November 18, 2011

New West OC Hotel Plans OK’d

SNOW HILL -- Though there’s no timeline for construction in place yet, the approval process for a new hotel in West Ocean City has all of the t’s crossed and i’s dotted. In authorizing the hotel, questions were raised amongst the Worcester County Commissioners about the current 45-foot height limitation for buildings in the area’s zoning. The new hotel, which has not been identified, is designed to have 81 rooms and will be located off Route 50 west of the Alamo. Because...READ MORE

Convention Center Director Headed Back To Fla.

OCEAN CITY -- Just days after approving the $14 million second phase of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center expansion, Ocean City officials learned late last week the facility’s leader is leaving the resort for a similar position in Florida. Convention Center Director Rick Hamilton told resort officials last week he has accepted an offer to become Tampa, Fla.’s convention center and tourism director. The announcement came three days after the Ocean City Mayor and Council approved...READ MORE

Wicomico Council Fills Vacancy

SALISBURY -- Wicomico officials this week appointed local businessman John Hall to the seven-member County Council, filling a vacancy in District 4 created by the passing of Councilman Bob Caldwell in October after a long bout with cancer. The six sitting members of the Wicomico County Council chose Hall, a life-long county resident who owns and operates Hall’s Tidewater Travel, on Tuesday after conducting extensive closed session interviews with each of the four candidates nominated by...READ MORE

Wicomico Consultant Paints Dire Financial Picture

SALISBURY -- Wicomico officials got a grim picture of the county’s fiscal health this week with a presentation on Tuesday that was long on problems and short on solutions. Wicomico, like most other jurisdictions, has been battling shrinking revenues, a declining tax base and a vanishing workforce while the cost of providing essential services continues to increase. On Tuesday, county consultant Wayne Strausberg presented a rather dire presentation of the state of Wicomico’s fiscal...READ MORE

New Development Guidelines For Most Of Resort Move Ahead

OCEAN CITY – There were no objections expressed this week during a public hearing to discuss proposed design guidelines for upper Ocean City. Planning and Community Development Director Jesse Houston explained that there are design standards in place in downtown Ocean City from the Inlet to 17th Street currently. “Those are much more specific because they have an architectural style and design that they are trying to encourage and to make sure that the new building complies with that...READ MORE

Berlin To Hear Possible Flooding Fixes Next Year

BERLIN -- Now that residents in all four districts in Berlin have had a chance to present their individual complaints, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Environmental Finance Center will spend the next few months brainstorming ways to solve stormwater issues in the town. Center Director Joanne Throwe called the four district meetings a “great opportunity to determine key problems” with stormwater management in Berlin. “Berlin is at a point where it’s a great...READ MORE

Salisbury OKs Loan To Improve Downtown Building

SALISBURY -- The City Council decided to move forward with two resolutions concerning Comcast rates and a loan approval for a new business downtown. A public hearing was held on the matter of the city approving the calculation of maximum permitted rates for limited basic service and regulated equipment rates and installation charges as set forth in Comcast’s rate filing in September. There were no public comments made, and the council will move forward with the matter in the next scheduled...READ MORE

City Resolves Remaining Employee Benefit Issues

OCEAN CITY – A big difference from almost a year ago, the Mayor and City Counted unanimously voted to approve ordinances concerning town employees’ benefits. Human Resource Director Wayne Evans presented the history of town employees’ benefits regarding vacation time. In 2002, the town decreased holiday days from 14 to 12, eliminating Good Friday and New Year’s Eve, which were converted to personal days employees could choose use at any time. If those days were not used,...READ MORE

Route 113 Project Again In Funding Limbo

SNOW HILL -- Funds for highway improvement projects are low or non-existent, according to Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials, who added that fees and taxes may need to be raised if Worcester County wants to see long-term projects completed. Proposed by the Maryland Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Funding, some of the possible revenue boosters being considered include raising the fuel tax, increasing vehicle registration fees or hiking the titling tax, among other...READ MORE

