March 2, 2012

NEW FOR THURSDAY: OC Councilman Proposes Random Act of Kindness Day

OCEAN CITY – April 6 may become “Random Act of Kindness Day in Ocean City” to help motivate residents and visitors to pay it forward through acts of compassion. At Monday’s meeting, Councilman Brent Ashley started out by asking for an update on the initiative to have an official Ocean City song that was originally suggested by Councilman Joe Hall a few weeks ago. Mayor Rick Meehan said the concept has been sent to the town’s advertising firm, MGH, for its...READ MORE

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Commission President Wants End To Organized Budget Campaign

SNOW HILL -- After hearing the Worcester County Board of Education’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2013 Tuesday, Commission President Bud Church requested that parents, teachers and students stop flooding the commissioners with petitions. “Stop all of the letters, stop all of the emails,” Church asked. “We know what the problems are.” Church went on to tell the audience, the majority of whom were school faculty or parents, that bombarding the commission with...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Resort's City Manager Search Enters Final Stretch

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City has narrowed the field of candidates to fill Ocean City’s vacant city manager post and expects to have the seat filled no later than May. In separate phone interviews today, Mayor and Interim City Manager Rick Meehan and Human Resources Director Wayne Evans confirmed the process to hire a new city manager is on track and reaching its final stages. During a closed meeting at City Hall on Monday, the Mayor and City Council met with John Anzivino, Senior Vice...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: Plan To Expand Sales Tax Worries Trade Groups

BERLIN -- Proposed legislation expanding the state’s sales tax to more than two dozen new services has garnered the attention of the resort and state business community. House Bill 1051 calls for applying the state’s sales tax to services such as tax prep, property management, vehicles, commercial cleaning, cell phones, cable television, security systems, a parking facility, barber or beauty expense, sign painting, interior decorating and extermination, among others. The bill will...READ MORE

NEW FOR MONDAY: State’s Attorney Answers Baby Ava Case Critics

BERLIN -- In response to dozens of Facebook posts on the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s page in recent weeks, Beau Oglesby issued a statement on Friday addressing the situation involving Andre Kaczynski. Back in December, Kaczynski, while allegedly high on PCP, crashed into a vehicle on Coastal Highway in north Ocean City, causing major injuries to Ava DelRicco, who was 18 months old at the time, and her mother. On the scene of the accident, which occurred in the morning hours,...READ MORE

Berlin Growing More Comfortable With Alcohol At Events

BERLIN -- Months after beginning the experiment, the Berlin Mayor and Council seem to have finally grown more comfortable with the idea of the Chamber of Commerce selling alcohol at town events., as they swiftly and unanimously approved a beer garden for the 2nd Annual May Day Play Day this week. “I’m very proud of the work the chamber and Main Street Berlin have done,” said Mayor Gee Williams. Last October, Berlin made its first foray into chamber-run beer gardens at the 1st...READ MORE

Natural Gas Pipeline Could Reach Worcester This Summer

BERLIN -- The long-awaited effort to bring cheaper, cleaner natural gas to Worcester now appears to be closer than ever as a major distributor continues to chug its pipeline closer to the county line. Chesapeake Utilities officials last week announced it was continuing to extend its natural gas pipeline along Route 113 through Delaware and should be prepared to cross over into Worcester County later this summer. Chesapeake Utilities Senior Vice President Stephen Thompson said this week the...READ MORE

Bill Would Extend Slots Subsidy For Harness Racing

BERLIN -- A bill extending a sunset provision for an allocation of up to $1.2 million for Ocean Downs from the horseracing purse fund generated by slots to help subsidize operating costs at the Berlin racetrack had its first hearing in the Senate this week, but not everyone is happy with the proposal. Maryland’s approved slots legislation allowed for a one-time subsidy for operating costs at the state’s two harness racing tracks, including Ocean Downs, in an amount not to exceed $1.2...READ MORE

