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Resort Hires Wind Farm Consultant

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Resort Hires Firm To Review US Wind Plan

July 21, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A rendering of the proposed wind turbines (right side) at sunrise is contrasted with the view now.

Rendering courtesy of Town of Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week agreed to hire a firm to review US Wind’s plan for an offshore wind project off the coast of Ocean City.

On Monday, the Mayor and Council had before them a recommendation to hire SLR International, an England-based consulting firm, to review US Wind’s construction and operations plan (COP) and prepare comments for a draft environmental impact statement that will be produced by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

City Manager Terry McGean said the company has the expertise to review the 3,300-plus page document and ensure the town’s concerns regarding the offshore wind project were addressed.

“If we are to engage constructively at the federal level on this project, we need to have the COP professionally reviewed,” he said.

Officials say BOEM, the federal agency responsible for approving offshore wind facilities in federal waters, is currently reviewing US Wind’s construction and operations plan and will likely issue a draft environmental impact statement in August. Once the agency releases that draft document, the public has 45 days to offer written comments.

“Those written comments are essentially laying the groundwork for your town’s concerns with the project,” McGean explained. “BOEM is required to address each and every one of those comments.”

McGean told the council Monday he had sent out expressions of interest to review US Wind’s plan and produce written comments on behalf of the town.

While two firms responded, SLR remained the only interested party.

“It took a lot to find someone I felt had the expertise to do it that wasn’t already tied into one of the two wind companies,” he said.

McGean noted SLR had knowledge of the wind industry and the permitting process and had done similar work for the oil and gas sector within the U.S. To that end, he recommended the town hire the consulting firm, as a review of the COP was beyond the town’s capabilities.

“My recommendation is to contract with SLR to provide the review of the construction and operations plan and present prepared comments for us for the draft environmental impact statement,” he said. “I know the cost is high at $175,000, but again the document is huge.”

McGean told the council the firm would ensure the company’s COP addressed the town’s concerns, including the project’s impacts on viewsheds and marine life. When asked how a review of the COP would benefit the town’s position, McGean provided several examples.

“The horseshoe crab is a good one,” he said. “There have been zero studies done about what the impact could be on the horseshoe crab. A good portion of SEE PAGE 75

County Delays Boat Ramp Decision

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Signs at all the county’s commercial boat ramps specifically mention no commercial use currently.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners delayed approval of updated boat ramp regulations this week after hearing from several citizens on the issue.

The commissioners voted 4-2 to deliberate further on a bill that would have updated regulations at the county’s boat ramps. Several commissioners voiced concerns with the proposal, which would allow commercial use of county ramps with certain conditions.

“I think this is target legislation,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said. “It has been from the beginning. I don’t support that.”

County officials have been considering changes to boat ramp regulations since the beginning of 2023. While a commercial use permit was considered in March, officials deemed it too restrictive. Staff returned with more general updated boat ramp regulations in June. Those regulations, introduced as Bill 23-06, address commercial activity at ramps. The primary change in the bill is that it would allow limited commercial activity at boat ramps.

Commercial use would be permitted as long as they don’t create a conflict with recreational boaters or damage county property but they’re prohibited from using more than one parking space in the boat lot.

During Tuesday’s public hearing on the proposed changes, attorney Mark Cropper, representing Marc Spagnola of Dusk to Dawn Fishing Charters, was the first speaker to address the commissioners.

Spagnola uses the county’s ramp in the

South Point area to launch his fishing boat. Residents there have objected to his use of the ramp for years.

Cropper, pointing out that the South Point Association didn’t own the ramp there, said commercial entities had used the county’s boat ramps for years despite the commercial use prohibition. He said almost all of those entities needed more than one parking spot. Because the proposed bill only provided for one space, Cropper suggested not changing the regulations at all, modifying them to allow for two parking spaces, or allowing commercial uses altogether.

“The reality is it’s been happening since you’ve had county boat ramps,” he said.

Cropper said whatever regulations the county decided on had to be enforced equally.

Michael LeCompte, president of the South Point Association, said the influx of people to Worcester County in the summer meant local citizens had trouble accessing the county’s boat ramps.

“That is pretty much the summary I’ve heard from 40 to 50 local people that live anywhere in the region of South Point, from Buck’s store south,” LeCompte said.

He said that years ago, the county commissioners agreed that the boat ramps were for recreational use.

“The signs stating no commercial use have been posted at the boat ramps for as long as I can remember…,” he said.

“Unfortunately our South Point last commissioner, we know who it is, broke that longstanding promise when he urged the commissioners to support the special exSEE PAGE 6

Page 5

Fiori Recuses Self After Attorney … County Boat Ramp Use Questioned Files Complaint With Ethics Board

Page 6

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Commissioner Eric Fiori recused himself from a vote on boat ramp regulations this week following an ethics complaint.

Attorney Mark Cropper filed an ethics complaint last week regarding Fiori’s participation in discussions regarding new boat ramp regulations, as Fiori’s business uses the boat ramps. The Worcester County Ethics Board issued an opinion before Tuesday’s meeting addressing his participation in discussions regarding the regulations, officially known as Bill 23-06.

“An official should generally not participate in a matter in which the official

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

has an interest,” the opinion reads. “To avoid the perception of a conflict of interest, we recommend that Commissioner Fiori recuse himself from participation in County Commissioner proceedings and discussions with other Commissioners regarding Bill 23-06. This Board will refrain from recommending that Commissioner Fiori must recuse himself from discussions or meetings with his constituents and will defer to his discretion in that regard.”

While county code currently prohibits commercial use at the county’s boat ramps, earlier this year the Worcester County Commissioners began exploring updated regulations that would allow commercial use of the ramps with certain SEE PAGE 8

FROM PAGE 5 ception that set a precedent for allowing ongoing commercial use.”

LeCompte said that because commercial use was allowed, South Point residents didn’t have a place to park when they went to the ramp.

“That’s why I’m here,” he said. “We do appreciate the efforts of our new Commissioner Eric Fiori for bringing this to your attention. We’ve endured for too long the flagrant violations of one commercial operator who refuses to abide by the existing rules that were established by the county.”

Diane Stelzner, secretary of the South Point Association, said residents there were overwhelmingly opposed to commercial use of the boat ramp. She said there were about 300 residences in South Point, which is accessed by a very narrow road.

“What’s happening is, people are coming in from Delaware, from other ramps,

July 21, 2023

because there’s no parking places…they’re coming down to our ramp,” she said. “It’s unbelievable on weekends.”

She said they’d like to see regulations specific to the South Point ramp prohibiting commercial use.

“We believe one size does not fit all,” she said.

South Point resident Stephen Katsanos said Spagnola had built his entire business model on the use of the county’s recreational boat ramps.

“He has said time and time again his model is to fish from the Verrazano Bridge down to the Public Landing area or the Virginia line and it’s essential for him to use the South Point ramp,” Katsanos said. “We just don’t see it that way. He has other options. He has two boats that look like fast boats to me. I think he could make it down to his fishing ground in no time whatsoever.”

South Point resident Alex Shandrowsky said the code was written to prohibit commercial use at the boat ramps because the commissioners at the time wanted to make sure there were places for recreation.

Commissioner Jim Bunting said parking was an issue at multiple boat ramps. He said he’d visited the South Point ramp on June 24 and the lot had been overflowing with vehicles.

“We’ve got to get a handle on this somehow,” he said, adding that the Shell Mill boat ramp was about to get striped so parking could be better regulated.

Commissioner Diana Purnell said the South Point residents’ concerns about narrow roads were applicable throughout Worcester County. She said large trucks traveled down her road but that she chose to live there. She also spoke in support of small business.

“The whole idea of starting a business is to grow,” she said. “We should not put people under condemnation for that.”

Mitrecic compared Tuesday’s discussion to an issue he’d experienced as an Ocean City councilman years ago. He said the 94th Street boat ramp became a problem for residents who’d built their houses around it.

“But when we went to shut it down and built the new ramp at 60th Street …they all petitioned the city to keep it open for just them,” he said. “You can’t do that.”

He said boat ramps were funded with state and federal money and should be for everyone or no one.

“I have no interest in limiting any of our boat ramps that boat haulers, marine contractors or any other commercial entity cannot use,” he said. What we do for one we do for all. It sounds to me like the roads are so narrow in South Point we ought to just pull the boat ramp out. That wouldn’t fly very well would it? I mean, then next what are we going to do? Ban FedEx and UPS from making deliveries because the roads are too narrow?”

He said the boat ramp issue needed to be looked at across the whole county and added that he didn’t see why there should be a parking limit on commercial users when recreational users often took up more parking spaces.

The commissioners voted 4-2 to deliberate further on the boat ramp bill. Mitrecic and Bunting were opposed while Commissioner Eric Fiori, who owns a boat dealership, recused himself from the vote.

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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FROM PAGE 6 stipulations. Cropper said the move toward new regulations came after several South Point residents complained about his client, Marc Spagnola, using the county ramp in that neighborhood to launch his guide service boat. Spagnola, who runs a bowfishing charter business, launches his boat at South Point because he fishes close to the Virginia line.

He received a special use permit to do so in 2021 and 2022.

South Point residents, however, have objected to the commercial use of the ramp in their neighborhood for various reasons. Fiori, who represents that district, met with residents July 7 to discuss their concerns.

Cropper said he reached out to the ethics board because he didn’t feel that Fiori should participate in Tuesday’s deliberations regarding new regulations.

Fiori has acknowledged in the past that boat dealerships like his own use county ramps to launch and test boats.

“I feel as though Commissioner Fiori has a conflict of interest participating in the debate about the commercial use of county owned boat ramps since his business has been and will continue to rely upon county owned boat ramps to survive,” Cropper said. “Until such time Commissioner Fiori agrees to no longer use county owned ramps for his purposes he should not be attempting to prevent others from using county owned ramps for their purposes.”

Fiori said he recused himself from Tuesday’s discussion voluntarily after the ethics board issued its opinion.

“The board has basically said this isn’t a conflict of interest directly but you want to avoid the perception,” Fiori said.

Fiori said the updated boat landing

regulations were simply an effort by Worcester County to be proactive. He said in west Florida he’d seen guide service boats essentially take over county boat landings and thinks Worcester County needs to do more even than is proposed in the new regulations to ensure recreational use of boat ramps isn’t impacted in the future.

Fiori believes there is a distinction between Spagnola’s use of a county ramp and other commercial entities’ use of county ramps. While crabbers or boat dealers might use a ramp, he said that was not their central location. He said the physical use of the ramp was not the issue.

“Commercializing the boat ramps is where we’re going wrong,” he said, adding that the guide service used the boat ramp as its business location. “Our county landings are not commercial business

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locations.”

He said his business had a brick-andmortar location and charter boats rented slips at places like Sunset Marina or the Ocean City Fishing Center.

“They’re renting business locations as we allow a different business to not fall under those same standards,” he said.

Cropper believes Fiori should be addressing the issue at all—or meeting with South Point residents about it—because of his own business’s involvement.

“It is my opinion that if a sitting county commissioner has a conflict of interest preventing that commissioner from participating in discussion, debates or votes regarding a particular matter such a conflict exists when that commissioner is meeting with his or her constituents. The conflict doesn’t cease to exist when he leaves his office in Snow Hill. Either there’s a conflict of interest that prevents him participating all the time or there is no conflict of interest.”

Fiori said he was involved in a variety of businesses and there were bound to be situations where issues overlapped.

“Mr. Cropper requested that I go against my sworn duty as an elected official to represent the people and not speak to people about boat ramps at all,” he said. “This should outrage voters in any county and it should directly outrage all voters of Worcester County that that request was made.”

Cropper maintains that Fiori should not be involved in discussions regarding commercial use of county boat ramps until his business is no longer using them.

“Commissioner Fiori should not be involved in any discussions, negotiations, debates or votes in any way related to or associated with laws regarding the commercial use of county owner ramps until such time he is no longer violating the laws regarding the same,” Cropper said.

While Fiori did not participate in Tuesday’s vote on the new legislation, because the commissioners opted to deliberate further rather than decide on the proposed regulations, Spagnola is going to seek a special use permit so he can continue to use the county ramp when he takes customers out fishing.

“Until the law is revised allowing the commercial use of county owned boat ramps, violations by many businesses continue to occur,” Cropper wrote in a request for a special use permit submitted to the commissioners Wednesday. “This includes crabbers, marine contractors, fishing guide services and marine sales and service businesses such as Bayside Jet Drive owned and operated by Commissioner Eric Fiori. To my knowledge, all such commercial businesses are knowingly, intentionally and openly violating the law, but only Marc Spagnola is under threat of receiving a citation… Should the Commissioners pass legislation that makes this special use permit moot, it will be withdrawn. However, my client should not be under threat of citation for using county owned boat ramps for his commercial purposes when others are being allowed by the county to do the same, but without such a threat.”

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 9

Discussions On Heron Park Sale To Continue In Berlin

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Discussions about the potential sale of a portion of Heron Park will continue next week and into August.

Mayor Zack Tyndall said this week that work sessions regarding the proposed sale of Heron Park were being scheduled for July 24 as well as Aug. 14 and Aug. 28.

“All of those work sessions will continue to accept public comment regarding Heron Park at the end of each work session,” Tyndall said.

The town purchased Heron Park for

$2.5 million in 2016. Last year, heeding calls to consider selling the property to reduce the roughly $160,000 in annual debt service, the town entered into negotiations with Palmer Gillis’s Coastal Ventures Properties LLC — one of two entities that submitted a proposal for a portion of the property. The initial proposal from Gillis offered the town $1.5 million for three parcels — parcel 410, 57 and 191 — and would involve partial demolition of the existing structures to create a commercial project on the site. The trails and pond on the north end of the park property would be unaffected.

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Earlier this month, the town council heard from Gillis regarding his proposal as well as from members of the public, who had concerns with the plan. The council went on to ask for input from the Berlin Parks Commission and the Berlin Planning Commission. In meetings last week, members of both commissions shared various concerns with the Gillis proposal.

Reports from both bodies will be discussed at Monday’s work session, which is at 6 p.m.

“We will also continue the discussion with Coastal Ventures Properties regarding a path forward for Heron Park,” Tyndall said.

He said town officials had to make a decision on how to move forward with its $500,000 strategic demolition grant by the end of August so the town had “everything in place to comply with the grant by June of 2024.”

While Gillis says he still wants to move forward with buying and developing the roughly 17 acres outlined in his proposal, he believes officials need to decide what they wanted to do soon.

“There’s at least three to six months of work for me to determine if I can do what I want with those buildings,” Gillis said, referencing the architectural plans, stormwater management and the like he’ll need to get done to move forward with purchasing the property. “The clock is ticking.”

Gillis noted that he’s expecting dem-

olition of the old structures at the site to cost significantly more than $500,000 based on recent work he’s done. He added that his crew had done work on the property about three decades ago when it was still a chicken processing plant and even then had found unexpected obstacles.

“It’s the below-grade, structural stuff that’s the problem,” he said, adding that private properties weren’t marked as clearly or accurately as public properties.

Gillis vividly recalls the day about 30 years ago he had a concrete contractor hit an unmarked line at the plant.

“It threw him back 15 feet,” Gillis said.

“It probably should have killed him …

I’ve been in business 40 years next month. That’s the closest I’ve ever been to a death on a job site.”

Gillis said officials are likely afraid to make a decision regarding his proposal for the Heron Park property, as the sale of the property will not please everyone, but stressed that he knew what he was getting into and had experience with similar projects across the region.

“I believe there’s a demand for what we’re going to be providing,” he said.

When asked if he’d consider the possibility of purchasing just parcel 57, a concept that was discussed at last week’s planning commission meeting, he said that was a possibility.

“We would consider that but the town has to decide that and tee it up,” he said.

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FENWICK ISLAND – Officials say a listening session will allow the town to gather ideas regarding its resiliency study.

Last week, Fenwick Island Infrastructure Committee member Tim Leahy presented officials with proposed discussion points for a listening session to be held at town hall Aug. 31. He noted committee members will use the forum to share information and recommendations from the town’s resiliency study.

“Our primary goal is to get more awareness and have property owners be involved,” he said. “We want to stress that the community will define its needs and eventually it will involve upgrades – possibly costly – and we need to get more understanding.”

In December 2021, the town selected AECOM to complete GIS mapping of Fenwick Island and develop short- and long-term solutions to sea level rise and flooding. And in March, the infrastructure committee received its first presentation of the resiliency study, which not only identified recent and ongoing resiliency initiatives, but proposed actions to alleviate flooding.

Leahy told committee members last week the upcoming listening session would be similar to ones held during the development of the town’s comprehensive plan. While efforts to address flooding would likely take years, he said the town would use community input to prioritize resiliency projects.

“This is a years-long project …,” he said. “We don’t want to drill down on costs until we know what the community’s interests are. We don’t want to get sidetracked.”

Councilman Richard Benn, committee chair, agreed.

“That sounds like exactly what we are looking for,” he said. “We want to get community feedback before we start to develop a plan. If the community wants to go forward with some of the recommendations from AECOM, we’re going to need engineering studies about what to do with the stormwater. Right now, our stormwater system goes from the streets and into the bay. So we’re going to create issues there if we raise all the bulkheads to four feet above sea level.”

Leahy said the meeting will also allow committee members to share what other coastal communities are doing to address flooding and sea level rise.

“What we are trying to do here is share more general information,” he said, adding that it was too early to identify solutions and costs.

Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said the listening session was a first step.

“People are worried about this, and they should be worried about this,” she said. “But I think we should think through and plan through, and this is the first step … Let’s figure out what we need and then how we are going to pay for it.”

The listening session is tentatively set for Aug. 31 from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

County Approves Little League Fields Purchase

July 21, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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BERLIN – Officials approved a contract this week for Worcester County’s purchase of 12 acres of Berlin Lions Club property.

The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a contract with the Berlin Lions Club for the purchase of 12 acres of land where the Berlin Little League fields are now. The contract approval comes after the state authorized the use of $1.2 million in Program Open Space funds for the purchase.

Last month, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved a recommendation from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to commit $1,268,400 in Program Open Space (POS) funding for the acquisition of 12 acres from the Berlin Lions Club. In an interview after that decision, Worcester County Director of Recreation and Parks Kelly Rados said the county had been in conversations with the Berlin Lions Club regarding the property for some time. She said the club wasn’t initially sure how much land it wanted to sell so the county agreed to purchase the 12 acres where the Little League fields are now. The purchase of an additional six acres is being planned for next year.

When presented with a signed contract from the Berlin Lions Club for approval this week, Commissioner Jim Bunting asked whether the buyer or seller was responsible for the surveys that needed to be done for the sale to take place.

The county’s attorney said the cost would likely be split.

Bunting objected to the county being responsible for any of the surveying costs. He said he’d voted against the proposed sale previously because the terms of the sale kept changing.

“We had an agreement, they were going to take two acres out and we had a price,” he said. “And now they’ve come back and they only want to let us have 12 acres…at a cost that was more than we verbally agreed to.”

Bunting said that a survey would have been simple when the property was only being split into two lots – the portion the county was buying and the two acres the Lions Club was keeping. Now, however, the property will have to be divided into three lots – the one the county is buying, the one the Lions Club is keeping and the one the club could sell to the county in the future.

“It’s become more complicated…,” he said. “It could get expensive.”

Bunting told his peers he did not want the county to be responsible for surveying costs. The commissioners subsequently voted unanimously to approve the contract with the Lions Club as long as the county would not be responsible for surveying costs.

Worcester Lobbyist Highlights Efforts

July 21, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SNOW HILL – Officials heard highlights of the state’s legislative session from Worcester County’s lobbyist this week.

