July 9

The Dispatch

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July 9, 2021

Serving Greater Delmarva Since 1984

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Booming Fourth: With Ocean City’s displays canceled, a record crowd took in the fireworks in Ocean Pines on Independence Day. See page 20 for full story.

Photo by Josh Davis/OPA

Mishap Foils OC Fireworks Shows

Island Horse Dies After Hit-And-Run

Arson Confirmed In West OC Fire

See Page 6 • Photo by Campos Media

See Page 4 • Photo by MegaPixel Mike

See Page 12 • Photo by Ocean City Fire Department

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SERVING DELMARVA FOR 60 YEARS

July 9, 2021

July 9, 2021

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Assateague Horse Dies After Recent Vehicle Strike

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

ASSATEAGUE – A wild horse on Assateague was found deceased this week on the barrier island, the victim of an apparent hit-and-run vehicle collision last week that also injured her young foal.

On Tuesday, the popular mare Moonshadow was found dead by a park employee in the oceanside campground at the Assateague Island National Seashore. It is believed Moonshadow succumbed to injuries sustained in a hit-and-run vehicle collision sometime last week. Moonshadow’s three-month old foal, known only thus far as N2BHS-CPK, was also injured in the collision.

Both the mare and her foal were like-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ly involved in a low-speed motor vehicle accident last week along Bayberry Drive. A frequent visitor to the island and photographer reported seeing Moonshadow injured last week, but reported it appeared she was doing better despite the extent of the injures. The same source reported the injured foal could be seen nursing an injured hoof and would not put it on the ground, but appeared to be doing better throughout the last week.

According to the National Park Service, the foal is still lame, but has improved noticeably over the last week and continues to move around with her band. With Moonshadow gone, the foal will have to be taken in and cared for by members of its band. The NPS said the foal will remain in the wild, but park staff will continue to monitor her condition in

July 9, 2021

Moonshadow, who died from the injuries, and her foal were struck by a vehicle last week on Assateague Island Photo by Ann Richardson

the weeks ahead.

Moonshadow was born on 2017 and earned her name through a naming auction hosted by the Assateague Island Alliance, the friends group of the Assateague Island National Seashore that advocated on behalf of the wild horses.

This spring, Moonshadow gave birth to her foal, one of many new additions to the wild horse population on the Maryland side of the barrier island this year.

This week’s unfortunate loss of Moonshadow serves as a grim reminder of the importance of using care and caution while driving on the island and interacting with its famous wild inhabitants. The horses often interact and mingle with the hundreds of thousands of visitors to the island with sometimes dangerous or deadly results.

Many of the horses inhabit wild and seldom visited areas of the island, but more than a few can routinely be seen in and around the visitor areas, interacting with vehicles, beach goers and campers. Drivers are reminded to be alert at all times on the barrier island. When approaching horses in or on the side of the road, it may be necessary to drive even slower than the posted speed limit as common sense would dictate.

One day after Moonshadow’s death, a petition was launched on change.org

by Robyn Koons to have “speed bumps on Assateague to protect the ponies.” As of Wednesday afternoon, nearly 700 signatures of the 1,000-number goal had been received.

The petition reads, “Following the pandemic and resurgence of people enjoying the outdoors, Assateague has had an increase in visitation. While it is awesome to see people enjoying the great outdoors and especially this beautiful island, it has brought forth some issues.

The greatest of which is speed on the island. The posted speed limit of 25 is rarely followed and if you do follow it, you are often tailgated and the recipient of honks, comments, etc. This Island belongs to the horses/ponies and other wildlife; we are just visitors. What I am proposing is the addition of speed bumps from turn onto Bayberry Drive at the Maryland Seashore to OSV route entrance at the end of Bayberry Drive. This would require folks to slow down and potentially save the Island's inhabitants.”

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Fireworks Mishap Results In Resort CHEERS! Canceling Displays

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 9, 2021

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – There was a fireworks show on the beach downtown on the Fourth of July, but not at the appointed time and place.

As crews were off-loading fireworks from a box truck on the beach at Dorchester Street last Sunday morning in preparation for the Fourth of July show later that night, one of the explosives detonated unintentionally, causing a chain reaction that set off other fireworks at the scene. The result was a series of explosions and an impromptu fireworks show that sent a plume of smoke into the sky that could be seen from miles around.

Around 10:15 a.m. last Sunday, the Ocean City Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle fire on the beach at Dorchester Street. It was quickly learned the vehicle fire was an unintentional detonation of a fireworks display at a box truck preparing for the Fourth of July show. At least one person was injured although none involved needed transport to the hospital for injuries sustained in the incident.

The beach was evacuated over a couple of blocks and a perimeter was quickly established around the explosion area. In addition, an area of the Boardwalk was also cordoned off in an abundance of caution as the situation was contained.

“Our Fire Marshals are on the scene and will investigate the cause of the unintentional discharge,” said Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers at the time.

“Prior to the fireworks being off-loaded from the vehicle, fire marshals secured a safe zone around the fireworks and put other safety protocols in place. It is this very zone and safety protocols that kept anyone else from being injured.”

The fire was allowed to burn itself out and the fire marshal’s office continued to investigate. Out of an abundance of caution, the Town of Ocean City announced around noon on Sunday all planned fireworks shows for the Fourth of July, including the downtown show and another at Northside Park had been canceled.

In addition, the planned fireworks show at Seacrets in midtown was also canceled. While there were no official fireworks shows in Ocean City on the Fourth of July, anecdotally there was no shortage of private displays around the resort on the holiday.

On Monday, a team effort that included the town’s fire marshal’s office, the Ocean City Fire Department, the Ocean City Police Department, the Beach Patrol, the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began systematically deSEE NEXT PAGE

… Beach, Boardwalk Reopened After Major Cleanup Operation

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The beach off Dorchester Street is pictured where the fireworks explosion took place Sunday morning.

Photo by Campos Media

stroying the remaining fireworks on the scene.

Ocean City Bomb Squad technicians spent more than eight hours methodically assessing, sorting and preparing the fireworks for disposal. At around 6:20 p.m. on Monday, Ocean City Bomb Squad personnel, assisted by the state fire marshal’s office and the ATF, had safely destroyed the remaining fireworks on the beach at Dorchester Street after the unintentional discharge on Sunday.

The town’s public works department completed cleanup operations and the beach was reopened on Tuesday morning.

“As of today [Tuesday], all areas of the beach and Boardwalk have been reopened, including the return of service for the Boardwalk tram,” said Bowers. “I want to thank the Ocean City community, our businesses, residents and visitors for their patience and understanding during this unexpected occurrence. Unsafe fireworks are not only dangerous, but, in some cases, can be deadly. Our team of professionals from the Ocean City Bomb Squad, who were assisted by various other city departments, did a phenomenal job ensuring that no citizens, visitors or first-responders were injured.”

The Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office investigation has determined one of the fireworks being unloaded was prematurely and unintentionally discharged, causing more fireworks to be discharged. According to the fire marshal’s office, the exact reason of the unintended discharge had not been identified as of midweek, but a damaged or faulty firework product could not be ruled out. The fire marshal’s office also determined there was no indication of any criminal or intentional intent at this point in the investigation.

The Starfire Corporation, the company that provided the fireworks for the town’s Fourth of July shows, had no comment on the incident. It remains uncertain who is on the hook financially for the botched shows. In April, the town contracted with Starfire for the 2021 Fourth of July shows and future shows after its former provider opted out be-

cause of COVID issues. During the pandemic last summer, most fireworks shows, including Ocean City’s, were canceled or postponed, and the town’s former provider took a financial hit and laid off crews, which is how the town ended up contracting with Starfire for this year’s Fourth of July show and future dates.

According to the draft contract presented in April, the cost of the Fourth of July shows in Ocean City was $55,000.

There were provisions in the draft contract for postponements or cancellations because of inclement weather, or COVID-related limitations on gathering sizes, for example, but no mention of a cancellation due to an incident such as last Sunday.

City Manager Doug Miller said on Tuesday he would coordinate with Special Events Director Frank Miller on sorting out the contract details and fiscal responsibility, but those discussions have not yet happened.

“We obviously were concentrating on safety issues on Sunday and Monday,” said Doug Miller. “I will say that the fireworks company was very cooperative throughout all of the events on Sunday and Monday. We had talked about alternate shoots, but that was just throwing out ideas and nothing was decided on.”

Meanwhile, some businesses likely took a hit because of the closure of some areas of the Boardwalk in the area of the explosion on the Fourth of July and into Monday. At least one Boardwalk bar posted on social media on Sunday that it remained open and patrons could enter the business through a back door.

In addition, the town’s Boardwalk tram service was suspended on Sunday and Monday and resumed operations on Tuesday. Public Works Director Hal Adkins said the initial plan was to have the fireworks detonations completed by 4 p.m. on Monday afternoon, but when it ran past 6 p.m., the decision was made to suspend tram operations for the night on Monday.

Videos of the fireworks exploding on the beach can be viewed at facebook.com/thedispatchocmd.

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Council Approves ‘Baby Step’ For Composting Effort

July 9, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – While Ocean City has long abandoned its traditional curbside recycling program in favor of a waste-to-energy operation, resort officials this week embraced a food waste composting pilot program aimed at reducing the waste stream.

Ocean Compost LLC representative Garvey Heiderman, owner of The Hobbit restaurant, on Tuesday pitched his pilot food waste composting program to the Mayor and Council. The concept calls for Ocean Compost LLC to collect food waste from a handful of restaurants in the resort and transport it to a composting site in Bishopville. The idea is to reduce the overall waste stream emanating from Ocean City by removing a significant amount of biodegradable food waste and composting it on a five-acre site in northern Worcester County.

Over a decade ago, Ocean City pivoted from a traditional curbside recycling program to an innovative waste-to-energy operation. Trash collected in Ocean City is transported to a plant in Pennsylvania where it is incinerated and converted to energy. The town pays Covanta, the waste-to-energy operation, per ton to incinerate waste collected and convert into renewable energy, and Ocean Compost LLC is using a pilot program to reduce the amount of food waste that heads to Pennsylvania. In the pilot program, Ocean Compost LLC will collect food waste from five participating restaurants in the resort, weigh it at the town’s public works complex at 65th Street and then transport it to a site in Bishopville for composting.

The reason Ocean Compost LLC needs the blessing of the Mayor and Council is because the collected food waste will be weighed at the town’s public works facility at 65th Street. Ocean City will pay Ocean Compost LLC the same per-ton rate as it pays Covanta, so the pilot program is cost-neutral for the town.

The benefit is food service industry waste will be composted locally instead of being sent to Covanta for incineration.

Thus far, site limitations have limited the pilot program to five restaurants in the resort including the Hobbit, the Bonfire, Dough Roller, Mother’s Cantina and Annabelle’s. Public Works Director Hal Adkins told the Mayor and Council his department has been working with Heiderman and Ocean Compost LLC on the pilot program.

“We’ve been working with Garvey for over a year,” he said. “He’s proposing to expand his operation with the Hobbit and four other locations. He’s working with these entities to remove and transport food waste. It’s an admirable thing.”

Adkins said the pilot program was just that, an initial step in what could be SEE PAGE 43

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 9

Officials Seek More Changes On Agritourism Bill

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials sent agritourism regulations back to the drawing board after expressing concerns regarding proposed changes.

When presented with the latest version of the agritourism bill that’s been under discussion for the past several months, the Worcester County Commissioners this week voted unanimously to have staff refine the proposal. The decision came after several commissioners said the changes would hurt traditional agriculture.

“This is wrong,” Commissioner Jim Bunting said. “It shouldn’t be in any agricultural zone. We have plenty of commercial property in Worcester County.”

Jennifer Keener, deputy director of development review and permitting, told the commissioners she’d met with members of the county’s economic development and tourism departments to draft the agritourism text amendment being reviewed Tuesday. She said it would create a definition for agricultural alcohol production.

“It includes wineries, farm breweries, distilleries, anything you can get a state manufacturing license for,” she said.

It also eliminates the special exception

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requirement previously associated with agritainment facilities and wineries in the agricultural zones.

Bunting said removing that requirement would mean neighbors no longer had a chance to go to the board of zoning appeals to share any concerns. He also questioned the specifics of the festivals permitted in the agritourism bill as well as limits on potential attendance and parking. He felt it weakened the county’s agricultural districts and asked Keener her professional opinion.

“I think it gives some value added agricultural benefits but yes there are some commercial aspects that it does open up,” she said.

Bunting also criticized what he said were insufficient setbacks included in the proposal as well as the amplified entertainment permitted until 10 p.m.

“I haven’t had one farmer say it’s a good idea,” he said. “I don’t know why we’re weakening our agricultural zoning.

We put a lot of work in it over the years.

This is just opening the doors to make a lot of people angry.”

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic didn’t like the fact the bill said an agritourism facility would be the use of not more than 30% of gross acreage actively used for agricultural purposes on a lot.

“The 30% rule opens up these type things to your department’s interpretation,” he said.

Commissioner Chip Bertino suggested the bill undergo further refinement.

July 9, 2021

“This seems like it could certainly change the complexion and the ambiance of the agricultural area within our county,” he said. “It’s basically throwing all the regulations, everything that makes the character of our agricultural areas what they are and what attracts people, right out the window its seems.”

Keener said it could be adjusted and pointed out that the county already had some agritainment regulations but that no property owners had made use of those.

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom said he thought there were some great aspects to the proposed regulations and that they could help prevent some farmers from losing their land. He suggested another work session.

Mitrecic said staff needed specific guidance before having another work session.

“There are going to be people up here that won’t vote for this either way,” Mitrecic said. “I get it. We can’t just keep sending it back.”

Bunting said the specific issues he wanted to see addressed included the elimination of the special exception requirement, the addition of substantial setback requirements and an increase in the minimum acreage required for agritourism uses. He said he also thought attendance limits and parking requirements needed to be considered.

The commissioners voted unanimously to have staff continue to refine the proposed agritourism bill.

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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West OC Fire Classified As Arson

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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July 9, 2021

Firefighters are pictured on the scene of the June 22 fire.

Photo by Ocean City Fire Department

BY STEVE GREEN

EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – After a two-week investigation, the cause of a West Ocean City fire along the harbor has been confirmed as arson.

The fire, which occurred around 1:51 a.m. June 22, destroyed an unoccupied home and boat house and damaged three neighboring properties. Two firefighters were injured fighting the blaze but later released from the hospital.

The name of the suspect in the arson has not been released.

“The assistance of the public has been encouraging and the Fire Mar-

shal’s Office, along with the allied agencies, is following up on every lead,” the press release from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office said. “The County Fire Marshal’s office was assisted on the scene by the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office and a Maryland State Fire Marshal K9 accelerant unit.

The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation is assisting the County Fire Marshal’s Office with the ongoing investigation.”

Citizens with tips on the fire are asked to call the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office at 410-632-5666 or the Maryland Fire and Arson hotline at 1800-492-7528.

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Ocean City Suspended Paid Parking Over Software Glitch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 9, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Not only did Ocean City lose its annual Fourth of July fireworks shows, the town also lost a considerable amount of revenue when paid parking throughout the resort was shut down for a day due to a software glitch from a third-party provider.

An external software upgrade on the town’s parking kiosks started resulting in many residents and visitors being charged multiple times, sometimes dozens of times, for the same transaction.

The software glitch came through the company that provides the town with payment support for the parking meters.

As a result, with the number of cases of overcharging mounting and the complaints rolling in, town officials shut down paid parking throughout the resort on Monday and much of Tuesday, according to City Manager Doug Miller.

“Once we were made aware of the multiple billing issue, we suspended paid parking throughout the town,” he said. “That software problem is now fixed, and we will resume paid parking as of 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Anyone who overpaid will get that overpayment refunded.”

It’s important to note the software glitch came from a third-party vendor that provides support services for the town’s paid parking system. In some

Photo by Chris Parypa

The Inlet parking lot is pictured last Friday.

cases, visitors affected by the glitch saw funds withdrawn from their accounts dozens of times for the same transaction.

A company called Flowbird runs the kiosk system and interfaces with credit card companies. Credit card information from the kiosks flows through Flowbird, which places the actual charges against

the credit or debit card. Miller said Flowbird is reversing those incorrect payments, so many who were charged multiple times to park for the same transaction might not even notice the glitch unless they were closely monitoring their financial accounts when the glitch was ongoing and before paid parking got shut down.

City Engineer Terry McGean said the town was uncertain the extent of the glitch.

“We don’t know how many people were affected,” he said. “It varied by credit card. Apparently, a Flowbird software update caused a problem with some credit card company’s processing software.”

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Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 9, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Four Baltimore-area suspects were arrested last week after allegedly barging into a downtown apartment and threatening to stab and rob multiple victims.

Shortly before midnight on June 29, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a downtown apartment building for a report of a disorderly group of males. Upon arrival, OCPD officers met with a juvenile victim who reported four suspects chased him into his unit, kicked the door in, threatened to stab him and then attempted to rob him.

Realizing the incident was more serious than a disorderly call for which they originally responded, OCPD officers broadcasted a description of the suspects to fellow officers. There were multiple people in the unit, but only four advised they saw what happened and could remember exactly what happened, according to police reports.

The four suspects, later identified as James Travon Jones, 19, of Owings Mills, Md.; Christianne Dave Igao, 19, of Owings Mills; and two 15-year-old ju-

Beach Fox: Though it comes as a surprise to many, there are some foxes who call Ocean City home. Above a brave fox is pictured in a dune in the mid-town area.

veniles from Baltimore, were located a short time later walking northbound on Baltimore Avenue.

The investigation revealed Igao, Jones and the two juvenile suspects had been in a verbal altercation with the victims on the Boardwalk, according to police reports. The four suspects repeatedly asked the victims if they were selling marijuana, but the victims were neither selling weed, nor did they possess any,

according to police reports.

When the parties reached the victim’s apartment building at Somerset Street, the victims again told the four suspects they did not have any marijuana for sale. The victims ran up the stairs to the second-floor unit and tried to close the door, but the suspects reportedly ran up the stairs after them.

As one of the victims was attempting to close the apartment door, one of the

Photo by Chris Parypa

suspects barged through it violently, nearly popping one of the victim’s shoulders out of its socket, according to police reports.

Once the suspects gained entry to the apartment, one of them grabbed a female victim and threw her to the ground, according to police reports. Each of the suspects had their hands in their pockets and were all threatening JAMES T. JONES to stab the victims. According to police reports, the suspects each had their hands in their pockets, giving the illusion they were carrying knives.

The suspects demanded the victims turn over their money, cell phones and marijuana. There was only one entry and exit point for the apartment and the suspects blocked it, preventing the victims from escaping, according to police reports. The suspects were not allowing anyone to leave the apartment and continued threatening to stab everyone in the residence. According to police reports, the only way out for the victims was to jump off the balcony or attempt to fight through the suspects.

Jones and Igao were each charged with home CHRISTIANNE invasion, breaking and entering with intent to D. IGAO commit an act of violence, first-degree burglary, three counts of first-degree assault, third-degree burglary, two counts of robbery, three counts of second-degree assault, false imprisonment and trespassing. Jones and Igao were each seen by a District Court Commissioner and were ordered to be held without bond.

The two juveniles were each charged with robbery, first-degree assault, home invasion, breaking and entering with intent to commit an act of violence and first-degree burglary. Each juvenile’s case has been referred to the Department of Juvenile Services.

Assateague OSV Entrance Work To Cause Delays

July 9, 2021

NPS Planning To Move Access Gates

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

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ASSATEAGUE – Improvements to the entrance area of the Oversand Vehicle Zone (OSV) at the Maryland side of Assateague Island are expected to improve the entry process, but there will be some growing pains first.

