October 17, 2008

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Tammy Lynn Steininger SNOW HILL - Tammy Lynn Steininger, age 47, died Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008 at her home in Snow Hill. Born in Lewes, Del. she was the daughter of Earl Greenwalt and his wife Peggy of Willards and Evelyn Hartsell and her husband Bob of Berlin. She attended school in Berlin and worked for many years at the 59th Street 7-Eleven store in Ocean City. She is survived by her husband, Mark Steininger of Snow Hill, and many aunts and cousins, all of Delaware. She was the granddaughter of...READ MORE

Berlin Junior Dolphins Win Again, Move Closer to Playoffs

Berlin Junior Dolphins Win Again, Move Closer to Playoffs BERLIN- The Berlin Junior Dolphins of the Salvation Army Youth Football League stayed on a roll this week, outlasting the Salisbury Black Knights, 28-25, for their fourth straight win to inch closer to a playoff berth. After losing their season opener, the Dolphins have now won four in a row including last week's win over the Black Knights. With their record now at 4-1 on the season, the Berlin Dolphins are almost guaranteed a playoff...READ MORE

Decatur Tennis Twins Lead Team USA

BERLIN- Two former Stephen Decatur High School tennis standouts, twins Chris and Greg Zielinski, class of 1998, have continued to succeed on the court and off, leading Team USA to victory in an international tennis tournament in Amsterdam. The Zielinski twins, now both captains and C-17 pilots in the U.S. Air Force, went 4-0 in doubles competition at the Component Command Ramstein Air Force International Tennis Tournament in Amsterdam on September 9-12. The 1998 Decatur grads hold seven high...READ MORE

Mallards Return to Winning Ways

Mallards Return to Winning Ways BERLIN- Worcester Prep's men's varsity soccer team got back on a roll this week, beating Gunston, 5-0, last Friday on Homecoming before a big second-half rally on Tuesday to top visiting Sussex Central, 4-1. After falling to Delmar last Tuesday for their first loss of the season, the Mallards returned to their winning ways this week. Worcester rolled past Gunston on Homecoming last Friday and poured it on Sussex Central, 4-1, on Tuesday to improve to 9-1-1 on the...READ MORE

Worcester Girls Win Three Straight

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's girls' varsity soccer team completed its late season turnaround this week, winning three straight games including a 2-1 in over Salisbury Christian on Tuesday to improve to 6-6 on the season. The Mallards struggled somewhat early as the young team tried to find some continuity. Worcester started the season with two straight losses before winning its first game back on September 12 against Seaford Christian. After that victory, the Mallards lost three straight to fall to...READ MORE

Decatur Golf Team Captures District VIII Title

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity golf team captured the District VIII championship, finishing first in the field of nine teams with a combined 320 to earn a spot in the team competition at the state tournament, which gets underway next week. Decatur entered the nine-team district match at the River Marsh Golf Club in Cambridge needing a combined 340 to qualify for the state Class 4A/3A tournament next week. The four-player team made up of Kevin McNelis, Jake Miller, Jenny Sullivan and Connor...READ MORE

Seahawks Upset Parkside, 28-20

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity football team recovered from a tough loss on its Homecoming to Queen Anne's two weeks ago by returning the favor to Parkside last Friday, beating the Rams, 28-20, to improve to 4-2 on the season. Just one week after Queen Anne's spoiled Decatur's Homecoming, the Seahawks did the exact same thing to Parkside last Friday, hanging the first loss of the season on the Rams. Parkside entered the game with Decatur at 5-0 and led the Bayside South division, but Decatur...READ MORE

Cop Spitter Sentenced

Cop Spitter Sentenced OCEAN CITY - An Ocean City man arrested on assault and other serious charges last month after spitting in the faces of several resort police officers pleaded guilty last week in Circuit Court to second-degree assault and was sentenced to one year in jail with 11 months suspended and credit for 31 days already served, resulting in no new jail time. Shortly after midnight on Sept. 7, an OCPD officer on patrol in the area of 28th Street observed three individuals walking east...READ MORE

