Sept. 3

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Priceless

September 3, 2021

Serving Greater Delmarva Since 1984

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Horse Play: A priceless reaction from this woman as she was startled on the beach at Assateague Island by a nosy horse looking for a meal. The horse quickly moved on after the picture was taken.

Photo by OC Yacht Shots

AGH Breaks Ground On New Facility

Council Frowns On New Station Cost

Judge Allows OP Election To Resume

See Page 14 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

See Page 20 • Submitted Rendering

See Page 4 • Photo by Bethany Hooper

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Judge Dismisses Injunction, Allows Pines Election To Proceed Page 4

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The Ocean Pines Association (OPA) can proceed with counting ballots after a circuit court judge this week ruled against granting a preliminary injunction.

In a hearing on Monday, Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Sidney Campen ruled to not grant a preliminary injunction halting the association’s 2021 board election for an extended period of time.

As a result of Monday’s ruling, the OPA will be allowed to count election ballots that were turned in last month. However, it remains unclear if the association will proceed with the count, or if votes for disqualified candidate Rick Farr will be included in the tally. A court hearing to consider his eligibility status has been

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scheduled for Sept. 27.

“We have not met to discuss the next steps,” Board Secretary Camilla Rogers said on Wednesday.

In July, Rogers disqualified Farr from the 2021 board election after receiving an anonymous tip about the candidate’s homeownership status in the Pines.

According to the association’s bylaws, candidates must be a recorded property owner within Ocean Pines on Jan. 1 of the year in which the election is held.

The OPA contends that Farr is not an owner of record, but a successor trustee to the property listed on his candidate application. However, Farr’s attorney asserts he has been the “equitable and beneficial owner” of the property since 2000, based on his status as a beneficiary of the Farr Living Trust.

On July 30, the Board of Directors

voted in closed session to proceed with this year’s election and ballot count, but to invalidate all votes for Farr. Less than two weeks later, Farr’s attorney Bruce Bright filed a complaint in Worcester County Circuit Court seeking a temporary restraining order to halt the board election until the court could rule on his client’s eligibility. The case, he noted in his complaint, was not only filed on Farr’s behalf, but also as a class action on behalf of voters “disenfranchised by the Secretary and Board’s decisions.”

The temporary restraining order, which was granted a day later, prohibited the counting of ballots and certification of election results. And on Aug. 19, that order was extended through Aug. 30, the same day as a preliminary injunction hearing.

“We’re not seeking final determination on anything with this case today,” Bright

September 3, 2021

said on Monday. “A continuation of the temporary restraining order in the form of a preliminary injunction is what we’re seeking.”

But Anthony Dwyer, the association’s attorney, said he thought it was odd to move forward with an injunction, when the case could be dismissed.

“You might next week be dismissing the case in its entirety,” he said.

During opening statements Monday, Bright noted that his client was an approved candidate at the beginning of this year’s election, and that ballots were widely distributed in the weeks leading up to the election deadline.

“Apparently on July 27 some information came to the attention of the board that called into question my client’s eligibility,” he said. “There was some due diligence. We don’t know all the details of that.”

Bright argued that Farr was a beneficiary of the Farr Family Trust, which owns the property listed on his candidate application.

“The beneficiaries of a trust, like members of an LLC, have an equitable and beneficial ownership interest in properties owned by the trust,” he said.

While the association’s declarations and bylaws included the term “legal or equitable,” Bright said the OPA focused on the phrase “owner of record.”

“Those are lowercase terms and they’re not defined anywhere,” he said.

Dwyer noted, however, that the plaintiff failed to mention the bylaws at the time he asked for a temporary restraining order. He also pointed out that Bright acknowledged Farr wasn’t a trustee until his mother died in May. Dwyer explained Rogers, who as secretary is tasked with functions related to elections and referendum, used the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation website and saw a Richard Farr listed as the property owner, only to later learn it was the name of the candidate’s father. A review of county land records uncovered Farr was not an owner of record.

He added that Rogers’ decision was made in good faith, and that everything was done properly.

“They did the best they could,” he said.

While Campen did not rule or comment on Farr’s eligibility this week, a separate hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 27 to discuss the matter.

In the meantime, the association must decide if it will move forward with counting returned ballots. In a statement this week, Farr said all votes should be counted.

“There is no settlement agreement in the works,” he said. “All votes are to be counted by OPA and the judge hoped that the OPA would do the right thing. If OPA certified the election before the 27th and I am ruled eligible by the judge, this will create a bigger mess to this election that will need to be resolved. This is why the judge asked OPA to count all votes and do the right thing.”

(Staff Writer Charlene Sharpe contributed to this article.)

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

M.R. Ducks Founder Fondly Remembered By Many

Page 6

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – As iconic as the ubiquitous T-shirts and apparel his family has sold for decades, local business owner and patriarch Lloyd Lewis passed away last Saturday at the age of 84.

Lewis, who oversaw the family’s growing M.R. Ducks operations along the bay at Talbot Street, could typically be found on his Talbot Street property watching the goings-on at the various family businesses along the waterfront, from the Talbot Inn to the famed M.R. Ducks ga-

zebo bar, to the extended M.R. Ducks Grille, with its “duck” parties and live music.

For many outsiders, Lewis could often appear almost stoic as he oversaw the daily operations, but for those allowed inside, he was witty, charming and a prankster. Most importantly, he was the founder of the M.R. Ducks empire with his wife, Gail, and a father-figure to the legions of seasonal employees who worked for him over the years.

Several of his employees past and present fondly recalled Lewis this week.

Throughout the recollections, the consis-

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tent theme was his sense of humor and again, perhaps more importantly, his fatherly advice to his generation of “kids.”

Former bartender and manager Julie Schoenfelder recalled Lewis’ pranks.

“Mr. Lewis loved a good laugh,” she said. “I reminded him of one of the old housekeepers, so my nickname was Clementine. When I’d show up to work, he’d ask me where my sister was, which always got a chuckle from anyone around.”

Katie Tyler, who worked for Lewis and the M.R. Ducks family for years, said the relationship with him went far beyond boss and employee.

“Mr. Lewis was more than an employer,” she said. “He was family to all who worked for him. His quick wit and love of pranks made every day at work fun. He will be deeply missed by all those who frequented Talbot Street.”

Current employee Jessica Shue said she loved her interactions with Lewis on a daily basis, especially at the start of morning shifts at the gazebo bar.

“I loved our morning conversations, his laugh, his smile and his wise cracks when I stuck my head in his office to talk to him,” she said. “I always smiled when I saw him walking to the bar. I couldn’t wait to make him his favorite drink. There will never be another Big L.” Current employee Forrest Bleinberger agreed Lewis always treated staff as family. He recalled a recent fishing trip

September 3, 2021

with Lewis.

“My favorite memory of him was when he asked me to go seabass fishing with him and some of his friends,” he said. “I was standing side by side with him as we drifted over the structure and for every one I pulled up, he pulled up two,” he said. “Or if I didn’t get any on a drift, he seemed to always get one. He just had that touch to it. He loved to catch sea bass and he out-fished everyone on the boat that day. That’s just an example of how he took care of his employees and friends.”

Lewis and his wife, Gail, opened the M.R. Ducks gazebo bar in the bay adjacent to their recently-purchased hotel at Talbot Street in 1982. The M.R. Ducks Grille was added in 1992 as the business went from selling hot dogs from a bar-top steamer to expanding its food operations to what they are today.

In the beginning, the family ordered T-shirts for the bar staff to wear, but the design was so popular many of the bar regulars wanted the shirts, so more were ordered. From there, the M.R. Ducks internationally-trademarked apparel business now includes signature collections of upscale clothing bearing the famed logos for men, women, children and toddlers. The M.R. Ducks brand has expanded to numerous retail outlets.

A funeral service is planned for Sept.

7 at 11 a.m. at Atlantic United Methodist Church.

Official Defends Police Comments

September 3, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Comments made by a local elected official during a recent conference in Ocean City sparked criticism from some of her peers this week.

During the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) conference in Ocean City, Worcester County Commissioner Diana Purnell participated in the MACo Large Counties Coalition’s annual breakfast meeting. Her comments regarding law enforcement, reported by Maryland Matters, drew criticism from Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli as well as Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting this week.

“I am appalled by the comments made during the Maryland Association of Counties conference earlier this week by Commissioner Diana Purnell about law enforcement officers and military veterans,” read an initial statement Bertino shared on social media. “To state, as she did, that combat military veterans who join law enforcement agencies are ‘here to kill,’ articulates a hate that has no place in public discourse, especially from an elected official.”

During a talk on police reform, Maryland Matters reported Purnell called for open communication with police and said people often told her she was too hard on law enforcement. She also noted that a lot of officers were veterans. “… I’m gonna tell you, the thing that scares me the most about any police department are those policemen that come back from war zones and they are here to kill,” she said in the Aug. 20 article. “If you think I’m a little off base, look what happened on January 6th.”

While none of Worcester County’s other commissioners were present during

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the discussion, two were quick to voice concern when learning of her comments.

Bertino and Bunting issued a joint statement this week.

“To suggest that combat veterans who serve in law enforcement are ‘killers’ is an affront to every man and woman who has worn, and currently wears, a military uniform in service to our country,” the statement reads. “Such incendiary comments debase dedicated professionals and diminish the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families. It’s discouraging when such comments are made by ordinary citizens. When such comments are proffered by an elected official of this county, we are all diminished.

There is no place in public discourse for assailing the reputations of the officers who day and night work to ensure the safety of each of us living in Berlin, Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Snow Hill, Pocomoke, Bishopville, Whaleyville, Stockton, Girdletree and everywhere else in our county. They deserve respect not rancor.”

They noted that Purnell was entitled to express her opinion.

“Free speech is a fundamental liberty cherished by all Americans,” Bertino and Bunting wrote. “But let’s not forget that because of the service of the many men and women who have answered the call of duty to our communities and to our nation, our rights are protected. It is our hope that upon reflection, Commissioner Purnell realizes that the effect of her comments makes it difficult to realize the great promise of our community. Denigrating the motivations of those sworn to protect and serve weakens the bonds that make a community strong and resilient. Initiating a positive dialogue would have more productively advanced discussion on the concerns Mrs. Purnell beSEE NEXT PAGE

OC Charter Boat Destroyed In Fire

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Local sportfishing boat Last Call caught fire in the Inlet early last weekend, but all on board were safely removed.

Around 5:15 a.m. last Sunday, the Ocean City Fire Department responded to the south jetty of the Ocean City Inlet for a reported boat fire. It was determined the burning boat had just set out for a Sunday offshore charter.

At the time of the fire, there were seven passengers aboard the vessel. All passengers were rescued by a civilian boat in the area and no injuries were reported. The U.S. Coast Guard set up a perimeter around the burning vessel.

The Ocean City Fire Department deployed a fire boat and dumped water on the vessel but the boat was destroyed by the blaze. This week, Last Call Charters posted a statement about the incident on social media.

“Unfortunately, the boat is a total loss.

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safely,” the social media statement read.

“We would like to thank everyone who helped us through this terrible time – the United States Coast Guard, the Maryland Natural Resources Police, the Ocean City Fire Department, Rob Copenhaver and his crew with Towboat US and last, but not least, the crew of the boat Obsession that came to our aid. Thank you. And one final thank you to all of our charter clients. You made it possible to keep our charter business running for nearly 40 years.”

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… Purnell Explains Divisive Comments

September 3, 2021

lieves need to be addressed.”

Crisafulli said he was “extremely disappointed” with Purnell’s comments, which he believes unfairly disparaged officers and veterans. He said he was thankful for the service of all veterans and law enforcement officers across the nation.

“They are true everyday heroes who sacrifice their lives for the freedoms we all enjoy,” he said.

Crisafulli said those heroes exemplified courage and honor.

“The statements that were made by Commissioner Purnell regarding law enforcement and our brave veterans, who have sacrificed so much from our nation to our local communities, are certainly concerning,” he said. “The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is honored to have 16 current personnel, totaling 231 years of military service to our nation, on staff. These types of statements, toward law enforcement officers and our veterans, deteriorate the ongoing efforts of our law enforcement personnel, in all of our communities. There is an expectation that any statements that are made by one of our local leaders, be based on facts.”

In response, Purnell on Wednesday said her comments were taken out of context. She attempted to clarify what she said during the MACo breakfast. She said she was aware of staffing shortages at local law enforcement agencies and that her comments were not meant to discourage veterans from serving those agencies.

“My statements regarding the potential volatility of those displaying symptoms of PTSD were made in reference to one specific situation: when the U.S. Capitol was breached on January 6, 2021, and people died,” she said, noting that court records confirmed that a disproportionate number of those arrested for their alleged actions at the Capitol are active and former military personnel.

She added that her statement was not an indictment of veterans but rather was tied to concerns about veterans who weren’t receiving adequate mental health services.

“It is vital to communicate that, while the recently adopted Senate Bill 71 (Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021) expands on policing standards that require increased access to mental health services, these are all unfunded mandates,” she said. “This short-sighted bill is one of the primary reasons that during the MACo panel I also voiced my staunch opposition to calls to defund the very police agencies that are struggling to meet the growing demand for services in the face of shrinking budgets.”

She reiterated her belief in communication.

“To guarantee access to the medical and mental health services for our brave law enforcement professionals, we have to talk to one another,” she said. “We have to keep the lines of communication open, so that we can determine how best to fund these needs. By doing so, we will secure the health and vitality of our public safety professionals and our communities.”

September 3, 2021

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Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With significantly more offshore wind turbines planning offshore, the Ocean City Mayor and Council received a rather dire call to action from the city engineer and voted to renew the contract of the town’s government relations consultant.

The last item on Tuesday’s work session agenda was a proposed contract renewal for government relations consultant Bruce Bereano, whose lobbying efforts have assisted the town through

September 3, 2021

Developers Seek 2nd Phase Approval

many initiatives, including getting special event zone legislation approved and in working through the effort to push proposed offshore wind turbines further offshore and out of the resort’s viewshed.

Bereano’s contract extension request comes at a time when the town is closely monitoring potentially substantial increases in the number of turbines off the resort coast in second-phase projects for the two companies already approved. In

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2017, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) approved two wind energy projects off the coast of Ocean City, including Ørsted’s Skipjack I project and US Wind’s Marwin project.

Technically, the PSC awarded Offshore Renewable Energy Credits, or ORECs, to the two bid award winners.

Those projects are now going through the federal review period with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

Buoyed by federal and state calls for an expansion of offshore wind energy, both Ørsted and US Wind have submitted requests for ORECs from the PSC for their second-phase projects, which, if approved, would significantly increase the number of wind turbines sited off the resort coast.

BOEM designated a Wind Energy Area (WEA) off the coast of Ocean City of about 80,000 acres. Both of the second-phase projects would be sited in that WEA. Ørsted’s Skipjack I project would generate 120-megawatts. The proposed Skipjack II would generate 760-megawatts, or would about six times the size of the initial project.

The number of turbines for Skipjack 2 will be dependent on an award from the PSC and the size of the award, according to Orsted officials, who also said Skipjack II, if approved, would be sited about 20 miles off the coast of the resort. Skipjack I is proposed to be sited about 19.5 miles off the coast, by comparison.

Similarly, US Wind’s Marwin project would include 22 turbines. It’s proposed Momentum Wind project, of which the company has applied to the PSC for more ORECs, would include 82 turbines.

The company’s already-approved MarWin project includes 22 turbines sited about 17 miles off the coast of the resort.

Throughout the lengthy approval process for the projects, Ocean City has consistently said it supports offshore wind, but wants the turbines sited far enough off the coast that they aren’t visible from the shoreline. The concern is massive turbines visible from the shoreline could

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impact tourism and the local economy.

With Ørsted and US Wind submitting applications for more and larger offshore wind projects, City Engineer Terry McGean late Tuesday warned resort officials about the potential fast-track projects. McGean’s comments came during the discussion of Bereano’s contract extension.

“We are getting ready to go through a very critical process at the state level,” he said. “The Public Service Commission is ready to award significantly more ORECs. With the last round of ORECs, we were talking about 20 to 30 turbines.

This time, we’re talking about over 100 turbines.”

McGean said the PSC has scheduled a virtual public hearing on the proposed OREC application for September 28. He told the Mayor and Council the deadline to sign up to speak at the virtual hearing is Sept. 24 and urged the town’s elected officials to be part of the discussion.

“It’s a very rapid process,” he said.

“The next six months are going to be critical for us in terms of what happens at the state level.”

McGean endorsed renewing Bereano’s contract with the PSC public hearing and other actions at the state level on offshore wind looming.

“The Public Service Commission is where Mr. Bereano has his greatest contacts,” he said. “That’s where he has been the biggest assistance to us.”

For his part, City Manager Doug Miller outlined Bereano’s service to the town, particularly on offshore wind issues.

“We hired Mr. Bereano in 2017, primarily to get assistance in getting the wind farms moved farther offshore,” he said. “Since that time, he has done other work for us.”

Miller said Bereano was requesting a one-year extension at $65,000, paid quarterly and recommended renewing the contract.

“It is my request that we continue our relationship with Mr. Bereano,” he said.

“He has not changed his fee at all. If we get to a point we’re successful and we don’t need his services, we can terminate the contract at the end of that quarter.”

The council voted 6-0 with Councilman John Gehrig absent to approve the contract renewal.

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Ocean City Endorses Downtown Park Redevelopment Plan

Page 12

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The redevelopment of a downtown park took another major step forward this week after resort officials reviewed the final design and cost estimates.

During Tuesday’s work session, the Ocean City Mayor and Council got a look at the final tweaks for the redevelopment of the downtown recreation complex along the bayside between 3rd and 4th streets. The large swath of open space in an otherwise densely developed downtown area has served many purposes over the years, but is showing its age and is generally unpleasing and unwelcoming aesthetically.

The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department two years ago initiated a process to begin redeveloping the complex. A consultant was hired to redesign certain elements of the park and add new amenities. Those plans have been reviewed multiple times at different levels throughout the process, but Tuesday’s presentation represented a final design in advance of including funding for the first phase in an upcoming bond sale, which was approved later on Tuesday.

The park redevelopment will be done in phases, with the first phase covering the infrastructure for both the east and west sections. Included in the first phase

A rendering of the new downtown park concept in Ocean City is pictured.

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will be paths, utilities, stormwater management, landscaping, lighting, the relocation of the basketball courts, the expansion of the Ocean Bowl skate park and the construction of a new skate park office and restroom.

As such, Phase I comes with the largest price tag among the three phases at an estimated $3.6 million, which is higher than was originally projected. City Engineer Terry McGean, who presented the design and cost estimate, told the Mayor and Council he realized the price for the first phase was higher than expected, and later presented cost estimates for the proposed midtown fire GRACE MASTEN, CRS, SRES, BROKER/OWNER LICENSED IN MD & DE ERIK DOWELL, REALTOR

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station, which came in significantly over what was expected.

“I know there’s some sticker shock with both projects,” he said. “Both are still in the design phase and these are estimates. With low interest rates, now is the time to go to the bond market. On the flip side, there is still volatility in the construction market. We can’t make the assumption on the estimates being lower a year from now.”

The second phase includes a new playground in the northwest section of the complex on the west side of St. Louis Avenue. The third phase includes new tennis and pickleball courts and new restrooms on the western portion of the complex.

The fourth and final phase includes another playground on the western portion of the complex, along with exercise equipment. While the first phase will be bonded and comes with an estimated $3.6 million price tag, the later phases will likely be funded in part by state and federal grants. McGean said he was confident out-phases would be covered largely by grants and recommended funding the first phase through the bond sale.

“We feel pretty confident we’ll get the Community Parks and Playground grant,” he said. “That’s why it’s phased in this way. Those grants are not refundable. In other words, we can’t spend the money and then get refunded.”

Recreation and Parks Director Susan

Petito encouraged the Mayor and Council to sign off on the phased project and to include the first phase in the upcoming bond sale.

“It’s an extremely important space,” she said. “It’s important to the look and feel of the downtown area. It’s the only active park in the downtown area and we’re here today to take the next step.”

For the east section, the plan includes an expanded skate park, relocating the existing basketball courts to the area closest to Philadelphia Avenue and an improved inclusive playground area. The east section would be connected to the west section via the raised pedestrian walkway across St. Louis Avenue.

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

A key element in the overall park complex redevelopment is the expansion of the decades-old Ocean Bowl skate park. The plan calls for an upgrade of the existing facility and the addition of popular street-skate elements. The expansion will take the skate park from its existing 10,000 square feet to 17,000 square feet.

“I just want to make sure it’s sufficient size,” said Petito. “It’s a very popular area, particularly for kids in the summer.

It’s a very practical design.”

Mayor Rick Meehan pointed to an open, grassy, landscaped area near the skate park’s footprint and questioned if it could be utilized for an even greater expansion.

“We’re only going to get one chance at this in the next 50 years,” he said.

“Let’s make sure we get it right. I would consider using some of that open area for more skate park elements. It’s been a long time coming.”

The council voted 6-0, with Councilman John Gehrig absent, to endorse the final plan with consideration given to Meehan’s recommendation, and to include the funding for the first phase in the upcoming bond sale.

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September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

AGH Kicks Off Gudelsky Family Medical Center Construction

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

Above left, Rolfe Gudelsky's family foundation donated $4 million toward the hospital’s Campaign for the Future. Pictured, center from left, are AGH President/CEO Michael Franklin, Sina Companies President Malcom Sina, Rolfe Gudelsky and family, AGH Foundation Chair Steve Green, AGH Foundation Past Chair/Board member Todd Ferrante, AGH Campaign for the Future Co-Chair Jack Burbage and AGH Board President Greg Shockley. Above right, Sina discusses the project.

Photos by Charlene Sharpe

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Atlantic General Hospital celebrated the start of construction of the Gudelsky Family Medical Center with a groundbreaking ceremony this week.

On Tuesday, Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) staff and board members joined local officials to commemorate the start of construction of the hospital’s new outpatient medical center. The 53,000-square-

foot facility, to be known as the Gudelsky Family Medical Center, is located on Route 589 north of Gum Point Road.

“We look forward to many great things from this facility,” said Rolfe Gudelsky, whose family donated $4 million toward the hospital’s Campaign for the Future.

The new center will include an outpatient surgery center, pharmacy, specialty offices, imaging and lab services and Atlantic Immedicare.

“I believe I speak for everyone when I say we are so excited to be here today,”

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said Greg Shockley, chairman of AGH’s board of trustees. “We would not be here today without every person that has ever supported us as a board member or volunteer, medical staff member and associate, Auxiliary and Junior Auxiliary member and all of our past and current elected officials and community representatives who advocated on behalf of our community hospital; you are the reason this project is possible. Special thanks and recognition also go to the Gudelsky family who believed in and supported our vision for this project.”

The facility, according to AGH President and CEO Michael Franklin, will allow the hospital to expand to five operating rooms, two of which will be at the Route 589 location. Franklin said the new facility would help eliminate wait times and reduce congregating at AGH facilities, something that is critical while COVID-19 remains a concern. He said the pandemic had slowed the project’s timeline but hadn’t weakened the hospital’s resolve.

“We need this Gudelsky Family Medical Center even more today,” he said.

The facility, to be developed by the Sina Companies, is described by AGH as the first multi-specialty ambulatory surgery facility in Worcester County. It will allow for the expansion of surgical services while also providing a more cost effective location for planned outpatient pro-

cedures.

The Sina Companies’ Malcolm Sina said the project would serve the Ocean Pines marketplace well.

“I think this project’s going to be very successful,” he said, adding that it would allow for more services to be done in an outpatient setting.

Gudelsky said his family was happy to continue its tradition of philanthropy by contributing to AGH’s latest project.

“It’s very important for us to support the community that supports us,” he said.

Steve Green, chairman of the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, credited the Gudelsky family and AGH’s Campaign for the Future with making the facility possible.

“In addition to this project the campaign enabled AGH to invest $35 million in advancing healthcare delivery in our community through five major capital projects including; the construction of the Burbage Cancer Center, the Women’s Health Center in West Ocean City and a complete renovation of our second-floor patient care areas,” Green said. “It has been a privilege to witness the philanthropic and generous nature of those involved with our Campaign for the Future.

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Man Faces Child Abuse Felony Charges

September 3, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – A local childcare worker is in prison after a probe resulted in dozens of charges related to child porn and sexual abuse of minors.

Ocean Pines resident Bruce William Travers, 37, faces 34 charges total — two felony charges related to sexual abuse of a minor family or household member; two charges of sex abuse minor; 15 charges of child porn film in sex act; and 15 charges of child pornography possession.

Travers has worked at a variety of local daycare centers and in some local schools as recent as last spring.

Travers was charged Saturday, Aug. 28, with four counts of sex abuse of a minor family or household member with the offense date listed from June 1, 2018 to July 31 of this year. Travers was charged with 15 counts of child porn film in sex act and 15 counts of possession of child pornography. According to charging documents, Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit was contacted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which operates BRUCE “CyberTipline” to handle TRAVERS reports of child sexual exploitation. The CyberTip included a file that was uploaded to Bing, according to charging documents, and depicted child pornography.

On Aug. 20, with the assistance of the Ocean Pines Police Department, investigators with the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation executed a search and seizure warrant at Travers’ residence on Brandywine Drive. During the search, police seized laptops, cell phones, thumb drives, camera memory cards and several articles of children’s clothing, according to charging documents. Travers, according to documents, admitted to possessing child pornography and stated that he used children’s clothing to fantasize.

Travers reportedly told police his godchildren — a 7-year-old female, 9-yearold male and 10-year-old female — had stayed at the house in the past.

When interviewed, the children’s

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

grandmother told investigators she met Travers through his employment at a local daycare, which was not named in the charging documents, and eventually entrusted Travers with the children, according to charging documents.

“Travers stayed with the family, off and on, from June 2018 to July 2021,” charging documents state.

Travers was also permitted to care for the children at his residence, according to documents.

