February 4, 2011

What's Your Sign

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A gracious Lamb can learn more about a problem-filled situation than one who is openly suspicious of what could be happening. A friend might offer some well-directed advice. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Getting adjusted to an unexpected change might be difficult for the Bovine who prefers things to go according to plan. But help could come from a most welcome source. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): This could be a good time to get a head start on those career-related...READ MORE

Things I Like

A morning when defrost is not needed Family couch sessions ESPN's "Outside The Lines" The Shark's calamari Passionate writing Childhood nicknames that stick How gaudy Super Bowl rings are Old flashlights Dry-cleaned shirts Wedding anniversaries Thinking Spring ...READ MORE

Vietnam Vets Recognized

On Monday, Jan. 31 at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial, a wreath was placed to recognize the 43rd Anniversary and in honor of those who fought the TET offense battle in Vietnam. A moment was taken for those who survived, those who were lost and for the families of all of those veterans. Above are Paula McGrath, Executive Committee of American Legion Unit #166; Marine Jim McGrath, Post #166's Service Officer; Marine Ray Updike, Post #166's Executive Committee member;...READ MORE

PNC Donates To Stadium

A $2,000 leadership gift has been made by PNC Bank as part of an ongoing commitment to the capital campaign to build a new athletic field house at Stephen Decatur High School’s Seahawk Stadium. The capital campaign is a project of the SDHS Alumni Association. Above are SDHS Principal Lou Taylor and PNC Bank Berlin branch manager RoxAnne Williams. For more information and online giving opportunities to support the project, visit www.sdhsalumni.com. ...READ MORE

AGH Auxiliary New Officers

Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary swore in 2011 officers during the Auxiliary annual membership meeting held in December at the Ocean Pines Library. Pictured, from left, are Betty Franke, incoming president; Sharon Fosler, president elect for MAHA (Maryland Association of Hospital Auxiliaries); Andrea Watkins, incoming vice president; Jane Bartolomeo, incoming recording secretary; Jane Wolnik, incoming treasurer; and Terre Thompson, incoming corresponding secretary. ...READ MORE

kiwanis Make Donation

The Ocean Pines-Ocean City Kiwanis Club made a semi annual donation of $600 to Worcester County GOLD’s Young Children's program "Priority One", which focuses on the needs of children from birth to 4-years-old. Above, GOLD Executive Director Darlene Onley accepts a check from Kiwanis Club representative James Spicknall. ...READ MORE

New Terms For Board Officers

Board of Education President Robert G. Hulburd (District 6), Vice President Robert A. Rothermel, Jr. (District 7), Donnie L. Shockley (District 4), and J. Douglas Dryden (District 1) recited the Oath of Office last month for their new terms on the Worcester County Board of Education.  ...READ MORE

Recycled Palm Tree

Worcester Prep seventh grade students Julia D’Antonio, Grace Tunis and Hayley Larsen show a palm tree created out of soda cans and plastic at the Middle School Art Show. The artists for the tree were Biola Eniola, Hannah Arrington, Tunis and Larsen. ...READ MORE

2nd Place Winner At OCES

Paul Haddad of Ocean City Elementary School recently won second place at the Worcester County Science Fair for his project on the Titanic. He also placed third at Ocean City Elementary School’s Science Fair. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Maryland Stock Market Challenge

Stephen Decatur High School students placed first and second on the Eastern Shore in the Maryland Stock Market Challenge. Pictured, from left, are freshman Alex Bull, second place; senior Sarah Wootten, first place; freshman Ciara Wright, first place; senior Cynthia Adams, first place; and senior Ryan Wilson, second place.  ...READ MORE

Beyond Afterschool Program

Berlin Intermediate School students in the Beyond Afterschool Program are once again working with Cindy Morris from Worcester County 4-H to learn how to build and program Lego Robots.  Above are MaryAnne Bennett, Jared Litten and Aaron Campbell. ...READ MORE

3rd Annual Taco Night

Stephen Decatur High School, in partnership with the Sonrise Church, hosted its 3rd Annual Taco Night last month, bringing in more than 1,000 people from the school and community. Pictured, from left, are students Bethany Simon, Alycia Pishtey, Teron Tyre, Sara Kessinger, Julianne Petsche and Emma Heim. ...READ MORE