Lobbyist Paul Ellington met with the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday to review his spring efforts in Annapolis.

“All things considered I think it was a useful endeavor for the county,” Ellington said.

Last May, the commissioners agreed to hire Ellington’s firm, State and Local Advisors, so the county would have a better understanding of issues in Annapolis. Ellington approached the commissioners this week to provide an update on the last session, which ended in April. Noting that it was an interesting time in Annapolis, as the state had several new officials at the same time, Ellington said the Eastern Shore was well represented.

“I think for the first time in a long time the Eastern Shore spoke more with one voice,” he said.

While the county has a competent staff, according to Ellington, the permanent presence his firm was able to provide in Annapolis was helpful.

He referenced some bonds that were approved that benefited local entities, such as Diakonia and the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department.

He also addressed Ocean City’s failed attempt to increase the room tax, which is capped here at 5% though it’s higher elsewhere.

“Yours has artificially been capped lower,” he said. “It restricts the ability to put that money back into the community. This is one where frankly OC in many ways chose to go it alone a little bit… I think a more coordinated effort would have led to a better result.”

Another local issue Ellington is working on is dredging near the Ocean City Inlet. He said Congressman Andy Harris and Sen. Chris Van Hollen were working toward getting a fulltime dredging vessel dedicated to the region.

“That would be important to the

shoaling issues of the Inlet but also the Pocomoke River and other places,” he said.

Ellington advised the commissioners that there were projected deficits on the horizon.

“A lot of that is the ambitious approach to the Kirwan Commission and the Blueprint for Maryland,” he said. “I think one of the ways that it’s come to the attention of the state is that most counties, other than maybe the big seven, are going to have a particular challenge meeting the mandates that come from Annapolis.”

Going forward, working with the Rural Maryland Council and the Maryland Association of Counties is expected to continue to benefit Worcester County, according to Ellington.

“I think we have a lot more leverage and a lot more impact,” he said.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said he hadn’t heard from Ellington as much as he’d hoped to during the session.

“We didn’t hear from you that I know of during session,” he said.

“Here it is four months later and we’re getting a report. There’s things here we can’t stay on top of because this is a part time job, what we do here.”

He suggested weekly reports during the legislative session might help local officials plan ahead.

Ellington said he’d been in touch with county staff during the session but agreed to report back more during the next session.

Commission Caryn Abbott expressed her appreciation for Ellington, who she said had been helpful in sending grant information related to economic development for her district.

“I appreciate your support and your help in navigating Annapolis,” Abbott said.

At the suggestion of Commissioner Chip Bertino, county staff agreed to have Ellington return for another meeting with the commissioners in the fall to prepare for the next session.

“I would say late September/ early October that way we can talk to the legislators and get the ball rolling as well,” he said.

BERLIN – A Maryland man passed away last week in the bay near a campground.

On July 12, at approximately 5:27 p.m., deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office responded to the tiki bar beach area of Castaways Campgrounds in reference to a reported drowning incident.

Ronald Charles Lingenfelder, 65, of Owings Mills, Md., was found floating face down and unresponsive in Sinepuxent

Bay. Several bystanders were able to bring Lingenfelder to shore and started lifesaving measures until EMS units arrived.

Lingenfelder was transported by ambulance to Atlantic General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators with the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation as well as an investigator from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner responded and assumed the investigation.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Md. Man Identified In Drowning

Page 15

OC Council Approves Workforce Housing Ordinance

Page 16

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week approved the second reading of an ordinance on non-accessory workforce housing, but not before a lengthy discussion on length of stay and off-street parking requirements.

On Monday, the Mayor and Council had before them the second reading of an ordinance amending the town’s zoning code to allow for non-accessory workforce housing. After a lengthy discussion, officials voted to approve the code amendment, but to set a rental period of more

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

than 30 days.

“The reason staff is recommending that is because we believe it’s the most enforceable,” said City Solicitor Heather Stansbury. “What we don’t want to do is pass ordinances where we are concerned about enforcement.”

Since last year, resort officials have been working on a proposed code amendment that could help address a shortage of workforce housing in Ocean City. As it currently exists, the town code defines employee housing as accessory use, or living quarters with a portion of a main building or an accessory building located on the same site to be used by individuals

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employed on the premises. But officials are looking to include employee housing as non-accessory use.

Simply put, tier one projects are those with 16 or fewer residents, while tier two projects are those with 17 to 60 residents and tier three projects are those with more than 60 residents.

The amendment also sets restrictions for zoning districts. Employee housing would be prohibited in the MH and R-1 districts. In the R-2, R-2a and R-2a districts, tier one projects would be permitted, tier two projects would be allowed by conditional use and tier three projects would be prohibited. In the R-3 district, tier one projects would be permitted and tier two and tier three projects would be allowed by conditional use. And in all other districts, tier one and tier two projects would be permitted and tier three projects would be allowed by conditional use.

In a meeting earlier this month, the council agreed to forward the code amendment to a second reading, but directed staff to come back with options that would address the minimum duration of rental or lease agreements for non-accessory workforce housing.

Back on the agenda for discussion Monday, Stansbury presented the council with three options, one that set a minimum duration of more than 30 days, one that set a duration of at least 90 days, and one that set a duration of at least four days and one month. She said the first option was the one staff was recommending

July 21, 2023

to council.

“When we look at the other two options, in order for those two options to be most enforced, we would be requiring the owner to submit its leases because we want to show the 90 days or the four months and one day,” she said. “Like all things, once you ask for something and come in possession of it, then it is incumbent on you to make sure it’s occurring.”

Stansbury noted the second option was most favorable to workers with J-1 visas, as they typically stayed for a period of 90 days. It also met the threshold for collecting room tax. The third option, she said, would preclude the collection of room tax, but could incentivize landlords to charge J-1 students an additional month.

Ultimately, staff presented the 30-day minimum as the favored option.

“By making it for at least 30 days, you are likely eliminating a lot of folks who are trying to undercut the intent of this ordinance while keeping it to more than 30 days,” she said.

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca then made a motion to approve the ordinance on second reading and to require a minimum rental of more than 30 days. Councilman John Gehrig, however, questioned staff’s arguments. He noted each of the proposed options required written agreements or leases that would need to be enforced.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s 31, 90 or 121 [days] because there needs to be a lease SEE NEXT PAGE

… Rental Length, Parking Debated “OCEAN CITY CHRONICLES”

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

and you need to enforce it no matter what the timeframe is …,” he said. “So what’s the difference?”

Stansbury agreed with Gehrig’s point, but argued the town did not want to become involved in landlord-tenant disputes.

“We thought the longer the lease is, the more we could potentially be involved in the landlord-tenant arrangement,” she replied.

City Manager Terry McGean agreed.

“If we set the minimum lease length too long, are we just creating violators,” he said. “So if we set lease period at transient housing, which is defined in the International Building Code, the thought is we will have better compliance.”

Councilman Peter Buas said he supported the first option but did not want it directly tied to the building code or definitions for transient housing. The motion was then amended to eliminate references to transient housing.

“I’d rather just state in there ‘no less than 30 days,’” he said.

Mayor Rick Meehan also took issue with the parking requirements. He said the ordinance was not only meant to address housing for J-1 students, but for all types of employees.

“Those individuals are going to bring their cars,” he said.

Gehrig said that also brought up the issue of employment. He noted the ordinance required those utilizing workforce housing to be employed within town limits. He questioned how that would be en-

forced.

“If we’re not going to enforce it, we have to assume a percentage will not be working in town limits throughout the year, which means they are going to have a car,” he said.

Buas said the council had discussed parking requirements at length during a previous meeting. He said the intent of the current parking requirements – which require one space per sleeping room for the first two sleeping rooms, and half a space for every room thereafter – was to make it less cumbersome on developers.

“I like the product on the table,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s 100% but we’re pretty darn close. But we have something that’s enforceable and usable.”

After a lengthy discussion, DeLuca revised his motion again to set parking requirements to two spaces per three sleeping rooms or suites, or one space per five persons rated capacity, whichever is greater. Buas then presented a subordinate motion that did not change the parking requirements.

“If we change the parking, there’s no reason to do this at all,” he said. “It won’t be used.”

McGean noted the parking requirements currently set in the ordinance would require nine parking spaces for 16 rooms and 64 beds. DeLuca’s motion, he noted, would require 13 parking spaces.

DeLuca’s motion failed, with DeLuca and Gehrig the only two councilmembers in favor. Buas’ motion then passed in a 61 vote, with DeLuca opposed.

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OCEAN CITY CHRONICLES Reminiscing Maryland’s Beach Resort

BY HUNTER “BUNK” MANN

BUNK MANN’S NEWEST BOOK ON OCEAN CITY HISTORY

“Ocean City Chronicles” is the final book in Bunk Mann’s 3 volume historical series which began with “Vanishing Ocean City’ in 2014 and continued with ‘Ghosts In The Surf” in 2019. Centered around his articles in Ocean city’s awardwinning newspaper the Maryland Coast Dispatch , his latest book features 285 of the most popular ones over the past 11 years. It includes hundreds of photos of long vanished hotels & restaurants, the great storms & fires, deep sea fishing, boardwalk attractions & amusements, and stories of the people who turned a small 19th-century fishing village into a modern, year-round destination. “Ocean City Chronicles” is a comprehensive history of Maryland’s famous oceanfront resort in a hardbound coffee table book featuring cover art by noted artist, Paul McGehee. Supplies are limited so order your copy today!

Ocean City Chronicles can be ordered online at vanishingoceancity.com.

Visit the website for further information and photos.

Page 18

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 21, 2023

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

Page 20

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Wanted Man Arrested In OC OCEAN CITY – A man wanted in Pennsylvania was arrested in Ocean City last weekend on drug charges.

On July 16, about 10:30 p.m., Ocean City police observed a 2023 Nissan Rogue around 17th Street and Baltimore Avenue.

The vehicle had been identified by detectives as being potentially occupied by people wanted in Pennsylvania. One of the wanted individuals, Triston Butler, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pa., was being sought on firearm and reckless endangerment charges in the keystone state.

Police conducted a traffic stop after noticing Butler, a passenger, and the driver were not wearing seatbelts when they exited a hotel parking lot. Butler provided first a false name to police and was generally uncooperative. Police searched Butler and the bag he was carrying, locating a smaller bag with 71 Alprazolam pills and $3,547 in cash. Inside the trunk of the vehicle was another bag containing psilocybin mushrooms.

Butler was charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance schedule

COPS & COURTS I (psilocybin mushrooms), possession of a controlled dangerous substance of schedule IV (Alprazolam), possession of a controlled dangerous substance of schedule IV (Alprazolam) with an intent to distribute, obstructing and hindering an officer, assuming the identity of another person to avoid identification, apprehension or prosecution and making a false statement.

Two Men Assaulted OCEAN CITY – An Eastern Shore man faces multiple charges this week after assaulting two individuals and damaging property.

On July 11, around 11 p.m., Ocean City Communications was notified of an active fight in the area of Robin Drive and Coastal Highway. A resort police officer observed upon arriving on the scene a male in distress crawling out of the back of a 2007 Ford Explorer. The man’s face was partially covered in blood with scratches and

more blood on his legs. Police noticed the rear passenger window of the vehicle had been shattered. The man was identified as Trevor Rake, 29, of Salisbury.

Rake told police he was assaulted by an unknown man who hit him in the face with a concrete parking block. At one point, Rake, who was loud and uncooperative on the scene, admitted to being drunk and not remembering what transpired. Rake’s screaming of profanities caused a disturbance for others walking by in the general area.

Police spoke with the vehicle’s owner who told police she was walking to her vehicle after her shift at work when she saw Rake removing her vehicle’s trailer hitch and throwing it through the window of a nearby vehicle. When the other vehicle’s owner, an employee at a nearby amusement park, learned of the incident, he reportedly engaged in a fight with Rake. The employee and Rake had verbal arguments

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July 21, 2023 earlier in the evening over inappropriate use of an amusement ride, resulting in Rake threatening to damage the employee’s vehicle.

The employee said at some point Rake left the area, returning with a trailer hitch, which he threw at the employee. The hitch missed the man but caused a large hole in a shed on the amusement park’s property. After he was being told he could no longer be on the amusement park’s property, Rake kicked a different employee in the stomach before fleeing the scene. He was apprehended shortly after.

Rake was charged with two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of malicious destruction and disorderly conduct.

Vehicle Theft Charges OCEAN CITY – A West Virginia man was charged after taking off with his mom’s vehicle without her permission.

Around 8 p.m. on July 14, an Ocean City police officer conducted a registration check of a Hyundai Elantra at 21st Street and Baltimore Avenue. The officer determined the vehicle had been reported stolen from West Virginia.

As a result of the hit on the registration check, police stopped the vehicle and the driver, Jared Hawkins, 37, of Fairmont, W. Va., was arrested. The registered owner of the vehicle turned out to be the mother of Hawkins, but the woman told police she gave her son permission to only drive to Morgantown, W.Va., and return the vehicle the same day. When Hawkins did not return the vehicle by the next day, the woman reported it stolen to authorities.

Hawkins was found to not have a valid driver’s license, which had expired in 2016.

During processing at the Public Safety Building, police found two identical dagger style fighting knives with blades approximately four inches in length.

For stealing the vehicle, valued at approximately $3,500, Hawkins was charged with theft of at least $1,500 but less than $25,000. He was additionally charged with possession of a fighting knife and a traffic citation for driving without a license.

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OCEAN CITY – Refusal to leave a bar as ordered, assaulting a taxi driver and battling with police officers resulted in five charges for a California man.

Ocean City police officers were conducting a mid-town R.A.A.M. (Reducing Alcohol Availability to Minors) detail just before midnight on July 14 when they were approached by a bar manager needing assistance with a guest who would not leave the premise. Police made contact with Bradford King, 31, of Panorama, Calif., and ordered him to leave the property.

King was seen engaging in a heated argument with a taxi driver, who advised police he was pushed by King during the dispute. When police approached King and ordered him to stop, the suspect fled the scene. Police officers were able to catch up with King and take him to the ground, but King refused to cooperate and prevented handcuffs from being closed. According to a police report, the officer, “utilized closed fist strikes to King, at which time we were able to place King into handcuffs.” The resistance continued, resulting in police utilizing a violent person restraint device. King continued screaming at a high level.

King was charged with second-degree assault, trespassing, disorderly conduct, SEE NEXT PAGE

July 21, 2023

... COPS & COURTS failure to obey an officer and resisting arrest. A police background search revealed King was unable to be released on a criminal citation due to the non-qualifying charges of assault and resisting arrest.

Weapons Violations OCEAN CITY – A traffic stop led to police finding a loaded, unregistered gun in a vehicle last Saturday.

On July 15, about 1:15 a.m., an officer in a marked Ocean City police vehicle observed a white Ford Fusion around 21st Street and Coastal Highway traveling at a high rate of speed. When the vehicle stopped a traffic light on 23rd Street, a registration check on the vehicle found six jurisdictional violations from April 26, 2022 as well as a pickup tags order due to insurance compliance issues.

Daniel Vanriel, 24, of Cambridge, was identified as the driver during the traffic stop. A visual scan of the vehicle by police resulted in a black Glock gun box being seen on the passenger floorboard. When asked by police, Vanriel denied there being a gun in the box or in the vehicle. Vanriel was unable to provide license and registration information to the officer, saying his wallet was with a family member.

A search of the gun box found a magazine with 10 cartridges. Vanriel admitted to not having a handgun permit in Maryland nor any state. A further search of the vehicle found a loaded Glock handgun with one round in the chamber under the driver’s seat. The search also found four driver’s licenses issued to Vanriel – three lic-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch enses from Maryland and one from Louisiana. Police were able to determine Vanriel had one valid Maryland license and one valid Louisiana license. The gun was also found to not be registered in Maryland.

Vanriel was charged with two counts of transporting a loaded handgun in a vehicle and two counts of wearing, carrying and transporting a handgun on his person. Additionally, multiple traffic charges were filed, including carrying more than once license at a time.

Disorderly Over Open Container OCEAN CITY – Turning down repeated requests from police for identification and openly drinking alcohol on the Boardwalk resulted in a man being arrested last weekend.

On July 15, around 3:30 p.m., Ocean City police were alerted to a Boardwalk business on 2nd Street for a disorderly man who had been standing in front of the restaurant for about 20 minutes refusing to move on.

Police approached Travis Jackson, 32, of Washington, D.C. who was intoxicated and not cooperating with police. Jackson said because he was leaving the restaurant he did not need to provide police identification or answer questions. Jackson headed to the beach and about a half hour later was seen smoking a cigarette on the Boardwalk at 3rd Street with a red Solo cup in his hand. Police attempted to stop Jackson and issue him a civil citation for smoking on the Boardwalk. Jackson again refused to provide police with any information. Repeated refusals to provide identifying information to police led to Jackson’s arrest. Before police could apply hand-

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Page 21

cuffs, Jackson attempted to finish the alcohol in his cup. Jackson then refused to allow police to search his shoes and continued to be combative and disturbing the peace.

Jackson was charged with open container possession and consumption, failing to provide proper identification to police, obstructing and hindering a police officer and disorderly conduct.

Random Assault OCEAN CITY – A Maryland man was apprehended and charged after sucker punching a stranger.

Around 3 a.m. on July 16, Ocean City police responded to 14th Street and the Boardwalk for a fight. As a police vehicle arrived on the scene, a black MercedesBenz was seen leaving the area at a high rate of speed traveling southbound.

On the Boardwalk, police met with a

man who said he was walking through a hotel parking lot when Cesar Alonso, 23, of Severn, accused him of talking to his girlfriend and punched him in the face.

The victim said Alonso knocked him to the ground and continued to punch him in the face multiple times. Police noted swelling to the victim’s face as well as a two-inch laceration under his left eye. The victim said Alonso left in the same black Mercedes-Benz that was seen speeding away.

Police caught up to the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. After initially not stopping, Alonso was questioned and admitted to not having a valid driver’s license. The victim confirmed Alonso assaulted him.

Alonso was charged with second-degree assault and traffic citations for driving without a license and failure to attach registration plates at front and rear of vehicle.

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Local Partnership Brings Artists To Summer Academies

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 21, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Students are pictured at Buckingham Elementary School during an arts activity during summer academy.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

BERLIN – An arts program held in cooperation with summer academy is expanding the reach of the Worcester County Arts Council.

With the help of the Worcester County Arts Council (WCAC), summer academy programs in local schools feature “Summer Arts Camp.” The program gives summer school students the chance to work with artists on a variety of projects linked to the academy theme.

“Our partnership with Worcester County Public Schools is important to the Worcester County Arts Council,” said Anna Mullis, WCAC executive director. “We can maximize our programs and resources to benefit students.”

For several years, the WCAC hosted a summer art program at Berlin Intermediate School. In an effort to expand the program, however, a few years ago the arts council began working with the school system. They incorporated a week of art into the summer academy sessions hosted at each of the county’s elementary schools.

“We reach 200 to 300 students rather than the 50 to 60 we got in the past,” said Tamara Mills, coordinator of instruction for Worcester County Public Schools.

Mullis agreed and said a wider variety of students were also participating.

“Our goal was to reach a more diverse population of students,” she said. “We’re excited it’s growing. That’s important.”

This is the third year the two entities have worked together to offer the arts camp during summer school.

“We’ve received a lot of positive feedback,” Mills said.

With the new program, WCAC provides the funding for art teachers to be hired to work with students at each of the elementary schools. They guide the children through projects tied to the theme of the summer academy, which this year is “Road Trip.” Students at Buckingham Elementary School, for example, created projects linked to the different regions of the United States. One class painted watercolor whales. Another used craft supplies like pompoms and feathers to represent natural resources they used to create artwork.

