February 6, 2009

Pines Man Arrested On Assault, Drug Charges

OCEAN PINES - An Ocean Pines man was arrested last week on assault and drug charges following a domestic dispute in the north end of the community. Last Monday, Ocean Pines Police responded to a reported domestic dispute at a north Ocean Pines residence. As a result of the investigation, Ocean Pines Police arrested Peter Paul Demarie, 29, of Ocean Pines, and charged him with first-degree assault and possession of marijuana and other CDS, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and...READ MORE

My Thoughts

The old guy browsed through the mall bookstore the other day and was shocked to see people actually paying $16 and $25 for hardback books, even $10 for pocket editions and $5 for audio versions. One guy bought three of the same book, Obama's biography, saying to the clerk the editions would be worth something sometime. Insider questioned to himself that logic since there were hundreds of them resting on the shelves behind the idiot as he spoke. Haven't these people ever heard of libraries? How...READ MORE

Decatur Girls Stay on a Roll

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's girls' varsity basketball team stayed on a roll this week, beating North Caroline, 37-34, on Tuesday for their second straight win. The Seahawks have struggled all year for the most part, but they might be saving their best for last. Decatur beat visiting North Caroline on Tuesday night with a combination of timely shooting and a stingy defense. Kylie Nottingham scored 10 points and Leigh Anne Flounlacker added nine for the Seahawks, who improved to 5-14 on the season...READ MORE

Decatur Sweeps Bayside Titles

BERLIN- Less than a week after sweeping the Bayside Conference championships, the Stephen Decatur boys' and girls' varsity indoor track teams made a strong showing in the state Class 3A East region meet this week, with the girls' team winning a regional title and the boys finishing a solid fifth. Last week, the Seahawk indoor track teams won their respective Bayside Conference championships held at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill. The girls, led by a strong showing in the...READ MORE

Mallards Fall on Senior Night

BERLIN- Visiting Delmarva Christian spoiled Senior Night for Worcester Prep's boys' varsity basketball team on Wednesday, raining on the Mallards' parade and handing them a 57-34 loss. Worcester hung around with Delmarva Christian for the better part of three quarters on Tuesday before the Royals pulled away and took control of the game. The loss tarnished what was otherwise a special night for Worcester, which bid farewell for the last time on the home court to seniors Parker McIntosh and...READ MORE

Seahawks Finish Strong at Arundels

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity wrestling team made a strong showing at the Arundel Duals last weekend, sweeping seven of eight matches including a big win over Rising Sun to finish fifth in the prestigious annual tournament. The Seahawks rolled through their early matches, beating Liberty, Lake Braddock, Clarksburg, Landsdowne, and River Hill before falling to Hereford of Baltimore County in the first-round of the championship bracket and their sixth match of the tournament. Last year,...READ MORE

Resort Quickly Freezes Employee Pay

OCEAN CITY - It officially took 126 seconds to freeze the salaries of an entire city's workforce. At the end of Monday night's meeting at City Hall, City Manager Dennis Dare announced that the town would freeze the salaries of all general employees for at least the next year. 'My recommendation as we continue this budget process is to basically freeze the salaries of the employees where they are at this time for this fiscal year,' said Dare. For an issue that will impact hundreds of people, the...READ MORE

Friday, February 6-County Libraries Record User Spike

SNOW HILL - Cash-strapped and financially worried Worcester Countians are trekking to the local libraries for their entertainment, with local libraries showing a 17.7-percent increase in visitors since July 2008. The county's five library branches saw 253,753 people walk through their doors between July 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2008, libraries director Mark Thomas reported to the Worcester County Commissioners. 'I just thought at a time when at the local and state and national level good news is...READ MORE

Friday, February 6--OCDC Quietly Going About Downtown Work

OCEAN CITY - There might be many ideas about how to make downtown Ocean City more aesthetically pleasing, but one non-profit group has crafted those ideas into a concrete vision. The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) has been diligently working, albeit oftentimes under the radar, since 2000 to change the decaying cosmetic of downtown and walking the line between nostalgia and necessary modernization. 'The incremental changes that have been made over the last few years you are starting to...READ MORE

