April 4, 2008

Thursday, April 10 - Park-And-Ride Incident Probed

OCEAN CITY - Area police this week are looking for a suspect in a reported strong-arm robbery of a juvenile at the Park-and-Ride in West Ocean City. Around 2:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Maryland State Police troopers responded to a reported robbery that had just occurred. The victim, a juvenile from Berlin, had been dropped off at the facility when he was approached by the suspect, described as a white male, 40-50 years old with medium length dirty blond hair, a full beard, wearing a denim jacket, a...READ MORE

Wednesday, April 9 - Organizers Revise New Event Details

OCEAN CITY - Planning for OC Beachfest is preceding smoothly, reported event coordinators last week, noting that while the running component of the three-day sporting event will be seeing some changes, the rest of the events remain on track. Event planners Brad Hoffman and Jack Hennen returned to the Tourism Commission last week to update members on the progress of the 2009 scheduled event. OC Beachfest is tentatively scheduled for June 19-21, 2009 and will include three days of professional and...READ MORE

Tuesday, April 8 - Runners Eye Ocean City

OCEAN CITY - The Ocean City Half Marathon and 5K will take place along the scenic roads of northeast Worcester County on Saturday morning. The following is a look at some of the details of this event, which was scaled down considerably by Extreme Dream Events and does not include a full marathon this year. When Is It? Half-marathon starts on Saturday, April 12 starting at 7 a.m. and the 5K starts at 7:45 a.m. Where Do Races Start? Half-marathon starts at the Ocean City Inlet parking lot, while...READ MORE

Monday, April 7 - OC Probe Nets Drug Bust

OCEAN CITY - A two-month drug distribution investigation carried out by the Ocean City Police Department's Narcotics Division resulted last week in a significant drugs bust in the resort. The two-month investigation culminated in the arrest of Marvin Jefferson Mitchell, 24, of Ocean City, last Wednesday when an undercover OCPD narcotics detective purchased an undisclosed amount of crack cocaine from the suspect. After the transaction, a search and seizure warrant was served at Mitchell's Ocean...READ MORE

Despite Bridge Project, Half-Marathon A Go

OCEAN CITY - Despite ongoing work on the Route 50 bridge, the 2008 Ocean City Half-Marathon is scheduled to go off as planned next Saturday with a start line at the Inlet parking lot and a finish line at Assateague Island. For the last three years, Extreme Dream Events has produced the annual Ocean City Marathon each April, attracting thousands of racers from all over the country for a full-marathon, half-marathon and 5K race. This year, however, citing concerns about the status of the Route 50...READ MORE

Tax Freedom Day Arrives Later This Year In Maryland

BERLIN - With taxes increased on seemingly everything in Maryland in recent months, from an increase in sales tax to gasoline tax to the tax on cigarettes, residents in the state will have to work harder and longer this year to meet their combined tax burden, according to a report released last week by the non-profit Tax Federation. Tax Freedom Day, the point in the year when typical Americans stop working for Uncle Sam and start working for themselves, arrives on April 23 nationwide this year,...READ MORE

Glass Smasher Faces Assault Charges

OCEAN CITY - A Salisbury woman was charged with assault and reckless endangerment last weekend after smashing a drink glass in the face of another woman during an altercation at the north-end Ocean City restaurant. Around 2 a.m. last Saturday, Ocean City police officers responded to a reported fight in progress at the Denny's on 112th Street. When the officers arrived, they observed a female victim walking across the parking lot near the entrance to the restaurant whose face was completely...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Thank You To OC's Firefighters Editor: When I see a fire engine with its lights flashing and sirens blaring responding to a call, I immediately say a little prayer for the safety of the crew on board, which is exactly what I did Sunday, March 30. When I saw the smoke billowing into the sky as we crossed the Route 50 bridge, I said, 'Oh my God!' and when I saw the flames shooting out of the second story I thought thank goodness the firemen are here. Thank you, thank you, thank you to both the...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publishers Desk