“The engagement of the students is amazing,” Mullis said.

She said that by partnering with Worcester County Public Schools, the arts council was maximizing its programs and resources to reach more students. Mills said that from the school system’s perspective, the partnership gave students access to the arts they wouldn’t have otherwise.

“Our goal is arts in education,” Mills said.

Some of the student artwork created during the week will be on display at the Worcester County Arts Council’s gallery in mid-August.

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Building plans for the redevelopment of the former Dairy Queen site received the support of a Fenwick Island committee this week.

On Wednesday, the Fenwick Island Building Review Committee voted unanimously to approve plans for the former Dairy Queen site on Coastal Highway.

Balsamo Real Estate LLC, developer, has plans to bring a Surf Bagel to a new building on the property.

“I think it all looks great,” said Councilman Richard Benn, committee chair.

“We’re excited to have this.”

In May, demolition crews razed the former Dairy Queen building, located at 1007 Coastal Highway, to make way for a new building. Committee members say the building plan includes a one-story structure with 1,363 square feet of indoor and outdoor patron space and 29 parking spots.

“At this point, the plans meet the setback requirements and the buffer requirements …,” said Building Official Mike Locke. “I came up with 1,363 square feet of patron area. That requires 28 parking spots, and they have 29.”

Locke added that the plan had been revised to relocate a dumpster and add a loading area.

“Other than that, everything looks like it would be a go for sending them off to the county,” he said.

Committee member Dave Reifschneider pointed out that the developer’s plans did not include the concrete sign that is currently at the site.

“The sign is grandfathered and that’s what will be used,” Town Manager Pat Schuchman replied.

Officials also acknowledged a discrepancy in the calculation of patron area.

While the town calculated the new building to be 1,363 square feet, the developer had calculated roughly 1,200 square feet.

“It didn’t appear to me they included outside areas as patron area,” Benn said.

Eric Wahl, the architect hired by Balsamo Real Estate, pointed out the developer had lost two parking spots, as a dumpster had to be relocated to meet building code requirements. He questioned if its location could be changed.

“Is there any way to consider the dumpster being in the place it was previously?” he asked. “Losing two spaces is a big deal, not only for our client, Surf Bagel, but for the town.”

Benn noted the developer could seek a variance.

“It’s got to be 10 feet off the property line,” he replied.

Wahl also questioned if parallel parking could be placed in the dumpster’s prior location.

“We welcome any additional parking that meets the code,” Benn said.

After further discussion, the committee voted 4-0, with member Fred Barger absent, to approve the building plans for the former Dairy Queen site.

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

First Bronco Bash Approved For Fall

July 21, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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OCEAN CITY – A new car event will replace the traditional corvette weekend in Ocean City.

On Tuesday, Live Wire Media’s Brad Hoffman came before the Mayor and Council with a request to bring an inaugural Bronco Beach Bash to Ocean City Oct. 14-15. Hoffman said the new event will take the place of Corvette Weekend, which will not return to Ocean City in 2023.

“We felt this was a nice, niche event that could fill that void, economically, for the town,” he said.

Hoffman told the council this week he was seeking permission to host the Bronco Beach Bash at the south end of the Inlet parking lot and on the beach from 29th Street to the Inlet during the second weekend in October. He said the event would be smaller than the Jeep Week festivities he brings to town each year.

“The big part of this is it’s a smaller event than Jeep Week is,” he said. “It’s going to be a beginning event, but it’s going to be the first ever Bronco event on the beach in any town in the United States.

So it’s a chance for us to do a first here.”

Hoffman said the goal of the event is to bring Bronco enthusiasts to town.

“I’m excited about it because I see the Bronco as we could be on the front side of something with this event,” he said. “There will be vendors coming in, Bronco enthusiasts will come in and we will have some evening events. But it will all be hubbed in the Inlet parking lot with a beach cruise we will create for that, as well as a small sand course – similar to what I do for Jeep Week – on the beach.”

Hoffman estimated the Bronco Beach Bash would host between 300 and 400 Bronco its first year. He said the event also received the support of Special Events Director Frank Miller.

“Having the history of running that [Jeep Week] event, and also understanding the logistics, the production and the communication I’ve been able to have with the Town of Ocean City, through public works and the police department, I think it’s going to be a smooth event,” Hoffman said.

“I think it’s going to be a good starter event for the town, and I’m really excited to move forward, hopefully with your votes of confidence tonight.”

Mayor Rick Meehan noted that the parks and recreation department had some concerns about hosting the event at the Inlet lot the weekend prior to Sunfest, as it could interfere with the setup.

“Is there a problem there?” he asked.

Special Events Coordinator Lisa Mitchell said there wasn’t.

“They just wanted to bring it to our attention,” she replied. “Mr. Miller, my boss, looked at it. He doesn’t see any issue with it at all.”

Hoffman agreed.

“He was really confident it wouldn’t interfere with Sunfest at all, or the setup,” he added.

With no further discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve the event request.

County Adjusts Voting To Assist In Procurement Process

July 21, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – County officials agreed to use email voting when it might help in the vehicle purchasing process.

While they didn’t approve staff’s recommendation as far as vehicle purchasing, the Worcester County Commissioners this week agreed unanimously to vote via email when approvals were needed quickly. The change is meant to help the county procure the vehicles approved in the budget.

“They don’t have a lot of surplus vehicles on the lots so we’re dealing with shortages.,” said Nicholas Rice, the county’s procurement officer.

Rice told the commissioners this week he’d worked with staff to figure out how to add some flexibility to the vehicle purchasing process, as in recent years the county has been struggling to find the vehicles that have been approved for purchase. Rice said that for years, once the budget was approved, staff would contact state contract holders or ask for bids from dealerships for the vehicles that had been approved for purchase in the fiscal year.

“Historically that worked,” Rice said.

“We would place the order, then 60 to 90 days we’d get the vehicle.”

That is no longer typical.

“With surplus issues and manufacturing issues and vehicle shortages what

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

we’re noticing is the manufacturers have specific windows that open up,” Rice said.

He said that while manufacturers tried to provide notice of when those purchasing windows would be open but that didn’t always help.

“They tell us they’re going to open up and then they close or if they get their quota they’ll close the window and we may not get the request actually in.”

He said that when the county tried to get dealerships to submit bids for certain vehicles, they often weren’t able to bid.

“They don’t have a lot of surplus vehicles on the lots,” he said.

Currently, the budget approved for fiscal year 2024 includes a new SUV for the state’s attorney’s office, eight SUVs for the sheriff’s office, and a variety of trucks for divisions like maintenance and solid waste.

Rice said there was also still a vehicle that was approved for purchase in the fiscal year 2022 budget that hadn’t yet been received. The vehicles approved for purchase in the last fiscal year, fiscal year 2023, have also not arrived.

“What we’re noticing is you can put an order in and if the order’s not filled they can basically within a certain time, 12 or 18 months, tell you the order’s canceled,” Rice said.

As a result, he recommended the commissioners consider providing staff with some leeway when it came to purchas-

ing.

“What we’re proposing to do is have some flexibility to be able to jump when the window’s open to place orders or a vehicle becomes available on a lot,” Rice told the commissioners. “We have a list submitted of vehicles approved. What we’re proposing is as long as we stay within what they budgeted for those certain vehicles we will be able to place the order without coming to the commissioners for each individual purchase.”

Commissioner Ted Elder said that rather than “change everything,” he’d like to see the commissioners weigh in

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on urgent purchases with email voting.

He said if staff found a vehicle and the county needed to act quickly, the commissioners could come to a consensus via email.

“We do have email votes,” Elder said.

“We fulfill those things pretty quickly.

Sometimes one or two days.”

Commissioners pointed out that if the situation was urgent the chief administrative officer could even reach out to the commissioners individually.

The commissioners voted unanimously to authorize vehicle purchases via email votes when needed.

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July 21, 2023

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Resort Eyes Pension Plan Changes

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – An amendment allowing the purchase of pension years will advance to a second reading with the support of town officials.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to amend the town’s pension plans for public safety and general employees on first reading.

City Manager Terry McGean said the changes would allow public safety and general employees to purchase up to five years of service credit at full actuarial cost.

“Under the current pension ordinance, the ability to do that is not allowed,” he said.

McGean told councilmembers this week the fire department had hired an employee who has sought to transfer years of service from their previous employer in Baltimore City to the Town of Ocean City. To that end, he presented two ordinances that would allow public safety and general employees to buy pension years.

“By leaving Baltimore City and coming to Ocean City, he was losing time in his pension from Baltimore City,” he explained. “We were approached as to whether he could purchase that additional time, make up that difference, essentially by contributing additional money into the Ocean City pension.”

July 21, 2023

McGean expressed that the town wanted to maintain this employee and had looked at a pension plan amendment that would allow him to make up those pension years.

“That is one instance where this code change would now allow that, up to five years, at the full actuarial cost,” he said.

Human Resources Director Katie Callan said the individual in question – a training chief – was looking to purchase four years of service. She said spreading out payments would cost him roughly $124,000, while paying a lump sum would cost him $109,000.

“If they funded that over 26 pays, over four years, there was a higher amount,” she explained. “If it was one lump sum contribution, it would be a lower amount.”

McGean noted the pension plan amendment would also allow employees who would like to retire early and receive a full pension amount to purchase up to five years of service credit at full actuarial cost.

“This would also allow that to happen, whereas right now there is no mechanism which would allow that,” he said. “The cost is significant, as you can see, and typically it is going to be in the six figures. So it’s not something anyone is going to do lightly, but this would allow that opportunity.”

However, IAFF Local 4269 President Ryan Whittington told the council this week the proposed pension plan amendment would not solve the fire department’s problem. In an email sent to the Mayor and Council ahead of Monday’s meeting, he noted it was not feasible for an employee to purchase service credit at the amount proposed.

“While the idea of allowing for the purchase of pension years may seem favorable on the surface, the reality is far less promising,” he wrote. “When we delve into the actual figures, it becomes apparent that this option is simply not feasible for the average person coming from another municipality with a pension system.”

To that end, Whittington asked the council to consider part-time service credit. He pointed out that while the council has emphasized the importance of hiring additional part-time staff, more was needed to attract applicants.

“I urge you, esteemed Mayor and respected Council Members, as you explore this ordinance to also explore alternative approaches that will allow for a more reasonable and equitable transfer of pension years, such as parttime service credit,” he wrote. “It is crucial that we recognize the true value of the dedicated individuals who contribute to the growth and success of our fire department. By addressing the part-time service credit and exploring new ways to support our employees, we can ensure a brighter future for the Ocean City Fire Department and its vital role in protecting our community.”

During Monday’s meeting, Council SEE NEXT PAGE

… Amendment To Allow Service Credit Purchase

July 21, 2023

Secretary Tony DeLuca made a motion to approve the pension plan amendments on first reading, but to have McGean explore part-time service credit ahead of the second reading.

“For the second reading, I’d like to have Terry put together the cost of parttime service credit …,” he said. “I’d like to know what that number is for parttime service credit.”

McGean, however, noted that would be difficult to achieve, as he wouldn’t know how many employees would take advantage of it.

He also argued that Whittington’s request should be part of the collective bargaining process.

“What is being proposed now is cost neutral,” he said. “What would be proposed by President Whittington would not be cost neutral. Honestly, I think the correct time to do that would be as part of the bargaining agreement.”

DeLuca, however, noted that the IAFF contract would not be reviewed for another three years, as it had just been extended. He argued every effort should be made to consider options that would improve safety, reduce overtime and bolster part-time staff.

“I just have to be frank, you all are opening up a huge Pandora’s box if you want to start talking about this,” McGean replied. “This isn’t something that’s going to get settled in 30 days.

And to be honest, we have a gentleman here who is under a time crunch as to whether he’s going to continue with the town or not.”

Councilman Peter Buas said he agreed with allowing employees to purchase service credit on the front end but questioned the reasoning for allowing an employee to purchase service credit on the back end, or at the end of their service. McGean said it was also a concept he struggled with.

“I think if a person wanted to leave their employment with the city early to the extent they were willing to invest six figures to do so, maybe that’s a request we would consider accommodating,” he said.

The council ultimately agreed to strike that option from the pension plan amendment. After a lengthy discussion, a motion to approve the first reading of both ordinances – one for public safety employees and one for general employees – passed unanimously.

“We’ve created an avenue, and hopefully we’ll have more discussions,” said Council President Matt James.

During public comments, Whittington urged the council to consider parttime service credit and continue conversations with the IAFF. He argued the proposed amendment was not effective in attracting employees to the fire department.

“This not going to fix the immediate problem …,” he said. “Just because we’re not in bargaining, does not mean we cannot have these conversations.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Fire Department held a solemn and heartfelt re-dedication ceremony last weekend for Engine 704, a tribute in honor of the late OCVFC Firefighter Jeffrey L. Dieter, Sr. The ceremony took place on Sunday, the 40th Anniversary of firefighter Dieter's line of duty death, as a gesture to commemorate the invaluable contributions he made to the department's history.

July 16, 1983, remains etched in the memories of Ocean City's firefighting community as a day of profound loss and bravery. At approximately 6:30 a.m., a devastating fire broke out at the Saute Cafe, situated at 123rd Street and Coastal Highway in north Ocean City. The flames escalated rapidly, reaching a four-alarm status, and necessitating the efforts of approximately 115 firefighters to bring it under control. Tragically, while battling the fire, the building's roof collapsed, claiming the life of 24-yearold Dieter.

Deputy Chief James L. Jester expressed the importance of commemorating firefighter Dieter's selfless service, stating, "Today, we gather to remember a true hero, Firefighter Jeffrey L. Dieter, Sr., who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. His bravery and dedication to protecting our community serve as an enduring inspiration to each and every one of us in the Ocean City Fire Department. We honor his memory today as we re-dedicate Engine 704, symbolizing the ongoing commitment of our firefighters to serve with valor and selflessness."

According to a press release from the fire department, “The re-dedication ceremony of Engine 704 stands as a powerful tribute to Dieter's legacy, an emblem of the undying spirit that drives the men and women of the Ocean City Fire Department. As the department pays homage to the past, they also recommit themselves to the safety and well-being of the citizens they proudly serve.”

Special Education Teacher Launches Private Coaching, Consulting Service

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – A local educator is looking to give children and their families the tools they need for development through a new consulting service.

Last year, Gina Russell launched Tiny Sparks, a private coaching and consulting service for childhood development. Serving children ages 18 months to five years, she said her company aims to help young kids with unique needs reach their full potential.

“I’ve been told by families that I’m a safe place to land,” she said. “There’s no judgement … It’s for parents looking for that individualized help.”

Russell, a special education teacher with Worcester County Public Schools, launched Tiny Sparks last year. In her free time, she offers individualized early intervention services to young children with unique needs and those with and without a formal diagnosis.

“I had a lot of families saying we’re on a waitlist and we need more help,” she said. “I strongly believe in access for people, and I hate to see people waiting. Families were asking for more, so I gave them more.”

Simply put, Tiny Sparks offers consultation services and individualized, virtual coaching sessions that focus on basic learner skills, language and communication, and overall development. She said Tiny Sparks will also provide customized materials such as visuals and communication boards.

“It’s very individualized,” she explained. “I’m going to take the guesswork out and individualize the plan to meet the needs of the child.”

Russell, who was the 2019 Worcester County Teacher of the Year, said coaching sessions are conducted virtually, which provides flexibility. She said sessions are 45 minutes long.

“With virtual coaching, I’m also able to work with families all over the country,” she said.

Russell noted that families wishing to use Tiny Sparks will receive a complimentary, 20-minute consultation call.

From there, parents complete a baseline assessment of their child, and a plan will be created based on parent priorities.

“I’ve also been able to direct people to other resources if Tiny Sparks is not the right fit for a family …,” she said. “I feel good about being able to say what resources are available.”

Russell said Tiny Sparks is a great option for families seeking more support when it comes to their child’s learning development. She said more information can be found online at www.createtinysparks.com, and through the company’s Instagram and Facebook pages. The website contains testimon-

Special education teacher Gina Russell is hoping to provide access beyond the school setting for students and families.

Submitted Photo

ials from individuals who have found success in utilizing Russell and her services. Those interested can also reach Russell directly at ginatinysparks@gmail.com.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Departing Officials Recognized For Pines Board Service

July 21, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Evening Session: A fisherman tries his luck in the lagoon at Northside Park last Sunday during the sunset hour.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

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OCEAN PINES – Three outgoing board members were recognized for their service to the association in a meeting last week.

Last Saturday, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors honored outgoing members Doug Parks, Colette Horn and Frank Daly for their years of service to the community. Each was presented with a plaque and recognized for their contributions.

“On behalf of the current board and the members of our association, I would like to present you with this plaque in recognition for your outstanding dedication to our OPA community as a director, president, committee member, and liaison,” said Vice President Rick Farr. “Your dedication to service is recognized and truly appreciated. Thank you.”

Parks, the current association president, and Horn, the past president, will be stepping down from their positions in August because of term limits, according to a recent news release. Daly, the former vice president, resigned in June following a relocation to Florida. Collectively, the three board members have served nearly two decades on board, with Parks serving for seven years, Horn serving for six years, and Daly serving for five years.

“I think it important to recognize Doug, Colette, and Frank for taking the time for the countless hours in volunteering their service to our OPA community,” Farr said during Saturday’s meeting. “Volunteering in this capacity allows Colette, Doug, and Frank to have a sense of purpose and to connect to the community and make it a better place. Moving forward, this current board and future boards will ensure that we recognize those that voluntarily serve our community in the capacity as a director or committee member.”

This year, four candidates – John Latham, Jerry Murphy, Elaine Brady, and Jeffrey Heavner – will vie for the three open seats on the Ocean Pines board.

The seven-member volunteer board is the governing body of Ocean Pines.

A candidate forum was held on June 21 at the golf clubhouse, where the candidates addressed topics such as digital signs, roundabouts and boat ramp access.

Ballots were mailed to property owners the week of July 11 and are due back to Election Trust – the association’s new election contractor – by 4 p.m. on Aug. 8.

A ballot count will be held Aug. 10, with the annual meeting to follow on Aug. 12.

For questions about the election, email elections@oceanpines.org. For additional information, visit oceanpines.org and click on the “2023 OPA Board Election” banner at the top of the page.

Berlin Commons Project Reviewed

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

A rendering of a new building proposed for Jefferson Street in Berlin.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Berlin officials reviewed a concept plan for a mixed-use building on Jefferson Street.

Members of the Berlin Planning Commission last week shared their thoughts on a concept plan for a mixed-use structure proposed for the Berlin Commons.

Property owners Brett and Megan Hines said they wanted some input from local officials before they created detailed plans for the project.

“We wanted to start a conversation with you and make sure we’re going down the right path,” Brett Hines said.

He told the commission that because of the unique shape of the Jefferson Street lot, any building would likely require some setback adjustments or variances from the town’s board of appeals.

Erich Pfeffer, the project’s architect, said they’d already approached the board once but that their request had been tabled because the board wanted more information. He told the commission the project as proposed, though very conceptual, would consist of restaurant space on the ground floor and small apartment units above.

“We didn’t want too much time into the specifics without making sure the setbacks and variances were there,” Hines said.

The building as proposed shows about 1,200 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor and 400 square feet of residential space on the second and third floors.

Dave Engelhart, the town’s planning director, said the Berlin Fire Company had provided preliminary comments on the proposed structure and had concerns about access if a firetruck was needed.

“We all know Jefferson and Gay are very narrow streets,” Engelhart said.

