November 4, 2011

Movie Theater, Bowling Alley Plans Meet Early Approval

SNOW HILL -- The Worcester County Planning Commission approved last Thursday initial concepts for a five-screen movie theater and a 10-lane bowling alley adjacent to the Casino at Ocean Downs. “We wanted to have a complimentary use,” explained John Salm, President of J.W. Salm Engineering. Salm’s firm was contracted by Ocean Downs owner William Rickman to design the 37,773-square-foot theater and the 10,096-square-foot bowling alley. Once finished, the goal is to make the...READ MORE

National Authors To Give Local Talks Next Week

BERLIN -- The Assateague Coastkeeper and the Virginia Eastern Shorekeeper will be hosting an evening of lively discussion about agriculture and agri-business on the Eastern Shore, featuring a screening of the Oscar Nominated (and Emmy winning) documentary FOOD, INC followed by a discussion forum featuring David Kirby (Animal Factory) and Mark Winne (Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart Cookin' Mamas: Fighting Back in an Age of Industrial Agriculture and Closing the...READ MORE

Seacrets Alleges Trademark Infringement In Civil Suit

OCEAN CITY -- After years of claims, counterclaims and pre-trial motions, the multi-million dollar trademark infringement civil trial between a popular Ocean City nightclub complex and a corporation and its subsidiaries began in earnest this week. The suit involves O.C. Seacrets, the corporation that owns and operates the popular Seacrets nightclub and restaurant complex over the three-block section of the bayfront in Ocean City, and the Coryn Corporation and its subsidiaries, which has since...READ MORE

811 Bike Unveiled At OC Convention

OCEAN CITY – Stars of the popular Discovery Channel TV show, American Chopper, rolled into town with a newly built motorcycle this week to support the mission to “Call Before You Dig”. The reveal of the “811 Bike” created by Paul Teutul Jr., star of the popular Discovery Channel show American Chopper and president and CEO of Paul Jr. Designs, took place on Wednesday at the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau in Ocean City. The bike reveal is being filmed as part of...READ MORE

Assateague Horse’s New Name: Braidwood

ASSATEAGUE -- One of Assateague Island’s famed wild horses has a new name this week after a contestant in the annual contest picked the new moniker from a character in a book she recently read about the ponies and the barrier island. The Assateague Island pony formally known as N9BFQ will now be forever known as “Braidwood” after a visitor earned the naming rights following the annual contest at the National Seashore. For the last four years, from April to September, visitors...READ MORE

Study Suggests Fee To Address Flooding Woes

OCEAN CITY – A yearlong study on Ocean City’s failing stormwater infrastructure resulted this week in a recommendation made to the Mayor and City Council to establish a stormwater utility fee in order to fund necessary repairs. In September 2010, the Environmental Finance Center (EFC) at the University of Maryland was contracted by Ocean City to conduct a stormwater financing feasibility study. The goal of the study is to provide a recommendation on how the town might implement a...READ MORE

County’s ‘Sweetheart Deal’ With Alcohol Illegal?

SNOW HILL -- The Worcester County Department of Liquor Control (DLC) may have made its first major error since seizing control of the county’s booze dispensary in July, and it could prove to be a costly one, despite what was called “good” intentions.Reports earlier this week indicated the DLC was in negotiations with the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABCB) to purchase large quantities of liquor at a much lower price than it could get from wholesalers in...READ MORE

Local Diakonia Benefits Planned

WEST OCEAN CITY -- With the holiday season approaching, Diakonia is planning several events, both new and traditional, to help raise funds and awareness about the organization. Offering a food pantry, emergency housing and transitional housing, Diakonia has been a staple of the county for almost four decades. Providing food and shelter to county residents in need, however, is just part of what Diakonia does, according to Executive Director Claudia Nagle. “It’s more than just three...READ MORE

Potential Wicomico Budget Cuts Worry Parents

SALISBURY -- A group of concerned parents told the Wicomico County Council Tuesday that budget cuts in schools have them worried about the future of education in the county. “We have to find a way to support public education in the best way possible,” said Lauralyn Geiser. According to Geiser, there has been a trend over the last few years to reduce and scrimp on the public education budget, and it’s beginning to show in the quality of education being offered. “Parents...READ MORE

