November 11, 2011

OC Convention Center Director Moving On

OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City has another department head position open today, as Roland E. Powell Convention Center Director Rick Hamilton has resigned after just two years of being on the job. Hamilton is reportedly taking a job in Tampa, Fla. as a center director. After a nationwide search that yielded 72 candidates, Hamilton was hired in November of 2009 to replace Mike Noah. He came to Ocean City having spent the former 18 years at the helm of the Daytona Beach Ocean Center in Florida. His prior...READ MORE

OC Municipal Bus Lawsuit Settled

OCEAN CITY -- A $100,000 civil suit filed against the town of Ocean City alleging negligence for an incident in July 2007 when the plaintiff stepped off a municipal bus allegedly too far from the curb and fractured her ankle was officially dismissed last week although the exact terms of the settlement have not been made public. In June 2010, New Jersey resident Teresa Edwards filed suit in U.S. District Court alleging negligence on the part of the town of the Ocean City and a seasonal bus driver...READ MORE

Black Friday Security Detail Leads To Accusations

SALISBURY -- Foot-dragging and bureaucratic red tape cost Salisbury an opportunity to provide its police officers with extra seasonal work, according to Mayor Jim Ireton. Council President Terry Cohen, however, denies the allegation and rebukes Ireton for issuing what she called “an error filled” statement. Earlier this week, Wal-Mart sent a request to the Salisbury Police Department (SPD) asking to contract off-duty officers for security at its Salisbury location during Black...READ MORE

Salisbury Settles Water Lawsuit For $900K

BERLIN -- The city of Salisbury this week announced it had negotiated a settlement in its portion of a $20 million-plus civil suit against the nation’s major oil companies over a potentially harmful and perhaps deadly gasoline additive that has leached into the drinking water supply of the seven jurisdictions, including the town of Berlin and Worcester County. Salisbury officials announced on Monday they had reached a settlement in the civil suit against 43 total defendants including all...READ MORE

Jury Sides With Seacrets In Trademark Suit

OCEAN CITY -- A popular Ocean City establishment was successful this week in its trademark infringement lawsuit against a travel destination company and its subsidiaries that piggybacked on its success and name recognition with a series of similar resorts in and around the Caribbean. A U.S. District Court jury this week ruled in favor of O.C. Seacrets, the corporation that owns and operates the popular Seacrets nightclub complex along a three-block section of the bayfront in Ocean City, in its...READ MORE

Evolution Brewing Announces Timeline For Salisbury Operations

SALISBURY -- After several months of uncertainty, Evolution Craft Brewing Company announced yesterday it plans to open operations in Salisbury early next year. Renovations are currently underway at the E. Vine Street property formerly known as the Reddy Ice Factory. The project will allow for enlarged brewery operations for the growing regional company, provide corporate offices for Southern Boys Concepts and a new restaurant called Public House. In a release yesterday, the company confirmed the...READ MORE

Website Offers Public Access To Health Resources

SNOW HILL -- Launched earlier this month, a new web resource spearheaded by the Worcester County Health Department (WCHD) aims to offer huge amounts of health data in a convenient format. “The new Network of Care site gives the public easy access to health data, resources and tools,” said Health Officer Debbie Goeller. “Stakeholders and members of our community can use the site to view promising practices from around the nation, read health news and articles, or look up...READ MORE

Boating Fatality On Assateague

ASSATEAGUE -- Tragedy struck this week when a boat capsized in the surf just off the coast of Assateague on Wednesday, claiming the life of one as-yet-unidentified man and sending a second to an area hospital. Shortly after noon on Wednesday, Coast Guard Station Ocean City received a call to respond to a reported capsizing of a small commercial boat in the surf just off the coast of Assateague with victims in the water. The Coast Guard launched a rescue boat and responded to the scene and...READ MORE

Casino Revenue Mirrors Seasonal Downturn

BERLIN -- Likely a reflection of the considerable drop off in the number of visitors to the resort area, the Casino at Ocean Downs’ revenue numbers for October showed revenues had dropped back to a level not seen since June. The Maryland State Lottery Agency, which oversees the two existing slots facilities in the state, released the final numbers for October this week, and it appears the revenue figures returned to what will likely be the norm during the offseason in the resort area....READ MORE