The National Park Service (NPS) will be working on improvements to the entrance area of the Maryland Oversand Vehicle Zone (OSV), starting July 12.

There will be occasional delays of about 10 to 15 minutes for both inbound and outbound traffic to and from the OSV beach. Hours of work may vary due to weather or traffic. Work will take place Monday-Thursday only and should be completed by Thursday, July 22.

The improvements are funded by OSV permit revenue and should result in a smoother process of entering the OSV area. The work will involve moving and replacing the entry-exit gates about 200 yards closer to the beach and paving the area from the current gates to the new gates with clay and clamshell, similar to the current South Ocean Beach parking lot. The limit of vehicles in the Maryland OSV zone will remain the same at 145.

In the summer season of 2020, the National Seashore saw an 81% increase to OSV Zone use from the average use over the last five years. This high level of use has continued during the spring and early summer this year.

These improvements will enhance safety by keeping the entrance lines further away from the congested area around the South Beach parking lot and decreasing the interaction between the OSV lines and pedestrian and bicycle traffic. NPS officials urged patience during the project and vowed to keep wait times at a minimum.

OSV permits may be purchased at Toms Cove Visitor Center in Virginia and at the North Beach Visitor Contact Station in Maryland. For OSV permit information and current access conditions call 410-641-3030. OSV permits cost $110 per year and are valid for 24 hours a day. Overnight parking in the OSV zone is prohibited unless people are awake and fishing. For general information about the national seashore and park activities, access the park’s website or call 410-641-1441.

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July 9, 2021

July 9, 2021

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Page 19

Page 20

‘Spectacular Event’ Capped Off Memorable Holiday Weekend

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

Approximately 3,000 people were on hand at Veterans Memorial Park for the holiday fireworks.

Photo by Josh Davis/OPA

OCEAN PINES – Association officials say Sunday’s fireworks display in Ocean Pines drew a record number of attendees.

On Sunday, the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department hosted a Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Veterans Memorial Park. Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue said between 2,800 and 3,000 people came out to the park this week, shattering previous attendance records.

“That’s just at the Memorial Park,” she said in an interview Monday. “That doesn’t include the surrounding areas. That’s about 1,000 more people.”

Donahue said the association averages 2,000 attendees at its Fourth of July fireworks display. She noted, however, that more people attended for this year’s celebration after the Town of Ocean City canceled its fireworks shows earlier in the day.

On Sunday morning, the Ocean City Fire Department responded to the beach at Dorchester Street after fireworks were unintentionally discharged during setup for the town’s evening fireworks show. As a result, the resort announced the cancellation of both its downtown and uptown fireworks out of an abundance of caution.

July 9, 2021

“Ocean City’s unfortunate situation probably contributed to our big crowds, and there’s no way to tell how many people were parked in surrounding areas and probably watching from their homes,” Donahue said this week. “It was a spectacular event.”

Ocean Pines officials this week said the use of a different fireworks vendor allowed the association to continue with its fireworks display on Sunday. Donahue noted the day’s festivities – from the Annual Freedom 5K to the evening carnival games and fireworks display – were a success.

“Everybody, from the fire department, to public works, to the police department, knew what their job was and did it well,” she said.

Donahue also applauded the police department for handling vehicular and pedestrian traffic near the event.

“Everything dispersed within 45 minutes,” she added. “I think it went really well, and the fireworks were just phenomenal.”

Police Chief Leo Ehrisman credited work by a pre-preparation team that also included public works, recreation and parks, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, and the local neighborhood watch. He said the Worcester County SEE NEXT PAGE

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July 9, 2021

Sheriff’s Office also helped direct traffic before and after the fireworks.

On July 4, Public Works Director Eddie Wells said the first workers arrived at around 6 a.m. to set up for the Freedom 5K, and the last left just after midnight.

Among their duties, public works staff helped block off roads, and shuttled food and water for the countless workers and volunteers.

“We took care of the police, and the neighborhood watch guys and anybody else that was working,” Wells said in a statement. “We were riding around with coolers of water and food and keeping everybody happy.”

The Fourth of July celebration also marked the first major event since the COVID-19 outbreak shuttered many happenings in 2020, including last year’s fireworks display.

“It was very cool to have all the people back out again and having a normal Fourth of July, with everyone joining us and the kids having a great time,” Donahue said. “It was a perfect day to get back to some normal type of holiday fun.”

A video of the Fourth of July fireworks finale, as well as pictures of the event, are available for viewing on the association’s Facebook page.

“It was a very busy day, but it turned out great,” Donahue said.

In addition to the Fourth of July celebration – which featured carnival games, food vendors, and inflatable slides and bounce houses – the association recorded record-breaking numbers throughout the Pines.

Donahue said the Ocean Pines Racquet Center had a record number of pickleball plays, and Aquatics Director Kathleen Cook said pools were at capacity for much of the weekend.

Ralph DeAngelus, co-founder of the Matt Ortt Companies that runs the association’s food and beverage operation, also reported packed restaurants and a new single-day sales record at the Ocean Pines Beach Club on July 4.

“Obviously, good weather is always number one, but we also saw the desire for people to get back to normal,” he said in a statement. “We did a lot of large parties for dinner and saw a lot of families – a lot of groups of sevens and eights and nines and tens. People are getting together again for the holiday, which they weren’t able to do last year.”

General Manager John Viola said the entire holiday weekend was both a financial success for Ocean Pines, and a much-needed return to normalcy.

“Across the board, we saw people coming back out in large numbers to enjoy our amenities,” he said. “Our team put in a lot of hard work and a lot of long hours behind the scenes. We were happy to see everyone again, we’re grateful for the good weather on Sunday, and we’re looking forward to a busy rest of the summer in Ocean Pines.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Attendees are pictured taking in the sights and sounds of the Fourth of July fireworks.

Page 21

Photo by Josh Davis/OPA

Page 22

Ørsted Submits Bid For Second, Larger Offshore Wind Project

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – One of the two companies planning an offshore wind farm project already in the planning pipeline on Wednesday applied for a second project roughly six times larger.

In 2017, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) approved two wind energy projects off the coast of Ocean City, including Ørsted’s Skipjack project. Technically, the PSC awarded Offshore Renewable Energy Credits, or ORECs, to the two successful bidders, including the Skipjack project. The Skipjack project is now making its way through the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) approval process.

On Wednesday, Ørsted announced it has submitted a bid to the PSC to develop Skipjack 2, a proposed project off the coast of Ocean City. The proposed Skipjack Wind 2 project would include up to 760 megawatts and would be sited about 20 miles off the coast of the resort. It would be located in the same approved Wind Energy Area (WEA) as the Skipjack 1 project.

BOEM designated a WEA off the coast of the resort of about 80,000 acres, and the Skipjack 1 project is situated in the northern section of Maryland’s WEA. By comparison, Skipjack 1 is slated for about 120 megawatts. At a proposed 760 megawatts, Skipjack Wind 2 would be over six times the size of Skipjack 1.

The number of turbines for Skipjack 2 will be dependent on an award from the PSC and the size of the award, according to Ørsted officials, who also said Skipjack 2, if approved, would be sited further east than Skipjack 1, which is proposed about 19.5 miles off the coast, by comparison. Ørsted’s Skipjack 1 project was one of two approved during the PSC’s first round of awards in 2017. The company’s bid submittal for Skipjack 2 this week is part of the PSC’s planned second round of approvals. The second solicitation is being spurred by President Joe Biden’s newest stated goal of deploying 30 gigawatts, or 30,000 megawatts, of offshore wind energy off the east coast by 2030. Ørsted Offshore North America CEO David Hardy said this week the company is proud to be part of the ambitious goal of expanding offshore wind energy off the mid-Atlantic coast. “Ørsted is privileged to already be a long-term partner with the state of Maryland as it works to meet its offshore wind goals,” he said. “We are proud to build, own and operate wind farms across the world and will bring that same approach to Maryland. As such, these at least 30-year commit-

July 9, 2021

ments we are making to the state are designed to provide long-term benefits to all of the communities that will be home to our facilities. In continuing to deliver on our commitments now, and well into the future, we will ensure that Maryland’s offshore win industry will thrive for decades to come.”

While details on the proposed Skipjack 2 project are scant, the presumption is the company will likely go with the GE Haliade-X 12-megawatt turbines approved for Skipjack 1. When the PSC first approved the ORECs for Ørsted and US Wind in 2017, language in the approval allowed for the best technologically available turbines.

At the time, the Skipjack 1 project called for 8-megawatt turbines. Ørsted has since gained permission to go with the 12-megawatt turbines, deemed the largest commercially-available wind turbines in the world. While the 12megawatt turbines are considerably taller than what was first approved, going with the larger turbines will allow the company to reduce the overall number of turbines while meeting its megawatt production goal for the project.

From the beginning, Ocean City has not opposed, but rather supported, the development of clean renewable energy off the coast. The town’s problem from the beginning has been the proposed distance of the wind turbines from the coast of the resort and the potential impact on the offshore viewsheds. The issue has been debated at nearly every level and every step in the regulatory process. With Ørsted’s bid this week to the PSC for a second Skipjack 2 project, those objections will likely intensify. In its decision to approve the 12-megawatt turbines for the Skipjack 1 project last August, the PSC acknowledged Ocean City’s concern about the distance from the coast.

“The gravamen of Ocean City’s objection to the project, whether the eightmegawatt or 12-megawatt turbine is used, is that the turbines will be visible from the shore and may negatively impact tourism,” the order reads. “The commission takes Ocean City’s concerns seriously. Ocean City is an iconic coastal town that attracts over eight million tourists per year and there is no dispute that the 12-megawatt turbine is larger than the eight-megawatt turbine it replaces. Nevertheless, there are a number of viewshed benefits of using the larger turbine that lower the visual impact from the shore.” Ørsted’s bid this week for Skipjack 2 is in response to the PSC’s call for proposals for round two, through which at least 1,200 megawatts of ORECs can be awarded by the commission. Ørsted estimates the second project could provide power for over 250,000 homes.

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Park’s Industrial Building Parcel Valued At $100K

Page 24

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 9, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The section of Heron Park containing the large dilapidated industrial building is worth about $100,000, according to an early 2021 appraisal.

Parcel 57, one of multiple lots that makes up Heron Park, is valued at $100,000 in a March 18 appraisal report.

“A former chicken processing facility, vacant for many years and in generally poor condition,” the appraisal reads.

“Improvements contain about 66,954 square feet. There are several sections, of varying description built over the years, starting about 1950. We conclude that the cost to put the improvements in usable/tenantable condition exceeds value.”

The town purchased the roughly 60acre Heron Park property in 2016 for $2.5 million. In early March of this year, the town hosted a listening session to gather input on the potential sale of parts of Heron Park—Parcel 57 and Parcel 410. Parcel 57 is the 9.35-acre southwest portion of the property off Old Ocean City Boulevard, adjacent to the railroad tracks while Parcel 410 is a 10acre section that runs behind Cropper & Sons. While Parcel 410 was valued at $770,000 prior to the listening session, officials at that time were still waiting on the appraisal of Parcel 57.

The appraisal for Parcel 57 considers

An elevated perspective of the town’s Heron Park is pictured. The parcel containing the buildings on the western side of the property has appraised at $100,000.

File Photo

various questions, including whether the large building on the site could be put in usable condition. With building stabilization costs estimated at close to $3 million, the appraisal deems that option not financially feasible.

Appraisers also considered the demolition of the structure. The demolition and site clearance are expected to cost

more than $550,000. The site, which is zoned residential, could be broken into about 33 lots, according to the report.

“Based on a review of sales and offerings of raw residential land in the vicinity, we estimate a unit value of $20,000 per lot, or $660,000 for a cleared, clean, level site, equivalent to a cornfield of piece of level pasture, with sewer and

water at the lot line,” the report reads.

“Client provided a Budgetary Estimate for Heron Park – Demolition, dated October 2020, by DBF, of $552,480. This is the estimated cost to remove the existing building and perform related site clearance. It does not include any work related to the creation of a residential subdivision. The property would then be equivalent to raw land.”

According to the report that would put the unadjusted as-is value at $107,520 (the $660,000 value subtracted by the demolition cost of $552,480).

“The market might well add for profit, holding/carrying cost, liability, a minimum of 20% to the demolition cost figure, making an adjusted demolition cost of $662,976, which would leave an as-is value of effectively $0. We conclude that the as-is value of this property is near zero. We have concluded a token figure of $100,000 for as-is value. The market would probably consider any offer.”

While officials have had the appraisal for some time, they were just informed this week what they thought was a draft appraisal was actually the final appraisal.

Mayor Zack Tyndall believes the true value of the property will be unlocked in a modified state, whether that’s through demolition of the building or repurposing of it. He added that the town on Wednesday submitted an application for a strategic demolition grant for the site. The application was accompanied by letters of support from Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Del. Wayne Hartman and Del. Charles Otto.

“I think it’s a really solid grant application,” Tyndall said.

At the same time, there are still parties interested in both of the parcels.

“We’re not going to put all of our eggs in any one basket,” he said.

Tyndall said the town was open to proposals and that anyone interested in Parcel 57 or Parcel 410 was encouraged to reach out to municipal officials.

“We’ve had no formal offers so far just a lot of interest,” he said.

County Allocating Funds To Broadband, Fire Companies

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Worcester County will use close to $5 million in federal funding to expand broadband access and support local fire companies.

The Worcester County Commissioners this week voted 6-1 to use the first half of the county’s funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for broadband and fire companies. Expanding internet access has been a focus of county officials in recent months.

“We’ve been pushing this down the road for years,” Commissioner Jim Bunting said. “This is an opportunity.”

Through ARPA, Worcester County has been designated slightly more than $10 million, according to Incoming Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young.

He said the county had received half the money and would receive the other half next year. The county can use the funding to replace lost governmental revenues or for investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure, Young said.

“A hot topic has been broadband,” he said. “While it varies significantly depending on terrain and if you’re crossing water or railroads and so forth, a conservative estimate for broadband installation is approximately $100,000 per mile. It can be significantly less than that if there’s no obstructions but that’s a

Rescue Act Dollars Put To Work

good rule of thumb.”

He added that the commissioners at their last meeting had already agreed to use $512,500 of the county’s ARPA funding for the Lewis Road sewer project, leaving $4,564,500 to be allocated.

Bunting, pointing out that he hadn’t supported using the money for Lewis Road, said he wanted to see it used for broadband and fire companies. Commissioner Josh Nordstrom said the county could use the funding to incentivize internet companies to come to Worcester County. He said he’d spoken to officials in Caroline County about successful efforts there.

“I think it’s worthwhile to look at this template that Caroline County and probably others around the state have used …,” he said. “Really if there’s no need to reinvent the wheel we probably shouldn’t.”

Commissioner Chip Bertino spoke in support of using ARPA funds for broadband.

“It’s not often that county government gets a windfall like this,” he said. “This is certainly significant. It gives us an opportunity to address the situation that we all recognize is a problem and that’s

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Commissioner Ted Elder, a longtime proponent of expanding broadband, agreed.

“With the broadband, most people in the county will be gaining from it,” he said.

When asked about the cost of bringing broadband to all of Worcester Coun-

Page 25

ty, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said it was estimated at $52 million. Young added that Talkie Communications, the company currently working on installing broadband in the southern end of the county, had already acquired $6.6 million in grants to help in the process.

“So they are chipping down that $52 million estimate,” Young said.

A motion from Bertino to direct the $4,564,500 in ARPA funding toward expanding broadband and increasing financial support to Worcester County’s fire companies passed 6-1 with Mitrecic opposed.

Page 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Multiple Charges For Local Man OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested on numerous charges last weekend after allegedly scrapping with a group of people on the sidewalk in the midtown area and pulling a knife on them.

Around 11:10 p.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the area of 59th Street observed a suspect, later identified as Justin Kizee, 40, of Ocean City, stumbling around and talking to a group of people on the sidewalk. One of the individuals from the group saw the officer and told him Kizee was intoxicated, and that he was bothering, attempting to fight them and refusing to leave them alone, according to police reports.

Kizee allegedly threw a glass bottle onto Coastal Highway toward the officer’s police vehicle and the bottle shattered in the roadway, according to police reports. The area was crowded with pedestrian and vehicular traffic, according

July 9, 2021

COPS & COURTS to police reports. The officer reportedly ordered Kizee to sit on the curb, but he refused.

As Kizee attempted to walk away from the group and the officer, he reportedly shouted expletives and slurs in their direction, according to police reports. He then reportedly picked up a bicycle and attempted to ride away, but had difficulty getting onto the bicycle because of his level of intoxication, according to police reports. When he was ordered to sit down on the curb again, Kizee reportedly sat down and leaned on a pole when he saw the officer’s backups arriv-

ing on the scene.

When asked if he had been drinking, Kizee reportedly told the officer he just drank a bottle of beer, which he threw in the direction of the police cruiser. However, the glass bottle that Kizee threw and shattered near the police cruiser was a 750ml bottle of wine, according to police reports.

OCPD officers interviewed members of the group Kizee had allegedly been harassing. One witness told officers Kizee was threatening him and other members of the group and attempting to fight them. The witness told police at

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one point, Kizee pulled out a folding knife from his pocket, opened it and held in front of the witness.

Another witness told officer Kizee pulled out the knife and waved at he and his friends, threatening them with it. The witness also told the officers Kizee verbally attacked them and threw a bottle at them, according to police reports.

Kizee was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, malicious destruction of property, second-degree assault and littering. He was also charged with driving under the influence and driving while impaired for allegedly riding the bicycle while intoxicated.

During a search of his person, officers located a folding knife in his pocket. They also located a pack of oatmeal cookies he had allegedly stolen from a nearby convenience store.

Punched Vehicle, Then Passenger OCEAN CITY – A Philadelphia man was arrested last weekend after allegedly banging on the hood of a car attempting to park at a downtown municipal lot and then punching the passenger who got out of the vehicle.

Around 9:20 p.m. last Sunday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the downtown area was approached by a citizen reporting an issue going on in the municipal parking lot at Worcester Street. As the officer approached the lot, he observed two males in distress. Another witness told the officer he just observed a suspect attack one of the victims’ vehicle, and then attack the vehicle’s passenger when he got out of his vehicle, according to police reports.

The victim told the officer he was attempting to park his vehicle when the suspect, identified as Carlos Torres, Sr., 34, started walking in front of his vehicle. The victim told police Torres was attempting to stop him from parking in order to save a spot for his friend, according to police reports. The victim said Torres then began banging on the hood of his car multiple times, causing damage, according to police reports.

When the passenger got out of the vehicle, Torres quickly approached him and began throwing punches at his face, according to police reports. The officer observed damage to the hood of the victim’s vehicle including a dent the size of a human fist, according to police reports.

Torres was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and malicious destruction of property.

Assault, Indecent Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Silver Spring, Md., man was arrested last weekend after first allegedly punching another man in a midtown nightclub and then urinating in a trash can in front of bar security.

Around 1:25 a.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a midtown nightclub for a reported assault. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim who was holding an ice pack to the left side of his face. The victim told officers a suspect later identified as Jeffery Sylvester, 22, had approached him unprovoked and began yelling at him and spitting in his SEE NEXT PAGE

July 9, 2021

... COPS & COURTS face, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police he made attempts to get away from Sylvester, but the suspect came up to him and punched him in the face with a closed fist. The victim told officers he did not know Sylvester and had no interaction with him prior to the alleged assault.

OCPD officers spoke to two nightclub security guards, who told police they observed Sylvester walk out of the front gates of the nightclub. They both told the officer they observed Sylvester walk up to a trashcan and begin urinating in it right in front of them. At that point, Sylvester was arrested for second-degree assault and indecent exposure for exposing himself to the security personnel, according to police reports.

While being escorted in handcuffs to a transport van, Sylvester reportedly refused to walk and carry his own weight, according to police reports. He dropped to the ground and refused to stand up.