SHA, Resort Discuss Bridge, Infrastructures Issues

OCEAN CITY – Representatives from the State Highway Administration (SHA) updated the Mayor and City Council on current and scheduled projects on the town’s surrounding roadways. District Engineer Donnie Drewer and Assistant District Engineer for traffic Kenneth Cimino responded to a number of questions and concerns including the following points: Will the draw span on the Route 50 Bridge be repainted blue? When the last renovation was completed, in which the expanded decking and...READ MORE

County Confirms Snow Hill School Commitment To State

SNOW HILL -- The Worcester County Commissioners restated their intent to begin renovations on Snow Hill High School (SHHS) next year during their meeting Tuesday, sending a letter to the state Interagency Committee on School Construction (IAC). Last month, the commission voted not to begin renovations on SHHS this year, due to budget issues, despite the project being planning. The ruling left the Board of Education and a number of parents upset and uncertain of when SHHS will finally receive a...READ MORE

Armed Standoff In Ocean City Ends Peacefully

OCEAN CITY -- A vast section of the downtown area was paralyzed for several hours late Monday afternoon and early evening while the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) mobilized nearly all of its resources to nab an armed fugitive hiding under a handicap ramp at an apartment complex. On Monday morning, the OCPD received information from the Maryland State Police that a wanted individual who was possibly armed may be heading to Ocean City or may be in the resort already. A lookout for the...READ MORE

Council Wants Proposed Boardwalk Comfort Station Design Altered

OCEAN CITY – A new Caroline Street Comfort Station received the go-ahead this week with modifications to be made to the presented “futuristic” design. According to City Engineer Terry McGean, the existing Caroline Street Comfort Station was constructed in 1979. It is the last remaining comfort station on the Boardwalk that has not been reconstructed to full Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards. In addition, the plumbing system in the building has deteriorated to the...READ MORE

Three Teams Share Flag League Lead

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s Fall Flag Football League standings grew tighter this week with three teams now sharing the lead. Buxy’s Salty Dog, FOP Lodge 10 and the Eastside Mafia are all bunched at the top of the standings with identical 5-2 records, with Kirby’s Red Onion just a half game back at 4-2. The following are some of the highlights from this week’s action: (bullet) Buxy’s 32- FOP-6: Buxy’s Nick Jones threw a 14-yard...READ MORE

Last Fall Clinic for Coastal Lax Club

WEST OCEAN CITY- The Coastal Lacrosse Club is hosting its third and final free clinics for young players this Sunday, November 6, at the club’s practice facility on Route 611 in West Ocean City. The club will host the third of three free clinics for children ages 6-14 this fall on Sunday. Experience is not necessary as the clinics are structured for both new and experienced players. Interested players do not have to be members of Coastal Lacrosse to participate as the clinics are open to...READ MORE

Mallards Win 3rd Straight Title

BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity soccer team won its third straight Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) tournament championship last week, beating Salisbury Christian, 1-0, in the title game, but it certainly wasn’t easy. In the conference semifinals last Wednesday, the Mallards beat Salisbury School, 1-0, in double overtime on a goal by Matteo Petrara with just two minutes remaining in the second extra period to advance to the title game. Against...READ MORE

Worcester Girls Drop Heartbreaker

BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity soccer team lost a heartbreaker last week, falling to Saints Peter and Paul on penalty kicks in the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) tournament final. The Mallards beat Salisbury Christian, 6-2, in the ESIAC semifinals last Wednesday to advance to the championship game. Lillian DiNardo led Worcester with three goals, while Alex Bruder scored twice and Tierney Loeser added a single tally. The win propelled Worcester into the...READ MORE

Seaside 10 a Big Hit Despite Conditions

OCEAN CITY- Despite the wind and rain that accompanied the Nor’Easter that blew through the area last weekend, nearly 500 runners turned out for the annual Seaside 10 and 5K last weekend in Ocean City.The Seaside 10 included 250 runners in less than ideal conditions, many of whom were in costume for Halloween. For the record, Enos Benbow, Jr. of Georgetown finished first, followed by Justin Hackley of Odenton and Daryl St. Clair of Chambers Hill. Top local finishers included Dan Clemson,...READ MORE

Seahawks Scalped by Indians, 37-7

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team fell to Wicomico, 37-7, last week, putting a dent in the late season playoff push, but it appears the Seahawks control their own post-season destiny with one game to go. Wicomico (8-1) took an early 7-0 lead on Decatur, but the Seahawks tied the game a short time later on a 14-yard touchdown run by D.J. Kee after blocking a WiHi field goal attempt. The Indians scored 17 more points in the second quarter to take a 24-7 lead into...READ MORE

