January 21, 2011

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Single Lambs looking for romance could find Cupid especially accommodating this week. Paired partners also find their relationships benefiting from the chubby cherub's attention. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Keep your keen Bull's eye focused on your target, and shake off any attempt to turn your attention elsewhere. You should get some news later in the week that might answer some questions. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Your early enthusiasm for a project might have...READ MORE

Things I Like

School plays Wings and football

 Ricky Gervais’ humor

 A bookshelf of childrens books 

Life magazine's app

 Moving song lyrics 
Kevin Fleming's photos

 Animated films 

Random comments from my son People who are flexible The Speed of a new computer ...READ MORE

Diapers In December

The Judy Center, which provides services that promote school readiness in children from birth to age 5, sponsored “Diapers in December” in order to collect diapers for Worcester County families in need. Judy Center Director Mary Jo Price stands by one of the collection boxes displaying some of the 7,000 diapers collected in the drive. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

United Way SHows Support

United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently presented Worcester Youth & Family Counseling Services (WYFCS) with $62,404 to support programs that provide professional counseling services for children, individuals, couples and families. Since 1985, WYFCS has received $883,356 in United Way funding. Pictured, from left, are United Way Board member Elaine Brady, Dina Scarpino of United Way, WYFCS Board members Reena Oettinger, Carlyn Crout and Arnold Downing, WFYCS Executive Director Teresa...READ MORE

SMS Shows Thanks To Ravens Roost 96

Ravens Roost 96 was given a thank you poster from Selbyville Middle School’s Special Education class. During the Christmas season, Ravens Roost 96 collected money, toiletries and gifts that were given to the Selbyville Middle School special needs students. Above are Ed Owings, intervention specialist, who chaired the program assisted by Diane Turner. ...READ MORE

OPGC Installs New Officers

The Ocean Pines Garden Club installed its new officers this month. Pictured, from left, are Marsha Reeve, corresponding secretary; Sharon Puser, treasurer; Marian Bickerstaff, president; Barbara Ferger, vice-president; and Suzanne Brooke, recording secretary. ...READ MORE

Mathias Sworn In

Senator Jim Mathias was sworn in as Maryland State Senator for District 38 at a ceremony at the State Capitol in Annapolis last week. Shown with him on the Senate floor after the ceremony are his wife, Kathy; daughter, Lauren; and son, Trevor. ...READ MORE

New Certification Achieved

New Certification Achieved BERLIN – Coastal Hospice and Palliative Care has announced Human Resources Manager Valerie Beckwith was recently certified as a Professional in Human Resources by the Human Resource Certification Institute. Certification signifies that the person possesses the theoretical knowledge and practical experience in human resource management necessary to pass a rigorous examination demonstrating a mastery of the field. Agency Announces Addition OCEAN CITY –...READ MORE

Aging And Your Finances

OCEAN CITY – Many Americans are living longer, more fulfilled lives than ever before. In 2009, people ages 65 and older represented almost 13% of the U.S. population, compared with just 5.4% in 1930, and those ranks are poised to swell dramatically as the first wave of the baby-boom generation turns 65 in 2011. But financial concerns can also come as we age. Even mild memory loss can lead to mishandling of financial affairs, and this is not a minor issue, nor is it something that anyone...READ MORE

Open Houses This Week

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. Bayside Daily 10-4 New Construction 2BR & Studio Condos Ben Dawson The Fritschle Group/ Condominium Realty 410-603-2205 WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf...READ MORE

WPS New Student Government

Worcester Prep’s 2010-2011 Student Government officers and representatives are, first row, from left, Thomas Buas, Alissa Talbert, President Kyle Joseph, and Jamie Welch; second row, James Willey, Brad Mullen and Connor Nally; third row, Hope Evans, Chris Duke, Erin Royal, Lynde Pepper and Alyssa Alicia; back row, advisor Franklin Love, Treasurer Christopher Potvin, Secretary Kelley Chandler; and Vice President Ty Mayers. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

