April 20, 2007

Ocean City Elementary

Students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade at Ocean City Elementary School recently wrote letters to servicemen and women overseas to thank them for their dedication and for protecting our country. The students told the service personnel how proud they were of them and to come home safely.  Above, prekindergarten students Ryan Ethridge and Abby Yesko give their letters to Janet Betz, representative of the Elks Club, who sponsored the letter-writing project. ...READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary

Mikayla Dischinger, third grade at Ocean City Elementary School, recently earned first place recognition in the Worcester County Science Fair for non-experimental individual with her "Suction Cups Go Wild". ...READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary

In the first-grade non-experimental individual category, Quinn Ebaugh, 7, of West Ocean City, won first place for his human digestive system, which featured a digestive system made from tubing as well as a comic book. ...READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary

Mrs. Biscoe's first grade students at Ocean City Elementary School won first place in their category at the Worcester County Science Fair on April 11. The team's work was called "Stop The Erosion Explosion." Pictured, from left, are Michael Mareno, Frank Nanna and Krystal Hitchens. ...READ MORE

Snow Hill Elementary

Second grade students in Mrs. Shockley-Lynch's class at Snow Hill Elementary School (SHES) recently took part in a presentation by Bonnie Bloxom, a nurse at Atlantic General Hospital. Bloxom visited the class to provide a lesson about germs. Her presentation included sharing daily healthy habits including proper hand washing techniques. Bloxom is the grandmother of Jason Odegaard, a second grader at SHES....READ MORE

Worcester Preparatory School

State of Maryland high school winners in the Young Authors' Competition for 2007 included three representatives from the Eastern Shore Reading Council. All are students at Worcester Preparatory School. Pictured, from left, are Parker McIntosh, Berlin, Grade 10 Short Story; Megan O'Donnell, Ocean City, Grade 9 Short Story; and Julia Robinson, Rehoboth Beach, Grade 12 Poetry. With them is Dr. Barry W. Tull, Headmaster. ...READ MORE

A Week In Business

L&F Agent Wins New Car From Centex OCEAN CITY - Centex Homes recently held a contest to see which individual realtor could sell the most homes in its Decatur Farm community in Berlin with a 2007 Pontiac Solstice, a little, red convertible sports car on the line. In total, 26 homes were sold and one outstanding realtor, Leslie Smith, of Long and Foster's West Ocean City office, sold six homes in the specified time period, which ran from Jan. 1 to March 15. Smith actually sold a...READ MORE

Restaurateur Provides Southern-Style Food, Hospitality

OCEAN CITY - Throughout the history of the Americas, the pineapple has come to express a sense of welcome, good cheer, human warmth and family affection. Most importantly, it symbolizes hospitality, something Eric Bearinger, owner of the Plantation House Bar and Grille, utilizes as the forefront of his business. For a little over two years now, the Plantation House has sat along the beautiful Herring Creek in West Ocean City, nestled among the pines that litter the winding creek's...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Pasted

John Howard Burbage Sr. BERLIN - John Howard Burbage Sr., 90, died Sunday, April 15, 2007, at his home in Ocean City. Born in Snow Hill, he was the son of the late John H. Burbage and Minnie Isabelle Burbage Weber. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorris Long Burbage. He is survived by his children, John H. "Jack" Burbage Jr. and Virginia Pappas of Berlin and Barbara Ann Burbage Ross and her husband, Mel of Berlin. There are four grandchildren, John H. Burbage III,...READ MORE

Report: No Favoritism In Stop Of Mayor's Daughter

OCEAN CITY - An internal investigation into the alleged mishandling of a traffic stop of then-Ocean City Council President and now Mayor Rick Meehan's daughter back in 2005 revealed the officers involved followed department policy and acted appropriately, although some issues with the chain of communication were called into question. Several weeks ago, OCPD Chief Bernadette DiPino was contacted by a local reporter who received an anonymous letter alleging OCPD officers mishandled a...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

Some Ocean City Chamber of Commerce members recently weighed in on two of the more divisive issues in the state. Although anything but scientific, an informal survey was handed out at a recent Business After Hours, the monthly gathering of chamber members to network, eat and have some drinks. Of the 83 members in attendance, 57 returned to a survey. On the slots issue, 32 were in favor of them and 25 opposed, according to the chamber newsletter. Additionally, of those in favor, a majority backed...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Council Hurting OC Editor: When is the Ocean City Council going to stop taking action that discourages people from wanting to visit Ocean City? Recent council action resulted in increase fees for over 110 types of business licenses needed to operate in Ocean City. Doesn't the council members understand that every time they raise a fee on a business the business just passes the cost of the increase fees along to its customers? This is the reason why a relative visiting with me pointed...READ MORE