Berlin, County Eye Water Deal

BERLIN -- Worried that the town might be jumping the gun and cutting out some current or future property owners from water coverage, the Berlin Mayor and Council voted Monday to delay approval of a Water Use Agreement with the Worcester County Commissioners. “We just want to make sure that we know what the boundaries of that agreement are,” said Mayor Gee Williams. Several years ago, Berlin and Worcester entered into an arrangement involving a water well located between Stephen...READ MORE

Survey Probes Psychological Impact Of Storm Evacuations

OCEAN CITY -- A University of Pennsylvania study is attempting to delve into the psychological aspects of evacuating prior to predicted hurricanes, with a particular focus on Hurricane Irene, which forced a mandatory evacuation of Ocean City last August. The study, led by Dr. Melissa Hunt, is essentially a continuation of a similar effort conducted following Hurricane Katrina and is attempting to apply the lessons learned from that study to the evacuations from Irene. The study is focusing on...READ MORE

Bills Call For Extending Local Food, Beverage Tax

OCEAN CITY -- A pair of bills introduced in the General Assembly last week would, if approved, extend the special food and beverage tax levied in Ocean City for the life of the current Roland E. Powell Convention Center expansion project. Senate Bill 990, introduced by Sen. Jim Mathias last week and cross-filed in the House by Delegates Norm Conway and Mike McDermott, would, among other things, extend the portion of the food and beverage tax dedicated to cover the cost of the Convention Center...READ MORE

Harbor Pointe Sidewalk Financing Outlined

SALISBURY – After almost a decade of planning, the residents of Harbor Pointe have moved one step closer to receiving a sidewalk. The Salisbury City Council held a public hearing this week and first reading of an ordinance establishing the Harbor Pointe Planned Residential District as a special assessment district for the purpose of financing the cost of a sidewalk by assessing each lot owner. The sidewalk will be installed on Harbor Pointe Drive from Pemberton Drive to Anchors Way. As the...READ MORE

Students Raise $5K In First-Ever Project Soup Bowl

BERLIN -- Part art lesson and part charity fundraiser, Berlin Intermediate School (BIS) students participated in the 1st Annual Project Soup Bowl this week and managed to raise in excess of $5,000. “It’s a wonderful example of students using art to benefit the community,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jon Andes. Andes was on hand at BIS on Tuesday evening for the unveiling of the project. The event was the culmination of several months of work by students and faculty, who...READ MORE

Mortgage Interest Deduction Proposal Assailed

BERLIN -- Hundreds gathered in Annapolis on Wednesday, including a large contingent from the Ocean City area and the Eastern Shore, to protest a proposed reduction in Maryland’s mortgage interest deduction many believe could further derail the state’s struggling housing industry. Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposed budget introduced in January includes a cap on many itemized deductions for Maryland taxpayers in mid- to upper brackets. The proposed plan includes cutting...READ MORE

City Clerk Praised As She Enters Retirement

SALISBURY – The City Clerk of 17 years, Brenda Colegrove, worked her last legislative meeting Monday as she retired on March 1. “Ms. Colegrove you have been an incredible example of true public service in so many ways to the people of Salisbury, to the council, to the administration, and we are so deeply appreciative of all you have done,” Council President Terry Cohen said. “It gives me a lot of pleasure to be up here with you … we know you will be very happy in...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Extending Bargaining Fair Editor: It seems reasonable and fair that since the Ocean City police, paramedics and fire personnel have collective bargaining procedures, so should all city employees. Each department has an equally important responsibility toward the operation of our city. In short, we think City Council should grant collective bargaining to city employees. However, we are not at all in favor of binding arbitration. Binding arbitration can put too many financial and managerial...READ MORE

Time To Monitor Annapolis Is Now

With all the talk of tax and fee increases, funding shifts and education mandates, it’s easy to get lost this year in all that goes on in the Maryland General Assembly. The bottom line is simple. Maryland is overspending. It’s living beyond its means and has been for some time. That’s why there is a $1 billion budget gap -- the difference between revenues and expenses. Rather than continue to search far and wide for ways to simply cut costs and find creative ways to reduce how...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

