October 22, 2010

Art Around The Area

Creative Moments ...READ MORE

Traffic Stop Yields Pot Bust

BERLIN - A Pennsylvania woman was arrested on marijuana possession charges last weekend after a routine traffic stop near Berlin. Around 8:20 p.m. last Saturday, a Maryland State Police trooper on routine patrol stopped a 2009 Pontiac on northbound Route 113 near Route 90 for a traffic violation. When the trooper made contact with the driver, identified as Kristen Jennifer Duklewski, 31, of Dallastown, Pa., he detected an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A probable cause search led to...READ MORE

Adventures In Fatherhood

Now that my youngest son is crawling at ease, life around the house has changed once again. My 'aha' moment with this latest development was last Sunday. While my wife was out running errands during the Ravens game, I was a man with a plan, every detail of which was geared toward watching some football in peace. After he played hard all morning, I put our 2-year-old, Beckett, down for a nap just prior to kickoff and was now looking to tire out Carson, the 11-month-old, with some time on the...READ MORE

Between The Lines

Pathetic voter turnout continues to plague Ocean City, and nobody knows what's to blame. Tuesday's election marked the lowest number of voters in recent history with just 1,458 of the 6,551 registered resort voters turning out. It was evident early on Tuesday that turnout was going to be light. Throughout the day, people debated casually what it might mean as far as the election outcome. Normally, low turnout favors the incumbents and perhaps that was still true with two of the three current...READ MORE

Council Election Significant On Many Fronts

If anything can be taken from this week's municipal election, it can be said many of those who actually voted in Ocean City on Tuesday generally want to see the town head in a new direction. Tuesday was a compelling day, one that ended with Council President Joe Mitrecic losing his seat after two terms, incumbents Lloyd Martin and Margaret Pillas securing additional four-year terms and Brent Ashley finally landing a seat in the council chambers. The significance of this election is huge. Whether...READ MORE

Character Questioned

Editor: For those of you who attended the recent City Council election in Ocean City, you may have noticed an increasingly large number of absentee ballot votes added to Ms. Pillas and Mr. Ashley's already surprisingly astounding numbers of votes.  The number of absentee ballot votes rose from third place, at 29 to 41, and 45, bringing Ashley and Pillas into the lead at second and third place for the council. Looking around the room, hardly anyone's eyebrows raised at this, maybe because...READ MORE

Feehley Inducted into Md. Hall of Heroes

OCEAN CITY- A local icon dubbed 'Mr. Ocean City' by a famous Baltimore sportswriter decades ago last weekend was added to the 'Hall of Heroes' at the Maryland Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Former Ocean City Councilman George Feehley, a long-time member of the Beach Patrol and the United States Lifeguard Association (USLA), last Friday was added to the pantheon of famous Maryland sports figures in the Hall of Heroes at the Sports Legends Museum in the Babe Ruth Museum at...READ MORE

Feehley Inducted into Md. Hall of Heroes

Ocean City resident and former City Council President George Feehley last weekend was inducted into the 'Hall of Heroes' honoring Maryland's outstanding athletes at the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Pictured above is Feehley (right) with former University of Maryland football star Dick Bielski, who was part of the school's 1953 championship team and went on to play in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Colts. ...READ MORE

Flounder Awarded Citation

Local angler Bob Spetzer of Berlin caught this beautiful keeper flounder from the pier at 3rd Street on Tuesday afternoon. The whopper measured over 25 inches long and weighed about nine pounds and was awarded a citation. Photo by Shawn Soper ...READ MORE

Worcester Preps Andrew Ternahan battles a Delmar defender during Monday

Worcester Prep's Andrew Ternahan battles a Delmar defender during Monday's 7-1 win. Ternahan scored two goals in the contest.  ...READ MORE

Tough Guy Of The Week

This week's Atlantic Physical Therapy 'Tough Guy of the Week' award went to D.J. Johnson, who scored three touchdowns during Decatur's 47-7 rout of Easton. Pictured above is Johnson (center) flanked by Coach Bob Knox (left) and ATP President Bob Hammond (right). Submitted photo ...READ MORE