Real Estate Market Showing Signs Of New Life

The Coastal Association of Realtors released its first quarter market report and the gist is sales are picking up throughout the county. Here's a look at some of its findings: -- In all of Worcester County, single-family inventory was reported to have increased 23 percent over the past year. The sales picture has improved overall and is reportedly 14 percent down from last March's sales volume, with an increased absorption rate of 8 percent. In what is one of the more telling...READ MORE

2-Cent Tax Rate Drop Eyed In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY - With the summer season on the horizon, it's that time of year when the city's budget for the next fiscal year is proposed, and according to City Manager Dennis Dare, it will be the fifth year in a row city officials have been able to lower the property tax rate. 'The preparation of the annual budget may be the most difficult thing we do, but it is arguably the most important,' Dare said. 'For it is the budget that sets forth the blueprint of services to be...READ MORE

Coates leads Mallards Over Ireton

BERLIN - Worcester Prep's men's varsity lacrosse team scored a big win over a high quality opponent last weekend, edging Bishop Ireton of Alexandria, Va., at home on Saturday to improve to 4-2 on the season. The Mallards hosted the Cardinals in a rare Saturday contest and came out on top against one of the better opponents on the schedule from the other side of the Chesapeake Bay. In two earlier road contests against teams from the other side of the bridge, Worcester lost to McDonough and...READ MORE

Decatur Thumps Bennett, Kent Island to Improve to 6-0

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's girl's varsity lacrosse team remained unbeaten this week after thrashing visiting Bennett, 20-3, in a windswept game on Monday and followed that up with a resounding 10-4 win over Kent Island on the road on Tuesday. The Seahawks, now 6-0 on the season, dismantled the visiting Clippers on Monday in the remnants of the Nor'easter that swept through the area last weekend. A cold, damp wind blew steadily out of the west for the entire game and a steady drizzle fell...READ MORE

Worcester Prep's girls' varsity lacrosse recap.

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's girls' varsity lacrosse team enjoyed a successful week, beating Wilmington Friends, 16-11, at home last Saturday and following that up with a one-sided win over ESIAC rival Gunston on Monday. Worcester played a balanced game against Wilmington Friends last Saturday, jumping out to a 12-8 lead by half-time and cruising to the 16-11 win over the Delaware team. Caroline Wyatt led the Mallard attack with four goals, while Kristen Chandler and Alexa Wyatt each scored...READ MORE

Beach Lax Tops Dorchester 9-3

BERLIN- The Beach Lacrosse under-13 Blue team won its third game of the season last weekend, beating Dorchester, 9-3, in Cambridge last Friday night. Beach Lacrosse prevailed in a physical game with Dorchester and controlled the ball by winning 10 of 14 face-offs. Johnny Moore led Beach with three goals, while Luke Barger added two. Colin May, Brooks Gilbert, Alec Zariff and Seth Conboy each added single goals, while goalie Michael Murray had a great game in the nets and recorded seven...READ MORE

OC Burglar's Old Tricks Worth Six Years

SNOW HILL - An Ocean City man with a penchant for breaking and entering in the resort pleaded guilty again to second-degree burglary stemming from an incident last December and was sentenced this time to 12 year in jail, half of which was suspended putting him behind bars for six years. Stanley Charles Celmer III, 28, of Ocean City, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree burglary after breaking in to a Boardwalk business last December, not long after he completed an eight-month...READ MORE

A Night To Remember For Ocean City Despite No Wins

OCEAN CITY - The local restaurant community was well represented at this week's Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM) 'Stars of the Industry' Annual Industry Gala. Although places like the Marlin Moon Grille, Seacrets, the Greene Turtle and Liquid Assets did not come away with a win in the categories they were nominated, the businesses agreed being nominated was an honor in itself and that it shows a lot about the businesses in Ocean City. However, Ocean City did manage a couple of...READ MORE

Mr. Berlin Remembered Fondly For Steady Leadership

BERLIN - Berlin's colorful mayor for nearly three decades, John Howard Burbage, Sr., who held the position through the turbulent 1960s, 70s and 80s, passed away last Sunday at the age of 90 at his home in Ocean City, leaving many of his colleagues and contemporaries to reflect this week on his life of service to the town. Burbage served as mayor of Berlin from 1962 to 1988 and the town went through some significant changes over the nearly three decades in office. His 26-year tenure as...READ MORE

Berlin Gateway In Midst Of New Building Boom

BERLIN - Route 346 in Berlin, long a catch-all corridor for an array of uses, has seen a trickle of redevelopment turn into a flood in the last few years, triggering a virtual renaissance of the road also known as Old Ocean City Blvd. At least eight projects are in the planning stages or under construction on the 1.3-mile stretch of busy road from Main Street east to Route 50. Projects slated for the street include a print shop, medical offices, a Mexican restaurant, retail space,...READ MORE