Comptroller Orders County To Ship $175K Worth Of Liquor Back To Alabama

SNOW HILL — For the second time in two years, the Maryland Comptroller’s Office has launched an investigation into the alleged unlawful business practices of Worcester County’s liquor dispensary. Spokeswoman Christine Feldmann confirmed reports that last Friday the Comptroller’s field enforcement officers descended upon the Snow Hill headquarters of the new county Department of Liquor Control (DLC), seizing documents and a small portion of the $175,000 liquor shipment the...READ MORE

Council Closing In On Finalizing Dare Particulars

OCEAN CITY – Without announcing what the specific holdup concerning former Dennis Dare’s retirement actually is, City Council members publically debated how it should be resolved. The discussion was brought up after Councilman Doug Cymek received a couple requests from members of the newly formed Citizens For Ocean City inquiring the status of former City Manager Dennis Dare’s retirement agreement. “It was troubling for me to tell them that we have not signed that...READ MORE

Council Still Ironing Out Employee Changes

OCEAN CITY – One of the seven ordinances Mayor Rick Meehan vetoed concerning the benefits of new hires for the Town of Ocean City returned this week to be “cleaned up”, as Council President Jim Hall phrased it. The ordinance that was passed through second reading in January by a 4-3 vote -- Joe Hall, Brent Ashley, Jim Hall, and Margaret Pillas in favor -- called for the elimination of the fifth vacation week, the dependent life benefit to be eliminated, the ICMA 457 deferral...READ MORE

County Tourism Scores State Grant

SNOW HILL -- Though state funding is drying up in many areas, the Worcester County Tourism Department  will be receiving an additional $50,000 from Annapolis next year in advertising and marketing grant money. “This is great news because it means our advertising is working,” Tourism Director Lisa Challenger said. “We have ramped up our advertising with the additional county funds, which also helps us become eligible for additional state funds. On those two fronts together...READ MORE

OC Property Values Still Higher Than 2007

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City holds a strong financial position, according to this year’s financial report, and City Council members are looking to maintain that status as future capital improvement projects are addressed. Finance Administrator Martha Bennett Lucey presented Ocean City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011. Lucey started with the change in assessments from 1981 through 2011. Assessments have declined in the last two years....READ MORE

Salisbury Council Mulls Cable Contract Consultant

SALISBURY -- With a Comcast franchise fee negotiation on the horizon, the Salisbury City Council is undecided on whether to invest in a consultant or handle the process in-house. Council Vice President Deborah Campbell felt that, between the council and city staff, the negotiations should be workable without needing to hire a consultant. “I think we are bright people,” said Campbell. Campbell stated that “the temptation to just throw money at consultants” is not always...READ MORE

Zoo’s Beloved Bear Euthanized

SALISBURY -- The Salisbury Zoo this week had to say goodbye to its oldest resident, an Andean bear named Poopsie who had lived at the facility for nearly four decades and lived to the oldest age ever recorded for her species. For the last few years, visitors to the Salisbury Zoo watched Poopsie as she enjoyed her golden years lounging in her hammock and taking life easy. Poopsie was born in 1973 and would have celebrated her 38th birthday in December. The average lifespan of an Andean bear in...READ MORE

Cymek Files Early For Re-Election

OCEAN CITY – Councilman Doug Cymek took care of some business this week, filing for re-election almost a year in advance. Cymek is the first of the four current council members up for election to make official his intention to seek another four-year term. The terms of Council President Jim Hall and Council members Joe Hall and Mary Knight expire next year as well. Mayor Rick Meehan’s term is also up next year. “I just think it is good to let the voters know that I am running...READ MORE