Forensic examinations on the electronic devices seized revealed various explicit nude photos of the children, according to charging documents. Investigators interviewed the children on Aug. 27 and Travers was charged the following day.

“It should be noted that investigators located instructions, in a metal box owned by Travers, on how to utilize socks as a tool to achieve sexual gratification,” charging documents state. “The metal box also contained hundreds of benign photographs of children.”

Little Lambs Learning Center sent an email to parents this week acknowledging that officials there were notified on Aug. 26 that an investigation was underway.

“We learned on Sunday morning that official charges had been filed,” the email reads. “The staff member in this case was terminated by Little Lambs Learning Center and had not worked since 8/20/2021. That staff member’s access to our building and campus has been suspended as of Thursday afternoon.”

The Worcester County Board of Education approved the hire of Travers as an educational assistant two weeks ago but he wasn’t set to start until September.

“Bruce Travers is not a WCPS employee in any capacity,” said Carrie Sterrs, the school system’s coordinator of public relations and special programs this week. “He was approved at the August Board meeting, but has since resigned.”

Travers has previously worked as a substitute teacher in county schools and spent time as a student intern in the guidance office at Showell Elementary School.

Travers is being held without bond pending a preliminary hearing on Sept.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

OC Company’s Tow License Suspended Amid Violations

Page 18

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A resort commission voted last week to uphold the suspension of a tow license pending adjudication of criminal and civil citations against a local tow company.

Last Friday, the Ocean City Police Commission voted unanimously to uphold Police Chief Ross Buzzuro’s decision to suspend a tow license held by 1st Street Towing. Buzzuro told commission members last week the suspension, issued on Aug. 4, was based on the results of a criminal investigation into the company’s towing operations.

“There have a number of violations that we’ve uncovered that resulted in a combination of 49 criminal and civil violations …,” he said. “That led me to Aug. 4, when I made the decision to suspend their license at least throughout the rest of year, pending adjudication.”

Ocean City Police Department Officer Harry Miller said his investigation into 1st Street Towing began in June of 2020 after receiving a complaint against the company.

During the course of the investigation, Miller said he recorded 47 incidents and multiple violations – including incomplete tow slips and affidavits, illegible signatures, unauthorized tow drivers and missing contracts between the tow company and property representatives.

“The reason for these documents to be filled out completely is if a person who has a vehicle towed believes it was done unlawfully, they have a right by the town ordinance to have a tow hearing,” he told the commission last week.

“Without the required documents, or the illegible documents or missing information, a proper tow hearing cannot be conducted. So these forms are in place to protect the residents and visitors of the Town of Ocean City from being taken advantage of by a tow company or business.”

In one instance, Miller asserted 1st Street Towing had made an illegal tow from a midtown hotel, as the property contained no blue tow signs and the business had no written contracts with the company. Both, he noted, are requirements outlined in the city code.

During Friday’s hearing, Cpl. Ryan Flanagan requested the commission uphold the police chief’s suspension.

He noted he’s had a working relationship with the company for years and was involved in a criminal investigation against 1st Street Towing in 2019.

“After several times of me educating, trying to get compliance with these laws at every turn, they let us down,” he said.

Flanagan added that he had also received a requested plea deal from Paul Abu-Zaid, attorney for 1st Street Towing owner Maath Salem.

“The fine appropriate in this matter would be over $54,000, and they pro-

September 3, 2021

pose to us to accept the $500 payment,” he said. “They have let our citizens and visitors down with their illegal acts, and I hope the suspension is upheld.”

During Friday’s hearing, Abu-Zaid requested the commission modify or reverse the chief’s suspension, which extends through January 2022.

“He’s looking at a suspension that’s essentially half of a full year of a license,” he said. “So there’s substantial financial hardship associated with that. Not to mention the drivers, who could potentially be out of work.”

Abu-Zaid also argued against some of the alleged violations involving incomplete affidavits.

“The deficiencies, nine out of 10 times, are rectified by the tow slip that is right on top of it,” he said.

Abu-Zaid added the only documentation required for a tow in the town’s ordinance was a tow slip.

“There’s no requirement in the code that there should be an affidavit,” he said. “In fact, the word affidavit doesn’t appear anywhere in the code. I would suggest in the event the city wants to use a form affidavit, mandate a form affidavit and complain about deficiencies in the affidavit, somewhere in the code should say there should be an affidavit.”

Abu-Zaid also presented commission members with a signed towing contract between the company and the midtown hotel. But when asked what date the contract was signed, 1st Street Towing

driver Robert Dunlap said it was after the alleged towing violation.

Salem urged the commission to reconsider his suspension. He said his company followed the law.

“We love this town and have been in this town for over 30 years,” he said.

“We do respect the law.”

Council President and commission member Matt James, however, asked why the company would submit a plea request.

“If your client was adamant there was no wrongdoing, why did they offer a plea of guilty?” he said.

Abu-Zaid said a plea was offered in the interest of resolution.

“They understand there are some mismanagement issues here and they take responsibility for that,” he said. “So I think it was a very reasonable offer.”

After deliberations, the commission voted unanimously to uphold the suspension based on the testimony and exhibits heard during the hearing. The commission also recommended Buzzuro revisit all civil citations against Salem’s wife and company drivers. The commission agreed to entertain requests to reconsider the suspension should the criminal and civil cases be adjudicated prior to Jan. 31.

“Moving forward hopefully things will be straightened out …,” Buzzuro said.

“We have 40-plus tow companies that we deal with. We don’t do this all the time. This is actually my first time.”

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September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

Page 20

Firehouse Estimate Shocks Council

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Somewhat stickershocked over the estimated price tag, resort officials this week sent the designs for replacing the existing fire station at 74th Street with a new facility at 65th Street back to the drawing board.

Last April, the Mayor and Council voted to eventually replace the aging and dilapidated Station 3 firehouse at 74th Street with a new facility in the parking lot of the Public Safety Building at 65th Street. The midtown Station 3 firehouse was built in 1969 and expanded in 1987. In the decades since, it has fallen into disrepair and not longer meets the needs of the fire department.

In recent years, there have been discussions about simply replacing the existing firehouse at 74th Street, but the lot size is too small to meet the growing needs of the department. Attention then turned to the vast and often-underutilized parking lot in front the Public Safety Building at 65th Street.

After considerable debate, the Mayor and Council in April voted unanimously to approve the plan to build the new station at 65th Street. Around $479,000 was approved for the design and engineering of the new station and a design consultant was hired. The estimated cost of the new station at 65th Street at

September 3, 2021

the time was around $5.5 million. There was a possibility the cost could be offset by the sale of the existing station and property at 74th Street, estimated at around $1.5 million.

In the months since, Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) officials, along with City Engineer Terry McGean and the consultant, have been working on the design of the new state-of-the-art fire station at 65th Street. On Tuesday, McGean and OCFD Chief Richie Bowers presented the design and a new cost estimate, which surprisingly came in at around $12.7 million, or considerably higher than the original estimate of $5.5 million. The sale of the existing station at 74th Street could reduce the price tag for the new station by $1.5 million, or down to about $11.2 million, but the Mayor and Council were clearly taken aback by the dramatic increase.

Discussions about the design and its soaring price tag were somewhat pertinent because the Mayor and Council were set to approve a $28 million-plus bond sale later on Tuesday, which included the estimated $12.7 million for the new fire station at 65th Street.

For his part, Bowers said time was of the essence to move forward with plans for the new 65th Street station.

“Currently, Station 3 is functionally obsolete,” he said. “We’re fortunate to be able to operate out of it. The time has come to build a new Station 3 firehouse. Moving it to 65th Street is the right operational move.”

Bowers said on the good news front, the state of Maryland has agreed to allow the new station to front Coastal Highway, which should improve efficiency and response times. Originally, the state wanted the new station to front 65th Street, which could have complicated quick responses.

“We’re at a crossroads,” he said.

“One of the big bonuses that has occurred is we won’t have to access via 65th Street. The state has embraced fronting the new station on Coastal Highway and has also embraced allowing us control of the traffic signals.

That’s huge. That will impact our response times.”

When questioned about the extensive amount of space on the secondfloor of the designed new station, which includes a conference room, training areas, offices and other amenities, Bowers said those spaces were critical for training.

“We’re going to utilize a lot of the space for training,” he said. “That’s absolutely critical for response times. The kitchen is also very important. All of the troubles in the fire service are solved around the kitchen table.”

McGean acknowledged the new $12.7 million estimate was considerably higher than the original $5.5 million, but said the estimate includes everything, down to furniture, fixtures and even toilet paper, for example.

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September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Stolen Phone Recovered OCEAN CITY – A Silver Spring, Md., woman was arrested on theft charges last weekend after allegedly stealing a cell phone from a midtown nightclub.

Around 11:35 p.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a midtown nightclub for the reported theft of a cell phone. OCPD officers met with the victim, who provided a description of her phone, and reviewed bar security footage of the alleged theft. The victim reportedly told police she left her phone on a bar and two females had taken it and left the establishment.

Through the investigation, OCPD officers were able to determine the suspect as Karen Andrade, 28, of Silver Spring, Md. Bar surveillance reportedly showed Andrade picking up the victim’s phone and leaving with it. A picture of Andrade was circulated among OCPD officers and an officer recognized her from a previous call earlier in the evening at a hotel on 61st Street.

OCPD officers went to the hotel on 61st Street and located Andrade in her room. When officers asked Andrade to speak with them, she reportedly said “Does this have to do with a phone?”

While that was going on, the victim’s phone rang inside the hotel room. Andrade was arrested and charged with theft under $1,500. The phone was returned to the victim at the nightclub.

Berlin Pedestrian Struck BERLIN – A pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Bay Street in Berlin early last

COPS & COURTS Friday morning has been released from the hospital and the driver who hit him faces numerous charges this week.

Around 7:40 a.m. last Friday, Berlin Police responded to a reported motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian on Bay Street. Berlin Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported a 74-year-old male patient to TidalHealth in Salisbury. The patient was later released from the hospital.

The investigation revealed the driver involved in the pedestrian collision was not licensed, nor was the vehicle registered. The unnamed driver has been charged with numerous motor vehicle code violations. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Berlin Police Department at 410-641-1333.

Indecent Exposure On Beach OCEAN CITY – A Virginia man was arrested on indecent exposure and other charges last weekend after allegedly exposing himself on a crowded uptown beach.

Around 7:45 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to the beach at

72nd Street for a reported indecent exposure call. Communications advised there was a couple changing into swimsuits on the beach and the male of the couple was completely naked while putting on shorts, according to police reports.

Upon arrival, OCPD officers noted it was still somewhat light out although it was dusk, and there were 20 to 30 people still enjoying the beach including adults and young children.

OCPD officers met with the complainant, who said she had called police because of an intoxicated couple changing clothes on the crowded beach. The victim told police she had seen the male, later identified as David Dunlap, 43, of Winchester, Va., completely naked and that he had exposed his genitalia to her.

The victim also said she had seen the female’s bare buttocks. The victim said families in the area had also been exposed. Officers observed Dunlap and the female near the surf’s edge. At that time, Dunlap was wearing shorts and the female was wearing a swim suit, according to police reports. Both showed signs of intoxication, according to police reports.

September 3, 2021 OCPD officers asked Dunlap and the female to step away from the water so they could talk to them. Officers reportedly located the couple’s belongings nearby, including an open can of beer.

During the encounter, Dunlap reportedly lit a cigarette and flicked it onto the beach. All in all, Dunlap was arrested and charged with indecent exposure, open container and littering.

After Dunlap’s arrest, the female of the couple, identified as Johanna McDaniel, 35, of Winchester, was seen sitting on the beach where officers had originally found her. Around 10:30 p.m., McDaniel was reportedly observed walking through the intersection at 72nd Street with an open can of beer and she was arrested and charged with open container violation.

Bicycle Theft Arrest OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City man was arrested on theft charges last weekend after allegedly swiping a bicycle from a local homeless man.

Around 5:50 p.m. last Sunday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling on the Boardwalk was approached by a known member of the resort’s homeless community, who reported his bicycle had been stolen about 45 minutes earlier. The victim provided a description of the bike and told the officer it was valued at around $200 to $300, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police he had left the bike in the bicycle stand near the Caroline Street comfort station.

SEE NEXT PAGE

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

... COPS & COURTS An employee of the comfort station reportedly told the victim she had seen the suspect, later identified as Dennard Murray, 64, of Ocean City, also a known member of the local homeless community, take the bike and ride south on the Boardwalk.

A description was broadcast and another officer observed Murray walking north on the Boardwalk in the area of Talbot Street. The initial OCPD officer involved in the investigation located Murray sitting on a bench on the Boardwalk.

When asked about the missing bicycle, Murray was evasive and said he didn’t know anything about it, according to police reports.

When pressed further, Murray finally told police he had seen a bicycle matching the description leaning on a fence by a nearby convenience store. OCPD officers located the stolen bike along the fence near the convenience store with a few bags attached to the handlebars, according to police reports.

While the officer was observing the bike, Murray reportedly came up and took the bags off the handlebars. When asked if the bags were his, Murray replied they were his bags. The officer then said, “You know how this looks, right?” Murray denied having any knowledge of how his belongings ended up on the handlebars of the stolen bicycle. At that point, he was arrested for theft of the bicycle. The officer later returned the

stolen bike to the victim on the Boardwalk.

Probation, Fine For Utility Pole Collision OCEAN CITY – A Virginia woman arrested in May after crashing her vehicle into a utility pole on Philadelphia Avenue downtown was placed on supervised probation for three years last week.

Around 2:40 a.m. on May 9, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to the area of 2nd Street and Philadelphia Avenue for a reported motor vehicle crash. The officer arrived and found a Hyundai Sonata had left the roadway and collided with a utility pole.

The officer made contact with a passenger in the vehicle, who reportedly told police a female standing next to the vehicle, later identified as Lacrecha Chapman, 33, of Portsmouth, Va., was driving the vehicle prior to the crash. The officer spoke with Chapman, who was reportedly intoxicated, and Chapman told the officer she was not the driver, according to police reports.

Chapman was reportedly wearing a wristband from a downtown bar and acknowledged she had three drinks earlier, but continued to insist she was not driving the vehicle prior to the crash. Chapman told the officer she had injured her mouth and chest in the collision, and the driver’s side airbag had deployed causing her injuries.

Chapman reportedly told the officer there were as many as seven occupants in the vehicle at the time of the crash, but continued to insist she was not the

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driver. At one point, she told police a white male was driving the vehicle and fled after the crash. At another point, she told the officer a black male with dreadlocks had been driving.

According to police reports, Chapman was wearing heavy makeup at the time and there were makeup smears on the driver’s side visor and on the ceiling. She was also a very large woman and the driver’s seat was pushed back to its limit, indicating a large person had been driving, according to police reports.

Chapman was administered a battery of field sobriety tests, which she did not complete to the officer’s satisfaction.

All of the evidence, along with the passenger’s statement, pointed to Chapman as the driver of the vehicle involved

Page 23 in the crash and she was placed under arrest.

During booking at the Public Safety Building, Chapman refused to submit to an intoximeter test and continued to insist she was not the driver, although she had signed her name to the driver signature line on the DR-15 form. She then ripped up the DR-15 form and gouged out her signature with a pen. She was ultimately charged with numerous traffic violations including driving while impaired, along with obstructing and hindering, making a false statement and malicious destruction of property.

Last week, she pleaded not guilty to driving while impaired. She was granted probation before judgment and was placed on supervised probation for three years. She was also fined $557.

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… Council Rejects Firehouse Plans Over Projected $12M Cost

Page 24

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

FROM PAGE 20 he said. “That total includes everything specific to the firehouse. It includes fixtures and furniture, computers, everything. We are not going to come back asking for more.”

McGean said the design is estimated to account for everything needed for the new fire station and includes contingency funding for anything unexpected that comes up during the construction process.

“It’s conservative,” he said. “We don’t want to come back here and ask you for another $1 million. We’d rather come back and tell you we saved $1 million that you can put toward Baltimore Avenue.”

McGean was referring to the major streetscape project for Baltimore Avenue, which is estimated to cost between $15 million and $20 million when all is said and done. Design and engineering funding for Baltimore Avenue is also included in the bond sale approved later on Tuesday.

Nonetheless, the Mayor and Council were surprised by the proposed $12.7 million price tag for the new station.

“We discussed a $5.5 million project in April,” said Council President Matt James. “Now, we’re at $12.7. That’s my concern.”

McGean said the inflated cost estimate was largely related to the added amenities on the second floor of the

proposed new station.

“The cost is really related to the size of the second floor,” he said. “Do you want to proceed with this design? Do you want to make changes? The bond you’re about to review covers the entire cost.”

Councilman Peter Buas said he believed all along the new 65th Street station would mirror the relatively new fire station at Montego Bay uptown.

“It’s two-and-a-half times larger than the Montego Bay station,” he said. “If 15th Street is the headquarters, why don’t we just duplicate the Montego Bay station design and size?”

Bowers said because the new station is centrally-located, the training space included is critical to the department’s overall operations.

“The training space is absolutely dire,” he said. “The midtown location makes much more sense from an operational standpoint.”

Mayor Rick Meehan asked if including training areas and conference rooms and administrative offices at the new station signaled an eventual move away from the 15th Street station as headquarters.

“I support rebuilding Station 3 and I support this location,” he said. “Are you moving headquarters from 15th Street?

I’d like to know the answer to that.”

Bowers said there is no immediate intent to move headquarters to the

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new station, but some administrative elements could be moved from 15th Street.

“Some of the administrative functions can be moved now,” he said. “We can look in the future to see what can be better moved to the central midtown station.”

Meehan said the plans revealed potential opportunities at cost reductions.

“I see a large training room and a large conference room,” he said.

“Couldn’t they be one and the same?

We like to look at value engineering. I’m looking at ways to maximize the space while maintaining functionality. I’d like to get it to the point it doesn’t take away any of the department’s needs, but I would like to revisit some of those second-floor area uses.”

Bowers, however, said the plan as presented represented all of the department’s needs and did not represent an over-design for wants or nice-to-haves.

“What you have in front of you is what is needed,” he said. “This is a collaborative effort involving the career division, the volunteers, the union. We all sat down and determined this is what we need.”

For his part, McGean said some of the design features could be revisited to lower the estimated cost, but said completely tearing up the presented plan could result in higher costs.

“Absolutely, there are things we can

September 3, 2021

do to bring this cost down,” he said. “If you don’t feel like this is a reasonable number, what would you like us to shoot for? Can we get back down near $6 million? Not without blowing this plan up and starting over. I think we can knock $1 million or $2 million off it.”

Councilman Mark Paddack also said he was somewhat stunned by the increased cost estimate.

“I was led to believe it would be $5.5 million,” he said. “I understand wants and needs. The town spent a lot of money on 15th Street and a lot of that is providing service for West Ocean City. Now, I’m told this is what we need.

It’s two-and-a-half times larger than the existing Station 3.”

Meehan said what was presented on Tuesday was starkly different than what was approved in April.

“It’s changed dramatically,” he said.

“These are major changes. We have a responsibility to build what we need.

This is the first time we have seen the changes in scope of this magnitude.”

After considerable debate, the Mayor and Council directed Bowers and his staff, McGean and the consultant to go back to the drawing board and find ways to whittle down the cost. The elected officials did agree to keep the new fire station funding in the upcoming bond sale, with the caveat any excess funding would be directed to the Baltimore Avenue project.

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September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 25

Worcester Public Schools Ordered To Start With Masks

Page 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

NEWARK – Public school students in Worcester County will begin the school year with masks following a decision by the Maryland State Board of Education last week.

Superintendent Lou Taylor confirmed in a message to parents Friday that because of the state board’s emergency regulation requiring universal masking, Worcester County Public Schools students and staff will be required to wear face coverings.

“We know that the wearing of masks is a polarizing issue in our community; we have seen it the passionate letters, emails, social media comments, and more that we have received over these past months,” Taylor said. “I also know that we are all hoping to see a decline in the transmission levels in our community soon, so we can revisit this decision, but in the meantime, we need to protect every student’s ability to attend school in-person, and it will take all of us working together to make that happen.”

The state board voted 11-1 last Thursday to pass an emergency regulation requiring masks in schools to help stop the spread of COVID-19. While most jurisdictions had already mandated masks, five counties – Worcester, Somerset, Dorchester, Cecil and Carroll – had not.

Taylor announced Aug. 17 that masks

An anti-mask demonstration took place in front of the Worcester County Board of Education building Monday morning.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

would be optional.

The day after the state board’s vote, however, Taylor released a message to parents detailing the new universal masking requirement.

“Yesterday, the Maryland State Board of Education held a special meeting, where they voted to pass an emergency regulation requiring universal masking in all Maryland schools,” Taylor said. “In light of this vote, beginning on Monday,

August 30, all students and staff – regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear face coverings in our school buildings.”

Taylor said universal masking was “a critical piece” to keeping in-person learning available to students.

“Last year, the rules for quarantining meant that if a student was within sixfeet of a student who tested positive for a cumulative period of 15 minutes or

more over a 24-hour period, regardless of whether they were wearing a mask or not, that student was sent home for 1014 days,” he said. “As we saw last year, these rules had a significant impact on in-person learning for many students.

While these same rules remain in place for adults, the CDC has now issued an exception for school-aged students that is designed to protect our in-person learning environments. Under this exception, if students are masked, any student who is three feet or more from a student with COVID-19 will not be required to quarantine unless they are symptomatic. As you can imagine, this is great news for our students, for us as educators, and for our families, who certainly don’t want to experience a disruption to their child’s education and attendance, but also to those carefully crafted schedules that so many of our families rely on.”

Taylor said he was hoping to see a decline in COVID-19 transmission levels soon so the policy could be revisited. The state board indicated last week that the policy would be reviewed on a monthly basis to determine whether it should be continued.

Some community members expressed frustration over the decision, which they said took away local control.

A group of more than a dozen concerned residents protested outside the Worcester County Board of Education’s central office Monday.

“We’re protesting against the state mask mandate,” Caryn Abbott said. “We need to bring control back to the county level and stop taking state money if they’re going to sell our kids out.”

Another protestor, a parent of several students in Worcester County schools, said she felt forcing kids to wear masks impacted social and language skills.

“They lose focus and they can’t learn from each others’ reactions,” she said.

Abbott said she wanted Taylor to stick to what he announced two weeks ago — that masks would be optional.

“We need to stop letting the state dictate what we do in our county,” she said.

Vehicle Task Force Discusses Rally Weekend Strategies

September 3, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With the calendar flipping to September this week, the resort’s motor vehicle task force convened last Friday to discuss strategies for fall motorized special events.

The motor vehicle task force reconvened last Friday to continue planning for a series of sanctioned and unsanctioned special events in the coming weeks. While there was some discussion on the relatively tame fall Cruisin event, the focus was largely on the unsanctioned pop-up car rally expected at the end of September.

After a particularly troublesome motorized special event season a few years back, Ocean City formed the task force to begin exploring strategies to combat some of the lawlessness and abject bad behavior associated with some of the participants. Out of those early sessions came the first iteration of a special event zone with lower speed limits, enhanced enforcement powers, increased penalties and enhanced fines.

Those early sessions also led to an increased police presence in town during certain motorized events in partnership with allied law enforcement agencies along with a stronger partnership between the town and its residents and business owners. Still, those early measures, which did achieve some successes, were not enough to curtail some of the lawlessness and the reckless behavior continued and even worsened in some cases, particularly during the unsanctioned and social media-driven pop-up rally.

The special event zone, along with the expanded law enforcement presence, a stronger towing ordinance with stiff fines and penalties and the growing partnership with the private sector was successful in putting a lid on last September’s pop-up rally for a couple of days, but the event reached a crescendo on Saturday with lawlessness reaching new heights on the streets.

Mayor Rick Meehan, who put together the task force and chairs its meetings, opened last Friday’s meeting with an assessment of how far the town has come and how far it still must go.

“This has been going on for four years now,” he said. “That shows the commitment of everybody in this room. We’ve made a lot of progress, but there are still challenges.”

OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro said the goal with all the strategies is to gain compliance from some of the unruly visitors and not necessarily go to war with them.

“For us, we’re hoping for the best,” he said. “We don’t want to be in conflict with visitors to Ocean City. We’re hoping for compliance. This doesn’t have to be us versus them.”

Nonetheless, Buzzuro said there will be no shortage of law enforcement resources during the fall motorized events, especially during the unsanctioned popup event.

“We have a number of resources,” he said. “We want to exceed the number of resources we had last year. We want an acceptable level of resources and it will be all hands on deck.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Since the end of last year’s pop-up event, strategies have been discussed at the police commission level monthly, and in closed sessions of the Mayor and Council, and, of course, during a handful of task force meetings. Buzzuro said resources will be deployed similar to last year, but there were some tweaks he wasn’t prepared to discuss publicly.

“We have had a plan since last year,” he said. “We’ve made some adjustments, but I can’t go into specifics. It will be proportionate to the level of resources last year.”

During the fall motorized special events, including the pop-up rally, the special event zone will be deployed throughout Worcester County and not just in the resort and the area around West Ocean City and Ocean Pines, for example. The enhanced towing ordinance with inSEE PAGE 28

Page 27

Onlookers are pictured cheering on a burn out on Baltimore Avenue during last year’s pop-up rally event.

Photo by Campos Media

… Prosecutor Reports 90% Conviction Rate On Rally Arrests

Page 28

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Baltimore Avenue is pictured blocked by pedestrians on the Saturday of last year’s pop-up vehicle weekend.

File Photo

FROM PAGE 27 creased fines will be deployed again and strictly enforced. Traffic patterns will be altered at times during the events and speed bumps or speed humps will be deployed in certain residential communities.

Buzzuro said all efforts combined will help curtail some of the reckless behavior, but will also create headaches for residents and other visitors.

