September 7, 2012

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Berlin Mayor Re-Elected

BERLIN -- Of the three available positions on the Berlin Mayor and Council, only one is being challenged in the upcoming election. Consequently, Berlin Mayor Gee Williams has been re-elected as has long-time Berlin Councilman Elroy Brittingham. Councilwoman Lisa Hall, who represents District II, will have to defend her seat on the council come Oct. 9. Hall is being challenged by 24-year-old Ronald Marney, a Washington Street resident who was the only non-incumbent candidate to file for the...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: OC Employee Contends Union Effort All About Losing Trust In Council

OCEAN CITY -- In an exclusive interview on Saturday, Greg DeMarco, an Ocean City property owner since 2001 and a seven-year town employee in the parks department, said the public needs to know the reasons the city’s general employees want to unionize. Earlier this year, the town’s general employees -- essentially all those not linked to public safety -- expressed to the Mayor and Council their desires to organize. Rather than vote outright on the matter, the council advised the...READ MORE

NEW FOR MONDAY: Tickets Still Available For Discovery Center Fundraiser On Saturday

SNOW HILL -- In the works for months, the Delmarva Discovery Center’s (DDC) “Stars, Soul, and Rock and Roll” fundraising event is set to kickoff this Saturday, Sept. 15. Built around a tropical theme, the event will take place at the Nassawango Country Club in Snow Hill on the banks of the Pocomoke River and will feature music from the 1960’s through the 80’s. DDC Executive Director Brian Garrett explained the event is a bit out of the norm as far as his...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

City Candidates Should Weigh In On Union Effort Editor: At the most recent City Council meeting where the question of a unified City Council stance on the collective bargaining referendum was raised, it was understandable, having been surprised by Joe Hall’s motion, that a majority of the Council requested the motion be withdrawn. Unlike Mr. Hall and Mr. Ashley, I do not feel the council as a governmental body should have to take a stand on this issue. It was dismaying to witness the...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

There were more theatrics at Silly Hall in Ocean City on Tuesday. Emotions ran high once again this week after Councilmen Brent Ashley and Joe Hall motioned for the City Council to vote to officially oppose this fall’s referendum on whether general employees can form a union. The motion was awkward and poorly timed and even their majority colleagues could not agree with Ashley and Joe Hall this week. Council President Jim Hall repeatedly tried to get Joe Hall to withdraw his motion. Jim...READ MORE

Chefs For Habitat To Keep Wicomico Chapter Building

SALISBURY -- Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County will hold its third annual signature fund raising event, Chefs for Habitat, at Dove Pointe on Mt. Hermon Road in Salisbury on Saturday, Sept. 22 from 6-10 p.m. Eight of the shore’s most talented chefs will prepare samplings of their signature dishes. Black Diamond will complement the servings with a carving station and appetizers. Chefs include Joseph Bellia of Vinny’s La Roma; Tom Cooper of Fager’s Island; Juan Flores of...READ MORE

County Gives Final Nod to Ocean Downs Service Area

SNOW HILL -- The Worcester County Commission this week gave final approval to an application from Ocean Downs to establish the Ocean Downs Sanitary Services Area and bringing the casino onto the Ocean Pines Water and Sewer network. While the move will mean the elimination of septic systems, an environmental plus, and leave room for further expansion in the future, connecting Ocean Downs to the network will also mean extensive roadwork in the area which could lead to delays and detours for...READ MORE

Cricket Center’s Abuse Campaign Aimed At Educating Community

OCEAN CITY – The Cricket Center has initiated an “Enough Abuse” campaign to educate the community on child abuse and ways to help. The Cricket Center is the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Worcester County, which is a one-stop safe and friendly place where children who are victims of abuse can tell their story and get help for themselves and their non-offending family members. “Basically, we came about in 2006 when a few agencies that investigate abuse came together as a...READ MORE

