February 5, 2010

Faces in Places

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

Beach Lax Seeking Players

BERLIN- The Beach Lacrosse Club, a volunteer organization that has been around for 17 years and has introduced thousands of young players to the game, is now accepting applications for its spring program. Beach Lacrosse is seeking boys and girls for several teams at various age and skill levels including under-9, under-11, under-13, and under-15. There is also a 'scoopers' program where children as young as six years old can begin to learn the basics of lacrosse. The club belongs to the Eastern...READ MORE

Decatur Wrestlers Thrash Kent Island

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity wrestling team stayed on a roll last week, thrashing Kent Island, 62-6, after winning 13 of 14 matches. The Seahawks prepped for this week's big conference showdown against Parkside by taking care of Kent Island in short order. Matt Meekins won his match be decision at 103 pounds, Seth Goggin won by technical fall at 125, Corbin Lohnas won by technical fall at 130, and Devin Bataille won a major decision at 135. Johnny Soghomonian kept the Seahawks going with a...READ MORE

Seahawks Sweep Bayside Track Titles

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's boys' and girls' varsity indoor track teams swept the Bayside Championships last week for the second straight year, taking first in both meets and collecting several strong finishes in individual competitions along the way. The Decatur boy's team came in first in total team points with 107, topping second-place North Caroline (63) and Parkside (59). On the girls' side, the Seahawks also claimed the Bayside Championship with 106 points, followed by North Caroline (85.5)...READ MORE

Storm Halts Berlin Dolphins Game

BERLIN- The Berlin Dolphins youth football team played the New Castle Vikings to a 6-6 tie last Saturday before the massive snowstorm that struck the region deteriorated conditions to the point the game had to be postponed before its conclusion. The Dolphins hit the road last Saturday for a New Castle County Football League (NCCFL) game against the Vikings in Bear, Del., despite the snow and wind that had started in the area. On Berlin's first play from scrimmage, quarterback Colin Macomber hit...READ MORE

Storm Wreaks Havoc on Local Prep Slate

BERLIN- Last weekend's near-record snowfall last forced the cancellation of several prep sports events across the area, causing local teams to scramble to find make-up dates to meet minimum requirements for post-season play in some cases. For example, the Decatur wrestling team was scheduled to face Reservoir last Saturday, but the trip across the Bay Bridge was cancelled because of the storm. On Wednesday, the Seahawks were set to face Parkside, but Wicomico County schools were closed while...READ MORE

Where Are They Now? Joya Canfield

The following is the latest installment in an occasional series about the progress of standout local student-athletes who have gone on to succeed at the next level in their college careers. BERLIN- Nearing the end of her college career as a standout track athlete at High Point University, former Decatur student-athlete Joya Canfield, who set 13 high school records for the Seahawks, is a steady contributor for her NCAA Division I team. Canfield, an All-State athlete in cross-country and track at...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

A little green monster has infiltrated my family. Yes, Beckett, the 20-month-old, continues to hope his little brother Carson, who marks 3 months today, will get out of his house. At first, Beckett seemed oblivious to Carson, acknowledging him sparingly and occasionally giving him a kiss on the head as he moved from one toy to another. Although he still gives him a kiss on the head most days, there have been a couple situations that make it clear to us he doesn't think too much of him. For...READ MORE

Two Alleged Dealers Busted

OCEAN CITY - The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) last week closed two major drug distribution investigations with the arrests of two local residents on various charges. On Jan. 27, OCPD narcotics detectives arrested Miranda L. Florio, 22, of Ocean City, after a two-month investigation into her alleged illegal distribution of prescription drugs. OCPD detectives obtained a search and seizure warrant for Florio's Ocean City residence and recovered various items of drug paraphernalia. She was...READ MORE

