October 23, 2009

Thursday, Oct. 29-Council Votes 4-3 To Return Same Ad Agency

OCEAN CITY •€' After a lengthy process that often resembled a political catfight, the end result remained the same: MGH will continue to be the town of Ocean City's advertising agency for at least one more year. The City Council approved the Tourism Commission's recommendation to hire MGH for one year in a split 4-3 decision, with council members Joe Hall, Jim Hall, and Margaret Pillas in opposition, on Tuesday, despite a near 10-minute attempt at a filibuster from Joe Hall and a passionate...READ MORE

Who's Playing Where and When Musically Speaking

Buxy's Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Every Friday: TBA Saturday, Oct. 24: Under The Outhouse Thursday, Oct. 29: DJ Wax Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 410-524-1000 On the beach, 118th St. Every Thursday: DJ Rupe, 5-8 p.m. Every Friday: DJ Rupe, 1-5 p.m. Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.  Ocean Club: Friday, Oct. 23 & Saturday, Oct. 24: New Censation Dr.Unks Bar & Grille 410-213-7775 , 9636 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West OC Monday, Oct. 26:...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Linda Lee Hickman BERLIN- Linda Lee Hickman, 62, died Thursday, October 15, 2009 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Born in Salisbury, she was the daughter of the late Irvin Spare and Helen Griffin Spare. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Hickman Johnson and her husband Brian of Bishopville and two grand dogs Lacey and Lily. Linda was a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School Class of 1965. She was a Medicine Aide at the Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and had been employed...READ MORE

6th Graders Take Part in Learning/Volunteering Activities

Students in all schools in Maryland take part in service learning/volunteer activities as part of a graduation requirement. As part of the Berlin Intermediate School Dolphin Team's Service Learning Project, 6th grade students collected trash from the beach in Ocean City and recorded the data to be used in a public service announcement. As part of their Service Learning project, BIS Dolphin team students will be using the data to develop public service messages for...READ MORE

Local Fire Chief Sworn in to State Prevention Committee

Local Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Chief KC Harrington was sworn in as a member of the Maryland State Fire Prevention Commission.  Chief Harrington was appointed by Governor Martin O'Malley and sworn into office by Worcester County Clerk of Court Stephen V. Hales on October 13, 2009.  Chief Harrington will serve a five-year term on the Commission. Stephen V. Hales, Worcester County Clerk of Circuit Court, Chief K.C. Harrington, Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon. ...READ MORE

Worcester County Garden Celebrates 50 Years

The Worcester County Garden Club recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary at the Clarion Fountainebleu Hotel in Ocean City with 12 past-presidents and several dignitaries in attendance. Pitcured, seated are Joan Vetare, Evelyn Mumford, Francis Mumford, and Jane Coates. Pictured back row, left to right: Diane Savage, Marion Novack, Margaret Davis, Margaret Markiewicz, Nancy Lynch, Pat Lohmeyer-Bell, Nancie Beste, and Mary Lou Scott. ...READ MORE

SDHS and Worcester Prep Students Join OP Environment Committee

Despite the cold, damp, windy weather on Sunday, October 18, young men from SDHS and Worcester Prep joined OP Environment & Natural Assets Committee members to plant 44 trees at the South Gate Pond.   Pictured from left to right: Dave Blazer, Chair, OP Environment and Natural Assets Committee; Jake Blazer, Joe Iacona, Morgan Bissell, Ben Mumford, Andrew Murell, and Alan Odon.  ...READ MORE

Delmar Sherwin-Williams Associates Donate Day of Painting to Diakonia

Members of the Delmar Peninsula Sherwin-Williams Associates recently spent the day painting the interior of the Diakonia buildings and the exterior trim.  Pictured, from left: Don Anderson manager of West OC Sherwin-Williams; Chris Roberson manager of Fenwick Island Duron Paint; Stephanie Lambros, assistant manager, West OC Sherwin-Williams; Rob Bender, manager of Salisbury Duron Paint; Larry Savage, area sales rep, Ocean City and West Ocean City; Christina Griffith, manager of 33rd Street...READ MORE

Lollipop the Clown Visits Showell Elementary

During school lunch week, Lollipop the Clown came to Showell Elementary School's lunch period to encourage children that manners matter. Showell kindergarten student Calvin Lorance is smiling and using good manners with Lollipop and his mother, Katie McAleer. ...READ MORE

