July 17, 2009

Thursday, July 23-OC Scooter Helmet Law Near

OCEAN CITY - Helmets are just one step away from becoming the rule rather than just an option for anyone renting a scooter in Ocean City. The City Council unanimously passed the first reading of a new ordinance on Monday night requiring all occupants of rental scooters on city-owned streets to wear a helmet. Although the town cannot force riders to wear helmets on state-owned roadways, such as Coastal Highway, and portions of Baltimore Avenue (up to 15th Street), the town is allowed by state law...READ MORE

Wednesday, July 22-Recent Accidents Spark Safety Reminder

OCEAN CITY - This past week the Ocean City Police Department handled several injury accidents involving scooters, bicycles and pedestrians. In all cases, the OCPD noted negligent or illegal acts which led to collisions. In one case, a motorist attempted to make an illegal turn, which resulted in the motorist striking two scooters at the same time. In all, four persons were injured. In a separate incident, a bicyclist was listening to music riding with headphones in both ears and disregarded the...READ MORE

Tuesday, July 21-Springfest 2010 Headline Acts Announced

OCEAN CITY - Tickets for Ocean City's 2010 Springfest headline acts go on sale 10 a.m. Friday, July 24. An exciting line-up of musical entertainment has been scheduled and you will want to get your tickets now for the best seats in the house. Set for May 6-9, 2010, Springfest will present Captain Fantastic, the Country Rat Pack Tour and the Teen Idols. On Thursday, May 6 at 8 p.m., take a musical journey with the Rocket Man, Captain Fantastic, the premier Elton John Tribute Show. Captain...READ MORE

Monday, July 20-A Look Ahead To This Weekend In OC

OCEAN CITY - Local residents and visitors are invited this weekend to the 20th Annual Greek Festival, sponsored by the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean City. Beginning today through Sunday, the Roland E. Powell Convention Center will be transformed into a Greek paradise, featuring delicious Greek food and pastries, imports, gifts, arts and crafts, live folk dancing performances by the Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey and live music by Apollina beginning at 5 p.m. daily. Although the live...READ MORE

Police Seek Burglary Suspects

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City police this week are looking for two suspects who allegedly broke into a downtown residence last weekend and stole computers and other electronics along with several credit cards, later used at different businesses on the Boardwalk. Last Sunday, police responded to a residence on Talbot Street for a reported residential burglary. The victims reported several items stolen including a Sony 'Vio,' and Acer lap-top computer, at least seven credit cards and various other...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

I am becoming a little less protective these days, and I am happy it did not take a professional's help. A couple weeks back, on a Sunday afternoon, Beckett paid his first true visit to Trimper's Rides, and I even let him get on a ride, actually three of them. This is noteworthy. Remember, I am the guy who two months ago was horrified at the thought of letting my little boy get on a so-called 'kiddie' ride at the Pork in the Park. My wife had her own trepidation over that ride, but I could not...READ MORE

1st Annual Branch Kreppel Tourney on Tap

OCEAN CITY- The 1st Annual Branch Kreppel Blue Marlin Tournament, named for a beloved local angler and diver who passed away unexpectedly last fall, gets underway next weekend with a captain's meeting and registration on Thursday followed by three full days of fishing action next Friday to Sunday. As an avid diver and owner of Diver Services, Kreppel was a popular man around the marinas in the resort area and often kept the local sportfishing fleet up and running. He passed away in November and...READ MORE

5th Annual Kids Classic Underway

OCEAN CITY- Young anglers will get their moment in the spotlight this weekend when the Ocean City Marlin Club hosts its 5th Annual Kids Classic Tournament. Throughout the summer, the big boys and girls get to show off their fishing skills practically every weekend with one tournament or another, but the focus during this weekend's 5th Annual Kid's Classic will clearly be on the younger anglers. The event is open to all anglers age 19 or younger and will take place in the waters in and around...READ MORE

Autumn Grove Enjoys Big Weekend

BERLIN- Autumn Grove Stables in Berlin enjoyed a highly successful weekend in two horse shows in the region last weekend, collecting first-place ribbons in several categories during the competitions. At the Wicomico Equestrian Club show, Mae Purnell, riding Minnie, was named Reserve Champion- Short Stirrup, while Dakota Quelland on Elsewhere won a first- and two sixth-place finishes in Children's Hunter. Devon Zorn and Smooth Criminal were champions of the Children's Hunter, while Miranda Bryant...READ MORE