When officers attempted to physically lift him up to get him in the transport van, he reportedly twisted his arms and attempted to prevent officers from grabbing him and resisting arrest charges were tacked on.

Malicious Destruction Charges OCEAN CITY – A Salisbury man was arrested on malicious destruction of property charges last weekend after allegedly kicking cars and breaking a

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch railing in the downtown area.

Around 10:30 p.m. last Friday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to the area of 10th Street for a reported malicious destruction of property. OCPD officers met with a victim, who reportedly told police two males walked by her car and one of them punched the passenger side mirror. The officer observed the mirror in pieces on the ground and its frame folded forward.

The victim reportedly told police just one of the suspects, later identified as Ian Ayotte, 20, of Salisbury, had caused the damage. Witnesses also told police Ayotte had also damaged a stair railing at a residence on 10th Street, and the officer observed the railing displaced from the stairs. Witnesses also told police they observed Ayotte kick another vehicle, according to police reports.

Ayotte was located walking south on St. Louis Avenue and was detained.

When questioned, Ayotte reportedly admitted to breaking the car mirror, the railing and kicking another car. “It was me,” he said, according to police reports. “I did it. I do stupid things when I’m drunk.”

Ayotte was arrested and charged with multiple counts of malicious destruction of property.

Page 27

officer was patrolling in the midtown area when a taxi driver waved her over to stop. The taxi driver told the officer the driver of a white pickup truck with Delaware tags was observed nodding off at a traffic signal.

The officer observed the vehicle, pulled behind it and observed it driving erratically, according to police reports.

The officer pulled the vehicle over at 65th Street and made contact with the driver, identified as Thomas Lezzi, 55, of Bear, Del. According to police reports, Lezzi exhibited signs of intoxication.

When the officer asked Lezzi where he was coming from, Lezzi told the officer he was coming from Dewey Beach and was going home to Bear, Del. When asked if he knew where he was currently, Lezzi reportedly told the officer “Not

really, but I know I just passed Dewey.”

The officer noted in the report Dewey Beach is 20 miles to the north and Bear, Del. was about 105 miles north of the location of the traffic stop.

Lezzi was administered a series of field sobriety tests, which he did not complete to the officer’s satisfaction, and he was arrested for driving while impaired. Lezzi’s vehicle was towed to the OCPD’s impound lot. During a subsequent inventory of the vehicle’s contents, a loaded 9mm handgun with 12 rounds in the magazine was located in the center console, according to police reports.

Lezzi was charged with driving while under the influence, driving while impaired, carrying a loaded handgun on his person and in his vehicle and other weapons charges.

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Water Main Break Snarls Traffic Assault Charge In Choking Incident

Page 28

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Mid-afternoon holiday weekend traffic was snarled last Saturday when a water main broke in the area of 44th Street.

Around 2:30 p.m. last Saturday, a water main crossing Coastal Highway from east to west ruptured, creating a sinkhole in the northbound lanes. Public Works crews responded quickly and began making repairs. Northbound Coastal Highway was reduced to just one lane on a busy Saturday.

Crews worked overnight Saturday and

into Sunday morning to repair the break.

Public Works Director Hal Adkins said this week the repair was challenging because crews had difficulty isolating the broken main from the rest of the system to relieve the pressure. Adkins said the water main was 1960s era infrastructure.

Complicating the already challenging traffic situation was a significant rain storm that flooded many of the resort’s roadways. Adkins said once the water main was repaired, crews applied cold patch to get the highway back open.

On Tuesday morning, public works crews made a more permanent repair

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OCEAN CITY – A Pittsburgh man was charged with first-degree assault last week after allegedly choking his girlfriend at a downtown motel room.

Around 1:45 a.m. last Thursday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a motel at 9th Street for a reported domestic assault.

OCPD officers met with a female victim, who advised she and her boyfriend, later identified as Darien Hudson, 30, had been in a physical altercation. According to police reports, the victim had several injuries to her neck area.

OCPD officers spoke with Hudson, who reportedly told police he and the victim had been fighting back and forth all day. OCPD officers had intervened on two separate occasions earlier in the day, according to police reports.

Hudson reportedly told police the argument started over $80 the victim owed him. When Hudson overheard the victim talking about leaving in the morning with her daughter, he grew concerned he would not get his money back, so the argument ensued, according to police reports.

Hudson reportedly told police the couple was arguing in the motel hallway. When the victim allegedly hit Hudson, he reportedly said he grabbed her by the hair to keep her from hitting him

July 9, 2021

more. Hudson reportedly told police when the victim continued to hit him, he grabbed her by the neck and pinned her against the wall. Hudson said he then went back into the unit and threw all of the victim’s and her daughter’s belongings out of the unit and called the police.

OCPD officers interviewed the victim, who provided a slightly different version of the events. The victim reportedly told police the altercation occurred inside the motel room and not in the hallway. The victim told officers Hudson had lunged at her, so she hit him in order to defend herself. After the victim hit Hudson, he picked her up off the bed and threw her to the ground, according to police reports.

The victim was able to free herself briefly and the altercation continued until Hudson picked the victim off the ground by her throat and pinned her against a wall in the motel room to the point she had difficulty breathing, according to police reports. The victim said Hudson then threw her and her daughter out of the unit. According to police reports, the victim had several markings on her neck that looked like finger marks, along with a two-inch cut in the same area of her neck. Motel security footage corroborated the victim’s version of events.

Hudson was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault.

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 29

Wicomico Advances Development Incentive Program

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Following a lengthy discussion, officials in Wicomico County this week agreed to move forward with a proposed tax incentive program for hotel and residential development.

In a work session on Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council agreed to introduce legislation for a tax incentive program at its next meeting. Officials say the program would offer tax credits to hotel and residential developers over the course of 10 years.

“It will at least move the process forward,” Councilman Bill McCain said.

“There can still be discussion.”

Earlier this year, the Maryland General Assembly passed enabling legislation to give all municipalities in Wicomico County – and Wicomico County as a

whole – the ability to establish a property tax credit for hotel and residential development projects. And last week, the City of Salisbury passed its HORIZON (Hotel and Residential Incentive Zone) program, which is expected to incentivize large-scale hotel and multi-family residential development in the downtown area through reduced property taxes on improved lots.

On Tuesday, however, city officials came before the Wicomico County Council requesting they adopt a similar program to enable further development of downtown Salisbury. Mayor Jake Day argued a countywide program would promote the development of seven vacant parcels in downtown Salisbury and increase tax revenues.

“If all this development was realized, once they came into being, it would result in $25 million of new city taxes over 25

July 9, 2021

years and $23 million in new county taxes over 25 years,” he said. “But the truth is, as everyone in this room knows, that’s monopoly money. That’s not real money.

It hasn’t happened without this incentive, it isn’t going to happen without this incentive.”

The county’s proposed incentive program would offer residential and hotel developers reduced property taxes on improved lots. Those taxes would then gradually increase over the course of 10 years.

“This is not a tax giveaway,” Councilman John Cannon said. “We’re not giving away one dollar of current taxes Wicomico County currently collects. What we’re doing is trying to give relief only to the improved investment value of those properties.”

Several residents, developers and business owners came before county

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leaders this week seeking their support for the county’s proposed incentive program.

Officials from Salisbury University, including President Charles Wright and finance professor Leonard Arvi, argued the program would promote economic prosperity and provide incentives to expand commercial and residential activity in the downtown area.

“You are creating infrastructure that adds value,” Arvi said. “And if value goes up, the tax base goes up and your tax revenue will increase over the long term.”

Downtown business owners added residential development would put heads in beds and feet on the street.

“Nothing would make us happier than to see more people downtown,” said Lilac Clothing Company owner Jennifer LeCates, “and that does include people who actually live here and have a sense of community.”

Opponents, however, argued the incentive program would create an unfair advantage for new residential developers.

“One effect we know that’s going to be immediate is any development project that gets this tax exemption is going to automatically have a competitive advantage against any competing facility,” resident Robert Taylor said.

Others argued the tax credit would generate less property tax revenue for county services.

“I’m all for economic development, but more people and more buildings does mean more upgrading infrastructure,” one resident said. “Who’s paying for the increase in the roads, sewers, water systems, etcetera? More expenses with less taxes.”

Wicomico County Education Association President Joan Smith agreed. She argued the county already offered incentives to developers wishing to build in Wicomico.

“There is reliable data, evidence that shows tax abatements are detrimental to school districts and continuing local services like fire and police departments, which receive a large portion of their funding from local property taxes,” she said.

Councilman Joe Holloway said he opposed the proposed program, arguing he would rather see tax incentives for county residents.

“At some point in time, somebody’s going to have to pay the bills,” he added.

“The county doesn’t run on air.”

Cannon, however, said the proposed program would benefit both developers and residents.

“When these property values skyrocket, the county council is forced to reduce the tax rate, and everybody in Wicomico County benefits from that,” he said. “That’s the focus of economic development. You increase the tax base so you don’t have to increase your tax rate.”

After further discussion, the council reached a consensus to introduce legislation for the proposed tax incentive program at its next meeting.

“What the county is doing is very much a watered-down version is what the city is doing,” McCain said. “It’s half the term, and the county actually collects money in year one, right from the start.”

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

Page 32

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Claude Gary Coleman, Jr. OCEAN CITY – Claude (Joe) Gary Coleman, Jr., age 95, passed away in the care of his family and home nursing assistance in Ocean City on June 21, 2021 following health complications from a stroke.

Joe and his wife Mary (Betty passed away in June 2015) made Ocean City their retirement home in 1998. They had relocated from Parkville in Baltimore County, where they had lived for most of their lives and raised six children.

Joe was born in FebCLAUDE GARY COLEMAN JR. ruary 1926 in Augusta, Ga., the son of Claude Gary Coleman and Annie Lee Smith, who later divorced.

OBITUARIES Joe leaves behind four surviving children (Mary, Joseph, Ann and Thomas), eight grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. He also is survived by his brother, Krozer Early. In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his son John (2003) and daughter Elizabeth (2015).

Joe was a loving and devoted husband and father who also gave back to his community after his retirement from the then Martin Marietta industrial company (Middle River, Md.), where he worked in financial management. He led tax preparation volunteer work for the elderly and disabled; orchestrated activities at the Senior Citizen Center in Dun-

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dalk; served remotely for five years as the treasurer for the USS Yorktown Foundation based in Charlestown, S.C., the USS decommissioned aircraft carrier (CV-10) where he served in the US Navy during the later end of WWII Pacific theater war, and bravely fought in combat as a bombardier on a dive bomber; and volunteered for two years at the Atlantic General Hospital visiting patients to include bringing flowers to their rooms.

The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin is handling his body’s cremation, per Joe’s wishes. His ashes will be laid to rest at a future private celebration of life memorial ceremony at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, Del. His remains will be lovingly placed besides those of beloved wife Mary, his son John and his daughter Elizabeth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s name to Coastal Hospice (https://coastalhospice.org) or to the USS Yorktown Foundation (https://ussyorktownfoundation.org), both 501 (C) 3 charitable organizations.

Letters of condolence may be sent via the Burbage Funeral Home (www.burbagefuneralhome.com), 108 William Street, Berlin, Md 21811.

Joseph Velenovsky OCEAN CITY – Joseph Velenovsky, born May 30, 1950, passed away Dec. 21, 2020 at his residence in Georgia.

He is survived by his daughter, Annie Morgan; his son, Joseph Velenovsky III;

July 9, 2021 a brother, Robert Velenovsky; and sister Debbie Bova. His good friend, Katherine Mohr, was by his side at the time of his passing.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on July 12, 2021 at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ocean City, Maryland at 11 a.m. There will be a conJOSEPH tinuation of his life's cel- VELENOVSKY ebration at Fiesta Park, 145th Street directly following the service.

Gary Cooper OCEAN CITY – A service in Thanksgiving for the life of Gary Cooper will be held at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 302 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Md. on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 1 p.m.

The family requests casual attire. Following the service, the celebration will continue at Ocean City Golf & Country Club, 11401 Country Club Drive, Berlin, Md. GARY COOPER for a great time by all.

Please note, for those who wish to use the elevator at church, please use the orange doors at the northwest corner of the building.

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

Old Home Demolition Approved

July 9, 2021

Wicomico Appoints New Attorney

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Redevelopment on Gay Street is set to continue with the demolition of an old house and construction of a mixed-use building.

The Berlin Historic District Commission (HDC) on Wednesday approved the demolition of the vacant house at 19 Gay St. Commission members voiced support for the developer’s plans to replace it with a mixed use building similar to the one housing Pop’s Kitchen next door.

“I think the best thing to do is tear that darn house down and put something better there,” commission member Robert Poli said. “That would improve the whole street.”

Jonathon Selway of R&S Investments LLC told the HDC the house at 19 Gay St. was in poor condition and that he and his partners wanted to tear it down. Because the lot is zoned B-1, he said they wanted to construct a mixed use building that would feature commercial space on the ground floor and residential units above.

He said he’d been inside the house multiple times and shared pictures of the interior conditions with the commission confirming the need to raze the unsafe structure.

“Nothing’s level,” he said. “The subfloor’s spongy. The value is in the lot and the zoning. If we can’t redevelop on the property, it doesn’t make sense from an investment standpoint.”

Carol Rose, chair of the HDC, agreed.

She said the house was likely built in the first part of the 20th century and has not been maintained.

“There’s certainly no historic value to the home,” she said.

HDC member Nornie Bunting said he felt demolition was appropriate in this case.

“I think that’s your best choice,” he said, adding that the commission would play a role in reviewing future construction plans for the site. “When you get into rebuilding, we really want to check that out then.”

Poli said that the purposes of the HDC included improving property values, fostering civic beauty and strengthening the economy. He said replacing the existing structure would benefit the entire street.

Selway agreed, saying the intention is to continue to improve the street and the town.

“We want to develop a really nice building that fits in and complements some other cool things that are happening in that area,” he said.

Rose said properties in that area had been rezoned several years ago to encourage redevelopment.

“My hope is, however many years it takes, when we close Jefferson for 2nd Friday, we can close Gay and we have the whole area,” she said. “I’m just really excited.”

The commission voted 3-0 to approve the demolition request.

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – County officials this week voted to hire a new council attorney.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council voted unanimously to engage the services of attorney Andrew C. Mitchell, Jr. to aid in its inquires, investigations and the drafting or codification of legislation.

Mitchell, a local attorney based in Salisbury, will replace Robert Taylor, who stepped down from the council attorney post earlier this year.

“I congratulate Andy Mitchell on this appointment,” Councilman John Cannon said this week. “A lot of good people ap-

Page 33

plied. Andy sat through a great interview session and did an incredible job. We’re looking forward to working with him.”

In March, the county council began soliciting interest from attorneys to provide legal services to the legislative body on a part-time basis. Since the application period closed in April, council members have held several closed work sessions to discuss personnel matters relating to independent legal counsel.

When reached for comment this week, the Wicomico County Council Office declined to disclose the names of the attorneys, but noted it had received six applicants for the position of council attorney.

Mitchell’s hourly rate will be $175.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 9, 2021

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

Charges Filed After Shop Owner, Landlord Assaulted

Page 36

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Glen Burnie man was arrested last weekend after allegedly wrecking a downtown store and assaulting the owner and landlord.

Around 8:45 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a downtown hemp shop for a reported assault and malicious destruction of property that had occurred. OCPD officers located a suspect and identified him as Jonathan Gorman, 31.

The store owner and the property owner approached OCPD officers and advised Gorman had destroyed the shop and assaulted them, according to police reports. The victims reportedly told officers they followed Gorman until police arrived. Officers went back to the store and observed bracelets on the floor, liquid spilled on the floor near the entrance and a cell phone with a smashed screen on the counter, according to police reports.

The store owner reportedly told police Gorman had entered the store carrying an open cup of beer accompanied by a female. The store owner told Gorman no food or drinks were allowed in the store, at which point Gorman spilled his cup of beer on the floor. When the store owner asked Gorman and the female to leave, Gorman began scream-

July 9, 2021

ing and cursing at her, according to police reports.

The store owner called 911 on her cell phone, but Gorman slapped it out of her hands and onto the floor, causing the screen to shatter, according to police reports. Gorman then reportedly began throwing bracelets from the shelves onto the ground and attempted to leave the store with bracelets, according to police reports.

The store owner reportedly attempted to stop Gorman from leaving, but Gorman grabbed her and threw her onto

the ground inside the store, according to police reports. The store owner got up and approached Gorman, who was now outside the store, and he punched her in the face and threw her to the ground a second time. At that point, the property owner came to her aid and tackled Gorman to the ground.

OCPD officers interviewed the landlord, who reportedly told police he heard screaming coming from the store and saw the store owner get thrown out of her business and onto the ground by Gorman. The landlord also observed

Gorman punch the store owner in the face, according to police reports.

The landlord reportedly came to the store owner’s aid and pulled Gorman away from her. While the landlord was holding Gorman back, Gorman punched him in the face as well. During the ensuing altercation, a witness separated the landlord and Gorman, who began walking north on Baltimore Avenue, which is when police arrived. Gorman was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree assault and malicious destruction of property.

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

phia Avenue. During a probable cause search of the vehicle subsequent to the traffic stop, OCPD detectives located four loaded handguns, additional ammunition, roughly two ounces of marijuana, two digital scales and over $4,000 in cash.

OCPD detectives conducted a wanted check on the four loaded handguns recovered during the search and Ocean City Communications advised one of the guns had been reported stolen. As a result, the vehicle’s occupants, Dennis Sanchez, Jr., 19, of Alexandria, Va., and Tobias Kargbo, 19, of Alexandria, Va., were arrested on numerous weapons and drug charges.

Each was charged with three counts of carrying a loaded handgun in a vehicle, four counts of possession of a firearm by a minor, four counts of carrying a handgun in a vehicle, four counts of controlled dangerous substance distribution with a firearm, four counts of possession of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime, possession of over 10 grams of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute.

Each was taken before TOBIAS KARGBO a District Court Commissioner and each was ordered to be held without bond.

Four Handguns Found During Traffic Stop

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A routine traffic stop last Sunday resulted in the arrests of two Virginia men and the recovery of four loaded handguns along with marijuana and paraphernalia.

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July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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County To Appraise Land For Potential Sports Complex Site

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials agreed to move forward with an appraisal for property that could be the site of a future sports complex.

The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday voted 5-2 to seek an appraisal for property being considered as the site of a sports complex. Several of the commissioners have spent years trying to move the county into sports tourism.

“Sports marketing tourism is the future,” said Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, president of the board, in an interview this week. “We could be the amateur sports capital of the East Coast if it’s done right.”

At the end of Tuesday’s meeting, Mitrecic said the county had identified a potential location for a sports complex. He

said that while the property owner had one appraisal done, the county would need to have a second appraisal done if it was going to use Program Open Space funding to purchase the land. The commissioners voted 5-2 to support a motion by Commissioner Josh Nordstrom to move forward with an appraisal.

Mitrecic said Program Open Space could fund 100% of the purchase price of property. Though the county has been approached by several property owners with land to sell, he said the site referenced this week was the one officials were interested in.

In addition to seeking the appraisal, Mitrecic said the commissioners would meet in August with a Florida company that runs sports facilities throughout the country.

“This is the premier company in the country that does that,” he said.

As far as what sort of arrangement could be in place, Mitrecic said it was too early in the process to say. He added however that former county department head Tom Perlozzo and other members of the county’s recreation and parks, tourism and economic development departments had spent months exploring the logistics of a sports complex. Though the county is now pursuing an appraisal, seeking Program Open Space funding and actually buying the land are expected to take a significant amount of time.