Friday, February 6--Resort's Budget Cut Total Balloons To $2.5M

OCEAN CITY - As the town continues to trim the low hanging fruit, and nears the end of its budget cuts, the hope remains that fee increases will be kept to a minimum. City Manager Dennis Dare said that the town is 'almost through all the cuts that we can make to the budget' and told the Mayor and City Council last week that the savings gained in the citywide 'belt-tightening process' has grown to almost $2.5 million. Dare's first round of cuts saved the town upwards of $1.4 million and with...READ MORE

Friday, February 6--Utility Group Not Fond Of Power Purchase Auction

BERLIN - Berlin should pursue a more traditional power buying deal instead of attempting a new auction-based method of bidding out power purchasing, the Berlin Utilities Commission (BUC) will advise elected officials next week. The BUC hashed out that decision at its Tuesday evening meeting, comparing the traditional approach to a power purchase agreement reached through an auction. Members concluded there were too many unknowns with the auction process. The group will continue to look into...READ MORE

People in Society

A Look at Neighbors Helping Neighbors Throughout the Community ...READ MORE

Thoughts From the Publisher's Desk

The Ocean City Mayor and Council deserves recognition this week for approving City Manager Dennis Dare's plan to freeze all employee salaries for the next fiscal year. This is precisely what we called for in an editorial last week, and that's worth pointing out to blow our own horn. It's noteworthy because there are times when governments will do exactly the opposite of what a newspaper suggests on the opinion page to prove a point. It's happened around these parts, in fact, and it was great to...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Silencing Public Leaves Bad Taste Editor: Ocean City Council President Joe Mitrecic's actions at the Jan. 27 council meeting were reprehensible. Council member Joe Hall requested the Ocean City taxpayers show up at the meeting to offer suggestions on solving the Ocean City budget crisis. Evidently, Mitrecic, who sets the agenda for council meetings, did not want taxpayers' comments. First, the start of the open meeting was delayed by one of the council's lengthy secret meetings. Then Mitrecic...READ MORE

Parking Rate Hike Calls For Some Mettle

On an almost weekly basis, it seems the Ocean City Mayor and Council is facing tough decisions, revolving largely around saving money while trying to balance financial common sense and quality service to the community and visiting public. All in all, the judgment of the town's elected officials seems to be on par. Proposals to cut expenses have been presented by the town's appointed officials, such as City Manager Dennis Dare, Public Works Director Hal Adkins, Police Chief Bernadette DiPino and...READ MORE

City Manager Calls Budget Hardest Ever

OCEAN CITY - City Manager Dennis Dare might not be able to predict how bad things are going to get, but he does know this is the toughest the task has ever been. Dare called the ongoing process to balance the town's budget and implement cost savings measures throughout Ocean City, 'far and away the toughest year that I've ever gone through.' Dare has held the city manager position in Ocean City since 1990, a role that some in the town have likened to a CEO of a corporation. In all, Dare enters...READ MORE

Merchants Critical Of Proposed Change In Boardwalk Sign Law

OCEAN CITY - The Planning and Zoning Commission wanted to talk about outdoor displays at Tuesday's public hearing, but some Boardwalk merchants were more concerned with a different kind of signage that has been popping up lately on the boardwalk: 'Store For Rent.' About a half a dozen Boardwalk merchants voiced their concerns about newly proposed guidelines that would monitor and structure the outdoor displays permitted by the town of Ocean City. The Boardwalk Development Association (BDA)...READ MORE

OC Businesses Up For Statewide Awards

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City might not just be an escape for tourists anymore, as it's starting to be considered a viable 'culinary destination.' Several local establishments received nods of recognition when the nominations for the 2009 Restaurant Association of Maryland 'Stars of the Industry' Awards Gala were recently announced, and one local businessman could walk away with the association's highest honor. Leighton Moore, owner of Seacrets niteclub and restaurant, has been nominated for...READ MORE

Ocean Downs Starts Slow, Seeks 800 Slots

BERLIN - The idea of slots as the panacea for the state's growing economic crisis fizzled somewhat this week with a less than stellar bid offerings for the five proposed locations across the state, with bids for just 6,550 of the potential 15,000 allowed, including a mere 800 at Ocean Downs, the only bid received for the Worcester County location. In November, voters across Maryland approved slots in a referendum authorizing the development of as many as 15,000 slot machines at five locations...READ MORE