BES Celebrates Peace Day

Buckingham Elementary School celebrated Peace Day to promote friendship, love and peace. Above are Marguerite Anderson, Jessica Kline and Kasey Donaway. ...READ MORE

OCES Joins AGH

Julie Biscoe and her kindergarten students join the nurses from Atlantic General Hospital in their very own uniforms during a program about the hospital that was presented at Ocean City Elementary School. ...READ MORE

"Buddy Reader" Program At OCES

Ocean City Elementary fourth grader Kevin Beck and first grader Tristan Jager enjoy reading together with the "Buddy Reader" program. ...READ MORE

Poetry Out Loud

Worcester Prep participants and coaches are pictured at the Poetry Out Loud competition in Worcester County. They are, from left, Conni Hall, Dana Schaefer, Halie Murray-Davis, Alyssa Alicea, Christopher Potvin and Kathleen Otway. Potvin placed first and Murray-Davis, third. They will go on to the regional competition. ...READ MORE

Pjs For PJ

Berlin Intermediate School hosted a PJ’s for PJ Day on Friday, Jan. 14.  The children raised $3,000 for The PJ Aldridge Foundation, which seeks to raise awareness of lung cancer and funds to fight it. Above, Aldridge is pictured with Oltveya Mills and Mackenzie Gaynor. Below, Aldridge is with Hayden Zaiser. ...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Edwin F. Clark SALISBURY – Edwin F. Clark, 80 of Salisbury, passed away on Saturday Jan. 15, 2011 surrounded by family. He was born Aug. 16, 1930, in Euclid, Ohio, the only child of the late Joseph Clark and Anna Wahlstrom Clark. After graduating from Kent State University, he joined Pennzoil Corporation and after a few years moved to Baltimore, his home for over 20 years. In 1961, he started his own company as a Manufactures Representative in the automotive industry. His friendly,...READ MORE

OC Rec Basketball Action Continues

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s boys’ winter basketball league continued this week with a full slate of games at Northside Park. The following are some of the highlights from this week’s action: (bullet) OC/Berlin Optimists 31- Ravens Roost 17: Thomas Dibuo led the Optimists with 11 points while Brett Berquist and Billy Wheatley added six each. Tyree Henry led the Ravens Roost with nine points while Alex Oatman added eight. (bullet) OC Parrothead...READ MORE

Seahawks Clipped by Bennett, 51-43

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team could not overcome periods of sloppy play and a couple of big runs by host Bennett on Tuesday, falling to the Clippers, 51-43, after trailing by two with just over a minute remaining. The Seahawks jumped out to an early 10-4 lead, but the Clippers found their groove and went on an 8-2 run midway through the first quarter to take the lead. During the run, Decatur turned the ball over several times setting up easy scoring...READ MORE

Decatur Girls Fall to Clippers, 62-45

BERLIN- For the better part of three quarters, Stephen Decatur’s 2-8 girls’ varsity basketball team hung with 8-2 Bennett at home on Tuesday before the Clippers started to wear down the Seahawks and pull away. A rough patch in the schedule continued for the Seahawks this week with the 62-45 loss to third-place Bennett, just five days after a tough 49-48 loss to Kent County last Thursday, but the Decatur girls have been very competitive and continue to show signs of improvement. For...READ MORE

Ocean City to Host Lax Goalie Clinic

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department is offering a lacrosse goalie clinic to aspiring young goalkeepers next week. The Recreation and Parks Department is hosting the clinic, directed by Salisbury University men’s lacrosse assistant coach Erik Miller, on January 29. Miller is an SU graduate and was a captain on the school’s first national championship team. Miller was also named National Goalie of the Year as the collegian before moving on to play professionally...READ MORE

Half Marathon Kick-Off Event Planned

BERLIN- With the annual Ocean City Half Marathon coming up again in April, one local team of runners representing an important safety net for Worcester County is already organizing a kick-off party and registration event for the annual race. The Ocean City Half Marathon and associated 5K race is set to return on April 30 with hundreds of racing enthusiasts expected to descend on the resort area for a weekend of road racing, fun events and, perhaps most importantly, an opportunity to raise funds...READ MORE

