October 10, 2008

Cops & Courts

Cops & Courts ...READ MORE

Monday October 13--Dinner To Mark Ocean City Museum Milestone

OCEAN CITY - The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum Society will hold a dinner on Sunday, Oct. 26, to mark the 30th anniversary of the museum and the 130th anniversary of the dedication of the USLS Station at Ocean City. "The celebration will be open to all members of the Society as well as to anyone who has an interest in preserving the history of Ocean City," said Janet Cherrix, one of the event's coordinators. "The Museum, at the Ocean City Inlet, reminds people of the...READ MORE

Ocean City Open Houses

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 Sat 9-5 3BR Bayside Condos Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY Bahia Vista 10th St. Bayside Daily 10-4 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 ReMax Premier Properties 410-520-8118 OCEAN CITY Gateway Grand Daily 10-5 48th St....READ MORE

West Ocean City/ Ocean Pines Open Houses

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Fri-Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 WEST OCEAN CITY Oxford Road Cape Isle of Wight Sat 11-2 3BR/2BA House 2 Lots Sep or Pkg Terry Miller Coldwell Banker 443-336-1657 WEST OCEAN CITY New Construction West Harbor Village Daily 10-5 11 Townhouses 3BR/2.5BA/Garage Prudential Carruthers 410-524-7000 OCEAN PINES 7412 Yacht Club Dr Fri 4:30-6 2BR/2BA Condo Watefront Jim White ReMax...READ MORE

Outside Ocean City Open Houses

SALISBURY 208 Marshall St Every Sat 10-4 3BR/2BA Must See Home Tamera Myers Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 443-366-9222 BERLIN 476 Dueling Way Sun 11-1 4BR/2.5BA Terry Bradford Hileman RE 410-208-9200 VIRGINIA Captains Corridor Daily 9-5 Canalfront, Interior Golf Course Homes New Construction Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-5843 SELBYVILLE, DE 36863 Herring Ct Swann Cove Sun 11-4 4BR/2.5BA Short Sale Josh Morimoto Prudential Carruthers 410-371-2216 POCOMOKE 500 Riverside Dr Every Sun...READ MORE

Berlin Dolphins Win 3rd Straight

BERLIN- The Berlin Junior Dolphins of the Salvation Army League won their third straight game last weekend, topping county rival Pocomoke, 14-6, to improve to 3-1 on the season. Pocomoke came into the game undefeated and Berlin had just one loss, so something had to give last weekend as the two familiar rivals faced off. Berlin scored first on a 40-yard touchdown pass from Colin Macomber to Henry Hastings. The Dolphins' other score came on a one-yard touchdown run by Robert Phillips. That was...READ MORE

Mallards Suffer First Loss

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's men's varsity soccer team took its first loss of the season this week, falling to visiting Delmar, 4-2, on Monday in a hard fought, physical contest. The Mallards entered the game with a near-perfect record at 7-0-1, the only blemish on their otherwise perfect schedule a 1-1 tie with Sussex Tech way back in the second game of the season. In fact, Worcester had not given up a goal in three previous contests, a 4-0 win over Salisbury School, a 6-0 win over St. Thomas More...READ MORE

Pink-Clad Seahawks Fall to Bennett, 4-0

BERLIN- Breaking out the new pink jerseys in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month did not bring Stephen Decatur's men's varsity soccer team much look this week as the Seahawks fell to visiting Bennett, 4-0. Stephen Decatur's boys' varsity and junior varsity soccer teams sported the pink jerseys during a double-header with Bennett at home on Monday and varsity coach Jamie Greenwood even went with bleached blond hair in the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but the changes had little...READ MORE

Seahawks Drop Heartbreaker, 33-21

BERLIN- An otherwise perfect Homecoming for the Stephen Decatur varsity football team last Friday was spoiled somewhat by a fourth-quarter comeback by visiting Queen Anne's, who scored 19 unanswered fourth quarter points to steal the 33-21 win. The two Bayside heavyweights slugged it out for three-plus quarters before the Lions capitalized on a handful of huge plays down the stretch to pull the come-from-behind win. Decatur scored first on a five-yard touchdown pass from Tim Donnelly to Andrew...READ MORE

Tough Guy of the Week Awards

Atlantic Physical Therapy this week handed out two 'Tough Guy of the Week' awards, the first going to Danny Kominos for his outstanding play in a win over Easton last week, and a second to Brandon Chavis for his efforts in the loss to Queen Anne's later last week. Pictured above is Decatur Coach Bob Knox (left) with Kominos, Chavis, and ATP President Bob Hammond. Submitted photo ...READ MORE

