September 11, 2009

Tuesday, Sept. 15-Loggerhead Turtle Eyes Ocean Return

BERLIN - The National Aquarium's Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP) is planning to release a loggerhead sea turtle to the Atlantic Ocean from Assateague State Park on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. The turtle will be fitted with a satellite tag, so visitors can follow its movements on the National Aquarium's website, www.aqua.org.  The release will take place in conjunction with Maryland Coast Day and will be held at the Day Use Area, third right after the Assateague Island bridge. The...READ MORE

Monday, Sept. 14-Happy Ending To Missing Persons Case

OCEAN CITY - A Russian girl living in Ocean City, who was reported missing back on Sept. 2 by her roommate, was found safe and sound over the weekend although the details about her disappearance have not been made public. Anna Sevgeyevna Teselkina, 22, had last been seen around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, before she was found over the weekend. Teselkina's roommate told Ocean City Police the missing girl was planning to travel to Georgetown, Del. on Thursday, Sept. 3. However, she had not been...READ MORE

Two Arrested After Convenience Store Fracas

WEST OCEAN CITY - Two local men were arrested on assault and disorderly conduct charges after a melee involving dozens at a West Ocean City convenience store early Monday morning. Around 2:15 a.m. on Monday, Maryland State Police troopers and Worcester County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the Wawa on Route 50 in West Ocean City for a reported disorderly crowd of an estimated 75 people. While attempting to clear the crowd, troopers observed two men, later identified as Keith Aaron Walker, 19,...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

It appears my son is transitioning from two naps each day to one. This change is not exactly being welcomed with open arms by his parents. That may sound a little odd, but we have come to relish the downtime of a kid nap. In fact, we have taken it for granted because it's been this way for some time. Over the last seven to eight months, we have been spoiled by his daily sleeping pattern. He has been a creature of habit and taking two, two-hour naps, one in the morning and another in...READ MORE

Thoughts From the Publisher's Desk

The local real estate numbers for the month of August seem to indicate a mixed bag of results. For some demographics, such as Ocean City-based condominiums, things are looking up, while in other cases not so much. Here's a recap, according to the monthly Coastal Association of Realtors reports, obtained from the Automated Regional Information Systems, Inc. (ARIS): -- Ocean City Condominiums: Realtors saw a 6.7-percent surge in resort condominium settlements in August with 64 confirmed last...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Common Sense Needs To Win In Some Cases Editor: The Ocean City Beach Patrol is an extraordinary organization that does an outstanding job of protecting hundreds of thousands of beach goers each summer. It is understandable that Captain Butch Arbin seeks to eliminate the potential for tragedy by banning swimming when lifeguards are off duty. However, there is a point where the authority and responsibility of the Town of Ocean City and the Beach Patrol ends and common sense and personal...READ MORE

Ocean City Officials Back Return Of 'Rodney'

OCEAN CITY •€' Rodney has finally been deemed a success, at least from the Ocean City Tourism Commission's perspective. The town accepted 10 Requests for Proposals (RFP's) last week for the town's advertising contract, and now it's becoming a bit clearer what the presentations could look like, as it appears that the town wants to stick with its beefcake 'spokes-guard' in next year's advertising campaign. Simply put, there was some uncertainty whether the 10 companies would be bringing new...READ MORE

Friday, September 11--County Cops Plan Compliance Checks For Salvia Sales

BERLIN - One week after Worcester passed its own version of a ban on the hallucinogenic drug Salvia, law enforcement officials in the county at-large are mapping out their own strategy for upholding the new law. Last week, the County Commissioners unanimously passed an emergency bill banning the possession or sale of the hallucinogenic herb salvia divinorum, or simply salvia, following the lead of the town of Ocean City, which passed its own ordinance banning the substance in early August. Like...READ MORE

