July 8, 2011

Fish N' OC

This past Monday we celebrated Independence Day here in Ocean City. Every year the week surrounding the Fourth of July holiday is one of our busiest weeks as vacationers come from all over to soak up the sun, ride some waves and celebrate our nation’s independence. The Fourth of July often means crowds here in OC. The streets are packed with cars, hotels and restaurants are all filled to capacity, and the beach and Boardwalk are overwhelmed as onlookers position themselves to enjoy Ocean...READ MORE

Best Beats

Angler, the 410-289-7424 • 2312 Talbot St. On The Bay Friday, July 8: Time Police, 4-7 p.m. Saturday, July 9 & Sunday, July 10: alex & Shiloh, 4-7 p.m. Every Sunday: Locals’ Social With DJ Deogee, 10 p.m. Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 • 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 8: Bond & Bentley Saturday, July 9: Pompous Pie Sunday, July 10: DJ JJ, 10 p.m. Every Wednesday: DJ JJ, 10 p.m. Every Thursday: Tim Cyphers Duo, 10 p.m. Caribbean bar &...READ MORE

Dinning Out

West Ocean City- Berlin Ocean Pines-Fruitland Assateague crab house & Carryout Rte. 611, Assateague Island • 410-641-4330 On the way to visit the ponies of Assateague, stop by this rustic crab house. Enjoy Maryland crabs by the dozen or try the all-you-can-eat specials including snow crab legs. Their extensive menu features various appetizers, fresh fish, seafood, steaks, chicken and ribs. The kids can enjoy their own menu along with the great game room. Great for casual dining or...READ MORE

Obituaries

Brice R. Phillips OCEAN CITY -- Brice Reginald Phillips, 90, died Friday, July 1, 2011 at his home in Ocean City. Born in Fishing Creek, Hooper’s Island in Dorchester County, he was the son of the late Augustus Ellsworth Phillips and Leone Estes Simmons Phillips. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Shirley Elizabeth Flowers Phillips, and his two sons, Stephen B. Phillips and his wife, Maxine of Annapolis, and Jeffrey P. Phillips, Sr. and his wife Janet of Ocean City; eight...READ MORE

Things To Do

July 8-9: Caine Woods Yard Sale 7 a.m.-3 p.m., 140th St., Ocean City. Household items, fishing rods, wall hangings, books, clothes, baby items and more. July 9: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast 7-11 a.m., Ocean Pines Community Center. Proceeds benefit youth of the community. Pancakes, sausage, fruit cup and coffee or tea. Cost: $5; children 12 and under $3. Ages 5 and under eat free. Carry-out also available. Can pay at the door. For more information, 410-641-6719. July 9: Flea Market & Craft...READ MORE

Sheriff’s Office Seeks Two Sex Offenders

Sheriff’s Office Seeks Two Sex Offenders BERLIN -- The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office this week has issued arrest warrants for two local men for violations of Maryland sex offender laws. The Sheriff’s Office is seeking Delmar James Cubbage, 20, of Bishopville, and Edward Lee Robbins, 28, of Ocean City, for violating the terms of their sex offender registration requirements. Both men are sought for failing to re-register as sex offenders within three days of moving to a new...READ MORE

What's Your Sign

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You dislike waiting for promises to be fulfilled and for commitments to be kept, but resist your headstrong tendency to push things along. Your patience will be rewarded. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Expect continuing opposition to your plans from die-hard detractors. However, your determination to see things through will carry the day. A Pisces has romantic ideas. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You might be too close to a troublesome workplace situation to deal with...READ MORE

Open Houses

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 BERLIN Glen Riddle Open Daily 11-6 Single Family Homes In New Community 2 Golf Courses Owners Clubhouse Private Marina Pulte Homes 410-213-1386 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...READ MORE

The Shrimp Boat Keeps Growing And Growing In West OC

WEST OCEAN CITY -- More than 20 years ago, “Captain” Joe Crocetti, owner of The Shrimp Boat, brought two unique things to the Ocean City area -- head-on shrimp and the idea of selling seafood from a landlocked boat. “I’ve owned 15 boats in my lifetime,” said Crocetti, “and this is the only one that has ever made me money.” In 1989, Crocetti started the business, selling roadside shrimp from the back of a truck. A year later, he decided to construct a...READ MORE

State Funding Boosts Salisbury Crime Coalition

SALISBURY -- For the third consecutive year, Salisbury is receiving state funding for its Safe Streets Coalition. According to state and city officials, that money is making a noticeable impact. “It [Salisbury] is a very different place today … than two and a half years ago,” said Kristen Mahoney, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP). Mahoney was on hand to deliver a check for $324,623 to city officials at a special event...READ MORE

