May 29, 2009

Faces in Places

A Spotlight on the Local and Regional Bar and Restaurant Scene ...READ MORE

Mushrooms Seized From Car

BERLIN - Two juveniles were injured Monday morning when their vehicle overturned on Route 589 at Gray's Corner Rd. and police inspecting the car after the crash found a bag of psychedelic mushrooms. Around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, a Maryland State Police trooper was dispatched to the area of Route 589 and Gray's Corner Rd. for a reported accident. The trooper discovered a white 2004 Jeep Cherokee had overturned, injuring the two occupants including an unidentified juvenile and a local girl. Both...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Mary Louise O'Brien SALISBURY •€' Mary Louise O'Brien, 78, died Thursday, May 14, 2009, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. She was daughter to the late Pearl and Elisha Magaw. She was known for her sense of humor. She loved to play cards and to go to the Boardwalk to people watch and get some French fries. She also loved animals and rescued cats. She was a successful businesswoman and single mother. She leaves behind many loved friends. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law,...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

Some new 'firsts' have taken place recently in our world. Here's a recap of some exciting developments over the last couple weeks. -- Our 1-year-old is up and walking. The strange thing is he resembles an orangutan when he's doing it. Yes, it's the orangutan walk and it's in full effect, and it's hilarious to watch. Once he pushes himself up to his feet, he extends his arms out a bit with his hands at or around shoulder length to achieve the balance he needs. He will take a couple big steps,...READ MORE

Who's Playing Where and When Musically Speaking

Angler Restaurant 410-289-7424 , Talbot St. & The Bay Saturday, May 20 & Sunday, May 31: Jon Fritz Every Sunday: Dock Party with DJ Mike C Buxy's Salty Dog 410-289-0973 , 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, May 29: DJ Wood Saturday, May 30: Crowded Outhouse Every Sunday: Locals' Party with DJ BK CaribBean bar & grill 410-289-0837 , Just off the Boards on 2nd St. Friday, May 29: Dave Sherman, 1-5 p.m.; Pompous Pie Duo, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday, May 30: Mike armstrong Duo,...READ MORE

OC Weekend Sales Satisfy, Crowds Best In 16 Years

OCEAN CITY - Although demoflush numbers indicate that Ocean City has enjoyed three straight record weekends, other numbers are not quite as optimistic as the resort trots into the early June doldrums. Memorial Day weekend joined the previous Cruisin' and Springfest weekends in the Ocean City record books, at least as far as demoflush numbers are concerned. Over 270,000 people were estimated to be in the resort last weekend, but the room tax revenue numbers seem to tell a bit of a different...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

An Open Letter To High School Graduates Dear Graduates, Congratulations to you all. By now, you have walked across the stage, before your classmates, teachers, administrators and family, shook hands with a figure of authority and received your high school diploma. This much is certain - a major milestone in your life has been achieved and you should be proud of the accomplishment and enjoy some time celebrating safely and hopefully enjoying some relaxation along the way. However, I am not going...READ MORE

Taking The Good With The Bad

Regarding the Memorial Day weekend, there was some good news and some bad news. Starting with the good stuff, more than 270,000 people decided to mark the holiday weekend in the Ocean City area. Certainly, an ideal beach weather forecast was the main motivation. Additionally, there were some bargains to be had at the beach that were not offered in years past that played a contributing role. Along those economic lines, Ocean City may reap the benefits of these tight times because it's within a...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Credit To Brave Souls Editor: I was on the Boardwalk Saturday night and saw the most amazing thing. Some guy actually pushed a police officer and when the officer tried to arrest the guy more people got involved and in the way. Out of nowhere, these two guys came to the assistance of the police and were putting themselves between the police and the encroaching crowd. Talk about citizen involvement. I later found out that the guys were doormen from the Cork Bar (only got their names as Rob and...READ MORE

