Sept. 18

The Dispatch September 18, 2020

Priceless

Serving Greater Delmarva Since 1984

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Mayor Hopefuls Participate In Forum

See Page 4 • File Photo

Turtles Released After Rehabbing

Ah, September: Some scenes from downtown Ocean City confirm the charms of the beach in September when the crowds are reduced while the ocean and air temperatures remain warm.

Photos by Chris Parypa

See Page 8 • Photo by National Aquarium

Concerns Over Casino Overlay Request

See Page 34 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Cutest Pets Of The Month The winner of last month’s Cutest Pet of the Month Contest was Maeve, a 3-month-old Cavapoo owned

by Michael and Heather Reid.

See page 49 for this month’s contestants.

Submitted Photo

Page 2

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September 18, 2020

September 18, 2020

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Mayor Candidates Discuss Canceling Parade, Eve Events

September 18, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

Pictured, from top left clockwise, during Tuesday’s online town hall forum were The Dispatch Staff Writer Charlene Sharpe and Editor Steve Green and mayoral candidates Gee Williams (incumbent), Jennifer Allen, Bill Todd, Ron Bireley and Zack Tyndall.

File Photo

BERLIN – Mayor Gee Williams stands by last week’s decision to cancel the Berlin Christmas Parade while at least one of his challengers has plans to reverse that decision if elected.

In an online candidate town hall session hosted by The Dispatch Tuesday, mayoral candidates shared their reactions to last Friday’s news that the annual Christmas parade, tree lighting ceremony and New Year’s Eve ball drop had been canceled as a result of the pandemic. Though there will be no official lighting of the Christmas tree in front of the Atlantic Hotel on Black Friday, Nov. 27, the tree will be illuminated that night before guests to town arrive, shops will offer extended hours and nonprofits will sale food and hot chocolate.

While some contenders called the cancellations premature, Williams defended his stance and candidate Ron Bireley voiced his intention to hold the parade.

“If I’m elected I’m going to reverse that decision unless there is more information available than what I have seen in the news to date,” said Bireley, a former councilman, mayor and finance director for the town.

Candidates kicked off the three-hourplus session by voicing their opinions on the town’s decision to cancel the holiday events. The full video session can be viewed at www.mdcoastdispatch.com.

A press release issued last Friday said that while a modified Oktoberfest would be held next month, the parade, tree lighting ceremony and ball drop would not be held because of COVID-19 concerns. According to the press release, the Oktoberfest event will be similar to the Peach Day event the town hosted in August. Downtown restaurants will feature outdoor tents with Oktoberfest fare and refreshments and a fall sidewalk sale will be offered.

Williams indicated he stood by the decision.

“The pandemic has been something that has been an unusual and unpredictable situation since it began months ago,” he said. “As I’ve said from the beginning, I think our approach has been to not be extreme in any way and to try to find a middle course while also erring on the side of caution whenever it’s a tough decision, and I believe that’s just what’s called for here.”

He said the parade attracted thousands of people and social distancing would not be possible. Williams added that officials were exploring the possibility of New Year’s Eve fireworks instead of the ball drop, as like the parade it attracted too large of a crowd to allow for distancing.

“We’ve done so well as a community so far I don’t believe we should reverse course at this time,” he said.

SEE PAGE 6

September 18, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Mapping Software To Help With Rally

Page 6

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

OCEAN CITY – A new incident response software is expected to help local agencies prepare for a pop-up car rally, along with special events that take place in Ocean City each year.

On Monday, Emergency Services Communications Manager Glen McIntyre presented the Ocean City Police Commission with a new decision-making software expected to help local departments plan for incidents related to unsanctioned car rallies and various special events that are held in Ocean City.

“We’re looking for something that’s going to help us with incident management,” he said. “I think the folks around the room recognize how big of an issue it is for us.”

As officials plan for a pop-up car rally next weekend, McIntyre said law enforcement and emergency personnel can use the software – named Rhodium – to plot resources and staging areas on a digital map. He noted officials could also use the software to plan for yearly special events, including Springfest and Sunfest.

“We’re using the pop-up car rally as our kickoff,” he said. “So we’re not going to be ready to use it from the standpoint of full production, but we’re using it to give us some ideas on things we need to

start building out.”

McIntyre told commission members this week the subscription-based software is expected to replace printed maps. He said the digital mapping tool could be used to add, remove and redirect resources as incidents unfold, as well as track activity and movement throughout the event.

“Everything we do is tracked,” he said.

“So whether it’s us coming back to try and recapture money or whether we are trying to go back and pinpoint where something went sideways on us and the exact date and time that happened, it’s going to be in the log.”

McIntyre noted the departments could also tracks Twitter feeds using the software. Council Secretary Mary Knight said the feature could be useful in monitoring activity during the pop-up car rally.

“I can see that helping with the popup,” she said, “because I know Twitter was one of the mediums that the popup participants used.”

The mapping software is one of many tools and strategies resort officials are using to plan for the upcoming pop-up car rally, formerly referred to as H2Oi, including partnering with various law enforcement agencies, planning for traffic pattern changes and implementing its special enforcement zone, among other things.

FROM PAGE 4 Candidate Zack Tyndall said that as a councilmember, he’d had the chance to weigh in on the town’s annual event schedule when it was created last year but that the cancellation decisions were within the mayor’s purview.

“When I look at this decision I do think it’s a little premature,” Tyndall said. “I understand there are some things planning-wise that people need to be aware of but to me I mean we’re looking at the 50th, potentially the 50th, Christmas parade in the Town of Berlin’s history.”

He said he’d attended the parade many times as a child.

“To me, Berlin is about Christmas,” he said. “Berlin is about a vibrant parade.

Whether we have to take into consideration that we would expand the route and maybe modify the parade, so that it meets all the social distancing needs and people can watch from their homes or spread out on the street, that’s stuff that we’re going to have to evaluate as the pandemic unfolds. But I don’t think that decision needed to be made right now.”

Candidate Jennifer Allen said she wasn’t sure how she felt about the cancellation but acknowledged that there was a “tremendous” amount of fear in the community regarding COVID-19.

“Though I was a little surprised we canceled it so early I think it would be very difficult to control the environment,” she said. “Maybe there won’t be a big crowd because of the fear, maybe we could have waited a while to see how many people wanted to sign up to go to parade, that’s all looking in hindsight.”

She added that as she’d interacted with residents during the course of her campaign she’d seen how nervous they

were about their health.

“Those people wouldn’t attend the parade,” she said. “I’m a risk taker, I’m a nurse for 46 years. I think I would have gone to the parade. I don’t think I would have gone to the tree lighting. Last year the crowd was overwhelming. There was no safe escape route. I think that just turning the tree on this year is a wise decision. The Christmas parade I go back and forth on.”

Bireley and fellow candidate Bill Todd were more critical of the cancellation.

“If any event shouldn’t be canceled it’s the Christmas parade in the coldest time of the year, when everybody’s got their scarves on around their face most of the time,” Todd said.

He said the cancellation was done prematurely.

“I can understand the concern and everything else involved but I also understand technology and I think if we were to hold the parade and let everyone know, if you don’t feel safe to come nobody’s making you,” he said. “We could broadcast it via the town website or whatever the case may be from a camera at the judge’s podium so they don’t miss a minute. The Berlin Christmas Parade is a huge huge part of Berlin. We all know that. It was as safe call.

I don’t think it was the best call.”

Bireley agreed the decision was made too early and said that if he was elected he would reverse the decision.

“I certainly think those events are extremely important, a lot of people like them…,” he said. “If the people don’t feel like coming please don’t. Stay home and be safe. I think most of the people that would be at the parade want to be at the parade.”

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September 18, 2020

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Page 7

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Three Rehabbed Sea Turtles Released Off Resort Coast

Page 8

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

NEWS EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Three more rehabilitated sea turtles last week were released by boat off the coast of Ocean City, adding to the National Aquarium’s growing class of 2020.

Since 1991, the National Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program has been rehabilitating injured or ill sea creatures including seals and sea turtles at the facility in Baltimore and re-releasing them when they are ready to return to the wild. Last week, National Aquarium staffers, with the cooperation of the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) marine unit, released three more sea turtles off the coast of Ocean City.

The two Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles and the one green sea turtle were rescued last winter after cold-stunning on

area beaches. In June, National Aquarium staffers released 10 rehabilitated sea turtles from the beach at Assateague State Park. One of those sea turtles, affectionately known as Muenster, in keeping with the aquarium’s cheese theme for this year’s class of rescued and rehabilitated sea turtles, became the 300th rehabilitated and released creature in the program’s nearly 20-year history.

Last week, Mozzarella, Stilton and Halloumi were released off the Ocean City coast. The three turtles came to the National Aquarium last winter and were treated for ailments typically associated with cold-stunning including pneumonia, respiratory distress, dehydration, infection and emaciation. Each winter, hundreds of sea turtles and other marine mammals suffer from cold-stunning when they hit patches of extremely cold water

September 18, 2020

Members of the NRP marine unit participated in the release of three healthy turtles last week.

Photo courtesy of National Aquarium

during their typical migration patterns to

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warmer climates.

The cold water literally stuns the creatures to the point their bodies start to shut down. Unable to swim and navigate, the disabled sea turtles are at the whims of the tides and strand on area beaches. Each year, hundreds of sea turtles and other marine animals strand on the beaches up and down the midAtlantic region and end up at the National Aquarium and other similar rehabilitation facilities.

In many cases, the cold-stunned creatures are successfully rehabilitated and later released back into the wild, but in other cases, the effects can be lethal.

Once rehabilitated, the cold-stunned turtles and other creatures are often re-released into the sea and Ocean City and Assateague are popular release points because of their proximity to the National Aquarium.

Mozzarella and Stilton, both Kemp’s Ridley turtles, both stranded off the Massachusetts coast last December.

As they moved closer to release, both turtles were fed a steady diet of live crabs to ensure they maintained the ability to forage and capture live prey when they were returned to the sea. Halloumi stranded off the coast of North Carolina before ending up in the National Aquarium’s rehab program.

As the aquarium’s team bid farewell to Mozzarella, Stilton and Halloumi last week, they began actively preparing for the next cold-stun season, which typically begins in the fall when ocean water temperatures start to drop. The National Aquarium has the capacity to admit and care for over 30 cold-stunned turtles for long-term rehabilitation and eventual release and they often arrive for rehab simultaneously.

Sea turtles are naturally present off the mid-Atlantic coast from May through October and it is not unusual for them to strand on area beaches because of illness or injury. In the past week alone, the National Aquarium admitted two more Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles for longterm rehabilitation. Pecorino suffered a presumed boat strike, while Tulum is a more mature turtle who was suffering from lethargy and positive buoyancy.

Both were rescued off the coast of Delaware.

Berlin Teen Sentenced For Murder

September 18, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – After pleading guilty in January to second-degree murder for his role in the death of another teen in May 2019, a Berlin teen was sentenced on Friday to 35 years, all but 22 years of which was then suspended.

In January, Vershawn Hudson-Crawford, 17, of Berlin pleaded guilty to the death of Dehaven Nichols, 17, also of Berlin, in a wooded area near an apartment complex near Route 113. Back in court on Friday, Hudson-Crawford was sentenced to 35 years, all but 22 of which were suspended. During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors argued for a 40-year sentence, the maximum allowable for second-degree murder.

VERSHAWN The Worcester Coun- HUDSONty Circuit Court judge CRAWFORD ordered Hudson-Crawford to be evaluated for admission into the youthful offender program with the Division of Correction. In June 2019, the defense filed a motion to transfer the case to juvenile court, a motion that was ultimately denied. Hudson-Crawford will be on supervised probation upon his release.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

On May 22, 2019, Hudson-Crawford and his mother drove to the Berlin Police Department, where he told investigators that two days earlier he had been in a fight with his friend Nichols, and that Nichols had died as a result of the altercation. Hudson-Crawford directed investigators to a ditch on the east side of Route 113 near the Decatur Apartments where they located Nichols’ body.

An autopsy determined Nichols’ death was caused by a combination of multiple significant injuries including blunt force trauma, strangulation and asphyxiation.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Karen Dean, who prosecuted the case.

“This case presented a true tragedy, which will continue to affect the youngest members of our community for years to come,” she said. “The violent and needless killing of Dehaven Nichols, a 17-year-old with his whole life ahead of him, is cause for immense sadness and we offer our sincere condolences to his family and everyone suffering from his loss. My prosecutors will continue to stand up for victims like Dehaven by maintaining deep respect for every life and by aggressively prosecuting anyone who so casually takes a life away.”

Page 9

Man Steals Sand Sculptor’s Tip Money, Threatens Witnesses

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore man was arrested on various charges last week after first allegedly stealing money from the sand sculpture’s tip bucket and wielding a knife and threatening witnesses.

Around 12:15 a.m. last Wednesday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to the area of 2nd Street and the Boardwalk for a reported theft that had just occurred. The officers met with a witness

17 Total Counts In Bizarre Incident

who reportedly told police she was sitting on the front porch of her Boardwalk hotel when she observed Kevin Womack, Jr., 32, of Baltimore, wielding a kitchen knife and walking toward the biblical sand sculptures on the beach.

By way of background, the local artist has been creating the popular

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sand sculptures, often with biblical or religious themes, on the beach in the same location since 1981 and his works represent a long history of tradition for generations of residents and visitors. There are typically two five-gallon buckets near the sculptures, one that contains pamphlets with spiritual and uplifting themes, and another for tips. The tip bucket has a slit in it for admirers of the sculptures to show their appreciation.

According to police reports, the witness saw Womack walk toward the sculptures with the knife in his hand and allegedly stab the tip bucket multiple times to create a hole large enough to stick his hand inside. Womack reportedly inflicted enough damage to the bucket that he was able to put both of his hands inside and retrieve the money inside.

After the alleged theft, Womack reportedly walked toward seven different individuals on the Boardwalk while still carrying the knife in his hand.

According to police reports, Womack then put the knife in his pocket and approached one of the male individ-

September 18, 2020

uals, assuming a fighting stance as if encouraging the witness to do something about the theft.

Womack reportedly yelled and threatened the male witness before grabbing his nine-year-old son and walking west away from the Boardwalk.

The female witness on the hotel porch showed officers a cell phone video of the incident, which corroborated her version of the events.

OCPD officers located Womack running on 3rd Street while still wielding the knife and carrying his child, according to police reports. Womack reportedly threw the knife into the street, and when OCPD officers detained him, he still had the cash he had allegedly stolen from the tip bucket in his hand.

Womack, who was reportedly intoxicated to the point he posed a danger to himself, his son and others while wielding the knife, was arrested at that point. He was charged with 17 total counts from theft and second-degree assault to reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct. While he was being detained, he reportedly yelled things such as “It’s free money,” and “Yeah, I had a weapon, but it ain’t no thing,” and “I had to throw it before you guys shot me,” according to police reports. For that behavior, Womack was also charged with a noise violation.

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OC Bus Ridership Decline Tempered By Reduced Expenses The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – It was bad news, better news this week after a review of the year-to-date municipal bus ridership revealed the numbers were down significantly through the summer, but the revenue losses were minimized by adjusting the deployments.

Heading into the summer season, it was clear with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic municipal bus ridership was going to be down significantly for a variety of reasons. State COVID-19 direc-

tives through much of the summer called for severe limitations on public transit systems with appropriate spacing, social distancing and the wearing of masks required.

In addition, the late-night demand on the municipal bus system was curtailed because most restaurants and bars were operating with limited capacity and reduced hours. Resort transportation officials knew the town’s public transit was going to take a hit going into what has clearly not been a typical summer and adjusted accordingly.

During Tuesday’s Transportation Com-

HISTORY WEEK OCTOBER 10TH-16TH

For this year’s Ocean City History Week, the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is offering a variety of events and activities to highlight the town’s unique coastal history.

FREE Admission for all Delmarva Locals: During history week we are offering free admission to all Eastern Shore locals. If you live on the Delmarva Peninsula stop by and enjoy the museum free of charge!

Fall Photo opportunity: Be sure to stop by the museum for a fall photo opportunity. Pose with our display of fall flowers, pumpkins, and hay located on the boardwalk in front of our shark display and anchor.

History of our Surfman: Monday through Friday at 1:00 pm join us for a free program as we take a close look at the equipment that was used by the United States Life-Saving Service to conduct rescue. This program will be held inside the museum’s boat room.

Saturday, October 10th Book signing with local author Anna Dolle Bushnell: From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Anna will be signing her newest book; Dolle’s Candyland, Inc.

Sunday, October 11th Pieces of our Past: On Sunday, October 11th at 1:00 pm, join us for an hour-long live broadcast Pieces of Our Past where we will share with our viewers several never before seen artifacts. To register please visit ocmuseum.org Monday, October 12th Tour & Book Discussion: The Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum has partnered with Worcester County Library to bring you a tour of the museum where you will learn about the US Life-Saving Service and what life was like as a keeper. Along with the tour, there will be a book discussion of In the Heart of the Sea. To register for this event please contact Program Director Elena Coelho at 443-783-6164.

Tuesday, October 13th Showing of the Storm of 1962 Movie: Enjoy watching the storm of 1962 movie from the comfort of your own home. This iconic storm swept the Atlantic coast forever altering the island’s landscape. Worcester County Library will be streaming this cinema at 2:00 pm. Registration can be found on worcesterlibrary.org after September 10th.

All Things History Store Sale: Enjoy discounts on a wide variety of books, DVDs, and apparel within our museum store.

Annual Spirit Award: Do you know someone who has helped preserve local history? If so, we invite you to nominate them for the Spirit Award. Both individuals and organizations are eligible. Please visit ocmuseum.org for nominee requirements.

813 S. Atlantic Ave. (Boardwalk at the Inlet) 410-289-4991 • www.ocmuseum.org

September 18, 2020

mittee meeting, the year-to-date numbers were presented through the first week of the summer, revealing ridership was down about 81%. In terms of raw numbers, in August, for example, the total municipal bus ridership in 2019 was a little over 500,000, while just over 88,000 rode the town’s bus system in August 2020.

“It was quite obvious our visitors and residents chose not to ride mass transit this summer,” said Public Works Director Hal Adkins. “That became apparent early and we kind of knew that going in.”

Despite the significant decline in bus ridership, the revenue losses, by comparison were relatively tame. Obviously, fewer buses were deployed, fewer drivers were needed and fuel costs were down. There were some fixed costs to absorb, but the level of expenditures nearly met the level of demand.

