Page 42 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch November 15, 2013 The Dispatch Forever In Memory Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005) The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly On Friday Mornings MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 467 Berlin, Md. 21811 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd. Berlin, Md. 21811 PHONE: 410-641-4561 FAX: 410-641-0966 WEBSITES: www.mdcoastdispatch.com www.facebook.com/thedispatchoc J. STEVEN GREEN Publisher/Editor editor@mdcoastdispatch.com HOW WE SEE IT Reducing Highway Speed Limit Not Necessary There were a number of suggestions to make Route 113 safer in Berlin bantered about this week, but one that does not merit consideration is a speed limit reduction. That may seem harsh in the wake of last Friday’s fatality involving a local teen, whose older brother was also critically injured in the accident with a Maryland State Police trooper. We simply do not think attempts to drastically reduce the speed limit along Route 113 from Germantown Road to Old Ocean City Boulevard should be considered. It’s unnecessary and not the sole reason why safety concerns exist along this stretch of highway. What instead should be the focus are traffic calming devices at the three major intersections in Berlin – Old Ocean City Boulevard, Bay Street and Germantown Road. Additionally, intersection safety enhancements at each of these would be helpful, starting with improved lighting. This week’s community reaction to last Friday’s fatality was warming to observe at Tuesday’s Mayor and Council meeting. Many who attended aired their concerns and how they think the Bay Street and Route 113 intersection can be made safer for both motorists and pedestrians. What’s likely next is a study of the area that will take months to complete before any sort of solution is brought forward. The short-term fix of having an electronic mobile sign near the intersection may heighten safety on some fronts immediately, but it’s not a long-term solution, and that’s what really needs to be the goal here. Vehicle volume numbers will go a long way toward determining what kind of enhancements can be made. However, we learned with the Routes 113 and 12 intersection issue in Snow Hill that vehicle data is not everything the State Highway Administration considers when making a decision. Accident figures – 60 in 13 years at the Bay Street intersection – as well as community demands also are factored in heavily. It will take time to figure all that out, and that’s ironic because time is the only aspect that can bring any type of healing to the families affected by last Friday’s fatality. Our hope for them is that they find peace in the memories of their loved one and that the older brother injured in the accident is able to recover to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, we extend well wishes to the Maryland State Trooper who was driving the vehicle involved in the accident with the two local residents. The 21-year-old trooper is surely dealing with immeasurable grief and guilt and he deserves consideration from the community as well. There are no winners in this sad story, but we hope long-term good can from this tragedy. A safety study is a logical first step. NEWS DEPARTMENT SHAWN J. SOPER News Editor Sports Editor ssoper@mdcoastdispatch.com JOANNE SHRINER Staff Writer joanne@mdcoastdispatch.com TRAVIS BROWN Staff Writer travis@mdcoastdispatch.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR County Overreacting Editor: As a regular follower of this paper, I was dismayed this week to read the “stinky property” article concerning Mr. Mariner. It is my belief that when a dispute may arise between rural neighbors, Worcester County officials should act as mediators to reach an amicable solution that suits both parties. As the article indicated, protocols were followed that included a representative from the Maryland Department of the Environment evaluating the property in question, ultimately finding Mr. Mariner not to be in violation of any state laws. I question why it seems that Worcester County officials appear to be taking an accusatory position against Mr. Mariner? I believe that storing the wood in organized piles is far less detrimental to human health than having it burned in a creosote treatment plant, which would have released far more toxins into the environment. I would encourage Worcester County officials, specifically Mr. Tudor, to adopt a more balanced view of the situation. They should strive for mediation instead of creating an amendment that would allow them to circumvent the current law and target Mr. Mariner. Don Ratigan Few people understand that hospice care helps patients and families focus on living. The hospice team provides expert medical care to keep patients comfortable and able to enjoy time with loved ones. The hospice team answers questions, offers advice on what to expect, and helps families with the duties of being a caregiver. The team also provides emotional and spiritual support for the entire family. Hospice professionals and trained volunteers will ask you what’s important and listen to what you say. They make your wishes the priority. Hospice care is provided in the home, nursing home, assisted living facility or long-term care centers – wherever the patient is most comfortable. Hospice care is available to people of all ages, with any illness, regardless of their ability to pay. In fact, in our last fiscal year Coastal Hospice spent an unprecedented $776,979 for Charity Care. That’s roughly $250,000 more than in previous years. That figure includes caring for patients and families who had no means to pay, had needs beyond their insurance coverage or needed services for which we do not bill In FY 13 we cared for 1,030 patients and their families. On their behalf, we thank the generous community who made this possible. It is the mission of Coastal Hospice and Palliative Care to provide comfort, dignity and respect to all those coping with a serious or lifelimiting illness. If you or a loved one is facing a serious or life-limiting illness, the time to find out more about hospice and palliative care is right now. Alane Capen Salisbury (The writer is president of Coastal Hospice & Palliative Care) CHRIS PARYPA Photographer SALES DEPARTMENT TERRI FRENCH Account Executive Entertainment Editor terri@mdcoastdispatch.com Remember Shelter Animals In Debate Editor: As a volunteer at the Humane Society for seven years, I got to know many people dedicated to the animals, including Director Kenille Davies. I witnessed Kenille overcome some tough obstacles through the years while rescuing animals in our county from abuse and neglect. To say that Kenille is an animal rights advocate is an understatement. She has dedicated her life to protecting animals with a “no-kill” concept. In most organizations, people working together bring different beliefs and opinions. Somewhere along the way, the Humane Society Board of Directors, a group of people with so much in common, began to focus more on their differences. News of Kenille’s departure is now circulating the media. The most important thing for readers to know is that the animal shelter is open and, as always, needs donations, contributions and forever homes. Please don’t begrudge the homeless animals just because people don’t always get along. Judith Galuardi Berlin JEANETTE DESKIEWICZ Account Executive jeanette@mdcoastdispatch.com MANETTE CRAMER Account Executive manette@mdcoastdispatch.com ART DEPARTMENT CINDY WARD Art Director art@mdcoastdispatch.com JENNIFER T. O’BRIEN Graphic Artist COLE GIBSON Graphic Artist Webmaster BUSINESS OFFICE PAMELA GREEN Bookkeeper Classifieds Manager classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices.. The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year. Subscription rates are $75 per year, $55 for six months. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Maryland Coast Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Maryland Coast Dispatch offices are located at Route 346 and Graham Avenue, Berlin, Maryland. Partners Recognized Editor: In your Nov. 8 edition, you included an article written by Andy Berges. The article was about the Annual Berlin Harvest Fair that was held on Nov. 2 at the SonRise Church property on Worcester Highway. SEE NEXT PAGE Hospice Care Month Editor: November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to reach out to our community to raise awareness about the compassionate care that Coastal Hospice and Palliative Care has provided on the lower shore for more than 30 years.