March 28, 2008

Thursday, April 3 - Old OC Library Branch To Come Down

OCEAN CITY - The fate of the old 14th Street library building was sealed this week, as the City Council voted unanimously to approve the demolition of the building.  The 14th Street library officially closed its doors last month, as the move was made to the new, expansive 100th Street building. The 14th Street building served as a proud, but often cramped home for the library for over 40 years, but with the building vacated and its functional use declining, the next step is demolition....READ MORE

Wednesday, April 2 - OC's Open Container Change Tabled

OCEAN CITY - The fate of Ocean City's open container law was delayed yet again this week, as the City Council voted unanimously to table the discussion until certain facts could be cleared up and all council members could be present. Open container discussions have been circulating for years, as town officials and the Ocean City Police Department have struggled to come to an agreement on the letter of the law. The Ocean City Police Commission voted last week to support the change in the law that...READ MORE

Monday, March 31 - Boardwalk Fire Destroys Businesses

OCEAN CITY- A large fire ripped through a Boardwalk restaurant and a neighboring T-shirt shop midday on Sunday sending 20-plus fire companies from throughout the region rushing to contain the blaze in the heart of the historic area of the resort. Black smoke billowed from the downtown area shortly after noon on Sunday that could be seen from miles around. The nine-alarm fire did extensive damage to the Dough Roller restaurant on the Boardwalk at Dorchester Street as well as the Sunshine...READ MORE

Friday, March 28 - Collision Claims Mother, Child

OCEAN CITY - Tragedy struck in Ocean City Thursday afternoon when an SUV struck a mother carrying her 2-year-old daughter while crossing Coastal Highway claiming the lives of both. At around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, a woman carrying her small child was attempting to cross Coastal Highway at 62nd Street near Route 90 when they were struck by an SUV traveling northbound on the highway. The two-year-old child was transported to AGH and was pronounced dead a short time later. The mother was...READ MORE

Live Bands and DJs

707 Sports Bar & Grille: 410-213-9507, 12702 Old Bridge Rd. West Ocean City; Friday, March 28: TBA; Saturday, March 29: Karaoke with Hey Mick. Assateague Island Oasis: 410-629-1492, Rt. 611; Entertainment Friday & Saturday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Buxy's Salty Dog: 410-289-0973, 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Friday, March 28: DJ BK; Saturday, March 29: John Lamere. Castaway's: 410-524-9090, 64th St. Bayfront; Every Friday: DJ Mike C; Saturday, March 29: The Five Percent. Clarion Hotel:...READ MORE

OCPD Arrests One, Seeks Another In Burglary Spree

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City Police this week have one man in custody and are seeking another, believed to be in Florida, after connecting the pair to a string of burglaries at a resort trailer park earlier this month. On March 4, OCPD officers responded to the Isle of Wight Trailer Park near 24th Street in reference to a burglary. Initially, the officers believed they were responding to a single burglary, but a thorough search of the entire trailer park revealed an additional 14 trailers had been...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publishers Desk

When I first heard Brice and Shirley Phillips were being recognized as the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce's Citizens of the Year next month, I figured the chamber decided the couple was so special they deserved the award twice. After all, of course, they must have been recognized already with the award. However, it appears they have not won the award before, and it was nice to know a wrong was being made right here because the Phillipses exemplify community spirit. Although they do not...READ MORE

Mood Change Could Improve OC Talks

Ocean City Council President Joe Mitrecic did the right thing last week - he admitted the Mayor and Council mishandled the situation with the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company and should have done a better job of taking the lead on the matter. It's not often a public official admits to a mistake these days. Unless, of course, they are caught having sex with a high-paid prostitute. Mitrecic's humble admission the current state of affairs was the elected officials' fault should go a long way...READ MORE

Decatur Routs Parkside 17-4

Stephen Decatur's men's varsity lacrosse team thumped old rival Parkside, 17-4, in the season opener on Tuesday. Logan West scored six goals, Ben Kelleher added five, Paul Kramer scored three, Calvin Snyder scored two and Nick Hogan added one. Pictured above, Kelleher moves in front of the Parkside net for a first half goal. Photo by John Harris ...READ MORE

Seahawks Answer Questions, Pound Crabbers 17-3

BERLIN- If the Stephen Decatur's varsity baseball team had any major concerns about replacing the dominant pitching and explosive offense lost to graduation from last year's 17-4 team, it might have got a few answers in the season opener against Crisfield on Tuesday. The Seahawks pounded the Crabbers, 17-3, in the opener on the road on Tuesday behind a solid starting pitching performance by Josh Tyndall, who allowed one run on just three hits over five innings as the starter. Tyndall is part of...READ MORE