Legislators Talk Taxes In OC

OCEAN CITY -- A proposed increase in Maryland’s gasoline tax, other proposed hikes in taxes and fees, unemployment insurance and the general condition of the state’s economy were among the topics of discussion as Ocean City business people met with their state representatives this week. The resort’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) this week hosted its annual legislative meeting in advance of the upcoming 2012 General Assembly session. While the back-and-forth session was...READ MORE

Man Guilty Of Animal Cruelty, Awaiting Child Porn Trial

SNOW HILL -- A Berlin man, awaiting trial next week on dozens of counts of possession of child pornography, was found guilty last week on all seven counts of animal cruelty stemming from an incident in August in Berlin. Sentencing is Dec. 6. On Aug. 24, Berlin Police received a tip that Kirt Greenberg, 45, was in possession of animals in compromised health conditions in direct violation of his probation for an animal cruelty conviction in Salisbury in August 2010. Officers found a total of seven...READ MORE

West OC Crosswalks Sought

SNOW HILL -- Pedestrian safety, public transportation, and Worcester County’s freight and rail system were all issues discussed by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) during its visit with the County Commissioners Tuesday. With funding scarce in general, the commissioners made it clear that those are three services they don’t want to see slip through the cracks. Pedestrian safety especially is something that MDOT is promising to concentrate on. “The move is for...READ MORE

Northern Worcester Schools Eye Re-Accreditation

BERLIN -- After a successful visit from a Middle States Association for Colleges and Schools (MSACS) review board, public schools in northern Worcester County are being recommended for re-accreditation. “Our 18-person validation team has unanimously agreed to recommend full re-accreditation for the northern Worcester County public schools,” announced Validation Team Chairperson Michael Kuchar, who also serves as Superintendent for the Bergenfield, N.J. school district. The road to...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Community Support Made Gala A Success Editor: On Nov. 12, the greater Ocean City area gathered to honor Leighton Moore as he was presented with the Second Annual Hal Glick Distinguished Service Award.A sold out ballroom of 435 people came out to honor Moore at the Clarion Fontainebleau Resort Hotel, for his many years of quiet philanthropic service to the community. Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Atlantic General Hospital, the Art League of Ocean City and Temple Bat Yam were the...READ MORE

Council Erred Again With Election Decision

In refusing once again to merge its election with the November general election, the Ocean City Mayor and Council members (save Joe Hall who voted for it) seem to be letting ego get in the way of proper decision making. Either that or the council believes the voter apathy that has ruled over the last six years will not continue come next October. We like the Ocean City election as a much as the candidates themselves. Voting is easy and quick, and there’s a charm to pulling the lever behind...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

The loss of Roland E. Powell Convention Center Director Rick Hamilton is significant on at least two fronts.First, it further shakes up a city already dealing with significant job openings amid job security questions among some.Aside from the city manager post, which is currently being manned by the mayor as the search process plays out, there’s also the city clerk position that remains unfilled and now the convention center director.Additionally, it’s worth remembering Planning and...READ MORE

Black Friday Rock Tourney on Tap

OCEAN CITY- Local anglers hoping to avoid the crowds and holiday shopping next weekend and perhaps win some money instead of spending it will participate next weekend in the 5th Annual Black Friday 550 Rockfish Tournament, which gets underway next Friday out of the Ocean City Fishing Center. For three days next weekend, local fishing enthusiasts looking for an alternative to holiday shopping will take to the waters in and around the resort area for the 5th annual Black Friday 550 tournament. As...READ MORE

OC’s Engh Featured on Golf Channel

OCEAN CITY- Ocean City’s own Fred Engh, founder and president of the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) and long-time youth sports advocate, was featured this week on the “Golf Central” program on the Golf Channel. The “Golf Central” piece traced Engh’s remarkable journey from his youth in Ocean City to his being the only white golfer on his team at the historically black Maryland State College, now UMES, in the 1960s, to the foundation and oversight of...READ MORE