Smith named "Tough Guy" of the Week

This week's Atlantic Physical Therapy 'Tough Guy of the Week' award went to Bryce Smith for his outstanding play in the Seahawks' 28-20 win over previously unbeaten Parkside last Friday. Pictured above, left to right are Decatur Coach Bob Knox, Smith, and ATP physical therapist Charles Curran, who presented the award. Submitted photo ...READ MORE

People Joining Together For Community Causes

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

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

It's been 15 years since I have voted in Berlin and it was confirmed this week nothing has changed. It was charming and embarrassing at the same time. It reminded me of how we cast a ballot for class president back in high school. There's no disputing Berlin has an archaic way of voting. For those who don't know, we Berliners go to our designated polling place and are given a typed piece of paper, given a pen to check our candidate of choice and fold the ballot and insert it into a cardboard box...READ MORE

Our Endorsements for OC Election

Ocean City voters will elect four council members when they head to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on Tuesday. Mayor Rick Meehan has secured a second, two-year term by virtue of running unopposed. In this election, and nearly all others for that matter, we look for candidates who pledge to be independent and have the audacity to stand up for what they believe in the face of opposition, whether it be from colleagues on the council or appointed staff. In evaluating this year's candidates,...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Official Not Abiding By Charter Change Editor: Thank you so much Steve Green for your recent article in 'Between the Lines' on Friday, Oct. 3 in The Dispatch. You are right, it is campaign season, which is why I felt it necessary to address the issue of our city tax money being spent to settle a dispute of inappropriate behavior by Councilman Jay Hancock. Since it has been stated that no one will respond to anonymous accusations, I will not remain anonymous. My name is LeAnn Price and I want...READ MORE

Faces in Places

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

Democrats Still Lead Party, But County Voters Lean Right

OCEAN CITY - Worcester County seems to yet again be bucking the state and national trends as voter registration for the 2008 election has dropped, while numbers are reaching unprecedented levels seemingly everywhere else. While voter registration numbers are surging to record highs for both Republicans and Democrats in anticipation of the Nov. 4 Presidential election, voter registration locally has dropped slightly from a record 38,000-plus just before the 2004 election to 37,404 as of Tuesday's...READ MORE

Open Houses in 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 Sat 9-5 3BR Bayside Condos Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY Stone Harbour Villas 13222 Jefferson Ave Sun 12-3 4BR/3.5BA Great Views Boat Slip Kathy Cramer Coldwell Banker 302-829-9022 OCEAN CITY Bahia Vista 10th St. Bayside Daily 10-4 3&4BR Condos Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY Bel Mare Somerset Street Daily...READ MORE

Open Houses for West Ocean City

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Fri-Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 WEST OCEAN CITY New Construction West Harbor Village Daily 10-5 11 Townhouses 3BR/2.5BA/Garage Prudential Carruthers 410-524-7000 ...READ MORE

Open Houses Outskirts of Ocean City

BERLIN Purnell Crossing Old Ocean Blvd Tues-Sun 11-6 New Contruction 3BR/2.5BA Villas w/ 2-Car Garage Ryan Homes 866-776-9818 NEWARK, MD 6230 Worcester Hwy Sat 10-11:30 2BR/1.5BA 1326sf Pete Richarson Auction Sales 410-546-2425 SALISBURY 208 Marshall St Every Sat 10-4 3BR/2BA Must See Home Tamera Myers Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 443-366-9222 MILLSBORO, DE 23515 Tristan Lane Burtons Crossing Sat & Sun 11-5 2BR/2BA TH Pat Eggers ResortQuest 302-537-8888 MILLSBORO, DE 29615 Sawyer...READ MORE

Tuesday October 21--Ocean City License Plate Design Picked

OCEAN CITY - Drivers looking to showcase their love of Ocean City to every car on the road now have an official way to do it. Ocean City joined the growing trend of personalized vanity plates this week, as the City Council unanimously approved a vintage OC logo to be made available to all Maryland drivers that was designed by the town's advertising agency MGH. Ocean City residents and visitors voted on the winning logo from a choice of three on the town's website in an online contest that ran...READ MORE

