August 22, 2008

Thursday, August 28 - Doctor's Weekend One To Remember

OCEAN CITY - It was out of the frying pan and into the fire last weekend for a Frederick, Md. doctor, who crash-landed his private plane on a runway at the Ocean City Airport last Saturday before returning home on Sunday and getting arrested on sex offense, assault and drug possession charges. Tragedy was averted last Saturday when an 83-year-old pilot was successfully able to crash land his small private plane on the runway at the Ocean City Municipal Airport after his landing gear failed to...READ MORE

Tuesday, August 26 - More Charges Against Patrick Starfish

OCEAN CITY- A street performer arrested last week on sex offense and assault charges after allegedly fondling a 16-year-old girl during a Boardwalk picture-taking session had more charges filed against him late last week as more and more of his alleged victims began to come forward with formal complaints. On August 17, OCPD officers arrested Boardwalk street performer Andrii Mokrishchev, 21, of Ukraine, who routinely performs as Patrick Star, a character on the popular cartoon 'Sponge Bob Square...READ MORE

Monday, August 25 - Concerts Planned For Holiday Weekend

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City will celebrate Labor Day weekend  with two free Concerts on the Beach at N. Division St., just steps from the world-famous Boardwalk. On Saturday, Aug. 30, catch America's number one authentic Motown band, Dr. K's Motown Revue and on Sunday, Aug. 31, enjoy Separate Ways, the Ultimate Journey Tribute Show. Both concerts start at 8 p.m. Dr. K's Motown Revue will take you on an amazing and accurate journey of the Motown sound, a musical explosion out of Detroit that...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Top July Agents BERLIN - Hileman Real Estate recently named its top July agents. Sonia Zaffiris, Associate Broker, earned top listing agent for July, while Terri Bradford,GRI has been named top sales agent for July. Realtor Completes Course OCEAN CITY -- Carter Howell of Re/Max Premier Properties of Ocean City has successfully completed the Realtor e-PRO course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National...READ MORE

Sponge Bob Character Arrested For Assault

OCEAN CITY - A street performer dressed as the popular Patrick Star Fish character from 'Sponge Bob Square Pants' was arrested on sex offense and assault charges this week after allegedly fondling a 16-year-old girl during a picture-taking session on the Boardwalk last week. Last Sunday, Ocean City police officers arrested a Boardwalk street performer wanted for a fourth-degree sex offense and second-degree assault of the 16-year-old girl. The charges resulted from an investigation into an...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Oral Robert Donovan LONG NECK, Del. - Oral Robert Donovan, 43, of Long Neck, near Millsboro, Del., passed on Aug. 16, 2008 in Georgetown, Del. result of an automobile accident.  Donovan was born on Oct. 28, 1964 in Salisbury to Alfred Donovan of Millsboro, Del. and the late Edna Dean Donovan who passed in 1993.  He most recently worked at Hardee's in Millsboro and was formerly employed as a poultry worker and formerly worked at Food Lion in Millsboro, Del. He attended the Beth El...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publishers Desk

The recent AOL Travel list of top 10 'East Coast Family Vacations under $250' proves a point I have been trying to make for years. Ocean City has a reputation for being an expensive vacation destination. Whether it's accurate or not, all folks in tourism understand this perception is out there among the visiting public. Efforts are underway to combat the image. As is the case with any place, I believe Ocean City can be an affordable place to vacation or it can be expensive. It's all up to...READ MORE

Abstinence Message Is Not Working

A firestorm has erupted in the wake of a group of higher education leaders' call for an open debate on the effectiveness of the country's legal drinking age of 21. Earlier this week, about 100 college and university administrators, including six from Maryland, stopped short of requesting the drinking age be lowered, but they did say a serious examination of the law is needed in a letter to legislators. The educators say the drinking age is leading to a counterculture of minors binge drinking who...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Ocean City Police Need Tasers Editor: Mr. Ayres response to my letter recommending the use of Taser Electronic Control Devices is technically correct, but he gives only the part of the story which supports his position. Yes, there are currently pending 30-plus claims against Taser International, but there have been over 70 claims settled in Taser's favor. And yes, as Mr. Ayres stated, a California jury recently awarded a judgment of $6.2 million to the family of a man who died after being...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

People Joining Together For Community Causes

See who was out helping causes in 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