“Through August, we’re down about $120,000 in net revenue,” said Budget Manager Jennie Knapp. “All in all, that’s probably better than we expected.”

The municipal bus service will continue on its abbreviated summer schedule essentially through the end of September. The schedule includes 14 buses running every 20 minutes from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. each day during the week. On the weekend, 22 buses are being deployed with the service

ending around midnight. In terms of drivers, the system has been operating all summer with around 55, which is down from about 130 in a typical summer.

It should be noted because of COVID-19, the month of June saw reduced municipal bus ridership because the typical number of recent graduates was down significantly. In addition, there were no J-1 visa foreign student workers, many of whom use public transportation, in Ocean City this summer. On top of that, most of the town’s major special events during the summer were canceled, or at least scaled back significantly.

While the drastic reduction in bus ridership numbers was tempered somewhat by a reduction in expenses, representing a net revenue loss of around $120,000, the news was not as good with the Boardwalk tram. Throughout the summer, resort officials wrestled with if and when to resume the Boardwalk tram before finally deciding to pull the plug on the operation for the 2020 season. City Manager Doug Miller explained losing the Boardwalk tram service resulted in a deficit of around $700,000.

“That’s our big hit this year,” he said.

“It’s really unfortunate. With the debt service on the trams and the other fixed costs, there are some things we just can’t do anything about.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 18, 2020

September 18, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 15

City Council Decides Against E-Bikes On Boardwalk

Page 16

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A decision to allow certain electric bikes, or e-bikes, on the Boardwalk was put on the back burner this month by a clearly divided City Council concerned with the potential speeds they can reach.

With increased popularity of e-bikes in and around the resort area, the Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) last month reviewed the town code to determine if and where they fit into the existing ordinance covering bicycles, scooters, mopeds and other similar vehicles. The committee worked with the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) and the owner of a bike rental shop to determine there are different classes of e-bikes, each with their own capabilities.

For example, Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist bikes capable of reaching speeds achieved by riders on most regular bikes. Essentially, they require riders to pedal the bikes, but their lowpowered engines are ideal for riders who are rehabilitating an injury or have bad knees or other ailments.

The Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes have higher-powered engines and throttles and are capable of reaching higher speeds. After reviewing the various classes of e-bikes and the town’s code

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 18, 2020

Divided Vote Goes Against Committee’s Recommendation

regarding bicycles, the BPAC recommended to the Mayor and Council only allowing the Class 1 e-bikes on the Boardwalk.

Last month, the Mayor and Council debated the merits of allowing Class 1 e-bikes, or motorized bikes of any kind, on the Boardwalk in what was often a tense discussion. In a narrow 4-3 vote, the council voted to move the allowance for the Class 1 e-bikes on the Boardwalk to ordinance form. That ordinance came up for first reading during last Tuesday’s meeting and the debate resumed.

Councilman Tony DeLuca, who chairs the BPAC, made a motion to approve the ordinance on first reading, a motion seconded by Councilman Mark Paddack. A vote was never taken on the motion. After considerable debate, largely over public safety on the Boardwalk and the potential speeds even the lowest class e-bike could reach, a decision was made to remand the issue back to the BPAC, which met on Sept.

9, and the police commission, which met this week, for further review.

Complicating the issue further was Councilman Matt James’ absence from last week’s meeting. If the vote had been called on the motion, it was apparent it would have had a 3-3 outcome based on how the various councilmembers debated the issue. For the record, the BPAC recommended allowing only Class 1 e-bikes on the Boardwalk pending an evaluation by the police commission that it could be enforced. The committee also discussed a plan B not to al-

low any e-bikes on the Boardwalk because it would not be enforceable.

Council Secretary Mary Knight last Tuesday reiterated her disdain for allowing any e-bikes on the Boardwalk.

“I see e-bikes as a disaster on the Boardwalk,” she said. “I don’t want someone hit by a vehicle going 20 mph. I think this ordinance is reckless. We haven’t talked to the police department about this.”

Much of the debate last week focused on language in the proposed ordinance that states “A Class 1 electric bicycle is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.” However, DeLuca SEE NEXT PAGE

Ethics Commission Issues No Ruling On Unauthorized Campaign Sign

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The town’s ethics commission determined last Friday that it had no jurisdiction over a candidate’s improperly placed yard sign.

The Berlin Ethics Commission met last Friday after the town received a complaint regarding mayoral candidate Zack Tyndall. A citizen complained after a Tyndall sign was put in her yard without permission.

Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said that the commission met because one of the town’s ethics complaint forms had been completed but in meeting determined the issue was not within the commission’s jurisdiction.

“This complaint, it is addressed in the board of elections code but there’s nothing in there regarding any penalty for this,” Fleetwood said.

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On Sept. 8, resident Carol Vaughn submitted an ethics complaint regarding Tyndall.

“Candidate Zachary Tyndall’s representative posted a sign on my lawn without asking permission,” she wrote on the complaint form. “I told the rep that I was supporting a different candidate.”

When contacted after the commission met Friday, Tyndall said he’d just learned of the complaint.

“To date, the campaign has received a request for 150 signs which have been placed across every neighborhood,” he said in a statement.

“There was a request for a sign on Grice Street. Unfortunately, the sign was mistakenly placed on the property next to one of my supporter.

It was a simple and unintentional mistake. My campaign’s supporter moved the sign, and the property owner has been sent a handwritten apology.”

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… Congestion, Excessive Speed Concerns Lead To No Vote

September 18, 2020

attempted to systematically address Knight’s concerns and pointed out even riders on regular bicycles are capable of reaching 20 mph.

“The request came from the police commission to have the council review and approve this,” he said. “We did that at a prior council meeting. There are three police officers from the bicycle group on the Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and they all support this. A regular bike with a rider can reach speeds of 30 mph.”

Councilman Dennis Dare said his own informal research, including an interview with an e-bike owner, determined the bikes are capable of reaching even higher speeds. Dare questioned why the language regarding speed was even in the ordinance.

“I spoke with someone with one of these bikes and they told me they can go 27 mph,” he said. “Is it the right thing to do on the Boardwalk? I don’t think so. Why put a speed limit in ordinance form? That’s the part I question.”

Councilman John Gehrig said it appears his colleagues were hung up on the potential speed and not on the ebikes themselves.

“It seems to me the issue isn’t the device, it’s the speed,” he said. “If somebody was riding a bike at 30 mph, are they going to get pulled over? Nobody should be going 20 to 30 mph on the Boardwalk on anything.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Knight pointed out there was a precedent for setting a speed limit on the Boardwalk for a vehicle of a different sort. In 2005, the then-council voted to allow Segways on the Boardwalk, but only at a maximum speed of 6 mph.

Council President Lloyd Martin also recalled the Segway decision and said he could not support the motion to allow the Class 1 e-bikes on the Boardwalk.

“I did vote against this when it came up before,” he said. “Segways are limited to 6 mph. That was approved to make the Boardwalk enjoyable for those that can’t walk it. I think we need to keep the Boardwalk for people to exercise and recreate and ride a bike, not sit on a motorized bike that’s essentially like a scooter. I just don’t think they have a place on the Boardwalk.”

Paddack pointed out it was possible for a Class 1 e-bike to reach 20 mph, but not likely practical on a crowded Boardwalk. Paddack echoed DeLuca’s sentiments the lowest class e-bike was not much different than a regular bike in terms of the speeds that can be reached. Instead, he pointed out the Class 1 e-bikes could be utilized and enjoyed by those with physical limitations that might not otherwise be able to ride a bike on the Boardwalk.

“The Class 1 e-bikes are limited to 20

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mph,” he said. “When they hit that max, you have to pedal. We have a large segment of our population that are disabled or have bad knees, etc. This gives them the freedom to enjoy something you and I take for granted, like riding a bike on the Boardwalk.”

After considerable debate, DeLuca offered to amend his motion to change the language regarding speed, but it was determined the ordinance was too complicated to be amended on the fly.

Instead, the issue was remanded back to the BPAC first, and later to the police commission for further review.

Page 17

“I’ll gladly amend my motion if you all are concerned about the speed limit language,” he said. “The Class 1 ebike is very similar to a regular bike.

They are pedal-assist bikes that still require the rider to pedal.”

Mayor Rick Meehan pointed out there are few times an e-bike rider could reach 20 mph on the Boardwalk even if he or she wanted to.

“Right now, very seldom do you see someone going 20 mph on the Boardwalk,” he said. “It’s just not practical.

When the Boardwalk is crowded, you couldn’t do that anyway.”

Page 18

Ocean City Municipal Election Pivoting To Electronic Ballots

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Voters in next month’s Ocean City municipal election will notice some considerable changes in the procedures at the polls due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

Like almost everything else, voting in November’s municipal election in Ocean City will be a little different this year. Gone will be the traditional booths with voters going behind the curtain and pulling the levers for their favored candidates.

Instead, the town’s Board of Supervisors of Elections are anticipating a large majority of voters to cast their ballots by mail through the absentee ballot process because of the lingering COVID-19 concerns. For those who choose to vote in person, the election will still be held in Hall A of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on November 3, but there will be changes in the election process.

Board of Elections Supervisors Chair Mary Adeline Bradford told the Mayor and Council this week the board took everything under consideration while preparing for the 2020 municipal election.

“We had three main concerns heading into this particular election,” she said. “The first was the safety of the election board staff and volunteers along with the public, while the second was the ease of voting and the third was ensuring a positive experience for the voters.”

Bradford said about 30 absentee ballot requests had been received as of late last week, but that number is expected to soar in the coming weeks as the election draws closer. She said the plan is to encourage absentee ballot voting to capture the votes of those who prefer the mail-in option.

“We went through the entire process and determined for this particular election, we need a different format,” she said. “The majority will want to vote by mail through absentee ballots. We’ve anticipated that. A neighboring resort community had 1,000 absentee ballots and just 300 voting at the polls.”

Absentee ballots are traditionally generated at the town level and ballots are mailed and returned to the City Clerk’s office. Bradford said in a typical election year, around 200 absentee ballots are submitted, which are manually tallied by board members on election day.

This year, however, the board is expecting a large number of absentee ballots that could make it difficult for the board members to tally and announce the results on November 3. The absentee ballots request and application process is spelled out on

September 18, 2020

a link on the town’s government website.

The process on election day itself in Ocean City will be different in other ways this year because of COVID. For example, the traditional voting booths will be replaced with paper ballots filled out at tables in the convention center and fed into scanning machines.

The change is largely in the interest of public safety. Voters will be able to distance socially and each will be provided with his or her own pen, for example. Masks will be required and eliminating the old voting booths will limit interaction and prevent board members and staff from cleaning and disinfecting the booths after every use.

“Typically, the voters go into the booths with a closed curtain and they are hand-touching all of the levers,” she said. “We would have to go in and wipe and disinfect after each use. What we’re proposing is an electronic ballot with tables set up. The voters would sit at the table and fill out their ballot and feed it into a scanner, just like they do with the state and federal elections. This year, with COVID, we need to move to that format.”

There will also be hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and gloves available in the election hall at the convention center and the floor will be marked to encourage six-foot distancing in the lines. There are some minor costs associated with the changes. For example, the board is ordering 3,500 electronic ballots, a number that has never been exceeded in a municipal election in Ocean City. The four electronic ballot scanning machines will be rented at a cost of $700 each. The council approved the changes unanimously on Tuesday.

“It’s a fair request,” said Council President Lloyd Martin. “The board has done an outstanding job preparing for this election and getting ready with the changes. Hopefully, it works out and people are ready for it.”

This year, the mayor’s seat is up for election along with four at-large City Council seats currently occupied by Council Secretary Mary Knight and Councilmembers Dennis Dare, Tony DeLuca and John Gehrig. The other seats, held by incumbents Lloyd Martin, Matt James and Mark Paddack, are staggered and will come up for re-election in 2022.

Thus far, only incumbent Tony DeLuca and local attorney Peter Buas have officially filed for one of the four council seats up for election. The candidate filing deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 6 and the universal voter registration deadline set by the state’s Board of Elections is Oct. 13.

September 18, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

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ocean city adds new rescue Boat to Fire department

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 18, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

A rescue was staged this week to demonstrate the capabilities of the fire department’s newest vessel.

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OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Fire Department this week demonstrated one of the newest weapons in its arsenal, a lowdraught rescue boat that is essentially a mobile floating ambulance.

The Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) is an all hazards department that responds to all manner of emergencies on the land and on the water, the latter particularly prevalent during the summer months when there is often as much traffic on the back bays as there is on the highway. Responding quickly to and reaching incidents on the water is an important requirement for the OCFD and this week the department unveiled its newest tool in that all-important tool box.

Earlier this year, the OCFD took delivery of the low-draught 26-foot Sea Arch able to reach shallow water areas and sandbars during emergencies. The new rescue boat replaced another vessel used for a similar purpose. Essentially, the new 26-foot Sea Ark can and does carry much of the same critical lifesaving equipment as the OCFD’s ambulances.

The new rescue boat was put into service this summer by the OCFD’s Water Rescue Team, consisting of rescue swimmers, divers and boat operators. On Tuesday, the OCFD hosted a practical demonstration of the new rescue boat’s capabilities, complete with a simulated medical emergency.

Throughout the summer, the OCFD’s water rescue team responds to medical emergencies and serious traumas in the bay, the ocean and the canals, said Chief Richie Bowers.

“This summer, our fireboat responded to calls for help and were able to mitigate the incidents and provide high-quality care to residents and visitors,” he said.

The OCFD and its water rescue team often partner with allied local, state and federal agencies on water-related incidents requiring immediate medical attention.

Bowers said those partnerships include the Ocean City Beach Patrol, Maryland Natural Resources Police and often the U.S. Coast Guard.

“Our partnerships with our allied agencies is tremendous for life safety,” he said. “Working together on the water provides a service to those who live and visit Ocean City.”

Council Back To In-Person Meetings Safety Precautions In Place

September 18, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week reversed course again and agreed to go back to in-person Mayor and Council meetings at City Hall.

Throughout much of the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mayor and Council held meetings virtually. In June, when Maryland entered stage two of its Roadmap to Recovery plan, the Mayor and Council went back to meeting in person at City Hall in a hybrid format with Councilman Dennis Dare participating remotely.

Through much of the summer, the meetings were held in that hybrid format, although the elected officials were not all seated at their usual positions on the dais. The one exception was Dare, who had expressed early he was uncomfortable meeting in a public forum and continued to participate remotely.

Then in August, the Mayor and Council went back to the strictly virtual format for a variety of reasons. For one thing, there were often glitches in the hybrid system with Dare participating remotely and his colleagues and staff and the public meeting in person at City Hall. There were also concerns raised about effectively distancing socially with the number of chairs in the chambers and the way they were arranged, among other things.

However, with many of the key COVID metrics stabilizing in Maryland and the state entering the next stage in the recovery plan, Councilman Tony DeLuca last week made a motion to return to meeting in person at City Hall. The motion was withdrawn after considerable debate and City Manager Doug Miller and staff were directed to revisit the safety precautions in place in the council chambers and make the appropriate changes to ensure proper distancing.

Those changes, including the removal of some chairs in the public area and the greater spacing of others have been completed along with other safety meas-

ures. Satisfied with the changes, DeLuca again on Tuesday made a motion to go back to in-person meetings at City Hall and this time the motion carried unanimously. As a result, the Mayor and Council will go back to meeting in public at next Monday’s regular meeting.

Councilman Matt James said he supported the change and suggested yet another alteration to further protect the councilmembers.

“I’m fine with going back with appropriate distancing and wearing masks,” he said. “If it would make other members more comfortable, I think we could install plexiglass dividers between the chairs on the dais.”

Council President Lloyd Martin also supported going back to in-person meetings and suggested the mask requirement be relaxed once everyone is seated.

“I do like in-person meeting better,” he said. “I think we’re ready to get back to that. I do have a problem understanding people when they’re wearing masks, as long as we’re socially distanced, I feel like we don’t need masks on during the meetings.”

Councilman John Gehrig said the remote option should be available to those who would feel more comfortable meeting that way.

“I think that anybody who would like to continue to participate remotely should be able to do that,” he said.

“That goes for the public as well.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said the changes at City Hall made meeting in person possible, but cautioned against relaxing the mask requirements.

“I’ve been in the council chambers the last few days and I’ve seen some of the steps that have been taken from a public safety standpoint,” he said. “I do think everybody in there should continue to wear a mask. That’s still the policy in City Hall. I like the plexiglass idea, but I think we’d have to look at ways to enlarge the dais. I would continue to urge everyone to wear a mask though and set a good example.”

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Budget Transfer To Cover Wicomico Civic Center Shortfall

Page 22

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – A transfer of $530,000 to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center is expected to cover a shortfall in last year’s budget.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council voted unanimously to amend the fiscal year 2020 operating and capital budget. The amendment will allow the county to transfer $200,000 from the recreation and parks prior year fund balance, $75,000 from the recreation and parks current year budget savings and $255,000 from general fund contingency to account for a $530,000 shortfall at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.

Each year, the civic center – which operates under the umbrella of the county’s recreation, parks and tourism department – receives appropriations from the

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

county to fund salaries, benefits and other expenses and to balance the budget.

As a special government fund, the facility also relies heavily on event revenue to make the overall budget work.

In March, Recreation, Parks and Tourism Director Steve Miller came before the council to discuss revenue challenges at the facility. In recent years, he noted, net revenues have been increasingly difficult to achieve. And each year a larger percentage of county appropriations is used to cover employee benefits.

But when the facility was forced to close earlier this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said it only exacerbated the civic center’s financial problems.

Since that time, several positions have been left vacant and operational expenses have been reduced. But with no user fees or ticket sales to cover day-

to-day expenses, the civic center was left with a $530,000 shortfall in fiscal year 2020.

While the county has since entered a new fiscal year, the council last month introduced a legislative bill to transfer funds that would cover the loss. But before the council took action, officials questioned if revenue shortfalls in 2020 would impact the current fiscal year.

“The amounts we carried forward in fiscal year 2021 are no longer the same amounts,” Councilman John Cannon said. “ Wouldn’t that also require us to go back and amend the operating budget for fiscal year 2021?”

Pointing out provisions from the county’s charter, council attorney Bob Taylor said he believed it would. However, Recreation, Parks and Tourism Deputy Director Pam Oland disagreed.

