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September 9, 2022

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Margaritaville Project Talks Continue

See Pages 4 & 6 • Rendering by Becker Morgan

Biking Rules Loosened For Events

Holiday Weekend Scenes: The beach and Boardwalk are pictured in Ocean City on Sunday of Labor

Day weekend.

Photos by Chris Parypa

See Page 16 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Berlin Skate Park Options Weighed

See Page 14 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Cutest Pet Of The Month The winner of last month’s Cutest Pet of the Month Contest was Bruno, a 4year-old Swiss mountain dog owned by Audrey and Kody Hartlaub. See page 47 for this month’s contestants.

Submitted Photo

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September 9, 2022

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Council Sustains Mayor’s Tandem Parking Veto

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The mayor’s veto of an ordinance passed in July that would allow for tandem, or stacked, parking for some major downtown redevelopment projects including the proposed Margaritaville project was sustained by the majority of the council on Tuesday after a spirited debate.

The ordinance passed in July on a 5-1 vote, with Council President Matt James opposed and Councilman Frank Knight absent, would allow redevelopment projects in the downtown and upper down-

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town areas to meet their minimum parking requirements by deploying tandem, or stacked, parking run by a comprehensive parking management system.

In simplest terms, if a redevelopment project for a hotel complex or a commercial use in the downtown area could not meet its minimum parking space requirements on-site, tandem parking, or spaces in which vehicles are stacked one behind the other, could be utilized as long as a comprehensive parking management plan, or valet service, for example, was in place. In other words, if a project required 100 parking spaces according to the code, 20% of them could be tandem, or stacked

spaces, to meet the minimum requirement.

Ostensibly, the code amendment, if approved, would apply to any significant redevelopment project that can’t meet the parking requirements on-site, but the proposed amendment is somewhat specific to major projects already in the planning pipeline, including the Margaritaville project.

In August, Mayor Rick Meehan formally vetoed the council majority’s passage of the ordinance through a letter to James and City Clerk Diana Chavis. Meehan said in the letter he could not in good conscience support the ordinance as approved for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was the deletion of certain language in it that removed planning commission review of requested tandem or stacked parking plans for new development projects.

The council could override the mayor’s veto of the tandem parking ordinance, but it would take a majority of six votes to override the veto. With a 5-1 vote on the original ordinance, it remained a possibility the votes would be there to get the six needed to override the veto.

However, after a lengthy debate on Tuesday, the majority of the council reversed their decision on the original ordinance and voted to sustain the mayor’s veto, essentially killing the ordinance as proposed. Five councilmembers voted on Tuesday to sustain the mayor’s veto, while two were in favor of overriding the ordinance veto. City Solicitor Heather Stans-

September 9, 2022

bury explained at the outset the council had 60 days to renew the debate about the veto and explained it would take six yea votes to override it.

“The ordinance as written is not project-specific,” she said. “If six of you don’t vote to override the mayor’s veto, the veto will be sustained.”

Although no amended plans have yet been presented for the Margaritaville project, it appears the developers may have found an alternative to tandem parking in order to meet the parking requirements for the project. Council Secretary Tony DeLuca alluded to as much on Tuesday.

“The way this reads is adding tandem or stacked parking,” he said. “I’ve heard there is no further need for tandem or stacked parking.”

Again, Stansbury reiterated the ordinance was not specific to Margaritaville, but that project was certainly the genesis of it.

“The purpose of this was not to grant the Margaritaville project tandem parking,” she said. “It was written to include the entire area where the project may or may not happen.”

Councilman John Gehrig questioned the process and asked if the council was required to take any action on the mayor’s veto on Tuesday.

“This requires action within 60 days,” he said. “We’re at around day 30. If they don’t need it anymore, we don’t have to take action.”

SEE PAGE 76

September 9, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Baltimore Avenue Abandonment Process Advances

Page 6

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Two more steps were taken this week in the eventual abandonment and conveyance of an unused portion of Baltimore Avenue to existing private property owners, including a needed piece for the proposed Margaritaville project.

In recent years, a major renovation of the Baltimore Avenue streetscape has been in the works including undergrounding utilities, widening sidewalks and improving the overall aesthetics along the

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

prominent corridor in the resort. The section currently slated for redevelopment runs from 15th Street to North Division Street and will be done in phases. Last week, resort officials were taken aback when they learned the estimated cost of the project and its timeline for completion had doubled in both cases.

In the meantime, the town is in the process of abandoning and conveying an unused portion of Baltimore Avenue to the private-sector property owners along that section of the corridor. Baltimore Avenue is somewhat unique in a variety of ways. For example, the original

deeds show the right-of-way as 75 feet wide, but the current roadway only utilizes about 45 feet from curb to curb. A review of the ancient deeds for Baltimore Avenue reveals a no man’s land of about 21 feet in some areas that could ultimately be deeded back to the property owners along the corridor or used to widen the roadway and its sidewalks.

Over the decades, however, private property has steadily encroached on the original right-of-way platted over a century ago. For example, in some cases, private businesses along the corridor have signs in the old right-of-way, while

September 9, 2022

others have parking areas. In some cases, the long-forgotten right-of-way is just covered with grass or landscaping and isn’t necessarily utilized by the private sector.

The Mayor and Council had before them on Tuesday two separate action items related to the abandonment and conveyance of the unused portion of the right-of-way to the private property owners. The first was a broad discussion explaining the process by which the rightof-way would be abandoned. City Manager Terry McGean said most of the propSEE PAGE 79

Fri-Sun Mon-Thurs

September 9, 2022

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Page 7

Rift Appears To Grow Between Planners, Council

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The upcoming joint meeting between the Mayor and Council and the Ocean City Planning Commission apparently can’t come soon enough as the rift between the two bodies on certain issues appears to be widening.

For the last several months, the planning commission has been reviewing and holding requisite public hearings on maybe a dozen proposed code amendments.

After the proper protocols are followed, the planning commission typically sends a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and Council for further discussion and a vote one way or the other. It’s been a standard practice for years.

How the process works is, the planning commission gets a recommendation from the staff on a proposed code change need-

ed to address a specific issue. After vetting the issue, the planning commission, as the hearing body for the Mayor and Council, holds the requisite public hearing. After the public hearing, the findings of fact and transcripts are forwarded to the Mayor and Council along with a recommendation.

It's important to note the elected officials are not beholden to follow the recommendation of the planning commission and make up their own minds on a specific issue or code change. More often than not, the council tends to follow the recommendation of the commission, but lately there have been more than a few occasions when the Mayor and Council went the other way.

For example, last week the Mayor and Council had before them recommendations from the planning commission for two proposed code amendments. One

would modify pyramidal zoning, or zoning in which different mixed uses would be allowed in certain zoning districts. The second would address garage parking for multi-family residential areas.

However, before the staff could present the two proposed code amendments, the council voted to simply remove them from that meeting’s agenda and did not have any discussion on them, effectively killing the two proposed code amendments with no public discussion.

During a gap between scheduled items on their agenda on Wednesday, some on the planning commission informally discussed last week’s non-action from the Mayor and Council on their recommendations on proposed code amendments.

Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis brought up the issue.

“Isn’t it our realm of responsibility to provide recommendations?” he said. “We

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follow the proper protocols to send a recommendation to the Mayor and Council on these proposed code amendments.”

Planning Commission Chair Pam Buckley said the commission’s recommendations come after careful vetting and public hearings.

“We’ve been sending things up for years, not that it matters,” she said. “Planning and Zoning has had the capability and the responsibility to ask for and present a public hearing for zoning and ordinance changes.”

Gillis said the commission carefully follows protocol and recommendations are not made in a vacuum. He said it was time for a joint session between the two bodies.

For the record, a joint session between the Mayor and Council and the planning commission has been set for Sept. 27.

“My question from a planning and zoning member is, we’ve been asking for a joint session with the Mayor and Council for years,” he said. “We follow the process legally, we hold the public hearings, we do all of these other things according to protocol.”

Gillis said a lot of time and expense goes into reviewing proposed code changes, holding public hearings and making recommendations.

“My question is with all of the taxpayer expense and all of the staff time, we have tens of thousands of dollars in expense and time into these things,” he said. “We’re doing all of this in full view of the community.”

Gillis referenced a full list of potential code changes the commission has been working on for months.

“They’ve had the full list since earlier this year,” he said. “It’s not like we’ve been secretive. We’ve been asked to be conscious of taxpayer dollars. We’ve brought a dozen items. Is it a hell yeah, or a maybe, or a hell no? It seems a little disingenuous to me.”

Buckley questioned the council’s decision to simply strike the two proposed code amendments from the agenda last week without some discussion in the public forum.

“My issue with it is the public has a right to hear the discussion on what we’ve done,” she said. “What disturbed me is that there was no effort to inform the public.

The public does not always get to a zoning meeting or access our minutes because it’s not publicized as much in the papers and different things. When they make a vote or say something, it gets a little more press time.”

Buckley said simply striking the two items from the agenda last week was illadvised.

“I feel like we have a job here, and they appointed us, to check the public health, safety and welfare,” she said. “The public still needs to hear the discussion at the council level. I think they’re being shortsighted and remiss in that.”

It’s important to note the council often does carefully review proposed code amendment recommendations from the planning commission. Just this week, the council carefully vetted a proposed conditional use allowing an axe-throwing venue and the relocation of a downtown miniature golf course based on recommendations from the commission.

Teens Charged In North OC Strong-Armed Robbery

September 9, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Two suspects have been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder following an investigation into a strong-armed robbery in July during which a shot was fired at an uptown residence.

Shortly after 9 p.m. on July 26, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a residence at 144th Street for a reported possible shooting. Upon arrival, OCPD officers located the victim, who was suffering from a head injury, but not a gunshot wound as was originally reported by the 911 caller. The victim was treated at the scene by Ocean City EMS and refused further medical treatment.

During the initial investigation, the victim told officers he had invited the suspects to his residence. Once the suspects were inside the residence, one of them displayed a revolver and demanded the victim’s personal property, according to police reports.

An altercation ensued, during which one of the suspects struck the victim in the head with the revolver, according to police reports. During the struggle, a gunshot was reportedly fired inside the residence. The suspects stole some of the victim’s personal property before leaving the residence, according to po-

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Page 9

lice reports. Through the investigation, OCPD detectives were able to identify the suspects as Nasir Waters, 19, of Bishopville, and a 15-year-old juvenile from Selbyville, Del. Arrest warrants were obtained for both suspects, in addition to a search and seizure warrant.

Last Friday, the search and seizure warrant was executed at Waters’ Bishopville residence. During the search, detectives located a handgun matching the description of the weapon used during the robbery, along with various narcotics and packaging materials.

Waters was located at the residence and was taken into custody without incident. The Delaware State Police Governor’s Task Force located the juvenile

suspect at his residence in Selbyville and took him into custody without incident.

Through the coordinated efforts of the OCPD, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigations, the Criminal Enforcement Team and the STAR Team, with support from the Delaware State Police, both suspects wanted in conNASIR WATERS nection with the July 26 incident in uptown Ocean City have been arrested and charged.

Waters has been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first- and second-degree mur-

der, armed robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, various handgun charges and theft. He was seen by a District Court Commissioner and was ordered to be held without bond.

The juvenile has been waived to adult status and has been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, various handgun charges and theft. The juvenile was also seen by a District Court Commissioner and was ordered to be held without bond.

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

However, an initial surveillance video captured by the City Watch system showed five suspects walking away from the area, a couple of whom were wearing masks. A second, clearer video segment released later in the week showed the same five suspects walking away from the scene.

The victim was identified as a 28year-old male from Ocean City. The victim was transported to TidalHeath Peninsula Regional with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. No update was pro-

vided on the victim’s condition as of late this week.

As of Thursday, the investigation was active and ongoing. The preliminary investigation indicates the shooting occurred after a brief altercation. OCPD officials have said there is no threat to the public at this time.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the tip line at 410-520-5136, or email to crimetips@oceancitymd.gov. The OCPD can be reached directly at 410-723-6610.

Boardwalk Shooting Under Investigation

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort police this week continue to investigate a shooting on the south end of the Boardwalk early Monday morning.

Around 2:30 a.m. on Monday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a reported shooting in the area of North Division Street and the Boardwalk. When officers arrived, the suspect, or suspects, had left the area.

Page 10

Clogged Pipe Leads To $540K Charge

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SNOW HILL – The county will pay a $540,000 Bay Restoration Fee following failure to meet nitrogen limits at the Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The Worcester County Commissioners this week voted 5-2 to use the Ocean Pines service area’s reserve fund to pay the $540,000 Bay Restoration Fee. Commissioner Chip Bertino, who was one of the two votes in opposition, said the fee was only charged following negligence by a county employee and therefore should have been paid through the county’s general fund.

“It’s government’s responsibility to own up to the fact that a mistake was made…,” he said. “Irresponsibility of a government worker created this situation. I don’t think it’s fair that the service area pay for this.”

Public Works Director Dallas Baker approached the commissioners Tuesday seeking approval for a grant from the county’s general fund to cover the $540,000 Bay Restoration Fee, which typically the Ocean Pines treatment plant doesn’t have to pay because it usually meets its nitrogen limits.

In 2021, however, the plant’s nitrogen levels were higher than usual. According to Baker, in January 2021, staff discovered a clogged pipe at the treatment plant.

“In the process of getting that unclogged, they discovered there was a rake head, think of a potato rake head, that had gotten lodged into the pipe,” he said.

Rakes are typically used to remove debris from the clarifier arms at the top of each tank.

“We suspect that the head fell off the rake, got into the pipe and clogged it up,” Baker said. “When it occurred, we don’t know. Nobody reported it.”

To clear the clogged pipe, crews had to drain the tank. That’s how the plant’s nitrogen levels came to be impacted.

“When you refill the tank up the microbes in that tank don’t work very well in cold water,” he said. “You have to slowly rebuild that population.”

September 9, 2022

The plant didn’t start hitting the proper nitrogen levels again until March. That skewed the facility’s annual average.

“We were not able to meet the 3 milligram per liter permit values,” Baker said. “Our actual value is 4.3 for the year which then triggers Maryland Department of the Environment to charge the Bay Restoration Fee which is roughly $60 per EDU through the Ocean Pines district.”

He said he was proposing the fee be paid with a grant from the general fund rather than the Ocean Pines ratepayers because the issue was the fault of department personnel.

Commissioner Ted Elder, however, made a motion to pay the fee from the $690,000 currently in the service area’s reserve fund. He said that while Ocean Pines rate payers typically got a discount of $60 a year because of the good job that was done at the treatment plant, everybody else in the county already paid the annual Bay Restoration Fee. Bertino, who represents Ocean Pines, said the problem that prompted the fee being administered had nothing to do with natural causes.

“It had to do with the irresponsibility of a public works worker,” he said.

Bertino said if the employee had simply reported the rake head falling off, the clog and resulting circumstances could have been avoided.

“I don’t think it’s fair at all for the service area to pay for this because it was a government screw up,” he said.

He added that when citizens had leaks that resulted in water loss they weren’t aware of, they had to pay for it.

Similarly, he said it was government’s obligation to pay in this case.

“Government employees screwed up …,” he said. “As a result a multimillion dollar facility was put in harm’s way.”

Elder reiterated that the rest of the county was already paying the Bay Restoration Fee. He said he didn’t think the rest of the county should be paying for the discount Ocean Pines residents were accustomed to.

The commissioners voted 5-2, with Bertino and Commissioner Jim Bunting opposed, to approve paying the fee through the service area’s reserve fund.

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Worcester Planners OK Composting Code Change

September 9, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – A text amendment that would allow composting facilities in Worcester County received a positive recommendation from planning officials.

The Worcester County Planning Commission last week voted unanimously to forward a text amendment that would allow a food waste composting facility as a special exception use in certain districts on to the Worcester County Commissioners with a favorable recommendation. The change is being pursued by Garvey Heiderman, owner of the Hobbit Restaurant and Ocean Compost LLC. “There’s no zoning regulations for compost facilities in the county,” he said.

Heiderman told the commission he’d been composing in Bishopville for the past two years through a transient use permit. To continue composting on a more permanent basis, he said he’d worked with county staff to draft a text amendment that would allow it by special exception. As proposed, the amendment would allow it as a special exception use in the A-1 and A-2 agricultural districts as well as in the I-1 and I-2 industrial districts.

“The intent was to make it very straightforward,” he said, adding that he wanted it to be as simple as possible.

Heiderman said that since he’d been composting in Bishopville, he’d received no complaints and had even invited representatives from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) out to review the operation.

“They’re very encouraged by what we’re doing,” he said.

He said the goal of Ocean Compost was to save the resort money by reducing its tipping fees, as less is going into the waste stream if it’s being composted.

“We’re scratching the surface of what we can do but every little bit helps,” he said.

Jennifer Keener, head of the department of development review and permitting, said a lot of the language in the text amendment staff had worked on with Heiderman was based on MDE standards.

“We did tailor it a bit to Worcester County,” she said, adding that they’d consulted the roads and public works departments.

Commission member Mary Knight thanked Heiderman for the years of effort he’d put into expanding composting locally.

“It’s been very successful in Ocean City,” she said.

Noting the text amendment had received a letter of support from Assateague Coastal Trust, the commission voted 6-0 to forward it to the commissioners with a favorable recommendation.

September 9, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

Berlin Parks Commission, Nonprofit Discuss Skate Park

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Dozens of people attended a Berlin Parks Commission meeting this week to show support for a skate park in Berlin.

Representatives of We Heart Berlin, the nonprofit pushing for a skate park, and local skating enthusiasts met with the Berlin Parks Commission Tuesday to share their vision for a skateboarding facility in Berlin. The nonprofit is currently interviewing potential design firms.

“We’re taking baby steps,” said Tony Weeg, founder of We Heart Berlin.

Last month, elected officials asked the parks commission to put together some steps that would help the skate park long advocated for by We Heart Berlin become a reality. Weeg and other supporters attended this week’s commission meeting, held at Henry Park, to review what the nonprofit has accomplished so far and to discuss potential locations. While Weeg proposed Henry Park as a potential location some time ago, he said this week that We Heart Berlin was going to work with whatever design firm it selected to review various locations throughout town.

James Parrigin, a Salisbury resident who helped with development of the skate park there, said he was impressed with all of the dialogue surrounding the project in Berlin. He recommended the

town stay flexible and recounted how Salisbury had to find a new location for its park after the initial space was ruled out because of a conservation project. He said that as We Heart Berlin proposed, Salisbury had built its park in stages.

“It’s kind of daunting when you think about total cost, but it didn’t happen all at once,” he said.

When asked about what the park in Salisbury cost as far as upkeep, Parrigin said it wasn’t a line item in the city’s budget. He noted that in the winter, kids were often out there shoveling snow and that the small amount of patching that had been done had been done by those who used the park. As far as video surveillance, he said that while the city had initially wanted that, it was not part of the park because of a lack of internet connectivity in the area. Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols, one of roughly 30 people in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting, said her concern was the neighbors of whatever site was selected.

“Truly make sure you’re doing your due diligence when you’re selecting the spots,” she said, adding that neighbors would be the most impacted. “Take their thoughts into consideration.”

Commission member Laura Stearns said she and her peers supported the idea of a skate park but that deciding on a location would be the issue, particularly since one potential location—Heron Park—could be sold by the town.

Commission member Bruce Hyder said he’d chatted with kids at Henry Park recently. When he asked what they thought might be a good addition to the property, they suggested a practice football field.

Weeg stressed that a variety of spaces would be considered, including town parks as well as, for example, the town’s vacant lot on Flower Street.

“I think the best thing for us to do is engage with the right company that’ll help us,” he said.

We Heart Berlin’s Tom Simon said there were plenty of skate park designs that incorporated other elements that could be used by the community.

“Any design could include other things,” Weeg said.

We Heart Berlin’s Adrian Bowen said that at Henry Park, the large grassy space could theoretically fit a skate park and a small practice field.

“The usage of it would probably be endless,” he said, adding that he considered anything that kept kids busy and out of trouble a benefit to the town.

Councilman Jay Knerr asked if We Heart Berlin was talking about a skate park or a pump track. Weeg said he was envisioning both, as the first phase of the park would be a pump track, which can be used by skateboards, bikes or scooters, while later stages would include elements of street skating. He said a pump track was typically the first step for skate-

September 9, 2022

boarders, as it helped them learn the sport.

“It’s a wheeled toy park is really what it is,” Weeg said.

Simon agreed.

“It’s like an action sports park,” he said, adding that currently, We Heart Berlin envisioned stormwater management and a pump track as the first phase of a Berlin skate park.

Weeg said that nothing had been finalized yet and that if input from the community showed that people didn’t want a pump track, that could be eliminated from the park design.

“That’ll all be determined in a design session,” he said.

Councilman Jack Orris said he felt stormwater management should play a key part in location selection, as the town already experienced flooding. He also reiterated Nichols’ suggestion that neighbors be well involved in the process.

Weeg said that for now, We Heart Berlin would continue interviewing design firms to determine which one would be a good fit for Berlin. He expects it will cost the nonprofit $10,000 for a design that can be submitted to a construction company so that the park can actually be built. He said We Heart Berlin would be pursuing grants and doing fundraising to bring the project to fruition.

“We don’t expect a single dime from the Town of Berlin,” he said.