The great storm of 1962 will be remembered in tremendous detail next Wednesday at a dinner at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. I am looking forward to attending the event and watching the 40-minute video that will feature storm footage as well as personal accounts and reflections from local residents.Many lives were affected by that deadly storm, including that of our founder, Dick Lohmeyer, who passed away seven years ago.Back then, as difficult as it may be to believe for many, Lohmeyer...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Verna Isabelle Disney Brenner OCEAN CITY -- On Thursday, March 1, 2012, Verna Isabelle Disney Brenner, age 94, was taken to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.Born in Harborton, Va., she is preceded in Heaven by her mother and father, Herbert and Florence Disney and her husband, John Brenner.She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She leaves behind a son, John H. Brenner and his wife, Leslye, of Salisbury; a daughter, Nancy B. Fortney, of Ocean City; two...READ MORE

Phone Scam Warning

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Police Department this week is warning citizens about a current telephone scam targeting grandparents, parents and family members during which the suspects pretend to be under arrest and in need of assistance. The scam, which is fairly common, has several variations, but in the end involves a loved one who is in trouble and needs help getting out of an embarrassing or harmful situation, according to the OCPD. Typically, the scammer will call the victim and claim to...READ MORE

Ocean City Among State’s Newest Main Street Programs

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City has been designated as one of the three new Main Street Maryland programs. “The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) is very pleased with Ocean City’s new designation as a Main Street Maryland community,” OCDC Executive Director Glenn Irwin said. “There are a number of benefits for Ocean City being designated a Main Street community.” Irwin added that benefits include training and networking opportunities from the state and other...READ MORE

City Manager Can Grant Beach Horse Waiver

OCEAN CITY – Less than a week after the town received its first horseback riders on the beach, the ordinance that was passed to allow the activity was looked over and revised. Last Wednesday Ocean City received its first horseback riders on the beach from Holly Ridge Farm in Powellville and this week the Mayor and City Council had a brief discussion of an ordinance to amend a chapter, Entitled Animals, to allow more than 12 horses on the beach at any time with the approval of the city...READ MORE

City Approves Airport Tree Planting Request

OCEAN CITY – The town’s municipal airport will receive new landscaping as a result of reconstruction to a runway and new fencing, helping to prevent pollution from running into surrounding waterways. A request came before the Mayor and Council to use Critical Area mitigation funds for tree planting at the Ocean City Municipal Airport at this week’s meeting. According to Ocean City Environmental Engineer Gail Blazer, the town collects Critical Area mitigation money during the...READ MORE

Berlin Remembers Sonny Derrickson

BERLIN -- Town officials reflected this week after the passing of Mansfield “Sonny” Derrickson last Saturday. “He was very active … He was instrumental in a lot of things,” said Councilman Elroy Brittingham, a friend and neighbor of Derrickson’s. As owner of Sonny’s Barbershop on Flower Street since 1958, Derrickson developed a reputation as a leader in the community and fostered pet projects like affordable housing in Berlin and pedestrian safety on...READ MORE

Roof Deck Okayed For OC Restaurant

OCEAN CITY -- BJ’s on the Water plans to build a roof deck to add dining area to the restaurant’s bay front. At last week’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Zoning Administrator Blaine Smith explained that the footprint of the alteration will not expand the existing footprint of the building. The second floor will include a flat roof over a dining area and glass railing to take advantage of the bay view. There will be a stair tower connecting the first and second floor...READ MORE

OC Fire Maintains 4-Minute Average Response Time

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) gave an update this week and, for some items, further presentations will be scheduled in the near future to return to the Mayor and City Council for an approved course of action. Fire Chief Chris Larmore started off his presentation reporting the department’s new fire boat is coming along well. The fire department anticipates having between six to eight operators fully trained by the time the vessel is ready for service, which should...READ MORE

Federal Judge Rules For OC In Discrimination Case

OCEAN CITY -- Roughly three months after a federal jury entered a split decision of sorts in a discrimination lawsuit filed by an Ocean City Police Department sergeant, who alleged he was twice passed over for promotion to lieutenant when he was pressed into active military service with the Coast Guard, a federal judge last week officially closed the case with a judgment in favor of the town. In November 2008, OCPD Sgt. William Bunting filed a civil suit against the town of Ocean City and its...READ MORE

