August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
OCEAN CITY – As the town’s advertising agency’s contract nears renewal, the majority of the City Council made it clears it’s looking to the fall season to allow someone else a shot at marketing Ocean City.
Tourism and Marketing Director Donna Abbott presented the Mayor and City Council with the renewal of Ocean City’s current advertising agreement with MGH, which has been the town’s advertising agency for 10 years. Ocean City last conducted an agency review in...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
OCEAN CITY -- Tragedy struck yesterday afternoon when a Pennsylvania man, who was walking along the seawall at the Inlet with his 2-year-old child, slipped from the wall and hit the rocks below and was swept into the current before being rescued, only to perish a short time later at a local hospital.
Around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, the Ocean City Police, Beach Patrol and Fire Departments responded to the Inlet area for a report of people in the water just east of the ticket booth area. Ocean City...
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OCEAN CITY- Through the first three days, the 39th Annual White Marlin Open this week, much of the talk surrounding the tournament has been more about what has not yet happened then what has happened thus far.
As of late Thursday afternoon, a single qualifying white marlin sat atop the leaderboard in the glamour division, a modest 72-pounder caught by local angler Bill Woody and the crew on the “Blew Bayou” on Wednesday. In the days leading up to the 2012 WMO, the white marlin bite...
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OCEAN CITY- Before the big boys took the seas off the coast for the 39th Annual White Marlin Open this week, the lady anglers around the resort area last weekend had their own event, the Ocean City Marlin Club’s 4th Annual Heels and Reels Tournament.
For each of the last four years, the Marlin Club has hosted an annual tournament featuring the top lady anglers and boats in the Ocean City area. In the Billfish Release division, it was the crew on the “Ravaganza” taking first...
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OCEAN CITY- The Chauncey’s Surfabout last Sunday was a huge success with good waves and dozens of winners in several categories.
For the record, Sam Deeley took first in the open short board division, followed by Travis Knight and Brad Flora. In the boys’ short board division, Simon Hetrick finished first, while Sonny Furst came in second and Logan Harvey was third. In the junior men’s division, Flora was first, followed by Shane Moore and James Furst.
In the men’s...
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BERLIN- Berlin’s Colton Edmunds turned in a great performance at the North American Final for the Hershey’s Track and Field Games last weekend, finishing first among competitors from all over the country in the standing long jump for boys 11-12.
After competing in local, regional and state events throughout the summer, Edmunds was part of a contingent representing Maryland in the annual Hershey Track and Field Games last weekend in Hershey, Pa. While he competes in numerous events,...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
BERLIN -- The July figures for the Casino at Ocean Downs were released this week, revealing the greatest month ever in the nearly two-year history of the gaming facility along Route 589 just south of Ocean Pines.
While lawmakers were preparing to convene for a special session on the future of casino gambling in Maryland this week, Video Lottery Commission officials on Tuesday released the July figures for the three operating casinos in the state, including Ocean Downs. The Casino at Ocean Downs...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
OCEAN CITY -- Two years after reaching a crescendo, the laser pointer issue has apparently resurfaced in Ocean City, prompting the police department to remind consumers of the ordinance covering the ubiquitous gadgets.
In the summer of 2010, the Ocean City Mayor and Council passed an emergency ordinance covering the illegal use of laser pointers on the Boardwalk and throughout the resort after they became a hot trend during the season. An estimated 30,000 laser pointers were sold at many...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
BERLIN- The Dagsboro, Del. man charged with the murder of a woman found dead in a ditch along a rural road in northern Worcester County in June remains in Delaware this week after a flip-flop of sorts on his extradition early this week.
Maryland State Police homicide detectives in July charged Matthew Burton, 28, with murder after connecting the suspect to the death of Nicole Bennett, 35, of Millsboro, whose body was found on a roadside embankment in Whaleyville on the morning of June 15. Burton...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
SALISBURY -- Wicomico officials this week voted to opt out of the state-mandated requirement for sprinklers in newly constructed single- and double-family dwellings after a passionate public hearing on Tuesday.
The Wicomico County Council on Tuesday voted 6-1 after a spirited public hearing. Earlier this year, the state lawmakers passed legislation mandating sprinklers in new one-family and two-family homes while providing an opt-out provision for those jurisdictions that could prove their...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
SNOW HILL -- Short of some drastic, last-minute restoration by the owners, two troubled properties in Worcester County will be demolished within the next few weeks.