What a scene it was at the Boardwalk fire last Sunday. The nine-alarm fire attracted fire companies from all around the region, more than 20 in total, as well as hundreds of gawkers watching the firefighters - both paid and volunteer, for what it's worth - try to contain the blaze to the Dough Roller and neighboring retail store. It's not like records are kept on this, but I don't think the Boardwalk has seen a fire like this since the famous 9th Street fire in 1994. That blaze destroyed an...READ MORE

Council Should Settle Open Container Debate

The Ocean City Mayor and Council tabled a discussion this week on decriminalizing the town's open container policy, but it's our hopes it was simply a delaying of the inevitable. The decision to postpone talks was understandable, since two council members and the mayor were absent as well as the chief of the town's police department. The entire council needs to be briefed on what has been discussed by the town's Police Commission in recent months, but we would hope the council makes a decision...READ MORE

94th Street north-Fenwick

Big Tuna Grill 128th Street & Coastal Highway, 410-250-1001 , www.bigtunaOC.com A locals' and vacationers' favorite alike. Experience culinary delights as well as a visual excursion, dining among authentic nautical artifacts of old ships. Choose an array of entrees from fresh seafood to char-grilled steaks. Enjoy some drinks on our 50 ft. bar while watching our plasma TVs. Billy's Sub Shop 120th Street, Bayside (Food Lion Shopping Center) , 410-250-1776 Between 139th & 140th Streets,...READ MORE

Inlet To 94th Street

Angelo's Italian Cuisine 33rd Street & Coastal Highway , 410-524-2855 The Russo family proudly presents, Angelo's Italian Cuisine, the latest venture in a long line of Italian restauants and pizzarias owned by the family in Baltimore, Salisbury and Ocean City. Our authentic Italian cuisine is prepared by a top New York chef and presented in a classically decorated setting. Smoking allowed in our cocktail lounge with special drink prices 4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Open Tuesday-Saturday at 4...READ MORE

West Ocean City-Berlin-Ocean Pines

Assateague Island Oasis Rte. 611, West Ocean City , 410-629-1492 Enjoy a delicious meal, refreshing drinks, and the peace and quiet that once was. Weekly live entertainment and Happy Hour daily from 3-7 p.m. Just relax! Boomers Restaurant 525 South Main Street, Berlin , 410-629-0001 Conveniently located on Rte. 113 at the southern entrance to Berlin, Boomers Restaurant has re-opened after a complete renovation. Full service dining, self-service eat-in or carry-out. Food cooked to order. Fried...READ MORE

Ocean City

OCEAN CITY The Meridian Daily 10-4 Oceanfront Residences New Construction Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-520-0072 OCEAN CITY Bella Vista Daily 10-4 3BR Bayside Condos Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 OCEAN CITY Bahia Vista 10th St. Bayside Mon-Fri 11-3 3&4BR Condos Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY Bel Mare Somerset Street Daily 11-3 3BR/2BA New Const. Skip Schlesinger Re/Max Premier Properties 410-520-8118 OCEAN CITY South Beach Boardwalk at 7th Fri-Sun 11-3 3&4BR...READ MORE

West Ocean City - Ocean Pines - Berlin - MD - VA

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Sat & Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker VIRGINIA 3205 Salty Way Captains Cove Sat & Sun 10-2 4BR/3BA Waterfront For Sale by Owner 410-365-8561 VIRGINIA Coulbourn Mill Road Sat 10-4 3BR/2BA Cozy Rancher Decked Pool Tamera Myers Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-4853 BERLIN Purnell Crossing Tues-Sun 11-6 3BR/2.5BA Villas w/ 2-car Garage Ryan Homes 866-776-9818 OCEAN PINES Canvasback Road Sat 11-3 3BR/3.5BA...READ MORE

Diving Into The Area's Cultural Activities

An inside look at the regional arts scene through photographs.  ...READ MORE

Details Emerge In Pedestrian Tragedy

OCEAN CITY - Almost lost amid the attention given to the big downtown fire over the weekend was the terrible tragedy three days earlier on Coastal Highway near 62nd Street. Around 4:34 p.m. last Thursday, a woman carrying her 3-year-old child was struck by an SUV as she attempted to cross Coastal Highway at 62nd Street just south of the base of the Route 90 bridge. The child, later identified as Hadiya Khumalo, was taken to Atlantic General Hospital and was pronounced dead a short time later....READ MORE