“One of the negative aspects is traffic being heavily congested at times,” he said. “Traffic patterns will be altered at times and traffic is going to be heavy. You can expect that going in. If you don’t need to be on Coastal Highway, we advise against it.”

While strict enforcement is the first line of defense during the events, the key follow-up is collecting the countless citations issued and adjudicating the arrests made for various offenses. Last year, there were 277 arrests made during the pop-up rally including 127 on Saturday alone. Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser said during the task force meeting last week her office handled around 500 cases related to the motorized special events, of which nearly 400 had been adjudicated.

“Many are still working through the system,” she said. “Roughly 80% have been resolved and we have around a 90% conviction rate. We’re grateful to law enforcement for bringing us cases for which we can get convictions.”

Council Secretary and task force member Tony DeLuca questioned if there

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would be temporary speed bumps utilized on Coastal Highway. Buzzuro said he wasn’t sure that would be an effective strategy.

“There’s a lot of moving parts,” he said.

“This is one of those items where you ask is this advantageous in terms of Coastal Highway. There may be more negatives than positives. We can use them in our communities and we can move them around. At the end of the day, I don’t know if they’re something that can assist us on the highway.”

Of course, making the general public aware of the event helps ease their concerns and answering their questions. Last year during the pop-up rally, a public outreach command center of sorts was set up to field questions from the public and handle reports of reckless behavior from the private sector. Communications and Marketing Director Jessica Waters said there is a lot of advanced outreach going on and similar measures from last year will be in place during the event.

“We’re doing a lot of outreach to property owners and visitors,” she said. “We’re going to do a lot of the same things from last year with that with the call centers and answering calls. We’re going to keep the lines of communication open.”

One of the tools in the motorized event toolbox discussed on Friday was the OCPD’s Trespass Enforcement Authorization Program, or TEAP, in which business owners allow law enforcement to come on private property to enforce laws and resolve situations, particularly when businesses are closed. It was revealed around 200 private businesses have signed up for the program.

Another issue discussed was the need for private businesses to provide security on their own properties, allowing the OCPD and its allied partners to focus on the problems on the streets. Meehan urged private businesses to provide private security during the events.

“Everybody needs some level of private security,” he said. “They can’t expect the OCPD, the State Police and the Sheriff’s Office to come to the rescue every time. They can’t expect law enforcement to take care of internal problems.”

Meehan said another strategy is simply to bring in better and bigger events during those troublesome weekends. Just two weeks ago, a well-known promoter pitched the idea of bringing a music festival to Ocean City during the same weekend as the pop-up rally.

“We’re looking to bring in good business during those dates,” he said. “We’ve kind of been on the defensive, but we’d like to be on the offensive. We’ve been approached about a three-day concert on those dates and they know what to do and how to do it. Whatever we can do to define our own destiny. The best way to do that is to bring on other big events.”

In closing, Buzzuro said there will be a major police presence in town during the pop-up rally, but the atmosphere doesn’t have to be adversarial if the participants simply comply with the rules.

“We’re going to carry on, but not get carried away,” he said. “We don’t want to be in conflict with our visitors. We want to keep people safe. That’s the bottom line.

We want to have people come into town and do the right thing.”

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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September 3, 2021

Long-Time Boat Captain Mourned

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

Chris Ragni, Sr. is pictured in a photo featured on the GoFundMe page organized to assist the family with the expenses of services.

File Photo

OCEAN CITY – In typical fashion, the region’s fishing community is rallying around their own this week after a local angler perished in a suspected boat collision about 60 miles off the coast of Ocean City on Friday afternoon.

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es Police (NRP) rescue boat. The Maryland State Police Trooper 4 helicopter was also alerted to head to Ocean City on standby.

The Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) reported one patient suffered a head injury, while a second was reported to be in trauma arrest. Other private vessels in the area also responded to the area to assist with the rescue of passengers on the two vessels involved.

According to an OCFD statement, one male patient suffered a minor head injury and refused treatment. A second patient, identified as Chris Ragni, Sr., was pronounced deceased by paramedics about 25 miles off the coast of Ocean City. The Coast Guard boat carrying the OCFD paramedic team returned to Ocean City around 4:50 p.m. on Friday. The cause of the injuries and reported boat crash are under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard.

News of the boat collision offshore spread quickly through the area’s fishing community, but it wasn’t until later that it was learned the popular Ragni perished from the crash. The victim’s son, Chris Ragni, Jr., reported the tragic news in a social media post on Saturday.

“As most of you know, my father Chris F. Ragni, passed away yesterday after a tragic boating accident while he was fishing yesterday with his buddies,” the post reads. “He passed away while doing what he loved to do, surrounded by his friends.”

Ragni, Jr. in his post thanked those who were fishing with his father. He also thanked all the first-responders that responded to the scene and did their best to save his father’s life, along with the private Good Samaritan vessels that responded to assist.

“Also thank you to everyone who arrived at the scene and assisted, especially the crew of the Leslie Anne and the Regulator,” the post reads. “And last but not least, the United States Coast Guard.”

The local fishing community quickly responded in typical fashion through a GoFundMe page set up by Captain Kevin Denison of the 3 Amigos out of Indian River Inlet.

“As most in our community know, tragedy struck on August 27, an accident at sea resulting in the loss of the local fishing legend, Chris Ragni, Sr.,” the page reads. “While I cannot imagine the grief the family is going through, I felt it important to try and relieve them from one additional burden, the cost of laying him to rest.”

The GoFundMe page created to support the Ragni family had a stated fundraising goal of $10,000. By Tuesday afternoon, the page had received over $18,600 in donations.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Fenwick Scores $600K In State Funding For Sidewalks, Dredging

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials say more than $600,000 in state funding is expected to benefit major infrastructure projects in Fenwick Island.

During a Fenwick Island Town Council meeting last Friday, Mayor Vicki Carmean, council president, announced the town had recently received more than $600,000 to further the town’s infrastructure improvement projects.

She noted the municipality had received an additional $350,000 state funding for a dredging project in the neighboring Little Assawoman Bay, as well as an additional $250,000 for the construction of sidewalks along Coastal Highway.

“I do think these projects will soon be shovel ready, and we’re getting set to go forward with them …,” she said. “There are some other grants pending, and we will keep you posted on what happens there.”

Both infrastructure projects remain at the top of Fenwick Island’s capital improvement plan, officials acknowledged in the town’s recent budget adoption.

In 2019, the town council agreed to hire Anchor QEA to provide design, bidding and construction management services for a dredging project to address shoaling in the back-bay system.

That same year, Fenwick Island initiated the first phase of its sidewalk construction project, which includes the roughly six bayside blocks south of James Street. Instead of pursuing a state-led project – which had a cost estimate of roughly $10 million – town officials decided to handle the first phase of the project themselves and worked alongside state legislators to secure bond bill funding.

“I’d like to tell you it costs $50,000 or $60,000 per block, but it doesn’t work that way in today’s world,” Carmean said last week. “We’re working with government regulations and they have all sorts of mandates, and we know what

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has happened to the price of materials.

We’re just going to go with the money we have and take it as far as we can go.”

Carmean also announced last week that Fenwick had recently received $36,-

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452 in state aid to maintain the town’s streets.

“At this point we have quite a bit of money,” she said. “It’s not a lot, but enough to do some streets. So we will be looking to see where we need to make the repairs.”

During public comments, former Dredging Committee member Charlie Hastings urged council members to maintain a good working relationship with the Carl M. Freeman Companies, which has agreed to relocate roughly 12,000 cubic feet of dredged material to one of its properties. He pointed out that new council members have recently voiced their objections to the company’s proposed hotel development off Route 54.

“If they decide to pull out of this agreement to take our dredged materials this project will not happen. Nobody else will take this stuff and we have no other place to put it …,” he said. “While knowing the new council members have voiced their objections to the proposed Freeman hotel on Route 54, and especially knowing the project is outside of town, I’d like to ask the council to possibly tread lightly in dealing with Freeman, which could mean the difference between dredging and not dredging. You have to walk that line.”

Berlin Businesses Thank Museum For Peach Festival Event

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Local businesses donated $2,000 to the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum to show their appreciation for its annual Peach Festival.

Merchants joined board members of the Taylor House last Friday to present a $2,000 check to the facility.

“The businesses had such a wonderful day during Peach Festival that they decided that they wanted to give back to the museum for hosting such a wonderful, beautiful event that day,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director.

“We rallied the troops and we’re making a $2,000 donation from the businesses to the museum. Thank you for putting on such an amazing festival again this year.”

The Peach Festival, spearheaded for many years by Taylor House board member and past president Jan Quick, is held each year on the first Saturday in August to highlight the town’s fruit-growing history. It now serves as a major fundraiser for the museum. This year an estimated 3,000 people came out despite wet weather to buy peaches, peach slushies and peach preserves. Because the museum opted to invite nonprofits to set up tables on the lawn, rather than arts and crafts vendors, attendees interested in shopping were directed down Main Street, where a variety of shops offered peach related items for sale. They reported strong sales throughout the day, with some, such as Beach Memories, reporting their busiest retail day of the year so far.

“I commend the museum Peach Festival committee for working with the Berlin business community on a wonderful shared event that takes place throughout the entire town,” Wells said.

Because the merchants appreciated the successful event, Wells said businesses wanted to thank the museum with a show of financial support.

Businesses that contributed to the donation included Baked Dessert Cafe, Patty Jeans Boutique, Beach Memories, Bruder Hill, Heart of Gold Kids, Burn Pizza, the Treasure Chest, Sisters, Fathom, Mother Flowers, Una Bella Salute, the Greyhound Bookstore and East & Main Shore Supply.

Melissa Reid, president of the museum, said the board was appreciative of the donation and planned to use it to help purchase new mannequins that will be compatible with historic clothing in the museum’s collection so that it can be featured in displays.

As a token of support and gratitude for the successful Peach Festival, Berlin merchants offered a $2,000 donation to the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum last week.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Page 34

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Fenwick Council Makes Changes

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – A handful of changes, including the removal of public participation regulations, highlighted the first monthly meeting of the new Fenwick Island Town Council.

Under the leadership of Mayor Vicki Carmean, the four new members of the Fenwick Island Town Council kicked off their first monthly meeting last week with a number of changes involving public participation.

“We’re going to do things a little bit differently,” Carmean said. “We’ve talked about this, and one of the things we heard from the community during this last election is the people want to be heard.”

Last fall, several community members came before the town council sharing their frustration with the lack of communication between council members and residents after setting a 30-minute time limit for all public comments and deciding not to respond to residents’ questions and concerns.

Carrying out their campaign promises of greater transparency and open communication, the council’s first order of business last week was the elimination of time limits for public participation, as well as changes to the order of public comments.

“The other thing we are going to do is, before the council votes on anything, we’re going to leave it up to the audience if anyone wants to raise their hand and provide input on the issues,” Carmean said. “We will introduce a topic, have a motion to consider the topic, we’ll discuss it and have public input.”

Carmean added that the public comment period at the end of each meeting will also be open to residents.

“All the old rules are gone …,” she said. “My thought is after five or six minutes if you are not done speaking we will leave it up to council what we do with your ideas, whether we want to defer it into another meeting, whether we want to refer it to a committee, or just thank you for your thoughts.”

With no further discussion, a motion to dissolve time limits for participation and to change the order of public participation before a council vote passed 50.

The council this week also voted to adopt a code of conduct for the town council and town meetings.

The resolution outlines that public officials will not use their office for personal or financial gain and will strive to provide the public and media with information on how town business is conducted, among other things.

“I think it’s a start …,” Carmean said.

“I thought it was a way to generate good will among the community and to bring the community together.”

During last week’s town council meeting, Councilwoman Janice Bortner also made a request that the town reintroduce the “Quiet Resort” slogan on the town seal.

“The voters endorsed the platform on

September 3, 2021

the culture the ‘Quiet Resort’ embodies, quiet residential communities, uncrowded beaches, a healthy commercial district,” she said. “I feel the voters have spoken, and we hear their voices.”

A motion to add the “Quiet Resort” to the town seal passed unanimously.

In August, challengers Natalie Magdeburger, Bortner, Jacque Napolitano and Paul Breger were sworn in to the offices of town council after defeating incumbent candidates Richard Mais, Bill Weistling, Mike Houser and Gene Langan in the annual municipal election.

Throughout the campaign, the candidates battled over issues such as outdoor bars, shuttle buses, building heights and more. The group of challengers argued the town’s leadership catered to developers’ interests and ignored the concerns of residents, while the group of incumbents asserted the challengers’ platform was based on misrepresentation and false statements.

Ceremony Planned For 9/11 Anniversary

OCEAN CITY – On Sept. 11, 2021, the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company will hold ceremonial events commemorating the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks that took the lives of 2,977 men, women, and children in New York City, Arlington, Va. and near Shanksville, Pa. Residents, visitors to the area and first responders are invited to join Ocean City first responders at the firefighters memorial, located at North Division Street and the Boardwalk, at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 11.

“The events we have planned leading up to the 20th anniversary date are a moving and fitting testament to the events of that day,” said Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company President Jay Jester. “The ceremony on the 11th will be a solemn reminder of what we experienced as Americans, and especially firefighters, as well as a walk through the history of the past 20 years.”

Lieutenant Joe DiMartino of the FDNY (retired) will be the keynote speaker. DiMartino is a survivor of the North Tower collapse and will highlight memories and the difficult but important history of the terror attacks on our country.

First responders are encouraged to wear their department Class ‘A’ uniform. Families are welcomed to attend.

At 7:30 p.m. the “Remembrance Beams of Light” will be illuminated over the Ocean City skyline. At the memorial site off the Boardwalk, from 7:35-10 p.m., video tributes and firefighter tributes will be projected continuously on giant screens on the beach.

Amenities Providing Solid Budget Boost For Ocean Pines

September 3, 2021

OCEAN PINES – The Ocean Pines General Manager’s Office recently announced significant budget favorability for the first three months of the new fiscal year.

Based on the July financial report, Ocean Pines was favorable to budget for the month by about $231,000, and favorable roughly $970,000 in total for the first three months of fiscal year 20212022.

General Manager John Viola said approximately 80% of the year-to-date favorability was because of successes at Ocean Pines’ amenities, led by Golf, the Yacht Club, Aquatics, and Racquet Sports. The other 20% is timing and will offset during the remainder of the fiscal period, he said.

“Also, please keep in mind we still have nine months to go, and we appear to still be operating in uncertain times,” he said.

Year to date, the combined Racquet Sports amenity is favorable to budget by almost $35,000. Aquatics is favorable by roughly $150,000, Golf is favorable about $210,000 and the Clubhouse Grille is favorable by about $46,000. Additionally, the Yacht Club is favorable approximately $208,000 and the Beach Club is favorable just over $70,000.

“All of that is organic in the sense that we’re building revenue, and that’s huge,” Viola said. “The numbers are up across the board. Compliments to everybody on what has been a true team effort.

“We, the Association, have invested in our amenities and it is beginning to show. We’ve also increased our programs and our spend over the last three years in roads, drainage and bulkheads, with positive results,” he continued.

“We’re clearly operating on all cylinders right now.”

Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue, who oversees Racquet Sports, said the drop-in play numbers are up for all three sports: Tennis, Pickleball and Platform Tennis. Memberships have also increased this year, she said.

“Management implemented new procedures and daily processing, along with a midday attendant,” she said. “The members and guests have been great at signing in, and the staff has collected

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

and processed drop-in fees regularly.”

Donahue said more people are booking lessons this season, thanks to the work of instructors like Racquet Sports Manager and Tennis Pro Terry Underkoffler, and Linda Horst.

“All these things combined have helped the Racquet Center have a very successful season so far,” she said.

Year to date, Aquatics revenues are more than $87,000 favorable to budget, while expenses are more than $61,000 favorable to budget.

"The Aquatics leadership team adjusted several things that helped contribute to the year-to-date performance," Aquatics Director Kathleen Cook said.

That included deferring some expenditures, and not filling some full-time positions because of the inability to train during the peak season.

"We also reduced hours at the indoor pool on non-peak times, to help fully staff the outdoor pools," Cook said. "And, instructional classes stayed indoors, so we didn't have to duplicate staffing resources."

She also credited strong customer service with helping to boost the numbers at the pools.

"This team has dealt with some of the most adverse situations we've had in a long time, but no matter where I've sent them, they've gone with a smile and they've greeted the customers warmly,” Cook said. "My team has worked tirelessly, and the most important thing is that they've kept everyone safe.”

PGA General Manager of Golf John Malinowski said rounds were up during the last three months, and the weather has been conducive to good course conditions.

“Although it's been hot, it hasn't been hot and wet, as in years past,” he said.

“The addition of Justin Hartshorne as superintendent and the work his team has been doing is paying off. The course is in great shape and the reviews are great. People are coming out to play.

“We're looking forward to the rest of the season and hopefully a good fall, and hopefully Mother Nature continues to help us out,” he added.

Finance Director Steve Phillips said several factors contributed to the Food and Beverage success.

“More often than not we’ve had good weather on the weekends, which can be a big driver for the Beach Club numbers, as an example,” he said. “Weekend banquets have also been fully booked at the Yacht Club, so that was approximately $200,000 of gross revenue that we didn’t have last year, due to COVID.” Phillips added that gross margins overall had improved, and he credited the Matt Ortt Companies for keeping a year-round staff in place.

“Most places have struggled with staffing this year, as the pandemic limited the number of J-1 students avail-

Page 37

able to work,” he said. “Because Matt Ortt and Ralph DeAngelus were able to keep their core staff in place all year, they really didn’t have those issues.”

Viola also said the use of info@oceanpines.org for general information questions and concerns has created efficiencies, and that has translated to further cost savings.

“This has definitely improved our overall customer service and helped people to get their questions answered in a timely and professional manner,” he said. “Please continue to use info@oceanpines.org for all general inquiries.”

Musician Honors Tindley With Original Song, Video

Page 38

BY STEVE GREEN

EDITOR

BERLIN – Multiple efforts are currently underway to pay homage to a late gospel music legend born in Berlin.

The Rev. Charles Albert Tindley was born in Berlin in 1851 and throughout his storied life rose to be known as a national legend in contemporary gospel music. He is widely considered the first gospel composer with numerous well-known hymns. He made a name for himself in Philadelphia where he lived most of his life before dying in 1933, but his life began in Berlin.

Tindley’s name was in the news last week as part of an ongoing effort to secure grants for a mural in Berlin to celebrate his life. A number of local organizations are teaming together to commission a large mural dedicated to Tindley on the side of the Bruder Hill building on Commerce Street. The Worcester County Commissioners agreed to support the Town of Berlin’s grant request through the Beach to Bay Heritage Area, which is funded through the state.

However, over the last seven years, a grassroots effort has been led by musician and journalist Bryan Russo to dive deeper into Tindley’s legacy. Russo wrote an original song about Tindley in 2018 and recorded it in 2020. The song, which was released Friday, Aug. 27, is featured in a nearly seven-minute video on a website, wearejournos.com, created by Russo. The song is available for purchase through the website. All funds raised through the $1 song downloads will be directed toward the goal of reinventing the annual “Tindley Day Gospel Festival” in Berlin next year.

On his wearejournos.com website, Russo explained his passion for the Tindley project.

“For me, it's a travesty that a man who is literally inspired the anthem of the Civil Rights movement ‘We Shall Overcome’ with his hymn ‘I'll Overcome Someday’ is hardly a blip on the radar of history in the town where he was born, and in a region of the country that was the birthplace of the two of the

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

most vitally important African American people in American history in Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass.”

Russo elaborated on the effort in an interview this week.

Q. I remember you talking about this project as far back as seven years ago. Congratulations on seeing this project through while raising kids, navigating a pandemic, a working career and all the other responsibilities of life. Why Charles Albert Tindley? Why now?

A. It’s long been my belief that honoring and celebrating Dr. Tindley is way overdue here in Berlin, so while it’s taken me almost seven years to get to this point, there are many who have waited a lot longer so I guess the easiest answer to that question is “if not now, when?” I’ve been so worried about the timing on releasing this song with everything that’s been going on in our world in the past few years, but I’ve spent a ton of that time asking questions to people in our community who know more about Tindley than I do and have a deeper connection to his story than I do.

The resounding message I keep hearing is that the timing is right and the song can be a vehicle to inspire our community to truly work together to achieve that goal of elevating Tindley’s legacy to its rightful place.

Q. You have said in other mediums, “If a story doesn’t get passed down from generation to generation, it runs the risk of being forgotten.”

Can you elaborate on what you mean especially in regard with Tindley’s story?

A. Those words were spoken to me by the late Constance Sturgis, who was a beloved and respected school teacher, historian and community leader here in Berlin. She was one of the first people I interviewed back in 2013 when I was producing a story on Tindley for my public radio show “Coastal Connection.”

I have thought about her wisdom, her kindness, her encouragement of me and my ability to be an integral part of telling this story quite often in the several years since her passing. But, I think what she was trying to say is that his-

September 3, 2021

The Rev. Charles Albert Tindley was born in Berlin in 1851 and became a legendary gospel music composter.

File Photo

tory sometimes is shaped by the loudest or the most powerful voices who determine what is important and what isn’t. It’s the current generation’s job to make sure that the value of the previous generation’s stories and contributions don’t diminish or fade away from the eyes or the ears of future generations.

So, I hope the song and the things that are coming shortly after the song’s release will do just that.

Q. How did you decide on the song name “Mr. Tindley”?

A. If you look at the current telling of Tindley’s story in the history books, there is very little written about his formidable years on the Eastern Shore. It’s usually one sentence written about his birthplace and in many cases, the second sentence that’s written claims that he was born a slave, which isn’t true, as his mother was free and his father was a slave, so thusly, he was considered a freeborn child. What people do know of Tindley is what he accomplished in Philadelphia where he became one of the nation’s most revered preachers and one of the first African American published hymnwriters when he became Rev. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley.

Calling the song “Mr. Tindley '' was an attempt to include lesser known parts of his story when he was living in the re-

gion, before he became a reverend and earned a doctorate, to the narrative that exists, which is what you’ll find in the first two verses of the song. His hymn “I’ll Overcome Someday” inspired the Civil Rights Anthem “We Shall Overcome” and this song, which I wanted to make sure his name was the focal point of in the chorus, begs the question of “When Will We Overcome?” In the end, it was an artistic choice and something that was quite honestly a little bit easier for the choir to sing.

Q. How did the song come about being made? It was recorded outside Wilmington, Del., in March 14, 2020 but you wrote back in 2018 at your home in Berlin. Tell us the story.

A. I write songs really early in the morning, and on that particular day, I was pretty much on the verge of giving up. Everything I had tried up until that point either couldn’t get funded or finished for a myriad of reasons, and I felt like I had completely failed. I just thought, “no one can stop me from writing a song, so I’ll just try and put everything in four minutes or less.” It all poured out onto the page, and I really liked it, but I was too scared to show it or play for anyone other than a few close confidants so it just sat as a demo on my phone for awhile.

A year and change later, I connected with a good friend named Darnell Miller who is an incredible musician and has a deeply rooted connection to the gospel community up in Wilmington. He really liked the song and put together a remarkable group of players and singers that ranged from local church choir singers to touring gospel musicians. I thought it would be really apropos to record the song somewhere between Philadelphia and Berlin along the same path that Tindley and many African Americans during that time would have travelled on as they sought better opportunities in the north. We recorded the song in a day, and it was crazy because while the group knew Tindley’s name, they didn’t really know much of his story, so once I shared that with them, the feeling in the room changed SEE NEXT PAGE

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and it felt more like a mission than a session. The next day, the world literally shut down due to COVID-19.

Q. The song will be released under the band name “Journos.” Why the name and will songs on the album tell a story like “Mr. Tindley”?

A. I think there are similarities in both songwriting and journalism and maybe I see them so clearly because I’ve spent the better part of the past two decades engrossed in both professions. But, for me, this song is different because it’s so particularly focused on the subject, meaning Tindley, and I wanted to remove any and all focus from the author; like any good journalist should do. The album that will follow sometime in 2022 is made up of all story songs, sonic field reports and satirical and sometimes scathing editorials about these strange times we find ourselves in. “Journos” is my nod to all the socially conscious music and top-notch songwriting I’ve ever loved from Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan to Randy Newman and Elvis Costello.

Q. Why was it important for you to put in current day images – some of which may be viewed as controversial in some circles – in the video for your song?

A. The first rule I learned when I joined “The Press”, per se, was that if your work is not challenging your audience and if you aren’t digging to a deeper layer of the proverbial onion, then you are just doing “PR.” The imagery that we’ve been bombarded by in the past few years has been both unsettling and overwhelming, but when you juxtapose some of those images with things that have occurred in our not so distant history, they are essentially mirror images. People are going to feel different things when they watch the video and that’s the point of art. Some people view things through whatever social media powered lens they prefer and others choose to listen only to the way things reverberate off the walls of their own echo chambers. There is a lot of hopeful and beautiful imagery in the video too, so I guess it tells more about the viewer than the art depending on what your takeaway is.

Q. Tindley was actually in the news last week when Berlin’s Ivy Wells approached the Worcester County Commissioners for support for a Tindley mural in Berlin. You have been involved in this effort.

How so?

A. On a regional level, I always wanted to get Tindley’s name in the same sentence with the two other most famous African American residents of the Eastern Shore, Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. There is that incredible mural in Dorchester County of Tubman and I had read that there was one in development on Douglass in Talbot County, so I went to Ivy (Wells) in Berlin and pitched an idea to see if there was grant funding for a public mural project that would feature Tindley

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

here in Berlin. There was in fact a good bit of grant money available for a project like this that thankfully Ivy applied for some through the town of Berlin, and Lisa Challenger (Beach to Bay Heritage Area) applied for additional funding for an expanded part of the project that will include historical markers throughout the county and an audio walking/driving tour that will integrate untold African American stories from our region into already well-known bits of local folklore.

