Pediatric Dental Center to Open

BERLIN — Worcester County Health Department officials this week announced its pediatric dental center will soon open in Berlin.

The Worcester County Dental Center, located on William Street in Berlin, will accept patients ages 18 and under who are uninsured, low income or participants in the Maryland Healthy Smiles program. The goal of the Worcester County Dental Center is to ensure all children in the county receive access to quality dental care. Full service dentistry including cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, X-rays and restorative treatments will be available to qualifying children.

Last year, the county health department partnered with the Eastern Shore Oral Health and Education Program to provide dental screenings and fluoride varnish applications to children in county schools. The opening of the dental center in Berlin is an extension of that program.

“With the opening of the dental center, we can now provide these services within our county,” said Worcester County Deputy Health Officer Dr. Andrea Mathias.

The center is located in the recently renovated county building on William Street and will be open to patients beginning March 15. Appointments may be made by calling 410-641-0240.

Oglesby Hosts DNA Seminar

SNOW HILL – On Feb. 15, State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby hosted a regional DNA training seminar for members of the law enforcement community that attracted over 30 participants from all over the state.

Presenters for the seminar included forensic scientists from the Maryland State Police Forensics Sciences Division, the director of Baltimore City’s State’s Attorney’s Office forensic science unit and former state’s attorney for Wicomico County, Davis Ruark.

The seminar included the types of DNA testing available, with an emphasis on advantages and limitations of the science, and a thorough explanation of the possible results reported by the discipline. Also included among the topics were trial strategy, court procedures, and how best to communicate the complexities of DNA testing to potential jurors.

In attendance were Talbot County State’s Attorney, Scott Patterson, Somerset State’s Attorney, Dan Powell, members from the Snow Hill Police Department, Maryland State Police, Pocomoke City Police, Ocean Pines Police, The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Police, the Worcester County Sheriff’s office, and the Ocean City Police Department. Also in attendance were non-traditional members of the law enforcement community such as members from Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

Perdue, Shorebirds Partner
On Hunger Campaign

SALISBURY — Perdue Chicken and the Delmarva Shorebirds this week announced a major initiative aimed at battling hunger across the Lower Shore culminating with the South Atlantic League All-Star Game in Salisbury on June 21.

Building on a commitment to fight a growing hunger problem on the Eastern Shore, Perdue announced this week it is sponsoring the “Strike Out Hunger” All-Star game at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in June on behalf of the three main Delmarva food banks. The campaign, which started this week, will run until the June 21 All-Star game at Perdue Stadium.

“The 2011 Strike Out Hunger All Star Game has provided us with a large stage to bring the problem of hunger to the forefront,” said Perdue Foods Vice President and controller Andrea Williams, who is serving as the campaign’s co-chair. “The food banks and the Shorebirds have stepped up and embraced this campaign. Now, we’re just hoping the community will join us in our efforts.”

The campaign is focused on raising food donations and funds, and encouraging volunteer efforts to benefit the Eastern Shore branch of the Maryland Food Bank, along with the Food Bank of Delaware and the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia.

“These three Delmarva food banks serve our community in such an important way,” said Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “Their impact is immeasurable. That is why we are committed to this effort and we challenge the community to join us.”

Harris Opens Lower Shore Office

SALISBURY — Congressman Andy Harris (R-1) this week opened a Salisbury District Office to help serve the needs of his constituents on the Lower Eastern Shore.

Reiterating a commitment to all of his constituents across Maryland’s vast First Congressional District, Harris opened his Salisbury District Office on Wednesday afternoon with a promise to provide the highest quality of service to anyone who needs assistance in the three counties of the Lower Shore, including Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset.

“I’m pleased to announce that my Salisbury district office will remain right in the heart of downtown,” said Harris on Wednesday. “The office is in a central location that will provide excellent access for residents of the Lower Shore.”

The Salisbury office is located at 212 Main Street, Suite 204B. Residents can either walk in or schedule an appointment to meet in person with a member of the congressman’s staff. To set up an appointment, call 443-944-8624.