Voices From The Readers – November 30, 2018

Voices From The Readers – November 30, 2018

A Political Dilemma

Editor:

I call attention to the state of affairs of Snow Hill’s political dilemma and the consequences.

The former mayor (Charlie Dorman) resigned amid controversy with the Town Council and the council appointed the former mayor (Steve Matthews) to serve out his term. This void of political leadership creates an opportunity for new leadership and new ideas for Snow Hill’s growth. Or by default, the town will inherit the leadership that currently exists, this notwithstanding promises that have been made by the mayor. The choices are for the town’s people to come together, as they have done in the past, and put forth their ideas and support candidates (in the upcoming May 2019 election) that will be accountable to the voters.

Snow Hill suffered a tremendous loss when the town’s leadership failed to permit Mark Odachowski, the builder, to build the “Summerfield Development” here. This was done after the citizens participated in the planning of the development, which included mixed affordable housing, new businesses and jobs. After the planning was completed, the town’s people voted to annex land into the township to accommodate development. The loss to business and the community at large cannot be measured based upon what was being offered to the town by the developer. Even after the administration killed the project, the developer came back to Mayor and Council with a scaled down version. Council failed to give him the required “Equivalent Dwelling Units” (EDU’s) that he needed in order to build, shame.

Adding insult to injury, the Town Council had the opportunity to support a “Transitional Housing” project that would have supported individual families in becoming home owners. The council after promising to give favorable consideration to the project, in a “Work Session” rejected the offer to build the homes using federal monies.

Support for business and adequate housing are the essential life lines for the growth and development of Snow Hill. The failure of the Mayor and Council to provide decisive leadership to accomplish these tasks is unacceptable. The responsibility to choose leadership that is accountable and visionary, that will provide a pathway for the generations to come, will be decided in the May 2019  election.

I am convinced that the talent and skills to lead exist here in Snow Hill. The concern for how long you have lived here is irrelevant; the question is what can you bring to the table to help improve the quality of life? All citizens must take responsibility and attend council work sessions and Town Hall meetings, particularly during this critical period. For meeting dates and times, call Town Hall at 410-632-2080. Snow Hill has not held its elected officials accountable over the past, which is the reason it is experiencing the current economic growth and housing difficulties.

By organizing and becoming engaged now, as a total community with one voice, we can make a difference in May 2019 election.

Edward S. Lee

Snow Hill

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National Hospice Month

Editor:

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness Month and a chance to increase awareness that hospice is a program that works and a benefit that matters. Hospice is not a place. Hospice is not about dying. Hospice is about providing dignity and quality of life to those with life limiting conditions in their own homes, whether their homes are in assisted living facilities, nursing homes or in another residence or facility.

At Coastal Hospice, our vision includes anticipating and meeting the growing demand for our service in new settings. This year, as we celebrate this awareness month, we are also celebrating our latest project, the Macky and Pam Stansell House of Coastal Hospice at the Ocean. This is the first hospice house for the Lower Shore and is expected to open in early 2019.

The Stansell House fills a gap in care for those who need hospice services but cannot receive it in their home. Many of our aging residents of the Lower Eastern Shore become unsafe at home when they become seriously ill and admitted to hospice. They either live alone or their family member is frail themselves and unable to care for the person’s needs. This is why Coastal Hospice has worked with community partners for a decade to build the Stansell House.

The public was invited to preview, prior to the finishing touches, of the first ever hospice house for the Lower Shore. The Macky and Pam Stansell House of Coastal Hospice at the Ocean hosted visitors from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov, 27 as officials celebrated Giving Tuesday, at the site located at The Point in Ocean Pines.

Alane Capen

Salisbury

(The writer is the president of Coastal Hospice.)

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Thoughts On California Fires

Editor:

“It never rains in southern California” that probably rings a bell and it’s true. Problem is, in that windy, dry, canyon, brushy environment, fires are a fact of life. Still they rebuild, only to burn again, on average about every 10 years.

Here’s an idea, instead of California laws require solar, how about laws mandating fire resistant homes. Here on the east coast, where hurricanes create much damage, tougher building codes have long ago been mandated and have paid huge benefits. Then FEMA capped payouts to those who are willing to gamble and rebuild, but the costs above that cap are at their risk not ours.

Make sense? So why not something similar in California? California fires are very fast moving, a fire-resistant house stands a much better chance of survival, as would the residents within.

Charles Eary

Selbyville

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Fine Forgiveness Denied

Editor:

In August, I visited Salisbury, Berlin, and Ocean City with my family, as we do annually. Unfortunately, I did not pay close enough attention to the new payment method when we visited the Boardwalk and beach as I parked at the Inlet Parking Lot. I did not realize until I left that I had to know how long I had been in the parking lot. I underpaid by $2.

Three months later, I receive a bill for $27, my $2 underpayment and a $25.00 administrative fee. It took many tries to get through to the records department at the OC Police Department, and when I finally did, I requested a forgiveness of the fine.

Because of the new system and my not knowing when I entered the lot that I needed to keep track of the time that I was going to be there, besides keeping an eye on my two small granddaughters, I did not think this was an inappropriate request. It was denied and they inferred they don’t care if I come back or not.

Ocean City used to be a tourist friendly town, but things have changed. As a public relations gesture, I think forgiving the $2 would have been the right thing to do, as well as a good business move. Thanks for listening. Just my opinion.

Robin Copeland

Pennsylvania

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Church Served 495 Meals On Thanksgiving Day

Editor:

To the Ocean City community, “Love God, Love Others, Serve At The Beach” is the motto of Ocean City Baptist Church.

Four decades ago, the Ocean City Baptist Church opened its doors and hearts on Thanksgiving because nobody should go hungry or be alone for the holiday. Thousands of turkey dinners later, OCBC is proud to continue this annual tradition and it would not have been possible this year without the generous donations of the following businesses: American Legion Post 166, Bank of Ocean City, Benchmark Property Services, DiCarlo Printing in Salisbury, Elks Lodge #2645, Humphrey’s Foundation Inc., Taylor Bank, the Wednesday Night Ladies’ Bowling League, and, of course, the members and visitors of OCBC.

I believe that sharing a hot turkey meal with all the trimmings serves as a great reminder that no matter how rough times may be, there is still a lot to be thankful for. I am very thankful to be surrounded by over 100 volunteers who graciously gave their time and energy into making this dinner a success. A few people need to be thanked for their individual efforts and they are Anne Russo, Paul DeHuarte. Sr, Robin Derrickson, Judy Baker and Amy Smith.

All the glory goes to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as I proudly say that we served 495 meals this year — 113 meals eaten at church, 130 delivered and 252 carried out. I am privileged to be part of this annual tradition and we look forward to being part of your next Thanksgiving.

Sean Davis

Ocean Pines