Fall Flag League Nears Finish Line

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s Fall Flag Football League neared a conclusion this week as the playoffs reached their final rounds. The Eastside Mafia cruised through the early rounds of the playoffs and sits atop on the bracket, waiting for the drama to unfold in the loser’s bracket. Buxy’s Salty Dog fell to Eastside Mafia and had to battle back to the loser’s bracket final, while the BACKER’s got a second round win and benefited from a...READ MORE

Seahawks Bow Out of State Tourney

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team’s 2011 season came to a close last weekend with a 49-0 loss to Atholton in the state Class 3A-East semifinals. The Seahawks beat county rival Snow Hill in the regular season finale to finish with a 7-3 record and clinch the fourth and final playoff spot in the 3A-East region. However, the playoff berth came with one enormous catch. The Seahawks would have to face a juggernaut in top-seeded Atholton on the road in order to advance to the...READ MORE

Sharks Lacrosse Tryouts Scheduled

BERLIN- The Delmarva Elite Lacrosse Sharks will be holding  open tryouts for its boys’ high school teams and its boys’ under-13 and under-15 teams on a handful of dates early next month. Two open tryouts are scheduled for the boys’ high school teams from 1-3 p.m. on both December 4 and December 11 at the Salisbury University Stadium. Attendance for both tryout sessions in recommended for an accurate evaluation, but not mandatory. A tryout fee of $20 covers both dates. In...READ MORE

Buckman 31st in State Cross Country Finals

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s lone representative in the state Class 3A cross country state championship meet, junior Lauren Buckman, turned in a strong performance last week, finishing 31st among the top 150 competitors in the state. Buckman finished 11th in the Class 3A-East regional meet two weeks ago to earn Decatur’s only berth in the state championship meet. Buckman turned in another strong performance last week in the state championship meet, crossing the finish line in 31st place...READ MORE

Tough Guy Of The Week

This week’s Atlantic Physical Therapy “Tough Guy of the Week” award went to Will Robertson for his outstanding play against Snow Hill in the regular season finale last week. ...READ MORE

SD Varsity Golf Team Thanks Eagle's Landing

The Stephen Decatur varsity golf team this week thanked Ocean City municipal course Eagle’s Landing for being the Seahawks’ home course for the last seven years. ...READ MORE

Armed Robber Convicted

SNOW HILL -- A Bowie man arrested on armed robbery and assault charges in June after wielding a machete to steal hundreds of dollars from a victim in a downtown Ocean City motel room pleaded guilty to robbery last week in Circuit Court and was sentenced to four years in jail, all but 18 months of which were suspended. On June 16, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) detective responded to a room at the Riviera Motel for a reported armed robbery that had taken place. The detective met with the...READ MORE

Internal Realignment Proposed For OC Tourism Industry

OCEAN CITY – The Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) returned to the Mayor and City Council this week to address concerns brought forward by a marketing consultant earlier this fall. In September, a report was given by OCG President Joe Lathrop. Since then, TAB has reviewed Lathrop’s findings and suggestions concerning Ocean City’s tourism marketing. Lathrop interviewed a long list of key constituents involved with tourism in Ocean City. He found that there is a lack of trust between...READ MORE

Assateague Drowning Victim Identified

ASSATEAGUE -- More details emerged this week in the fatal boating accident just off the coast of Assateague Island last Wednesday, including the identification of the drowning victim. Shortly after noon last Wednesday, Coast Guard Station Ocean City responded to a reported capsizing of a small commercial boat in the surf just off the coast of Assateague with victims in the water. The Coast Guard launched a rescue boat and responded to the scene and found one of the victims had made his way to...READ MORE