Faces in Places

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

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

Over the last decade, the local lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police has become a player in Ocean City elections. The lodge started playing a role when it launched its eventually successful bid for collective bargaining with binding arbitration and its active role has continued in recent years with candidate endorsements and high-profile visibility at the polls. According to President Glen McIntyre, a lodge meeting was held Tuesday to vote on endorsements for the Oct. 21 municipal election....READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Keep On Speaking Out Against Treatment Editor: I emailed your fine Mayor Richard Meehan regarding the harassment during bike week and I got nowhere. He said he would phone me and I did get a message on my phone while I was at work so I emailed him back and gave him my cell but he never called again. Let me ask you what your industry in Ocean City is. I believe it is tourism. So let's try this, if someone in Ocean City invented a car that got 150 miles to the gallon of gasoline and built a...READ MORE

Our Endorsements

Our Endorsements Voters in the town of Berlin will head to the polls next week to elect a mayor and a new council member. Registered voters living in Districts 1 and 2 will vote at Buckingham Presbyterian Church on Main Street and those calling District 3 and 4 home should head to the Flower Street multipurpose building. Candidates for mayor include interim Mayor Gee Williams and challenger Rex Hailey, a former two-term mayor from 1996 to 2004. District 3 Councilman Elroy Brittingham has already...READ MORE

Route 50 Fatality

Route 50 Fatality BERLIN - Tragedy struck again this week on Route 50 near Berlin when a driver reportedly fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed, killing her passenger and seriously injuring herself. Around 6:30 p.m. Maryland State Police troopers responded to a reported motor vehicle accident on the eastbound side of Route 50 near Hall Rd. just west of Berlin. Upon arrival, troopers discovered a red 2002 Chevy Tracker off the roadway. The investigation revealed the driver of the vehicle,...READ MORE

New Show Eyes OC

New Show Eyes OC OCEAN CITY •€' For the first time under one roof, anyone who covets the finer things in life can visit the Coastal Style Luxury Living Show at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City from Oct. 24-26. More than 60 exclusive exhibitors ranging from I.G. Burton Mercedes-Benz/BMW, Shore Appliance Connection and Viking and OC Floor Gallery to Elegant Designs, il Collezione and Liljenquist & Beckstead will be on-hand to demonstrate what they do and how they do it...READ MORE

Prepare Early for College

Prepare Early For College Christine Selzer Special To The Dispatch OCEAN CITY - The cost of a college education weighs heavily on parents today. To help parents meet this mounting challenge, many states offer college savings plans that encourage investment by offering significant tax advantages. State-sponsored college savings plans, also known as Internal Revenue Code Section 529 plans, help families pay both college tuition and room and board, as well as other expenses. Each state designs its...READ MORE

My Thoughts

Insider does not understand why people plaster bumper stickers all over their nice vehicles. Time and time again, the old guy sees expensive vehicles ruined by goofy stickers. Some noticed the other day in the Wal-Mart shopping center were 'Nobama', 'Proud Parent Of An Honor Student,' 'Women For Palin,' 'Baby On Board,' 'Bush Hater,' 'Vote Bud Church,' 'Gone Phishing,' 'Gay Is The Way,' 'OBX,' 'Beach Lax,' 'Go Ravens,' and 'Change Is Here.' Insider has no idea what some of these are even talking...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Alton Wade 'Jack' Taylor BERLIN - Alton Wade 'Jack', Taylor age 83, died Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008 in Berlin. Born in Berlin, he was the son of the late Joseph W. Taylor and Virginia Harmon Taylor. Taylor had worked as a builder and contractor. He had owned and operated Taylor Mowing Service with his son Lynn. He was a WWII Merchant Marine and was discharged from the United States Coast Guard. He was a lifetime member of Boggs-Disharoon American Legion Post #123 in Berlin. He had attended Bethany...READ MORE

Who's Playing Where and When

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.; Friday, Oct. 10: TBA. Saturday, Oct. 11: Pompous Pie. Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums: 410-524-1000, On the beach at 118th St.; Friday, Oct. 10: DJ Rupe, 7-10 p.m.; Every Tuesday: Dave Sherman. Clarion Hotel: 410-524-3535, 10100 Coastal Hwy; Ocean Club: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 10-12: First Class; Tuesday-Thursday, Oct. 14-16:...READ MORE

Businesses Brace For Economic Fallout

OCEAN CITY - As the sting from the ongoing economic crisis starts to hit locally, some Ocean City area businesses are forging ahead, while others are merely holding on. From real estate to the retail industries, many local businesses are preparing for what one proprietor called a 'guesstimated 12-24-month downward spiral', and it seems they are just as concerned with the rough economic times ahead as consumers. The retail sector appears especially hard-hit so far locally, as some of the big...READ MORE