Seahawks Cruise Past River Hill, 3-0

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity soccer team beat visiting River Hill, 3-0, on Tuesday to advance in the state Class 3A-East region tournament. The Seahawks, fresh off their first Bayside Conference title in 10 years, turned in a workman-like effort in the second round of the 3A-East region tournament on Tuesday, dispatching River Hill, 3-0, to advance to the semifinals. Decatur entered the state regional tournament as the top seed in the 3A-East region after a near-perfect...READ MORE

Seahawks Finish 2nd in Conference Meet

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity cross-country teams made a strong showing in the Bayside Conference championship meet last week with both the boys and girls teams finishing second in their respective divisions. On the boys’ side, the Seahawks finished with 89 points, second only to Kent Island, which finished with 47. Ben Rakowski was Decatur’s top finisher at 12th, while James Davidson was 13th, Christopher David was 18th, Daniel Winters was 22nd, Tristan Peeples was 24th,...READ MORE

Decatur Seeded Third in 3A-East

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity volleyball team was rewarded for another successful season this week with a number-three seed in the state Class 3A-East region tournament. The Seahawks, who finished the regular season with an impressive 12-3, record earned a number-three seed and a first-round bye, and will host the winner of the first round matchup between Reservoir and Annapolis. Lurking on the same side of the 3A-East bracket as Decatur is old rival Bennett, which is seeded second....READ MORE

Tough Guy Of The Week

This week’s Atlantic Physical Therapy “Tough Guy of the Week” award went to James Mapp, who turned in a stellar performance during the Seahawks’ 42-6 win over North Caroline. Pictured above is Mapp (center) flanked by Coach Bob Knox (left) and ATP President Bob Hammond (right) with son Matthew. Submitted photo ...READ MORE

Decatur Girls Beat Howard to Advance

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity soccer team took care of business this week in the second round of the state Class 3A-East region tournament, beating Howard, 2-1, at home on Tuesday to advance in a region suddenly devoid of top seeds. The Seahawks, seeded third in the region, played a scoreless first half with Howard on a blustery Tuesday afternoon before getting on the board in the second half. During the second half, the Seahawks got goals from Tori Whigham and Liz...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Not Time For Gas Tax Hike Editor: The latest Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation funding has recently announced its recommendations to significantly increase the gas tax and to double vehicle registration and inspection fees, taking over $900 million per year out of Marylanders pockets. While some jobs may well be created, there is no doubt that some will also be lost due to the significant impact on the cost of moving goods and food, traveling to work and transporting children to school...READ MORE

County Was Right To Scrap Visioning Plan

In reality, it’s just a bunch of paper that will sit on a shelf that may or may not ever be utilized anyway, like so many others of its kind that have come and gone in the past, but the County Commissioners were right to nix the Route 589 visioning plan. The major hiccup, an expected one at that, was a planned expansion of the current 100-foot right-of-way to 160 feet, meaning existing property owners would see their land deemed useless, or stolen in the words of Commissioner Merrill...READ MORE

Thoughts From the Publisher's Desk

Worcester County’s Department of Liquor Control (DLC) is in the news and it’s not good, despite the spin put on it this week by county officials. The fact is the county purchased alcohol from the Alabama version of a control board, which reportedly does not have the appropriate license or permit. The idea was to obtain alcohol at a rate lower than what was being offered by Maryland wholesalers, who the county maintains are not offering appealing specials and discounts at this time...READ MORE

Ocean City Winter Bus Schedule Begins

OCEAN CITY -- The town of Ocean City this week announced its new winter schedule for the municipal bus system. From Nov. 1 until April 1, 2012, bus service will run approximately every 40 minutes from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. and every 80 minutes from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. The schedule is ramped up on the weekends with buses running roughly every 30 minutes on Fridays and Saturdays. Passengers can ride the bus for $1 per boarding or $3 ride-all-day. Discount coupon books are...READ MORE

City Council Approves HSA Funding Mechanism

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council made the easiest and least debatable decision this week concerning town employees’ new option to join a Health Savings Account as part of their benefits. An ordinance, which becomes effective Jan. 1, 2012, calls for the Town of Ocean City to contribute funds to a Health Savings Account (HSA) for employees who elect to enroll in a high-deductible health plan. “What we didn’t discuss at the time was how we wanted to allocate those...READ MORE