Friday, Sept 11--OC Escalator Lawsuit Rejected

OCEAN CITY - A federal judge has abruptly dismissed a $500,000 civil suit filed against the town of Ocean City and a private company by a former Vermont high school student injured in an escalator accident in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. In May 2006, several members of a high school band from Vermont, in Ocean City for an annual Youth Music Competition at the Convention Center, were injured when the north escalator to the second floor stopped suddenly and starting running in reverse....READ MORE

Friday, Sept 11--Resident Urges City To Fight For Handicapped Residents

OCEAN CITY •€' Bob Melvin accused the Ocean City Mayor and Council of 'wagging the tail' and urged them to take action now on the door-to-door handicapped bus service he's been fighting to change for over two years. Melvin says that Shore Transit and the Tri-County Council have 'agreed to all but bend over backwards to help [Ocean City] start this service', and he claims that Ocean City needs to act now before the complex and often confusing issue fades away from the forefront. What was...READ MORE

Friday, Sept 11--Snug Harbor Properties Unable To Get County Sewer

SNOW HILL - Discharge limits have stymied Snug Harbor property owners' bid to get sewer service for the 26 undeveloped lots in that community as they will continue to have to wait to build homes. Staff reported to the County Commissioners at last week's meeting that the county could not provide public sewer service to those lots. County planning numbers for the Assateague Point wastewater treatment plant, which now serves 78 built lots in Snug Harbor, show that the plant is already...READ MORE

Captains Facing Summer Flounder Closure Sunday

OCEAN CITY - The summer flounder fishery will close for good in 2009 at midnight on Sunday, but the move announced several months ago is no easier to bear for recreational anglers counting on a strong fall season to make ends meet. Despite complaints of severely flawed catch data, state officials in March moved forward with new regulations for summer flounder in 2009 including an increased minimum size for keepers and a season closure effective Sept. 13. Federal fisheries managers mandated the...READ MORE

Convention Center Expansion Plans Hit A Snag

OCEAN CITY •€' Acting Convention Center Director Wayne Prior had a timeline written up concerning the expansion to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, but now he's being told he might as well tear that timeline to shreds. Prior informed the Ocean City Tourism Commission last week that, 'due to the economic times and the recent cuts that have come from the state level, it is just not the right time for us to gain approval for the convention center expansion.' Simply put, the state budget...READ MORE

Major Route 50 Service Road Changes On Table

SNOW HILL - The issue of a requested major change to the alignment of the planned Route 50 service road has not been settled, county planning officials said last week, despite reports that the Worcester County Planning Commission had unexpectedly voted to reject the requested re-design late last month. Planning Commission Chair Jimmy Bunting said during the September Planning Commission meeting last week that the re-alignment request, which came up informally during a work session on the draft...READ MORE

Retired Navy Destroyer Slated For Artificial Reef

OCEAN CITY - The growing artificial reef system off the coast of Ocean City could be getting its largest contribution ever as plans to scuttle a retired U.S. Navy destroyer in an area about 30 miles from the Inlet are now closer than ever to becoming a reality. Navy officials announced late last month it is transferring ownership of the decommissioned destroyer U.S.S. Arthur W. Radford to the state of Delaware, a crucial next step in the ongoing effort to sink the vessel to create a vast...READ MORE

Vegetation On Power Line Leads To Ill-Timed Blackout

BERLIN - An electric transmission line problem led to a nearly two-hour power outage for thousands of electric customers in the Berlin and West Ocean City areas on Sunday evening, with the effect particularly noticeable at area restaurants where dinner service was in full swing when the lights went out. Delmarva Power spokesman Matt Likovich said that power went out at 6:07 p.m. and power was restored around 8 p.m. 'It was vegetation on a transmission line,' Likovich said. 'It could have been a...READ MORE

An Inside Look At Ocean City's Wastewater Plant

OCEAN CITY - The stench was thankfully understated, but after touring Ocean City's wastewater treatment plant, it could be the facility itself that is the most thanklessly underrated. There are many aspects of how a town's infrastructure operates that are often left beneath the surface or behind closed doors, as for every flashy amenity that people gravitate towards, like a beach and a Boardwalk for instance, there is a vast network of intangibles that need to work at the highest of levels in...READ MORE