Friday, May 29--Cops Kept Busy With Weapons Cases

OCEAN CITY - Over the course of a few hours late Sunday night and early Monday morning, resort police dealt with two serious cases of suspects brandishing weapons at groups of people in the downtown area. The dicey stretch began around 10:40 p.m. on Sunday when Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to the area of 9th Street and the Boardwalk in reference to a man threatening people with a gun. OCPD officers arrived in the area and met with several citizens who advised police a...READ MORE

Friday, May 29--County Votes 5-2 To Shifts Funds To Classroom Materials

SNOW HILL - Local schools will see another $500,000 for textbooks and classroom materials, although no funding has been added to the schools budget. The Worcester County Commissioners voted 5-2 to move $565,000 from instructional salaries, which includes teachers, counselors, and educational assistants, to the materials of instruction category. While the County Commissioners voted to approve the Maintenance of Effort schools budget during a budget work session last week, they retained the right...READ MORE

Friday, May 29--Ocean City's Play It Safe Campaign Celebrates 20 Years

OCEAN CITY - This weekend marks a great cause for celebration to the Ocean City Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Committee because it will mark the 20th anniversary of Play It Safe for high school graduates. This is a drug- and alcohol-free project with over 60 free events for the current year's high school graduates who are in Ocean City. The mission of Play It Safe is to encourage these young people to make informed, healthy choices while having fun without the use of alcohol or other...READ MORE

Friday, May 29--One Dead, More Injured In Accidents

BERLIN - Several accidents involving motorcycles in the resort area over the extended Memorial Day holiday weekend left one dead, several other injured and one arrested for carrying a loaded handgun in his vehicle. The string of accidents and incidents involving motorcycles began shortly after 5 p.m. last Saturday when Worcester County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a reported motorcycle crash on Eagle's Nest Rd. in West Ocean City. Upon arrival, deputies learned the driver and a female...READ MORE

$500K Lawsuit Filed In OC Escalator Fall

OCEAN CITY - The town of Ocean City, its Convention and Visitors Bureau and a private company have been named in a $500,000 civil suit filed earlier this month in U.S. District Court by a former Vermont high school student injured when an escalator in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center suddenly stopped and started heading in the opposite direction during a music competition at the facility in May 2006. Several members of a band from a high school in Vermont, in Ocean City for the annual...READ MORE

Boardwalk Fight Leads To Arrests, Injured Officers

OCEAN CITY - Not long after a big portion of the largest crowd to pour into Ocean City for Memorial Day weekend in 16 years had called it a night and left the Boardwalk late last Saturday night, the famous promenade became the scene of one of the largest brawls in recent memory in the resort, a near-riot that ended with nine arrests and several officers assaulted. According to merchant Danny King, whose family has owned and operated Kingie's Cotton Candy across from the old pier building in the...READ MORE

Council Decides Against 15-Month Ad Agency Extension

OCEAN CITY - It's been said that advertising is a thankless job, and despite the launch and initial success of Ocean City's $3 million ad campaign, the town will thank MGH Advertising for its work by informing the company it's on the proverbial chopping block. Assistant Tourism Director Deb Travers brought her recommendation, along with the unanimous blessing of the Tourism Commission to the City Council on Tuesday in hopes of extending MGH's soon-to-expire advertising contract with the town of...READ MORE

Councilman Sees No Need For Town Subcommittees

OCEAN CITY - Joe Hall might be the only one vocalizing it, but he might not be alone in thinking that town commissions are 'inefficient' and 'useless.' It could be noted as ironic that one of Joe Hall's main campaign promises leading up to his October election was to shrink the local government, thus giving more power and a stronger voice to the business community. What's ironic about it, however, is that at Tuesday's work session of the Mayor and City Council, Hall called for the potential...READ MORE

Prosecutor Declares War On Open Air Drug Markets

BERLIN - With a stern warning for known repeat offenders and a softer alternative for those maybe caught in the web for the first time, Worcester County State's Attorney Joel Todd and several local law enforcement and community support agencies last week fired a first salvo in a renewed battle to rid Berlin's neighborhoods of open-air drug dealing. Todd hosted a community meeting of sorts in the Multi-Purpose Building on Flower Street last week to announce a multi-pronged effort to rid the...READ MORE