Commissioner Chip Bertino, who with Commissioner Jim Bunting was one of two votes in opposition to seeking an appraisal, said he doesn’t support a sports complex that’s government funded. While Program Open Space money could fund the purchase, Bertino said it’s not clear how the county would be involved in the management of a sports facility.

Elks Lodge 2645

Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament The 15th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament Fundraiser was held on June 14, 2021 at Eagle’s Landing Golf Course and was a huge success!

All the funds raised are used to award scholarships to local students.

The Scholarship Golf Tournament Fundraiser Committee would like to thank Eagle’s Landing, Pepsi, all the sponsors, the volunteers and the golfers for their commitment to this worthwhile event and their dedication to assist students with financial awards.

Just to name a few of our sponsors: Bayside Resort Golf Club Bear Trap Dunes Cripple Creek Golf and Country Club Eagle's Landing Golf Course Glen Riddle Golf Club Links At Lighthouse Sound Mulligan's Pointe

Ocean City Golf Club Ocean Resorts Golf Club River Run Golf Club & Community Rum Pointe Seaside Golf Links Plantation Lakes Golf & Country Club Ocean Pines Golf Club

July 9, 2021

“We don’t have any plan,” he said, adding that there was no business plan, just a piece of property the commissioners had been presented with. “When using taxpayer money it’s incumbent on us to have a plan in place so we can measure and manage it in an appropriate way.”

Mitrecic maintains that the economic impact of a sports complex would be significant for the area.

“Whole families travel to these tournaments,” he said. “They have to stay in places and they have to eat.”

With a facility featuring fields for a variety of sports, he says the complex could host any tournament.

“Tourism dollars coming to the area is huge,” he said. “Ocean City is willing to partner with us. This is the future of tourism.”

During his quarterly update to the Ocean City Mayor and Council meeting Tuesday, Mitrecic updated the resort officials on a number of county matters, including the progress on a sports complex.

“There have been some huge steps taken toward the county sports complex,” he said. “We’ve identified a parcel that meets our needs. The parcel is large enough to house not only outdoor fields, but also an indoor complex. This could very well make Worcester County the amateur sports capital of the east coast.”

The town’s tax differential issues are almost always a highlight of Mitrecic’s quarterly report and this week was no different. However, Mitrecic said he supported the county’s recently-passed budget because it included more funding for Ocean City.

“I voted for this year’s budget, although it doesn’t totally address tax differential,” he said. “It increases the EMS funding for West Ocean City. It also includes a supplemental grant of $125,000 this year.”

Mitrecic also said Worcester is seeing a spike in income tax revenue that should trickle down to Ocean City.

“Ocean City will also benefit from the extra income tax revenue that will be realized this year,” he said. “Some of my colleagues were predicting as much as a $5 million shortfall. Although the numbers are not in, it looks like we might end up at around $9 million to $12 million over anticipated revenue.”

Public school system funding is always a big issue in Worcester. Mitrecic said Worcester is among the highest in the state in terms of public school funding contributions.

“As you know, we fund our school system at one of the highest levels in the state,” he said. “We’re starting to see the effects of Kirwin mandates for maintenance of effort.”

Mitrecic also referenced the county’s emergency services committee formed to address some of the disparities in the cost of providing service to at-large areas of the county.

“We put together an EMS committee that has met quite frequently over the last year despite COVID,” he said. “Great progress has been made. I would like to thank [Ocean City Fire} Chief Richie Bowers as a member of the committee and commend his cool and rational thinking.”

Berlin Commission Ranks Top Priorities For Open Space Funds

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

Henry Park Lighting First Request

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Lighting for the basketball courts at Dr. William Henry Park, ping pong tables for John Howard Burbage Park and plans for a skate park are among the priorities determined by the Berlin Parks Commission.

The commission voted on Tuesday to put basketball court lighting for Henry Park, ping pong tables for Burbage Park, a skate park study and an inclusive playground on its fiscal year 2023 Program Open Space Annual Program for Development. Because the commission identified the lighting at Henry Park as the top priority, that project is the one the commission wants to seek funds for next month.

“It really does expand the ability to use those courts in the wintertime when it’s dark at 5 o’clock,” commission member Patricia Dufendach said. “It gets the people we want playing in the parks. I really hope we are able to get the lighting.”

Deputy Town Administrator Mary

Bohlen told the commission she was seeking input on the development list as the town prepared to submit its next Program Open Space grant application in August. Though there has not yet been official news regarding its last application, which was for permanent restrooms at Stephen Decatur Park, she believes that project will receive funding.

“It looks like we will get that funding,” she said.

According to Bohlen the town has not yet received a formal notification regarding the grant but said that it appeared as though the town would receive it. As a result, she wanted the commission to reevaluate the development list since that project could be removed.

“Think of it like a capital improvements plan or something along those lines,” she said.

At her suggestion, the commission agreed to keep Henry Park lighting as the top priority and as such to recommend that the town apply for funding for that project in August.

Mike Wiley, chair of the commission, said Mayor Zack Tyndall had sent

First White Check:

The Ocean City Mayor and Council presented a $5,000 check at this week’s council meeting at City Hall to Captain Corbin Ensor and the crew on the Tuna Fowl for catching and releasing the first white marlin of the season. Corbin and the Tuna Fowl caught the first white of the season in the Washington Canyon back on June 13. Each year, the Town of Ocean City awards a $5,000 prize for the first white marlin. The Tuna Fowl will also receive a $7,000 prize package from the Fishermen United group.

Photo by Shawn Soper

him information regarding inclusive playgrounds. He said the mayor was interested in seeing some inclusive equipment added to Stephen Decatur Park.

Commission member Laura Stearns said she’d talked to We Heart Berlin’s Tony Weeg regarding the need for a skate park.

“It takes a lot of money but yes I think it should be on the list,” Dufendach agreed.

At Bohlen’s suggestion the commission agreed to include the skate park on the list but without a location so that

funding could even be used to help assess various locations. Stearns said supporters of the project would be thrilled to have it included on the list.

“This is a step in the right direction,” she said.

The commission voted to recommend that the town pursue a Program Open Space grant for the lighting at Henry Park next month and voted to approve the development program featuring the lighting, the ping pong tables, skate park and inclusive playground. Both recommendations will be forwarded to the town council.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 9, 2021

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

County Reverses Truck Traffic Call

July 9, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

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Members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol are pictured last Friday working on a rescue stabilization technique they use when neck injuries are possible.

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SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners agreed to prohibit trucks on several Pocomoke roads in response to concerns from residents.

The commissioners on Tuesday voted 6-1 to prohibit truck traffic on Cypress Road, New Bridge Road, Hillman Road, Tulls Corner Road and Old Virginia Road.

The decision essentially reverses one made by the commissioners in November.

“This was something worth trying,” said Commissioner Josh Nordstrom. “I know the people who have trucking companies for a living are happy that we did this but my constituents are not. It’s a bit of a mea culpa for me but it did give me a greater understanding of what that truck traffic would look like and how people would react.”

In 2020, at the suggestion of Nordstrom, the commissioners approved a resolution permitting thru truck traffic on several roads in the Pocomoke area. He asked public works staff to review traffic on the roads last month, however, after hearing concerns from residents in the area. Public Works Director Dallas Baker told the commissioners Tuesday his department recommended reinstating previous prohibitions on thru trucks on Cypress Road, New Bridge Road, Hillman Road, Tulls Corner Road, Dun Swamp Road and Old Virginia Road.

Nordstrom spoke in support of the change.

“The truck traffic is much more than we anticipated…,” he said. “I’ve had multiple calls every week about this. People are having to drive on the shoulders. If you go and you take a look there are tire tracks, dead grass on the shoulders of all of these roads from people who are having to move over. Now in some places that might be okay but you’ve got a lot of steep embankments. You’ve got ditches that are very close to the road. I was personally almost run off the road on Old Virginia Road ...”

Commissioner Ted Elder said he didn’t want to see trucks prohibited on Old Virginia Road and Dun Swamp Road.

“If the road is too narrow, I think we need to do something about that and get them in shape, what they should be,” he said.

He added that one of the local trucking companies was based on Dun Swamp Road.

“It would make it illegal to pull his trucks out of his own lot,” he said.

Elder added if trucks were prohibited on those roads they’d instead take other roads, such as the beltway past several schools. He also brought up the issue of economic development.

“Pocomoke is our most depressed area,” he said. “This is going to throw a monkey wrench into economic development processes we have there.”

Nordstrom said he was willing to eliminate the proposed prohibition on Dun Swamp Road and the commissioners voted 6-1, with Elder opposed, to approve the truck route changes.

Colleagues Reject Councilman’s Tax Incentive Proposal

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

SALISBURY – A councilman’s pitch for a countywide tax incentive was shot down this week by fellow council members.

Following a lengthy discussion on a tax abatement program for hotel and residential developers, members of the Wicomico County Council this week entertained the idea of a legislative bill giving

tax incentives to all county residents.

“It’s very simple,” Councilman Joe Holloway said. “Any tax exemptions we give to anyone we reduce the property tax rate the next budget session by the same amount.”

The proposed legislative bill – introduced by Holloway – followed a lengthy work session on Tuesday in which council members agreed to introduce a program that would offer tax credits to hotel and multifamily residential developers ov-

FROM PAGE 8 an expanded operation.

“The contract has an expiration date of next April,” he said. “At that point, we’ll re-evaluate and see if there is an opportunity to expand the program.”

For his part, Heiderman told the Mayor and Council there were limitations on how many restaurants and how much food waste could be collected at this point. He said the hope is to expand the operation in the future, but getting the town’s approval on the initial phase was an important first step.

“We’re limited to a five-acre footprint right now,” he said. “We’re maxed out with the five we have. At this point, we’d like to stick with what we have. It’s a baby step in what will hopefully be many steps.”

The council embraced the concept and voted unanimously to approve the contract for the pilot program. Food waste collected from the initial five restaurants participating will be diverted to the composting area in Bishopville and not sent to Covanta.

Councilman Peter Buas questioned if there was an opportunity to expand the operation to include drop-off locations somewhere in corporate limits for recyclables. Many in the resort area separate their recyclables and take them to drop-off sites in the county, such as Walmart, for example.

“I’m not sure curbside will ever come back,” he said. “I would like to see some drop-off points added in town. I’d like to bring that back for discussion at some point in the future.”

STAFF WRITER

… Council Embraces Compost Program

er the course of a 10-year term. Holloway opposed the program over concerns that it would reduce tax revenues and create unfair advantages for developers.

In his pitch this week, Holloway told council members the proposed bill would create tax credits for all county residents, not just developers.

The legislative bill reads, “to provide a prorated real property tax credit to each real property taxpayer equivalent to a prorated portion of the property tax credit granted under the manufacturer’s tax exemption, the arts and entertainment property tax credit, and hotel or multifamily residential development property tax credit.”

Councilman Bill McCain, however, said he had no interest in the proposed legislation.

“We’re the only county in the state of Maryland that has a revenue cap and no transfer tax. We’re now considered one of the poorest counties in the state of Maryland,” he said. “So we can’t just blanket say we are just going to decrease our revenues across the board.”

Holloway argued the tax incentive program being proposed for hotel and multifamily residential developers would do just that.

“We’re giving away taxes to developers now,” he said.

McCain argued the proposed tax credit for developers would lead to larger returns long term.

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“It’s a very narrow, specific bill that provides an incentive that increases our revenue,” he said. “So we’re trying to increase our revenue, increase economic incentives in our county.”

McCain called Holloway’s proposal “reckless” and “irresponsible.”

“I can say the same thing about the Horizon program …,” Holloway responded.

Councilman John Cannon said he felt the proposed legislation was drafted in retaliation to the proposed tax credit program for developers.

“If you really wanted to do this, this is something you should’ve done two or three months ago when we voted on the budget because at that time was when we decided on the property tax rate,” he said. “If you seriously wanted to give a property tax rate adjustment, that’s when you should’ve done it.”

Holloway, however, argued the bill would establish a tax credit for residents in tax billings for future fiscal years.

“This guarantees it gets done if it’s passed,” he said.

After further discussion, the council agreed not to move forward with the proposed legislation.

“Another thing too is this legislative bill doesn’t talk about dates, doesn’t talk about amounts, it doesn’t even have a fiscal note saying what the ramifications might be,” Cannon said. “That’s a legislative bill.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Freeman Arts Pavilion’s Photo Of The Week:

July 9, 2021

Each week during the season the Freeman Arts Pavilion will submit a photo of the week from the Selbyville venue. Above, American singer/songwriter Don McLean performed at Freeman Arts Pavilion Saturday, July 3. To learn more about upcoming Photo by Freeman Arts Pavilion/Justin Odendhal events, click over to freemanarts.org.

Berlin Adds Bathtub Races To Monthly 2nd Friday Event

July 9, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BERLIN – Local businesses will once again show off their speed and ingenuity with the Berlin Bathtub Race.

The Berlin Chamber of Commerce will host the 31st annual Berlin Bathtub Race Friday, July 9. Tubs, fitted with wheels and pushed and piloted by representatives of local businesses, will careen down Main Street as spectators line the sidewalks.

“It’s fun,” said Mike Queen, president of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. “It brings the community together and provides a boost for the economy of the town.”

Though the race is typically held in June, as a precautionary measure the chamber moved this year’s event to July, coinciding with the town’s 2nd Friday festivities.

“We wanted to take one more COVID precaution and move this year’s original event date back to give more people a chance to get vaccinated,” said Steve Frene, deputy director of the chamber.

“Unlike our other events where visitors can spread out, the Bathtub Race has a very compressed viewing area and

there really wasn’t a way to keep everyone socially distanced while keeping the course within the picturesque downtown Berlin setting.”

According to Frene, those new to the event can expect to see a variety of unique contraptions — designed to hold at least two gallons of water, a driver who can steer and brake, and be pushed by another person on a short stretch of Berlin Main Street — speeding down the road. Several heats of double elimination competition narrow the field of about a dozen entries down to one legendary winner who earns the right to have their name on the coveted trophy that they must return to Berlin after one year for the next year’s event.

Friday’s event begins with a 6 p.m. parade of bathtubs from the Berlin Welcome Center to Commerce Street. Heats will begin at 6:15 p.m. and will go from Commerce Street to Jefferson Street.

The event will be MC’d by Ocean 98 DJs Big Al Reno and Schwab.

Additionally, because the race is being held in conjunction with the town’s 2nd Friday event, visitors will have even more to do as shops, museums and restaurants will be open with live music, artisans and locally made items.

OCEAN CITY – Swim Ocean City is hosting its 9th Annual Ocean Games open water swim on Saturday, July 17 to raise funds for research and increase awareness of brain injuries and promote the positive effects that sports have on the brain and body.

Ocean Games is one of the few ocean-based marathon swimming events offered on the entire East Coast. It attracts participants of all ages and levels, from first-time open water swimmers to experienced marathoners.

The Ocean Games features a WOWSA-sanctioned series of three- and ninemile open water swims along the Atlantic coastline. The swim also offers a two- or three-person team nine-mile relay.

The nine-mile swim starts at 10 a.m.

Depending on the current the day of the event, the race will either start or finish at Caroline Street and 145th Street.

The three-mile swim starts at noon.

Depending on the current, the three-mile swim will start at 46th Street and end at 145th Street or start at 93rd Street and end at Caroline Street.

“We are excited to be able to host Ocean Games this year after having to

cancel it last year due to COVID. Lots of open water swims across the country were canceled last year and many canceled again this year. We are excited about a big turnout this year.” said Ocean Games Race Director Corey Davis.

After experiencing a traumatic brain injury in 2006, Davis worked with the team at Johns Hopkins’ Brain and Stroke Rehabilitation Program to return to his previously active lifestyle. To give back to the program that helped him so much, Davis founded the Ocean Games as a way to raise funds for the Brain and Stroke Rehabilitation Program and local charities.

Since its debut in 2013, the Ocean Games has raised over $120,00 for the Johns Hopkins Program and local charities. Ocean Games is widely supported through grants and many local Ocean City businesses.

Open to novices and seasoned athletes alike, Ocean Games offers something for everyone, allowing for the perfect open water or beach experience in a safe and structured environment. For more information, please visit www.oceangamesus.org.

STAFF WRITER

9th Annual Ocean Games Set For Next Weekend In Resort

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July 9, 2021

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 9, 2021

BUSINESS And Real Estate News Family Practitioner Added BERLIN – Atlantic General Hospital and Health System recently welcomed Dr. Ellen Rowe, who has joined the medical staff to provide family medicine care at the organization’s West Fenwick, Del., primary care office alongside nurse practitioner Michael Boyle.

Rowe is a native of Sussex County.

She received a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary health services and medical ethics from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where she also played Division 1 field hockey for four years. She received a Master of Science in ELLEN ROWE biomedical science from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine before starting medical school. In 2018, she graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine, where she was president of the Women in Medicine organization and member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

Rowe completed her family medicine

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residency at VCU-Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Va. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Association, the American Medical Women’s Association and the American College of Physicians. She is boardcertified in family medicine. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 302-5640004.

Real Estate Office Opening OCEAN CITY – Bernie Alvey has announced the opening of EXIT Realty Ocean City. In celebration of the new location, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held July 20 at 12:30 p.m.

"We are excited to be part of the Ocean City community. We invite the community to stop by and say hello and join us for this event," said Alvey.

SU Announces Retirees SALISBURY – Salisbury University recently bid farewell to 33 faculty and staff who retired in fiscal year 2021.

They are (date of hire in parentheses):

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Atlantic General Hospital and President/CEO Michael Franklin have been recognized by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) with the Patriot Award. The award is bestowed by ESGR, a Department of Defense program, to supervisors and managers for support provided to an employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve. Franklin was nominated by Dr. Charles Hickok, a lieutenant commander with the Navy Reserve and anesthesiologist at Atlantic General Hospital. This is the second time Franklin has been the recipient of this award. Pictured, from left, are Hickok, Franklin and Bill Peters, local representative for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program.

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wanda Dockins-Mills (1988), Marie Bradford (1990) and Robin Evans (2009), Student Affairs; Stephen Gehnrich (1988), Betty Smith (1992), Mark Holland (1993), Samuel Geleta (1999) and Wanda Perkins (2003), Biological Sciences; Craig Clarke (1989), Psychology; Baron Polk (1992), Daryl Carter (1999), Joanne Nicholson (2001) and Margo Palmer (2006), Housekeeping; Jeffrey Kottemann (1994), Information and Decision Sciences; Wayne Gorrow (1997), Campus Recreation; Michele Bracken (1999), Nursing; Tylor Claggett (2002), Economics and Finance; Roberta Adams (2003), Political Science; Cynthia Nyirenda (2004), SU Libraries; John LaManca (2005), Exercise Science; Olivier Roche (2006), Management and Marketing; and Marvin Pyles (2008), Administration and Finance.

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Scholarships Awarded SALISBURY – Each year TidalHealth Nanticoke awards scholarships to deserving students pursuing healthcare related careers. The four students are graduates of Laurel High School.

Taylor Willey is the recipient of the Diversity in Healthcare Scholarship. Willey plans to pursue a career in Physical Medicine at Salisbury University.

Kaegen Brittingham was presented the Jill Hickman Nursing Scholarship.

Brittingham plans to attend the University of Delaware School of Nursing to become a Nurse Anesthetist.

Na’Kayla Smith received the Judith SEE NEXT PAGE

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July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 49

What To Consider With Required Minimum Distributions Wealth of Knowledge

BY KRISTIN COANE

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

BERLIN – There really is a purpose behind required minimum distributions (RMD) of tax-advantaged retirement accounts. IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans feature tax-deferred income contributions and earnings growth throughout the lifetime of the account.