2022 Worcester County Fair Schedule of Events Wednesday Sept 14 4:00-8:00pm – Enter Indoor Exhibits

Thursday, Sept 15 9:00am – Noon – Judging of Indoor Events 5:00-8:00pm – Vendor Check In 5:00-8:00pm – Poultry, Rabbits, Livestock Check In Friday, Sept 16 8:00 – 10:00am – Vendor Check In 11:00am – Fair Opens 1:00-4:00pm – Children’s Crafts 2:00pm – Zumba – Playground Pavilion 3:00-8:00pm – Livestock Check In 5:00-7:30pm – Band – The Folk Villians 6:00pm – 4H Cupcake Smackdown 7:00pm – Benefit Cake Auction 8:00pm – Fair Closes Saturday, Sept 17 8:00am – Fair Opens 9:00am -Rabbit Show 10:00am – Dairy Cow Show 10:00am – 2:00pm – FFA Fishing Tournament 10:00am – 2:00pm – Classic Car and Truck Show 11:00am – Kids Games Start 11:00am – Poultry Show 11:00am – Children’s Limbo Contest 11:00am – Beef Show 11:30am – Tug-of-War – Children vs Parents

Noon-5:00pm – Pine Needle Basket Demo 12:30pm – Children’s Watermelon Eating 1:00pm – 4H Fashion Show 1:00 – 4:00pm – Children’s Crafts 1:30pm – Children’s Pedal Tractors 2:00pm – Children’s Pie Eating Contest 2:30pm – Dairy Goat Show 2:30pm – Children’s Egg Toss 3:00pm – 4H Farm Chore Olympics 3:00pm – Children’s Hula Hoop Contest 3:00pm – Meat Goat Show 4:00pm – Sheep Show 4:00pm – Children’s Sack Race 4:00-8:00pm – Band – The Homeskool Dropouts 4:30pm – Children’s Bubble Fun 5:30pm – Swine Show 8:00pm – Fair Closes

Sunday, Sept 18 10:00am – Fair Opens”10:30am – Church Service 10:30am – Church Service Noon-4:00pm – Culture Table & Pine Needle Basket Demo 1:00 – 4:00pm – Children’s Crafts 2:00pm – Zumba – Playground Pavilion 2:00pm – 4H Demonstration Contest 3:00pm – Adult and Youth Talent Show 4:00pm – Band – The Folk Villians 5:00pm – Awards Ceremony 5:30pm – Fair Closes

Important Information

Fair Entertainment and Schedule are subject to change. • All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 18. • Well behaved and socialized dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash of 6’ or less. • Please use the dog park to curb and clean up after your pet. • 4H Concession Stand cannot accept credit cards. • Lost and Found is located at the Concession Stand.

September 9, 2022

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Council Eases Boardwalk Bike Rules For Concert, Sunfest

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Bicycles will be allowed on the Boardwalk throughout the entirety of the upcoming Ocean’s Calling concert series and during a later Sunfest this year after resort officials approved the changes this week.

The inaugural Oceans Calling threeday music festival featuring several top performers is set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Because of the large music festival, which is expected to draw 40,000 to the resort over the three days, along with logistical issues with other major September special events, Sunfest, which typically holds that slot, has been moved this year to late October in conjunction with the town’s Halloween festivities.

This week, the Mayor and Council had before them a resolution setting the rules for allowing bicycles on the Boardwalk during the major special events. In a typical year, the summer rules requiring bicycles to be off the Boardwalk by noon would still be in place. However, because of the changing dynamics of the special events, and because the Boardwalk trams will not be running, there was consideration for loosening the rules during the upcoming events. City Manager Terry McGean outlined some of the salient issues in the proposed resolution.

“First, the discussion was whether or not to allow trams on the Boardwalk dur-

ing Oceans Calling and the decision was made not to allow trams during the event,” he said. “Muddled into that discussion was whether or not to allow bicycles on the Boardwalk during Oceans Calling. The thinking was we should treat Oceans Calling like Sunfest and not allow bicycles.”

McGean said conversations at the staff level led to a change of heart on the Boardwalk bicycle issue.

“We at the staff level had a number of discussions,” he said. “We feel given the amount of traffic and the number of people coming to Ocean City for Oceans Calling, any means of transportation we can allow people to use, we probably ought to do that.”

McGean said Oceans Calling attendees would probably trickle in during the day when the concerts were building toward the bigger acts later, but there would likely be a mass exodus when the event ended each day.

“The influx to the event is probably going to be staggered over time and it would be okay for people to ride their bicycles to the event,” he said. “The concern is when the event is over and the last act ends, you’re going to have 40,000 people leaving all at once and do we want to throw bicycles into that mix?”

McGean said the sheer volume of people leaving the Boardwalk and the downtown area all at once would likely prevent those on bicycles from weaving

September 9, 2022

recklessly through the crowds.

“When that happens, nobody is going to get on their 10-speed and go 20 miles an hour down the Boardwalk because there is going to be a ton of people down there,” he said. “They’re going to be walking their bikes down the Boardwalk until the crowd thins out to the point they can get on and ride to their destination.”

McGean said any concerns about bicycles mingling with pedestrian traffic following the concerts were likely unfounded.

“Given the trams aren’t going to be running, this is a problem that’s just going to take care of itself,” he said. “We would be comfortable allowing bicycles on the Boardwalk during Oceans Calling at all times.”

The discussion then turned to a portion of the proposed resolution related to bicycles on the Boardwalk during Sunfest.

Last month, a modified Sunfest format was presented, including a broader variety of special events incorporating some bicycle-related activities, particularly on the Friday of the event. McGean said the resolution considered allowing bicycles on the Boardwalk during Friday of Sunfest, at all times.

“When the new concept for Sunfest was presented, one of the things discussed was adding a lot of bicycle-centric things and combining some of the things during Halloween festivities in-

cluding the Mayor’s Bike Ride, and bicycle judging and other things like that,” he said. “What we didn’t want to do was encourage all of these bicycle-friendly events and then tell people they can’t have their bikes on the Boardwalk after noon.

We don’t feel the bikes mixing with the trams on that Friday would be an issue.”

Councilman Mark Paddack said he was encouraged with the proposed changes in the resolution.

“I am so glad you explained all of this,” he said. “I want people riding bikes to Oceans Calling. They’re going to walk them until they can get out in some space and there is room to ride.”

Councilman John Gehrig questioned why just the Friday of Sunfest was considered for bicycles on the Boardwalk.

“Friday is when the bike events are happening,” McGean explained. “Typically, bikes are prohibited during Springfest and Sunfest after noon because we run the trams during those events. If you choose to do so and you want to allow it during all of Sunfest, you can do that.”

Council President Matt James pointed out because Sunfest is about a month later this year in October, it might be appropriate to allow bicycles on the Boardwalk throughout the four-day event.

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca amended his original motion to allow bicycles on the Boardwalk throughout the fourday event. That motion passed with a 70 vote.

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Serious Assault In Domestic Dispute

September 9, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was arrested for first-degree assault this week after allegedly trying to drown a female in a bathtub.

Around 3 a.m. on Monday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a reported domestic assault at a motel on 30th Street. Officers arrived on the scene and knocked on the door of the unit in question with no success, according to police reports. The officers could reportedly hear a female sobbing inside the room and entered to locate the victim, according to police reports.

The victim told officers she had been choked by Angelo Sheffey, 21, of Pittsburgh, Pa., who had left the scene prior to the officers’ arrival. OCPD officers interviewed the victim, who clearly sounded out of breath and indicated she was having a hard time breathing, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police she had been at a resort bar with Sheffey and they had gotten into an argument over a comment someone else had made to her.

The victim told officers the couple left the bar, returned to their room and stopped by another room on a different floor to pick up their two-month-old infant, according to police reports.

Once inside their room, the argument continued. The victim told officers Sheffey took her into the bathroom and began running water in the bathtub, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told officers Sheffey then grabbed her by the back of her head and held her under the water.

The victim reportedly told police she did not fight back and allowed the near drowning to continue. When asked why she did not attempt to fight back, the victim told officers she just wanted Sheffey to kill her at that point, according to police reports. The victim told officers Sheffey stopped holding her head under the water when they heard the infant crying.

The argument reportedly escalated again and Sheffey locked the victim on the room’s balcony. The victim told officers she believed her only means of escape was to scale the railing and jump or lower herself to a balcony below, according to police reports. While the victim was halfway over the railing, Sheffey observed the escape attempt and came out, according to police reports.

Sheffey then came out to the balcony and began pulling her over the rail and into the room, according to police reports.

Once inside, the victim darted toward the door to run to another family member’s room on a different floor. Sheffey caught up to her in a stairway and began choking her again to the point she could not breath, according to police reports.

Sheffey only released his grip when he heard a family member from a different room coming out, according to police reports. There was reportedly a struggle between Sheffey and numerous family members to gain control of the infant.

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Small Town Throwdown Brings Music, Food, Art To Berlin Main Street

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Small Town Throwdown will bring Nashville to Berlin this Saturday.

The town will welcome Red Dirt Revolution and the Lauren Calve Band on Saturday, Sept. 10, for this year’s Small Town Throwdown. The country music event, sponsored by the Atlantic Hotel, is meant to kick off the fall season in Berlin.

“The purpose is to draw attention to the positive happenings in Berlin in the fall,” said Laura Stearns, general manager at the Atlantic Hotel. “People see how nice the town is and they return and go to the shops and restaurants.”

Small Town Throwdown is set for 1-6 p.m. on Saturday. The event, which is free, is for all ages and takes place right on Main Street in Berlin. Performers will include Red Dirt Revolution, described on its Facebook page as a “high energy country act with a driving dual guitar sound and pinpoint harmony vocals,” as well as the Lauren Calve Band. The bands will perform on a large stage that will be set up on Main Street in front of the hotel, facing down Broad Street. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

“This year we’ve got bigger name bands coming,” Stearns said.

“They’ll be a big draw. With these bands we’re bringing something special to the Eastern Shore.”

Small Town Throwdown, which was held for the first time in 2017, is typically a well-attended event in Berlin. Though inclement weather and then COVID-19 impacted the event in recent years, organizers are hopeful this year’s festivities will be enjoyed by a large crowd.

“We’re expecting a good turnout, but it is always dependent on weather,” Stearns said. “It looks good though.”

Saturday’s event runs from 1-6 p.m. and features an outdoor bar in front of the Atlantic Hotel as well as service from the Burley Oak beer truck. The Berlin Chamber of Commerce, for which the Burley Oak sales are a fundraiser, has arranged for a variety of food and art vendors to be in attendance as well. Sterling Tavern will have its parking lot closed and will be serving food as well as hosting live music from 3-6 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to park at Berlin Intermediate School, as a shuttle courtesy of Ocean Downs Casino will transport them to Main Street.

September 9, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 21

Page 22

Theft, Embezzlement OCEAN CITY – A foreign seasonal worker was arrested last week after a paper trail revealed he was reopening restaurant checks paid for in cash and issuing comps and pocketing the money to the tune of nearly $3,400.

On Aug. 29, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers began investigating a theft investigation at a midtown restaurant. OCPD officers met with the restaurant’s managers, who reported an employee, a J-1 student worker from Romania, later identified as Marius Chira, 23, of Ocean City, had been allegedly stealing money from the restaurant. The managers explained it was Chira’s second season working at the restaurant.

The managers reportedly explained Chira’s last day of work was scheduled for last Thursday and Chira was returning to Romania within the week. A manager advised officers he recently received a call from a customer who reported the amount she was charged at the restaurant did not match the amount on her receipt. Chira had been the customer’s server and the manager began reviewing her sales receipts.

The manager advised officers beginning in July, there was an excessive number of complimentary meals, or comps, provided by Chira to his customers, according to police reports. The manager explained the restaurant seldom issues a comp for a customer’s meal and rarely issues a comp for an entire check.

The manager reportedly explained a manager’s approval is needed to comp any portion of a customer’s check, much less an entire check. A review of Chira’s

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

COPS & COURTS receipts showed checks that had been opened by Chira and later comped using a different manager’s four-digit code. A check with the other manager revealed she had not authorized any of the comps on Chira’s receipts.

According to police reports, a check of Chira’s receipts revealed several checks that had been paid for with cash had been later re-opened by Chira and comped using the other manager’s four-digit code, essentially allowing Chira to pocket the cash. All in all, the comped cash checks totaled nearly $3,400.

On August 30, OCPD officers interviewed Chira at the restaurant. Chira admitted he had seen the other manager’s four-digit code and remembered it. Chira admitted using the code to reopen checks that had been paid in cash and keeping the money.

Chira told police he was leaving Ocean City last Friday and would return to his native Romania within a week. Chira was arrested and charged with multiple counts of theft and embezzlement.

she had been in an argument with a friend, identified as She Gresham, 21, of Monessen, Pa., about a mutual friend who had recently passed away, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police Gresham accused her of not caring about their friend and the two began fighting. The victim told police Gresham pinned her against a bathroom door and began choking her with her right hand while holding her against the door with her left hand.

The victim told police Gresham was choking her hard, but that she never lost consciousness, although she did fear for her safety, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly showed signs of injury consistent with her account of the incident, according to police reports. Gresham reportedly told police she did not assault the victim, nor did she choke her.

Based on the physical evidence and victim testimony, Gresham was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault.

First-Degree Assault Charge

Blind Man’s Bluff

OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania woman was arrested for first-degree assault last weekend after allegedly choking her friend during an argument.

Around 8:30 p.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a downtown hotel for a reported domestic incident. Officers arrived and met with a female victim who advised

OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was arrested last week for allegedly assaulting his wife and then attempting to use his reported disability to explain away the incidents.

Around 1:15 a.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a motel at 24th Street for a reported domestic assault. The caller advised her husband, Christopher Barnes,

September 9, 2022 55, of Carbondale, Pa., had assaulted her and left bruises on her arms, according to police reports. Ocean City Communications advised they could still hear the couple arguing over the phone.

Upon arrival, OCPD officers met with the victim, who reported Barnes was legally blind and they had been arguing because he wanted to go back home to Pennsylvania, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told police Barnes struck her in the arm with a closed fist and kicked her in the lower back and upper buttocks area.

The victim reported there had been a second argument when she woke up and Barnes was breaking the headboard in the unit. OCPD officers interviewed Barnes, who advised he was legally blind and when he stood up, he lost his balance and grabbed the headboard, which then broke. Barnes told police the couple had argued about that incident, but denied there was any physical altercation, according to police reports.

Barnes was arrested at that point for second-degree assault. During a search incident to the arrest, an OCPD officer took money from Barnes’ pocket and set it next to him, and he could clearly see it when he picked it up. While officers were leading Barnes to a transport vehicle, they told Barnes another officer was holding the door for them and Barnes said he could see the officer, which led OCPD officers to believe while Barnes might be legally blind, he could clearly see to some degree and that the incidents described by the victim were not accidental based on the multiple injuries on multiple locations on the victim, according to police reSEE NEXT PAGE

September 9, 2022

... COPS & COURTS ports.

Another OCPD officer completed a lethality screening with the victim and advised she was clearly scared and distraught.

The victim told police she was scared for her life and if she had to pick Barnes up at the police station that he would kill her.

The victim reportedly told police Barnes had assaulted her in the past, but has always used his disability to get out of trouble and has police just take him somewhere else for the night, according to police reports.

Naked Fire Extinguisher Theft OCEAN CITY – A Selbyville man was arrested last week after allegedly breaking into and taking a fire extinguisher at an uptown condo before later exposing himself to resort police officers.

Around 3 a.m. last Thursday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a condominium building at 145th Street after Ocean City Communications received a call about a suspicious male. Communication advised the caller reported a male suspect, later identified as John Beauclair, 54, of Selbyville walking around on the fifth floor in just a towel.

The caller advised Beauclair had broken the housing to a fire extinguisher and was walking around with the fire extinguisher in just a towel. The caller then advised Beauclair was walking on the street toward Coastal Highway, but no longer had the fire extinguisher, according to po-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch lice reports.

Upon arrival, OCPD officers met with Beauclair’s wife, who reported her husband was running around the parking lot naked, according to police reports. OCPD officers observed Beauclair walking near a line of trees in the parking lot, and when he tried to crawl under the trees, the towel he had been wearing reportedly fell off.

Beauclair was reportedly trying to put the towel back around his waist when it fell off and he reportedly exposed himself to the officers. At that point, he was arrested for indecent exposure. OCPD officers went to the fifth floor to examine the damage.They found the housing to the fire extinguisher was broken and the fire extinguisher was missing. OCPD officers later located the missing fire extinguisher in a stairwell in the condo building at the fifth floor. Beauclair was also charged with malicious destruction of property and theft of the fire extinguisher.

Perrin, 43, of Baltimore, once he woke up sober, according to police reports.

About two hours later, the victim again called Communications and reported she may be interested in speaking with officers. OCPD officers attempted to call the victim four times and got no response, according to police reports. About an hour later at 4:20 a.m., the victim again called 911 and reported she wanted to speak with officers. She said she was scared because Perrin had taken the car keys in an attempt to prevent she and her children from leaving, according to police reports.

OCPD officers finally spoke with the victim at a residence at 72nd Street. The victim told police around 9 p.m. on Aug. 31, she and Perrin were driving with their children and that the couple was arguing. Perrin reportedly told one of the children to “shut up or he was going to punch her in

Page 23 the [expletive deleted] face.” When the victim told Perrin he should not talk like that to one of their children, Perrin reportedly punched the victim in the chest as hard as he could with a closed fist, according to police reports.

When the family got back to their unit, the argument continued and Perrin put his hands around the victim’s neck and lifted her in the air, according to police reports.

The victim said she did not lose conscious ness but was scared for her life and thought she was going to die, according to police reports.

OCPD officers interviewed Perrin, who reportedly admitted there had been physical altercations, but denied punching the victim with a closed fist and denied choking her. Based on the evidence, Perrin was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault.

Here We Go!

First-Degree Assault Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore man was arrested on first-degree assault charges last week after allegedly strangling his wife during a domestic incident.

Around 1:35 a.m. last Thursday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers at the Public Safety Building received a 911 call about a domestic assault that had allegedly occurred. The female victim had not provided any personal information, where the assault occurred or even if an assault had occurred, according to police reports.

The victim had reportedly told Ocean City Communications that she and her children were not in any danger from her husband, later identified as Christopher

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September 9, 2022

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Brendan Birch is pictured with his new puppy and the array of trophies he won at an international trapshooting competition in Illinois.

Submitted Image

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – What started as a new hobby is now a source of major recognition for a Snow Hill teenager.

Brendan Birch, a senior at Snow Hill High School, displayed a 95% accuracy rate and took home numerous awards from an international trapshooting competition in Illinois last month. His newfound success has him hoping to spread awareness of the sport with other area youth.

“It’s fun,” he said. “A lot of people get turned off when they hear shotgun but it’s an awesome sport and there’s a lot of nice people involved.”

A few years ago, Birch, who is now 17, spent much of his free time swimming competitively. When the COVID-19 pandemic prompted cancellations and closures, he decided he needed a new hobby.

When he and his father, both shooting enthusiasts, found a shotgun club in the area, they decided to start shooting skeet.

“We’d go out on weekends to have something to do,” Birch said. “And then that Christmas, my dad got me a skeet gun.”

It wasn’t long before Birch was shooting skeet and trap. While trap shooting features clay targets that move away from the shooter, in skeet shooting the goal is to hit two clay targets crossing each other.

With encouragement from local gun club members, Birch moved into competitive shooting late last year. Since then, he’s had shooting competitions in North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware. The biggest competition, however, came this summer as he went to Sparta, Ill., for the AIM Grand, Preliminary Grand American and Grand American World Trapshooting Championships.

“It’s basically the Super Bowl of trapshooting,” Birch said.

Billy Birch, Brendan’s father, said that in 27 events over the course of 15 days, the teenager hit 2,853 of 3,000 targets— a 95% accuracy rate.

“What made this remarkable was this

was Brendan’s first full year of competing,” his father said. “He also made it to the 27yard line which is the furthest back you can be placed in the handicap events.”

Birch, who won numerous championships and recognitions during the two-week event, is hoping to do even better next year.

While he’ll need to practice, he said it didn’t feel like work because he enjoyed the sport and particularly liked the people he met while doing it. He said that while swimming and shooting were both technically individual sports, he felt a camaraderie with trapshooting that he hadn’t found swimming.

“There’s a lot of very nice people that do it,” he said. “You can learn a lot. They all want to give you advice and help you.”

He acknowledged that most people who like shooting trap and shooting skeet were older. Birch is hoping that he might be able to interest more youth in the sport in the coming years.

“It’s fun,” he said. “I want to get more people involved.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Officials OK $3.4M Pump Station Bid

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 9, 2022

Montego Bay Project Exceeds Budget

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Evidence of an ongoing trend with major resort infrastructure projects coming in with price tags well over what was budgeted, resort officials last week approved a pump station replacement in Montego Bay that came in over $1.1 million what was anticipated.

In July, the Mayor and Council opened bids for the Montego Bay wastewater pump station, the lowest of which was still considerably higher than what was budgeted. The Montego Bay wastewater pump station serves a large swath of the north-end residential community and is in dire need of replacement.

When the bids were opened in July, the lowest bid of two submitted for the project was $3.4 million, for a project budgeted at $2.3 million. The second bid came in at over $4 million. The council at the time voted to remand the bids to staff for a review and come back with a recommendation.

Last Tuesday, Public Works Director Hal Adkins came back to the Mayor and Council with a recommendation to accept the low bid at $3.4 million, citing given the current economic climate there was no reason to expect the cost to

come down in the near future.

“We wanted to pause and take a closer look at this project before coming back to you with a recommendation,” he said. “The original budget for this project was roughly $2.3 million. The lowest responsive bid came in a $3.4 million, which is close to a 45% overage.”

Adkins said he and staff went back to the contractor for further discussion and looked for ways to maybe trim some of the cost for the project, but there was simply no wiggle room in the final bid estimate.

“We took a moment to talk to the contractor and we took a closer look at the documents,” he said. “We have no reason to believe inflation is going to come down any time soon. There is no interest on our part to shelve this project because I don’t believe there is any way to save any more money.”

Adkins explained the Montego Bay pump station replacement was critical and is one of the busiest in the town’s network of pump stations. When the bids for the Montego Bay pump station were opened in July and it was evident they were way over budget, there was some brief discussion about putting the project on hold and rebidding it at a later date.

At the time, Adkins cautioned against waiting and reiterated that point last Tuesday.