OCPD Nabs Wanted Offenders

OCEAN CITY -- A pair of convicted sex offenders wanted by local law enforcement for failing to register in the state’s sex offender registry were nabbed in Ocean City this week by the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) and remain behind bars without bond. Last week, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office announced it was seeking Andrew David Harris, 45, of Ocean City, for failing to re-register as a sex offender within three days of moving to a new location. Harris, a Tier 2 sex...READ MORE

Delmarva Auto Glass OC Recreation And Parks Men's Fall Softball Champs

Delmarva Auto Glass beat Organized Chaos, 26-3, last week to capture the Atlantic Division of the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s Men’s Fall Softball League. Delmarva Auto Glass beat Organized Chaos, 32-22, in the first round of the playoffs, then beat McCabe and Sons, 30-25, to reach the finals. Organized Chaos went down to the loser’s bracket and swept three games to get back to the finals and a second shot at Delmarva Auto Glass. Pictured above, Delmarva Auto...READ MORE

Decatur Runners Finish 9th in Region Meet

BERLIN- Decatur’s varsity cross country team acquitted itself well at the state regional meet last week with both the boys’ and girls’ teams finishing ninth in the state Class 3A-East and one runner, Lauren Buckman, advancing to the state championship meet. The Decatur girls finished ninth among the 12 teams entered in the 3A-East Region meet. The top finisher for the Seahawks was junior Lauren Buckman, who finished 11th with a time of 21:44:74. Buckman is the only Seahawk...READ MORE

Decatur Girls Bow Out of States

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity soccer team bowed out of the state Class 3A-East tournament last week, falling to Reservoir, 3-0, in the region semifinals to close out what was otherwise another great season. The Seahawks, seeded third in the 3A-East tournament, got off to a good start last Tuesday, edging 11th seeded Howard, 2-1, in their opener. However, Decatur ran into a buzz saw against 10-seeded Reservoir, falling 3-0 last Friday. For Decatur, the loss either fell into...READ MORE

Seahawks Clinch State Playoff Berth

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team thrashed county rival Snow Hill, 56-20, last Friday in the regular season finale to clinch a berth in the state Class 3A-East playoffs. Just as it has in the last few years, Decatur needed a win over Snow Hill to reach the state 3A-East semifinals and took care of business with a 56-20 win. With the win, the Seahawks clinched the fourth spot in the 3A-East semifinals and will face top-seeded Atholton on the road tonight. The Seahawks face a...READ MORE

Berlin Dolphins Advance In Playoffs

Shawn J. Soper Sports Editor BERLIN- The Berlin Junior Dolphins opened up its Salvation Army Red Shield League playoff run this week with an impressive 19-7 win over the Salisbury Black Knights. The Junior Dolphins turned in a near perfect performance with a dominant defense and an efficient offense. The Dolphin offense controlled the ball for all but seven minutes of the contest and the defense did the rest as the Juniors advanced. After the defense forced a four-and-out on Salisbury’s...READ MORE

Seahawks Ousted from 3A-East Tourney

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity volleyball team took a quick exit from the state Class 3A-East Region tournament, falling to Reservoir, 3-0, at home on Monday. The Seahawks finished the regular season with a 12-3 record and earned a number-three seed and a first round bye in the Class 3A-East tournament. Decatur stumbled at home on Monday, however, dropping three straight to Reservoir to bow out of the tournament. The only other Bayside Conference team in the 3A-East tournament, Bennett,...READ MORE

Decatur Girls Bow Out of States

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity soccer team bowed out of the state Class 3A-East tournament last week, falling to Reservoir, 3-0, in the region semifinals to close out what was otherwise another great season. The Seahawks, seeded third in the 3A-East tournament, got off to a good start last Tuesday, edging 11th seeded Howard, 2-1, in their opener. However, Decatur ran into a buzz saw against 10-seeded Reservoir, falling 3-0 last Friday. For Decatur, the loss either fell into...READ MORE

Tough Guy Of The Week

This week’s Atlantic Physical Therapy “Tough Guy of the Week” award went to Andrew Borradaile for his outstanding play against Wicomico. Pictured above is Borradaile (center) flanked by Coach Bob Knox and ATP President Bob Hammond with son Matthew. Submitted photo ...READ MORE