There’s just one catch — when you take money out of that account, it then gets taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Some retirees use that money to pay for their expenses, but others may not need it and would rather let it continue growing, untaxed, and then leave it to heirs.

That means retirees who need the money are taxed and those who don’t could avoid the tax. Those tax revenues are used to fund government programs, but we are fortunate to have decades of a tax reprieve so gains can accumulate faster.

Retirement investing, and RMDs in particular, can be rather confusing. But just because something is difficult — and ever changing — doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take advantage of the options available. Quite the opposite — tax-deferred investing is a way to optimize the accumulation of wealth, so it’s worth the time and effort to understand how these accounts work.

You can tap the advice of a financial professional to help you manage your retirement accounts, even those that fall under an employer plan. After all, your employer isn’t going to help you manage the rest of your portfolio, so feel free to call us if you have questions about your tax-advantaged accounts and their distribution options.

In 2019, Congress passed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, with several changes regarding RMDs. Prior to the legislation, retirement account owners had to start RMDs at age 70½; the law increased that age to 72 for anyone born after June 30, 1949. Those with a traditional IRA must take their first RMD by April 1 of the year after which they turn age 72, even if they haven’t retired yet.

Each year thereafter, they must take an RMD by Dec. 31. Investors with multiple IRAs must calculate the appropriate RMD for each one, but they can take that total amount from just one of the accounts they own. That’s easier to do with traditional IRAs than with multiple prior employer retirement accounts.

There is a penalty for not taking the

... BUSINESS NEWS Tobin Healthcare Scholarship. Smith will be attending Chesapeake Community College to pursue a career as a NICU nurse.

Heavyn Savage has received the Healthcare Career Scholarship and will be attending the University of Alabama with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician.

appropriate RMD: The account owner must pay a 50% excise tax on the amount not distributed each year. Also note that you cannot withdraw a couple’s total RMD from just one spouse’s account or a different type of qualified account.

The rules for an inherited IRA can be confusing, and they also changed with the recent SECURE Act. Specifically, it is now prohibited for a non-spouse IRA beneficiary to “stretch” out taxable distributions throughout his life expecKRISTIN COANE tancy. Starting in January 2020, the named beneficiary is required to withdraw all funds within 10 years of in-

heriting the account. However, unlike before, the heir can wait the full 10 years before taking distributions, meaning there are no RMDs each year.

The inherited IRA rules didn’t change for a spouse who inherits a wife’s or husband’s IRA upon death. She also has more options for withdrawals, such as the ability to designate herself as the new account owner, roll it over to her existing IRA or take distributions as a beneficiary.

Be aware these distribution rules do not apply to a Roth IRA, either directly owned or inherited. Since the Roth is funded with already-taxed income, withdrawals are tax-free in retirement — even the gains accrued over time. The only caveat is that the owner (or original owner,

if inherited) must have owned the account for at least five years (the clock starts on Jan. 1 of the year of the first contribution).

Contributions withdrawn before that fiveyear holding period may be taken tax free, but any withdrawn interest is taxable.

Annuities also benefit from tax-deferred growth, but the account owner takes RMDs only if it is classified as a qualified annuity, meaning that it was funded with pre-tax money. Non-qualified annuity contracts are funded with aftertax income and feature tax-deferred earnings, so they do not mandate RMDs and are taxed upon distribution.

(The writer has been part of the Key Financial team for over 15 years. Their entire team can be reached at 410-629-0357.)

Page 50

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

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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 9, 2021

Letters To The Editor Tackle Litter, Safety First Editor: In January the Ocean City Council voted to move forward a three-phase conceptual plan for redeveloping the recreation park complex between 3rd street and 4th street along the bayside.

First phase: to re-purpose the current fenced-in baseball field and create an open flexible lawn area surrounded by trees for pick-up sports and a pavilion / band stage for concerts.

Second phase: to expand the skate park, reposition the basketball court and improve the playground area.

Third phase: to construct restrooms near the location of the pavilion/band stage.

Revitalizing the downtown park area is welcomed and certainly is needed, however let’s not put the cart before the horse.

Before the first phase begins all the town’s resources (business, residents and government) should be focused on solving summer’s reoccurring problems: the out of control litter and disturbing and threatening activity in the neighborhood surrounding the park.

After all a clean and safe place to play is “the primary goal.”

Newt Weaver Margaret Pillas (The writers serve as Downtown Neighborhood Watch Coordinators.)

Short-Term Rentals Needed In Berlin Editor: (The following letter was to members of the Berlin Town Council.)

First, thank you for letting me speak the other night at the work session on short-term rentals.

I just wanted to review a few main points: 1. Berlin is a destination city and frankly doesn't have enough adequate housing to take care of guests, tourists, or special events. Having short-term rental housing available fills a need.

2. The town allows long term rentals but not short term in R1 or R2. That fact seems very subjective to me. Frankly, I don't understand that you can rent long term, but you can't rent short term.

3. Short-term rentals only function in flawless homes, apartments and townhomes, etc. Things I may let go in my own yard cannot be "let go" with these short-term rentals or the owner will get complaints and have to refund money.

Short term rentals are usually high-end well-kept properties. I know this through my years of managing short-term rentals for my clients.

4. All of the owners that I know and myself – six total – personally have no problem with regulation and or oversight. Diminishing the possibility to rent your home short term seems like a slippery slope. Many towns have lost cases in parts of the country. Berlin doesn't really have the time or resources to deal with these legal challenges.

New York City, the biggest tourist destination in the United States, is naturally no stranger to Airbnb. However, Airbnb took the city to court in August 2018

over a new law that would require Airbnb and other home-sharing companies to provide the city's enforcement agency the hosts’ names and addresses each month.

Airbnb claimed the law violated its users’ privacy and constitutional rights.

New York City is Airbnb's largest market, but, according to the city, as many as two-thirds of Airbnb's listings are illegal.

In January 2019, a federal judge blocked the law after declaring it unconstitutional.

When a similar law was enacted in San Francisco, the number of listings on Airbnb dropped by 50%. San Francisco adopted a similar policy as New York: Airbnb rentals are allowed only if hosts are full-time residents, rentals are capped at 90 days and all hosts must register with the city. Violators are subject to a fine $484 a day for first-time offenders and $968 a day for repeat offenders. However, despite these stipulations, the San Francisco Chronicle reported only a fraction of Airbnb hosts have actually complied with the new law.

5. Whomever said we are looking for a problem to make a law hit the nail on the head. I appreciate the town being proactive, but I believe both sides of the issue would appreciate "baby steps" to really see if an issue exists at all.

6. In closing, I would recommend as a R1 resident and property manager, simple regulations and simple steps for both property owners and potential rental owners to earn income, enjoy freedoms of managing your property as you see fit, and creating a safe and quiet community. Therefore, I would recommend allowing short-term rentals in all areas of the town. Those properties must have a registration with the town and punitive steps to restrict rentals if the property doesn't mesh with the town of Berlin.

I would also like to be a resource to anyone on the board or in the community with questions about short-term rentals.

Todd Martinek Berlin

RIP Moonshadow Editor: On Aug. 21, 2017, while the east coast was busy viewing a total solar eclipse, a beautiful filly was born on Assateague to mare Johnny’s Star. Since they spent their time in the developed area, visitors were captivated by her.

Everyone likes to see a baby doing zoomies. Her nickname soon became the “eclipse” baby.

Johnny’s Star was a devoted mother, keeping Moonshadow safe and even occasionally nursing for nearly two years.

They relocated bands several times and also spent time alone. Fonzi was Moonshadow’s father, but they also spent time with stallion Corky. They seemed to prefer an independent life, not one run by a stallion. Moonshadow particularly disliked the stallion Chip for “snaking” them back to his band. Moonshadow gave him a swift kick!

In December of 2017, Assateague Alliance held a naming auction for her. I was charmed by her, and chose the obvious name, Moonshadow. She then be-

came the focus of my trips to Assateague and my collection of photos. Following her activities and life on Assateague were eye opening to me, a retired city slicker teacher from northern Virginia. I might have been a bit partial, but she was delicate, beautiful and intelligent. I loved her more and more.

Moonshadow enjoyed the other young fillies and colts, sometimes getting too close for the mother’s comfort.

She just wanted a playmate!

Time passed and Johnny’s Star left for the OSV (over sand vehicle) area where she had more privacy. She now is with Charcoal and has a young colt named Wild Wynds, who looks much like Moonshadow did at that age. For whatever reason, Moonshadow stayed behind in the developed area of the National Park. She spent some time with Corky, but was frequently alone.

Attention returned to Moonshadow this spring, when she gave birth to a cute little filly with an unusual blaze (facial marking). The presumed father is Joy, as they were currently in his band.

Moonshadow was very protective of her baby, keeping her far out in the marsh in the early days of life. When stallion Phoenix tried to court her, she told him no with several strong kicks.

Spring turned into summer and Moonshadow’s baby continued to thrive — until July 5. Now Moonshadow’s baby will have to grow up fast. Let’s hope she makes it.

RIP Moonshadow. You will always have a piece of my heart.

Nancy Scarborough Berlin

Short-Term Rental Ban Not Appropriate In Berlin Editor: (The following letter was sent to members of the Berlin Mayor and Council.)

It is our understanding that the Town of Berlin is considering legislation that would remove a property owner’s ability to conduct short-term rentals in the town’s residential zoning districts. On behalf of the 1,000 members of the Coastal Association of REALTORS®, I write to ask for your reconsideration.

Among the core rights that a property owner has is the right to lease or rent their property. This right has long been recognized by the courts. For example, the Supreme Court of Connecticut has explained that the “right to rent” is one of the important “sticks” in the bundle of property rights. According to Gangemi v. Zoning Bd. Of Appeals of the Town of Fairfield, 763 A.2d 1011, 1015-16 (Conn.2011): “[It] is indisputable that the right of property owners to rent their real estate is one of the bundle of rights that, taken together, constitute the essence of ownership of property…. Owners of a single-family residence can do one of three economically productive things with the residence: (1) live in it; (2) rent it; or (3) sell it.”

This right very much applies to shortterm rentals which, according to the Maryland Court of Appeals, are a residential use, not a commercial use. In SEE NEXT PAGE

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Letters To The Editor 2006, the Court rejected a claim that because a restrictive covenant required that all lots in a subdivision be used for “single-family residential purposes only,” that meant short-term rentals were prohibited. The court concluded that the covenant plainly allowed residential rentals regardless of whether the rental was for a short term or a long term, explaining that the transitory or temporary nature of a short-term rental does not change the residential status of the use.

As stated in Lowden v. Bosley, 909 A.2d 261, 267 (Md. 2006): “’Residential use,’ without more, has been consistently interpreted as meaning that the use of the property is for living purposes, or a dwelling, or a place of abode…. The transitory or temporary nature of such use does not defeat the residential status.”

Further, the Maryland Court of Appeals also rejected the argument that short-term rentals are not a residential use because the homeowner earns rental income by renting out his or her home, stating: “While the owner may be receiving rental income, the use of the property is unquestionably ‘residential’.

The fact that the owner receives rental income is not, in any way, inconsistent with the property being used as a residence.”

Berlin may be a great place to raise a family, but it is also the recipient of Budget Travel’s “Coolest Small Town in America” designation and a destination for tourists. The dynamic of the family vacation is changing. The modern tourist is unable to take a weeklong vacation and needs affordable options. The surge in popularity of rental platforms that provide short-term options should not be disregarded by a popular tourist destination like Berlin.

Most local jurisdictions have retroactively instituted short-term rental regulations after reporting negative experiences with short-term renters. Berlin is taking a proactive approach, which should be applauded. However, an outright ban on short-term rentals in all Berlin residential neighborhoods is not the answer.

Licensing and registration requirements would enable Berlin to create and maintain a database of rentals for code enforcement and law enforcement. Inspection requirements would ensure the safety of tenants. Enforcement provisions would provide notice to a property owner that there is a problem at their rental and would provide them an opportunity to remedy it and having a local representative within 30 minutes of the property would give the town a point contact to reach out to when there is a problem at one of their properties.

In recent years, the Town of Ocean City recognized a need to enact regulations specific to the growing number of short-term rentals in its residential neighborhoods. They did consider an outright ban on short-term rentals in those neighborhoods. However, they instead chose to create a registry of rentals in their residential neighborhoods, require a local contact, address rental issues via the Property Review and Enforcement Strategies for Safe-housing

(PRESS) Committee, require a separate license application for rentals in residential neighborhoods that carries a higher fee, and require a placard on the exterior of a residence that identifies the property as being a rental. Since then, according to the Ocean City Police Department, short-term rental-related complaints have decreased significantly, and Ocean City property owners maintain their right to rent their properties.

I appreciate your consideration.

Please let us know if we may be of any assistance. We can provide valuable input from local professionals who work in the rental industry every day.

Joni Williamson (The writer is the president of the Coastal Association of REALTORS®.)

OC Recycling Needed Editor: I am once again asking the question “Why does Ocean City not have a community-wide recycling program? Why does it send all its trash up to Pennsylvania to be burned?”

I volunteered for years as the state coordinator for the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup. Every year in September, thousands of earth-conscious people around the world would, for that one day, go out into the waterways of the world and collect and tally the number and type of plastic that was found on our beaches and shorelines. Much of the collected debris could have been collected and recycled.

Visitors to Ocean City (and restaurant and bar owners) throw away all their plastic, aluminum, glass and paper products that could be recycled and reused. The lesson in Ocean City is throw it all away, unless you want to haul all your own recyclables over to West Ocean City to the dumpsters near Walmart.

It is a shame that Ocean City does not have a community-recycling program. Every year I write to the city council members and ask them why Ocean City does not reinstitute the community pick up of recycles. Most communities have recycling programs and can make it financially viable. Why not demonstrate a care for the earth and its resources by asking visitors and locals to recycle their aluminum, glass, plastic and paper? That would be something to be proud of -- Ocean City The Recycling Capital.

Geri J Schlenoff Ocean City resident

Golf Tourney Success Editor: The 15th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament Fundraiser was held on June 14, 2021 at Eagle’s Landing Golf Course and was a huge success. All the funds raised are used to award scholarships to local students.

The Scholarship Golf Tournament Fundraiser Committee would like to thank Eagle’s Landing, all the sponsors, the volunteers and the golfers for their commitment to this worthwhile event and their dedication to assist students with financial awards.

Ocean City Elks 2645

Page 51

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green With Assateague’s popularity surging amid more vehicle traffic than ever, it’s time for the National Park Service to weigh changes to address public safety and wildlife welfare.

Moonshadow’s death this week is not the first time a horse has died after being struck by a vehicle. In fact, since 1982, 35 horses have been fatally hit by vehicles and 18 injured. There have been five hit-and-run accidents, as was the case when Moonshadow and her foal were struck sometime last week.

In efforts to address public safety on the island, the National Park Service has worked with the Maryland Department of Transportation in the past to lower the speed limit on the island, reducing it to 30 mph on Route 611 once over the bridge and then 25 mph on Bayberry Drive leading to the national park area.

The speed limit is unfortunately only as good as the metal signs it is posted on without a proper level of enforcement, which is always a struggle on Assateague. There are not enough rangers to actively monitor the entire island during the peak season. The rangers are unable to ensure speed limits are adhered to regularly. It’s why we think the idea of temporary speed bumps in high-traffic areas deserves some consideration.

A change.org petition calling for speed bumps on Assateague Island is logical. As of Thursday at 11 a.m., more than 4,600 signatures supported speed bumps. However, online polls will only go so far, and officials said this week the best way to enact change – whether it be reduced speed limits, additional law enforcement or speed bumps – is to contact elected representatives to help argue the case.

Berlin desperately needs to obtain a demolition grant to secure any value from a potential Heron Park sale. The appraisal of the 9.35-acre Parcel 57 property came back at a paltry $100,000. The property – part of the 60-acre Heron property purchased for $2.5 million five years ago – consists of the former poultry plant’s processing facility and office space.

The buildings are dilapidated and unsafe for any future use.

The first thing any buyer of the site will do is demolish the structures for likely residential redevelopment. If the pathetic value placed on the property proves anything, it shows how critical the town’s efforts to secure a demolition grant are to the property’s future. For Berlin, maximizing the sale amount is critical to reduce the amount of debt payments – more than $200,000 annually.

“Based on a review of sales and offerings of raw residential land in the vicinity, we estimate a unit value of $20,000 per lot, or $660,000 for a cleared, clean, level site, equivalent to a cornfield of piece of level pasture, with sewer and water at the lot line,” the appraisal reads. “Client provided a Budgetary Estimate for Heron Park – Demolition, dated October 2020,

by DBF, of $552,480. This is the estimated cost to remove the existing building and perform related site clearance. It does not include any work related to the creation of a residential subdivision. The property would then be equivalent to raw land.”

The town was denied the critical demo grant last year, but Mayor Zack Tyndall confirmed this week the town has reapplied with the state again this week for the grant to raze all the existing structures. The difference between this grant application and the previously denied one is it includes letters of support from members of the local shore delegation.

The appraisal document sums up the grim prospect of selling Parcel 57 saying, “The market might well add for profit, holding/carrying cost, liability, a minimum of 20% to the demolition cost figure, making an adjusted demolition cost of $662,976, which would leave an as-is value of effectively $0. We conclude that the as-is value of this property is near zero. We have concluded a token figure of $100,000 for as-is value. The market would probably consider any offer.”

When Ocean City makes national news, it’s almost always for the wrong reasons. It says more about how the media world works than Ocean City. Positive attributes like cleanliness, safety, top-notch accommodations, wide beaches, family fun and world-class fishing and golfing do not garner national headlines. However, a fireworks explosion on the morning of July 4 will gather attention and rightfully so.

There were more questions than answers this week about the fireworks mishap. The early cause guess by Ocean City fire officials was an unintended discharge led to multiple fireworks being set off unexpectedly.

Most of us concluded the exact same thing minutes after the situation.

The fact the experts confirm it was an accident is one part of the story here. Other concerns are whether the discharge occurred because of human error or if it was a faulty product.

The big question moving forward for Ocean City officials is how to handle the situation with the contractor – Starfire Corporation. Ocean City should certainly not have to pay for the fireworks, but the question moving forward will be whether the town will seek a refund of any money already paid out or look to schedule another fireworks show in the near future.

There is a potential marketing play here. If the safety issues are addressed adequately, I think the town should create a new fireworks celebration, perhaps on Aug. 4, as a spin on the 4th of July festivities that all went wrong.

Page 52

Beach Cleaning:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Ocean City Surf Club’s Adopt Your Beach members known as the “Sandy Sanitizers” held a group beach clean-up from 9th to 17th streets on July 5 to help clean up after the busy Fourth of July weekend.

The club issues a special thanks to Rob and the crew at Pizza Boy on 11th Street and the Boardwalk for donating pizzas to all the participants.

Submitted Photo

Pines Players To Hold Auditions

July 9, 2021

BERLIN – The Ocean Pines Players are holding general auditions for actors, prospective actors and singers for the upcoming season by appointment through July 17.

Locations may vary by day, but will all be in Ocean Pines. These auditions are open to everyone and are designed to be casual and fun. Depending on availability, up to four people may be scheduled to audition simultaneously, which often creates a more relaxed, creative, and informal dynamic.

There is no need to prepare anything in advance. Monologs, resumes and head shots are welcome, but not required. Everyone will be asked to participate in an acting audition. Actors may also audition as singers, if desired. Casting decisions always focus as much on attitude, potential, and willingness to take direction as on experience, so beginners are encouraged to try out.

To schedule an audition, contact Karen McClure at 703-727-0528.

The Ocean Pines Players is a local all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit organization. More information about the upcoming season and the Players can be found at www.oceanpinesplayers.com or by following the Ocean Pines Players on Facebook.