Bridge Work Scheduled For May 11 Completion Date

OCEAN CITY - In a presentation by the State Highway Administration (SHA) this week, town officials were updated on a variety of projects, from the Route 50 Bridge work to the installation of LED lights throughout town, providing a clearer look at SHA projects slated for 2008. SHA representatives Donnie Drewer and Gene Cofiell reported to the City Council this week for their annual spring meeting, providing the list of highway improvements that the town will be garnering this year. The Route 50...READ MORE

County Population To Increase 14K By 2030, Study Says

BERLIN - Worcester County could reduce acreage used for development through the year 2030 by 8,700 acres by adhering to smart growth principles, a report from the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) says. According to the report, 'A Shore for Tomorrow,' the Eastern Shore will experience acute housing pressure in the next 22 years and must be prepared to govern growth. 'The Eastern Shore will be facing a greater burden of growth pressure over the next 25 years in a state that is the fifth most...READ MORE

Meetings Set To Discuss OC Fire Service Issues

OCEAN CITY - Tentative dates for a meeting between town officials and the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (OCVFC) have been set, but who will be included in those discussions remains to be decided. Council President Joe Mitrecic reported this week that Monday, April 14 and Tuesday, April 15, are the tentative dates for the meeting between the OCVFC and town officials. Negotiations between the parties reached a stalemate after neither party could agree to the proposals that had been set forth...READ MORE

OC's Open Container Change Tabled

OCEAN CITY - The fate of Ocean City's open container law was delayed yet again this week, as the City Council voted unanimously to table the discussion until certain facts could be cleared up and all council members could be present. Open container discussions have been circulating for years, as town officials and the Ocean City Police Department have struggled to come to an agreement on the letter of the law. The Ocean City Police Commission voted last week to support the change in the law that...READ MORE

Decatur, Worcester Renew Annual Rivalries with Double Feature

BERLIN- Area lacrosse fans will be treated to a special double feature this afternoon when the Worcester Prep men's varsity team takes on cross-town rival Stephen Decatur at home and the Mallards' girls' varsity team takes on Decatur over at Seahawk Stadium. More than a few fans of both schools will take in the first half of the double header at Worcester Prep where the men's varsity teams face off at 3:45 p.m., then scurry over to Decatur for the women's varsity game which begins at 5 p.m. It's...READ MORE

Seahawks Continue to Slaughter Foes

BERLIN- Although the season is very young, it appears there is something special going on with the Stephen Decatur varsity softball team this year as the Seahawks have jumped out to a 4-0 mark and have yet to give up a single run. The Seahawks beat visiting Snow Hill, 12-0, on Monday in a game reduced to just five innings because of the slaughter rule. Miranda Conaway drove in a run in the second inning for an early 1-0 lead, which was all the Seahawks would need for the fourth time in four...READ MORE

Seahawks Remain Unbeaten, Top Snow Hill 7-2

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity baseball team continued its early season dominance this week, routing county rival Snow Hill, 7-2, at home on Monday to improve to 4-0. On Monday against Snow Hill, Decatur jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the second, but the Eagles went ahead, 2-1, in the top of the third with a long fly ball that just barely missed clearing the high fence in left field at Decatur. Decatur scored two more in the bottom of the third to take a 3-2 lead, which was all the...READ MORE

Firefighters Credited With Saving Boardwalk Block

OCEAN CITY - A nine-alarm fire filled the skies with smoke last Sunday afternoon, drawing 22 fire companies from across two states to battle the flames that would quickly engulf and destroy two Boardwalk businesses. Last Sunday will remain in the memories of many community members and firefighters for years to come, as fire companies and an entire community came together to fight the massive fire that would ultimately leave two Boardwalk businesses in ruins and significantly damage a third....READ MORE