Coastal Lacrosse to Host Free Clinic

OCEAN CITY- The Coastal Lacrosse Club is hosting a free instructional clinic in West Ocean City on Sunday for boys and girls of all ages and skill levels. The club formed in 2009 and has become a fixture on the local youth lacrosse landscape. From the beginning, the stated goal for the club has been to teach young players the game of lacrosse while having fun at the same time. Thus far, under the direction of a very dedicated and committed group of coaches and volunteers, the Coastal Lacrosse...READ MORE

Fall Flag Football League

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department's Fall Flag Football League continued this week with two teams, Schell Brothers-Greene Turtle and Seacrets, remaining unbeaten. Schell Brothers-Greene Turtle edged the Blue Ox, 26-18, while Seacrets blanked The Buoys, 27-0, to each remain perfect thus far at 5-0. Buxy's Salty Dog topped FOP Lodge 10, 19-8, to keep pace at 4-1, while Kirby's Pub routed Alumni, 20-0, to get to 3-2 on the season. The following are some of the highlights...READ MORE

Junior Dolphins Improve to 4-0

BERLIN- The Berlin Junior Dolphins youth football team remained unbeaten this week, coming from behind to beat the Salisbury Terps, 20-7, to improve to 4-0 on the season. The Terps scored first on a nine-play, 85-yard drive to take an early 7-0 lead, but that was the only score the Dolphins would yield all day. Berlin scored in the second quarter on a 25-yard touchdown pass from T.J. Scarfone to Tripp Ortega, but the extra point failed and the Terps led 7-6 at the half. In the third quarter,...READ MORE

Mallards Rout Delmar For 10th In A Row

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's boys' varsity soccer team this week routed visiting Delmar, 7-1, on Monday for its 10th straight win to improve to 12-1 on the season. The Mallards score two early goals against Delmar on Monday at home to take a 2-0 lead, but did not break through for the remainder of the first half. Worcester applied constant pressure on the Delmar defensive end of the field, but could not extend its lead and went into the intermission ahead by two goals. In the second half, however,...READ MORE

Decatur Creams Easton For Knox's 200th Win

BERLIN- Led by an offensive outburst by All-everything running back D.J.Kee, the Stephen Decatur varsity football team last week whooped host Easton, 47-7, to hand long-time head coach Bob Knox his 200th career win at the Berlin school. Kee finished with 340 yards on the ground and an astounding 475 total yards to lead the Seahawks, now 3-4 on the season, in the rout of the Warriors. After a tough stretch against Bayside North powerhouses, during which Decatur lost three straight, the Seahawks...READ MORE

Seahawks Top Parkside To Remain Unbeaten

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity volleyball team grinded out a three-game sweep over visiting Parkside to remain unbeaten on the season with a perfect 12-0 record. After sweeping Bennett in three games last week, the Seahawks appeared to have removed the last obstacle in a possible unbeaten regular season. Decatur beat Bennett earlier this season when both teams were unbeaten to take a commanding lead in the Bayside South standings and topped the Clippers in three games again last week to...READ MORE

Decatur Tops Worcester In Battle Of Berlin

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity golf team captured the second annual 'Battle of Berlin Challenge Cup' this week, winning five out of 10 singles matches on Monday at the Ocean City Golf Club to retain bragging rights in the community for another year. Back in September, Decatur won the first leg of the Challenge Cup, which is played in a format similar to the Ryder Cup, by winning three of four matches and tying in the fourth in a two-person scramble to take an early three-and-a-half points to...READ MORE

Pillas, Martin Win; Ashley Breaks Through

OCEAN CITY - This week's municipal election was a remarkably close one, as voters returned incumbents Margaret Pillas and Lloyd Martin and welcomed Brent Ashley to office. The atmosphere at the convention center on Tuesday was a dramatic one as the results were read aloud. The silence was broken by an eruption of cheering as Councilman Joe Hall held Ashley's hand in the air for victory. 'I'm feeling very good,' Ashley said. 'I think the message was heard by the taxpayers of Ocean City. The town...READ MORE