It’s so exciting what is coming in our little town in regard to not only uplifting Tindley, but embracing all of our rich history here in Worcester County for both our locals and our visitors. I’m so proud to be a part of the group that represents all corners of our community that is driving this effort forward.

Q. Funds from purchases of this

Page 39

song will be directed to a specific effort to bring back a former gospel festival named after Tindley in Berlin.

Why is that important to you?

A. I found out about Tindley for the first time when my wife read an article in this paper back in 2011 or so about a gospel festival the local church community put on to honor one of the founding fathers of gospel music, who was born in Berlin. The fact that I had absolutely no idea about Tindley as both a songwriter, a journalist, and a resident blew me away and essentially sent me down this historical rabbit hole and on this musical mission. Ironically, that year was the last year the festival took place, so I want to help play a small role in bringing it back to life. It doesn’t matter how spiritual you are as a person, when you hear Tindley’s hymns sung by a

choir, your heart will be full of joy, and our world could certainly use a bit of that right now.

Q. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about your song and this project in general?

A. Right now, the $1 download is exclusively on Bandcamp, which can be accessed at the wearejournos.com site.

Please support and share the project with others who may be inspired and interested in Tindley’s incredible story and his local roots.

Art and music can bring beauty and unity into a town, it can celebrate history and even draw more people to a region.

If this song and the projects that follow do all of that, then I think Miss Connie (Sturgis) will be looking down on all of us with an approving smile.

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FENWICK ISLAND – Officials say Fenwick residents have until Sept. 15 to submit letters of interest for serving on the town council.

In a town council meeting last Friday, Council President Vicki Carmean announced plans to accept letters of interest from town residents looking to serve on the Fenwick Island Town Council. She noted the candidates selected to fill the two vacant positions will serve the remainder of a two-year term.

“We have two vacancies for two council members whose terms have not expired, and the charter tells us we can appoint someone to fill those vacancies,” she said. “So I am offering until Sept.15 for letters of interest to come to me.”

On Aug. 20, Councilmen Bernie Merritt and Gardner Bunting submitted their letters of resignation following an organizational meeting in which election winners Natalie Magdeburger, Janice Bortner, Jacque Napolitano and Paul Breger were sworn in as the newest members of the town council. In separate statements, the incumbents said they were stepping down over differences in vision and misleading information.

“I loved being part of the Fenwick Town Council for the last 5 years, but after this campaign that was built on hysteria and facts that were distorted, I decided that the new council had a vision for this town that I could not support, so therefore I decided to remove myself from the Council and all my Committee Assignments,” Merritt said last week. “I only wish continued success for the Town of Fenwick Island.”

According to the town’s charter, the town council can fill vacancies by appointment. Carmean said she is hoping the council can swear in the new members at the next meeting in September.

“I will wait until Sept. 15,” she said.

“At that point, the town council will decide who those two new council members will be. They will have a one-year term because the two members who resigned, their terms would have expired next year.”

Carmean last week also announced plans to accept applications from interested residents looking to fill vacancies on various town committees.

Since the town election, several residents have resigned from various com-

mittees, leading Carmean to suspend all committee activities.

“As we have observed, as one person resigns from a committee, there are a lot of holes because the same people served on many committees,” she said. “So I’ve basically suspended all committee activity until we have a chance to offer a new application.”

Carmean noted that applications are available at town hall and on the town’s website. She said forms will be accepted through Sept. 15.

“We have a couple of committees that need to be active and ongoing.

One of them is the Charter and Ordinance Committee and the other is the Audit Committee …,” she said. “People who apply to be on the Charter and Ordinance or Audit committees, I’m going to do rolling acceptances as qualified people turn in their applications because I want to fill those committees quickly.”

During public comments, resident Charlie Hastings proceeded to submit his resignations to the Budget, Audit and Dredging committees, making him the 14th known member to step down.

“No thinking persons, including the town manager as well as the council members and committee members who have willingly given up their expertise and many hours of time over the years, would work with a group who has done nothing but find fault with almost everything this group of devoted Fenwick Islanders has done,” he said.

Carmean responded by saying her primary goal is to reunite the community following a divisive election.

“I want committees where people have a chance to exchange their ideas, and you don’t have to agree.”

Mike Quinn, a member of the town’s Charter and Ordinance Committee, agreed.

“I happen to be on the Charter and Ordinance Committee and for about the last four years I don’t think I’ve voted in favor of anything that’s happened because I didn’t believe in it,” he said. “But I had my vote and I stayed.

I didn’t quit, I didn’t resign, I stayed.

That’s what I want to see out of the people that have resigned. They have a lot of education about this town, and we need them.”

Carmean last week also announced the town will begin the hiring process to fill vacancies left by the resignations of Town Manager Terry Tieman and Town Solicitor Mary Schrider-Fox.

Date Set For Jesse’s Paddle Event

September 3, 2021

SNOW HILL – After a year’s hiatus, friends of the Jesse Klump Memorial Fund (JKMF) will gather for the 13th Annual Jesse’s Paddle on Saturday, Sept. 18 at the Pocomoke River Canoe Company in Snow Hill. Registration begins at 4 p.m. and boats will hit the water by 5 p.m. Support raised at the paddle funds the nonprofit’s suicide prevention outreach mission, mental health education programs, and grants for community needs.

“There will be free canoes and kayaks for those who raise more than $30 to participate in Jesse’s Poker Paddle,” said JKMF President Kim Klump.

“While our missions are very serious, this is a day of fun and celebration, and we expect to put dozens of boats on the Pocomoke River. We will observe all CDC and State of Maryland COVID-19 guidance. Masks will be required except while our guests are in boats, and we'll be asking our guests to observe social distancing guidelines. There will be masks for those who don't have them and plenty of hand sanitizing stations.”

Top fundraisers will be rewarded with prizes. There are also prizes for those holding the best hands in the Jesse’s Poker Paddle, plus live music, free hot dogs and beverages. A surfboard-style standup paddleboard is the Paddle’s raffle boat, and there will be a silent auction. Raffle tickets are al-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ready available at www.jessespaddle.org/paddle, and the silent auction is receiving bids at the same website address.

The Jesse Klump Suicide Awareness & Prevention Program travels across the lower Eastern Shore teaching the recognition of suicide’s risk factors and warning signs, with the goal of reducing the historically-high suicide rates in local communities.

“A successful paddle enables us to offer all training, and all our educational material at absolutely no cost,” Fund officer Ron Pilling said. “Every penny raised at the Paddle is devoted to ending the risk of suicide, making our school programs possible to save young lives, and enabling folks with great ideas to address unmet community needs.”

Supporters can make donations for by visiting www.jessespaddle.org/paddle and clicking “Our Donor Form.”

Generous donors can create their own fundraising teams, support an existing team, or make a general donation. Donations will be welcome at the Paddle, and all gifts count towards the $30 minimum for a free boat for the Poker Paddle.

Canoes, and solo or two-person kayaks can be reserved in advance for Jesse’s Poker Paddle. To reserve your boat, call the Pocomoke River Canoe Company at 410-632-3971.

Page 41

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High Court Denies Appeal Seeking Sentence Modification In Drug Case

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WEST OCEAN CITY – The state’s Court of Special Appeals last week denied a motion for a modification of sentence in a distribution of fentanyl and involuntary manslaughter case involving an overdose fatality.

In 2019, Elizabeth Blair Redding, now 29, of West Ocean City, was arrested and charged with possession and distribution of fentanyl and involuntary manslaughter for allegedly supplying the drug to the victim in an overdose fatality. In a plea agreement, Redding pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and the state dropped the remaining charges.

In November 2019, Redding was sentenced to 20 years with all but 10 years suspended. She was also placed on five years of supervised probation upon her release. In February 2020, Redding filed a motion for modification of sentence, alleging the 20-year sentence was illegal under the circumstances.

The appeal was denied at the Circuit Court level, so Redding filed a similar appeal with the state’s Court of Special Appeals. The higher court last week

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filed an opinion denying Redding’s motion for a modification of sentence. In the appeal, Redding raised questions for appellate review, which were ultimately denied.

“Did the sentencing court err in rendering the maximum sentence for distribution instead of remaining within the maximum sentence for manslaughter?” the motion for modification reads. “Did the sentencing court err and thus render an illegal sentence by considering the underlying facts of the state’s involuntary manslaughter charge?”

As to both questions, the Court of Special Appeals opined the lower court did not make errors in the sentencing for Redding.

The distribution plea carried a higher maximum penalty than the involuntary manslaughter charge. In her appeal, Redding contends her sentence should have fallen within the guidelines of involuntary manslaughter.

“The appellant contends that her sentence is illegal because it should have been limited to the maximum penalty for involuntary manslaughter based on the doctrine of merger,” the opinion reads. “The appellant asserts that the sentencing court abused its discretion in considering the death of the victim when imposing the sentence.”

However, the lower court asserted the fentanyl distribution charge was the only count for which Redding pleaded guilty in the plea arrangement.

“The state argues the doctrine of merger is inapplicable because the appellant was only convicted of distribution, so there is no other charge to merge,” the opinion reads. “The state contends further that the sentencing court was well within its discretion when considering the circumstances and consequences of the crime the appellant was charged with, even if those circumstances support uncharged conduct.”

The fentanyl distribution charges stem from an investigation into a fatal overdose in March 2019. On March 21, members of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team responded to Redding’s West Ocean City home for a reported overdose. Officers found the male victim unresponsive and he was immediately transported to Atlantic General Hospital.

According to police reports, the victim was pronounced deceased on March 23, 2019. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be fentanyl intoxication. While on the scene, officers spoke to Redding, who reportedly told police the victim was her boyfriend and that they had laid down to take a nap. When she awoke, Redding found the victim to be unresponsive. The investigation revealed Redding had supplied the fentanyl to the victim, which caused him to fatally overdose.

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Fenwick Council Passes Height Ordinance Changes

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – An ordinance amendment to include mechanical equipment into the town’s commercial height regulations passed unanimously on first reading last week.

Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted unanimously to accept the first reading of an ordinance amendment to include mechanical equipment into the calculation of a commercial building’s height.

“This language is the same lan-

guage that exists in the corresponding ordinance that applies to residential buildings,” Councilwoman Natalie Magdeburger said.

According to the town’s zoning code, total building height in the commercial discount cannot exceed 30 feet – or 32 feet if the building has a freeboard that elevates the structure. But there are exceptions for roof-mounted solar panels, chimneys and elevator shafts, which can extend 4.5 feet above the maximum height to accommodate the elevator’s service equipment.

Magdeburger said the ordinance

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would be amended to add that “mechanical equipment and any other items attached to or mounted onto a building shall be included in the calculation of a building’s height.” She added it would not change the way in which the building height is measured.

“They can be put on the roof,” she said. “But it would have to be beneath 32 feet … The mechanicals count for the height of the building.”

Resident Ray Fager, however, questioned why the council had proposed the ordinance amendment. Magdeburger noted it would create consistency in height across the residential and commercial districts.

“It will be consistent with what obligations there are on residential buildings,” she replied.

Resident Charlie Hastings questioned why the town would allow an elevator shaft to overrun the town’s height restriction, but not mechanical equipment.

“What’s the difference between a 4.5-foot elevator shaft and a 3.5-foot air handler?” he said.

Magdeburger said the zoning code limited the number of elevator shafts to two per commercial building.

“If you start to put multiple mechanicals on there, you have a roofline that’s higher than the residential district,” she added.

September 3, 2021

Magdeburger noted that there would be plenty of opportunities for community members to share their thoughts on the proposed amendment, as it would require a public hearing and second reading.

“This isn’t a done deal,” she said.

“We’re going to have meetings and hearings on what people think. And if there’s issues there, I encourage you and invite you to come and give your perspective, so we can consider it. Maybe we’re not seeing all of it.”

With no further questions, the council voted 5-0 to accept the amendment on first reading and to refer the amendment to the town’s Charter and Ordinance Committee for review.

The topic of mechanical equipment in relation to building height limits was first called into question in 2018, when the town’s building official approved developer Spiro Buas’ plans to place HVAC units on the roof of the Fenwick Shores hotel development.

While the placement of the units was initially denied – as it would exceed the height limit – town officials sought further guidance from the town solicitor before reversing their decision.

Officials ultimately argued the mechanical units were not defined as a structure in the town’s ordinance and, therefore, should not be enforced in the height restrictions.

September 3, 2021

College App Workshop:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Worcester Prep Class of 2022 hit the ground running last month in preparation for their college application season this fall. Rising seniors attended a four-day College Application Workshop in the Guerrieri Library, hosted by the WPS Office of College Counseling. The students worked one-on-one with Director of College Counseling Vickie Garner writing college applications and essays, practicing interview techniques and refining their college lists.

In addition, guest speakers visited throughout the week to share their expertise with the students including Charles Overholt (Assistant Director of Admissions at Salisbury University), Tish Peterson (former admissions officer at Boston University, Georgetown University, and George Washington University), Liz Nally (WPS AP English Teacher), and Megan Leslie (WPS English Teacher).

Above, from left, are students Ayush Batra, Carter McCabe, Jarett Sofronski and Anders Taylor surrounded by fellow senior classmates. Above, top right, Josie Miller Gonzalez, center, and her classmates Grace Bauerle and Brooke Emeigh develop personal essays and timetables to keep them on track in the application process. Bottom right, Overholt addresses seniors.

Submitted Photos

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OC Sunset: The NAO Santa Maria, a replica Christopher Columbus tall ship, provided a lovely foreground for a sunset picture last week in Ocean City.

Photo by ocyachtshots.com

Parsons Memorial Photo Contest Set

September 3, 2021

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Museum Society has announced the 1st Annual Louis Parsons III Memorial Photo Contest. Online entries will be accepted through Oct. 1.

Parsons was a long-time member of the Ocean City Museum Society Board and an avid photographer.

The categories for the contest are the Ocean City beach, Ocean City Boardwalk, and Ocean City or Assateague Bay sunsets. These are locations Parsons enjoyed photographing.

A winner will be announced for each category, along with a grand prize winner. Winners of each category will receive $250. The grand prize winner will be awarded an additional $750 for a total prize of $1,000. The competition is open to any photographer over 18 years old.

Entries must be submitted electronically, and submissions will be judged based on technical excellence, originality, composition, impact, artistic merit, and subject matter.

Judges for the contest include renowned local photographer Alan Sklar; Martin Smith-Rodden, Professor of Photojournalism at Ball State University; and Terry Plowman, publisher of Delaware Beach Life. Prize winners will be announced on Oct. 16. All winners will be notified via the contact information provided in the submission entry. The entry fee is $15 per contestant.

Each contestant can enter only one submission. Up to five images can be entered per submission. All photos must be at least 1200 by 1800 pixels with a file size no greater than 25 MB. Prize money for this inaugural contest has been donated by Jeff Williams, a close friend to Parson and former publisher of Oceana Magazine, along with his corporate sponsor Associa.

Participants can review submission requirements and enter submissions by visiting www.ocmuseum. org.

17th Annual Sand Castle Tour Planned For October

September 3, 2021

OCEAN CITY – For the past 16 years, the Sand Castle Home Tour has helped sustain the nonprofit Art League of Ocean City and provided important seed money toward building the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th St. In 2021, the home tour will also raise money for 11 other area nonprofit organizations.

The nonprofit community partners who are participating in this year’s ticket sales are the Ocean Pines Association Recreation & Parks Dept., the River Soccer Club, the Delmarva Discovery Museum, Habitat for Humanity Worcester County, Food Bank of the Eastern Shore, Stevenson United Methodist Church, Samaritan Ministries, Worcester County Humane Society, LPGA Amateurs Eastern Shore MD/DE Chapter, Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines/Ocean City and Worcester Preparatory School.

"Five dollars of every ticket sold by these community organizations will be donated back to their nonprofit,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League said. "Over the past year, it has been challenging for nonprofits to raise funds, as many in-person fundraisers have been cancelled due to COVID. In an effort to help other organizations continue to provide vital services that support the community, the Art League engaged other area nonprofits and asked them to partner on this endeavor.

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One of the 10 homes featured on the virtual tour will be the Selzer family’s in South Point.

Submitted Photo

City. In 2020, 1,800 people took the virtual tour, and Thaler expects that number to increase this year.

"It is a win-win situation," she said.

“Ticket purchasers can support a cause important to them while they enjoy a fabulous tour of Delmarva's finest homes,

without leaving their own home.”

Additional nonprofit organizations that would like to participate in the Sand Castle Home Tour as a community partner should contact Aubrey Sizemore at aubrey@artleagueofoceancity.org.

The Art League previously issued a

Page 47

special code to each participating nonprofit, and anyone interested in supporting that organization should contact them for their unique code. Ticket purchasers who use the code will receive a $5 discount off the regular price of the ticket, and the nonprofit they choose to support will also receive $5. Tickets are now available for purchase at www.SandCastleHomeTour.com.

In 2021, the tour will remain a virtual event, but has been expanded in length to the entire month of October. The tour will feature 10 of the greater Ocean City area’s most captivating residences.

Tourgoers will enjoy cinematic videos of homes and an opportunity to hear the vision and inspiration behind the homes directly from the homeowners, builders, architects, and designers through featured videos and design tips.

Page 48

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. A couple is pictured above walking south along the beach at sunrise last week. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The ArtX event returned to Northside Park, Aug. 21-22, sponsored by Ocean City Recreation & Parks and the Art League of Ocean City (ALOC). Above left, Logan Skinner, 7, of Windsor Mill, Md., created his own tie-dyed T-shirt at an ALOC booth. Above right, Jenny Hall of Snow Hill created seashell art during an art class given by the ALOC. At right, Randy Hofman of Ocean Pines custom built a sand sculpture at ArtX to announce the ALOC's upcoming all-virtual Sand Castle Home Tour from Oct. 1-31 Submitted Photos

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

People in Society AMP Studios students Austin Mecca and Luke Murphy got ready to take the stage at a recent Sunset Park Thursday Party Night Concert.

by Jeanette Deskiewicz Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Selling the sweet stuff were Jessica Jolly, Pastor Danielle Kellam and Emily Jolly at the Berlin Church of God of Prophecy Summer Bake Sale.

Peninsula Home Care representatives Nikki Clark, Chloe Dunlap and Ashley Smith were on hand for the Delmarva Shorebirds Silver Sluggers Wednesday Night Promotion.

Shorebirds Flock People Madelyn Shockley and Ethan Patey rallied the crowd at Perdue Stadium.

At the Berlin Church of God of Prophecy Summer Yard Sale, Hannah Jolly had help from Abbi Lewis ringing up the purchases.

At the Sunset Park Thursday Party Night Concert, Mike and Joanne Timchalk sold refreshments to benefit the OC Recreation Boosters.

Every Tuesday throughout the summer, Knights of Columbus held a seafood night with Joe Zanetti and George Ward working the take-out line.

Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group member Nancy Dofflemyer brought guest Florence Bell to the group’s August Social at Ocean Thirteen.

Ocean Thirteen’s Jeremy Brink and Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group Membership Chair Sam Glaeser put together a very nice social for the group in August.

Ladies of the Knights of Columbus, Louisa McCabe and Judy Zanetti took food orders at the door for the weekly Tuesday Night Seafood Dinner.

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Education, Prevention, Intervention

Page 53

GUARDING THE BEACH

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI

SPECIALS TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – When some people think of the Ocean City Beach Patrol, they might think of tanned lifeguards rescuing drowning people. The beach patrol surf rescue technicians (SRTs/lifeguard) do make rescues, but there is much more to what we do to ensure that all beach patrons are safe. Our mission statement has three goals: education of the public, prevention of potential accidents and intervention (making rescues).

In the last 20-plus years, the education portion of our mission has become a much bigger focus, and this directly supports the prevention and intervention aspect of our mission. The beach patrol has instituted and incorporated numerous things aimed at educating the public to potential dangers at the beach.

The beach patrol has made it a point to generate and distribute literature and information to the public regarding rip currents, shallow water diving, dangerous shore break, digging holes in the sand, and many other hazards. This literature comes in many forms. At the head of every street north of the boardwalk there are informational signs as well as on the back of every lifeguard stand. Our website www.ococean.com/ocbp has safety information and pictures of rip currents. Our guards also hand out pamphlets that have information about ocean safety every Sunday during their beach safety seminars. If you are interested in any of this inforDAMIEN SANZOTTI mation, please talk to a lifeguard. The message boards throughout Ocean City will often have a safety message from the beach patrol.

Another program the beach patrol started about 25 years ago was the beach safety seminar. Every Sunday morning, in at least 18 different locations along the entire Ocean City shoreline, beach patrons can listen to a beach safety seminar given by members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol. If you have a group that you would like to participate in a personalized Beach Safety Seminar you can contact our office or the guard on your beach. The seminar has become an integral part of educating the public.

Our lifeguards also frequently do what we call an EDU (semaphore abbreviation for education). An EDU is when a lifeguard recognizes a potential hazard or dangerous circumstance (rip current, heavy surf, etc.) and gets a group of beach patrons together to warn and inform them about the hazard. The idea is that if the public is well informed, they will make better decisions, which will result in a safer beach environment for everyone. Each SRT is trained in public speaking and presenting EDUs during the required 65-hour Surf Rescue Training Academy.

As the beach patrol has increased its efforts to educate the public, we have seen the results pay off. If you are not comfortable gathering around the lifeguard stand, simply speak to the lifeguard after the seminar is over and they will gladly pass along the info. As I said before, ed-

ucating the public is the most important part of our mission To help your local lifeguard, please approach them and ask about any dangers.

The three-part mission is one of the most unique qualities of your beach patrol when compared to other lifeguard agencies around the world. Not only does your beach patrol make a priority of educating our local community, but as a worldwide leader in beach safety, we are often called upon to give our expertise to other areas of our country as well as other beaches around the world. Each year you will find the Ocean City Beach Patrol featured in national publications as well as nationally televised featured stories.

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

Surf Rescue Technicians are shown gathering beach patrons to perform an EDU to show a rip current.

Photo by Michael Arbin

Page 54

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Mackenzie Collins, 15, and Trish Barth, 15, in Ocean City

Jackson Morningstar, 10, in Ocean City

September 3, 2021

Hunter Morningstar, 7, in Perry Hall

KIDS

Jace Kerley, 8, Grace McCormick, 5, Cameron McCormick, 8, Maren Kerley, 6, and Maxx, 5, and Joie Muhlada, 8.

of Summer (Part 2)

Patrick, 7, Caroline, 12, and Daniel Miller, 10, in Ocean City

Heidi Grahn, 2, in Ocean City

It’s our pleasure to produce the 15th Annual Kids of Summer photo series, featuring little ones of all ages, from near and far, enjoying all that comes with the summer season. If you would like your child(ren) featured in this space, there’s still time. Just email us your photo(s) at editor@mdcoastdispatch.com or mail to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 with the child’s name, age and location.

Aryana Bunbury,11, and Falynn Mills, 7, in Ocean City

Jaxon Mills, 7, and Eleanor Mills, 3, in Ocean City

Eliza Jaye Rogers, 3, in Ocean City

Sailor, 6, Maura, 6, and Stella, 11, in Ocean City

Madison Hoke, 8, on Assateague Island

Keera Pearce, 9, in Ocean City

Kaelyn, 13, and Ashlyn Pickett, 11, in Ocean City.

Colin O'Brien, 11, on the Boardwalk

Riley Woodfield, 4, and Grayson Woodfield, 8, in Ocean City

Caden Morningstar, 4, in Ocean City

Jase Frank, 7, in Ocean City

Aspen Dodson, 2, in Ocean City

Hudson Morningstar, 2, in Ocean City

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 55

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A New York City native, Reena started her legal career in California handling primarily civil litigation, real estate, and corporate matters. In 2012, she relocated to the U.S. territory of Saipan (a World War II territory) to work for the Office of the Attorney General. She was promoted to First Assistant and subsequently Chief of the Civil Division. Ms. Patel handled a range of matters in this capacity, most notably when she successfully negotiated a settlement worth over $1 billion in a class action pension dispute.

Since moving to Maryland with her husband (a Salisbury native) in 2014, Ms. Patel’s practice has focused on civil, and particularly probate, litigation.

The firm is thrilled to offer our clients–and the community–the full range of estates & trust services: from planning to implementation to litigation.

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Page 56

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

Retirement Withdrawal Strategies Vary By Circumstances Wealth of Knowledge

BY KRISTIN COANE

SPECIALS TO THE DISPATCH

BERLIN – As hard as retirement saving and investing may seem, that’s the easy part. The real challenge is figuring out how to make your accumulated savings last throughout your and your spouse’s retirements. You need a strategy, and it’s best to have that strategy developed before retirement begins.

Because life expectancy is longer these days, many retirees need to maintain a growth component in their investment portfolio during retirement. That adds an extra challenge to your distribution strategy. The goals for drawing down funds include minimizing market risk to an equity allocation, coping with variable income that may be impacted by market returns, minimizing taxes, and supporting an increase in income needs associated with late-stage medical and long-term care.

Given that an investment portfolio may need to keep growing even after you re-

tire, it’s important to consider “sequence of returns” risk. This basically means that if you retire around the time of a significant market decline, you can greatly deplete the principal from which you draw retirement income throughout the long term, subsequently having to reduce your retirement lifestyle or risk running out of money.

To combat this risk, retirees should remain flexible.

Once you retire, you can set up a systematic withdrawal plan if you need to supplement your regular household income. If your retirement plan indicates you’ll need more money at different stages, consider the bucket strategy, wherein you allocate certain investments (“buckets”) for different stages so you have new assets to tap as you age. This strategy may also enable you to retain a more aggressive equity allocation in buckets you plan to tap later.

To help minimize taxes in a retirement portfolio, alternatives could be to first withdraw from taxable assets (e.g., brokerage account), then tax-deferred plans (e.g., 401(k) and traditional IRA) and finally tax-

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However, it’s important to tailor your draw-down strategy for your personal circumstances, taking into KRISTIN account your retirement COANE tax bracket. For example, a moderate-income household with multiple account types may want to draw a combination of tax-free, taxable and tax-deferred assets from the beginning to stay within a lower marginal tax bracket.