“You have all heard watershed,” he said. “We monitor sewer-shed. This pumping station serves that entire neighborhood. In addition to that, the average daily flow at the station is 2.4 million gallons per day. In my career, we have rebuilt every single pump station, and this is the last one on the list.”

Adkins pointed to key members of his staff in the audience and explained how they were able to bring the fiscal year 2022 wastewater department budget in under what was projected by a considerable amount that will be directed to cover the substantial overage in the Montego Bay pump station project.

“With their good work, and the closing of the books on fiscal year 2022, they will be returning roughly $800,000 to the wastewater fund which will support this $1.1 million overage,” he said. “With that, I would like to award this project to the contractor in the amount of $3.4 million.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca made a motion to accept Adkins’ recommendation and award the Montego Bay pump station project to the contractor who submitted the lowest bid, despite it being $1 million over budget.

“Given the critical nature that this is a must-do project and the fact you can cover almost all of the overage out of wastewater fund balance and some other residual funding, I’ll make a motion to award the base bid of $3.4 million to the low-bid contractor,” he said.

The council voted unanimously to approve the recommendation to award the project to the lowest bidder.

September 9, 2022

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September 9, 2022

Council Field Set For Oct. 4 Election Packed: Rows and rows of parked cars are pictured at the Inlet Parking Lot Sunday afternoon.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The field is set for Berlin’s municipal election following the passage of the standard filing deadline.

While write-in candidates can still enter the council race, the regular filing deadline for the town’s upcoming election was Friday, Sept. 2. The deadline passed with no new entries, leaving candidate Steve Green unopposed in District 1. In District 4, incumbent Councilman Dean Burrell faces Tony Weeg while incumbent Councilman Jay Knerr is being challenged by Adrian Bowen for the at-large seat.

Barring an unusual write-in campaign, Green will replace Councilman Troy Purnell, who has represented District 1 for the past 12 years.

“I am excited and look forward to representing District 1 and all of Berlin,” said Green, who is editor and publisher of The Dispatch. “Since I filed in April, my goal has been to take nothing for granted and demonstrate how much I want this responsibility as a council person.

It’s why I put signs up as soon as permitted by town code, continuously engaged with citizens and attended every council

Photo by Chris Parypa

meeting since April. I plan to continue diligently observing our government at work right up through the election so I can learn and be a productive, knowledgeable representative as soon as my term begins.”

The town’s board of elections supervisors is set to meet this week to review candidates, the election schedule and election training. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 4. The polling location for District 1 and District 2 is Buckingham Presbyterian Church while the polling place for District 3 and District 4 is the Berlin Police Department.

While residents are encouraged to contact town hall if they have questions about their voting district, the town does not provide information regarding candidate positions.

“Providing such information would not be possible without creating a conflict of interest or appearance of bias,” the town’s website reads. “It is up to the individual candidate to get their message out to potential voters. Many candidates have websites or Facebook pages where information can be found regarding their stance on various topics or where contact information can be found.”

Ocean City Berlin Rotary Club Seeks New Members

September 9, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A local group committed to supporting worthwhile causes throughout the world is looking for new members.

The Ocean City Berlin Rotary Club is seeking to expand its work in the community.

With a district governor hailing from the club for the first time and a new meeting location, club members are hoping to generate more interest in the organization and its work in the community.

“Being a smaller club, we take on a lot of local projects,” said Margaret Mudron, club president.

The Ocean City Berlin Rotary Club, part of the Rotary district that includes 38 clubs from Wilmington to Pocomoke City, was created nearly 70 years ago. Rotary, an international organization, is dedicated to taking on projects that create lasting change across the world.

Locally, the Ocean City Berlin Rotary Club has taken on countless causes.

They’ve raised money to purchase beach wheelchairs and shipped books to countries in need. They’ve purchased technology for schools, helped support food pantries during the pandemic and made sure a local police dog got a bulletproof vest.

While the Ocean City Berlin Rotary Club has been in existence for 68 years, this is the first time one of the club’s members has been selected as district

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

governor. The club’s Cliff Berg began his term as district governor July 1. Since then, he’s been meeting with area clubs, planning training events and organizing a district conference.

The Ocean Pines resident initially joined Rotary more than 50 years ago because his employer asked him to do it. In the decades since, he’s come to love the organization as he’s watched it grow and improve.

“Rotary isn’t the stodgy old club it used to be,” he said.

In recent years, the club has become more flexible with its membership requirements in an effort to ensure the organization continues to attract people.

They want to remove barriers that might have been keeping citizens from joining.

“We’re trying to be more welcoming,” Berg said. “That’s helped a lot.”

The Ocean City Berlin Rotary Club, which has just moved its meeting location to Berlin, is currently accepting new members. Berg noted that being involved in the club created networking opportunities and fellowship as well as the chance to be involved in community service.

“I like to think the younger generation is interested in community service and volunteering but on their own terms,” he said. “This gives them an opportunity to do that.”

For more information on the Ocean City Berlin Rotary Club, email ocberlinrotary@gmail.com.

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Ocean City Berlin Rotary Club member Cliff Berg, left, was recently installed as district governor by Bill Ferguson, past district governor.

Submitted Photo

Handy Details Life Experiences, Career In New Book

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

Al “Hondo” Handy is pictured with his new book, “Defying Expectations: Family, Sports & Recreation.” Copies will be available for purchase in local stores and online.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

OCEAN CITY – A longtime fixture in the resort community is embarking on a new venture with the release of his first book.

Since retiring from Ocean City Recreation and Parks in 2019, Al “Hondo” Handy has been hard at work writing and publishing his first book, “Defying Expectations: Family, Sports & Recreation. The memoir, which shares his personal and professional experiences, will be celebrated with a book launch scheduled for Sept. 24.

“I think this book shows you the value of family and what it means to you,” he said. “Also, once you’ve set your goals, don’t let people deter you from reaching those goals.”

Handy, a Bishopville native, returned to the Eastern Shore in 1980 after a brief stint with the Harford County Recreation and Parks Department to take on the role of public grounds specialist for the Town of Ocean City. And over the next three-plus decades, he would work his way up to the role of Ocean City Recreation and Parks manager.

But Handy said he did not want to stop there. He explained he had always wanted to write a book.

“To be honest, throughout my years working with the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department, I would tell my

September 9, 2022

coworkers I wanted to write a book,” he said. “I would even write down snippets of funny things to put in my book. It’s been on my bucket list for years.”

Upon his retirement in 2019, Handy set out to make his dream a reality. His first book, “Defying Expectations: Family, Sports & Recreation,” will be released this fall.

“I’ve been retired for three years, but I finally got it done,” he joked.

Handy said writing a book came with its challenges.

He noted, however, that he had learned a lot in the process.

“I wish I knew then what I know now,” he said. “I think the biggest challenge was what the format should be, and showing people rather than telling people, making them feel like they are part of the book.”

A synopsis of the book reads, “An inspiring memoir about a young black man defying the odds by becoming one of the first black kids to attend an all-white school before integration, win a basketball state championship, and continue to thrive throughout his career. This is just one example of the many obstacles Al "Hondo" Handy had to overcome to become the influential and determined man he is today.”

The synopsis continues, “This book is perfect for anyone with a dream that seems impossible. By reading Al's story, SEE PAGE 35

Salisbury To Replace National Folk Event With Legacy Festival

September 9, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – While the National Folk Festival concluded a five-year run in Salisbury last weekend, officials say they are already planning for next year’s legacy festival.

From Aug. 26-28, downtown Salisbury hosted its fifth and final National Folk Festival. Over the weekend, roughly 350 artists, including musicians, dancers, storytellers and craftspeople, took part in festivities that attracted attendees from near and far.

“This year was special because we were able to have different programs that we weren’t able to have last year because of COVID …,” said Caroline O’Hare, festival manager. “It was lovely to have those aspects of the festival, as it adds to the feel of the festival.”

The National Folk Festival – a free, outdoor event produced by the National Council of Traditional Arts (NCTA) – celebrates arts, culture and heritage through live performances, workshops, demonstrations, children’s activities and more.

In 2018, the event made its way to Salisbury for the first of a three-year residency on the Eastern Shore. And after two successful festivals, organizers were forced to postpone the 2020 season in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and move the event to 2021 with a smaller footprint and additional safety measures.

But officials did not stop there.

Last year, at the conclusion of the 2021 event, NCTA and the City of Salisbury announced plans for the National Folk Festival to continue its tenure in Salisbury for another season.

In an interview last week, O’Hare said this year’s festival featured many of the same vendors and activities – including a marketplace and family area – included in pre-pandemic events. She added the festival also highlighted the revival of arts and culture activities in downtown Salisbury.

“Not only does it have a terrific economic impact, but it has impacted civic pride and gives residents an opportunity to experience cultures that are not their own …,” she said. “I’ve noticed a lot more events and artistic programs and ventures within the city. What this festival does is plant seeds out there, that something we may not have thought was possible can actually be done.”

In a social media statement issued this week, the City of Salisbury recognized both attendees and performers for making the National Folk Festival a success.

“Whether a die-hard folk fan, a new Salisbury resident, or a family looking for fun weekend plans, your presence shaped this festival and the history of Salisbury forever,” the statement reads.

“You kept coming back for five years of NFF in Salisbury, so we kept the party going. From the bottom of our hearts,

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thank you for your endless support.”

The statement continues, “Of course, this ‘YOU’ also includes our countless artists and performers, without whom this festival would not exist. This is a celebration of you – your art, heritage, culture, and creation in all forms. Thank you for bringing your talents to our stages.”

While the National Folk Festival will relocate to another host city next year, O’Hare noted the annual event will remain in Salisbury as a legacy festival.

Next year, the event will be renamed the Maryland Folk Festival in Salisbury and will join the growing list of arts and entertainment events being held in the downtown area.

“Next year, we’re very excited to kick off the Maryland Folk Festival,” she said.

“It will be the same free, large-scale event celebrating cultures not only from Maryland but from around the country.”

O’Hare also encouraged community members to share their opinions and suggestions by completing a survey, posted on the National Folk Festival’s Facebook page.

Information will also be added to the festival’s new website, mdfolkfest.com.

“I’m hoping festival attendees can take our survey so we can continue to improve the festival,” she said.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 9, 2022

Back To School:

Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) students returned in stages last week beginning with upper school then middle school and finally lower school. Above left, sixth graders with teacher Susan Godwin are, seated, Abby Ferguson and Vivian Spraul, and standing, Ava Holland, Hannah Coyle, Kylee Hutton, Lily Barker and Ella Conev. Above right are freshmen Caitlin Shimko, Sydney Mize, Ayla Yonker and Anisha Batra. Below, from left, are kindergartners Parker Moreland and Romie Creveoeur; junior Dylan McGovern is welcomed by senior JR Hamer; and first grader Jacque Hillion is greeted by Head of Lower School Dr. Sara Timmons and Head of School Dr. John McDonald.

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FROM PAGE 32 you will feel inspired to chase your goals no matter what stands in your way.”

Handy said his 230-page book details his experiences growing up on the Eastern Shore.

For example, the memoir shares Handy’s journey as one of the first Black students to attend Stephen Decatur.

“I went to an all-Black elementary school, Flower Street,” he said. “Then in sixth grade, we all got information that the schools would be integrated ... My entire family went to Worcester High School, but when we got that letter me and a few guys went to Stephen Decatur.”

Handy said his book also discusses the importance of family and details the ways in which family members have shaped his life.

He pointed to his uncles and brother, whose passion for the game of basketball inspired him to play the sport as well.

“They became like mentors to me … ,” he said. “Playing sports became my life and it all came from them. It also led to me going to college and being the first family member to earn a four-year degree.”

Prior to playing basketball at Salisbury State University, Handy was a key player on Stephen Decatur High School’s 1970 state championship team. He said his book also recalls that pivotal moment in his life.

“Our basketball team brought our whole community together …,” he said.

“That had never been done before.

Blacks and whites came to games together, talking together, sitting together.”

The memoir also shares his career experiences with the Harford County Recreation and Parks Department and with the Town of Ocean City.

He noted his return to the Eastern Shore also provided an opportunity to coach local kids.

“When I came back to the area, I started a youth basketball league in Berlin at Flower Street. They never had a summer league for youth,” he said. “We got up to eight teams at one point, and in between I got a job at the recreation and parks department.”

Handy said he hopes his book will inspire others to pursue their goals, despite the obstacles that may get in their way. He said his book is “perfect for anyone with a dream that seems impossible.”

Copies of “Defying Expectations: Family, Sports & Recreation” will be available for purchase at local stores later this fall.

The book is also available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for $24.99 (release date October 20). Handy, noted, however, that eBooks are now being sold for $8.99.

To promote his new book, Handy will also hold a book launch and signing at the Residence Inn Ocean City on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 1-3 p.m. Happy hour begins at noon, and light appetizers will be available. Copies of “Defying Expectations” will also be available for purchase.

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Blueprint Coordinator Appointed

Page 36

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Wicomico County Public Schools’ Dr. Rick Briggs will serve as Blueprint implementation coordinator following last month’s appointment by the county council.

Briggs, the school system’s chief academic officer, will be responsible for advancing local changes outlined in Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

“If appointed here, Dr. Briggs will be leading our efforts as we move forward with Blueprint legislation over the next 10 years for our school system and the five pillars that we know will be part of the work we’ll be doing in the school system,” Superintendent Dr. Micah Stauffer told county leaders last month. “Those pillars are college and career readiness,

Route 50 Drainage Project Announced

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

advancing early childhood education, making sure our resources are equitably distributed among all our schools, and ensuring we have a high-performing workforce, as well as accountability.”

In 2020, the Maryland General Assembly passed landmark legislation with the intent of improving and enhancing the quality of education in Maryland’s public schools. Simply put, Blueprint for Maryland’s Future contains policy and funding recommendations from the Kirwin Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education and paves the way for a multi-billion-dollar investment in the coming decade.

The Blueprint legislation also requires the governing body of each county and local school board to appoint a coordinator that would ensure Blueprint’s implementation by all government units operating in

BERLIN – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will start a project next week to improve drainage on westbound Route 50 between east of Route 611 and Keyser Point Road in West Ocean City. The $144,000 project, which will begin Monday, should be complete by early October, weather permitting.

Work includes repairing drainage ditches and inlets and replacing pipes.

Motorists can expect single right-lane closures on westbound Route 50 over-

the county. To that end, Stauffer came before the council last week seeking approval for Briggs’ appointment to the role.

“As far as the role of this position, I know the Blueprint coordinator is not only

September 9, 2022

night, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday evenings into Friday mornings, for about three weeks.

Contractor David A. Bramble of Chestertown will use barrels, cones and construction signs to safely guide motorists through the work zone.

MDOT SHA will work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for crews as well as customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes. for the Wicomico County Board of Education, but for Wicomico County as a whole …,” he said. “My thought is that this position should make regular updates to not only our board of education and our community, but also the council as a whole.”

When asked about the state’s Accountability and Implementation Board, Stauffer said members were working to create an implementation plan.

“They will be creating an implementation plan template, which will then go to all of the local school districts around Maryland,” he explained. “We’ll be using this template this fall and into the winter…”

After further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Ernie Davis absent, to approve Briggs’ appointment.

September 9, 2022

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Hours Extended At Resort Boat Ramp

Page 38

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September 9, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With little further discussion, resort officials voted last week to formalize changes to the hours of the public boat ramp in Little Salisbury to allow for early morning or evening boating.

The public boat ramp in the north-end Little Salisbury community for years was the only public boat ramp in city limits and it was used extensively. In 2017, the town opened a new, larger public boat ramp at 64th Street near the public works campus.

That two-ramp facility is open 24 hours per day, 365 days a year.

When the new public boat ramp opened in 2017, it was decided to keep the existing public boat ramp in Little Salisbury open on a limited basis with an automated gate system. Boaters from the community, or anywhere else really, can purchase a seasonal pass for $50 allowing them to access the gated ramp, which is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day from April to October.

In August, Council President Matt James broached the subject of extending the hours at the public boat ramp on Caribbean Drive to allow ease of access and more time on the water for local boaters restrained by work hours and other limitations. He said at the time many local residents work during the day and by the

Afternoon Boat Traffic: Boats of all shapes and sizes are pictured in the area to the east of the commercial harbor in West Ocean City over Labor Day weekend.

time they get off in the evening, with still plenty hours of daylight remaining, the Little Salisbury ramp has already closed for the day under the current hours.

In August, the council agreed to extend the hours at the Caribbean Drive boat ramp from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on a test basis to see if any problems arose or any complaints from the neighborhood came forward. On Tuesday, Aug. 30, roughly one month after that interim measure went into effect, City Manager Terry McGean returned with a proposal to formalize the 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. hours for the public boat ramp in Little Salisbury.

McGean provided a little background on the evolution of the hours at the Caribbean Drive boat ramp. In 2001, due to complaints about noise and other activities at the ramp, city officials restricted the hours to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. In 2004, due to continued complaints, the hours were reduced to 8 a.m.-8 p.m. In 2005, an attendant was placed at the ramp to monitor activity and to collect a $10 fee to utilize the facility. When the new ramp opened at 64th Street, the Little Salisbury ramp went to a gated system with a $50 seasonal pass and the hours remaining at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Photo by Chris Parypa

McGean said with a desire from some in the boating community to extend the hours, the recommendation was now to formalize the 7 a.m.-9 p.m. hours approved on an interim basis.

“There are 82 pass holders, most from the neighborhood,” he said. “It you want to go out for a sunset cruise or a little fishing after work, it was impossible. Ramp hours have been extended since Aug. 1, which has not resulted in any complaints regarding late night or early morning activity at the ramp.”

The council voted unanimously to approve the extended hours.

September 9, 2022

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Power Outage, Substation Repairs Set For Sept. 17

Page 40

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September 9, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A planned outage for Berlin’s electric customers is set to take place Sept. 17.

Municipal officials are advising the town’s electric customers that their power will be out Saturday, Sept. 17, from roughly 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. The outage will allow crews to make a necessary repair to Berlin’s substation.

“The repair requires the entire substation be out of service,” said Tim Lawrence, the town’s electric utility director.

Lawrence has been talking about the upcoming repair for some time but will begin pushing the message heavily now that an actual date for the work has been set.

He said a Saturday was decided on so that the outage wouldn’t impact the work week or church on Sunday. Because the work is expected to take four to six hours, residents should plan on power being out from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

“We did this [timeframe] once before when Delmarva Power upgraded their transmission line,” Lawrence said. “It just worked out really well.”

He added that most refrigerators were capable of keeping food cold six to eight hours even when the power was off as long as their doors weren’t opened too often.

A planned power outage on Sept. 17 will allow crews to make necessary repairs to a Berlin substation, pictured above.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

“We are going to be putting out a press release to make sure customers are aware of the planned outage,” he said.

The repair that needs to be made is the result of oil leaking from the substation’s transformer through its gauges and into the control panel.

“The substation is the main point of

power that serves the town,” Lawrence said.

He said the repair was expected to be straightforward and that crews would perform routine maintenance to the substation while power was shut down. This will be the first time crews have been able to do that in nearly 10 years.

“We’ll be doing multiple things while

it’s shut down,” Lawrence said.

And while the oil leak hasn’t majorly impacted operations yet, he said the town wanted to ensure it was addressed before it did.

“We’re aware of it and want to repair it before something does happen,” he said. “To do that you’ve got to de-energize the entire substation.”

Wicomico School Board Revises Public Comments Policy

September 9, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Citing community feedback, the Wicomico County Board of Education announced last week it would adjust its public comment policy to allow for more participation.

In a special meeting held Aug. 30, the school board approved a revised Public Comments Protocol Policy that will take effect starting with its next board meeting, scheduled for Sept. 13. The new policy will increase the number of speakers from 10 to 20 and will allow for on-site registration if those 20 slots have not been filled through online registration.

“The Board received some feedback over the past month on the newly adopted Board of Education Public Comments Protocol Policy,” a statement reads. “Board members and senior leadership discussed the feedback, reviewed public comment guidelines in other school systems and governmental agencies, and drafted revisions for the full Board’s consideration.”

In July, Wicomico County Public Schools announced a new policy for public comments at its monthly board meetings. The new protocol allowed no more than 10 speakers and required commenters to pre-register up to 24 hours before a scheduled meeting. If more than 10 individuals had registered to speak, the board would conduct a random drawing.

“All individuals submitting a public comment registration will be notified in ad-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

vance of the scheduled board meeting regarding the status of their request,” the policy reads.

Since that time, however, some community members have come forth opposing the new policy, arguing it limited their ability to voice their concerns before the school board. In last month’s board meeting, for example, a member of the audience said she had come to the board meeting to speak, only to learn that she had to sign up ahead of time.

“It’s like the board keeps coming up with new guidelines, rules to keep the public from speaking to them, and I am protesting that right now …,” she said. “I don’t think what you are doing is right, and I think this board needs to learn to let the public speak and stop making up new rules all the time.”

Board President Gene Malone, however, noted that the new policy was simply created to better plan the school board meetings.

“We do have a new policy where you

sign up in advance so that we can plan the time for our board meeting and have the planning available for the business meeting,” he said.

The revised policy, introduced last week, will now allow for 20 speakers, with signups on a first-come, first-served basis. The policy also eliminates random drawings among pre-registered speakers and allows for in-person registration.

“If all 20 speaking slots are not filled through pre-registration, people will now be able to complete the online registration in person at the meeting venue in the hour before the scheduled start time of the Board meeting ...,” the revision reads. “If more than 20 people wish to make comments, only the first 20 pre-registered will make comments during the Board meeting.”

The revised public comment policy will take effect at the board’s next meeting, to be held Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. Pre-registration for public comments opened on Sept. 6 and will close 24 hours before each board

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meeting to allow time for those who have pre-registered to be notified of the status of their request.

“The pre-registration will close at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12 for the Sept. 13 Board meeting,” a statement reads. “If additional slots are available, members of the public will be able to register to provide public comments on a first-come, first-served basis starting one hour before the scheduled board meeting begins.”

