October 1, 2010

Decatur Tops Bennett, Remains Unbeaten

BERLIN- Something had to give when Stephen Decatur's unbeaten girls' varsity volleyball team visited also unbeaten Bennett on Tuesday, but the Seahawks emerged victorious, winning the match four games to one to keep its record unblemished this season. The Seahawks and the Clippers had been on a collision course since the end of last year when Decatur won a coin toss to determine the Bayside South championship after both teams finished the regular season in a dead heat. Bennett and Decatur were...READ MORE

Mallards Win Fourth Straight

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's boys' varsity soccer team beat Delmarva Christian, 4-1, on Tuesday for its fourth straight win after having its nearly two-year unbeaten streak snapped two weeks ago. Back on September 13, the Mallards lost their first game since October 2008 when they fell to visiting Salisbury Christian, 2-1. The streak included a perfect 2009 season and the first three games of the 2010 campaign including a win over Salisbury Christian a week earlier. Since that defeat, however, the...READ MORE

Berlin Dolphins Sweep Pair

BERLIN- The Berlin Dolphins swept a pair last week with the Cadets edging the Dover Destroyers, 13-12, on a late touchdown and the Juniors cruising past the Wicomico Vikings. For the second week in a row, the Cadet Dolphins traveled to Dover to take on the Destroyers and for the second week in a row, the outcome was the same as the Cadets improved to 2-0. The game proved to be a defensive struggle that hinged on a couple of big plays by both teams. Shaky special teams play by both sides also...READ MORE

OC Flag Football Action Continues

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department's fall flag football league action continued this week with three teams sitting atop the standings with perfect 2-0 records. The following is a quick look at some of this week's games: (bullet) Schell Brothers/Greene Turtle 33-Kirby's Pub 7: Schell Brothers/Greene Turtle improved to 2-0 with a rout of Kirby's. Ray Taranto hit Scott Dailey on a one-yard TD strike to get Schell Brothers on the board with a 7-0 lead and made it 13-0 on a...READ MORE

Worcester Girls Improve to 5-0

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's girls' varsity soccer team remained unbeaten this week, edging Salisbury Christian, 5-3, on Tuesday to improve to 5-0 on the season. The Mallards have run the table thus far this season, outscoring their opponents by a combined 29-6 in five contests. Their closest brush with defeat came last Friday with a 2-1 overtime win over old Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference rival Saints Peter and Paul. On Tuesday, Worcester continued its winning ways, beating a...READ MORE

Worcester's Westcott Wins 300th

BERLIN- Longtime Worcester Prep boys' varsity soccer coach Tom Westcott last week collected his 300th career win at the Berlin school, defeating old rival Saints Peter and Paul, 2-0. Westcott has been coach of the school's soccer team for more than three decades. In addition to being varsity soccer coach, he also teaches Advanced Placement biology and physics and is considered by some students to be just as impressive in the classroom as on the field. Senior and varsity soccer coach Matt Carey...READ MORE

Decatur Girls Get in Win Column

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's girls' varsity soccer team had an up and down week, beating Wicomico, 6-0, last Thursday for their first win in what has been a difficult season thus far, before returning to their old ways with a 4-0 loss to county rival Snow Hill on Tuesday. The Seahawks got into the win column for the first time of the year last Thursday with a 6-0 win over Wicomico. Freshman Liz Roughcher led the suddenly resurgent Seahawk offense with four goals, while Tori Whigham and Paige Torpey...READ MORE

Seahawks Routed by Queen Anne's, 35-0

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity football team ran into a buzz saw last Friday, falling to Queen Anne's, 35-0, in the second of three grueling games against Bayside North powerhouses. After falling to North Caroline, 52-24, two weeks ago, the young Seahawks knew they had to put together a better overall performance last Friday against the Lions, who had not lost a regular season game in almost three years. Unfortunately, the streak continued for Queen Anne's, which jumped out to a big early...READ MORE

