December 2, 2011

Berlin Survey Help Requested

BERLIN -- As part of their effort to join the Sustainable Maryland Certified (SMC) initiative, Berlin officials are asking town residents to speak up and take part in a survey that will be used to assess a variety of community conditions. The survey will seek data on everything from stormwater management complaints and natural resources, to input on recycling and personal health and wellness. Officials plan on using information learned via the survey to help develop a list of community...READ MORE

Winterfest Attendance Sets Record For Holiday Weekend

OCEAN CITY – Winterfest of Lights broke a record this past Thanksgiving weekend holding the largest attendance in the past decade. Who could have resisted the unusually warm November evenings and holiday light displays ranging from sharks to dinosaurs, as well as the 12 Days of Christmas? Not many, according to city officials, which is why parking was slim to none and lines were as far as one could see last weekend. The 19th annual Winterfest of Lights had more than 21,000 visitors ride...READ MORE

Business Requests Council Step Up Downtown Efforts

SALISBURY – A member of the downtown business community approached the Salisbury City Council this week to express her frustration with the violence and her perception that there is a lack of effort in the area. WMDT 47 News General Manager Kathleen McLain is disappointed with the brawl that broke out in the Plaza Gateway Building downtown and how the behavior is relating to the failing revival of the area. On Nov. 20 around 12:30 a.m. a large fight erupted in front of the 18-and-under...READ MORE

More Tourism Funds For Worcester

SNOW HILL -- Worcester County Tourism (WCT) is set to receive a healthy boost in state funding in the next fiscal year. The Maryland Office of Tourism has awarded Worcester County nearly $50,000 more in advertising and marketing grant money than the prior year. This brings the total for state grant funding to WCT from 60,722 in FY11 to $109,836 in FY12. This is an exciting development for WCT, according to Tourism Director Lisa Challenger, particularly in light of the decrease in grant funding...READ MORE

Local Extreme Makeover Show Airs Dec. 9

SALISBURY -- The long-awaited airing of an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition episode featuring a local family is set for next Friday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. on ABC. This fall, the cast of ABC’s hit show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition knocked on the door of the Johnson-Goslee family in Mardela and advised the family it had been chosen as the latest recipients of a new home. The family of four had suffered a tragedy last Christmas Eve when 16-year-old Wyzir Johnson-Goslee got his arm caught in the...READ MORE

Federal Jury Sides With City In ADA Lawsuit

OCEAN CITY -- A federal jury yesterday found in favor of the town and the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) in an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) suit, ruling a former OCPD officer had not proven his diabetes was at the heart of his alleged wrongful termination. In 2009, former OCPD officer David Catrino filed suit in U.S. District Court against the department and the town of Ocean City seeking injunctive relief and an undisclosed amount of compensatory and punitive damages against the...READ MORE

Discovery Center To Host Winter Watermen’s Fest

POCOMOKE -- The Delmarva Discovery Center (DDC) in Pocomoke is getting ready to end 2011 with a special celebration and bring in the New Year with three diverse events. On Saturday, Dec. 10, the DDC’s will be celebrating local heritage with the second annual Winter Watermen’s Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local watermen will share their stories from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., musician Ron Cole will play Eastern Shore favorites. Enjoy free tempting samples of seafood...READ MORE

Berlin Festivities Seek Growth To Side Streets

BERLIN -- The goal of growing crowds to town events have business owners in Berlin asking for more side streets to be included in the festivities. “What we’re really looking to do is benefit all of the merchants in town,” said Chamber of Commerce President Elaine Brady. According to Brady, more businesses are hoping to get involved with town sponsored festivals and celebrations because Berlin has had a strong turnout for events over the last 12 months. The trend began with the...READ MORE

Dare, Council Reach Deal On Severance Plan

OCEAN CITY -- Three months after he submitted his resignation with stipulations, former City Manager Dennis Dare and the Ocean City Mayor and Council have reached a settlement on his severance package.During closed session meetings at City Hall in early September, the council voted 4-3 to ask Dare for his resignation from the post he held since 1990. Council President Jim Hall and council members Brent Ashley, Joe Hall and Margaret Pillas voted to make the change, while Council members Doug...READ MORE