Boggs Questions Delegates About Highway Funds

SNOW HILL - Delegates Jim Mathias and Norman Conway had to deal with some pointed questions at this week's County Commissioners meeting. At one point during the meeting, Commission President Bud Church, asked the delegates to stand and be acknowledged. After the brief interlude, Church continued the meeting. However, just before adjournment, he asked if either of the delegates wished to address the gathering. Mathias accepted and took a moment to thank the Maryland State Highway Association,...READ MORE

Motorist Killed After Crashing Into Bank

Shawn J. Soper News Editor BERLIN - A local man was killed and his passenger was critically injured this week when the van he was driving slammed into the side of a bank in the heart of downtown Berlin early Wednesday morning. Shortly before 9 a.m., a mini-van driven by Anthony Mumford, 50, of Bishopville, barreled down Williams Street at a high rate of speed, failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of William and Bay streets and slammed into the side of the PNC Bank branch on Main...READ MORE

Engagement

Rodgers-Smit BERLIN - Mr. and Mrs. Henricus Smit of Peachtree City, Ga. announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter, Danielle Sandra, to Michael Blair Rodgers, son of Dr. Sara Alice Tucker of Cornelia, Ga. and the late Ronald G. Rodgers. She is a 1997 graduate of Woodward Academy in College Park, Ga., a 2001 Graduate of College of Charleston with a bachelor's degree in Biology and a 2005 Graduate of Medical University of South Carolina with a bachelor's degree in nursing. She currently is...READ MORE

Groups Disagree With Bluefin Tuna Study Findings

OCEAN CITY - A study released last week by a coalition on environmental groups seeking an endangered or threatened listing for Atlantic bluefin tuna, a staple of the recreational fishing industry off the coast of the Ocean City, estimates the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico killed 20 percent of the juveniles of the species in the western Atlantic, but certain fisheries groups are crying foul over the report's findings. Prompted in part by the oil spill catastrophe in the gulf late last...READ MORE

Ocean City Council News In Brief

Joanne Shriner Staff Writer OCEAN CITY - At this week's Mayor and City Council meeting, a few items were finished up on second reading including authorization to sell surplus property, amendment of the bays Critical Area program and also an ordinance to amend entitled vehicles for hire. There were a few discussions on some topics, along with some items added by citizens and council members. The following are some the highlights from the meeting: (BOLD/CENTER)OC Museum Movie Showing The Mayor and...READ MORE

Contest Winner Names Assateague Horse

ASSATEAGUE - One of Assateague Island's famous wild horses has a new name this week after a young girl won the rights to name it in a recent drawing. Danielle Barnard, who was visiting Assateague Island this year for the first time with her family, was recently drawn as the winner in the third annual 'Name that Horse' contest conducted by the Assateague Island Alliance (AIA), a non-profit group that oversees the health and welfare of the barrier island's most famous wild residents among other...READ MORE

Berlin Eyes More Sidewalks

BERLIN - There is a strong possibility that a portion of Broad St. might finally be getting a sidewalk. At the last Berlin Mayor and Council meeting, Councilman Troy Purnell brought to the council's attention that Broad St. in Berlin was in need of a sidewalk. The council left the matter to Purnell and Tony Carson, the town administrator, for the time being. In about a week, the ball has already started rolling. 'Tony Carson really jumped on it,' said Purnell when asked if a request to have...READ MORE

Site Design Workshop Planned For Oct. 29

BERLIN - Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT) will host a special workshop Oct. 29 on the new Environmental Site Design (ESD) regulations for development sites in Maryland, conducted by Community & Environmental Defense Services(CEDS) and the Anacostia Watershed Society, 'The impact of ESD on the quality of our waterways and preservation of our natural resources on land is going to be very important within our Coastal Bays watershed,' said Kathy Phillips, Assateague Coastkeeper and a member of the...READ MORE

Small Cut Of State Funding Irks School Board

Travis Brown Staff Writer NEWARK - The Board of Education is not happy with the additional funding Worcester County schools are receiving from Maryland. The county will be granted $163,927 via the Federal Education Jobs bill. However, that is just a fraction of the $179 million given to the state by the federal government, less than 1 percent, to be specific. The school board believed Worcester County deserved more of the state's educational budget. Dr. Jon Andes, superintendent of schools,...READ MORE