Tough Guy Of The Week

This week's Atlantic Physical Therapy 'Tough Guy of the Week' award went to D.J. Johnson for his outstanding play despite a 35-0 loss to Queen Anne's. Pictured above is Johnson (center) flanked by Coach Bob Knox (left) and ATP President Bob Hammond (right). Submitted photo  ...READ MORE

Final Preparations Underway For Radford Sinking

OCEAN CITY - Plans to scuttle a retired U.S. Navy destroyer as part of a three-state artificial reef system 30 miles from the Ocean City Inlet are inching closer to becoming a reality this week as final preparations and inspections are being conducted on the vessel that could be sunk before the end of October. The decommissioned U.S.S. Arthur W. Radford will be featured in a three-state cooperative artificial reef project that includes Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey, along with the U.S. Navy....READ MORE

Pocomoke Middle Featured On NBC's Today Show

BERLIN - A local school recently received national attention when featured on the NBC Today Show. Pocomoke Middle School was one of the many schools visited by the show as part of its focus on education during NBC's Education National Summit. The middle school (which is comprised of 462 students, 61 percent of which qualify for Free and Reduced Meals, or FARMS), contains grades fourth through eighth. The school spent three days playing host to several producers and camera crews along with Today...READ MORE

County Center Helping Increase Prosecution Rates

SNOW HILL - In just over a year, the newly opened C.R.I.C.K.E.T. Center has already been responsible for a dramatic increase in prosecution rates for child sex abuse crimes. Before C.R.I.C.K.E.T. (which stands for Children's Resource Intervention Center) opened in August of 2009, the prosecution rate for such crimes was under 20 percent. Currently, the rate has risen to 55 percent with almost 80 children already directly benefiting from the center. Not only are prosecution rates rising but they...READ MORE

Coast Guard Seeks Dismissal In OC Fishing Boat Lawsuit

OCEAN CITY - Citing statute of limitations and jurisdictional issues, the U.S. Coast Guard last month formally filed a motion to dismiss the federal lawsuit brought against it and the town of Ocean City by the owner of a commercial fishing boat. A little over one month after the town of Ocean City filed its own motion to dismiss the case, the Coast Guard last week filed a similar motion although the grounds sought for the dismissal are different. While Ocean City is seeking a dismissal of the...READ MORE

Burglary Arrest

Burglary Arrest OCEAN CITY - An Ocean City man was arrested on first-degree burglary and other charges last week after allegedly breaking into an apartment and stealing a flat-screen television. Around 4 p.m. last Wednesday, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) was in the area of 76th Street when they observed a suspect, later identified as Mark Allen Meekins, Jr., 29, of Ocean City, break into an apartment and come out with a 42-inch flat screen television. Meekins was arrested and charged...READ MORE

Where To Eat Around Town

West Ocean City- Berlin Ocean Pines 707 Sports bar & grille 12702 Old Bridge Road (Route 707), West Ocean City , 410-213-9507 We may have changed hands, but we are still the same locally known Sports Bar in West Ocean City, and yes we are open everyday 11a.m.-2 a.m. Everything on our menu is made to order from our Homemade Soups, Salads,  new and improved Crab Dip, Mussels, the only place that serves the 'Full Wing' Quesadillas, 1/2 lb. Burgers, Crab cakes, Fresh cut Steaks, Fresh...READ MORE

Adventures In Fatherhood

There's nothing like a little surgery on a kid to hit you where it hurts. Our youngest, Carson, about to turn 11 months old next week, had tubes put in his ears last Thursday in what by all accounts was a routine outpatient surgery. No matter how many people we spoke to regarding how minor and simple the procedure was going to be for him, it was still a difficult process for his parents to wade through for the first time. Despite all the assurances, like 'he will be fine, it's no big deal,'...READ MORE

Who's Playing Where And When

707 Sports Bar & Grille 410-213-9507 12702 Old Bridge Road, West OC Friday, Oct. 1: Joey Saah Band, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Every Saturday: Karaoke with Hey Mick, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.a Sunday, Oct. 3: Football Buxy's Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Oct. 1: TBA Saturday, Oct. 2: TBA Sunday, Oct. 3: Tailgate Football Party Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 410-524-1000 On the beach, 118th St. Every Friday: DJ Rupe, in the Bamboo Lounge, 6-9 p.m. Clarion...READ MORE