20 Years For Salisbury Armed Robberies

SALISBURY -- A Salisbury man was sentenced to 20 years in prison this week for conspiracy to commit armed robbery this week after pleading guilty to his role in a pair of armed robberies in 2010. U.S. District Court Judge Catherine C. Blake this week sentenced Christopher Foster, 32, of Salisbury, also known as “Capone,” to 20 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and brandishing a gun in the furtherance of a crime of...READ MORE

Police: Citizens Be Aware Of False Holiday Charity Scams

BERLIN -- The arrival of the holiday season signals a time for more charitable giving and donations to those less fortunate, but local law enforcement officials this week are warning residents and visitors the season also signals a time for the area’s criminal element to prey on the collective good nature in the community. More than at any other time of the year, the holiday season presents an abundance of opportunities for those with more to share with those with less. While most...READ MORE

Salisbury Eyes Tax Differential Once Again

SALISBURY – The City of Salisbury is seeking the opportunity to sit down with Wicomico County to prove it deserves a tax differential. If the city is not successful, officials will have to explore other avenues. According to Acting Internal Services Director Gerri Moore, under Maryland State Law municipalities have the opportunity to ask the county within which they are located for a tax setoff or a tax differential.  A tax differential is a way for counties in Maryland to compensate...READ MORE

OC’s Downtown Looks To Brighten Up For Holidays

OCEAN CITY – The holiday spirit is being revived downtown through the initiatives of Light Up Downtown Ocean City 2011. The Downtown Association, Ocean City Development Association (OCDC) and the Boardwalk Development Association (BDA) have announced that Light Up Downtown Ocean City is underway. The associations have begun asking downtown residents and business owners to display holiday lights during this year’s holiday season. Tiffany Lowry of the Downtown Association and...READ MORE

Council Appoints New City Clerk

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Mayor and Council has decided to promote from within to fill the City Clerk vacancy left by the passing of Kathy Mathias last August. Kelly Allmond, a five-year veteran of the town, learned Tuesday that the council has decided to offer her the position of City Clerk, instead of conducting a national search for a pool of applicants. “There was much discussion and much consideration about posting that job nationally,” said Allmond. However, the council...READ MORE

Residents Eye Berlin Dog Park

BERLIN -- A growing group of locals have begun the process of trying to open a dog park in the Berlin area. “It wouldn’t need to be too big,” said Cate Carrick Nellans, who hopes to use a portion of the fields located near the Worcester Preparatory School. Nellans, along with resident Chrissy Ehrhart-Knight, is spearheading the drive to open a free dog park in the community. “We like to get together, and we like to bring our dogs,” said Ehrhart-Knight. Nellans...READ MORE

Council Hears Details Of Public Safety Retiree Option

OCEAN CITY – With budget discussions looming, city officials reviewed a retirement option for the town’s bargaining units. According to Financial Administrator Martha Lucey, Ocean City’s Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) is an arrangement in which a sworn police officer, who would otherwise be eligible to retire and receive a pension under the town’s Maryland Public Safety Employees Pension Plan, decides to continue to work up to a maximum of three years. By doing...READ MORE

Authorities Remind Shoppers About Holiday Safety Measures

BERLIN -- Hundreds of local residents joined the throngs of Black Friday, and Cyber Monday for that matter, as the holiday shopping season hits full stride, prompting local law enforcement officials this week to issue a few common sense reminders to ensure they, and their packages, make it home safely. Thousands of shoppers are flocking to area shopping centers, malls and outlet centers for the first big push of the holiday shopping season. Joining them, unfortunately, is an in-kind criminal...READ MORE

15% Decrease In Property Values Reported In OC

OCEAN CITY -- When resort property owners get their reassessment notices in the mail later this month, most will see their values have declined as expected, but the level of decrease might not be as great as once anticipated. Assessments of real estate values in Ocean City were officially completed last month and new notices are expected to be mailed out in late December. Most anticipated the values of their properties have declined significantly since the last time resort properties were...READ MORE