Boardwalk Steel Drum Act Denied

OCEAN CITY – The City Council turned down a Boardwalk musician’s plea to perform in front of a downtown restaurant that has warmly welcomed him, due to a law that provides for no exceptions. In a letter addressed to the Mayor and City Council, Boardwalk performer Augustine DiGiovanna stated on June 27 while he was playing his steel drum on the Boardwalk on the fence line in front of the Mug and Mallet an Ocean City police supervisor informed him he was no longer allowed to play in...READ MORE

County Honors 14 Retiring Employees

SNOW HILL -- This week, a collective 241 years of experience retired from Worcester County. The County Commissioners honored 14 retiring Worcester employees Tuesday. The group is comprised of many employees taking advantage of the county’s early retirement incentive program, which began three years ago. The program was developed to offset budget problems by reducing overall staff and cutting positions without having to make layoffs. Instead, employees are offered bonuses and enticements to...READ MORE

Berlin Eyes State Sustainable Program

BERLIN -- Berlin became the first community in the state last week to file for certification in the Sustainable Maryland Certified Municipal Certification Program. Representatives from Sustainable Maryland briefed the council on the newly formed program and what it could mean if the town joined. “I would love to see Berlin being one of the first,” said University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center Director Joanne Throwe. Throwe explained that the Sustainable Maryland program...READ MORE

Council Approves Dew Tour Message On Water Tower

OCEAN CITY – The Dew Tour received the go-ahead from the Mayor and City Council on Tuesday to post a welcoming message on the water tower to be viewed by all entering the resort. Tourism Director Deb Turk approached the council this week to represent the Dew Tour’s request to brand the Worcester Street parking lot water tower. The message will be along the lines of, “Welcome to Ocean City, Maryland, Proud Home of the Dew Tour.” “They [Dew Tour] do understand...READ MORE

Councilman Helps Fund Senior Transit System

OCEAN CITY – Proactive resident Bob Melvin, 92, was presented with a $1,000 check by Councilman Brent Ashley this week to help in setting sail on his new project, MEDTRN Plus. A couple of years ago, Melvin spearheaded changes to MEDTRN, a transit system transporting senior citizens, the handicapped and veterans to medical appointments locally and to surrounding areas. Councilman Brent Ashley caught wind of Melvin’s new project and brought him forward to explain during Tuesday...READ MORE

Retired Destroyer About To Become Artificial Reef

OCEAN CITY -- It now appears a target window, if not a firm date, has been established for the sinking of a retired U.S. Navy destroyer as part of a three-state artificial reef system just 30 miles from the Ocean City Inlet. The target date for the sinking of the decommissioned U.S.S. Arthur W. Radford has been tentatively set for the week of July 11 although the vessel is still waiting on final approval from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The 536-foot Radford will eventually...READ MORE

Casino Revenue Up Slightly

BERLIN -- The June figures for the Casino at Ocean Downs were released this week, revealing a continued pattern of gradual increase in the revenue taken in at the video gaming facility in Berlin. The Casino at Ocean Downs grossed just under $3.8 million in June, up slightly from the $3.7 million the facility generated in May. Each month since the casino opened on Route 589 just south of Ocean Pines, the revenue has gradually increased from $3 million in January to $3.13 million in February, and...READ MORE

Newark Man Gets 14 Years For Attack On Motel Employee

SNOW HILL -- A Newark, Md. man, arrested last September on assault, attempted rape and other serious charges after attacking a female employee at a West Ocean City motel, pleaded guilty this week to attempted armed robbery, a third-degree sex offense and false imprisonment and was sentenced to a combined 21 years, all but 14 of which was then suspended. Jeffrey Lee Hall, 22, of Newark, appeared in Circuit Court on Wednesday to face numerous charges related to his alleged attack on a female...READ MORE

Council Hypocrisy

Editor: Once again, the hypocrisy of the Ocean City Council has reared its ugly head. As it has done in most of the past years, the council has passed an “emergency” measure banned street performers, in particular artist Mark Chase, from painting and selling his art at the end of North Division Street and the Boardwalk. Because the council believed that Mr. Chase would sue them, they developed a canard of demonstrating the banning of street performers was based on safety issues,...READ MORE