Medicare Classes Planned At MAC

SALISBURY – If you are getting ready to turn 65 in the next six months, or will be signing up for Medicare soon, MAC’s “Aging Into Medicare” class could answer many of your questions.

Several classes over the next two months will be held at MAC including Friday, July 9, 10 a.m.-noon; Tuesday, July 20, 5-7 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m.noon; and Tuesday, Aug. 17, 1-3 p.m.

Registration is required and class size is limited.

Turning age 65 is a time when major Medicare planning takes place. These free classes will provide you with information needed to make your best Medicare decisions, and how to avoid possible penalties and delays in coverage for failure to enroll during the specified Initial Enrollment Period. Discussion also will include how Medicare works, what it covers, and how and when to apply.

The classes will be presented by Michelle Parker, coordinator of MAC’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP).

SHIP counselors provide information on Medicare costs and coverage help seniors understand supplemental policies; assist with Medicare appeals; and offer assistance with Medicare enrollment To register for a class, call Jennifer Johnson at 410-742-0505, ext. 113, or email her at jjohnson@macinc.org.

expanded name That Foal Contest Opens This month

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

ASSATEAGUE – Officials with a local nonprofit say community members will have more opportunities to name the six new foals born on Assateague Island this year.

Each year, Assateague Island Alliance – a nonprofit friends group – holds a Name That Foal auction for naming rights of the foals born in the Assateague Island National Seashore. Proceeds raised through the auction are then used to support the park’s Wild Horse Management Program.

But Outreach Coordinator Ashlie Kozlowski said this year’s fundraising efforts will give more community members a chance to participate. This year, the foals born in 2021 will be named through a combination of eBay auctions, online raffles and a new community polling process that will allow people to vote for their favorite moniker.

“This year we wanted to keep our options fluid, so we can balance what is productive financially and engages the most people,” she said.

Later this month an eBay auction will open to name the first of six foals born in 2021. Kozlowski said auctions held this year will be balanced with raffles and a community naming process.

“We’re trying to see what the public wants,” she said.

In 1994, park management introduced a long-term fertility control program to manage the numbers of the Maryland herd after its population reached nearly 200 horses, well above the goal range of 80 to 100. As part of the program, each mare can birth one foal to sustain the herd size before being treated with a contraceptive.

Kozlowski noted the current size of the herd totals 83 horses, and in recent years park management has initiated its adaptive management phase, allowing the population to increase toward the upper end of the goal range. As a result, there are more opportunities for community members to name a foal, identified using an alpha-numeric code that traces their lineage and tracks their sub-herd.

“The mares are being allowed to foal more frequently,” Kozlowski said. “There were six foals born this year, so there are more naming opportunities.”

Assateague Island Alliance was formed in 2008 to promote the education, awareness and protection of Assateague Island National Seashore’s wildlife and natural resources. All proceeds from donations and fundraising efforts directly benefit the park.

“We’re able to access funding and accept donations not tied to specific line item in their budget,” Kozlowski said. “If they have something they are unable to fund … we’re able to provide the funding. It cuts out a lot of red tape.”

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Kozlowski said the Name That Foal contest began years ago as a way to support the park’s horse management program. In recent years, however, use of funds has shifted to hire interns and educate the public on proper food storage.

In 2019, for example, the nonprofit raised $100,000 in grant funding and community donations to support the replacement of all 222 picnic tables in the National Seashore with tables outfitted with wildlife-proof food storage containers. And in 2020, donations from supporters allowed the nonprofit to refurbish

Page 53

two golf carts and provide stipends and safety equipment for two Wild Horse Management interns.

“It’s really about trying to enhance what the park already does and do it in an efficient way,” Kozlowski said. “And donors play a large part in that.”

Kozlowski said more information on the community naming process will be announced in the near future. For more information on Assateague Island Alliance, or its Name That Foal fundraiser, visit assateagueislandalliance.org or any of the nonprofit’s social media accounts.

Page 54

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 9, 2021

COMMUNITY News In Photos

During her visit to Ocean City last week, Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan was joined by Rina Thaler, the Art League of Ocean City's executive director, and Megan Burak, Art League staff member and winner of the Best in Show for her painting "Sirra." The award is part of the annual Beverly Bassford Juried Group Show running through July at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street.

Additionally, Thaler presented Hogan with donations of art that will be included in the "Yumi Cares" auction in the fall. Yumi Cares is the First Lady's nonprofit organization she founded that uses art as a positive influence for children dealing with cancer.

Coldwell Banker CARES Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic recently presented a $500 grant to the Rackliffe House to assist with the preservation and repointing of bricks on the kitchen wing of the historic 18th century house. Pictured are Coldwell Banker office manager Greg Goldman, and Rackliffe House Trust board members Laura Mears, Mandy Lynch and Susan Cropper. Thanks to the restoration efforts of the Rackliffe House Trust and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the historic Rackliffe House serves as a coastal museum that interprets 18th-century life along Maryland’s seaside.

Submitted Photos

Scott Stark was recently inducted as the new 2021-2022 Ocean City Lions Club President. Pictured, from left, are Past President John Topfer, Tail Twister Greg Burgan, Director Doug Parks, Director Ken Robertson, Membership and Scholarship Chair Sean Williams, Treasurer Greg Cathell, Secretary Steve McMillan, outgoing President Mike Hooper, New President Scott Stark and Past District Governor Norm Cathell.

Stephen Decatur High head football coach Jake Coleman recently spoke to the Ocean City Lions Club about the team's Riddell football helmets. Used in the NFL, these greatly reduce the risk of concussions. Coleman hopes to raise enough funds to purchase one for every player. The club donated money for two helmets and individual members contributed for an additional two. Pictured, from left, are Coach Jake Coleman, Lion J.D. Quillin modeling a helmet, and outgoing President Mike Hooper.

The Art League of Ocean City was awarded a matching Community Arts Development Grant of $3,000 to support artist awards at its monthly exhibitions.

Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League of Ocean City, received the award from Sharon Sorrentino of the Worcester County Arts Council on First Friday at the Ocean City Center for the Arts.

The Ocean City Knights of Columbus Council #9053 continues to support the Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health, located in Berlin, through some creative ways. During the month of March, the Life Program of the Knights combined two worthwhile efforts into one special program to collect gift cards and cash from membership and friends. A total of $645 was collected in the form of gift cards, checks or cash to support local families. Pictured for the presentation were Jackie Failla, nurse manager at Grace; Kevin Hughes, life program director for Council #9053; and Jasmine Dennis, executive director at Grace.

Wicomico Officials Provide Update On Broadband Expansion July 9, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – A discussion on Wicomico’s efforts to expand broadband access highlighted a recent meeting with county officials.

Last month, Acting County Executive John Psota and Information Technology Director John Monar met with members of the Wicomico County Council to provide an update on broadband.

“The county continues to maintain and encourage an open line of communication with broadband internet service providers, or ISPs, and all the major players in our region, collecting and providing up-to-date information,” Monar said. “The goal of these efforts is to assist ISPs in identifying expansion projects within the county that reach the most populated, unserved areas.”

Monar noted that broadband has existed in Wicomico County for two decades. In recent years, however, there have been three major expansion projects funded by the state and constructed by the Maryland Broadband Cooperative.

“These three middle-mile projects allow for ISPs to reached unserved areas in Heborn, Quantico and Tyaskin,” he said.

Monar noted the county continues to monitor grant funding opportunities for broadband expansion.

Late last year, for example, the Fed-

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

eral Communications Commission (FCC) awarded Maryland internet provider Talkie Communications millions of dollars to build fiber optic broadband networks throughout the state. That grant, Monar said, includes more than 80 buildouts to unserved areas of Wicomico County.

“At some point, there will be a second round of funding released by the FCC that is anticipated to assist network buildout in partially unserved areas,” he told council members. “Planning, engineering and constructing fiber optic broadband internet service networks is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. It’s important that we recognize that these buildouts are long-term projects.”

Monar said Wicomico County also has plans to participate in listening sessions hosted by the Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband later this summer.

He said those sessions are being cre-

ated to gather input from local jurisdictions and internet providers on how to structure grant programs.

“The county plans to be an active participant in these listening sessions,” he said. “The state will also be constructing a wireless education network for student use on the Eastern Shore, covering areas that currently lack broadband using state-of-the-art wireless technology.”

Officials told the council broadband is a vital component for education, health care and economic development in Wicomico. They noted the county was exploring all grant funding programs and expansion projects.

“We are taking a fiscally responsible and common-sense approach with our efforts,” Monar said.

Councilman John Cannon applauded the administration for its efforts. How-

Page 55

ever, he questioned the role the county would play in future broadband expansion projects.

“How is the county going to deal with these grants, and the contracts with the ISPs?” he said. “… we need a better understanding of what council’s role is, funding and infrastructure wise.”

Monar noted those questions would be addressed during the state’s listening sessions this summer. He noted some counties want to be involved in broadband, while others leave it to private entities.

“We’ll be a participant in that and see what changes come about,” he said.

Psota agreed.

“Broadband is a high priority for my administration, and we’re making sure we’re doing it smartly, and responsibly for the taxpayers …,” he said. “We want to make sure we do it right.”

Page 56

Who’s Where When 45TH STREET TAPHOUSE 443-664-2201 45th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 9: The Pips Saturday, July 10: Going Coastal Sunday, July 11: Test Kitchen Wednesday, July 14: Aaron Howell Thursday, July 15: Ward Ewing

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Best Beats BEATS BY WAX Buxy’s Salty Dog: Friday, July 9 Crawl St. Tavern: Monday, July 12 Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Coins Pub: Sundays & Wednesdays

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

CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th St. & Baltimore Ave. In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays: Phil Perdue COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL CASTLE IN THE SAND HOTEL 37th & 38th St. 410-289-6846 Friday, July 9: Darin Engh, Monkee Paw Saturday, July 10: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama, 33 RPM Sunday, July 11: Shortcut Sunny, Lauren Glick Band Monday, July 12: Sean Loomis, Bob Wilkinson & Joe Smooth Tuesday, July 13: Keri Anthony, Keith White Duo Wednesday, July 14: Taylor Knox, The Dunehounds Thursday, July 15: Kevin Poole, Decade 80 COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 9: Full Circle Saturday, July 10: Jim Long Sundays & Wednesdays: DJ Wax Thursday, July 15: Funk Shué

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, July 9 Crawl St. Tavern: Tuesdays

On The Beach

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BUXY’S SALTY DOG/DRY DOCK 28 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 9: DJ Wax Saturday, July 10: Kevin Dale Sundays: Local’s Party w/ DJ BK

July 9, 2021

DJ BK Greene Turtle North: Friday, July 9 Buxy’s Salty Dog: Sundays

BEATLEGACY Fager’s Island: Sunday, July 11 BEATS BY ADAM DUTCH Purple Moose: Friday, July 9 Tuesday July 13

AARON HOWELL 9th St. Taphouse: Saturday, July 10

SHOTS FIRED Crawl St. Tavern: Friday & Saturday, July 10

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays & Wednesdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday, Sunday July 9 & 11 Thursday, July 15

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Sunday, July 11: Bilenki Duo Wednesday, July 14: Brian Bishop CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, July 9: Scrapple Saturday, July 10: Shots Fired Sunday, July 11: Karaoke w/DJ Jeremy Monday, July 12: DJ Wax, Tuesday, July 13: DJ RobCee Wednesday, July 14: EDM w/Reckless Minds Thursday, July 15: Hot Sauce Band CORK BAR Saturday, July 10: Ricky La Ricci Sunday, July 11: Dust N Bones Duo FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. in the Bay Friday, July 9: Firekite, DJ RobCee, All Star Band Saturday, July 10: Other Brother Darryl, DJ Groove, The Loop Sunday, July 11: DJ Willoughby, Beatlegacy (Beatles Tribute) Monday, July 12: Animal House, DJ Hector, It’s All Good Tuesday, July 13: DJ Greg, DJ Hector Wednesday, July 14: DJ Adam Dutch Thursday, July 15: DJ Greg, DJ Groove, Mallow Hill

FIRST CLASS Lenny’s Beach Bar: Friday-Sunday, July 9-11

KEVIN DALE Buxy’s Salty Dog: Saturday, July 10

STEPHEN ANTHONY Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill: Friday & Saturday, July 9 & 10

DUST N BONES DUO Cork Bar: Sunday, July 11

SURREAL Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, July 9 & 10

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 57

Who’s Where When GREENE TURTLE NORTH 410-723-2120 116th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 9: DJ BK Saturday, July 10: The Rockoholics

HONEY SHINE Pickles Pub: Saturday, July 10

MALLOW HILL Fager’s Island: Thursday, July 15

HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Friday, July 9: DJ Billy T Saturday July 10: Side Project, DJ Jeremy Sunday, July 11: Opposite Directions, DJ Billy T Thursday, July 15: DJ Billy T MULLIGAN’S 410-213-7717 12445 Ocean Gateway, West OC Saturday, July 10: TBA OCEAN CLUB 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The Clarion Hotel Friday-Sunday, July 9-11: New Censation Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill Friday-Sunday, July 9-11: Stephen Anthony Friday-Sunday, July 9-11: First Class Monday-Thursday, July 12-15: On The Edge

BILENKI DUO Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sunday, July 11

FULL CIRCLE Coins: Friday, July 9 Seacrets: Monday & Wednesday, July 12 & 14

OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 410-641-7501 1 Mumford’s Landing Rd., Ocean Pines Friday, July 9: Kaleidoscope Saturday, July 10: Mike Hines Sunday, July 11: Marcella Thursday, July 15: Zander Jett PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, July 9: Beats By Styler Saturday, July 10: Honey Shine Sunday, July 11: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke With Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, July 11 Seacrets: Tuesday, July 13

JIM LONG BAND Seacrets: Friday, July 9 Coins Pub: Saturday, July 10 (solo)

KEVIN POOLE & JOE MAMA Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday, July 10

HOT SAUCE BAND Crawl St. Tavern: Thursday, July 15

DOC MARTEN & THE FLANNELS Purple Moose: Thursday, July 15

GOING COASTAL 45th St. Taphouse: Saturday, July 10

PURPLE MOOSE 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boardwalk Friday, July 9: DJ Adam Dutch, Surreal Saturday, July 10: DJ Rut, Surreal Sunday, July 11: One Louder Monday, July 12: One Louder Tuesday, July 13: DJ Adam Dutch Wednesday, July 14: DJ Rut Thursday, July 15: Doc Marten & The Flannels SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 9: Jim Long Band, I&I Riddim Reggae, Cherry Crush Saturday, July 10: DJ Bobby O, Until Sunrise, I&I Riddim Reggae, Evolution X, Kono Nation Sunday, July 11: Triple Rail Turn I&I Riddim Reggae, Smashed Monday, July 12: Full Circle, Rising Sun Reggae Tuesday, July 13: Opposite Directions, Bumpin Uglies, Rising Sun Reggae Wednesday, July 14: Full Circle Duo, Zion Reggae Band, Kono Nation Thursday, July 15: John McNutt Band, New Direction, Go Go Gadjet

Page 58

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

July 9, 2021

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above is a common scene under the Wicomico Street Pier as beachgoers set up hammocks in the shade. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

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Klump Fund Honored With Award

July 9, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A local suicide prevention organized has received statewide recognition for its work in the community.

Each year, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot presents the William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award to one agency in each county devoted to helping those in their community. The 2021 award for Worcester County was given to the Jesse Klump Memorial Fund for its work in suicide prevention education and support for local mental health services and training.

“We are delighted that the comptroller has chosen to recognize our work,” said Memorial Fund President Kim Klump, “but the real reward comes when someone says to us at a class, or at a community event, that we have saved lives and given others hope of a brighter future. Those kind words, plus the honor of this award, are the things that keep us committed to protecting other families from the tragedy suffered by mine.”

The Jesse Klump Memorial Fund was founded in 2009 following the death by suicide of a 17-year old Snow Hill High School senior. In the years since, the fund’s Jesse Klump Suicide Awareness & Prevention Program has become the leading nonprofit on the lower Eastern Shore focusing on suicide prevention, with a variety of services, classes and a support group for those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

In an interview this week, Klump said the nonprofit was notified earlier this year of its nomination for the Schaefer Award. She said her initial reaction was one of shock.

“It feels good to be recognized, especially after the year we’ve had …,” she said. “On behalf of myself and the organization, we would like to thank whoever nominated us.”

Corresponding Secretary Ron Pilling said the recognition was particularly meaningful, as it followed a challenging year that tested the mental health of many in the community.

“I’m sure those in the decision-making process realized how badly mental health and suicide prevention services were needed in all of this,” he said. “It’s

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

a real honor to be recognized as one of the leading suicide prevention organizations on the Eastern Shore.”

Pilling also applauded community members for their role in promoting the organization.

“We want to thank everybody, not just the board members and volunteers and staff, but everyone in the county who helped us raise the visibility of the Memorial Fund and the importance of suicide prevention and mental health care,” he said. “They should be the ones getting this award.”

Officials with the Jesse Klump Memorial Fund said operating throughout the pandemic did not come without its challenges. As public engagements, classroom sessions and workshops were canceled, the organization turned to farmers markets and tabled events to promote their mission.

“The past year was difficult because we had to try and figure out how to reach the public during COVID …,” Klump said. “Like everybody else, we tried to learn new ways of doing things.”

Now, as businesses and schools reopen and activities return, Pilling said the Memorial Fund has plans to broaden its outreach.

Later this year, for example, the organization will implement a new program aimed at families of elementary-aged students that have experienced severe trauma. Officials say the pilot program begins next month, when they will begin training 15 local therapists who will implement the program in local schools. “’Bounce Back’ is a proven counseling practice that, with the help of our partners at the Board of Education and the Health Department, will be in place in two Worcester County elementary schools, with the hope of expanding to every school in years to come,” Pilling said.

The organization will also host its 13th annual Jesse’s Paddle event on Sept. 18. The 2021 fundraiser will be held at the Pocomoke River Canoe Company in Snow Hill.

To learn more about the fund, including news about the 13th annual Jesse’s Paddle fellowship and fundraising gathering, visit www.jessespaddle.org.

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Page 59

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 9, 2021

People in Society Salisbury Young Professionals Victor Vazquez and Nick Hollywood joined in the fun at the Young Professionals of the Pines June Monthly Mingle.

by Jeanette Deskiewicz Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Excited to meet new friends was Cinnamon Wright with Secretary Dawn Hodge at the June social for the Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group.

Promoting bike safety at Snow Hill’s July First Friday were Jerry Denk, President Tres Denk and Alex Mitchell of the Eastern Shore International Mountain Bicycling Association.

Stand + Bloom owner Lydia Messinger had help from Allen Foxwell in selling her locally grown cut flowers at the Berlin Farmers Market.

Blueberries were on the menu this month at the Berlin Farmers Market with Scott Bulkeley and Kelly Hosey representing Bennett Orchards.

New member to the Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group Shelly Walter was introduced to the club by Vice President Susan Lloyd at the June social.

During the Young Professionals of the Pines June Monthly Mingle, Tiki Tim’s Tiki Bartenders Brittney Mueller and Allison Bannon kept the group well hydrated.

Along the Pocomoke River, in Sturgis Park, Becky Payne and Kailyn Brunstetter sold popcorn at Snow Hill’s July First Friday/Independence Day Celebration.

Combining forces for the ultimate street dance party at Snow Hill’s July First Friday were DJ Wiz (Steve Gustus) and DJ T-Dome (Tucker Williams).

At Snow Hill’s July First Friday, Pop Warner Snow Hill Youth Football League Coaches Laron Powell and Lamont Marshall signed up new team members.

Umbrella Safety Begins With Proper Initial Setting In Sand

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 61

GUARDING THE BEACH

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – Umbrellas swept by wind gusts often barrel down the beach at speeds of up to 20 mph. High winds and gusts are common on the shoreline, and these conditions which often change rapidly, mixed with an improperly set umbrella, can mean trouble.