“They’re some of the older streets in Berlin. Chief Downing likes to say they weren’t designed for cars they were designed for horses and carriages. But the ladder trucks needed for a four-story building or three-story building, they are the ladder trucks with the outriggers.”

Commission member Ron Cascio asked if the residential space was meant for short-term rentals or year-round lodging.

Submitted Image

Hines said it was intended to be yearround rental space.

“I have ongoing concerns that a lot of permanent housing is going to be turned into Airbnbs and these small spaces we need for our residents are going to go for the high dollar Airbnbs,” Cascio said.

Commission member Matt Stoehr said he felt parking would be an issue for the project. As proposed the plan has four spaces.

“That it does tax the town’s limited parking already,” he said.

Pfeffer said he hadn’t wanted to invest too much time in diagraming potential parking without knowing if the property could even get the variance it needed for the proposed structure. He added that Habitat for Humanity’s previously approved plans for the property showed a building with parking situated on the southern tip of the triangular lot.

“From a design perspective that seems a super dangerous spot to have parking,” he said, alluding to the variety of pedestrian and bicycle traffic in the area.

Commission member Newt Chandler said the property was in the historic district and asked what building the proposed structure had been modeled on.

“None, because there isn’t really any historic property immediately adjacent to it,” Pfeffer said.

Commission members pointed out there were properties like the Atlantic Hotel in the area, however.

“We haven’t begun really designing it yet,” Hines said. “We were trying to get something on paper that shows what might be able to be done.”

Engelhart said the town’s historic district officials had recently approved another modern building in the neighborhood.

“This is probably a little modern for what’s there,” he said. “You saw the building for Mr. Selway. It went through a couple meetings. It got softened, it got changed a little bit.”

Engelhart also addressed parking and said that in cases where a property was within 200 feet of a public lot that could be used for some parking.

“It can be considered appropriate without having to go to the board of appeals,” SEE PAGE 38

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School Board Eyes Night Meetings

Page 38

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

NEWARK – School board members continue to discuss the possibility of adding more night meetings to the annual calendar.

School board member Katie Addis again asked her fellow Worcester County Board of Education members last week to consider scheduling three more evening meetings. Other board members said it was something to be explored.

“Rather than approve three at this one time I’d like us to take some time to see where we can best fit them in,” board member Bill Gordy said.

While most school board meetings are held at 12:30 p.m. each month, in recent years the board has made an effort to schedule two or three night meetings each year in response to public requests.

Last Tuesday, at one of those night meetings, some parents used the public comment portion of one of those night meetings to request others. Area resident Kate McCloskey said maybe a third or half of the annual meetings could be held in the evenings.

“I enjoyed hearing from parents who could only come to a meeting at night,” she said.

When it came time for comments from the board, Addis said she’d like to see more night meetings. She reminded her

peers she’d made a motion last month to add more evening meetings to the calendar and hadn’t gotten a second.

“That is very disheartening to me,” she said. “I’m going to make a motion tonight to add three more to our schedule for next year. Keep in mind these added night meetings would not fall on heavy student recognition meetings.”

She subsequently made a motion to add evening meetings in September, November and either February or June.

Her motion failed to receive a second but Gordy said he wasn’t opposed to the idea of adding additional evening meetings. He said he just wanted to be sure they were scheduled for months when they’d be feasible.

“I’d like to have some more discussion about where we can fit them in,” he said. “We do have some fairly firm ideas about why we can’t have a lot of night meetings.”

In the past, school system administration has cited the student recognitions that take place as one of the reasons for hosting daytime meetings, as it would be harder to have students in attendance in the evenings.

“I’m not saying more night meetings are a bad idea I just didn’t want to take on three more at this time,” Gordy said.

Todd Ferrante, president of the board, said the issue could be discussed at a future meeting.

FROM PAGE 37 he said.

Commission member Pete Cosby said he liked esoteric projects and oddities but felt the proposed building could use some adjustments.

“I think an unusual building on an unusual lot, especially if you maintain the public place out front where you have the outside dining that’s open to the public, I think you’re giving something to the town that’s interesting and unique,” he said. “I like interesting and unique.”

Cascio spoke in support of the concept.

“This is exactly what we’ve been looking for,” he said. “Some people might not

like the style, obviously it’s conceptual, but use-wise, utilization of space, location to town, it’s just what we’ve been looking for.”

Resident Ed Hammond expressed concern about the project’s impact on drainage in town said he wasn’t sure the property, and the handful around it, should have been added to the town’s historic district. He said the Selway building was out of style for the location.

“Five, ten years from now I think there’s a real danger this sort of thing will be seen as precedential for actions in other areas of the historic district,” he said. “That could be very bad for the town.”

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… Officials Address Parking, Design

Local Baseball Standout Drafted

By MLB Team

July 21, 2023

OCEAN PINES – The dreams of a local family came true last Tuesday night when the Tampa Bay Rays drafted Hayden Snelsire in the 17th round of the annual Major League Baseball Draft.

The Snelsires lived in Ocean Pines for 17 years, before recently moving.

But the entire family has left a lasting legacy on the area.

Hayden was a star on Berlin Little League All-Star teams for almost a decade. His dad, Eric, was a league coach and past vice president, and his mom, Jocelyn, was heavily involved in the league as a fundraiser and booster.

“It was a little surreal,” Hayden said of being drafted. “It still hasn't really clicked yet. But it was just crazy to see my name on that board. It was an awesome moment.”

Jocelyn posted a video of the draft announcement on Facebook last Tuesday night and the post went viral, as well-wishers from all over the community congratulated Hayden and the family. Many had watched Hayden play Little League and high school baseball in person, or during all-star games that were nationally televised on ESPN. “It is hard to put into words how rewarding it is to see your kids achieving goals they set for themselves at such a young age,” Jocelyn said. “Hayden has always been focused on developing his skills and competing at the highest level, even when he was starting out in tee ball.”

Hayden started playing tee ball in Ocean Pines when he was just 3 years old.

“I also remember a lot of times going to the rec center there, and playing basketball over there behind the police station,” he said. “That was always fun.”

Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue also remembers watching Snelsire play Pop Warner football.

“We were so excited to see Hayden get drafted,” she said. “I remember seeing him play Little League, and he was involved very early on with some of our rec programs, so it’s amazing to see a homegrown talent achieve his goals.”

Snelsire threw a no-hitter in 2011 as the youngest player in Berlin Little League.

Three years later, in 2014, he was one of the standouts of the Berlin Intermediate All-Star team that reached the Little League World Series championship game in Livermore, CaliforSEE PAGE 41

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

Eric, Hayden and Jocelyn Snelsire are pictured at Hayden’s spring graduation from Randolph Macon College.

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July 21, 2023

People in Society Chris Harrington and Elvin Hernandez are pictured at First Friday at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. Harrington won honorable mention in the annual Beverly Bassford Juried Show, and Hernandez juried the entries.

by Charlene Sharpe Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Reese Laun, Riley Laun and Lila Couslin are pictured at Northside Park Sunday.

Getting in the spirit for the recent Taylor House Museum Grooviest Threads Contest were local twins Roxy Amelia Dunworth and Rosi Amelia Dunworth, who are 11 years old.

Tyler Keiser and Derek Jarmon are pictured at Worcester County Recreation and Parks’ Water Fun program in Berlin.

Mayor Natalie Magdeburger and Lynn Andrews are pictured at the Town of Fenwick Island’s 70th anniversary celebration.

Freddy Mitchell and Pat Schuchman are pictured at the Town of Fenwick Island’s anniversary celebra- Michele and Patrick Ciemiewicz are pictured enjoying the sunset at Northside Park in Ocean City. tion.

Summer Jachimski, pictured with her mother Ami, won the “Grooviest Threads” contest at the Taylor House Museum’s Woodstock concert.

Tara Wampler attended Worcester County Recreation and Parks’ Water Fun program.

J.J. and Leigh Ann Adams attended a water fun program hosted by Worcester County Recreation and Parks.

… Snelsire Family Reflects On Lifelong Dream Realized

July 21, 2023

FROM PAGE 39 nia. It was a moment that captivated the community and was also the start of several years of deep post season runs by Berlin Little League teams.

“His journey through Berlin Little League for almost 10 years was a highlight for all of us,” Jocelyn said. “Watching that group of boys play together for all those years was so much fun.

They helped establish BLL at the state and regional levels.

“But the best part is that when Hayden was drafted, each of those amazing young men reached out to congratulate him,” she added. “They really are brothers for life.”

Hayden said it was a special moment when his old teammates reached out on draft night.

"We’ve always stayed in each other’s lives through social media, kind of following each other, but it's been a while since I've talked to some of them,” he said. “So, it was really nice to hear from them.”

Hayden went on to play for the Stephen Decatur Seahawks and was named Pitcher of the Year in the Bayside Conference South during his last season, in 2019. During his senior year, he threw 41 1/3 innings in nine games, striking out 65 and walking 12. He al-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

lowed just three earned runs for an ERA of 0.65.

He went on to pitch for RandolphMacon College and tied a program record this year with 17 strikeouts in a single game. He also holds the career strikeout record for the college (237).

In 2023, Hayden went 8-2 with a 2.99 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 69 1/3 innings. He earned All-America Second Team honors and was named to the All-Region First Team and All-State (Virginia) First Team.

“He was laser focused on playing at the collegiate level and going somewhere where he felt he could make an impact – RMC was that place for sure,” Joceyln said. “Coach Ray Hedrick has been so supportive of Hay-

den and has helped him reach so many of his goals. His teammates there are awesome too, and we couldn’t be happier with the choice he made.”

When asked what’s next, Snelsire said, “I'm going to get a chance to talk to some of the people at the Rays and they're going to kind of give me the lowdown of what's next. But it's been so cool to see everything come full circle, and to get to continue playing at a professional level.”

His mom Jocelyn added, “We are so excited for this next chapter for Hayden and know that he will work hard to represent himself, Berlin, SDHS and Randolph Macon well. We are so thankful for the support of this community, and our friends and family.”

Page 41

Hayden Snelsire’s individual picture from his senior year is pictured.

File Photo

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July 21, 2023

July 21, 2023

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 21, 2023

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE NEWS + Construction magazine, Entrepreneur of the Year by Maryland Capital Enterprises, Bright Lights Award from the Comptroller of Maryland, and the WeHeartSBY Award.

Eccleston’s commitment to his community is reflected in his involvement in various projects and organizations. He currently serves on the boards of the Salisbury Wicomico Economic Development and Greater Salisbury Committee and is a past president of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.

Residing in Salisbury with his wife, Kennan, and their two children, Hale and Sadie, Eccleston embraces family life.

Casino Revenues BERLIN – Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate $163,717,230 in revenue from slot machines and table games during June 2023, an increase of $971,931 (0.6%) compared to June 2022.

Casino gaming contributions to the state in June 2023 totaled $69,430,233, an increase of $1,072,086 (1.6%) compared to June 2022.

Contributions to the Education Trust Fund in June 2023 were $50,433,185, an increase of $764,425 (1.5%) compared to June 2022. Casino gaming revenues also support the communities and jurisdictions where the casinos are located, Maryland’s horse racing industry, and small, minorityand women-owned businesses.

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

The gaming revenue totals for June 2023 are as follows: MGM National Harbor (2,290 slot machines, 210 table games), $69,043,101 in June 2023, an increase of $632,428 (0.9%) from June 2022.

Live! Casino & Hotel (3,845 slot machines, 179 table games), $57,979,627 in June 2023, an increase of $1,979,637 (3.5%) from June 2022.

Horseshoe Casino (1,430 slot machines, 122 table games), $15,941,209 in June 2023, a decrease of $1,110,637 (6.5%) from June 2022.

Ocean Downs Casino (858 slot machines, 19 table games), $8,679,006 in June 2023, an increase of $125,524 (1.5%) from June 2022.

Hollywood Casino (690 slot machines, 19 table games), $6,954,407 in June 2023, a decrease of $433,399 (-5.9%) from June 2022.

Rocky Gap Casino (620 slot machines, 16 table games), $5,119,881 in June 2023, a decrease of $221,622 (-4.1%) from June 2022.

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

Hospital Recognized TidalHealth Peninsula Regional was recognized by the Maryland Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MDPQC) as a platinum-level participant for its maternal hypertension stewardship initiative. Pictured, from left to right, are Claire Wright, clinical manager of labor and delivery, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional; Katie Richards, collaborative coordinator, MDPQC; and Diane Hitchens, senior director of women’s and children’s services, TidalHealth.

Submitted Photo

Citizen Award SALISBURY – The Del-Mar-Va Council is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2023 Lower Shore Distinguished Citizen Award is Chris Eccleston of Salisbury, Md. The Del-Mar-Va Boy Scouts Council considers it a privilege and an honor to present him with this award. Recipients are selected for their outstanding service as evidenced by their leadership to many worthwhile organizations, as CHRIS ECCLESTON well as the respect and esteem in which they are held by their colleagues and community. The award will be presented to Eccleston on Sept. 14, 2023 at Salisbury University.

Eccleston, a Salisbury native, is the president and founder of Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB) a fresh, gritty commercial construction firm igniting potential and doing epic things. DVB brings the “veteran attitude” to local construction projects which led the company to become one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies recognized by the Inc 5000 list for three consecutive years and the Vet 50 List for two years.

Eccleston’s dedication to veteran employment led to DVB receiving the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award at the Pentagon. DVB has completed over 200 different construction projects in the Mid-

Atlantic area with a value over $167 million. A Navy veteran who served for six years as a nuclear machinist mate on the USS Theodore Roosevelt during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Eccleston takes great pride in his military service and supporting members of DVB who still serve today.

In addition to DVB, Eccleston established Trashforce in 2020, a waste hauling company catering to the Lower Shore.

Starting with roll-off services for the construction and demolition industry, Trashforce expanded into residential curbside pickup, serving several hundred customers. Despite its “trashy” origins, Trashforce has become known for its customer service, engagement in the community and hilarious dad jokes.

Eccleston’s achievements extend beyond his business ventures. In 2023, he became a published author of the children’s book “Grit Leads To Greatness,” co-written with DVB’s creative developer, Jenny Kerr Schroen. The book, which promotes the significance of the construction trades, has already sold an impressive 5000 advanced copies. The authors are now focused on sharing this enchanting story in classrooms across the nation.

He holds an undergraduate degree in construction management from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and an MBA from Salisbury University. Some of his career accomplishments include Eagle Scout, “40 under 40” from Building Design

SALISBURY – TidalHealth Peninsula Regional has received the American Heart Association’s 2023 Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Stroke Honor Role quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

The Salisbury hospital also received the American Heart Association’s 2023 Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

“The end goal is to ensure more people on Delmarva can experience longer, healthier lives,” said Warner Crumb, executive director of orthopedics and neurosciences at TidalHealth. “A stroke patient loses 1.9 million neurons each minute treatment is delayed. This recognition further demonstrates our commitment to delivering advanced stroke treatments to Delmarva patients quickly and safely. The Get With the Guidelines Stroke initiative and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based and proven clinical guidelines developed to give patients their best possible chance of survival and recovery after cardiovascular events.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

July 21, 2023

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July 21, 2023

COMMUNITY News In Photos

The Berlin Lions Club recently made a donation to The Cricket Center, the local child advocacy organization. Pictured are Tommy Hinkle (Lions Club representative) and Lauren Cooper (executive director of The Cricket Center). Submitted Photos

Saunie Wolstenholme has been sworn in as the latest associate member of the First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League. Wolstenholme is pictured with Commandant Al Soto.

Steve McMillan (left) was honored as Lion of the Year from outgoing President Norm Cathell for his work as club secretary, organizing community vision screenings and leading the Adopt A Highway clean-up project.

Jim Motsko of the White Marlin Open presented a check to Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League of Ocean City, in sponsorship of the nonprofit's upcoming Artists Paint OC Plein Air Festival Aug. 9-13, an annual event that coincides with the fishing tournament.

In honor of the firm’s 40th anniversary, Becker Morgan Group was proud to support the Village of Hope in Salisbury with a donation of $4,000. The donation was presented to Curtis Paul, president/CEO of the Village of Hope (left) by Brad A. Hastings, AIA, vice president of Becker Morgan Group.

Campers donned their berets to make art during Art Adventure Camp put on by the Art League of Ocean City and the Town of Ocean City's Recreation and Parks Department. The annual camp is held for six week-long sessions at the bayfront Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th St.

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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July 21, 2023

Freeman Arts Pavilion’s Photo Of The Week:

Each week during the season the Freeman Arts Pavilion submits a photo of the week from the Selbyville, Del. venue. Above, students from AMP, Academy of Music Performance, in Salisbury performed at Freeman Arts Pavilion as part of the outdoor venue’s Young Audience Series. These free performances are held every Saturday morning through Labor Day. Live music continues all summer at the open-air outdoor venue located four miles from Ocean City.

Photo by Justin Odendhal/Freeman Arts Pavilion

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Page 49

Advice To Stay Safe During Shore Break Ocean Days

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 21, 2023

Guarding the Beach

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – Playing in the surf is fun. It is undoubtedly one of the main reasons many people come to the beach for vacation. Whether it is body surfing, boogie boarding, surfing at one of our surfing beaches, or just wading in the water, playing in the ocean is one of the least expensive and fun things you can do at the beach. However, each season we have several weeks in various areas of the beach when shore break is present in Ocean City.

Shore break is when waves build as they approach shores and break in very shallow water, or even directly onto the beach. This most commonly occurs in Ocean City on areas of the beach that do not have a sand bar. Shore break can be very dangerous for bathers of all ages and can cause severe injury, paralysis, and even death.

Shore break can occur anywhere in O-

cean City and depends on the shape and depth of the sea floor bottom (bathymetry). When waves get to shallow water near the shore, their height increases, so a three-foot wave can become a five- or six-foot wave that will then “break” onto the beach with incredible force. The waves can propel one’s body with great amounts of force, and when it hits the wet sand, it is like hitting concrete.

The beach patrol always advises people not to body surf or boogie board in shore break, but people do not always listen. Some of the injuries sustained are minor although even an abrasion to the forehead or a bloody nose is treated as the most serious spinal injury as a precaution, due to the mechanism of injury. However, other injuries sustained can be much more serious. Many of the most serious injuries that occur in shore break are 30to 50-year-old males. According to researchers, this age and gender demographic is more likely to exhibit poor decision-making in the surf; furthermore, the

Lifeguards are pictured participating in a neck stabilization training exercise.

Submitted Photo

body becomes more fragile (reduced flexibility of the spine) and more susceptible to injury in this age group.

If you have any questions about whether the waves are safe for boogie boarding or body surfing, please talk to a lifeguard. Our lifeguards are trained to as-

sess the surf condition and will gladly give you information about the ocean conditions.

Shore break can also cause many problems for children and elderly or less mobile individuals. Please make sure you are standing near your child in these conditions as they can get swallowed up by a wave and pulled out into the ocean. Elderly or less mobile individuals tend to get stuck in the area where waves are breaking on shore, and often time will get knocked down repeatedly. When exiting the water, watch the incoming waves so you do not get caught off guard.

Remember, “When in doubt, don’t go out,” and “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand.” As added protection for you and your friends, always locate the nearest stand with a guard and swim on that beach.

(The writer has been with the beach patrol for 19 years and is currently a sergeant. He is a physical education teacher for the Worcester County Public School system.)