Decatur Upset in Regional Final

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity soccer team’s special 2011 season came to a close this week with a 4-0 upset loss to surprising Mount Hebron in the state Class 3A-East region final on Tuesday. The Seahawks were nearly perfect this season, their only loss coming to Bayside Conference rival Bennett in the regular season finale. Decatur captured its first Bayside Conference championship in a decade and earned the number-one seed in the 3A-East region tournament. Decatur...READ MORE

Performing Arts Facility Worthy Of Excitement

In recent years, Ocean City has regressed when it comes to its shoulder season popularity, and many businesses in the area understand that well. That’s why news of a capital project that undoubtedly boost offseason business and give visitors a reason to return to the resort area more often should be explored with serious due diligence. The latest pitch of this sort is the performing arts auditorium, which is planned to be a featured amenity in the second phase of the Roland E. Powell...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

Last week it was thought the Worcester County Department of Liquor Control (DLC) was not going to have to deal with drastic repercussions from the purchase of alcohol from an Alabama control board, which did not have the required permit to sell booze in Maryland.While it was illegal for the county to buy the liquor from the unlicensed out-of-state entity, the idea was it would not be something that resulted in a serious fine or suspension or anything of the like.While it’s unclear if any...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

High Hopes For New Program Editor: Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a time in which we as a nation pause to give thanks to the brave men and women of our military, and their families, for all they have sacrificed for our nation. Our military families face enormous challenges, not just emotionally, but financially, and I want to lessen that burden. To accomplish that goal, I recently teamed up with Maryland Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger to make it easier for military families to be with their loved...READ MORE

Traffic Stop Nets Cocaine Bust

BERLIN -- A Virginia man was arrested on drug distribution charges last week after a traffic stop in Worcester County. Around 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 29, members of Worcester County’s Criminal Enforcement Team stopped a Honda Accord for a traffic violation. During the stop, a law enforcement K-9 alerted for the presence of controlled dangerous substances in the vehicle. A subsequent search turned up 129 grams of cocaine along with nearly $1,000 in cash. The driver, identified as Howard Thomas...READ MORE

Wicomico Reorganization Underway

SALISBURY -- Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., last week announced his proposed reorganization of the county’s Public Works and Planning and Zoning Departments is underway. Under this reorganization, certain functions formerly under Public Works will now come under Planning, Zoning and Community Development. These functions include Building Permits and Inspections, Fire Safety, street addressing, and related aspects of development review. Public Works will continue to be...READ MORE

Local Eyes Hawaii For World Championships

OCEAN CITY -- A local runner and trainer has earned an invitation to compete in a prestigious world championship race in Hawaii next month, but will likely need to rely on the generosity of the ever-giving Ocean City community to get there. Corrine Banks, a single mom who works as a personal trainer, fitness instructor and nutritional consultant among other things at WOC Fitness in West Ocean City, has certainly left her mark on the regional running circuit with wins and top finishes in nearly...READ MORE

Diakonia Feeling Pinch Of Increased Demands

WEST OCEAN CITY -- While the economy continues to struggle, Diakonia is seeing funding cut from the top down and is relying more and more on the community. “The tougher it gets out there,” said Housing Services Coordinator Jon Metro, “the tougher it gets in here.” Founded in 1972 as part of the Mennonite Church, Diakonia offers temporary housing, life-skill management education and a food pantry for locals in need. Becoming its own independent organization in 1984, the...READ MORE

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 complementary 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

Pocomoke Mourns Councilman

POCOMOKE -- The town of Pocomoke and the south end of Worcester County this week is mourning the tragic death of a longtime Pocomoke City councilman in a two-car crash on Tuesday afternoon. Robert Hawkins, 92, a Pocomoke City councilman for over two decades, was killed in a two-car accident on Winter Quarters Rd. near Route 13 on Tuesday afternoon when his convertible MG was struck by an SUV. Hawkins was taken to PRMC where he was later pronounced deceased. Hawkins was first elected to the...READ MORE