Berlin Mayor Says State Cuts Will Not Impact Residents

BERLIN - Recent state of Maryland budget cuts will deprive the town of Berlin of $223,000 in state funding this fiscal year. Berlin lost $205,000 in highway user revenue and about $18,000 in state police aid, it was announced this week. 'I've asked the department heads to recommend $230,000 in reductions,' said Berlin Mayor Gee Williams. The extra $7,000 in reductions is intended to give the council some room to maneuver when assessing recommendations from the town staff on spending...READ MORE

Council Removes Exception In CO Detector Law

OCEAN CITY •€' In efforts to make the town's carbon monoxide (CO) law even more airtight, the City Council voted to remove the lone exception that was in the 2007 bill in a unanimous vote on Tuesday night. City Solicitor Guy Ayres will remove the lone exception to CO detector law that reads, 'dwelling units which are separated from rooms or spaces that are not located within dwelling units where fuel burning equipment is installed or operated or adjacent enclosed parking areas by a complete...READ MORE

Custom Bike Builders Coming To OC

OCEAN CITY - Gear heads might feel like they know Vinnie DiMartino and Cody Connelly from watching them on reality television, but they will be in the flesh in Ocean City next weekend and they are bringing one of their new custom bikes with them. Bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts will be in for the thrill of thrills next weekend during Delmarva Bike Week as two of the biggest names in custom bike building will be setting up shop at Hooters in north Ocean City on 123rd Street, Thursday through...READ MORE

Custom Bike Builders Coming To OC

OCEAN CITY - Gear heads might feel like they know Vinnie DiMartino and Cody Connelly from watching them on reality television, but they will be in the flesh in Ocean City next weekend and they are bringing one of their new custom bikes with them. Bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts will be in for the thrill of thrills next weekend during Delmarva Bike Week as two of the biggest names in custom bike building will be setting up shop at Hooters in north Ocean City on 123rd Street, Thursday through...READ MORE

Jeep Overturns On OP Bridge

OCEAN PINES - A local man was injured last weekend when he rolled his Jeep Wrangler and now faces several traffic violations. Around 11:15 p.m. last Friday, Maryland State Police responded to the North Gate bridge just off Route 589 in Ocean Pines for a reported single-vehicle accident. Upon arrival, troopers found a Jeep Wrangler on its roof in the middle of the north gate bridge. The investigation revealed the driver, identified as Paul Myers, 52, of Ocean Pines, attempted to cross the bridge...READ MORE

Lawsuit Filed Over Beach Chair

OCEAN CITY - An Ocean City company last week filed a motion to dismiss a suit filed in August by a New Jersey couple seeking $100,000 in damages for allegedly faulty beach chairs purchased two years ago. On Aug. 10, East Windsor, N.J. resident Mark Pacelli, through his Baltimore attorney, filed a civil suit in U.S. District Court claiming negligence, strict liability and loss of consortium against Ocean City Boardwalk, Inc., the parent company of the Sunsations stores in the resort, claiming one...READ MORE

Marlin Moon Grille Addresses Future

WEST OCEAN CITY - With the days for the Marlin Moon Grille at the Francis Scott Key Family Resort now counting down, there has been a steady murmur about the future of the popular restaurant as family, friends and long-time guests prod owner Gary Beach and his staff about what happens next. In an effort to set the record straight and, hopefully, stave off the barrage of questions, rumors, innuendo, speculation and hearsay about the future of the Marlin Moon Grille, Beach this week released a...READ MORE

Purnell Seeks Harrison Ave. Improvements

BERLIN - Harrison Ave. needs some help, Berlin Council member Troy Purnell says, and sooner rather than later. A recent bond issue for major improvements to Grice Street, Graham Ave. and Vine Street came in well under estimate, leading Purnell at the time to say that the left over funds could be used for improvements to Harrison Ave. Bond funding can only be used for the projects named in the bond resolution approved by the Berlin Mayor and Council. Some took his comment at the time as...READ MORE