Casino Revenue Up 24% Over Last August

BERLIN -- The August revenue numbers for the Casino at Ocean Downs and Maryland’s two other operating casinos were released this week and while the news was mixed for the most part, the Berlin facility enjoyed another strong month after setting a record in July. As the campaigning for the referendum on expanded gambling in Maryland continues to heat up with the battle already raging in advance of the November election, at least two of Maryland’s three operating casinos including the...READ MORE

Effort To Delay Route 589 Property Rezoning Rejected

SNOW HILL -- An attempt by one Worcester County Commissioner to delay a controversial zoning change in Ocean Pines was quickly shot down, leading to frustration and the expectation that the matter will move to the courtroom. “I was frustrated … they really did shut me down,” said Commissioner Judy Boggs. Representing Ocean Pines, Boggs was a staunch member of the commission minority that opposed changing a parcel of land along Route 589 from agricultural to commercial. Though...READ MORE

West Nile Virus Threat Spikes; Local Cases Reported

BERLIN -- With one reported human case of West Nile Virus reported in Worcester County and over a dozen more across the state including one fatality, local health officials this week continued to advise residents to take measures to protect themselves from the mosquito-borne illness and at least one community has ramped up its spraying efforts. West Nile Virus has re-emerged as an illness bearing close watch this year with nearly 1,600 human cases reported around the country including 66 deaths,...READ MORE

Salisbury Police Officer Raises Sought

SALISBURY -- In an attempt to keep Salisbury competitive in retaining police officers, City Council members agreed this week that, if Mayor Jim Ireton chooses to advance a budget amendment Monday night, they will be willing to consider granting a $650,000 annual boost to the Salisbury Police Department (SPD) budget to raise officer salaries. “I think we all recognize the problem,” said Council President Terry Cohen. According to SPD Chief Barbara Duncan, the city is currently...READ MORE

Farm Litigants Disagree Over Proposed Site Visit

BERLIN -- With an October court date looming in the ongoing battle between a Berlin farm family and an environmental watchdog group over alleged pollution violations dating back to 2009, the defendants last week filed a motion to have the federal judge and the participating parties tour the farm where the infractions allegedly occurred, but the plaintiffs this week already filed a motion in opposition. In March 2010, the Waterkeeper Alliance, along with the Assateague Coastal Trust and the...READ MORE

EDC Officials Hear About Resort Movie

OCEAN CITY -- With the independent film “Ping-Pong Summer” now filling out its cast and hiring extras in Ocean City and production set to begin in about two weeks, the producer this week briefed resort business leaders on what they can expect from the movie in terms of exposure for the resort and the potential economic benefit. Ping-Pong Summer producer Michael Gottwald on Wednesday briefed the Ocean City Economic Development Committee (EDC) on plans for the production and marketing...READ MORE

Indictment In Alleged Teachers Union Embezzlement

SNOW HILL -- A Worcester County grand jury last week formally indicted an Ocean Pines woman charged in early August with allegedly absconding with well over $400,000 from the Worcester County Teacher’s Association (WCTA) over a three-year period. Last Tuesday, a Worcester County grand jury indicted Denise Inez Owens, 58, of Ocean Pines, on multiple charges including four counts of theft over $500, theft scheme over $500, embezzle or misappropriate funds, and embezzle or misappropriate...READ MORE

County Takes Step Toward New Snow Hill High School

SNOW HILL -- Residents eager to see a new Snow Hill High School (SHHS) got some good news earlier this week when the Worcester County Commissioners agreed unanimously to fund $255,000 toward architectural reviews and pre-construction costs for the project. While this doesn’t guarantee that the commission will support building a new SHHS when it comes time to go to the bond market, it is a step in that direction, supporters said this week. “I’m more optimistic now than I ever...READ MORE