Two properties, the Bishopville Store in Bishopville and the Pusey Store in Snow Hill, have finally reached the point of dereliction where they are heading to the chopping block, according to county officials.
Director of Development Review and Permitting Ed Tudor informed the County Commission this week that his office has already...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
OCEAN CITY – Following a long public hearing, a favorable recommendation will move forward to the Mayor and City Council to allow the Delmarva Power and Light (DP&L) substation to expand on 138th Street in the Caine Woods community.
Zoning Administrator Blaine Smith began the hearing by taking a look back at the various changes the substation has gone under over the years.
In 1996 the easterly portion of the property where the substation exists included two vacant lots, which was...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
BERLIN -- Berlin Police this week are investigating a rash of vehicle damage and destruction cases along the town’s typically quiet streets.
Over a two-day period from Wednesday to Thursday, Berlin Police responded to eight different cases of malicious destruction of property to vehicles and two other cases of tampering with vehicles in different areas around the town. In most of the cases, the suspect or suspects have been cutting the tops of convertible vehicles and, in some cases,...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
BERLIN -- State lawmakers opened a special session on expanded gambling in Maryland yesterday, and despite the gnashing of teeth in some areas around the state, the bill under consideration appears to have many positives for Worcester County and the Casino at Ocean Downs.
The Maryland General Assembly is considering proposed legislation aimed at expanding the state’s nascent casino gambling programs. Among the issues up for debate is an expansion to table games, for example, and the...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
OCEAN CITY – The Dew Tour is set to begin next week with all new competitions and the largest music line-up in the event’s history.
The Dew Tour Pantech Beach Championship will return to Ocean City Aug. 16-19 as its first stop out of three this year.
The championship will be featuring three new large-scale events, Skate Legends Bowl, Skate Mega 2.0, and BMX Mega 2.0, along with skateboard and BMX competitions as well as a surf event and multiple music performances.
Also new this year...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
SALISBURY -- Hoping to clean-up a crowded list, the Salisbury City Council is considering sending out a Request for Proposal (RFP) for towing companies that would re-structure the current system from 23 vendors to three. Comments made by Mayor Jim Ireton, however, implied that city administration will leave it untouched.
Towing has been on the council’s radar for at least two years. Last spring, after months of public hearings and work sessions, the council hammered out new guidelines for...
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Former City Manager
Answers Councilman
Editor:
In a recent letter to the editor, Councilmember Brent Ashley asked the question, “…if the city is able to provide all services and function efficiently for $6 million less and with over 100 fewer employees, why was the $6 million being spent in the first place and why did the city provide salaries and benefits so long for so many extra employees at the taxpayers’ expense?”
I would like to answer his question.
First of all, it...
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August 10, 2012 -
Between The Lines
Time will tell if it’s a good political move or not, but Ocean City Councilman Joe Hall has made himself a pivotal figure in the town’s upcoming election that will see four seats up for grabs as well as the mayor’s post.Councilmembers seeking re-election in November officially are Doug Cymek, Joe Hall and Mary Knight. Council President Jim Hall seemed inclined to run again a couple weeks ago, but it’s unknown what impact last week’s heart attack had on his future...
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August 10, 2012 -
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
OCEAN CITY
Sunset Island
67th St & The Bay
Fri, Sat & Sun
Condos, Townhomes,
Single Family Homes
Luxury Resort Living
Terry Riley
Vantage Resort Realty
443-880-0512
OCEAN CITY
Portofino
Bella Vista Lane #11D
Sat 10-2
3BR/2.5BA/1647SF
Townhouse with
Deeded Boat Slip
Suzanne Jones
Condominium...
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It was 4:50 in the morning and Beckett was standing inches from my face.
That’s how last Saturday began at my house.
Instinctively, I picked him up and put him in bed with us, only to be quickly reminded we were going out on crabbing that morning with our neighbor “Mr. Brad”.
While I got out of bed and was getting myself primed with a caffeine injection as well as Beckett’s breakfast, I heard the unmistakable sound of little feet coming down the steps. He was too excited...
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August 10, 2012 -
Cops & Courts
OCEAN CITY -- A description provided by the Ocean City Beach Patrol last week helped resort police nab the suspect who allegedly swiped a tackle box of money and other personal belongings from a beach stand operator on 19th Street.