Temple Bat Yam Announces Mustang Winner

Temple Bat Yam recently announced the winner of its annual Boardwalk Raffle for a new red Mustang. Above, Joyce Klein, left, chair of the raffle, is pictured with Nancy Rubin, the winner of the new vehicle. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Back to School Supplies Donated in Pittsville

As part of its campaign for the new school year, Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley (A/SCD) has recently donated "Back to School" supplies to the Pittsville Elementary and Middle School. Pictured, from left, are Valerie Hughes, guidance counselor; Teresa Stout, A/SCD customer service agent; Laura Deeley Bren, A/SCD President; and Michael Cody, Principal. ...READ MORE

8 Women Join Republican Women of Worcester County

Eight women recently joined the Republican Women of Worcester County at the Sept. 25 Luncheon Meeting. New members are, back from left, Gail Dieman, Gail Schuler, Nancy Wright, Joann Cropper, Betty Gigioli and Barbara Loffler, and seated, Pat Faulkner and Maude Smith. Missing from the picture is Carrie Dupuie. ...READ MORE

Students Volunteer at Diakonia

Teacher Jamie Bartlett's government class at Stephen Decatur High School is earning service learning credits by doing volunteer work at Diakonia. Above, Diakonia volunteer coordinator Susan Blaney, left, is pictured with students Anna Priest, Brianna Bassett, Jeffrey Freeman, Kasha Postley and Katie Blosveren. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Decatur Students speak at RWWC function

Two local students, Jacob Mitrecic, a senior at Stephen Decatur High School, and Zack Keiser, an eighth-grader at Stephen Decatur Middle School, recently gave speeches at the Republican Women of Worcester County (RWWC) function. Pictured, from left, RWWC President Ann Lutz, Mitrecic, Keiser and Irene Ruscigno, first-vice president ...READ MORE

Teachers help non-English speaking students with language

Alicia Cropper, an English Second Language Teacher at Ocean City Elementary School, works with students who speak a language other than English, to acquire English through innovative vocabulary activities, socialization activities and the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum. Pictured are Sandra Aldana-Almaguer, Brandon Campechano and Cropper. ...READ MORE

Fire Prevention Week at the Berlin Fire House

As part of Fire Prevention Week, local day care children visited the Berlin Fire House on Tuesday. Firefighters David Haines and Miguel Castanares conducted some demonstrations for the kids. Above, the children are pictured with Sparky the fire dog. ...READ MORE

Volunteers help Worcester County Families

Members of Stephen Decatur High School's Connections, a volunteer organization, collected and delivered school supplies to Worcester County families through the Worcester County GOLD program. Above, senior Taylor Phillips packages notebooks and other school items for individual families. ...READ MORE

Tidewater School by the Sea Attends "Fire Safety Week"

The Tidewater School by the Sea in Bishopville kicked off "Fire Safety Week" with a visit from the Showell Volunteer Fire Department. Students enjoyed seeing the fire truck and equipment and listening to all of the safety tips that local firemen gave. Above, some students and teachers are pictured with the firemen. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Teams with White House for National Program

Worcester Preparatory School has announced it has teamed with the White House to become a Certifying Organization for the Presidents Volunteer Service Award, a national program recognizing Americans who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service. Worcester's first award was presented to Carson Marie Wigley, a sophomore, who received a pin and a certificate in recognition and appreciation of her commitment to strengthening our nation and for making a difference through...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Students Honored as Maryland Distinguished Scholars

Worcester Preparatory School students honored as Maryland Distinguished Scholars are, front from left, Katie Twilley, Honorable Mention; Dominique Kunciw, Semi-Finalist; Alexandra Lewis, Honorable Mention; back, Andrew Canakis, Honorable Mention; Ross Roessler, Finalist; Parker McIntosh, Honorable Mention; and Ivan Zorn, Honorable Mention. With them is Dr. Barry W. Tull, Headmaster. ...READ MORE

"Walk Your Child Safely to School" program takes first steps at Buckingham

Buckingham Elementary School and the Worcester County Health Department have implemented a new program at school called 'Walk Your Child Safely To School." During Joan Martins Physical Education classes, students will walk for the first 10 minutes. This program is to encourage students the importance of physical activity. Above, the fourth grade academy is pictured with health department employees and FedEx employees in promoting the program. ...READ MORE