Who's Playing When and Where Musically Speaking

Buxy's Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Closed Reopen Thursday, Feb. 11 Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 410-524-1000 On the beach, 118th St. Every Friday: DJ Rupe, 7-9 p.m. Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.  Ocean Club: Friday, Feb. 5 & Saturday, Feb. 6: Power Play Dr.Unks Bar & Grille 410-213-7775 , 9636 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City Friday, Feb. 5: Blake Haley Fager's Island 410-524-5500 60th St. in the Bay Deck: Friday, Feb. 5:...READ MORE

Resort Pleased With Boardwalk Snapshot

OCEAN CITY •€' Ocean City officials have found less deterioration to the infrastructure of the Boardwalk than they had expected to find, but that doesn't mean that their plan to reconstruct the entire landmark in the next few years has been tabled. After the bid to replace the decking of the Boardwalk between 12th and 13th streets was awarded in December, town officials revealed their long-term plans for a serious and major Boardwalk project that would address the aging infrastructure and...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

When local governments start hacking away at their expenditures and receivables over the next few months, it's been said everything is on the table. Ocean City has already shown this penchant repeatedly, particularly when it agreed to turn off every other light bulb in the Inlet parking lot this winter. The county proved this week it's also looking at all options. It was proposed that the county rescind the current property tax discount it gives to property owners who pay their tax bill early....READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Taxi Changes Inevitable Editor: As a one-time taxicab company owner, I seen it coming three years ago and here it is. This is why I left Ocean City. The mayor and city council does not care about the taxi owners. I was even threatened at a council meeting when I asked about selling ads on my taxis. Are they going let the taxis do this now so they can make up the cost of the new fees? Are they going to raise the rates so the taxis can make up the cost? Remenber you get what you pay for. Tom...READ MORE

Compromise Worked In Resort's Taxi Drama

Government is often all about compromise. The latest example of achieving a middle ground on a controversial subject is the regulation of the taxicab industry in Ocean City. Ultimately, after lots of exaggerations and accusations, the end result is this: each taxi cab driver will have to buy a one-time medallion for $1,500 ($500 for an annual renewal) to operate in Ocean City. In exchange for this new fee, the Mayor and Council agreed to give the taxicab drivers a rate hike, albeit not as high...READ MORE

Friday, Feb 5--County Takes Issue With Salvia Legislation

SNOW HILL - Under recently introduced state legislation, the controversial hallucinogen salvia could reappear on store shelves in Worcester County, with sales of the substance restricted to adults 21 and over. The proposed state legislation, House Bill 13, would treat salvia divinorum like alcohol, said county attorney Sonny Bloxom. 'They're in essence trying to treat it as underage possession of alcohol,' Bloxom told the Worcester County Commissioners Tuesday morning. The bill, pre-filed by...READ MORE

Friday, Feb 5--Mining Project To Ease Demand On County Landfill

SNOW HILL - A plan to mine and reclaim part of Worcester County's landfill to hold more garbage, delaying the construction of costly new landfill cells, is on track to begin early this year. The county's Public Works Department will screen through the contents of cell 1, the oldest part of the landfill, to reclaim recyclables, add to its store of cover material and provide enough space for future trash to put off the construction of another cell at the landfill for years. According to county...READ MORE

Friday, Feb 5--Ocean Pines Appeals Ruling For YMCA In Contract Dispute

SNOW HILL - Just about three weeks after a visiting Worcester County Circuit Court judge dismissed a civil suit over disputed property just south of Ocean Pines once slated for the development of a YMCA, the Ocean Pines Association last week filed a notice to appeal the lower court's decision, furthering what has essentially boiled down to a battle over semantics. In what was a complicated situation from the beginning, developer Marvin Steen in 2002 donated 26 acres of a larger parcel just south...READ MORE

Friday, Feb 5--Snow Closures Likely To Extend School Year In June

NEWARK - With two more days off this week because of the major snowstorm last weekend, Worcester County Public Schools have now exhausted their allotted inclement weather closure days, likely tacking any unscheduled closures on the back end of the school year. Worcester County schools were closed on Monday and Tuesday, the third and fourth unscheduled closures of the year, which now exceeds the school system's allocation of three days. As a result, the last day of school has been moved back by...READ MORE