Those without internet access can preregister in person at the school system’s main office, 2424 Northgate Drive, Salisbury.

“The public comments section of the agenda is an opportunity for the Superintendent and Board to listen to individuals’ own comments on topics concerning Wicomico County Public Schools …,” the school system reports. “No signs or posters may be displayed by the public during board meetings. Only verbal comments are permitted during the public comment session of a Board meeting.”

WHOLE HOUSE ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT & SAFETY INSPECTION

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

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

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

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 9, 2022

September 9, 2022

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CEO Named BERLIN – The Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR) announced that Bernie Flax, CRS, WHC, RSPS, has joined its staff as the new chief executive officer to lead the association’s staff and serve its over 1,000 local REALTOR® and affiliate members.

Flax brings 17 years of local Maryland and Delaware real estate brokerage experience as well as many years of volunteer leadership within the community. As a member of CAR, she has served on committees as member and chairperson, as diBERNIE FLAX rector on the board, and through the executive board serving as president in the 2018-2019 term while serving as a director on the Maryland REALTORS® Board of Directors.

Flax has also served on CAR’s strategic planning, search and opportunity and nominating committees and has been chairperson of the Coastal Realtors Charitable Foundation since it was created in 2018. Flax was a 12-year member of Coastal Delmarva Women's Council of REALTORS® with two years as president and served Maryland State Women's Council of REALTORS® as a state director and state secretary.

“I am humbled and very excited to have been selected by the National Association of REALTORS® to be interviewed and then selected by my peers for this position,” Flax said. “I look forward to working with the board, membership and Coastal staff as a team by providing exceptional service and valuable resources to our membership to continue assisting consumers obtain safe affordable housing and homeownership."

In welcoming Flax, Grace Masten, president of the CAR Board of Directors, said, “Bernie Flax offers the ‘fresh eyes’ we were looking for to help move the Association into the future. Bernie’s expertise and the commitment she brings to our members is a ‘win-win’ for the Association. We are so proud and so very fortunate to have Bernie as our AE and I sincerely hope you will take a moment to welcome Bernie aboard.”

Artist Awarded BERLIN – Beach Memories® Glass Gallery owner and artist in residence, Michele Krempa, has been awarded Judge’s Choice at the prestigious ArtX art festival in Ocean City, Md.

BUSINESS And Real Estate News Her winning entry, glass octopus tentacles on steel, was created at Beach Memories® glass studio in Berlin.

“I’m grateful for this award,” Krempa explained. “And as any artist would tell you, a recognition such as this helps to validate lots of hard work.”

The piece is titled “Tenti-Cool” (sounds like tentacle). The beautiful glass oneof-a-kind piece is in triptych form, meaning there are three separate panels that frame the art.

“Berlin, Maryland, has been the perfect spot for my apprentice artists working with me to create the glass jewelry lines I’ve designed,” Krempa added. “I continue to explore all forms of art glass making including lamp-work, fusing, slumping and blown glass techniques.”

Krempa has built a reputation for producing fine quality art glass on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Her glass jewelry, bowls, dishes, sun catchers and unique art pieces are presented in her gallery at 106 N. Main St. in Berlin. Her work is carried by over 200 retailers across the Caribbean and U.S. Visitors to the retail shop can observe Krempa’s trained artists performing the glass making process in the studio area.

Aviation Designation BERLIN – Ocean Aviation Flight Academy, a world-class flight training institution on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, announced it has been rated a top 10 Cessna Pilot Center worldwide, ranking No. 4 in the list released by Textron Aviation.

A total of 100 Cessna Pilot Centers exist, with 89 located in the Unites States.

Top 10 Cessna Pilot Centers include: South Bay Aviation, Inc., Torrance, Calif., Sunstate Aviation, Inc., Kissimmee, Fla., Anson Air LLC, Sugar Land, Texas, Ocean Aviation, Inc., Berlin, Md., Wheelers R Flying LLC, Gainesville, Ga., Fly There LLC, Wheeling, Ill., Palm Beach Flight Training Corp, Lantana, Fla., Horizon Flight Training Center LLC, Chesapeake, Va., Endeavour Flight Training Inc., OpaLocka, Fla., and Monarch Air, Addison,

Texas.

“I honestly thought they were calling the wrong school when they told me Ocean Aviation made the top ten,” said Michael Freed, Ocean Aviation founder and president. “I am grateful to my team for their hard work and commitment to passing along our traditions to every individual who enrolls in our program.”

He continued, “My flight instructors are comprised of people who first came to the center as students and now have instilled the goodwill they experienced into their instruction.”

Freed also credits the high ranking to the academy’s Discovery Flight offering.

“When people come in and are interested in learning how to fly, we don’t waste any time,” said Freed. “We take them on a discovery flight so they can experience with their eyes wide open and their adrenaline going, what it feels like to fly. When we land and they want more, we have them enroll in the program.”

Ocean Aviation Flight Academy is in its 15th year of operation at the Ocean City Municipal Airport. With nine training aircraft in their fleet as well as a Redbird AATD full motion flight simulator, nine flight instructors, and fourteen on staff, they are well positioned to meet the needs of more than 70 enrolled students. For more information about Ocean Aviation, visit flyoceanaviation.com or call 410213-8400.

University Recognized SALISBURY – Salisbury University (SU) has a “stellar reputation … [of] challenging courses” and provides “everything a student needs to succeed.”

These are some of the student comments about Salisbury University in The Princeton Review’s new 2023 edition of The Best 388 Colleges. The university is among the nation’s top 15% of four-year colleges, according to the Review’s flagship guide.

Spotlighted in the university’s review are the academic experience, the diver-

September 9, 2022 sity of the student body, faculty commitment to students and scholarship, SU’s dedication to student success, and the variety of student life activities available.

Students applauded the campus as a place where their peers are “academically driven and focused,” cultivating a cooperative environment.

SU also provides many multicultural resources, contributing to an atmosphere in which diverse students “feel very comfortable and involved,” the guide added.

For the second time, SU’s Patricia R. Guerrieri Academic Commons was rated among the best collegiate libraries in the U.S. (No. 23) in the new edition. In addition, The Princeton Review again named SU one of its “Best Northeastern Colleges” and among the nation’s “Green Colleges.” The sustainable accolade is an honor SU has earned each year since The Princeton Review first offered it in 2010.

Planner Accreditation SALISBURY – Becker Morgan Group Associate Emily Purdum, AIA, recently received the Accredited Learning Environments Planner (ALEP) designation, a mark of excellence developed to reflect the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of an educational facility planner.

The Association for EMILY PURDUM Learning Environments (A4LE), the creator of the ALEP credential, observes, “An individual who has been certified by A4LE has achieved the highest qualification in our profession.

Clients can appoint ALEPs with confidence that they have been examined for competence by our association.”

Purdum joined Becker Morgan Group in 2014 and has worked on several of the firm’s most significant education projects over the last eight years. Currently, she serves as a project manager on numerous K-12 schools, including the New Capital School District Consolidated Middle Schools project and Wicomico High School HVAC renovations.

Purdum joined the A4LE Chesapeake Bay/Delaware Valley Chapter in 2018 and currently serves as president-elect after serving as a board member at large since 2021. Purdum is driven by the opportunity to design educational spaces that support student success and looks forward to implementing lessons learned from her recent courses.

September 9, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 9, 2022

Freeman Arts Pavilion’s Photo Of The Week: Each week during the season the Freeman Arts Pavilion submits a photo of the week from the Selbyville venue. Above, First State Ballet Theatre preformed Sept. 1. Tickets are still available for 2022 performances at freemanarts.org.

Photo by Natalee DeHart/Freeman Arts Pavilion

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

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

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September 9, 2022

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The Dispatch’s Pets of the Month

Pet’s Name: Hunter Pet’s Age/Breed: 9-year-old morkie Pet’s Owners: Jennifer Rubin

Pet’s Name: Rosie Pet’s Age/Breed: 10-year-old shipoo Pet’s Owners: Rob & Ilona Jones

Pet’s Name: Cooper Pet’s Age/Breed: 1-year-old Shih Tzu Pet’s Owner: Terri McIntyre & Phillip Vecchioni

Pet’s Name: Duke Pet’s Age/Breed: 5-year-old Labrador retriever Pet’s Owner: The Haughs

STEVE GREEN EDITOR

Pet’s Name: Lilly Pet’s Age/Breed: 20-year-old Himalayan Pet’s Owner: Cindy Appler & Jim Pitts

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

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

On the front page is last month’s winning entry, Bruno, owned by Audrey and Kody Hartlaub.

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

Please be sure it’s a high-quality photo suitable for reproduction and to include your mailing address, the pet’s name, age and breed and the owner’s first and last name. The next series will appear in this space on Oct. 7.

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Pet’s Name: Cricket Pet’s Age/Breed: 12-year-old yorkie Pet’s Owners: Candace Heid

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September 9, 2022

People in Society Jimmy Charles, Zack Tyndall and Claude Littleton are pictured at a retirement luncheon the Town of Berlin hosted for Littleton.

by Charlene Sharpe Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Arnold Downing and Mickey O’Connor are pictured at the Berlin Police Department’s annual golf tournament at Eagle’s Landing.

Mary Bohlen and Allison Early paused for a photo at a retirement luncheon for longtime Town of Berlin employee Claude Littleton.

Deputy Scott Griffin and Assistant Principal Deshon Purnell are pictured at Buckingham Elementary’s back-to-school barbeque.

Lisa Purnell and Bernita Downing signed in participants at the 29th annual Berlin Police Department Law Enforcement Golf Tournament.

Merle Bragg and Bruce Boyce awaited the start of the Berlin Police Department’s annual golf tournament.

Joann Unger and Jeff Fleetwood attended a retirement luncheon in honor of longtime Berlin employee Claude Littleton.

Doug Delawter and Fred Christian are pictured at Eagle’s Landing during the Berlin Police Department’s annual golf tournament.

Senator Mary Beth Carozza, Principal Chris Welch and student Ava Sharpe were among hundreds who attended Buckingham Elementary School’s back-toschool barbeque.

Jimmy Charles and Jordan Culotta paused for a photo at the start of the 29th Annual Berlin Police Department Law Enforcement Golf Tournament.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Cole Cook, 9 months, in Ocean City

Cait Crockett, 13, in Ocean City

September 9, 2022

Makaila Keenan, 13, and Julia Mann, 9, in Chincoteague

Colton Mann, 6, in the Outer Banks

KIDS of the Summer (Part 3) Each August for the past 15 years we have produced a Kids of Summer photo series, spotlighting kids of all ages, from near and far, enjoying some common summer activities. Whether it’s the pool, beach, bay, miniature golf, arcades or dock fun, it’s enjoyable to see our readers’ submissions each year. If you would like your child(ren) featured, there’s still time. Email us the photo at editor@mdcoastdispatch.com with the child’s name, age and location

Sienna Pearce, 14, Keera Pearce, 10, and McKenna Schlegel, 13, in Ocean City

Solomon, 19, Zacharias, 15, Hannah, 18, and Yosef Hailemichael, 12, in Ocean City

Sienna Pearce, 14, in Ocean City

Patrick Miller, 7, in Ocean City

Caroline Miller, 14, in Ocean City

Brooks, 4, and Brinley Vickers, 2, in Ocean City

Olivia, 7, and Wyatt Vickers, 5, in Ocean City

Alex Flynn, 15, in Ocean City

Zoe, 3, and Jack Bradford, 7, in Ocean City

Collin Bell, 11, Max, 3, MaryKate, 5, and Matthew Thompson, 8, in Ocean City

Donovan, 7, and Raina, 16 months, in Ocean City

Reese Ramirez, 7, in Ocean City

Maddie Bell, 14, in Ocean City

JJ Flynn, 11, in Ocean City

Daniel Miller, 11, in Ocean City

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September 9, 2022

COMMUNITY News In Photos

At a recent meeting of the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, Charlie Smith, right, welcomed new members Harry Haag, left, and Judith Lazarus-Haag, center.

Cindy Dillon, chair of the Sierra Club of the Lower Eastern Shore, spoke to the Kiwanis Club last month about the club’s mission and efforts to decrease waste.

Dillon is pictured Tim Lund, president of the Kiwanis Club.

Submitted Photos

Gateway Subaru of Delmar, through its Subaru Loves Learning program and partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, made a $10,000 donation to Wicomico County Public School's Delmar Elementary School to support teachers and students in an initiative helping to further equity in education. Pictured left to right are Gateway Subaru's Kyle Hutchins and Don Scullen, Delmar Elementary Principal Kirby Bryson, Assistant Principal Shelly Hall, Assistant Principal Chris McLaughlin and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rick Briggs.

At the Sept. 1 meeting of the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, Bill Hickey, outgoing club president, is pictured handing over the gavel to incoming president Christina Dolomount-Brown.

Marlene Ott, a local realtor who has spent 40 years in the real estate industry, spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City regarding the local real estate market. Ott, right, is pictured with Tim Lund, president of the club.

Dr. Kristen Walton is the the recipient of this year’s Salisbury University (SU) Distinguished Faculty Award. Pictured, from left, are Dr. Randall Groth, chair of the SU Faculty Awards and Recognition Committee; Walton; and SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre.

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with Scott Lenox Greetings all and welcome to the second season. The weather may still be warm and and we’ve still got some busy weekends yet to come this fall, but in the immortal words of Dr. Dre, “When Doc says it’s a wrap, it’s a wrap.” There is definitely a difference with traffic on the street, on the beach and Boardwalk and on the water. I’m thankful. We love our tourist friends and visitors, but now it’s time to take advantage of some of the best weather of the year, the best fishing of the year and the lightest crowds.

Offshore fishing picked up even better this past week as a patch of warm water to our north and east moved down toward the Baltimore Canyon. The offshore fleet was able to get to the fish in shorter time which equated to less pain at the fuel pump. Good catches of white and blue marlin, a few tuna, some wahoo and some mahi were well worth the journey to the Baltimore in what were flat calm seas for the majority of the week. We saw one of our most beautiful Labor Day weekends in recent memory as the ocean was glass calm with winds of less than 10 knots. That was smooth sailing and good fishing for the offshore fleet who had a tough summer otherwise. The

mahi that have been so thick inshore over the past couple of weeks stuck around for another week and left lucky anglers with full coolers and very tasty fillets. Most anyone that traveled between 8 and 20 miles and found the fish had very good fishing for “peanut” mahi anywhere from 3 to 10 pounds with the occasional “gaffer” fish over 10. Sometimes they were finicky and would just watch presented baits pass right by, but other times they were non-stop and literally flying in the boat.

Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star had one day last week where he had a limit of mahi for everyone on board after just two stops. They couldn’t even try to fish for sea bass or flounder because there just wasn’t any room left in the coolers. Now that’s a good day of mahi fishing! Sea bass fishing has not yet begun to turn back on and stayed slow as we wait for ocean waters to cool down a touch. Flounder fishing made up for it slightly with good fishing for most anglers. Captain Kane Bounds of the Fish Bound has been doing very well with the flounder over the past few weeks with limits on most trips with some fish to SEE PAGE 54

Captain Austin Ensor of the Primary Search put this crew on a great swordfish.

Submitted Photos

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September 9, 2022

Above top left, Reese caught this big 24-inch flounder by the Route 50 Bridge fishing with Rich Daiker. Above top center, Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star displays one of the nice mahi that he has been putting in the boat this summer. Above top right, this group is all smiles after catching some big bluefish with Captain Wayne Blanks of Bayside Guide Service. Above left, these guys had a great day releasing five white marlin on Rhonda’s Osprey with Captain Joe Drosey.

Above right, Captain Jason Mumford of Lucky Break Charters had an insane day of bay fishing for this group that managed 17 keeper flounder.

Opposite page, top left, Kai Cropper, front, speared this rare and huge Cubera snapper while spearfishing off of Ocean City. Opposite page, top right, Captain Willie Zimmerman of the RoShamBo had the family out for a great day of blueline tilefishing last week. Opposite page, middle left, Bob caught his limit of nice flounder on the Angler with Captain Chris Mizurak. Opposite page, middle right, this crew had a great day with three white marlin releases and some mahi on board Turnin’ Fins. Opposite page, bottom left, this crew had four white marlin releases and a cart full of mahi on the Boss Hogg. Opposite page, bottom right, Kevin McNelis caught his personal best flounder when this 23” flattie jumped on.

... Fish In OC FROM PAGE 53 over 7 pounds. The party boats are getting in on the action as well with decent catches of fish for their clients.

Experienced flounder anglers are having the best luck on the local party boats with several limits of fish coming up with some fish as large as 6 pounds.

Flounder fishing in Ocean City’s back bays was very good over the Labor Day weekend with a lot of fish being caught.

There’s not really any sense fishing on the low tide right now as the water has been different shades of brown on most

days. That being said, there has been some very clean water on the high tide and flounder fishing has been good because of it. Captain Jason Mumford of Lucky Break Charters had an incredible day over the Labor Day Weekend with 17 keeper flounder on one trip. He also had anglers catch several fish over four pounds and three fish over six pounds.

That is some awesome flounder fishing for our back bays.

There are still plenty of fish being caught in the Thorofare, the channel behind Assateague and the “fish bowl”, but the larger fish are being caught in the Ocean City inlet and the East Channel.

Once again, live bunker, spot or mullet fished on a fish finder or live bait rig are going to be the best baits for catching

larger flounder this time of year. In Maryland, summer flounder must be 16” long to harvest and anglers are allowed four fish per person. There are still some bluefish being caught at the route 50 bridge to the surprise of many happy anglers and some of them are big at over 36”.

Captain Wayne Blanks of Bayside Guide Service is fast becoming the Barron of Bluefish at the Route 50 Bridge catching them on just about every tide and throwing up some big numbers. In just the past few weeks Captain Wayne has had several bluefish over 30” with the biggest at just under 37”. He’s got a crazy, cool technique that I won’t get into here, but it involved live bait and a little bit of luck.

This Sunday, Sept. 11 is the Flounder Pounder hosted by Bahia Marina on 22nd Street in Ocean City. This is a flounder only tournament with cash prizes and a cookout awards ceremony that is right up this fisherman’s alley.

Registration is Sunday morning from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. with a shotgun start from Bahia at 10 a.m. Fishing time is from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with scales action at Bahia directly following. Give them a call at 410-289-7438 for more information. Until next week, tight lines.

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

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September 9, 2022

Best Treatments To Consider For Common Ocean Nuisance Guarding the Beach

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – A small child is whining about something itchy in the water. What could it be? Some people believe it is sea lice, which is a poor term since it has no relation to what people think of when they hear “lice.”

“Sea lice” is the misused common name given to a condition that causes itching and redness after a person has been in the ocean. The correct term for this condition is “sea bather's eruption” and describes the symptoms and not the cause. “Sea lice” is a form of jellyfish larvae that can cause a stinging or itching sensation. Others believe it is the crab larva that can get trapped in your suit and cause minor irritation. Most beach goers get relief when they jump in the pool, rinse off with fresh water, or just dry off and wait about 15 minutes. I am going to give you information on both and let you decide what is “bugging” you.

There are two different forms of larvae

that are classified as sea lice, the thimble jellyfish (Linuche unguiculate) and a sea anemone (Linuche unguiculate). With these sea lice you will generally feel an itching or burning sensation a few minutes to hours after getting out of the water.

This is their sting or toxin entering your body, just like a jellyfish sting would.

DAMIEN The sensation can be ac- SANZOTTI companied by a rash or small red bumps on your skin. Some other rare symptoms could include a headache, chills, fever, nausea, abdominal cramps and rarely an allergic reaction.

The best treatment for sea lice is not to use fresh water immediately as they will begin to sting again. Just remove your suit as soon as you can and then rinse off and dry yourself. If what you are experiencing is a result of jellyfish larvae then you can also treat it the same as a regular jellyfish sting. I have literally heard the entire spectrum of responses over the years, includ-

ing vinegar, baking soda, meat tenderizer, sand, urine, etc. Our lifeguards do typically carry a “sting-kill” wipe in their medical kits that will help to alleviate some of the itching, however, the only home remedy that is generally considered effective is vinegar.

The other nuisance is a crustacea called decapod megalops larvae. They are tiny crab larvae that can get trapped in the more restrictive areas of your suit and cause some discomfort. Some people are able to pull them from areas like the waistband of their suit and can see tiny translucent creatures with two black dots (eyes).

These are less harmful, but just as annoying as sea lice. You can expect an itching or burning sensation, similar to sea lice.

There is even the possibility of a small rash.

However, with the megalops you can just hop in a pool or rinse off with fresh water and end up feeling right as rain.

Both are annoying and come and go with the wind and the tide. Calm days with little wind and wave action tend to be the worst, because they remain close to shore

in larger number and are not being disrupted by the churning of breaking waves.

Meaning there is no telling what time of year they will be in OC. You could get in the water at 10 a.m. when the lifeguards are on duty and not be bothered at all. Then by noon you hop in again and are covered from head to toe. Creatures this small are at the whim of the ocean, they do not really travel around on their own, they moved around by the wind and current.

Next time you are in OC and you have this strange itching and burning sensation, you decide, sea lice or megalops.

And please, always remember our number one rule, “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand!” Not only is there the chance of calm days, but there is also always the chance of rough surf days this time of the year due to the tropical storm activity. Keep yourself safe and swim in front of a lifeguard.

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

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Back To school Generosity: The Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) girls soccer team collected new backpacks and filled them last week with

school supplies to donate to Lord Baltimore Elementary School located in Ocean View, Del. Alum Marissa Grosso (‘18) started the tradition to donate backpacks 10 years ago. Coach Carol Hartnett continues the legacy every season, coordinating efforts with the WPS Volunteer Club, headed by teacher Linda Bragg. “Our students come from all over Delmarva,” said Hartnett. “So as a team, we like to give back to our surrounding communities.” Hartnett is pictured with members of this year’s soccer team.