Katie Jenkins Marks 100th Birthday

BERLIN - One of Worcester County's most influential and prominent citizens turned 100 years old last month. Katie Jenkins, a long-time teacher in the local school system, marked the occasion quietly with family and friends. Although she has experienced health issues in recent years limiting her mobility, Jenkins' contributions to the community are immense and her reputation as a generous and caring woman with a sharp sense of humor endures today. After graduating from Salisbury State College in...READ MORE

Local Committee Has Grand Plan For The Arts

BERLIN - At least two and perhaps three performing arts venues will be needed to turn Worcester County into an arts destination. "It's a tremendous idea. It's probably the only way they're going to work, if there's more than one," Performing Arts Center Committee advisor Peck Miller said. Plans call for a smaller venue in the Berlin area, currently proposed for the Cannery building along Route 113, a mid-sized venue at the Ocean City Convention Center and a large performance center...READ MORE

OC Seeks Grants With Tax Differential Undecided

OCEAN CITY - The future of a tax differential remains uncertain for Ocean City, but what is certain is that the issue will not be resolved before the FY 2009 budget is passed. As a result, a letter was sent to the County Commissioners this week, outlining grant requests to offset town expenditures. Council President Joe Mitrecic presented the letter to the City Council this week, receiving unanimous support to forward the letter to the County Commissioners for review. Ocean City and Worcester...READ MORE

Old OC Library Branch To Come Down

OCEAN CITY - The fate of the old 14th Street library building was sealed this week, as the City Council voted unanimously to approve the demolition of the building.  The 14th Street library officially closed its doors last month, as the move was made to the new, expansive 100th Street building. The 14th Street building served as a proud, but often cramped home for the library for over 40 years, but with the building vacated and its functional use declining, the next step is demolition....READ MORE

Bill Gibbs Wins 'Pride' Award

BERLIN - The Ocean City Lions Club has awarded Bill Gibbs, owner of the Dough Roller Restaurants in Ocean City, its prestigious 'Pride' Award. 'The Lions •€˜Pride' Award is presented to outstanding individuals who make contributions to our club - who take interest in our club and help us make our community a better place to live. These special individuals inspire us to live up to our motto •€˜We Serve',' club member Wayne Cannon said. Gibbs was given this award because of his generous...READ MORE

Boardwalk Eyes Outdoor Display Controls

OCEAN CITY - Outdoor displays along the Boardwalk will see increased regulation this summer, as the Boardwalk Development Association (BDA) works to promote business along the Boardwalk in an effective and aesthetically pleasing manner. BDA President Vicki Barrett, along with BDA member and Alaska Stand owner Bob Givarz, presented the Planning and Zoning Commission with draft proposals this week for regulation of outdoor displays. 'Our mission is to promote business on the Boardwalk•€¦we...READ MORE

County Remains Under Drought Watch

BERLIN - Drought conditions persist in Worcester County, as precipitation levels are still below normal for the last 12 months, but county staff say that water levels are in fair shape. 'They were slow to recover this year,' Public Works Deputy Director John Ross said. 'We're still concerned. It hasn't rained really a lot this spring. We haven't had any Nor'easters this year or anything like that.' County wells are a few feet low right now, Ross said, but the wells typically have 125 to 150...READ MORE

Ethics Comm. Rules On Berlin Councilwoman

BERLIN - Berlin Councilwoman Ellen Lang cannot vote on issues brought before the town council by attorney Joe Moore on his own behalf, the Berlin Ethics Commission has ruled, but is not restricted from participating in votes or discussions on items brought by the attorney on behalf of clients. 'When the attorney is representing a client, we view the attorney as an extension of the client,' Ethics Commission Chair Jim Hoppa said. 'We don't view that as she has to recuse herself there.' Lang said...READ MORE