Busy Spring Planned For Delmarva Discovery Center

POCOMOKE -- It’s springtime at the Delmarva Discovery Center (DDC). If you have never been inside of the Delmarva Discovery Center, there are plenty of opportunities in March for an introduction. On Saturdays, March 3, April 7 and May 5, visitors may choose their own admission price. Visitors will be given an envelope to return at the end of your tour with your chosen donation enclosed. Donations remain anonymous unless you wish otherwise. If you have never been inside the Delmarva...READ MORE

State Awards OCDC Pair Of $50K Grants

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Developmental Corporation (OCDC) scored funding from the state this year to bolster two of its programs. Last week Executive Director Glenn Irwin learned the OCDC will receive grants for $50,000 for the façade program and $50,000 for the green building initiative program. “The OCDC is very pleased with our funding awards this year,” Irwin said.  “The OCDC Façade Improvement Program has been our most successful program and the...READ MORE

Sewer Project Not Expected To Impact Parade

OCEAN CITY -- The major sewer installation project that has disrupted traffic patterns throughout the winter and late fall should be concluding on schedule and is not expected to impact the resort’s upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Throughout the winter, the major sewer force main installation project has slogged steadily north on Philadelphia Ave. and Coastal Highway in three-block sections from 15th Street to ultimately 49th Street. According to Public Works Director Hal Adkins,...READ MORE

Study Outlines Assateague Island’s Economic Impact

ASSATEAGUE -- Not only has Assateague Island National Seashore weathered the last few years of national economic turbulence, according to officials, business has been steadily improving. “We’ve seen a very slight increase [in visitors] over the last 3-4 years,” said Carl Zimmerman, management assistant for Assateague Island National Seashore. According to a recently released National Parks Service (NPS) report, Assateague was “ranked among the top twenty parks nationwide...READ MORE

New Route 50 Traffic Signal Soon

BERLIN -- Plans to manage traffic around the Wal-Mart and Home Depot on Route 50 moved forward this week with the installation of a new signal at Holly Grove Rd. and the entrance to Glen Riddle. Prior to Tuesday’s new light, another, not yet operational, light was installed west of the shopping center. “They can move a lot of traffic,” said Maryland State Highway Association (SHA) District Engineer Donnie Drewer of the new signals. Drewer explained that the goal of the signal...READ MORE

Non-Profit Group Brings Construction Expertise To Md.

BERLIN -- After almost 15 years of success in Delaware, Contractors for a Cause (CFAC), a non-profit construction organization, has decided to set up shop in Worcester County. “They’ve done amazing things in Delaware,” said Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (WYFCS) Director of Development and Donor Relations Stefanie Gordy. WYFCS, along with Diakonia, a transitional living shelter in West Ocean City, was responsible for attracting CFAC to Maryland, according to...READ MORE

Minke Whale Found In Watershed Creek

BERLIN -- A juvenile minke whale had to be euthanized last week after being discovered on a mud flat in Turville Creek near Ocean Pines. National Aquarium in Baltimore Stranding Coordinator Jennifer Dittmar and an associate were stationed on the scene last Friday morning at the county boat ramp off Gum Point Road. The whale was secured in knee-deep water by a pier at the county boat ramp awaiting transport. Dittmar had been at the boat ramp since Thursday evening guarding the calf, which had to...READ MORE

Wicomico Deputy Sheriff Shot In Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE -- A Wicomico County deputy sheriff is recovering from a gunshot wound and a suspect wanted on multiple arrest warrants is in custody and facing more charges as Maryland State Police continue the investigation into the attempted murder of a police officer Wednesday morning in Dorchester County. The suspect is identified as Tavone A. Dobson, 22, of no fixed address in Cambridge, Md. Dobson is currently being held in the Dorchester County Detention Center. In addition to the warrants...READ MORE