Online Skateboarding Petition Seeks To Vocalize Support

OCEAN CITY – The legalization of skateboarding effort has gotten a shot in the arm recently as a petition has hit the web to bring the issue back to the Mayor and Council. For about a week now, a petition has been circulating via the Internet. The petition is titled, Mayor and City Council: Legalize Skateboarding in Ocean City, Maryland, and can be found on change.org. The petition was created by Ocean City resident Mick Chester. As of Thursday morning, the petition had gained 136...READ MORE

Berlin Residents Frustrated By Constant Flooding

BERLIN -- Yesterday’s torrential downpours across the region only exacerbated an already dicey flooding problem in Berlin as streets flooded and water rose well past the comfort level in some neighborhoods. In late August, a historic storm ravaged Berlin, flooding streets, washing cars off the roadway and depositing several feet of water in homes in some neighborhoods. Just two days later, Berlin officials addressed concerns of residents about the town’s chronic flooding problems and...READ MORE

Berlin Mayor Seeks 2nd Term Leading Historic Town

BERLIN -- Mayor Gee Williams officially announced his campaign for re-election this week. “I pledge to do all within my ability to continue to promote Berlin as a community steeped in traditional American values while also embracing all the technological advances that create opportunities for economic development and the conveniences of life in the 21st Century,” wrote Williams in a press release confirming his bid for re-election next month. During Williams’ years as mayor,...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

Pam, the kids and I had a “staycation” last week, and it was a roller coaster ride that started off bumpy but ended peacefully. For those unfamiliar with the term, a “staycation” is basically taking a week off from work, not traveling anywhere and having some family time in your own hometown area. All our planning for the week was foiled somewhat by that nasty storm that crushed Berlin two Saturdays ago. While others sustained more significant damage, and we consider...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Thelma Jane Parks FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Thelma Jane Parks, 54, died Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012 at Lee County Memorial Hospital. Born in Annapolis on Sept. 17, 1957, she was the daughter of Thelma Helen Majors and the late Arlis L. Parks. She is survived by her three children, Sheba L. Giddens, James A. Giddens and Thelma Jeanet Davi of Fort Collins, Colo.; six grandchildren, Annie, Savannah and Elizabeth Greer, William and Allen Davi, and James Giddens; step-dad, Lawrence P. Majors of Berlin;...READ MORE

Alleged Heroin Dealer Busted

BERLIN -- A Berlin man was arrested last week on heroin distribution and other charges after allegedly selling the drug to an undercover officer twice, including once when he was holding an infant. In July, the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team began a heroin distribution investigation and identified Tony Lamont Mills, 32, of Berlin, as a suspect. The investigation revealed Mills was distributing heroin throughout northern Worcester County. As the investigation progressed, an undercover...READ MORE

Suspect Sought In Bike Hit-And-Run Accident

SHOWELL -- Local law enforcement officials this week are looking for the suspect who struck a bicyclist on Route 113 near Jarvis Rd. in Showell early last Saturday morning and fled the scene, leaving the bike in the road for passing motorists to discover and find the victim. Shortly after midnight last Saturday, Maryland State Police troopers and the Showell Fire Department responded to the area of Route 113 and Jarvis Rd. for a report of a victim, later identified as Phillip Edward Cougill, 47,...READ MORE

Salisbury Arts Complex Garners Early Council Support

SALISBURY -- Good news for Salisbury’s starving artists -- the City Council made the first signs of support this week for a proposed “Apartments and Studio for the Arts” complex on Fitzwater Street. “I think it’s thinking outside of the box for Salisbury,” said Council President Terry Cohen. The project, currently under the working title of “River’s Edge,” would consist of 106 new apartment units and a 2,284-square-foot artist studio. The...READ MORE

New Volunteer Group Will Help Disabled Adults

BERLIN -- On Tuesday, Aug. 7, a dozen people from around Worcester County met and formed the Friends of WCDC, a group dedicated to helping further the mission of the Worcester County Developmental Center (WCDC). For 38 years, WCDC has been providing employment opportunities, day habilitation training and residential services to adults who live with an intellectual disability in Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties. In September of 2007, a fire destroyed the WCDC buildings in Newark. The...READ MORE