Sammy Golf Tournament Upcoming

OCEAN CITY- The 5th Annual Sammy Wilkinson Memorial Golf Tournament, an annual fundraiser held in honor of a young Ocean City boy who tragically died after falling through the ice at Northside Park several years ago, is set for July 31 at the Newport Bay course of the Ocean City Golf Club in South Point. The Sammy Wilkinson Memorial Foundation was created as part of the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) worldwide initiative to lend a hand to countries around the world that are unable to...READ MORE

Terps Coach to Direct Wrestling Camp

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department will host its first-ever wrestling camp during the first week of August and will have a high profile coach on hand to serve as the camp's director. The town's Recreation and Parks Department is excited to be offering its first wrestling camp ever under the direction of University of Maryland Coach Kerry McCoy. The camp is scheduled for the week of August 3-6 at Northside Park in Ocean City from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each day. Before coming...READ MORE

"That's Right" Sweeps Tuna Tourney

OCEAN CITY- The 22nd Ocean City Tuna Tournament last weekend produced plenty of drama including a sweep of the two main categories by the captain and crew on the 'That's Right,' which then had to choose the division that gave them the best payday in a rarely evoked rule that a participating boat can only win in one. At the close of the scale on Sunday, Captain John Oughton and the crew on the 'That's Right' had taken on all comers and stood at the top of the leader board in both the single...READ MORE

Thoughts From the Publisher's Desk

Although it's not an election year, some early fundraising is currently taking place that will certainly shape the local political picture next year. Last month, a successful fundraiser for Delegate Jim Mathias was held at Seacrets and hosted by some prominent business owners in the resort area. The mere fact the event was held this far in advance of the election cycle makes it clear Mathias, a Democrat and former long-time mayor of Ocean City, is planning to seek office again, but it's too...READ MORE

Random Noise Compliance Checks Needed

Noise, a variety of it, is part of the Boardwalk experience, but too much of the wrong kind does make for an unpleasant experience. Certain Boardwalk merchants have been violating the town's noise ordinance for years, playing music louder than permissible and of questionable taste. The city has not done much about it in recent years, but officials have decided to crack down on this noise, announcing last week authorities will be conducting sting operations targeting the stores that amplify music...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Biking Changes Needed Editor: I was deeply saddened to learn of the bicycle accident that occurred on the Route 50 Bridge recently. As a West Ocean City resident, I enjoy biking on the Boardwalk in the morning, but this is no easy feat. As I travel eastbound on Route 50 in what is clearly marked as a bike lane, I find parked cars (fishermen on the bridge) blocking the lane. This forces me to weave around them into the regular lane of traffic. Once on the bridge, I proceed along the walking...READ MORE

Friday, July 17--Assateague Pony Killed By Car

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND - An Assateague pony was struck and killed by a car last week. The pony, a 25-year-old mare known as Scotty's Girl, was standing in the road just east of the Verrazano Bridge around 9 p.m. when she was hit by a car that had just crossed the bridge. 'There was a band of horses grazing on the side [of the road] which is usually the case,' said Assateague Island National Seashore (AINS) Public Affairs Officer Regina Jones-Brake. 'One car went by and probably scared the horses and...READ MORE

Friday, July 17--County Department Merge Completed

SNOW HILL - The planned consolidation of the three Worcester County departments governing planning and development in the county is complete, staff reported to the Worcester County Commissioners last week. In recent weeks, the county has kept quiet on many of the details on how those three departments have been folded into one. In June, in a telephone interview, county administrator Gerry Mason said that Department of Comprehensive Planning Director Sandy Coyman would become planning manager,...READ MORE

Friday, July 17--Ocean City Ad Agency Request Finalized

OCEAN CITY - The town's preparation for the search for a new advertising agency appears to be complete, as the City Council approved the Request For Proposal (RFP) that will be sent to hundreds of potential candidates in early August. Tourism Director Deb Travers submitted a nine-page RFP to the council on Tuesday for approval and though it received final concurrence, the council felt the need to utilize their editing power on a few of the line items. Most notably, the council had asked in a...READ MORE

Friday, July 17--Shore Man Gets Life Plus 20 Years In Fatal Stabbing

SNOW HILL - A Pittsville man convicted in April of first-degree murder and other charges in the stabbing death of a Pocomoke man in his home in March 2008 was sentenced this week to life in prison plus 20 years. On April 8, a Worcester County jury deliberated for a little more than an hour before returning guilty verdicts on first-degree murder and other charges against Charles Robert Phillips, 30, for the stabbing death of William Nibblett, 77, in his Pocomoke home in March 2008. The convicted...READ MORE