Pedestrian Fatality In West Ocean City

WEST OCEAN CITY -- Tragedy struck this week when a local man was struck by a vehicle driven by another local man and killed along Route 611 early Tuesday morning. Shortly before 3 a.m. on Monday, Maryland State Police troopers were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian on Route 611 just south of Old Bridge Rd. in West Ocean City. Upon arrival, troopers observed a white 2001 Mazda pickup truck with front-end damage and a pedestrian lying in the roadway. The...READ MORE

President’s Ocean Zoning Plan Called A Threat To Fishing

OCEAN CITY -- A potential plan to effectively zone vast areas of the open ocean along the nation’s coastlines got more play this week with a congressional committee hearing on Wednesday. Last year, based on the recommendations of the Interagency Task Force on Ocean Policy, President Barack Obama issued an executive order calling for a National Ocean Policy, a policy that could include a somewhat controversial “marine spatial zoning” of the seas off the nation’s...READ MORE

Assateague Entry Fees Waived Next Weekend

BERLIN -- Assateague Island National Seashore is joining other national parks across the country in celebrating Veterans Day next weekend by waiving entrance fees to the barrier island. Assateague officials this week announced a fee-free entrance to both the Maryland and Virginia districts of the National Seashore all next weekend in commemoration of Veteran’s Day, which is held November 11.  Entrance fees will be waived at the National Seashore starting next Friday, Nov. 11, through...READ MORE

Wicomico Hazardous Waste Collection Day Set

SALISBURY -- Wicomico County officials this week announced Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is set for next Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Newland Park landfill from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is open to all residents of Wicomico County and participants are advised to bring a valid proof of residence, such as a driver’s license. The landfill will be accepting a wide variety of typical household hazardous waste including gasoline, oils, fuels, acids, cleaners, solvents, automotive...READ MORE

Horse Shooting Charges Come 10 Months Later

ASSATEAGUE -- Two men were charged with week in connection with the shooting death of one of Assateague’s famed wild horses during a two-day firearm deer season on the barrier island last January. Assateague Island National Seashore officials announced on Tuesday charges have been levied against two individuals, one for shooting the horse during the controlled hunt and the other for providing false information during the investigation. Justin B. Eason, 26, of Federalsburg, has been charged...READ MORE

Operation Medicine Drop A Success

BERLIN -- Last week’s Operation Medicine Drop, in conjunction with the fall National Drug Take-Back Day, was a huge success, netting a total of 205 pounds of unused and expired medications. Local officials from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the Worcester County Health Department, Ocean City Police, Berlin Police and the Assateague Coastal Trust and Coastkeeper participated in Operation Medicine Drop last Saturday at various locations around the local area. Local residents...READ MORE

Worcester County Nixes Route 589 Corridor Plan

SNOW HILL -- Uncomfortable with the idea that it would amount to “stealing land” in the words of one elected official, the Worcester County Commission chose Tuesday to deny a state-developed corridor vision plan for Route 589. “I can’t vote on anything that would take away personal property rights without money to compensate for it,” said Commission President Bud Church. Though the foundation for the vision plan has been building for nearly two decades, actions...READ MORE

County Still Unhappy With State Planning Regs

SNOW HILL -- Though heavily revised, the new, state-bred “PlanMaryland” planning and zoning regulations still managed to spark a lot of shaking heads among the Worcester County Commissioners Tuesday. “That was one of the most miraculous rewrites I’ve ever seen in my 13-year political history,” commented Commissioner Virgil Shockley sarcastically. Several months ago, when discussion on PlanMaryland first began, many on the commission seemed shocked. The original plan...READ MORE

Mayor Endorses Salisbury Redistricting Proposal

SALISBURY -- With the results of the 2010 Census in the book, Salisbury will have to, at a minimum, redraw its City Council election districts, but Mayor Jim Ireton this week threw his support behind a dramatic change to how city voters choose their representatives. Based on the results of the Census, Salisbury’s population has grown to 30,607 in the last 10 years and minorities now make up 44 percent of the city’s population. As a result, Salisbury will have to make adjustments in...READ MORE