County Says Pond Work More Critical Than Ownership Issue

SNOW HILL -- Although unanimously objecting to the state assessment that Worcester County owns land surrounding the Bishopville Pond, the County Commissioners agreed this week not to dispute it for risk of interfering with a Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) project. “We are now in so far as ‘property owners, land owners’ that we probably need to stay in,” advised County Attorney Sonny Bloxom. Bloxom explained to the commission the state has long considered Worcester...READ MORE

Delmarva Bike Week Returns

BERLIN -- The 12th Annual Delmarva Bike Week® returns to the area on Thursday, Sept. 13 for the weekend. Organizers released the schedule of events this week at the four event locations -- Harley-Davidson of Seaford, Seacrets in Ocean City and at Winter Place Park and Perdue Stadium in the Salisbury area. Thursday. Sept. 13 9 a.m.-7 p.m.: Event hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m.: Extreme Wheelie Rides all day at Arthur W Perdue Stadium 9 a.m.-7 p.m.: American Motordrome all day at Winter Place Park 11...READ MORE

OC Police Use Taser To Diffuse Situation

OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City Police last weekend had to use a Taser on an unidentified man who was threatening himself with a knife and told officers he was attempting to commit “suicide by cop.” Shortly before 10 p.m. last Saturday, police responded to the area of Philadelphia Ave. and 21st Street to check on the welfare of an unknown male individual. Citizens had called police after the man, whose name has not been released, was initially acting disorderly, but had since walked away...READ MORE

Wicomico Earns $183K In Landfill Gas Credits

SALISBURY -- Wicomico County’s efforts to go green at its landfill with a proactive program to collect gases generated by the facility and selling them for “carbon credits” resulted this week in over $183,000 for the county from its consultant Geosyntec. For the past 10 years, in an effort to operate the landfill in a more environmentally sound way, Wicomico County has voluntarily collected the gas generated at its Newland Park landfill. The landfill gas results from food,...READ MORE

Shorebirds’ Attendance Highest In Decade

SALISBURY -- The Delmarva Shorebirds, class “A” affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, this week announced a total of 231,194 fans attended 70 home games at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium this summer, the highest single season total since the 2002 season.  The team ended the home portion of the schedule on Aug. 30 in front of a near capacity crowd of 6,841. The 231,194 fans is the eighth highest season total in franchise history. In 2012, an average of 3,303 fans per game flocked to...READ MORE

Groups Appeal To Feds To Protect Assateague

ASSATEAGUE -- Despite assurances the barrier island is only on the short list as a possible site for a transmission line connecting a future offshore wind farm to the mainland, a coalition of local environmental groups last week took their concerns over the proposal to the federal government. Local attorney Hugh Cropper IV, on behalf of private sector groups, quasi-governmental organizations and scores of environmental advocates and volunteers, this week sent a letter to the federal Bureau of...READ MORE

UMES Celebrates Founders’ Week

PRINCESS ANNE -- What’s a birthday without cake, song, reflection on the past and visions of the future? The University of Maryland Eastern Shore celebrates its annual Founders’ Week, Sept. 9-15, with events for campus and community. The theme, “From Excellence to Eminence — the Journey Continues,” signals the beginning of Dr. Juliette B. Bell’s first year as UMES’ 15th president. Explore the university’s rich heritage in an exhibit at the...READ MORE

Budget Amendment Reflects Fund Increases

OCEAN CITY – Good news for Ocean City’s bank account as a final budget amendment was passed on first reading that reflects mostly increases in different funds. Last week Budget Manager Jennie Knapp advised the Mayor and City Council of changes affecting Ocean City’s fiscal year budget since the first budget amendment was authorized. The amendment was passed on first reading this week and is scheduled for its final vote on Sept. 17. According to Knapp, the General Fund revenue...READ MORE