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Page 51

Youth Fishing contest: The Ocean Pines Anglers Club hosted youths in three age categories from 4-16 along with parents and grandparents at the an-

nual Art Hansen Memorial Youth Fishing Contest on Saturday at the South Pond in Ocean Pines. Sixth-nine youth registered and 94 fish were caught by the group. Trophies were awarded for largest fish in each age category. Additional awards were given for the most fish caught and two grand prize drawings for a Mike Vitak custom rod and a deep sea fishing trip donated by the Angler in Ocean City. All participants received a prize. At left, from left, are first-place winners by age group: ages 4-7, largest, 13.25” Catfish, Dominic Wasen, and most fish, Reid Landis; ages 8-11, largest, 12” Bass, Ben Briles, and most fish, Griffin Landis; ages 12-16, largest, 19.5” Bass, Kylar Middleton, and most fish, Isabel Schoonyoung. At right, Mike Vitak with his custom rod and reel winner Eva Thompson, Angler trip winner Mitchell Leisure and club representative Doug Murphy.

Submitted Photos

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Entertainers Announced For Folk Festival’s Locals Stage

Page 52

SALISBURY – Area musicians will entertain an expected audience of thousands during the 2023 Maryland Folk Festival, thanks in part to support from Salisbury University and its Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts.

SU and the Fulton School have been announced as the sponsors of the Salisbury University Locals Stage at this year’s inaugural event, Sept. 22-24 in downtown Salisbury.

“Salisbury University is proud to partner with the Maryland Folk Festival to unite the community and the State of Maryland around the arts,” said SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre. “The Folk Festival is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate how important folk and traditional arts are, and I am excited SU will help to showcase this for thousands

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

of people.”

A couple of the Salisbury University Locals Stage artists also have connections to SU. “The Fulton School recognizes and celebrates the importance of the humanities every day,” said Dr. Maarten Pereboom, the school’s dean. “This opportunity will allow us to share our love of performing arts with guests from across Maryland and the U.S. while also providing exposure for our students, some of whom may one day find themselves performing on the SU Locals Stage.”

The space also will feature tents with information and presentations by SU and the Fulton School. Performers announced for the stage include: C-Mack (Salisbury), hip-hop: C-Mack delivers a fusion of raw lyrics and beats

with a unique style and stage presence.

Callum (Ocean City) – singer-songwriter: Callum’s soulful vocals help capture a unique sound and essence.

Chris English (Salisbury), blues: A veteran blues artist and an adjunct faculty member in SU’s Music, Theatre and Dance Department. He is dedicated to his craft and the spirit of the blues and is what some call “old school” in his approach to his music. His material selection and the vintage instruments used set him apart from many other blues musicians.

Jerome Kelly and Band (Salisbury), rock, soul, rhythm and blues: Kelly and a unique group of performers present a blend of original sound and soulful lyrics.

Lauren Glick (Ocean City and Salisbury), blues: She has attracted many

July 21, 2023

fans through her bluesy, soulful style and bass guitar.

Lower Case Blues (Rehoboth Beach, Del.), blues/jam: The band has been on the scene since 2003, playing a mix of traditional blues with a modern, funky style full of improvisation and organic instrumentation.

Marlee (Salisbury), contemporary rhythm and blues/pop: Influenced by gospel and Motown, as well as contemporary artists from Eminem and Jay-Z to John Mayer and RHCP, he has expanded his fanbase nationally while gaining acclaim in the local music scene.

Red Letter Day (Salisbury), folk rock: Comprised of SU faculty, staff and alumni, Red Letter Day has been writing and performing for 30-plus years on national and local stages with artists including Little Feat and Edwin McCain, and at events with the Indigo Girls and Elton John.

After more than five years as the host of the National Folk Festival, produced in collaboration with the National Council for the Traditional Arts, the City of Salisbury’s Arts, Business and Culture Department is launching the Maryland Folk Festival as a legacy event.

For information on the festival, including a full list of performers and participants as announced, visit https://mdfolkfest.com.

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 53

with Scott Lenox Hello everyone. We had some beautiful weather last week and some really terrible weather last week. The week started off great with sunny skies and calm seas, but just before the Ocean City Tuna Tournament started it got bad, real bad. The weather forecast was to blame for a low boat count of 74, but the money was still there with $990,000 on the line. The only problem was fishing 8-10 foot seas all weekend to claim your prize. However, claim prizes is what some did. There were several winners in this weekend’s 36th Annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament, but no check was larger than the check won by the crew of the private boat Cabana with Captain Eddie Wheeler at the helm.

Cabana dropped a 236-pound bigeye on the dock at the Ocean City Fishing Center that would hold on to the heaviest single fish category all weekend, and they had a two day total stringer of an impressive 763 pounds that took top honors in the heaviest stringer category. Tournament rules don’t allow for a boat to win first place in both categories, but they do allow for the Pro Jackpot winner-take-all prize from both categories to be awarded to one winner. Thanks to that, Cabana received a check on Sunday night written out to $495,000.

Nobody other than OC Tuna Tournament participants fished Friday, Saturday or Sunday in the ocean thanks to the weather, but before that there were light winds, calm seas and biting fish. Bottom fishing for sea bass has gotten picky, but flounder fishing over ocean structure is good with some fish to as large as 7.5 pounds being caught. There is also a good bite for Spanish mackerel and bluefish on the nearshore lumps for anglers trolling small spoons on #1 planers. Flounder fishing in the back bay was good last week thanks to more clean water conditions. Larger fish in the 17” to 22” range are being taken on Gulps, Otter Tails with minnows and live bait like bunker, mullet and live spot. A few bigger fish in the 23” to 25” range have fallen for larger live baits drifted in deeper water around the East Channel. High tide is the best time to go as that’s when the water is cleanest.

This weekend is the Ocean City Marlin Club’s Kid’s Classic Tournament with weigh-ins at Sunset Marina Saturday and Sunday. This is a great tournament for youth anglers with countless categories from spot to marlin releases. For more information or to sign up call the OC Marlin Club at 410-213-1613. Until next week, tight lines.

Captain Kane Bounds of the Fish Bound has seen some big flounder up to 7.5 pounds come over his rail recently.

Submitted Photos

(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.)

SEE PAGES 54-55

Page 54

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 21, 2023

Above top left, Talkin’ Trash with Captain Chris Little took first place Jr Angler honors in the OC Tuna Tournament with a 54-pound yellowfin. Above middle left, Tina Boykin of the private boat Lucky Duck was excited to take heaviest mahi honors with a nice 32 pounder. Above left, The RoShamBo with Captain Willie Zimmerman took the lead in the season long MONGO Tournament with this 246.4 pound bigeye tuna. Above top right, the crew of the private boat Cabana with Captain Eddie Wheeler had the heaviest single fish (236 pounds) and the heaviest stringer (763 pounds) in this weekend’s OC Tuna Tournament. Above right middle, the crew of the Boss Hogg with Captain Brian Porter had the second heaviest fish in the OC Tuna Tournament with this 230-pound bigeye. Above right bottom, the MARLI cashed over $100K in this weekend’s OC Tuna Tournament thanks to their 506 pound stringer.

Opposite page, top left, Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star put this angler on double keeper sea bass in some beautiful weather. Opposite page, top right, this crew on the Spring Mix II had a few mahi, an average sized yellowfin tuna and a jumbo yellowfin at 97 pounds. Opposite page, bottom left, this lucky angler had a nice keeper flounder fishing on board the bay party boat Miss Ocean City. Opposite page, middle right, Caleb Powell used Deadly Tackle Deadly Doubles to catch his limit of flounder this week. Opposite page, bottom right, this family had five keeper flounder fishing on board the Bayside Guide Service.

July 21, 2023

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July 21, 2023

Announcements BERLIN – The following represents a collection of media releases reporting achievements of local students in college.

• Julianna Fohner, of Ocean City was one of 294 Shenandoah University student-athletes named to the 2022-23 Old Dominion Athletic Conference All-Academic Team. She was also named to the school’s Athletic Director’s List for a semester GPA over 3.0 • Kai McGovern of Berlin graduated from University of Vermont with a bachelor's in Forestry.

• College of Charleston congratu-

lates more than 2,150 students who were named to the spring President's List and the Dean's List including Miles Thompson of Berlin, majoring in Geology; Macy Layton of Ocean City, majoring in Communication; Elizabeth Mcguiness of Berlin, majoring in Political Science; and Samantha Repass of Berlin, majoring in Communication.

• Erin Trask of Berlin was named to the College of the Holy Cross Spring 2023 Dean's List.

• Among the graduates at the May 6 ceremony for the University of Tampa were Jenna Dolan, of Ocean City with a

Bachelor of Science in Management; Maddison Olley, of Selbyville with a Bachelor of Science in Biology; and Madison Van Orden of Berlin with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Alyssa Romano of Ocean City, majoring in Liberal Studies, and Olley were named to the Dean’s List.

• The following students from the area have been named to the dean's list at Frostburg State University: Noah Fisher, of Berlin, and John Lutz, of Berlin, who had the distinction of a 4.0 grade point average.

• Margaret A. Mathews, of Berlin was named to first honors on the Clark University Dean's List.

• Jadyn Carroll of Berlin was named to Hartwick College's Spring 2023 Dean's List.

• Local students honored in the spring at The University of Alabama were Hope Woolwine of Selbyville, Del., named to the Deans List; Tara Fischer of Berlin named to the Presidents List; and Maya McCarty of Berlin named to the Deans List.

• Tara Edwards, of Selbyville, Del. was among the 1,143 students who graduated from Shenandoah University during the 2022-23 academic year. Edwards earned a Doctor of Occupational Therapy.

• University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) graduated nearly 3,400 students in the 2023 spring semester.

Students from all 50 states, four U.S. territories, and 22 countries earned UMGC degrees. More than 2,000 graduates attended "Grad Walk" in Adelphi, Md., an in-person experience designed to place the spotlight directly on graduates and their achievements.

The following local students earned degrees: Sibel Lorentz of Ocean City, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies; Elizabeth Ruth Carter of Ocean City, Bachelor of Arts in Humanities Summa Cum Laude; Jude Cordero Agustin of Ocean City, Bachelor of Science in Digital Media and Web Technology; Nina Ammann Tomaselli of Ocean Pines, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; Jennifer Hardester of Berlin, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Matthew Christopher Reilly of Ocean City, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management Magna Cum Laude; and Allison Hunter of Berlin: Bachelor of Science in Management Studies Summa Cum Laude.

• Whaleyville resident Mette Jacobsen graduated Magna Cum Laude in May from Stevenson University with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Founded in 1947 as Villa Julie College, the university has campuses in Stevenson and Owings Mills.

• Congratulations to Regan Bunting of Snow Hill (21811) for being named to the Muhlenberg College Dean's List for the Spring 2023 semester.

COVID-19 Staff Vaxed Virtual Appts.

Available

Estate Planning Wills & Trusts Powers of Attorney Medical Directives 9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy. #112 Ocean City, MD 21842 NEW LOCATION

Elder Law

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

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

Flat Fee Available Home Visits Available Upon Request

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 21, 2023

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above, some fishermen try their luck from the Wicomico Street Pier during the early evening hours last weekend. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 82

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): In- lowing you to make some important formation you need might be coming in changes in a personal situation. Resporadically, but at least what you're member to seek balance and avoid exgetting is valuable. Continue to wait tremes as you proceed.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): until more is available before acting on This is a good week to get out and enthat career move.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): You joy the fine times you missed while you continue on an upbeat cycle, and with were so deep in those workaday projthat strong Taurean energy, you should ects. Be sure to share it with that spesee favorable results from your hard cial person in your life. work. A pleasing surprise awaits you in SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. your private life.

21): Work and play are in balance this GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A week. However, expect news that could misunderstanding needs more time to tip things toward the workplace for be worked out. Don't give up on it just quite a while – but all to a good end. yet. Remain open to providing explaCAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): nations, if called for. Another friend of- You're more productive on the job than fers good advice. you have been in some time. That's CANCER (June 21 to July 22): good, but be careful not to overlook Fast action can correct a seemingly some situations developing in your priminor problem that has taken on some vate life. unexpectedly difficult aspects. Stay AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): with it until it's resolved. News on a You've been doing a lot for others (as more positive note is due soon. usual). But now it's time to focus on LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Some your needs, including finally going on snags could cause delays in those that long-delayed trip you've been hopplans you're eager to see put into op- ing to make. eration. But be patient. The Clever Cat PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): will soon have good reason to cele- It's all smoothly going on 'twixt you and brate a job well done. that very special person in your life. But VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Be a colleague causes some disruption on careful not to let that Virgan sensitiv- the job that you might be called on to ity dissuade you from being the hard- help settle. headed realist you should be at this BORN THIS WEEK: You are sensitime. Your goals are in sight. Stay fo- tive to the needs of others, but you're cused on them. no pushover. You would make a fine LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): A teacher, psychologist or minister. © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc. more positive aspect opens up, al- ON PAGE ANSWERS 46

Page 59

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 60

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

A pool dip after a beach day Finding a good pen brand and sticking with it Half-day Fridays in the summer A rainy weekend day following a long beach day Lightweight pants for the summer Old sayings that stay true through the years The view looking south from the Inlet jetty Learning a new word Not owning an ashtray A night away for a concert People dancing in the sand

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

July 21, 2023

WITH BUNK MANN

Captain Bob's Seafood Restaurant was located on the bayside at 64th Street and Coastal Highway. Owned by Bob and Kayrell Wilkerson, it was home to a giant fiberglass bull that stood on the edge of the highway wearing a chef’s hat and the largest pair of sunglasses ever seen in Ocean City.

A favorite dinner destination in the 1980s and '90s, Captain Bob's closed in 2003 and the building was demolished the following year. Today it is the site of Dead Freddies Island Grill. The famous bull, restored in 2018, now stands outside a farm in Dagsboro, Del. To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishSubmitted Photo ingoc.com.

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 61

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

HELP WANTED BEACH STAND OPERATOR: Beach stand help needed. Must be able to work weekends. Call Bill 443-614-0322.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– PT COOK: Ocean City Elks Lodge.

Seeking PT Cook. Contact Bernie Huster, 410-627-1144.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– TECHNICIAN/MECHANIC : YEAR ROUND OUTBOARD MOTOR TECHNICIAN/MECHANIC NEEDED FOR BASIC OUTBOARD AND BOAT SERVICE. CALL HARBOR MARINE, W. OCEAN CITY, MD 410-213-2296.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– PT MAINTENANCE TECH: GlenRiddle Community. 3 days a week Great Team Environment. tmacintosh@legumnorman.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

HYGIENIST/ASSISTANT Friendly boutique dental practice, with great patients, looking for a

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

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING!

•MAINTENANCE

PART TIME HYGIENIST and a PT/FT DENTAL ASSISTANT

Apply Online at delawarestatejobs.com

Please send resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com

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

Cleaners Wanted for OC Conscientious individual or team. Great pay & min. hrs. Summer Sat’s in OC. Experience preferred.

Cell phone & vehicle req.

(443) 880-0525

• FULL TIME COOK ( Experience Required )

•PART TIME CLEANING HELP Flexible schedule, clean kitchen, new equipment.

Weekly pay checks. Friendly work environment.

LOOKING EVERYWHERE?

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

American Legion Post #166, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue, OC, MD.

CHECK HERE FIRST!

PRINT & ONLINE

Check Out The Dispatch’s E-dition Online: www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

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

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

CAREGIVER

COMMERCIAL

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

REAL ESTATE ACRE FOR SALE: Beautiful parcel Safe, quiet area. Minutes from everything, OC & DE beaches!

Zoned A-1.

Build or mobile/modular.

Well & septic in place.

10403 Griffin Rd, Berlin, MD. Call for more info & price.

410-726-6387.

2-3 days per week Perfect for retiree Friendly atmosphere Call for appointment 410- 641- 5102

FOR SALE: 2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

Excellent condition.

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

AUTOMOBILE

Another clay pot Pushed out of the waste of time Back into Love’s kiln!

MD Inspected. 109,000 mi. $4,500 OBO.

Call 410-632-1911

Check Here First!

FOR SALE DINING ROOM SET FOR SALE Perfect for new home buyers!

NOW HIRING!

•KITCHEN APPLY IN PERSON FENWICK ISLAND, USA 9,000 People Receive The Dispatch’s Daily Buzz Every Day? Sign Up At www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Perfect for your Rental!

Beautiful solid wood dining set.

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

Selling because moved & too big for dining area.

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

Expanding Our Reach.

Broadening Our Commitment.

The Dispatch Is On Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 62

July 21, 2023

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

Third Insertion

Town of Fenwick Island Notice of Election August 5, 2023, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Town Hall, 800 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE19944 There are four (4) Council seats available. Each seat is for a 2-year term. The candidates are: Janice Bortner John Gary Burch Kristina Clark Natalie Carmean Magdeburger Bernie Merritt Jacqueline Napolitano James C. Simpson III Kurt Zanelotti Absentee ballots are available for any registered voter who is not able to vote on election day at Town Hall. Any Town of Fenwick Island eligible registered voter who needs to obtain an absentee ballot by mail should call the Town Hall at 302-539-3011, ext. 1, and a form will be mailed to you. The request form to receive the absentee ballot must be filed with the Town no later than 12:00 p.m. on August 4, 2023. Absentee ballots must be received prior to the close of the election, 5:00 p.m., on August 5, 2023.

To vote in Fenwick Island election, you must be qualified either as a “resident” or as a “non-resident”.

Resident: Every natural person, who is a citizen of the State of Delaware and the United States, age 18 on or before the date of the election, a bona fide resident of the Town prior to the annual municipal election, and registered to vote thirty (30) or more days prior to the annual municipal election, if provided by ordinance, shall have one vote. A bona fide resident means a permanent, fulltime resident of the Town.

Non-resident: Every property owner as of March 1 prior to the annual municipal election, whether a natural person or artificial entity, including but not limited to corporations, partnerships, trusts, and limited liability companies, and who is registered to vote, if provided by ordinance, shall have one vote. A natural person shall be a citizen of the United States and age 18 on or before the date of the election. An artificial entity shall be a domestic entity in the State of Delaware.

The above voter qualification provisions shall be construed in accordance with the principle of "oneperson/entity, one vote." Where a voter is entitled to vote by virtue of being both a resident and as an owner of real property, that voter shall be entitled to only one vote; where a voter is entitled to vote by ownership of two or more parcels of real property, that voter shall be entitled to only one vote.

Any legal entity, other than a natural person entitled to vote, must cast its vote by a duly executed and notarized power of attorney from the legal entity granting the authority to cast its vote to its designated attorney-in-fact.

Such power of attorney shall be surrendered to the election officials who shall file the same in the office of the Town. Such power of attorney so filed shall constitute conclusive evidence of the right of said person to vote in the election on behalf of the legal entity granting the power. The person casting the ballot for such entity shall be age 18 on or before the date of the election and a citizen of the United States.

For more information on election procedures, or to download the request form for the absentee ballot, please visit www.fenwickisland.delaware.gov/election.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 7, 2023 4x 7-7, 7-14, 7-21, 7-28

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19789 To all persons interested in JOHN J. KEANE, Estate No. 19789. Notice is given that ANDREW MCLAUGHLIN, 18 DRIFTWOOD LANE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on JUNE 28, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN J. KEANE, who died on MAY 16, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28TH day of DECEMBER, 2023.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 7, 2023 ANDREW MCLAUGHLIN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 7-7, 7-14, 7-21

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19787 To all persons interested in CAROLE COE, AKA: CAROLE ANN COE, CAROL A. COE, Estate No. 19787. Notice is given that LISA GALLICK, 205 RED TAIL CIRCLE, DOWNINGTOWN, PA 19335, was on JUNE 27, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROLE COE, who died on MAY 7, 2023, with a will.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 7, 2023 LISA GALLICK Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 7-7, 7-14, 7-21

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19785

Date of Publication JULY 7, 2023 MARVA JACOBS Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 7-7, 7-14, 7-21

Second Insertion To all persons interested in ADDIE RUTH LOVETT, Estate No. 19785. Notice is given that MARVA JACOBS, 701 RICHWIL DRIVE, SALISBURY, MD 21804, was on JUNE 26, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ADDIE RUTH LOVETT, who died on JUNE 6, 2023, without a will.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19803

To all persons interested in CARMELA ESKIEWICZ, Estate No. 19803. Notice is given that WALTER ESKIEWICZ, JR., 922 STEEL POND ROAD, STOCKTON, MD 21864, was on JULY 5, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CARMELA ESKIEWICZ who died on MAY 28, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5TH day of JANUARY, 2024.

