May 27, 2011

What's Your Sign

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Although you would prefer to move forward at a steady pace, it might be a good idea to stop and reassess your plans. You could find a good reason to make a change at this time. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Just when you thought you had everything planned to the smallest detail, you get some news that could unsettle things. But a timely explanation helps put it all back on track. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Home and work continue to compete for your attention. But...READ MORE

Things I Like

Fresh tuna cooked on the grill A playground with a lot of slides Berlin Fire Company dinners Backyard gardens Listening to a great coach My dogs’ love affair for chasing squirrels 
Biking on the beach down south My sons in their pajamas GPS navigation on a long trip A hammock between two trees Flip-flops on the weekends ...READ MORE

New Bank Board Member

BERLIN -- Raymond M. Thompson, President and CEO of Calvin B. Taylor Bankshares, Inc. and Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company, has announced that Louis H. Taylor has joined the Board of Directors of the holding company and the Bank. Taylor, a Bishopville native, is the principal of Stephen Decatur High School, a Maryland Blue Ribbon School. During Taylor’s 27 years of employment in Worcester County Public Schools, he has served as teacher, coach, assistant principal and, since 1995,...READ MORE

The Return Of The 401K Match

OCEAN CITY -- If you're a business owner with a professional workforce, chances are that at some point you've considered offering, or reinstating, a 401(k) match. Long a staple of corporate benefits packages, a 401(k) match became popular with many small and midsize businesses, too, as they strove to stay competetive in the tug-of-war for talent. Before the recession, 74% of companies that sponsored a 401(k) matched employee contributions, but afterward one-fifth of those businesses reduced or...READ MORE

Operation Shooting Star

Audrey Fisher Killen, executive director of Operation Shooting Star (O.S.S.), recently presented Research Associate Director for the Maryland Center for Multiple Sclerosis at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Walter Royal III, with a check for $4,862. O.S.S. is dedicated to increasing awareness of autoimmune diseases and sending 100% of its proceeds directly for research to help cure all autoimmune diseases. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

WCDC

King, a 15-year-old therapy and “reading” dog and best friend of owner Jack Barnes, recently received a $500 gift certificate from Santander Shareholders Relations for his community activities assisting senior citizens and children. Banco Santander Sr. Vice President William Sullivan was so impressed with King’s activities that he came to visit Ocean Pines and subsequently donated another $1,000 to the Worcester County Developmental Center (WCDC). Pictured, from left, are WCDC...READ MORE

"Home Of The Brave"

The guest speaker at the weekly Kiwanis meeting in the Ocean Pines Community Center last month was Tina Pearson, founder/CEO of "Home of the Brave", a local free vacation program for combat veterans and their families. Pearson is pictured between Kiwanis President Roy Foreman  and Kiwanis Programs and Guest Speaker Chair Graham Caldwell. ...READ MORE

WTHS Principal

Worcester Technical High School Principal Dr. Jane Pruitt, center, spoke at a recent Democratic Women's Club meeting. She is pictured with club President Diana Gross, left, and Vice President Marge SeBour.   ...READ MORE

Armed Forces Day

The Democratic and Republican Women's Clubs of Worcester County joined together in celebrating Armed Forces Day at the Veteran's Memorial in Ocean Pines on May 21. Participating in the ceremony were Delegate Norman H. Conway, along with members of both of the clubs. Pictured are Marge SeBour; Conway; Diana Gross; Joan Gentile; and Lou Etta McClaflin. ...READ MORE

Distinguished Service Award

Tom Bickerstaff and wife Marian had the honor of presenting the prestigious Distinguished Service Award to Rev. Tom McKelvey, left, of Community Church at Ocean Pines on behalf of the Ocean City Rotary Club.  In addition, McKelvey and his wife, Karen, were awarded the status of Paul Harris Fellows. ...READ MORE

SDHS Blood Drive

To promote the Stephen Decatur High School blood drive, the Key Club, in connection with Delmarva Blood Bank, offered student members the chance to win valuable prizes. Pictured are Principal Lou Taylor; Key Club President Kathrine Bakke; junior Dean Selby, who won an iPad; Blood Bank Marketing Director Suzanne Murray; and Key Club Advisor Anna DiGiulian. ...READ MORE

