March 1, 2013

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Resort Area Quick To Bounce Back From Strong Winter Storm

OCEAN CITY -- Despite high winds, pouring rain and heavy surf that pounded the region throughout much of Wednesday, the resort area was largely spared widespread damage and was relatively back to normal by Thursday morning. While the storm lived up to its hype in terms of temporary impacts in and around the resort area, it was largely business as usual by Thursday morning with little evidence of the pounding rain and high winds that lashed Ocean City and much of Worcester County throughout...READ MORE

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Commissioners Hear Proposal On School Resource Officers

SNOW HILL -- Having law enforcement officers in every school will have the “greatest impact on school safety,” according to the Worcester County Board of Education, and officials asked the County Commission this week to consider funding them and several capital improvement projects aimed at evolving school security. While continuing improvements may be suggested in the future, metal detectors are not currently a priority and arming teachers is not “a solution,” said...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Emergency Officials Issue Storm Warnings, Information On Power Outages

OCEAN CITY -- With conditions rapidly declining, state and local officials late Wednesday afternoon are reminding area residents and visitors to stay indoors if possible and use extreme caution and common sense if they must go out. The State Highway Administration (SHA) on Wednesday afternoon issued a few warnings and reminders about a major problem with power outages of traffic signals at intersections. SHA spokesman Charlie Gischlar said about half an hour ago the traffic signal at the...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Coast Guard Searching For Men Off Assateague

ASSATEAGUE -- The Coast Guard late Wednesday afternoon continues to search for two men missing from a disabled fishing vessel 15 miles off the coast of Assateague after rescuing via helicopter a third man who was found in a life boat. Around 10:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Coast Guard Fifth District watchstanders received an emergency position indicating radio beacon, or EPIRB, from the 67-foot fishing vessel “Seafarer” reporting a position about 15 miles off the coast of Assateague Island....READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: OC Fire Dept. Embroiled In ‘Turmoil’; City Manager To Form Focus Groups; Employees’ Spouses Create Support Group

OCEAN CITY -- Armed with concerns over hostile workplace conditions for Ocean City career firefighter-paramedics and deteriorating morale, a group of more than a dozen spouses has been formed to provide support and promote an improved direction for the city’s first responders. The creation of the support group is the latest controversy to embroil the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD), leading Chief Chris Larmore in an interview Monday to refer to the current state of affairs as...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Cheerleaders Staying In Ocean City, Organizer Confirms

OCEAN CITY -- Although there is no contract in place, the organizers of the annual cheerleading events in Ocean City have confirmed their intentions to return to the resort in 2014. Concerns arose last week after an email circulated by Global JBS, a full-service firm that handles the destination management for the annual conventions, indicated the future of the two cheerleading events in Ocean City was in doubt until more information was learned about the proposed 1,200-seat performing arts...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: OC Council Subcommittee Appointments Made; Ashley, Pillas Will Not Be Involved

OCEAN CITY – Individual appointments were made to serve on the newly re-established committees and commissions this week, but two City Council members have declined to be involved because they continue to feel all business should be conducted in front of the full Mayor and City Council. At last night’s meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan presented the list of council members and citizens who are appointed to serve on the re-established Mayor and City Council Legislative Committees and...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: Suicide Confirmed In Hospital Parking Lot

BERLIN -- Worcester County Bureau of Investigations (WCBI) detectives last night investigated a reported suicide in the parking lot of Atlantic General Hospital. WCBI officials on Tuesday confirmed an unidentified individual allegedly committed suicide by a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in a vehicle in the parking lot at AGH around 9:30 p.m. on Monday. The identity of the victim is being withheld and no further details are being provided due to the sensitive nature of the...READ MORE

Finnegan’s Wake Kicks Off St. Patrick’s Day Festivities

OCEAN CITY -- At least one St. Patrick’s Day celebration is starting a week earlier this year in Ocean City with the area’s first-ever true Finnegan’s Wake planned for Saturday, March 9, at 5 p.m. in Seacrets Morley Hall. Finnegan’s Wake, a mock Irish funeral that notes the supposed passing of Tim Finnegan, is being sponsored by the Friends of WCDC as a benefit for the Worcester County Developmental Center (WCDC). Irish wakes mourned the passing of a loved one and...READ MORE