Around 4:45 p.m. last Wednesday, Ocean City Police responded to an eviction at the Islander Motel at 20th Street. While on the scene at the eviction, OCPD officers monitored a call for service from the Beach Patrol, which was looking for a suspect in a reported theft...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
SNOW HILL -- The human remains found late last month in a water-filled ditch in a residential area in Snow Hill have been identified as a Snow Hill man reported missing in May.
On July 29, an unidentified individual reported to the Snow Hill Police Department the discovery of possible human remains in a water-filled ditch at the end of Woodland Court. The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) responded to the scene and located a human skull in the ditch and the rest of the body...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
WEST OCEAN CITY -- Area law enforcement officials this week are looking for a suspect who forced a West Ocean City retail employee into the store at gunpoint after closing time before binding and beating the victim.
Last Friday, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office responded to an alarm at the Lids store in the Ocean City Factory Outlets in West Ocean City. Upon arrival, deputies observed the store clerk on the floor of the store with the doors to the business locked. Deputies also...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
SALISBURY -- A Pennsylvania woman faces negligent manslaughter by motor vehicle and other serious charges in the death of her 11-year-old daughter after rolling her Jeep several times last weekend on the Route 13 bypass near Salisbury while under the influence of several prescription medications.
Around 2:38 p.m. last Sunday, Maryland State Police responded to a single-vehicle accident on the Route 13 bypass near Salisbury. The investigation revealed a 2004 Jeep Wrangler had veered across the...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
BERLIN -- An Ocean Pines woman late last week was charged with theft and theft scheme after allegedly absconding with well over $400,000 from the Worcester County Teacher’s Association (WCTA) over a three-year period from 2006 to 2009.
Denise Inez Owens, 58, last Friday was charged with two counts of theft over $500 and one count of theft scheme over $500 for alleging bilking the WCTA out of $433,784 while acting in the capacity of the association’s treasurer. In February, Worcester...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
SALISBURY -- Before the massive America For Jesus gathering on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Sept. 28-29, a Lower Shore America For Jesus Rally will be held at 4 p.m. on Aug. 25, at New Dimensions Church in Salisbury.
America For Jesus is a national solemn assembly where people of all cultures will gather to pray for America. So far, 34,000 churches are participating. It will take place in the cradle of America’s freedom, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
OCEAN CITY – Things are looking good for the town’s ad agency as a preliminary discussion on renewing its contract focused this week on the positives of the recent and current campaigns.
Councilwoman Margaret Pillas reminded the Mayor and City Council that by the end of this month a discussion needs to take place on the renewal of the town advertising agency MGH’s contract when an informal conversation ensued on whether the firm’s work is resulting in the food and room...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
SNOW HILL -- The Blue Dog Café in Snow Hill will be hosting a benefit flute and piano dinner recital on Aug. 15 to benefit a local scholarship program.
Brendan Dooley, a classically trained flutist, and Deborah Dewold Emery, a professional pianist and a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops, will entertain at the event that will benefit the Douglas I. Smith Scholarship Endowment.
The endowment is a program close to Dooley’s heart. In 2007, Dooley and his family...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
OCEAN CITY – Litterbugs beware, the town is looking to have the community become more involved in enforcing the littering law.
After a recent conversation with Ocean City Chief of Police Bernadette DiPino, Councilman Brent Ashley reported during Monday evening’s Mayor and City Council meeting that there have been three littering citations written so far this year, compared to the conclusion of last year when there was 12.
Ashley relayed a story the chief had shared with him. DiPino...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
OCEAN CITY – Veteran paddle boarders and those who are still newbies to the sport will compete at this year’s Battle on the Bay, Sunday, Aug. 19, at Fager’s Island on 60th Street and the bay.
The public is invited to attend the day’s action, which begins at 10 a.m. with a six-mile elite SUP race and a three-mile recreational SUP race.
“We’re hoping to make this the biggest race to date on the Eastern Shore,” said Dawn Ehman, the event organizer and...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
SNOW HILL -- In a split decision that mirrored the outcome of a related Planning Commission meeting earlier this summer, the Worcester County Commissioners voted 4-3 in favor of approving a controversial Ocean Pines property re-zoning this week.
“In my mind, I think the best thing happened for the county,” said Commission President Bud Church of the vote to change a roughly 31-acre parcel of land in Ocean Pines from A-1 agricultural to C-2 commercial zoning.