Shore Art Campaign Officially Launched

BERLIN - Nine Eastern Shore communities have teamed up to encourage Marylanders in the Baltimore and Washington areas to "eat, drink, and buy art" on Maryland's Eastern Shore. A program unique in its development in that it has allied nine different Eastern Shore towns, organizations and businesses within each town, "Eat. Drink. Buy Art." seeks to get Marylanders to explore the galleries, restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops. The program, organized by a coalition of Main Street...READ MORE

White Marlin Bite Strong in Labor Day Tourney

OCEAN CITY- Despite a relatively low number of boats participating, the Ocean City Marlin Club's 51st Annual Labor Day White Marlin Tournament produced some impressive results with over 100 billfish released over the three days last weekend. While it may lack the glamour and high payouts of the White Marlin Open, for example, the Marlin Club's annual Labor Day weekend tournament trumps all others in terms of history and prestige. The first was held in 1958 and the annual event has endured for...READ MORE

Local Rider Named Reserved Champion

Rider Miranda Bryant and her mount The Bright Angel of Autumn Grove Stables in Berlin were recently named Reserved Champions at the Combined Eastern Shore Horse Shoes medal finals. While the CESHS series is over, Autumn Grove's local Snowflake Series gets underway tomorrow with the first of seven shows at the stable's Berlin facilities on Sinepuxent Rd. ...READ MORE

Decatur Falls to Easton in Opener

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's young men's varsity soccer team got a good lesson in finishing this week, falling to host Easton, 4-2, in the season opener after leading 2-0 early in the contest. Decatur is very young, but also very talented this year with just four seniors on the roster and a whole flock young Seahawks ready to step up and make their mark on the successful program. Seniors Dylan Post, Joey Lertora, C.J. Mitchell and Ryan Davis provide Decatur with veteran leadership at almost all...READ MORE

Seahawks Roll in Opener, 34-20

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity football team withstood a late charge by host Rising Sun last Friday to win its season opener, 34-20. The Seahawks opened the season with a rare road game out of the conference and out of the area last Friday against Rising Sun and turned in an impressive performance on both sides of the ball on their way to a 34-20 win. It got a little dicey for the Seahawks late in the fourth quarter when Rising Sun scored two touchdowns to cut the lead seven points at 27-20,...READ MORE

Fall Tournament Season in Full Swing

OCEAN CITY- With the clock ticking on the closure of the summer flounder season at midnight on Sunday, there should be plenty of action in the waters in and around the resort area this weekend with a couple of tournament's whose targeted species include the flatfish. Sunset Marina in West Ocean City will play host, weather permitting, to the annual Wahoo Rodeo and Flounder Round-Up all weekend. Billed as 'truly a tournament for everyone,' the annual event provides an opportunity for offshore...READ MORE

Weekly Tough Guy Awards Return

BERLIN- Most of the accolades in football at any level are reserved for the glamour guys, the golden-armed quarterbacks and fleet running backs who put points on the board and thrill the crowds, but the weekly 'Tough Guy' award is handed out to the Decatur player who most exemplifies the spirit and Seahawk football. Started six years ago by Atlantic Physical Therapy president Bob Hammond, the weekly ATP 'Tough Guy of the Week' award acknowledges the efforts of an individual player, or sometimes...READ MORE

Who's Playing When and Where Musically Speaking

Buxy's Salty Dog 410-289-0973 , 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Every Friday: DJ Wood Saturday, Sept. 12: Under The Outhouse Wednesday, Sept. 16: The Surf DJs Thursday, Sept. 17: DJ Wax CaribBean bar & grill 410-289-0837 , Just off the Boards on 2nd St. Friday, Sept. 11: TBA, 1-5 p.m.; Pompous Pie Duo, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12: Mike Armstrong Duo, 1-5 p.m.; Wes Davis Band, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13: TBA, 1-5 p.m.; TBA, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17: Tear The Roof Off,...READ MORE