Berlin Developer Wants To Move On

BERLIN - The Purnell Professional Center is heading towards site plan approval, with the sketch plan presented for comment for the second time last week. Sketch plans do not need to be approved by a formal vote, and despite the continuing requests from the Berlin Planning Commission for more changes to the plan, developer Troy Purnell is moving ahead. 'We've been through this a long time now. I've made as many adjustments as I think it prudent,' Purnell said. Continuing to tweak...READ MORE

County Criticized For Not Addressing Affordable Housing

SNOW HILL - Worcester County is not doing enough to develop affordable and workforce housing, according to Shore Housing Resource Board (SHRB) member Thomas Davis. After receiving a proclamation for National Fair Housing Month, Davis, the SHRB community affairs volunteer, took the opportunity to prod the Worcester County Commissioners. 'This county needs to move a little bit,' Davis said. Other jurisdictions are moving forward with plans for affordable and workforce housing, from...READ MORE

Methadone A Factor In Double Fatal Fire

OCEAN CITY - Methadone intoxication has been listed as a contributing factor in the deaths of two Ocean City residents who perished in a mobile home fire in the resort on March 6. The state's Chief Medical Examiner this week issued the toxicology reports for the two victims, William Alascio, 49, and Jacqueline Robusto, 44, both of Ocean City, who died in a mobile home fire in the Sundowner Trailer Park on March 6. The medical examiner listed the cause of death for both victims as smoke...READ MORE

Va. Tech Tragedy's Impact Reaches Ocean City

BERLIN - As the world learned about the deadly shooting at Virginia Tech University on Monday morning, at least one local family was breathing a sigh of relief. Alison Miller, a 2006 graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, is currently enrolled as a freshman at Virginia Tech. Miller, the daughter of Peck and Patti Miller, former owners of Ocean City businesses Sailing Etc. and Mellow Beach, was in her dormitory room when the first shooting occurred. Miller is living in the East Ambler...READ MORE

Chief Awards Police Commendations, Announce Promotions

OCEAN CITY - Those who risk their lives every day for the residents and visitors of Ocean City alike were recognized for their continued efforts Monday night during an open session of the Mayor and City Council. On hand at the presentation was Ocean City Police Chief Bernadette DiPino, who recognized both the department's reserve and full-time officers, as well as the promotions of several others. DiPino began the ceremony by first recognizing the efforts of 13 reserve officers who...READ MORE

County To Try Selling Excess Equipment On Internet

SNOW HILL - The County Commissioners voted this week to take a new approach to the disposal of excess equipment, switching from a traditional auction to the Internet. Forty-seven vehicles and 13 pieces of equipment will be offered for sale on GovDeals.com, an Internet auction service dealing specifically in government surplus. The auction site, like popular general merchandise auction websites such as eBay, takes commission on sales, in this case 7.5 percent. Items to be offered by...READ MORE

OC Council News In Brief

More Surf Events Planned OCEAN CITY - Local surfers will be glad to know that two surfing events were recently approved by the Mayor and City Council Monday night that plan to make good use of the new permanent surf beach located near the Inlet. The first of which is the Jellyfish Surf Series, which has taken place before in locations all over the world and is sponsored by Volcom Clothing. Slated for this Saturday, the family event is a surfing contest for amateur surfers of all ages....READ MORE

Wallops Launch Pushed Back Due To Weather

BERLIN - Residents and visitors to the area will have the opportunity to view another significant rocket launch from NASA's Wallops Island spaceport early Monday morning with a mission that was originally scheduled for tomorrow but was pushed back because of the lingering effects of this week's Nor'easter. The latest launch from Wallops' Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) was for months scheduled for Saturday, April 21, but high winds and unfavorable conditions left over from the...READ MORE

Monday, April 16 - Amended Community Center Lawsuit Filed

OCEAN PINES - Another lawsuit seeking monetary damages has been filed over the Ocean Pines Community Center project. Ocean Pines resident Marty Clarke filed an amended lawsuit last week asking for damages of roughly $200,000 from the seven members of the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board for breach of fiduciary responsibilities. The Community Center project, as approved two years ago by referendum, was to cost $3.9 million, but by the time construction began, the cost had jumped by...READ MORE

Friday, April 20 - Churches Not Rushing To Spend Big Bucks From Sale

BERLIN - One year after an historic, pristine piece of waterfront property along Assawoman Bay and the St. Martin's River in northern Worcester County was auctioned for $8.7 million, the local churches that sold the 400-acre-plus tract are reaping the benefits of the sale. Potential bidders from all over the world showed up last April to bid on the historic Townsend farm, a 412-acre tract along the waterfront in northern Worcester County. The auction created a buzz in the weeks leading...READ MORE