First Fall Restaurant Week Achieving Goal

OCEAN CITY - Local restaurants are pulling for a strong weekend showing from diners before they call the first-ever 'Fall OC Restaurant Week' an overall success. As of yesterday, an overwhelming majority of the restaurants involved in the third installment of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association event have seen their numbers at least 'on pace' with the past events, but all are depending on a strong weekend before they really gauge how beneficial it actually was to their overall...READ MORE

Judge Awards Contractor $1.1M In School Lawsuit

SNOW HILL - The trial in the $1.3 million-plus lawsuit filed last year against the Worcester County Board of Education by a private contractor replaced mid-way through the construction of the new Ocean City Elementary School over two years ago concluded late yesterday after four days when visiting Judge R. L. Karwacki ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. The Worcester County Board of Education in January 2005 hired Beka Industries, a private contractor out of Easton, to do site grading work for the...READ MORE

Mayoral Foes See Town Issues Differently

BERLIN - Registered voters in the municipal limits of Berlin head to the polls next Tuesday to elect a mayor and a new council member for District 2. As was the case with last week's District 2 candidates, The Dispatch presented a series of questions on current events to mayoral candidates  Gee Williams, the town's interim mayor since May who has twice been elected to represent District 1 as a councilman, and Rex Hailey, a former two-term councilman and mayor from 1996-2004. The...READ MORE

OC Earns National 'Voice' Award

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City added another award to its proverbial mantle this week as town officials were presented with the national ICMA 'Voice of the People' award. Public Works Director Hal Adkins was presented with the annual award given to cities all over the country exemplifying the highest standards of services provided to its residents making Ocean City one of only two towns on the East Coast that received the award. Ocean City received the award for street maintenance and solid waste...READ MORE

Ocean City Land Values Plummet

OCEAN CITY - Assessments of real estate values in Ocean City were officially completed last week, and while it should come as no surprise to property owners that the assessed value of their homes and businesses have gone down since the last assessment three years ago, the results reveal a downward trend not seen in recent memory. When Ocean City property owners retrieve their reassessment notices from their mailboxes in December, most will likely be relieved to discover the steady if not soaring...READ MORE

Changes Needed In Coastal Bays' Critical Area Law

SNOW HILL - The Coastal Bays Critical Area is due for some regulatory changes, staff informed the Worcester County Commissioners this week. New septic systems in the Coastal Bays Critical Area will be required in the future to install pre-treatment technology to reduce nutrient loading on local waters. Consequently, the county must amend the Critical Area Law and will also pursue a water and sewer plan amendment to effect the change. 'It definitely should be an amendment to the Critical Area. It...READ MORE

College Buddies Present A Gift 17 Years In The Making

OCEAN CITY - Seventeen-year-old Amy Swain received two educations of sorts last Saturday night in West Ocean City: one with a price and one that was priceless. Swain and her mother, Katie, flew to Ocean City from their home in Texas to be presented with a trust fund of almost $25,000 raised over 17 years by a group of her late father's old college buddies. Yet, the stories that she was told about her father, Barry Swain, who passed away from bone marrow cancer when she was just 8 months old, may...READ MORE

Drug Dealer To Serve 6 Years

SNOW HILL - A local man arrested in March after Ocean City Police narcotics agents targeted him with a three-month drug distribution investigation pleaded guilty last week in Circuit Court to manufacturing and distributing cocaine and was sentenced to 12 years in jail, half of which was suspended. Undercover OCPD narcotics detectives began investigating Richard Eaton, 39, of Ocean City, for selling controlled dangerous substances in the resort area last winter. In March, an undercover detective...READ MORE

Gas Main Break Disrupts OC

OCEAN CITY - Two ocean-side blocks were evacuated briefly this week when a city road crew accidentally ruptured a major gas main on 36th Street during a routine paving project. Around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Ocean City Public Works crews working on a repaving project in the ocean block area of 36th Street and 37th Street inadvertently struck and ruptured a natural gas main under the surface of roadway on 36th Street. The OCPD and Ocean City Fire Department responded and evacuated roughly 100...READ MORE

Inaugural Harbor Day This Weekend

BERLIN - On Saturday, Oct. 11, the waterfront docks of West Ocean City will come alive with the sights, sounds and smells of the sea. The inaugural Harbor Day at the Docks will take place from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is being held along the working harbor docks adjacent to Sunset Avenue. This new event will celebrate the history and heritage of local maritime traditions, including both commercial fishing and sport fishing. The Harbor Day At The Docks event is free and open to the public and...READ MORE