4th Grader Plays Guitar on Performance Day at OC Elementary

Maggie Bunting, a fourth-grade student at Ocean City Elementary School, performed for her class during "Performance Day" in Mr. Rick Chapman's music class.  Students prepare and perform many different types of acts for their classmates either alone or in groups.  Students thoroughly enjoy these special days. ...READ MORE

Bank of Ocean City's SDHS Football MVP of the Week

The Bank of Ocean City continues to sponsor the live broadcast of Stephen Decatur High School's football games on WQMR 101.1FM this season. In addition, the bank is presenting a weekly plaque to the MVP of each game as well as making a $50 donation to the football program's athletic boosters. Above, from left, are Coach Bob Knox, this week's MVP Delonte Tate, Bank of Ocean City's Earl Conley and WQMR's Rick Charles. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary 4th Graders Write Haikus

Ocean City Elementary School's fourth-grade students wrote fall poems.  Mrs. Danisavich's students wrote fall haiku.  A haiku is a traditional Japanese three-line poem that captures a moment in nature.  Traditionally, the first line has five syllables, the second line has seven syllables, and the third line has five syllables. Pictured, first row from left: Jessica Blancas Chavez, Sandra Karsli, Lizbeth Vera Flores, Deja Kellam, and Megan Hurley. Pictured second row, from left:...READ MORE

Showell Elementary Students Learn About Fire Prevention

Students at Showell Elementary got to learn about fire safety from experienced firemen from Showell and Ocean Pines. 'Stop, drop and Roll' was the mantra of the day. Pictured left to right: volunteer firefighters Barry Gusst, Jack Pinkham, Jr., along with kindergarten students Khi Reid and Cassandra Perry. ...READ MORE

Alleged Knife Assault

OCEAN PINES- A West Ocean City man was arrested on first-degree assault charges last week after allegedly chasing another man around a residence in Ocean Pines with a knife. A little after 10 p.m. on October 2, an Ocean Pines Police officer responded to a residence on Brandywine Drive in Ocean Pines for a reported attempted assault with a pocketknife. The officer met with the alleged victim, who told police he was waiting for his girlfriend when he was approached by another man, later identified...READ MORE

16th Fall Golf Classic a Huge Success

BERLIN- More than 170 golfers came out to support Atlantic General Hospital during the 16th Annual Fall Golf Classic in late September, which raised more than $98,000 for the hospital's foundation. 'We are extremely pleased with the level of community support for this year's event,' said Amy Unger, director of development at Atlantic General Hospital. 'Even in the current economy, we raised roughly $6,000 more than last year. This turnout is extremely important for a not-for-profit...READ MORE

Berlin Dolphins Win One, Lose One

BERLIN- The Berlin Dolphins Salvation Army Youth Football League teams split a pair of games last week with the Juniors routing Snow Hill, 34-0, and the Cadets falling to the Eagles, 14-6. The Junior Dolphins, ages 11-3, evened their record at 2-2 with the big win over county rival Snow Hill. The Juniors wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, opening with a three-play drive finished off with a 10-yard run by Tayevon Mills. The extra point was good and the Dolphins led 8-0. After forcing Snow...READ MORE

Decatur Blanks Mardela, 6-0

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's men's varsity soccer team clobbered visiting Mardela, 6-0, on Tuesday to improve to 6-4-1 on the season. For Decatur, the win over Mardela was the second straight in a season during which the Seahawks seemed to win one, lose one almost every week. Last Tuesday, the Seahawks beat Parkside, 1-0, to start the latest mini-winning streak. On Tuesday against Mardela, Decatur got scoring from all over the field. Jason Stitely led the Seahawks with two goals, while Richie...READ MORE

Decatur Earns Sportsmanship Award

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's sports program hung a banner of a different sort last week after being honored with the Bayside South Conference Sportsmanship Award for the second straight year. The Bayside South, comprised of all of the public school sports programs in Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset Counties, each year hands out a Sportsmanship Award to the school that best represents all that is positive in high school sports. The award committee that determines the recipient each year collects...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Girls Finish Season Strong With Win

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's girls' varsity soccer team finished it regular season in impressive fashion this week, beating Saints Peter and Paul, 3-1, on Monday to capture the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) title. In the win over the Sabres on Monday, Worcester got balanced scoring with goals by Laura Breslau, Kaitlin Talbert and Mary Clare Regan. The win was the fifth in the row for the Mallards, who are now in the midst of attempting to add an ESIAC tournament championship...READ MORE