Wind Turbines Law Tweaking Eyed

OCEAN CITY - After the first reading of an ordinance that would allow wind turbines to be placed on Ocean City properties on Monday night, the City Council decided that it should read a little differently. Some members of the council were hesitant to rubberstamp a portion of the ordinance that would allow special exceptions to the proposed setback guidelines in R-1 and mobile home districts in Ocean City. 'I want to walk before we run with this, and I'm all for these turbines, but I'm telling...READ MORE

Berlin Picks Stimulus Projects

BERLIN - Elected officials in the town of Berlin finalized last week the list of projects that could benefit from President Barack Obama's federal economic stimulus plan. While the list is due to the state soon, the town is still putting together background information. A few more projects were mentioned last week than in the previous discussion, but wastewater plant improvements and expansion, along with road improvements, still top the list. 'The other night we basically made sure we hadn't...READ MORE

Bishopville Pond Project Not A Certainty

SNOW HILL - The environmental restoration of Bishopville Pond and the Lizard Hill borrow pit is still on the books, with construction potentially beginning this summer, after a variety of issues with the decade-old project were resolved. While an update on the project earlier this fall cited a June 2009 start date, work could be delayed a few months. There have been numerous setbacks delaying the project over the last 10 years, with the most recent setbacks from concerns over bridge pilings. A...READ MORE

Coastal Trust Seeks Workshops To Review County Rezoning

BERLIN - A local environmental organization is calling for workshops to be held on the three-year delayed comprehensive rezoning before elected officials hold a public hearing for citizen input. The comprehensive rezoning is intended to complete the 2006 Comprehensive Plan, which was approved in March of that year. The third anniversary of that approval is less than two months away. The new zoning regulations would implement many of the provisions of the Comprehensive Plan, creating an...READ MORE

EDC Members Seek 'Positive Approach' To Season

NEWARK - Proactive and creative were words tossed around liberally this week as resort business leaders discussed the prospects for the upcoming summer season in the face of a staggering economy. Ocean City's Economic Development Committee (EDC) convened this week in a rare meeting at the new Worcester Technical High School in Newark to discuss a wide variety of topics related to the coming summer season in the resort. Dismal overtones related to the current economic crisis in Maryland and...READ MORE

Electric Cost Reduction Options Weighed

BERLIN - Electric customers using Berlin power could see more savings if the town joins demand response programs telling electric plan operators when to run the generators for the most effect Last year, Berlin saved $150,000 using the power plant generators during times when the market rate was higher than it cost the town to generate electricity through the power plant, but did not use any program or consultant to do so. A program offered by Enerwise Global Technologies could potentially save...READ MORE

Francis Scott Key Recognized

OCEAN CITY - The Francis Scott Key Family Resort is featured in TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice 2009 publication as the No. 10 hotel/resort in the United States for families. 'We are thrilled with the news that the Francis Scott Key Family Resort is one of the top family resorts in the United States,' said Kourtney D'Amore, marketing manager for the Francis Scott Key Family Resort, which offers an indoor pool, an 18 hole miniature golf course, fitness room, arcade, pirate sprayground, outdoor...READ MORE

Local Rural Legacy Funds In Jeopardy

SNOW HILL - Local sponsors of Rural Legacy land preservation projects would like to preserve 1,204 acres of forest and farmland, but current financial circumstances might prompt Worcester County to put its contribution to the fiscal year 2010 requests on hold for better times.  The Worcester County matches for the proposed Coastal Bays Rural Legacy Area (RLA) and Dividing Creek RLA conservation easements would total $200,000 to be split between the two areas, which staff acknowledged might...READ MORE

OC Council News In Brief

OCEAN CITY - A relatively short Monday night City Council meeting included a brief appearance by a Thunderbird and a few other notable blips on the proverbial 'newsworthy' radar. City Council Introduced To Thunderbird Pilot The momentary roar over the Ocean City 'skyline' on Monday afternoon was essentially a small preview of this summer's aerial main event, as the red, white, and blue F-16 flown by Thunderbird Advance Pilot Major Anthony B. Mulhare zipped through the airspace that will be used...READ MORE

Optimist Club Planning 'Show That Works For Kids'

