A Practical Approach

A Practical Approach
Editor:

The Ocean City Council is using the sensible approach in their efforts to reduce expenses during these difficult economic times. Freezing wages and benefits and instituting a "no new hire" is a good start. When the economy improves and new employees are needed, it seems reasonable for them to have a different entry level pay package than present employees.
Many businesses and industries use the 401-K pension system and it is beneficial to the employee and the employer, even with a percentage matching funds.
Some council members say that the revisions will hinder the hiring of qualified employees. We think that having the 2006 entry level pay package, 401-K pension plan, revised health care, sick leave and paid vacation will be attractive for those seeking employment. Let’s hope the council will work together, that they will be able to secure needed information in order to make plans that will keep our city afloat so that businesses, tourists, employees and tax payers all are No. 1.

John and Ann McDermott
Ocean City

Support Allowed Church
To Serve 700 On Holiday
Editor:

The Ocean City Baptist Church would like to thank the many local businesses, individuals and volunteers for their gracious contributions of food, money and their time that allowed us to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for over 700 people again this year.

We would like to recognize and thank the Chamber of Commerce and the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, which both greatly assisted us in quickly getting the word out regarding our needs. Additionally, a special thanks to Brandon Phillips and the Atlantic Stand, Bill Salvatore and the Eden Roc Motel, Jeff Phillips and the Phillips Restaurants, The Harrison Group and the Quality Inns, J.R’s Ribs, The Greene Turtle, the Wednesday Night Ladies Bowling League, the Women at Bay Vista Estates I, Taylor Bank and the Bank of Ocean City, along with the numerous volunteers which just appeared on Thanksgiving and helped prepare and serve the dinners.

It was truly an amazing day of fellowship that allowed us to serve so many. God bless you all.
Ocean City Baptist Church Members

Inaugural Ritz A Success
Editor:

The Art League of Ocean City and the Puttin’ on the Ritz committee would like to thank the community for making the inaugural gala, which was held Nov. 27 at the Ocean City Convention Center, a success.

Approximately 200 people attended the premiere event in support of the visual and performing arts in Ocean City, which kicked of the holiday season in our town. Funds raised from the event will go towards the convention center art program. which will commission large scale works of art to be installed at the Convention Center in order to beautify the facility and to support the programs of the Art League of Ocean City, a non-profit art organization.

A special thank you is extended to Centerplate and executive chef Chef Gary Leach for their generous donation of exquisite cuisine and services. The committee would also like to thank Jim Gray of City Florist in Salisbury for the amazing decorations and Dave Travis of D.R. Travis events for his help. Thanks also goes to Bryan Russo and “The Main Event!” and John Martin for fabulous entertainment, and Rick Hamilton and the staff of the Convention Center for their assistance. Our gratitude to the many businesses and artists who donated to the auctions. Thank you to EJ Foxx of Cat Country radio for conducting the live auction.

Live auction donors we would like to thank are: Glitter and Gold, the Shark restaurant, Kevin Fitzgerald, and Kent Fisher furs. Silent auction donors we thank are artists Jim Connolly, Sonia Hunt, Jody Veader, George Hamaty, Ethnie Graziano, Stasia Heubeck, Peggy Warfield, Paige Ruby, Chris Ecker, Kathy Gibson, Faith Lord, Leslie Segall, Jeri Lipov, Jim Adcock, Jim Rehak, Anne Hanna, Robin Harrrison, Bridgette Bowden, Rosemary Burns, Bill Wight, Helen Hammerman, Willie Crocket, Jack Richardson, Rina Thaler and Randy Hofman. Other silent auction items were gracious supplied by : Avery Gallery, Hands Down Massage, Robin Walter Salon, Wockenfuss, Lasertron, Francis Scott Key Family Resort, Jolly Roger, River Run Golf Club, Old Pro Golf, Coconut Kids, Planet Maze, Atlantic Hotel, Hilton Suites, Carousel Hotel, Fay Kempton of Gallery One, Bev Harrington, Victorian Charm, Park Place Jewelers, Rob Forosisky, Jeffrey Auxer, Homeworks, Carmela Coleman, Maggie Bags, La Hacienda, Captain’s Table, Greene Turtle and Blue Ox.