Comp Plan Talks Center On Growth Areas, Green Belt

BERLIN - Berlin's comprehensive plan is getting closer to completion, but both the Berlin Planning Commission and Berlin Mayor and Council still have work to do on the land use document before the draft is ready for public comment. The planning commission went over the draft comprehensive plan Wednesday night during a work session to voice concerns and suggestions. The placement of growth areas and a green belt around the town dominated the two-hour discussion. Planning Commission Chair Newt...READ MORE

County Finds $327K To Balance Budget

SNOW HILL - The Worcester County budget was balanced this week through putting off or downscaling some construction projects, but without lay-offs, furloughs or other drastic action. The Worcester County Commissioners made the decision during a budget work session Wednesday. 'You will note we are $327,000 in the hole and we are trying to fill that,' said Mason. The first option Mason offered reduced the debt service of $225,000 on improvements to the Berlin Senior Center by paying for the work...READ MORE

County Rezoning Public Hearing Set

SNOW HILL - Citizens will finally get their chance to weigh in on proposed rezoning regulations meant to implement the 2006 Worcester County Comprehensive Plan at a public hearing Tuesday night. The hearing will be held at 7 p.m. in the County Commissioners meeting room in the Government Center building in Snow Hill. The county's updated Comprehensive Plan was approved in March 2006, but the rezoning, which was supposed to follow immediately after, was delayed until June 2008. Two local...READ MORE

County's Department Merge Calls For Layoffs

SNOW HILL - Sources say the Worcester County Commissioners are planning to consolidate the Comprehensive Planning, Development Review and Permitting and Environmental Programs departments, laying off 12 staffers, a decision made during a closed session on Tuesday. Neither the Worcester County Commissioners nor county staff has officially confirmed the vote, which was taken in closed session because of the personnel issues involved, but a number of sources, none of which were elected officials,...READ MORE

Crowd Clusters Spark Concerns With Busker Law

OCEAN CITY - Last week, City Council thought that street ends were the best place for Ocean City's busking community, now it seems, they aren't so sure. Councilwoman Margaret Pillas, who owns a shop on the Boardwalk, brought some concerns to the proverbial table at Tuesday's work session at City Hall after the first real litmus test of sorts for the new street performer law in Ocean City proved to still cause a good bit of bottlenecking and blockage of the storefronts. 'I thought what I had...READ MORE

OC Police Seek Leads On Wanted Man

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City police remain on the lookout this week for a man wanted in both Maryland and Pennsylvania who was positively identified in the resort weeks ago and may have been seen again last weekend. OCPD officers this week continue to search for a man identified as Dallas Jabbar Roman, 29, who is considered a fugitive in both Maryland and Pennsylvania. Roman is described as 6'3' tall and about 165 pounds. He has a tattoo of an ant on his neck as well as other tattoos on both his...READ MORE

Ocean City News In Brief

In-Car Cameras Approved The City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to allow the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) to use $47,746 in grant money to fund a pilot program that would see the installation of five Panasonic cameras in five police cruisers. The process apparently began in October of 2007, as a group of OCPD officials reviewed seven different manufactures of the cameras, before deciding that the Panasonic brand was the best for the job. Once Homeland Security grant money became...READ MORE

Special Event Promoter Has High Aspirations

OCEAN CITY - Brad Hoffman is quietly becoming one of the most successful special event promoters in Ocean City, but oddly enough, he's often most recognized for something he did more than two decades ago and got paid nothing for but a few free sandwiches. Hoffman, known as 'B Rad' amongst locals and visitors, has his iron in a lot of fires as they say, either spearheading or contributing to the town's biggest special events, including the Cruisin' weekend, the OC Car and Truck Show, and the...READ MORE

Worcester Hands Out Spring Awards

BERLIN- Worcester Prep recently honored its spring sports student-athletes with an awards banquet during which several individuals were recognized for their outstanding efforts on the fields and courts this season. All of the Worcester Prep spring sports teams enjoyed successful seasons this year and many of the standout individuals were recognized for their contributions. From the boys' varsity lacrosse team, defenseman Stephen Pappas was recognized with a Most Valuable Player award, while...READ MORE