Council Holds Off Decision On Portable Tourism Booth

OCEAN CITY – A revamped presentation of OC Experience, a marketing tool geared toward travel shows, was prematurely proposed this week as the City Council felt lost in what to approve due to details, such as exact costs, missing from the proposal. Last year, Spark Productions LLC presented the OC Experience as a tractor trailer sporting Ocean City’s brand traveling to different shows selling the town as a destination. Spark Productions has a 20-year history of event production and...READ MORE

Amusement Park Adding Coast’s Only Looping Waterslide

OCEAN CITY – Jolly Roger Amusement Park’s Splash Mountain Waterpark is adding a new attraction this year, the Aqua Loop, the only looping waterslide on the east coast. “It is a different level of excitement,” General Manager Stephen Pastusak said. “We haven’t had an extreme water slide since the Stealth.” The Aqua Loop will be the tallest waterslide of Jolly Roger’s current offerings. The rider starts off by being enclosed into a capsule where the...READ MORE

Mallards Fall in ESIAC Final

BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s boys varsity basketball team closed out its season last week with a 56-51 loss to Holly Grove in the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) tournament championship game. The Mallards fell to Holly Grove in the title game after beating Salisbury Christian, 47-43, in the ESIAC semifinals. The loss wrapped up a remarkably consistent season for the Mallards, who finished with an 11-8 record. Worcester started the season alternating between wins and...READ MORE

Decatur Girls Bow Out of States

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team closed out its 2011-2012 campaign with a 61-47 loss to Mount Hebron in the first round of the state Class 3A-East region tournament, but the loss did little to tarnish what was another successful season for the Seahawks. Decatur entered the Class 3A-East region tournament as the number-five seed and fell to Mount Hebron (12) in the first round last Friday, 61-47. Just as she had for much of the season, Abby Schorr led the...READ MORE

Seahawks Strong In Region, 4 Advance

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team turned in a strong performance at the state 4A-3A-East region tournament last weekend, finishing sixth overall as a team among the 25 schools represented and sending four to the state championship meet this weekend. As a team, the Seahawks finished with 70 total points, good enough for sixth place overall in the 4A-3A-East region. River Hill was first with 155, Meade was second with 84.50 and Arundel was third with 80. Decatur also had all...READ MORE

Fundraisers Set for Local Lax Coach

OCEAN CITY- A two-day special fundraising event has been planned for this weekend to benefit a Berlin resident, surfer, lacrosse coach and builder battling a rare degenerative disease for over two years. In 2009, Steve Falck, a local surfer and girls’ lacrosse coach, among many other attributes, was stricken with Multiple Systems Atrophy, a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disease with no know treatment or cure. Among other things, Falck is a carpenter and craftsman who owned and...READ MORE

Seahawks Win One, Lose One at States

BERLIN- It was win one, lose one this week for Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team, which beat Northeast in the first round of the state Class 3A-East region tournament last Friday before falling to Atholton on the road on Tuesday. The Seahawks entered the 3A-East region tournament as the number 12 seed, but upset fifth-seeded Northeast on the road, 65-54, on the road last Friday. Back in action across the bridge on Tuesday, the Seahawks fell in the second round to host...READ MORE

Decatur Swimmers Make Splash At States

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity swimming team culminated a strong 2011-2012 season with a great performance at the state 3A-2A-1A championships last weekend with solid team performances and numerous swimmers placing in their individual events. The Decatur boys finished sixth overall out of the top 26 schools in the state championship meet with 160 team points. In the 200 medley relay, the Decatur boys team including Jeff Middleton, Jake Blazer, Shayne Custodio and Jeff Middleton finished...READ MORE

La Ha Lax Chili Peppers Celebrate Successful Season

The La Ha Lax Chili Peppers under-13 team last week celebrated another successful indoor season with a dinner at the new La Hacienda in Ocean Pines and presented sponsor and owner Bill Herbst with a framed, autographed jersey. ...READ MORE

24th St. Pat’s Soccer Tourney Underway

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s 24th Annual St. Patrick’s Soccer Tournament got underway last week with the first of four weekends for the annual event at Northside Park. From modest beginnings 24 years ago, the tournament has grown by leaps and bounds and is now one of the largest events of its kind. The 2012 is hosting over 150 teams from all over the mid-Atlantic region competing in 12 divisions over four weekends. Last weekend, the boys’ and...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