The property, located off...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
OCEAN CITY – The Boardwalk is now a hot spot, and it’s free for many in keeping with Ocean City’s summer-long campaign to offer free activities and amenities.
A couple of weeks ago, Comcast announced its Xfinity WiFi service is available in parts of Ocean City for no additional charge to Xfinity Internet customers. Xfinity WiFi now provides fast wireless Internet access at points along the Boardwalk and non-Xfinity Internet customers can also enjoy complimentary service through...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
OCEAN CITY – It has been relatively quiet this summer when it comes to street performers on the Boardwalk until this week when the City Council granted permission for two artists to return to the boards following several confrontations with business owners.
Tricia Oertel and Leah Gostomski, professional licensed hair dressers, came before the Mayor and City Council on Monday to request permission to return to the Boardwalk to express their art.
This season, Oertel and Gostomski, who...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
BERLIN -- Berlin business owners may see a nearly 12 percent drop in their electric rates if a recent application by the town to the Maryland Public Service Commission (MPSC) gets the green light.
“We are entering unchartered territory by requesting an electric rate reduction, but the town is prepared to provide any information or other documentation necessary for the MPSC to make a thoughtful and timely decision on our rate reduction request,” said Mayor Gee Williams.
Plans to go...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
BERLIN -- Berlin’s oldest ongoing tradition, the August Sidewalk Sale, will celebrate its 60th anniversary this weekend.
“It’s the longest continuous event in Berlin history,” said Steve Frene, event organizer and co-owner of Victorian Charm with his wife, Debbie.
“It goes way beyond my recollection,” said Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Michael Day.
Frene’s store has taken point in representing town merchants for the sidewalk sale...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
OCEAN PINES -- Glancing into a mirror can be uncomfortable for many people and putting an entire life in front of one can be agonizing, if enlightening.
In her memoir, “Mirror Talk,” local author Barbara Alfaro reflects on the artistic process, the expectations of youth and taking new paths when the well-worn ones reach dead ends.
The recipient of an Indie Reader Discovery Award for best memoir, “Mirror Talk,” is the culmination of two years of writing and a lifetime of...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
OCEAN CITY -- The fifth suspect wanted in connection with an armed robbery at a Route 50 convenience store last Friday evening was apprehended Tuesday morning in Pennsylvania after being sought all weekend by resort police.
Around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Pennsylvania State Police apprehended Charles Richard Conden III, 19, of Edwardsville, Pa. Conden was nabbed in the area of Wyoming in Kingston, Pa. after a two-day crime spree in Pennsylvania and the Ocean City area that included an armed robbery...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
OCEAN CITY – Council President Jim Hall is on the mend this week after suffering a heart attack last Friday and plans to be back at City Hall next week.
While on a job site for his sprinkler system company last Friday, the long-time Ocean City elected official had a heart attack and was taken to Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) and then transferred to Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC) in Salisbury where he underwent heart surgery. He was reached Tuesday at home and is...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
OCEAN CITY – With three locations within 10 miles up and running this summer, Bahama Mamas is a household name in Ocean City and there are plans underway to expand that reputation in new ways.
Bahama Mamas co-owner Ernie Emerson, joined by business partner Kathy Emerson, started out in Baltimore where he established the restaurant and ran it for 10 years along with a marine construction company before he and his family decided to make the move to Ocean City. The Baltimore location was...
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August 10, 2012 -
Top Stories
FENWICK ISLAND -- After three decades in Selbyville, C&E Furniture has relocated closer to the shore with a move to Fenwick Island this summer.
“We really like Fenwick,” said owner Katie Winnington.
A Selbyville staple for about 30 years, C&E has always been in Winnington’s family. Last January, she purchased the company from her mother and took over managing the store herself with a new business plan.
And it was because of that change in strategy that Winnington felt...
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August 10, 2012 -
Community News
Coastal Hospice President Alane Capen and Development Director Maureen McNeill addressed the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City in the Ocean Pines Community Center at this month’s meeting.
...
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August 10, 2012 -
Community News
The Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce had 315 registered anglers and weighed in 42 flounder during its annual founder tournament. Pictured, from left, are first place finisher Gary Johnson; second place Frank Zeccola and third place Scott Chandler....