Arts In The Area

Art In And Around The Area ...READ MORE

City Council Hears More On Critical Area Program

Joanne Shriner Staff Writer OCEAN CITY - The Critical Area program was revisited and revised at this week's Mayor and City Council meeting. This week's meeting went over a lot smoother then it did a couple of weeks ago when the topic of discussion reached the Critical Area program. This time the Mayor and City Council weren't taken by surprise when City Engineer Terry McGean reviewed the regulations. When the state of Maryland adopted the Critical Area legislation, which pertains to new...READ MORE

School Board Seeks Dismissal Of Discrimination Lawsuit

BERLIN - The Worcester County Board of Education, the superintendent of schools and an elementary school principal and vice principal this week filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a former teacher alleging a pattern of discrimination and retaliation that ultimately led to her termination in 2009. In July, former Ocean City Elementary School (OCES) teacher Lindsay Greenan filed suit in U.S. District Court against the Worcester County Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Jon Andes, OCES...READ MORE

Extreme Sport Of Noodling Attracted Locals To TV Show

OCEAN CITY - Hillbilly Hand Fishin' premiered last week on the Animal Planet channel, featuring Ocean City locals. The show is produced by Half Yard Productions, which is actually the name of a beer glass. According to the production company, the principals Abby Greensfelder and Sean Gallagher used to frequently visit the same bar in their college days and order the same beer, a half yard. Half Yard Productions is an award winning entertainment development and production company. The company is...READ MORE

Berlin Council Meeting Notebook

BERLIN - The Berlin Mayor and Council meeting was one of the shortest on record, but there were a few matters discussed of note. Here's a review of the 22-minute meeting: (BOLD)Special Event Permits Okayed Main issues examined on Monday were two permits for upcoming events. Special one-day permits for both the Berlin Fire Company Retirement Party (Oct. 2) and the Second Friday Art Stroll (Oct. 8) were approved without debate. Traffic Concerns Expressed A few concerns were raised, especially...READ MORE

Paid Parking Dates Altered In Resort

Joanne Shriner Staff Writer OCEAN CITY - An extension of the paid parking season was approved at this week's Mayor and City Council meeting. Earlier this year, the council agreed to change the date of the opening of the Inlet parking lot and the paid parking on the streets and in other parking lots from April 15 to April 1. At this week's meeting, Richard Malone, deputy director of Ocean City Department of Public Works, approached the Mayor and Council about altering the end date of the paid...READ MORE

Pocomoke Man Held For Murder

POCOMOKE - A Pocomoke man remains behind bars late this week after allegedly stabbing a man to death in a Pocomoke neighborhood adjacent to a middle school right around dismissal time on Wednesday afternoon. Around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Pocomoke Police responded to the area of 9th Street for a reported stabbing incident. Upon arrival on the scene, Pocomoke Police located an individual, later identified as Russell Matthew Bailey III, 18, of Pocomoke, unconscious and unresponsive. Police...READ MORE

Conservative Approach Pays Off For City Pensions

OCEAN CITY - Last year's pension plan contributions were reviewed at this week's Mayor and Council meeting, and a request was made for approval of this year's payment process. Finance Administrator Martha Bennett Lucey told the Mayor and City Council she would like to see the pension plan payments spread out over three payments, as occurred last year. 'We traditionally have contributed to the pension plan every year in September,' she said. 'Last year we did a change where we paid it over a...READ MORE

Crash Restates Need For Route 113 Work

BERLIN - A recent accident involving a mini-van and a truck on Route 113 sparked further safety concerns this week about the yet to be dualized sections of that highway. The accident, which occurred on Friday, Sept. 24 at 2:45 p.m. on a section of northbound Route 113, north of Downs Road, left the driver of the mini-van in critical condition and put her 7-year-old passenger in the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Route 113 is considered a less than ideal road as far as safety goes...READ MORE