Mallards Thump St. Andrew's, 12-4

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's men's varsity lacrosse team got off to a good start this week, routing visiting St. Andrew's of Delaware, 12-4, at home on Tuesday. The Mallards led 1-0 early but St. Andrew's tied the game at 1-1 with 2:24 remaining in the first quarter. Worcester wasn't done in the period and took the lead, 2-1, on an extra man goal by Christian Payne with just 35 seconds left in the first quarter. Worcester Prep took charge in the second quarter with a five-goal run that improved its...READ MORE

Decatur Slaughters Crisfield 33-0 in Opener

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity softball team clobbered Crisfield, 33-0, on Tuesday in the season opener on the road, leaving little doubt this could be a special season for the Seahawks. Decatur featured dominant pitching and an explosive offense on Tuesday against Crisfield, getting significant contributions from just about every player on the roster. Freshmen pitchers Maddie Justice and Holly Melson combined on a two-hit shutout over five innings in the game shortened by the slaughter...READ MORE

Worcester Girls Rout Kent County

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's girls' varsity lacrosse team got its 2008 season off to a good start this week with a 15-6 rout of Kent County at home on Tuesday. Molly Dickerson and Mary Alex Hudson led the Mallards with three goals each in the win, while Jackie Wangel pitched in two goals. Worcester played the Bullis School of Potomac, Md. at home yesterday in a game played too late to be included in this edition. Worcester, now 1-0 on the season, will play Wilmington Friends on the road this...READ MORE

Fugitive Returned To Worcester Five Years Later

BERLIN - The cooperative efforts of the Maryland State Police (MSP), the Worcester County State's Attorney's Office, the County Sheriff's Office and a private sector bail enforcement company last week resulted in the arrest in Salt Lake City, Utah of a fugitive wanted in Worcester County for several serious offenses including first-degree assault stemming from an incident in 2002. The Maryland State Police Berlin barrack's warrant initiative team, with the help of allied local law enforcement...READ MORE

Brice And Shirley Phillips Named OC's Top Citizens

OCEAN CITY - The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce announced last weekend that Brice and Shirley Phillips had been named the 2008 Citizens of the Year. The public is invited on Thursday evening, April 10, to the Citizen of the Year banquet to be held at the Holiday Inn Conference Center on 66th Street. Reservations are required, call the Chamber office 410-213-0144 to reserve or register on line at www.oceancity.org. Nominated by Mary Tawney Eastman, the Phillips' are regarded as one of...READ MORE

Coast Insurance Bill Sails Through House

ANNAPOLIS - A bill approved unanimously by the Maryland House of Delegates last week does not entirely guarantee major homeowner insurance carriers do not pull out of coastal areas around the state including Ocean City and much of Worcester County, but it does provide safeguards for property owners should they decide to in the future. The Maryland House of Delegates last week approved House Bill 1353, titled the Omnibus Coastal Property Insurance Reform Act, which, among other things, will force...READ MORE

Friday, March 28 - County Honors Its Most Beautiful

BERLIN - The Worcester County Commissioners and Volunteer Services Manager Cyndy Howell honored just a few of the many outstanding community volunteers during Worcester County's 2008 Maryland's Most Beautiful People (MMBP) Volunteer Awards Dinner Ceremony held at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club on March 18. The Shepherd's Nook, Bill Outten and Ginny Reister were chosen by the Worcester County Selection Committee, which consists of Dr. Jane Apson, Pam Howard and Laura Lockwood, as Worcester County's...READ MORE

State Grants To Help Fund Ocean City Projects

BALTIMORE - Governor Martin O'Malley has announced funding that would stimulate reinvestment in and revitalize Maryland's historic and Main Street communities.  Standing at Veterans Park, in the heart of the Dundalk commercial center, Governor O'Malley announced $7 million in Community Legacy awards for 73 projects across the State.  Eight organizations on the Eastern Shore received $882,000 in assistance for 13 projects. In Worcester County, $245,000 in grants were awarded. Here's a...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Donald L. Lyons BERLIN - Donald Louis Lyons, age 63, died Wednesday, March 18, 2008 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Born in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of the late Zane Gray Lyons and Agnes Elishia Hastings. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Ann Legg Lyons; a twin brother, Lionel Gray Lyons and his wife Jean Ellen Smith Lyons of Selbyville; a sister, Beverly Lyons DeLuca and her husband Jim of Berwyn, Pa.; numerous nieces and nephews; and great nieces and great nephews. Lyons had...READ MORE

