April 13, 2007

"You have no new messages."

The 'phone lady' can be very cold. If I didn't know any better, I'd think she worked at the DMV. Sometimes, I think I'd be better off if I never heard her indifferent voice again. Yet, that is as unlikely as seeing Bill O'Reilly and Rosie O'Donnell slow dancing cheek to cheek while Prince's 'Nothin' Compares 2 U' resonates through the ballroom. (There's a visual for all you crazed infotainment junkies.) I try and think of new things to talk about every week and try to take random...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Doctor Now In Fenwick BERLIN - Barbara Socha, M.D., a physician with nearly two decades of experience in internal medicine who recently opened a practice in Ocean View, Del. is now seeing patients in an additional location in Fenwick Island. Socha has joined the practice of Nicholas Borodulia, M.D. at the Fenwick Medical Center - now an Atlantic General Health System location - to serve the ever-increasing demand for healthcare in the area. Borodulia entered into the agreement with...READ MORE

Pines Jewel Thief Convicted

SNOW HILL - An Ocean Pines woman arrested in October and charged with several counts of burglary and felony theft for stealing thousands of dollars worth of jewelry after getting surprised in the residence by the victim pleaded guilty this week in Worcester County Circuit Court to first-degree burglary and awaits her fate pending the outcome of a pre-sentence investigation. The Ocean Pines Police Department arrested Jodi Lynn Schlaile, 40, of Ocean Pines, in October and charged her with...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Pasted

Walter Pilachowski Jr. SELBYVILLE - Walter 'Walt' Pilachowski, Jr., 58, formerly of Baltimore, died Tuesday, April 3, 2007 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Walter M. and Dorothy Beckman Pilachowski. He is survived by his wife, Linda Pilachowski of Selbyville, Del.; two sons, Shane Pilachowski of Noble, Okla. and Chad Pilachowski of Hampstead, Md.; a daughter, Dawn Marie Wilson of Hanover, Pa.; and five grandchildren. Pilachowski...READ MORE

Seahawks Thrash Clippers, 17-3

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's men's varsity lacrosse team rebounded from its first loss of the season last week, thumping host Bennett, 17-3, on Tuesday to improve to 3-1 on the season. Ben Kelleher scored six goals to lead Decatur in the 17-3 romp over the Clippers on Tuesday, while Logan West, Nick Hogan and Paul Kramer each added two goals. The win over Bennett helped erase the pain of last week's 13-7 loss to Bayside Conference rival Parkside, which was the Seahawks' first of the...READ MORE

Mallards Sink Vikings 13-1 to Get Back to .500

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's men's varsity lacrosse team thumped visiting Cambridge, 13-1, in its home opener on Tuesday to erase any lingering doubts from a tough weekend at a holiday tournament in Baltimore last Saturday. The Mallards opened the regular season with a resounding 16-1 win over Salisbury School last Thursday before hitting the road for an Easter holiday tournament at McDonough School in Baltimore on Saturday. Worcester dropped a pair of games in that tournament including a...READ MORE

Decatur Falls to Bennett For First Loss of Season

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity baseball team suffered its first loss of the season this week, falling to visiting Bennett, 5-4, on Tuesday to drop to 7-1 in the standings and fall into a tie for the lead with Snow Hill in the Bayside Conference South division. Decatur entered Tuesday's contest with a perfect 7-0 record on the season, but the Clippers escaped with the narrow, one-run win to hang the first loss of the season on the Seahawks. Decatur's Max Marks clobbered a three-run...READ MORE

Decatur Falls to Bennett, 12-8

BERLIN- Paybacks were in order for the Bennett girls softball team this week when the Clippers outlasted Decatur, 12-8, on Tuesday one week after falling to the Seahawks, 11-6, in extra innings. Decatur has won and lost games in all sorts of different ways this season, including tight pitching duels and slugfests, but when it comes to its match-ups with Bennett thus far, lots of offense and the long ball have been the norm. The Seahawks beat the Clippers, 11-6, in extra innings...READ MORE