Seahawks Thrash Easton, End Skid

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity football team, mired in a four-game losing streak going into last week's game against Easton, enjoyed some home cooking, thrashing the Warriors, 48-0, behind a strong offensive performance led by Delonte Tate. Decatur had dropped four in a row going into last Thursday's game against Easton, including a couple of near misses. The Seahawks left nothing to chance in the wind and rain at Seahawk Stadium, setting the tone early and cruising to the 48-0 blowout win....READ MORE

Worcester Boys Wrap Perfect Season

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's men's varsity soccer team wrapped up a perfect regular season last Friday, beating Gunston Day at home, 6-2, to finish with an unblemished record. The Mallards were dominant all year, finishing a perfect 13-0 in a regular season during which they outscored their opponents by a gaudy 74-11. Worcester is now attempting to add a little championship icing to its perfect season cake with the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) tournament. The Mallards wasted...READ MORE

Faces in Places

A spotlight on the local and regional bar and restaurant scene ...READ MORE

Massive Barge Inches Through Draw Span

OCEAN CITY•€'For about twenty minutes on Wednesday, hundreds of onlookers stood awestruck by the sheer size of a 200-foot long barge that was inching it's way through the drawbridge of the Harry Kelley Memorial Bridge on it's way to help fix the damaged and closed Route 90 bridge. Yet, there were some in attendance who weren't sure if it was going to make it. 'I wasn't sure if it was going to fit for a few minutes there, but the important thing is that it did', said one onlooker on the...READ MORE

Friday, Oct 23--Route 113 Dualization Phase Nearing Completion

SNOW HILL- The Route 113 dualization reaches another milestone this week with the expected completion of the latest section of the project, to be followed almost immediately by the start of work on the next portion, but the following three phases are on hold indefinitely until the state of Maryland has funding. Phase 2A of the Route 113 dualization, from Hayes Landing Rd. to Goody Hill Rd., a distance of 2.5 miles, will be completed this week, State Highway Administrator Neil Pedersen said....READ MORE

Friday, Oct 23--Ad Agency 'Pageant' Complete

OCEAN CITY•€'By the end of the day on Friday, there could be a winner in the city's search for a new advertising agency. What started with ten, but dwindled to eight prior to this week's closed session presentations (Stick and Move of Pennsylvania and Aloysius, Butler, and Clark of Delaware pulled out of contention), is allegedly going to end with one lone agency getting the recommendation from the tourism commission, and that recommendation will be presented to the Mayor and City Council...READ MORE

Friday, Oct 23--Weekend Nor-Easter Wreaks Havoc on Resort Area

OCEAN CITY- Last week's Nor'easter made many parts of Ocean City look a bit more like the waterways that it neighbors as flooding became an issue once again in the resort. After five straight days of steady rain last week, the downtown area of Ocean City, and several parts of mid-town flooded as per usual, prompting town officials to remind the public that when that much rain falls, flooding is almost inevitable. 'The area normally effected by the flooding is low in elevation (street grade wise)...READ MORE

Friday, Oct 23--Sprinklers Thwart Boardwalk Fire

OCEAN CITY- Potential disaster was averted Monday afternoon when a sprinkler system suppressed a fire at a downtown Boardwalk store long enough for firefighters to arrive and contain the blaze. In a scene eerily similar to a March 2008 downtown fire that consumed the Dough Roller restaurant and threatened other historic Boardwalk buildings, dark smoke filled the crisp, October air on Monday afternoon as firefighters quickly arrived to begin containing a fire that began in the Gone Wild souvenir...READ MORE

BZA Board Member Officially Steps Down

OCEAN CITY•€'The cast of the Board of Zoning Appeals is at least one member lighter today as Jeff Thaler officially stepped down from his 19-year post last night at City Hall. However, what we don't know at press time is whether or not there is any validity to a rumor that one or more other members of the board might be stepping down as well. Thaler hinted during a phone interview on Monday that he had reason to believe that one other member of the Board was considering stepping down, and a...READ MORE

Plan to Sind Navy Destroyer Off Coast Close To Reality

OCEAN CITY - Plans to scuttle a retired U.S. Navy destroyer as part of a three-state artificial reef site, a mere 30 miles from the Ocean City Inlet, are closer than ever to becoming a reality this week with the imminent transfer of the vessel's title to neighboring Delaware. Navy officials announced last month it was in the process of transferring ownership of the decommissioned destroyer U.S.S. Arthur W. Radford to the state of Delaware, a crucial next step in the ongoing effort to sink the...READ MORE