Between The Lines

Brice Phillips’ life was celebrated this week. Sure, many grieved this week at his passing on July 1, but most I know took this as an opportunity to reflect and marvel over the dynasty he and his wife, Shirley, created and the manner in which they did it. At the age of 90, there was nothing tragic about his passing, and it was nice to see so many celebrating and remembering his life in their own ways throughout the week. As was echoed numerous times during tributes, Mr. Phillips was an...READ MORE

Vapor Trail Took First Place

The crew aboard the “Vapor Trail” took first place in the dolphin division of last weekend’s Canyon Kick-Off with a nice 34-pounder and earned $2,936. The “Vapor Trail” crew also hauled in an 18-pounder pictured above. ...READ MORE

Big Winners Of Last Weekend's Canyon Kick-Off

The big winner in last weekend’s Canyon Kick-Off was the crew aboard the “Stress Reel-ief,” which nearly swept the tuna division. The happy crew, pictured above, took first, second and a share of third in the division to earn nearly $25,000 in prize money. ...READ MORE

Berlin All Stars Off to Fast Starts

BERLIN- Berlin Little League competing in the District 8 playoffs got off to a fast start during the last week with each team advancing in their respective divisions. The Berlin Little League 9-10 team got its post-season off to a great start with a 21-0 shellacking of Snow Hill in the first round highlighted by a no-hitter thrown by Eli Saulsbury. No-hitters are rate in baseball at any level and Saulsbury collected one last week against Snow Hill in the opening round of the District. Only two...READ MORE

Fighting Mallard Lacrosse Camp Next Week

BERLIN- Worcester Prep is hosting its Fighting Mallard Boys Lacrosse Camp for five days next week as part of a summer-long series of camps for sports and other activities. Worcester Prep Coach Kevin Gates, recently named Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) Coach of the Year, will host the camp next week at Worcester Prep for boys entering grades 5-9 in September. Joining Gates, who has coached lacrosse at nearly every level, will be several former players including Matt...READ MORE

Turtle Lax Club Hosts Drop-In

OCEAN CITY- The Greene Turtle Lacrosse Club this week continued to host a summer-long series of drop-ins for area high school and college players each Wednesday evening at Northside Park that will continue through mid-August. The girls’ lacrosse drop-in is open to all girls’ players entering 10th grade this fall through college. The drop-in will be held at Northside Park in Ocean City each Wednesday through August 11 from 6-8 p.m. The drop-in will include practice drills, simulated...READ MORE

29th Canyon Kick-Off in the Books

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Marlin Club’s 29th Annual Canyon Kick-Off last weekend was a huge success with 63 boats competing and $54,450 in prize money doled out to the winners in several categories. The annual tournament, held each year on or around the Fourth of July weekend, is the first significant event of the Marlin Club’s summer-long tournament series and serves as a prelude of sorts to the more high-profile tournaments in the resort including the Ocean City Tuna Tournament,...READ MORE

24th OC Tuna Tournament on Tap

OCEAN CITY- The 24th Annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament returns next week with dozens of boats and hundreds of anglers expected to descend on the resort area for a three-day search for the burly behemoths in the canyons off the coast. The tuna bite has been red hot thus far this season with Ocean City’s sportfishing fleet returning to the docks nearly every single day with flags flying high and fish boxes full of tuna, setting up would should be a memorable 2011 Ocean City Tuna Tournament....READ MORE

Guard Stand Struck By Lightning

OCEAN CITY -- Providing further evidence of the need to heed the lifeguards’ orders to get off the beach when lightning is spotted nearby, an Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP) guard stand on 127th Street was struck during a brief but powerful thunderstorm Wednesday, splintering and burning the wood and sending nails shooting outward. Shortly after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, a brief thunderstorm rolled over the resort with lightning flashes visible across the resort sky. As per usual protocol, the...READ MORE

PJ Working To Spread Lung Cancer Message

OCEAN CITY – During a vacation, PJ Aldridge’s life turned upside down in a matter of days, but his life-altering encounter has transformed into a successful groundwork for the PJ Aldridge Foundation (PJAF). In February of 2010, PJ Aldridge was visiting a friend in Costa Rica. His daily activities consisted of surfing and working on his friend’s fishing boat. He had a couple days off where he went further down the coast to visit some other friends from the states and to...READ MORE

OC Guard Makes Off-Duty Rescue

OCEAN CITY -- An Ocean City surf rescue technician (SRT) and his mother are receiving commendations from the Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP) this weekend after an off-duty rescue last Sunday evening. Shortly after 6 p.m. last Sunday, a 911 call went out for a swimmer on a blow-up raft in distress in the ocean in the area of 68th Street. The call went out about a half an hour after the OCBP had gone off duty for the day, and officers still on regular patrol on an all-terrain vehicle, or quad,...READ MORE