Veterans Day Ceremony Highlights Vietnam Vets

OCEAN PINES -- Hundreds gathered last Friday to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces during Worcester County’s 8th Annual Veterans Day Tribute in Ocean Pines. While all veterans were honored at the event, those who served during one conflict in particular were the special focus of this year’s tribute. “This year we are recognizing veterans from the Vietnam War,” announced Ocean Pines Association President Tom Terry. Richard Tanner, a former member of...READ MORE

Feds Support Berlin Hike, Bike Initiative

BERLIN -- The National Park Service this week announced an award of technical planning assistance to the Lower Shore Land Trust for its Walkable-Bikeable Berlin initiative through its Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program. The project will identify opportunities to create and enhance pedestrian and bike-friendly options that link Berlin parks, residential areas, schools and retail amenities. The project supports efforts on the local, state and federal level to promote healthy...READ MORE

COPD Awareness Month Underway

SALISBURY – Imagine running around the block while breathing through a straw. This is what a patient diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) feels like after a simple walk to the mailbox. During COPD Awareness Month this November, Peninsula Home Care is educating and encouraging patients and caregivers to recognize the signs and symptoms of COPD. More than 12 million people have been diagnosed with COPD and an additional 12 million likely have the disease and...READ MORE

WOC Vs. OC Growth Discussed

OCEAN CITY -- Resort business leaders this week discussed why commercial development in West Ocean City appears to be thriving, while new business in the resort is relatively stagnant with several explanations debated from simple geography to a favorable tax structure. After a few years of relatively no new commercial growth, the landscape in West Ocean City is currently alive again with new businesses sprouting up and more in the planning pipeline. Meanwhile, with a few exceptions, commercial...READ MORE

New Worcester Economic Development Director Named

SNOW HILL -- Worcester officials this week announced Bill Badger, Jr. has been hired as the new director of economic development for the county. Badger comes to Worcester with years of economic development experience. He worked with the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development for 15 years from 1979 to 1994, where he served as a senior business development representative. He then went on to serve as the president and chief executive officer for the Anne Arundel Economic...READ MORE

Petition Effort Will Gear Up After Holidays

OCEAN CITY – Although signatures are currently being obtained, the recall petition effort in Ocean City is expected to be kicked into another gear after the first of the year. Last Thursday The Dispatch spoke with Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Secretary Vance Row and received an update on the petition to amend the city charter to allow Ocean City voters to recall elected officials. “This purpose of adding recall language to the Town of OC Charter will give the voters of Ocean City...READ MORE

Irene Review Sparks Information Center Concept

OCEAN CITY – Representatives of the business community, the town, and the state met on Tuesday afternoon to lay some concerns to rest related to the evacuation of Ocean City during Hurricane Irene. “Ocean City did make the right decision based on the information that they had at the time,” Maryland Emergency Management Agency Director Richard Muth said. “The quality of leaders is the ability to make decisions that are sometimes not popular.” Muth said there are...READ MORE

Limited Table Games In Resort Discussed

OCEAN CITY -- While the jury is still out on the state’s nascent slots program with just two of the five potential sites open, state lawmakers will certainly debate the issue of adding table games during the General Assembly session early next year, and for the first time this week, at least publicly, the issue of opening up Ocean City to gaming facilities was broached. During the Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting this week, local legislators briefed resort business leaders on a...READ MORE

Ocean City Again Decides To Retain Separate Elections

OCEAN CITY – Once again, city officials reviewed the pros and cons of merging the city elections and national elections to the same day and again it was decided in a 6-1 vote to keep the elections separate. Interim City Clerk Wayne Pryor said that moving Ocean City’s municipal election day in October to the national Election Day has been brought up a few times in the past, especially when discussions were being had on cutting city costs and recent inquires have brought the matter...READ MORE

Salisbury Council Works Out Black Friday Police Work

OCEAN CITY – After a public debate, the City Council moved forward this week to authorize Mayor Jim Ireton to sign an agreement with Wal-Mart, allowing Salisbury police officers to provide security on Black Friday. Last week, Wal-Mart sent a request to the Salisbury Police Department (SPD) asking to contract off-duty officers for security at its Salisbury location during Black Friday. The council became hesitant due to concerns over liability and whether the local management at Wal-Mart...READ MORE