Let's take a look inside some numbers in the news

-- 10: Number of months until smoking is prohibited in Maryland 'indoor' bars and restaurants. -- Three: Years businesses are allowed by law to seek financial hardship compensation from the state as a direct result of the smoking ban. -- Four: Number of witnesses reporting to police they heard the man who jumped a median, struck a downtown home and caused a fire say, 'Aww &@)#,' once he noticed the damage he caused. He then fled the scene. -- One: Photos of Delegate Jim Mathias in...READ MORE

Voice From The Readers

A Matter Of Choice Editor: Living in Baltimore 60 odd years then moving to Ocean City and walking the Boardwalk passing shops showing bikinis, towels, T-shirts, bathing suits and other attire in the windows displaying same, now adult shops are a thing of concern. Shucks, 'The Block' was the thing. Only it was called adult entertainment. They all had posters on the outside showing girls with the bare essentials for all to see who traverse The Block and it was one block from Baltimore...READ MORE

Berlin Right To Fold On Utility Sale

In the poker game that had become the negotiations over the sale of the Berlin electric system, it can be said the Berlin Mayor and Council folded. As in any poker game, if you don't have the cards and the odds are stacked against you, that's the only play. While we felt selling the electric system was the wrong direction from the beginning, the Berlin Mayor and Council deserves some credit for backing out of the deal. An argument could certainly be made the course charted by Berlin...READ MORE

Smoking Ban Approved, But Area Proprietors Question Fairness

The legislation makes Maryland the 20th state to put laws similar to this on their books, something many business owners in the resort area said they have been expecting to happen. Knowing it would eventually pass, some proprietors were beginning to accept the Clean Air Indoor Act since it would blanket the entire state, making it a fair playing field in the restaurant industry. However, now that the actual piece of legislation has been written and accepted, there seems to be no...READ MORE

Mathias Reflects On First Full Session In Annapolis

OCEAN CITY - Fresh off his first full session as a member of the Maryland General Assembly, freshman Delegate James Mathias was in a decidedly reflective mood this week as he fondly recalled some of the triumphs and shortcomings of the session and looked ahead to what will likely be a tumultuous sophomore year. Mathias was appointed last June to fill the District 38B seat vacated by the untimely death of the late Delegate Bennett Bozman and won a resounding victory in the General...READ MORE

ODEC Pulls Out Of Deal, Ending Utility Deal Saga

BERLIN - The sale of Berlin's electric system is dead. The months-long saga ended Monday night when the Berlin Town Council voted unanimously to discontinue negotiations for the controversial sale of the power plant and distribution system. Old Dominion Electric Cooperative's (ODEC) decision to back out of the deal over environmental issues at the Berlin power plant property triggered the town council's decision to halt negotiations with Choptank Electric over the distribution...READ MORE

Staley Named Ocean City Citizen Of Year

OCEAN CITY - Long-time local resident and community activist John Staley has joined a long list of distinguished winners when it was announced this week he will be honored later this month with the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce's 2007 Citizen of the Year award. The Chamber of Commerce several years ago established the outstanding Citizen of the Year award to recognize individuals for superior service to the Ocean City community. Winners of the prestigious honor 'have represented the...READ MORE

Director Explains Assessment Notice Increases To Businesses

OCEAN CITY - Resort business leaders recently expressed some angst about increased assessments on residential and commercial property in the area when the real estate market has decidedly gone soft, but their concerns were allayed somewhat this week after a presentation by the state's assessment office chief for Worcester County. At the January meeting of the resort's Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting, some resort business leaders questioned why the most recent tax...READ MORE

Ocean City Officials Learn About Keys To Storm Planning

OCEAN CITY - After a few days spent in New Orleans last week, city officials are now back in town putting to use the knowledge and information they gathered at the 2007 National Hurricane Conference. The five-day event began on the April 2 and plays host to approximately 2,000 government officials, meteorologists, emergency personnel, rescue workers and others. The purpose of the conference is to improve hurricane preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation in order to save lives...READ MORE