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

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 Emerson Towers Fri-Sun 10-4 3BR/3BA Bayfront End of Wicomico St Terry Looney Century 21 410-726-7689 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...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 4627 Coulbourne Mill Rd Sat 10-4 3BR/2BA Cozy Rancher Tamera Myers Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-5843 VIRGINIA Captains Corridor Daily 9-5 Canalfront, Golf Course & Interior Homes George Ann Way Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-5843 OCEAN PINES Points Reach #2208 Sat & Sun 11-3 3BR Bayview Condo Patty Cummings Remax Premier...READ MORE

Friday, August 22 - Berlin Electric Rates Soaring

BERLIN - The high cost of electricity in Berlin will rise a bit before prices start to come down in the shoulder season from a peak that several weeks ago was the highest in Maryland. 'You'll see a little bit of increase next month, then you'll see a drop,' said Berlin Administrative Director Linda Bambary during the Berlin Utilities Commission (BUC) meeting Tuesday evening. The culprit is the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) charge, which reflects the actual cost of the power purchased. The Maryland...READ MORE

Ideas Floated To Pump New Energy Into Town's Core

BERLIN - The kick off meeting for the Berlin Main Street program may have been sparsely attended, but ideas to improve Berlin's downtown sprang up thick and fast. People need more reason to spend time in downtown Berlin, interim Mayor Gee Williams said at the meeting last Thursday night. The special meeting was called to gather input from the business community on priorities for the Main Street program. 'We want to do what you all want to do. We want to prioritize what you think is important,'...READ MORE

Knight Becomes First OC Incumbent To File

OCEAN CITY - While Election Day won't come until October for several local council members and hopefuls, at least one elected official has her eye on the prize for the next four years. City Council member Mary Knight filed with the City Clerk's office Tuesday, kicking off her campaign for City Council for the upcoming election. Knight was elected to a two-year term in 2006, after the votes revealed her as the fourth highest recipient of votes, securing her a two-year seat on the City Council....READ MORE

New Sister City Eyed For Resort

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City may gain a new Sister City this year, with efforts to partner with a city in Brazil already underway. Don Pellicano, representing the Ocean City Sister City Committee this week, presented the idea for the addition of a second sister city to the Mayor and City Council Monday evening. The Sister City program began with President Eisenhower in 1956. Today, there are 2,400 partnerships in 134 countries. Sister City International, a non-proift organization, creates and...READ MORE

Slots Foes Cry Foul Over Ballot Language

OCEAN CITY - As expected, slots opponents locally and across Maryland this week strongly opposed the official language in the referendum question drafted by Secretary of State John McDonough, a former lobbyist for the gaming industry, because of its perceived pro-slots bias, and some have threatened to file suit to have it changed. Voters across Maryland will likely settle the slots issue once and for all in November when they head to the polls to cast their ballots on a referendum question...READ MORE

Live Bands and DJs

707 Sports Bar & Grille: 410-213-9507, 12702 Old Bridge Rd. West Ocean City; Friday, Aug. 22:TBA; Every Saturday: Karaoke with Hey Mick. Assateague Island Oasis: 410-629-1492, Rt. 611; Entertainment Friday & Saturday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Blue ox/Babe's: 410-250-6440, 127th St., Coastal Hwy.; Friday, Aug. 22: Nate Clendenen; Saturday, Aug. 23: Don Bellew; Every Thursday: Bill Morningstar. Buxy's Salty Dog: 410-289-0973, 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Friday, Aug. 22: DJ Wood; Saturday, Aug....READ MORE

Local Dies In Suspected Fall

OCEAN CITY - Tragedy struck early yesterday morning when the body of a 71-year-old Ocean City man was discovered in an alley behind a condominium building near 77th Street. Around 7:30 a.m. yesterday morning, an unidentified man staying in the Jada condominium on 77th Street discovered the deceased body of an elderly man in the alley behind the building while taking out the trash. Police and emergency crews arrived on the scene, but the victim, identified late yesterday as Richard Lawrence Cook,...READ MORE

OC Neighbors Irked Over Stalled Project's Uncertainty

OCEAN CITY - The effects of a stalled Edgewater Ave. construction project came to the forefront once again this week, after months of little to no action being taken regarding the complaints of adjacent property owners. City Engineer Terry McGean originally came before the Mayor and City Council this week with the intention to revoke the building permit extension for 1111 Edgewater Ave., but ultimately altered his request, after last-minute efforts were taken by the property owner to correct...READ MORE