Focus Switching to Route 589

SNOW HILL- A wider Route 589 should be more of a priority now that slot machine gambling will be installed at its southern end, county officials argued to the Maryland Department of the Transportation (MDOT) during that agency's annual transportation plan presentation on Tuesday. Worcester County has for years prioritized the widening of Route 113 over the widening of Route 589, a message received loud and clear by the state, said State Highway Administrator Neil Pedersen. The Route 113...READ MORE

Beach Stand Compromise Reached

OCEAN CITY- The City Council was seemingly caught in a bit of a moral dilemma on Monday: help a few struggling beach stand operators, or potentially pad the bottom line. When Patty Murrell, who has owned and operated beach stands in Ocean City for 35 years, came before the council on Monday night at City Hall, her plea was not an unusual one, but her request was met with a bit more skepticism than it had been in the past. Murrell was asking for a three-year extension on the contracts for beach...READ MORE

County Renews Rezoning Debate

SNOW HILL- Another work session is in store after the second Worcester County Commissioner session on the draft rezoning map changes, during which the commissioners considered estate zoning and commercial land questions, but made no decisions. Discussion Tuesday began with the controversial South Point area estate zoning. The issue in South Point was the proposed elimination of estate zoning in favor of neighborhood residential based on how the zoning districts were platted when zoning began in...READ MORE

County Wants Voice in Slots Process

SNOW HILL- Worcester County needs to be more prepared for slots, one elected official said this week, suggesting the county appoint a committee to make sure the county gets its say. Commissioner Virgil Shockley asked Tuesday when the county should move on establishing the slots committee required by Maryland law. 'If it's our responsibility to set the committee up, we need to set the committee up,' said Shockley, before, he added, more plans get made on which the county should have had...READ MORE

Judge Reverses OCPD Suit Dismissal

BERLIN- A federal judge this week reversed an earlier decision to dismiss the civil suit filed against the town of Ocean City in March by a former Ocean City Police Department officer alleging he was wrongfully terminated by his former employer in violation of his Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rights, ruling favorably on an amended complaint that simply changes the phrase 'constructively discharged' to 'effectively discharged.' Former OCPD officer David Catrino, through his attorney...READ MORE

Council Endorses Power Supply Project

OCEAN CITY•€'City Council voted unanimously on Monday to support the proposed Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway (MAPP) that's estimated to cost $1.2 billion and will increase the region's ability to import power by 2014. Jim Smith and Jerry Elliot of Delmarva Power outlined the plans for the project that they called 'the most important project for the peninsula' in regards to powering the area for the future at City Hall to an intrigued and supportive Mayor and City Council.  'It will...READ MORE

Ocean City News in Brief

OCEAN CITY•€'In the briefs this week, a dormant project got an extension, a vital piece of town infrastructure needs some attention, and outdoor display guidelines for the downtown area will head to OCDC rather than to a public hearing. Cropper's Landing Project Gets Extension A 94-unit structure that is planned to be built on the Cropper's Landing site at 309 1st street got another year's extension on Tuesday by the Planning and Zoning Commission, with the only caveat being that the owners...READ MORE

Commissioners Hear Shingle Landing Complaints

SNOW HILL- Judy Froman just wants drivers to obey the speed limit on Shingle Landing Rd., and she does not care how Worcester County makes that happen. 'I have worked consistently since we moved on this street to get people to obey the speed limit, which is my goal,' said Froman, who has been campaigning against speeders on the road since 2002. The speed limit on Shingle Landing Rd., once 40 miles per hour., was lowered to 30 mph four-and-a-half years ago, but had little effect on some...READ MORE

Chamber Donation to Leave Legacy

OCEAN CITY- When the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce officially dedicated its headquarters on Route 50 as the Eunice Q. Sorin Visitor and Conference Center last Wednesday, the benefactor and the entire community benefited from the generous donation. Sorin donated $500,000 to the Ocean City Chamber, much of which will be used to retire the debt on the organization's main facility on Route 50 at Route 707 along with other enhancements. Sorin's donation is just the latest in a long history...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Editor: Ocean City Council member Doug Cymek recently expressed concern about leaks coming out of discussions that took place during the council's secret meetings. According to the councilman, "there are some people on this council who believe that the public should know everything that is going on at all times." My response to Councilman Cymek's concern is that the council should follow the Supreme Court's ruling that found "sunshine is the best disinfectant. Ocean City taxpayers...READ MORE

What Others Are Saying: Time to Tap Rainy Day Fund?