Decatur’s Abbey Schoor fires a shot from the top of the key against Bennett during Tuesday’s loss. Photo by Shawn Soper

...READ MORE

Decatur Wrestlers Strong at Spalding Duals

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team turned in a strong performance at the Archbishop Spalding Cavalier Duals last weekend, finishing fourth out of the field of 18 of the top wrestling programs in the region. The Seahawks swept through their early matches to win their pool and advance to the championship round. Decatur beat traditional wrestling powerhouse Old Mill, 37-33, swept past AACS, 64-15, and routed George Mason of Virginia, 79-0, to go 3-0 in the early rounds and won...READ MORE

Decatur’s Monique Wise attempts to break down the Bennett defense during the first quarter of the Seahawks’ 62-45 loss to the Clippers on Tuesday. Photo by Shawn Soper

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Ocean City Mayor Vetoes 7 Ordinances

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and Council chambers at City Hall was standing room only Tuesday night, as the public eagerly waited to hear Mayor Rick Meehan’s decision on whether to veto a package of bills recently passed. In the past few weeks, the council has discussed proposed ordinances to decrease town employee pay and benefits in efforts to cut down on the city’s costs. The list of 11 ordinances passed through first and second reading by 4-3 votes, with Joe Hall, Brent Ashley,...READ MORE

County Looking To Establish Solar Panel Regulations

SNOW HILL – Continuing a theme of county-wide economic and environmental improvement, the Worcester County Planning Commission met last Thursday to workshop a proposal addressing solar energy. “This is not really a public hearing,” Planning Commission President Brooks Clayville explained to the audience. He followed up by saying that the public was still welcome to make comments during the presentation. “We’ll try to keep it informal,” he said. Over the course...READ MORE

Eade Named Resort’s Officer Of Year

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Corporal Dennis Eade this week was named as the 2010 recipient of the Ocean City Neighborhood Watch Association’s “Officer of the Year” award, emerging from a field of impressive nominees for the annual honor during an award banquet on Tuesday. Eade was named the 15th recipient of the annual award handed out on Monday by the Neighborhood Watch Association, made up of eight communities in the resort including Caine Woods,...READ MORE

Explosive Devices Found On Job Site

WEST OCEAN CITY – Construction workers performing a demolition project at a West Ocean City residential community last week made a surprising discovery when they found two explosive devices on a porch of a cottage on which they were working. Around 11:30 a.m. last Wednesday, the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office was called to assist with the recovery and disposal of military munitions found at the Villa Nova Cottages on Old Bridge Rd. Workers had discovered two cone-shaped...READ MORE

Promoter Eyes Inlet Lot For Bike Week Jam Event

OCEAN CITY – The pros and cons were debated this week on a new event, “OC Jam”, to replace the Harley-Davidson location during 2011’s Delmarva Bike Week. The proposed Bike Week dates are Sept. 15-18. The event that consists of motorcycle accessory vendors, motorcycle apparel, musical entertainment, children’s activities, food and beverages, beer, and even stunt areas such as the Wall of Death and the Ball of Steel is expected to gather over 20,000 participants each...READ MORE

Hidden Compartment For Weed

OCEAN CITY – Two men were arrested last weekend on drug possession charges after the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) located a hidden compartment under the dashboard of their vehicle. Around 3:15 a.m. last Sunday, Ocean City police stopped a vehicle for a seat belt violation. During the traffic stop, a police K-9 unit conducted a drug scan of the vehicle and alerted on the presence of illegal drugs. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a makeshift hidden compartment located in...READ MORE

Where To Eat Around Town

West Ocean City- Berlin Ocean Pines Breakfast Cafe Of Ocean City 12736 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City • 410-213-1804 Open seven days a week between Sun-sations & Starbucks, across from Outback, come join us at the “Breakfast Cafe” (formerly Rambler Coffee Shop) we are a family-friendly restaurant that’s been family owned for 30 years passed from mother to son in 2001. We believe that fair pricing, putting out quality food as fresh as we can make it and a nice...READ MORE