Tourism Officials Review Summer Season

Joanne Shriner Staff Writer OCEAN CITY - Hotel, motel, restaurant and business associates of Ocean City gathered Wednesday to review the 2010 summer season. 'It is crucial that we continue to connect with one another and communicate and collaborate to make sure we have the best ideas in moving forward,' Susan Jones, executive director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, said, 'I think overall June was flat but July was great and August was good.' Ocean City Tourism Director Deb...READ MORE

Mitrecic Hopeful Resort Stays On Current Track

Joanne Shriner Staff Writer OCEAN CITY - Along with the election of newcomer Brent Ashley to the City Council, the big news out of Tuesday's municipal election was the defeat of two-term incumbent Joe Mitrecic. Elected on Tuesday were Mayor Rick Meehan, who ran unopposed and received 954 votes; incumbent council members Lloyd Martin, who received 863 votes, and Margaret Pillas, receiving 855; Ashley, who scored 775 votes after a string of unsuccessful runs at office. Mitrecic finished in fourth...READ MORE

State's Attorney Candidates See Experience Differently

Shawn J. Soper News Editor BERLIN - Experience has been a catch-word of sorts in the race for Worcester County State's Attorney, with the incumbent touting his 25 years of prosecuting the most serious crimes in the county and the challenger drawing on endorsements from those on the front lines of crime in the community. As anticipated, the campaigns being waged by incumbent State's Attorney Joel Todd and challenger Beau Oglesby, currently a deputy state's attorney in Caroline County, have...READ MORE

Delegate Candidates Talk Economy, Taxes At Forum

(Editor's Note: The Coastal Association of Realtors and the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce last week hosted a forum for the District 38B House of Delegates candidates. A wide variety of questions were asked about taxes, improving Maryland's business climate and what they hoped to accomplish or change if elected. The following is the second installment in a two-part series about the forum.) BERLIN - During a candidate forum last week, the four District 38B House of Delegates candidates were...READ MORE

Stark Contrasts At Play In Battle For Shore Senate Seat

Steve Green Editor BERLIN - The candidates vying for election to the lower shore Senate seat are a study in contrasts in political beliefs and backgrounds. Delegate Jim Mathias, a Democrat, has been in elected office for 20 years, having been mayor of Ocean City for a decade and in Annapolis the last four years, while Republican Michael James has never held an elected post. Mathias is a member of the dominant party in Maryland, while James will be admittedly fighting upstream if elected as a...READ MORE

Local Harley Store Closes; Bike Week Impact Unclear

BERLIN - Perhaps another casualty of the staggering economy, the Harley-Davidson dealership on Route 50 in Berlin is closing its doors at the end of next week after a decision to consolidate the operation with its sister dealership in Seaford. The original Harley-Davidson of Seaford opened in 1976 and for two decades met the needs of the biking community on the Lower Eastern Shore. With increased popularity and a growing demand, the company opened a second dealership on the corner of Route 50...READ MORE

Employees Win Prizes

OCEAN CITY - The Harrison Group held its 24th Annual Employee Prize Drawing last month and a total of $15,000 in cash plus a variety of other prizes were awarded. All Harrison Group employees were asked to save their paycheck stubs for a three-month period and turn them in for the random prize drawing. This year's $5,000 winner was Michelle Birch, who is employeed as a guest service representative at the Flagship Oceanfront Hotel. Second prize of $3,000 was won by Matthew Zayas of the Deep End...READ MORE

Fashion Disaster At WPS

During the school's Spirit Week, Worcester Prep students working in the Mallard Yearbook stopped their writing to pose for a photo in their Fashion Disaster outfits. Fashion Disaster was one of the SGA-sponsored fall spirit days. Pictured, from left, are Juniors Hannah Beauchamp, Salisbury; Abbie Tyler, Ocean City; Erin Royal, Rehoboth Beach; Lauren Esham, Ocean City; and Mary Regan, Ocean City. Submitted Photos  ...READ MORE