Berlin Attorney Disbarred

BERLIN -- A longtime Berlin attorney and former Worcester County Commissioner was disbarred from practicing law late last month after it came to light he was involved in “the unauthorized use of trust funds.” On Oct. 28, a Maryland Court of Appeals judge formally disbarred Berlin attorney Paul C. Ewell, by consent, from the practice of law in the state of Maryland. The Court of Appeals judge was acting on a Joint Petition of the Attorney Grievance Commission, which found Ewell had...READ MORE

American Legion Open House Saturday

BERLIN -- With Berlin officially recognizing the efforts of two local American Legion Posts, Boggs-Disharoon Post 123 and Duncan-Showell Post 231, the agencies are gearing up for a big open house event this Saturday, from 3-6 p.m. Organizers hope the event will rekindle a faded spark of interest in the legion, especially in younger veterans. Currently, Post 123 has about 270 members, most of which are inactive, according to Commander Vince Holloway. However, Holloway explained few members are...READ MORE

Council Unanimously Supports Performing Arts Auditorium

OCEAN CITY – Hours after a group of citizens toured the Roland E. Powell Convention Center to view current construction and future designs, the Mayor and Council approved a performing arts auditorium for the next phase of expansion. In August of 2010, the Mayor and City Council approved phase one of the convention center remodeling. Currently, the convention center is under construction expanding the ballroom and Exhibit Hall D. The 32,000-square-foot expansion is estimated to be completed...READ MORE

Hershey Earns Leadership Award

SALISBURY -- When it comes to business, W. Thomas Hershey is a leader. When it comes to philanthropy, he has been called “simply among the finest of men.” Now, he has a new title to add to his long list: Perdue Leadership Award recipient. Founded by Salisbury University’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business in 2009, the award pays tribute to area business leaders for their contributions to the university and greater community. Hershey began his professional career working at...READ MORE

New Partnership Grows OC Radio Station’s Appeal

OCEAN CITY – Hot Talk Radio expanded recently to fill in the gap of what national radio corporations have left behind. WQMR President Jack Gillen has been involved with radio in many different capacities since 1963. He began WQMR 101.1 in Ocean City in 2004. In September, WQMR partnered with WAMS Network, expanding its frequency across the Salisbury, Ocean City, Dover and Milford markets. “Basically what we have done is we had one frequency 101.1 and we have merged with another small...READ MORE

Wicomico Protects 472 Acres

SALISBURY -- The Wicomico County Council last week passed a resolution authorizing the county to acquire an easement on 472 acres within the Quantico Creek Rural Legacy Area which covers a portion of a tract known as the Tracey Properties. The county will be able to place the remaining 238 acres of the Tracey property under protective easement with funds from the Maryland Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). The 472 acre parcel easement will be acquired with $1.08 Million of Rural...READ MORE

After 30 Years, WPS Coach Retires

BERLIN -- After 30 years, 323 wins and numerous conference championships, Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity soccer coach this week announced he was leaving the sidelines to focus on his classroom teaching. 
Tom Westcott reached several milestones on the soccer field at Worcester Prep, including his 300th win recorded last October. Last week, the Mallards won their third straight Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) championship, beating Salisbury Christian, 1-0,...READ MORE

Annual Berlin Award Goes To Joel Todd

BERLIN -- Former Worcester County State’s Attorney Joel Todd, now a prosecutor in neighboring Wicomico, was announced this week the winner of the 46th Annual Berlin Award. “This probably means more to me than any other award I’ve accomplished in life,” said Todd after learning of his victory Tuesday. Todd was chosen as the honoree for his involvement in community organizations like the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, Diakonia and the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Stockton W. Rouzie Jr. BERLIN -- Stockton “Buck” W. Rouzie Jr., 79, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011 after his long fight with cancer.  He was born on March 16, 1932 in Ocean City.   A commercial deep sea diver by trade, Buck moved to Virginia Beach, Va. to help with the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which was the beginning of his many adventures. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth M. Peters, and grandparents Captain Thomas Moore and...READ MORE