Berlin Man Sentenced In Fatal Bridge Accident

SNOW HILL - A Berlin man who pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene of a fatal accident in April was sentenced yesterday in District Court to 10 years in jail, all of which was suspended but two-and-a-half years. Daniel M. Bren, 35, appeared in District Court yesterday morning for a sentencing hearing after pleading guilty in April to vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident for an incident on June 26, 2009 when he struck two bicyclists on the Route 50...READ MORE

Boardwalk Guidelines Tweaked

OCEAN CITY - The City Council approved on Tuesday amendments to existing display and signage ordinance on the Boardwalk. At this week's Mayor and City Council work session, approval to extend review of display and signage for the entire Boardwalk, as well as, amend the existing ordinance on regulations for display and signage by merchants was requested by the Boardwalk Development Association (BDA). Vikki Barrett represented the BDA and began by reviewing the success of the existing...READ MORE

Circuit Court Judge Candidate Field Narrowed To Four

BERLIN - The field of nominees for the recently vacated Worcester County Circuit Court judgeship was narrowed to four this week and includes a handful of familiar names in the local legal system. After reviewing applications and conducting extensive interviews, the Maryland Judicial Nominating Committee on Tuesday forwarded a list of four names to Governor Martin O'Malley, who will ultimately appoint a replacement for long-time Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Theodore Eschenberg, who...READ MORE

Ocean City Council Candidate's Residency Questioned

OCEAN CITY - A review of the list of candidates for the Oct. 19 municipal election created some controversy at City Hall this week. The list of candidates almost did not pass go this week at the Mayor and City Council meeting. The list includes Rick Meehan for mayor and Brent Ashley, Charles P. Borchini, Jr., Warren Disbrow, Lloyd Martin, Joe Mitrecic, Margaret Pillas, and Sean Rox for City Council. Martin, Mitrecic and Pillas are incumbents. Upon listing the candidates, City Clerk Kathy Mathias...READ MORE

LCB Says Director Was Not Terminated

Bryan Russo Special to the Dispatch OCEAN CITY •€' Although rumors have been swirling about the Worcester County Liquor Control Board (LCB) for months, the one that made its way through Ocean City yesterday has board members calling 'foul.' Early Thursday morning, word started to spread throughout the region that LCB Executive Director Brian Sturgeon had been fired by the county dispensary. Board member Larry Wilkinson vehemently denied the rumor and said that terminating Sturgeon has never...READ MORE

State�s Attorney Rematch Heats Up

BERLIN - Three local fraternal law enforcement organizations have announced their support for the challenger in this year's rematch for the top prosecutor job in Worcester, touching off a war of words this week between the candidates. Last Sunday, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 50 (Worcester) announced it will be officially backing State's Attorney challenger Beau Oglesby, a Republican who is currently a prosecutor in Caroline County. Additionally, the lodge endorsed Republican Sheriff...READ MORE

County Grand Jury Indicts Son In First-Degree Murder Of Mom

SNOW HILL - A Worcester County grand jury this week formally indicted on a first-degree murder charge a Pennsylvania man charged in early September with repeatedly running over his elderly mother on a rural road north of Berlin. Steven Frederick Molin, 58, of Darby, Pa., was indicted on a first-degree murder charge in the death of his mother, Emily Belle Molin, 85, also of Darby, after an incident on Carey Rd. on Aug. 31. Molin was scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing in District Court...READ MORE

Businesses Say Crabs Plentiful, But Smaller This Year

BERLIN - Ocean City restaurant owners agree that it was a tough year for crabs, but even so, they were able to meet customer demands and remain optimistic that next year's harvest will be a great one. The big scare this summer had to do with the condition of the Gulf Coast. After a British Petroleum (BP) off-shore rig spouted out one of the largest oil leaks in the country's history this summer, the national supply of crabs looked to be in jeopardy. Ocean City residents and visitors worried how...READ MORE

Handling Ongoing Controversy Delicately

The County Commissioners raised some eyebrows last week with the way they handled the presentation by the Liquor Control Board for Worcester County. Although it's known there was some sort of 'play nice' request by county leadership, the commissioners in general let LCB officials off easy with little questioning. While the LCB has been able in part to explain why their profit margins have plummeted to historic lows in recent years, the county should have questioned them further on why a business...READ MORE