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

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 21, 2023

Page 63

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966. 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 JULY 14, 2023 WALTER ESKIEWICZ, JR. Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 7-14, 7-21, 7-28

Second Insertion COATES, COATES & COATES, PA RAYMOND D COATES, JR. ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HWY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19807

Notice is given that the SURROGATE’S COURT of MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, appointed RICHARD W. WOODWARD, 99 SOUTHVIEW TERRACE, NORTH, MIDDLETOWN, NJ 07748 as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of GLORIA A. WOODWARD, who died on MARCH 18, 2023, domiciled in NEW JERSEY, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is RAYMOND D. COATES, JR, whose address is 6200 COASTAL HWY, SUITE 300,OCEAN CITY, MD 21842.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER COUNTY. 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 for-

eign personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 14, 2023 RICHARD W. WOODWARD 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 7-14, 7-21, 7-28

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19815 To all persons interested in the estate of ETHEL NAOMI FIELDS, Estate No. 19815.

Notice is given that JO ANN FIELDS whose address is 25 85TH ST., #4, NEW YORK, NY, 10024, was on JULY 13, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL estate of ETHEL NAOMI FIELDS who died on JULY 1, 2023, with a will.

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

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

All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal repre-

sentative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 21, 2023

JO ANN FIELDS Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for

Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 1x 7-21

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5TH day of JANUARY, 2024.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 21, 2023 ESTHER BLOCKER EILEEN COOPER HICKS Personal Representative True Test Copy

First Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19466 To all persons interested in the estate of ELSIE MAE HARMON, Estate No. 19466.

Notice is given that ESTHER BLOCKER, 3 RUDLOFF COURT, NEWARK, DE 19702 and EILEEN COOPER HICKS, 8243 NEW SECOND STREET, ELKINS PARK, PA 19027, was on JULY 13, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELSIE MAE HARMON who died on OCTOBER 17, 2022, 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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 218631074 3x 7-21, 7-28, 8-4

First Insertion COLIN L. DOLAN STOUFFER LEGAL, LLC 658 KENILWORTH DR. SUITE 203 TOWSON, MD 21204 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19817 To all persons interested in the estate of ANNE KELLY DAVIS, Estate No. 19817.

Notice is given that JAIME KELLY HEDRICK, 2901 HILLCREST AVENUE, PARKVILLE, MD 21234, was

on JULY 14, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANNE KELLY DAVIS, who died on MAY 7, 2023, without a will.

APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19821

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14TH day of JANUARY, 2024.

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

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLARD D. STEVENSON, AKA: WILLARD DAWSON STEVENSON, Estate No. 19821. Notice is given that J. MICHAEL STEVENSON, 4342 JONES ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on JULY 17, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLARD D. STEVENSON, who died on OCTOBER 21, 2021, without a will.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 21, 2023 JAIME KELLY HEDRICK Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 7-21, 7-28, 8-4

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17TH day of JANUARY, 2024.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 21, 2023

First Insertion JOHN P. CUSTIS, ESQ. LONG, BADGER AND SHELLER, LLP 124 E. MAIN STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801 NOTICE OF

J. MICHAEL STEVENSON Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 64

July 21, 2023

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 7-21, 7-28, 8-4

First Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE N0.

C-23-CV-22-000136 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. Box 3307 Ocean City, Maryland 21842-3307 Plaintiff v.

David Skinner LLC, et al.

Defendants NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 17th day of JULY, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 14th day of August, 2023, 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 7th day of August, 2023 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 interval: BC=Bay Club Time Share Owners Associates, Inc. PCP=Palmetto Coastal Properties CONDO- TIME PRICE PURMINIUM INTERCHASER UNIT VAL 505 505 505 506 506 506 506 506 506

49 50 51 1 2 4 6 8 9

$50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00

BC BC PCP PCP PCP BC BC BC BC

CONDO- TIME PRICE PURMINIUM INTERCHASER UNIT VAL 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506 506

10 12 17 18 19 20 36 41 46 48 49 52

$50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00

BC BC BC BC PCP PCP PCP PCP BC BC BC BC

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, MD 3x 7-21, 7-28, 8-4

First Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE N0.

C-23-CV-21-000180 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. Box 3307 Ocean City, Maryland 21842-3307 Plaintiff v.

Steven C. Phoebus, et al Defendants NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 17th day of JULY, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 14th day of August, 2023 , 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 7th day of August, 2023 The Amended Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share interval:

BC=BAY CLUB TIME SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. LJCH=LEMONJUICE CAPITAL HOLDINGS, LLC CONDO- TIME PRICE PURMINIUM INTERCHASER UNIT VAL 304 304 304 304 304 304 304

12 39 40 42 49 50 52

305 305 305 305 305 305 305 305 305

4 10 42 46 49 50 51 3 4

$50.00 BC $50.00 BC $50.00 BC $50.00 BC $50.00 BC $50.00 BC $1250.00 DAVID DEVITO $50.00 BC $50.00 BC $50.00 BC $50.00 BC $50.00 BC $50.00 BC $50.00 BC $50.00 BC $50.00 BC

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, MD 3x 7-21, 7-28, 8-4

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 once in each of three successive weeks, before the 14th day of August, 2023 The Amended Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share interval: BC=BAY CLUB TIME SHARE OWNERSASSOCIATES, INC. DBC=DELMARVA BEACH CLUB, LLC CONDO- TIME PRICE PURMINIUM INTERCHASER UNIT VAL 201 201 204 301 401 403 403 404 405 501 504 406 406 406

6 14 21 17 18 19 20 3 45 9 16 48 49 50

$3,410.96 BC $1,211.52 BC $2,300.00 DBC $3,275.93 BC NOT SOLD $3,211.30 BC $3211.30 BC $3,204.37 BC NOT SOLD $1,211.52 BC $3,211.30 BC $22,096.68 BC $13,985.67 BC $6,447.13 BC

First Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE N0.

C-23-CV-22-000280 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. Box 3307 Ocean City, Maryland 21842-3307 Plaintiff v.

Poorman Timeshare Services, LLC et al.

Defendants NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 17th day of JULY, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 21st day of August, 2023, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, MD 3x 7-21, 7-28, 8-4

RATIFTED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary there of be shown on or before the 14th day of August, 2023, 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 7th day of August, 2023 The Second Amended 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: TIMESHARES SOLD:

CONDO- TIME PRICE MINIUM INTERUNIT VAL 409 409 411 412 507 508 508 508 509 509 510 510 510 510 510 511 512

17 18 17 18 17 17 18 20 20 37 18 19 20 36 38 19 18

$50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $450.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00

First Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE N0.

C-23-CV-22-000055 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. Box 3307 Ocean City, Maryland 21842-3307 Plaintiff v.

MILDRED BUTT, ET AL. Defendant NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 17th day of July, 2023, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, MD 3x 7-21, 7-28, 8-4

First Insertion B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19824 To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE E. TEST, AKA: GEORGE EARL TEST, Estate 19824. Notice is given that EARLE MCKINN TEST, 16 DUTCHER

STREET, HOPEDALE, MA 01747, was on JULY 18, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GEORGE E. TEST, who died on JULY 3, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18TH day of JANUARY, 2024.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 21, 2023 EARLE MCKINN TEST Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 7-21, 7-28, 8-4

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Sign Up At www.mdcoastdispatch.com & Get News Each Day.

Optimist Club Provides Wor-Wic Scholarship Funds

July 21, 2023

BERLIN – The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club recently donated $40,000 to fund scholarships for Worcester County students up to age 21 who are attending Wor-Wic Community College.

“The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club has been providing support for the kids of Worcester County for the past 50 years,” said Christina Dolomount, president. “In that time, we have provided over $2.5 million in scholarships. Our goal is to make a difference in the life of a child.”

The club raises funds for its efforts through running the annual Seaside Boat Show in Ocean City, among many other community efforts.

Worcester County students interested in applying for the scholarship can contact the financial aid office at financialaid@worwic.edu or 410-334-2905.

Health Department Announces $5,000 Grant Available

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Health Department requests mini-grant proposals from community-based organizations, workplaces, churches or other interested organizations for youth teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention education: Promoting Health Among Teens-Comprehensive education (PHAT-C).

To be eligible for up to $5,000 in grant funding, your program must be an organization that serves young people in Worcester County. Funded organizations will be expected to deliver the PHAT-C education program to a minimum of 12-15 Worcester County youth ages 12-19.

“We’re encouraging groups that work with youth in Worcester County to apply for PHAT-C grant funding to help us spread awareness about comprehensive sexual health education and teen pregnancy and STI prevention,” said Mimi Dean, Director of Prevention Services, Worcester County Health Department.

“Grant-funded education could include learning activities like small-group discussions, videos, games, role-plays and homework assignments.”

A virtual pre-proposal orientation meeting will be held through Google Meets on July 25, at 2 p.m. If you plan to attend this orientation session, RSVP to Kelly Shockley at kelly.shockley1@maryland.gov.

Proposals should be submitted to the Worcester County Health Department by 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 18. For more information or to request an application packet, call the Worcester County Health Department Prevention Services at 410632-1100 ext. 1103.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 65

Pictured, from left, are Edward Townsend, Christina Dolomount, Bill Hickey, Kathy Cater, Sharon Sorrentino, Larry Campbell, Cindy Malament and Roger Pacella of the Ocean-City Berlin Optimist Club board of directors presenting a donation of $40,000 for scholarships to Stefanie K. Rider, executive director of the Wor-Wic Foundation.

Submitted Photo

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 21, 2023

July 21, 2023

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Be Safe And Thanks For Visiting Ocean City The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

PAGE SPONSORED BY THE DISPATCH

July 21, 2023

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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8th street & philadelphia ave.

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

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

Beats By DeoGee w/Late Night Happy Hour Drinks

HAPPINESS HAPPY HOUR MONDAY-FRIDAY 3-6PM

MONDAY: UNTIL 6PM 1/2-Price Wings (Some Flavors Not Available)

a hot start: Throughout most of this week, the temperatures have been in the mid-70s in the region before the

heritage area Gives nine mini-Grants

sunrise, which is pictured Monday morning in Ocean City.

BERLIN – The Beach to Bay Heritage Area (BBHA) has awarded a total of $25,000 to nine organizations on the lower shore.

Receiving funding for projects from performances and art installations to interpretive signage and community science projects were the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, Delmarva Discovery Museum, the Community Players of Salisbury, Rackliffe House Trust, Sturgis Museum, Crisfield Heritage Foundation, Pemberton Hall, Whitehaven Heritage Association and Art League of Ocean City.

The BBHA receives funding through the Maryland Heritage Areas Program, a program of the State of Maryland that is a source of funding designed to assist and encourage the preservation of historical, archaeological, natural, and cultural resources and support economic development through heritage tourism within the 13 certified heritage areas in the state.

“We are excited to see so many applicants this year and look forward to all the projects which will enhance the visitor experience on the lower shore” said Kristen Goller, President of the BBHA. This funding represents record level funding for the mini grant program. Next opportunity to apply will be in June of 2024. For more information on the Beach to Bay Heritage Area, visit www.beachesbayswaterways.org.

Photo by Chris Parypa

TUESDAY: UNTIL 6PM $2 Beef, Pork Or Chicken Tacos $3 Tecate WEDNESDAY: UNTIL 6PM 1/2-Price-1/2-Pound Hand-Pattied Burgers (Some Burgers Do Not Apply) (Food Specials With Purchase Of Beverage Some Restrictions Apply) Friday 9:30pm Beats By Deogee 80’s & 90’s $5 Crushes 9:30pm Saturday 9pm Jada Lee Sunday 9:30pm Beats By Deogee Late Night Happy Hour Drinks 10pm Monday 9:30pm Karaoke w/ Wood $2 Natty Lights $3 Grenades 9:30pm Tuesday 9:30pm Beats By Wax $4 White Claw $4 Deep Eddy 9:30pm Wednesday 9:30pm Beats By Deogee $4 Select Craft Beer & $5 Bulletts 6pm Thursday 9:30pm Beats By Wax $2.50 Domestics $3 Grenades $4 White Tea 9:30pm

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Who’s Where When BUXY’S/DRY DOCK 28 410-289-BUXY 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday & Saturday, July 21 & 22: Matt Tichon CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL 410-289-6846 37th & 38th St. Oceanside at Castle In The Sand Hotel Friday, July 21: Darin Engh, Beg To Differ Saturday, July 22: Chris Diller Duo, The Chest Pains Sunday, July 23: Matt Tichon, The Dunehounds Monday, July 24: Sean Loomis, Fil Rhythm Duo Tuesday, July 25: Dave Hawkins & Joe Mama, Whiskey Train Wednesday, July 26: Keri Anthony, The Dunehounds Thursday, July 27: Jess Arms, One Night Stand

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Best Beats

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Sunday, July 23: Cup Of Joe Wednesday, July 25: Bilenki Duo

BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Coins Pub: Wednesdays

DJ MAGELLAN Greene Turtle North Friday, July 21 Crawl St. Tavern: Thursdays

SURREAL Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, July 21 & 22

FISHTALES 410-289-0990 22nd St. & Bay Friday, July 21: Groove Saturday, July 22: Hook

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

MATT TICHON Buxy’s Salty Dog Friday & Saturday, July 21 & 22 Coconuts Beach Bar: Sunday, July 23

CHARLIE TRAVERS Greene Turtle West: Saturday, July 22

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Friday & Saturday, July 21 & 22

BROOM Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, July 22

DJ TUFF Seacrets: Friday-Tuesday,

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, July 21: Black Dog Alley Saturday, July 22: Broom Sunday, July 23: Comedy Show Thursday, July 27: DJ Magellan FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, July 21: DJ RobCee, Foreplay, Shake The Room Saturday, July 22: DJ Groove, Petty Coat Junction, Shake The Room Sunday, July 23: DJ Willoughby, Petty Coat Junction Monday, July 24: DJ N9ne, Animal House, The Loop Tuesday, July 25: DJ Hook, DJ RobCee, Bryan Clark Wednesday, July 26: Fizz, Latin Night w/DJ Patana Thursday, July 27: DJ Groove, Rob Fahey

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, July 21 & Tuesdays

On The Beach

COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 14: Park Avenue Saturday, July 15: Jim Long & Park Avenue Tuesdays: Karaoke w/DJ Jeremy Wednesdays: DJ Wax CORK BAR Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Saturday, July 22: Dust N Bones Duo Sunday, July 23: Rogue Citizens

July 21, 2023

July 21-July 25

BEATS BY DEOGEE Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays & Wednesdays

PETTY COAT JUNCTION Fager’s Island: Saturday & Sunday, July 22 & 23

BEATS BY GROOVE Fishtales: Friday, July 21 Fager’s Island: Saturday, July 22 & Thursday, July 27

DJ CUBAN FIRE Greene Turtle North: Saturday, July 22

JIM LONG Coins Pub: Saturdays

ROASTJOHN Pier 23: Friday, July 21

July 21, 2023

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Who’s Where When GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Rt. 611, West O.C. Saturday, July 22: Charlie Travers

I&I RIDDIM REGGAE Seacrets: Tuesday-Thursday, July 25-27

DUST N BONES DUO Cork Bar: Saturday, July 22 Harborside: Thursday, July 27

HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Friday, July 21: DJ Bigler Saturday, July 22: Cecilia’s Fall, DJ Bigler Sunday, July 23: Opposite Directons Thursday, July 27: Dust N Bones Duo PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By Deogee Saturday, July 22: Jada Lee Sunday, July 23: Beats By Deogee Mondays: Karaoke w/Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee Thursdays: Beats By Wax

THE DUNEHOUNDS Coconuts Beach Bar: Sunday & Wednesday, July 23 & 26

PARK AVENUE Coins Pub: Friday & Saturday, July 21 & 22

BLACK DOG ALLEY Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, July 21

JADA LEE BAND Pickles Pub: Saturday, July 22

FULL CIRCLE Seacrets: Friday, July 21 Pier 23: Saturday, July 22 Seacrets: Wednesday, July 26 (duo)

BILENKI DUO Crabcake Factory: Wednesday, July 26

FANTASM Purple Moose: Sunday & Monday, July 23 & 24

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, July 23 Seacrets: Tuesday, July 25

PIER 23 410-289-3323 12817 Harbor Rd. West O.C. Friday, July 21: Roastjohn Saturday, July 22: Full Circle Sunday, July 23: Bryan Russo Monday, July 24: Jack Bannon Tuesday, July 25: Bell Bottom Blues Duo Wednesday, July 26: Aaron Howell Duo Thursday, July 27: Shortcut Sunny PURPLE MOOSE SALOON 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards Friday & Saturday, July 21 & 22 Surreal Sunday & Monday, July 23 & 24: Fantasm Tuesdays: DJ Madame Dutchess Wednesdays: DJ Papi Roisterous SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 21: DJ Tuff, DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, Full Circle, 9 Mile Roots, Turning The Tide Saturday, July 22: DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, DJ Tuff, Turning The Tide, 9 Mile Roots, Uncle Jesse, The Event Horizon Sunday, July 23: DJ Davie, DJ Connair, DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, Triple Rail Turn, The Burnsiders, The Event Horizon Monday, July 24: DJ Davie, DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, Blake Haley, The Burnsiders, Party Fowl Tuesday, July 25: DJ Davie, DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, Opposite Directions, I&I Riddim Reggae, Billy Walton Wednesday, July 26: DJ Davie, DJ Bobby O, DJ Connair, Full Circle Duo, Little Stranger, I&I Riddim Reggae, Stealing Savannah Thursday, July 27: DJ Davie, DJ Cruz, DJ Bobby O, John McNutt Band, I&I Riddim Reggae, Go Go Gadjet THE ORIGINAL GREENE TURTLE 410-723-2120 116th St. & Coastal Hwy. Fridays: DJ Magellan Saturday, July 22: DJ Cuban Fire

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Every Sunday: Farmers Market Berlin will host along Main Street with 35plus vendors from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rain or shine. TheBerlinFarmersMarket.com.

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

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus All ladies who love to sing are invited to the Delmarva Woman’s Acapella Chorus, Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Contact Mary 410-6299383 or Carol 302-242-7062.

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

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

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Meetings are held at the Worcester County Berlin Health Department at 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. 410289-4725.

Every Tuesday: Beach Cleanup Beach Heroes, a volunteer Ocean City group, holds cleanups 9-10 a.m. year-round.

Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided.

Check the Facebook page "Beach HeroesOC" for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Elks Lodge 2645, corner of Sinepuxent Avenue and 138th Street in Ocean City. Has bingo all year. Doors open 4:30 p.m. with first game sharply at 6:30 p.m. Kitchen open for light fare. 410-250-2645.

Every Thursday: Beach Singles Join the club, 55 plus, at Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick Island, 4-6 p.m. 302-436-9577 or BeachSingles.org.

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

July 22: Clam Fritter Fry Drive Thru The Powellville United Methodist Church invites you to a drive thru Clam Fritter Fry from 10 a.m. until sold out. Clam fritter sandwiches will be sold for $10 each. Powellville UMC is located at 35606 Mount Hermon Road in Powellville, Md.