A Week In Business

New AGH Physician BERLIN - Family physician Nawid Najafi, M.D., will join the Townsend Medical Center on Sept. 8 to provide primary care services for the residents and visitors of Ocean City. He will see walk-in and scheduled patients alongside family physician Jason Clem, M.D., and Dr. Stephen Waters, who has scaled back office hours in recent years to concentrate on his post as medical director of Atlantic General Hospital. Najafi is a graduate of American University of the Caribbean's School...READ MORE

Tips To Identify Best-Of-Breed Investments

OCEAN CITY - If you are considering adding growth to your portfolio, it's important to make choices that can help you weather current economic conditions and take advantage of any stronger markets. Step one: Recognize the characteristics that position certain companies and sectors for growth. In the 1990s, when Michael Hartnett, Co-Head of International Investment Strategy at Banc of America Securities-Merrill Lynch Research, used the phrase 'best of breed,' he was referring to Japanese...READ MORE

People in Society

Snapshots of Neighbors Lending a Helping Hand Throughout the Community ...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 Daily 11-4 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 Seaside Escape 79th Street 2 Models Open Daily...READ MORE

Open Houses in West Ocean City

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Daily 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 WEST OCEAN CITY New Construction 9800 Mooring View West Harbor Village Daily 11-5 11 Townhouses 3BR/3.5BA/Garage Bryant Hungerford Prudential Carruthers 410-430-0370 BERLIN Purnell Crossing Mon 12-6 Tues-Fri 10-6 Sat & Sun 11-6 3BR/2.5BA Villas New Construction Ryan Homes 410-641-2730 ...READ MORE

Open Houses in Surrounding Areas of Ocean City

NEWARK, MD Arcadia Village Affordable New Homes Models Open Sat & Sun 11-2 Prudential Carruthers 410-430-5333 MILLVILLE, DE Millville by the Sea Mon-Sat 9-5 Sun 11-5 New Beach Community Single Family & Townhomes Off Rt 26 877-285-2888 MILLSBORO, DE Whartons Bluff Mon 12-6 Tues-Fri 10-6 Sat & Sun 11-6 3BR Single Family Homes New Construction Ryan Homes 302-934-9326 SALISBURY 846 Johnson Rd Summersgate Daily 12-5 2-5BR Custom Homes For Active Adults Lynn Brocato Senior...READ MORE

Faces in Places

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

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Linda Lee Borge BERLIN - Linda Lee Borge, 68, of Berlin, passed away on Aug. 27, 2009 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. She was born on April 23, 1941, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to the late Charlene Warren and Merle Cole. She was a friend to many in the local area. Before moving to the area, her and respected husband Robert Borge traveled to the Eastern Shore area with longtime friends Frank and Cheryl Rinehart. In Ocean City, they together made lifelong friendships at local businesses...READ MORE

Bank of Ocean City Announces Sponsorship of SDHS Football

The Bank of Ocean City recently announced it would be sponsoring the live broadcast of Stephen Decatur High School's football games on WQMR 101.1FM this season. As a result of the partnership, the bank will be giving a plaque to the MVP of each game as well as making a $50 donation to the football program's athletic boosters. Above, from left, are Bank of Ocean City's Earl Conley, this week's MVP Delonte Tate, Coach Bob Knox and WQMR's Rick Charles ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Welcomes Foreign Exchange Student

Junjun (Joe) Wu, left, has joined Worcester Prep students in Grade 11 this year as a foreign exchange student from Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China. He is living with the Potvin family of Snow Hill. Above right is Christopher Potvin, his new brother for the year. ...READ MORE

Scenes from Worcester Prep's Student Orientation

Hannah Arrington, Salisbury, is pictured eating an ice cream sundae during Worcester Prep's Middle School student orientation, while her brother John looks on ...READ MORE