“In my years working in government,

September 18, 2020

between here and my prior employer, the fiscal year itself is not closed until the audit is complete and you’ve paid all of your bills and you’ve completed your audit associated with those bills for that fiscal year,” she said at the time. “So you have the ability, if the council so desires, to make changes to the budget because the budget is part of the audit process that then gets presented in your audit report.”

Back on the agenda this week, the council voted 7-0 to approve the legislative bill on second reading.

“I’ve expressed earlier my concerns that I don’t think the way it’s prepared is appropriate under the charter,” Taylor told council members.

Funding Approved For Airport Truck

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Officials in Wicomico County agreed this week to reallocate $412,000 in local funding for the purchase of an airport fire and rescue truck.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council voted unanimously to reallocate $412,026 in CARES Act funding for the purchase of an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) truck.

Earlier this year, the airport applied for a Maryland Aviation Administration grant to purchase the new truck. While the agency has offered $315,000 toward the purchase price, the county is required to provide a local match.

To that end, Airport Manager Tony Rudy came before the council earlier this month requesting the reallocation of CARES money to fund the purchase.

“They need to be assured that we have local funds in place before they give us that grant offer,” he said at the time. “Sept. 30 is basically our deadline to tell them we have secured local funding for this project.”

In April, the airport was awarded more than $18 million in federal grants for capital projects. Since that time, the airport has committed those funds to various development projects on its campus.

This week, however, the council voted to reallocate $344,000 earmarked for a UAS hanger interior project and $68,026 in the airport’s operations and maintenance budget to the ARFF truck local share. The legislative body also amended the fiscal year 2021 capital budget and fiscal years 2021-2025 Capital Improvement Plan to include the purchase of the truck.

Rudy told the council last month replacing the ARFF truck was a priority for the airport. He noted it would take roughly a year to build the truck once it was ordered.

“Our newest frontline truck is 15 years old now,” he said. “These things generally have around a 10-year life span.”

Jail Time For Auto Shop Burglaries

September 18, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – A Berlin man, arrested last September for alleged break-ins at auto repair shops in the area, pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary and was sentenced to eight years, all but 18 months of which was suspended.

Chad Cirigliano, now 41, of Berlin, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to two counts of second-degree burglary for the alleged auto repair shop break-ins last September. He was sentenced to eight years, with all but 18 months suspended, and placed on supervised probation for three years upon release.

Around 3 p.m. last Sept. 26, Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Wally’s Garage on Seahawk Road in Berlin for a reported burglary and Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) detectives responded to assist. Detectives met with the garage owner, who advised his business had been burglarized. The owner told police he arrived and observed a portion of the rear garage door had been broken and that tools and other miscellaneous items on the front counter had been ransacked.

Detectives observed the door had been tampered with including damage from a screwdriver or crowbar, which is how the suspect allegedly entered

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

the building. The owner told police it appeared nothing had been stolen and the business did not keep a cash drawer on the counter overnight.

WCBI detectives obtained video surveillance footage from the garage owner’s son reportedly showing a suspect entering the property shortly after 3 a.m. The suspect walked onto the property and the surveillance video captured a clear image of the suspect’s face.

According to police reports, the video surveillance allegedly shows the suspect walk toward the garage and shine a flashlight into the screened porch area of the business. The suspect entered the screened porch area and reached up and unscrewed an overhead lightbulb, according to police reports. The suspect then entered the garage using a crowbar and exited about 10 minutes later at 3:40 a.m.

Around 4:20 a.m. on September 26, Maryland State Police troopers responded to a alarm activation at Racetrack Auto on Route 50. MSP troopers arrived on scene and located a suspect later identified as Cirigliano, who was wearing a gray sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and shoes identical to those worn by the suspect at the Wally’s Garage break-in about an hour earlier.

MSP troopers arrested Cirigliano for the burglary at Racetrack Auto. He was then connected to the open Wally’s Garage investigation.

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First-Degree Assault In Domestic Altercation

OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore man was charged with first-degree assault last week after allegedly choking and smothering his girlfriend, who was also arrested for assault, with a pillow during a domestic altercation.

Around 7:15 p.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to the area of 26th Street for a reported 911 call hangup. Ocean City Communications advised they could hear someone in the background saying, “he tried to choke me,” according to police reports.

The OCPD officer arrived and met with a witness in a motel parking lot who reportedly told police he had observed a couple fighting on a secondfloor balcony. The officer went to the second-floor room and identified the occupants as Yendi Lizardo, 24, of Baltimore, and Angel Jung, 37, also of Baltimore. Each exhibited signs of intoxication, according to police reports.

The officer separated Lizardo and Jung and interviewed them separately about the alleged incident. Lizardo reportedly had scratch marks on his neck and arm and what appeared to be blood running from the side of his mouth. The officer also observed blood on the balcony hallway leading up to the room. Lizardo reportedly told police he was not injured and had not called the police.

The officer asked Jung where the blood on the balcony originated. She reportedly told the police she had been shaving and cut her private parts and offered to show the officer, but was told not to. Jung reportedly told the officer there was no fight and she had not called police, but when she attempted to show the officer her call log to prove it, she could not remember the phone’s password.

Through the investigation, it became apparent a fight had occurred between the couple and had been observed by a witness. The witness reportedly told police he had observed Jung slap Lizardo multiple times. It was later determined the couple were equally combative during the incident, but Lizardo was ultimately charged with first-degree assault for choking and attempting to smother Jung with a pillow.

When officers were attempting to escort Lizardo from the building, he allegedly began shouting expletives and was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct while the investigation into the assault continued.

September 18, 2020

Jung was also arrested for seconddegree assault for her role in the altercation. While in the transport van waiting to be searched, Jung reportedly spread her legs and exposed herself to officers and indecent exposure charges were tacked on.

During a subsequent interview, Jung reportedly told police Lizardo had punched her in the face numerous times before throwing her on a bed and choking her with his hands. Lizardo then covered Jung’s face with a pillow to the point she could not breathe and feared for her life, according to police reports.

It was noted in the report Jung was four-months pregnant at the time of the assault with Lizardo’s child. Lizardo was also charged with first-degree assault.

Bar Chairs Tossed In Bay OCEAN CITY – An Ohio woman was arrested last weekend after allegedly breaking into the rooftop bar area of a downtown restaurant and throwing chairs over the side and into the bay.

Around 10:15 p.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a bayfront restaurant at Dorchester Street for a reported trespassing incident. Upon arrival, the officer observed a suspect, later identified as Betty Murnahan, 40, of Mansfield, Ohio, running around the rooftop bar area of the restaurant. Management informed the officer the restaurant was closed for the evening and no one including Murnahan had permission to be up there, according to police reports.

OCPD officers approached the locked gate to access the rooftop bar area and observed Murnahan screaming at them and a restaurant security staffer. When advised to stop screaming, Murnahan reportedly said “Or else what?” and when she was advised of the town’s noise ordinance, she reportedly said “Then [expletive deleted] arrest me.” The officers observed Murnahan’s screaming was drawing the attention of people walking by over a block away, or well beyond the town’s 50foot noise limit, according to police reports.

Murnahan was advised she was under arrest, but when officers attempted to handcuff her, she tensed her body and jerked away, injuring one officer’s wrist in the process. Even after she was handcuffed, Murnahan reportedly conSEE NEXT PAGE

... Cops & Courts

September 18, 2020

tinued to resist, twisting and thrashing around and kicking another officer in the legs. She also reportedly spat on the same officer at least two times, according to police reports.

The investigation revealed Murnahan allegedly walked up to the rooftop bar area, realized the gate was locked and climbed over the fence. The manager told police when she closed the area for the night earlier, there were no chairs missing. However, after Murnahan entered the rooftop bar area, she allegedly threw one metal chair over the railing and into the bay below.

The manager also reportedly told police there were two smaller chairs missing as well, but she was unable to locate them. The manager told police she believed Murnahan had thrown those chairs into the bay as well. A witness at a neighboring bar told police he saw what looked like a female on the rooftop bar throw at least two things over the ledge and into the water.

All in all, Murnahan was charged with multiple counts of second-degree assault, malicious destruction of property, resisting arrest, obstructing and hindering and a noise violation.

Sixth Arrest In A Month OCEAN CITY – A local homeless man was arrested again last week for the sixth time in a month after allegedly breaking into a motel storage area and taking items to set up housekeeping in a crawl space under the building.

Last Sunday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a motel on 29th Street for a reported trespassing incident. Hotel staff reported a suspect identified as Zachary Hale, 34, of no fixed address, whom OCPD officers knew from several previous encounters, had been trespassed from the property a week earlier and had returned.

The OCPD officer arrived on scene and was reportedly advised by staff Hale was under the pool on the east side of the building. Hale was discovered in the crawl space under the pool and was placed under arrest. A search of his person revealed four toaster strudel packs, six packs of breakfast jams and five miniature bottles of hotel shampoo.

The search of Hale’s person also revealed two fixed-blade knives, one roughly six inches in length concealed in his pocket and one roughly eight inches in length with the blade covered in a cardboard sheath in his waistband and concealed by his shirt, according to police reports.

A search of the crawl space where Hale had been hiding revealed a twoslice toaster, a pack-and-play child’s play set, five bathroom towels, one pillow, two sets of white sheets and two personal-size chicken pot pies.

While Hale was sitting outside the police transport vehicle, he began yell-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ing “don’t talk to me,” which attracted the attention of numerous passersby.

When told to lower his voice, Hale reportedly yelled, “I’m not yelling.”

The hotel’s front desk clerk advised the items found on Hale and in the crawl space had been taken from a second-floor storage area. Surveillance video footage showed Hale entering the second-floor storage area and rummaging through various boxes and shelves.

Last weekend’s incident continued an alleged pattern for Hale over the last month. On Aug. 14, he was arrested for disorderly conduct and possession of an open container. On Aug. 15, Hale was arrested for having a concealed deadly weapon and also an open container of alcohol. On Aug. 23, Hale was arrested for vandalizing the front door of the Public Safety Building.

On Aug. 27, he was arrested for vandalizing a drone and on Sept. 7, Hale was arrested for disorderly conduct. For last Sunday’s incident, Hale was charged with burglary, theft, carrying a concealed dangerous weapon and tres-

passing.

Cocaine Distribution Plea SNOW HILL – One of four local residents indicted by a Worcester County grand jury last November on various drug distribution charges after a months-long investigation in the Berlin area was found guilty this week and was sentenced to three years in jail.

Last November, the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team completed a three-month cocaine distribution investigation culminating with the execution of a search and seizure warrant at a residence on Flower Street in Berlin. The search resulted in the recovery of 147 grams of cocaine, a handgun and various packaging items consistent with drug distribution.

Simultaneously, a traffic stop was conducted related to the investigation at Old Ocean City Road and Main Street in Berlin, resulting in the arrest of another suspect wanted in connection with the investigation. All told, four local suspects were arrested in connec-

tion with the investigation and each was indicted last week by a Worcester County grand jury.

Among those indicted following the investigation were Dashon Drummond, 27, of Berlin; Charles Johnson, 31, of Berlin; Elizabeth Rosario, 25, of Berlin; and Joshua King, 24, of Snow Hill. This week, Rosario entered an Alford plea to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to three years in jail. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not plead guilty, but acknowledges the state has enough evidence to prosecute the case.

In August, Johnson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He was sentenced to 15 years on the cocaine distribution count, which was suspended, and five years on the firearm charge.

Drummond in March entered an Alford plea to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and sentencing has been set for October. King is scheduled to appear for trial in October.

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Showell School Dedication Likely Planned Next Month

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 18, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

The front entrance to the new Showell Elementary School, which is nearly double the size of the former building, is pictured.

Submitted Photo

Route 346

OCEAN PINES – School system officials hope to dedicate the new Showell Elementary School next month.

At a meeting of the Worcester County Board of Education Tuesday, Superintendent Lou Taylor shared plans to dedicate the new facility in October, depending on guidelines related to COVID-19.

“We’re looking at a mid- to late-October dedication for that school,” he said. “We’ll see what the guidelines are for social distancing … We will have a great opening where we’ll celebrate together.”

The new Showell Elementary School, located just behind where the old building once stood, is undergoing final touches this month. Crews are currently doing final grading and paving stabilization as well as completing punch list corrections and a final cleaning.

The new 98,000-square-foot facility is nearly double the size of the old school and is expected to allow for the return of fourth-grade, which has been housed at Berlin Intermediate School, to Showell. The facility also includes a wing for pre-kindergarten so the school can meet any mandates that come from the state in that regard.

After this month’s report on construction progress, Taylor praised Joe Price, the school system’s facilities planner, for guiding the project through to completion so smoothly. He said Price handled any minor issues associated with the project.

“I have nothing but great things to tell you all about this entire process,” Taylor said.

The project was completed on-time and is not expected to exceed its budget, Taylor said.

“Besides it being a beautiful school, it was a great project,” Taylor said.

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Two In Running For Executive Post

September 18, 2020

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Two candidates have submitted their names for the vacant county executive position, more than two weeks after the Wicomico County Council agreed to reopen the application process.

In Tuesday’s meeting of the Wicomico County Council, Council President Larry Dodd announced the list of applicants for county executive, a position held

by Bob Culver until his death on July 26.

Candidates include state Delegate Carl Anderton and Wicomico County General Services Supervisor Lawrence Pate Matthews.

“At this time the council has received two applications, Mr. Carl Anderton Jr. and Mr. Lawrence Pate Matthews,” he said. “We also have a request for two applications that were sent out, so they have to be postmarked by yesterday’s date.”

Matthews, a 15-year veteran of county government, started out as Wicomico County’s code enforcement officer in 2005. And in 2017, he began his tenure as the county’s general services supervisor, responsible for the oversight and maintenance of nine county facilities.

From 1994 to 2005, he owned and operated a small residential construction company specializing in historic restorations.

Anderton, the District 38B representative in the Maryland House of Delegates, served as the mayor of Delmar from 2011 until his election as state delegate in 2014. He also served as president of the Maryland Municipal League from 2013 to 2014.

Anderton was one of three candidates to interview for the county executive position late last month.

In a special legislative session Aug. 20, the council conducted public interviews with Desmarais, Anderton and former County Finance Director Michele Ennis before convening in a closed session to deliberate the appointment. Nearly half an hour later, the council reconvened in legislative session to appoint the new executive.

At the outset, Anderton’s name was submitted for the position of county executive. The motion, however, failed with Councilmen John Cannon, Josh Hastings and Bill McCain in favor, and Dodd, Councilwoman Nicole Acle and Councilmen Ernie Davis and Joe Holloway opposed.

A motion to name Desmarais the next county executive then passed 4-3. But four days later, Desmarais issued a statement declining his appointment.

To that end, the council held a special meeting Aug. 28 to discuss the procedure for selecting a new executive. After a lengthy debate, the council reached a consensus to reopen the application process and set a new deadline of Sept. 14 to accept names.

Director of Administration John Psota is serving as acting county executive until a candidate is chosen. The council will hold a special legislative session on Friday, Sept. 18, regarding the vacancy.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Wicomico Science Teacher One Of Seven Statewide Finalists

Page 28

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – James M. Bennett High School educator Hemalatha Bhaskaran has been named one of seven finalists for the statewide Teacher of the Year award.

Last week, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced the seven finalists for 20202021 Maryland Teacher of the Year.

Baskaran, who teaches environmental science at Bennett, is now one step closer in the running for the statewide recognition program.

“These outstanding educators are a true inspiration to their colleagues and students,” Salmon said. “Our seven finalists exemplify excellence in education here in Maryland and have made a true impact in the support they provide to our communities in and out of the classroom.”

A panel of judges from key educational organizations that represent principals, teachers, school boards, parents, and institutions of higher education selected from teachers representing each of Maryland’s 24 local school systems.

The seven finalists were chosen based on a rigorous set of state and national criteria, including teaching philosophy and results, community involvement, knowledge of general education issues, and desire for professional and instruc-

Celebrating the 2020-2021 Wicomico Teacher of the Year last week are James M. Bennett High Principal Christel Savage, Board Vice Chairman Gene Malone, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donna Hanlin, Wicomico Teacher of the Year Hemalatha Bhaskaran, Supervisor of Science Dr. Brian Raygor and Board of Education Chairman Don Fitzgerald.

Submitted Photo

tional improvement.

“Maryland’s teachers show unwavering dedication in their work to educate, encourage, and inspire our young people,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “I congratulate these seven educators on their nominations and thank them for their extraordinary work in the classroom and in our communities.”

In May, Bhaskaran was named Wicomico County’s Teacher of the Year.

And in August, she was honored with a 2019 Presidential Award for Excellence

in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest award given by the federal government to kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics and science teachers.

Bhaskaran has been teaching at Bennett since 2004 and holds master’s degrees in environmental science and teaching. She was the 2014 Maryland Environmental Science Teacher of the Year, and was a key member of her school’s successful effort to become a certified Maryland Green School.

September 18, 2020

Baskaran promotes diversity beyond the classroom through her leadership of the Solutions for Multicultural Achievement and Recognition Team (SMART), and engages in collaborative leadership by serving in on her school’s Instructional Leadership Team, the Youth Environmental Action Summit’s steering committee, and the statewide Teacher Environmental Literacy Leadership.

“It is Mrs. Bhaskaran’s heart that makes her a standout teacher, scientist and leader,” James M. Bennett Principal Christel Savage said. “She puts her love of environmental science and students into ever lesson she creates, resulting in great teaching and great relationships. All of us at James M. Bennett High School are so proud of her.”

The 2020-2021 Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced on Maryland Public Television (MPT) on Oct. 8 in a special program airing at 8 p.m. on MPT2 and in a livestream on MPT’s YouTube.com channel, MarylandPublicTV. The winner will receive cash awards, technology equipment, national travel opportunities, and a new car valued at more than $25,000, donated by the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association.

The selected Maryland Teacher of the Year will go on to compete for the esteemed National Teacher of the Year Award and spend the year as an educational speaker and advisor.

September 18, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 29

Dead Dolphin Washes Ashore In OC

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 18, 2020

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OCEAN CITY – The natural circle of life was on full display in the resort last week with a decomposed bottlenose dolphin removed from the beach days after three rehabilitated sea turtles were successfully re-released into the ocean.