Two Killed Racing On Highway

BERLIN - Two young men were killed in an accident on Route 50 in Berlin late last Friday night when the vehicle they were traveling in left the roadway after what appears to have been a race with another vehicle. Religious symbols, photographs, stuffed animals and other personal items along with broken bits of the car mark the spot along Route 50 near Logtown Rd. in Berlin where an accident claimed the lives of Jason Alan Joseph, 22, of Eden, Md., and Donald Wayne Strought, 25, of Salibury, in...READ MORE

University Leaders Suggest Another Look At Drinking Age

BERLIN - Nearly 25 years after the legal drinking age in Maryland and every other state was raised to 21, campus leaders across the country have launched a campaign to lower the minimum legal drinking age back to 18 as part of an effort to curb binge drinking by teenagers, but the concept does not appear to have much momentum. Over 100 university and college presidents across the country, including the University System of Maryland chancellor and many others in the state, have advocated...READ MORE

Worcester's Top Teacher A Finalist In State Contest

BERLIN - Worcester County Teacher of the Year Amy Gallagher joins seven of Maryland's top teachers as a finalist for the 2009 Maryland Teacher of the Year. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jon Andes made the surprise announcement during his welcome address for the school system's new teacher orientation. In addition to Gallagher's role as the Worcester County Teacher of the Year, she is serving as a mentor for a new teacher who is joining the Stephen Decatur Middle School staff. The 2009 Maryland...READ MORE

Berlin Hires New Finance, Public Works Directors

BERLIN - Two long vacant senior staff positions in the Berlin administration are vacant no more, with Jo-Ellen Mason-Foley taking up the Director of Finance post and Michael Gibbons stepping into the Director of Public Works slot. The financial director position has been empty for nearly two years, since Don Fletcher resigned in 2006. Previous Public Works Director Dale Pruitt retired last year, leaving the department in the hands of assistant superintendent Wendell Purnell. 'I'm very...READ MORE

Berlin Working To Create New Sewer Capacity Policies

BERLIN - Berlin staff and elected officials reviewed new policies on wastewater distribution and infrastructure dedication during a rare work session held Monday evening. 'We're at the beginning of the beginning of planning Berlin's growth for the next couple of decades,' said interim Mayor Gee Williams at the outset of the session. Intensive work on the wastewater capacity management policy revealed that Berlin would possess the necessary EDUs to accommodate the future growth of residential...READ MORE

BZA Approves Project's Conditional Use

BERLIN - The Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) approved the Davis-Taylor Farm senior living conditional use this week, amid a controversy over state wastewater funding which some warn could be reduced or eliminated if the project goes through. Planning consultant Tim Bourcier warned, despite Davis-Taylor project attorney Hugh Cropper's objections, that developing residential uses on that site could threaten Berlin's status as a priority funding area (PFA) for state loans and grants to cover...READ MORE

Leg Cramps, Cough Cause Downtown Crash

OCEAN CITY - Apparent leg cramps and an untimely coughing spell are being blamed for a vehicle leaving Philadelphia Ave. early Monday morning, first striking a telephone pole and crashing into the front porch of a residence. Around 9 a.m. on Monday, Ocean City resident Paul Michael Toulottei, 51, was driving south on Philadelphia Ave. when he lost control of his vehicle, struck a telephone pole in front of the Ocean City Weekly Rental Office and continued across 7th Street before slamming into...READ MORE

New Website Spotlights Eco-Tourism Opportunities

SNOW HILL - Tourists planning a visit to Worcester County can use a new website to get a preview of eco-tourism activities through short, locally produced, videos. 'It's this really neat series of webisodes, two-minute webisodes, that tout the wilds of Worcester County,' said Lisa Challenger, director of tourism for Worcester County, at Tuesday's County Commissioner meeting. The Wilds of Worcester webisodes will be hosted on the website www.wildsofworcester.com, YouTube, and Maryland.com. The...READ MORE

OC Firefighters Hope To Fill Boot To Assist MDA

OCEAN CITY - Local firefighters and paramedics will hit the streets next Thursday for the annual Fill The Boot Drive, taking time from their busy schedules to reach out to the public and garner funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Don't be surprised to see Ocean City's finest approaching cars and pedestrians Thursday with their boots on hand, as the fire department's men and women will be collecting money downtown for one of their most personal causes. Each year the International...READ MORE