High Court Rejects GOP Slots Suit

BERLIN - An attempt to repeal the sweeping tax changes and a referendum on slots approved by the General Assembly during a special session last fall failed last month when the Maryland Court of Appeals upheld an earlier decision by a Carroll County Circuit Court judge to declare a lawsuit filed by state GOP leaders in December invalid. The Maryland Court of Appeals last month affirmed the decision of Carroll County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Stansfield to throw out the lawsuit filed late last...READ MORE

Hobbit Decision On Occupancy Delayed Again

OCEAN CITY - Hopes of an early opening of The Hobbit Restaurant were delayed for a second time this week, as the City Council voted to postpone the decision until Monday night with hope that lingering issues could be resolved. The Hobbit Restaurant owner Tom Heiderman came before the City Council once again this week in hopes of receiving a partial occupancy permit that would allow him to open the restaurant earlier than the Rivendell Condominium project. Despite Heidermans' promises to meet all...READ MORE

Indictment In Pocomoke Murder

SNOW HILL - A Worcester County grand jury this week indicted Charles Robert Phillips, 28, of Pittsville, for the murder of a 77-year-old Pocomoke man in his home in early March. On March 13, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) arrested Phillips in connection with the murder of William Nibblett, 77, of Pocomoke. Phillips was initially charged with first-degree murder, robbery, burglary and assault and was held without bail pending a scheduled initial appearance on April 11....READ MORE

New Bus Campaign To Start

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City Public Works Director Hal Adkins and Transportation Department Superintendent George Thornes announced the kickoff of this year's Ride the Bus campaign this week. The campaign, featuring a cast of prehistoric beach residents, is aimed at promoting Ocean City's family-friendly image while encouraging residents and visitors alike to go 'green' and ride the bus. TV commercials featuring the dinosaurs will begin airing locally on Comcast on Monday, April 7, while the print...READ MORE

OC Police Warn Of Fraud Scam

OCEAN CITY - An alert Ocean City resident last month helped resort police thwart a local attempt at a check and money order scam circulating around the state and the country. During the week of March 13, Ocean City police detectives investigated the first known local manifestation of a check and/or money order scam. The scam going around involves an unsuspecting victim who receives a check from an out-of-state bank in the mail. In almost every case reported thus far, the check is written paid to...READ MORE

Roommate Stabber Sentenced To Five Months

SNOW HILL - An Ocean City man arrested in November and charged with first-degree assault and other serious crimes after stabbing his roommate with a steak knife during an altercation between the two men pleaded guilty this week in Circuit Court to reckless endangerment and was sentenced to nearly five months in jail. Dean Waters, 29, of Ocean City, was in Circuit Court on Monday facing first- and second-degree assault and other charges stemming from the November 11 incident in downtown Ocean...READ MORE

State Settles Racial Profiling Case Dating To '93

BERLIN - In a decision that could have far-reaching implications across the state including the Eastern Shore and Worcester County, a settlement was reached this week between the parties in the landmark 'driving while black' racial profiling case filed by several plaintiffs over a decade ago. The initial suit was filed in 1993 by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of an African-American man and his family against the Maryland State Police (MSP) alleging they were victims of...READ MORE

"What's More Brutal Lies or Honesty?"

Where does cynicism end and paranoia begin? And when, if ever, does actual reality come into play? These days, I am having a hard time telling the difference between one and the other. Does that mean that I'm losing grip on reality or is there less to grip on to? As April Fool's day came and went this past week, the crick in my neck from constantly looking over my shoulder has finally subsided. Not that I've been a victim of any April Fool's jokes in well over a decade, but after 20 years of...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Promotions Announced BERLIN - Raymond M. Thompson, president and C.E.O. of Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company, has announced the following promotions. Peggy Welsh has been promoted to senior vice president.  Welsh has been with Taylor Bank for 30 years She began her career as a teller at the 20th Street branch and became assistant branch manager, branch manager of the 91st Street office in 1986.  Welsh was promoted to assistant vice president in 1987 and relocated to the 20th Street...READ MORE