Last Saturday, a badly decomposed bottlenose dolphin washed up on the beach around 98th Street in Ocean City. The dolphin’s cause of death was not immediately known although it appeared to have been deceased for some time.

Ocean City Public Works Department crews removed the dolphin carcass from the shoreline using heavy equipment including a backhoe. Public Works Director Hal Adkins said it was not unusual for

deceased dolphins and other marine mammals to wash up on the beach occasionally.

“We remove plus or minus five to 10 mammals on average per year that wash up,” he said. “The far majority are deceased and in some state of decay.

We bring them back to the Public Works complex to a specific staging area. We contact the state, which normally dispatches staff to perform a necropsy to determine the cause of death. We then dispose of the carcass at the landfill.”

The bottlenose dolphin was removed from the beach last Saturday just days after the National Aquarium’s animal rescue team successfully released three rehabilitated sea turtles off the coast of Ocean City, providing a snapshot of sorts of the natural circle of life in and around the seaside resort.

Former Police Chief Enters Guilty Plea

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Former Fenwick Island Police Chief William Boyden this week pleaded guilty to misconduct and falsifying records and will complete community service in lieu of jail time, probation or fines.

Boyden, who resigned as Fenwick Island Police Chief earlier this year, was indicted on one count of misconduct and one count of falsifying business records after it came to light he had submitted false records to the Delaware Council on Police Training indicating he had been certified in firearms. According to the indictment, for a period of six years from 2014 to 2020, Boyden had been submitting documents to the council he had obtained the requisite certifications in firearm training.

Boyden pleaded guilty to both counts this week at the very first court hearing

in the case. For each offense, Boyden was sentenced to one year in prison, which was suspended. He was also placed on level two probation for one year, from which he will be discharged after completing 100 hours of community service.

According to a Delaware Department of Justice release, Boyden accepted responsibility for his actions at the first available court hearing and agreed to no longer work in a law enforcement capacity.

The case was brought by the Delaware Department of Justice’s Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust with the assistance and full cooperation of the town of Fenwick Island. In the meantime, longtime Fenwick Island law enforcement officer John Devlin, who had been serving as interim chief since Boyden’s resignation, was officially sworn in as the new Chief of Police in Fenwick Island on Sept. 1.

Internet Struggles Hamper Online Learning For Many

September 18, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Two weeks into the virtual launch of the school year, parents are already sharing internet frustrations with elected officials.

While the school system has provided mobile hotspots to those who need them, internet speed and rural connectivity issues continue to plague local students.

“If you’re in one of the municipalities you have everything available but in the rural areas it’s lacking,” Worcester County Commissioner Ted Elder said.

“A lot of the broadband’s not available … Some of our brightest students are out there in rural areas and we need to continue getting them access.”

Elder brought up the issue at this week’s meeting of the commissioners and his concerns were echoed by parent Christina Hulslander during the Worcester County Board of Education meeting later in the day. She thanked school system officials for providing students with hotspots but said that didn’t solve the connectivity problem.

“Unfortunately our telecom companies don’t provide solid coverage throughout our entire county,” she said.

“It’s my understanding we need hotspots from a variety of different providers. I am paying for the best data plan I can but because of the way the

Worcester County Public Schools Chief Operating/Academic Officer Annette Wallace is pictured participating in an online session with a teacher this week.

Submitted Photo

plans are structured they inherently have data speed limits.”

Hulslander said she was reaching out to local as well as state officials to share her frustration. As the parent of two Snow Hill High School students, she said her data plan would allow for six days of online schooling.

“After that our data speeds will throttle down and we may or may not be able to open an email,” she said.

Hulslander said that when Verizon had provided customers with extra highspeed data in the spring it had proven helpful and that she hoped the company would do something similar now.

She said she was discouraged by the

lack of state support on the issue and would continue advocating for better rural internet access.

“I know I’m speaking to the choir,” she told the school board. “I’m going to keep shouting it out at all levels.”

Superintendent Lou Taylor agreed that the school system had the same concerns and had shared them with elected officials.

“Together maybe we’ll make some strides,” he said. “What you shared today is spot on.”

In an interview later this week, Annette Wallace, the school system’s chief operating and academic officer for grades 9-12, confirmed that internet ac-

cess in rural Worcester was an ongoing problem. She said that while the school system provided a mobile hotspot to anyone who needed one, there were many places in the county where they simply wouldn’t work. And in places where they do work, after students use a certain amount of data, providers reduce internet speeds. Wallace says that’s a major issue when the school system is asking students to use Zoom and take part in synchronous learning, as that’s often impossible once their high-speed data is gone.

“It’s an unfortunate part of all this,” she said.

She said it was far beyond a school system issue.

“The people who can make things happen are the state and federal delegation,” she said.

Wallace added that the school system was doing what it could, however, in providing paper packets of educational materials, mobile hotspots and ensuring that WiFi was accessible in school parking lots. In addition, many of those with severe internet issues are expected to return to school Sept. 28. At that point, roughly 10% of each school’s students will be able to return to the building.

“We’re not living a hard and fast line of 10%,” she said.

Parents with internet or other issues are asked to contact their child’s school with any concerns.

Page 32

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 18, 2020

September 18, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

Commissioners Share Concerns With Casino Overlay Request

Page 34

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – The Worcester County Commissioners expressed concern regarding a potential casino overlay zone at a meeting this week.

On Tuesday, the commissioners held a work session regarding the Ocean Downs Casino’s proposal to create a casino overlay zone, which would allow for more entertainment uses on the property. While not all commissioners weighed in on the proposal, several voiced reservations regarding impacts on traffic as well as other tracts of land in the county.

“I’m very concerned about the overlay district possibly being applied to other A-2 areas of the county eventually,” Commissioner Jim Bunting said.

This summer, the Worcester County Planning Commission gave a favorable recommendation to a text amendment that would create a casino overlay zone for the A-2 district. The commissioners opted to delay a public hearing on the proposal until Oct. 20 so they could host a work session on the issue first. Ed Tudor, the county’s director of development review and permitting, reviewed the zoning history of the casino on Tuesday. He said the majority of the large property was designated A-2 while a seven-acre corner near Route 50 was designated C-2 commercial.

“When slots were first approved in

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Maryland in 2008 there was lots of discussion on the local level of how we were going to handle slots out at the track,” Tudor said. “At the time the commissioners instructed me to try to come up with a way or think of ways that we could accommodate it at the track without the need for unnecessary public hearings.”

Tudor’s department eventually permitted the slots as an accessory use to the racetrack. The text amendment proposed by the casino would change the casino from an accessory use to one permitted through the casino overlay district.

In his presentation, Tudor added that the casino had been granted a fairgrounds application in the 1990s that allowed it to host a variety of special events, including things like boat shows, motor races, beer festivals and concerts. Tudor said that between the uses allowed through that special exception and the uses regularly permitted in the A-2 zone the casino has the ability to do just about everything the casino overlay zone would. He indicated the overlay zone would just make for a more cohesive development.

“The idea is to have a homogenous, holistic look at the whole project,” he said, adding that a traffic study would be required for the entire concept.

Tudor said the county had also received a letter from the Cloverleaf Standardbred Owner’s Association, a group

that represents the owners, drivers and trainers who race at Ocean Downs, regarding the overlay zone. The organization wants to ensure that the overlay zone wouldn’t lead to the elimination of racing at the casino.

“Cloverleaf has no objection to Ocean Downs expanding the casino operations to include other retail operations such as shops, hotels and theaters,” the letter reads. “That could create tax benefits for the county, additional entertainment options for residents and visitors, and benefits for the race track.

However, there should be no change to the law unless the previously agreedupon condition remains in effect; that is, that no gambling could be operated at the Ocean Downs site if live racing is stopped for a period of 12 consecutive months.”

When asked by the commissioners if the overlay district could apply to any A2 property, Tudor said it would only apply to A-2 properties that had a legally approved casino authorized by the state.

Bunting asked whether various commercial uses were allowed at the casino now. Tudor explained that they would be allowed on the C-2 portion of the property and that the overlay zone would allow such uses on the A-2 section of the property as well.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said he recalled the hearings associated with the approval of slots in Maryland.

“I thought the state didn’t allow them to put hotels on that property,” he said.

Tudor acknowledged that there were various state requirements associated with casinos.

Commissioner Chip Bertino said he was worried about the impact an overlay zone could have on Route 589.

“There are chokepoints along 589 when you’re coming south from 113 or going from Route 50 toward Ocean Pines,” he said. “Adding some of these facilities we’re talking about I suspect would increase traffic volume. The traffic surveys have a tendency to do whatever it is, whoever’s paying for them, to reach that result.”

Bunting said he was still worried about the impact a new overlay zone could have on other properties in Worcester County.

September 18, 2020

“The A-2 zoning was created for a reason, because it was a buffer between the A-1 and different other types of zoning which are heavier,” Bunting said, adding that the A-2 permitted a variety of uses already. “I’m a little concerned about the integrity of the A-2 district.”

Mitrecic said he would hold his comments until the public hearing, which will be during the commissioners’ second meeting in October.

“I’ll just leave this scenario in everybody’s head. They have a concert out there and you have 2,500, 3,000 people leaving that casino area at the same time pouring out onto 589,” he said.

“That’s a possibility.”

In an interview after Tuesday’s work session, Ocean Downs Casino General Manager Bobbi Sample said she was confident the commissioners’ concerns could be addressed.

“The overlay doesn’t give us the ability to move forward without oversight,” she said.

As far as the impact on traffic, Sample said in recent years the casino had held many events that attracted large crowds. Last summer’s camel and ostrich races are an example. The casino worked with Maryland State Police and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office to manage traffic. Sample said the casino paid the agencies for their time so there was no cost to the community.

“We understand the issue and do everything we can to mitigate the issue,” she said.

When asked why the casino was proposing an overlay district rather than pursuing development on the seven acres already zoned commercial, Sample said that piece of the property — located near the Route 50 corner — wasn’t close enough to the casino. She said that in adding uses to its site, the casino’s primary goal remained getting visitors into the casino.

“To do something that far away is not conducive,” she said.

She stressed that the casino had been a good partner to the community and would continue to be.

“We feel very positive we can address all the concerns and move forward with the responsible expansion of our property,” she said.

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Berlin Approves 2021 Events Slate, Considers New Year’s Eve Fireworks

September 18, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Though COVID-19 remains a concern, officials are planning ahead for next year with a full slate of events in Berlin.

On Monday, the town council approved the 2021 schedule of special events as recommended by Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director.

“This is usually the time of year we approve them,” Mayor Gee Williams said. “We all know the 2020 events were devastated by the pandemic.”

Wells said the event schedule was essentially the same as it had been in years past but included a new event in October. That event, sponsored by the Berlin Heritage Foundation, will be the Berlin Homecoming Harvest, an event on the lawn of the Taylor House Museum.

Wells thanked event sponsors, who each year provide donations to support the town’s special events. In fiscal year 2019, donations and sponsorships amounted to more than $34,000.

In fiscal year 2020, while some events were canceled, donations and sponsorships of close to $22,000 were received by the town.

Wells also briefly addressed the recent cancellation of the Berlin Christmas Parade.

“Sometimes we do have to adjust and adapt according to the times,” she said. “There were some very difficult decisions that were made… I want you all to know that we are always continually planning and working on alternative plans. To all the parade parents of the hundreds of kids that would have had to get together and rehearse and build floats that thanked us for making the decision early, you’re welcome. I just wanted to let you know that we do have some other things planned if the parade cancellation does stick.”

The council voted unanimously to approve the 2021 event schedule and voted 4-1, with Councilman Thom Gulyas opposed, to allow alcohol at six 2021 events — Berlin Jazz and Blues, Reggae Play Day, Small Town Throw Down, Fiddlers Convention, Oktoberfest and New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.

Councilman Zack Tyndall asked Wells if she was still exploring the concept of fireworks in town this coming New Year’s Eve since the ball drop was canceled along with the parade.

Wells said fireworks on the last night of 2020 were still possible but that there was a financial obligation.

She said the town had paid a $5,000 deposit for a $10,000 show originally scheduled for July 3. Because that event was canceled due to COVID19, the fireworks company agreed the deposit could go toward another show this year.

“They can shoot them off on New

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Year’s Eve but we’d have to pay an additional $5,000 for that,” she said.

Wells added that if the town did no show in 2020, $2,500 of the $5,000 deposit would rollover for the 2021 show but that the town would lose the other half of its deposit.

“Is there a way to roll back the size and scope of the show to fit within the $5,000 threshold?” Tyndall asked.

Wells said she would inquire and share the information with the council.

When contacted Tuesday, Wells confirmed that she’d spoken to the company and that the town’s only options were to pay another $5,000 for the show or to rollover half of the deposit toward next year’s event.

Downtown Sunset:

Page 35

Clouds didn’t stop this pretty sunset from being admired from the Inlet parking lot Tuesday.

Photo by Chris Parypa

Liquor Tax Increase To Fund Health Program Debated

Page 36

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

NEWS EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – While few would argue with addressing health disparities in Maryland, funding a proposed program on the back of an already-struggling hospitality industry has been called into question.

There is little doubt there are glaring health disparities in certain communities around Maryland. Sometimes, the inequalities in access to health care or quality of care are drawn along racial lines and in other cases, they are drawn along geographic lines. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has only shone a brighter light on the health care divide in some communities.

Some state lawmakers met with health care advocates and community

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

leaders this week to advance legislation aimed at addressing health disparities with programs funded by a 1% increase in the state’s alcohol tax.

The legislation, if approved, would create Health Equity Resource Communities (HERC). Communities in the program would be eligible for grants, tax incentives and even healthcare provider loan assistance. However, a coalition of hospitality organizations including the Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association, the Maryland Beer Wholesalers Association and the Maryland Distillers Guild, among others, are already crying foul about the proposal to hike the tax on alcohol and its potential impacts on an already-struggling restaurant and bar industry. The coalition released a statement on Wednesday pointing out the apparent short-

sightedness of further taxing an industry that already faces the highest tax burden in the state.

“First, alcohol is already taxed twice in Maryland,” the statement reads.

“There is an excise tax on alcohol which is paid when products arrive in the state.

There is also a 9% sales tax applied at the point of sale. This rate is already 50% higher than the 6% rate applied to every other item subject to the sales tax in Maryland. In effect, this tax increase takes one of the highest taxed items in Maryland and taxes it even more.”

The coalition’s statement opines there is likely no good time to consider raising the alcohol tax, but especially not during an economic crisis when many restaurants and bars are barely hanging on. Ultimately, the potential tax increase will end up on the checks of

September 18, 2020

consumers and studies have shown a drop off in business when prices go up.

“Second, raising taxes that disproportionately affect the restaurant and bar industries could not come at a worse time,” the statement reads. “Restaurants and bars were shut down for dining in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Partial re-openings, outdoor dining and carryout orders have helped some of them remain viable, but the revenue produced from these sales pale in comparison to pre-pandemic levels.”

The coalition’s statement points out many restaurants and bars have closed already and more will likely shutter because of lingering COVID impacts and raising taxes on them could only accelerate that.

“The Restaurant Association of Maryland predicts up to 40% of Maryland restaurants may close permanently because of the pandemic and uncertainty about when business will return to normal as it has become increasingly difficult for restaurants to generate the customer volume and revenue they need to remain open,” the statement reads. “In addition, unemployment in the hospitality industry is well-documented and has outpaced every other industry in Maryland. As these businesses struggle to regain their footing, which will take years, raising taxes will likely result in reduced sales in Maryland and essentially kicks a struggling industry while it is down.”

Again, few would argue with an attempt to address the growing health disparities.

“The COVID pandemic has made it even more clear that certain communities, especially communities of color, do no have the health care resources they need, which leads to disturbing health disparities,” he said State Senator Antonio Hayes (D-Baltimore), who sponsored the legislation.

However, passing the legislation will not likely happen without a battle. State Delegate Nic Kipke (R-Anne Arundel) said balancing the HERC budget with an increase in the alcohol tax could signal the death knell for many small businesses in Maryland.

“Maryland is in the middle of an economic crisis,” he said. “Our small businesses are hurting, particularly our restaurants, bars and mom-and-pop shops. Many of these businesses are hanging on by a thread, making enough to cover bills if they’re lucky. This type of tax increase could be the final straw that puts many out of business.”

Kipke said the last time the alcohol tax was increased in 2011, the hike was advertised as a way to increase funding for programs for the developmentally disabled, but by the time the deal was passed, only a fraction of what was promised actually made it to the developmentally disabled. He cautioned a similar situation could evolve with the proposed alcohol tax increase.

“Eliminating health disparities is an important goal, particularly given the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on minority communities,” he said.

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OC Residential Project Approved

September 18, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY – Resort planners this week approved a four-building residential project along the bay at Herring Way near 20th Street after a larger debate about the possible impact of on-street parking on the existing neighborhood.

The Planning Commission was presented on Tuesday two site plan reviews, including one on Herring Way and another on 57th Street, each of which met most of the code requirements and came with positive recommendations from the staff. Each of the projects had special conditions attached to them with regards to parking exceptions.

The Herring Way project, for example, will consist of four structures, each of which will be constructed as a twofamily duplex. The four buildings will be spread throughout the parcel with a shared pool in the center of the property. Each of the eight dwelling units will have a two-car garage underneath the building for a total of 16 on-site parking spaces.

Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis raised concern the parking garages, as they are wont to do in a resort community, will fill up with beach equipment, pool accessories and other items and won’t be used as parking for the residents. As a result, Gillis voiced concern the property owners and their guests will resort to parking on the street in an area already stressed for parking in the summer.

“I think this puts a lot of pressure on on-street parking,” he said. “I’m concerned about the impact on the neighborhood. Those two-car garages aren’t going to be used for parking. They’re going to be used for storage.”

Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville said nearby commercial properties stress the onstreet parking in the neighborhood during the peak times of summer, but parking should be readily available during much of the year. Neville essentially said

it will be up to the eventual property owners to find parking if they choose to use the garages for storage purposes.

“During peak times, Fish Tales and Bahia Marina create pressure on onstreet parking in that neighborhood,” he said. “There will be a lot of times when guests will be able to park on the street in that area. The use of garages as storage instead of parking is kind of a self-imposed thing.”

Planning Commissioner Peck Miller said he was inclined to agree.

“If you fill your garage up with toys, you lose the parking spaces,” he said.

“I just don’t know how we could enforce that.”