Unfortunately, every summer beach patrols along the East Coast respond to medical emergencies caused by flying umbrellas. In some cases, injuries are serious enough to require a Paramedic response. Fortunately, in Ocean City this is a rare occurrence, compared to the huge number of umbrellas along our 10 miles of beach.

These accidents can often be prevented and are basically caused by an umbrella that was not set properly in the sand. Not DAMIEN SANZOTTI only does a flying umbrella often result in some type of injury, it can also have legal ramifications. The owner of the flying umbrella can be held responsible for any injury caused to another person. Here are a few important tips to follow when setting a beach umbrella.

•If you rent an umbrella, make sure the beach stand operator is the person

that sets it in the sand for you. If you move or reset the umbrella on your own, you are responsible.

•When setting the umbrella, just jabbing it into the ground is not enough. You must jab and then rock the whole umbrella pole back and forth until about 18 inches (a cubit or length of an adult forearm) of the pole are beneath the sand.

Screwing the umbrella into the sand is not effective.

•Make sure the umbrella is tilted into the wind. This will prevent a gust from getting up under the umbrella. The greater the wind speed the smaller the angle should be between the beach and umbrella.

•Use common sense. If winds are high and you are using a low quality plastic or light metal umbrella or your umbrella setting skills are poor, do not set your umbrella up in the dangerous conditions.

•If you leave the beach for any reason, do not leave your umbrella open and unattended. Close it up and take it down until you return because the weather and wind conditions can change without warning.

Part of a Surf Rescue Technician’s training is how to properly place an umbrella in the sand, so that they may instruct you, if you do not know how to do it safely. The lifeguard on duty may give you these tips and suggestions, but will not set your umbrella for you. Lifeguards will

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also make an effort to warn people of high winds, although a gust of wind (un-predictable) may dislodge an improperly installed umbrella while other surrounding umbrellas may remain secure.

You should also speak with your lifeguard about where umbrellas should be placed on the beach. Umbrellas set east of the lifeguard stand impede the lifeguard’s view and violate a city ordinance.

If you arrive at the beach before lifeguards are on duty, be sure to set your umbrella a few yards behind the high tide

line.

If you want to watch some informative videos about how to set an umbrella properly, you can go to our website and click on the safety link.

Happy shading under your properly set umbrella, and remember “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguards in the stand.”

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

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 9, 2021

First Friday In OC: John Sisson, president, and Rina Thaler, executive di-

rector, of the Art League of Ocean City celebrated a new sculpture exhibit by Bill Wolff, the Art League's Robinson Fellow for 2021, on First Friday at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. Nancy Mitchell, above with Sisson, Wolff and Thaler, poet laureate of Salisbury, wrote and read a poem about Wolff's sculptures during the event. Above right, the family of Beverly Bassford gathered to pay tribute to their mother's legacy during the annual memorial show and also to present the Best in Show Award 2021 to West Ocean City artist Megan Burak for her painting, "Sirra." Pictured, from left, are Colleen Hoyt, Burak and Lucy and Wes Greenwell.

At right, below, Ayomide Odedina of Laurel, and Sarah and Samantha Brown of Arbutus enjoyed the art exhibit.

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Wendy Miller: Confidence Is Key

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 63

OCBP ALUMNI OF THE WEEK

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

OCEAN CITY – The mountains of Frostburg are pretty far removed from the waves of Ocean City. But that's where Wendy Miller was attending college when she made the decision to head to the beach for the summer of 1991.

Wendy was just 21 when she arrived in Ocean City and quickly settled into the beach life working a summer retail job.

At school, she played field hockey and lacrosse and loved working out. She was in good shape and a natural competitor. It was for this reason that one day while she was laying out on the beach, "a friend of my brothers, Skip Lee, an officer on Ocean City Beach Patrol rode by on the four-wheeler, stopped by to say hi and said, ‘hey you should try out for beach patrol this weekend.’ I went home and called my parents and said I think I’m going to give it a try.

When I showed up at tryouts I remem-

ber sitting on the Boardwalk waiting to do the swim with the sounds from the arcade blasting behind me. Then I heard the water was 58 degrees."

She passed the test and found herself in the north end of town. "The first rescue I did was on 134th Street. It was a neck/back injury and I had to use the Hawaiian maneuver that I had just learned. With that pull I gained confidence and really felt I could do anything."

Over the course of the next four summers, Wendy's confidence grew as did her standing in the OCBP. She was named crew chief and took up the stand on 58th Street right next to a particularly treacherous rip that would open with brutal regularity.

"On days when the rip was roaring, Matt McGinnis, who sat on 60th Street, and I would go in numerous times a day.

We almost always went in together because so many people would get caught in it. One particular day we had gone in so many times and it was so strong, that I decided to get the land line from my

Wendy Miller is pictured after a crew competition.

Submitted Photo

car. The landline is a spool of rope that you attach to your buoy and guards on shore pull you in to the beach. It's mainly used in competitions. Lt. Warren Williams was driving by and I asked him to sit my stand for a few minutes while I ran

back to get the land line.”

She continued, “As I was coming back from my car, I heard two whistles and knew that Warren was in the water.

When I got on the beach I saw him out there with about 6 to 10 people stuck in the rip. I hooked the land line to my buoy and swam it out. When I got there, Warren had everyone around and he told them all to grab our buoys and hang on tight because they were about to get a ride. I waved my hand to the shore and we did get a serious ride in. When we got to the shore, I realized a bunch of beach patrons had helped pull all of us in. I will never forget that day."

Wendy sums up her experience on the beach patrol in this way: "I have had many jobs over the years but my years on the OCBP remain my favorite. As a woman I gained so much confidence personally and athletically. I was part of the group of women who got to travel and compete in all female competitions.

I also made it to Nationals in 1994 for four different events. But more than that, I made great friendships and memories.

We are lifeguards for life."

Wendy lives year-round in Ocean City with her family and works out professionally.

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July 9, 2021

SPORTS

39th Canyon Kickoff In The Books In The News

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Photo by Amanda Shick

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Marlin Club’s 39th Annual Canyon Kickoff was once again a huge success with dozens of boats and hundreds of anglers filling out the leaderboard in several categories and collecting thousands in prize money.

The Canyon Kick-Off, held each year on or near the Fourth of July weekend, is the first major event of the season each year for the Ocean City Marlin Club and serves as a prelude to the more high-profile tournaments including the Ocean City Tuna Tournament next weekend, the Big Fish Classic later this month and, of course the White Marlin Open next month. With plenty of billfish

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releases and tuna and dolphin weighed at the scales all weekend, the Canyon Kick-Off lived up to its name as the first significant offshore fishing event of the season.

In the billfish release division, it was the crew on the Big Stick/#trappequeens taking first with 400 release points worth $5,886. The Fish On was second with 150 release points and earned $1,224, while the Brenda Lou was third with 100 release points.

In the tuna division, first place went to the Loose Knot with a 51-pounder worth $6,615. The Gret’s Three J’s took second with a 45-pounder worth $999, and third with a 43-pounder worth $666.

The Kilo Charlie took first place in the dolphin division with 14-pounder worth a tournament-high $8,280.

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The 33rd annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament is underway with dozens of boats and hundreds of anglers searching the canyons off the coast of the resort in search of the burly behemoths.

The tuna bite has been solid thus far this summer, setting up what should be a memorable 2021 Ocean City Tuna Tournament. The event got started Thursday with a captain’s meeting and late registration at the host Ocean City Fishing Center, but the real action gets underway today with the first of three official fishing days.

The annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament is one of the highlights of the summer offshore tournament seasons each

year, second only perhaps to the White Marlin Open in terms of prize money awarded and anglers participating. Thousands of spectators will cram into the Ocean City Fishing Center over the course of the four-day event, which has become a celebration of fishing, food, drinks, live entertainment and, of course, the daily weigh-ins at the scale. Weighins will be held Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Fishing Center and Sunset Marina, and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Fishing Center only.

From modest beginnings in 1988 when just 38 boats competed for $9,000 in prize money, the tuna tournament has grown by leaps and bounds over the last two decades plus. Last year, 104 boats and hundreds of anglers competed for over $857,000 in several categories.

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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with Scott Lenox I hope everyone had an awesome 4th of July. We had a few blow days and a little rain, but overall it was a good week of fishing and the Ocean City Marlin Club Canyon Kick-Off Tournament went off without a hitch.

The 39th Annual Ocean City Marlin Club Canyon Kick-Off Tournament had a total of 23 boats fishing and thanks to strong winds on Friday it turned into a fish two of two-day event on Saturday and Sunday. In the end, the all-ladies team from the Big Stick took first place honors in the billfish release division with 400 points, Loose Knot captured first place in the tuna category with a 51.6pound yellowfin tuna and Kilo Charlie won first place in the mahi category with a 14.6-pound fish. Big Stick won $5,886, Loose Knot pocketed $6,615 and the big money winner was Kilo Charlie who cashed in for $8,280. Congratulations to all the winners and congratulations to the Ocean City Marlin Club for putting on another awesome event.

Tuna fishing in the offshore canyons was slow for several days last week after the full moon cycle, but has picked up nicely since. Tuna and other fish have more of an opportunity to feed at night

when the moon is big and bright and that can cause fishing to be slow for days after the full moon. Now that the moon phase has nights much darker fishing has gotten back to normal and boats are having luck finding fish between 30 and 60 pounds with the occasional 80 pounder mixed in. There are also a few bigeye tuna mixed in the with yellowfin with most fish in the 100- to 150-pound range with some bigger fish in the mix. Captain Willie Zimmerman and the crew of RoShamBo found a jumbo last week when they trolled up a 235 pounder.

Most summers sea bass fishing will slow down considerably once we hit July and water temperatures warm into the upper 60s and 70s, but not this year.

Sea bass fishing over ocean structure has continued to be impressive with lots of keeper sized fish over 12 1/2”. There are still some limits of 15 fish per person being caught on board local party and charter boats as well. There are more flounder and triggerfish being caught on ocean wrecks and reefs recently too, so ocean bottom fishermen are very happy that they have several different tasty SEE PAGE 66

Mate Joey Abbatichio of the Miss Ocean City caught this beautiful 24” flounder on the Fish in OC Double Trouble in chartreuse.

Submitted Photos

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July 9, 2021

Above top left, Blake Gunther and Derek Yobst had a crazy good day of flounder fishing with seven keepers going in the cooler. Above top center, this group released a white marlin and boxed three yellowfin tuna with Captain Chris Watkowski on board the Spring Mix II. Above top right, Shawn Flaherty was fishing with Big Bird Cropper when he landed this 34” keeper rockfish near the Route 50 Bridge. Above left, the ladies of the Big Stick took first place honors in the Ocean City Marlin Club Canyon Kick-Off last weekend. Above right, this big 235-pound bigeye was caught by the crew fishing on board the RoShamBo with Captain Willie Zimmerman.

Opposite page, top left, these ladies had a great trip with Captain Jason Mumford aboard his Lucky Break when they landed bluefish and a 22” flounder. Opposite page, top right, Brian Porter of the Boss Hogg put this group on 12 yellowfin tuna and a gaffer mahi. Opposite page, middle left, keeper doubles like this are a regular occurrence on board the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins. Opposite page, middle right, this nice triggerfish was caught on board the Judith M with Captain Rick Shoaff at the wheel. Opposite page, bottom left, Captain Marc Spagnola of Dusk to Dawn Bowfishing showed this shooter the way to a big cow nosed ray. Opposite page, bottom right, this angler caught double doormat flounder on board the Fish Bound with Captain Kane Bounds.

... Fish In OC FROM PAGE 65 species to choose from. Remember to fish right on top of the structure for sea bass and triggerfish, but around the structure for flounder. Smaller hooks are preferred for triggerfish, but larger hooks in live bait or wide gap styles are preferred for flounder and sea bass which have much larger mouths. Squid will get the deal done on all three species, but if you’re specifically targeting flounder some Gulp or long strip baits might attract a keeper sized fish.

Speaking of keeper sized flounder, there are still some left in the bay if you

know where to look. Back bay water clarity was pretty good last week so there were lots of flounder caught and I saw several fish over the 16 1/2” keeper threshold. I haven’t seen many bunker or mullet yet, so large live minnows or 5” Gulp on our Fish in OC Dale Timmons’ Deadly Double or Double Trouble rig will give you a good shot at weeding out the short flounder. Water temps in the back bays are in the upper 60s and low 70s at high tide and I’ve seen low 80s at low tide. That means flounder are also hanging in deeper water now so don’t hesitate to fish in the channels where it can reach 30’ or more. I fished the east channel on the 4th of July with our Deadly Double rig in chartreuse with white 4” Gulp swimming mullet and live minnows

and had two very nice fish. A 20” three pounder and a 22” four pounder both fell for this combo in 35’ to 40’ of water. It was a nice surprise and some good eating. I’m still seeing plenty of bluefish and rockfish reports from the OC Inlet, the Oceanic Pier and the Route 50 Bridge and both are being caught on artificial like the Fish in OC Thing A Ma JIG and the Roy Rig. Keeper sized rockfish from 28” to 35” are being caught on Stretch lures or live bait like spot or eels. I’ve also seen a few more sheepshead coming in which is a great sign for jetty fishermen.

This weekend is the 34th Annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament put on by the Ocean City Fishing Center. Weighins will happen Friday and Saturday,

July 9 and 10 from 4-8:30 p.m. and on Sunday, July 11 from 4-7 p.m. If you can’t make the scales at the Ocean City Fishing Center you can watch the live broadcast at www.octunatournament.com put on by myself and the rest of the Hooked on OC crew. Looks like it should be an awesome event. You can check out the daily standings and my full fishing report the Daily Angle at FishinOC.com and I’ll bring you all of the big winners of the OC Tuna Tournament right here next week. Until then, tight lines.

(The writer is the owner of Fish in OC and host of Ocean City’s fishing television show Hooked on OC. He has worked in the fishing industry and been fishing the waters in and around Ocean City for over 25 years.)

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Every Friday: Bingo Knights of Columbus will host with doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Held at the Columbus Hall at 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke's Church. Light refreshments available. Call 410-524-7994 with any questions.

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

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

Weekly Programs Through Aug. 31: Museum Programs Free weekly programs beginning at 10 a.m. at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. Monday: History of our Surfman, learn about the U.S Life Saving Service and the heroic men who rescued ships in distress off the coast of Ocean City. Tuesday: Beach Safety, learn how to be safe in the surf and spell your name using semaphore. The famous Ocean City Beach Patrol is on hand with everything you need to know. Wednesday: Knot Tying, become an expert at nautical knots with help from the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary. Thursday: All About Sharks, discover what types of sharks are found off the coast of Ocean City. Friday: Land Sky, & Sea, learn how the island was formed, what birds fly overhead, and what creatures inhabit our ocean and coastal bays.

Daily at 11:30 a.m.: Aquarium Feeding Daily, discover the wildlife that inhabits the ocean and coastal bays, as you watch our aquarium animals eat their morning meal.

July 9: Bathtub Races The Bathtub Races are back for 2nd Friday in Berlin. Bathtubs of all shapes and sizes race down Main Street for the winning trophy. Parade begins at 6 p.m. with races at 6:15 p.m. Sponsored by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce featuring Ocean98 DJs Big Al Reno & Schwab. 410-641-4775.

July 9 & 20, Aug. 6 & 17: Medicare Class MAC’s “Aging Into Medicare” class is provided to help those age 65 and up make important Medicare decisions and how to avoid possible penalties and delays in coverage for failure to enroll during the specific enrollment period. To register for a class, call Jennifer Johnson at 410-742-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do 0505, Ext 113; or email her at jjohson@macinc.org July 10: Oyster Fritters, Fish Fry Calvary United Methodist Church at 8607 Ironshire Station Road in Berlin is offering an oyster fritter and Fish fry fundraiser beginning at 10:30 a.m. until sold out. Sandwiches are $9 apiece and platters $12 (includes a side and soda). 443-783-6024.

July 10: Anglers Club Meeting The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Library.

The speakers will be Cpl. Gina Tyler of the DNR Police and Dr. Roman Jesien, Science Coordinator for the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. Questions will be welcomed during the presentations. Angler members will provide updates on current fishing issues. All welcome.

July 10: BBQ Chicken Fundraiser Benefiting the Berlin Seahawks Pop Warner program, the fundraiser will be held from noon till sold out at Bailey’s Seafood off Route 113 in Frankford, Del. Leg quarter, baked beans, roll and water or soda for $10.

July 11, 18, 25: Sundaes in the Park Bring your chair to Northside Park and your sweet tooth on Sunday nights all summer long. Sit back and enjoy your favorite bands with a tasty ice cream treat.

Following the concert, get ready for the first of its kind OC Drone Show over the Bay at 9 pm. www.oceancitymd.gov for summer concert series.

July 13: Comedian Shows At 10:30 a.m. at the Berlin Library and 2 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Library, Uncle TyRone is a self-taught ventriologuist, puppeteer and kids comedian. Register at worcesterlibrary.org.

July 14: Comedian Show 10 a.m., Ocean City branch. Uncle TyRone is a self-taught ventriologuist, puppeteer and kids comedian. Register at worcesterlibrary.org.

July 14: Job Fair Prospective employers from across Worcester County will be on hand offering hun-

dreds of seasonal and year-round jobs at the Open Air Job Fair at Elks Lodge #1624 in Pocomoke from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Employers offering competitive wages and signing bonuses will be accepting applications and hiring onsite. No registration is required.

Come prepared to apply and interview.

Training and transportation resources will be available onsite. Space is also available at no cost for employers who would like to participate. This event will take place rain or shine. For more information, contact WCTED Workforce Engagement Specialist Jackie Trieu atj-trieu@co.worcester.md.us or at (410) 632-3110.

July 15, 22, 29: Sunset Park Concerts The Ocean City Development Corporation will hold Sunset Park Party Nights downtown on Thursday nights from 7-9 featuring local and regional bands. www.oceancitymd.gov for summer concert series.

July 15, 22, 29: Beach Dance Party Head to the Boardwalk and the Caroline Street Stage for a weekly beach dance party under the lights beginning at 7;30 p.m. www.oceancitymd.gov for summer concert series.

July 15: Annual Crab Feast American Legion Riders Post 166 will hold all you can eat crab feast from 4-7 p.m.

Cost is $43 per person, children under 12 $21.50, only 220 tickets available. 410289-3166 or email steward166@comcast.net for tickets

July 17: Ocean Games The Ocean Games features a sanctioned series of three- and nine-mile open water swims along the Atlantic coastline. The swim also offers a two- or three-person team nine-mile relay. Open to novices and seasoned athletes alike. www.oceangamesus.org.

July 17: Youth Fishing Contest The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will host the annual Art Hansen Memorial Youth Fishing Contest on Saturday, July 17 at the South Gate Pond in Ocean Pines.

Registration, 8:30-9:30 a.m. and the contest will be from 9-10:30 a.m. Youths should bring their own fishing rod and reel.

July 9, 2021 Bait is provided. A trophy will be awarded for the biggest fish in each age group with special awards for the top three. Children younger than age 4 can fish but will not be eligible for a trophy. A drawing will be held for two grand prizes -- a deep sea fishing trip aboard The Angler and a custom Mike Vitak fishing rod. This is a free event. John McFalls, 610-505-1697.

July 20: Outdoor Program At 2 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Library branch, juggler Carlos Mir will entertain with an energetic performance. Register at worcesterlibrary.org July 26-28: Jesus At The Beach Festival Convention Center 40th St, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Join us for praise, worship, dance, drama, testimony, preaching, prayer, and Holy Spirit ministry. 7-10 p.m. come to North Division Street beach for fellowship. Free.