Buckingham Elementary Students Learn How To Use Smart Response

At last month’s Buckingham Elementary Lights On After School Celebration, fourth grader Brian Rodriquez shows his mother Mariadel Perez how he uses the Smart Response during a Smart Board activity at Buckingham's Lights On After School Celebration. His brother, Angel, is in back. ...READ MORE

Berlin Intermediate Students Learn Math And Science Through Simulation Software

Student Symore Serrano is in the Computer Simulation program in the Berlin Intermediate School and Beyond After School academy.  Her and fellow students learn how to use math and science simulation software programs to practice computer programming and critical thinking skills. ...READ MORE

Seaside Christian Academy Starts Outreach Program

Seaside Christian Academy has started an outreach program called "A Mission A Month."  The staff, students, and families of the school support local ministries by providing specific items according to the need.  For the month of October, Seaside's mission was the Ocean City Baptist Church Food Pantry.  Above are Bryce and Blaine Taranto with Ms. Robin Derrickson, the crisis minister at Ocean City Baptist Church. ...READ MORE

Berlin Fourth Graders Dress Up Representing The Armed Forces For Halloween

Berlin Intermediate School fourth graders Ella Peters, John Karacoulakis, Sarah Wenzel, Sam Rakowski, Sam Maher and Anderson Meenan dressed up in outfits representing the Armed Forces for Halloween this year. In addition to wearing a military costume, students were encouraged to bring in various items that would be sent overseas to the troops as part of Operation We Care. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Students Vist Mr. Pepper's Pumpkin Patch

Kindergarten students at Ocean City Elementary School visited Mr. Pepper's Pumpkin Patch.  Pictured are Mrs. Julie Vorsteg's students. Back are Caitlin Williams, Lauren Lynch, Sophia Decker, Kalynn Colbert and Peter Jett; middle, Gracie Bernstein, Noah Hargrove, Talan Davis, Kevin Murillo, Jacob Hicks, Kenai Floyd, Shamus Engh, Evelyn Westman, and Gabriel Walas; and, front, Caroline Trejo-Valencia, Mira Demissie, and Marissa Wilson ...READ MORE

Stephen Decature High School Students Participate In The 5K Run

Stephen Decatur High School students Noah McAleer, Andrew Bradshaw, Jenna Abbaticchio, Hannah Wilson, Brooke Davis and Jennah Lupiwok participated in the 5K run for Believe in Tomorrow last month.  Each is pursuing the Presidential Service Award for next year. ...READ MORE

Charles R. Jenkins National Honor Society Worcester Prep Students Inducted

Students inducted into the Charles R. Jenkins National Honor Society at Worcester Preparatory School recently were, first row from left, Laiela Ahmad, Caroline Wetzelberger, Gabrielle D’Antonio and Dara Pappas and Ragen Doyle; second row, Roland Gerachis, Katherine Pavlos, Molly Marshall, Meredith Smith, Michael Durkin, Justin Canakis and Thomas Thornett; third row, Talha Ehtasham, Parker Kellam, Elizabeth Sayan, Meredith Soule´, Kathryn Lawrence, Caroline Klug, Casey Knerr and David...READ MORE

Nine Hole OP Ladies Golf Asso. Held Its Pink Lady Golf Tournament

The Nine Hole Ocean Pines Ladies Golf Association held its Pink Lady Golf Tournament at the Ocean Pines Golf & Country Club last month to raise money for the Eunice Q. Sorin Women’s Diagnostics Center at Atlantic General Hospital. The association raised $860. Pictured, from left, are OPLGA breast cancer survivors Lynn Schneider, Emma Fralley, Robin Roth, Janet Stoer, Barbara Duke and Diana Earhart. Missing from photo was Joan Sarisky. ...READ MORE

4STEPS Riding Program Awarded $5,000 Community Needs Grant

The Community Foundation awarded a $5,000 Community Needs Grant to 4STEPS Therapeutic Riding Program to support a part-time North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Registered Instructor to supervise therapeutic horseback riding lessons and animal partnership activities. Pictured above are Erica Joseph, left, Programs and Development Director, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, and Sandy Winter, Executive Director, 4STEPS Therapeutic Riding Program. ...READ MORE