Much Is Weighing On Resort Reassessment

The State Department of Assessments and Taxation for Worcester County will be mailing out letters later this month to property owners detailing exactly how far their property values in Ocean City have declined. The county is divided into three districts when it comes to reassessing current land values. It was Ocean City’s turn this year and this is a critical reassessment. A couple months ago, Robert Smith acknowledged values are continuing to decline but he said, “If Ocean City had...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Support Was Special Editor: Thank you Ocean City community and the Ocean City Baptist Church (OCBC) for another successful free Thanksgiving Dinner. This was the 34th year that OCBC has hosted this great event and every year it amazes me how God brings it together. As the new pastor of OCBC, I am not new to this. I watched my church host this event for the last 34 years. My father, Terry Davis, the former pastor of OCBC, made it a tradition for our family to spend Thanksgiving with the community...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

Next week the U.S. Thunderbirds schedule for 2012 is expected to be released, and most indications in the air show industry seem to indicate the team will be returning to Ocean City for the third time next June.Nothing’s official yet, and the OC Air Show is still six months away but sources say it’s likely the Thunderbirds will be flying over Ocean City once again.With air shows around the country awaiting the Thunderbirds’ schedule release this month, there was some big news...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

Throughout the course of the day, there are a tremendous amount of highs and lows with kids. That’s why it’s such a loaded question when at the end of each day 3 ½-year-old Beckett asks, “have I been good today?” Invariably, we struggle with how to answer that question because a simple yes or no will not suffice. It’s more like yes and no. That’s because there are ups and downs with my kids all the time. There are the cherished moments when all is great,...READ MORE

Alleged Copper Theft Nabbed

BERLIN -- A Berlin man was arrested on burglary and theft charges this week after investigators were able to connect him to a break-in at a Perdue facility in Bishopville. On Nov. 19, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office took an initial report of a burglary, theft and malicious destruction of property case at the Perdue facility in Bishopville including several chicken houses and an office building. Because of the nature of the reported burglary, the case was forwarded to the Worcester...READ MORE

Berlin Hears No Dissenters To Alcohol Plan

BERLIN -- The town’s decision to expand the area where people can sell and drink alcohol during town events met with no opposition Monday. “The purpose is to make this much more practical in its enforcement,” said Mayor Gee Williams of the change to existing town code. A public hearing to discuss the amendment brought no criticism, only questions. Local business owner Gail Lewis of M.R. Ducks and the Water’s Edge Gallery asked for clarification on who would be able to...READ MORE

‘No Excuse’ Policy Debated In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council debated this week adopting a “No-Excuse” policy regarding absentee and emergency ballots. City Clerk Kelly Allmond explained that while researching ways in simplifying the absentee ballot process she came across the “No-Excuse” Absentee Voting Policy. “The State of Maryland … in 2007 they adopted a no excuse policy for regular absentee ballots meaning they [voters] don’t have to provide that excuse,”...READ MORE

Council Rejects Mitchell’s Plea For Referendum

SALISBURY – With standing room only in City Chambers on Monday evening, Councilwoman Laura Mitchell put forward one more attempt to stop a charter amendment from moving forward but was shut down as her proposal was considered not of emergency nature. Before the Salisbury City Council could adopt the legislative agenda on Monday, Mitchell got right down to business. “I would like to make a motion … a resolution that the City of Salisbury place a non-binding referendum question...READ MORE

Citizen Forum Date Set

SALISBURY -- Wicomico County Councilwoman Sheree Sample-Hughes will hold the next in a series of District One Citizen’s Forum meetings next Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the new Delmar Municipal Building located at 100 S. Pennsylvania Avenue. Sample-Hughes said she will be joined by County Executive Rick Pollitt, a representative from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and Newell Quinton who will speak about the Nanticoke Community Alliance/Drug Free Communities program that...READ MORE