Submitted Photo

HERE’S MY CARD For More Information, Contact Pamela Green PHONE: 410-641-4561 • FAX: 410-641-0966 • EMAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM BLINDS/SHADES

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OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 410-430-6817 bobnailsit@gmail.com MHIC# 142762

Walk-Ins Welcome,

MEN’S HAIR SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Carmelo A. Freni 33040 Old Ocean City Road 410-629-0708 Parsonsburg, MD 21849 Carmelo@FreniLandscaping.net FreniLandscaping.net Visa & M/C Accepted

no appointments needed!

Open Tues.-Fri.: 8am-4:30pm Sat.: 8am-1pm 11022 Nicholas Lane, Unit #7 Ocean Pines, MD

443-235-6249 • ARTISTICRENOVATIONS.COM

410-973-2430

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 9, 2022

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above, visitors wait their turn to shower off at the Inlet earlier this summer. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

September 9, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 82

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): As ing nectar wherever you can find it. But eager as you are to take on that new now's a good time to kick back, relax challenge, it would be best to temper and just enjoy smelling the roses.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): that spurt of "Ram"-bunctious energy That pesky personal situation seems until you have more facts to back up to be improving. But, change comes your decision.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): slowly, so be patient. Expect someone This is a good time for hardworking to bring more positive news by week's Bovines to take a break from their hec- end.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. tic on-the-job schedules to bask in the unconditional love and support of 21): Whoa! Ease up on that hectic pace you've been putting yourself friends and family.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Pay through. Take time to recharge your enattention to what you hear in the work- ergy levels before going at a full gallop place. You could pick up some hints a- again.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): bout possible changes. Meanwhile, a new infusion of creative energy sets in Try to be intrigued, not intimidated, by the issues you're suddenly facing, by week's end.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Try and you'll be ahead of the game. Don't to be more flexible in dealing with a be afraid to demand answers to your suddenly difficult situation, whether questions. it's on the job or at home. Others might AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): have some good points to offer. Listen Are new associates freezing you out to them. of their inner circle? Never mind. Put LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): You a warm smile on that friendly face of might think you're not getting the royal yours, and you'll soon thaw them all treatment you deserve. But, be careful down to size. not to become a royal pain by comPISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): plaining about it. Be patient and allow Your wise guidance helps colleagues things to work out. agree to compromise and move forVIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): ward. Meanwhile, there are still vital Watch that penchant for being super issues you need to deal with in your judgmental at work. It might create a personal life. bad impression with someone whose BORN THIS WEEK: You enjoy bedecisions could determine the course ing free with your emotions, but you of your career. can exercise disciplined focus as well.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): You've You would make a fine artist. © 2022 King Features Synd., Inc. been your usual busy-bee ANSWERS self, gather- ON PAGE 46

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Things I Like...

By Steve Green

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

September 9, 2022

WITH BUNK MANN

A front yard with a flag pole

Smiles from my kids at school pick up NFL season’s opening weekend A huge kitchen space

Assateague after Labor Day

A kid practicing a sport by himself Steamed crabs for lunch

Being moved by a sermon A fast computer

Security cameras

Donating old clothes

There were several reasons that Caroline Street was Ocean City’s primary swimming beach in the 1920s and early 1930s. The beach was narrow in those days and Caroline Street was its widest part. It was also the site of Showell’s Bathhouse where tourists could rent lockers and bathing suits for 25 cents a day.

The most important reason was that the U.S. Coast Guard was located there and in that era the Coast Guard served as the town’s unofficial lifeguards. They manned a 20-foot tall wooden tower on the Boardwalk and the rope stretched from there to a stake out in the surf. Non-swimmers would hang on the rope and walk out into the water to go “fanny-dunking.” A small lifeboat was nearby for deep-water rescues.

The lifeguard duties of the Coast Guard ended in the 1930s following the formation of the Ocean City Beach Patrol.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.

Photo courtesy of Clifford Dypsky

September 9, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 61

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

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

HELP WANTED CARPENTER: Needed for OC Condo renovations. Call for information. 443-783-1966.

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

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– KITCHEN : Cooks, Kitchen Help, Food Runners wanted. Flexible schedule, clean kitchen, new equipment.Weekly pay checks.

Friendly work environment.

American Legion Post #166.

Contact Sam Wiley 443-235-0876 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Masterjack Windows,Doors, & Storm Shutters 11935 Hammer Road, Bishopville. Maryland 11815 410-352-5000

Now Hiring For: Line Cooks Prep Cooks Host/Hostess

Now Hiring

INSTALLERS

Call Matt at 302-593-4141 or email

Construction Background A Plus. Some Tools & Valid Driver's License Required .•Competitive Pay •Benefits Package • Performance Bonus Contact Our Office For Interview Find us at Masterjackwindows.com

thesterlingtavern@gmail.com

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

Hiring

ALL POSITIONS Apply within 100 Coastal Hwy. Fenwick Center Fenwick Island, De.

Must have:

Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License

Chairside

DENTAL ASS’T.

Exp. Required!

Experience Preferred Ocean View Email Resume:

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

molarbiz@yahoo.com

PRAY FOR UKRAINE

FT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT A beautiful award winning community in Ocean View, DE is seeking a motivated, driven, and goaloriented administrative assistant. Must be organized and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be computer proficient in MS Office and have the ability to multi – task.

Must have excellent customer service skills. Previous experience in working with HOAs a plus, but not required. Full-time, yr round 40hrs/wk.

Interested candidates should email resume w/salary requirements to: Susan.Brewer@casinc.biz EOE

Housekeeper

Full Time Eastern shore resident is seeking a mature, responsible and experienced person to perform various housekeeping duties at a Berlin, MD estate five days weekly. Full time position with benefits and 401K. Reliable transportation necessary.

Call 410-803-4135, fax resume to 410-272-2249 or e-mail: tgreaver@bscamerica.com.

Cleaning services need not apply

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

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

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

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

Worcester County Health Department Grants Consultant Duties include planning, implementing and monitoring grants programs. Prepares budgets, monitors expenditures, tracks results, monitors performance measures and analyzes financial data. This position will serve as the primary point of contact for all grant funding.

Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have one year of experience in grant evaluation and monitoring or budget preparation, presentation and execution. Background check required.

Salary is commensurate with relevant experience.

Please send your resume and cover letter to 6040 Public Landing Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863 Attn: David Beach 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.

CAD DESIGNER / DRAFTER Berlin, MD area

Work experience and/or an Associates degree in CAD or closely related field.

Send resume by email to jsalm@jwse.com

Looking Everywhere? The Dispatch Classifieds Can Point You In The Right Direction.

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING! •FUEL DOCK •DOCK HANDS •RAMP ATTENDANTS •BOATYARD •NIGHTWATCH •MAINTENANCE •SHIP STORE CLERK •GENERAL CLERICAL (SEASONAL YEAR ROUND)

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

Page 62

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 9, 2022

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

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

RENTALS

PAYING TOP DOLLAR! •LINE COOKS •FOOD RUNNER •SERVERS •BARBACK

WINTER RENTALS: OC & West OC. $750 per month studio & $1,000 per month 2BR/1 BA. Call 410-430-9797.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––– WINTER RENTAL: 3BR/2BA. 117th St. $1350 per mo. + Utlil.’s (no pets,no smoking) Call 410202-2632.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WINTER RENTAL: 1 BR CONDO, OC. WINTER RENTAL ONLY. AVAIL. OCT 15TH - MAY 14TH Furn, Util.’s incl. . $900 per mo. & $900 Sec. dep. req. GOOD REF’S A MUST. Email inquires to: OCREVENUEMGT@GMAIL.COM –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Please apply in person.

Greene Turtle West Rt. 611, West OC 410-213-1500

HELP WANTED

SERVERS ALL KITCHEN POSITIONS HOSTESSES APPLY IN PERSON

NOW HIRING!

WEST OC’S MOST FUN PLACE TO WORK AND MAKE $$$$

THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING DAYTIME HOUSEKEEPING NIGHT LAUNDRY APPLY IN PERSON 1800 Baltimore Avenue

COMMERCIAL

Monday-Friday 10am-3pm

•Lobster Shanty, 37310 Lighthouse Rd, Fenwick (Rt. 54) •Nantuckets, 601 Coastal Hwy, Fenwick

THUNDERBIRD BEACH MOTEL NOW HIRING PM HOUSEMAN/ MAINTENANCE 4PM-MIDNIGHT

APPLY IN PERSON Monday-Friday 9am-3pm Thunderbird Beach Motel 32nd Street, Ocean City

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS GREAT-GREAT-GREAT OPPORTUNITIES!!!!

Full Service automotive center, now has openingsfor Technicians.

Must be dependable.

Fast paced, energetic atmosphere with advancement opportunities!

Call Matt – 302-344-9846 Exc. Pay & Benefits !! Locations in Long Neck, Ocean View & Ocean Pines

The Dispatch Can Be Viewed In Its Entirety

ONLINE

ROOMMATE ROOM(S) FOR RENT: Seeking Roommate(s). YR or Seasonal.

Non smoking, pets welcome. Single Family Home, 94th St. area.

Call/text for more info. 410-7265200.(Job inhibits phone calls, text if can’t reach by calls).

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 2 Office/Retail Spaces for Lease.

Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT:

Available immediately, Approximately 1300 +/- sq ft. $2,200 mo. + util.’s, Please call / text 443-754-5605 or email johanna@ocrooms.com

Wrap all my wishes Around your little finger With loves spider silk!

Zoom In And Out For Easy Viewing

Search, Print And Share Functions At Your Fingertips

WINTER WEEKLY RENTALS Utilities Included AVAILABLE NOW 410-289-8581

YARD SALE HOUSEPLANTS: When you're finished shopping the Berlin Farmers Market, check out the assort’dhouseplants & terrariums at the corner of 104 S. Main & Washington St. Sun 9/11, 9AM-1PM. Rain date Sun. 9/18.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WHISPERING WOODS COMMUNITY WIDE YARDSALE (WOC, off Rt. 611) : Sat. 9/17, 8am-Noon.

Items for the whole family!!

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Check Here First!

Follow Us On Facebook,Instragram & Twitter

ALL ADS LINKED TO ADVERTISERS’ WEBSITES Updated By Every Monday At www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Easy Navigation Featuring Latest Page-Flip Technology

September 9, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 63

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19347

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 08-26, 09-02, 09-09

Third Insertion To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN G. CABALA, ESTATE NO. 19347.

Notice is given that JOHN J. CABALA, 15019 RUNNING PARK COURT, BOWIE, MD 20715, was on AUGUST 17, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN G. CABALA, who died on AUGUST 12, 2022 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17TH day of FEBRUARY, 2023 Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (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 26, 2022 JOHN J. CABALA Personal Representatives

JASON W. HARDMAN, SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE PAUL J. COHEN, SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE CIPRIANI & WERNER, P.C. 6411 IVY LANE, SUITE 600 GREENBELT, MARYLAND 20770 INTHE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY Case No. C-23-CV-21-000217 THE PROPERTY THAT IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION IS NOT "OWNER-HARD OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY'' UNDER SECTION 7-105.l(a)(S) OF THE REAL PROPERTY ARTICLE OF THE MARYLAND CODE JASON W. HARDMAN, and PAUL J. COHEN, Substitute Trustees, Plaintiffs, v.

TODD E. SPAHR and TESSA M. SPAHR, Defendants.

SUBJECT PROPERTY: 2 Dorchester Street, Unit 711, Belmont Towers Ocean City, Maryland 21842 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN this 19th day of August 2022, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the real property generally known as 2 Dorchester Street, Unit 711 Belmont Towers Residential Condominium, Phase Two, Ocean City, Maryland 21842 (Tax ID No. 10-758017) (the "Property''), as reported by Jason W. Hardman and Paul J. Cohen, Substitute Trustees (the "Substitute Trustees'') in the abovecaptioned foreclosure proceeding, shall be ratified and confirmed by this Court, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or be-

fore the 19th day of September 2022, provided that a copy of this Notice of Foreclosure Sale be published at least once a week in each of three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation published in Worcester County, Maryland before the 12th day of September 2022.

The Report of Sale filed by the Substitute Trustees states that the Property was sold for the purchase price of $650,000.00 at the foreclosure sale.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication AUGUST 26, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK, Circuit Court WorcesterCounty 3x 08-26, 09-02, 09-09

Third 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. 19335 To all persons interested in the estate of EUGENE CHARLES CRIST, ESTATE NO. 19335. Notice is given that EUGENE SCOTT CRIST 5090 RICHMOND AVENUE SUITE 319 HOUSTON, TX 77056 was on AUGUST 22nd, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EUGENE CHARLES CRIST, who died on May 14, 2022 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 22nd day of FEBRUARY, 2023 Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 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 26, 2022 EUGENE SCOTT CRIST Personal Representatives 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 08-26, 09-02, 09-09

Second Insertion CHRISTOPHER T. WOODLEY, ESQ TRUSTEE WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, L.L.P. 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-21-000193 VIKRAM DHILLON, et al.

Plaintiffs vs.

AMARDEEP DHILLON Defendants NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, this 26th day of August , 2022, by the Circuit Court for the COUNTY OF WORCESTER, Maryland, and by the authority thereof, that the sale made by Christopher T. Woodley, Trustee of the real properties having an ad-

dress of 1103 Philadelphia Avenue, Unit 21, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, and 1103 Philadelphia Avenue, Unit 23, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, and reported in the above-entitled cause, will finally be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 26th day of September 2022; provided, a copy of this Order be inserted in the Maryland Coast Dispatch, a newspaper of general circulation published in Worcester County, Maryland, once in each of three successive weeks, before the 19th day of September 2022.

The Report states the amount of the Assignees' Sale to be $259,000.00.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 02, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland 3x 09-02, 09-09, 09-16

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 02, 2022 GLORIA T. MILBOURNE Personal Representatives

Second Insertion DEBORAH ULLMANN, ESQ. 203 2ND STREET POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19358 To all persons interested in the estate of VONZELLA V. TURNER, ESTATE NO. 19358. Notice is given that GLORIA T. MILBOURNE, 3521 PAYNE ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on AUGUST 23, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of VONZELLA V. TURNER, who died on APRIL 01, 2022 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 23RD day of FEBRUARY, 2023 Any person having a claim

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 09-02, 09-09, 09-16

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19354 To all persons interested in the estate of DAVID WILEY GREGORY, III, ESTATE NO. 19354. Notice is given that DAVID WILEY GREGORY, JR, 13320 NANTUCKET ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on AUGUST 22, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DAVID WILEY GREGORY, III,, who died on AUGUST 10, 2022 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

Page 64

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 9, 2022

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. their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22ND day of FEBRUARY, 2023 Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (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 02, 2022 DAVID WILEY GREGORY, JR. Personal Representatives 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 09-02, 09-09, 09-16

First Insertion THOMAS K. COATES, ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19371 To all persons interested in the estate of ELBRIDGE WARREN CROPPER, AKA: ELBRIDGE W. CROPPER, ESTATE NO. 19371. Notice is given that KAREN RABEAU CROPPER, 13040 NORTH SHORE ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on SEPTEMBER 06, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELBRIDGE WARREN CROPPER, who died on AUGUST 24, 2022 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 6TH day of MARCH, 2023 Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (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 09, 2022 KAREN RABEAU CROPPER Personal Representatives 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 09-09, 09-16, 09-23

First Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19369 To all persons interested in the estate of PHYLLIS MARIE COLLIER, ESTATE NO. 19369. Notice is given that BARRY E. FISHER, 2139 GROTON ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on SEPTEMBER 02, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PHYLLIS MARIE COLLIER, who died on JULY 09, 2022 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 2ND day of MARCH,

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 2023 Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (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 09, 2022

the estate of JOSEPHINE H. SNEAD. Notice is given that DELLA ROBERTS, 3719 BRANTLEY ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on SEPTEMBER 01, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: JOSEPHINE H. SNEAD, who died on JUNE 27, 2022 with a will.

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

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

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 09, 2022 DELLA ROBERTS Personal Representatives True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 09-09

BARRY E. FISHER Personal Representatives

First Insertion 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 09-09, 09-16, 09-23

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

PUBLIC NOTICE Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) proposes to construct a concealed non-utility pole and associated wireless communications antennas with an overall height of 38.5 feet at the approx. vicinity of 12741 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842. Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corp, Courtney Meadows, c.meadows@trileaf.com, 8600 LaSalle Rd, Suite 301, Towson, MD 21286.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 09, 2022 1x 9-09

Do You Know 6,500+ People Receive The Dispatch’s Daily Buzz Every Day? ESTATE NO. 19368

To all persons interested in

Sign Up At www.mdcoastdispatch.com And Get Local News As It Happens!

Freeman To Wrap Up Season Sept. 17

September 9, 2022

SELBYVILLE – Freeman Arts Pavilion is excited to, once again, present University of Delaware Music Spectacular on Saturday, Sept. 17.

This returning event is free to attend and will feature a variety of musical offerings by the University of Delaware School of Music. Students of faculty members who comprise the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Chorale, Jazz Ensemble, the Graduate Percussion Group, Abeo String Quartet, and Graduate Brass Quintet will be a part of this remarkable event.

This performance is open to the public and is the perfect offering for those with broad musical taste or burgeoning musical curiosity.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the University of Delaware’s School of Music back to Selbyville for what is sure to be another great evening of music,” said Patti Grimes, executive director.

“On behalf of the University of Delaware School of Music and the College of Arts and Sciences, I want you all to know how excited we are to present our 2nd annual UD Music Spectacular in partnership with the Freeman Arts Pavilion,” said Mark Clodfelter, School of Music Interim Director. “From the Marching Band to the Orchestra, from the Chorale to the Wind Ensemble, this uniquely Delaware concert promises something both familiar and new for everyone. But don’t take my word for it, join (us) in this musical celebration of the First State presented by your UD School of Music.”

This bring-your-own-chair event will begin at 7 p.m.

Additionally, until its season closing date Sept. 17, Freeman Arts Pavilion is holding an art supply drive to benefit local nonprofits and community groups as part of its Arts Access Initiative. Interested participants can drop off supplies at the venue — located at 31806 Lake View Drive, Selbyville — where a dropbox will be located near the Box Office.

Community members can drop off the supplies on performance days beginning at 5 p.m. The venue will be open Sept. 1-2; Sept. 9-10; and Sept. 15-17.

Items that will be collected are paper, notebooks, glue, kid-safe scissors, paints (watercolor, acrylic or fingerpaint), paint brushes, pens, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, markers, clay/Play-Doh, rulers, popsicle sticks and yarn/string or ribbon.

Residents or visitors who would like to participate but are unable to get to the venue to drop off supplies, may purchase items from the Freeman Arts Pavilion Amazon Wish List, which can be found by visiting freemanarts.org/artsupplies.

The drive will benefit nonprofit and community groups in Maryland and Delaware through Freeman Arts’ Community Access Program, one arm of its Arts Access Initiative, which it is currently expanding.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 65

Memorial Grows: A memorial has been created off Grays Corner Road at the site of where 14-year-old Gavin

Knupp was killed in a hit-and-run collision in July. Last weekend family and friends gathered for a ceremony unveiling a surfboard added to the site by family friends Brody and Steve Grunewald. Gavin’s parents Tiffany and Ray Knupp signed the board along with other friends and family in attendance.

Photo by Campos Media

Council Approves Conditional Use For Axe-Throwing Venue

Page 66

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Satisfied their safety concerns were allayed, resort officials this week approved a conditional use for a new axe-throwing competition venue after a broad discussion about government overreach on private-sector businesses.

Last year, the owners of the Embers Restaurant, which has stood at 23rd Street for decades, and Blu, a more upscale outdoor dining facility and bar, began a major redevelopment of the parcel. The new addition closest to Philadelphia Avenue is three stories with restaurant and bar space throughout, some retail, office space and other amenities.

Last month, the city’s planning commission heard a presentation for a conditional use request to allow for an interior tenant space to be outfitted as an axethrowing venue. The applicant for years has owned and operated escape rooms in the resort, and the axe-throwing venue as part of the redevelopment project would be an added amenity.

According to the business plan for Ocean City, the venue would include eight self-enclosed lanes with one group designated for each lane. There would only be one axe for each lane and the axes themselves would be just sharp enough to stick in the wooden targets, but not sharp enough to inflict pain or damage on

a participant.

After hearing testimony and conducting a public hearing, the planning commission forwarded a favorable recommendation for the conditional use to the Mayor and Council. The planning commission’s recommendation came with some conditions attached. For example, the axes must be locked up and carefully monitored when not in use, there must be video monitors on each of the eight lanes in the venue and there must be at least one employee monitoring every two lanes or a total of eight.

Other conditions added by the applicants themselves include each employee monitoring the axe-throwing lanes must be at least 18 years of age and the manager on site must be at least 25 years of age. Council Secretary Tony DeLuca made a motion to approve the conditional use as presented but questioned if it was overreach for the town’s government to include the age requirements for the employees.

“I thought we agreed we weren’t going to dictate the age of a manager for a business,” he said. “It seems to me if you are 25, you’re responsible enough to be a manager of an axe-throwing business, but if you’re 24, you’re not. It just seems subjective to me.”

Applicant and business owner Shaun Bauer said the age restrictions for employees and the manager were conditions the business put on itself and not a con-

dition required by the planning commission or staff.

“We were erring on the side of caution,” he said. “It’s a new business in town.

That wasn’t a condition dictated by the planning commission. We’re fine with it. It came from us initially.”

Councilman John Gehrig said the business owner should be free to make his own rules and the age restrictions did not necessarily belong in the conditional use approval.

“It seems logical to me for a business to have its own rules and a handbook,” he said. “It’s your business and it’s your insurance. I don’t’ think we need to be in the business of dictating ages and numbers of employees. Let him enforce his own rules. If he has bad rules, there are consequences for that.”

However, Councilman Mark Paddack countered the age restrictions for the employees were conditions the business owners applied to themselves in the application.

“We are not dictating the rules,” he said. “These are the rules he and his partners came up with. He brought that condition to us.”

That touched off a larger debate about government overreach in the private sector from Gehrig.