Friday, October 17--City Postpones Decision On Pension Plan Change

OCEAN CITY - A 'big change' to the pension plans covering Ocean City employees was proposed this week at Tuesday afternoon's work session at City Hall; too big in fact, for the Mayor and Council to decide upon, as ruling was postponed pending further investigation. A proposed 'across-the-board,' 5-percent pay-in for all town employees to their pension plans until they choose to retire was brought before the council this week by Finance Administrator Martha Lucey, causing some council members to...READ MORE

Wednesday, October 22--Ocean City Council Election Results

OCEAN CITY - Two new, but familiar, faces will be joining the Ocean City Council after last night's municipal election, one marred by low voter turnout. Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, who was unopposed for another two-year term, secured 958 votes in his re-election bid. On the council, there were four seats up for grabs with the terms of incumbents Jim Hall, Jay Hancock and Mary Knight expiring. Councilwoman Nancy Howard did not seek re-election after 12 years in office. Hall and Knight were the...READ MORE

Friday, October 17--OCPD Mount "Buddy" Mourned

OCEAN CITY - The Ocean City Police Department and the local community this week are mourning the loss of long-time OCPD Mounted Patrol horse 'Buddy,' who was put to rest last week one month after retiring from 16 years of service to the resort. OCPD officials this week announced 'Buddy' had to be put down last Monday, Oct. 6, after sustaining an injury to his right rear leg that was deemed inoperable. Over the years, 'Buddy' was involved in hundreds of arrests as well as crowd control...READ MORE

Gee Williams Wins Berlin Mayor's Seat

BERLIN - Gee Williams will no longer need to list 'interim' before the title of Berlin mayor after achieving election to the top elected post in town Tuesday with 59 percent of the vote. Williams, who took over as mayor temporarily when previous Mayor Tom Cardinale unexpectedly died in May, defeated former Mayor Rex Hailey by 141 votes. Williams earned 470 votes to Hailey's 329, or 41 percent of the vote. Joe Hill, a member of the Berlin Planning Commission, received two write-in...READ MORE

Hall Captures Council Seat In First Political Run

BERLIN - Lisa Hall won the District II Berlin Town Council seat Tuesday, beating out nearest rival Thom Gulyas by 33 votes. The District II votes broke down to 167 for Hall, 134 for Gulyas and 93 for Jason Walter. 'I never thought about winning until tonight. I just wanted to get out in the community and make them aware of the issues,' Hall said from her living room, where she had awaited the results with family and friends. She figured her chance of winning at 50-50, she said. Gulyas, favored...READ MORE

Proposed Berlin Shooting Range Requires Law Change

SNOW HILL - A firearm shooting range that could be coming to Berlin has citizens concerned over neighborhood impacts and the need to change town law to allow the use. Local businessman Duane Maddy is asking for changes to the zoning code to allow indoor shooting ranges as a conditional use, which would allow him to build a shooting range on industrial property near the Kool Ice plant on Washington Street. 'We've gone to great lengths to try to protect the town and the neighborhoods in town,'...READ MORE

Pro-Slots Camp Dominates Cash Contributions

OCEAN CITY - It remains to be seen which way voters in Maryland will go on the slots issue when they head to the polls next month, but if the decision strictly comes down to which side raised and spent the most to advance their cause, there will likely be one-armed bandits at Ocean Downs in the near future. The state Board of Elections this week released campaign finance information for two of the more prominent pro- and anti-slots groups in Maryland detailing how much they have raised in...READ MORE

Where Candidates Stand On OC Issues

Where Candidates Stand On OC Issues In a continuing effort to brief Ocean City registered voters on the candidates and their viewpoints, The Dispatch presents the final installment of a three-part, question-and-answer series with the seven City Council candidates. Question 3: Ocean City is currently pursuing or in the middle of some large capital improvement projects, including the reconstruction of St. Louis Avenue, a new comfort station on the Boardwalk and a new concession stand at Northside...READ MORE