OCEAN CITY - The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club is again sponsoring the 26th Annual Seaside Boat Show, known as the 'show that works for kids,' on Feb. 13-15. Held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, the show traditionally draws thousands of water and boating enthusiasts to the resort over Presidents Day weekend. The show provides the Optimist Club, which has more than 120 members, the opportunity to raise funds to support its programs to support local youth and community service...READ MORE

Who's Playing When and Where Musically Speaking

Back of the bag 410-250-3337 130 St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Feb. 6: Opposite Directions Saturday, Feb. 7: TBA Every Tuesday: Open Mic Hosted By Tungsten Groove Buxy's Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Feb. 6: TBA Saturday, Feb. 7: TBA Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 410-524-1000 On the beach, 118th Street Friday, Feb. 6: DJ Rupe, 7-10 p.m. Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 , 10100 Coastal Hwy.  Friday, Feb. 6 & Saturday, Feb. 7: On The...READ MORE

See Who Was Where and When

A Spotlight On the Local and Regional Bar and Restaurant Scene ...READ MORE

What To Expect In 2009

OCEAN CITY - 2008 turned out to be a year investors would like to forget, but instead will vividly remember, according to Bob Doll, a former president and chief investment officer of Merrill Lynch investment managers and current vice chairman and director BlackRock, a premier provider of global investment management, risk management and advisory services. The following is a look at what Doll wrote in his look ahead to 2009. For much of the first half of the year, equity markets held together as...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Doing something nice for others is typical of the generous Arian. But be prepared for some jealous types who might try to question one of your more recent acts of kindness. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): You're eager to take on new responsibilities. But before you do, you might want to check out exactly what would be required of you so that you don't face any "surprises" later. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): It might be best to put off an important decision...READ MORE

High School Jr. Red Cross Club at Worcester Prep Introduced

The Lower Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross recently introduced the newest High School Jr. Red Cross Club at Worcester Preparatory School in Berlin. Above, club advisor Linda Bragg is pictured with some of the approximately 50 members of the school's Jr. Red Cross Club. Members are preparing for their February CPR/AED & First Aid certification courses. ...READ MORE

Worcester Board of Education Swears in New Members

Worcester County Board of Education members, pictured form left, Sara Thompson, Garry Mumford and Jonathan Cook recited the Oath of Office at a Jan. 20 ceremony held at the Board of Education complex in Newark. Worcester County Clerk of Courts Steve Hale administered the oath. They were re-elected to the Board of Education last November to serve another four year term. ...READ MORE

1st Annual Diakonia Golf Tournament in the Works

Hard at work planning the 1st Annual Diakonia Golf Tournament are, from left, Chairman and Diakonia Board Member Dianne Colestock, Volunteer Della Wilson, Diakonia Executive Director Claudia Nagle, Diakonia Board Members Jody Falter and Mary Smith and Diakonia Public Relations Veronica Kahn. The tournament will be held at Ocean City Golf Club on Monday, May 11. ...READ MORE

Women Supporting Women Host OP Power Hour Breakfast

Women Supporting Women, Worcester County Chapter, recently hosted the Ocean Pines Area Chamber of Commerce's Power Hour Breakfast. Pictured, from left, are guest speaker Jim Wahl, mentor volunteer coordinator for the state, OP Chamber's Carol Ludwig and Thomas S. Tyndall III, a state energy program coordinator. ...READ MORE

$4300 Raised for Atlantic General Hospital

The Andre Lavanceau Memorial Bull Roast Luau, held recently at the Dough Roller Restaurant in Ocean City, raised more than $4,300 for Atlantic General Hospital. Pictured, from left, are Bill Gibbs, owner of the Dough Roller who generously donated the use of his restaurant for the evening; Patricia Ilczuk-Lavanceau, chair of the Penguin Swim; Damian Magarelli, director of development at Atlantic General Hospital; and Jake Emings, of Emings BBQ, which catered the event. ...READ MORE

2003 Harley Davidson Donated By Anonymous Vet

A local veteran, who wishes to remain anonymous, recently dropped off a 2003 Harley-Davidson 100-anniversary motorcycle at the VFW Memorial Post 8296 in Ocean City. The bike will be raffled for $1 per ticket, or 10 for $5. The proceeds will help benefit future VFW events and charity. Pictured are Commander Dave Schaaf and Senior Vice Commander Rich Galante. ...READ MORE