Who's Playing When And Where

Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Monday, March 5: DJ Wax, 3-7 p.m. Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.   Ocean Club: Friday, March 2 & Saturday, March 3: New Censation Fager’s Island 410-524-5500 60th St. in the Bay Deck: Friday, March 2: DJ Hook Saturday, March 3: DJ Robcee, 9 p.m. Inside: Friday, March 2: TBA Saturday, March 3: Scott’s New Band Every Sunday: Jazz Brunch with Everett Spells Project, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Globe, The...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

While it was once intimidating to me, I no longer hesitate taking my kids to the grocery store. However, an excursion a couple weekends ago was one of those experiences that will give me pause in the future. While in the backseat on the way to the store, I noticed my sons slapping hands in what I thought was their versions of a high-five. At the time, I thought that was so cool, thinking to myself finally they are starting to get along better. Soon after arriving at the grocery store, I realized...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

Open Wed., Thurs. & Sat.: Shepherd’s Nook Thrift Shop 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Community Church at Ocean Pines, Rte. 589 & Racetrack Rd., Berlin. Accepting donations of gently worn clothes and small household items. March 2: OP Women’s Club Card & Game Party 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Ocean Pines Com-munity Center. Sponsored by the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines. Cost: $20, person. An individual or tables of players may reserve by sending names and the type of cards or games to Diane...READ MORE

Best Bites On The Beach

Fruitland-Salisbury Restaurant 213 213 N. Fruitland Blvd., Fruitland 410-677-4880 • www.restaurant213.com Just 20 minutes from Ocean Pines and Berlin, Restaurant 213 is worth the drive! Chef Jim Hughes has been serving celebrities worldwide for 25 years and was named a 2009 inductee to the coveted Distin-guished Restaurants of North America awards, one of only 220 in North America and the only one in this region. Serving dinner Tuesday-Sunday starting at 5 p.m. Also offering a 5 course...READ MORE

Steps To Protect Your Family

OCEAN CITY -- After your spouse or partner passes away, you’ll be dealing with grief, contacting family and friends and arranging for a funeral. It can be overwhelming. You’ll want to know ahead of time some of the key steps to take in the days and weeks immediately after a death in the family. This list will help you get started. You’ll need life insurance policies, your own and your spouse’s 401(k) and IRA statements, bank account and credit card statements, brokerage...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Student Represents School And Enviromental Action Club At Wind Power Rally

Worcester Prep student Carter Allen represented the school and the school’s Environmental Action Club at the Wind Power Rally in Annapolis last week. Above, Allen is pictured with State Senator Jim Mathias and Senate Speaker Mike Miller ...READ MORE

SD High School Junior Earns Five Gold Medals And Media Specialist Award

Stephen Decatur High School junior Kyle Phillips earned five gold medals as well as the Media Specialist Award at the Worcester County Tech Fest. He is pictured with his five winning photographs. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Students Visit Delmarva Discovery Center And Costen House Museum

First grade students in Windy Phillips' first grade class at Ocean City Elementary School recently visited Delmarva Discovery Center and The Costen House Museum to learn about the cultural and natural heritage of Worcester County. Pictured in the parlor at the Costen House are Heaven Handy, Layla Powell and Summer Banks.  ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary Students Use Candy Hearts To Create Growing Patterns

Third grade students from Showell Elementary used candy hearts to create growing patterns.  Pictured, from left, are Ryder Ridout, Elizabeth Pivec, and Amiyah Rounds. ...READ MORE

SD High School Newspaper Members Attend Annual Columbia Scholastic Press Association Convention

Staff members of the Stephen Decatur High School newspaper, The Hawk, attended the annual Columbia Scholastic Press Association convention in New York City this month.  Pictured during a recent meeting were, standing seniors Ashley Hrebik and Michelle Rosinski, and seated,  senior Chief Editor Kelly Sullivan, Advisor Mary Berquist and junior Madelyn Beebe. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Students Receive Poetry And Short Story Honors