Ice Cream Orientation at Worcester Prep Middle School

Enjoying ice cream at the new student orientation for Worcester Preparatory School's middle school are, from left, Lauren Burkett, Bishopville; Maura Smith, Ocean City; Mikalah Potvin, Snow Hill; and Jordie Loomis, Rehoboth Beach. ...READ MORE

Scenes from Worcester Prep's First Day

During the first day of school, Ryan Brafman, Rehoboth Beach, holds the American flag while classmates Teague Quillin, Ocean City, Carson Cebula, Selbyville, Ava Gerachis, Ocean City, Chase Cohen, Millsboro, Alexandra Gallagher, Bethany Beach, and Baylie Holmes, Bishopville, say the Pledge of Allegiance in teacher Cathy Auxer's class at Worcester Preparatory School. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Students Adjust to First Day of Schoolyear

Getting their new school lockers ready for the first day of school last week were Worcester Prep juniors Kyle Joseph, Rehoboth Beach; Brittany Flurer, Berlin; Devon Zorn, Ocean City; Maddie DiNardo, Salisbury; and Alexia Buas, Ocean City. ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): An offer to help with a stalled project should reassure you that you have a workable plan in spite of the problems in getting it up and running. The week's end brings more positive news. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): A past problem about a workplace situation re-emerges early in the week. Talking things out helps ease tensions by midweek, but some hurt feelings could linger a few more days. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Optimistic aspects dominate your efforts....READ MORE

Things I Like

The sounds of leaves crackling in the breeze An old baseball hat that's all worn in Jamie Foxx in 'The Soloist' The fact summer is not over yet Watching a sandcastle being built Walking with my son by the water The features in 'Vanity Fair' A peaches 'n cream Smith Island cake The peacefulness of a gray, cloudy day A group of bikers riding along the highway Movies about the Mafia ...READ MORE

Local Artist Wins ALOC People's Choice Award

Local artist Robin Harrison captured the People's Choice Award for her photograph "Assateague Ponies" at the Art League of Ocean City (ALOC) First Friday September reception. The reception opened the ALOC month-long show 'Picture Perfect Photography.'  The show runs through Sept. 27. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  ...READ MORE

OP Community Church Members Scoop Up Authentic Religious Articles

Members of the Community Church at Ocean Pines recently had the chance to purchase handmade olivewood religious articles from Bethlehem and Jerusalem. These carvings included olivewood Nativity sets, crosses, Christmas ornaments, angels and many other items. The carvings are handmade by Christian families in Bethlehem and Jerusalem.  Above, Jo and Bill Fortney admire the array of hand-carved items. ...READ MORE

"All About Attitude" Program Introduced at BIS

Guidance counselors Aaron Call and Michelle Bankert introduce both new and old students at Berlin Intermediate to the "All about Attitude" program and the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support program. Both of these programs reward students for good behavior, in the classroom and around the school. ...READ MORE

September 11 to be National Day of Service and Remembrance

On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the County Commissioners and Volunteer Services Manager Cyndy Howell met with Heather Gates of Women Supporting Women, Alice Tweedy of Coastal Hospice, Regina P. Jones-Brake of Assateague National Park, Brigitte Saulsbury and Brooke Gemberling of Court Appointed Special Attorneys (CASA), and Martha Moskowitz of Habitat for Humanity after presenting them with a proclamation recognizing Sept. 11 as the National Day of Service and Remembrance. ...READ MORE

Delegate Mathias Attends NARFE Meeting in OC

Delegate Jim Mathias recently attended a monthly NARFE meeting in Ocean City with the NARFE Executive Board. Pictured, from left, are Barbara Richardson, Vice President; Maurice Constant, Sgt. at Arms; Joyce Constant, Treasurer; Mathias; Dan McGrath, President; and Tom Longo, Secretary. ...READ MORE