Committe Chairmen Hard At Work Planning Worcester Prep Celebration

Committee chairmen are already hard at work planning the Worcester Preparatory School Party Under the Palms Gala Celebration, which will be held Feb. 24, 2012 at Seacrets. Pictured, front from left, are Liz Vasilikos, Gala Co-Chairman; Julie Metz, Gala Co-Chairman; and, back, Valerie Dunkle, Cheryl Einstein, Matilda Gjikuria, Nancy LaMotte, Jenn Carey, Cindy Pritchard, Noelle McColgan and Elyse Moore. ...READ MORE

Al Kastner Recognized By The Worcester County Board Of Ed

Former Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City President Al Kastner, second from right, was formally recognized by the Board of Education of Worcester County for his service to the youth of Worcester County when he was recently presented with a Certificate of Recognition. He serves as the liaison for the parent Kiwanis Club to the Kiwanis Key Club at Stephen Decatur High School. He has also been instrumental in the establishment of the Kiwanis K-Kids Club at Buckingham...READ MORE

Ayers Creek Adventures Donates $2,808 To Women Supporting Women

Suzy and Steve Taylor, owners of Ayers Creek Adventures in Berlin, recently presented a donation of $2,808 to Women Supporting Women's Worcester County Chapter from their annual Pink Paddle event to Rota Knott, right, Worcester Chapter coordinator. The event included a kayak paddle down Ayers Creek, a post-paddle party and a pink kayak raffle. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

Nov. 11: 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. 11-12: Christmas Bazaar Friday: 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; St. Matthews By-The-Sea UMC, Ocean Hwy. & Dagsboro St., Fenwick Island. Benefits Mis-sion projects. Friday serving hot dogs and chili. Saturday homemade soups and hot dogs will be served. Crafts, baked goods, silent auction, artists, white elephant sale and more....READ MORE

Things I Like

Rational people That today is 11-11-11 Waking up with energy Barbara Holloway’s cake The show, ‘Once Upon A Time’ Old things that work like new Walking the halls of a school Photos of my kids hugging A down comforter Teachers who like what they do The Chester River Runoff band ...READ MORE

Tap Your Retirement Assets the Right Way

BERLIN -- It took years to build your nest egg, and now you’re finally ready to take advantage of it. But will it be enough to cover the length of your retirement? In a Merrill Lynch Affluent Insights Survey conducted in December 2010, 57% of those polled said that making their retirement assets last was their biggest worry — and that was before the market volatility of recent months. Indeed, in an investing environment in which interest rates are at historic lows and...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

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. Every Thursday: Team Trivia With DJ Jeremy, 5-9 p.m. Charlie’s Bayside Restaurant 302-539-3526 Rte. 1 & Maryland Ave., Fenwick Island   Saturday, Nov. 12: Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.   Ocean Club: Friday, Nov. 11 &...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): This is a good time to let that intrepid Aries temperament take charge. Your strong leadership will help settle those still-unresolved situations. Support comes from a surprising source. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your problem-solving talents shine as you move to cool down heated emotions. You also inspire trust in all parties when you act with careful consideration of their feelings. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): That long-delayed commitment begins to look better...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

Carson, unlike his older brother, is one of few words. Consequently, when his eyes or facial expressions provide a little insight into what he’s feeling or experiencing, the moments are precious. In his case, the adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words” rings particularly true. Carson turned 2 years old last weekend, and, thanks to his grandfather pulling some strings, his birthday party was held at the new Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Department, featuring, among some other...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

Firm Announces Changes OCEAN CITY – Ocean City area’s largest web technology and e-marketing firm, D3Corp, has announced Jay Bosley has been appointed to the position of Chief Operating Officer. Bosley joins D3Corp with over 12 years of technology and organizational operations experience. Bosley comes from the Bel Air area and has experience in leadership roles with Baltimore-based companies ranging from $14 to $86 million in gross revenue. “The addition of Jay to the D3 team...READ MORE