Lillian Mary Jones Pennington

Lillian Mary Jones Pennington QUARRYVILLE, Pa. -- Lillian Mary Jones Pennington of Quarryville, Pa. and formerly of Brookhaven, Pa. died on May 22, 2011 at Hospice of Lancaster County. She was the wife of the late Raymond Phillip Pennington with whom she was married 46 years. Born in Chester, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Robert Allen and Sephorah Jones. She graduated from Chester High School, where she studied business. She was employed at Sun Ship Building & Dry Dock Co. as manager...READ MORE

What's Biting

I don’t know about you guys, but all I can think about right now is how nice it is to finally be back fishing again in Ocean City. This past winter was a long one. We had more cold weather and snow here than I can remember from way back. Seriously, this winter was rough and it wasn’t just the cold and snow that was so bothersome, it was all the time stuck indoors. By mid-February, I was in serious need of a break, and the only place I wanted to be was on my boat — wearing...READ MORE

Major Renovation Underway At Royalton Hotel

OCEAN CITY – The Royalton Hotel is presently undergoing some renovations and is partaking in Ocean City Development Corporations (OCDC) façade program. According to OCDC Executive Director Glenn Irwin, the Royalton is one of the oldest Boardwalk hotels in Ocean City and was built in 1927 by Harry and Ethel Kelley, who were the parents of former Ocean City Mayor Harry Kelley. Irwin added that the owners of the building are investing a significant amount of money for the needed...READ MORE

Pottery Place Now Funky, Fun And Fabulous In Rehoboth, Too

OCEAN CITY – The Pottery Place has served Fenwick Island for nearly 40 years with a vibrant assortment of home and garden décor and has now expanded its charm to Rehoboth Beach. The Pottery Place was established by Sandy Flynn in 1972. Wife and husband Kimberly Flynn, Sandy’s daughter, and Jeff Laros now run the Fenwick Island store and the new Rehoboth Beach location. “Along with the Sandy Flynn wow factor, we have just continued to import products from all over the...READ MORE

Half Of Eligible Wicomico Workers Opt To Retire Early

SALISBURY -- Wicomico County’s government workforce will soon see a considerable reduction after over half of the 80 employees have opted to take advantage of the incentive-laden early retirement opportunity. In March, the County Council voted to approve the early retirement incentive program after a lengthy debate about the potential savings and the need to fill the resulting vacancies with new hires at lower salary rates and benefit packages. Roughly 80 employees qualified for the early...READ MORE

Benefit Planned To Help Resident’s Recovery

SALISBURY -- In October of 2010, 20-year-old James Cook suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident while riding as a passenger with members of his battalion to a Virginia Tech ROTC event. Advised by doctors that he will never be able to walk again, his strength of character and positive attitude have kept him from accepting the prognosis that his injury is permanent or an inhibition to achieving his life goals. When he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wicomico High School in 2009, Cook was a...READ MORE

Residents Question Need For Employee Pay Hikes

BERLIN -- Mayor Gee Williams defended his decision to grant town employees a 3-percent pay raise this year at a public budget hearing Monday. The main concerns about the budget were anxiety over dipping into the town’s contingency fund to finance the raises and worries that the move might add extra economic burden to town residents. Williams, however, remained confident that an employee pay raise was both merited and practical given the condition of Berlin compared to its...READ MORE

Tickets Now On Sale For Dew Tour’s Stop In Resort

OCEAN CITY – Dew Tour tickets are officially on sale for the event that takes place in Ocean City’s downtown area July 21-24. For the first time in its six-year history, the Dew Tour is coming to Ocean City, the first stop of the four locations on the 2011 Tour. The other locations are Portland, Ore., Salt Lake City, Utah, and Las Vegas, Nev. “Ocean City is going to be a little bit different for us because it is a new event,” a Dew Tour source said on Wednesday....READ MORE