MBS Held Fall Festival

Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School's Fall Festival was held Friday, Oct. 15 at the school. The event was a huge success as students and parents worked together to raise money for the school through games, face painting, auctions, 50/50 drawings and crafts. Above, first grader Kate Abbott has her face painted by eighth grade student Tabatha Hayes.  ...READ MORE

Fire Safety Tips

Eva Kate Luzier and Richie England practice fire safety tips in Miss Pike's kindergarten at Showell Elementary School.  ...READ MORE

Students Of The Month Honored

Ocean City Elementary School honored its September Students of the Monthwith a luncheon sponsored by Continental Cycles, a cake sponsored by the OCES PTA and T-shirts sponsored by the OC/Berlin Optimists.  Pictured, first row, are first grade honorees Brandon Quach, Joseph Buxbaum, Qui'Asia Thomas, Jake Gillespie, Jake Banks and Darby Moore; second row, second graders Michael Gilligan, Houston Phillips, Frances Baptiste, Steven Hoffman and Aaron Cohen; third row, third graders Kaitlyn...READ MORE

Open Houses This Week

OCEAN CITY 206-6 N. Heron Drive Heron Harbour 120th St Bayside Sat 10-4 Lowest Price Villa Condo in OC Harris Domangue Prudential Carruthers 443-944-2424 WEST OCEAN CITY Bay Point Plantation Rt589/Gum Point Rd Daily 10-5 Waterfront Estate Lots in 142 Acre Preserve Kevin Decker The Fritschle Group/ Condominium Realty 443-235-6552 OCEAN CITY Coconut Malorie 60th Street Bayfront Open Daily 1BR w/ Views Jim White ReMax Premier Properties 410-726-9026 OCEAN CITY Makai Condominiums 42nd St....READ MORE

Whos playing where and when musically speaking

707 Sports Bar & Grille 410-213-9507 12702 Old Bridge Road, West OC Friday, Oct. 22: Tommy Edwards, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Every Saturday: Karaoke with Hey Mick, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Buxy's Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Oct. 22: Kevin Poole Saturday, Oct. 23: Aaron Howell Band Sunday, Oct. 24: DJ JJ Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 410-524-1000 On the beach, 118th St. Every Friday: DJ Rupe, in the Bamboo Lounge, 6-9 p.m. Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy....READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Samuel A. Welsh, Jr. BERLIN - Samuel Augusta Welsh, Jr., age 83, died Oct. 17, 2010 at Atlantic General Hospital. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Samuel Welsh, Sr. and Annie Lillian Nash Welsh. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lorraine Dabrasky Welsh. He is also survived by a son, Dennis W. Welsh and his wife Nancy. He was preceded in death by a son, Samuel A. Welsh III. Welsh was a production planner in the aero-space industry. He was an avid gardener, and actively...READ MORE

Berlin Recycling Efforts Kicked Up A Notch

BERLIN - The Town of Berlin's recycling program recently took a big step towards being more business friendly. In addition to regular curbside pick-up, the town now offers a commercial sized container located behind The Globe in Berlin that is capable of handling large quantities of material. Berlin has had a mandatory recycling program since July of 1992. While it has been effective, some businesses complained over the years that the standard program was unable to keep pace with their disposal...READ MORE

State Briefs County On Economy, Current Projects

BERLIN - The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDT) and the State Highway Administration (SHA) had their annual Consultation Meeting with Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday. 'We've gone through some rough economic times,' said Harold Bartlett, the Deputy Secretary of Transportation. 'But there are positive signs the economy is coming back.' In an hour-long presentation, the commissioners were updated on everything from local construction progress to statewide traffic trends. 'Truck...READ MORE

New Owner Brings Gold's Gym Back To Life

OCEAN CITY - Next Saturday, Oct. 30, Gold's Gym in the Gold Coast Mall is celebrating its grand opening under new ownership. Tammy China, new owner of Gold's Gym on 115th Street, officially took over on July 1, and, in four short months, has led many renovations, giving the gym a total face-lift. China previously had worked out at Ocean City Health and Racquet Club on 61st Street, which closed earlier this year. Little did China know that when one door closed another would soon open. 'When the...READ MORE