Snowflakes Study

Jeanette Mears’ kindergarten class at Showell Elementary School studied Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley and his photographs of snowflakes.  Pictured with their creations are, from left, Jonathan Castellanos-Nieves, Kai Ross and Chelsea Richie. ...READ MORE

Disney Spirit Day

Students in Liz Engh’s kindergarten class at Ocean City Elementary participated in Disney Spirit Day.  Children and adults dressed up in their Disney hats and clothing to show their spirit.  Pictured are Jack, Collin, Gus, Tatum, Anas, Rife, Renee and Eva. ...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

Tax Relief Act Questions

OCEAN CITY – Today, part two of last week’s discussion on how the new the $858 billion tax law enacted in December – formally known as the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 (the "Act") will impact you. Does the new law affect my municipal bond holdings? Probably only in the short-term, says Christopher J. Wolfe, chief investment officer for the Private Banking and Investment Group at Merrill Lynch...READ MORE

Chronic Thief Up To Old Tricks

BERLIN – An Ocean City man with a long history of break-ins and burglaries throughout the resort area was allegedly up to his old tricks again this week when he was arrested for allegedly stealing over $1,400 in merchandise from the Home Depot on Route 50. Shortly after 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Maryland State Police troopers responded to the Home Depot on Route 50 for a reported theft. The investigation revealed the suspect, identified as Dennis Patrick Owens, 44, of Ocean City, had stolen nine...READ MORE

Who's Playing Where And When

Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Feb. 4: Aaron Howell, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5: Pre-Game Party Starting 9 a.m. with Pancake Breakfast, Peirogie Eating Contest, Live Bands, DJs, Giveaways and Aaron Howell Band Charlie’s Bayside Restaurant 302-539-3526 Rte. 1 & Maryland Ave., Fenwick Island   Friday, Feb. 4: Chris Button & Joe Mama, 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6: Ginger featuring Nancy Micciulla & Mike Curry, 9 p.m. Clarion...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Angel A. Williams BISHOPVILLE – Angel A. Williams, 88, of Bishopville, died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011 at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford. She was born in Norfolk, Va. and was the daughter of the late Jullian and Isabelle (Britt) Cuffee. She had worked for Gray Brothers in Bishopville for 40 years as the crew leader and worked the vegetable stand for 30 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Williams in 1998. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. A funeral...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

Feb. 4: Widows & Widowers Golf Outing 1 p.m., carpool meeting at the library; 1:30 p.m.; Miniature Golf at Old Pro, 68th St., O.C. Sponsored by the Widows & Widowers Social Club. After golf, there will be tea and crumpets at the Dunes Manor Hotel. For more information or to attend, 410-726-8451. Feb. 4: Parish Monthly DInner 5-8 p.m., St. Mary Star of the Sea/Ho-ly Savior Parish. Dinner will include meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetable, homemade dessert and refreshments. Cost: $10,...READ MORE

Local Family Finds Miracles Do Happen

OCEAN PINES – Words like “angel” and “miracle” have been seldom heard as the recession drags on and the unemployment rolls grow, but for at least one afternoon this week, they were the only words that seemed appropriate. A local family, including a single mother with four children under the age of seven, found a new place to call home in Ocean Pines this week, and perhaps more importantly a leg up, thanks in large part to a generous couple and county agency that...READ MORE

Man Guilty Of Discharging Firearm In Kitten Shooting

OCEAN CITY – At Ocean City District Court this week, an Ocean City citizen was found guilty of discharging a fire arm after he allegedly shot and killed a feral kitten. A litter of feral kittens and their mother had found shelter under the deck of William Cecero’s neighbors, Steve and Nancy Barnaba, setting off a squabble between the Caine Woods residents. “Out of compassion, we started to feed the cats,” Steve Barnaba said in court on Monday. After a few months, the...READ MORE