People Joining Together For Community Causes

See who was out helping causes in the Ocean City area. ...READ MORE

A Look At Who Was Out On The Town This Week

Weekly pictures from the restaurant and bar scene around the Ocean City area.  ...READ MORE

Diving Into The Area's Cultural Activities

An inside look at the regional arts scene through photographs.  ...READ MORE

Fishing Show Still Hoping For Resort Sponsorship

OCEAN CITY - Although the Tourism Commission has initially denied the recent sponsorship request of local fishing show 'Hooked On OC', show producers remain hopeful that the town will partner with them to give Ocean City's fishing industry national exposure. At a Tourism Commission meeting in January, producers of the local fishing show 'Hooked On OC,' presented the commission with a proposal, one that they claimed would be beneficial for all parties involved. Producer Dave Messick and host...READ MORE

Legislature Approves Trimper's, Jolly Roger Bills

ANNAPOLIS - Legislation enabling the County Commissioners and/or the Ocean City Mayor and Council to provide tax credits to two landmark amusement parks in the resort faced with soaring property tax assessments cruised through both the House and Senate last week, tossing the decision to provide relief back in the court of local lawmakers. Both the House of Delegates and the Senate last week approved enabling legislation that would allow local governing bodies, in this case the County...READ MORE

New Library Welcomes 1,200-Plus In First Three Days

OCEAN CITY - The new Ocean City branch of the Worcester County Library was open and in full swing this week, welcoming visitors and receiving rave reviews about the new expansive, high-tech facility. The old 14th Street location, which served Ocean City proudly for nearly 40 years, officially closed its doors earlier this month, providing a bittersweet ending for many but paving the way for the move to the new 100th Street location. 'The move was phenomenally smooth. We had a few IT glitches,...READ MORE

Police Comm. Votes To Alter Open Container Law

OCEAN CITY - After numerous discussions over the current open container laws, the Ocean City Police Commission agreed this week to support the change of open container violations from arrestable to non-arrestable offenses. The consideration to change the open container law from a criminal misdemeanor to a municipal infraction has been circulating for years. Under the town code, it is unlawful to possess or consume alcoholic beverages 'on any public street, highway, alley, sidewalk, parking lot,...READ MORE

Update On Local Legislation Of Significance

ANNAPOLIS - With the Maryland General Assembly 2008 session suddenly getting long in the tooth, several bills of local importance have been passed or voted down by one or both sides of the aisle in Annapolis in the last week. Cross-over day, or the point in the session at which a bill introduced in either the House or the Senate must survive in order to be sent over to the other chamber for approval, passed this week, starting off a chain reaction of sorts on votes on a wide variety of bills. As...READ MORE

Area Attorney In Running For High Court Seat

BERLIN - Local attorney Joe Moore is back among the candidates seeking appointment to a seat on Maryland's highest court this week after the state's judicial nominating committee forwarded the names of all three applicants for the position to the governor for final approval. Moore in December officially filed an application to replace Judge Dale Cathell as the Maryland Court of Appeals judge for the state's First Appellate Circuit, which includes the nine counties of the Eastern Shore. Cathell...READ MORE

Berlin Approves Mechanism Allowing Senior Living Project

BERLIN - The way is now open for the Davis-Taylor Farm property, once meant for a technology park, to become the site of a senior living residential development. The Berlin Mayor and Council approved the text amendment for the zoning code changes Monday night. An eight-page text amendment now covers senior living facilities in the M-1A industrial zone, allowing the residential development as a conditional use. Developers wishing to pursue a conditional use must get the approval of the Berlin...READ MORE

Berlin Planning 'Runaway Bride' Anniversary Party

BERLIN - Berlin is adding two new events and expanding another this summer with a 10th Anniversary Celebration of the filming of 'Runaway Bride' and a Blues and Jazz festival. The Berlin Chamber of Commerce will present four events this summer, ending with the marquee event celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the filming of 'Runaway Bride,' on Aug. 2. Berlin Chamber of Commerce President Joel Todd appeared in front of the Berlin Mayor and Council to ask permission to close Main St. to traffic...READ MORE