My Thoughts

Insider hates to have his picture taken. As soon as the shutter closes the photo is dated, or more to the point, outdated. It's old. And the subject is someone who used to be. The picture itself is glanced at then put away to be ignored and forgotten until some day in the distant future an indifferent generation comes across it and comments on the funny haircut, the outdated clothes and the overall image of what people used to look like. Bad teeth and all. The only images of himself the old guy...READ MORE

Berlin Intermediate School "Rocks Out"

In preparation for several weeks of state testing, students at Berlin Intermediate School recently "rocked out." Students and staff members dressed up as rock stars to "rock on" and show their school spirit. Pictured, above from left, are Jordan Henderson, Mrs. Fiori, Brianna Carpenter, Mrs. Fraschetti and Jake Gaddis. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary First Graders

Showell Elementary first graders Joseph Beck, Wyatt Sperry, and Jake Rider performed a short play, "The Lion and the Mouse" for classmates recently. ...READ MORE

Snow Hill Middle School

Sponsored by the General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Snow Hill Middle School student Claire Klingenberg won first place for her short story/essay at the Grade 7 level in a statewide Junior American Citizens creative expression contest. Pictured with Committee Chairman Judy Reeser, Klingenberg received her award during a luncheon at the 103rd Maryland State DAR Conference, where it was announced she also won second place in the Eastern Division competition. ...READ MORE

Buckingham Elementary School Honors Their Students of The Month

Buckingham Elementary School honored their Students of The Month for March. Above, fourth grade honorees are Emily Lampman, Hannah Davis, Tyrese Milbourne and Breona Baker. Other winners not pictured were first graders Erica Webb, Cashmere Murph, Itssi Sanchez, Sha'Kayla Fooks and Janiah Johnson; second graders Francisco Palacio, Rachel Prengaman, Nyaire Purnell and Jayla Harmon; and third graders Anayanci Romero-Sosa, Ethan Call, Shynieve Bratten, Lily Ricks and Hannah Meekins. ...READ MORE

Elks Americanism Awards Ceremony

Alyson Hartman, center, Ocean Pines, was honored as the Eighth Grade Student of the Year at the Elks Americanism Awards Ceremony in Ocean City. With Hartman is Addie Yeager, Chairman, Americanism Committee, left, and Lowell Rockwell, Exalted Ruler of the Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645. Hartman is a student at Worcester Preparatory School. ...READ MORE

First Graders at Showell Elementary

First graders at Showell Elementary are gearing up for a night at a Delmarva Shorebirds game. Any youngster who reads four books earns two free tickets and gets to walk onto the infield for pre-game festivities carrying the school's 'Hit the Books' banner. Holding Showell's banner are: Carmen Piper, Gabrielle Suplee, Rachel Haskell, Noah Shaffer and Kristen Rosser. ...READ MORE

Berlin Intermediate School

Musician Hal Trapkin recently presented his show, "Percussion Discussion," to students at Berlin Intermediate School. His dynamic and exciting show had the students clapping along as Trapkin presented the history of percussion instruments. His performance was part of BIS's Art Immersion program and was funded in part by the Maryland State Arts Council/Arts in Education grant fund. Above, Josh Peterson, Donald Putnam and Brooke Elliott are instructed in the use of percussion instruments...READ MORE

Stephen Decatur High School's Jazz Group

The Jazz group from Stephen Decatur High School played at last week's Women's History Luncheon, sponsored by the Worcester County Commission for Women. Above, with teacher JD Foell are Sophie Gault, Jesse Taylor on drums, Glenn Brown, Chris Engel and Mike Kelly. ...READ MORE

Stephen Decatur's Connections

On weekdays, The Brilliant Boys and Girls Club, a branch of Stephen Decatur's Connections, is giving back to the community by mentoring second and third graders at Buckingham Elementary. Above, Stephen Decatur senior Keith Spangler helps two students with their reading. ...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Sherryl Horan Sheppard OCEAN PINES - Sherryl Horan Sheppard, 59, died Sunday, March 30, 2008 at her home in Ocean Pines. Born in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Doris Horan. She graduated from high school in Baltimore County. She led a successful business career and later moved to the Ocean City area where she became part owner and manager of the Spanish Main Hotel. She was a certified real estate agent and was very successful in the rental and sales departments. Her...READ MORE