Acting Salisbury Fire Chief Gets Support For Vacant Post

SALISBURY – Without an item scheduled regarding the Salisbury Fire Department (SFD) on the City Council’s Monday meeting agenda, the room was filled with fire and EMS personnel anxiously awaiting the appointment of a new leader and to voice their support for Acting Fire Chief Rick Hoppes to fill that role. In January of 2012, following the resignation of then-Fire Chief Jeff Simpson, who served just over a year, Hoppes once again was named acting fire chief until a permanent fire...READ MORE

Feds Rule Against Major Rule Change For Sharks

OCEAN CITY -- The local fishing community breathed a collective sigh of relief this week when federal fisheries officials decided to drop a rather drastic rule change for sharks that could have effectively shut down a significant component of Ocean City’s multi-million dollar fishing industry. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in November published a rather dubious “Amendment 5” to the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan that would, if adopted, create a...READ MORE

Wicomico Approves Affordable Housing Accord

SALISBURY -- Wicomico officials last week approved a payment-in-lieu of taxes (PILOT) program for a vast affordable housing project in the county after getting assurances from the new owners certain conditions would be met in the final agreement. Last Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council approved an agreement with  Tryko Partners on a PILOT program for the company’s Pine Bluff Village project, a vast affordable housing community of 151 homes for the elderly and disabled in the county...READ MORE

Berlin Approves New Site For First Wind Turbine

BERLIN -- The historic town’s skyline is about to look a little eco-friendlier with the town’s first wind turbine approved for installation on Old Ocean City Boulevard. Until Monday, the fate of a proposed 85-foot, 50-killowatt turbine had been up in the air since creator and DDU Magnetics President Doug Richards offered to install his new design in Berlin for a severely reduced cost. The town would get the turbine for a fraction of its actual value because it would function as a...READ MORE

OC Police Detective Earns Award

OCEAN CITY -- An Ocean City Police undercover narcotics agent last week was honored with the Enrique S. Camarena Award presented each year by the Elks Regional Association to a law enforcement officer who best exemplifies the spirit of the award’s namesake. The Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia Elks Regional Association honored Ocean City Police Detective First Class Kyle Murray with their Enrique Camarena Award this year. Camarena was a DEA agent kidnapped, tortured and killed...READ MORE

Union Deals Reached Between Ocean City, Employees; Details Unclear Until Ratification

OCEAN CITY -- While all sides report tentative employee contract agreements are in place, union officials as well as Ocean City representatives were mum this week on the specifics. Negotiations over union contracts between the city and the Ocean City Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 10 and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 4269 have been ongoing and last week deals were reportedly reached. However, before any details can be shared, memberships of the respective...READ MORE

Supreme Court Hears Salisbury DNA Case

BERLIN -- The U.S. Supreme Court this week heard testimony on a landmark Maryland DNA testing law rooted in a Lower Shore rape dating back to 2003 and although no opinion has yet been rendered, at least one justice called the case the most important the high court has heard in decades. In July 2010, Alonzo Jay King, Jr., now 29, was found guilty of first-degree rape after he broke down the door of a residence in Salisbury armed with a gun and wearing a mask over his face and sexually assaulted a...READ MORE

Support Sought For Tougher Cigarette Smuggling Penalties

SNOW HILL -- State and local enforcement officials gathered in Snow Hill this week to present united support for a pending piece of state legislation that would drastically increase penalties for smuggling cigarettes. Senate Bill 69, which has passed the state Senate and is pending in the House of Delegates, would triple the current fine per carton for cigarette smuggling for first offenders and double the increased fine for repeat offenders. “The tool we desperately need to combat this...READ MORE