Banner Holiday Weekend Reported

OCEAN CITY – By nearly all accounts, businesses in the coastal area expressed satisfaction this week with sales over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, and population estimates reveal it was one of the best in recent history. According to Communications Manager Donna Abbott the estimated average of visitors to Ocean City on Saturday and Sunday of last weekend was 330,688. The numbers from this Fourth of July weekend represents a 5-percent increase from last year’s holiday weekend...READ MORE

Berlin Looking To Improve Town Hall Energy Efficiency

BERLIN -- Town officials are trying to get the best of both worlds by upgrading government offices to be more energy efficient, while maintaining their status as historical landmarks. Berlin will be repairing and replacing several windows in town hall along with the door to the planning and zoning offices. “The project is part of an overall energy efficiency grant,” Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen told the Historic District Commission (HDC) on Wednesday. Bohlen explained that...READ MORE

Grandfather Issue Clouds Outdoor Lighting Code

OCEAN CITY – A new outdoor lighting code for Ocean City has passed first reading, but it was sent back to city officials to discuss the ordinance’s grandfathering effect in regards to existing problem properties. The Mayor and City Council voted unanimously last month to have an outdoor lighting ordinance drafted to set the guidelines for future construction to eliminate intrusive lighting from one building to another. The council decided on Tuesday night to pass the new law on first...READ MORE

Reports Indicate DLC’s First Weekend Was Smooth

SNOW HILL -- Though some held their breath last weekend, wondering if the ball might be dropped, Worcester County officials proclaimed their first foray into the liquor business went smoothly. “All orders were filled without event,” said Chief Administrative Officer Gerald Mason. “Things went well over our first holiday weekend.” While the transition from the quasi-governmental Liquor Control Board (LCB) to the county-run Department of Liquor Control (DLC) has been in the...READ MORE

Assateague Island Goes Solar At Newest Facilities

ASSATEAGUE -- Assateague Island National Seashore officials are putting their environmental money where their mouth is with the installation of eco-friendly solar lighting systems in many of the barrier island’s new visitor-friendly areas. Assateague National Seashore Superintendent Trish Kicklighter this week announced the installation of several new solar-powered lighting systems in visitor service areas in the federal park. The new lighting is part of an ongoing effort by the National...READ MORE

Hundreds Mourn Brice Phillips At Funeral

OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City and the entire Eastern Shore and beyond lost an icon last week when Brice Reginald Phillips, patriarch of the eponymous family restaurant chain and seafood industry, passed away at his resort home at the age of 90. Phillips’ life was celebrated with a memorial service on Wednesday at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center attended by hundreds, from state and local dignitaries to family and friends to the legion of former employees, the “Phillips boys and...READ MORE

High Court Reverses DWI Case

OCEAN CITY -- The state’s highest court last week reversed a lower court’s decision on the validity of a Pasadena man’s driver’s license suspension following a driving under the influence of alcohol arrest in Ocean City. On May 19, 2009, Ocean City Police stopped Frank Loane, Jr. for failing to obey lane directions. Upon making contact with Loane, the officer detected an odor of alcohol on the suspect’s breath. Loane was administered field sobriety tests, which he...READ MORE

Berlin Man Sentenced To 9 Years For Armed Robberies

SNOW HILL -- A Berlin man arrested last December along with three other suspects after detectives were able to connect them to a pair of hold-ups at convenience stores in Ocean Pines pleaded guilty last week in Circuit Court to armed robbery and robbery and was sentenced to nine years in jail. Jordan Criner, 23, pleaded guilty to robbery for his role in the armed hold-up of the Shore Stop convenience store on Route 589 in Ocean Pines last December and was sentenced to 14 years in jail, all but...READ MORE

Charter Boat Finds Body In Ocean

OCEAN CITY -- An Ocean City sportfishing captain and crew, and their charter, made a rare and macabre discovery last week off the coast of the resort when they discovered a dead body floating in the ocean. Captain Dale Lisi and the crew aboard the “Foolish Pleasures” were trolling near the 100-fathom line last Thursday afternoon when they came across something highly unusual in the water. Lisi said this week he circled the boat around to get a closer look, and when they drew nearer...READ MORE

Oglesby Plans To Retry Murder Case After Mistrial

SNOW HILL -- It remains uncertain just who shot and killed a Pocomoke man last December after the prime suspect’s trial in Worcester County Circuit Court last week ended in a mistrial. For three days last week, a Worcester County jury listened closely as prosecutors attempted to build a first-degree murder case against Skylor Harmon, 19, of Pocomoke, accused of shooting and killing Reginald Handy on Laurel Street last May. After deliberating for four hours last Thursday, the jury told...READ MORE