Berlin Planning Department Full Of Job Openings

BERLIN - Berlin is still waiting for a new planning superintendent, seven months after previous superintendent Stacey Weisner vacated the post last summer. The town's planning department also lost the code enforcement officer in October and that position has also sat empty. The only people working out of the tiny brick building behind Berlin Town Hall that houses the planning and zoning department are permit coordinator Carolyn Duffy and consultant Tim Bourcier, in office part-time. 'That...READ MORE

Crofton Man Killed In Two-Car Accident

BERLIN - A two-car collision on Route 12 near Girdletree on Wednesday night claimed the life of a Crofton, Md. man. Shortly after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Worcester County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a reported motor vehicle collision on Route 12 just north of Girdletree. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a Chevrolet pick-up truck in the center of the road and a Ford Mustang in a ditch nearby. The investigation revealed the passenger of the Mustang, Jonathan Andrew Wagner, 26, of Crofton, had...READ MORE

Flower St. Sidewalk Project's Cost Jumps

BERLIN - Costs are rising on the Flower St. sidewalk project as additions are made to the work. The Berlin Mayor and Council approved the addition of work costing another $32,742 Monday night. 'It just keeps growing, doesn't it?' said Councilwoman Paula Lynch. The increases are not surprising, said Council Vice President Gee Williams. 'The $175,000 grant has turned into almost a $600,000 project,' Lynch said. Actual costs on the long-awaited walkway have increase two and three-quarter times as...READ MORE

Police In-Car Camera Test Underway

OCEAN CITY - The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) is only a few weeks into the testing and evaluation process of two in-car camera surveillance systems, but has already seen positive response, officials reported this week. In-car camera surveillance is becoming increasingly prevalent in police vehicles throughout the county in an effort to provide safety to both officers and the public. The Ocean City Public Safety Group began researching the in-car camera systems in October 2007, choosing...READ MORE

Residents Awaiting Needed Street Repairs

BERLIN - Grice St. dwellers looking forward to repairs to the neglected road asked for some assurances from the Berlin Mayor and Council Monday night that certain changes would be made along with the repairs. Ron Humphress, a resident of Grice St., spoke to the Berlin Town Council of the need for repairs on the short street between Graham Ave. and Franklin Ave. The street has been on Berlin's list of streets to repair for years. 'I just wanted to make sure you guys really realized how important...READ MORE

Rules For Cop Second Jobs Outlined, Approved

OCEAN CITY - New guidelines regarding secondary employment of Ocean City police officers were presented and approved this week, providing clear guidelines for secondary police work. At an Ocean City Police Commission meeting this week, a general order was presented, outlining the current and new guidelines for police officers wishing to take on secondary work. Members of the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) are able to take on secondary employment, but guidelines define what officers can and...READ MORE

Towing Charges To Increase In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City could be seeing some new towing fees this summer, as the Ocean City Police Commission agreed to the price increases this week. Several representatives from local towing companies were present at a Police Commission meeting Tuesday to discuss the current towing prices, which they claimed were too low. As it currently stands, towing companies only receive $35 for showing up to a potential vehicle tow and an additional $125 for the actual towing. Representatives explained...READ MORE

Town Weighs Budget Issues

BERLIN - An expected upswing in Berlin's real estate tax revenues is good news for the town in the face of the rising costs of operating the small municipality.  Revenues should increase somewhat in fiscal year 2009, Berlin Administrator Linda Bambary said, referring to the third year of phased-in assessment increases. The draft budget she has presented to the Berlin Mayor and Council over two work sessions shows moderate increases related to increased costs, the need for new equipment and...READ MORE

Waiting Could Elevate Plant Work By $500K

BERLIN - Waiting five more years to add enough wastewater capacity to Berlin's sewer plant to reach 1 million gallons per day (gpd) could cost as much as $1.8 million versus the $1.3 million the expansion would cost in today's dollars. The price tag goes up to $1.6 million, under a low inflation rate of 2.5 percent. The Berlin Mayor and Council asked earlier this month for more realistic numbers based on higher, inflation rates. At 5 percent inflation, if the additional .25 mgd is added to the...READ MORE

"Ad it Up"