“It’s not our place to make his rules,” he said. “If he wants to change his rules, he should be able to do that. We shouldn’t be dictating every little detail of his busi-

WELCOME BIKERS

September 9, 2022

ness.”

As far as the potential safety issues and the condition requiring the axes to be locked up, Gehrig said it was a condition that didn’t likely need to be in the motion.

“This pen is sharper than those axes,” he said. “What can happen at a bowling alley or a mini-golf course if there was a fight or something? What about a steak knife in a restaurant? It just seems like overreach to have all of these specific rules attached to this.”

Paddack said he was willing to budge on the age restrictions if that would pave the way for approval of the conditional use request.

“I’m willing to compromise,” he said.

“I want this to go through. They have a good business plan and they have families to feed too. I think we all agree the axes should be locked up when the business is closed.”

Councilman Frank Knight said he believed the motion could be amended to relax some of the conditions, but pointed out some of the rules were self-inflicted by the business owner.

“The rules should be part of the motion because they are the rules they came up with themselves,” he said. “I do think they should be able to change their rules as they see fit as needed as the business grows.”

After considerable debate, the council voted unanimously to approve the conditional use request.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 67

Page 68

Who’s Where When BUXY’S SALTY DOG 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Sept. 10: Aaron Howell Duo COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL Oceanfront Castle In The Sand 37th & 38th St. 410-289-6846 Friday, Sept. 9: Darin Engh, Colossal Fossil Sauce Saturday, Sept. 10: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama, 33 RPM Sunday, Sept. 11: Heather Vidal Solo, The Loomatix Monday, Sept. 12: Sean Loomis Solo, Smooth Rhythm Tuesday, Sept. 13: Aaroon Howell Duo, Jack Bannon Wednesday, Sept. 14: Ben Davis, Bilenki Duo Thursday, Sept. 15: Shortcut Sunny, Kevin Poole & Joe Mama COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Sept. 10: Jim Long

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 9, 2022

Best Beats

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, Sept. 9

On The Beach BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays

SHORTCUT SUNNY Pier 23: Friday, Sept. 9 Coconuts Beach Bar: Thursday, Sept. 15

ON THE EDGE OC Fontainebleu Resort: Friday, Sept. 9

KASEY BRIGGS OC Eateries: Saturday, Sept. 10

CORK BAR Sunday, Sept. 11: TBA

JIM LONG BAND Coins Pub: Saturdays

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, Sept. 9: Uncle Ward Tuesday, Sept. 13: Jack & T Wednesday, Sept. 14: Full Circle Duo CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, Sept. 9: Dust N Bones Saturday, Sept. 10: Fuzzbox Piranha Thursday, Sept. 15: DJ Willdabeast FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, Sept. 9: DJ RobCee, Sons Of Pirates, People Playing Music Saturday, Sept. 10: DJ Groove, The 8-Trax, The Loop, Monday, Sept. 12: Animal House DJ Hector, Rogue Ctizens Tuesday, Sept. 13: Bryan Clark Thursay, Sept. 15: Petty Coat Junction (Tom Petty Tribute)

BRYAN CLARK Fager’s Island: Tuesday, Sept. 13

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday, Sunday &Thursday

DOC MARTEN & THE FLANNELS Purple Moose Saloon: Wednesday, Sept. 14

SEAN LOOMIS

OC Eateries: Friday, Sept. 9 Coconuts Beach Bar: Monday, Sept. 12

DJ DEOGEE Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays & Wednesdays

FUZZBOX PIRANHA Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, Sept. 10

KAROAKE W/JEREMY Harborside: Saturdays

GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Rt. 611, West O.C. Friday, Sept. 9: The Rogue Citizens HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, Sept. 10: The Dunehounds, DJ Jeremy Sunday, Sept. 11: Opposite Directions, DJ Billy T Thursdays: DJ Billy T

UNCLE WARD Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, Sept. 9

RED DIRT REVOLUTION Small Town Throw Down/Berlin: Saturday, Sept. 10

DJ TUFF Seacrets: Friday-Sunday, Sept. 9-11 Wednesday, Sept. 14

September 9, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 69

Who’s Where When OC EATERIES 443-252-3700 12849 Ocean Gateway Rte. 50 West OC Friday, Sept. 9: Sean Loomis Saturday, Sept. 10: Kasey Briggs Thursday, Sept. 15: DJ Karaoke

THE ROGUE CITIZENS Greene Turtle West: Friday, Sept. 9

FULL CIRCLE DUO Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, Sept. 14

OC FONTAINEBLEU RESORT 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The OC Friday, Sept. 9: On The Edge Saturday, Sept. 10: DJ Rachi OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 410-641-7501 1 Mumford’s Landing Road, OP Friday, Sept. 9: Over Time Saturday, Sept. 10: Eclipse (Journey Tribute)

THE DUNEHOUNDS Harborside: Saturday, Sept. 10

AARON HOWELL DUO Dry Dock 28: Saturday, Sept. 10 Coconuts Beach Bar: Tuesday, Sept. 13

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By Deogee Saturday, Sept. 10: Harbor Boys Sundays: Beats By Deogee Mondays: Karaoke with Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee Thursdays: Beats By Wax PIER 23 410-289-3323 12817 Harbor Rd., West OC Friday, Sept. 9: Shortcut Sunny Saturday, Sept. 10: The Bilenki Duo

THE HARBOR BOYS Pickles Pub: Saturday, Sept. 10

THE LOOP Fager’s Island: Saturday, Sept. 10

DUST N BONES Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, Sept. 9

THE BILENKI DUO Pier 23: Saturday, Sept. 10 Coconuts Beach Bar: Wednesday, Sept. 14

HIGH VOLTAGE (AC/DC TRIBUTE) Purple Moose: Thursday, Sept. 15

9 MILE ROOTS Seacrets: Friday & Saturday, Sept. 9 & 10

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON Between Talbot & Caroline Sts. On The Boardwalk 410-289-6953 Friday & Saturday, Sept. 9 & 10: Misspent Youth Saturday, Sunday & Tuesday, Sept. 10, 11 & 13: DJ Adam Dutch Monday, Sept. 12: DJ Rut Wednesday, Sept. 14: Doc Marten & The Flannels Thursday, Sept. 15: High Voltage (AC/DC Tribute) SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 9: DJ Tuff, DJ Davie, Flight Risk, 9 Mile Roots, Fish Out Of Water Saturday, Sept. 10: DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, DJ Tuff, South Penn Dixie, 9 Mile Roots, The Event Horizon Sunday, Sept. 11: Jexxa Duo, DJ Tuff, Shake, Shake, Shake Monday, Sept. 12: Liquid A, DJ Davie Tuesday, Sept. 13: High Five Swan Dive Trio, DJ Davie Wednesday, Sept. 14: DJ Bobby O, Triple Rail Turn, DJ Tuff Thursday, Sept. 15: Scott Marshall & Marshall’s Highway, DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, Triple Rail Turn, Eclipse (Journey Tribute)

Page 70

Every Sunday: Berlin Farmers Market From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., several streets will be closed to allow producers to display their goods. Live music from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting 5-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Call Rose 443-880-8444.

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus All ladies who love to sing are invited to the Delmarva Woman’s Acapella Chorus, Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Contact Mary 410-629-9383 or Carol 302-242-7062.

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Meetings are held at the Worcester County Berlin Health Department at 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. 410-289-4725.

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

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

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

Every Tuesday: Tango Practice Argentine Tango practice 7-9:30 p.m. Expe-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do rienced dancers and anyone interested in watching or learning more are welcome. No partner required. More information at TangobytheBeach.com.

Every Friday: Bingo Knights of Columbus hosts 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.

Play every game for just $24. Light refreshments available. Call 410-524-7994 with any questions.

Sept. 9-10: Wine On Beach Inlet Park from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. tastings end at 6 p.m. Featuring wineries from Maryland, microbrew and domestic beer, Delmarva cuisine, arts and crafts, live entertainment. Winefest.com.

Sept. 10: Recovery Walk The Atlantic Club and Worcester Goes Purple will hold its 2022 Walk For Recovery from 9 a.m. to noon on the Boardwalk. Registration is $25 per person, and proceeds support local scholarships and those in recovery. To register, visit www.atlanticclub.org.

Sept. 10: Church Rummage Sale Ocean City Presbyterian Church on 13th Street from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sept. 10: Small Town Throwdown From 1-6 p.m. in Downtown Berlin. Free country music concert featuring Red Dirt Revolu-

tion. Beer, food and local artists. Bring a chair and enjoy.Free.berlinmainstreet.com.

Sept. 10: Anglers Club Meeting The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Library. The guest speaker will be Carly Toulan, environmental scientist at Maryland Coastal Bays Program, who will provide updates on current MCBP programs such as water quality monitoring. MCBP is one of the foremost environmental groups engaged in protecting our local coastal bays. Angler member Budd Heim will give a flounder fishing update as well as a surprising shark encounter story. Charter trips available to members will also be covered. All welcome.

Sept. 10, 17, 24: Assateague Adventures Berlin library branch will host a Ranger-led adventure featuring crafts, puppets, stories, cool props and live animals from Assateague Island National Seashore. A different adventure each week for all ages.

Sept. 11: Voter Registration From 10:30-11 a.m., Worcester County NAACP will host a voters registration table and a membership drive at Tyree AME Church, 10049 Germantown Road, Berlin. 443-9446701.

Sept. 11: Book Fest Sunday Evenings at the Museum presents Book Fest at 6 p.m. on the grounds of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, 208 North Main Street. Admission is free. Partnering with Saltwater Media, Book Fest will highlight four authors from the Eastern Shore – Barbara Lockhart, Dr. Clara Small, Joseph Moore and Stephanie Fowler. Each author will read an excerpt from their writings, followed by a book sale and signing.

Sept. 13-15: Basic Boating Course The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering the Maryland Basic Boating Safety Course at the Ocean Pines Library, 11107 Cathell Road from 6 -9 p.m. Cost $20 for all three evenings. Register or get more information by calling Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807, or Email: CGAUXOC@Gmail.com.

Sept. 15: Trip The Ocean City 50-Plus Center is planning a trip to Trappe Pond State Park and Dutch Country Market. Call 410-289-0824 for information.

Sept. 15, 22, 29: Chorus Singers Inviting new singers, both ladies and gentlemen to join the Pines Tones Chorus. 1 p.m.

Ocean Pines Community Center, Dave, 1610-213-7472.

Sept. 17: Free Shred-It Event St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Berlin is sponsoring a free community shred-it event from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the church parking lot. St. Paul’s will offer free tours of the 200-year-old church during the event. There is a limit of three boxes per family. No businesses please.

Sept. 18: OC Cruzers On Plaza 3-6 p.m. Somerset Street Plaza just off the Boardwalk Live music and classic cars. Free.

Sept. 19: Chorus Open House The Delmarva Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is planning an open house/guest night from 6-8 p.m. at the Oc-

September 9, 2022 ean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway. Does your love of music need a place to go? Come sing A Capella with the group. All ladies are invited to attend and spend an evening singing and meeting new friends. Fun, smiles and laughter are guaranteed. For more information, call Mary at 410208-4009, www.delmarvachorus.org, or our Facebook page, Delmarva Chorus.

Sept. 20: Luncheon Wicomico Retired School Personnel Association, formerly Wicomico Retired Educational Personnel, will host a luncheon at the Salisbury Moose Lodge. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for fellowship with lunch beginning at noon. Guest is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), which is designed to help abused and neglected children. Call Cheryl Kennedy 410-883- 2292 to make a reservation.

Sept. 22: Fashion Show Luncheon The Republican Women of Worcester County announce the 13th Annual Patriot Day Fashion Show Luncheon at The Grand Hotel in Ocean City. The event’s theme is "Honoring Local Women Who Have Served in the Armed Forces.” Fashions will be presented by Bruder Hill of Berlin. All are welcome. www.gopwomenofworcester.org. Merilee Horvat, 443-614-9386.

Sept. 22: Bike Night, Cruise In Bikers Without Borders Foundation will host Bike Night and Cruise In from 5 to 10 p.m. at Joes’ Bent Spoon Mason Dixon Shopping Center, Selbyville, Del. AYCE Buffet $25. All welcome, designated bike/car parking. 10% of proceeds will be donated back to BWOB to benefit their core charities.Bikerswithoutbordersfoundation@gmail.com. 302-436-9400.

Sept. 24: Drive-Thru Luncheon Powellville UM Church will host from 10 a.m. until sold out at 35606 Mount Hermon Road, Powellville. Drive thru luncheon features oyster fritter sandwiches, homemade chicken salad, homemade soups including peas and dumplings and vegetable beef. Bake sale items will be available. No pre-orders. Call 410835-8796 or 443-880-8804 for more details.

Sept. 24-25: Renaissance Faire From 10 a.m.-6 p.m., the 2nd Annual Renaissance Faire at Furnace Town Historic Site, 3816 Old Furnace Rd., Snow Hill. Cost is $15/adult, $10/children ages 5-14. www.furnacetown.org.

Oct. 1: 5K Run/Walk The Wor-Wic Community College Foundation is sponsoring a 5K Run/Walk, along with the 2022 Law Enforcement Team Cup Challenge, at 9 a.m., at the college campus on the corner of Route 50 and Walston Switch Road in Salisbury. Check-in and registration begin at 8 a.m. The entry fee is $25 per person, or $35 per person after Sept. 28. Proceeds will benefit the students of Wor-Wic. For more information or a registration form, visit the college website at www.worwic.edu or call 410334-2807.

Oct. 12: AARP Meeting Ocean City AARP Chapter 1917 will meet at 10 a.m. in the Ocean City Senior Center located on 41st Street and Coastal Highway (behind the Dough Roller restaurant). Please arrive early at 9:30 for a social half-hour and refreshments. Our guest speaker will be provided by Tidal Health. New members are welcome. Call Bob McCluskey at 410-250-0980 with questions.

Oct. 20: Furnace Town Tour, Lunch The Ocean City 50-Plus Center is planning a trip to Furnace Town in Snow Hill and lunch at Blacksmith Gastropub. Call 410-289-0824 for information.

Snow Hill To Host Worcester County Fair Next Weekend

September 9, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SNOW HILL – Plans are underway for this year’s Worcester County Fair to be held Sept. 16-18 at Byrd Park in Snow Hill.

The schedule has been changed to include some featured bands on Friday and Saturday night as well as Sunday afternoon. The Folk Villains will play on Friday from 5-7:30 p.m. and the Homeskool Dropouts will play on Sept. 17 from 4-8 p.m. The Folk Villains will play again Sunday, Sept. 18 at 4 p.m.

The ever popular talent show has been moved to Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. Pre-registration is needed for this event.

More than 30 vendors will be featured throughout the fair grounds with items such as books, Avon products, paper lights and other items. New food vendors will be on hand as well.

The Briddell Foundation will offer barbecue chicken and fried fish platters, funnel cakes and chicken and waffles. Stop by the 4-H food booth for hot dogs, sodas and nachos.

This year’s fair offers several new features, including 4-H cupcake smackdown, culture table, pine needle basket demo, 4-H fashion review, 4-H farm Olympics, fishing tournament, moon bounce, pony rides and Zumba.

Fair hours are Friday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 17, 8 a.m.8 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m.5:30 p.m. The fair offers free admission and free parking. More information can be found at www.worcestercountyfair.com.

9 a.m.-noon: Judging of Indoor Events 5-8 p.m.: Vendor Check In 5-8 p.m.: Poultry, Rabbits, Livestock Check In Friday, Sept. 16 8-10 a.m.: Vendor Check In 11 a.m.: Fair Opens 1-4 p.m.: Children’s Crafts 2 p.m.: Zumba, Playground Pavilion 3-8 p.m.: Livestock Check In 5-7:30 p.m: Band-The Folk Villians 6 p.m.: 4H Cupcake Smackdown 7 p.m.: Benefit Cake Auction 8 p.m.: Fair Closes Saturday, Sept, 17 8 a.m.: Fair Opens 9 a.m.: Rabbit Show 10 a.m.: Dairy Cow Show 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: FFA Fishing Tournament

Page 71

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Classic Car and Truck Show 11 a.m.: Kids Games Start 11 a.m.: Poultry Show 11 a.m.: Children’s Limbo Contest 11 a.m.: Beef Show 11:30 a.m.: Tug-of-War-Children vs Parents Noon-5 p.m.: Pine Needle Basket Demo 12:30 p.m.: Children’s Watermelon Eating 1 p.m.: 4H Fashion Show 1-4 p.m.: Children’s Crafts 1:30 p.m.: Children’s Pedal Tractors 2 p.m.: Children’s Pie Eating Contest 2:30 p.m.: Dairy Goat Show 2:30 p.m.: Children’s Egg Toss 3 p.m.: 4H Farm Chore Olympics 3 p.m.: Children’s Hula Hoop Contest

Fair Schedule Of Events Wednesday, Sept. 14 4-8 p.m. – Enter Indoor Exhibits Thursday, Sept. 15

3 p.m.: Meat Goat Show 4 p.m.: Sheep Show 4 p.m.: Children’s Sack Race 4-8 p.m.: Band, The Homeskool Dropouts 4:30 p.m.: Children’s Bubble Fun 5:30 p.m.: Swine Show 8 p.m.: Fair Closes Sunday, Sept. 18 10 a.m.: Fair Opens 10:30 a.m.: Church Service Noon-4 p.m.: Culture Table & Pine Needle Basket Demo 1-4 p.m.: Children’s Crafts 2 p.m.: Zumba – Playground Pavilion 2 p.m.: 4H Demonstration Contest 3 p.m.: Adult and Youth Talent Show 4 p.m.: Band, The Folk Villains 5 p.m.: Awards Ceremony 5:30 p.m.: Fair Closes

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23rd Street ~ Temple Of Dragons

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68th Street ~ Dinosaurs & Indoor Under Sea Adventure

136th Street ~ Caribbean Pirates & Indoor Safari Village

All Locations Open 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Daily Livestock is pictured on hand at a previous year’s Worcester County Fair.

Submitted Photo

www.oldprogolf.com • 410-524-2645

Page 72

Club’s 64th Labor Day Tourney In The Books

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SPORTS

Seahawks Cruise Past Clippers In Opener In The News

Decatur quarterback Brycen Coleman has plenty of time with the Seahawks’ offensive line sealing off the passing lanes. Coleman completed 14 of 18 attempts for 137 yards and two touchdowns in the Seahawks’ 43-13 win over Bennett in the season opener last week Photo courtesy Bayside Sports Photography

Annual Event Rewards Top Anglers

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Marlin Club’s 64th Annual Labor Day White Marlin Tournament is in the books with winners rewarded in several categories.

The club’s annual Labor Day White Marlin Tournament was held last weekend over the course of three days with captains and teams of anglers choosing to fish two of the three days. While the event lacks the glamour and prestige of the White Marlin Open, for example, it is the oldest organized fishing tournament in the resort area and is steeped in tradition.

For the record, first place in the billfish release division went to the crew on the Buckshot with 700 release points worth $4,050. Second place

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team kicked off its 2022 campaign with a resounding 43-13 win over Bayside South rival Bennett last Friday.

The Seahawks opened against the Clippers in a rare 1 p.m. game on the road in Salisbury last Friday. Decatur led 15-6 and 29-6 at the half and never looked back. The Seahawks added two more touchdowns in the third quarter and cruised to the decisive 43-13 win.

Bennett scored a late touchdown in the fourth, but the damage had been done and Decatur got out to a 1-0 start.

Quarterback Brycen Coleman completed 14 of 18 attempts for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Coleman also ran six times for 46 yards and two touch-

downs. Caden Shockley ran 12 times for 39 yards, while Nasier Tull carried six times for 46 yards and Nathan Tapley ran three times for 36 yards. Luke Mergott and Tapley each had rushing touchdowns.

Davin Chandler caught three passes for 39 yards to lead the Seahawks receivers. Zahkari Baker had four catches for 26 yards, while A’zavion Manuel had two catches for 28 yards and Ethan Bradshaw caught a 29-yard pass. Baker and Manuel each caught touchdown passes. Brogan Eastlack converted five of six extra point attempts.

Next up for the Seahawks is the home opener on Friday against Indian River. It doesn’t get any easier next week when the Seahawks hit the road for a tough game against Bayside North power Kent Island.

went to the Southern C’s with 600 release points worth $810, while third place went to the D.A. Sea with 500 release points worth $540.

In the daily billfish release division, the Electric Bill won on day one with 100 points and earned $1,050. The Southern C’s won on day two with 300 release points and earned $1,050, while the Buckshot won on day three with 500 release points also worth $1,050. The daily billfish release-non sonar went to the Grande Pez with 500 points worth $450.

The Grande Pez also took first place in the tuna division with a 77pounder worth $2,655. The Billfisher took second and third place in the tuna division with a 69-pounder and a 68-pounder worth $4,203 and $702 respectively. The Master Angler Award went to Ed Dunn.

44th Challenge Cup Tourney Underway

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

September 9, 2022

OCEAN CITY – The 44th Annual Charles Kratz and Scott Smith Challenge Cup is underway, pitting boats and teams of anglers from the Ocean City Marlin Club against their rivals from Cape May. The Challenge Cup, which pits teams of boats from the Ocean City Marlin Club against teams of boats from the Cape May Marlin and Tuna Club, officially began in 1978 as a formal competition between the friendly rivals who share the same canyons off the coast. The two rival clubs meet each September to compete for the Challenge Cup and bragging rights for the next year.

The tournament headquarters used to alternate each year between

Ocean City and Cape May, but it has been a uniquely Ocean City event for the last several years because of the nightlife and other amenities the resort offers. If one team wins three Challenge Cup tournaments in a row, the cup is retired and becomes the property of the winning club. The contest has been fairly close over the years with each team retiring trophies at different times.

The tournament got started on Wednesday with a captains meeting, but the action offshore got started on Thursday, the first of three designated fishing days. It’s a billfish release tournament, so no fish will be boated and weighed. The team accumulating the most billfish release points over the three fishing days will claim the cup and bragging rights for the next year.