Man Arrested On Theft Charges

WEST OCEAN CITY -- An Ocean City man was arrested on theft charges last week after allegedly swiping a propeller and rudder from a boat in West Ocean City and later pawning the stolen goods at a pawn shop. On Feb. 19, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Sunset Ave. in West Ocean City for a reported theft. The deputy met with a victim who reported that sometime over the weekend, an unknown suspect had stolen the propeller and rudder from his boat. The victim told...READ MORE

Local Indicted On Manslaughter Charge In Friend’s Death

OCEAN CITY -- A West Ocean City man, arrested on manslaughter and assault charges in late January, was formally indicted this week and is on track for an early June trial. Around 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 26, Ocean City police and paramedics responded to the area of Somerset Street in reference to a male individual who was found unconscious on the street outside the Harbor Inn bar. Police and EMS arrived at the scene and located an unresponsive male. The male individual was taken to AGH where he was...READ MORE

Author Looks To Share Family’s ‘Message Of Hope’

BERLIN -- Sheldon Larmore’s new work of non-fiction, “Be Quiet and Listen,” has shot from the gate since being published this winter. The book focuses on the life of David Larmore, Sheldon and wife Sara Belle Larmore’s son who was born severely handicapped. While some might first mistake the story for a tragedy, Sheldon is adamant that David’s life is about faith and hope. Born with Spina Bifida, David was not expected to lead anything resembling a normal life,...READ MORE

Air Show Will Go On Even Without Blue Angels, Promoter Reports

OCEAN CITY – The organizer of the OC Air Show assured the Mayor and Council this week the show will go on in June, despite the possible grounding of headlining military acts, such as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, due to the looming possibility of sequestration. The Blue Angels are scheduled to make their inaugural appearance in Ocean City as they headline this year’s OC Air Show on June 8-9. This week Bryan Lilley of Ocean City Air Show LLC came before the Mayor and City Council to...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Decision To Save Tree Appreciated Editor: I would like to publically thank the Town of Ocean City for saving “the tree” on 4th Street. As background, late last summer, standing in the parking lot of the Atlantic United Methodist Church parking lot and looking north toward the post office, I watched the demolition of the older buildings. As the demolition proceeded and the rubble was removed, I saw something that I had never noticed before — a tree — a beautiful tree (I...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

Interesting concerns were raised this week regarding the impact the proposed performing arts center will have on the Roland E. Powell Convention Center’s ability to maintain existing big-money bookings as well as appeal to new groups.Internally, word has it the folks who sell the convention center and are charged with securing bookings at the facility are worried about the performing arts center encroaching on the building’s floor space availability that is critical to securing large...READ MORE

Federal Spending Cuts Would Carry Big Impact In Md.

BERLIN -- With the clock ticking on the expected billions of dollars of cuts in funding for several programs including furloughs and layoffs of employees in Maryland and across the nation, bipartisan federal lawmakers late yesterday were no closer to reaching an accord on the anticipated sequestration. Earlier this year, federal officials avoided an approaching “fiscal cliff” with an 11th hour agreement to stave off drastic cuts in programs and of jobs, but the accord was temporary...READ MORE

Council Moves Forward Planned Code Changes

OCEAN CITY – A couple of favorable recommendations made by the Planning and Zoning Commission came before the Mayor and City Council this week to amend code sections and were quickly approved. Planning and Community Development Director Matt Margotta and Zoning Administrator Blaine Smith proposed to reinsert language in the DMX zone to allow low impact commercial use to be reviewed through the conditional use process in order to protect the surrounding neighborhoods. In late January, the...READ MORE

Commissioner Alleges MDE’s $25K Fine ‘A Money Grab’

OCEAN CITY -- With upgrades to the Mystic Harbour wastewater and water treatment plants ongoing, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has fined Worcester County $25,000 and set a deadline for upgrades no later than Aug. 31. Worcester isn’t taking the fines with a smile, however, with County Commission President Bud Church calling the action by the state a “money grab” and accusing MDE of going on a “witch hunt.” “The state is well aware that we are...READ MORE

Worcester Students Continue To Improve AP Test Scores

SNOW HILL -- Maryland has once again topped the nation in terms of average Advanced Placement (AP) scores in public schools, and Worcester County can boast its students are continuing to improve The announcement that Maryland once again leads all other states in terms of AP testing success came from Gov. Martin O’Malley’s office this week. “Because of the better choices we’ve made together to invest in our children’s future, we’ve built the No. 1 public...READ MORE