Smooth Halloween Reported In Berlin

BERLIN -- Even with crowds reaching potentially record-breaking sizes, reports from Berlin indicate that Halloween went off without a hitch this year. Despite the steady growth of the event, officials aren’t planning much as far as changing or expanding the holiday, believing they currently have a winning formula. “I don’t anticipate any changes,” said Mayor Gee Williams. Williams has jokingly referred to Berlin as “the mecca of Halloween” in the past and...READ MORE

OCPD Chief’s Changes OK’d; Retirees Honored

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) had a number of items to present at City Hall this week that all seemed to revolve around the same theme -- retirement. OCPD Chief Bernadette DiPino pitched a couple changes to the Mayor and City Council with the first being the sale of departmental firearms. She explained that about two years ago the department began replacing an older model pistol, SIG SP2340, with the P229, which is a .40 caliber. Currently, the department has issued...READ MORE

Worcester Prep's Homecoming Court

Worcester Prep’s Homecoming Court is pictured above. They are, from left,  Ryan Nally, sophomore prince; Kristen Shriver, sophomore princess; Brad Mullen, junior prince; Ragen Doyle, junior princess; Matteo Petrera, Homecoming king; Kayla Baier, Homecoming queen; Jim Engel, senior prince; Alyssa Alicea, senior princess; Rylie Doyle, freshman princess; and Erik Zorn, freshman prince. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary Students Learn About Colors

Ms. Pike's kindergarten students at Showell Elementary have been learning about colors. Evan Oglesby and Hennessy Murphy mixed blue and red to make purple. ...READ MORE

Buckingham Elementary Students Display Data With Candy Corn

Canon Colcord and Aeriel Zane of Mrs. Williams' second grade class at Buckingham Elementary enjoyed displaying data on a candy corn pictograph on Halloween. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Students Show Off Their Pumpkin Creations

Ocean City Elementary kindergarten students Tyler Cox, Antonio Vazquez, Andrey Tcheremissine and Hailey Smith from Christine Lieb's class show off their pumpkin creations after a field trip to Mr. Peppers Pumpkin Patch. ...READ MORE

Snow Hill Elementary Celebrated Red Ribbon Week

Snow Hill Elementary School celebrated Red Ribbon Week with activities to demonstrate the message of, "It's up to me to be Drug Free". To show that they have better things to do than drugs, students created crazy hair styles to wear to school. Pictured, from left, with their “crazy hair” are kindergarten student Emily Manning, third grade students Amaya Counts and Flora DiPasquale and first grade student Carly Siler. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

Halloween is serious business around these parts for many, particularly in Berlin, and my house is no exception, but you wouldn’t know it from my kids. All they care about is the candy. They don’t notice the hours of work their mom put into decorating the interior and exterior of the house. They don’t seem interested in the dozen or so skeletons spread out through the house, the spooky sounds coming from a nearby bush or the pumpkins strategically illuminated in some fashion or...READ MORE

Fast Food Theft Alleged

BERLIN -- A Fruitland woman was arrested on theft charges this week after allegedly swiping hundreds of dollars from a night deposit bag of an Ocean Pines fast-food restaurant. Since the end of December, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) has been investigating an internal employee theft at the McDonald’s on Racetrack Rd. in Ocean Pines. The investigation identified the suspect as Danielle Renee Collick, 27, of Fruitland, who allegedly stole $520 from the...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

Nov. 4: KC Bingo Doors open 5 p.m.; games begin, 6:30 p.m.; 9901 Coastal Hwy., O.C. Re-freshments will be on sale. For more information, 410-524-7994. Nov. 4: “The Fox & Hound 2” Movie Night 6 p.m., Eden UM Church, Main St., Willards. Light dinner and popcorn. For more info, 443-232-9008. Nov. 5: Indoor Yard Sale 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Selbyville Volunteer Fire Company. Sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary. Breakfast sandwiches and lunch will be served. Nov. 5: Flapjack Fundraiser 8-10...READ MORE

Life Insurance As A Long-Term Financial Strategy

OCEAN CITY -- Last week we began our look at the changing face of life insurance, and this week let’s continue. Whether you use an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) or not, purchasing life insurance as part of an inheritance should be part of a comprehensive financial strategy. Unlike many other investment vehicles, an insurance policy will lapse if you stop paying premiums —meaning you can lose what you’ve already put in. “Often couples will wait a few years...READ MORE