Live Bands and DJs

707 Sports Bar & Grille: 410-213-9507, 12702 Old Bridge Rd. West Ocean City; Friday, April 4: Doug The Madman; Every Saturday: Karaoke with Hey Mick. Assateague Island Oasis: 410-629-1492, Rt. 611; Entertainment Friday & Saturday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Buxy's Salty Dog: 410-289-0973, 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Every Friday: DJ BK; Saturday, April 5: TBA. Castaway's: 410-524-9090, 64th St. Bayfront; Every Friday: DJ Mike C; Saturday, April 5: Can't Hang. Clarion Hotel: 410-524-3535, 10100...READ MORE

Using Windfall Can Invigorate Long-Term Strategy

BERLIN - The phrase 'building wealth' suggests a steady advance toward personal security. But that's not always the way it happens. Sometimes progress comes suddenly, often unexpectedly. When assets arrive in this manner, it's important that they be integrated thoughtfully into your overall financial strategy, says Scott Cooper, Managing Director for Merrill Lynch's Private Banking and Investment Group. Your first task is to consider carefully what you'd like to accomplish with your windfall....READ MORE

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) has awarded a $5,849 Community Needs grant to Atlantic General Hospital for the purchase of equipment for Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training.  Above, from left, Bonnie Mannion, RN and AGH Education Manager, and Erica Joseph, CFES Program Officer, watch Barbara Frazier, RRT and ACLS instructor, demonstrate some of the equipment purchased with the foundation grant.  ...READ MORE

Worcester County Commission for Women's History Month Luncheon

A number of locals were honored at the Worcester County Commission for Women's History Month Luncheon recently. Among those receiving the Women of Tomorrow Awards were, pictured with commission member Marge Sebour,, front, Diana Vogel and Yanneth Rodrigues and, back, Megan Lawton, Claire Klingenberg and Sara Welch. ...READ MORE

The Shepherd's Nook

Maryland's Most Beautiful People Annual Volunteer Dinner honored the Community Church of Ocean Pines' The Shepherd's Nook at an Ocean Pines Yacht Club ceremony last month. The Shepherd's Nook was one of 38 groups selected from 300 groups statewide to be recognized by the governor during Volunteer Appreciation Week in Annapolis. The nomination was made by Arlene Page. Pictured, from left, are Tony Dalfarra, Page, Roy Betts, Lou Ann Trummel, Shirley Bradley, Joleen Killinger, Betty McDermott, and...READ MORE

People Joining Together For Community Causes

See who was out helping causes in the Ocean City area. ...READ MORE

A Look At Who Was Out On The Town This Week

Weekly pictures from the restaurant and bar scene around the Ocean City area.  ...READ MORE

Things I Like

That people put televisions in their bathrooms The beach at Siesta Keys in Florida That Cracker Barrel serves breakfast all day A surprising phone call The daffodils of early spring Reading this paper online while on vacation Special events in Berlin High school lacrosse games That Curry guy from Davidson The aura of a ballpark on baseball's Opening Day The smell of the year's first grass cut ...READ MORE

Seaside Country Store Opens for 39th Season

OCEAN CITY -Seaside Country Store opened its doors last Friday, kicking off another season of gourmet foods, unique gifts and home décor at 'the most unusual store on the shore.' Owner Stephen Vickers took The Dispatch on a tour of the expansive store, giving a preview of all the unique items that the Fenwick Island store will have to offer this year. The smell of gourmet cheeses, spices, and homemade fudge fills the entrance of Seaside Country Store as you walk into the gourmet foods...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Rumors of a change in the workplace could make you a mite uneasy about going ahead with implementing your ideas. Best advice: Ignore the talk and proceed as planned. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Everyone has an opinion on how to handle a recent business suggestion. Thank them for their advice. Then go ahead and follow your own fine instincts. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): While home is your main focus this week, new issues in the workplace need your attention as well....READ MORE