Phillips Tapped As New Coastkeeper, ACT Exec. Director

BERLIN - The Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT) announced this week it has hired Worcester County resident and environmental steward Kathy Phillips to take over as the new Assateague Coastkeeper effective April 1. Phillips will also serve as the Executive Director of the Assateague Coastal Trust. She replaces Jay Charland, who served as the Coastkeeper from October 2002 until August 2006. "Kathy will be our advocate for healthy water and sound environmental policy in the coastal...READ MORE

Senior Living, Workforce Housing Eyed For Berlin Site

BERLIN - Owners of the Davis and Taylor Farms in Berlin dangled an intriguing senior living and workforce housing project in front of the Berlin Mayor and Council Monday, hoping for, but not precisely getting, their blessing. The property, originally annexed into the town as an industrial park in 2000, has sat empty since that project fell through. A recent attempt to have the property de-annexed back into the county was rejected by the Worcester County Commissioners. Property...READ MORE

Berlin Could Hire Consultant To Examine Route 346 Corridor

A master plan focuses on how to practically achieve what the comprehensive plan envisions. The zoning code will need to be revamped to match the new comprehensive plan. 'This is what I really need,' said Berlin Planning and Zoning Superintendent Stacey Weisner. 'We don't have any meat without the code.' The code is so outdated, Weisner said, that it still requires planning documents to be submitted on linen paper. The master plan and code review process would take 10 months, said...READ MORE

County Planners Table New West OC Pharmacy Plan

SNOW HILL - A Rite Aid pharmacy planned for West Ocean City met a delay last week when the Worcester County Planning Commission tabled a decision on the site plan. The proposed pharmacy, at the southeast corner of Route 50 and Keyser Point Rd., engendered an at times contentious discussion between project planners and commission members, particularly over the look of the building. 'It's been a very difficult site in a lot of respects,' said Mark Cropper, attorney for applicants,...READ MORE

DUI Suspect Was Wanted On Serious Charges Elsewhere

OCEAN CITY - After what could have been a deadly series of events last week, a LaPlata man was arrested last Friday for driving while intoxicated and soon found to be a wanted felon when officers conducted a warrant check on the individual. According to police records, it was approximately 9:37 p.m. when OCPD Officer Joseph Melena was conducting a traffic stop in the area of Philadelphia Avenue and 3rd Street. As he was writing citations, he heard the horns of several cars and looked up...READ MORE

Marathon Runners Face Off With Snow, Winds

OCEAN CITY - Blinding snow and frigid temperatures did not prevent hundreds of runners from all over the country from competing in last Saturday's 3rd Annual Ocean City Factory Outlets Marathon, which resulted in the familiar face crossing the finish line first. A rare Easter weekend snowstorm blew through the area last Saturday morning and continued throughout the marathon, making conditions difficult for the hundreds of competitors. With strong winds blowing out of the north, the...READ MORE

Resident Makes Dreams Come True For Some

OCEAN CITY - Finding true happiness in a career can be hard to come by. The road is full of bumps, turns and dead-ends that all try to shake the resolve of anyone in search of their lifelong dreams. However, along 66th Street there is a condominium where one gentleman has successfully navigated that road and seems happier than ever. That man is Wayne Littleton, program coordinator for Ocean City's Believe in Tomorrow Children's Foundation, a group poised to help children who suffer...READ MORE

Thursday, April 12 - OC Rape Suspect Sentenced In '06 Assault Case

SNOW HILL - An Ocean City man arrested last week for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl was sentenced this week to 18 months in jail for convictions on assault and burglary charges from a similar incident last June. Semeredin Bederu, 24, of Ocean City, was arrested for allegedly raping a 17-year-old Cumberland, Md. girl during a party at a downtown resort apartment after the victim passed out from alcohol consumption. Bederu appeared in Worcester County Circuit Court on Monday for a...READ MORE