Council Rejects Motion Seeking Formal Opposition To Union Effort

OCEAN CITY – A councilman’s request during Tuesday’s Mayor and City Council meeting to position the council against the general employees’ right to collective bargaining was adamantly denied by a majority of his colleagues. Councilman Joe Hall, who is up for re-election this fall, said that a pivotal issue of the upcoming election on Nov. 6 will be the referendum on the ballot asking the voters if the general employees of Ocean City should have the right to collective...READ MORE

Smitty’s Now Offers Sports Lottery In Fenwick

FENWICK ISLAND -- Smitty McGee’s, a restaurant and raw bar known locally for being a sports viewing hotspot, has seen its reputation enriched this summer with the addition of a sports lottery. Since opening in 1989, Smitty McGee’s owner Dawn McGee explained that the bar has earned a reputation as a popular location to watch sports and grab dinner. “We’re the biggest football bar in the area,” she said. With a sports legacy two decades long and growing, McGee said...READ MORE

Ping-Pong Summer Holding Auditions

OCEAN CITY – The filming of Ping-Pong Summer in Ocean City starts in just a couple weeks and auditions for “day players” and a main female role are set for this Friday to round out the cast. On Friday, Sept. 7, from 4-9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront on 66th Street and Coastal Highway, auditions will be held seeking kids and adults of all ages for small roles, known as day players, as well as Caucasian girls ages 15 to 18 to play the lead sister in the movie. Call...READ MORE

Four Armed Robbery Suspects Indicted

SNOW HILL -- Four suspects arrested in early August in connection with an armed robbery at a Route 50 convenience store, followed by a chase and ultimately a crash in Ocean City were formally indicted by a Worcester County grand jury on numerous charges related to the incident. A Worcester County grand jury last Tuesday indicted Charles Richard Conden III, 19, of Edwardsville, Pa., Sarah Jean Gryskevicz, 19, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Antonio Lee Suarez, 18, of Allentown, Pa., and Payne Stewart...READ MORE

Annual Arts Festival Gives Back To School Programs

FENWICK ISLAND, Del. — The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce is anticipating another wonderful day at the 34th Annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival on Saturday, Sept. 8. Presented by WSFS Bank, this one-day show is the area’s premier juried fine arts festival featuring over 100 fine artists. Each year many of the artists from the show generously donate a piece of their work to be awarded to the highest bidder at the Silent Auction sponsored by Mediacom Residential...READ MORE

To Knight, ‘The Election Is About The Future’

OCEAN CITY – Councilwoman Mary Knight became the second incumbent to file for re-election when she filled out her paperwork at City Hall last month.Utilizing the tool of social media to express her message as well as simultaneously receive opinions from Ocean City citizens, Knight has established a list of goals to accomplish if she returns to the City Council after November’s election.Knight said she decided to run for re-election for the future of Ocean City and its...READ MORE

Big Plans For New Bank Of OC Branch

OCEAN CITY – The Bank of Ocean City on 59th Street has closed its doors with designs on becoming a much more user-friendly location by next spring. The Bank of Ocean City is re-developing its 59th Street location in Ocean City. The branch closed last Wednesday and will be re-open by May 15, weather permitting. Full service banking will be available at the bank’s five other locations. In 1916, the Bank of Ocean City opened its first location on the corner of Dorchester Street and...READ MORE

54th Labor Day Tourney a Big Success

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Marlin Club’s 54th Annual Labor Day White Marlin Tournament last weekend was again a big success with a hot marlin bite ongoing off the coast of the resort and thousands of dollars in prize money awarded to the winners in several categories. While it might lack the glamour and the high payouts of the White Marlin Open, for example, the Marlin Club’s Labor Day White Marlin Tournament trumps all others when it comes to history and prestige. Called the...READ MORE

Marlin Club Looks to Retain Challenge Cup

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Marlin Club is hoping to take the lead in the decades-long series with its friendly rivals from Cape May when the two clubs compete next weekend for the annual Challenge Cup for the 34th time. The Challenge Cup, which pits teams of boats from the Ocean City Marlin Club against teams from the Cape May Marlin and Tuna Club, officially began in 1979 as a formal competition between the friendly rivals, which meet in the canyons off the Ocean City coast each September to...READ MORE