Some Local Events Deserve Another Look

Editor: The politicians and newspaper editors of Ocean City seem determined to destroy Ocean City as a family-friendly resort. It has been noted recently that the bikers have driven out the middle-class families who in past times came to the beach in September. We avoid coming to our condominium many weekends because of this encouragement of hordes of males in groups drinking and causing mayhem. It should be noted that on Saturday night of so-called "Sunfest" a near riot at 45th Street...READ MORE

Between The Lines

A lot of practical concerns remain at this early stage, but it's exciting to think of the concept of a wind farm off Ocean City. Sure, there are naysayers who worry over the visual blight 200 wind turbines may cause on the horizon, but that's short sighted. At this early point in the process, the long-term benefit potential for substantial alternative energy resources should far outweigh that type of shallow concerns. There were many interesting points raised at last week's public meeting, but...READ MORE

Faces in Places

A spotlight on the area and regional bar scene. ...READ MORE

People In Society

Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area. ...READ MORE

Early Wind Farm Plan Pitched In OC

OCEAN CITY - History was made in Ocean City last week with the first official presentation made in Ocean City on the proposed wind farm off the town's coast. A plan for the wind farm off Ocean City's coast has been in the works for a few years now. Two hundred wind turbines are proposed for 12-17 miles off the shore and standing 40 stories tall and providing 600 megawatts of energy, enough to supply 135,000 homes with electricity. According to the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), in 2009...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Thomas James Patton BERLIN - Thomas James Patton, 77, passed away peacefully at his South Point home on the afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, surrounded by family.•€¨He was born in Port Deposit, Md. to the late Gordon Sexton Patton and Ellen Robbins Whaley Patton.•€¨He graduated from St. Andrews School and then Princeton University. He served in the United States Army Counter Intelligence Corps from 1955-1957 in Berlin, Germany and then Bordeaux, France. He worked for Wyeth...READ MORE

Open Houses This Week

SNOW HILL 4310 Bayside Rd Sat 10-1 Waterfront 3BR/3BA Colonial 1.84 acres on Chincoteague Bay Harry Roop Exit Shore Realty 443-614-0556 SNOW HILL Carryback Road Auction Preview Sat 10-12 2 Beautiful Lots Bayside Community Marshall Real Estate Auctions 443-735-3761 BERLIN 8041 Ironshire Stn Auction Preview Sat 12-1 Bank-Ordered 3BR/2.5BA Country Cape Cod Marshall Real Estate Auctions 443-859-3090 SALISBURY 1613 Lavale Court   Auction Preview Sat 1-2 3BR/2BA/2000+sf Brick Rancher Marshall...READ MORE

Realtors Recycling Phones

OCEAN CITY - If there are any cell phones you're not using, consider donating them to a great cause. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Ocean City on 120th Street is collecting old cell phones that will be recycled, with the proceeds going to Women Supporting Women, a local non-profit support group that provides awareness, education and support to those affected by breast cancer. Phones can be mailed to or deposited in a basket in the lobby of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Ocean...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A workplace change doesn't seem to have turned out quite as you'd hoped. Never mind: Just treat yourself to a healthy dollop of that Aries self-confidence, and you'll soon view things differently. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Some of the support you might have hoped for in a difficult situation might not be there. But you have the strength to rely on your own capabilities if you must. Good luck. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A disagreement with a longtime friend can...READ MORE

Talking Is Key When Helping Across Generations

OCEAN CITY - For those Americans who want to be in a position to help their college-age kids and retired parents •€' both in need of financial support •€' the situation just got a little tougher. First, they're doing so during a very challenging economic climate, and their own finances may be tested. At the same time, health care expenses and tuition costs are on the rise. And because of the weak economy, many parents who attended their children's college...READ MORE

Things I Like

Local surf photography Live concerts away from home Using a coupon at the grocery store Overhearing a funny conversation My son singing the Barney song Observing strangers on the Boardwalk Watching NFL highlights on Monday morning A firm mattress Working on rainy Mondays•€¨ Old baseball hats Robin Williams as Mork ...READ MORE