Property Found In Compliance After Owner Appeals

OCEAN CITY - An appeal regarding a lot maintenance violation at a mid-town building was discussed at the council level this week, and while the lot was ultimately deemed in compliance, with regard to matters pertinent the City Council, the owner was advised nonetheless to keep the lot clean. Thomas Hofman, owner of 109 79th Street, came before the City Council two weeks ago, visibly upset at the suggestion that his lot was not well maintained. At that time, Hofman explained to the council the...READ MORE

Resort's First Assisted Living Facility Offers Luxury

OCEAN CITY - Assisted living facilities took on a new meaning this week, with the debut of Key Largo Villas Seniors By the Sea, a unique seniors community that offers everything from home-cooked meals to luxury units to full cleaning and laundering services. Key Largo Villas Seniors by the Sea, located on 54th Street, held its open house Monday, providing a preview of Ocean City's first assisted living facility and all of its unique amenities. The four-story condominium building offers eight...READ MORE

State Champions Crowned As Waves Cooperate

OCEAN CITY - After a three-week flat spell, the ocean finally came to life again last weekend, just in time for the 2008 Quiet Storm Maryland State Championships, which had already been postponed once due to no surf. With the arrival of the swell, over 200 competitors had only a couple of days to get their sea legs back before the start of the contest Saturday morning. Though by that time the swell had dropped somewhat, it was still contestable, and ESA director Chris Makibbin challenged the...READ MORE

Subway Cars Thriving, Next Batch Arriving Soon

OCEAN CITY - The first batch of retired New York City 'Red Bird' subway cars sunk off the coast of Ocean City in mid-May are already crusting up with algae, coral and other habitat-creating life and funds are in place for several more barge loads when they become available. On May 16, the first batch of NYC subway cars found a permanent home about 19 miles off the coast of Ocean City near the famous 'Jackspot,' creating the new Susan J. Power Reef in the name of its donor. According to Ocean...READ MORE

Thom Gulyas Seeking Lang's Council Seat

BERLIN - Thom Gulyas became the fourth generation of his family to make a bid for public office when he filed to run for a Berlin Town Council seat recently. 'Gulyas' is already a well-known name in Worcester County politics, with Thom's mother, Louise, holding Ocean City's County Commissioner seat for the last decade. Louise Gulyas' grandfather was mayor of Ocean City and her father was a councilman in Pennsylvania, she said this week. 'Thom's been very interested in politics forever and I...READ MORE

Twisters Complete Season With 90 Meet Medals

BERLIN - Twisters Gymnastics of Berlin, Maryland finished the 2007-08 USAG women's competitive season by taking home a total of 90 medals from the Maryland state meets for levels 4-7, including 10, first place medals. In addition, two girls were named all-around state champions for their respective age groups. One of those, 7-year-old Dana Kim of Salisbury, was one of only five gymnasts named to the Maryland state team, earning an outstanding 38.000 all-around score. Out of 306 gymnasts in all...READ MORE

'Poor Girls' Raise Big Fish, Lots of Money for Cancer Society

OCEAN CITY- With clear weather and calm seas, the 15th Annual Captain Steve Harman Poor Girls Open last weekend was a huge success with plenty of boats and lady anglers participating, dozens of fish caught and released or weighed at the scale and thousands of dollars raised for a worth charity. With the high-dollar, high profile White Marlin Open out of the way, the lady anglers got their turn last weekend to head out the canyons off the coast of Ocean City and compete in their own Poor Girls...READ MORE

OC Lax Classic One for the Books

OCEAN CITY- The 15th Annual Ocean City Lacrosse Classic, held in the resort area over four days last weekend, was one of the best ever with 86 teams competing in four divisions, putting it among the largest lacrosse tournaments in the country. The event has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception in 1993 when a handful of teams competed on a scrubby field at Ocean City Elementary. From those modest beginnings, the event has grown to become one of the highlights on the lacrosse calendar and...READ MORE

MA500 Off to Fast Start

OCEAN CITY- The Mid-Atlantic $500,000 fishing tournament, based in Cape May, N.J. with a strong presence at Sunset Marina in West Ocean City, got underway in earnest this week with 141 boats vying for an estimated $1.8 million in total prize money. Just two weeks after the White Marlin Open in Ocean City, considered the world's largest billfish tournament, the Mid-Atlantic $500,000 officially got started on Monday with the first of five fishing days. Now in its 17th year, the MA500 continues to...READ MORE