It was pointed out the town’s Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) had already approved a parking special exception for the project. Gillis, however, remained adamant about the potential on-street parking issue.

“I’ve been consistent with this,” he said. “We’ve sat up here and held developers’ feet to the fire over parking exceptions. This seems to be going away from that. I just don’t know if I can support this project as designed. It’s a beautiful project. Everything is great about it. I just think it will have a detrimental effect on the neighborhood.”

Gillis suggested the in-ground pool on the property could be sacrificed in the name of expanding the amount of parking available on the site.

“If we want to be consistent, why would we not ask the developer to remove the pool and add more parking spaces?” he said. “If the solution is right in front of us, why would we not ask for that.”

However, Miller said the in-ground pool was an important and attractive design feature for the residential project.

“I don’t think that is the solution,” he said. “This project is improved aesthetically with the pool and that open space.”

After considerable debate, the commission voted 4-1 with Gillis opposed and members Pam Buckley and Chris Shanahan absent to approve the site plan for the project.

“But, there is no guarantee that this is where the money will go. As Maryland faces a gloomy budget outlook, the probability that the General Assembly would swap these dollars to pay for something else is high. There is plenty of precedent.”

Closer to home, Ocean City HotelMotel-Restaurant Association Executive Director Susan Jones said on Thursday an effort has been made to roll back the alcohol tax to the level it was in 2011, the last time the tax was raised in Maryland, and not to increase it further.

“We suggested to Comptroller Franchot that the alcohol tax revert back to the 6% it once was as a relief measure,” she said. “He noted that the state has a great bond rating and that there was $500 million in a rainy-day fund un-

touched, so the state was in healthy financial shape.”

Jones said the state’s hospitality industry has been singled out before and hiking the alcohol tax in the middle of an economic and health crisis was shortsighted.

“Our industry has bee unfairly targeted on more than one occasion,” she said. “The effects of COVID-related closures and reduced capacities are going to be the collapse of many restaurants, as already evidenced by closures around the state. Interestingly, the governor has said multiple times that family gatherings are twice as high as restaurants when it comes to contact tracing. We will join the liquor industry and other hospitality groups in fighting this for sure.”

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

… 1% Hike Proposed In Maryland

Page 37

Obituaries

Page 38

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Robert F. Mazuk OCEAN PINES – Robert F. (Bob) Mazuk, age 87, died peacefully on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 at Catered Living in Ocean Pines. Born in Philadelphia, Pa., he was the son of the late Francis and Mary Mazuk.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Patricia H. Mazuk who died in 2017. He is survived by his daughters, Robin Miller and her husband Ronald of Lansdale, Pa., Linda Pavelick and her husband Edward of Dresher, Pa., and Diane Jerman of Chalfont, Pa., and grandchildren, Elias Jerman, Lydia Jerman, Edward Pavelick, Steven Pavelick, Rachael Pavelick, Joseph Pavelick and Chadd ROBERT F. Miller. Also surviving are MAZUK brothers, Francis Mazuk and his wife Betty of St. David, Pa., and Ronald Mazuk and his wife Carol, of Ft. Meyers, Fla. as well as several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death was his grandson, Brett Miller, and his sister, Joan Lanagan.

Mr. Mazuk was a graduate of Germantown High School and served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954. Later he settled in Doylestown, Pa. where he enjoyed taking care of his house, gardening, playing on bowling and tennis leagues, riding his motorcycle and raising his three daughters. He worked in sales for S.P.S. Technologies in Jenkintown, Pa. for 30 years and enjoyed traveling to East Hartford, Conn. to work with his biggest client, Pratt & Whitney. He retired in 1998 when he and Pat moved to a waterfront home in Ocean Pines. He was a member of Holy Savior Catholic Church, the American Legion Post# 166 Sinepuxent Lodge, and the men’s tennis league in Ocean Pines but mostly, he fished and enjoyed each day to the fullest.

Cremation followed his death. A graveside service will be held on Friday, Sept. 25, at 1 p.m. at the Maryland Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, Md. A donation in his memory may be made to a charity of your choice.

Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin

Marvin E. Smith, Jr. BERLIN – Marvin E. Smith, Jr., 75, of Berlin, passed away on Wednesday,

July 29, 2020 at Atlantic General Hospital. Born in Salisbury, he was the son of the late Marvin E. and Margaret Smith.

Marvin is preceded in death by a brother, Ronald L. Smith, and longtime companion, Helen Ruth.

He is survived by his brothers, Donald Smith and Randy Smith of Salisbury, and sisters, Mary Smith of Salisbury and Cheryl Magee of Willards, as well as sevMARVIN eral nieces and neph- E. SMITH, JR. ews.

Marvin worked for Chris Craft, Wayne and Pump (Dresser), Morris Paper Co and in the construction business. Marvin served in the United States Air Force.

He enjoyed old cars and his pets.

All services were private.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Md. 21811. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

Barbara E. Ebersberger OCEAN PINES – Sadness held sway on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020 when Barbara E. Ebersberger, age 81, of Ocean Pines, formerly of Catonsville, Md. passed away at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Barbara was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Jan. 28, 1939 daughter of the late Salvatore and Doris (Jacobs) Musella.

She served as a distinguished Realtor in Howard and Baltimore Counties prior to her retirement.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two husbands, Edward Weitzel and John Ebersberger, her brother, Ralph, and a niece, Michalan. She is survived by her three siblings, Geraldine Airey, Martin Musella and Doreen Musella, and her sister-in-law Beth Musella. She is also survivBARBARA E. ed by seven nieces and EBERSBER- nephews, Timothy, SuzGER anne, Paul, Tressa, Anthony, Jennifer, and William, who will

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miss her dearly. Barbara is also survived by her beloved and constant Yorkie companion, Lizzie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020 at Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, 30839 Mt. Joy Rd., Millsboro, Del. 19966. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Barbara’s name to her favorite charity, Diakonia, Inc, 12747 Old Bridge Rd, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

John Thomas Roub, Jr. OCEAN CITY – John Thomas “Jack” Roub, Jr., 82, went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 9, 2020, one day shy of his 83rd birthday.

He was born on Sept. 10, 1937, in Washington, D.C., to John Thomas Roub, Sr., and Elizabeth Alice Quinn.

He is survived his daughter, Holly Roub Scott, and her mother, Judith Morris Werley; his son-in-law, John Thomas Scott; his grandchildren, William Roub Scott and his wife, Sara Sanders Scott, Mark Edward Scott, Andrew Thomas Scott and Katherine Elizabeth ScJOHN THOMAS ott; his sister, Sally Edwards; his sister, and ROUB, JR. brother-in-law, Suzie and Dick Kemper; and many nieces and nephews.

Jack graduated from George Washington High School in Alexandria, Va. and attended the University of Virginia.

During the 1950s, he served in the Naval Reserve. He worked for United Airlines as a customer service representative and instructor for 35 years at Chicago O’Hare, New York JFK, and Washington Dulles and Reagan National airports. He loved football and during these years held season tickets to the Washington Redskins, playing for a time in their band, and the Vanderbilt Commodores, his daughter’s alma mater. For several decades, he ran a college football bowl contest for family and

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friends and reveled in giving prizes. He retired in 1996 to live with his widowed mother in Ocean City. While there he was an active member of Holy Savior Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Hibernian Society, and served as a mentor at a local high school. In 2012 he moved to Macon, Ga., to live with his daughter and son-in-law and their family.

Jack loved his family and was especially proud of his grandchildren.

He enjoyed visiting Disney World with them, a place he had taken Holly many times with his family in her childhood.

Although he lived far away, he traveled frequently to Macon to attend many of his grandchildren’s sporting events and tell stories to their elementary classes.

He took particular pride that all four of them had graduated from college and he avidly followed them as they began their careers. His eldest grandchild, Will, moved to New York City, a city he loved, Mark served in the military reserve, as had he, Andrew worked for an airline, as had he, and Katie cared for orphaned and abandoned children in Mexico. Although he never traveled to the children’s home, he became pen pals with several of the children there.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests individuals make a donation to the Casa Hogar children’s home education fund.

Donations should be made out to First Presbyterian Church and marked in the memo line “Casa Hogar Education Donation.” Checks may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 682 Mulberry St., Macon, Ga. 31201 or online at fpcmacon.org with a designation for Casa Hogar.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, Ga. 31210 has charge of the arrangements.

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

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Local Students Sign Up To Accept Rachel’s Challenge

September 18, 2020

OCEAN CITY – Worcester Preparatory School’s faculty and students attended the Rachel’s Challenge assembly this week.

The Rachel’s Challenge organization was formed in the wake of the 1999 Columbine High School shootings in memory of 17-year-old Rachel Joy Scott who was the first victim. Presenter Larry Scott, Rachel’s uncle, was the facilitator of the WPS presentation.

The mission of the program is to equip and inspire individuals to promote a safer, more connected school community by replacing acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion. From heartwarming stories of how she impacted students’ lives to excerpts from her diaries, Rachel’s vision was to start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion to change the world. Rachel’s Challenge honors her legacy by giving hope to children everywhere and making a lasting change that will have a positive impact in schools all over the country.

WPS senior Waverly Choy of Rehoboth Beach, Del., opted to attend the additional 90-minute Friends of Rachel (FOR) Training program following the assembly. The training encourages students to form a Friends of Rachel Club to keep the impact going in the school after the live presentation.

“We have had some incredible speakers throughout my 14 years at WPS, however, Rachel’s Challenge was the most thorough and moving program I have experienced,” Choy said. “What sets it apart is the amount of hands-on time they dedicate to not only sharing her message but also giving us the necessary tools and strategies to really transform our school. I have never seen a more inviting opportunity to share our experiences and be vulnerable.”

At the end of the day, WPS School Counselor Allison Harman, introduced herself to Scott.

“Rachel’s Challenge visited my high school and I will never forget what a powerful influence your niece’s story had on my life,” she said. “It compelled me to immediately start journaling and guided me into my profession today. I think Rachel’s message really resonated with students of all ages and instilled a lifelong lesson of compassion for others they will never forget.”

For more information about Rachel’s Challenge, visit www.rachelschallenge.org.

Expanding Our Reach.

Broadening Our Commitment.

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Senior Waverly Choy, pictured at right with Rachel’s Challenge presenter Larry Scott, called this week’s presentation, “the most thorough and moving program I have experienced” in her 14 years at the school. Above, students accept Rachel’s Challenge by signing a poster to be displayed at school.

Submitted Photos

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September 18, 2020

Post-Pandemic Retirement Planning

September 18, 2020

Wealth Of Knowledge

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 41

Investment Portfolios Could Be Impacted

BY COLLIN MACOMBER

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

BERLIN – As of the end of July, the stock market was still performing relatively well and the Federal Reserve had announced no near-term changes to interest rates. However, other economic news was not as rosy. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. economy contracted by nearly a third (32.9% annual rate) in the second quarter of this year.

The pandemic has taken quite a toll on the U.S. economy. While eventually the economy will recover, individuals may want to re-assess their retirement portfolios going forward.

Long term, it’s important to consider what types of permanent changes may take place postpandemic, and how to anticipate them for longterm retirement planCOLLIN MACOMBER ning.

For example, one of the issues with employer-sponsored 401(k) plans is that they are designed to take advantage of tax-deferred growth. However, given today’s historically low tax rates, that is less of an advantage than it was when the idea was first introduced. Consider a median-income married couple with two children: In 1980, the marginal federal income tax rate was 43%. Today, it is 12%.

In 1980, the capital gains tax rate was 28%. Today, it is 0%.

In 1980, interest rates were around 15%. Today, they are 0%.

Tax rates could be adjusted upward in light of the debt America continues to accumulate through COVID-19 stimulus efforts. However, they may not rise as high as tax rates were back in the early ’80s.

A leading professional in retirement income research, Olivia Mitchell, executive director of the Wharton School’s

Pension Research Council, recommends that more employer retirement plans incorporate an annuity option, and even mandate a 10% allocation to that annuity. This would establish a larger pool of insured annuitants to help fund income for retirees who live longer. Until this happens, bear in mind that anyone can incorporate an annuity into his or her personal financial strategy to receive insurer-guaranteed income during retirement. If you’d like to learn more, please contact us.

Another long-term consideration is the status of Social Security. A recent study concluded that potential cuts to benefits could come faster than expected, thanks to COVID-19. Researchers discovered the Social Security Trust Fund may be depleted four years earlier than previously predicted — as early as 2032. This highlights the importance of saving more toward retirement.

Post-pandemic, there may be significant changes that could impact investor portfolio opportunities. For example, this type of disruption in business models often leads to new innovations, so keep an eye on sectors and industries coming up with new ideas.

Also, the newly accepted remote model for both work and school pose interesting opportunities in terms of people living much further away from their employers and colleges, even in different states. This means people could be less inclined to move to urban areas for jobs. Rural regions may see an uptick in populations where young people could purchase homes and start building equity at a younger age.

If you’d like to discuss your retirement options and how they may have changed, please contact us.

The writer is an investment advisor with Key Financial Services (KFS). The entire KFS team can be reached at 410629-0357.

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Page 42

Business The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Long-Time Employee Retires SNOW HILL – Phyllis Wimbrow, deputy director of Worcester County Development Review and Permitting (DRP) will retire effective Sept. 18 after 36 years of public service to the community.

“Phyllis’s leading role with the county inspired positive changes,” Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins said. “She effected change because she knows who we are as a rural, seaside county and what we are about and what we value as we strive to balance the demands of growth and protection of our natural resources.”

PHYLLIS WIMBROW Wimbrow joined DRP in September 1984 as an economic development planner, reviewing and processing plans for commercial and multifamily projects. She was later promoted to the position of planner, where she took on responsibility for processing rezoning requests and amendments to the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article. In 2000, Wimbrow stepped into the position of DRP deputy director, where she played a key role in the overall management of the department.

“When I began working in DRP, I was one of only seven employees,” Wimbrow said. “Even though I had earned a bach-

And Real Estate News elor’s degree in geography and regional planning, it was former DRP Director Hal Morris and former County Attorney Ed Hammond who mentored me in the early days. They taught me the real inner workings of the department and imparted the practical knowledge I needed to help DRP protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.”

Because of her planning knowledge and experience, she took a leading role during the comprehensive updating of the 1992 Zoning Code and Subdivision Control Article, the 2009 Zoning Code and Zoning Map Amendments, and the 2009 Design Guidelines and Standards for Commercial Development. She also processed Zoning Code text amendments, wrote numerous legislative bills, and assisted in the planning process for Samuel Bowen Boulevard, the U.S. Rt. 50 Service Road.

“I will truly miss Phyllis and hope she

has a terrific retirement and enjoys the fruits of her labor,” DRP Director Ed Tudor said. “She has been much more than just a colleague over the span of my career, but has been a true friend as well. I wish her all the best.”

Wimbrow and her husband, Harry, own and operate Wimbrow Farms. In retirement, Wimbrow plans to take a more active role in the family business and will be out and about at area farmers markets from May through October.

She passes the torch of leadership to incoming DRP Deputy Director Jennifer Keener, a member of the American Planning Association and a certified planner (AICP). Keener brings 15 years of experience in planning and site plan review to her new position.

Company Expands South SALISBURY – Becker Morgan Group has announced the addition of engineer-

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September 18, 2020 ing services in North Carolina.

The expansion of engineering in North Carolina is a natural progression for the firm that already offers civil and structural engineering services in its Delaware and Maryland offices. By providing architectural, civil engineering and structural engineering services, Becker Morgan Group is able to bring a holistic approach to each project, working in tandem with each discipline.

“Expanding the breadth and depth of our services in North Carolina is an integral part of the firm’s future,” said North Carolina Principal Ernest W. Olds. “We are excited to make this strategic goal a reality in 2020. The expansion solidifies our commitment to Wilmington and the Carolinas, and we look forward to continuing to serve our clients across the region with these expanded capabilities.”

Top Producers Announced OCEAN CITY – Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva announced the August Top Producers for its Maryland locations. The awards are based on Gross Commission Income or number of units, whichever is higher, for the month.

The Platinum Award Winner is Melanie Shoff of the Ocean City office.

Individuals that won the Quad Gold award are Michael Dunn of the Salisbury office and Billy Barr of the Ocean City office.

The Triple Gold Award winners are Jimbo Weismiller of the Ocean City office, Kim Lucido-McCabe of the Ocean City office and Jay Pierorazio of the Ocean City office.

The Gold Award winners are Sheri Smith of the Ocean City office, Bud Cumberland of the Ocean City office, Brenda Archer-Nichols of the Ocean City office, Carlie Archer of the Ocean City and Tim Dennis of the Salisbury office.

Benjamin Dawson of the Ocean City office won the Silver Award.

The Bronze Award winners are: Theresa Diefendorf of the Ocean City office, Sandra Mattes of the Ocean City office, Devin Graham of the Salisbury office, Gillian Walsh of the Selbyville office, Bobby Jester of the Ocean City office and Kelley Bjorkland of the Ocean City office.

The top team for the month of August is the Fritschle Barker Group of the Ocean City office. Team members are Grant Fritschle, Jon Barker, Clint BickSEE NEXT PAGE

... Business News

September 18, 2020

ford, Bryan Coates, Courtney Wright, Mark Barker and, Jackson St Jean.

The Windrow Group of the Ocean City office won Double Platinum. Team members are Erik Windrow, Nikki Rayne, Robert Windrow, Zachery Temple, Steve Lamontagne and Garrett Connell.

Teams earning the Platinum are Lucido Global Team of the Ocean City office (Frank Serio, Audrey Serio, John Mead and Karen March); and the Moore Team of the Ocean City office (Michael Moore, Mary Moore and Tammy Hall).

Davis Strategic of the Salisbury office earned the Quad Gold Award. Team members are Brett Davis and Chuck Campbell.

The Triple Gold Award winner is the Sharon Daugherty Group of the Salisbury office (Sharon Daugherty and Annie Tingle).

Double Gold Award winners are Britt Team of the Ocean City office (Gregory Britt, Nancy Britt, Lauren Britt Hudson, Kate Deckenback, Mandi Martenson and Maria Seitz).

Top Ranking For SU SALISBURY – U.S. News & World Report has named Salisbury University one of its Best Colleges for 2021.