Early Ocean City Budget Projection Reveals Shortfall

OCEAN CITY – Although budget picture remains cloudy this week in Ocean City, the fiscal year 2014 General Fund revenue will fall short of expenses, staff told the Mayor and Council this week. Subsequently, city officials are brainstorming alternative revenues to close the gap without having to pull from fund balance this time around. At Tuesday’s meeting, City Manager David Recor and Budget Manager Jennie Knapp presented an overview of the projected FY14 General Fund revenue. For the...READ MORE

Berlin Fire Company, Council Hope To Avoid Mediator

BERLIN -- With Berlin’s budget season approaching, both town leadership and Berlin Fire Company (BFC) representatives agreed that the dispute between the two agencies over funding might be nearing resolution. As has been the tradition with the conflict, however, neither side could make any guarantees. “I certainly hope that we have all that we need so all of this can be considered during our budget process,” said Mayor Gee Williams. While the BFC was included in the budget last...READ MORE

Death Penalty Repeal Escapes Senate Committee By 6-5 Vote

BERLIN -- The debate over a possible repeal of Maryland’s death penalty intensified this week after a key Senate committee passed Gov. Martin O’Malley’s latest attempt to abolish capital punishment. Early in the current session, O’Malley made repealing the death penalty a top priority this year, but gaining the approval of the Senate Judiciary Proceedings committee was considered a major stumbling block. The governor’s last effort to repeal capital punishment in the...READ MORE

Offshore Wind Bill Expected To Pass Soon

OCEAN CITY -- A future offshore wind energy farm, proposed as close as 10 miles off the coast of Ocean City, inched closer to reality this week with the anticipated passage by the entire state Senate now the only stumbling block from a legislative standpoint. Gov. Martin O’Malley’s Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 was passed last Friday by the House by a vote of 86-48. The Senate Finance Committee passed the legislation by a vote of 7-4 on Tuesday, setting up a final vote...READ MORE

Resident Questions Berlin Youth Club Funding

BERLIN -- Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (WYFCS) visited the Berlin Mayor and Council Monday to give a regular report on the organization’s free youth program. Following the report, a resident voiced concerns that WYFCS “doesn’t have a presence” on the east side of town with the Berlin Youth Club. However, Mayor Gee Williams defended the organization’s efforts and said he believes all parts of town benefit from the youth club. Resident Gabe Purnell...READ MORE

Legalize Marijuana Bill Faces Uphill Battle In Md.

BERLIN -- A bill introduced in the General Assembly this week would add Maryland to the growing list of states legalizing marijuana, but the measure will not likely see the light of day. Four Baltimore City delegates this week introduced House Bill 1453, which, if approved, would legalize marijuana in Maryland under certain specific conditions. The legislation would remove criminal penalties for private possession and home-growing of limited amounts of marijuana for adults 21 and older and...READ MORE

Ocean City News In Brief

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Mayor and Council considered several issues large and small on their agenda last week. The following is a quick snapshot of some of the issues discussed and approvals granted. Resident Agent Amendment Approved The Mayor and Council last week approved on second reading an amendment to the town’s code that would allow a resident agent for an Ocean City rental property to live within 30 miles of the resort. The town’s original ordinance required resident...READ MORE

Salisbury OKs New Travel Rules, Lower False Alarm Violation Fees

SALISBURY – Business items regarding council rules and regulations and false alarm fees returned to the Salisbury City Council this week after being postponed previously for more discussion. When the City Council met in legislative session earlier this month, approvals to amend the Salisbury City Council Regulations and Rules of Order travel policy as well as amend false alarm fees associated with emergency services response were postponed after certain council members asked to have the...READ MORE