Larger Beach Cabanas Headed For Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – The beaches this summer may start to look more like southern resorts as the Mayor and City Council approved this week beach equipment rental stands’ desire to rent out larger cabanas. Sixteen of Ocean City’s beach equipment rental stands, located between the Inlet and 26th Street, have been recently auctioned and sold in three-year contracts. According to City Clerk Kathy Mathias, each of the parcels sold for more than their bids made in 2007. The total annual...READ MORE

Charitable Souls Honorees Announced

BERLIN – The 40 honorees in the premiere Charitable Souls campaign, organized under The Dispatch Shore Stars initiative, were announced this week. In a five-week period, more than 100 nominations were received and the Charitable Souls committee selected the honorees last weekend. “These folks are each inspirational in different ways. Their stories of charitable giving and genuine volunteer spirit epitomize true generosity,” said The Dispatch Publisher Steve Green. “We...READ MORE

Cigar Lounge Plans Berlin Opening

BERLIN – The Globe Theater in Berlin will be receiving a new neighbor next month in the form of a cigar lounge. John’s Premium Cigar and Tobacco Company plans on opening a store and lounge at 14 Broad St on March 11. While most of the details are already worked out, the owners still had to receive permission from the Historic District Commission in regards to signage. Before hearing the lounge’s case, however, the HDC took a moment to elect new officers. Ever since former HDC...READ MORE

Capital Projects Back On Resort Agenda

OCEAN CITY – Now that enough funds have been raised through cost saving initiatives, the Mayor and City Council have decided to move forward with some needed capital projects throughout town. According to City Manager Dennis Dare, the council approved in 2010 future capital projects for water, wastewater, the convention center, and the airport from the 2010 General Obligation Bonds, user fees, and state and federal grants. The projects presented to the Mayor and City Council during...READ MORE

Caribbean Dog Finds New Home With OC Paramedic’s Family

BERLIN – Berlin’s resident pet community got a new member recently when a local family returned from a Caribbean vacation with an abandoned and abused little dog treated with violence and threatened to be put down. When Ocean City Paramedic John Holloway and his wife, along with a group of friends, traveled to the Virgin Islands in January for a mid-winter vacation, the last thing they expected was to bring a new family member home with them on the return trip. Holloway, son of...READ MORE

OC Business License Fees Going Up

OCEAN CITY – A 2-percent increase in Ocean City’s business license fee has been discussed by the City Council for a few years now and it appears to be a reality now. According to Finance Administrator Martha Lucey, the purpose of the increase is to cover the administration, oversight and inspection of licensed facilities and those who request to be licensed. In January of 2009, the council was presented with the proposal to raise business license fees. At that time, the 2-percent...READ MORE

Delegation, County Officials Talk LCB

OCEAN CITY – While the Worcester County Liquor Control Board still hangs in the balance, county officials this week traveled to Annapolis this week to discuss the future of the beleaguered agency. Two weeks ago, the Worcester County Commissioners heard a proposal from the recently formed Worcester Free Market Alliance to alter or amend the LCB including a possible $2,000 opt out fee allowing liquor license holders to purchase spirits from private sector wholesalers. The LCB, through its...READ MORE

Council Hears Financial Impact Of Retiree Medical Choices

OCEAN CITY – Although the actuary study on retirement health benefits has been presented, Bolton Partners will have to return with more recommendations for the Mayor and City Council before any final decisions are made. Kay Moran of Bolton Partners, Inc. presented a report on post-employment medical benefits actuarial valuation during this week’s meeting. Currently the town’s post-employment medical benefit is retirees pay 20 percent of the cost and it does not include spouses....READ MORE

County Wins Heritage Award

SNOW HILL – An expansion of the popular Arts and Times publication to the online market has earned the Worcester County Tourism Department and Moonshell Productions an award from the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council (LESHC). “This is the second time we’ve won this,” County Tourism Director Lisa Challenger told the Worcester County Commissioners at this week’s, referring to the Best New Heritage Initiative Award the Artsandtimes.org website received. The previous...READ MORE

OCDC Will Provide Financial Help For Green Projects

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) is now offering downtown businesses and property owners the new Green Building Initiatives Program, which will offer financial assistance to business owners seeking to install new long-term energy efficient products and methods. OCDC’s goal is to create structures and use processes that are environmentally responsible and resource efficient throughout a building’s life cycle. The long-term goal is to reduce the costs...READ MORE