OC Wine Festival Returns With More Beach Space, Music

September 9, 2022

OCEAN CITY – After a successful post-pandemic festival last year, Wine on the Beach will be returning this weekend with changes to enhance the visitor experience.

"More sand, more seating, more shade," are among the features promised for this year, according to organizer Chris Nokes.

Nokes said the biggest change is when the event will be held – earlier in September the weekend after Labor Day. “First of all, we are delighted with the change in dates,” Nokes said. “By moving up to the weekend after Labor Day, our guests can enjoy so many of the summer amenities still operating on the Boardwalk, including the trolley, amusement parks, shops and concessions.”

Logistics have greatly improved, as a streamlined admission system virtually eliminated long lines.

“We were very pleased with how it worked last year,” Nokes said. "We still recommend buying tickets in advance for the fastest entrance.”

With a larger festival footprint, more beach is available for picnics, listening to music and dancing. Thanks to the Town of Ocean City, there are also more tables and benches distributed on festival grounds. "But guests are still welcome to bring their own blankets and chairs," Nokes added.

Although open containers cannot leave festival grounds, guests may still exit the festival and still return if they want to stroll the Boardwalk. "We have a return gate for admission with wristband," Nokes said.

Veterans of the annual event have offered a few recommendations. Foldup wagons are a good idea for hauling purchases. If you don't have one in the garage, they are sold on the Boardwalk.

The Will Call tent for wine purchases has been doubled in size and located by the exit. Also added is a turnaround for cars and space for ride share vehicles.

“We are adding to our music this year,” Nokes said. "Perennial favorite Bird Dog and friends will be back to lead boogeying in the sand. And this year, piano man Larry Lay will bring his popular blend of contemporary and old favorites. Lay, for 25 years a mainstay at Middleton Tavern in Annapolis, has a vast following of weekend vocalists, and takes requests from the crowd. Singing and dancing on the Ocean City beach, while enjoying great Maryland wine with friends and family is an experience like no other."

Nokes added, "It has become an annual event for so many and we hope even more will enjoy it this year."

Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sept. 910. Admission is $35 at the gate if not sold out and includes souvenir glass.

Purchase in advance http://winefest.com/tickets-beach.html

Fenwick Council To Hold Ordinance Hearings The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – An upcoming hearing will give community members a chance to speak on two controversial ordinance amendments.

On Monday, Sept. 19, the Fenwick Island Town Council will hold a public hearing on two proposed ordinance amendments pertaining to mechanical equipment and off-street parking in the commercial district.

Citing concerns from the local business community, Mayor Natalie Magdeburger, chair of the town’s charter and ordinance committee, announced plans to hold a second hearing.

“I am not going to offer a second reading today,” she said in last month’s town council meeting, “and I would suggest we have another hearing to have input from

the businesses and residents.”

In a public hearing held in July, several members of the Fenwick Island business community came before the town council to share their opposition to two proposed ordinance amendments involving mechanical equipment and off-street parking.

While the changes would apply to new and substantially improved properties, business owners argued the changes were onerous and impacted commercial development in town.

As proposed, the first ordinance amendment would establish new, more stringent parking ratios and delivery zones for commercial buildings while the second ordinance amendment would, among other things, establish new setback and screening requirements for mechanical equipment and transformers.

With approval from the town council last month, Magdeburger said a public

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hearing on the two proposed ordinance amendments would be held Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. in town hall.

“We’ve heard from many in the community, both business and residential,” she said. “But we’ve gotten additional information that could be helpful.”

The Sept. 19 hearing will be just one of two scheduled hearings for the month of September.

The town council will also hold a public hearing on Friday, Sept. 23, regarding a request to subdivide lots 184, 185 and 186 – also known as 30 Bayside Drive – into two buildable lots located within the town’s corporate limits.

“The hearing will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. in Fenwick Island Town Hall,” a notice reads. “Interested persons may inspect plot plans at town hall during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 9, 2022

September 9, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Wicomico Council Introduces Ban On DAF Storage Tanks

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BY BETHANY HOOPER

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 9, 2022

SALISBURY – Officials in Wicomico County voted this week to introduce legislation banning dissolved air flotation (DAF) storage tanks.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council voted 5-2, with Council President John Cannon and Councilman Joe Holloway opposed, to introduce legislation banning open-top storage of liquid organic fertilizer or soil amendments.

The bill, one of three presented to the council on Tuesday, will now advance to a public hearing and possible vote on Oct. 4.

“From what we’ve seen tonight, it’s telling me Wicomico County is a terrible county to have DAF tank,” Councilman Bill McCain said. “We have a tremendous amount of tidal wetlands, nontidal wetlands, stream buffers … Anywhere you try to put one, you have to deal with these issues.”

The topic of DAF tanks was first introduced in 2019, when a building permit was issued to allow a local farmer to construct a multi-million-gallon DAF tank on Porter Mill Road. Several nearby residents and environmental advocacy groups, however, have since shared their concerns with the council regarding the smells and potential hazards associated with the tank. There has also been litigation in Wicomico County Circuit Court challenging the validity of that storage tank and the permit issued for its construction.

In the years since the issue was first brought to the council’s attention, the legislative body has enacted – and extended – a moratorium on the issuance of building permits related to the construction of

DAF tanks. Now, with the latest moratorium set to expire at the end of the year, officials are exploring proposed legislation, if not an outright ban, that would restrict DAF tanks.

“This issue started when I first got on the council over three-and-a-half years ago, and here we are at the end of my term and we still haven’t had a resolution,” Councilwoman Nicole Acle said this week.

“Whatever direction we take, I would like to see us move forward with something tonight.”

On Tuesday, council members had before them three legislative bills – one to prohibit DAF tanks, one permitting DAF tanks in the I-2 heavy industrial zone with certain restrictions, and one permitting DAF tanks in the A-1 agricultural-rural zone with certain restrictions.

Cannon said the goal was to introduce one of the bills and come to some sort of resolution on the matter.

“What we’re trying to do here is come up with some sort of reasonable compromise …,” he said. “We don’t want to compromise an industry, but we certainly don’t want to subject neighborhoods to the issues and problems that have come before us.”

Discussions kicked off this week with a motion to introduce a ban on DAF tanks.

McCain, however, suggested an amendment that would allow closed-system tanks in the I-2 industrial zone by special exception.

“Essentially this legislative bill and amendment prohibits the storage of DAF in open-air storage tanks but permits by special exception in the I-2 district the use of closed system storage facilities, usually known as anaerobic digestive systems,” he

said. “It’s also permitted that a farmer that may be creating it on their own site could actually store the material under this as well.”

While McCain argued his amendment reached some sort of compromise, Cannon said it completely changed the language of the bill.

“I have really huge concerns over what we’re looking at right now …,” he said.

“What you are presenting here, in my opinion, is not an amendment, this is an entirely new bill.”

After a lengthy discussion, Cannon ultimately ruled McCain’s amendment as out of order.

“I have the responsibility as well, and I think this is in violation of the ethics of the council and the charter, our political procedure, the legislative process …,” he said. “I certainly welcome you to fine-tune this and bring it back in the form of a work session.”

In a presentation this week, Wicomico County GIS Coordinator Frank McKenzie noted that there were 66 parcels in the industrial zone and 154 parcels in the agricultural zone that met the setback requirements for DAF tanks. Those numbers, however, winnowed down to 13 available industrial parcels and seven available agricultural parcels, once proposed restrictions were added.

“When you start throwing these layers on, everything gets reduced,” he said.

When asked if it was legal to impose an outright ban on DAF tanks, county attorney Paul Wilber advised the council it was the least defensible.

“I think of the three bills you have in front of you, the one that relates to A-1 is the most legally defensible,” he said. “The I-2

bill, if you look at Mr. McKenzie’s maps, you will see that is effectively a ban, which is what the first bill is. It’s not that you can’t do any of the three, but in terms of a legal perspective defending them, the A-1 bill is the most defensible.”

Cannon said he favored legislation that permitted DAF tanks in the A-1 zone. He pointed out that parcels in the heavy industrial districts bordered heavily populated areas.

“I-2 is probably the worst decision we can make,” he said. “It borders schools, it borders residential developments, it borders Delmar, it borders Salisbury, it borders Fruitland and the Henry Parker Complex.”

McCain, however, disagreed.

“I-2 allows for landfills, heavy manufacturing, but you are saying DAF is too bad?” he said.

For his part, Councilman Ernie Davis cautioned the council against legislation that could hurt local farmers. Both he and Councilman Josh Hastings suggested the council allow some sort of closed-top tank for the storage of liquid organic fertilizer.

Councilman Joe Holloway said he was in favor of placing DAF tanks in the A-1 zone, adding that a ban would not solve the county’s problems.

“It needs to be moved to ag because it’s ag. They are putting this product on fields, using it to grow crops …,” he said. “If this goes and we ban these tanks, the fear in this room right now amongst the poultry companies, amongst the growers, is they’re next.”

After further discussion, the council voted 5-2 to introduce a legislative bill banning DAF storage tanks in Wicomico County.

FROM PAGE 4 Stansbury explained the town code was very specific about overriding mayoral vetoes.

“You have a very narrow issue in front of you,” she said. “If you don’t vote with six votes, the veto is sustained. You can bring this back for further discussion. You would never pass an ordinance specific to a single project. You can’t amend the ordinance tonight. The veto kills to ordinance.”

For his part, Meehan was very clear he did not intend to rescind his veto of the ordinance.

“My letter is very specific to this ordinance as written,” he said. “I haven’t changed my mind. By eliminating ‘subject to planning commission approval’ makes it arbitrary. It’s not just the size of the project. It’s the impact on the surrounding areas. An overlay district is very subjective.”

Stansbury said Tuesday’s requirement was only to address the mayor’s veto of the ordinance within the prescribed timeframe.

“I think we’re confusing the process,” she said. “Tonight isn’t about that. You have a lot of things you want to discuss, but the issue you have before you tonight has a very narrow window. The timing of this is very precise.”

City Manager Terry McGean explained

what action the council had before them on Tuesday.

“The only thing you can do tonight is take no action and the ordinance doesn’t pass, if six of you could vote to override,” he said. “You cannot change the ordinance tonight. The ordinance is the ordinance right now.”

Gehrig said he supported overriding the veto because the ordinance as written defined clear rules for tandem parking without a lot of gray areas for the planning commission, and eventually the Mayor and Council to decide.

“The one thing I don’t want is too many human beings touching it,” he said.

“Human beings got us to this point tonight.

Tandem parking should be allowed by right if all of the other requirements are met.”

Gehrig made a motion to override the mayor’s veto, a motion seconded by Councilman Peter Buas, who agreed the ordinance as presented and passed by the majority of the council was not specific to the Margaritaville project.

“This isn’t about one project,” he said.

“It’s another tool in the toolbox for properties that might be redeveloped in the downtown area.”

For his part, Meehan said his veto was steeped in the section about planning commission approval, but he still had overriding concerns about the scale and

scope of the Margaritaville project specifically.

“Although the focus on the veto is on the planning commission approval, there are other elements to this,” he said. “The ordinance says ‘constrained by the availability of land for on-site parking. I still don’t believe a 90,000 square-foot parcel is constrained by the availability of on-site parking. I’ve been consistent about that from the beginning.”

Councilman Mark Paddack said he was in favor of sustaining the mayor’s veto of the ordinance.

“There is a motion on the floor to override the mayor’s veto,” he said. “I am going to sustain the mayor’s veto. Let’s come up with something that works. Let’s go back to the drawing board and figure this out. I will sustain the mayor’s veto.”

When the vote was called, five councilmembers including James, DeLuca, Knight, Paddack and Councilman Lloyd Martin all voted to sustain the mayor’s veto of the ordinance. Gehrig and Buas were the only two councilmembers to vote to override the veto. Thus, the vote was 5-2 to sustain the veto.

Later during the public comment period of the meeting, the issue arose again.

Gehrig questioned the reversal on the vote by the majority of his colleagues, some of whom appear to have intimate knowledge of certain changes of plans for the Mar-

garitaville project.

“We went from 5-1 to 2-5 with no explanation other than it seems like four people know what’s going on,” he said.

“There is knowledge somewhere that most of us seem to have and that’s probably not cool.”

Paddack said he changed his vote after consulting with the mayor about the veto and dismissed Gehrig’s notion that some on the council seem to have more information about changes to the Margaritaville plans than others.

“I sat down with the mayor,” he said. “I went straight to the horse’s mouth. I have no idea what the lawyers are doing with Margaritaville. You come up with these conspiracy theories and present this stuff that other people know stuff that you don’t.

I don’t know whether they still need the tandem parking or not.”

Meehan said he supports the planned overlay district concept, and it has worked in other areas. He said his veto of the ordinance was not opposition to the planned overlay district concept for the proposed Margaritaville project or any other project specifically.

“The overlay district itself, and I support the concept, allows for subjective variances to the rules,” he said. “It’s not like a typical development on a typical parcel where you can build this many units with this many parking spaces.”

STAFF WRITER

… Resort Officials Uphold Ordinance Veto In 5-2 Vote

Beach Plaza Hotel Auction To Benefit OC Museum Society

September 9, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 77

OCEAN CITY – Community members will have an opportunity to own a piece of history as items from an iconic hotel will be up for grabs.

The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is currently holding an eBay auction featuring items from the iconic Beach Plaza Hotel, which announced its closure in January 2021.

Located on 13th Street along the Ocean City Boardwalk, the Beach Plaza Hotel opened its doors in June of 1953.

Items up for auction include chandeliers, a grand piano, one-of-a-kind 10-foottall stained glass art, hardwood furniture, and so much more.

All funds raised from this auction go directly to the Ocean City Museum Society, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to preserving Worcester County’s cultural history.

The auction ends on September 16th.

“The funds raised from this event will go towards the Ocean City Museum Society's newest project restoring the 1910 bank building located on 217 South Baltimore Ave.,” said Christine Okerblom, curator for the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. “Taking part in this auction allows you to have a piece of Ocean City history, all while helping the Ocean City Museum Society accomplish its preservation goals.”

Those interested can view the auctioned items in person on Saturday, Sept.

10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In-person pickup of items will occur Friday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To view any of the 45 auction items, or to make a bid, visit https://www.ebay.-

com/usr/oclssm?_trksid=p2047675.m356 1.l2559.

Plant.

“This is essentially the same amendment we had before,” Mitchell said, referencing the amendment considered in 2021.

That amendment, which was considered by the commissioners in late 2021, resulted in a 3-3 vote and failed to pass.

Attorney Mark Cropper, now representing Royal Farms, said that Church hadn’t been present at that meeting and wished to have the issue brought back up.

“Mr. Church has indicated a great willingness to be heard on this matter but we can’t get back to the commissioners without going back through the process, which requires us to come back before the planning commission,” he said. “The facts of this are exactly as they were in 2021 when a favorable recommendation (by the commission) was given.”

He said Pocomoke was already receiving the effluent.

“It’s getting there by pump and haul instead of a pipe,” he said. “The pipe is already in the ground. The pipe is sized for this capacity. Everybody knows it works. It’s just a matter of the county commissioners approving the amendment to the comprehensive water and sewer plan.”

Noting that there was already a Wor-

cester County sewer line providing service to the welcome center in Virginia, Cropper said Royal Farms had no alternative other than to connect to it, as its septic system had already been replaced twice. He said if the commissioners didn’t approve the amendment there was no alternative but to shut down the store, which has been in existence 29 years and employs 42 people.

Jeff Harman of Becker Morgan Group said it was safer to transport sewage in a pipe than it was to pump it and haul it by truck to the plant four times a week.

“There’s a plethora of reasons we don’t want to do pump and haul,” he said. “We think this is definitely the best thing to protect the environment, protect the county and its residents.”

Cropper said Royal Farms had invested tens of millions in Worcester County during the past several years.

“There are few applicants more worthy of that cooperation and generosity than Royal Farms in light of their commitment to Worcester County,” he said. “They’ve made a massive investment in Worcester County over the years.”

Jerry Barbierri, chair of the commission, said he couldn’t help but think of all the accidents that occurred on Route

113 near the store and the fact that a truck was hauling sewage from there four times a week.

“That is a very congested corridor,” he said.

Wells indicated he strongly objected to letting a store in Virginia connect. He said if this connection was allowed other developers in the area would try to connect.

“If that kind of stuff is going to happen state of Virginia needs to establish a service aera, they need to fund the service area, and they need to make a deal with the Town of Pocomoke through Maryland, Worcester County and Pocomoke to allow this to happen,” he said.

Wells said allowing connections like this one would just take capacity away from the Pocomoke treatment plant.

“I’m not sure Pocomoke is looking that far ahead to serve everybody that might want to be annexed along here,” he said.

The commission voted 4-2, with Wells and Brooks Clayville opposed, to forward the amendment to the Worcester County Commissioners with a favorable recommendation. The commissioners are expected to schedule a public hearing date—likely in October or November—for the proposal at their Sept.

20 meeting.

Another Look For Virginia Royal Farms Store’s Hookup Request The chandeliers featured inside the Phillips Beach Plaza Hotel are included in the auction.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – A controversial sewer issue in Pocomoke is set to be reconsidered by the Worcester County Commissioners in the coming weeks.

At the request of Commissioner Bud Church, who was absent during last year’s discussion, the commissioners are expected to again schedule a public hearing regarding a request to allow Pocomoke City to provide sewer service to the Royal Farms store in New Church, Va. The Worcester County Planning Commission voted 4-2 to support the amendment last week, with those in opposition pointing out it would set a precedent.

“If Virginia needs sewer they need to put it in,” said Rick Wells, who voted against supporting the amendment.

Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs, presented the planning commission with a proposed amendment to the county’s water and sewer plan that would allow Pocomoke City to serve the Royal Farms store just over the state line in New Church. The amendment would allow the store to abandon its existing septic system, which has failed, and to connect to a restricted access line that connects to the Pocomoke City Wastewater Treatment

A grand piano featured in the parlor area of the former restaurant is listed on the auction site.

Submitted Photos

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 9, 2022

OBITUARIES Donald Edward Fischer BERLIN – Donald Edward Fischer, age 92, died Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was the son of the late Clarence A. Fischer and Anna Locherer Fischer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Patricia (Dowden) Fischer, and children, Stephen D. Fischer (Celeste) of DONALD EDWARD Solon, Ohio, Daniel J. FISCHER Fischer (Megan) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Timothy P. Fischer (Karen) of Atlanta, Ga., Karen Alonge (John) of Erie, Pa., Mary Lynn Shelton of Drain, Ore. and Julie A. Byrd of Yellow Springs, Ohio, and step-children, William B. Outten (Kathy) of Berlin, Michael E. Outten (Suzanne) of North Carolina, Daniel L. Outten (Melissa) of Florida and Debra Anne Sutton (David) of Berlin. There are 27 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Fischer had been the Vice President of Management Information Systems at El Paso Community College and had been the co-owner and operator of Town Center Antiques in Berlin for many years. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War having worked in Counter Intelligence from 1951-1953.

He was a member of Boggs-Disharoon American Legion Post #123 in Berlin.

A viewing will take place on Thursday, Sept. 15 from 6-8 p.m. at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. The graveside service will be private for the family. A donation in his memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Barbara Ann Quade OCEAN CITY – Barbara Ann Quade, age 77, passed away at Gull Creek Assisted Living on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022.

Born in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late Ashby Wood and Ruby Underwood.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Quade Sr.; son Michael Wayne Frazier (Doris); daughter Kimberly Lynn Frazier; granddaughter Jenna Frazier; and step-children Michael Quade, Jr. (Krissie), Joyce Norsworthy and Shelley Jowers.

She is also survived by her sisters, Carol Sater and Debbie Messineo; brothers, Dennis Wood BARBARA ANN QUADE and Walter Wood; and numerous step-grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Larry Wood, Buster Wood, and Wayne Wood, and sister, Dee-Dee Barnett.

A celebration of life was held on Monday, Aug. 29 at the RaymondWood Funeral Home in Dunkirk. Donations in memory of Barbara can be made to the Multiple Myeloma Association. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Donna Lee Fitzgibbon OCEAN PINES – Donna Lee Fitzgibbon, age 65, passed away from complications of COPD at Atlantic General Hospital on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022.

Born Oct. 17, 1956, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Michael Mackanin and the late Lois Thompson.

She is survived by her DONNA LEE husband, Edward N. FITZGIBBON “Ted” Fitzgibbon Jr. of Ocean Pines; mother-in-law Alice M. Fitzgibbon and the late Edward N. Fitzgibbon Sr. of Annapolis; sister Karen J. Curlett and the late Charles N. “Chuck” Curlett of Baltimore; her extended caring and loving family including numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Donna earned her RN degree at Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa. and her bachelor’s degree in Nursing at La Roche College and began her career at Mercy Hospital with tours in the ER and ICU, followed by years of work in the Cardiology Department. She most recently served as Corporate Nurse for Three Lower Counties Community Services (Chesapeake Health Care) before her retirement. Donna met her husband Ted while vacationing in Ocean City.

She enjoyed deep sea fishing, pleasure boating, gardening and relaxing on the beaches.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. at the Community Church at Ocean Pines. A reception will be held at Taylor’s Restaurant following the service.

Nancy Jackson Adkins OCEAN CITY – Nancy Jackson Adkins, age 90, of Ocean City peacefully passed away in her sleep on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at The Woodlands Assisted Living of Ocean Pines.

She was born Jan. 12, 1932 in Salisbury and was the daughter of the NANCY JACKSON late Hal Gillespie JackADKINS son Sr. and Catherine (Hayman) Jackson.

Having graduated from Wicomico High School in 1950 she went on to study at Salisbury Business Institute for Office and Clerical Studies. Soon thereafter she was employed by Benjamin's Clothing Store in Salisbury and later moved on to employment with the Sinclair Oil Company in Baltimore as a secretary. After relocating back to Fruitland with her husband, she devoted her entire life to raising her five children.