People in Society

Snapshots of Neighbors Lending a Hand in the Community ...READ MORE

Faces in Places

A spotlight on the local and regional bar and restaurant scene ...READ MORE

Hotels Seek Amenities, Value Balance

OCEAN CITY - The old adage about people wanting more bang for their buck seems to be true concerning the current state of the hotel industry. Annemarie Dickerson of the Francis Scott Key Family Resort in West Ocean City said that more than ever, 'customers want more that just a place to sleep, not only in Ocean City, but everywhere.' Dickerson said six or seven years ago her business changed its overall direction and altered the name on the sign to 'family resort' and spent a substantial...READ MORE

OC Council Eyes Helmet Law

OCEAN CITY - Councilman Jim Hall is trying to literally get a lid on a public safety headache, and he might just have the support needed to make a serious change on Ocean City owned roadways. Hall said the Mayor and Council have been wrestling for the past several years with the issue of requiring scooter rental businesses to instruct their customers to wear helmets at all times. However, the council has made little headway concerning the issue, as Maryland state law does not require riders on...READ MORE

Pa. Boy Brought Back To Life After Sand Collapse

OCEAN CITY - A normal day on the beach in Ocean City quickly became what Captain Butch Arbin called a 'pretty miraculous event' as two of his lifeguards successfully resuscitated an 11-year-old Pennsylvania boy who was deemed clinically dead for almost three minutes. Deputy Chief Chuck Barton of the Ocean City Fire Department praised the beach patrol's efforts in saving the boy, who was trapped under a mound of sand, exposing only his legs, which had collapsed on him while he dug a hole in hopes...READ MORE

Slots Talk Leads To 589 Concerns

BERLIN - While local elected officials and private citizens privy to the unveiling of the working plan for slots at Ocean Downs on Wednesday were largely supportive, concerns about the potential impacts on Route 589 certainly dominated a large portion of the discussion. Ocean Downs officials on Wednesday presented tentative plans for slots at the historic track to members of the Maryland Video Lottery Commission and the public including 200 gaming machines in the existing clubhouse not long...READ MORE

Track May Offer Slots This Year

BERLIN - Smaller, but quicker is the plan for slots at Ocean Downs with state approval for a venue at the historic racetrack near Berlin coming as soon as September and the first 200 gaming machines opening for business in a temporary situation as quickly as three months after that. Maryland Video Lottery Commission members visited Ocean Downs on Wednesday afternoon for their first of several stops on a summer-long tour of potential slots venues across the state. Ocean Downs owner William...READ MORE

Berlin Eyes Facade Program Similar To Resort's Downtown

BERLIN - Revitalizing Berlin's downtown is not just about attracting high-quality businesses, it's about first-class, attractive buildings to house those businesses in, supporters say, a goal the town hopes to make progress toward with a state grant to make building façade improvements. The money to kick start the desired aesthetic improvements could come from a State of Maryland Community Legacy grant. The town's new economic development director and director of its Main Street Maryland...READ MORE

Berlin Eyes Grant For New Building Process

BERLIN - Grant money could bring the replacement of the Flower Street Multi-Purpose Building another step close to beginning, if the state looks favorably on a grant application to pay for studies and plans for the project. While the town of Berlin has committed $25,000 toward a study of the existing Multi-Purpose Building as well as engineering work for the planned new structure, another $50,000 is needed to get that preliminary planning work accomplished, according to staff reports during...READ MORE

Fed Judge Dismisses OCPD Wrongful Termination Suit

OCEAN CITY - Citing several failed attempts at the favorable result at different levels, and noting the plaintiff's complaint does not meet any of the standards for a 'constructive discharge,' a federal court judge this week dismissed the lawsuit filed in March by a long-time Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer against his former employer, alleging his need to find time to eat on the job resulted in his wrongful termination in July 2007 in violation of his Americans with Disabilities...READ MORE

Fenwick Lighthouse Turns 150

FENWICK ISLAND - The 150th anniversary of the official lighting of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse in 1859 is rapidly approaching, touching off a week-long celebration of the history and culture of the quiet coastal town just north of Ocean City early next month. The Fenwick Island Lighthouse officially turns 150 years old on Aug. 1 and town officials are marking the anniversary with a celebration of the town's rich history and culture. The celebration, called Old Fenwick Island Days, gets started...READ MORE

Man Gets Jail Sentence For Stolen Van Joy Ride

OCEAN CITY - A Burtonsville man arrested in June for stealing a hotel carpet cleaning van with the hoses still attached and taking it on a joy ride through the downtown area while being pursued by police before crashing into a home on 10th Street was found guilty this week of motor vehicle theft and driving under the influence of alcohol and was sentenced to a combined four years in jail. Jesus J. Vasquez, 26, appeared in District Court on Monday to face over 25 charges from the incident dating...READ MORE