Council Agrees To Cabbies' Request For Rate Hike

OCEAN CITY •€' Taxi companies won't be the only ones seeing their costs spike with the proposed medallion system in Ocean City, as the City Council approved the first rate rise for riders in almost four years on Monday night. At the end of round two of a three-round battle to approve a new ordinance restructuring the taxi industry in Ocean City, it appears that the added costs that have worried cab owners will now become the worry of the consumer as well, as the council approved a 40-cent...READ MORE

OC 'Not Equipped' For Huge Snow Storm

OCEAN CITY •€' Despite being admittedly ill equipped, the Ocean City Public Works Department said it was well prepared for last weekend's snowstorm and is ready for whatever may fall on the resort this weekend. An unusually large amount of snow settled on the peninsula last Saturday, forcing the State Highway Administration (SHA) and the town's construction and maintenance divisions of public works to work around the clock to relocate almost a foot of snow that settled in and around Ocean...READ MORE

Reduction In Early Property Tax Discount Proposed

SNOW HILL - Budget cuts should come before a reduction in the discount afforded to early property tax payers, the Worcester County Commissioners decided this week. An attempt to recoup about half a million dollars for the tight Worcester County budget next fiscal year by reducing the discount for early payment of property taxes to half a percent will wait until other budget trimming measures are considered. 'I just think it's a back-door tax increase,' said Commissioner Louise Gulyas. 'We said...READ MORE

School Board Needs To Cut $584K After State Aid Comes

NEWARK - It was a case of good news, bad news this week as county school officials learned an increase of about $640,000 in state aid for education was heading to Worcester, but roughly $584,000 still needs to be reconciled before a formal budget can be presented to the Worcester County Commissioners later this month. The Worcester County School Board this week began taking a line-by-line look at reductions in its proposed fiscal year 2011 budget during a work session on Tuesday. The overall...READ MORE

Snow Storm Stalls OC Projects

OCEAN CITY •€' Apparently, tons of snow is easier to move than tons of sand. Just as crews were making some headway to rebuild Ocean City's beach back to normal from November's massive Nor'Ida storm that destroyed almost half of the sand dunes, crews were faced with a 12-inch blanket of snow to move last weekend before getting back to the proverbial job at hand. Though cleanup from the weekend snow storm stalled several citywide projects for several days, City Engineer Terry McGean said...READ MORE

Armed Robber Faces 20 Years

SNOW HILL - A Pennsylvania man arrested in June after Ocean City police were able to identify him as one of three suspects in an armed robbery of a downtown hotel was found guilty this week on conspiracy to commit armed robbery charges and now faces as many as 20 years in jail. Jose Antonio Vasquez, now 18, of Reading, Pa. appeared in Circuit Court on Monday to face nine counts ranging from first- and second-degree assault to armed robbery, theft and false imprisonment among others for his role...READ MORE

Assateague Burns Will Begin Soon

ASSATEAGUE- The ongoing battle against invasive phragmites on Assateague Island is expected to resume anew any day now with extensive smoke and open flames likely visible from the mainland as federal officials begin the latest phase of the effort to rid the barrier island of the destructive grasses. Assateague Island National Seashore officials last week announced the National Park Service would initiate several prescribed burns in vast areas of the barrier island as early as next week. The...READ MORE

Bill Would Put LCB Under State Ethics Laws

BERLIN - With the deadline for filing bills rapidly approaching, over 1,200 pieces of legislation have been filed in the House and Senate combined as of late yesterday, including several of importance to Worcester County and the resort area. Thus far, 709 bills have been filed in the House, while 579 pieces of new legislation up for debate have been filed in the Senate. The deadline to introduce bills in the Senate expires today, while bills can be introduced in the House until next Friday....READ MORE