Adventures In Fatherhood

A new nightly event has become quite the hit around the house. I handle the bath duties in my family, and, depending on the attitudes of my boys on that particular night, it can be a hilarious event full of giggles and memories or a nightmare full of anguish and frustration. Since Carson was born 14 months ago, I have been taking him and his older brother, Beckett, into the bathroom simultaneously. It’s a little male bonding time for us. However, until this week, I had never put them both...READ MORE

Who's Playing Wher And When

Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Jan. 21: TBA Saturday, Jan. 22: Tim Cyphers Duo Charlie’s Bayside Restaurant 302-539-3526 Rte. 1 & Maryland Ave., Fenwick Island   Friday, Jan. 21: Chris Button & Joe Mama, 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22: Randy Lee Ashcraft  The Saltwater Cowboys, 8 p.m. Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.   Ocean Club: Friday, Jan. 21 & Saturday, Jan. 22: First Class Dr.Unks Bar &...READ MORE

Things To Do

Jan. 21: Holy Savior/KC Bingo Doors open 6 p.m.; games begin, 7 p.m.; 9901 Coastal Hwy., O.C. Re-freshments will be on sale. For more information, 410-524-7994. Jan. 22: VFW Pancake Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon, VFW Post 8296, 104 66th St., Bayside, O.C. All-you-can-eat pancakes for $5 or have 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, and 2 bacon for $5. Coffee included in the price. Jan. 22: Beef & Dumpling Dinner 4 p.m.-until, American Legion Unit 123, Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin. Sponsored by the Auxiliary. Cost:...READ MORE

Between The Lines

Regarding the ongoing Liquor Control Board for Worcester County (LCB) situation, one thing I have learned over the last decade with this issue is the public, in general, does not have a lot of interest in this story. However, I do believe it should. As a result of the proposal on the table to allow businesses to “opt out” for an annual fee and begin using private wholesalers, the LCB has begun an ad campaign in the area’s daily paper. On the same day the Worcester Alliance for...READ MORE

Decision Could Impact Regional Hospice Care

Editor: Those of us in the hospice care community are concerned with the recent decision to omit voluntary advance care planning consultations as part of a Medicare beneficiaries’ annual wellness exam. Having this option as part of an annual exam and providing payment to physicians for taking the time to educate patients about advance care planning could have opened the door to conversations on the types of decisions patients might consider in future healthcare situations based on the...READ MORE

Next Step Is Open Dialogue Over OC Changes

As members of the media, we find current affairs at City Hall in Ocean City these days to be entertaining. However, for property owners in the resort, visitors to his beach town and business operators who depend on a healthy resort economy to make a living, the extreme divisive nature of the current Mayor and Council should be concerning. Many people feel the sweeping changes to pay, benefits and retirements for new employees as well as current employees recently authorized by the City Council,...READ MORE

Jim Hall: Compromises On City Ordinances Possible

OCEAN CITY – Although the mayor’s vetoes have brought controversial ordinances to a halt for now, Council President Jim Hall is in the works to keep the momentum moving. Jim Hall has been pushing for some movement in decreasing town employee’s pay and salaries for at least the last two years. Now with colleagues Joe Hall, Brent Ashley, and Margaret Pillas on his side, a solid majority vote has been formed on the council and consequently 11 ordinances were formed and passed in...READ MORE

Report Confirms State Wine Industry Growing

BERLIN – While hardly synonymous with Napa or Sonoma, for example, Maryland’s budding wine industry, including a growing number of wineries on the Lower Shore, is starting to show signs of increased popularity and growth, according to a report released this week. The State Comptroller’s Office this week released its annual alcohol and tobacco tax report, which includes glowing statistics about Maryland’s growing local wine industry. According to the report, Maryland...READ MORE