Issues Still Cloud Bishopville Pond Restoration

SNOW HILL - The Bishopville Pond project is inching closer to a start date, but concerns over the bridge and the murky ownership of the pond bottom must be resolved first. 'The major issue in the project is trying to figure out what's going to happen with the bridge located east of the pond,' said Worcester County Comprehensive Planning director Sandy Coyman. The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) needs to be certain that the work done to restore the pond does not create a situation...READ MORE

OC Surf Shop Burglar Sought

OCEAN CITY - Resort police this week are looking for a suspect who burglarized a mid-town surf shop last weekend. Around 4 a.m. last Sunday, OCPD officers responded to Chauncey's Surf Shop on 53rd Street in reference to a burglar alarm activation. The officers arrived on the scene and immediately noticed the front plate glass window of the shop had been smashed. A brief investigation revealed several items had been stolen including skateboard decks, wheels and trucks. The suspect allegedly...READ MORE

Rape Suspect Linked To Other Crimes In Area

BERLIN - New information has come to light suggesting the Pittsville man arrested for rape in September after allegedly coaxing a woman from a bus stop in Berlin before sexually assaulting her at a remote location may have carried out similar crimes against other victims in Worcester County and across the Lower Shore. In the middle of the afternoon on September 2, a 30-year-old local woman was waiting for the Worcester County Ride on a bus stop in the Berlin area when a white male, later...READ MORE

Friday, October 10th-- Long-Range Electric Outlook Disappoints Citizens

BERLIN - Berliners were disappointed to hear little this week about reduced electric power rates at the second meeting with Booth and Associates electric consultants, who offered plans for long-term debt reduction and making the utility profitable, but little specific action on high electric bills. Electric rates could be reduced through a $1.5 million equity investment in paying down power system debts, said Dwight Davis, Vice President of Strategic Planning and Financial Services of Booth and...READ MORE

Friday, October 10th--Private Wind Turbines Clear Early Hurdle

OCEAN CITY - The answer to some Ocean City residents' energy concerns may be 'Blowin' in the Wind', but that answer did in fact get a little closer to reality this week. The potential approval of wind turbine technology usage into the Ocean City private sector took another step forward Tuesday, as the city's Planning and Zoning commission unanimously passed a motion through to a public hearing, which will take place on Nov. 5. After a public hearing, the issue would be taken before the Mayor and...READ MORE

Friday, October 10th--Q&A: OC Council Candidates Part II

Q&A: OC Council Candidates In a continuing effort to brief Ocean City registered voters on the candidates and their viewpoints, The Dispatch presents the second of a three-part, question-and-answer series with the seven City Council candidates. Question 2: Finances will be a major concern in Ocean City government next year, as revenue is expected to decline from last year, due in part to decreasing property values on the island. Residents are also feeling the pinch from a struggling overall...READ MORE

Restauranteurs Shelve Plans For Berlin

BERLIN - Two restaurants expected to spark a business revival in north Berlin have been shelved because of the falling economy. A 125-seat seafood restaurant on Old Ocean City Blvd. has been axed, confirmed restaurateur Jim Farlow of his plan to build an eatery opposite the old Tyson chicken processing plant. 'We've kind of pulled the plug from building the restaurant there. We're afraid of the economy,' said Farlow. Under the current economic conditions, the amount of money needed for the...READ MORE

People Joining Together For Community Causes

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

Things I Like

Family photos on an office desk Melted brie cheese on a cracker An old photo album with a broken crease Pizza on a thin crust Working on cloudy, rainy days A quick weekend road trip Videotaping my son's antics The show, 'Amazing Race' When my dogs come when called Cooking on the grill when it's cold out Playoff baseball games ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A bid for you to step in and take over an incomplete project could prove to be an excellent learning experience that you can take with you when a new opportunity opens up. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): It's a good time for socializing, both with family and with friends. Your aspects also favor developing new relationships, any or all of which might become especially meaningful. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Your success in handling a recent difficult situation prompts...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

My five-month-old has a girlfriend. It seems a love affair, albeit one-sided, has developed between our Beckett and Dora the Explorer. We are not exactly sure how to take it at such a young age, but it seems harmless at this point. He is equally fascinated with Dora's cousin, Diego, who has his own cartoon 'Go Diego Go' and is featured in the 'Dora the Explorer' show as well. It appears Beckett loves his Diego, and his infamous rescue pack, as much as his Dora. I prefer to think he favors Dora,...READ MORE

Arts Around the Area

David Mark Hall stands before one of his extraordinary photographic works of art at his opening reception at the Waters Edge Gallery. The opening reception coincided with Berlin's monthly 2nd Friday art stroll. ...READ MORE