Students at Worcester Prep who received honors for their writing of poetry and short stories in the 2012 Young Authors competition were, first row from left, Anna Dashiell and McKenzie Blake; second row, Padraig Loftus, Brenner Maull, Sierra Hall, Ava Schwartz, Caroline Savage, Lynde Pepper, Sandra Karsli, Claire Stickler and Victoria Lawrence; and third row, Taylor Campbell, Jenny Rosales, Aeyla Ehtasham, Paul Townsend, Trent Marshall, Lorenzo DeJesus, Grace Riley, Carolyn Dorey and Grace...READ MORE

Seaside Christian Academy Raises Money For The American Heart Association

For the month of February, the students at Seaside Christian Academy have been working towards their mission, "Jump Rope for Heart." The children had to raise funds for the American Heart Association in order to have the opportunity to jump rope. The children pictured above in second, third and fourth grades. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Business News Of The Week

Producer Recognized WILLARDS -- Laura Deeley Bren, president of Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley, recently congratulated Gary Waldych as Top Property & Casualty Retention Producer for 2011 at the company’s annual awards banquet. Executive Promotion SALISBURY, Md. – BB&T has announced the promotion of Greg Tawes to area executive for the Lower Eastern Shore. Tawes succeeds Hunter Calloway as the market leader for BB&T’s banking operations in Dorchester, Wicomico,...READ MORE

McCullough Donates 24-foot Pontoon Boat To Marylands Coastal Bays

Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s Sandi Smith, Montego Bay resident and environmental activist Vera McCullough and Sunset Marina’s Brian Tinkler are pictured above. McCullough donated a 24-foot Pontoon boat to the program, which will be housed at Sunset Marina. The boat will be used for such programs as horseshoe and water quality monitoring as well as a committee boat for upcoming fundraisers. ...READ MORE

American Legion Post 166 Donates $500 To Worcester Youth And Family

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166 generously donated $500 to Worcester Youth and Family. Pictured are Tracy Hirsch, communications coordinator at Worcester Youth and Family, with John Granite.  ...READ MORE

West OC Popeyes Presents $120 Check To Buckingham Elementary

Salah Hassanein, right, owner of Popeye’s Chicken in West Ocean City, recently presented a $120 check to Buckingham Elementary School Principal Roger Pacella, who plans to use the money for student incentives. The families from Buckingham Elementary School participated in the fundraiser. Also pictured is manager Brian Thumma. ...READ MORE

General Levin Winder Chapter Regent Pat Arata Attend Annual Workshop To Assist DAR Prospective Members

General Levin Winder Chapter Regent Pat Arata attended the annual workshop in Federalsburg designed to assist DAR prospective members in completing applications and to assist current members with further genealogical research. Pictured, from left, are Arata, coordinator Sue Brenchley and prospective member Carol Wanzer. ...READ MORE

Community Foundation Of The Eastern Shore Awards $2,000 To Seton Center

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore awarded $2,000 to Seton Center Catholic Charities from the Foundation’s Help Your Neighbor Fund. In addition, Jim and Anne Almand made an additional $1,000 gift from their donor-advised fund at the foundation. The funds will be used to purchase food items for the organization’s emergency food pantry. Seton Center Catholic Charities is a multi-purpose neighborhood community center that works to identify and respond to the needs of local...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You're correct to want to help someone who seems to need assistance. But be careful that he or she isn't pulling the wool over those gorgeous Sheep's eyes. You need more facts. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your Bovine optimism will soon dispel the gloom cast by those naysayers and pessimists who still hover close by. Also, that good news you recently received is part of a fuller message to come. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Feeling jealous over a colleague's success...READ MORE

Things I Like

Leaving a hospital A compassionate gesture Being the first awake in the house A day filled with good news Geese flying overhead Short sentences Assateague’s sika deer The Berlin Holistic Health Fair Walking under the OC pier When there are no kid tantrums A big weekend breakfast ...READ MORE