Performers Eye Showdown With City Hall

OCEAN CITY – Boardwalk performers are planning a protest this weekend by setting up their acts on N. Division Street, a site previously banned by the Mayor and Council. A couple weeks ago, Ocean City officials, including Councilmen Brent Ashley and Doug Cymek as well as police representatives, met with a group of Boardwalk performers to compromise on an ordinance in the midst of being passed to regulate street performers on the Boardwalk. Ashley said the meeting addressed two major issues...READ MORE

PAC 14 Pleads For Level Funding In Salisbury Budget

SALISBURY – Facing funding cuts, the city’s own government cable channel came before the Salisbury City Council this week to report what the reduction would mean for the current services it provides. At the conclusion of Monday night’s City Council legislative session, Michael Scott, a professor at Salisbury University, vice chair of PAC 14 Board of Directors and chair of the PAC 14 Development Committee, and Creig Twilley, executive director of PAC 14, addressed the council in...READ MORE

Restaurant Week Returns June 5

OCEAN CITY -- Local chefs are preparing to tempt your taste buds. The pots are bubbling and grills sizzling for Restaurant Week, which begins on Sunday, June 5 and runs through Sunday, June 19. New this year, in an effort to encourage weekday business, the promotion will run Sundays through Thursdays for two weeks. However, there may be some restaurants that opt to offer their Restaurant Week menu on Fridays and Saturdays, so be sure to check the official website,...READ MORE

What's For Dinner?

West Ocean City- Berlin Ocean Pines-Fruitland Breakfast Cafe Of Ocean City 12736 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City 410-213-1804 Open seven days a week between Sun-sations & Starbucks, across from Outback, come join us at the “Breakfast Cafe” (formerly Rambler Coffee Shop) we are a family-friendly restaurant that’s been family owned for 30 years passed from mother to son in 2001. We believe that fair pricing, putting out quality food as fresh as we can make it and a nice...READ MORE

Who's Playing Where And When?

Angler, the 410-289-7424 2312 Talbot St. On The Bay Friday, May 27: William Patton, 3-6 p.m. Saturday, May 28-Monday, May 30: Jon Fritz, 3-6 p.m. Every Sunday: Locals’ Social With DJ, 10 p.m. Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 • 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, May 27: Electric Co. Saturday, May 28: Bond & Bentley Sunday, May 29: DJ Wax, 10 p.m. Every Wednesday: DJ JJ, 10 p.m. Every Thursday: Tim Cyphers Duo, 10 p.m. Caribbean bar & grill 410-289-0837 Just Off The Boards...READ MORE

What's Going On?

May 28: Indoor Yard Sale 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Ocean City Vol. Fire Co. Headquarters, 15th St., 2nd Floor. Sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary to benefit the LAOCFVC and OCFVC Cadet program. table rental for $10 each. Accepting gently used items for the Auxiliary table. Hot dogs, sandwiches, baked goods and refreshments. For more information or to rent a table, 410-289-8251. May 28: Strawberry Festival Luncheon 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Ayres United Metho-dist Church. Sponsored by the Eden United Methodist Women....READ MORE

May 28: Indoor Yard Sale 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Ocean City Vol. Fire Co. Headquarters, 15th St., 2nd Floor. Sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary to benefit the LAOCFVC and OCFVC Cadet program. table rental for $

OCEAN CITY -- With the arrival of the summer season, the Ocean City Police Department this week is reminding businesses that the distribution of flyers or stickers as a form of advertisement is unlawful. Business distributing advertisements, such as flyers and handbills, are in violation of town codes. The OCPD will be strictly enforcing mass flyer distribution violations throughout the summer. Ocean City residents and who receive advertisements in their doorways, on their vehicles or in their...READ MORE

Adventures In Fatherhood

Over the last month or so, a famous quote from Charles Dickens has been running through my head. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times …” Dickens wrote in “A Tale of Two Cities.” Now, I understand completely that my reasoning for thinking of his quote runs contrary to what Dickens was remarking on in his novel, but the line truly sums up my life currently, despite the contextual differences. Pam and I often find ourselves shaking our heads at the...READ MORE