Worcester Prep 12 Letter Club Winners

Worcester Prep recently presented its spring sports awards including the induction of four seniors into the prestigious 12 Letter Club whose members earned a varsity letter in each season in every one of their year's at the Berlin prep school. Members of the class of 2009 who achieved the honor included, from left, Mary Mazcko, Elizabeth Hudson, Hillary Roughton and Jackie Wangel. Submitted photo ...READ MORE

13th Mako Mania Returns Next Week

OCEAN CITY- The 13th Annual Mako Mania shark tournament gets underway next week with dozens of boats and teams of anglers expected to participate in the first significant offshore tournament in the summer-long series of events in Ocean City. With warm water starting to show up in the canyons off the coast of the resort, the early offshore fishing season is starting to heat up just in time for the annual Mako Mania tournament hosted by Bahia Marina. Sharks of all sizes and species are typically...READ MORE

Big Weekend on Tap for Beach Lax

OCEAN CITY- Next weekend will be a big one for the local Beach Lacrosse Club as it will send several teams to Baltimore to compete in the 10th Annual Lax Splash tournament while hosting its annual Beach Lax Fest in Ocean City. Lax Splash, played at several different venues in the lacrosse tradition-rich Baltimore area features hundreds of teams and thousands of players from all over the mid-Atlantic region in what has become the traditional kick-off to the summer youth lacrosse tournament season...READ MORE

Seahawks Fare Well in State Meet

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity track team was well represented at the state championship meet last week at Morgan State in Baltimore, collecting several top 10 finishes in different events in the Class 3A competition. Brad Hollowell placed third in the Class 3A pole vault competition while Matt Allenbaugh placed fifth. In the boys' high jump competition, Decatur's Max Hulme placed fifth. James Wells came in ninth in the boys' 110-meter hurdles, while Cordonte Ayres finished seventh in the...READ MORE

Final Event at Autumn Grove This Weekend

Autumn Grove Stables on Sinepuxent Rd. in Berlin will hold its final event of the season this Saturday with a horse show and tack exchange set for 10 a.m. The event will include a tack exchange, pony rides and a friendly competition. Pictured above, local riders Paige Kreppel and Isabel Golden ride ponies Fritz and Buzzy at the last Autumn Grove horse show. Submitted photo ...READ MORE

People in Society

See Neighbors Helping Out One Another Throughout the Community ...READ MORE

OC Elementary 4th Graders Visit Philadelphia Zoo

The fourth grade from Ocean City Elementary School recently went to the Philadelphia Zoo as a culminating activity for the science unit on animals. Pictured are Kyle Tanner, Alexis Wells, Samantha Perry, and Josh Miller in front of the giraffe exhibit. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Gifted Students Honored by Johns Hopkins

Among the Worcester Prep Lower School students honored by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gifted and Talented Students were, from left, Zachary Wilson, Abigail Bright and Jordan Welch. ...READ MORE

SDHS Communication Class Creates PSA for OC Surfrider Foundation

The Stephen Decatur High School communication arts class created a public service announcement to promote clean beaches in Ocean City. Ocean City Surfrider Foundation is airing this student-produced PSA on national cable networks. Above, Surfrider Foundation's Terry Steimer from OC Surfrider Foundation presents a check to the student videographers and producers for their exemplary work. Pictured, from left, are Matt Stocker, Jake Widgeon, Kenny Goodyear, Principal Lou Taylor, Alli Collins and...READ MORE

BIS Students Visit OP Veterans Memorial

As part of the Memorial Day celebration, students from Berlin Intermediate School visited the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines to honor the many local veterans. While there they learned about the history of the American flag as well as how to correctly fold and care for the flag. Above, Seaman Apprentice Matt Cathell helps fifth grade student Anna Tribuno, fold a flag ...READ MORE

Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay Present Cookies to Worcester G.O.L.D.