Berlin Comp. Plan Cost Jumps Nearly $12K

BERLIN - The cost of Berlin's Comprehensive Plan went up this week by almost $12,000. Last December, the Berlin Mayor and Council engaged Davis Bowen and Friedel (DBF) to create the town's new comprehensive Plan at a cost of $30,805. Tim Bourcier of DBF went before the council Wednesday night to request another $11,685 to complete the plan, for a total cost of $42,490.  He said he is 99 percent sure that this is the only supplemental funding that will be necessary. The original price was...READ MORE

Brothers Nabbed In Marina Burglaries

OCEAN CITY - Resort police last week closed the books on burglaries at three downtown marina businesses in early September after connecting a pair of local brothers to the break-ins through surveillance video obtained from one of the victims. In early September, OCPD detectives began investigating three commercial burglaries and one attempted burglary at waterfront businesses in the marina area between Talbot and Wicomico streets. According to police reports, the outside bar at the Angler...READ MORE

Company Brings Personal Service To Travel Booking

OCEAN CITY - Some have called travel agents 'dinosaurs destined for extinction', but for Oasis Travel in West Ocean City, it hopes to be a name of distinction when you are booking your next vacation. With the rapid growth of online travel agencies and discounted travel websites like Priceline and Expedia, store-front travel agencies have seemingly faded from the eye of the public and the consumer. This trend would seem like the overwhelming hurdle for a new full-service travel agency like Oasis...READ MORE

Man Gets Year In Jail For Pharmacy Break-In

SNOW HILL - An Ocean City man arrested in April for breaking into the same resort pharmacy he did a year earlier pleaded guilty last week in Circuit Court to second-degree burglary and was sentenced to 12 years in jail with all but one year suspended. Around 3 a.m. on April 28, Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief David Cropper was responding to an accident when he noticed a person inside Bailey's Pharmacy on 8th Street. Suspecting the individual did not belong in the store at...READ MORE

Motorists Reminded About Deer Migration

OCEAN CITY - Maryland motorists have a slightly higher chance at having a deer 'frozen in their headlights' this year according to state authorities, as the annual deer migration has hit its peak months. Historically, October, November, and December are the primary months for deer migration and mating in the country and motorists are urged to be on the defensive as their mating habits often cause deer to travel without concern for vehicles. According to the Maryland Department of Natural...READ MORE

OC Water Main System In For Major Overhaul

OCEAN CITY - With one unanimous decision, the Mayor and City Council approved a subaqueos water main improvement project in Ocean City, and saved the town almost $166,000 in the process. By granting the bid for a subaqueous water main improvement project on 10 sites ranging throughout Ocean City to Aaron Enterprises for $378,040, the town saved a substantial amount of money when compared to last year's quote of almost $544,000. For residents, the approved project 'should take about 160 calendar...READ MORE

Resort Cyber Burglars Convicted

SNOW HILL - Two Dundalk men arrested in April in connection with a rash of burglaries in the resort last winter after detectives turned their cyber-savvy techniques against them appeared in Circuit Court for separate trials last week and ended up with two different outcomes including jail time for one and probation for the other. In early April, OCPD detectives were investigating multiple burglaries that had been carried out in different locations throughout the resort beginning in January....READ MORE

State Sends Out Halloween Signs To Registered Offenders

BERLIN - When trick-or-treaters young and old head out for the annual Halloween tradition later this month, the scariest sights they might see are the 'No Candy at This Residence' signs posted on the doors of the dozens of registered sex offenders in the area. The rather ominous signs adorned with a sneering pumpkin were sent out to the roughly 1,200 registered violent and child-sex offenders across Maryland last week and are required to be posted on the registrants' homes on or before Halloween...READ MORE