Between The Lines

The proposed “free gas” promotion that has made the media rounds over the last two weeks has its admirers and detractors. There are certainly two clear camps here, each with its own strong opinion. Those in support are adamant about the need for something new to spruce up Ocean City’s marketing campaign, which they say does not have the appeal it needs. They say people are not bored and in need of a rescue by Rodney, as the town’s marketing messages are currently...READ MORE

Foundation Supports Stormwater Utility

Editor: Kudos to Mayor Jim Ireton and city of Salisbury staff for stepping up to the plate on a big source of water pollution in our area: untreated, polluted runoff from storms (The Dispatch, “Salisbury Eyes Stormwater Projects to Ease Pollution,” May 20). We pay for drinking water, we pay for sewer, but somehow storm runoff emptying into our neighborhood creeks and streams gets a free ride. What's worse, the expensive system of drains and pipes designed to move the water does very...READ MORE

Open Houses This Week

WEST OCEAN CITY Bay Point Plantation Rt589/Gum Point Rd Daily 10-5 Waterfront Estate Lots in 142 Acre Preserve Kevin Decker The Fritschle Group/ Condominium Realty 443-235-6552 OCEAN CITY Sunset Island Sat & Sun 10-4 3-5 Bedroom Condos, Townhomes, Single Family Homes C.Jett/T.Riley Vantage Resort Realty 410-723-1730 OCEAN CITY Makai Condominiums 42nd St. Bayside Daily 10-4 New Construction 2BR & Studio Condos Ben Dawson The Fritschle Group/ Condominium Realty 410-603-2205 WEST OCEAN...READ MORE

Compromise Only Answer With Performers

Mark Chase, a familiar face along the Boardwalk, has made his point. Chase has taken umbrage with the Ocean City Mayor and Council’s plan to restrict where street performers like himself can set up shop. His offense has led to threats of legal action and a planned protest under or near the Boardwalk arch on N. Division Street. Reached this week, he confirmed his intentions are to push the city as far as he can in the hope officials back down and change course. “I am standing my...READ MORE

Ocean City Mayor Researching Room Tax

OCEAN CITY – Mayor Rick Meehan is conducting an informal poll of various hotels around town to verify whether it is room rates or occupancy rates that have increased Ocean City’s room tax. T here seems to be a difference of opinion amongst the Mayor and City Council whether the number of visitors are up or down in town. Councilwoman Mary Knight said this week hearing fellow council members say that the numbers are down “gets so old.” “Our room tax is up and food and...READ MORE

Play It Safe Starts Next Week

OCEAN CITY – The Play It Safe program kicks off on Tuesday providing high school graduates with free and safe activities to do around town. “This is our 22nd year of providing drug and alcohol free events for the graduates,” Play It Safe Coordinator Donna Greenwood said. “We started out very small with a dance at the Ocean Pines Beach Club and then it just mushroomed from there and now we have 60 events to offer these young grads coming to town to celebrate this big...READ MORE

Transfer Station Changes Eyed To Address Cheating

SNOW HILL -- Abuse of the current rules has led the Worcester County Commissioners to propose policy changes on how solid waste transfer stations are run. “There’s a lot of cheating,” said Chief Administrative Officer Gerald Mason. Waste transfer stations, which act as a more convenient alternative to the central landfill for trash disposal, have had issues with people abusing the system for years, according to Enterprise Fund Controller Jenifer Savage. She added that the...READ MORE

Man’s Plan Tricks Cops, Results In Assault

OCEAN CITY -- An Ocean City man was arrested on attempted rape and other charges this week for allegedly sexually assaulting a female victim in her downtown apartment after calling in a bogus assault charge against her boyfriend to get him out of the way. Shortly after 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Ocean City Police responded to a residence on Wicomico Street for a reported sexual assault. The victim told police she was asleep in her apartment, which she shares with her boyfriend. The victim’s...READ MORE