New Assateague Super Fulfilling A Childhood Dream

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND - Growing up on a horse and cattle ranch in Missouri, Trish Kicklighter knew from a young age that she wanted to be a park ranger. Kicklighter, the new superintendent of Assateague Island National Seashore (AINS), said she has wanted to work for the National Park Service since she was nine years old. With a laugh, she credits television as her inspiration: Flipper, which featured a park ranger from the Everglades; Lassie, with the title dog at one point owned by a park ranger;...READ MORE

Ocean City Claims Immunity In Escalator Lawsuit

OCEAN CITY - The town of Ocean City last week filed a motion for summary judgment in the $500,000 civil suit filed in May against the resort and a private company by a former Vermont high school injured in an escalator accident in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in May 2006, asking the court essentially to dismiss the action because the town is protected by governmental immunity and the non-profit facility operates at a substantial loss each year. In May 2006, several members of a high...READ MORE

Ocean City News In Brief

Amber Alert Nothing But A Hoax It seems that virtually everyone who has a mobile phone in the Ocean City area was alerted via text message or through social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter on Wednesday about an alleged child abduction in the area. According to police, however, both the amber alert and the abduction is a complete hoax and was nothing more than part of either a sick practical joke or perhaps some sort of social experiment. Officer Michael Levy of the Ocean City Police...READ MORE

Officials Hear Tax Bill Gripes

SNOW HILL - Some property owners have opened their mail recently to find a higher property tax bill than they hoped for, and they are making their displeasure known. 'Our phone's been ringing off the hook,' Worcester County Treasurer Harold Higgins reported to the County Commissioners recently. Many property owners have seen the assessed value of their property go down in light of the flat real estate market. No official reassessment has been done on two thirds of the county, a third of which...READ MORE

ACLU Challenge Sparks Change In OC Performer Law

OCEAN CITY - Buskers will soon be able to plug back in on the Ocean City Boardwalk, as the city plans to amend its 'no amplification' rule on street performers. After a letter was penned to Mayor Rick Meehan and Council President Joe Mitrecic on July 9 from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Maryland questioning the constitutionality of the town's new ordinance banning amplification, City Solicitor Guy Ayres told The Dispatch on Wednesday that the issue had been resolved and the...READ MORE

Who's Playing When and Where Musically Speaking

Angler Restaurant 410-289-7424 , Talbot St. & The Bay Friday, July 17: Clayton Perry Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19: Blue Sky Every Sunday: Dock Party with DJ Mike C Buxy's Salty Dog 410-289-0973 , 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Every Friday: DJ Wood Saturday, July 18: Retro Flex Every Sunday: Locals' Party with DJ BK Tuesday, July 21: Matty Fresh Wednesday, July 22: Surf DJs Thursday, July 23: Electric Company CaribBean bar & grill 410-289-0837 , Just off the Boards...READ MORE

Fish 'N OC

'Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates•€¦' Some famous words, spoken by one of my all time favorite movie characters - Forest Gump. 'You never know what you're gonna get.' Though Forest was without a doubt a successful shrimp boat captain, chances are his profound statement was never intended to be applied to fishing. However, in my experience (and I'm sure many of yours as well), his words are definitely applicable to the world of fishing in general, as well as specifically...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Mildred Eckert BERLIN - Mildred Eckert died at home after a brief illness. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1919 to Henrietta Corrigan Kyle and Edward J. Kyle, she attended elementary and high school in Hollis, N.Y. before working for Dun & Bradstreet in Manhattan. In 1942, she married her longtime sweetheart George C. Eckert, who predeceased her in 1984. They moved to an apartment in the Bronx and then to a home in Massapequa, NY. In 1959, they moved to Bethlehem, Pa., where they were active...READ MORE

OC Condominium Completes OCDC Facade Program Improvements

The English Condominium has completed the renovation of its two buildings in downtown Ocean City with the assistance of the OCDC Residential Façade Improvement Program. The buildings consisting of 14 units located at 808 St. Louis Avenue. Exterior improvements include new siding, rainspouts, and soffits. Similar exterior improvements were provided for both buildings. Additional information about the program can be received by calling 410-289-7739. Above, English Condo Board members, from left,...READ MORE

Art League of Ocean City Participates in OCDC Public Art Program

Art League of Ocean City volunteers Jill Glassman, Jody Veader, Ann Heslop and Betty Storke recently painted a Delmarva Power utility box located at South Division Street and Philadelphia Avenue in downtown Ocean City. The art rendering on this box was designed by Jill Glassman. This is the 12th utility box painted in the downtown area by the Art League and the 17th utility box painted under the OCDC's Public Art Program. The OCDC prepared the utility box for painting and will maintain the...READ MORE