Chefs Eyed For Trade Show Competition

OCEAN CITY - Preparations are underway for the 36th Annual Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Spring Trade Expo, being held on March 7-8 at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. An important component of the Expo is the Delmarva Chefs & Cooks Association (DCCA) Sysco Eastern Md. Regional Cuisine Competition, which will focus on regional cuisine, such as chicken, oysters and clams. Chefs and cooks will test their skills to see who will win bragging rights. 'We wanted to...READ MORE

Commissioners Appoint Locals To Slots Council

SNOW HILL - A number of community and business representatives have been named to the Local Development Council (LDC), a group that will advise Worcester County on impacts from the slot machine gambling operation slated to begin at Ocean Downs this summer. The Worcester County Commissioners officially named 11 locals to the LDC this week. Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and Berlin Mayor Gee Williams will sit on the LDC, with the remainder of the members drawn from the community at large. David...READ MORE

Delegates To Hold Town Meetings Beginning In Resort

BERLIN - As part of an ongoing effort to keep in touch with community needs, Delegates James Mathias and Norman Conway will hold town meetings through February with the goal to help them make informed decisions during the 2010 session of the Maryland General Assembly. 'The 427th Session of the General Assembly is now underway and there are many measures up for consideration such as balancing the State Budget and bills that target sexual predators,' Conway said. 'These town meetings will be...READ MORE

Low-Income Dental Clinic Plans Progress

SNOW HILL - The Worcester County Commissioners discussed a low-income children's dental clinic, the Newark water tower, disposing of a vehicle and a recycling event briefly at this week's meeting. -- The planned children's dental clinic to be located in the old Berlin Senior Center building will now have four dentist chairs instead of three, expanding the service offered by the clinic. State Dental Director Dr. Harry Goodman is such a strong proponent of the project that he offered to add that...READ MORE

Ocean City News In Brief

OCEAN CITY •€' In the brief this week, the Recreation and Parks Department showed signs it's serious in trying to expand the sport of tennis throughout the resort, wine will be added to the list of libations at Springfest and Sunfest and a local special event is on the verge of getting national exposure. Tennis Center Stays Open Longer, But Loses Money Last year, a group of so-called tennis advocates visited the Recreation and Parks Commission meeting to try to persuade the committee to...READ MORE

Patton Recognized As Golden Osprey Winner

BERLIN - The Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) has named Tom Patton as the winner of our prestigious Golden Osprey Award for his life-long commitment to preserving our natural and cultural heritage. Patton has played an important role in the success of the MCBP. He has served on the Coastal Bays Fisheries Advisory Committee and assisted with blue crab issues and growth-related concerns. He was one of the driving forces behind the state and Worcester County seeking acceptance into the...READ MORE

Victim, Manufacturer Settle Escalator Lawsuit

OCEAN CITY - A $500,000 lawsuit brought against the town of Ocean City and other private sector defendants by a former Vermont high school student injured in an escalator accident in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in 2006 was officially settled this week with an undisclosed amount of damages paid to the victim. In May 2006, several members of a high school band from Vermont, in Ocean City for the annual Youth Music Competition at the Convention Center, were injured when the north...READ MORE

What They Had To Say About Taxi Proposal …

OCEAN CITY •€' The taxicab medallion debate has proven to provide a barrage of tense moments, passionate arguments, and some notable quotations and sound bites. Here is a sampling of some of those from Monday nights' Mayor and Council meeting: "It's going to pain me to say this and I know no one in here wants me to say it, but I think the mayor had a great idea with the medallion system. But, when you guys said $1,500 I almost fell out of my chair. But if my medallion's going to be...READ MORE