Berlin Approves Stormwater Design Work

BERLIN -- The first steps toward stormwater infrastructure improvements in Berlin were taken this week when the Town Council approved just over $200,000 be given to EA Engineering for providing impervious surface data for properties in town as well as for design work on the first four stormwater projects. The lion’s share of that cost, roughly $197,000, is being given to EA Engineering for design work on priority projects. While discussion on establishing a stormwater utility was still...READ MORE

Proposed Performing Arts Center’s Impact On Existing Conventions Weighed

OCEAN CITY -- The planned performing arts center addition to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center has some members of the business community concerned it could have an unfavorable impact if existing bookings decide to go elsewhere. Last weekend the first of two Reach The Beach cheerleading conventions was held at the convention center, and several hotel companies confirmed this week the future of the event in Ocean City is mired in uncertainty due to questions about the ultimate floor space...READ MORE

OC Councilman Recovering From Health Scare

OCEAN CITY – Councilman Joe Mitrecic is back to business while he is recovering from a heart attack at home and plans to be back in council chambers Monday. Mitrecic was released from the hospital on Wednesday evening after suffering from a heart attack last weekend. The Dispatch spoke with him on Thursday afternoon as he sat in his office at home working on some paper work. “I don’t plan on being gone too long,” he said. “I actually feel better now than I did last...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 Sunset Island 67th St & The Bay Sat & Sun Condos, Townhomes, Single Family Homes Luxury Resort Living Terry Riley Vantage Resort Realty 443-880-0512 OCEAN CITY Makai Condominiums 42nd St. Bayside Daily 10-4 New Construction 2BR & Studio Condos Ben Dawson The Fritschle Group/ Condominium...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

As I wander through this parenting journey, I have gained an entirely new appreciation for my parents.There are so many random moments in life that bring me back to that realization, but a current situation reminds me of my parents’ kitchen table when I was growing up.When I was younger, I remember fielding what seemed like a constant barrage of questions at the dinner table about what was going on at school and how this and that was with a certain class or assignment. My lack of detailed...READ MORE

10 Days For Two DWIs

SNOW HILL -- A Berlin man arrested twice on drinking and driving charges twice within a span of a little over two hours in December pleaded guilty last week and was sentenced to 10 days in jail. Around 9 p.m. on Dec. 12, 2012, Berlin Police arrested Richard Hudome, 49, of Berlin for driving under the influence at William Street and Route 346. Hudome was charged with DUI and was processed and released. At around 11:18 p.m., Berlin Police officers observed Hudome enter his vehicle still parked at...READ MORE

Worcester Girls Fall in Title Game

BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity basketball team fell to Salisbury School, 40-23, in the ESIAC championship game. The Mallards enjoyed another successful season and finished with a 12-6 record that was not diminished by the loss in the conference championship game. The Worcester girls started the regular season on a 7-0 run before hitting the wall somewhat in midseason. The Mallards went 2-5 during one stretch during the middle of the season including a string of three losses...READ MORE

Decatur Swimmers Strong at States

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity swimming teams turned in strong performances at the state championship meet last weekend and collected more than a handful of individual honors in the process. The Seahawk boys finished in eighth place overall out of the field of 32 teams in the state 3A-2A-1A championship meet with 103.5 total team points. Jake Middleton led the Seahawks, finishing third in the 200-meter freestyle and fifth in the 500-meter freestyle. Shayne Custodio also turned in a...READ MORE

Kail Wins State Regional Title

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team was outstanding last weekend at the state regional tournament, with Ryan Kail winning a regional championship and several other Seahawks placing high in their respective weight categories. Seven Decatur wrestlers competed in the state 4A-3A East regional meet last weekend. The Seahawks collected one first-place finish along with two seconds and a third to end up with 78 total team points, good enough for fourth place among the 24 schools...READ MORE

Decatur Boys Bow Out Of Regionals

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team bowed out of the state 3A-East regional tournament this week, falling to Centennial, 53-37, on the road on Tuesday to close out the season. The Seahawks entered the state 3A-East region tournament as the number-10 seed and faced a serious challenge on the road at Centennial on Tuesday in the post-season opener. Centennial, which came into the post season as the number-seven seed in the region and won the 3A-East title in each of...READ MORE