Mid-Town Hotel Project Clears Commission Hurdle

OCEAN CITY – Plans for a new hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites, in mid-town Ocean City received the go-ahead from resort planners this week. The applicant, Island Hotel Properties Inc., was on the agenda of the Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday evening as it approached final site approval. The site plan review was of a proposed 113-unit hotel to be located on two lots located on the west side of Coastal Highway and on the south side of 44th Street. Zoning Administrator Blaine Smith...READ MORE

State Approves Boat Slip Plans

OCEAN CITY -- Controversial plans to extend a pier and add eight new boat slips in a highly congested area of the Little Assawoman Bay are back on the fast track after the state’s Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved a wetlands license application for the project. About two years ago, the Portofino townhouse community in a little sliver of Worcester County cut off from Ocean City by Delaware along the Little Assawoman Bay just south of the Fenwick Ditch applied for extension of its...READ MORE

Restoration Funding Drop Worries Official

SNOW HILL -- One Worcester County Commissioner called out an area newspaper in a public meeting this on what he deems a misleading article on the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund. Commissioner Virgil Shockley referenced an editorial in The Daily Times during a commission meeting Tuesday. The editorial praised the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) for the $355,000 granted to Wicomico County this year for restoration projects. The money will be used to replace failing septic systems in...READ MORE

Things I Like

Fireworks over water The cast of The Outsiders Ignoring a ringing phone The first night on clean sheets The story behind Phillips Foods Watching my son jump in a pool Skipping rocks on the bay People watching on the beach Old clothes that still fit Not working on the Fourth of July When traffic is not as bad as expected ...READ MORE

Bevereley Stoakley Recipient Of Outstanding Leadership Award

Bevereley Stoakley is the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Leadership Award from Philips Lifeline. Stoakley, Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s (PRMC) Lifeline Program Manager, was presented the award June 28 for the work she does on behalf of seniors in the community. Pictured, above from left with Stoakley, are Susan Hurley, Senior Territory Manager-Corporate Accounts for Philips Lifeline; David Poskanzer, Vice-President, Sales, Philips Lifeline; Peggy Naleppa, President/CEO,...READ MORE

Gabrielle Anthony Spoke To The Kiwanis Club

On June 29, Gabrielle Anthony, pictured with her grandfather Don Brisbane, spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City at the Ocean Pines Community Center weekly meeting about her plans to attend Salisbury University this fall where she will major in Elementary Education and Theater Arts. Anthony was one of the club’s scholarship winners this spring. ...READ MORE

Hundreds Enjoyed Snow Hill Area Fireworks

Hundreds of people enjoyed a wonderful afternoon and evening at the Snow Hill Area Chamber fireworks event on the Pocomoke River last Friday. Above, Apple Drug mascot Candy Apple is pictured attendees at the event. ...READ MORE

Olive Mawyer Inform Members Of New Chamber Office And Upcoming Events

Berlin Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Olive Mawyer recently informed the members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines - Ocean City about the new Berlin Chamber office at 14 S. Main Street and upcoming events.  ...READ MORE

Nancy Jarvis Selected As OP Pine'eer Craft Club Crafter Of The Month

Nancy Jarvis has been selected as the Ocean Pines Pine'eer Craft Club July crafter of the month. She creates decorative wreaths, mirrors and home decor trimmed with sea shells. Her designs are available for purchase in the Ocean Pines Pine'eer Craft and Gift Shop, White Horse Park, every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ...READ MORE

Opportunities North Of Border Could Surprise Many

OCEAN CITY -- With the U.S. recovery still sluggish, many investors have begun shifting their portfolios to tap more global sources of growth. Although emerging markets have rightly attracted attention in this environment, there may also be some surprising opportunities just north of the border. Many Americans incorrectly think of Canada as more like an extension of the U.S. rather than a sovereign nation with its own unique economy. In fact, while 70% of Canada's exports do indeed come to the...READ MORE

Certification Awarded

Certification Awarded SALISBURY -- Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC), a 362-bed hospital in Salisbury, was recently awarded the highest level of certification for its Physician Continuing Medical Education (CME) program by MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society. PRMC was granted Accreditation with Commendation, and is the first MedChi Accredited Provider System CME program in the state of Maryland to receive the honor.  The designation certifies the Medical Center’s...READ MORE