Worcester's Legacy Area Growth In Maryland's Hands

SNOW HILL - Worcester County's two Rural Legacy Areas could expand by as much as 1,400 acres if the Maryland Rural Legacy Program funds the county's two grant requests in full. The two Rural Legacy Areas in Worcester County hope to receive a total of $2.8 million in state funding to purchase conservation easements in the southern part of the county. The County Commissioners designated the $1 million funding request for the Coastal Bays Rural Legacy Area on Chincoteague Bay first priority because...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Your natural Arian leadership qualities make you the person others will follow in tackling that important project. But don't get so involved in the work that you neglect your personal life. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Aspects favor sorting through your possessions, both at work and at home, to start giving away what you don't use, don't need or don't like. Relax later with someone special. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): The issues are not quite as clear as they should...READ MORE

Questions For Financial Advisor

OCEAN CITY - The recession may be over, but the recovery, like the market turbulence that preceded it, continues to surprise investors •€' and to present opportunities. When you discuss your portfolio with your financial advisor, these five questions can help you assess how to move forward. 1. Am I taking too much risk •€' or not enough? Recent market volatility has caused many people to lower their appetite for risk and reduce their exposure to riskier assets....READ MORE

SDHS Women's Soccer Team Earns Academic Award

Members of the Stephen Decatur High School women's varsity soccer team recently earned the High School Academic Award from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. In order to receive the award, teams must have a minimum 3.25 grade point average. The Decatur team had a combined 3.619. Pictured, from left, are junior Leigh Anne Flounlacker, Assistant Coach Annette Wallace, senior Taylor Blazer, Coach Misty Bunting, seniors Devon Harman and Haley Socha and Principal Lou Taylor. ...READ MORE

"Hello! Dolly" coming to Worcester Prep

Hunter Harmon, left, and Paige Spangler practice their dancing for the Worcester Prep production of Hello! Dolly, to be presented Friday and Saturday evenings on Feb. 26 and 27, beginning at 7 p.m. Presale tickets ($10) may be purchased from Debbie Whiteman at the school (410-641-3575) or at the door for $12. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Students of the Month

Ocean City Elementary School recently honored the January Students of the Month. Pictured, first row, first graders Kellen Catrino, Jacelyn Clapsadle, Chris McConnell, Christine Lizas and Lydia Woodley; second row, second graders Josselyne Maza-Chavez, Nicholas Franklin, David Herbst, William Melgar-Mejia and Benjamin Wilkins; third row, fourth graders Kayla Higgins, Niamh Lundberg, Jessica Blancas-Chavez, Piper Connors, Cole Deppe, Bryce Kalchthaler amd Derowen Cutchin; and fourth row,...READ MORE

Buckingham Elementary Students of the Month

Buckingham Elementary School had its Students of the Month luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 27. Pictured above are first graders, from left, Colbey Sirman, Jamie Adams, Judah Matlock and Mariana Juarez-Quio (not pictured Jackson Darlington). Other honorees not pictured were second graders Selina McCargo, Alayiah Deshields, Zion Shockley and Shazeen Ishfaq; third graders Kallie Gravenor, Alex Gaddis, Makeyla Garcia, Urriah Johnson and Eduardo Sanchez-Cruz. 4th Grade Billy...READ MORE

SDHS Holds Winter Ball

Stephen Decatur High School held its Winter Ball on Jan. 23. Among the students in attendance pictured at a pre-ball gathering were, from left, Sophie Vitilio, Kyle Phillips, Breanna Rohrer, Abby Jarman, Abbey Cohen and Billie Ann Bradford. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary Class Takes First Place

Mrs. Armour's class project at Showell Elementary about raptors enraptured Kiwanis judges and won first place in its category. Pictured are former principal Paula Jones and Armour, back; middle, Tamia Dennis, Macy Dietrich and Alex Sikora; and front, Kersten Paulsen. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Students 'Jump Rope For Heart'