Berlin Looking To Ease Event Alcohol Restrictions

BERLIN -- After the success of last month’s Octoberfest, the Berlin Mayor and Council are considering changing the rules regarding alcoholic beverages on public property during specially sanctioned events. Last month, Berlin hosted its first-ever Octoberfest, which included a beer garden located downtown. Though some residents and members of the council initially hesitated to allow the Chamber of Commerce to sell alcohol on public property, the event came and passed without incident and...READ MORE

Salisbury Petition Goal Called ‘Within Reach’

SALISBURY -- With her 40-day deadline coming tomorrow, Salisbury Councilwoman Laura Mitchell believes her petition to have a charter amendment stalled and placed on next year’s ballot for public scrutiny has a good chance of collecting enough signatures to pass. “We’re within reach,” she said Wednesday, reporting the petition was nearing 2,000 signatures out of the 2,539 needed. “I have 1,600 in hand,” said Mitchell. Though short of the goal, Mitchell pointed...READ MORE

‘Spokesdog’ Contest Winner Announced

OCEAN CITY – Last Thursday the winner of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) “Spokesdog” contest was announced as dogs and owners, as well as pups from Paws and Claws pet store, gathered to “celebrate the beginning of a countywide effort to battle against poopetraitors”. The “Spokesdog” contest is the initial launch of an outreach program to engage responsible dog owners in getting the message across that dog waste has an impact on the environment...READ MORE

The Shark’s Focus On Organic, Fresh Foods

OCEAN CITY – A unique spot, The Shark on the Harbor, has become even more distinct this month by adding rare specials to their off-season menu. It all began for The Shark, owned by Travis and Jody Wright, on 45th Street in Ocean City in May of 2000 but as the area become re-developed into condos they re-located to 46th Street where the restaurant operated for one year before moving to its current location in West Ocean City on the commercial fishing harbor. Entering into their fourth year...READ MORE

Things To Around Town

Nov. 18: KC Bingo Doors open 5 p.m.; games begin, 6:30 p.m.; 9901 Coastal Hwy., O.C. Re-freshments will be on sale. For more information, 410-524-7994. Nov. 19: Turkey Shoot 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Synepuxent Rod & Gun Club, 7970 Purnell Crossing Rd., Berlin. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Syne-puxent Rod & Gun Club benefitting Boy Scout Troop 225. Prizes include gift certificates from area restaurants, weekend hotel accomodations, turkeys and chickens. BRing your own 12-gauge...READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

Burger’s Surf’s Up Cafe 410-723-2007 5401 Coastal Hwy. Every Thursday: Big Ass 80’s Party With The Bigler Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Every Thursday: Team Trivia With DJ Jeremy, 5-9 p.m. Charlie’s Bayside Restaurant 302-539-3526 Rte. 1 & Maryland Ave., Fenwick Island   Saturday, Nov. 19: Ginger, 7 p.m. Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.   Ocean Club: Friday, Nov. 18 & Saturday, Nov. 19: Power Play Dead...READ MORE

Best Eats On The Beach

West Ocean City- Berlin Ocean Pines-Fruitland Breakfast Cafe Of Ocean City 12736 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City 410-213-1804 Open 7 days a week between Sunsations & 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 atmosphere...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

Like so many others, I have always dreaded the end of Daylight Savings Time, but as a parent my distaste even runs deeper. Although it falls a couple weeks later than it once did on the calendar, this annual change has always been difficult to accept, as it means darkness comes an hour earlier in the evenings, leading to a bit of seasonal depression for most of us. However, add kids to the mix and the disruptions it causes their sleeping schedules and matters can get quite interesting. This was...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Frederick Cornell OCEAN CITY -- After a debilitating illness, Frederick Cornell died on Oct. 28, 2011 at the Masonic Village Health Care Center in Elizabethtown, Pa. Born Feb. 16, 1926 in Blairsville, Pal, he is survived by his wife, Maureen of Ocean City; a sister in Ohio; a broher in Pennsylvania; a son in Pennsylvania; and two grandchildren in Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1950 from the University of Indiana in Pennsylvania with a degree in business while being a champion wrestler. In 1957,...READ MORE