OC Flag Football Season Set to Start

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s Fall Adult Flag Football League is getting ready for its 11th season with games set to begin on Monday at Northside Park. The league formed several years ago as an informal collection of teams representing local businesses gathered each Monday evening in the fall. Eleven years ago, it became an officially sanctioned program of the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department and has developed into one of the department’s most...READ MORE

September 11 Spot Tourney Returns

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Fishing Center next Tuesday will host its 11th Annual Ocean City Spot Tournament, an event directly tied to the September 11 terrorists attacks over a decade earlier. On that fateful September 11, 2001, the mood was grim all over the country including Ocean City as the nation watched the horrific images coming in all day from New York, the Pentagon and the Pennsylvania hillside. To break the tension and get away, for a short time anyway, from the endless gloomy news...READ MORE

OC Tuna Tournament Donate To Worcester Humane Society

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Gaddis Awarded MD Recreation & Parks Bi-annual Outstanding Service Award

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Seahawks Roll in Season Opener

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team got its 2012 campaign off to a fast start last Friday, routing Washington High, 40-14, at home to jump out to a 1-0 record. The Seahawks used the time-honored combination of a prolific running game led by James Mapp and P.J. Copes, a transfer for Wicomico High, along with efficient passing by senior quarterback Colin Macomber, to set the stage on offense. On the defensive side, the Seahawks were stingy, allowing just 14 points for the...READ MORE

Bank Of Ocean City Weekly MVP

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Worcester Prep Class Of 1992 Gathered For Their 20-Year Reunion

Members of Worcester Preparatory School’s Class of 1992 gathered last month at the Skye Bar to mark their 20-year reunion. ...READ MORE

SD National Honor Society President Addresses Freshman Class

Stephen Decatur High School National Honor Society President Connor Neville addresses the freshman class during the annual Freshman Seahawk Day on Aug. 23. Neville encouraged students to embrace challenges, to get involved, and to serve their school and community. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Alumna Visits Captitol Of Sudan

Worcester Prep alumna Anna Pavlos, a sophomore at the University of Maryland, College Park, had the opportunity to visit Khartoum, the capitol of Sudan during Ramadan. Pavlos, who is majoring in Government & Politics and Arabic Studies, found the trip to be especially helpful with her language skills and her understanding of the people of Sudan. She is pictured with one of her Sudanese friends and is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Stephan Pavlos of Salisbury ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Members Of Class Of 2013 Hold Meeting

Members of the Class of 2013 returned to school for a class meeting and luncheon at Worcester Preparatory School this week. Some of the participants were, above from left, Class Advisor Kathleen Otway, Caroline Wetzelberger, Elise Harmon, Director of College Counseling Tony D’Antonio and Laiela Ahmad. Below attending the senior luncheon were, from left, Ragen Doyle, Justin Canakis, Molly Marshall, Zander Farr, Alex Bruder, Alec Zarif, Harrison Brennan, Meredith Smith and Tierney Loeser. ...READ MORE

Berlin Itermediate Counselors Meet With Incoming Fifth Graders

Guidance counselors Michelle Bankert and Aaron Call meet with incoming fifth graders at Berlin Intermediate School explaining the school’s "All About Attitude" program. In the "All About Attitude" program, individual students are recognized for outstanding behavior and great attitudes. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

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 Monday-Saturday: Atlantic United Methodist Church Thrift Shop 10 a.m.-2 p.m., AUMC, 105, 4th Street, O.C. For more information, 410-289-4458. Open Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday: Shepherd’s Nook Thrift Shop 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Community Church at Ocean Pines, Rte. 589 &...READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