Bank of Ocean City Hosts Bake Sale

The Bank of Ocean City recently hosted a bake sale in support of the Autistic Children's Support Group of Worcester County.  The bank also piggybacked it with their monthly Casual Day efforts. The efforts raised about $1,048.77 for the group. Pictured, from left, are Jason Parker, assistant branch manager; Wendy Dibuo, support group president; Linda Cook, support group Board of Directors; and Jackie Geiger, customer service supervisor. Submitted Photos  ...READ MORE

"Iceberg Sponser" Named

The Atlantic General Hospital Foundation received a $1,000 sponsorship of the 2011 Penguin Swim from Walmart, the first iceberg sponsor on board for the 17th annual event that will take place on New Year's Day. This is the third consecutive year the Berlin/Ocean City Walmart has supported the event. Pictured, from left, are Michael Franklin, CEO of Atlantic General Hospital; Scott Ficca, manager of the Berlin/Ocean City Walmart; Georgia Knepp of Walmart; and Patricia Ilczuk-Lavanceau, Foundation...READ MORE

Giving Others Lives Dignity

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines/Ocean City recently heard about the local organization Worcester County GOLD (Giving Other Lives Dignity). Pictured are Rick Krall, a volunteer and member of the GOLD Board; Kiwanis President-Elect Roy Foreman; and Margaret Yates, president of the GOLD Board.  ...READ MORE

O.P Officers Announced

The Women's Club of Ocean Pines has announced its officers for the membership year 2010-2011. Pictured with Past President Joan Gentile are Sandra Fennell, Treasurer; Jeanie Christie, Secretary; Lenora Urie, Second Vice President; Suzann Palamara, First Vice President; and Betty DePaola, President.  ...READ MORE

Constitution Week

The General Levin Winder Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution received a Proclamation recognizing Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week from the Worcester County Commissioners. The proclamation was presented to Constitution Week Chairman Kathy Muncy and Regent Pat Arata by Commissioner Linda Busick.  ...READ MORE

SDHS Honor Society Hosts Event

Stephen Decatur High School National Honor Society members hosted their annual Blacktop for Bikes fundraiser during Bike Week last month. Proceeds from the benefit will go to the school, the Worcester County Developmental Center and the Believe in Tomorrow Foundation. Above are seniors Jessica Fry, Hannah Smithhisler, Rebecca Rittershofer and Sam Carestia. Submitted Photos  ...READ MORE

WPS Students Honored

Worcester Preparatory School's juniors and seniors who were honored for their Advanced Placement Test scores were, front from left, Billy Tyler, Devon Zorn, Anna Pavlos, Ali Schwartz, Kelley Chandler and Christopher Potvin; and, back, Brad Pedigo, Jackson Berger, Duncan McIntosh, Hunter Harmon, Matt Carey and Ty Mayers.  ...READ MORE

Back To School Spirit Day

First grade students in Kristie Priestley's class celebrated Back to School Spirit Day at Ocean City Elementary School.  Pictured, from left, are Darby Moore, Gavin Vent, Taylor Rygh, Emma Meyer and Shawn Rosemond. Each month students get to show their school spirit by dressing to an assigned theme.  On Oct. 29, students will celebrate Pumpkin Spirit Day.  ...READ MORE

BES Student Reads About The Constitution

During a recent reading lesson, Buckingham Elementary kindergartner Allen Williams and teacher Darlene Beall read a story together about the Constitution of the United States.  ...READ MORE

Fishing For Words

Students Maddy Grinnan and Sadie Peters in Mrs. Mears' kindergarten class at Showell Elementary enjoy fishing for words that begin with the letter •€˜F'.  ...READ MORE

Ocean City Elks Donate Dictionary

Third grade students at Showell Elementary are busing using dictionaries donated by the Ocean City Elks Club.  Nicholas Angelo, left, and Hunter Grunewald are thrilled to be looking up definitions using their brand new dictionaries. ...READ MORE