MACS Gives 2009 Excellence Award to Local WCDC staff

The Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS) recently presented a MACS 2009 Excellence in Direct Support award to Roy Suggs and a Certificate of Recognition to Harriett Fisher, staff members of Worcester County Developmental Center, Inc. (WCDC). Suggs has been with WCDC for over a year working as a job coach in the Supported Employment Department. Fisher has been with WCDC for 15 years primarily serving as a residential coordinator. ...READ MORE

Kiwanis Donate $1200 to Worcester County G.O.L.D

Kiwanis Priority One Program Chair Dick Jacobs is pictured updating the members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City on the donations made to Worcester County G.O.L.D. (Giving Ones Lives Dignity). Kiwanis annually donates at least $1,200 to Worcester County G.O.L.D. He is holding one of the collection cans stationed throughout the county. ...READ MORE

OC Factory Outlet's Summer Treasure Hunt Winner Announced

Sally Leeder of Chantilly, Va. was the winner of $50 in outlet gift certificates during the first week of the Ocean City Factory Outlet's Summer Treasure Hunt. For your chance to win, visit the Harry & David Store or www.ocfactoryoutlets.com for more details on the weekly treasure hunt. ...READ MORE

Factors To Keep In Mind With Charitable Giving

OCEAN CITY - Americans are generous people. Look at the $250 billion donated to nonprofit organizations in a recent year, according to the giving USA Foundation. One downside to that giving, though, is that many donors •€' and their favorite charities •€' may be missing out on some important opportunities because charitable giving hasn't been incorporated into an overall tax-planning strategy. Launching a master plan for giving in the coming year can help you leverage...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Grand Opening To Feature O's Legends OCEAN CITY - Boog's BBQ and Drive Thru is now open for business on Route 50 in West Ocean City. Boog's offers a wide selection of smoked favorites including pit beef, BBQ pulled chicken, pulled pork, pit turkey, pit ham and Texas style beef brisket. Additionally, there are BBQ ribs and chicken dinners, Smoked polish sausage, grilled Italian sausage, salads, soups, appetizers, desserts and 14 different side dishes made daily. Dining inside the...READ MORE

Things I Like

A big booth at a restaurant Cookies still warm from the oven Seeing my son in the rearview mirror Going down a water slide Catching a Shorebirds game with friends A dinner of all appetizers Driving in Coastal Highway's middle lane Paying a bill with a few clicks Running my feet through sand A weekend with spare time The book about the Sifrits ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A change of season reinvigorates the Lamb, helping to overcome the effects of a recent slower-paced period. This is a good time to restate your feelings for that certain someone. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): You might not like using your authority to correct a workplace situation, but that's what being placed in charge is all about. Besides, you have people ready to lend support if need be. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Your creativity continues to run high and helps...READ MORE

Open Houses in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY The Meridian Daily 10-4 Oceanfront Residences New Construction Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-520-0072 OCEAN CITY Bella Vista Open Daily 10-4 3BR Bayside Condos 45th Street Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY Belmont Towers Boardwalk & Talbot Street Mon-Thurs 11-4 Fri-Sun 10-5 Kevin Decker Remax Premier Properties 443-235-6552 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...READ MORE

Open Houses in West Ocean City and Ocean Pines

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Sat-Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 WEST OCEAN CITY New Construction West Harbor Village Daily 11-5 11 Townhouses 3BR/2.5BA/Garage Prudential Carruthers 410-524-7000 Ocean Pines 26 Burr Hill Road Sat & Sun 11-4 3BR/2BA Rancher Garage, Front Porch Sunroom, Patio Bill Mead Prudential Carruthers 410-430-2044 BISHOPVILLE 12742 Heathland Dr Lighthouse Sound Open Sunday 4BR/3.5BA Premier Bayside Golf Comm Jim...READ MORE

Open Houses in Surrounding Areas of Ocean City

VIRGINIA Captains Cove Daily 9-5 Bayside Golfing Community George Ann Way Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-5843 POCOMOKE 500 Riverside Drive Sat 9-5/Sun 12-4 Waterfront Townhome Many Upgrades Dottie Childs Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-5843 NEWARK, MD 9400 Croppers Island Sun 10-2 3BR/2BA Home on Private Lot South of Berline Marilyn Bushnell Prudential Carruthers 410-422-0013 BERLIN Purnell Crossing Mon 12-6 Tues-Fri 10-6 Sat & Sun 11-6 3BR/2.5BA Villas New Construction Ryan...READ MORE