“For more than two decades, SU has been consistently ranked by U.S. News among the nation’s top higher education institutions,” said Dr. Karen Olmstead, SU provost senior vice president of academic affairs. “Honors such as these not only validate the University’s efforts to provide an outstanding educational experience, but recognize the hard work of our students, faculty and staff in the classroom and beyond.”

The 594 institutions in U.S. News’ Best Regional Universities category are split among four geographic areas — North, South, Midwest and West. In the northern region, SU ranked 67th in the top tier among 176 publics and privates, and 41st among the north’s “Best Value Schools.” It also was named No. 16 among “Top Public Universities” in the north.

Comcast Solicitations Begin BERLIN – Comcast representatives have begun knocking on doors in Ocean Pines.

According to Comcast, representatives are required to wear face coverings and sanitize hands frequently, and must keep at least six feet of distance when speaking with residents. Representatives will never enter a resident’s home, even if invited inside.

Comcast said representatives would “specifically target potential subscribers whose addresses have been verified as ready for service.”

Residents may speak face to face with a Comcast representative, or have a virtual consultation if they are uncomfortable.

Ocean Pines consulted the Worcester County Health Department on the matter, and the Health Department emphasized the importance of masks and at least 6 feet of distance.

The association is not aware of any restrictions in Ocean Pines’ governing documents that forbid the solicitation.

Relief Program Could Help Berlin Renters The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A housing relief program could help local renters affected by COVID-19.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is administering $10 million for the Assisted Housing Relief Program. The program brings financial aid to those behind on their rent as a result of the pandemic.

“This is so important for our apartment community and many probably don’t even know this type of assistance is available,” said Ivy Wells, Berlin’s economic and community development director. “We are hoping that

this grant could help those Berlin residents in need.”

The Assisted Housing Relief Program is intended to help bring rental deficiencies current and provide relief for tenants affected by COVID-19 through direct payments to property management companies. Tenants in eligible properties will be credited a five-month rent rebate which will eliminate their rental debt and the threat of eviction.

The program is limited to rental units in multi-family projects financed by DHCD’s Community Development Administration. In Berlin, eligible properties include Bay Terrace Apartments, Cottages at Berlin, Decatur III, Cannery Village, Homes at Berlin, Mallard

Page 43

Ridge Apartments and Reedy Cove Apartments.

“We will be posting flyers to alert the Berlin community at a variety of gathering places in Berlin,” Wells said.

“Carolyn Duffy with our Planning and Zoning Department is helping identify these locations.”

The program is open to renters who lost income due to the pandemic, lost hours at work, couldn’t work because they were caring for a sick relative or had to take time off because they were sick.

Those interested in applying should contact their property manager now to fill out a one-page form. Application review by the state will begin Sept. 21.

Apple Discount Drugs To Close In Berlin

Page 44

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 18, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – After 17 years in Berlin, Apple Discount Drugs will close next week.

Apple Discount Drugs on Franklin Avenue in Berlin will close its doors Sept.

22. Owner Jeff Sherr said Rite Aid would be purchasing the store’s files and inventory.

“It hurts me because our job is to take care of the community,” Sherr said.

“It’s just a move that has to be made.”

Apple Discount Drugs, which opened in Berlin in 2003, has faced a number of hurdles in recent years that led to its closure, according to Sherr. The store lost business a few years ago when Worcester County signed an agreement with CVS Caremark, making it less convenient for employees to go to independent pharmacies like Apple.

Though the situation has since been remedied, Sherr said the damage had been done. On top of that, in the fall of 2018 there was a fire at the Berlin store.

The fire, caused by an electrical issue

Apple Discount Drugs opened in its Berlin location in 2003.

with the store’s sign, damaged primarily the top of the building but repairs kept the store from fully functioning for months.

“It took until May of 2019 to get us back together,” Sherr said. “It hurt our business.”

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The arrival of 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated Apple’s troubles.

Sherr said when Rite Aid approached, interested in files and inventory but not the brick and mortar building, Apple Drugs took advantage of the opportunity.

“It’s strictly a business decision,” he

HERE’S MY CARD

said. “The sad part is when you’re a locally owned pharmacy, your heart and soul is in it. We go out of our way for people. When you deal with chains, it’s just a job.”

Sherr says independent pharmacies are closing throughout the country as the prevalence of pharmacy benefit managers grows and drug costs are mandated by insurance companies.

“The busyness of a store doesn’t necessarily correlate with the profitability of a store…,” he said. “The idea is, you take care of the customer and you make a profit. The insurance companies are negating that.”

Sherr said Rite Aid would be reaching out to those who had prescriptions filled at Apple in Berlin to share the news of the agreement. Sherr said some of the Apple staff in Berlin would be moving to Rite Aid while others would take positions at Apple Discount Drugs in Fruitland.

Sherr said Apple’s lease on the building didn’t expire until 2022 but he expects the landlord to try to rent the location in the meantime.

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September 18, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 45

GUARDING THE BEACH

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – Most locals will agree fall is the best time to be in Ocean City.

The beach conditions are awesome, the water is warm and the crowds are smaller due to school being back in session.

Though beach conditions are great, it is one of the most challenging times for the beach patrol to maintain an adequately guarded beach. A large percentage of the lifeguards are back at school or college and most of the senior leadership staff are educators. Scheduling personnel to cover the beach can be exceedingly difficult.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol begins implementation of the fall coverage scheme each year following Labor Day. Fall coverage is a reduction in available staff and extends until Sept. 27. During this reduced coverage, staffing levels will be far less than the OCBP’s mid-season deployment. Teachers are some of our most experienced SRT’s and mostly in supervis-

ory rolls on the beach. However, now that Labor Day has passed we have lost our educators for weekdays, although many will return to help cover our beaches on weekends. The town has provided a travel stipend to help returning SRT’s with the added cost of returning from distances over 110 miles away. During weekends in the fall, returning Surf Rescue Technicians will cover for a single day off DAMIEN for those SRT’s who work the weekdays and will a- SANZOTTI llow us to increase the total number of stands and decrease the distance between stands just in time for the increase in weekend populations on the beach.

The beach patrol is committed to providing SRTs along the entire beach for all visitors and residents so rather than have unguarded areas the number of available lifeguard towers are equally distributed along the beach front. As this redistribution occurs, the location and distance be-

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tween stands changes (sometimes on a daily basis). To locate the closest stand to your beach you can call OCBP headquarters at 410-289-7556 between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. or visit our website for daily locations.

To aide your SRT, the beach patrol suggests taking extra precaution and make sure to walk the short distance to swim in front of a lifeguard stand. This short walk is worth the lives of you and your family.

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 28 all lifeguard towers will be removed from the beach until the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend 2021. However, the beach patrol will have mobile surf rescue response personnel available for intervention (although not patrolling on the beach) should the need arise until Columbus Day Monday. These mobile units are First Aid, PPE and AED equipped with one SRT (rider) acting as the primary rescue swimmer while the other SRT (driver) maintains radio communication and backup during an emergency.

HERE’S MY CARD

Although Ocean City Fire/EMS rescue swimmers are trained and equipped to respond to surf rescues, the beach patrol is the agency that is trained and equipped specifically for this mission. The OCBP will be in response mode like the paramedics or police. Typically, the OCBP responds to “swimmer in trouble” calls forwarded by a 911 dispatcher. Having the mobile units on stand-by makes the OCBP one step closer if someone needs assistance. When a response is indicated the rescue swimmer initiates the intervention while the driver who is also a trained rescue swimmer maintains radio contact with the 911 center and acts as backup to the initial rescuer. But most important is not attempting a rescue yourself, if you see someone in trouble. Instead, call 911 and remain on the scene and keep an eye on the individual until trained and equipped helps arrives.

(The writer has been with the beach patrol for 17 years and is currently a sergeant.

He is a physical education teacher at Berlin Intermediate School.)

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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.

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

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 18, 2020

Little Reason To Add E-Bikes To OC’s Boardwalk HOW WE SEE IT

There has been much discussion about biking on the Boardwalk over the last two months.

The Ocean City Mayor and Council agreed in August to permit bikes on the Boardwalk during the traditional summer months till 2 p.m. rather than the typical 11 a.m. Whether these expanded hours will be allowed next summer is uncertain with the Boardwalk Tram service likely returning.

One month later, the council appeared poised to allow certain electric bikes on the boards after an earlier review, but in the end decided better of it, remanding the issue to a subcommittee for further review.

Though the city’s Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) had recommended approval after doing its due diligence, the council opted last week to send the matter back for more consideration due to Boardwalk con-

gestion and speed concerns with the e-bikes.

Council Secretary Mary Knight was the most outspoken critic of the concept, saying, “I see e-bikes as a disaster on the Boardwalk. I don’t want someone hit by a vehicle going 20 mph. I think this ordinance is reckless.

We haven’t talked to the police department about this.”

Though the police department was consulted at the committee level discussion, Knight’s concerns are warranted. Last week’s conversation about e-bikes reminded us of a discussion many years ago over Segway rentals, which some bike shop owners wanted to offer. While Segways never proliferated in great numbers, there have been safety issues over the years with them. We witnessed an individual on an out-of-control Segway many years ago fall six feet off a Board-

walk street-end. Fortunately, the individual was young and laughed it off, but there could have been serious injuries.

While there are similar safety concerns with e-bikes, and bicycles in general for that matter, we feel the Boardwalk congestion in a typical summer season is the major concern. Mornings this past summer are not a true barometer to demonstrate the nature of the crowds on the boards. We see no reason to add a new, potentially faster type of bike to the boards. It seems like a risky move and an unnecessary one at that.

The Boardwalk is an asset that needs to be protected and decisions compromising public safety in the name of change and progress are unwarranted. We support the council’s decision to not allow e-bikes on the boards at this time.

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

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

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The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices.

The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year.

Subscription rates are $75 per year, $55 for six months.

POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Maryland Coast Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Maryland Coast Dispatch offices are located at Route 346 and Graham Avenue, Berlin, Maryland.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Decision On Events Explained Editor: I feel it necessary to address some misinformed posts on the internet regarding the Town of Berlin’s decision to cancel the Berlin Christmas Parade and our traditional New Year’s Eve Celebration. I also wish to comment on the decision to proceed with a modified version of Berlin’s Oktoberfest.

The decisions and policies of the Town since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic have fully followed the guidelines and orders of Gov. Larry Hogan and his administration. I stated early on during this crisis, and I know we have proceeded throughout this unprecedented medical challenge, to seek a middle road but when the path forward is not clear, to err on the side of caution.

The Town of Berlin has hosted only one event so far this year. That was a highly modified version of the Berlin Peach Festival which was promoted as Peach Day. By spreading the offerings out along Main Street and side streets we were able to accommodate the necessity of social distancing and required everyone to wear face masks.

Peach Day was a resounding success and serves as an example of what is possible for the re-organizing of some popular Berlin events during this ongoing pandemic. This year’s Oktoberfest is being restructured a-long the similar lines and not with the massive grouping of crowds in recent years.

It is not possible for Berlin Christmas Parade to be reorganized in a way to make it a safe public event. Literally a few thousand people, many children, come to town from neighbor-

ing communities. Kids, parents and friends pack the sidewalks all along Main Street. This is in no way conducive to social distancing in any manner.

Some people say the town should just restrict the number of people who can attend. Really!

Many of the youth groups and marching bands are not meeting or practicing. And even if we should all be so lucky that somehow the pandemic magically disappears later this fall, then an event as large and involved as Berlin’s Christmas Parade cannot just be thrown together in a matter of a couple weeks or even a month.

The New Year’s Ball Drop on Main Street presents similar crowding problems, just on a smaller scale in a much more confined area. Once again, it is not conducive to setting up a safe setting or for social distancing in this time of the coronavirus.

The Town of Berlin is exploring an alternative for this New Year’s Eve which would enable a fireworks display to be based at the Worcester County ballfield at the southern border of our community. If this is feasible, as we hope, it would be held early in the evening on New Year’s Eve so children can see the fireworks from their homes, or from their parents’ automobiles. This approach is being considered by the Town of Berlin and a decision will come in a few weeks.

I know all of us are weary of this seemingly never-ending pandemic.

Opinions about its danger to citizens is a varied as anything I have ever witnessed. As the mayor of Berlin it is my responsibility to not be swayed by either extreme, but to find a responsible middle course that gets our commu-

nity safely through this disappointing and often frustrating year of 2020.

In the meantime, please do all you can within your control to keep your family, friends and your extended family of Berlin safe until this is all behind us.

Mayor Gee Williams Berlin

In-Person Meetings Needed Editor: Savvy politicians know how to use the adage “never let a good crisis go to waste”. Ocean City Councilmember Dennis Dare, who I believe is a savvy politician, recognizes that the COVID19 crisis is a way to make changes that he wants in how the council conducts its meetings.

During a recent council meeting, a discussion took place about resuming in-person meetings between the council members and the public. Councilmember Dare did not believe the council should rush back to having in-person meetings. He went on to say that “Unless it is under certain conditions, I will not be attending in person” and that “I have been told if I don’t feel safe, I don’t have to come.”

He also said that the council should take measures that would make the meeting participants safe from not only COVID-19 but also the seasonal flu and the common cold. Mr. Dare wants the wearing of masks to continue even when COVID-19 abates. He also suggested that the heating and ventilation system at City Hall needs to be upgraded to perform seven air changes every hour and be installed with air filters. He wants permanent “virus mitiSEE NEXT PAGE

September 18, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR gation protocols” implemented including a redesign of the council’s meeting chambers.

Of course, these changes would cost money but if we know one thing from Councilmember Dare’s history, he always finds it easy to spend taxpayers’ money.

If Councilmember Dare feels unsafe with the in-person meetings of the Council he has two options: one he can continue, with the other council members permission, to attend the meetings remotely or two he can resign his position.

In my view, the council should have in-person meetings, with necessary precautions, so that the current issues, challenges and opportunities affecting Ocean City are given the maximum exposure between the council members and the public.

Joseph Potter Ocean City

Volunteer Work Reflections Editor: Being one who frequently complains about the amount of litter throughout town, I took Councilman Deluca’s call for volunteers to help serve on the Green Team to heart. If I did not participate, I would feel like I would forfeit my right to complain. Picking up trash during the COVID-19 pandemic was not something I was looking forward to doing, but on a hot and humid Saturday in September, I spent two hours picking up trash in downtown. It was a very fulfilling experience and I wanted to share some of the highlights.

I was greeted right away by Councilman Deluca and Mayor Meehan. I was given a volunteer shirt, a pair of gloves, a rake, and a map of my assigned territory. Lucky for me, my area was Somerset Street north to the bridge. I say lucky, because that is home for me. I am sure others would think I was unlucky as the dense population in that area always means much more trash than others.

While just beginning my shift, I saw a freak accident take place. On Somerset Street, I noticed a lady walking with her Husband. She was so enthralled with the mega yachts at the White Marlin Marina, she accidentally tripped off of the curb as her eyes were on the boats instead of her footing. I tossed down my rake and trash bags and went to help. She assured me she was fine and thanked me. Then she saw my new shirt and my garbage bags.

She asked about the Green Team. I explained how I was volunteering. The couple thanked me and told me they return to Ocean City for vacation year after year, but they have been so disgusted about the litter in town that they had discussed other possible destinations. I was not five minutes into my shift and I already found it to be rewarding.

During my gathering of debris, I collected beer cans and bottles, face masks, straws, bottle caps, rubber

Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

bands, gloves, and even a bicycle chain. But the biggest discarded item by far was cigarette butts. As a non-smoker, I think the habit is ridiculous. It is expensive, stinks, and will kill you. I just do not comprehend the logic of this addiction. But, I can tell you that the folks that do smoke seem to have no problem at all throwing their butts in the street. Whether it is those grabbing a cheap can of beer at Ocean City’s oldest bar, or the restaurant around the corner where people shell out $45 for a seafood platter. Both doorways were covered with butts. Hopefully we can figure out a way to deal with this. Our current method is not working.

My last take away was troubling to me. As one who frequently roams the streets downtown I always find the folks around to be friendly. Whether I am walking, jogging or walking the dog, the vast majority of people I encounter will make eye contact, offer a smile, say hello, or just give the friendly head nod. During my volunteer shift, I noticed a very different reception. It was as if I became invisible. People would now walk right by the guy picking up trash without any acknowledgement.

Even worse, a couple of families actually walked across the street to avoid having any contact with the sweaty guy wearing a mask and gloves and holding a rake and trash bags.

In conclusion, we have a litter problem in Ocean City. A big thanks goes out to Councilman Deluca and Mayor Meehan for addressing the issue and taking part in the cleanup day. Please remember to discard your trash in the appropriate manner. The couple of bags I filled up made me feel good, but I think of the countless amount of trash that is washed away into our bay.

Please do not smoke, but if you must, do not toss your butts into the public domain. And lastly, but most importantly, please treat everyone the way you would wish to be treated. Our sanitation members do a great job and deserve a smile and wave and maybe even a cold drink on a hot summer day. Don’t treat them as invisible entities. They deserve dignity, justice and respect at work. I am looking forward to the next Green Team day of action.

I will be there.

M. Scott Chismar Crofton and Ocean City, Md.

To Our Readers: The Dispatch welcomes any and all letters from our readers. All letters are encouraged typed, but not required, and we reserve the right to edit each letter for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Letters should include writer’s name, address and day and evening telephone numbers. If we are unable to reach the writer, we will have to withhold the letter. Due to space restraints, letters under 500 words in length will be given top priority.

Letters can be mailed to The Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811, emailed to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com or faxed to 410-641-0966.

Page 47

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

It was not so much the actual decision to cancel Berlin’s Christmas Parade and New Year’s Eve as much as the timing and communication.

Last Friday the Town of Berlin issued a press release announcing the official cancelation of the Christmas Parade and New Year’s Eve ball drop.

In the same press release, there were some details about next month’s Oktoberfest event, featuring outdoor tents with beer, fare and a sidewalk sale.

When the press release was shared on our Facebook page, the inevitable criticism followed. Ninety percent of the nearly 400 comments were dramatically against the town’s decision. For example, one commenter wrote, “I’m trying to comprehend this and make sense out of this decision.

Events in October, one month away, are still on but you have canceled the 2 events the end of December, 3 months from now.” Another commenter wrote, “Who announces this (expletive deleted) on 9/11 after the first week of virtual school?! Seriously wtf is wrong with the people making these ridiculous decisions! Our poor babies have lost enough this year!”