It’s also important to consider the best time to start receiving Social Security benefits. Here, too, conventional wisdom recommends delaying as long as possible; preferably to age 70 for maximum accrual. Wayne Pfau, co-director of the New York Life Center for Retirement Income, would like to see the Social Security Ad-

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ministration extend the age to which additional delayed retirement credits (8% a year starting at full retirement age) accrue on benefits until age 72. This would be an effective way to encourage people to work longer and reward them for doing so. Even if they don’t work longer, investors can draw down income from their taxable accounts to reduce the value of their employer accounts and IRAs. Then, when they do begin drawing their larger Social Security benefit for life, they also benefit from lower required minimum distributions (RMD) to help them stay in a lower income tax bracket.

The key is to customize a retirement distribution strategy for each household’s situation, taking into consideration factors such as health and life expectancy (of both spouses), retirement income needs, where assets are invested, tax bracket management and what assets are best positioned for an inheritance.

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Lucky Jordan: An Early Trailblazer

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 57

OCBP ALUMNI OF THE WEEK

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

OCEAN CITY – Over the 91 summers the Ocean City Beach Patrol has been protecting the lives of visitors to the resort, it has seen thousands of guards pass through its ranks. Over that time, only a handful of people have shaped the patrol into the force it is today. Jarrett “Lucky” Jordan was one of those few.

Jarrett Jordan was born in 1929, just a few months before the start of the Great Depression. His family moved from Pennsylvania to West Virginia early on and then again to Washington, DC. He was luckier than most, as his father had secured a job as a brick mason and there was a lot of work to be done in the nation’s capital. As he grew up, Jordan discovered his love for swimming and by his teens, had started lifeguarding at local pools in the DC area. The long summers spent at the pools honed his skills as both a guard and as a competitive swimmer. It was also during this time that an Alan Ladd movie

called “Lucky Jordan” was released, and with it came a new nickname that would stick for the next 70 years.

It was 1945 when “Lucky” decided that his swimming and rescue skills were due for a bigger challenge. He was just 16 years old when he headed to Ocean City to try out for the beach patrol. Lucky was a natural in the surf and quickly earned the reputation as being one of the fastest members on the patrol. But for Lucky, it was more than just a chance to swim, run and play in the surf. He wanted to know all he could about surf rescue techniques in an ocean environment that constantly changed. He spent the summer learning from every waterman he could find about saving lives in the ocean. It was the beginning of his passion for understanding the very nature of surf rescue.

As that first Ocean City summer came to a close, Lucky took his mom’s advice, dropped out of high school and joined the Navy. Aboard the USS Albany, he would see and study more ocean than he could ever have experienced on shore. Even an

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injury from a plane explosion couldn’t stop his journey of water exploration. When he was honorably discharged, Lucky returned to work with the OCBP. He introduced what he had learned at sea and added to the knowledge base of the new guards he met. He helped change and modernize the way the patrol went about guarding the beaches, and luckily right in time for the rush of crowds that would follow the opening of the Bay Bridge in 1952.

When winters rolled around, Lucky headed south and started the trend of guarding at the beaches of Florida. He joined the Ft. Lauderdale Beach Patrol and each winter would bring other OCBP guards with him. In the process, Jordan was able to take what he learned in both towns, and spread the lessons everywhere.

In 1955, he met a young woman named Karel-Mari Kleinheksel on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale. Two years later, they would marry and move permanently to Florida. Lucky took a full-time job with the city as its Aquatic Supervisor. He taught, coached, organized and super-

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Lucky Jordan is pictured during his time in Ocean City.

Submitted Photo

vised. He helped establish the Swimming Hall of Fame.

Lucky Jordan was a busy man. Yet, for years, he pushed to organize an OCBP alumni association that would keep memories of earlier generations alive, while helping to build on the growing professionalism of future patrols.

Jordan passed away June 13, 2015.

His autobiography, “Waterwork,” which chronicles his life and times as an “aquatic professional” is currently available on amazon.com.

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

PAGE SPONSORED BY THE DISPATCH

September 3, 2021

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): As tensions ease on the home front, you can once more focus on changes in the workplace. Early difficulties are soon worked out. Stability returns as adjustments are made.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): A new romance tests the unattached Bovine's patience to the limit. But Venus still rules the Taurean heart, so expect to find yourself trying hard to make this relationship work.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): It's a good time to consider home-related purchases. But shop around carefully for the best price -- whether it's a new house for the family or a new hose for the garden.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): A contentious family member seems intent on creating problems. Best advice: Avoid stepping in until you know more about the origins of this domestic disagreement.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): A recent job-related move proves far more successful than you could have imagined.

Look for continued beneficial fallout.

Even your critics have something nice to say.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Ease up and stop driving yourself to finish that project on a deadline that is no longer realistic. Your superiors will be open to requests for an extension. Ask for it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): You should soon be hearing some positive

feedback on that recent business move.

An old family problem recurs, but this time you'll know how to handle it better.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Some surprising statements shed light on the problem that caused that oncewarm relationship to cool off. Use this newly won knowledge to help turn things around.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Your spiritual side is especially strong at this time. Let it guide you into deeper contemplation of aspects about yourself that you'd like to understand better.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Your merrier aspect continues to dominate and to attract folks who rarely see this side of you. Some serious new romancing could develop out of all this cheeriness.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): You're always concerned about the wellbeing of others. It's time you put some of that concern into your own health situation, especially where it involves nutrition.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Just when you thought your life had finally stabilized, along comes another change that needs to be addressed. Someone you trust can help you deal with it successfully.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a sixth sense when it comes to finding people who need help long before they think of asking for it. And you're right there to provide it. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 94

Page 59

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Page 60

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

September 3, 2021

WITH BUNK MANN

Sleeping on a great pillow A smile from a stranger

An iced latte to start the day A brand new knife

Anything cooked on the grill

People with nice handwriting

A back yard full of kids at play Quick rainstorms

The first shave with a new blade Steamed crabs once a month

The sense of accomplishment after something is put together

The Ocean City Fishing Pier is under construction circa 1906 in this photo but the pier building has not been built. Work began in 1904 and was completed in time for the 1907 season. The original permanent Boardwalk can also be seen; it was narrow and raised above the sand. On hot days, bathers would sit under it and seek shelter from the sun.

There was no Inlet in 1907 so the Pier was the only way that anglers of that era could fish beyond the breakers. The original Pier building burned down in the Great Fire of 1925 that destroyed two blocks of Ocean City.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishingPostcard image courtesy Ray Doppelheurer oc.com.

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 61

Page 62

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

COMMUNITY News In Photos

Worcester County Development, Review and Permitting Director Jennifer Keener was the guest speaker at the Aug. 25 weekly meeting in the Assateague Room of the Ocean Pines Community Center. She is pictured with Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City President Steve Cohen. Keener spoke about her department and all the future development plans along Route 589.

Wor-Wic Community College recently presented employee service awards on their milestone achievements. Above, from left, are Jeffrey Myers and Kimberly Richardson-Andrews, both recognized for 20 years of service. Not pictured is Kimi S. Lichty, recognized for 25 years of service.

Middle, employees receiving awards for 10 and 15 years of service were, front from left, Perry Angelonga and Rosemarie Bagnall, Joshua W. Townsend and Sabrina Bergbower, all recognized for 10 years of service. Back row, from left, are Ruth E. Baker, Charles Porter and Lori Smoot, Fred Howard, Shane Ferguson, Dr. Sheila Blosveren, Jane H. Bratten, Kellie Patton and Sandra L. March, all recognized for 15 years. Not pictured are Andrea E. Stern, 10 years, and Ronald Carey and Terry Crenshaw, 15 years.

Bottom, five-year recognitions were given to front row, from left, Marian Smith, Rhoda Lukens, Dr. Jenny L. McFadden and Kathleen M. Hamlett, and, back, from left, Chuck Barton and Anne Pizlo, Wayne Elliott, Dr. Dana Burnside, Kim Joseph and Sarah Wray. Not pictured are Dr. Julio Birman and Herbie Fooks, Chris Simpson, Nicki Somers-Bashor, Norma Schultz and Mike DeShields, Douglas A. Krause and Joseph Singleton.

After being delayed last year, Kurt Leinemann, 19, left, of Ocean City and Gabriel Bradley, 20, right, of Ocean Pines, were installed as Eagle Scouts during a two-hour ceremony at the American Legion Post 166 of Ocean City. The post is a sponsor of the troop and supports it with monetary donations and the use of its facilities for programs such as the Eagle Scout ceremony. Helping to install the two young men was their Scoutmaster, Kenny Nichols, who announced at the event that he was stepping down from the post after leading the troop since 2008.

Nichols was honored by the two new Eagle Scouts when they were given an opportunity as part of the program to recognize with a special pin a mentor who was pivotal in their lives. Both chose Nichols.

Leinemann, a graduate of Worcester Prep, is now attending the University of Maryland, College Park. Bradley is a Stephen Decatur alumnus taking classes at Wor-Wic Community College. Both have been a member of Troop 261 since 2012.

As part of the ceremony, the two Scouts received numerous accolades from elected officials. The Vietnam Veterans of America also presented them with its National Eagle Scout Medal.

The Ocean City Lions Club awards scholarships each year to Stephen Decatur High School seniors. The Lions work closely with the guidance counselors to select recipients. Leading the scholarship program is Lion Sean Williams, left, pictured with OC Lions President Scott Stark.

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 63

with Scott Lenox Happy Labor Day weekend! Wait, what? It seems like it was just last week I was saying Happy Memorial Day weekend, but here we are. Summer went by like a flash it seems and there was a bunch of awesome fishing and some incredible tournament action and even though Labor Day used to signify the end of the season, nowadays fishing is just getting started. There are still some tournaments left on the calendar like the OCMD Labor Day White Marlin Tournament, the Ocean City Inshore Classic and the Bishop Broadbill Bash, and there is still some awesome fishing left to come.

There was an insane billfish bite in the Baltimore Canyon this past week with several white and blue marlin being released over the course of several days and with several boats taking advantage of the good fishing. Releasing a couple of white marlin in a trip this time of year isn’t uncommon, but releasing several blue marlin in one trip out of Ocean City is pretty rare and pretty awesome. Boats equipped with sonar technology had the best of it, but there was plenty of great fishing to go around. Captain Willie Zimmerman of the RoShamBo had two blue

marlin releases and two white marlin releases in one trip, and Captain Anthony Matarese of the Reel Chaos had four blue marlin releases in one trip. Anglers fishing on board Reel Chaos had six blue marlin releases in less than a week and that is almost unheard of. Billfishing could get even better over the coming weeks as they migrate to our south. Let’s hope the weather cooperates in September.

There were a few tunas caught inshore of the billfish bite last week to the enjoyment of the tuna fishing fleet. Yellowfin in the 40- to 60-pound class with some larger fish could be found from 50 to 100 fathoms. Boats trolling ballyhoo and spreader bars had the best luck and some of the larger yellowfins were pushing 100 pounds. There were a few nice bigeye and some wahoo caught as well with some of the bigeye over 200 pounds and at least one big wahoo that weighed in at 84 pounds. Mahi fishing continued to impress both inshore and offshore as some blue water was able to move into the inshore fishing grounds. Some larger mahi in the 15-30-pound class fell for trolled baits in the canyons and lots of SEE PAGE 64

This angler missed the Maryland state record blueline tilefish by just one pound when he landed this 19-pound beauty with Captain Austin Ensor of the Primary Search.

Submitted Photos

Page 64

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

Above top left, Captain Chris Little and the crew of Talkin’ Trash had a haul of meat fish that included six fat yellowfin tuna, and a pile of mahi and blueline tilefish.

Above top center, this crew had a great day releasing a white marlin and boxing three yellowfin tuna and some mahi on board the Spring Mix II with Captain Chris Watkowski. Above top right, Captain Anthony Matarese of Reel Chaos and his crew released four blue marlin and boxed two yellowfin tuna and a pile of mahi. Above left, Don Zaiser, Jim Day and Tim Lawler were fishing on the private boat Daydream when they landed this stud 84-pound wahoo. Above right, “Hurricane” Murray Myers displays a beautiful mahi he caught fishing with Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star.

Opposite page, top left, Curt Presnell and his fishing buddy had a limit of big flounder from 20” to 26” fishing over ocean structure. Opposite page, top right, Captain Willie Zimmerman of RoShamBo put this group on two blue marlin releases, two white marlin releases and some mahi. Opposite page, middle left, this crew had three keeper flounder, some sea bass and a pile of mahi after fishing with Ocean City Guide Service. Opposite page, middle right, this doormat flounder fell for the wrong rig fished under the Angler with Captain Chris Mizurak. Opposite page, bottom left, Ron Atkinson used the Fish in OC Deadly Double on board the Miss Ocean City to land his limit of keeper flounder. Opposite page, bottom right, Randy Swain, Jr. shows a stud sea bass and a 25” flounder he caught before his crew limited out.

... Fish In OC FROM PAGE 63 smaller “bailer” sized fish in the 5-15pound range could be found as close to shore as 10 miles or so. Casting fresh bait to mahi hanging out underneath floating debris can often translate into a box full of tasty fillets if you have the right bait and know what you’re doing. The party boat fleet has even gotten in on the action with some limits of 10 fish per person around the rail.

Flounder fishing over ocean structure was impressive once again last week with some very nice catches of flounder

coming from wrecks and reefs offshore of Ocean City. Keeper flounder up to as large as 8 pounds are being caught over structure in 45 to 100 feet of water on jigs tipped with Gulp or strip baits.

My buddy Curt Presnell hit some ocean structure last week with a partner and limited out on big flounder up to 26”.

You know it’s going to be a good day of flounder fishing when you set a personal size limit at 20” or bigger. There were some flounder caught in the back bays of Ocean City last week as well with a lot of throwback fish under the 16 1/2” size limit being caught in the “Fish Bowl” at the route 50 bridge and in the East Channel. Anglers using Gulp shrimp or live “peanut” bunker had the best luck finding the keepers and I even saw a cou-

ple of limits throughout the week. Ron Atkinson came down from Baltimore and fished on board the Miss Ocean City with Captain Anton and had a terrific trip.

Ron used our Fish in OC Deadly Double and had a limit of four keeper fish up to 19”.

I’ve seen a few legal sized speckled trout the past week or so from anglers fishing the south bay behind Assateague Island, the south jetty and the route 50 bridge. The fish are being caught on popping corks with Gulp shrimp or cast jigs like the Fish in OC Thing A Ma Jig in green glow. “Specks” like a moving tide, especially the outgoing so if you want to have some tuna and catch a really tasty fish try the aforementioned baits in shallow water along sandbars or marshes.

Speckled trout have to be 14” to harvest and anglers are allowed four fish per person per day.

This weekend is the Ocean City Marlin Club Labor Day White Marlin Tournament with scales action at Sunset Marina. There are categories for billfish and meat fish and scales will be open from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Contact the Ocean City Marlin Club for more information or to sign up at 410-213-1613. Until next week, tight lines.

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

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 65

Page 66

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month-long rally Will Benefit lslt

September 3, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – A weeks-long virtual River Rally will kick off this weekend.

From Saturday, Sept. 4, through Sunday, Sept. 26, the Lower Shore Land Trust (LSLT) will hold its 2nd Annual River Rally, an event to raise funds for local conservation efforts.

“We are giving people an incentive to go out, log their miles for a great cause and explore areas they haven’t been before, said Kate Patton, LSLT executive director.

Last year, in response to the COVID19 pandemic, the Lower Shore Land Trust launched a virtual rendition of its annual River Rally. Patton said this week that event was so successful, the organization decided to continue in a virtual format this year.

“There are so many options in how people can participate,” she said.

During its first two years, LSLT’s annual River Rally was held along the Pocomoke River in Snow Hill. For one day, participants learned about the Lower Shore’s natural resources through information tables, kayak and riverboat trips and various other activities.

Last year, however, participants were encouraged to complete the River Rally on their own by exploring the waterways and trails in Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties and beyond throughout the month of September.

“The idea is to encourage people to paddle, bike or hike as many miles as they are capable,” Patton said. “They can do it in one day or over many days.”

Patton noted the format for this year’s virtual River Rally will be similar to last year’s event, and participants will be able to choose their own trails and waterways to paddle, hike or bike.

“This is an opportunity for us to not only show the great work the counties have been doing, but to celebrate how much conservation work has been done,” she said.

By registering, participants will receive a T-shirt, interactive map and suggestions for smartphone apps that will track mileage. And while the organization has highlighted different trails in the three counties, Patton noted participants do not need to log their miles on the Lower Shore.

“The goal is to get out there, have fun and feel good,” she said.

Patton noted that the LSLT fundraiser will be held over the course of three weeks and will end on World Rivers Day, Sept. 26.

“The water and land are so interconnected because what we do on land impacts what happens in our waters …,” she said. “We want to teach people to be good stewards of the land.”

For more information on the River Rally, or to register online, visit lowershorelandtrust.org. Prizes will be awarded to paddlers, hikers and bikers who log the most miles.

Md. Coastal Bays Program To Celebrate 25th Anniversary

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 67

Tickets On Sale For Family Event

BERLIN – The Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) is hosting a 25th Anniversary Celebration at Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery, Thursday, Sept. 30, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

This outdoor celebration will feature a big screen showing of The Biggest Little Farm with an introduction from the creators, live music, a silent auction, demo booths, kid’s activities, and delicious food and drink.

The Biggest Little Farm is an enchanting and inspiring documentary about Apricot Lane Farms, a traditional foods farm started by John and Molly Chester, Eastern Shore natives.

This husband-and-wife team left their jobs in Los Angeles to become farmers and pursue their dream vision of starting Apricot Lane Farms in 2011. Located 40 miles north of Los Angeles, the farm is dedicated to the mission of creating a well-balanced eco-system and rich soils that produce nutrient-dense foods while

treating the environment and the animals with respect.

This family-friendly event is $20 for adults and free for children. Visit mdcoastalbays.org for advanced ticket purchases.

The MCBP is one of 28 National Estuary Programs (NEP) across the country that receives EPA funding to work toward the restoration and protection of “estuaries of national significance.”

The program is a grassroot, multistakeholder collaboration working toward meeting this goal through restoration, science, education, and outreach projects. These projects occur through partnerships which include Assateague Island National Seashore, Assateague Island State Park, Department of Natural Resources, Worcester County, the Town of Ocean City, and the Town of Berlin.

For more details on this event or current MCBP projects, call Sandi Smith at sandis@mdcoastalbays.org or by calling 410-213-2297, ext. 106.

Annual Sidewalk Sale Proceeds To Benefit Ocean Pines Community Shoppers Invited Throughout Weekend

BERLIN – The Pine’eer Artisan Gift Shop will offer top-quality handmade items at bargain prices during the second annual Sidewalk Sale, Sept. 3-5.

Gift Shop Co-Manager Kimberly Perrone said the event is made possible through the generosity of local crafters, who willingly reduce their regular prices for the sale.

"Shoppers will find unique, quality handmade items at discount prices,” she said. “That includes everything from crocheted items, unique wood crafts, pottery, children's clothes and accessories, to ladies' hand-crocheted and beaded trimmed socks, nautical items, Christmas items, pillows, and jewelry.”

The Craft Club regularly donates sale proceeds back to the Ocean Pines Association and local community groups. Perrone said donations from the Sidewalk Sale will go to the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, Police Department, Neighborhood Watch, and recreation programs including children’s activities and Concerts in the Park.

“The upcoming Pine'eer Artisan Gift Shop Sidewalk Sale is just another way for the Pine'eer Crafters to add to our donations,” Perrone said. “To date, our organization has donated over $170,000 to the Ocean Pines community.”

The Pine'eer Artisan Sidewalk Sale will be held outside, in front of the Pine'eer Artisan Gift Shop in White Horse Park. The shop will also be open during the event.

The Sidewalk Sale is scheduled to run Friday, Sept. 3 from 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 4 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“This is the only sale the Pine'eer Artisan Gift Shop has during the year,” Perrone said. “We hope everyone will come and buy some of our wonderful handmade items, and help us continue our charitable giving to support this community.”

For more information on the Artisan Gift Shop, visit https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/artisan-craftshop.

NOW HIRING FOLLOWING POSITIONS • INSTALL LEAD • MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN • CSR/OFFICE PERSONNEL Call Us Today At 410.641.1434!

Stevenson United Methodist Resuming In-Person Church Services Every Sunday At 9 a.m.

– Sunday School Back in Session

Stevenson United Methodist Church

123 North Main St., Berlin, Md. 410-641-1137 • www.stevensonchurch.org

– Service Also Livestreamed On Facebook

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

Freeman Arts Pavilion’s Photo Of The Week: Each week during the season the Freeman Arts Pavilion will submit a photo of the week from

the Selbyville venue. Above, Motown legends The Commodores brought the funk Friday, Aug. 27 with a performance full of hits. To learn more about upcoming Photo by Freeman Arts Pavilion/Justin Odendhal events, click over to freemanarts.org.

“Wine on the Beach” Ocean City, MD ~ September 10 & 11, 2021 In The Inlet Park - Where The Boardwalk Begins.

Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Stage On The Beach With Live Music ~ Featuring Bird Dog And The Road Kings

BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE AT WWW.WINEFEST.COM $30.00

Featuring Wineries From Maryland Micro-Brew Beer & Domestic Beer For Purchase (No Samples) Delmarva Cuisine • Quality Arts & Crafts • Local Live Entertainment Tickets & Information: Hours: Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $35.00 Admission includes a wine glass and wine samples with Photo ID Under 21 must be accompanied by parent. $15.00 Admission Children Ages 13-20 • Children 12 & Under Free Tickets sales may not be available at the gate.

For additional Information call 410-280-3306 or visit our website www.winefest.com

BRING YOUR CHAIRS/BLANKETS AND ENJOY OUR BANDS IN THE SAND.

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Page 70

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

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

Free parking.

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

Every Tuesday: Steamed Crabs Through the summer, 5 p.m. until about 6:30, come to Knights of Columbus Hall for a great seafood dinner at 9901 Coastal Highway. If you would like steamed crabs or shrimp, you must pre-order on Monday or Tuesday morning between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call 410-524-7994 with questions or to pre-order crabs and shrimp.

Sept 3-4: Yard Sale, Bake Sale From 8 a.m. to noon at Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Berlin. Items will include riding lawn mower, art work, home decor, housewares, clothing, furniture, jewelry,

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do seasonal decor. Proceeds raised will support a new HVAC System at Bethany. bethany21811@gmail.com or 410-6412186.

Sept. 4: BBQ Chicken Platter 11 a.m. until, platter includes half of a BBQ chicken, two sides and a roll at the American Legion Post 123, 10111 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin next to Rite Aid. Public welcomed.

Sept. 5: Sundaes in the Park Bring your chair to Northside Park and your sweet tooth on Sunday nights all summer long. Sit back and enjoy your favorite bands with a tasty ice cream treat.

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

Sept. 8: Bar-Hop Cruise OC Ravens Roost #44 will host with all proceeds benefiting the Atlantic General Hospital’s 2022 Penguin Swim. The cruise starts and ends at M.R. Ducks with stops at three waterfront bars. Cost is $35 per person, includes boat ride and five raffle tickets for prizes drawn at each stop. Board The Explorer at 5:45 p.m. with embark at 6 p.m. and return around 10:30 p.m. Cash bar on board. Email garywm1952@gmail.com to reserve a spot. Mail checks to Ravens Roost 44, 15 Windward Ct., Ocean Pines, Md. 21811.

Sept. 9: Pinochle Classes The Ocean City Senior Center is offering free pinochle classes to the 50-plus community from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Those wanting to learn the card game pinochle or want a refresher course are encouraged to participate. Lunch can be purchased with advance notice. 410-289-4725.

Sept. 10 Crab Cake Dinner Stevenson United Methodist Church will host carryout only, 4-6:30 p.m. One crab cake sandwich with sides, $12; one crab cake sandwich, $8; two crab cake sandwiches with sides, $20. Bake table available.

Sept. 13: Kennedy-King Dinner The Democratic Central Committee of Worcester County, in conjunction with three area Democratic clubs, announce the 17th Annual Kennedy-King Dinner at Dunes Manor Hotel, 2800 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City. Reception begins at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. Keynote speaker is Salisbury Mayor Jake Day with Jim Mathias serving as Master of Ceremonies and DCCWC Chair Dr. Roxie Dennis Acholonu. Attend by emailing Lanny Hickman at soonerlanny@gmail.com or by phoning Vicky Wallace at 410208-2969. Cost for the evening is $75 per person. Attendee registration required as soon as possible.

Sept. 16: Fashion Show Luncheon The Republican Women of Worcester County announce the 12th Annual Patriot Day Fashion Show Luncheon to be held on Thursday, Sept. 16, at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. Fashions presented by Bruder Hill of Berlin. Cost of the luncheon is $35 per person. Registration deadline is Sept. 1. Reservations flyer at www.gopwomenofworcester.org.

Sept. 16: Free Prostate Cancer Screening Event From 5-7 p.m. at the John H. ‘Jack’ Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, Md. 21811 Pre-registration is required by calling 410-629-6313. Radiation oncologist Manoj Jain, M.D., and urologists James Cherry, M.D., and Jason Smith, D.O., will be on-hand to provide education and conduct digital rectal exams; blood draws will be available to test PSA, or prostatespecific antigen levels. PSA is a substance produced by the prostate gland.

Increased amounts of PSA may indicate prostate cancer or other prostate disease.

Sept. 18: Church Rummage Sale Ocean City Presbyterian Church on 13th Street will host from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sept. 18: Fishing Flea Market The Anglers Club of Ocean Pines will be hosting its first Fishing Flea Market at the Ocean Pines Community Center’s Assateague room on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Tables available for $10. To reserve contact Jerry Leuters at 240-427-8929.