Thursday, April 19- Commissioners Need To Cut $23M To Balance Budget

SNOW HILL - Worcester County faces one of the largest gaps between budget requests and anticipated revenue in its history this year. The total requests, $197.6 million, far exceed the total projected revenue for fiscal year 2008. 'Estimated revenues, based on the current tax rate, are $174 million,' said Worcester County Chief Administrator Gerry Mason. The commissioners will need to cut $23.5 million from the requested budget presented to them Tuesday to get the fiscal year 2008...READ MORE

Wednesday, April 18 - Probable Cause Moves Rape Case To Circuit Court

OCEAN CITY - A Seaford man known as Juan Vincente Morales, 33, who was arrested March 12 for rape and assault charges, was in District Court Monday morning for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there was enough evidence for probable cause to forward the case to Circuit Court in Snow Hill. OCPD officers were dispatched o 12th Street and Baltimore Avenue in response to a woman who said she had just been sexually assaulted. She had reportedly returned home from work to find her...READ MORE

Tuesday, April 17 - Route 50 Service Road Start Expected Next Month

SNOW HILL - Bids are in for the first phase of the proposed Route 50 service road, with the lowest, accepted bid exceeding the estimated cost. 'The low bid was 10-percent higher than we expected,' said County Commissioner Judy Boggs. However, the financial setback is not as bad as it could have been, according to county staffers. 'I've seen worse. I've seen a lot worse,' said Public Works Director John Tustin. The accepted bid from George and Lynch, Inc. was for $1,357,703. The...READ MORE

My Thoughts

The old guy took his annual spring inspection tour of Ocean City's beach Friday and all appears to be well. The beach is not the same as it was last year and that is as it should be. As is its nature, Ocean City's oceanfront has reshaped, redesigned and recreated itself as if in preparation for the new season. And the changes that have been wrought have little to do with the feeble attempts of man and his beach replenishment programs. The entire shoreline has been re-configured for the...READ MORE

Wor-Wic Community College

Students from Worcester and Somerset counties recently inducted into the Alpha Nu Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Wor-Wic Community College are, from left, Christopher Barrett, Kathryn Danner, Virginia Gray, Melanie Metzger and Beth Reid of Berlin. Back, from left, are Joe Colantuoni, Stefanie Minemier and Melissa Olson of Ocean City and Lauren Lubben of Pocomoke City. Not shown are Jennifer Malone of Deal Island and Doris Dvorak of Princess Anne. ...READ MORE

Live Bands and DJs

Assateague 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 20: DJ BK; Saturday, April 21: Pirate Radio. Castaway\'s: 410-524-9090, 64th St....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 Saturday 2 & 3BR Condos Mary McCracken Long & Foster 410-430-7302 Call for...READ MORE

West Ocean City - 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   SELBYVILLE, DE 11058 Destination Drive Sat. 10-1 3BR/3BA Bayside Townhome Kathy Cramer Coldwell Banker 302-829-9022 Call for Directions   RIVER RUN 10926 Player Lane Sat & Sun 11 - 4 5BR/2.5BA & Den Carole Mendham 800-693-4031 x8555 Call for...READ MORE

Charity Can Help Bottom Line

BERLIN - It might seem obvious that charitable work or donations to a cause are good things for small companies to do. But what about the ones that purposefully pair their altruism with hopes of generating new business -does that negate the good will? Business owners who combine good deeds and good business don't think so. Rob Basso and his company are deeply involved in charitable work. He has taken part in boxing tournaments and given cash donations to many causes. And he helped...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

BORN THIS WEEK: You love music and nature. You would be an excellent environmentalist, as well as a fine singer or musician. ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A sudden change of plans could lead to a misunderstanding with a friend or family member. Be ready to offer a full explanation of your decision. A past favor is returned. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Expect pressure from those who want you to change your position on a matter of importance. However, the determined Bovine will be...READ MORE

Thing I Like

Grilling with a spatula in one hand, a beer in another Meeting a deadline with no sweat People who make me laugh A big fish tank in a restaurant Thick, soft towels Ignoring the fads of the day The first grass cut of the year A quiet day with no problems The weird things on the beach after a storm Homemade soup for lunch When friends visit ...READ MORE

Things We Like

Watching Siamese kittens playing Ironing and listening to opera Watching ferns reappear in the sprin Looking at our daughter and son-in-law's wedding pictures Arranging a favorite vase with fresh flowers Anticipating an old friends visit Watching my husband build a fire Seeing birds in my feeders Cooking for people I love Reading Steve's Things I Like column -- Bonnie Wise ...READ MORE

"Death and Taxes"

They say that nothing is certain in life except for death and taxes. After watching the tragedy in Blacksburg, Virginia unfold on my television screen on Monday morning, I felt incredibly sad and even more foolish for feeling so upset about the money I was to be paying to the IRS the following day. It refuted my plans to drown my sorrows in red wine while listening to old blues records, and like so many Americans did on Monday, I watched the television to the point where I wasn't sure...READ MORE