WOC Boat Ramp Project To Start Next Week

WEST OCEAN CITY – An extensive rehabilitation of the public boat ramp at the commercial harbor in West Ocean City, a project that could close the facility through much of the spring, is expected to begin in earnest next week after the County Commissioners this week signed the maintenance agreement with the contractor. The West Ocean City boat ramp rehabilitation project was expected to begin this week, but the contractor, Hi-Tide Marine, was awaiting formal approval on the contract from...READ MORE

Ocean City Couple Busted In Vehicle Break-In Spree

OCEAN CITY – Two Ocean City residents were arrested on dozens of counts of theft, malicious destruction of property and other charges last weekend after allegedly breaking into a vehicle owned by an off-duty Maryland State Police trooper at an uptown hotel. Around 2:30 a.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were in the Princess Royale Hotel on 91st Street investigating a reported assault when an individual ran into the lobby and reported there was a man on the...READ MORE

Table Games, Medical Marijuana Bills Considered

BERLIN – With the deadline to introduce bills on the Senate side of the Maryland General Assembly arriving today, and a similar date on the House side arriving next week, dozens of bills of local importance hit the hopper in the last week or so including cross-filed bills calling for an expansion to table gambling in Maryland, medical marijuana and a bevy of bills proposed by the governor regarding new fees for bad drivers. As the General Assembly session hit full stride this week,...READ MORE

Report Highlights Importance Of Students Engaging In STEM

SNOW HILL – Over the last few years, internships and summer camps offered by NASA in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Institute for Space and Technology (MIST) have caused a drastic increase in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in Worcester County, according to a report presented to the County Commissioners Tuesday. “Our program is about creating hope,” said Brenda Dingwall, representative from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. Dingwall informed the...READ MORE

County Financial Worries Called A Perfect Storm’

SNOW HILL – Changes in revenue flow and expenditures over the next few years have caused some worry amongst the Worcester County Commissioners. In a report titled, “Managing Fiscal Realities and the Tough Times Ahead,” Assistant Finance Officer Phil Thompson outlined some of the issues that the county will have to deal with between now and 2013. The biggest concerns were transfers of state obligations to the county and a noticeable loss of revenue in nearly every...READ MORE

Council Seeks Pension Answers

OCEAN CITY – The proposed ordinance to change newly hired town employee pension plans remains pending as the Mayor and City Council look to review more plan design options. The current pension plan for current town employees is a defined benefit plan. The proposed ordinance transitions newly hired town employees over to a defined contribution plan, such as a 401(a). Mary Jo Gary of Mercer Inc. presented the council with the Defined Benefit Plans Freeze Analysis and Retirement Program...READ MORE

Adventures In Fatherhood

The changes with my boys are coming in a fast and furious manner and admittedly all too quick for this dad. After weeks of contemplating the big move from a crib to a toddler bed, Pam made the decision for the both of us last weekend, and that’s fine by me. If it was my call solely, he would probably be in that crib until he could hop out of it on his own. I have a tendency, proven time and time again with my family, to think my boys aren’t ready for certain changes. It’s to...READ MORE

Please To See Bike Week Event Is Off

Editor: Let's not be too disappointed that the massive noise pollution that results from Bike Week may be dampened a bit this year. Instead of spending all this time and effort courting these folks, why not concentrate on luring a quieter type of visitor, like doctors for medical meetings, educators for their organizations, nurses, politicians, businesspeople, golfers, cyclists (without engines), religious groups etc.? We recently heard from some of our relatives that they are no longer...READ MORE

Between The Lines

Ocean City’s online Boardwalk poll surpassed the 10,500 vote mark this week (10,590 as of Thursday at 3 p.m. to be exact), and it appears the all-wood surface is now the preferred option by a slim margin. Ocean City is planning to renovate a large portion of its Boardwalk this fall as a result of substructure issues. The plan is for the supporting structure to be made of concrete with the surface material up in the air at the moment and planned for discussion by the Ocean City Mayor and...READ MORE