Beach Lacrosse Fundraiser Set for Next Week

BERLIN- The Beach Lacrosse program will hold its second fundraiser of the year with an event at DeNovo’s in Ocean Pines next Sunday. DeNovo’s Trattoria in the Pines will host the fundraiser for Beach Lacrosse next Sunday, March 10, from 5-7 p.m. For a $10 donation, attendees will be treated to a buffet complete with pizza, salad and pasta with soft drinks included and a cash bar will be available. Kids four and under can eat for free. Seating times for the dinner buffet at...READ MORE

Mallards Take ESIAC Championship

BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity basketball team capped off a remarkable season last week with a 58-51 win over Delmarva Christian in the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) title game. The Mallards were strong all season and jumped out to a perfect 13-0 record before recording their first loss to Salisbury School back on January 18. Worcester went 2-3 down the stretch including two straight losses to close out the regular season, but put it all together in...READ MORE

Seahawks Bounced from State Playoffs

BERLIN- After a dramatic win in its post-season opener on Monday, Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team hit the wall on Tuesday, falling to Howard, 67-33, in a turnover-filled game to close out what was otherwise a remarkable season. The second-seeded Seahawks earned a first round bye in the state Class 3A-East region tournament and opened the post-season with a home game against Wilde Lake on Monday. Decatur took control of the game early, building an 11-4 lead halfway...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Ruth B. Benfield OCEAN CITY -- Ruth B. Benfield, age 89, of Ocean City, passed away on February 24, 2013 at Berlin Nursing Home in Berlin. Born in Todd, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Solomon Coy and Mary Bena Ross Blackburn and wife of the late Charles Van Benfield. She retired from Aberdeen Proving Grounds after 30 years of service where she worked as a secretary. Mrs. Benfield came to Maryland from North Carolina in 1931 when her father was called to be the first pastor at Oak Grove...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 info, 410-289-4458. Open Wednesday-Saturday: Shepherd’s Nook Thrift Shop 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Community Church at Ocean Pines, Rte. 589 & Racetrack Rd., Berlin....READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

19th hole bar & Grille, the 410-213-9204 Corner of Rte. 611 & Sunset Ave., West OC Friday, March 1: Blake Haley Saturday, March 2: : Scott Glorioso 28th Street Pit and Pub 410-289-2020 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Every Thursday: DJ Dance Party Adolfo’s 410-289-4001 13th St. & The Boardwalk, In The Beach Plaza Hotel Friday, March 1: Rhonda Apple & Dale Britt Atlantic Hotel 410-641-3589 2 North Main St., Berlin Every Friday: Elsworth Wheatly Every Monday: Earl...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

Worcester Prep First Grader In Broadway Play

Worcester Preparatory School first grade teacher Cathy Auxer traveled to New York last week to enjoy the Broadway play “Once”. One of her young students, Jillian Lebling, pictured, is in the play.  ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Elementary Students Compete In Chess Tournament

Four elementary-age students on Worcester Prep’s chess team competed in the 2013 Tournament at the Wicomico County Youth and Civic Center. Pictured are, from left, Joseph Schwartz, Pranay Sanwal, Ibrahim Khan and Brody Bushnell. Sanwal placed first in the competition and Schwartz was third. ...READ MORE

Lower Shore American Red Cross Chapter Conducts Regional Day Of Training

The Lower Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross conducted last week a regional Day of Training for two of the area’s Jr. Red Cross Clubs.  Approximately 80 young adults from Worcester Prep and Stephen Decatur High School took part in a full day of CPR/AED and First Aid certification training.  The day of instruction was sponsored by the Princess Royale Hotel, which donated two conference rooms, beverages and classroom set-up and supplies. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Middle School Students Show Off Their Artistic Creations

At the recent Worcester Preparatory School Middle School Art Show, students show some of their artistic creations. Pictured, from left, are are Head of Middle School Mike Grosso, Regan Lingo, Lauren Gosnear, Leigh Lingo, Karlie Southcomb, Julie Talbert, Lauren Meoli and Upper School Art Instructor George Zaiser. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary First Graders Prepare For Music Performance