Berlin Little League

BERLIN- The Berlin Little League 9-10 All-Stars wrapped up a highly successful summer season last weekend, beating Delmar twice in a mini-tournament held at its home field complex last Sunday. The 9-10 All-Stars collected a lot of tournament hardware this summer starting with the first-place trophy in Delmar's tournament back in July. In the tournament, Berlin's Tristan McDonough pitched a no-hitter for four innings to defeat West Salisbury in the title game. Earlier this month, the 9-10...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Your honesty might upset some people, but you inevitably win more admirers for having the courage to tell the truth when others are more likely to scramble for cover. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your efforts to defend your project begin to show favorable results. You should soon be able to win over even the most determined detractors who had lined up against it. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You win praise for your selfless efforts in a very difficult situation. But...READ MORE

Four Ideas For A Richer Retirement

BERLIN - During the five years leading into retirement, there's an almost inevitable change in how you focus on this time in your life. You've likely already dealt with the overarching issues such as maximizing your savings and investing to grow your portfolio over time, so that you can generate the income you'll need to support the lifestyle you want. You've also probably started thinking about how you'll cover health care costs and where you'd like to live. Now you're at the point where you...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

My son is already laughing at me. In my book, when it comes to this parenting thing, our baby's laugh and smile rank as some of the most memorable moments. Both come in all shapes and sizes, accompanied by some odd sounds, and can surface at the strangest times, but no matter when they occur, they turn me into one big softie. One of the many cases in point was the other night. Every once in a while, if I am exhausted and not up to holding our 13-pound baby for an entire late-night feeding, I...READ MORE

Members Of The Democratic Women's Club Of Ocean Pines

Members of the Democratic Women's Club of Ocean Pines have been preparing for their annual Military Bridge card party, which will be held Oct. 26 at the Ocean Pines Country Club beginning at 1:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. The event is open to the public, men and women. For reservations, contact Felicia Daly at 410-208-1272. Pictured, from left, are Kathy Muncy, Felicia Daly, Jean Louis, Kay Hickman, Laverne Powell and Rosemary Goodman. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

The Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club

The Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club recently completed the final installment on a $10,000 contribution to the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation. Pictured, from left, are Damian Magarelli, Director of Development at AGH; Stan Kahn, President of Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club: Colleen Wareing, Vice President of Patient Care Services; and Demiah Carpenter, a graduate of the nursing scholarship program. ...READ MORE

The Pine'eer Craft And Gift Shop

The Pine'eer Craft and Gift Shop, located in White Horse Park in Ocean Pines, will hold a Welcome Fall Open House on Sept. 6, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Handcrafted items, many featuring a fall theme, will be for sale. The event will include refreshments and a door prize drawing. Above, Midge Powell, manager of the Pine'eer Craft and Gift Shop, arranges Decoupage Plates that will be available for purchase at the event. ...READ MORE

A One-Time Hobby Has Grown Into A WOC Tradition

OCEAN CITY -What started out as a hobby has transformed into a phenomenon of sorts in the resort area, with customers lining up from April through September to get a taste of their favorite home cooked item at Smoker's BBQ Pit. Husband and wife Carl and Jeannie Glenn opened Smoker's BBQ Pit in West Ocean City in 1996, shortly after Carl retired. 'It started out as a retirement hobby,' said Carl this week. The business started small, with operations out of a small trailer, Thursday through...READ MORE

My Thoughts

When Insider started losing his sight, his life changed forever. The old guy is not blind. He's just got terrible vision and is extremely close to blind without his trusty glasses. That's what happens after a few detached retinas and years of successful followed by unsuccessful cataract surgeries. Insider has pairs of glasses all over the house. He's got some stuck in drawers here and there, on the side of the couch, in the car glove compartment, hanging on the toilet paper dispenser, in the...READ MORE

Things I Like

Going a day without checking email Watching the scopers work on the beach Frontier Town's water park The beach late in the afternoon A kid learning to ride a wave Taking my son to the beach Corn on the cob with crabs Saving my crab claws till the end Cookies still warm from the oven A cloud's temporary relief on a hot day A couch that's comfortable years after it's bought ...READ MORE