We are looking forward to next year’s gala, and a hope to be able to beautify our Convention Center with your support.

Puttin on the Ritz Committee

(Committee members include Rina Thaler, Veronica Donaldson, Rick Hamilton, Margaret Spurlock, Paige Ruby, Patti Miller, Mary Knight, Andrea Baker, John Dooley, Carolyn Kenington, Sharon Bradford, Regina Brittingham and Laurie Adelhardt.)

Parade Help Appreciated
Editor:

This is a letter of thanks to all those who helped to make the 28th Annual Ocean City Christmas Parade such a success.

There are many fine community parades here on the shore. The officials of those parades I’m sure echo my thanks to all the people who donate their time to make sure these parades run smoothly and provide entertainment and the seasonal spirit to all those observing the parades.

I would like to thank everyone from the Public Works Department, who provides us with the judges stand, bleachers and public address system. A special thanks to the Ocean City Police Department for all its hard work in seeing that the traffic runs smoothly on Coastal Highway while the parade is taking place.

A special thanks goes out to Doug Cymek and his volunteers who coordinate the line-up, start the parade and see that it flows smoothly. This is no easy task, believe me. Thanks to Milton Warren at Delmarva Two-Way Radio for the use of his radios during the parade.

Thanks goes out to Rick Charles for being our MC this year. The Christmas parade is a professionally judged parade. Thank you to the National Judges Association for sending three talented professional judges.

I thank the Gold Coast Mall Merchants Association for its continued support and for providing all the funds for this parade. I thank the community and news media for its interest and involvement. All this blends together into an enjoyable first Saturday in December in the resort when we all the Ocean City Christmas Parade.

Elaine V. Jarvis
Ocean City
(The writer is the parade coordinator.)

Making A Difference
Editor:

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, the Ocean City Fishing Center held its Annual Black Friday Rockfish Tournament. The money they raised went to The Autistic Children’s Support Group of Worcester County.

I was invited to come to the awards dinner on Sunday to make a speech. This was the first year that I went to the awards dinner. It was held at the Marlin Club. I really liked it there. The place had huge fish on the walls and the best thing was the great food. There was also a silent auction there. Businesses donated cool stuff to be auctioned off. My mom and dad won a few things.

When it came time for my speech, I was a little nervous, but I knew I was prepared because I practiced. It is important for you to know that I am beating Autism. I am in the eighth grade at Stephen Decatur Middle School. My favorite subject is science and I currently have a 4.0 grade point average.

For me to be able to tell you this today, I needed a lot of help. When I was 3 years old, I could not talk and my senses were out of sync. My parents searched everywhere for help. I started school at age 3 and spent most of my childhood at hospitals. Easter Seals was like my second home. There were so many long car rides too and from my therapies.

As you see, I had a lot of help to get me ready for the speech that I gave at the dinner. Since it is the end of the year, I want to thank all of the local businesses and volunteers that support the Autistic Children’s Support Group all year long. They help kids just like me. My hope is that these kids can beat Autism too.

Mark A. Di Buo

Thanks For Support
Editor:

On behalf of the Worcester County Garden Club, I would like to thank the local community for supporting our club’s project, “Wreaths Across America”, at the Hurlock Veterans Ceremony.

The placing of wreaths at the cemetery, organized by our members several years ago, has now included the placing of flags on the gravesites for Memorial Day. In addition to purchasing wreaths, our members will be present to place them on the graves on Saturday, Dec. 11.

If anyone is interested in volunteering and would like more information, call Bozy Markiewicz at 410-641-8946.

Mary Lou Scott
Berlin
(The writer is the president of the Worcester County Garden Club.)