Open Houses Of The 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 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 Course Road Sat&Sun 10-4 3BR/3.5BA New Construction Luxury Townhouses Only 3 Left Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN...READ MORE

Start Thinking Early About Retirement Goals

OCEAN CITY -- Last week, we looked at ways to make sure you have enough assets to cover your retirement We continue that discussion this week. Something that needs to be considered upon retirement and even before is, “What are your goals?” “Investment returns are a means to an end,” Laster explains. “What people want most is to achieve their life’s goals.” The two biggest factors in achieving your goals are your anticipated lifestyle in retirement and...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Students Conduct 2nd Annual Fall Food Drive

On Sunday, Nov. 6, a resourceful group of Worcester Preparatory School students in Rehoboth Beach conducted their 2nd Annual Fall Food Drive to benefit the Food Bank of Delaware. With assistance from Grotto Pizza, food and cash donations were collected in the Glade and Henlopen Acres neighborhoods. Their hard work paid off with nearly 2,000 pounds of food and over $1,600 in cash donations for the Food Bank. Pictured are, back Meg Lingo and Jay Gosnear, and, front,  Brugh Moore, Regan Lingo,...READ MORE

Buckingham Elementary Students Learn Intergrated Science And Reading Lesson

Buckingham Elementary School first grade teacher Frank Siano is shown working on an integrated Science and Reading lesson with student Michael Bise....READ MORE

Showell Elementary Students Learn Life Cycle Of A Pumpkin

Kindergarten students at Showell Elementary School are pictured above learning about the life cycle of a pumpkin with Miss Rebecca at Johnson's Country Market. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Students Celebrate Mole Day

Celebrating the famous “Mole Day” with Worcester Prep chemistry teacher John Yonker are students, front from left, Katherine Pavlos, Parker Kellam and Tierney Loeser; middle, Meredith Soule´, Laiela Ahmad, Elise Harmon, Caroline Wetzelberger and Thomas Thornett; and, back, Miranda Buas, Tyler Odachowski, Zander Farr, Seth Wilgus, Harrison Brennan and Roland Gerachis. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary Students Earn Willet Bills

As part of Showell Elementary's Character Kid program, students have an opportunity to earn "Willet Bills" for following the four school rules of respect and cash them in for rewards. Above, Calvin Lorance cashed in the 40 Willet Bills he earned to have an opportunity to read to Mrs. Doherty's pre-kindergarten class. He is pictured here with his sister Luna, who is in Mrs. Doherty's class. ...READ MORE

SD High NJROTC Students Win Field Day Competition Against Pocomoke And Snow Hill

Stephen Decatur High School’s NJROTC students recently won the Field Day competition in Pocomoke against Pocomoke and Snow Hill. This is the group’s third win in a row and events included fireman’s carry, one mile run, relays, egg toss and grenade toss. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Honors October Students Of The Month

Ocean City Elementary School honored the October Students of the Month with a luncheon and cake sponsored by Kendall Home Furnishings. Pictured, above, first row, first graders Julianna Johnston, Devin Phillips, Riley Moyer, Jack Greenwood and Renee Fohner; second row, second graders Hannah Short, Jake Gillespie, Darby Moore, Makayla Brown, Emma Carey and Lorelei Auker; third row, third graders Irwin Cabello-Vargas, David Francia-Gomez, Dillon Brown, Isabella Vazquez, Mackenzie Barrett and...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Bank Appointments SALISBURY -- Farmers Bank of Willards President Chris Davis has announced the appointment of William Turner as Vice President of Asset-based Lending and Celeste Dove as Vice President of Worcester County Operations. William Turner, who is also a CPA, has been with the Farmers Bank since 2004. His new responsibilities include larger, more complex commercial customers and real estate needs along with the management of the bank’s Loan Portfolio of Small and Intermediate...READ MORE