Homeland Security Grant To Fund Bomb Squad Vehicle

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City could soon be getting a bomb squad vehicle, along with other items, thanks largely to this year’s Homeland Security Grant. Special Projects and Grant Coordinator Wayne Pryor presented the Mayor and City Council with the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Homeland Security Grant on behalf of the public safety group. “They are the ones who that really shepherded this grant and figure out how the money is funded, received and we proceed with implementing it,”...READ MORE

School Budget Uncertainty Looms

NEWARK – School board officials this week introduced a draft fiscal year 2012 budget totaling just over $90 million, but with the level of state funding a major question mark and hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional cuts still to be made, the finished product could look much different. The proposed budget includes $89.8 million in anticipated revenues for fiscal year 2012, while the estimated expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year total about $90.2 million, leaving a deficit...READ MORE

OP Medical Office Building Gains Sewer Approval

SNOW HILL – A public hearing was held by County Commissioners Tuesday to discuss an amendment to the Worcester County Water and Sewage Plan as well as an expansion of Ocean Pines Sanitary Service. The hearing was brief, with only one commissioner finding any issue with the applicant’s proposal. “This is sort of like a piece of the puzzle that’s missing,” explained attorney Hugh Cropper, who spoke on behalf of Coastal Venture Properties (CVP), the group behind the...READ MORE

OC Hotel, Condo Project Site Plans Approved

OCEAN CITY – The owner of the empty lots located between Old Pro Golf and World Gym on 67th Street has gotten the go-ahead to pursue construction from the Planning and Zoning Commission this week. Van Metre Companies owns the property, which is currently used as spare parking and is adjacent to Coastal Highway. The final site plan proposed includes 159 units. Van Metre Group President Roy Barnett explained to the Planning and Zoning Commission that the site will be developed into two...READ MORE

Assateague Island Horse Killed By Deer Hunter

ASSATEAGUE – One of Assateague’s famed wild horses was killed last week, the apparent victim of a gunshot from a hunter on the barrier island. Assateague Island National Seashore Superintendent Trish Kicklighter this week announced one of the wild horses inhabiting the barrier island was shot and killed last weekend during a planned, two-day deer hunt. The 28-year-old horse was found dead by a hunter last Saturday and was reported to park rangers the following day. “We are...READ MORE

County To Seek Federal Help With Eroding Shoreline

WEST OCEAN CITY – A dramatic increase in erosion along the area formerly known as “stinky beach” has prompted the County Commissioners to seek assistance from the federal government. Buck Mann, managing agent of Harbor Lights Condominium, came before the commissioners Tuesday to brief them on a recent spike in erosion levels along the condominium’s bayside property. Mann called the current erosion problems a “jeopardy situation” and warned the commissioners...READ MORE

Agencies Seeking Missing Md. Teens

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) and law enforcement agencies across Maryland this week continue to look for a pair of Montgomery County teens reported missing last week and were believed to have been heading to the resort area. The Maryland Center for Missing Children and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, along with several state and local law enforcement agencies, this week continue to search for Rachel Elizabeth Reilly, 16, and Nicholas...READ MORE

Minimum Wage Of $10 Per Hour Pitched

BERLIN – A potential increase in Maryland’s minimum wage from the current $7.25 per hour to $10 per hour by 2013 could have a devastating effect on small businesses around the state struggling to stay afloat in the current economy, according to the area’s representatives in Annapolis, who said this week they would not likely support the proposed legislation. Maryland Senate Majority leader Rob Garagiola (D-Montgomery) said this week he intends to introduce legislation that...READ MORE

Alliance Proposes Opt Out Measure For LCB’s Future

SNOW HILL – The story of Worcester County’s embattled Liquor Control Board (LCB) continued Tuesday when a group of licensees proposed amending county rules to allow “opting out” of the current monopoly on wholesale liquor distribution. Representing the Worcester Alliance for Fair Markets (WAFM), attorney Joe Moore addressed the County Commissioners on behalf of the collection of 90 or so licensees behind the proposed reform. “This is not a new issue,” began...READ MORE