First grade students at Ocean City Elementary School have been preparing for their music performance, "You've Got a Friend in Me!" Here are Connor Maykrantz and Ricardo Valenzuela-Ibarra.  ...READ MORE

Soulé Named National Merit Scholarship Finalist

Worcester Preparatory School senior Meredith Soule´ has been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Soule´, also an Advanced Placement Scholar, has been inducted into the prestigious Cum Laude Society, is a member of the National Honor Society and the French National Honor Society and has achieved academic honors in many of her courses. Above, Headmaster Dr. Barry Tull presents Soule´ with a certificate honoring her designation. ...READ MORE

SD High School Students Recognized By Maryland International Reading Association Council

Stephen Decatur High School juniors Katie Collins and Heather Nicolle and sophomore Caitlin Nilo were recognized by the State of Maryland International Reading Association Council as distinguished young authors.  They are pictured with American Literature teacher Kim Patrick. Collins' poetry entry placed first, while Nilo and Nicolle took third place for poetry. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Delmarva Power Presents Educational Grant To Worcester Prep

Michael Hoy, Manager of Customer and Community Relations at Delmarva Power, presents an educational grant to Worcester Prep science teachers Jenn Corron, left, and Lindsey MacWha. The teachers are using the grant with their science club, which is targeting the understanding of renewable energy in the modern world. ...READ MORE

Wilson's Church In Bishipville Holds Bake/Soup Sale Directing All Profits Towards Alzheimer's Association

The ladies from Wilson’s Church in Bishopville held a recent bake/soup sale at the Berlin Nursing Home and directed all profits toward the Alzheimer’s Association.  ...READ MORE

Anders Accepts Scholarship Check From OC/Berlin Rotary Club

Erika Anders, left accepts a scholarship check from Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club past President Tom Bickerstaff. Anders is a senior at Salisbury University and will pursue a degree as a physician’s assistant. ...READ MORE

Delmarva Power Presents $5K Check To Eastern Shore Mission Of Mercy

Delmarva Power recently presented a check for $5,000 to the Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy. The money will support the two-day free adult dental clinic that will take place at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on March 15 and 16. Pictured, from left, are Dick Van Gelder, Vice-President, Hebron Savings Bank; John Petito, Public Affairs Manager, Delmarva Power; Dr. Greg Allen, Chairman, Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy; and Erica Joseph, Program & Development Director, Community Foundation. ...READ MORE

Worcester County Health Department And MD Highway Safety Office Officials Honor Alcohol Licensees

Worcester County Health Department and Maryland Highway Safety Office officials honored alcohol licensees during the Alcohol Licensee Recognition Breakfast at The Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound on Feb. 7 for refusing to sell alcohol to underage law enforcement cadets. Licensees represented at the event include Coral Reef Restaurant, 7-Eleven at 120th Street, Macky's, Wine Rack at 85th Street, Brewski Brothers, 7-Eleven at 139th Street, Seacrets, Snow Hill Duck In, Pour House in Ocean City,...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Credential Earned SALISBURY -- Regina Kundell of Peninsula Regional Endocrinology in Salisbury has earned the Board Certified – Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) credential from the American Association of Diabetes Educators. The BC-ADM credential is conferred only to currently licensed health care providers who have passed a rigorous exam. They must hold advanced degrees in a relevant specialty and have completed a minimum of 500 clinical practice hours in advanced diabetes...READ MORE

Things I Like

Spring-like days in the winter Church and then brunch on Sundays The aroma of garlic bread Standing at a bar Coming across a keeper sea shell Listening to little ones’ conversations A good back scratch Learning from a mistake Loyalty Holding hands with my sons When the weather is nice on Mondays ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Your soft-hearted self is drawn to a tempting offer. But your hard-headed half isn't so sure. Best advice: Do it only after every detail is checked out to your liking.TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your inventive mind should help you find a way to get around an apparently impassable barrier and make yourself heard. Your efforts get you noticed by the right people.GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You're enjoying this creative period. But by midweek, you'll need to emphasize...READ MORE