Month-Long Display of Abraham Lincoln at Worcester County Library

Feb. 12 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln. The General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is commemorating this event with a month-long display in the Snow Hill branch of the Worcester County Library. With the display are commemorative events chairman Kitt Matthews, left, and Vice Regent Pat Arata, right. ...READ MORE

2nd Graders at OC Elementary Study Pioneers

Linda Brown's second grade class at Ocean City Elementary School celebrated the pioneering spirit of the country's westward movement by dressing up as pioneers and cowboys, sampling vittles and creating Conestoga wagons. Pictured are Jagger Clapsadle, Faith Engh, Abigail Crisanti, Morgan Hayman, Jude Alhamad and Reed Welton ...READ MORE

Scenes from the Tidewater School By The Sea

The Tidewater School by the Sea in Bishopville's pre-kindergarten students enjoyed their day playing in the snow this week. Above, Ben Dietz of Berlin and Sierra Smullen of Willards are all smiles for the camera. ...READ MORE

SDHS Advanced Art Students Work on Stained Glass Project

Stephen Decatur High School's Advanced Placement Art Class has been working on a stained glass project since October. A reception was held last month dedicating the new pieces that will hang above the school's student parking lot doorways. Pictured are seniors Cori Bane, Maddy Thiel and Olivia Turner proudly showing off their dedication certificates. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary 1st Graders Earn 1st Place at Science Fair

Ava VanDornick and Jesus Navarette, first grade students at Ocean City Elementary School, proudly stand in front of their first place Worcester County Science Fair board, 'The King of the Ice.' ...READ MORE

SDHS Legal Interns Prepare for their Meet

Stephen Decatur High School's Legal Interns are pictured preparing for their meet this week against Sts. Peter and Paul in Easton. Pictured above is senior class president Jake Mitrecic and sophomore Tyler Berterman. ...READ MORE

BIS 6th Grader Wins National Geographic Bee

Omar Hernandez, a sixth grade student at Berlin Intermediate School, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee recently and a chance to win a $25,000 college scholarship.  Sean Corcoran finished in second place, while Patrick Reid was the third place winner. ...READ MORE

After-School Basketball Program at Worcester Prep

Worcester Prep's SGA President Peter Buas, left, together with the members of the SGA organized fun competitions for students during after-school basketball games. With him is SGA advisor Frank Love. Buas and Love have worked together to initiate many successful SGA events and community service projects this school year. ...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

As is the case with adults, some babies sleep on their backs, some on their stomachs and some on their sides. Beckett is now doing it all, and it's freaking me out. Up until the last couple weeks, our little boy has always been a back sleeper with his favorite position being the one with his arms curled up around his head, his legs spread wide apart and his mouth slightly agape. It's a sight to behold and there's something about the purity and innocence that touches my heart whenever I find him...READ MORE

A Week in Business

Trade Shows Goes Green OCEAN CITY - With all the recent buzz around the 'greening of the industry,' the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association deemed it time to bring the topic to a local level. Coming March 8-9, the Association's 35th Annual Spring Trade Show has been coined 'Conserve While You Serve.' This annual tradition will feature a variety of products and services to showcase the latest environmentally friendly ideas for the hospitality industry. From solar energy to...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Della •€˜Fannie' Mason SNOW HILL - Della "Fannie" Mason, beloved wife of Richard "Dick" Mason, died peacefully at Hospice by the Lake on Friday, Jan. 30, 2009. Born Oct. 13, 1938, her father was Chester Warrington and mother Louise P. Warrington, and she was raised by her grandfather, William Powell, and grandmother, Della Powell. Dick and Fannie Mason had been married for 47 years and had a great life together. She was a member of the Bates United Methodist Church in...READ MORE

Things I Like

Reading old copies of Ocean City Magazine The sound of food frying Smell of a new piece of furniture Listening to my son's babble A doctor with an ego Catching the beginning of a good son on the radio A big helping of caffeine on Monday mornings Clothes from The North Face Watching the Super Bowl on a big screen at a party Being surprised by good leftovers That Seinfeld is on at 11 p.m. most nights ...READ MORE