September 3, 2021

Sept. 20: Games Day Delaware Womenade Games Day will be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Mason Dixon VFW Post 7234 at 29265 Marshy Hope Way, Ocean View, Del. Play any game of your choice, plus enjoy continental breakfast, Prosecco and seafood appetizers, lunch, silent auction and basket raffles. Cost is $50/person with all proceeds benefiting the domestic violence programs of Peoples Place. Questions and registration form email gamesday920@gmail.com.

Sept. 21: Fall Luncheon Wicomico Retired Educational Personnel will host their fall luncheon on Sept.

21 at the Salisbury Moose Lodge, 833 Snow Hill Road. Social time from 11:30 a.m.-noon with lunch following promptly.

The cost is $15 per person. Please email Cheryl Kennedy at cacki83@hotmail.com for reservations by Sept. 8. MAC Inc. who will share services offered for seniors, which include wellness, recreation and educational programs, and support for the more vulnerable elderly. bevyurek@gmail.com.

Sept. 23: Town Hall Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino will host a town meeting at 6 p.m. at the Ocean Pines library. This will be Bertino’s first community meeting since before the pandemic. Guest speakers will be Worcester County Health Officer Rebecca Jones and Superintendent of Worcester County Schools Lou Taylor.

Sept. 30: Coastal Bays Celebration The Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) is hosting a 25th Anniversary Celebration at Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery beginning at 4:30 p.m. This outdoor celebration will feature a big screen showing of The Biggest Little Farm with an introduction from the creators, live music, a silent auction, demo booths, kid’s activities, and delicious food & drink. This family-friendly event is $20 for adults and free for children. Visit mdcoastalbays.org for advanced ticket purchases.

Sept: 30: Berlin Fashion Show Madison Ave Boutique meets The Inn Berlin for a uniquely "Boutiquely Berlin Fashion Show." Beginning cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. This fashion show will contain the downtown boutiques such as Madison Ave Boutique, Fathom, Bruder Hill, Sister's, Viking Tree and a few more.

Hair by Berlin's own "Oh My Hair." This is a VIP event, tickets are $25 apiece.

Limited tickets available please visit https://berlinfashionshow.ticketleap.com/fashionshow/details for more information. However, the Boutiquely Berlin Fashion Show will be on Facebook live for you to stream from home.

Oct. 2: Cricket Center Benefit The Cricket Center Foundation presents An Evening at the Barn at the Sandy Point Farm at 6 p.m. to benefit Worcester County’s only child advocacy center.

Cost is $125/person. Catering by Paul Suplee and Boxcar 40. Music by the Bilenki Duo. Tickets and donations, www.thecricketcenter.com.

September 3, 2021

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September 3, 2021

BUSINESS And Real Estate News Accreditation Maintained SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Health Department (WCHD) announced it has successfully completed a review process to maintain national accreditation status through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).

The nonprofit PHAB works to advance and transform public health practice by championing performance improvement, strong infrastructure, and innovation. In maintaining its accreditation status for another five years, WCHD has demonstrated that it meets PHAB’s quality standards and measures and has the capacity to continue to evolve, improve and advance, thereby becoming increasingly effective at improving the health of the residents of Worcester County.

PHAB’s accreditation program, which receives support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, sets standards against which the nation’s governmental public health departments can continuously improve the quality of their services and performance.

“We are so pleased to again be recognized by PHAB for achieving national standards that foster effectiveness and promote continuous quality improvement,"

said Rebecca Jones, Health Officer for Worcester County. “We hope this announcement, coming as it does in the midst of our rapidly unfolding public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, will reassure our community, our partner organizations, our funders and our elected officials that the services we provide are as responsive as possible to the needs of our community. By continuing to improve our services and performance, we can be sure we are meeting the public health needs of those we serve as effectively as possible.”

WCHD achieved national initial accreditation status through PHAB in 2014, after undergoing a rigorous, multi-faceted, peer-reviewed assessment process to ensure it met a set of quality standards and measures.

“We are extremely pleased to be at the point in the accreditation program where the Worcester County Health Department, along with many others, are successfully maintaining their five-year accreditation status through PHAB,” said PHAB President and CEO Paul Kuehnert. “In so doing, these health departments are assuring their communities that the value of accreditation is long-term – not a one-time recognition – and that continual improve-

Donald Robertson, owner/operator of SeaFloor Carpet Hardwood and More, presented a check to the Worcester County Humane Society (WCHS) in the amount of $6,375. During the months of March through July, the company donated a percentage of sales to the no kill shelter. Pictured with Robertson is WCHS volunteer Carol Martin.

Submitted Photo

ment is the hallmark of a 21st century organization.”

New Director Announced SALISBRY – SHORE UP! Inc. has hired a new director for its Housing and Community Development, William Barclay, a native of Philadelphia, Pa. Barclay will direct the agency’s Energy Assistance and Weatherization programs.

Barclay most recently served as the Transportation Supervisor for Valley Proteins in Linkwood, Md., where he supervised 36 drivers. Barclay’s ingenuity also led to his creation of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training manual for new and current employees. Barclay also recently worked for Wor-Wic Community College as a CDL trainer.

The Salisbury resident has previous experience as superintendent of operations for the city of Cambridge; facilities manager/dock master for the city of Salisbury; marina manager for the city of Salisbury; and commissioner, head coach and driver for the Salvation Army.

Ironically, Barclay worked as an intern at SHORE UP! from 2008 to 2009 in the same department he now oversees – Housing and Community Development.

“William has nearly 15 years of government experience and will be an asset to SHORE UP!,” says Chief Executive Officer Freddy L. Mitchell. “We needed someone with a varied background who can continue to strengthen two extremely important programs.”

The Energy Assistance Program supports over 7,000 individuals and/or families annually in the payment of current and delinquent electric bills. The Weatherization program assists eligible low-tomoderate income households to lower their energy costs. Home improvements, home repairs and energy audits are examples of work completed by the Weatherization office to help lower utility bills.

Apprentice Appointment BERLIN – Beach Memories in Berlin has appointed Steven Seiler to the role of glass apprentice.

Seiler grew up in Salisbury and attended Salisbury Christian School. He later went on to graduate in fine arts from Salisbury University in 2019, with a concentration in hot glass. His senior exposition glass work was awarded best in 3D, nonpainting or drawing.

Seiler’s duties entail all aspects of Beach Memories glass making including the popular live daily public demonstrations under a 2000 degree lamp-work bead making torch.

“I love demonstrating for the public and providing our store visitors some of the history behind the evolution of fine glasswork,” Seiler said.

When not on the torch, he can be found instructing Berlin ‘Shroom nightlight glass mushroom making classes offered to the public and, assisting Artist In Residence Michele Krempa, owner of Beach Memories, in bringing new designs in glass to fruition expanding offerings to retail and wholesale customers alike.

Restaurant Team Named REHOBOTH BEACH – Scott Kammerer, president of SoDel Concepts, recently announced the opening management team for the hospitality company’s newest location, Matt’s Fish Camp in Fenwick Island.

“I could not be prouder of this team,” Kammerer said. “They are a talented group who represent our company culture. They are also superior leaders, and I know they’re up for the challenge of opening a restaurant.”

Seasoned SoDel Concepts veterans Lauren Bohager-Herlihy, a director of operations, and Ronnie Burkle, a corporate chef, will lead the team.

Bohager-Herlihy joined SoDel Concepts in 2011. As director of operations, she’s overseen Catch 54 and Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria.

Burkle, a winner of the Best Chef in Sussex County award, began working with SoDel in 2011. He was a sous chef and then executive chef before being promoted to corporate chef. He’s overseen the kitchens for numerous SoDel restaurants.

Charles Armstrong, the executive chef, has been with the company since 2013.

He’s worked at several SoDel Concepts’ restaurants, most recently Catch 54.

Armstrong will work closely with Brittany Gross, general manager. Gross, who grew up in Pasadena, joined SoDel Concepts in 2020. Gross previously managed Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar in Bethany.

Matt’s Fish Camp in Fenwick Island is the third fish camp location. The second is in Lewes.

September 3, 2021

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Club’s 63rd Labor Day Tourney Underway

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SPORTS Seahawks Set To Open ‘Normal’ Fall Season In The News

Fall Sports Returning: Scenes like this will return to Stephen De-

catur High School with the opening of fall sports seasons at area high schools.

Pictured above, the parents of Decatur fall sports student-athletes gathered in the stands for a pre-season meeting recently.

Submitted Photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – For the first time in almost two years, the thrill of Friday Night Lights fall high school football returns this week when Decatur’s varsity team faces Bayside South rival Bennett at home in the season-opener for both teams.

When the gates open for the Seahawks’ season-opener against Bennett on Friday, it will likely feel like another small step in the return to normalcy for the local high school sports scene. Last year, all fall high school sports were postponed and there were no winter sports.

In the spring, the typical fall sports played a shortened season early, and then the typical spring sports played a shortened season in the waning weeks of the school year. Decatur faces Bennett at home on Friday on Senior Night in what is being called the White Out game. After the opening match-up with

Bennett, the Seahawks hit the road for two straight including a non-conference game with Indian River, followed by a showdown with Bayside North power Kent Island.

All across the area in recent weeks, local sports teams at both Decatur and neighboring Worcester Prep have been working out and training for upcoming seasons, representing a familiar scene on the late summer landscape after last year. The Decatur boys’ varsity soccer team opens on the road next Wednesday against North Caroline, while the Decatur girls’ varsity soccer team also opens on the road next Thursday against North Caroline.

Worcester Prep’s boys’ and girls’ varsity soccer teams both open on the road against Salisbury Christian next Friday.

Worcester’s golf team will open with a quad meet next Wednesday, while the Mallards’ cross-country team opens at the Rumble in the Jungle in Cambridge next Thursday.

this week’s

open houses AGENTS:

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September 3, 2021

Annual Fishing Event Returns To OC

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Marlin Club’s annual Labor Day White Marlin Tournament is underway for the 63rd time as the “granddaddy” of resort area fishing tournaments.

While it may lack the glamour and high payouts of the White Marlin Open, the Ocean City Marlin Club’s 60th Annual Labor Day White Marlin Tournament trumps all others in terms of history and prestige. The tournament is the oldest among the tournaments held in and around the resort area each summer. The first

was held in 1958 and the annual event has endured for six decades and several generations of local anglers.

The tournament got started on Thursday with registration and a captain’s meeting, while the action offshore gets underway on Friday, the first of three fishing days. As the name implies, the focus of the tournament is on white marlin, but unlike the other high dollar tournaments in recent weeks, there won’t be any billfish weighed at the scale at host Sunset Marina. The tournament’s winner will accumulate the most release points over the three days of fishing.

Tough Guy Of The Week Award Set To Return

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

BERLIN – The Stephen Decatur High School varsity football “Tough Guy of the Week” awards are set to return to the sports section of The Dispatch next week.

Started 20 years ago by Atlantic Physical Therapy (ATP) patriarch Bob Hammond, the “Tough Guy of the Week” award is handed out weekly to the Decatur player who most exemplifies the spirit of Seahawk football. The award acknowledges the efforts of an individual player, or sometimes a unit on the team, that do the little things to help the team win that don’t necessarily show up in the

box score.

Most of the accolades in football at any level are reserved for the glamour guys, the golden-armed quarterbacks and fleet running backs who put points on the board and thrill the crowds, but the weekly “Tough Guy” award is handed out to the Decatur player who did the most behind the scenes to help his team.

The “Tough Guy” award recognizes those players. After every Decatur game, ATP presents a trophy to the tough guy of the week. At the end of the season, a “Tough Guy of the Year” award is presented to the player who best represented the qualities of the award week in and week out during the season.

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department is offering a clinic for pickleball beginners starting next week.

Pickleball has quickly become one of the most popular sports for the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department, which is offering a clinic for

beginners starting next Friday at Northside Park. Participants will learn how to serve, dink, lob, spike, volley and keep score. Participants will also work through drills and play games. For more information, contact the recreation and parks department at (410) 250-0125.

MANAGING EDITOR

Pickleball For Beginners Starts Next Week

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Support Hard Working Americans

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Paint OC Awards:

The "Artists Paint OC" plein air event, put on by the Art League of Ocean City, attracted 50 artists painting outdoors from Aug. 1114. The art was displayed for sale during the Wet Paint Sale at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. Above, Cassi Unger's painting won Best Hospitality Award at the Wet Paint Sale. At right, Ray Ewing won first place and a $2,500 prize. Below, Renaldo Dorado won first place in the Quick Paint competition on the Boardwalk and a cash prize sponsored by the Ocean City Development Corp. Bottom, Trimpers Rides provided a Purchase Award with Joyce Trimper and Antoinette Bruno selecting a painting by Art League studio artist David Simpson.

Submitted Photos

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Bishopville Road Work Planned Residents To Discuss OP History

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BISHOPVILLE – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin improving the roadway surface of MD 367 (Bishopville Road) in Bishopville starting Tuesday, Sept. 7. Work includes milling, patching and paving 2.5 miles of MD 367 between US 113 (Worcester Highway) and the Delaware state line.

Crews will work overnight, weeknights from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., maintaining one lane of traffic with a flagging operation. While SHA will make every effort to limit disruptions, area residents may notice some dust and noise as milling and paving equipment pass near their homes.

SHA’s contractor, George & Lynch of Dover, Del., will complete the $550,-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

000 project by early October.

This critical safety and system preservation work follows significant MD 367 drainage improvements as SHA recently replaced 12 crossroad pipes. Resurfacing will enhance roadway drainage in conjunction with the new pipes and improve ride quality, traction and pavement marking visibility. More than 5,000 vehicles travel MD 367 each day.

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews, as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes. Drive like you work there and slow down in construction zones, officials reminded this week.

September 3, 2021

Event Included In Worcester Series

OCEAN PINES – As part of Worcester County History Week, Ocean Pines will host a live “History Panel” discussion about the early days of the community, on Sunday, Oct. 10 from 2-4 p.m. at the Community Center.

Guest speakers are scheduled to include longtime Ocean Pines residents Sue Adkins, Jack Barnes, Sharyn O’Hare, Gloria Richards, Alta Weiss, and Ed Moran.

The event, organized by the Ocean Pines Public Relations Department, will expand upon the history section of the Ocean Pines Academy, a virtual, selfpaced civic education course about the Association.

Jenny Cropper Rines, who previously

chaired the 50th Anniversary Committee, will moderate the panel discussion.

“We hosted a similar panel as part of the yearlong 50th anniversary celebration and it was very well received. However, there was no video of that event and several of our key speakers have since passed away,” she said. “With this new History Panel, we hope to give the live audience a fun and informative view of the early history of Ocean Pines, where they can hear from our guest speakers, but also interact and ask questions.”

For those who cannot attend, the History Panel will be recorded and will become a permanent part of the Ocean Pines Academy.

The Public Relations Department also recently produced a new academy video, “Early History of Ocean Pines, with Marlene Ott and John Talbott.”

Ott and Talbott were involved in the real estate business when the community was first developed by Boise Cascade in the late 1960s. To view the video, visit https://youtu.be/IyFQ3jfoL80.

For more information on the Ocean Pines Academy, visit www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/ocean-pines-academy.

For more information on Worcester County History Week, visit www.facebook.com/WorcesterCountyHistoryWeek.

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September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Who’s Where When 45TH STREET TAPHOUSE 443-664-2201 45th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 3: G-Men Saturday, Sept. 4: Stepbrothers Sunday, Sept. 5: Trailer Park Romeo Wednesday, Sept.8: Aaron Howell Thursday, Sept. 9: Ward Ewing

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

Best Beats

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday & Monday, Sept. 3 & 6

On The Beach

9TH STREET TAPHOUSE 443-664-2641 9th St. & Boardwalk Saturday, Sept. 4: Aaron Howell

BEATS BY WAX Buxy’s Salty Dog: Friday, Sept. 3 Tuesdays & Thursdays Coins Pub: Sundays & Wednesdays

ATLANTIC HOTEL 410-641-3589 2 North Main St., Berlin Mondays: Earl Beardsley BUXY’S SALTY DOG/DRY DOCK 28 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 3: DJ Wax Sundays: Local’s Party w/ DJ BK Thursday, Sept. 9: Aaron Howell CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th St. & Baltimore Ave. In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays: Phil Perdue COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL CASTLE IN THE SAND HOTEL 37th & 38th St. 410-289-6846 Friday, Sept. 3: Darin Engh, The Time Police Saturday, Sept. 4: The Everafter, Zion Reggae Band Sunday, Sept. 5: Stratus Fear, Rick & Regina Monday, Sept. 6: Monkee Paw, Bob Wilkinson & Joe Smooth Tuesday, Sept. 7: Loomatix Wednesday, Sept. 8: Lime Green Band Thursday, Sept. 9: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 3: Full Circle Duo Saturday, Sept. 4: Jim Long, Sundays & Wednesdays: DJ Wax Thursday, Sept. 9: High Five Swan Dive

DJ BK Greene Turtle North: Friday, Sept. 3 Buxy’s Salty Dog: Sundays

ALTER EGO Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, Sept. 3 & 4 LENNON LARICCI Cork Bar: Saturday, Sept. 4

JIM LONG Seacrets: Friday, Sept. 3 Coins: Saturday, Sept. 4

UNDER THE COVERS Fager’s Island: Friday & Saturday, Sept. 3 & 4

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays & Wednesdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday & Sunday, Sept. 3 & 4 Thursday, Sept. 9

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Wednesday, Sept. 8: Brian Bishop CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, Sept. 3: Trailer Park Romeo Saturday, Sept. 4: Dust N Bones CORK BAR Saturday, Sept. 4: Lennon La Ricci Sunday, Sept. 5: Going Coastal FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. in the Bay Friday, Sept. 3: Sons Of Pirates, DJ RobCee, Under The Covers Saturday, Sept. 4: The 8-Trax, Under The Covers, DJ Groove Sunday, Sept. 5: Firekite, Shake The Room, DJ Groove Monday, Sept. 6: Tranzfusion, DJ RobCee, New Romance Tuesday, Sept. 7: DJ Hector

ON THE EDGE Lenny’s Beach Bar: Friday-Monday, Sept. 3-6

BRIAN BISHOP Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, Sept. 8

STEPHEN ANTHONY Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill: Friday-Sunday, Sept. 3-5

DJ LOVE Greene Turtle North: Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 4 & 5

DUST N BONES Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, Sept. 4

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 79

Who’s Where When GREENE TURTLE NORTH 410-723-2120 116th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 3: DJ BK Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 4 & 5: DJ Love

THE G-MEN 45th St. Taphouse: Friday, Sept. 3

THE DUNEHOUNDS Pickles Pub: Saturday, Sept. 4

HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Friday, Sept. 3: DJ Billy T Saturday, Sept. 4: Side Project, DJ Jeremy, Sunday, Sept. 5: Opposite Directions, DJ Billy T Thursday, Sept. 9: DJ Billy T OCEAN CLUB 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The Clarion Hotel Friday-Monday, Sept. 3-6: First Class Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill Friday-Sunday, Sept. 3-5:: Stephen Anthony Friday-Monday, Sept. 3-6: On The Edge

JOE SMOOTH & BOB WILKINSON Coconuts Beach Bar: Monday, Sept. 6

TRAILER PARK ROMEO Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, Sept. 3 45th St. Taphouse: Sunday, Sept. 5

FULL CIRCLE DUO Coins: Friday, Sept. 3

JAH WORKS Seacrets: Friday-Sunday, Sept. 3-5

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, Sept. 5

FIRST CLASS OceanClub/Clarion: Friday-Monday, Sept. 3-6

MISSPENT YOUTH Purple Moose: Sunday & Monday, Sept. 5 & 6

TRANZFUSION Ocean Pines Yacht Club: Friday, Sept. 3 Fager’s Island: Monday, Sept. 6

OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 410-641-7501 1 Mumford’s Landing Rd., Ocean Pines Friday, Sept. 3: Tranzfusion Saturday, Sept. 4: Full Circle Sunday, Sept. 5: Great Train Robbery PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, Sept. 3: Beats By Styler Saturday, Sept. 4: The Dunehounds Sunday, Sept. 5: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke With Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax PURPLE MOOSE 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boardwalk Friday & Saturday, Sept. 3 & 4: DJ Rut, Alter Ego Sunday & Monday, Sept. 5 & 6: Misspent Youth Tuesday, Sept. 7: DJ Adam Dutch Wednesday, Sept. 8: DJ Rut Thursday, Sept. 9: DJ Adam Dutch SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 3: Jim Long Band, Jah Works, Kristen & The Noise Saturday, Sept. 4: Nowhere Slow, Jah Works, The Karl Malones, Kono Nation Sunday, Sept. 5: Triple Rail Turn, Jah Works, The Event Horizon, Lost In Paris Monday, Sept. 6: Full Circle, Element K Tuesday, Sept. 7: Element K

Jellyfish Festival Returns To Ocean City For Holiday Weekend

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

A concert scene from the first Jellyfish Festival in 2019 is pictured.

September 3, 2021

Live Music Set For Saturday, Sunday

Submitted Photo

OCEAN CITY – The Jellyfish Festival will return to downtown Ocean City over Labor Day weekend with an all-new music lineup, a craft beer experience and sports and fitness components for everyone to enjoy.

“The music and atmosphere we’re going to provide is exactly what we need to celebrate the end of summer and getting back to normal,” said Brad Hoffman, the founder and director of Jellyfish Festival. “I’m excited our team will be bringing such a fun event to the Ocean City community and its visitors. All our artists are here to put on one great show for the public.”

Saturday’s music lineup will consist of DJ Magellan, noon-1 p.m.; Ray Wroten, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Never Ending Fall, 3-4 p.m.; Ted Bowne of Passafire, 4;305:30 p.m.; Derek Woods Band, 6-7 p.m.; and Anthony Gomes, 7:30-9 p.m.

On Sunday, the lineup has been tweaked as a result of the postponement of Brad Paisley’s concert on the beach until next June. The Sunday lineup now features DJ Magellan, noon-1 p.m.; Rockoholics, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Ethereal Vibrations, 3-4 p.m.; Harbor Boys, 4:30-5:30 p.m.; Cross Town Walkers, 67 p.m.; and Troll Tribe, 7:30-9 p.m.

Gomes is one of the top draws on the Rock and Blues circuit today. A triple threat force as a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Gomes’ latest record, Containment Blues, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues chart. The Toronto native is known for high-energy shows and a dynamic stage presence. He has performed alongside modern blues legends including B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

Sunday entertainment includes Rockoholics, Crosstown Walkers, and Troll Tribe. These bands are scheduled to play 12-3 p.m. on the B-Stage.

The most exciting addition to Jellyfish 2021 is the first-ever craft beer festival on the sand in Ocean City. This component is produced by Shore Craft Beer and features local and regional craft beer samples served while you enjoy Jellyfish bands in the main entertainment zone. This beer event is scheduled for 12-4 p.m. on Saturday. This is a paid and ticketed event. You can reserve your tickets today at ShoreCraftBeerFest.com.

The Jellyfish Festival will also feature the first-ever East Coast Cornhole Championships in partnership with the Maryland Cornhole Organization. Professional and amateur teams will participate in a laid-back but high-skill tournament, featuring cash and prizes for winning teams. To register for this tournament, visit MarylandCornhole.net or contact organizer Dale Moran at dale@marylandcornhole.net or text/call 443867-4762.

Other key components for this year’s event include activations with a focus on fitness and beach culture. Beach-goers of all ages will delight in the IMBA Eastern Shore “Fat Tire” bicycle zone, Frisbee golf, and a fitness challenge presented by the US Marine Corps.

Jellyfish Festival will also include the Vendor Village, featuring a diverse array of artisans, hand-crafted goods, and fun interactive booths.

This will be second installment of the Jellyfish Festival. The first event in 2019 featured solid attendance over three days in June, according to Hoffman. The 2020 festival was canceled due to COVID-19.

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 81

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

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

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– DENTAL HYGIENIST: Part-time Dental Hygienist needed at a team oriented dental office. Welcoming, patient first,family environment.

Please send resume to: dentistryinthepines@gmail.com

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

Must have: Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License

4-H EDUCATOR

Agent (position 126581)

University of Maryland Extension seeks 4-H Educator to provide coordination and programmatic support for educational programs for youth, families and communities.

This is a non-tenured, continuing contract faculty position housed in Snow Hill, Maryland. The Educator would work with volunteers and youth development agencies to provide experiential learning opportunities for youth, leading to the development of life skills for youth. Educator will be responsible for creating and delivering youth development programs in cooperation with colleagues across Worcester County, Maryland and the Lower Shore cluster.

Bachelor’s degree in youth development, education, social science or related field is required. MA or MS in youth development or related field is preferred.

All candidates MUST apply online. See the detailed position announcement at https://ejobs.umd.edu for position #126581. Apply by September 20, 2021 or until a suitable candidate is selected. EOE

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

WORCESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Coordinator Special Programs Health Services II- State Merit This position will serve as a community resource specialist for Worcester County's Maryland Access Point (MAP) by assessing, assisting, and coordinating referrals to meet the needs of individuals seeking information, assistance, and/or services. The Worcester County MAP program is an aging and disability resource center and serves as a single point of entry for Worcester County individuals seeking information and resources to remain safely in their homes as long as possible. Most MSP referrals involve aging adults (age 50 and over) and vulnerable adults (age 18 and older) who are requesting services from the Worcester County Commission on Aging, Department of Social Services, and/or Health Department. Services include but are not limited to the following: screening the needs and capacities of individuals, data collection, reporting, and linkage to appropriate community services and resources.

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in nursing, social work, psychology, education, counseling or a related field is required. Two (2) years of professional experience in health services, one year must be in the Health Services option. The candidate should have experience with client advocacy and resource/services coordination and have customer service experience.

The selected applicant must be able to work and travel to all Worcester County Health Department sites.

Background check required.

APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by September 13, 2021

Exp. Required!

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

Check Out The Dispatch’s E-dition Online:

mdcoastdispatch.com

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221.

Page 82

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY MARLIN CLUB GENERAL MANAGER

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

Berlin’s Newest Eatery!

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

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

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

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

PART-TIME SCHOOL CUSTODIAN

Worcester Preparatory School, a coeducational college preparatory day school serving over 400 students in grades PK-12, is currently seeking a PT custodian to clean school buildings daily from 3:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. CJIS Background Screening required. EOE

Contact: Heather Parsons 410-641-3575 or hparsons@worcesterprep.org

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING! •DOCK HANDS •FUEL DOCK ATTENDANT

Apply Online at delawarestatejobs.com

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

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

ROOMS DIVISION MANAGER We are currently recruiting for a year round Rooms Division Manager for our Oceanfront Convention Hotel (250 rooms with 85 adjacent condominiums). The preferred candidate should have a minimum of 3 years hotel front desk management with working knowledge of housekeeping, inventory/revenue experience, good verbal communications and telephone etiquette. Qualified candidates only should apply. Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package available. Apply in person, Mondays thru Saturdays, 10am-4pm.

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT CLARION RESORT FOUTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 Phone: 410-524-3535 x.7128 Fax: 410-723-9109 EOE M/F/D/V

September 3, 2021

Now Hiring For The Following Positions:

Project Manager/Supervisor Carpenters Must be familiar with carpentry, siding, trim, framing, etc.

Great pay and benefits package.

Requirements: o Knowledge of and practice all job safety requirements o Minimum of 2 years experience o Must be able to read blueprints o Valid driver’s license o Tools and transportation a plus

Looking for individual with 3-5 years restaurant management experience, to oversee and/or direct the kitchen/bar, club events and the day-to-day membership/fishing tournament related office functions.

The club is a private 900-member fishing club that is open to its members Wednesday-Sunday for food/bar service from 3 PM until 10 PM and currently has office hours Monday-Friday 10:30 AM until 5:30 PM. In addition, there are also several club events and other community related events that are held during the year. The club also sponsors eight fishing tournaments that are open to club members and the public.

This is year-round full time salaried position that reports directly to the Club President. The Ocean City Marlin Club has been operating in the Ocean City area since 1936. The club house is located at 9659 Golf Course Road in West Ocean City.

Salary and other benefits will be determined based on experience.

For consideration, please submit your resume to bozjjeff@gmail.com.

No telephone calls please.

The Ocean City Marlin Club is an equal opportunity employer.

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Full Time Year Round Positions ~EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT ~HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR ~FRONT DESK AGENT ~NIGHT AUDIT ~MAINTENANCE ~PAINTER ~ROOM ATTENDANT ~ROOM DIVISION MANAGER Seasonal Positions ~SECURITY ~GRILL COOKS ~SERVERS ~BARTENDER ~HOSTESS/HOST ~BUSSER ~FOOD RUNNERS ~POOL ATTENDANT ~WAREHOUSE CLERK ~BEACH STAND TOP WAGES! EXCELLENT BENEFITS! HOUSING AVAILABLE!

https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD. 21842

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

EOE M/F/D/V

Please Apply Online:

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

FRONT DESK ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT A beautiful award winning community in Ocean View, DE is seeking a self-motivated, driven, and goal-oriented administrative assistant. Must be organized and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and be computer proficient in MS Office and have the ability to learn a variety of software programs. Excellent customer service skills are a requirement of the position. Previous experience in working with HOAs preferred but not required. Full-time, year-round, 40 hours/week.

Interested candidates should email resume with salary requirements to: Susan.Brewer@casinc.biz or fax 302-537-4075 EOE

WORCESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE II Part-Time Contractual positions.

Duties include but are not limited to providing community health nursing services in assigned programs to individuals and/or families in the community, using the nursing process. Services provided include, but are not limited to immunization services, other clinical services as identified and providing public health guidance/education.

Must possess a current license as a Registered Nurse from the Maryland Board of Nursing. Valid driver’s license required. Background check & drug screening required.

APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md

by September 9, 2021.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221

NOW HIRING

FRONT DESK ATTENDANTS

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

AM/PM SERVERS (Coconuts)

AM HOSTESSES (BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT)

Experienced applicants are preferred, but not required.

We require satisfactory pre-employment background check by all applicants.

Please contact Bobat 410-289-6846 for further information or to schedule an interview.

YEAR-ROUND / FULL & PART TIME POSITIONS

Please apply in person.

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

THUNDERBIRD BEACH MOTEL NOW HIRING FRONT DESK HOUSEKEEPING APPLY IN PERSON Monday-Friday 9am-3pm Thunderbird Beach Motel 32nd Street, Ocean City SUN N FUN MOTEL NOW HIRING FOR*FULL TIME 2ND SHIFT FRONT DESK CLERK 4PM-MIDNIGHT *DAYTIME HOUSEKEEPING

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

NOW HIRING! EXPERIENCED LINE COOKS $16-$20/HOUR YEAR ROUND EXPEDITOR FULL TIME YEAR ROUND BARTENDER FULL OR PART TIME BARBACK

Page 83

NOW HIRING FULL TIME COOK BARTENDER Apply Within at 56th Street or Call 410-726-7061

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

The Dispatch Legal Notices

GET YOUR DAILY BUZZ! mdcoastdispatch.com

WEEKLY RENTALS Poolfront: $245 Efficiency: $275 2 BR Apartment: $385 4 BR House: $585

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

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

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

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– STORAGE WEST OCEAN CITY: 2 car garage with attached work room. 775 sqft. Call 410-726-0075.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

RENTALS

YARD SALES

WINTER RENTAL: 2BR, 2BA. Carousel. $850 per mo. + elec.

Starts Oct. 1. 1BR, 1BA Coconut Malorie, $700. per mo. incl’s util.

Call 301-437-2799.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WHISPERING WOODS, WOC: Community Yard Sale. Saturday, September 4, 8am-12noon. Off Route 611. Toys, tools, jewelry, lawn equipment, misc. items.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

AFFORDABLE TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS Low and Moderate Income ~Accessible Units and Facilities Available ~Air Conditioning ~Kitchen-Furnished w/Range & Refrigerator ~Wall-toWall Carpet ~On-Site Laundry Facilities ~One Year Lease Call Us Now To See If You Qualify!

TTY users via MRS Dial 711 REEDY COVE APARTMENTS Germantown Rd., Berlin, MD 21811 410-641-0830 This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Looking?

LEGAL RATES CONTACT INFORMATION Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 Second Insertion

Defendants

vs.

NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 18th day of AUGUST, 2021, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceeedings, made and reported by Leslie Lobos, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 20TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2021, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 13th day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

WILLIAM E. HUDSON et al.

The Report of Sale filed in

LESLIE LOBOS, TRUSTEE PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000111 BORDERLINKS I TIME INTERVAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff

the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share intervals: Timeshare Unit-Week Bi35 Bj36 Bu47 Bu47 Bu47 Bv48 Bv48 Bv48 Bz52 Bz52

Price

4 $50.00 4 $50.00 41 $1000.00 43 $50.00 47 $50.00 15 $50.00 34 $1100.00 48 $50.00 6 $50.00 9 $50.00

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication AUGUST 27, 2021 TRUE TEST COPY

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 08-27, 09-03, 09-10

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18859 To all persons interested in the estate of ALLEN GENE KINDLEY, ESTATE NO. 18859. Notice is given that JANET ANN KINDLEY, 3 MAID MARION LANE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, AUGUST 11, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ALLEN GENE KINDLEY, who died on APRIL 5, 2021, with a will.

Find Your Dream job in

The Dispatch 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 11TH day of FEBRUARY, 2022.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication AUGUST 27, 2021 JANET ANN KINDLEY

Page 84

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

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 08-27, 09-03, 09-10

be published one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least fifteen (15) days before the deadline to fine an objection.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 03, 2021

First Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CIVIL CASE NO. C23-FM-21-000229 IN THE MATTER OF TEGAN ELIZABETH ROGERS FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO TEGAN WILLIAM ROGERS NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION (ADULT) (MD. RULE 15-901) The above petitioner has field a petition for Change of Name to change their name from TEGAN ELIZABETH ROGERS TEGAN to WILLIAM ROGERS. The petitioner is seeking a name change because: GENDER CHANGE. Any person may file an objection to the Petition for Change of Name on or before SEPTEMBER 25, 2021.

The objection must be supported by an affidavit (written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation) and served on the Petitioner (Md. Rule 1-321). If no timely objection is filed, the court may issue a judgement or grant the name change.

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, MD Room 104 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 09-03

Second Insertion LESLIE LOBOS, TRUSTEE PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000103 BORDERLINKS I TIME INTERVAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff vs.

MARY JANE MACKIN, et al.

Defendants NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 18th day of AUGUST, 2021, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceeedings, made and reported by Leslie Lobos, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 20TH day of SEPTEMBER,

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

2021, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 13th day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share intervals: Timeshare Unit-Week Ae5 Ae5 Ae5 Ak11 Ak11 Aq17 Aq17 Ar18 Bi35 Bi35 Bi35 Bj36 Bj36 Bj36 Bj36 Bj36 Bk37 Bk37 Bo41 Bo41

Price

45 48 52 9 38 12 35 36 27 38 45 3 7 35 47 48 11 52

$50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $1000.00 $50.00 $1000.00 $1000.00 $1000.00 $1000.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $1000.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 Not offered for sale 47 $50.00 51 $50.00

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication AUGUST 27, 2021 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 08-27, 09-03, 09-10

First Insertion MARIANNA BATIE, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, STE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18866 To all persons interested in the estate of CLARA FERN CASALE, ESTATE NO. 18866. Notice is given that ROBYN DENISE FILLMAN, 4897 DUBLIN ROAD, COLUMBUS, OH 43221 was on, AUGUST 25, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CLARA FERN CASALE, who died on JUNE 6, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25TH day of FEBRUARY, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 03, 2021 ROBYN DENISE FILLMAN 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 09-03, 09-10, 9-17

First Insertion CYNTHIA B. MACDONALD, ESQ. 208 CALVERT ST PO BOX 33 SALISBURY, MD 21803 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18873 To all persons interested in the estate of WARREN L. STONE, AKA: WARRREN LAYMAN STONE, ESTATE NO. 18873. Notice is given that ADAM BRUNO, 75 HELMS HILL ROAD, WASHINGTONVILLE, NY 10992 was on, AUGUST 30, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WARREN L. STONE, who died on DECEMBER 29, 2020, with a will.

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

tacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28TH day of FEBRUARY, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 03, 2021 ADAM BRUNO 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 09-03, 09-10, 9-17

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Bike Medics Program Sees Early Success In Ocean City

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 85

Personnel Assigned Service Areas

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A new bike medics program through the Ocean City Fire Department is expected to improve service for residents and visitors.

In early August, the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) implemented a new bike medics program. Deployed during special events, officials say the program is expected to improve access and response times.

“As these special events grow, our department also has to grow,” OCFD Spokesperson Ryan Whittington said in an interview this week. “Our chief has taken the first step by actually implementing the program, and it’s already been successful.”

Whittington noted that plans for a bike medics program were first introduced during a strategic planning process in recent years.

“Part of that strategic plan was reviewing our service delivery,” he said, “evaluating how we deliver services to our citizens and how to improve those services.”

It was during those discussions, he said, that the department got the idea for a bike medics program. Whittington noted that EMTs were the first ones to identify the need.

“They said we need to have quicker access getting to calls for service during special events,” he said.

Simply put, Whittington said bike medics are assigned to a response area and will respond to service calls during special events. To date, the department has 16 bike medics, and all have been trained by the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA).

“We go through training for EMS cyclists to use mountain bikes that carry 30 pounds of equipment in their bags, and the training they go through is intense,” Whittington said. “They practice lowspeed technical skills that help with maneuvering through crowds, topping curbs, and ascending and descending stairs.”

Whittington added bike medics must also complete a roads course, which starts in West Ocean City and ends in the resort.

“We did as many things as we could to make sure their skills were sufficient and ready to deploy …,” he said. “They have to be ready to go.”

The department’s bike medics program was launched in August – at the start of the White Marlin Open – and Whittington said the program has already proved successful.

“During Marlin Fest there was a reported cardiac arrest in the response sector of our bike team …,” he said.

“They assisted in performing CPR and the gentleman in cardiac arrest was resuscitated and has since made a full recovery. It shows the opportunity for the

bike team to be utilized. By them being in the area, they were able to get there quicker than other units.”

Whittington added that bike medics are finding they have more interactions with the public.

“They are having many more contacts and educating the public just by being on their bikes,” he said.

Whittington said he is eager to see bike medics deployed during future special events. He noted the program could be a valuable tool for special events such as the OC Air Show, when traffic is gridlocked.

“It’s another resource we have in a populated area,” he said.

Ocean City Bike Medics Travis Hearn and Cory Brown are pictured on assignment at Marlin Fest in Ocean City last month.

Submitted Photo

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 87

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

OBITUARIES Lloyd Bradford Lewis OCEAN CITY – Lloyd Bradford Lewis passed away on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021 at the age of 84.

Born in Salisbury, he was the son of the late Viola Bradford Lewis and John Mitchell Lewis. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gail Turner Lewis, sons John Carl Lewis and wife Kathleen Coates Lewis, Stephen Turner Lewis and wife Kristin Hand Lewis, all of Ocean City. There are three grandchildren, Alexandra Lewis Berkey (Blake) of Houston, Texas, John Carl Lewis, Jr. LLOYD BRADFORD (Abigail) of Berlin, WilLEWIS liam Turner Lewis of Ocean City, and great-granddaughter, Vivian Ann Lewis of Berlin. He is also survived by cousins, Dr. Jack Covington Lewis (Cynthia) and Dr. Frank Lewis (Janet) of Millington, Md. Lloyd graduated from Buckingham High School in Berlin, and the University of Maryland in 1959 where he earned his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in San Antonio, Texas, Mariana, Fla. and Big Spring, Texas where he trained to fly single engine T34, T37, T33 aircraft jets. In Oklahoma City, Okla., he trained and flew multi engine heavy transport C124. After completing training, he was stationed in Greenville, S.C. where he met his wife Gail. When the base closed, they were transferred to Savannah, Ga. He flew missions all over the world in the C124 transport. Most notable was when he was stationed in New Zealand and flew supplies to Antarctica (McMurdo Sound and other outposts) for three months earning an Operation Deep Freeze Medal for flying into Yugoslavia, a communist country, for a relief mission. After six years of active service, Lloyd resigned his active status as a captain and served two years in the reserves and four years in the active reserves.

He returned home with wife Gail and son John to settle in Ocean City and start his real estate career with John Rolfe’s Resort Realty. Subsequently he became partners with Gordon Harrington developing condominiums in Ocean City. Later he and Terry Hough opened Coastal Realty at 50th Street in Ocean City and developed condominiums.

He also partnered with William Esham, Sr. and William Esham, Jr. to develop multiple properties in the area. In 1971, Lloyd and Gail purchased property at Talbot Street and the Bay in Ocean City and opened the M.R. Ducks Bar and Grill in 1982. Several M.R. Ducks clothing stores followed. Lloyd remained active in the business until his death.

Lloyd was a founding member of Worcester Preparatory School (formerly Worcester Country School) and served on the boards of the Tax and Appeal Board of Worcester County, Home Bank in Newark and the Planning and Zoning Board of Ocean City. He was a member of the Ocean City Downtown Associa-

tion, the Ocean City Marlin Club, Ocean City Lions Club and Ocean City Development Corporation.

A viewing will be held on Monday, Sept. 6 from 5-7 p.m. at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin with a funeral service to be held at the Atlantic Methodist Church in Ocean City, on Tuesday, Sept.

7 at 11 a.m. Rev. George Patterson will officiate. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the American Heart Association, Memorial Processing Center, 4217 Park Pl Ct., Glen Allen, Va. 230609979, or Worcester Preparatory School, 508 S Main St., Berlin, Md. 21811. Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Garry Masters BERLIN – Garry Masters of Berlin passed away on Aug. 27, 2021.

He was born May 29, 1944 to William & Enid Masters. Garry was a Mason for 50 years. He was an avid lover of horse racing and the Redskins, and enjoyed sharing these passions with his family and grandchildren. He proudly served the Ocean City community in his retirement as an inlet parking lot supervisor for fourteen years. He was a quiet soul, a gentle creature of habit, and deeply devoted to his wife, Betty, of 58 years and the many well-loved dogs that never left his side. He will be rememGARRY bered by family and dear MASTERS friends for his matter-of-fact sense of humor, humble way of life and restful disposition with a cold beer in hand.

Garry is preceded in death by a daughter, Stacy Hisey and is survived by wife Betty, daughter Sherri and husband Roy Johnson, brother Roger Masters, grandchildren Crystal, Christopher, Ashley, and Sara. Also surviving are great grandchildren Myles, Willow, Ava and Lexi.

There is no funeral service planned at this time. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Richard D. Messick CAMBRIDGE – Richard D. Messick, 81, of Cambridge, passed away suddenly on Aug. 24, 2021 after suffering a massive heart attack.

He was born in Cambridge on May 22, 1940 and was a son of the late Richard C. and Albena B. Messick.

Mr. Messick attended schools in Dorchester County and was a graduate of Cambridge High RICHARD D. School class of 1958. He MESSICK served six years in the Maryland Army National Guard. On June 28, 1969, he married the former Carol Ann Ruark. Together they have one daughter, Abby C. Messick. He is survived by a sister, Ricki Bradshaw (Philip) of Salisbury, and many close friends who are like family to him.

He was employed over 40 years at

the Eastern Shore Hospital. He loved the outdoors. He was an avid gardener and shared his garden skills with others.

He enjoyed home decorating skills and was called on by many for these skills.

He was always ready and willing to help others.

His wife and daughter were the love of his life. He enjoyed travel and his time that he spent at his beach condo. He loved his family, friends, and his grand dogs.

A graveside memorial service was held on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery in Secretary with Rev. Steve Bloodsworth officiated. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Baywater Animal Rescue, 4930 Bucktown Rd, Cambridge, Md. 21613. Arrangements are in the care of Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.

Sue H. Harting OCEAN CITY – Sue H. Harting was peacefully called home to the Lord Aug. 25, 2021, surrounded by two of her grandchildren and her pastor, Rev. George Patterson.

Sue was born Oct. 27, 1935 to her parents Paul Morris Dunlap and Irene Charlotte Tickner Dunlap in Baltimore. Sue was an excellent student, graduating from Western High School and continuing her education at Anne SUE H. Arundel Community Col- HARTING lege where she earned an associate of arts degree.

Sue went on to be an employee of the NSA in Ft. Meade, MD. During her many years with this crucial intelligence agency she made many lifelong friends and assisted in assuring the safety and security of Americans at home and abroad. This was a task she undertook solemnly and with the greatest sense of duty. She was proud of her work and proud to be an American.

Sue was married to Charles Harting in 1975 and remained married until his passing in 1986. Sue was enormously proud of her children Mark Linton, Sheryl Harting and Todd Harting.

Sue was a tremendously charitable and caring person, as evidenced through her membership in groups such as The International Order of Job’s Daughters, and Elks Club #2643, her 20-plus years of service to the Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary in Berlin, her life Membership to the White Rocks Yacht Club, her associate Membership to the F.O.P. Lodge #69, and her membership to the VFW Auxiliary #160, AARP #1917, and NARFE #2274. Those who knew Sue will remember her vast kindness, wisdom, generosity, strength, and grace. Through the many tragedies of her life, Sue looked to God and was truly one of the most faithful people you could hope to meet.

She will be missed for her sense of humor, her warm personality, and her incredible ability to listen to others and comfort them in times of need.

Sue is preceded in death by her par-

ents, Paul Morris Dunlap and Irene Charlotte Tickner Dunlap; her husband Charles Oliver Harting; her sister-in-law Anita Kruger; her brother-in-law Gerald Harting; her children Mark Charles Linton Sr., Todd Jeffrey Harting and Sheryl Suzanne Mitrecic; and her grandsons Mark Charles Linton Jr. and Christopher Hines.

Sue is survived by her brothers, Dean Dunlap and Paul Dunlap; her sisterin-law Katherine Gilliss; her brother-inlaw Dennis Harting; her step-daughter Charlene Hines; her daughter-in-law Arlene Feinberg Linton; her grandson Michael Linton and his wife Emily and their three children Aubrey, Carson, and Londyn; her son-in-law Joseph Mitrecic, her grandchildren, Madison Mitrecic and Jacob Mitrecic; her great granddaughter Kailey Nordeck; her many nieces and nephews; and countless friends, fellow churchgoers, volunteers and the people whose lives she has touched throughout the years.

A service was held in Sue’s memory at Atlantic United Methodist Church Aug. 31. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Atlantic United Methodist Church at 105 4th St., Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Geraldine Taylor SELBYVILLE – Geraldine Taylor, age 84, formerly of Selbyville, died Monday, Aug. 9, 2021 at Azalea Health and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington, N.C. with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. She was the daughter of the late Sam and Josephine Hopkins.

She was born in Baltimore and attended Kenwood High School. She lived in Baltimore working mostly in retail. She spent many summers in Fenwick Island with her family working the front desk at Treasure Beach Campground. She and her first husband, Frank, finally made the permanent move to the beach GERALDINE TAYLOR in 1982 and never looked back. Even after retirement, she still enjoyed part-time work at Kokinos Jewelers in Ocean City and Floators in Fenwick.

She was a member, Lector and Eucharist Minister of St. Luke Catholic Church in Ocean City.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Pam & Barry Williams of Carolina Beach, N.C.; a granddaughter, Morgan Davis and daughter-in-law, Tami Davis both of Selbyville; and step-children Mark Taylor, Michael Taylor, Allen Taylor and Monica Hagar.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Franklin W. Davis Jr., her second husband, Matthew M. Taylor, and a son, Terry Davis.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville. Friends SEE NEXT PAGE

September 3, 2021

... OBITUARIES may call an hour before the service. Burial will be in Redmen's Cemetery in Selbyville.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at (www.alz.org).

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

Ralph Edgar Chinn OCEAN PINES – Ralph Edgar Chinn, age 81, devoted husband for nearly 55 years of Wilma McClain Chinn, and a resident of Ocean Pines, was called home to be with his Lord and Saviour on Aug. 24, 2021, with his wife and youngest son at his bedside. He departed this life with the same dignity and strength with which he lived.

Born on Oct. 30, 1939, in Washington, DC, Ralph was the son of the late Edgar Chinn and Delores Johnson Chinn. He was educated in the District of Columbia public school system. Ralph completed the Vehicle Ambush Countermeasure Training ProRALPH EDGAR gram at the Federal Law CHINN Enforcement Training Center. For 15 years he provided personal chauffeur services for three U.S. Department of the Interior Secretaries and three Under Secretaries. His last 10 years of service he served as Property

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Management Chief where he was honored with the Meritorious Service Award, the second highest award in the Department, for his sustained service to the Department and his personal achievements.

After 30 years of service, in 1995 he retired and he and his wife moved to Ocean Pines. Since 1996 Ralph has been a very active and loyal member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City. He served as President of the Ocean Pines club twice, and as Lt. Governor for the Capital District, for which he received the “Distinguished Lt. Governor” award. In 1997 he received the “Volunteer of the Year” award. This year he received the Legion of Honor Award for 25 years as a Kiwanian. In 1999, Ralph became a licensed and very successful Realtor.

Ralph was a Christian, a member of Berlin First Baptist Church where he faithfully attended Sunday services, Sunday school, weekly bible study and assisted in the food pantry. Throughout his life, he had a deep and abiding faith and trust in God and often told people that he had “never” had a bad day in his life. Ralph was a true leader and an honest, kind, compassionate, giving man who dearly loved his family and friends. Many knew him as a great listener, counselor and true friend with a great sense of humor and a vibrant and caring, engaging personality that attracted a wide circle of friends and a smile that would light up a room. He was a keen analyst of politics and loved to talk politics with anyone who wanted to discuss political topics. Ralph was

Page 89

a “people” person who cherished the many close relationships he developed, and he was always genuinely interested in people’s stories about who they were and what they were about. He was an engaging conversationalist who enjoyed the exchange of ideas and witty speech and was an unconventional thinker with a sharp mind and an interesting world view.

Ralph leaves to mourn his passing his loving and devoted wife of 54 years and 11 months, Wilma; his children, Ralph E. Jr. (Nicey), Temple Hills, Md., Marlin E. (Tiffany) Canton, Ga., Sharon Chinn, Heathsville, Va., Sheila Chinn, Bowie, and Patricia Dixon (Tim Spear), Decatur, Ga.; sister Raphael Jacobsen, Ellicott City; three grandsons; three granddaughters; one grandson-in-law;

four great grandchildren; nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Elaine James and Florence Davis, brother Lee Chinn and stepson, Kevin M. Lowe.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Berlin First Baptist Church, 613 Williams Street, Berlin, Md. 21811 or to the Kiwanis Club of Greater OP-OC, 239 Ocean Parkway, Berlin, Md. 21811.

At Ralph’s request there will be no service. The family wants to sincerely thank Coastal Hospice and especially the caring, compassionate nurses who provided Ralph with such wonderful care.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

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Teachers Advised ‘Own The Moment’ At School Kick-Off Event

Page 90

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 3, 2021

Worcester County Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor is pictured delivering remarks during this week’s back to school kickoff event at Stephen Decatur High School. Above right, Hamish Brewer, a principal from northern Virginia, was the featured speaker during the event.

Photos by Charlene Sharpe

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Superintendent Lou Taylor thanked educators for their tireless efforts throughout the pandemic and encouraged them to continue making a difference as they begin the school year next week.

Worcester County Public Schools teachers and employees gathered at the Stephen Decatur High School stadium Tuesday for a back to school kickoff event. Taylor reminded them they were working in education because they wanted to help kids grow.