Wednesday, April 11 - Downtown Tour Boat Operation Eyed For Old BJ's Site

OCEAN CITY - With only one more hurdle to clear before being able to obtain a business license, Captain Jason C. Lennox came before the Mayor and City Council Tuesday during a work session to seek approval for the last aspect of his new business endeavor. Lennox is planning to try out a seasonal tour boat operation on the site where the BJ's establishment once was. Although the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a condominium complex back in April of 2005, a building permit was not...READ MORE

Tuesday, April 10 - LaHa Gains Entry In Md. Restaurant Hall Of Honor

OCEAN CITY - Monday will be a special day for one resort restaurant set to be inducted into the Restaurant Association of Maryland's (RAM) Hall of Honor and could be made even more memorable for a handful of local restaurants and bars nominated for prestigious awards during RAM's 'Stars of the Industry' gala. La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, a mainstay in Ocean City for nearly three decades, will be inducted into RAM's Hall of Honor on Monday night at Martin's West in Baltimore during...READ MORE

Monday, April 9 - City Noise Board Seeks Some Authority

OCEAN CITY - After having problems in the past in getting property owners to meet with members of the Noise Control Board following noise violations, the Mayor and City Council pledged to look into a method to increase the incentives for the owners to attend a meeting when they are required to do so. The Noise Control Board met with the Mayor and City Council on Tuesday to express their concerns with certain property owners who are playing off the fact that the board has no authority to...READ MORE

Monday, April 9 - Ads On OC Beach Equipment Unlikely

OCEAN CITY - At a meeting with the Beach Mediation Board this week and the Mayor and City Council, members from both sides took the time to hash out what few problems they foresaw for the coming summer season. Members of the Beach Mediation Board said problems with beach vendors has declined over the years and they don't believe there will be any major disputes this year. However, a proposal by Randy McCreary, the president of SANDaddy Media Services, on March 5 stirred up discussion on...READ MORE

Stephen Decatur Middle School

Rachel Slotter and Devin Frederick , students at Stephen Decatur Middle School, have won the 2007 Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Oratorical Contest. The students will compete in the Optimist Zone contest, to be held at the Wicomico Board of Education Building, in Salisbury. Local top finishers, pictured from left, are Slotter, first place; Emma Richardson, second; Raven Gramsbell, third; Hunter Harmon, third place; Razaak Eniola, second; and Frederick, first....READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary School

Ocean City Elementary School held its Annual Science Fair recently. Pre-kindergarten through fourth grade students entered more than 150 projects in both the experimental and non-experimental categories. The fair was a great success, with many projects traveling to Snow Hill Middle School to compete in the Worcester County Science Fair.  Pictured here are Ryan Strennen and Mrs. Nan Howe with their third grade class' project, "Tuna Over Fished?"...READ MORE

Stephen Decatur High School

Students from the Stephen Decatur High School's The Hawk examine high school newspapers from around the country. The staff of the newspaper and yearbook recently attended a Columbia Schloastic Press Association seminar at Columbia University in New York City....READ MORE

Worcester Prep

Worcester Prep students inducted into the National Art Honor Society recently were first row, from left, Brooke Bochinski, Shelby Vane, Tory Dickerson, Tyler Julian, Matt Meinhardt; second row, Claire Roehl, Jessica Smith, Caitlin Spieker, Charlotte Desmarais, Caroline Wyatt, Codee Buckler, Zach Schroeder, Will Regan; third row, Katie Twilley, Elizabeth Hudson, Zach Sadler, Ben Kern, Joe Wilson, Barry Brotherton, Zach Moffitt; fourth row, Nick Spinuzza, Christine Tobin, Adam Lewis and...READ MORE