Coastal Style Expo Brings Magazine To Life

OCEAN CITY - The 3rd Annual Coastal Style Luxury Living Expo will be taking place this weekend at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. Coastal Style Magazine is a publication that celebrates the luxury lifestyle of the Mid-Atlantic region. The complimentary magazine is distributed strategically to a targeted audience from Cape May, N.J. to Ocean City and even out to Annapolis. Editorial topics highlight the people, places and events that make the Mid-Atlantic region a truly special place to...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You might be growing impatient with a situation that seems to resist efforts to resolve it. But staying with it raises the odds that you'll find a way to a successful resolution. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Travel and kinship are strong in the Bovine's aspect this week. This would be a good time to combine the two and take a trip to see family members for a pre-holiday get-together. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A colleague could make a request you're not comfortable...READ MORE

Getting A Hold Of Ongoing Tax Debate

Christine Selzer Special To The Dispatch OCEAN CITY - There seem to be lots of conflicting reports. Are taxes going up for higher-income earners next year or not? "It's impossible to know for sure, but I'd still say •€˜yes,'" says Andrew Friedman, principal of The Washington Update and a tax policy expert. Friedman points out that the federal tax cuts enacted in 2001 and 2003 are set to expire on their own at the end of this year. And while the slowing pace of the economic...READ MORE

Things I Like

A glass of wine with a movie Robert Downey Jr. In Sherlock Holmes Baseball playoffs Sound of wind chimes in the distance Brick walls inside a house Watching my son crawl across the room When a run is cathartic Warm October days A car after it's first washed Big trees that are healthy A comfortable man cave ...READ MORE

Bishopville Native To Run Fire Fighter Marathon

The Career Fire Fighter Paramedics Association of Ocean City, IAFF Local 4269 and the Red Knights Motorcycle Club Md. Chapter 3 are co-sponsoring Bishopville native Ashley Tartufo, who will be running on the IAFF Burn Foundation Fire Fighter Marathon Team. Tartufo, a Career Fire Fighter/Paramedic with Howard County Fire Rescue, was inspired to join the fire service by her neighbor Tom Kane, a 32-year veteran, who recently retired from the Ocean City Fire Department. Pictured, from left, are...READ MORE

Habitat for Humanity Gets A Hand From Realtors

The Maryland Association of Realtors®, a statewide organization, came out to a Saturday Work Day where the team of realtors placed siding on a Flower Street home along with Habitat for Humanity (HFH). Pictured are Ron Buckley, HFH, Robert and Anjolene Whaley of Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors; Joe Puser, HFH; Steve Drummond, HFH; Tameka Pinkney, future homeowner; Tom Tewell member of Coastal Sanctuary Church; Stewart Clark, HFH; George Rines III of Coastal...READ MORE

OPVFD Celebrates Silver Anniversary

The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) held an Open House this month to celebrate the Silver Anniversary of their EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Department. Congressman Frank Kratovil sent one of his staff members to the event to present a proclamation recognizing the milestone.  Pictured, from left, are OPVFD Vice President Steve Rosen Kratovil Community Liaison Officer Tamara Lee-Brooks; OPVFD Fire Chief Tom Meadows; OPVFD President Ron Thorwart; and OPVFD Captain Bill...READ MORE

Service Learning Kicks Off At BIS

Kim Ford, activities director at the Berlin Nursing Home, spoke with the sixth grade barracuda team at Berlin Intermediate to help kick off their Service Learning project. Students will visit residents at the Berlin Nursing home several times throughout the school year to make projects and entertain the residents. With Ford are students Cory Hathaway, Sean Corcoran, Steven Kaminski, Ms. Kim Ford, Garrett Tinus, Rachel Welton and Ashley Ferraz.  ...READ MORE

People In Society

A Look At The People Helping Causes In The Area ...READ MORE

Faces in Places

A look at the regional bar and restaurant scene. ...READ MORE