Surf Shop Burglar Tied To Earlier Break-In

OCEAN CITY - A Baltimore man apparently went back to the same well once too often last weekend after getting arrested for trying to break into a mid-town surf shop which connected him to the burglary of a similar business in town. Last Saturday, Ocean City police responded to a reported burglary in progress at the Cloud Break II skate shop on 58th Street. Upon arrival, OCPD officers were advised by a witness the suspect had just fled the area and was heading in the direction of the nearby...READ MORE

Town Bids Farewell To Bambary

BERLIN - After eight years of serving the town of Berlin, Administrative Director Linda Bambary retired from her post this week. 'I have mixed feelings,' Bambary said on Tuesday, her last day on the job. 'I've worked with the staff and the council the last eight years. We've been through our highs and lows. We've been through a lot. We've accomplished a lot.' Bambary's career in Berlin has emphasized policy revision and streamlining, to help the town cope with the major projects and decisions...READ MORE

Things I Like

Cindy Wolf's restaurants in Baltimore Introducing new foods to our baby 'True Blood' on HBO Monday morning football highlights Vacations with friends The Boardwalk this time of year A pile of orange leaves Not having a political sign in my yard Watching kids at play Fresh rockfish A full fridge after grocery store run ...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

We spent our first night away from our little man last weekend, and it appeared to be much harder on the parents than the child. Back in early summer, we purchased tickets to a show at the Hippodrome in Baltimore, figuring by the time our baby was five months old we would be comfortable spending a night away and maybe even desire some time to ourselves. Well, when last Friday arrived, there were lots of mixed emotions. As a matter of fact, if we had not purchased our tickets three months ago and...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A colleague might offer to open a door for you professionally. But before you walk through it, be sure this "favor" isn't attached to an obligation you might find difficult to discharge. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your creativity, your persistence and your reliability could lead to a major career shift. Be sure to use that other Taurean trait, your practicality, when discussing what the job offers. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A changing situation might...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Taylor Bank Tops Ranking BERLIN - Raymond M. Thompson, President and CEO of Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company, has announced the bank was recently ranked the strongest bank in the nation as of June 30, 2008 by TheStreet.com, an online publication and leading provider of financial news, commentary, analysis, ratings, and business and investment. TheStreet.com is updated throughout the day to provide timely financial commentary, analysis and investigative journalism.    'Calvin B....READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary Honors Students of September

Ocean City Elementary School honored the September Students of the Month with a luncheon sponsored by the Ocean City-Berlin Opti-Ms. Students were treated to a lunch from Wendy's and a special dessert. Pictured, front row, are first graders Jesus Navarrete, Roman Pabich, Natalie Piltoyan, Weston Randolph and Abigail Yesko; second row, second graders Lily Figgs, Morgan Hayman, Miranda Hearne, Hannah Johnson and Laura Ortega; third row, third graders Piper Connors, Rachel Gillin, Niamh Lundberg,...READ MORE

BIS Sixth Graders take the "Fraction Idol" challenge

Students on the sixth grade Dolphin Team at Berlin Intermediate School were challenged with an Arts Immersion/Mathematics lesson, "Fraction Idol." Each team was required to write the lyrics to a song about the steps needed to solve a fraction equation, perform a dance, and play instruments they created. Above, from left, are winners Lukas Duker, Ricky Rodriguez, Jalen Mumford, Keonshae Sturgis, and Melissa Santana. ...READ MORE

Decatur Student Wins National English Award

Stephen Decatur High School senior Kara Brower has been named a winner in the National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards in Writing. She was the only Eastern Shore winner. Above, Principal Louis Taylor presents Brower with a certificate. ...READ MORE

4th Graders write poems for OC Firefighters

Kelly Seitzer's fourth grade class recently wrote poems to honor firefighters. The book of poems was presented to the Ocean City Firefighters during Fire Prevention Week. Front row, from left, are Sarah Dwyer, Jason Hearne, Grant Rosenblatt, Amy Limas, Joes Haines and Olivia Turk; middle row, Wyatt Davy, Ay'Bree Oliver, Sara Mitrecic, Alexis Cantrell, Lexie VanKirk, Robbie Duke and Willy Berges; and back, Veronica Reinoso, Alex Oatman, Paige Redden, Brice Messick, Andrew Hoffman and Brandon...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Freshman Leads Westover Church Service