Worcester County's Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, represented by Troop 293 of Snow Hill, are shown presenting cookies to Darlene Onley, director of Worcester G.O.L.D. Pictured, standing from left, are Taylor Hanson, Onley and Rebecca Rambo; seated, Mason Lores, Gwynnie Loniewski, Melanie Sterling and Victoria Makuchal.  ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep 4th Graders Shown

With Worcester Preparatory School Physical Education teacher Mike Grosso and Corporal Rick Wawrzenriak  of the Ocean City Police Department are fourth grade students from Amanda Lynch's and Laura Holmes' classes. Students pictured include Adam Pizza, Tate Shockley, Chandler Dennis, Davis Mears, Ava Schwartz, Allie Van Orden, Owen Nally, Riley Dickerson, Aria Zia Shakeri, Jonathan Ruddo, Shelby Cannatelli, Eva Parks, Kathleen Emche, Maggie Coutu, Lindsay Forno, Isabel Dashiell, Zachary...READ MORE

A Week in Business

New Physician Joins PRMC SALISBURY - Jafar Sadiq, MD was recently granted active staff membership with clinical and admitting privileges in the Department of Medicine at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. Sadiq, an internal medicine specialist, received his medical degree from Tirunelveli Medical College in India. He completed an internship there and then another at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center. Sadiq then completed his residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City,...READ MORE

Things I Like

A flag poking above a crowded beach Not working on Memorial Day When a Kiss song comes across the radio Hearing wind chimes from afar Watching my son in a pool The movie \'Slumdog Millionnaire\' Smell of a spring rain Pulling in the driveway after a long road trip Blue skies overhead while driving My \'Bubba\' mug Digital cameras with touch screens ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): There's nothing an Aries Lamb likes less than having to tackle a humdrum task. But finding a creative way to do it can make all the difference. A more exciting time awaits you this weekend. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Finishing up a job on time leaves you free to enjoy your weekend without any Taurean guilt pangs. A romantic attitude from an unlikely source could take you by surprise. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Moving in a new career direction might be seen by...READ MORE

OP Skate Park Gets $1000 Donation

Ocean Pines Skate Park Committee members Marie Gilmore and Mary Eash are pictured accepting a $1,000 donation made by Kelli and Bob Beck, owners of Denovo's Trattoria in Ocean Pines. The park is expected to open this summer. ...READ MORE

West OC Couple Hosts AGH Anniversary Celebration

Homeowners Harold and Janice Wainwright of West Ocean City thank their contractors and designers after the much-awaited completion of their new home, the site of last week's Anniversary Celebration benefiting the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation. Front, from left, are Terry Bell, designer, of Casual Design; homeowner Janice Wainwright; Ann Ashman, murals/custom painting; Dave Laubach, designer and window treatments; and, back, Mark Frostrom, landscape, and John Soghomonian,...READ MORE

Craft Club Donates Wreath to Worcester County Veterans Memorial

Members of the Pine'eer Craft Club Cathy Kirk, Joan King, Luz Castillo, and Dotty Williams display the wreath donated by the club to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines for their Memorial Day Ceremony this week. ...READ MORE

Daughters of American Revolution Officers Installed

The General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution installed its 2009-2012 officers at a luncheon on May 20 at the Guerrieri Library on the Worcester Preparatory School campus in Berlin. Pictured, front, seated is Kathy Muncy, Recording Secreatary; and, standing, Joyce Simpson, Port Tobacco Chapter Historian; Pat Arata, Regent; Theresa Bruner, Chaplain; Mary Jane Hastings, Corresponding Secretary; Judy Reeser, Treasurer; Jane Bunting, Registrar; Kitt Matthews,...READ MORE

OP-OC Kiwanis Club Judge Showell's "Maryland Program" Contest

Members of the Ocean Pines-Ocean City Kiwanis Club have judged Showell Elementary's 'Maryland Program' contest since 1992. Pictured are the volunteer judges from the club along with Showell Principal Paula Jones, left. ...READ MORE