19th hole bar & Grille, The 410-213-9204 • Corner of Rte. 611 & Sunset Ave., West Ocean City Friday, Sept. 7: Louis Wright, 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8: TBA, 6-10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9: Louis Wright, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13: Chris Button, 6-9 p.m. 28th Street Pit and Pub 410-289-2020 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 7: Phantom Limbs, 9 p.m. Every Thursday: DJ Jeremy, 10 p.m. 45th Street TapHouse Bar & Grille 443-664-2201 45th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday,...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 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...READ MORE

Things I Like

Lunch hot off the grill A squirrel's dexterity A bee that minds its own business Steam coming off a pile of hot crabs A cool car on a humid day Old Bay atop corn on the cob Seeing a sunrise from bed That the Orioles are in the running My dogs after they are brushed When both my kids smile for photos Fall-like days in the summer ...READ MORE

Keys To Consider When Investing In Time Of Higher Taxes

OCEAN CITY -- Of all of the variables that could affect investment returns in the months and years ahead, we believe one of the most certain is rising taxes. While inflation should always be the number one concern for those seeking to protect against the eroding effect that non-investment factors have on returns, taxation is a close second. It’s important to put this into perspective. Say you have a portfolio that generates an average 10% annual return over time, and that a good portion of...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A change that you'd hoped for is down the line. But you still need to be patient until more explanations are forthcoming. Continue to keep your enthusiasm in check. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your social life expands as new friends come into your life. But while you're having fun, your practical side also sees some positive business potential within your new circle. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Your workplace situation continues to improve. Look for advantages you...READ MORE

Delmarva Power Presents Check To Lewes Historical Society

Jim Smith, left, of Delmarva Power, presented a check last month to Mike DiPaolo, executive director of The Lewes Historical Society, for $1,000 to support the society's mission in education, preservation and research. ...READ MORE

Inaugural End Of Summer Festival Held In OP

The Inaugural End of Summer Festival put on by the Ocean Pines Parks and Recreation Department featured two bands and was held Sept. 1 in White Horse Park. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City sold hot dogs and cookies at the event to raise funds for its scholarship fund. Pictured are Bev Pugh, Pat Winkelmayer, Stella Hartington, soon-to-be president Barbara Peletier and Ralph Chin.  ...READ MORE

MD Recreation & Parks Association Presents Bi-Annual Award To Gaddis

Maryland Recreation and Parks Association recently presented the Bi-Annual Award to Kate Gaddis for her outstanding service and commitment to the ideals of the association. The award gives credit and recognition to an MRPA member who contributed to the improvement of the association through their involvement and accomplishments. She is pictured with Recreation and parks Director Tom Shuster. ...READ MORE

Gertrude Apple Memorial Service Final Touches Made

Putting the final touches on a Memorial Service for Gertrude “Gerty” Apple are, from left, Donald Klein, Veronica Kahn and Grayce Cohen. Apple passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 21. Her funeral service and burial were in Olney, Md. A special Memorial Service will be held at Temple Bat Yam on Worcester Highway in Berlin on Friday, Sept. 14, at 11 a.m. followed by a light luncheon. ...READ MORE

Mission Of Mercy Accepts $5K Grant From Arthur W. Perdue Foundation

Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy (MOM) has announced the receipt of a $5,000 grant from the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. The money will support the operational needs of the Eastern Shore’s first MOM dental clinic scheduled to be held on March 15-16, at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury. Pictured, from left, are Dick Van Gelder, Eastern Shore MOM Community Lead; Gregory Allen, ESMOM Chairman; Doug Wilson, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore president; and Bill...READ MORE

A Week In Business

County Launches New Site SNOW HILL -- Worcester County Economic Development (WCED) launched a series of new tools that provide business decision makers with plenty of reasons to locate or expand in Maryland’s only seaside county. Among these exciting tools is the WCED website at www.chooseworcester.org. The site outlines the many economic opportunities, incentives and resources available to help establish new and strengthen existing Worcester County businesses. Two additional tools include...READ MORE