July 22: One-Day VBS One-Day, All-Day Family Vacation Bible School, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin. VBS Theme: "The Parables of Jesus." Complimentary meals and snacks, Bible lessons, games, crafts, music, and more. An ice cream sundae social and family registration will be held Wednesday, July 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bethany Church. You may also register by going to "contact us" at www.bethanyberlin.org. For more information, contact Megan Cooke at

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do 443-614-3870 or mjcooke11@gmail.com.

July 23: Christmas In July The Young Professionals Committee of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas in July at the Residence Inn by Marriott. The event will run from noon-3 p.m. and feature live music

by Side Project, food, drinks, raffle prizes and an appearance from Santa Claus himself. The pool will also be open for attendees to cool off from the summer heat.

All funds go towards the Young Professional’s Christmas Spirit Campaign which aims to provide joy to underprivileged children in Worcester County come the holiday season by presenting them with gifts and toys. Last year, the YPs impacted 100 children. The 2023 Christmas in July is presented by 28th Street Pit & Pub with support from Coastal Life Realty Group, Delaware Elevator, Royal Plus Electric, the Delmarva Shorebirds, Direct Mortgage Loans, Deeley Insurance, OC Beach Vacations, Pickles Pub, and de Lazy Lizard.

Tickets are $25 or $30 at the door. They can be purchased at the Ocean City chamber visitor center Monday to Saturday 10 a.m.3 p.m. or by emailing YP Chair Ricky Pollitt, at ricky.pollitt@ja.org.

July 24-25: Jolly Roger Christmas Christmas in July activities are planned at Jolly Roger at the Pier and 30th Street. Two days of Christmas-themed fun, featuring free picture with Santa, live performances from Circle Smile, Dave the Christmas Pirate and Lollipop the Elf. With a $20 donation to Toys for Tots, receive 20% off Jolly Roger tickets.

View jollyrogerpark/Christmas-in-july for full event schedules.

July 24-28: Vacation Bible School Stevenson United Methodist, Buckingham Presbyterian, Friendship United Methodist, St. Paul’s Episcopal and St. Paul United Methodist are partnering on a Vacation Bible School at Stevenson United Methodist Church from 6-8 p.m. Register online by July 1 and receive a free T-shirt at www.stevensonchurch.org/VBS. Call 410-641-1137 for more information.

July 24-Aug. 19: Furnace Town Music Get ready to groove this summer at Furnace Town, showcasing a lineup of talented musicians and artists from around the shore.

Enjoy live performances in a stunning outdoor venue. Bring your friends, family and loved ones for an evening filled with music, food, drinks, and fun. Cost is $10/adults, $5/kids 5-15. The schedule is: July 24: 5-8 p.m., The Folk Heroes & The Folk Villains Aug. 5: 5-8 p.m., Hoedown with DJ Kay Aug. 19: 5-8 p.m., Ampersand – Traditional American Music.

July 28-30: OP Library Book Sale The Annual Ocean Pines Library Book

Sale, sponsored by the Friends of the Ocean Pines Library (FOPL), will take place. All proceeds go to the Ocean Pines Library for events, equipment, projects and special needs.

The sale of over 20,000 books, CD's, DVD's and audio books that are in good to new condition will begin on Friday, July 28 from 6-8 p.m. and is for FOPL members only. If you are not a member, you can join at the door for $5 for an individual membership, $10 for a family or $25 as a business or patron. Dealers, collectors and book store owners are more than welcome. More details can be found on the web at Book Sale Finder.

The sale will continue on Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and open to all at no cost. Books will range from 50 cents to $2.50 each with no limits. Cash or checks with ID only, no credit cards. On Monday, July 31, the sale continues from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with all remaining books at half price.

July 29: Chicken Platters To Go Calvary United Methodist Church fundraiser sale of fried/baked chicken platters to go, 10:30 a.m. until sold out. Platters are $10 and include two sides and a roll. Side choices include homemade potato salad, mac ‘n cheese, greens and seasoned string beans.

Dessert table available. 8607 Ironshire Station Road, Berlin.

July 29: Public Reading Snow Hill Christian Church will host a public Reading of the Word of God at 1 p.m. All are welcome. Selected readings from Scripture will be read by members of the church with prayers preceding and following each reading. Snow Hill Christian Church is at 300 Park Row just before entering Snow Hill's downtown neighborhood. Street parking is available.

Aug. 1-3: Science Event At Library At 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Berlin branch from Aug. 1-3, join the Science Guys of Baltimore and explore the laws of attraction and repulsion, what brings us together and what keeps us apart, through electromagnetism.

Test your strength with an electromagnetic tug of war, launch rings into the air with an electromagnetic pulse generator and so much more. For ages 8 plus. 410-641-0650.

Aug. 5: Flounder Tourney The Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce will host their 16th Annual Flounder Tournament and Auction on Saturday, August 5, 2023, with the weigh in and auction at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club and Marina from noon-430 p.m. This is the largest Maryland coastal flounder tournament and will fea-ture an expected purse of over $8,000.

“Our region gets tournament fever every summer, especially the first week in August.

We are the little guy tournament. A great day on the water and a chance to win big

Things To Do activities are printed free of charge. To ensure that an event

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

July 21, 2023 without breaking your bank to enter,” said Ocean Pines Chamber President Kerrie Bunting.

Registration is $55 per angler or $50 each when registering more than one. Calcuttas are available for $20 per angler. The longest flounder brought in by any angler 13 or under wins $100 and is also eligible for the main cash prizes. Make sure to register before noon on August 4. Collectable T-shirts are free for the first 250 registered. Sponsorships are available and we are seeking donations for the auction which is held during the weigh in. For tournament rules or to register as sponsor or angler go to:https://business.oceanpineschamber.org/events/details/16th-annual-flounder-tournament-14 865.

Aug. 5: Berlin Peach Festival Calvin B. Taylor House Museum Saturday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 410641-1019 for more information.

Aug. 7: Quarter Auction The Church of the Holy Spirit is having a Quarter Auction. For those of you who have never been to a quarter auction, you are missing a lot of fun. You buy a paddle (or two, or more) and then bid on items offered at one, two, three or four quarters, based on the value of the item.

The committee is collecting a lot of great prizes, including gift certificates, home décor items, wine baskets, and some just for fun.

The doors will open at 6 p.m., and the games start at 7. Food will be available for purchase. Tickets are $10 and include a paddle.

Additional paddles are $2 each, or three for $5. They are limited, so get yours now. The church is located at 100th Street and Coastal Highway in Ocean City. Call Jackie at 443735-4275 for further information and for tickets.

Aug. 13-17: Chamber Music By Sea Chamber Music by the Sea festival will present its eighth season with new treats in store. The 2023 festival, which runs from August 13-19, welcomes some of the world’s most acclaimed young musicians and branches out to new venues in both Berlin and Snow Hill. Additionally, this year’s festival welcomes the public for a behind-the-scenes peek at how the musical magic is made.

The 2023 festival schedule includes: Sunday, Aug. 13, 3 p.m.: ticketed salon concert and reception at a private Snow Hill home (seating limited) Monday, Aug. 14, 11 a.m.: open-air rehearsal on South Point Tuesday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m.: ticketed salon concert and reception at Bishop’s Stock Gallery, Snow Hill (seating limited) Wednesday, Aug. 16, 7 p.m.: ticketed concert and reception at Temple Bat Yam, Berlin Thursday, August 17, 10:30 a.m.: Free family concert at the Berlin Public Library. Student workshop (open to the public) to follow at noon at the Berlin Public Library Thursday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m.: ticketed concert at the Atlantic Hotel, Berlin Friday, Aug. 18, 7:00 pm: ticketed concert at All Hallows Episcopal Church, Snow Hill Saturday, Aug. 19, 11 a.m.: free open-air informal performance on the lawn of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, Berlin. Events benefit the Worcester County Education Foundation. Tickets at chambermusicbythesea.com

Aug. 19: Gloves Up, Guns Down The Old Germantown School will host the 1st Annual Gloves Up Guns Down event at 10223 Trappe Road, from noon-4 p.m.

Hosted by Lamar Sturgis. Lunch will be served.

July 21, 2023 SNOW HILL – The Reverend Kenneth Stow Thom, age 85, ascended to his Savior on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury.

Born in Philadelphia, Pa., on July 28, 1937, he was the son of the late William Angus Thom and Catherine Stow Thom.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Arlene McElhaney Thom; his daughter Catherine “Cate” Easmunt and her husband David of Hardin, Ky.; his son, Kenneth Thom and his wife Nicole of Palo Alto, Calif.; and four grandchildren, Mitchell, Nicholas, Alexander and Zachary.

KENNETH In addition to his parTHOM ents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Angus Malcolm Thom.

Rev. Thom matriculated with the first class of the United States Air Force academy. He received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa. He had been employed with GE Aerospace later acquired

by Lockheed Martin at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. When living in Anne Arundel County he enjoyed sailing with his family, and he also earned his private pilot and flight instructor certificate. He achieved the rank of Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol and served as a pilot and Aerospace Education Officer.

He had long felt a calling to ministry so after retiring from Lockheed Martin he attended Virginia Theological Seminary and received his Master of Divinity. He was ordained a Deacon, May 2001 and a Priest, November 2001. He served as the PriestIn-Charge at All Hallows Episcopal Church in Snow Hill for 10 years. After retiring from full-time ministry, he served as a supply priest at several Episcopal churches in Wicomico and Worcester counties, most recently serving for several years as Vicar of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Quantico, Md. A funeral service will be held on July 25 at 11 a.m. at All Hallows Episcopal Church, 109 W Market St, Snow Hill, Md. 21863.

Visitation will be one hour prior. The Right Reverend Robert Ihloff and The Reverend Andrew Cropper will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Hallows Episcopal Church, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 6457 Quantico Rd, Quantico, Md. 21856, or to the Civil Air Patrol, https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/?form=CAP2023.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Kenneth Stow Thom

BERLIN – With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of our dear mother, Ruth S. Widdowson. Ruth, age 96, passed away at her home in Ocean Pines on July 11, 2023.

She was born on Nov. 7, 1926, to the late Clayton and Esther Simpkins RUTH WIDDOWSON of Mt. Vernon, Md. After graduating from Washington High School in 1943, Ruth was successful in various positions involving office management. Her longest, and most important career, however, was homemaker, housewife, wife and mother.

Ruth's life was a testament to the power of love. At the center of her world was her beloved husband of over 50 years, Ken-

Ruth S. Widdowson

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OBITUARIES neth. Their union was one of an extraordinary, unwavering commitment, which served as an inspiration to all who witnessed it.

Ruth and Kenneth's bond guided them through many joys and sorrows, and their love was the foundation of their family and lives together.

After Kenneth's death, family and friends became the heart and soul of her existence.

She treasured every moment spent in the company of her loved ones. Ruth's ability to make others feel valued and loved will forever be etched in the memories of those who experienced her affection.

She possessed a gentle spirit and a kind heart. Her genuine concern for others, her words of wisdom, and her empathetic ear provided comfort and reassurance. Her kind smile had the power to brighten anyone's day, and her grace and humility were a testament to the beautiful soul she embodied.

Though she has left this earthly realm, her legacy of love and faith will continue to guide and comfort us.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Widdowson; by her two sons Gary and Glen Widdowson; two sisters, Audrey Simpkins Jones and Rebecca Simpkins Messick; and nephew Edmund (Eddie) Widdowson, Jr. Ruth is survived by two daughters, Jean Mahew and husband Tom of Ocean Pines and Marie Hansin and husband Morris of Suffolk, Va. Ruth has six grandchildren, Carrie (Dustin) Arant, Sara (Bijorn) Hubbard, Chris (Travis), Michael (Shawn), David (Christy), and Robert (Kristy) Hansin, and 12 great grandchildren, Degan and Ryder Arant, Sabastian and Matilda Hubbard, Kenneth, Carter, Tyler, Alana, Madeleine, Alexandra (Alex), Kaya and Korbin Hansin. She is survived by four nieces, Joann Larkin, Eve Kolodner, Shelia Darrah, and Ellen Udovich, and two nephews, Norman (Jonesy) Jones and Jay Udovich.

She is also survived by the many people whose lives she has touched.

Graveside services will be held at Beechwood Memorial Cemetery on Aug. 6, 2023, at 11 a.m. Friends and family are invited to gather and honor the extraordinary life of Ruth Widdowson. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Living Sent Ministries Inc., P.O. Box 134, Princess Anne, Md. 21853 or Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802.

As we mourn her loss, let us also remember the following scripture: "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." - John 16:22 Arrangements are in the care of Hinman Funeral Home, P.A. of Princess Anne.

To express condolences to the family, visit www.hinmanfuneralhome.com.

SNOW HILL – Jeanne Donaldson Townsend, 92, of Snow Hill, passed away July 17, 2023.

A lifetime resident of her beloved Snow Hill, Jeanne served her community with commitment and a passion for its long history.

Graduating from high school at the age of 16, JEANNE TOWNSEND Jeanne immediately began working at the Snow Hill Court House, later becoming the first woman supervisor of as-

Jeanne Donaldson Townsend

sessments in the state of Maryland. She also volunteered for numerous organizations, was a member of her local DAR chapter and served in her church, All Hallows Episcopal Church, for decades. The Worcester County Commission for Women named her a Worcester County Gem for her accomplishments in her community. Jeanne spent her retirement years feeding her love of history as a genealogist. She helped families from all over the country research their roots as a hobby. Her love of travel also nourished her love of history. All these accomplishments pale in comparison to her greatest achievement, her family.

Jeanne is preceded in death by her parents, James and Elizabeth; husband Mel-

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vin; son in law, Earl; and great grandchild, Easton, 2, of Charlotte, N.C. She is survived by her daughter, Janet; grandchildren Elizabeth (Brandon) and Thomas (Katie);, great grandchildren Grant and Emily; and many cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733 Salisbury, Md. 21802, All Hallows Episcopal Church, 109 W. Market St. Snow Hill, Md. 21863, or The Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Company, 4718 Snow Hill Rd. Snow Hill, Md. 21863.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 11 a.m. at All Hallows Episcopal Church in Snow Hill. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Maryland. Condolences can be shared with the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

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Page 74

Extension Office To Hold Annual Open House

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 21, 2023

Sunrise Session: These young ladies lined up their photo session with an ocean sunrise as their backdrop

Monday morning.

Photo by Chris Parypa

WHOLE HOUSE ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT & SAFETY INSPECTION

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

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

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

SNOW HILL – University of Maryland Extension – Worcester County (UME) will hold its Annual Open House in concert with Snow Hill’s Blessing of the Combines on Saturday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

As part of this large community event that celebrates the start of the harvest season, UME will be showcasing how extension serves the community in agriculture and food systems, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences including wellness, nutrition and finance education, home gardening and natural resources.

There will be a 4-H robotics demonstration, giveaways and lots of activities for kids and adults. A historical exhibit of “100 years of Extension in Worcester County” will give attendees a glimpse into our community’s agricultural traditions of the past. The AgFS Agent, along with the 4-H educator and staff, finance educator, and master gardener volunteers will be on hand to highlight the many extension programs.

Fresh hot popcorn and icy, cold water will be available in the airconditioned office, where attendees can cool off as they enjoy the displays. There are plenty of outdoor activities as well.

University of Maryland Extension is the non-formal education component of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in College Park. The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 established the Cooperative Extension Service, which allows all community members to benefit from the knowledge of our land-grant universities. Extension engages people, organizations and communities through programs that increase knowledge, economic well-being and quality of life. For more information, visit our website at extension.umd.edu.

University programs, activities and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact your local University of Maryland Extension Office two weeks prior to the event.

… Input Sought As Offshore Wind Project Advances

July 21, 2023

FROM PAGE 4 this project is located in what’s known as the Carl Shuster Horseshoe Crab Sanctuary. If we can show these things could potentially harm the horseshoe crab and should not be located in that sanctuary, that would require it to be moved.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca made a motion to approve the $175,500 contract with SLR International.

“There’s no amount of money I wouldn’t approve of to not see wind farms in Ocean City,” he said.

Councilman John Gehrig, however, questioned if the company was “sufficiently unbiased.” McGean said he had had several conversations with the company on that issue.

“The only work they did was a very minor job for Ørsted, not US Wind,” he said.

“They actually had concerns on their end as well, to make sure they could be unbiased for us … I’m very comfortable after meeting with them and talking to them.

I think it helps they have ties on both ends, so the comments they give us will have more weight to them. And I think that’s an advantage to us. They are clear on our position to this.”

Gehrig also questioned the consequences of hiring a consulting firm.

“Is there a concern at all that this could backfire on our position?” he asked.

McGean said it was hard to predict, as SLR would be tasked with giving a professional review and opinion.

“They are going to be impartial on their

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

comments,” he replied. “So the concern is that they don’t find a problem with it. We don’t have to go tell BOEM we had a study done and the study said your COP is fine. We just wouldn’t comment.”

McGean reiterated, however, that the review would ensure the town’s concerns were addressed in US Wind’s plan.

“It’s important we make sure all the things that are supposed to be looked at as part of these projects are properly looked at,” he said. “And if they’re not, we need to point that out.”

He added that no other municipalities or nonprofits were conducting reviews on the company’s COP. “If this were an oil and gas project going on, other NGOs would be doing this,” he said. “It wouldn’t fall to the Town of Ocean City to spend this money and put forth this effort. The Sierra Club would be doing it. They are not doing it in this inst-

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ance. Nobody really is holding these firms to do some of this due diligence, and this would be the way to do that.”

After further discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve the $175,500 contract with SLR International. McGean stated that while the town supported offshore wind, it had concerns about the project’s impact on Ocean City’s viewshed.

“Our position right now is while we support renewable energy, we support offshore wind, we only support it if it’s done responsibly,” he said. “We are opposed to the construction of any offshore wind turbines that are visible to our residents.”

US Wind is one of two companies pursuing offshore wind energy projects off the coast of Ocean City. The company’s first project is called MarWin, which will generate roughly 300 megawatts of electricity utilizing 22 wind turbines approxi-

mately 20 miles from shore. Its second project, Momentum Wind, will generate 808 megawatts of electricity utilizing up to 55 wind turbines more than 15 miles from shore.

“When taken together, the two projects will deliver 1,100 MW of clean energy to the grid, powering more than 340,000 homes with offshore wind energy,” the company’s website reads. “Momentum Wind will secure a major role for Maryland in the rapidly growing U.S. offshore wind industry by establishing the state’s first permanent offshore wind component factory – Sparrows Point Steel – to serve the entire U.S. market. Taking advantage of Maryland’s unique industrial port assets in Baltimore, Momentum Wind will build on US Wind’s already planned $77 million in investments in port infrastructure associated with the MarWin project.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 21, 2023

July 21, 2023

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Chamber Music Dates Announced

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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BERLIN – The annual Chamber Music By The Sea festival has been delighting Maryland’s Eastern Shore audiences for the past seven years and for its upcoming eighth season, it has new treats in store.

The 2023 festival, which runs from Aug. 13-19, welcomes some of the world’s most acclaimed young musicians and branches out to new venues in both Berlin and Snow Hill. Additionally, this year’s festival welcomes the public for a behind-the-scenes peek at how the musical magic is made.

Violinist Elena Urioste, founder and artistic director of Chamber Music by the Sea, is grateful for the support the festival has received through the years and is eager to keep audiences coming back for more.

“I wanted to reinvigorate things this year so that newcomers, as well as our friends who have been with us all along, will have something fresh and exciting to look forward to,” she said.