Someone once told me, 'Some people are intrigued only by the shape of things, and others by how those shapes coexist together in this spherical madhouse we call Earth.' I'm pretty sure that looking back on it, the fellow that told me that was either really drunk or a practicing Buddhist, but in looking back on it, I can't recall which. I'm not saying that Buddhist teachings sound as if people are drunk, or that drunk people are all zen-like, because I've seen enough bar brawls to know that isn't...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Realtor Completes Course OCEAN CITY - Sheri E. Smith with The Mark Fritchle Group Re/Max Premier Properties has completed a highly specialized course in the new skills involved in obtaining and servicing real estate listings, conducted by The Council of Residential Specialists of the National Association of Realtors. The class was conducted in Waldorf, Md. over a two-day period and is one of the required courses that must be taken by real estate agents and brokers in order to qualify for the...READ MORE

Seaside Country Store Opens for 39th Season

OCEAN CITY -Seaside Country Store opened its doors last Friday, kicking off another season of gourmet foods, unique gifts and home décor at 'the most unusual store on the shore.' Owner Stephen Vickers took The Dispatch on a tour of the expansive store, giving a preview of all the unique items that the Fenwick Island store will have to offer this year. The smell of gourmet cheeses, spices, and homemade fudge fills the entrance of Seaside Country Store as you walk into the gourmet foods...READ MORE

Snow Hill Middle School

Liberty Day is a non-partisan, non-profit volunteer effort to educate Americans about the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Liberty Day was celebrated at schools across the country on March 14.  Above, Board of Education member Donnie Shockley, on behalf of the Snow Hill Lions Club and the Ruritans, distributes booklets to Snow Hill Middle School eighth graders Daniel Gordy, Terrence Blackwell, and Sarai Nwagbaraocha. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary School

Showell Elementary School celebrated Read Across America Day by having community members read books to each class. Above, Judge Gerald Purnell enjoys reading a story to Ashley Fardone's second grade class. ...READ MORE

Worcester Preparatory School

Tamara T. Scott, Temperanceville, presented Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Essay Contest Awards to two Worcester Preparatory School students, Autumn Dailey, Grade 10, and Riddhi Sanwal, Grade 8. Above, from left, are Dailey, Scott, Sanwal, and, back, Nancy Decker, head of the Upper School, Dr. Fred Spurlock, head of the Middle School; and Dr. Barry Tull, Headmaster. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary School

Showell Elementary School students recently made Easter baskets for children less fortunate in community. Above, some of the students are pictured with their creations. ...READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary Kindergarten Students

Ocean City Elementary kindergarten students enjoyed listening to Frank O'Nanna play Irish Music on St. Patrick's Day. Above, Nanna is pictured with Ethan Kalchthaler, Ava VanDornick, Megan Kearns and Cali Peters. ...READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary School

Wendy Macrides' first grade class at Ocean City Elementary School read to save the rainforest. Students read 100 books, many of which were about the animals and habitats of the rainforest, to save 100 acres of South American rainforest through Scholastic's Classrooms Care. Pictured are Alyssa Richie, Connor Carpenter, John Adams and Abby Jager. ...READ MORE

Ocean City

OCEAN CITY The Meridian Daily 10-4 Oceanfront Residences New Construction Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-520-0072 OCEAN CITY Bella Vista Daily 10-4 3BR Bayside Condos Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 OCEAN CITY Bahia Vista 10th St. Bayside Mon-Fri 11-3 3&4BR Condos Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY Bel Mare Somerset Street Daily 11-3 3BR/2BA New Const. Skip Schlesinger Re/Max Premier Properties 410-520-8118 OCEAN CITY South Beach Boardwalk at 7th Fri-Sun 11-3 3&4BR...READ MORE

West Ocean City - Ocean Pines - Berlin - MD - VA

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Sat & Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker VIRGINIA 3205 Salty Way Captains Cove Sat & Sun 10-2 4BR/3BA Waterfront For Sale by Owner 410-365-8561 VIRGINIA Coulbourn Mill Road Sat 10-4 3BR/2BA Cozy Rancher Decked Pool Tamera Myers Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-4853 BERLIN Purnell Crossing Tues-Sun 11-6 3BR/2.5BA Villas w/ 2-car Garage Ryan Homes 866-776-9818 OCEAN PINES Canvasback Road Sat 11-3 3BR/3.5BA...READ MORE

94th Street north-Fenwick

Big Tuna Grill 128th Street & Coastal Highway, 410-250-1001 , www.bigtunaOC.com A locals' and vacationers' favorite alike. Experience culinary delights as well as a visual excursion, dining among authentic nautical artifacts of old ships. Choose an array of entrees from fresh seafood to char-grilled steaks. Enjoy some drinks on our 50 ft. bar while watching our plasma TVs. Billy's Sub Shop 120th Street, Bayside (Food Lion Shopping Center) , 410-250-1776 Between 139th & 140th Streets,...READ MORE