She was an active member of both the Asbury United Methodist Church in Salisbury and later in life, the Atlantic Methodist Church in Ocean City.

She is survived by four children, Catherine Suraci and husband F. Skip, Esq. of Belle Haven, Va., Laura Kramer and husband Fred of Fruitland, James Adkins of Salisbury and Hal Adkins and wife Alison of Ocean City; eleven grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Robert T. Adkins, M.D., and one son, Robert Thomas (Tom) Adkins, Jr. D.O. She had chosen to have her body cremated and therefore there will be no formal funeral service. Her ashes will be combined with that of her loving husband prior to interment for eternity.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Atlantic United Methodist Church, Christian Education Endowment Fund (CEEF) at 105 4th Street, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

Carol Frances Wilson BERLIN/TIMONIUM – Carol Frances Wilson, age 81, died on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022 at Stella Maris Nursing Home in Timonium.

Born in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Kathryn (Cvach) Tassi.

She was preceded in CAROL death by her husband, FRANCES WILSON Robert Wilson, and a son, Kenneth Quaster. Surviving are her children, Frederick W. Quaster and fiancé Judy Rosiak and Jeffrey S. Quaster and his wife Terri. There are three grandchildren, Lauren and Lindsey Quaster and Kenneth Quaster, ll.

Mrs. Wilson had been an Administrative Assistant at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Cremation followed her death. No formal services are planned at this time. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

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

… Developers Seek Conveyance

FROM PAGE 6 erty owners are aware of the Baltimore Avenue redevelopment plans and the eventual plan to convey the unused rightof-way to them through several meetings and workshop, but letters would be sent to each describing the process and how it will affect them.

McGean said a next step in the process is scheduling a public hearing as a means to begin adopting an ordinance defining how the conveyance will work.

“Typically, we have a public hearing then the Mayor and Council make a decision to direct counsel to draft an ordinance,” he said. “That’s the step you haven’t taken yet.”

McGean explained the abandonment process would likely come in three phases. There are some properties along the Baltimore Avenue corridor where the owners are ready to go, including the Margaritaville project, which has already submitted its application. A second group will likely understand the project but will need more information to explain how it will impact them, while a third group simply won’t be ready. He said ideally, those different sets of property owners could be grouped so their requests are covered by the same ordinance.

McGean said letters explaining the abandonment process would go out to all affected property owners likely by the end of the month. Council President Matt James asked about the anticipated timeline. He said he was aware the Margaritaville project developers had already submitted their application for the section along Baltimore Avenue between 13th Street and 14th Street.

“What would be the timeline?” he said.

“You talk about three phases. We keep talking about a specific project.”

McGean explained the proposed piecemeal approach to the abandonments can and will work unless the council wanted to go in a different direction.

“If the direction is we don’t want to do any abandonments in that first phase from 15th Street to 10th Street, we can consider that,” he said. “If the question is what will the delay be if we wait until all of the letters go out, the delay would probably be three to four months. The direction I got from you all was to proceed with the right-of-way abandonment.”

McGean said after the Mayor and Council got more than a little stickershocked last week when the estimated cost of the Baltimore Avenue project doubled to nearly $40 million, the project was still up in the air.

“We don’t have a firm price,” he said.

“We don’t know yet if we’re even going to do the project.”

Councilman John Gehrig said the $40 million estimated price tag for the project was likely untenable unless grants and other revenue sources were identified.

“I don’t think we’re going to get to that $40 million,” he said. “I think there’s a better than 50% chance this project doesn’t get done. I don’t see this getting any cheaper. We’ll probably all be gone before this project gets done.”

With that said, Councilman Peter Bu-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

as made a motion to move forward with the Baltimore Avenue right-of-way abandonment and conveyance process and to send out letters to the property owners along the corridor affected by the process. That motion passed on 6-1 vote with James opposed.

Later in the same meeting, the Mayor and Council considered a request to abandon and convey the section of unused right-of-way between 13th Street and 14th Street to the developers of the Margaritaville project. Because it will be a planned overlay district project (POD), the Margaritaville project needs a minimum of 90,000 square feet in order to qualify for the designation. In order to reach that threshold, Margaritaville needs that section of unused right-of-way along Baltimore to reach the 90,000square-foot minimum.

The Mayor and Council had before them an ordinance for first reading that would convey the unused section of right-of-way from 13th Street to 14th Street to the Margaritaville developers.

It’s important to note the earlier ordinance was not site specific and every property owner along the corridor will eventually go through the process, but Margaritaville happened to be the first to apply. James said he didn’t view it that way, however.

“I feel like this is premature,” he said.

“We’re talking about doing this for one property.”

However, Gehrig pointed out Margaritaville just happened to be the first to apply for the abandonment and conveyance.

“Any of these property owners can apply for it,” he said. “When we start getting more applications, we can expedite the process.”

Attorney Hugh Cropper, representing the Margaritaville developers, agreed the ordinance before the council was for its application, but the overall abandonment and conveyance of the unused portion of Baltimore Avenue right-of-way was not project specific.

“It’s not a special ordinance,” he said.

“It’s an abandonment. In all my years here, I’ve seen the town abandon many unused alleys and other parcels. It’s a conveyance back to the property owners.

Every other property owner along the corridor can and will apply for it.”

However, neighboring property owner G. Hale Harrison said it was evident the ordinance before the council was very specific to the Margaritaville project and questioned the process.

“The only sense of urgency here is for Margaritaville,” he said. “Why not have an ordinance that covers the whole section of the corridor? It shouldn’t be done for a single property owner. I think everybody in the room knows this is for Margaritaville.”

After considerably more debate and comments, the council voted 6-1 with James opposed to approve the ordinance authorizing the Mayor and Council to convey the 21-foot width of Baltimore Avenue between 13th Street and 14th Street to the applicant, the first successful applicant in the process.

Page 79

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Page 80

OC’s Landscape Changes Editor: The Mayor and City Council should really stop and think about where this town is going. But then again I wonder, how much do they really care? Perhaps they have achieved what they wanted along – pure commercialism.

Last month I came upon a tree that I’ve walked by for 17 years. And all that was left was a trunk. On a daily basis in summer, the squirrels would eat and harvest the pinecones out of this tree and store them for winter. And both the squirrels and birds would nest in it. No more now. The tree is gone to make room for a fence.

The animals will need to move on to try and find another tree. Environmental change happens a little at a time, but the indicators are there if you take notice of the subtle changes. When we bought in OC near the Northside Park on 125th Street, the natural environment was healthy, full of life. The habitat was thriving. At night you couldn’t take a walk around the park without almost stepping on a toad or seeing a green frog with his sticky pads hanging out near a light post.

Insects were pollinating wildflowers along the lagoon, butterflies were collecting nectar, bees hovered over the clover, baby turtles were hiding under leaves in shallow pools, and rabbits were chewing on grass near the marshes. The park was a Shangri-la and retreat in the midst of a booming beach town.

Fast forward 17 years and there’s bare-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Letters To The Editor ly a trace of even the smallest wildlife, if any. The park was the last chunk of natural lush habitat. The land is still there but much of its life is gone. The reason we now see foxes stealing flip flops on the beach is because they had to assimilate into the dunes on the beachfront to scavenge for people food because there’s barely any natural food left to be found elsewhere. They constantly cross the highway at all times of day and night, desperate for shelter and food. They poop on the beach where sunbathers bask in the day.

It’s also the reason I see so many of them with mange over the years – mites and lack of proper nutrition.

For 10 miles, any habitable land has been replaced by concrete buildings rising higher and higher each year, eliminating an environment for even the smallest of creatures to survive. Riding over the Route 50 Bridge into Ocean City, your eyes are blinded out by the newest obnoxious Cambria, and its towering floors of white LED lights that block your eyes view of the town entrance. But does the town even care? No. Because it’s eye candy for the tourists, bait for people whose sights are set on being entertained. Money for the town. The continual loss of habitat is not in the meetings notes to discuss, it’s been left off and replaced by discussion of the next new condo or wind tur-

bines that will ultimately, thanks to big govt., be blocking your ocean horizon.

And maybe that’s the fate of OC, a 10mile strip of land locked between ocean and bay, a sterile town now, devoid of most natural elements but beaming with bells and whistles for the modern man.

Eat drink and be merry. But don’t expect any of it to be natural. The landscape has changed in OC and not for the better if what you seek is real. I adore OC because of the memories this place holds for me, and I’m grateful I had the best of them.

The sun still rises and the moon still shines, the waves still meet the shore, but other than that, the town of OC is becoming a barren strip of land turned makebelieve, a skeleton of its former beautiful, small-town, lush, spacious, ocean-retreat self with nowhere else to go, just like the foxes.

K. Shearin Monkton, Md.

Pay Attention To News Editor: Wake up Americans. What is this administration doing to the average American taxpayer? It appears if you are anything but a hardworking American you can get everything you need from the government, which by the way, is funded by the American taxpayer and what happens

September 9, 2022 when they use up all the taxpaying Americans. Taxpaying Americans are relegated to all the new guidelines from the CDC, federal government, state government etc., but if you are an "undocumented immigrant," criminal individual, homeless you are exempt from all requirements and the American taxpayer gets to pay for it. Now it appears our president wants to give tuition forgiveness to college students. What happened to when you signed on the dotted line for a loan you were obligated to pay for it. What about all the taxpaying parents who could not afford to send their children to college now paying for children who don't want to pay for what they owe for college and some of them are our congresswoman?

The new "Inflation Reduction BiIl" gives the well-to-do, tax credits for purchasing solar panels, new electric vehicles, new appliances, anything marked green and, guess what, we the American taxpayer get to pay for it. If you are having issues paying for the gas in our vehicle, paying your electric bill and purchasing food what good is a tax credit going to do you when you have to front the paying of solar panels, electric vehicles, etc., which by the way are made in China, and everywhere else but America. This administration is out of touch with the average American.

The prescription part of the bill does not kick in for four years and it is just 10 drugs. Are there individuals in government who are pushing this agenda getting special deals by pushing all these new green electric vehicles, solar panels, etc. With the government adding, what the bill says, 87,000 new IRS agents to brings in more tax revenue to pay for this. We the American taxpayer and small business owners, not only end up paying their salaries, medical and retirement for life, we will be paying higher taxes on top of one of the highest inflation rates we have ever seen, and I have been around a long time. What happened to all the monies that were sent out in error for the last $2 trillion spending bill passed by this administration; who ends up paying for that?

Many of these politicians on both sides have all been in office way too long and living off the American taxpayer not working for the American taxpayer. We most definitely need term limits. Again, we have an election coming up, for local and national candidates, and everyone who is legal should vote, but please listen and learn about the individuals you are voting for, make sure that they have you and your family’s interest at heart, not their’s.

I also wish the news media would stop reading teleprompters and actually report the news; all the news, good and bad and all things happening in our community, good and bad. There are so many issues happening locally and nationally it is hard for the average hard working American taxpayer to keep up, which is exactly what the politicians count on. Also, why was it necessary for the taxpayers to pay for a wall around the president's beach house when they won't finish building the walls at the border to protect the Americans? By the way, the parts for the border wall already paid for by the American taxpayer are rusting away piled high near the border. Again, another waste by government spending and who constantly lecture us that they know better how to spend our money than we do.

JoAnn Roland Berlin

September 9, 2022

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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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Post-Festival Crowds Merit OC’s Attention How We See It

September is going to be a busy special events month in Ocean City with many challenges for town government.

After this weekend’s wine fest comes bike week, the new OC AdventureFest and then the new Oceans Calling Festival, which may or may not coincide with the pop-up rally folks.

The three-day music festival offers an exciting opportunity for Ocean City.

It’s clear the economic impact of the event has already been felt with hotel rates and occupancy rates high for the last weekend in September.

This week’s decision to allow bicycling on the Boardwalk the weekend of Oceans Calling is interesting, but we do not see a majority of the 40,000 people coming to the festival arriving by bike.

Most attendees will drive, while some will use mass transit and ride shares.

It's going to be interesting to see how Ocean City handles the mass exodus of people leaving Oceans Calling each night. The main acts – Dave Matthews, The Lumineers and Alanis Morissette – will wrap their sets about 11 p.m. It’s estimated about 40,000 people will attend the festival.

Th festival has the potential to be a special event unlike anything the area has seen. The crowds and the rush to leave the grounds will look like the Fourth of July after the fireworks but likely much heavier. The stream of thousands of people rolling out at the conclusion of the last concert will be massive. At most large-scale concert venues, there are four modes of transportation – pedestrians/bicyclists, mass transit (subway and buses), motorists and taxi/ride share.

This will essentially be the case for Ocean City with the exception of the subway. The high rate of booked hotels as well as rentals around the concert site confirm there will be significant pedestrian traffic to and from the event. Numerous buses will need to be stationed downtown to move the concert attendees elsewhere quickly to reduce crowd gathering. Police presence will need to be heavy to assist with traffic controls and common public safety issues that arise with huge crowds.

Ocean City would be wise to utilize the special event zone, which is typically in place that weekend for the pop-up rally. The zone will give police flexibility to shut down certain roads and maybe even expand lanes during heightened times of traffic. It would also bring in some extra personnel. The special event zone will provide some support for the resort as it works through the inevitable challenges from the first-time event.

Planning for the festival is well underway on all fronts, but top of the priority list should be a multi-faceted plan for handling the massive exodus after the shows end each night.

Page 81

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green The People for Fiscal Responsibility – the group that spearheaded the petition effort on the planned sports complex west of the Stephen Decatur High School – is asking the county for clarity.

In a letter to county Attorney Roscoe Leslie with copies to all seven Worcester County Commissioners and Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young, Vince Gisriel, chair of the People For Fiscal Responsibility, laid out his concerns. He believes the process has been flawed and might not even be permissible by county code. He believes the county erred with how it advertising its public hearing for the sports complex in April when it wrote in a legal notice, “The Worcester County Commissioners will host a public hearing on a proposal to purchase property to develop a sports complex using a portion of the proceeds from general obligation bond funds of $11,198,830 in FY23 to fund acquisition, design, and development costs…” The property acquisition was never intended to be part of the bond, according to the county, only the development of it.

In his letter, Gisriel wrote, “Pursuant to Section 3 of the Contract of Sale for the purchase of 95.521 acres next to Stephen Decatur High School for the purpose of a Sports Complex, the County Commissioners should choose ‘…not to proceed to settlement…’, and the Commissioners should ‘…notify Seller in writing before the expiration of the Study Period…,’ thus terminating the Contract. Once it was determined that Bond Bill 22-8, even if approved by the voters on 11/8/22, cannot be used for land acquisition, I believe that a separate legislative action was required to enable the purchase of land. I can find no specific enabling legislation, resolution or bill that has been introduced, adopted or voted upon by the County Commissioners to purchase the land, nor to even enter into a contract of sale. I submit that a simple voice vote by the majority of Commissioners on the evening of the public hearing on 4/19/22, without a signed document such as a resolution does not constitute a valid, official action. In retrospect, there should have been two separate motions and two separate votes, one of each for the land purchase and one of each for the Bond Bill.”

Gisriel has long pointed out the sports complex process has not followed typical capital improvement projects. Capital projects typically appear on five-year capital improvement plans (CIPs) approved by elected officials and submitted to the state as a matter of record. Gisriel pointed out the sports complex first appeared in the fiscal year 2023-2027 plan.

Gisriel reviewed previous CIPs going back to 2010. He’s right on this point.

Whether it matters is the question.

What is known is a decision is coming for the sports complex. A vote will need to be held this month on how the county will fund the acquisition of the 95-acre parcel soon. A settlement date is set for Sept. 29. The contract of sale was signed March 29 with a “180-Day Study Period” included in the document.

The votes are most likely there at this time to buy the property no matter where the $7.1 million comes from within the county. After the election, the majority vote may change. I expect something significant to happen on the sports complex front over the next few weeks. The signed contract says it must.

Maryland’s Republican Party is being fractured by right-wing extremists.

This is the conclusion after the July primary saw robust Trump supporter Dan Cox cruise to the GOP gubernatorial nomination over incumbent Gov. Larry Hogan’s pick, former Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz.

The fallout from Cox’s victory continued this week with Hogan again stating he would not endorse him for governor against Democratic nominee Wes Moore. Additionally, Senate Minority Leader Bryan Simonaire said he would not endorse Cox or Republican Attorney General nominee Michael Peroutka, who like Cox is full of conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and unapologetically backs Trump.

What’s all this mean? Cox is going to get pummeled by Moore in November. My guess is Moore will win 70% of the vote at least. Democrats hold a 2-to-1 voter majority over Republicans, and the only hope for the GOP to hold on to the governor’s mansion was to put forward a moderate candidate, like Hogan, who can grab votes from the left. Meanwhile, Trump continues to openly stump for Cox, dooming him further in the minds of most voters.

The revenue numbers from Maryland’s casinos continue to impress.

Let’s take a look at August’s numbers released this week.

The state’s six casinos brought in a total of $169 million in gaming revenue, which is up .5 percent from last August. The state will receive $70 million of that revenue with contributions made to the counties. Additionally, the state’s Education Trust Fund gets $51 million.

On the local front, the Ocean Downs Casino, which currently features 846 slot machines and 19 table games, brought in $10.5 million in August, representing a 7% increase from last August. Of the six casinos, the Route 589 operation is the fourth highest earner behind MGH National Harbor with 2,099 sot machines and 210 tables ($71.8 million – up 6.5% from last August); Live!

Casino & Hotel with 3,754 slot machines and 180 tables ($56.9 million, down 5% from last August); and Horseshoe Casino with 1,500 slots and 180 table games, ($17.2 million, down 4% from last August). The other two are the Hollywood Casino ($7.1 million – a 7% decline from last August) and Rocky Gap Casino ($5.7 million – a 2% decrease when compared to last August).

Page 82

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Puzzle Answers

T

September 9, 2022

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

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he relief I feel after a successful school drop off in the morning is hard to explain.

For parents with neurotypical kids – I have one, so I know – the run to school is just a part of the day, most likely on the way to work, the gym or elsewhere. It’s an errand in my day as well, but I never take anything for granted when it comes to Carson and school.

The first day of this new school year is a great example. Anxiety is the enemy when it comes to Carson. It’s the root of nearly all problems with our kid on the spectrum. Despite two tours of the school and getting familiar with most of his teachers in summer school, he was filled with angst the first morning.

All seemed fine until we got to the school doors. He froze and clinched on to his mom for dear life. Panic mode was setting in. We have seen it before, and there’s no easy fix when he has so much internal turmoil. All hope for a fun and happy drop and roll – the goal each morning – was gone.

When he loses his composure and gets embarrassed, his parents are his safety zone. Breaking free from him outside without a scene was not going to happen. We spent the next hour trying to reason with him inside school so we could leave. Every time it seemed he was good, confirmed by a thumbs up, he would then chase after us. I had a few weak moments when I thought maybe we just start over tomorrow. Giving up would have been a horrible decision.

It’s not even what Carson wanted. He was just in a bit of a crisis and had to be pushed through it.

Things were getting so tough (and not to mention hot) we had to get strategic, starting with getting Pam away from him.

Carson’s favorite person is his mom, and she provides him comfort like nobody else. Pam loves hard. Her heart is huge, and she was not okay with leaving him in a panicked state. I did not want this

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outcome either, but it was time for desperate measures unless we wanted to spend the entire school day with Carson.

Since she needed to drop off something at the front office, the thought was to have her leave the room and me stay behind. It did not go well, but I was able to physically hold him back while she left the room. It’s heartbreaking to have to restrain him. It was needed at that time, though. There was no time to let emotions take over. Pam and I had to get out of the school so Carson’s adjustment could begin. He and his education team had to work through his anxiety without us.

Once he settled down, we went for a walk around the school. While we were walking, he kept reaching out to me. I tried to start building his independence by not holding his hand and just walking along side. We eventually settled on a game in the media center. He engaged with a teacher enough for me to slowly sneak away without him knowing. I’m sure once he realized I was gone he lost his composure again, but it had to happen.

I know how cold deserting him sounds, but these were desperate times.

There was not going to be a calm, peaceful goodbye on this day. It was now an unrealistic goal. It was best to just get out of his sight and let the education team handle him. It’s a lot to ask on the first day of school, but difficulties should have been the expectation on the first day at a new school with many new faces.

Though I was hoping for a smooth transition, I understand Carson and his unique emotions. He needed to feel safe and in a place of trust. In his mind, safety and trust are built over time. It’s this transition period that can be difficult. We need to be there to help him while also pushing him beyond his comfort level when necessary.

Empathy is one of Carson’s greatest gifts to me. The other being perspective.

Combining these two concepts provides me with a different outlook on everything. I think people who come in contact and share experiences with Carson feel the same way. I don’t know anyone who is not better off by time spent with our special boy. Though he’s non-verbal, he has a way of connecting. It just requires patience, time and effort.

As his parents, the constant mental battle revolves around how far to push him as far as expectations. He’s now 12 years old, and we as a family need to raise the bar a bit for him. Rather than taking a stuffed animal from home for comfort, a book would be better as far as social acclimation. This just one example.

I never want to sell him short. He’s capable of a lot. His maturation will continue. Our current strategy is to simply take everything case by case and day by day. Sometimes putting him in a potentially uncomfortable situation that could bring anxiety is just not worth the hassle. It’s why fireworks in a crowded place are not usually on our 4th of July agenda. Fear of his anxiety causing an unpleasant situation sometimes dictates what we do. On the other hand, part of growing up is pushing through obstacles in life that may be initially unsettling. Our job as his parents is to help him learn how to navigate his world and utilize learned tools to better manage his fears and anxiety. At this stage, independence clearly worries him terribly.

In the meantime, I start the day with the same goal – get Carson into school happy and ready to learn. If you see me walking back from school to my vehicle smiling in the morning, you know mission accomplished. After a rough start, the good news is he did exceptionally well the rest of the week.

(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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September 9, 2022