Along with new venues like Berlin’s iconic Atlantic Hotel and Snow Hill’s Bishop’s Stock gallery that join returning events at Temple Bat Yam and All Hallows Episcopal Church, this summer’s festival also includes an open-air rehearsal on South Point that is open to the public, a free family concert at the Berlin library, and an informal outdoor performance on the lawn of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum.

Urioste is joined this summer by several returning festival favorites: violinists

July 21, 2023

Grace Park and Melissa White and cellists Guy Johnston and Brook Speltz.

Completing the musical roster is violist Kyle Armbrust in his Chamber Music by the Sea debut.

The festival is under the sponsorship of the Worcester County Education Foundation, generously funded by the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, and with continuing support from the Ocean City Lioness Club.

The 2023 festival schedule includes: Sunday, Aug. 13, 3 p.m.: ticketed salon concert and reception at a private Snow Hill home (seating limited) Monday, Aug. 14, 11 a.m.: open-air rehearsal on South Point Tuesday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m.: ticketed salon concert and reception at Bishop’s Stock Gallery, Snow Hill (seating limited) Wednesday, Aug. 16, 7 p.m.: ticketed concert and reception at Temple Bat Yam, Berlin Thursday, Aug. 17, 10:30 a.m.: Free family concert at the Berlin Public Library.

Student workshop (open to the public) to follow at noon.

Thursday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m.: ticketed concert at the Atlantic Hotel, Berlin Friday, Aug. 18, 7 pm: ticketed concert at All Hallows Episcopal Church, Snow Hill Saturday, Aug. 19, 11 a.m.: free openair informal performance on the lawn of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, Berlin.

Tickets at chambermusicbythesea.com.

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 21, 2023

A Costly, But Necessary Wind Farm Decision How We See It

It seems like far too much money, but it’s smart business for the Town of Ocean City to work with a consultant to review offshore wind farm plans as they materialize.

The Ocean City Mayor and Council was unified this week in approving a $175,000 contract with SLR International, an England-based consulting firm that will review specifically US Wind’s construction and operations plan (COP).

Ocean City needs to utilize the consultant’s expertise because it truly will not have the knowledge or resources to review this extensive COP, which is estimated at more than 3,300 pages.

The consultant will work with Ocean City and offer insights and dialogue to the federal government’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), which will provide a draft environmental impact statement on the project.

This week’s action by the council has a timing component, as BOEM is expected to issue the critical draft environment impact statement next month.

Once the document is released, the public has 45 days to provide written comments in response. The feedback period is critical for Ocean City, as BOEM is required to offer a response to all comments of concern that are expressed about the project.

The chosen consultant has a background in wind energy and has familiarity with both companies seeking to build offshore. This should prove helpful in getting Ocean City’s concerns expressed in a fruitful fashion. For instance, Ocean City’s major point of contention with the offshore wind farms has always been visibility from the shoreline. City Manager Terry McGean reiterated the resort’s basic premise when he said, “while we support renewable

energy, we support offshore wind, we only support it if it’s done responsibly.

We are opposed to the construction of any offshore wind turbines that are visible to our residents.”

Offshore wind turbines appear to be a reality in the future for Maryland.

Whether that’s a positive or a negative remains a divisive issue. Ocean City’s move this week to bring in outside help with a consultant is a necessary step to ensure the resort’s concerns are accurately and appropriately related to the federal oversight agency.

The major unknown is whether Ocean City will have any success in pushing the turbines further offshore beyond visibility from the coast. It seems unlikely at this point but contracting with a consultant may be the best option for articulating those concerns as well as others shared by the fishing industry.

Letters To The Editor Picture Told A Story Editor: If a picture paints a thousand words, then The Dispatch cover photo June 14, 2023, by Nick Denny paints millions.

As a family and community remembers the one-year anniversary of the tragic death of 14-year-old Gavin Knupp, we continue to witness admirable strength and patience from his family.

The photo of Tiffany taking part in the paddle out in memory of her son is an emotional and powerful reminder of a parent’s commitment and never-ending love. The beauty in Tiffany’s eyes and her sights ahead left me to feel as if she was paddling towards him.

The Knupp family has shown amazing grace and taught our community the power of faith. We continue to stand behind them as we face some of the toughest days ahead as the legal phase unfolds. One year later, Gavin’s memory is alive and well. We await #justiceforgavin.

Kim Holloway Berlin

Spot Zoning Wrong Move Editor: I share Planning Commissioner Phyllis Wimbrow’s concerns regarding this “spot zoning” along Jarvis Road. The parcel should remain A1, and we should continue to protect and preserve all our A1 zoned land in the county.

Attorney Cropper is making the assumption that ‘farming’ is only practical on large parcels of land in order to be successful. However, monoculture of soybeans and feed corn on huge tracts of land has been the downfall of many once successful small farms in this county. Delmarva is a small peninsula of low-lying wetlands, intricate water-

ways, forests and before the 1970’s supported diverse farm and seafood economies that benefited our rural communities. Today industrialized agriculture production has changed all that, small farms have consolidated, small towns have disappeared.

As we look to update the 2006 Comprehensive Plan, the county needs to rethink how it perceives ‘farming’ and agricultural use of the land. This parcel is perfectly suited to become a thriving small truck farm and home for a family, growing crops other than corn and soybeans. Just because some of it is claimed to be ‘too wet’ doesn’t mean it can’t be productive. Just ask any small farmer who grows diverse crops to supply local farmers markets, local organic stores, or restaurants that offer up ‘farm to table’ menus. This type of farming is and should be an integral part of Worcester County’s agriculture economy.

As Worcester’s farmland soils change due to saltwater intrusion, sea level rise, and more intense periods of drought we need to re-think how the county zones these important areas to benefit both our economy and our quality of life.

Worcester County needs to reassess its zoning districts to make agriculturally zoned land more conducive to other ways of farming instead of just corn and soybeans. Looking to the future of this county, we must consider new definitions and uses for our A1 and A2 zoned land that account for our soils becoming wetter while still preserving and protecting open spaces and important forest cover.

Do not “spot zone” just to appease a property owner. Spot zoning is detrimental to the Comprehensive Plan.

Zoning must not be looked at parcel by

parcel, property owner by property owner. Zoning must be looked at comprehensively and only be changed to protect the resource.

The ‘mistake’ is allowing this zoning change to occur.

Kathy Phillips Ocean City

No Room For Inaccuracies Editor: Twenty-two years ago, my wife Laura and I purchased our home in Fenwick Island and we have grown to love it even more each year, appreciating the beauty of the beach and water, the tranquility of the area and the family friendly community. It is an ideal place to bring our children and grandchildren. This past Saturday we attended the FISH meeting to meet the candidates running for Fenwick Island Town Council.

We were amazed by the inaccuracy of some of the statements made by the challengers to the incumbents. For instance, one of the challengers to the incumbents stated that the town is running at a $500,000 deficit. This was answered by Kurt Zanelotti, who clarified that this is an inaccurate statement.

The budget, which does show nearly a $500,00 deficit, does not reflect the income from the realty transfer tax funds, which in reality gives the town a profit.

The fact is that the current council has done such a great job in managing the town’s money; they are actually $2.3 million ahead since they took office two years ago. The town’s money is now being handled responsibly, since now 91% is protected by FDIC insurance. Whereas in 2021, nearly $1.5 million was not insured. Under the 2021 town council, the previous town manSEE NEXT PAGE

July 21, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Letters To The Editor ager strongly suggested the need for a property tax increase in FY2023.

However under the current town council, no property tax increases have been needed over the last two years and none are budgeted for FY2024. FY2024 budget is fully funded and the projected cash reserves far exceed levels recommended by the town’s auditors. After the budget was approved, the town received an additional $300,000 grant for the dredging project, which results in increasing the budgeted cash reserves by another $300,000. No property tax increases are necessary to support this budget.

Then the accusation was made that the mayor breached the sanctity of the police office. This was immediately disputed and proven false. We have received mailers from the challengers repeating the false spin about the deficit. They also talk about the police chief’s contract that was not renewed.

The police chief had a contract that was expiring, and he serves at the pleasure of the town council. Although legal personnel matters cannot be discussed, this is potentially a beneficial new beginning for all parties. Nothing sinister is implicit in letting a contract expire. It should be a sign that he is not a dedicated employee of the town with the town’s best interest at heart, since his immediate reaction is to sue the town for millions.

The challengers also talk about how taxpayers keep footing the legal costs brought against this town. No one likes to have to defend against a lawsuit, but the town cannot allow our town ordinances to be ignored; we have to fight for what the members of the town have approved. Our record on fighting these lawsuits is all wins to no losses, so clearly we are in the right to legally defend our town. In today’s political climate, candidates can say whatever they want and it is accepted as true, even when it is not. At the FISH meeting to meet the candidates, it was a recurring theme that everyone wants a council with integrity. This has to mean that they do not present as truth statements that are clearly not true. They should present only the true and accurate facts.

We are fortunate to have a town council to maintain the will of our residents, which is to keep Fenwick as the quiet resort with uncrowded beaches and a family-friendly priority.

Buzz and Laura Getschel Fenwick Island

Offshore Wind Response Editor: I’ve just read Anna Henderson’s letter, once again making the carefully worded claim “no scientific evidence” the survey work currently happening along the east coast has a known link to the 164% increase of large whale deaths we have seen in the past year.

Why not take a pause and do the research to ascertain a true answer regarding the massive increase in whale deaths?

FYI. Two people primarily responsible for overseeing the development of the U.S. coastline are former employees of a major law firm that is counsel to the offshore wind industry. The firm is Latham and Watkins. The U.S. Deputy Secretary of the interior, Mr. Tommy Beaudreau. The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, Ms. Laura Daniel-Davis, who signs BOEMs Record of Decisions, was a Senior Manager. Many other decision making officials currently employed by BOEM and NOAA have similar connections to the industry.

Environmental departments of several states have acknowledged that the wind turbines “will destroy marine habitats, compress the seafloor, severely damage marine communities, compromise migration corridors for the endangered marine mammals, cause commercial fishing stocks to decline and injure the beach economy.”

Orsted, in its environmental impact statements admits there will be a 15% decrease in tourism, also known as money.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management ("BOEM") in 2021, states in its Final Environmental Impact Statement on the Vineyard Wind 1 project "the construction of multiple offshore wind projects along the East Coast would have negligible impacts on climate change during these activities and an overall minor beneficial impact on greenhouse gas emissions.”

Wind turbines Ingredients: Aggregates and crushed Stone, Bauxite (aluminum), Clay and Shale, Coal, Cobalt, Copper, Gypsum, Iron Ore, Limestone, Molybdenum, Rare Earth Minerals, Zinc, Sand & Gravel.

Fossil fuels required for operation, per turbine (per Orsted): Grease 187 Gallons, Hydraulic Oil 40 gallons, Gear Oil 106 gallons, Dielectric Fluid 1,585 gallons, Diesel Fuel 793 gallons, Sulfur Hexaflouride (SF6) 243 lbs – (FYI massively more toxic than Co2 and lives in the atmosphere for 1000s of years), Propylene glycol 357 gallons, Ethylene Glycols 48 Gallons.

Fossil fuels are required to operate each substation (per Orsted): Transformer Oil 79,252 gallons, Diesel Fuel 52,834 gallons, Sulfur Hexaflouride (SF-6) 4,950 lbs, Hydraulic Oil 317 gallons.

Each substation and each turbine, require a cooling system outlawed for use at every other type of electricity generating plant utilizing natural water as a coolant except wind turbines in the ocean. These cooling systems kill all marine life sucked into them with the ocean water. That ocean water is then released back into the ocean at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Tens of thousands of gallons per day, seven days/52 weeks.

Wind electricity generation is not reliable.

Nothing “green” is being constructed by these subsidiaries of “big oil.”

Dianna Harris Ocean City

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Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green There should be some news on the proposed Margaritaville project in Ocean City soon. Slated to be built on property formerly home to the Phillips Beach Plaza between 13th and 14th streets, Margaritaville, as currently is known, is proposed to consist of 257 hotel rooms, three restaurants, at least one bar, three outdoor pools, one indoor pool, a wellness center and gym, retail stores and 14,000 square feet of convention space.

It appears the developer will be presenting City Hall with a couple courses in the coming week. First, attorney Hugh Cropper is planning to ask the Mayor and Council to reconsider a right-of-way conveyance issue that has led the developer to abandon the concept of a Planned Overlay District redevelopment. If the council is unwilling to take another look at the previous decision, the developer is planning to submit a scaled-down version of the original project, according to Cropper.

As far as how different the project will be, the changes will be significant and the building smaller. It seems a similar amount of hotel rooms is envisioned in this backup plan, but significantly less amenities and reduced convention space will be offered. There will be much more to come on this in the near future.

It was a surprise this week to learn a mainstay on October’s special event calendar – the Free State Corvette Club’s Corvette Weekend – will not return this year.

While there seems to be some early excitement for the new Bronco event planned to replace the corvettes, some questions surfaced this week as far as what happened to the corvette event, a mainstay for decades in October in Ocean City. There was no discussion as to the state of the corvette event at this week’s meeting.

In a statement on the club’s website, Free State Corvette Club President Craig N. Steinbock confirmed the 2023 event will not take place but reported intentions to return next year. The statement read, “Unfortunately, the FSCC had too many impediments to host our charity event this year. We anticipate being able to resolve these dilemmas and return in 2024. Please check our website, www.corvetteweekend.com for future updates. We would like to thank all of those who have supported Corvette Weekend over the last 35+ years, which enabled us to donate over one million dollars to various 501 C3 Maryland based charities.”

Last year’s corvette event evidently ran into some logistical issues as a result of Sunfest being moved into October because of the new Oceans Calling festival. Sunfest began the week after the corvette event and the required setup in the Inlet had an impact. Correspondence on the club website to event participants last year detailed the new concerns with the schedule change. It read, “Ocean City needs 10 days to set up the Inlet for the event which means the need to be setting up for Sunfest before Corvette Weekend even starts and that is the challenge. Typically, Corvette Weekend is provided contiguous inlet space equal to two thirds of the inlet for our event. Even when we shared the space with the Spartans we had the same amount of space, but at the other end of the inlet.

For this year (2022), OC has given us the entire inlet, however, we need to work around the 10 large tents. What's not shown in either of these two pictures/diagrams are the four full rows of parking spaces that are to the left of the large tent. We will be able to utilize these for our event.”

Will Maryland legislators hold a special session anytime soon? There have been calls in recent weeks for the Maryland General Assembly to convene before next January to discuss two issues – the 5-cent automatic gas tax increase that went into effect in late June as well as recent gun violence.

In Maryland, the governor is the only official who can order a special session. The governor’s hands are essentially tied if a majority of members from the House and Senate request a special session. Nothing of the sort has happened but legislators have been issuing press releases and making public statements on the need to get together before the real session in January. At this point, nothing appears imminent.

Shore Senator Mary Beth Carozza is one of the leaders seeking a special session to discuss the two issues, In a statement, she said, “Urgent matters call for urgent action. This dramatic spike in juvenile gun violence across the State of Maryland more than justifies a Special Session of the Maryland General Assembly. When I joined with my Republican colleagues last month to call for a Special Session on reducing the gas tax, I realized it was a heavy lift but believed there was an opening with the Governor who indicated that he did not support an automatic gas tax increase. This was before the mass shootings in Baltimore and in Wicomico County, and now we’re hearing from outraged Marylanders who expect us to act now to keep our homes and communities safe.”

For his part, Moore is ignoring calls for convening legislators on the gun violence matter. He told WBAL last week, "There is no plan to have a special session. We don't have to wait for a session in order to address what is the No. 1 priority for our administration. We are focused on making sure we are getting and keeping these violent offenders, repeat violent offenders off our streets."

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

T

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July 21, 2023

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

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hat was a big deal.

My thought as I drove off from Worcester Technical School Monday morning. I may have even said it aloud to myself.

After hearing great things about it, Pam researched over the last couple months the county’s STATT Camp Program (Skilled Trades, Agriculture, Tourism and Technology Program) at Worcester Tech for Carson, 13. The plan was for Carson to do three weeks of summer academy at his school and then spend two weeks at the tech school’s STATT Camp, focusing on coding and robotics.

Carson loves technology and seems to have a knack for picking it up quickly.

For instance, he recently learned how to take over the entire Sonos system in our house with his iPad. He likes to play the sound of dishes breaking throughout the house at a high volume to scare us. The first time it really worked, and the shock and worry may have shaved a little time off my life. Our kid really loved it.

With camp, a constant distraction for weeks has been whether Carson would even walk into the school on the first day.

Sharing the concern, Pam took Carson to the school twice in recent weeks to observe the camp and meet his one-onone assistant who would be with him throughout the days.

While it was smart to let him get familiar with his surroundings and his new person, I made sure to clear my schedule on Monday in case things didn’t go as planned. Carson was clearly anxious over the weekend. The newness of it all appeared to be on his mind. A few times over the weekend, we found him wearing two hooded sweatshirts around the house and even outside in the heat. The weight of the hoodies we have learned settles him in some fashion.

School drops have typically been my thing and Carson and I have a sound routine. Kids with disabilities like Autism are typically most productive when the

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schedule is the same and they know what’s coming. Therefore, I aimed to keep everything the same as much as I could for him, but the big changes were the new school and the new person.

How well this was going to go was entirely up to Carson. Truth be told, my greatest worry was he would not get out of the truck on Monday.

Not only did he, but Carson did exceptionally well. In fact, Carson showed a tremendously flexible brain the first morning. Somehow, we got the start time mixed up and ended up being over 30 minutes early. We waited in the cafeteria for his new one-on-one to arrive and he was incredibly patient while coping with some obvious shyness and anxiety. I was so proud of how he handled himself. It was a true mark of how far our 13-year-old has come in his life.

There was a time when this hiccup would set him off.

As his parents, we are constantly waging an internal mental battle over how far to push him. We see his potential, but we also realize raising expectations too high can result in behaviors and disappointments. Finding the right balance is the key, but it’s a guessing game at times. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst, while understanding he can do great things.

As it turns out, the concerns over Monday morning were for naught. As it sometimes happens, the difficult day came on Wednesday morning, which played out as a I feared the first day of camp would. Carson’s anxiety got the best of him, and he refused to get out of the truck and go into camp as expected.

After about 30 minutes of trying to coax him into school, I decided something was off and headed back home. Throughout the ride, I reminded him it’s not too late to make the right decision. He was not interested.

Once we got home, Carson decided he did after all want to go to camp, but not before a major crying session on the

couch. In these cases, we can only guess what’s troubling him. We ran through our typical list of potential issues and were able to discover he wanted to take his personal iPad to camp with him. Pam surmised other kids may be on their phones during downtime and Carson wanted to have his personal device as well. This could have been what was bothering him, but it might not have been either. When he gets into these bouts of turmoil – which fortunately are few and far between these days – we just don’t know. We know everything about him, but even we as his parents sometimes are at a loss at times of heightened anxiety and stress.

With iPad in tow and all the tears out of the way, Carson and I headed back to camp in Newark. We had no issues returning to the camp’s flow, and it appears he just needed a restart on this particular day.

Then came Thursday when we learned the one-on-one he was with would be absent. I initially just assumed we would not go to camp, but the school was able to match him up with someone else. I again wondered whether he would go in the building with his new friend. It’s the schedule and familiarity thing he truly craves and desires to be successful. I was again proud and amazed at his willingness to release my hand, go on his way with this stranger and go about his day.

There were several significant and impressive moments for Carson this week. He worked through his obvious anxiety, which I admit I shared as well.

He overcame a lot and seemed to enjoy his week at a new place.

We continue to celebrate the wins and learn from the losses.

(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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