Christopher Potvin, a freshman at Worcester Prep, recently served as leader of the service at the Church of the Brethren in Westover, Md. Christopher's father, Doug, left, is the pastor of the church. With them is Sara Potvin, Christopher's mother. ...READ MORE

BIS "Dolphin Team" Make Flapjacks

As part of their unit on fractions in math and in connection with the book 'Tuck Everlasting' that is being read in Language Arts, Berlin Intermediate students on the sixth grade Dolphin Team adjusted a recipe for "Flapjacks" and enjoyed their tasty creations. Above, from left, are students Savannah Maddox, Trent Lindenberger, Jordan Klebe, and Jordan Henderson. ...READ MORE

Buckingham 1st graders learn music with play-dough

Buckingham Elementary music teacher Julie Zirkle, teaches first graders about different music symbols. Her students use play dough to make treble clefs. Above, Zachary Hickman and Kalea Robinson demonstrate how to make treble clefs out of colorful play dough. ...READ MORE

Stephen Decatur High National Honor Society Members

Stephen Decatur High School, National Honor Society officers for this school are, from left, Gunner Hughes, Zach Hall, Lindsay Chetelat, and Emma Newell. They are pictured above attended the new Believe in Tomorrow House dedication in Ocean City last month. ...READ MORE

Congregation Celebrates National Day of Prayer

Members of the General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution participated in a worship service on Sunday, Oct. 12 for its national Day of Prayer as well as to commemorate Reverend Francis Makemie and the 325th anniversary of Buckingham Presbyterian Church. Members of the General Levin Winder Chapter assembled in the Buckingham Presbyterian Church parlor prior to the commemorative worship service. Pictured, from left, are Jane Bunting, Theresa Bruner, Pat Arata, Barbara...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Junior Donates AED's to Salvation Army

Max Perim, a junior at Worcester Prep, saw the need for providing AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) for the Salvation Army in Salisbury. AEDs are portable electronic devices that are capable of treating threatening heart rhythms. Perim raised funds to donate two Automatic External Defibrillators to the Salvation Army. Pictured, back from left, are Ken Lobdell, Captain Ron Lewis, Dr. Stewart Perim, Max Perim and Kyle Lewis; front from left, George Turner, Mark Thompson and Madelyn Stiles. ...READ MORE

Father Moyer and Diakonia help bless volunteer's new home

Diakonia Volunteer Coordinator Susan Blaney, left, is pictured with Father Michael Moyer, Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Berlin, at the blessing of the Blaneys' new home. More than 100 guests including Diakonia staff, volunteers, board members and Blaney's neighbors and friends were on hand for the celebration. Diakonia Inc. is the only provider of comprehensive emergency and transitional housing for men, women and families on the lower eastern shore of Maryland, and is recognized as...READ MORE

My Thoughts

Insider is not a smart guy, or as his grandson says, 'you're not the brightest crayon in the box, pop pop', and does not fully understand the economic crisis confronting America. All the news reports confuse the old guy easily because they are dealing with numbers beyond his comprehension. Insider does not even know how many zeroes are in that $700 billion figure thrown around regarding some sort of bailout. He thinks there's 11 in there, but he's not sure and has no idea where this money is...READ MORE

Seeing Through Troubled Times

The following is a message from Bob McCann, Vice Chairman and President of Global Wealth Management, on the global financial crisis and how to prepare for the road ahead. As volatility continues to buffet the financial markets, I wanted to reach out to you to share a few thoughts about the current environment and what we at Merrill Lynch can do to help you and your family prepare for the road ahead. During my 25 years in financial services, I have experienced my share of bull markets and bear...READ MORE