Inlet To 94th Street

Angelo's Italian Cuisine 33rd Street & Coastal Highway , 410-524-2855 The Russo family proudly presents, Angelo's Italian Cuisine, the latest venture in a long line of Italian restauants and pizzarias owned by the family in Baltimore, Salisbury and Ocean City. Our authentic Italian cuisine is prepared by a top New York chef and presented in a classically decorated setting. Smoking allowed in our cocktail lounge with special drink prices 4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Open Tuesday-Saturday at 4...READ MORE

West Ocean City-Berlin-Ocean Pines

Assateague Island Oasis Rte. 611, West Ocean City , 410-629-1492 Enjoy a delicious meal, refreshing drinks, and the peace and quiet that once was. Weekly live entertainment and Happy Hour daily from 3-7 p.m. Just relax! Boomers Restaurant 525 South Main Street, Berlin , 410-629-0001 Conveniently located on Rte. 113 at the southern entrance to Berlin, Boomers Restaurant has re-opened after a complete renovation. Full service dining, self-service eat-in or carry-out. Food cooked to order. Fried...READ MORE

The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program, DelMarVa Chapter

The newest Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program DelMarVa Chapter board members were recently selected for 2008. Pictured, from left, are Melanie Welton, co-founder, and new members Dave Miller and Dana Gaigler. The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program is a youth-focused, community-based awareness and educational suicide prevention program. ...READ MORE

Stephen Decatur High Schools Jr. Red Cross Club

Stephen Decatur High Schools Jr. Red Cross Club members recently completed nine hours of instruction to earn their CPR/AED and Standard First Aid training.  Club members were trained by the Lower Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross. Pictured, club coordinators and members are pictured with John Culp, executive director of the Lower Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross. ...READ MORE

Bull on the Beach Owner Recognized

Bull on the Beach owner Phil Houck was recognized recently for his commitment to Atlantic General Hospital and his involvement in the annual New Year's Day Penguin Swim. Since the event's inception, Houck and the Bull have raised $241,000 for the hospital's Foundation. Pictured, from left, are Todd Hershey, chair of the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation; Phil Houck, Foundation member and owner of Bull on the Beach; and Michael Franklin, CEO of Atlantic General Hospital. ...READ MORE

IRA Can Provide Family Tax-Free Income Stream

BERLIN - You contributed to an IRA to help fund your retirement lifestyle. In fact, it's quite possible you've rolled over your assets from multiple employers' plans into a single IRA to form the foundation of your retirement savings. But what if some or all of those assets survive you? In that event, your IRA can work as a wealth-transfer tool, allowing a beneficiary to enjoy continued tax-deferred growth potential and an income stream. Your first priority: Make sure your beneficiary...READ MORE

My Thoughts

Sports often messes with Insider's television viewing schedule. It often irks the old guy, but one sport he will allow to interfere with his regular 60 Minutes watching is college basketball, the purest of all the highly televised sports. There just seems to be something special about this game and the love those boys (oops, young men) have for it. Insider does not watch every game because there are way too many, but he does often catch the ones with the teams from Maryland's conference. While...READ MORE

Things I Like

The movie •€˜The Great Debaters' Being passed while going 75 mph on I-95 The green tea at Panera Watching kids scatter around at Easter egg hunts Those warm days that make spring seem so near A dark-haired man with a gray beard Shopping for new furniture Well-behaved children in a restaurant Simon on American Idol Driving with the sunroof open in March Catching all the West Ocean City traffic lights Photo courtesy of www.hasbrouck-heights.net Â© All rights reserved ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Resist a confrontation with that irksome person. The matter will soon blow over anyway. Meanwhile, channel your high Arian energy into areas with more positive potential. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): The innovative Bovine finds a creative way to resolve a sensitive domestic problem by midweek. A former colleague returns with an intriguing business suggestion. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): An unexpected critical statement from someone you trust could catch you...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Fire Department Troubles Put City at Risk Editor: I am writing regarding the recent events with the fire department and the city. After reading the article, I am flabbergasted as a resident and taxpayer. Let me first say that I have been employed by Howard County Fire and Rescue for over 25 years. I was a volunteer firefighter in the county for 4 ½ years prior to that. What is happening in Ocean City is not just an issue of career firefighters versus volunteer. It is a power struggle, with the...READ MORE