Sonspot.org

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Sundaes in the Park Bring your chair to Northside Park and your sweet tooth on Sunday nights all summer long. Sit back and enjoy your favorite bands with a tasty ice cream treat. Following the concert, get ready for the first of its kind OC Drone Show over the Bay at 9 pm. www.oceancitymd.gov for summer concert series.

Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Sunset Park Concerts The Ocean City Development Corporation will hold Sunset Park Party Nights downtown on Thursday nights from 7-9 featuring local and regional bands. www.oceancitymd.gov for summer concert series.

Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Beach Dance Party Head to the Boardwalk and the Caroline Street Stage for a weekly beach dance party under the lights beginning at 7:30 p.m. www.oceancitymd.gov for summer concert series.

Aug. 7: Artisan, Craft Festival The Pine'eer Artisan and Craft Club is looking for artisan and crafters to show their handmade items at White Horse Park, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Space reservations available by contacting Jane Wolnik at 410-208-4225.

Sept. 5: Sundaes in the Park Bring your chair to Northside Park and your sweet tooth on Sunday nights all summer long. Sit back and enjoy your favorite bands with a tasty ice cream treat. Following the concert, get ready for the first of its kind OC Drone Show over the Bay at 9 pm. www.oceancitymd.gov for summer concert series.

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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 CLEANERS WANTED FOR OC: If you are a conscientious individual or team looking for great hours and pay on the weekends...then we are the cleaning company for you! Experience preferred. Cell phone and vehicle required. (443)880-0525.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GUTTER PROS: Now hiring experienced gutter installer and experienced construction labor in Ocean Pines area. Call 443-880-4813.

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

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THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING MAINTENANCE/ HOUSEMAN FULL-TIME Day Shifts & Evening Shifts Available

APPLY IN PERSON 1800 Baltimore Avenue Monday-Friday 11am-4pm

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER For Part Time Work in Motel. Must Have Experience.

Great Pay. Call 410-289-9205.

SUN N FUN MOTEL NOW HIRING FOR*FULL TIME 2ND SHIFT FRONT DESK CLERK 4PM-MIDNIGHT *DAYTIME HOUSEKEEPING

APPLY IN PERSON 29th St & Baltimore Ave. Mon-Fri 9am-3pm

THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING FULL-TIME DAYTIME HOUSEKEEPING APPLY IN PERSON 1800 Baltimore Avenue Monday-Friday 11am-4pm

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

Must have: Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License

Exp. Required!

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

THUNDERBIRD BEACH MOTEL NOW HIRING FRONT DESK NIGHT AUDIT HOUSEKEEPING PM HOUSEMAN/ MAINTENANCE APPLY IN PERSON Monday-Friday 9am-3pm Thunderbird Beach Motel 32nd Street, Ocean City

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 NOW HIRING - ALL SHIFTS FRONT DESK ATTENDANTS & NIGHT AUDITOR: $16-$18/Hour HOUSEKEEPING: $14-$16/Hour We require satisfactory background check by all applicants.

Apply On Site - Safari Motel 13th Street & Boardwalk | 410-289-6411

CASHIER/ SALES ASSOCIATE Must be friendly & dependable FT/PT - Year Round & Seasonal - Various Shifts Competitive Hourly Wage + BONUS Benefits Available

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

Ride the B in OC!

July 9, 2021

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

CONSTRUCTION HELP NEEDED General Construction Laborers: Must have valid driver’s license and own transportation.

Construction Foreman: Need to have EIFS experience; Experience with concrete repair, caulking and painting; Must have valid driver’s license and own transportation.

TOP PAY FOR THE RIGHT INDIVIDUALS PLEASE CALL JENNA AT 410-726-1840

NOW HIRING BARTENDERS, SERVERS, DRIVERS, YEAR ROUND COOK

Call 410-726-7061 for Interview or Apply Within at 56th Street.

B.E.S.T. Motels Now Accepting Applications For

HOUSEKEEPERS Apply In Person ONLY 12noon-3pm Tuesday – Friday ONLY Executive Motel 3001 N Baltimore Avenue 2nd Floor Office Ocean City, Maryland Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER We are currently recruiting an experienced Food & Beverage Manager to work under our Food & Beverage Director.

Responsibilities include overseeing and being responsible for our busy restaurants, bars, & conference center.

The candidate should have excellent communication skills and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to train employees. Must have strong management experience in a large restaurant, banquet and/or convention services experience. Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays. Excellent salary and benefits package. Send resume and salary requirements to:

CLARION RESORT FOUTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 Phone: 410-524-3535 Fax: 410-723-9109 EOE M/F/D/V

July 9, 2021

NOW HIRING - COOKS OCEAN PINES LOCATION

Call 410-726-7061 for Interview

NOW HIRING!

SUMMER/YEAR-ROUND FULL- OR PART-TIME *SIGNING BONUS INCENTIVES*

EXPERIENCED LINE COOKS $16-$20/HOUR EXPEDITOR GREAT HOURLY RATE + TIPS Please apply in person.

Greene Turtle West Rt. 611, West OC 410-213-1500 WEST OC’S MOST FUN PLACE TO WORK AND MAKE $$$$

AUTOMOTIVE GREAT-GREAT-GREAT OPPORTUNITIES! Technicians - Up To $1000 Sign On Bonus!

We are part of a large automotive group with parts stores, service centers, and used car dealership.

Fast paced, energetic atmosphere with advancement opportunities! We have locations in the Rehoboth, Bethany, and Ocean City areas.

We Are Now Hiring For: ~Technicians - Up To $1000 Sign On Bonus & Tool Allowance for Qualified Technicians ~Service Advisors ~Tire & Lube Techs ~Auto Parts Associates/Advisors ~Car Salesman/Detailer ~Tow Truck Drivers

Berlin’s Newest Eatery!

Now Hiring: KITCHEN HELP WAIT STAFF Call Matt at 302-593-4141 or email thesterlingtavern@gmail.com

HIRING AT BOTH LOCATIONS ALL POSITIONS INCLUDING MANAGEMENT APPLY IN PERSON South Location 31st St. Coastal Hwy. 410-289-2581 North Location 128th St. Coastal Hwy. 410-250-2304

I NDI A N R I V ER MA R I NA I S NO W HI R I NG! •MAINTENANCE •RAMP ATTENDANT •BOAT YARD STAFF •FUEL DOCK ATTENDANT •NIGHT WATCH (11P-7A)

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

Excellent Pay and Benefits including Company Matched Retirement Plan, Vacation, Holiday Pay, Health Insurance, Discounts, and Much More!!!

Call Matt: 302-344-9846 Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Full Time Year Round Positions ~EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT ~HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR ~FRONT DESK AGENT ~NIGHT AUDIT ~MAINTENANCE ~PAINTER ~ROOM ATTENDANT Seasonal Positions ~SECURITY ~GRILL COOKS ~SERVERS ~BARTENDER ~HOSTESS/HOST ~BUSSER ~FOOD RUNNERS ~POOL ATTENDANT ~WAREHOUSE CLERK ~BEACH STAND TOP WAGES! EXCELLENT BENEFITS! HOUSING AVAILABLE! FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

SEASONAL OC HOTEL NOW HIRING FOR:

Seasonal Day or Evening Housekeeping Positions Evening Laundry Person Must Be Dependable.

Call Seahawk Motel

1-800-942-9042 YARD SALES CAINE WOODS: Neighborhoodwide yard sales. 136th-146th Sts. Bayside, Ocean City. Sat., 7/10, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Rain date 7/11.

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COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE: Retail Banking Center with drive thru. Contact Brian Gamm. 443-880-2225.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 OfficeRetail and 1 Warehouses. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

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REAL ESTATE FSBO: Spacious 1BR/1BA Condo.

Bayside North OC. Waterview.

Short walk to beach. $210,000.

Call 410-422-0144 to see or for more information.

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July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Third Insertion CHRISTOPHER S ROBINS, ESQ. ROBINS & ROBINS, P.A. 128 EAST MAIN STREET PO BOX 506 SALISBURY, MD 21803-0506 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18793 To all persons interested in the estate of ALICE M TWEEDY, ESTATE NO. 18793. Notice is given that WILLIAM L TWEEDY, 395 BURR STREET, FAIRFIELD, CT 06824 was on, JUNE 17, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ALICE M TWEEDY, who died on APRIL 29, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17TH day of DECEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; 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 JUNE 25, 2021

WILLIAM L TWEEDY Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 06-25, 07-02, 07-09

Third Insertion MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18797 To all persons interested in the estate of FRANK WILLIAM ERNST SR, ESTATE NO. 18797. Notice is iven that DORIS MAE ERNST, 147 PINEHURST ROAD, OCEAN PINES, MD 21811 was on, JUNE 21, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of FRANK WILLIAM ERNST SR, who died on SEPTEMBER 14, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21ST day of DECEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 25, 2021 DORIS MAE ERNST Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 06-25, 07-02, 07-09

Second Insertion THOMAS K. COATES, ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18799 To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA STAEDTLER, ESTATE NO. 18799. Notice is given that LINDSAY HARRIS, 12304 JAMAICA AVENUE UNIT 204, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 was on, JUNE 24, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA STAEDTLER, who died on OCTOBER 19, 2020, 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.

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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 24TH day of DECEMBER, 2021.

(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

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; 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 02, 2021 LINDSAY HARRIS 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 07-02, 07-09, 07-16

Second Insertion JOEL J. TODD, ESQ. P.O. BOX 188 BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18801 To all persons interested in the estate of MICHAEL DICKERSON AKA MICHAEL E. DICKERSON, ESTATE NO. 18801. Notice is given that MICHAEL C. DICKERSON, 449 S 12TH ST. #2802, TAMPA, FL 33602 was on, JUNE 24, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MICHAEL DICKERSON, who died on JUNE 15, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24TH day of DECEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this

Page 73 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 02, 2021 MICHAEL C. DICKERSON 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 07-02, 07-09, 07-16

Second Insertion LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE MARIANNA BATIE ESQ 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18803 Notice is given that the SUPERIOR COURT of FRANKLIN COUNTY, NC, appointed MICHELLE IACOVELLI, 150 OLD LIBERTY DRIVE, YOUNGSVILLE, NC 27596 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of DEBRA MARGARET KELLY who died on NOVEMBER 14, 2020, domiciled in NORTH CAROLINA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is MARIANNA BATIE, ESQ. whose address is 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the

notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 02, 2021 MICHELLE IACOVELLI Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 07-02, 07-09, 07-16

Second Insertion AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY, & ALMAND, PA VICTORIA L. O’NEILL, ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18805 Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS COURT of LEBANON COUNTY, PA, appointed DALE J YINGST, 333 W. ORCHARD AVENUE, PALMYRA, PA 17078 as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of BARBARA R YINGST who died on AUGUST 11, 2016, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is VICTORIA L O’NEILL whose address is 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 02, 2021 DALE J YINGST Foreign Personal Representative

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com 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 07-02, 07-09, 07-16

First Insertion NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18790 Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS COURT of CHESTER COUNTY, PA, appointed THOMAS T. MCCLOY, 104 CAMPBELL DRIVE, SOMMERS POINT, NJ 08244 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of JAMES F. GOGGIN who died on SEPTEMBER 08, 2017, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The

Maryland

resident

agent for service of process is MILES P. HAW whose address is 303 E. CROSS STREET, BALTIMORE, MD 21230.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the credi-

tor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JULY 09, 2021 THOMAS T. MCCLOY Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 07-09, 07-16, 07-23

Expanding Our Reach.

Broadening Our Commitment.

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

July 9, 2021

Fenwick Town Hall Reopening Discussed

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 75

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – After a year of closure, officials in Fenwick Island last month agreed to reopen town hall for town-related events.

On June 25, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted 6-1, with Councilwoman Vicki Carmean opposed, to reopen town hall for official town-related meetings later this month.

Town Manager Terry Tieman said town staff recommended reconvening in-person meetings after July 13, which marks the end of Delaware’s state of emergency.

“The governor will be lifting the emergency order on July 13, which means that we’ll start to conduct in-person meetings once again,” she said. “We’ll also continue, at the discretion of the mayor, to do Zoom if that’s what you want to do.”

While town hall would reopen for townrelated events, Tieman said it would not open for outside events and meetings.

Tieman noted the outside lobby of town hall would remain open for people to conduct their business. The building’s restrooms and interior lobby would remain closed to the public.

“Just town meetings would be allowed, no outside meetings,” Mayor Gene Langan added. “If we did allow that, we are going to have to scrub the bathrooms after use and all kinds of things, so we’re not letting outsiders use the restrooms this summer.”

Carmean questioned why Fenwick Island was hesitant to fully reopen its town hall.

“I think we are being overzealous,” she said. “It’s time to get back to the real world.”

Officials, however, noted it was a safer approach.

“We’re in a resort town, and we’re getting people from all over the country, or many states …,” Councilman Bill Weistling said. “We’re getting better, COVID is starting to pass, but I don’t think it hurts for us to play it safe another couple months.”

With no further discussion, the council voted 6-1 for its town hall reopening plan.

“I want to get back to normal,” Carmean said.

Officials last month also voted to reaffirm special event requirements for the summer season.

“We’re just asking council to reaffirm the summer events resolution we had in March and that we will continue to allow outdoor seating and retail up to November,” Tieman said.

In March, the council voted to relax special event requirements in the town’s code to assist businesses in opening their doors and maintain a safe physical distance. Tieman asked council members last week to reaffirm the decision despite the state’s lifting of its emergency declaration.

The council voted 6-1, with Carmean opposed, to reaffirm their decision.

“I want to go back to what is normal, and I don’t see the need for anything special …,” she said. “I think all these special exceptions create problems.”

Restful Beach Days:

Dozens of hammocks line the shaded area underneath the Wicomico Street Pier during summer days, including on the Fourth of July, as this man catches up on some rest.

Photo by Chris Parypa

Page 76

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

F

Puzzle Answers

July 9, 2021

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

PUZZLE ON PAGE 77

St. Paul’s

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

or several years, my kids were blessed to have many grandparents – seven to be exact.

Due to our biological parents getting divorced while Pam and I were both young and remarrying, my kids had several years with many grandparents. It was a good thing.

It also makes our family tree unique with many branches.

With Pam’s father passing two weeks ago, my boys now have two grandparents alive. When I showed Beckett a picture of his official adoption day when he was just two months old, it seemed to hit him how many grandparents have passed away. It’s these sorts of photos that confirm the serious losses in their lives. They lost three grandparents in 2018, one in 2020 and another last month. It’s sad for them and us.

Since her dad’s death, Pam has spent the last few weeks looking through his belongings, photos and reliving many memories. She discovered a journal he kept with poems, essays and songs he had written. Two of my favorites by my father-in-law, Albert Tingle, a wonderful man who read this column each week so he could keep up with his grandkids even after suffering a devastating stroke.

Beckett read one of Albert’s poems at his grandfather’s funeral last week.

Dreams are what men are made of, Not flesh and blood and bone.

Dreams are what sustain us, Whether we’re with friends or alone.

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Now man is restless by nature, And if he’s a young man he looks ahead For new frontiers to conquer, Be it space shops in the sky A break through in medicine, Or even a great criminal lawyer, Like Clarence Darrow or Melvin Belli.

Now with us who are a little older, We tried to dream more in the past.

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And I think in many ways this is best.

For now I can ride with Teddy Roosevelt As we charge up San Juan hill.

And fight with Crocket and Bowie at the Alamo, Before the guns became still.

And walk down the road with Lee at Gettysburg, And see the sad look in his eye, As he says son this war must soon end, Before many more good men die.

From early in the morning ‘til the day’s work is done Always laughing, Never showing pain.

When some young men would have Laid down and died, He got up again.

He’s rough and tough and hard as nails, And sometimes stubborn as can be.

But, I’ve never known him to tell a lie, Or hock someone, you see.

A heart as big as all outdoors, And he will always lend a hand.

All in all, he’s a pretty good guy, And really a check of a man.

Oh, I’ve climbed mountains, And shot a record class bear, And outshot Wyatt Earp, Just on a dare.

Oh, what the heck, I’m not the daring young hero, Never have been or never will.

In fact, I’m just a shade this sort of forty, With a good wife and kids to raise.

And I’m not so sure I would have gone, Had I lived in those days.

But I don’t have that decision to make, As I sit here in my easy chair.

With just a hint of a pot belly, And my thinning hair.

But if some time you see me, With that far away look in my eye, And your approaching forty, Then I think you’ll understand why.

The following poem Albert wrote for his father, who passed away at a young age, in 1976. Pam had it made it into a canvas for him on Father’s Day last month. Albert would die two days later.

His hands are rough and cracked, From working under the sun.

Often times we don’t agree, This old man and me.

But, when you’re both made just alike, That’s the only way it can be.

Now I’m not going to tell him I love him, Because I’m not made that way.

You’ll just have to read between the lines, On this special day.

Now there’s been times when I didn’t think He would make it through the night.

But, by the grace of God and his will to fight, Everything turned out alright.

Now he’ll probably be alive and kicking when my number comes up someday.

But, like I said, that’s my old man, You see, he’s made that way.

(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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July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You dislike waiting for promises to be fulfilled and for commitments to be kept, but resist your headstrong tendency to push things along. Your patience will be rewarded.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Expect continuing opposition to your plans from die-hard detractors. However, your determination to see things through will carry the day. A Pisces has romantic ideas.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You might be too close to a troublesome workplace situation to deal with it successfully. Step away in order to get a better perspective. A solution soon becomes obvious.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): You might suspect that someone you trust has misled you on an important matter, but a more balanced view of things reveals a misunderstanding to be the culprit.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): The Big Cat's animal magnetism has rarely been stronger. You can either just bask in all that admiration or use it to your advantage, especially in the workplace.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Someone who previously balked at cooperating with you on a project suddenly has a change of heart. Accept both help and advice with grace.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Some hazy issues still need to be

cleared up before you can move on with your new plans. A friend from the past reaches out to re-establish old ties.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Continued positive fall-out follows that risky workplace decision you made some time ago. Your payoff will soon prove to be more substantial than you expected.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 to Dec. 21): A personal relationship continues to be affected by a recent unexpected turn of events. Things need to work themselves out without finger-pointing.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): It's a wonderful week for all you capricious Goats to kick up your heels with friends or family members in some well-earned fun and frivolity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Caution is advised before making a financial commitment to someone you don't really know. There are better ways to build friendships than with risky fiscal dealings.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Travel plans continue to be favored. A change of scenery brings new opportunities, both personally and professionally. Be open to the possibilities.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a strong sense of loyalty that shows itself best in your relationships with family and friends. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 76

Page 77

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Page 78

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

July 9, 2021

WITH BUNK MANN

How great the local corn is now

Both my kids falling asleep early from summer fun in the sun Special events in Berlin

Newspapers hung in restaurant bathrooms

Being surprised by good news When my kid repeats something I taught him A weekend of no shoes

When a teenager’s politeness is real Swimming before breakfast Small conch shells

Sand on the floor of my truck

Ocean City looked much different in this aerial photo taken in 1946 between 14th and 15th streets.

The large building in the center was the original Commander Hotel before its second wing was added and the vacant space to its left is today the site of the Beach Plaza Hotel and its adjoining parking lot. The building to the left of and behind the Commander was the old “Catholic Home” — originally the St. Rose’s Summer Home for Orphans built in 1898. The Boardwalk ended at 15th Street where Harrison Hall would be built in 1951. The long black structures leading into the ocean were wooden jetties intended to stabilize the beach from erosion.

The most noticeable change is the look of the bayside, which was almost completely empty of development in 1946.

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

Photo courtesy the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum from the George and Sue Hurley collection

July 9, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 79

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

July 9, 2021