What Others Are Saying: Time to Tap Rainy Day Fund? Fearing steep budget cuts that could lead to more furloughs, layoffs and cuts to state services, members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees are urging the state to dip into its $640 million rainy day fund. Normally, such an idea is heresy - bond rating agencies demand that the state keep at least 5 percent of its general fund in reserve to maintain our AAA bond rating (which was recently re-affirmed), and no...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Wor-Wic Adds Instructors BERLIN- Curtis Satterfield of Salisbury was recently hired as instructor of computer studies at Wor-Wic Community College. Before joining Wor-Wic, he was an information systems infrastructure specialist at the Celeste Industries Corp. in Easton. Satterfield received his bachelor's degree in computer science from Frostburg State University and his master's degree in information systems from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. In addition, Amy Oneal-Self of...READ MORE

Keep Your Assets In Balance

OCEAN CITY - For just a minute, think of your long-term financial strategy as a cross-country car trip. You know where you want to end up and you have a pretty good idea of how long it should take to get there. At the same time, you know that here and there, you're going to run into heavy traffic, inclement weather, detours and other obstacles to your safe and timely arrival. And of course you're always looking for opportunities to reach your destination in the smartest, easiest way. As an...READ MORE

Things I Like

Barry Levinson's account of the Colts Nutella on a warm piece of toast Taking my son somewhere he has never been Getting a fraud alert A greasy cheesesteak with fried onions The advice, •€˜just give it to God' Relaxing at home during a Nor'easter Packing to go somewhere warm A sushi roll with avocado Shoes that are waterproof A book on tape on a road trip ...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

There's no fear or all fear, and there's not much in between. This lack of gray area with my kid never ceases to amaze me. It presents itself often throughout the randomness that is life with a toddler, but nowhere is it more evident than on the beach. My wife and I love days on the beach, although they are few and far between with the randomly changing weather, and some of my favorite moments are when Beckett and I head off on our own to explore. It's basically just a walk, full of some...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Lots of choices could make it difficult to select what is best for your needs. Avoid snap judgments. Take the time to check them all out to find the one that really meets your goals. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): You could once again experience pressure from others who would like to see you move in another direction. But heed your Bovine instincts to stay on your own path. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Taking charge of a project that seems to be about to stall or...READ MORE

People in Society

Your Neighbors Lending a Helping Hand Throughout the Community ...READ MORE

Open Houses in West Ocean City and Berlin

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Daily 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 WEST OCEAN CITY New Construction 9800 Mooring View West Harbor Village Daily 11-5 11 Townhouses 3BR/3.5BA/Garage Prudential Carruthers 410-520-2600 OCEAN PINES 30 Leigh Drive in Terns Landing Sat & Sun 10-5 4BR/2.5BA Waterfront Contemporary Edie Brennan Coldwell Banker 800-362-8509 OCEAN PINES 133 Seafarer Lane Sat 12-4 3BR/2BA Contemporary Edie Brennan Coldwell...READ MORE

Open Houses in Surrounding Areas of Ocean City

BERLIN Purnell Crossing Mon 12-6 Tues-Fri 10-6 Sat & Sun 11-6 3BR/2.5BA Villas New Construction Ryan Homes 410-641-2730 NEWARK, MD Arcadia Village Affordable New Homes Models Open Sat & Sun 11-2 Prudential Carruthers 410-430-5333 MILLVILLE, DE Millville by the Sea Mon-Sat 9-5 Sun 11-5 New Beach Community Single Family & Townhomes Off Rt 26 877-285-2888 SALISBURY 846 Johnson Rd Summersgate Daily 12-5 2-5BR Custom Homes For Active Adults Lynn Brocato Senior...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 Open Daily 10-4 3BR Bayside Condos 45th Street Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY Belmont Towers Boardwalk & Talbot Street Daily 11-4 Kevin Decker Remax Premier Properties 443-235-6552 OCEAN CITY Bahia Vista 10th St. Bayside Daily 10-4 3&4BR Condos Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY Seaside Escape 79th Street 2 Models Open Daily...READ MORE