Adham Labwam and Aaron Cohen, first graders at Ocean City Elementary School, recently participated in the Jump Rope for the Heart fundraiser.  First through fourth graders contributed over $11,000 to this year's campaign ...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Kathy Gorrera OCEAN CITY - Kathy Gorrera's memorial and bench dedication will be held on Feb. 6 at 11 a.m. on 18th Street and the Boardwalk. A reception will be held at Coins Pub following. If the weather is inclement, the dedication will be held at Coins, which will be closed to the public until 3 p.m. that day. William O. Cole, Sr. OCEAN CITY - William O. Cole, Sr., 81, of Ocean City, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010 at Atlantic General Hospital. Born in Washington, D.C., he had his own painting...READ MORE

Things I Like

A park full of big trees Eric Carle's children's books The NY Strip at the Captain's Table A baby's smell after a bath Apples and peanut butter A surprising big snow day The crust on a grilled cheese sandwich After the sidewalk is shoveled When my kids sleep in That 'Lost' is back The North Face jackets ...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Top Agents Announced BERLIN - Sonia Zaffiris has been named top listing agent and Sharon Curtiss top sales agent for Hileman Real Estate for the month of December 2009. Company Promotion BERLIN - Carl M. Freeman Companies announces the promotion of Doug Brown to Vice President, Community Development, responsible for the development of the Company's residential land assets. Most recently a Director of Development with Carl M. Freeman Companies, Brown has been a key contributor to the company's...READ MORE

Merrill Lynch Donates $1 million to Haiti Relief Efforts

Merrill Lynch has donated $1 million to the Haiti Relief efforts and have agreed to match dollar for dollar their employee contributions. The local office of Merrill Lynch pulled together to send donated goods that are needed in Haiti. Pictured above are Brian Selzer, Rodney Dean, Kelly Sobol, Joe Wilson and Christine Selzer with the office contributions. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

OC Public Art Committee Plan New Benefit

The Ocean City Public Art Committee Co-Chairs Lauren Taylor and Vicki Barrett, center, and committee members Veronica Kahn, left, and Rebecca Taylor, right, make plans for yet another fun evening to benefit public art in Ocean City. The theme is 'Dress to Impress' and it will be held on Friday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Captain's Table Restaurant, located in the Courtyard by Marriott on 15th St. Tickets are $75 per person which includes open bar, set tables and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Space is...READ MORE

Ocean Pines Players Donates $1500 to SDHS Choir

The Ocean Pines Players, which includes the Children\'s Theatre and Radio Airwaves, donated $1,500 to the Stephen Decatur Show Choir for its Performing Arts Consultants/Music Fest Competition to be held in Orlando, Fla. on April 6-11. Under the direction of Joann Harvey, 110 students will compete. Above, Harvey is pictured at the keyboard with Ocean Pines Players President Edie Brennan and Graham Caldwell, Radio Airwaves President. Not pictured is Paulette DeRosa Matrona, Ocean Pines Children\'s...READ MORE

Polar Bear Trauma Dolls Donated to OCPD

King Lion Larry Schissler, right, presents 30 Polar Bear Trauma Dolls to Ocean City Police Captain Kevin Kirstein. Officers dispense the trauma dolls throughout the year when youngsters are impacted by distressing events. ...READ MORE

Gala Committee Presents Donation to Delmarva Chefs and Cooks Association

The Winterfest Gala Committee recently presents a $1,500 check to the Delmarva Chefs and Cooks Association President Gary Leach, executive chef of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. Pictured, from left, are committee members Evelyn Hallowell, Michelle Myers, Chair Nancy Dofflemyer, Leach, Phillip Cropper, Karen Johnson, Debi, Curd and Veronica Donaldson. ...READ MORE

Star Charities Raise $1500 for Coastal Hospice

Ladies from the Ocean Pines-based Star Charities presented a $1,500 check to Coastal Hospice representative Judith Dorsey. The money was raised at a Jan. 16 "Beef and Beer" fund raiser. Pictured, from left, are Nancy Engelke, Barbara Mazzei, Star Charities President Anna Foultz, Stacy Schaffer, Joan Gentile and Dorsey ...READ MORE

People in Society

Snapshots of Those Supporting Causes Throughout the Community ...READ MORE