Whale Washes Ashore In Fenwick

FENWICK ISLAND -- Delaware Marine Education Research and Rehabilitation (MERR) Institute officials late yesterday were investigating the cause of death of a roughly 25-foot minke whale that beached itself and later died along the shoreline in Fenwick Island. Shortly after 9 a.m. yesterday, a roughly 25-foot minke whale was discovered in the surf at the shoreline in the area of James Street in Fenwick. According to MERR officials, the whale was alive when it reached the beach, but perished soon...READ MORE

Council Vote On Gas Promotion Likely Next Week

OCEAN CITY – The concept to give away gas this summer to attract tourists to Ocean City has caused a bit of a stir amongst the Mayor and City Council as well as businesses throughout the resort. During last week’s Mayor and City Council meeting, Councilman Brent Ashley proposed a discussion of a gas promotion to offer visitors a free gallon of gas for every night they stay in town to ease visitors into traveling the distance despite gasoline prices. Part of his initial proposal was...READ MORE

‘The Gambler’ Booked For Ocean City To Replace Michaels

OCEAN CITY – Tickets go on sale today for Kenny Rogers’ concert at Sunfest 2011 on Saturday, Sept. 24. On Wednesday, the town announced country and pop legend Kenny Rogers has been scheduled as entertainment for this summer’s Sunfest. Sunfest coordinators were faced with a challenge when scheduled performer for this year’s Sunfest, Bret Michaels, canceled his concert due to a scheduling conflict last week. He has been rescheduled for Sept. 22, 2012. The scheduling...READ MORE

Berlin Summer Youth Programs Planned

BERLIN -- Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (WYFCS) gave the Berlin Mayor and Council the first of several planned updates on local youth programs Monday. WYFCS was contracted by the council earlier this spring to evaluate current area youth activities and to devise new ones, all specifically tailored toward Berlin. WYFCS Executive Director Teresa Fields informed the council the first steps in the effort had already been taken. “We have identified gaps in service that we all...READ MORE

Saltwater Soldiers Offers Vets An Escape With Day On Ocean

OCEAN CITY -- With the arrival of another Memorial Day, residents and visitors are reminded once again of the significance of the holiday, and perhaps no better example of the recognition of the contributions and sacrifices of veterans is based in Ocean City with the Saltwater Soldiers organization. Saltwater Soldiers, founded and operated by Michael Branson, is a non-profit organization based in Ocean City that provides opportunities for wounded or returning veterans to enjoy big game fishing...READ MORE

Worcester Reduces Budget By $100K

SNOW HILL -- During an all-day review session Wednesday, the Worcester County Commissioners shaved approximately $100,000 off the fiscal year 2012 budget. Though the budget was balanced before going into the session, many commissioners felt that some projected costs were higher than they were likely to turn out. However, the cuts were not always unanimous. One department that stirred up controversy was the State’s Attorney’s Office. “He’s a brand new person,” said...READ MORE

Berlin Programs Receive Awards For Partnership

BERLIN -- Main Street Berlin (MSB) and Grow Berlin Green (GBG) received a joint Clean, Safe, and Green award from Main Street Maryland (MSM) at the recent Maryland Preservation Conference. “We received the award because of our partnership with Grow Berlin Green,” said Economic Development Director Mike Day at Monday’s Mayor and Council Meeting. Day explained to the council that MSM granted five awards every year, and that this was the first year Berlin would receive the Clean,...READ MORE

Worcester Commissioner Seeks Mandatory Recycling

SNOW HILL -- There’s a chance that Worcester County could make recycling mandatory as soon as next year, assuming public opinion is behind the change. “This is something that has to be done,” said Commissioner Louise Gulyas, who was the most vocal supporter of making recycling in the county mandatory at a budget meeting this week.  “We should either be in it, or out of it. We don’t do real recycling.” Jennifer Savage, the Enterprise Fund Controller of...READ MORE

BREAKING NEWS: Bluefin Tuna Not Endangered

OCEAN CITY -- Federal fisheries management officials this morning announced an endangered or threatened listing for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, a staple of the resort area’s vast recreational fishery and important element in the multi-million sportfishing industry, is not warranted at this time, although bluefins remain on the “species of concern” list. During a conference call on Friday morning, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Secretary for Conservation and...READ MORE