Worcester Prep

Worcester Prep Students who competed in the 2007 Optimist Oratorical Competition were, front from left, Razaak Eniola, Jake Emche, Jamie Welch, Halie Murray-Davis, Claire Dorey, Claire Stickler, Hannah Esham, Emma Richardson, Chloe Maykrantz; back, from left, Hannah Gaskill, Connor Irey, Christopher Potvin, Bryce Butler, Hunter Harmon, Brielle Mulford, Charley Meeks, Alex Lewis, Elise Harmon, Chelsea Thaler, Elena Leonhart, Katie Marshall, Megan Rosales and Ashley Foreman....READ MORE

Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School

Mrs. Caryn McIntyre and Mrs. Judith Volk's first grade classes at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School took part in an Easter Egg Hunt on the school's playground.  The children are pictured with their bags full of goodies....READ MORE

Live Bands and DJs

Assategue Island Oasis: 410-629-1492, Rt. 611; Every Friday & Saturday: Patrick McAllorum. Bahama Mamas: 410-289-0291, Call for entertainment. Big Tuna Grill: 410-250-1001, 128th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Call for entertainment. Blue Ox & Babe's Lounge: 410-250-6440, 127th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Call for entertainment. Buxy's Salty Dog: 410-289-0973, 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Friday, April 13: DJ BK; Saturday, April 14: Pompous Pie. Castaway's: 410-524-9090, 64th St....READ MORE

My Thoughts

The Juncos (snow birds) left for the summer and they didn't even say goodbye. Insider figures they left on or about April 2 and wonders if they leave every year on that date. They'll be back sometime in late fall and the old guy would love to know if the return date has already been set. The summer population will continue with Insider's year-round friends, mainly Sparrows, Blue Jays and Cardinals, and their unwanted relatives the Blackbirds. Right now there's so much activity outside...READ MORE

Ocean City

OCEAN CITY Seaside Retreat Fri 11-3 Weekends 10-4 3BR, 2.5BA Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 Call for Directions   OCEAN CITY Emerson Towers Fri,Sat, & Sun 11-4 3BR, 3BA Luxury Condo w/ Boat Slips Eric Emerson ReMax Premier Properties 410-524-6700 Call for Directions   OCEAN CITY The Quay Sat. 10-1 2 & 3BR Condos Mary McCracken Long & Foster 410-430-7302 Call for...READ MORE

West O.C - Ocean Pines - Berlin - Delaware

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Fri 11-3 Sat & Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 Call for Directions DE - RT 54 12243 Duck Lane Sun. 11 - 2 4BR, 3.5BA Coastal Style Custom Build Skip Schlesinger ReMax Premier Properties 410-520-8118 Call for Directions OCEAN PINES Point Reach - Unit 2208 Sat & Sun 10-4 Luxury 3BR Condos ReMax Premier Properties Patty Cummings 410-520-8134 Call for...READ MORE

How A Term Loan Can Help Your Business Grow

BERLIN - It's always good news when a company does well enough to expand. For small business owners who often put in long hours and risk their personal fortunes to build their enterprise, the key question is how best to finance the expansion. Often, a term loan - the traditional commercial loan offered by many financial institutions - is the answer. Before you file a loan application, you should carefully review your operating needs. Term loans are appropriate for long-term financing...READ MORE

Things I Like

Being overwhelmed by a Chinese restaurant menu Edgewater Avenue at high tide Feeling well more often than feeling bad Making chocolate milk at home Coming across an old $20 bill That pig races are held in Berlin The anticipation after making big plans Counting the days till my pool is open Working with a thunderstorm outside Chewing gum after eating Putting away the winter jackets ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

BORN THIS WEEK: Your leadership qualities are enhanced by a practical sense of purpose that keeps you focused on your goals. ARIES (March 21 to April 19): The Lamb loves to be surrounded by flocks of admirers. But be careful that someone doesn't take his or her admiration too far. Use your persuasive skills to let him or her down easily. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): This is a good time to begin setting far-reaching goals and connecting with new contacts. Aspects also favor...READ MORE

Things We Like

Being with family Shuffleboard Walking my dog Playing with my cat Eating cake Being with friends Evenings at home with my husband Being happy Ocean City -- Vivian R. Wolf ...READ MORE