he said. “I think it could be a good option for the residents.”

After further discussion, the council agreed to hold another work session to discuss a partial conversion of the Program Open Space restriction.

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The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

f there is hell, it was modeled after junior high school.”

These are the words of comedian Lewis Black during a skit about the trials and tribulations of teens, puberty and school. Junior high school is now middle school. My son, Beckett, just completed his seventhgrade year at Worcester Prep.

Unlike most, he was in-person all year. It was a journey, but most of the challenging experiences we encountered had little to do with the pandemic.

Middle school is a transition time in all aspects and therefore it’s especially difficult for all. There is puberty mixed in with increasingly difficult school work, higher expectations and a host of social challenges. The latter has been the gut wrenching aspect with our boy.

It was a school year of early teen struggles. Overall, he did well while playing three sports and taking part in numerous extracurricular activities. I did focus on those positives rather than the weekly troubles that brought concerns and frustrations. Somewhere along the way he became an avid skateboarder, a big fan of girls and learned what types of books he likes and despises.

An article, “8 Things I Know For Sure About (Most) Middle Schoolers,” I came across this week by middle school teacher Jennifer Gonzalez on cultofpedagogy.com hits particularly home. She shared what she learned teaching middle school for many years.

1. They care more about the opinions of their peers than pretty much anything else. This means they will sometimes do things that make no sense, like not turning in an assignment you know they worked hard on, because they just found out they will have to read it out loud in front of the class. Or refusing your offer of a choc-

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olate milk, even though they love chocolate milk, because someone else is around who recently declared all chocolate milk to be babyish. …

2. They are horrified by what their bodies are doing. For those of us who are well past adolescence, it’s easy to forget what it was like to deal with the constant betrayal that comes with a new body: There you are, going about your regular kid business, when one day your skin explodes with zits. Popping them turns out to make them even more noticeable. … Every couple of weeks, some new phenomenon introduces itself into the middle schooler’s physical life, threatening to destroy their social lives until high school graduation.

3. They trend toward hyperbole.

Whether it’s due to limited life experience, hormones wreaking havoc on emotions, or the trying on of identities, young adolescents tend to exaggerate just a bit.

4. They are mortified by public praise. Elementary school kids seem to delight in being recognized in front of their peers … But pull a middle school kid up in front of his peers to wax poetic on his good qualities, and you may see that kid shrivel up like an old grape. …

5. They can’t be trusted. Middle school kids may have every intention of keeping confidential information to themselves, but when an opportunity to share presents itself, they won’t be able to resist being the one who’s in the know. At this age, they don’t yet understand the consequences that can result from sharing something that’s not meant to be shared. Treat your middle school kids the same way you should treat the internet: Don’t share anything you aren’t willing to see broadcast in public.

6. They just now realized you are a human being. Wait, never mind. Right

around age 11 or 12 is when people typically enter the final stage … where they start to understand that others might experience the world differently than they do. But getting firmly into this stage takes time, and it’s a bumpy road. … Enjoy the admiration and interest when you get it, but don’t be surprised if there are times when they forget you exist at all.

7. They are pulling away from their parents. I can’t count the number of parents who told me their kids barely told them anything anymore, who said they had no idea what their kids’ school lives were like. Pulling away from parents is a normal part of adolescence.

Although kids this age need adult guidance possibly more than at any other time in their lives, they have reached the point where their parents may be the last ones they’ll look to for it.

8. They are still kids. One minute you’re having a deep philosophical discussion with them about the symbolism in a Robert Frost poem, they’re really getting it, and you can almost see them maturing right before your eyes. Ten minutes later they’re making armpit farts and asking if it’s okay to drink the water from the fish tank. And then there’s the wiggling — an almost unbearable amount of it, especially from the boys. ...

Most of the time, when I told someone I was a middle-school teacher I got the same basic reaction: They’d wince, or say whoa, and then add something along the lines of “Tough age.” And I would smile and nod, knowing that tough didn’t begin to cover it. One word could never quite capture the ridiculous, smelly, stubborn, fragile beauty of them all.

(The writer is the publisher and editor of The Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)

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June 11, 2021

Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A heads-up alert to all free-spirited Ewes and Rams: Be wary of a deal that could result in compromising your independence. Check every detail before making a commitment.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): New facts emerge that help put an irksome workplace situation in perspective. Meanwhile, pay more attention to a family member who needs your wisdom and strength.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A slight setback in plans is nothing to worry about. Use this delay to deal with a number of matters you might have ignored for too long. Expect news from someone in your past.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): You're entering a period of stability.

Use it to straighten out any outstanding problems related to a very personal situation. Also, pay closer attention to financial matters.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): As much as you love being a social Lion, you might well benefit from staying out of the spotlight for a while. You need time to reflect on some upcoming decisions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): A difficult family situation improves, thanks to your timely intervention. You can now start to focus more of your attention on preparing for a possible career change.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): An onthe-job change works to your benefit by offering new opportunities. It's up to you

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

to check them out. Meanwhile, a stalled romantic situation starts up again.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): That flare-up of Scorpian temperament cools down, leaving you more receptive to suggestions about changes that might need to be made in your personal life.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): An unusual period of indecisiveness is a mite frustrating. But things soon clear up, allowing the sage Sagittarian to make those wise pronouncements again.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): You might feel that you know best, but it's not a good idea at this time to try to force your opinions on others. Best advice: Inspire change by example, not by intimidation.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Some setbacks could affect your plans to fortify your financial situation. But things start moving again by early next week. Meanwhile, enjoy your resurgent social life.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Show that often-hidden steely spine of yours as you once again stand up to an emotional bully. You've got the strength to do it, especially as friends rally to your side.

BORN THIS WEEK: Your ruling planet, Mercury, endows you with a gift for writing. Have you considered penning the world's greatest novel? © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

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vanishing

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Things I Like ...

By Steve Green

OCEAN CITY

June 11, 2021

WITH BUNK MANN

Blue sky beach days

Quizzing my son before his finals Watching a surfing contest Flip-flop weekends

That Surfers Healing is coming back A drink after deadline day

Any breakfast meat with eggs Assateague wildlife pictures

When compassion is on display My truck’s cooling seat feature

Declining a call when the time is not right

Ocean City was a seasonal small town in 1946. The season ran from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It was said you could fire a cannon down Baltimore Avenue after Labor Day and not hit a single soul.

The Boardwalk ended at 15th Street and Coastal Highway and was only one lane north and one lane south. On windy days, it was often covered in sand.

The Commander was the most northern hotel in Ocean City at this time.

The photo shows the beachfront from 8th to 12th streets. The large Boardwalk hotels are the Lankford, the George Washington, the Royalton, the Mayflower and the Stephen Decatur. Today only the Lankford remains. The road behind the buildings is Philadelphia Avenue. St. Louis Avenue had not extended that far north in 1946. The Ship Café can be seen near the bayside while the undeveloped area in the upper right is today’s residential neighborhood Mallard Island.

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

Photo courtesy Steve Smethurst

June 11, 2021

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June 11, 2021