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August 10, 2012 -
Community News
Logan Harvey, left, and Owen Tunis work on an animation sequence during Colleen McGuire’s technology camp at Worcester Preparatory School. The campers experimented with different digital tools as they used their creative and critical thinking skills to make their own products.
...
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August 10, 2012 -
Community News
The United Way recently welcomed several new Board members. They are, from left, Dion Banks with Cambridge International; H.G. Wilson with Preston Automotive Group; Allen Nelson with Dorchester Chamber of Commerce; and Kevin Hayes with Avery Hall Insurance Group. Not pictured were Chris Oliviero with Perdue Farms; Dr. Jason Tu with Azar Eye Institute; and Roland Finger with Mardela Middle and High School.
...
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August 10, 2012 -
Community News
Stephen Decatur High School’s cheerleaders formed part of the evening's entertainment at last month’s Star Charities annual Western Night benefit for Diakonia at Ocean Downs. Pictured, from left, are Gabby Wooten, Madison McLain, Ciara Wright, coach Brenda Hommel, Paige Bradford, Shandon Foreman, Cora Cox, Christina VanVonno and Breanna Shelton. Submitted Photos
...
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August 10, 2012 -
Obituaries
Rebecca Wootten Phippin
SALISBURY -- Rebecca Wootten Phippin, 96, of Salisbury and Ocean City, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012.
Mrs. Phippin was born on Oct. 15, 1915 in Salisbury. She was the daughter of the late Alphonso Wootten and Gertrude Parsons Wootten.
She is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline Webster; granddaughter, Mary K. Webster; preceded in death by grandson, Michael Webster; and also survived by great-grandson, Andrew Webster and his wife, Amanda of Baltimore.
She is also...
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August 10, 2012 -
Things To Do
Every Sunday: Morning Worship
8 a.m. & 11 a.m., Traditional Worship; 9:30 a.m., Contemporary Worship; St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A, 10301 Coastal Hwy., O.C. For more information, 410-524-7474.
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.
Open Wednesday-Friday:
Stevenson United Methodist
Thrift Shop
5...
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August 10, 2012 -
Best Beats
19th hole bar & Grille, The
410-213-9204 • Corner of Rte. 611 & Sunset Ave., West Ocean City
Friday, Aug. 10: Walt Farozic, 6-10 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 11:
Mike Bennett, 6-10 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 12: Louis Wright, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Walt Farozic, 4-7 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 15:
John LaMere, 6-9 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 16: Chris Button, 6-9 p.m.
28th Street Pit and Pub
410-289-2020 • 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.
Friday, Aug. 10:
The Roof Shakers, 9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 11: TBA, 9 p.m.
Every...
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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 Distinguished 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...
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August 10, 2012 -
Things I Like
Early-morning crabbing sessions
Seeing my kids truly excited
Eggs with crabmeat for breakfast
Turning in early on a Sunday night
Getting up early on a Monday morning
Watching people read this paper
Watching the boats leave the Inlet for the White Marlin Open
Dogs that love the water
A big breakfast after church
Not taking the phone to the beach
Big slices of crispy pizza
...
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August 10, 2012 -
Money Sense
OCEAN CITY -- There's something undeniably appealing about the idea of living an expatriate adventure in retirement. Striking out for foreign shores can seem pragmatic as well as poetic.
"Most people envision a two-fold advantage: the romance of experiencing a different culture and the notion that they can get more bang for their buck living abroad," said Bill Hunter, director of Personal Retirement Solutions at Merrill Lynch Bank of America. "And countries like...
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August 10, 2012 -
Horoscopes
ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Relationships continue to thrive, but watch for any telltale signs of potential problems. Take needed action now to set things straight before they become troublesome later.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your powers of persuasion, backed up, of course, by your considerable expertise, help you establish your case even to the most dubious decision-makers in your workplace.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You might still be a bit reluctant to face up to some...
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August 10, 2012 -
Business News
Top Producers Named
BERLIN -- Re/Max Premier Properties and Broker Dr. Carl E. Ortman have announced the top producers for the month of July.
The top listing producer is Marlene Ott of the Ocean Pines office. Top in sales with over $1 million last month are Ott of Ocean Pines, Pam Price of Salisbury, Holly Campbell of Salisbury and Edie Brennan of Ocean Pines.
Re-Accreditation Earned
SALISBURY -- The Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury has been...
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