“I want to tell you something from the bottom of my heart. There’s no greater team than Team Worcester that is sitting in this arena today,” he said. “No greater team. Because you make a difference.”

Tuesday’s kickoff event featured comments from 2020 Worcester County Teacher of the Year Christina McQuaid, Taylor and special guest Hamish Brewer.

Brewer, known as the “relentless, tattooed, skateboarding principal,” is touted as a school turnaround and school improvement specialist. He acknowledged the unprecedented challenges of teaching during a pandemic but urged teachers to focus on controlling what they could—the way they taught. Advancements in technology have made some teaching tools obsolete, he said, adding that educators had to familiarize themselves with things like Instagram and Tiktok because that’s what today’s kids were using.

“This is an activist generation coming up,” Brewer said. “They want their voice amplified and they want to be advocated for. And guess what? They have the tools to do it. Our kids today have the tools to do it. If we’re not thinking about this, if we’re not open to this, then we just got outsourced.”

He challenged teachers to think about their impact.

“When was the last time you thought about your legacy?” Brewer asked. “I want to challenge you personally right

now. When you get up each and every day, what do you think? Do you think ‘I have an opportunity to make a difference every day’? What are you thinking when you come through the doors each and every day? When you knock down the doors on Tuesday, kick those doors in. because I’m going to tell you right now there’s no guarantees in life. Tomorrow’s not guaranteed. Yesterday’s finished. It’s right here right now. We own the moment. That’s legacy. Own the moment.”

McQuaid also reminded her peers of the critical role they played in helping kids become productive citizens who would help move the world forward. She

acknowledged that it was a hard job, particularly right now, and said teachers needed to be cognizant of their own needs too.

“You are the teachers that go above and beyond and through obstacles at every blockade to support our students,” she said. “As we move forward, it’s important for us to not only take care of our students but also take care of yourselves. As a county we have paved the way for talking about mental health with our students but today I want to encourage you to focus on your own health so you can truly be a champion for your students.”

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

Instead, the mural will be painted on the side of the old Farlow’s Pharmacy space on the building owned by J.E. Parker.

“You see a whole gang of meters, nine electric meters, on the wall. It’s going to be to the left of that, toward Main Street,” Planning Director Dave Engelhart said, motioning to the space on William Street across from town hall.

Like Rose, Engelhart said he’d been impressed with Coleman’s work.

“It’d be another draw for the town, it’s educational for the kids, and it’s public art,” he said. “It’s beautiful. The things he’s done that we saw … we were very impressed, the whole group of us.”

Rose added that historically, many of Berlin’s shop signs had been painted directly onto the building’s bricks. Those types of signs are still in evidence today at The Globe and Viking Tree Trading.

She added that the commission would get a detailed presentation regarding the project next month.

“There will be a presentation in October so the board can say yay or nay but I wanted it to be on everybody’s radar,” she said.

Commission member Robert Poli expressed interest in the concept. He said

Taylor expressed his gratitude for educators’ efforts during the last 18 months.

“As we begin and we come back with a bang, we’re going to open our doors up next Tuesday morning and we’re going to welcome those kids, some who have not been back in our schools since the pandemic started. Some who are screaming for love and support and energy like we’ve never seen before. Some who are coming from homes of poverty, from homes of addiction, from homes of neglect, and they’re depending on us,” he said. “They’re depending on us to make a difference.”

Berlin Eyes New Site For Proposed Tindley Mural

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Excitement is growing in Berlin regarding plans for a mural to depict the Rev. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley.

Members of the Berlin Historic District Commission this week voiced support for plans to paint a mural depicting gospel music legend Tindley, on the wall of a downtown building.

“Berlin will be the catalyst for a Maryland African American art trail through the whole state,” said Carol Rose, chair of the commission.

Rose told commission members that though plans and details for the project weren’t being presented to the commission until October, she was impressed with what she’d seen so far. She and the town’s planning department staff attended a meeting last week with artist Jay Coleman and other stakeholders to discuss the project. Though there were initially plans to have Coleman paint the mural on the Bruder Hill building, Rose said that was deemed cost prohibitive.

The project is to be grant funded.

“The texture of the outside of that building would make it more expensive than the grant would cover,” she said.

The proposed site for the Tindley mural along William Street is pictured.

Submitted Photo

he often drove by a mural in one of Salisbury’s historic districts.

“It’s really nicely done,” he said.

Ocean City, BikeFest Promoter Finalize Agreement

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Assault Charges In Motel Attack

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Now less than two weeks away, OC BikeFest is officially a

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Parkville, Md., man was charged with multiple counts of assault last weekend after allegedly attempting to suffocate his girlfriend in a downtown motel room.

Last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a downtown motel for a reported domestic assault that had already occurred. Officers met with a female victim, who reported she had been assaulted multiple times by her boyfriend, later identified as Robert Weeks, 29, of Parkville, Md. The victim advised she was first assaulted by Weeks around 10:30 p.m. last Sunday when he allegedly threw a flipflop at her, striking her in the head. While the victim walked north on the Boardwalk, Weeks allegedly hip-checked her to the ground, injuring her knee, according to police reports.

Around the same time an anonymous caller advised OCP of a male chasing a female who was crying hysterically, according to police reports. OCPD officers at that time were unable to locate either party. Based on the descriptions provided by the caller, OCPD officers believed the couple referred to were the victim and Weeks, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police she was assaulted a third time at the downtown motel just before the officer’s arrival.

The victim told police she was trying to sleep on the bed when Weeks threw water on her, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told police Weeks then straddled her, pinning her to the bed, before putting his right hand over her nose and mouth in an attempt to suffocate her.

The victim reportedly told police she could not breathe and could not move, and that she felt her life was in danger, according to police reports. The victim told police she pretended to lose consciousness according to police reports. That

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go after resort officials this week approved the final memorandum of understanding.

In July, the Mayor and Council reviewed the draft memorandum of under-

caused Weeks to loosen his grip on the victim’s face and nose, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told officers Weeks pushed so hard on her mouth and nose that it caused her mouth to bleed.

According to police reports, there was blood on the victim’s pillow. Officers also observed numerous injuries to her face and knees.

Officers found Weeks sleeping in the motel room and placed him under arrest.

While officers escorted Weeks to a transport vehicle, he was uncooperative and threw himself on the ground, causing officers to temporarily lose their grip on him.

A background check revealed Weeks was currently on supervised probation in Pennsylvania for a wrongful imprisonment charge. Weeks was charged with first-degree assault, multiple counts of seconddegree assault and resisting arrest.

Page 91

standing (MOU) with staff. The MOU outlines both the town’s responsibilities and those of the event’s promoter, OC JAMS. While generally satisfied with the MOU as proposed in July, the Mayor and Council directed staff to clarify a few minor issues in the document and bring it back for final approval.

The final MOU came back before the Mayor and Council during Tuesday’s work session and the elected officials approved it unanimously. It’s not as if OC BikeFest was hinging on final approval of the MOU. The event was coming anyway.

The MOU simply clarifies each party’s fiscal responsibilities, and the provision of in-kind services, for example.

Last year, OC BikeFest was canceled as a formal event because of COVIDrelated restrictions, but many of the participants came anyway for the long weekend, despite no major concerts of other attractions. This year, OC BikeFest returns as a formal, sanctioned event for the town.

The MOU covers a request from OC JAMS to take over the Inlet lot for the entire week from Monday, Sept. 13 through the following Sunday. A free concert has been added this year on Wednesday of OC BikeFest week and the producer

needed additional days on the front end for the event set-up.

While OC BikeFest will be extended this month, it will not be a two-weekend event as proposed last fall. In November, the promoter pitched an extended bike week bookended on either weekend with major concerts and other events. Under one proposal, the second weekend would have overlapped with the often-troublesome pop-up motorized event, but town officials were less than keen on intermeshing bike week with the unsanctioned event.

One new feature this year will be a parade of motorcycles on the Boardwalk on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 18. On Tuesday, Mayor Rick Meehan suggested including language in the final MOU about potential damage to the Boardwalk.

“They’re going to do a Boardwalk ride,” he said. “We need to add something in here about burnout marks on the Boardwalk.”

Meehan also suggested certain Boardwalk businesses should be alerted about the motorcycle parade.

“We need to notify the bike rental companies on the Boardwalk,” he said.

“That’s the time of day they are renting a lot of bikes out there.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

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September 3, 2021

Internet Safeguards Provide Valuable Support How We See It

It’s been an emotionally tough week for many families with young kids in the community.

Bruce Travers is a well-known name and face in local day care and elementary schools. This 37-year-old man, who was employed to work with young kids in day care facilities, local schools and camps, is now facing 19 felony child abuse charges and 15 misdemeanor child porn counts. The charging documents are a disturbing read and illustrate how the man befriended a local family and took advantage of three young kids all under the age of 10 for an extended period of time.

These types of stories bring out the extremes of emotions. It’s understandable as rational individuals are upset to learn their children spent considerable time with the man in a leadership position facing heinous charges. We heard the wide range of sentiments this week.

Early in the week the newspaper was under fire for allegedly covering up the

arrest with claims made we were trying to protect the school system where he had worked last school year and was to begin full-time employment this year. By mid-week, once the story was filed online, we were sharply criticized for providing too much identifiable details about the investigation.

The raw feelings and extreme reactions are understandable. The allegations outlined in the charging documents are heinous. The suspect met his eventual victims in an unidentified day care center. There are likely other victims of varying severities. It’s this reality that led many to search for answers and cast aspersions against the school system and day care operations where Travers was employed. The allegation being he was not vetted enough before given the privilege of working with children. On the surface, it seems the proper due diligence was taken during the hiring process, as his record was clean before the charges were filed last week.

Rather than seeking a place for culpability, we give credit this week to the safeguard put in place leading to Travers being put in jail. According to legal documents, the Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit was informed of a child pornographic image being uploaded to the web through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Microsoft Online Operations.

The image was traced to Travers’ rental home in Ocean Pines. The uploaded image was enough for local authorities to secure a search warrant, which ultimately led to criminal activity and the 34 charges being levied against Travers.

While there is much to be concerned about in this situation, the community should find some solace in the fact the suspect was caught through an online protection system and will be held accountable. It might not have happened soon enough for many, but at least the abuse will now stop.

Letters To The Editor Statements Cross Line Editor: Law enforcement is not the enemy of the people. Yet more and more the service and sacrifice of law enforcement professionals is being undermined by a small but increasingly vocal contingent bent on devaluing their importance to our communities. It’s difficult enough for police officers to stay safe in an ever more violent environment. They should not be subjected to abusive torrents from the very people they are sworn to protect and serve, especially from those in elected office.

During the recent Maryland Association of Counties conference held in Ocean City, our colleague Commissioner Diana Purnell spoke at the Large County Coalition’s annual breakfast. During a conversation about police reform, Mrs. Purnell made statements, quoted in an article by “Maryland Matters,” that we believe do not reflect the reality of law enforcement in Worcester County. She disparaged the integrity and professionalism of the men and women who protect our Worcester County communities as well as the many Veterans who join the ranks of law enforcement.

Among her comments she said, “the thing that scares me the most about any police department are those policemen that come back from war zones and they are here to kill.”

We do not agree. To suggest that combat Veterans who serve in law enforcement are “killers” is an affront to every man and woman who has worn, and currently wears, a military uniform in service to our country. Such incendiary comments debase dedicated professionals and diminish the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families. It’s discouraging when such comments are made by ordinary citizens. When such

comments are proffered by an elected official of this county, we are all diminished. There is no place in public discourse for assailing the reputations of the officers who day and night work to ensure the safety of each of us living in Berlin, Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Snow Hill, Pocomoke, Bishopville, Whaleyville, Stockton, Girdletree and everywhere else in our county. They deserve respect not rancor.

Members of our own families have served in the military and are, or have been, law enforcement officers. We recognize and respect the solemn responsibilities and unrelenting risks inherent in wearing a uniform.

Officeholders – local, state and national – should communicate and act in ways that shape our society into stronger, more vibrant and more tolerant communities; establishing bonds of trust not sowing seeds of discontent. That task is made more difficult when individuals in positions of power confuse abusive remarks for meaningful dialogue. Our communities improve when public discourse is constructive, especially among officeholders.

Mrs. Purnell is entitled to express her opinion, which she did. Free speech is a fundamental liberty cherished by all Americans. But let’s not forget that because of the service of the many men and women who have answered the call of duty to our communities and to our nation, our rights are protected.

It is our hope that upon reflection, Commissioner Purnell realizes that the effect of her comments makes it difficult to realize the great promise of our community. Denigrating the motivations of those sworn to protect and serve weakens the bonds that make a community strong and resilient. Initiating a positive dialogue would have more productively

advanced discussion on the concerns Mrs. Purnell believes need to be addressed.

Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting (The writers are Worcester County Commissioners.)

Comments Explained Editor: Recent media coverage relayed comments that I made during a Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) panel on police accountability and reform last week. However, those comments were taken out of context and injured the uniformed men and women that I respect most: the public safety professionals who protect our communities. So, it is vital for me to clarify what I did say during the MACo panel and the context in which I made those comments.

First, please know that in no way were my comments meant to discourage anyone, especially our military veterans, from serving our communities as members of law enforcement, particularly here on the Eastern Shore where our agencies are operating with severe staffing shortages, shortages that place the lives of our officers and the public at risk every day. My statements regarding the potential volatility of those displaying symptoms of PTSD were made in reference to one specific situation: when the U.S. Capital was breached on January 6, 2021 and people died (note that court records confirm that a disproportionate number of those arrested for their alleged actions at the Capital are active and former military personnel).

Furthermore, my statement was not a far-reaching indictment of military veterans but was tied to my grave concerns that military veterans who return from war zones with symptoms of PTSD are SEE NEXT PAGE

September 3, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Letters To The Editor not receiving adequate access to mental health screenings and services. It is vital to communicate that, while the recently adopted Senate Bill 71 (Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021) expands on policing standards that require increased access to mental health services, these are all unfunded mandates. This shortsighted bill is one of the primary reasons that during the MACo panel I also voiced my staunch opposition to calls to defund the very police agencies that are struggling to meet the growing demand for services in the face of shrinking budgets.

I would like to close with these thoughts. Like most Americans, I have close family members who served in the military. And, a wrought iron replica of the flag of the United States that is prominently displayed on a shelf in my office is emblazoned with a phrase I wholeheartedly embrace: “One Nation Under God. Home of the Free. Because of the Brave.” To guarantee access to the medical and mental health services for our brave law enforcement professionals, we have to talk to one another. We have to keep the lines of communication open, so that we can determine how best to fund these needs. By doing so, we will secure the health and vitality of our public safety professionals and our communities.

Diana Purnell Berlin (The writer is a Worcester County Commissioner.)

Bench Removal Upsetting Editor: This Sept. 4 marks the 22nd anniversary of my daughter’s Megan Ellen Looney’s death. She was 21 years old and from the time she was teen she gave service to the town of Ocean City. She was a cadet in the fire department, then a firefighter one, a 911 dispatcher for Ocean City and a police officer. We were blessed to have had a combination police and fireman funeral. She had more than one eulogy because one was about her service and one about who she was to her family.

One family member graciously gifted our family on the 10th anniversary, with a bench on the boardwalk in her honor outside of her favorite arcade. We were thrilled and even had a little ceremony when it came in, at the site. A couple of years ago the town said they were going to charge everyone $2,500 if they wanted to keep their plaque on the benches because the benches needed to be replaced. That was met with a lot of opposition and I never heard anything further about it. When the family member bought it, nothing was said about it not being permanent. She was contacted this year and was told that it was being replaced in September and she had the option of renewing it for 10 years for $2,500 or she could keep the bench. Well, we opted to keep the bench and we are supposed to pick it up some time in September.

Not all the benches are dedicated so I guess the city will pay for them. The city is in charge of all maintenance repairs and replacements and I feel this is just a way to keep their budget down at the expense of people who bought these plaques for $2,500 thinking it would be

forever. I have a suggestion, why not remove the plaque and put it on the new bench. But then the city would have to pay for the bench. Maybe they are saying replacing the plaque will cost $2,500. I am not buying that.

So, on the anniversary of her death, the girl that everyone, especially the mayor, paid such tribute to is having her bench taken down. Thank you, Ocean City.

Terry Looney

Weighing In On Masks Editor: Masks are not capable of preventing inhalation of virus unless they are m95 worn without any leakage. Tests have shown the material will block up to 95% of particles or more, but only with tape sealing all the gaps, or like the airtight Cpac type mask my wife and I purchased and use. The main value of universal school masks is to block the particles from easily spreading from infected people to others, hence the civic responsibility of their usage. They also have discovered a much smaller spread of regular flu last year in active school populations. People need to realize this may be just a practice run for what is to come, 600,000+ dead so far might not impress you, but there are worse virulent organisms out there we have not yet encountered.

With crisper technology easy to get, terrorists could easily modify or create horrendous plagues. So quit your un-informed belly aching and do your civic duty; wear your mask when asked and get your immunizations when available.

Small pox was what killed millions until worldwide vaccinations eliminated.

Vaccines for Measles, polio, tetanus etc. all have made our lives safer. Boot camp was one after another for weeks when I served, no problem since they did not know where we would be sent.

Hans van den Bosch Snow Hill

Liberal Democrat Thoughts Editor: I don't know how to react on the issue of whether "Critical Race Theory" should be taught in our public schools. On one hand, it is common-sense to me that we do have a history of racism in our country and that it still very much exists. I believe that the major claims that CRT makes are true and accurate. On the other hand, I can empathize and sympathize and relate to those who feel that there is an element of "reverse-racism" to it. I cannot tell you how often that I have felt like a victim of "reverse-racism" and "reversesexism" at the hands of my fellow socalled "compassionate" "progressiveDemocrats." As a 71-year-old white male with a Jewish-sounding last name (I converted to Christianity in 1980), I feel that I am the most disliked Democrat in the country by the "progressives." Their compassion ends when it comes to people like me. Lives like mine seem to "matter" less to them.

That's why while I am still a proud and loyal Democrat, I refer to myself as a "liberal" Democrat.

Stewart B. Epstein

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by Publisher/Editor Steve Green Despite the Maryland State Department of Education voting to require them, two Maryland school systems – Somerset and Carroll counties – decided this week to not mandate masks on students. The move is likely temporary and seemingly symbolic opposition to the statewide decision. Somerset students were in school this week with masks, while Carroll students return next week.

The comments from Carroll County Board member Tara Battaglia seemed to represent the sentiment of many rural school boards. “No matter how someone may feel regarding masks or vaccines, local authority should be making their own decisions,” Battaglia told The Baltimore Sun. “Carroll County is not Baltimore city. Carroll County is not Prince George’s County. Our numbers can be different from other counties. … Unfortunately, I think this sets a precedent that any local government could be losing their authority to do what is best for their residents,” The Carroll board has decided to wait until the Sept. 14 meeting of the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review before changing its mask optional policy. It sounds like the board will wait until the committee approves (seemingly a certainty) before complying with the state requirement. Officials have said a legal challenge is not out of the question.

In Worcester County, Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor quickly reacted to the state mandate with an announcement Friday confirming the school system would require masks effective immediately. The school system announced last week it was going the mask optional route, while highly recommending them for all personnel. The state’s decision essentially negated that call, taking away local control. Nonetheless, Taylor acknowledged the divisiveness of the issue in his video message. “ … now I am asking for your partnership. Please make sure that your child comes to school properly wearing a well-fitted face covering,” Taylor said. “I also ask for your patience and understanding. We know that the wearing of masks is a polarizing issue in our community; we have seen it in the passionate letters, emails, social media comments, and more that we have received over these past months. I also know that we are all hoping to see a decline in the transmission levels in our community soon, so we can revisit this decision, but in the meantime, we need to protect every student’s ability to attend school in-person, and it will take all of us working together to make that happen.”

With Ocean City entering September, the focus is turning to the dreaded end of the month event – the pop-up car rally. Though numerous changes have been by law enforcement agencies as well as the legislature to bring the event under control over the years, the sentiment all along has been Ocean City would not be able to arrest its way out of the pop-up rally problems.

During a discussion by the vehicle task force in Ocean City last week, a review of last year’s four-day event was discussed. In total, there were 277 arrests made during the pop-up rally including 127 on Saturday alone.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser reported prosecuting 500 cases with about 400 adjudicated at this point. “Many are still working through the system,” she said. “Roughly 80% have been resolved and we have around a 90% conviction rate. We’re grateful to law enforcement for bringing us cases for which we can get convictions.”

One of the unofficial approaches with this event has been to oddly enough make Ocean City an unappealing place to visit for the types who gather for this non-event. Charging them with a crime is one thing, but there must be the harsh hammer on the legal side in court. A 90% conviction rate represents significant improvement on that front and might help keep the trouble makers away.

The confusion from the Ocean City Mayor and Council over a new $12.7 million fire station was understandable. The original thought was the project would cost about $5.5 million in the spring.

Why the Ocean City Fire Department would bring a $12.7 million project to the council is perplexing. The case was not made for the grandiose structure at this week’s meeting. The council needs to stand its ground here and insist the project be brought closer to the $6 million figure, even if it means starting over.

Ocean City Council President Matt James was right when he said, “We discussed a $5.5 million project in April. Now, we’re at $12.7. That’s my concern.”

Councilman Peter Buas was also on the money when he said, “It’s two-and-ahalf times larger than the Montego Bay station. If 15th Street is the headquarters, why don’t we just duplicate the Montego Bay station design and size?”

Councilman Mark Paddack added, “I was led to believe it would be $5.5 million.

I understand wants and needs. The town spent a lot of money on 15th Street and a lot of that is providing service for West Ocean City. Now, I’m told this is what we need. It’s two-and-a-half times larger than the existing Station 3.”

After this sound dialogue, the council at the same meeting approved a $28.6 million bond sale this week that includes $11.2 million for the new fire station. Any reductions in cost made by changes to the structure from the fire department would then be redirected to the Baltimore Avenue project. It seems silly to question something reasonably and then approve its inclusion at the high price tag in a bond.

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Puzzle Answers

T T

September 3, 2021

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

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he last couple weeks have confirmed for me it’s time for the kids to get back in school.

When neither kid has the desire, energy or enthusiasm for the beach, pool, Boardwalk, amusement parks or water parks on a summer weekend day, I think the summer doldrums have set in. They need to get back in school. After all, there is only so much rest and relaxation needed out of a summer break.

Though both will vehemently decline being excited or even ready for school, the time is right to get back into the school swing of things. Getting some structure back into their lives will benefit them.

Back in June, I was ready for the school grind – especially the morning struggles – to come to an end. I enjoyed this extended break from hustling two boys who are non-starters in the morning during the summer because it’s a busy time here at the newspaper. I was pressured by deadlines on the work front, but the daily challenges did not include forcing Beckett to get out of the shower in a timely fashion or convincing Carson the shirt I picked out for him is actually just fine even if it’s not what he had in mind.

No, I did not miss the morning battles with my stubborn kids, but I will embrace the feeling of knowing my boys are in school. I have long enjoyed the feeling of driving away from school after dropping the kids off. I equally like picking them up after their school days are over, but there is a special joy in seeing them off to school each day.

For Beckett, 13, he is going into eighth grade, the last year of middle school. The anxiety of returning to school has been building the last few weeks but reached its zenith when the time came for a back-to-school haircut.

He likes his hair sloppy and especially

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long and wild in the front. He likes the messy, just rolled out of bed look. This would be an appearance, of course, as he seems to go to considerable lengths to ensure he looks disheveled.

When it came time for the haircuts, he worried we were going to make him go short, “like he was when he was 8,” he said. His mom and I both said we could find a middle ground, but were insistent we have to be able to see his eyes. His nerves on the way to the haircut were out of control, according to Pam. There was a meeting of the minds on the hair length with the end result being a good compromise. When I first saw him later that night, I told him I can’t even tell it was cut. He was really excited about that comment.

As I dropped him off for orientation day this week, I couldn’t help but notice most of the middle schoolers were sporting the same weird look – long and wild in the front with peace and order in the back. Many of the boys also shared the same odd flick of their heads and constant pull down of their bangs.

For Beckett, school will likely be a tough transition. He has been staying up later at night and sleeping in later than ever. This was an interesting summer for him. He was too old to do most of the camps he has done for years but too young to work. We told him all summer enjoy the relaxation because next summer you will be working somewhere. He seemed to take our advice well and thoroughly embraced a restful summer. There were times – such as when I would come home for lunch break and he was just having breakfast -- when I was convinced he was resting far too much. He became an expert this summer at learning how to chill. It’s a good thing but it’s time to add some learning and balance to his life.

As far as Carson, 11, goes, sixth grade is on the horizon. He has anxiety

about school like his brother, but the reasons are different. His routine is about to be rocked. He went to summer school during the month of July. It’s a good thing because he should still have the needed familiarity kids on the spectrum require even with an entire month off.

We always go through an adjustment month or two with Carson and school. I’m hopeful that will not be the case this year, but it’s expected. Until he is comfortable with his new teachers, surroundings and routine, there can be some trying days for him as he seeks a comfort level with his new normal. His tendency to be more flexible now than in the past should serve him well.

At a back to school event this week, Carson clearly demonstrated his mixed emotions. Unlike last year with a new school, there will be some familiar faces for him this year. This will help tremendously with his transition challenges. Yet, his shyness and social awkwardness were evident amid the crowds.

Unlike his big brother, Carson’s sleep schedule has never changed.

He’s comfortable going to bed early and waking up early. He’s always the first in bed at night and he and I vie for first risers each morning. Getting to school by 7:40 a.m. will be easy for him because he wakes up around 6 each day.

For Carson, mornings are the easiest time of the day. For Beckett, the a.m. hours are dreaded. For Pam and me, we are somewhere in between until both kids are safely and happily in school. I look forward to this time of day each fall.

(The writer is the publisher and editor of The Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)

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