These concerns are understandable. Whether the decision to cancel the parade and New Year’s festivities now is the right call is not my beef.

My guess is the events would not be able to be held ultimately, but announcing it so early was unnecessary and certainly poor judgment to lump in with the revised plans for Oktoberfest, which right or wrong most people consider a drinking event.

It’s also worth pointing out this decision could well be reversed if Berlin Mayor Gee Williams loses his seat Oct. 6. There were indications among challengers the move would be re-evaluated immediately after the election.

Ocean City is preparing for the worst with next weekend’s pop-up vehicle rally. In fact, the hospitality industry is even warning guests of the inconveniences that will be coming in the form of traffic backups, speed bumps, new traffic patterns and a heavy police presence.

In an email yesterday to membership, Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Executive Director Susan Jones shared some communication tools and guidance for the weekend, including some verbiage hotels should consider sending guests ahead of their stay in Ocean City.

The letter read, “Thank you for choosing to stay with us! We can't wait to welcome you to Ocean City and look forward to your upcoming visit.

“As you prepare for your stay, we want to make you aware of a large motor event coming to town this weekend, September 25-28. The event is expected to bring excessive noise and increased traffic which may impact your Ocean City experience.

“Please understand that this is not a Town-sanctioned event and Ocean City does not authorize the actions planned by the social media organizers.

Our number one priority is the safety of our visitors and the Town will be implementing several measures in order to keep you and our community safe.

“As always, we want our visitors to have the best experience possible in OCMD and enjoy everything our beloved beach town has to offer. We pride ourselves on being a coastal community that families of all ages can enjoy year-round but we ask you to exercise caution when visiting the weekend of September 25-28.”

While this may seem unconventional, I think it’s a wise approach to inform guests next weekend will be unusual. It’s these sorts of practices that underscore the fact Ocean City may have to take a business bruising in the near term in exchange for longer term success if the weekend is so miserable for the participants. The intent is to make it uncomfortable and miserable for people in town. It’s best to warn people with the proper messaging.

The Worcester County Commissioners were right to slow the process for a potential overlay zone for the Ocean Downs Casino. It may ultimately still be approved, but the request was clearly on the fast track before the commissioners decided last month to set aside a work session to discuss the issue before having a public hearing on the matter next month.

The motivation behind the casino’s request is a desire to offer more events and functions on the casino property. All these gatherings, such as a concert, for example, would have one goal in mind – to get more bodies into the casino. Diversifying offerings to bring in new people to the property is certainly a logical business proposition for the casino, but the commissioners have a lot to weigh here, including the original intent 12 years ago behind the approvals for expanded gambling at the casino. The commissioners should also consider whether any sort of approval of the overlay district needs to be tied to continuing live racing at the track. The public hearing on the matter will be interesting.

For now, the commissioners’ top concern is the impact additional uses on the property would have on Route 589. “I’ll just leave this scenario in everybody’s head. They have a concert out there and you have 2,500, 3,000 people leaving that casino area at the same time pouring out onto 589,” Commission President Joe Mitrecic said. “That’s a possibility.”

Casino General Manager Bobbi Sample indicated officials understand the issues, but she said, “We feel very positive we can address all the concerns and move forward with the responsible expansion of our property.”

Page 48

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

R

The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

achel Scott.

It was a name foreign to me until a few months ago when I heard my 12-yearold son’s school was looking to present a program called Rachel’s Challenge to students. Rachel was the first student killed in the horrific Columbine High School attack in Littleton, Colo. in 1999. She was just 17 years old and eating lunch outside when she was shot. In the days after her death, her family was provided with numerous stories about Rachel’s simple acts of kindness and approach to accepting and supporting all students no matter their background, skin color or even how they treated her. These interactions coupled with the family’s grief led to the creation of Rachel’s Challenge, which lists as its mission: “Making schools safer, more connected places where bullying and violence are replaced with kindness and respect; and where learning and teaching are awakened to their fullest.”

Rachel’s Challenge offers its informative program to schools across the country, including at Worcester Prep this week where elementary, middle and upper schools heard about the effort and committing to signing “Rachel’s Challenge.” I had heard about this effort beforehand and gave Beckett a heads up there would be a special assembly today at his school.

At pick-up the day the program was presented at Beckett’s school, I was anxious to gather his thoughts about it. I will never learn I guess. Asking him questions at pickup is never fruitful and can be frustrating. I should know better than to fire questions at him on the way home from school. At pickup, he is all about decompressing, which evidently is a process that does not involve his dear old dad asking

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him the same questions a few different ways. He’s a tough interview for this reporter.

Later, much later actually, I asked him about what “PE” class – usually a discussion point -- was like followed by some casual talk about the origins of the frisbee. I thought I was in safe territory now with my pre-teen so I circled back to the Rachel’s Challenge program.

Maybe he was still processing it, but he didn’t have a lot to say about it.

He said it was interesting, but didn’t seem to think the messaging really pertained to him. I questioned him about that in my best non-threatening way. His answer surprised me. He said he already has compassion and empathy because of his special needs brother. He said maybe other people need to hear about accepting people for their differences, but he has no problem with anyone. He said, “everyone should be themselves, they can’t help it.”

It was an interesting, but short conversation. Though I’m sure he learned some things, the presentation did not have an incredible impact as I hear it did with all other kids. It’s okay, but I later learned through my own research more. Along with the students who shared their personal recounts of Rachel’s empathy with her parents, an essay she wrote in high school was also a driving motivation behind the creation of the non-profit organization named after her.

Rachel’s essay, “My Ethics, My Codes of Life,” was quite poignant in this time we live in, though it was written 20 years ago and a teen. Here’s an excerpt: “Compassion is the greatest form of love humans have to offer. According to Webster’s Dictionary compassion means a feeling of sympathy for another’s misfortune. My definition of

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compassion is forgiving, loving, helping, leading and showing mercy for others. I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go.

It wasn’t until recently that I learned that the first and the second and the third impressions can be deceitful of what kind of person someone is. For example, imagine you had just met someone, and you speak with them three times on brief everyday conversations. They come off as a harsh, cruel, stubborn and ignorant person.

You reach your judgment based on just these three encounters. Let me ask you something .. did you ever ask them what their goal in life is, what kind of past they came from, did they experience love, did they experience hurt, did you look into their soul and not just at their appearance? Until you know them and not just their “type,” you have no right to shun them. You have not looked for their beauty, their good. You have not seen the light in their eyes. Look hard enough and you will always find a light, and you can even help it grow, if you don’t walk away from those three impressions first.

I am sure that my code of life may be very different from yours, but how do you know that trust, compassion and beauty will not make this world a better place to be in and this life a better one to live? My codes may seem like a fantasy that can never be reached, but test them for yourself, and see the kind of effect they have in the lives of people around you. You may just start a chain reaction.”

(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.)

Cafe

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THE DISPATCH’S PETS OF THE MONTH

September 18, 2020

Pet’s Name: Cosmo Pet’s Age/Breed: 6-year-old teddy bear Pet’s Owners: Ed & Therese Sweeney

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Pet’s Name: Phoebe “Crunchy” Pet’s Age/Breed: 3-month-old boxer Pet’s Owner: Jackie Welch

Pet’s Name: Charlie Pet’s Age/Breed: 5-year-old Laborador/Weimaraner Pet’s Owner: Jim Johnson

Page 49

Pet’s Name: Jackson Pet’s Age/Breed: 2-year-old longhair chihuahua Pet’s Owners: Amanda & Eric Miller

EDITOR

STEVE GREEN

Pet’s Name: Scooter Pet’s Age/Breed: 4-year-old rat terrier mix Pet’s Owner: Stevie Welsh

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

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

On the front page is last month’s winning entry, Maeve, owned by Michael and Heather Reid.

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

Please be sure it’s a high-quality photo suitable for reproduction and to include your mailing address, the pet’s name, age and breed and the owner’s first and last name. The next series will appear in this space on Oct. 16.

Pet’s Name: Gracy Lou Pet’s Age/Breed: 3-year-old shih tzu Pet’s Owners: Jeff & Tracy Kyger

Resort Police Chief Updates Area Efforts To Help Homeless

Page 50

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A discussion on homelessness highlighted a resort committee meeting this week.

“We continue to work through this stubborn issue,” Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro told the Police Commission Monday, “but there are limitations.”

An effort to address the homeless population in Worcester County began in 2018, as homelessness on the Boardwalk gained attention.

To that end, the Worcester County Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) – comprised of partnerships among the Wor-

cester County Health Department, Local Behavioral Health Authority, Local Management Board, Department of Social Services, Ocean City Police Department, Diakonia, Ocean City Crisis Coalition, and Atlantic General Hospital – was created.

Since that time, HOT members have assisted dozens of identified homeless individuals into housing. Officials have also noted some improvements in and around public areas, most notably the Caroline Street comfort station.

In a report this week, however, Buzzuro noted some of the recent challenges in addressing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained some

September 18, 2020

partnering agencies have had to redirect efforts or limit resources in response to the outbreak.

“Because of COVID, there have been difficulties,” he said. “At the start of 2020 we were starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. But there are limitations through the health department and through our HOT network ...”

Buzzuro said the police department continues to address homeless individuals who congregate and sleep on public property, most notably the transit centers, tram station and bus shelters. But he told commission members there was little the agency could do without criminal activity or ordinance violations.

Mayor Rick Meehan said the issue highlighted the importance of adding lights to bus shelters and other areas.

“Lighting those up might help solve that problem …,” he said.

Buzzuro added the police department and partners would continue to direct the homeless to local resources.

“Looking forward, as we go into the fall and winter, hopefully we will be able to do more,” he said. “But there are some resources that remain for our homeless population. We continue to present those resources for them to take advantage of. For some, there remains some reluctance. For some, there remains some issues with mental illness.”

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Park Place Jewelers-Boardwalk & 2nd & 3rd St. And OC Factory Outlets • 410-213-9220

The Dough Roller Five Locations In Ocean City

September 18, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 51

Page 52

Ocean City Beach Patrol’s Patrick Reid, Emily Hegarty and Katie Zgorsky gave out information on beach safety during the 2020 Sundaes in the Park season finale.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

People

By Jeanette Deskiewicz

FEATURING THOSE HELPING CAUSES IN THE RESORT AREA

Working hard to raise funds for their outreach ministry were Dave Kramer, Tom Bickerstaff and Jack Levering at the Shepherd's Nook Flea Market at Community Church at Ocean Pines.

In Society

September 18, 2020

The Shepherd's Nook Thrift Shop at Community Church at Ocean Pines is open with Chris Whittenberger, Harry Hammond and Judy Steinbiser volunteering on a Saturday morning.

Fall and winter items will be coming out today at the Atlantic United Methodist Church Thrift Shop with volunteers Carol Finke, Pam Zorn and Bill and Linda Jones helping you shop safely.

Selling delicious ice cream treats during the last Sundae in the Park for this year were Donna Sauter, Donna Reid and Gail Wilkinson of Town of Ocean City Special Events.

Selling custom blended teas at the Berlin Farmer’s Market are Jeremy Eggers and Certified Herbalist Michaela Eggers of Little Green Witch Apothecary.

Baked Desserts staffers Kate Vincent and Michelle Thawley hit the street with the shops baked goods during a Sunday Morning Berlin Farmer’s Market.

The Atlantic United Methodist Church Friday Soup Kitchen has moved to a carry-out model with Ed Kriege and Linda Short handing out lunch items to go.

Pine'eer Craft Club members Mary Stover, Natalie Fenwick, and Kim Perrone welcome masked shoppers into the Artisan Gift Shop on Saturday and Sundays.

Bringing the joy of the North American Paw-Paw fruit to the Berlin Farmer’s Market were Anmei Yang and Matthew Harhai of Goat Plum Tree Farm.

September 18, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 53

with Scott Lenox Oh, the weather. Unfortunately, we are into another September where we’ve had less fishable days than fishable and we may miss our opportunity at some of the best white marlin fishing that we see all year. The wind has blown so much that the offshore canyons have been tough to get to and that has left anglers frustrated and looking for other options.

The good news is that inshore fishing has been pretty darn good even though the wind has blown there too and it should stay good for the next month or two.

The offshore report isn’t great from last week, but it’s not all doom and gloom. There were a couple of days where the fleet got out and they found good fishing for marlin, tuna and mahi.

The crew of the Pumpin’ Hard out of Sunset Marina with Captain Mike Burt pulled an overnight trip in the canyons before the wind started blowing and had a terrific trip. Day one saw five white marlin releases and the next morning they added another six for a total of 11 releases on the trip. Tuna fishing was also good when boats could get to them with good numbers of longfin albacore

and a few yellowfin tuna mixed in. Both species were caught on trolled ballyhoo and spreader bars in the Poorman’s and Washington Canyons. These were a nice class of fish as well with some of the longfin over 60 pounds and a few of the yellowfin over 65. The white marlin may have left the building with the wind we’ve been seeing, but we could see yellowfin tuna into October and beyond.

The ocean going party boat fleet has been negatively impacted by the wind recently as well. Northeast winds of 20plus knots are a no-go for anyone trying to fish the ocean so even the inshore fleet has had to stay tied to the dock more days than not. When they have been able to get out fishing has been good for sea bass, flounder and mahi.

The sea bass bite started strong when the season opened on May 15 and hasn’t really let up since, and now there are some nice flounder in the mix as well so local party boat captains are dreading this September weather so far. If you’re looking to get in on some of the bottom fishing action I highly recommend purchasing one of the Ocean City Reef SEE PAGE 54

Rich Daiker won the Bahia Marina Flounder Pounder in grand style when he landed this 8-pound, 15-ounce doormat that grabbed him and teammate Kenny Schoen over $5,000.

Submitted Photos

Page 54

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 18, 2020

Top left, Mate Joey Abbatichio holds a big flounder that was caught on board the Miss Ocean City with Captain Anton. Top middle, Captain Chris Watkowski of Spring Mix II put this group on a great day offshore that included two longfin albacore, a bunch of mahi and three white marlin releases. Top right, Lisa Ruziicka from Bel Air, Md. won the fish pool on board the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins with this “dandy fluke.” Above left, the crew of the Pumpin’ Hard with Captain Mike Burt had an excellent overnight trip that ended with 11 white marlin releases. Above right, this duo caught flounder of 3.9 and 4.5 pounds while fishing with Captain John Prather of Ocean City Guide Service.

Opposite page, top left, the boys from Chantilly had a great day with Captain Joe Drosey of Rhonda’s Osprey releasing four white marlin. Opposite page, top right, Richie Murphy caught and released this big 49-inch red drum while fishing just off the beach of Ocean City. Opposite page, middle left, Chrissie caught this nice sheepshead of 25-inch fishing the north sea wall with live sand fleas. Opposite page, middle right, this limit of flounder was caught on the party boat Angler with Captain Chris Mizurak at the helm. Opposite page, bottom left, Mike Orchulli caught this big mahi while fishing with Captain Mark Hoos aboard the Marli.

Opposite page, bottom right, Captain Jason Mumford of Lucky Break Charters displays a beautiful trout that his angler caught at the south jetty.

... Fish In OC

FROM PAGE 53 Foundation chart books. They have hundreds of wreck and reef coordinates that are great spots to catch flounder, sea bass, triggerfish, tautog and more.

The proceeds go to put more of this structure out in the ocean through OCRF efforts so it is definitely a win/win.

Thanks to the persistent wind and rough ocean conditions, back bay fishing has been the highlight of my fishing report for the past couple of weeks. The wind has been blowing inshore as well, but not so much that it has kept folks off the water. Flounder fishing has been impacted slightly because of dirty water caused from the wind, but there have still been some fish caught. The clean-

est water has actually been on the bottom of the outgoing tide and anglers that have been paying attention to that have had the best luck. There are still a lot of throwback sized fish being caught under the 16 1/2-inch size limit, but there have also been some really nice fish.

Bud Heim fished the east channel last Friday and put the net on a 23-inch, 5pound flounder, and Rich Daiker won the Bahia Marina flounder pounder with a huge 8-pound, 15-ounce fish that he caught at the Route 50 Bridge. Both of these doormats were caught on live bunker. I’ve had some great success with live bunker on our Fish in OC Doormat Destroyer live bait rig too. I’ve had three fish over 22 inches this month on live bunker all from the east channel.

Gulp, minnows and shiners will catch you fish and you never know when a big one will jump on, but live bunker,

spot and mullet will catch you bigger flounder more consistently.

There have been some nice sheepshead, some trout and even some croaker caught in the Ocean City inlet the past week with some good sized fish in there.

Live sand fleas are the ticket for sheepshead and they can be caught on the rocks of both the north and south jetty.

The trout are tricky, but bucktails, shad baits and live bunker will entice a bite if you’re in the right place at the right time.

Deeper channels and flat sand next to the jetties is where you could find a trout this time of year. Captain Jason Mumford of Lucky Break Charters knows how to catch sheepshead, trout, croaker and just about every other fish in the back bays of Ocean City and recently he has been all over the croaker. Squid, clam or Fishbites bloodworm are great baits for croaker and when they’re around they

aren’t tough to catch. Fish the incoming tide in deeper channels with those baits and you could luck into a nice “hardhead.” Croaker are one of the hardest fighting fish for their size and they are excellent table fair. They are also a lot of fun for the kids and a great alternative if back bay water is a little dirty or the flounder aren’t cooperating.

We are taking sign ups for our Ocean City Inshore Classic tournament scheduled for Oct. 10 and 11 next month. We have categories for rockfish, flounder, tautog and open and we usually have some terrific payouts. You can email me at info@fishinoc.com for more information. Until next week, tight lines!!

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

September 18, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 55

Page 56

Who’s Where When BUXY’S SALTY DOG/DRY DOCK 28 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 18: Aaron Howell, 7 p.m.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 18, 2020

Best Beats On The Beach

CLARION HOTEL 410-524-3535 • 10100 Coastal Hwy. Ocean Club: Friday & Saturday, Sept. 18 & 19: On The Edge, 5 p.m.

Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill: Saturday, Sept. 19: Stephen Anthony, Noon-4 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, Sept. 18 & 19 DJ Dusty, 5 p.m.

COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL Castle In The Sand Hotel 37th & 38th St. • 410-289-6846 Friday, Sept. 18: Darin Engh, Noon-4 p.m.; Monkee Paw, 5-9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19: The Everafter,Noon-4 p.m.; The Rockoholics, 5-9 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 20: Shortcut Sunny, Noon-3 p.m.; Natalie Davis Band, 4-8 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 21: Bob Wilkinson & Joe Smooth, 4-8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23: Joe Smooth & Jon Remy, 4-8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 24: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama, 4-8 p.m.

CORK BAR & GRILL Wicomico St. & Boardwalk 410-289-6921 Sunday, Sept. 20: TBA

ON THE EDGE Ocean Club/Clarion: Friday & Saturday, Sept. 18 & 19

SHOTS FIRED Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, Sept. 18

LAUREN GLICK DUO Downy Oshun: Saturday, Sept. 19

SURREAL Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, Sept. 18 & 19

NATALIE DAVIS BAND Coconuts Beach Bar: Sunday, Sept. 20

WHAT’S NEXT Fager’s Island: Friday & Saturday , Sept. 18 & 19

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 19 Wicomico St. off the boardwalk 443-373-2756 Friday, Sept. 18: Shots Fired, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19: Fuzzbox Piranha, 8 p.m.

Every Sunday: DJ Wax, 10 p.m.

Every Tuesday: DJ RobCee, 10 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 24: Deviation By Design Duo, 8 p.m.

DOWNY OSHUN 120th St. Bayside 410-670-8025 Friday, Sept. 18: Test Kitchen, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19: Lauren Glick Duo, 6 p.m.

Every Thursday: Otto Grundman & Friends, 6 p.m.

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. & The Bay Friday, Sept. 18: DJ RobCee, 9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, Sept. 18 & 19: What’s Next PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, Sept. 18: Beats By Styler, 4 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 20: Chainbreak, 1 p.m., Beats By Skyler, 5:30 p.m., Dust N Bones, 10 p.m.

Sundays & Wednesdays: Beats By Skyler Every Tuesday & Thursday: Beats By Wax SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 18: John McNutt Duo, 4 p.m., Late Last Night Duo, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19: Full Circle, 4 p.m., High Five Swan Dive Duo, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 20: Full Circle Duo, 4 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 24: Go Go Gadjet, 4 p.m.

FULL CIRCLE Seacrets: Saturday, Sept. 19 & Sunday, Sept. 20 (duo)

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, Sept. 18 Crawl St. Tavern: Tuesdays

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

DJ DUSTY Clarion/ Lenny’s Beach Bar: Friday & Saturday, Sept. 18 & 19

STEPHEN ANTHONY Clarion/ Lenny’s Beach Bar: Saturday, Sept. 19

OTTO GRUNDMAN Downy Oshun: Thursdays

AARON HOWELL Dry Dock 28: Friday, Sept. 18

The Dispatch Classifieds

September 18, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

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

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

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

GROUNDSKEEPER: $15/hour.

Full Time. RV Park Bishopville.

Call 410-352-3140.

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Page 57

Currently hiring manpower for

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

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

ANNOUNCEMENT

COMMERCIAL

CAR ACCIDENT: To the gentlemen who backed into my passenger side door at Shore Stop Valero on Rt. 589, 3-weeks ago, the damage was more than we thought.

Please call me, Debbie, 443-6693004, and leave a voicemail.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SMALL OFFICE—MEDICAL SPACE FOR LEASE: 10031 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin. $395 per mo. Utilities included. Multiple spaces available. 443-856-5241.

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

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– UPSCALE MIDTOWN OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT: 2,130 sq.ft.

No CAM fees. 443-880-2225.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SERVICES Ceja’s Landscaping & More!

•YARD MAINTENANCE •PAINTING •POWER WASHING 410-251-3425 410-202-2545

SMALL OFFICE SPACES FOR RENT

South Gate Entrance Ocean Pines on Nicholas Lane at Business Center.

From $300 to $700/month includes all utilities, CAM and WiFi. Furnished with desk and chair(s).

Call 410-208-4800

Holtz Property Management

The Dispatch

Page 58

Classifieds

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

RENTALS

FOR SALE

UPDATED 2BR/1BA APT: Beautiful historic downtown Berlin, MD, walking distance to shops and restaurants. $1250/mo with first and last month’s rent due at signing along with a $1250 security deposit. No Smoking. No Pets. Call (410)-641-2111, ask for Jessica.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEEKLY RENTALS: Time & Tide Condominium. Efficiency and 2BR units with full kitchens. Pool. 2605 Baltimore Avenue. Oceanside near boardwalk. Price Reduced. $800-$1100/week. 410-218-5249.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WINTER RENTAL: Condos 52nd & 127th, OC. 1BR, 1BA. Great locations, Nice. Starts Oct. 1st. $250 per week. Sec. Deposit reqd.

Cable & WiFi incl. 267-254-0111.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YEAR-ROUND OCEAN CITY: 1BR. Furnished. All utilities incl.

Start date 9/15. $1300/month May thru Sept. $1000/month Oct thru April. $1300 sec dep req. No pets.

Email: ocrevenuemgt@gmail.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

HOME IMPROVEMENT ITEMS: Appliances, 11 glass sliding doors, new a/c unit, windows, kitchen cabinets with granite. All good condition. Call 443-324-5206.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HOUSEHOLD ITEMS: 3-piece sectional, refrigerator, 4-panel screen, 6x9 rug, plus various household items. 410-629-1663.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WEEKLY RENTALS Poolfront Room $215.

Efficiency Room $245.

2 BR Apartment $350.

3 BR Suite $400.

Burgundy Inn

YARD SALES BERLIN: 10046 Old Ocean City Blvd., Saturday 9/19, 8am-11am.

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CHECK OUT The Dispatch ONLINE E-DITION

mdcoastdispatch.com

Expanding Our Reach.

Broadening Our Commitment.

The Dispatch

1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

THIRD INSERTION

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18408

To all persons interested in the estate of SUSANNE C. HAILE, ESTATE NO. 18408.

Notice is given that EDMUND F. HAILE, 106 NORTH MORRIS STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 was on, AUGUST 25, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SUSANNE C. HAILE, who died on AUGUST 6, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25TH day of FEBRUARY, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27TH day of FEBRUARY, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

September 18, 2020 Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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

That the father of aforesaid child is Respondent “NOEL PEREZ”. That this Publication Notice is his service of process for his whereabouts are unknown but believed to be in or around Georgetown, Delaware.

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or

Unless the Respondent, NOEL PEREZ files a response to the Petition for the relief sought on or before 60 days after the publicaton of this notice in said Newspaper then a Judgement by Default will be entered against Respondent for the relief sought. The objection must be supported by an affidavit and served upon the Petitioner in accordance with Maryland Rule 1321. Failure to file an objection or affidavit within the time allowed may result in a Default Judgment.

(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 SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 04, 2020

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

EDMUND F. HAILE Personal Representative

DEBRA W. BAYTON Personal Representative

ERNEST JOSEPH JONES 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, 9-4, 9-11, 9-18

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, 9-4, 9-11, 9-18

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, 9-4, 9-11, 9-18

JAMES H. PORTER JR, ESQ 11 VINE STREET POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851

DALE E. WATSON 906 EASTERN SHORE DRIVE, SALISBURY, MD 21804

THIRD INSERTION

WILLIAM E. ESHAM III ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18409 To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA L ELLIS, ESTATE NO. 18409.

Notice is given that DEBRA W. BAYTON, 101 DEERWOOD DRIVE, WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23188 was on, AUGUST 27, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA L ELLIS, who died on JULY 30, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18410

The above Petitioner has filed a Petition for Change of Name in which she seeks to change her daughter last name from MICAELA ONDINA PEREZ RICARDO to MICAELA ONDINA RICARDO ALVAREZ. The Petitioner is seeking a name change because her daughter would like to take her mother’s last name.

THIRD INSERTION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD 1 WEST MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 C-23-FM-19-000332

A copy of this notice shall be published one time per week for 3 consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County Maryland at least sixty (60) days before the deadline to file response.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 04, 2020 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County Room 104 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 9-4, 9-11, 9-18

THIRD INSERTION

PETER S. BUAS, ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-CV-20-000108

To all persons interested in the estate of BARRY LLOYD ANDREWS, ESTATE NO. 18410. Notice is given that ERNEST JOSEPH JONES, 2804 BREWSTER ROAD, WALDORF, MD 20601 was on, AUGUST 27, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BARRY LLOYD ANDREWS, who died on JUNE 18, 2020, with a will.

BY AND THROUGH HER MOTHER PAULA RICARDO ALVAREZ

Bessie V. Toran 104 Schoolfield Street Berlin, MD 21811

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

NOTICE (MINOR) (MD RULE 15-901)

Rogis Elwood Toran 104 Schoolfield Street Berlin, MD 21811

IN THE MATTER OF MICAELA ONDINA PEREZ RICARDO FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO MICAELA ONDINA RICARDO ALVAREZ

VILLA-SPINA HOLDINGS LLC 1650 CAUGHLIN CREEK ROAD RENO, NV 89519 Plaintiff vs.

The Dispatch

September 18, 2020

LEGAL RATES

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Legal Notices

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

Worcester County, MD Treasurer's Office Government Center Room 1105 1 W. Market St. Snow Hill, MD 21863 Unknown owner of property described as Item No. 70, Account No. 01020854, Property description 66' X 65' 10" X 67' X 70' E SIDE FIFTH & YOUNG STS POCOMOKE, Deed Reference: 000084/00280, Assessed to Bessie V. Toran, The Unknown Owner's heirs, devisees, and personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right title and interest.

All persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property described as Item No. 70, Account No. 01020854, Property description 66' X 65' 10" X 67' X 70' E SIDE FIFTH & YOUNG STS POCOMOKE, Deed Reference: 000084/00280, Assessed to Bessie V. Toran.

Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Item No. 70, Account No. 01020854, Property description 66' X 65' 10" X 67' X 70' E SIDE FIFTH & YOUNG STS POCOMOKE, Deed Reference: 000084/00280, Assessed to Bessie V. Toran.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 25TH OF AUGUST, 2020 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 26th day of October, 2020 and redeem the property de-

scribed above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

as Item No. 41, Account No. 01000411, Property description 105' X 105’ N SIDE R-113 WILLOW GROVE, Deed Reference: 00111/00285, Assessed to Carolyn & Russell Holland.

Defendants

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 04, 2020

ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x, 9-4, 9-11, 9-18

SECOND INSERTION

PETER S. BUAS, ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-CV-20-000129 PURYEAR’S HUT LLC 59 WINTER STREET RENO, NV 89519 Plaintiff vs.

Russell Holland 999 E. Triple Crown Loop Hernando, FL 34442 Carolyn Holland 999 E. Triple Crown Loop Hernando, FL 34442 Worcester County, MD Treasurer's Office Government Center Room 1105 1 W. Market St. Snow Hill, MD 21863 Unknown owner of property described as Item No. 41, Account No. 01000411, Property description 105' X 105’ N SIDE R-113 WILLOW GROVE, Deed Reference: 00111/00285, Assessed to Carolyn & Russell Holland, The Unknown Owner's heirs, devisees, and personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right title and interest All persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property described

Item No. 41, Account No. 01000411, Property description 105' X 105’ N SIDE R113 WILLOW GROVE, Deed Reference: 00111/00285, Assessed to Carolyn & Russell Holland.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 14TH OF AUGUST, 2020 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 2nd day of November, 2020 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x, 9-11, 9-18, 9-25

SECOND INSERTION

MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS,

WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18400 To all persons interested in the estate of MARTHA M. MOSKOWITZ, ESTATE NO. 18400. Notice is given that KATHRYN E. MENDELSOHN, 3513 34TH STREET NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20008 was on, SEPTEMBER 08, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARTHA M. MOSKOWITZ, who died on JULY 15, 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 8TH day of MARCH, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 KATHRYN E. MENDELSOHN 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, 9-11, 9-18, 9-25

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

Page 59 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18430 To all persons interested in the estate of JOYCE L TIMMONS, ESTATE NO. 18430.

Notice is given that JAMES R BERGEY JR, 8938 WORCESTER HIGHWAY, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOYCE L TIMMONS, who died on SEPTEMBER 07, 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 15TH day of MARCH, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 JAMES R BERGEY JR Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 9-18, 9-25, 10-2

FIRST 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. 18431 To all persons interested in the estate of KAREN BARBARA SHIPULA, ESTATE NO. 18431.

Notice is given that MARK A SZYPULA, 9025 NE JUANITA DRIVE UNIT B, KIRKLAND, WA 98034 was on, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KAREN BARBARA SHIPULA, who died on JUNE 04, 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.

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 15TH day of MARCH, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

MARK A SZYPULA 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, 9-18, 9-25, 10-2

Freeman Stage Wraps Up Unique 49-Performance Season

Page 60

SELBYVILLE – When Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Tusk, ended its performance last Saturday night — the final show of the 2020 Freeman Stage season — with “Go Your Own Way,” it was a poignant moment for the staff and volunteers of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation. With the pandemic ravishing the performing arts industry around the world, the venue carved its own way to safely put on live performances at the open-air venue in Selbyville.

“Seating pods” provided patrons with an eight-foot circle of safety in which to enjoy musical acts, ranging from Broadway stars, rock, Motown, orchestra and opera, to free Saturday morning events featuring music, magic and storytelling for young audiences.

Changes at the venue created a con-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

tactless and cashless experience, and stringent public health measures were put in place to protect patrons, volunteers, performers and staff.

Before each performance, Executive Director Patti Grimes would outline what was expected of patrons that evening, such as “No pod-hopping, masks worn whenever you leave the safety of your pod.” Audience members complied, most simply grateful to have the chance to listen to live music under the stars, a welcome distraction from the confines of a pandemic lifestyle.

On Sept. 13, the organization hosted a thank you celebration for its volunteer corps where the achievements of the season were recounted: a total of 49 performances, over 10,000 in attendance, and 202 artists and performers

September 18, 2020

Fleetwood Mac tribute band Tusk is pictured performing last Saturday.

Photo by The Freeman Stage/Justin Odendhal

who were able to mount the stage for the first time since early March. And

most important, a 100 percent public health safety record.

“We have always said that safety is our number one priority here at the Stage,” said Grimes. “But this year, the imperative of that statement could not have been any greater. Our goal was to complete the season we recreated back in June with everyone remaining safe and healthy. I couldn’t be more proud of this team for their commitment to that goal.”

Moving ahead, The Freeman Stage will host a free Young Audience Series called “Arts Explorers” every Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. until the end of October.

“We would normally be conducting Arts in Education programming in the local schools at this time of the year, but the pandemic has precluded that,” Grimes said. “Our hope is that this weekly program — in addition to other virtual arts experiences we’re planning — will provide children with a creative outlet and opportunity to experience the arts in a fun and entertaining way.”

To learn more or to register for “Arts Explorers,” visit freemanstage.org.

The staff and Board of Directors of The Freeman Stage are already hard at work on next season, although there are still many unknowns in the equation. They are closely following the efforts of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), which has introduced “Save Our Stages” in the U.S. Senate, a $10 billion grant program to help performing arts organizations survive what has been called “an existential threat to the entire music industry.”

According to NIVA, revenue in the concert business nationwide is down 96 percent compared with last year and venerable music establishments across the country have or are planning to shut their doors permanently if government support does not materialize.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have received generous grant support through public funds and private charitable organizations and have an amazing, loyal group of sponsors who have helped sustain us this season,” Grimes said. “But we will need to reimagine our approach again for next year if we are going to continue fulfilling our organization’s mission in the community.”

September 18, 2020

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 61

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 photo from the Surfers Healing event in Ocean City in 2015. The event, held annually in August, was canceled due to COVID-19.

To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

Page 62

Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Personal matters claim a good deal of the Lamb's time in the early part of the week. But by midweek, pragmatic considerations (work, school, job-seeking, etc.) begin to take priority.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): The seasonal shift ignites the Bovine's creative aspects. You could do well if you try to combine your penchant for innovation with the more pragmatic demands of the week.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Ideas come easily to you this week. And never mind that some might suggest they're unworkable and/or impractical. It's your vision that counts. Work them out and see what turns up.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Personal matters continue to dominate the early part of the week. By midweek, more workaday issues once again begin to emerge. Balance your time to give both the attention they need.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): A new contact could provide an expanded opportunity. But be sure you get all the facts before you consider signing on. Ask questions, and be wary if you don't get the right answers.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): An unexpected development could cause some supposedly resolved disagreements to reignite. Deal with the situation before it leads to some really serious problems.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): A clash of work-linked viewpoints needs to be

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

discussed openly, honestly and calmly by all concerned before it can impede progress on an ongoing project.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): The Scorpion's pragmatic side helps you accept the possibility that a change of plans might be the wise thing to do. Be sure to weigh all your considerations carefully.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to December 21): Some people might not take no for an answer. Never mind. Keep your resolve if you're sure you don't want to be involved in a potentially sticky situation.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): All other facts and figures aside, it's what you learn about potential colleagues that can be most helpful in assessing any decisions you're likely to make regarding a new project.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): You might want to reconsider some of your outside commitments if they continue to demand more time than you can spare. Be honest with yourself when making a decision.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Pay attention to that inner voice of Piscean wisdom counseling you to remove those rose-colored glasses and take an honest look at any decisions you might face this week.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a penchant for persuasion that would make you a fine candidate for a political career. © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like ...

OCEAN CITY vanishing

September 18, 2020

WITH BUNK MANN

Ocean City’s original Pier building was completed in 1907 on the Boardwalk at Wicomico Street. In addition to shops and a dancing pavilion, it also featured a theatre and several refreshment stands. It was also the entrance to the Ocean City Fishing Pier.

The building was raised 10 feet above the beach and built on wooden pilings. Part of it actually extended over the water as the beach was very narrow in that era.

The original Pier building had its share of misfortune. In 1918, a snowstorm caused its roof to collapse and the theatre was replaced by a bowling alley. On Dec. 29, 1925, the ill-fated building burned down and was replaced by the current Pier building in 1929.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishinPostcard image from Bunk Mann’s collection goc.com.

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

By Steve Green

The first NFL Sunday of the season Volunteer beach cleanups

The early care for a new pair of shades Still reading my favorite sports columnists Leaving a car wash

An old laptop that still works great

Monday morning football review shows Addiction recovery stories Stress-free weekends

Watching my sons goof around

A digital learning day that goes well ANSWERS ON PAGE 48

September 18, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 18, 2020