Royal Plus Inc. Presents Check To The Lower Shore Parkinson's Support Group

Royal Plus Inc. of Delmarva presents a check to Art Cooley of the Lower Shore Parkinson’s Support Group. An additional donation was also sent to the University of Florida’s Movement Disorders Center. Each year, Royal Plus organizes a golf tournament to benefit Parkinson’s Research. Presenting the check was Royal Plus owner Matt Odachowski with staff members Nancy Hoeflich, Brandon Price, Hunter Schofield, Joel Gutierrez and Shawn Murphy. ...READ MORE

Junior Auxiliary Board at PRMC Present PRMC Foundation With $25,000 Check

The Junior Auxiliary Board at Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC) recently held its Fall Luncheon at the Georgia House and presented the PRMC Foundation with a check for $25,000 toward its initial pledge for the hospital’s trauma center. Pictured, from left, PRMC Foundation President Denise Billing and PRMC President/CEO Peggy Naleppa accept a $25,000 donation from Junior Board President Susan Peacock and President-Elect Cynthia Holloway. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Accepts Check For $1,000 From Kiwanis Club

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City annually supports local schools.  Pictured are, from left, Kiwanian Mary Foelber, who is the tech coach at Ocean City Elementary School, accepting a check for $1,000 from immediate past president of the local Kiwanis Club, Roy Foreman, in support of student programs at OCES. ...READ MORE

Delmarva Powers Holds 2nd Annual United Way Carnival

Participating in Delmarva Power’s 2nd Annual United Way Carnival were United Way’s Kathleen Mommé, and Delmarva Power’s Matt Likovich, Jeri Shelton and Denise Carney. The carnival raised over $800 to support United Way programs throughout the Lower Shore. ...READ MORE

OC Lioness Club Present WYFCS $200 Check

The Ocean City Lioness Club presented Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (WYFCS) with a check for $200.  Pictured are Stefanie Gordy, WYFCS Donor and Community Relations, and Ashley Warren of the Ocean City Lioness Club. ...READ MORE

OC/Berlin Rotary Club Past Presidents Promote Latest Fund Raiser

Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club Past Presidents, from left, Stan Kahn, Dan Harris and Tom Bickerstaff are pictured during the Autumn Home and Condo Show at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center where they promoted their latest fund raising effort -- selling Green Mountain Coffee. The club makes a $3 profit which in turn goes toward its various programs for the community. An additional dollar from each sale goes to the Rotary Foundation to fund clean water throughout the underdeveloped world. ...READ MORE

Crazy Ladyz Donates $4,108 To Women Supporting Women

CraZy LadyZ! boutique owners Jan Patterson-Hohman, left, and Louise Reardon, right, present a donation of $4,108 to Rota Knott, Women Supporting Women's (WSW) Worcester County coordinator. The donation was raised through the CraZy LadyZ! Eastern Caribbean cruise to help raise funds for WSW. More than 50 cruisers participated in the event, with each one donating $50 to WSW. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Things I Like

Putting recyclables curbside Smell of a laundry room A day without my cell ringing The Delmarva Discovery Center When my kids share well Old album covers Pat Henry’s “Amusement” exhibition How warm this November has been A heated steering wheel Holiday parades Thin and crispy pizza ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Keep those sharp Sheep eyes focused on a hazy situation. As things begin to clear up, you'll find a sharper picture emerging, showing something you will need to know. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Watch your expenses through the end of the month. Later, you'll be glad to have extra money to pay for something that will make an acquisitive Bovine's heart beat faster. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You're now ready to make that oft-deferred commitment, if you still believe...READ MORE