Open Houses Of The 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 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 CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Sat&Sun 10-4 3BR/3.5BA New Construction Luxury Townhouses Only 3 Left Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Cecilia Higgins SELBYVILLE -- Cecilia “Ce” Higgins, age 87, of Selbyville and formerly of Brookland, Washington, D.C. died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Born in London, England, she was the daughter of the late Sydney and Ethel May Hanreck. During World War II, Cecilia served as a corporal with the Royal Air Force Women's Auxiliary from 1941 to 1944 based in Medmenham, England. She married the late Hugh F. Higgins of Washington, D.C. and they...READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

Burger’s Surf’s Up Cafe 410-723-2007 5401 Coastal Hwy. Every Thursday: Big Ass 80’s Party With The Bigler Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Nov. 5: Electric Co. Sunday, Nov. 6: Gates Open 11 a.m. Every Thursday: Team Trivia With DJ Jeremy, 5-9 p.m. Charlie’s Bayside Restaurant 302-539-3526 Rte. 1 & Maryland Ave., Fenwick Island   Friday, Nov. 4: Kevin Pool Duo, 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5: Ginger, 7 p.m. Clarion...READ MORE

Best Eats On The Beach

West Ocean City- Berlin Ocean Pines-Fruitland Breakfast Cafe Of Ocean City 12736 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City 410-213-1804 Open 7 days a week between Sunsations & 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 atmosphere...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Committee Appointment OCEAN CITY -- The Maryland Chapter of Community Associations Institute, (CAI) has announced that Reese F. Cropper, III, has been appointed to the Maryland Legislative Action Committee, which works with and testifies to the state legislature on proposed laws that affect community living. CAI is a national organization dedicated to helping homeowners and condominium associations meet the expectations of their residents. Cai members include community management professionals,...READ MORE

Bank Of America Gifts $2,000 To Seahawk Stadium

A leadership gift of $2,000 has been made by Bank of America to the capital campaign of a new athletic field house at Seahawk Stadium. The fund-raising campaign is a project of the SDHS Alumni Association. SDHS Principal Lou Taylor is pictured accepting the donation from Bank of America representative Andrea Adams. ...READ MORE

Decatur HS Women's Soccer Team Present $262 Check To Women Supporting Women

Members of the Stephen Decatur High School women’s soccer team presented a $262 check to Rota Knott, coordinator of the Worcester County Chapter of Women Supporting Women. The team raised money at its Kick for the Cure game versus James M. Bennett in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Oct. 12. ...READ MORE

Houck Wins Amazing Bras For Awareness Contest

Angela Houck, left, owner of The Pole Power Studio, accepts a pink bra trophy from Rota Knott, Worcester County coordinator for Women Supporting Women, for her winning entry in the breast cancer organization’s Amazing Bras for Awareness Contest. Houck’s bra “Fun & Fabulous” won the people’s choice award for a business entry and was the overall top fund-raising entry. ...READ MORE

Delmarva Hand Dance Club Donates $500 To Diakonia

The Delmarva Hand Dance Club recently donated $500 to Diakonia Inc. at its weekly dance at The Skyline Bar & Grille at the Fenwick Inn in Ocean City. Pictured, from left, are Club Board members Judy Martin and Janie Filloramo, Diakonia’s Susan Blaney and Board members Ron Filloramo, Barb McArdle, Tom Lowe, Lois McGregor and Joanne Arter. ...READ MORE

OC-Berlin Leo Club Install New Officers

The Ocean City-Berlin Leo Club recently installed new officers. The club is a youth-based group sponsored by the Ocean City Lions Club and is based at Stephen Decatur High School. Every year the club assists the Lions in raising awareness and funds for their many eye site programs. Also, every year the club helps fund the National Lions Leader Dog for the Blind program. Above, from left, are club advisor Nora Duke with president Ravyn Saunders, Vice President Julia Shockley, Secretary Mariah...READ MORE

Things I Like

Hooded sweatshirts Birthday parties for my kids When Halloween falls on a weekend Leather seats in a vehicle That Tuesday was ‘11-1-11’ A hand-written letter Warm peanut butter cookies Reading before bed Catching up with good friends Being home A big breakfast on a weekend day ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Some changes might seem confusing at first, especially to an Aries whose impatience levels are pretty shaky this week. Take it one step at a time, Lamb, and soon all will be made clear. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): That difficult situation you've been dealing with continues to call for careful handling. Avoid quickly made choices that might not stand up when they're finally put to the test. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You still have lots of evaluating to do before...READ MORE