Paid Parking Expansion Pitched To Help Fund OC’s Street Work

OCEAN CITY – Multiple suggestions were made this week as to funding an Annual Street Improvement Program, including the increase and expansion of paid parking around town. This week the discussion concerning an Annual Street Improvement Program and its funding options returned to the Mayor and City Council following numerous meetings in order to come up with proposals. “The longer we ignore it [street improvements] they will not stay static and it will continue to degrade,”...READ MORE

PRMC Employees Contribute $151K To United Way

SALISBURY -- Peninsula Regional Medical Center recently presented United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore with a check totaling $151,000, representing employee contributions toward United Way’s Annual Community Campaign.   The hospital is currently ranked #2 in United Way’s prestigious “Top 25” local business campaigns on the Lower Shore.  United Way Board Vice President for Wicomico County, Ginny Reid-Matern, commends the employees for their efforts this year by...READ MORE

Bailey’s Closure Marks End Of Era In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY -- The corner of 8th Street and Philadelphia Ave. will never look the same, as a landmark business went dark Tuesday afternoon. Since 1952, Bailey’s Pharmacy has been a staple in Ocean City, but its 59-year run came to an emotional close this week, but not before owner and pharmacist Stanley McCabe heard from some of his loyal customers and employees. Throughout the day on Tuesday, and the weeks preceding the closure, McCabe filled many of his longtime customers’...READ MORE

National Guard Puts On A Show At Airport

SALISBURY -- The Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Airport was visited Wednesday by the Maryland Air National Guard for a tour and demonstration of maneuvers by the C-27J Spartan aircraft. The tour brought out several government officials, including Salisbury Councilmembers Laura Mitchell and Tim Spies, as well as Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt. “It was an experience,” said Spies after touring the aircraft. While sharing a similar role to the C-130 Hercules class aircraft, the...READ MORE

Turtle Lax Club Seeking Players

OCEAN CITY- The Greene Turtle Girls’ Lacrosse Club is looking for a handful of players to round out its 2015 graduating class team. The club is looking for girls who are interested in playing competitive tournament lacrosse during the upcoming spring season. The club is seeking a handful of players to round out its team of players graduating from high school in 2015. For more information about the team or general information about the club, contact Tommy Dickerson at (410) 213-1500 or...READ MORE

10th War on Shore Set for Next Week

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s 10th Annual War on the Shore wrestling tournament gets underway next week at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center for the second year in a row with some of the top high school wrestling programs in the mid-Atlantic and all over the country converging on the area for the two-day event. The War on the Shore tournament, which features some of the best high school wrestling programs in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Pennsylvania and even...READ MORE

Seahawk Wrestlers Aims to Continue Dominance

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team appears poised to continue its recent dominance this season with a new head coach at the helm and a strong crew of top wrestlers returning. It should be business as usual this season with a few new twists added on with new coach Todd Martinek at the helm of the wildly successful varsity wrestling program. Martinek was named the new coach at Decatur late this summer after longtime coach Kevin Gilligan he was leaving as the head of the growing...READ MORE

Local Runner in Hawaii for Worlds

OCEAN CITY- A popular local runner and trainer headed off to Hawaii this week to compete in a prestigious world championship race but had to overcome a little adversity before she gets there. Corrine Banks, a single mom who works as personal trainer, fitness instructor and nutritional consultant among other things at WOC Fitness in West Ocean City has certainly left her mark on the local and regional running circuit with wins and top finishes in nearly every single local event in recent memory....READ MORE

Berlin Dolphins Bow Out of Playoffs

BERLIN- The Berlin Dolphins’ Salvation Army “Red Shield” League teams closed out their 2011 seasons with playoff losses, one of which came after a forfeit over a technical, seldom used rule infraction. The Berlin Junior Dolphins fell to the second-seeded Wicomico Vikings, 26-13, in the playoffs in a game much closer than the final score indicated. The Junior Dolphins took an early 13-0 lead after the defense set the offense up with short fields on consecutive drives. However,...READ MORE

3rd Reindeer Run 5K Slated

BERLIN- The 3rd Annual Reindeer Run 5K, sponsored by Live Long Fitness, is set to return on December 17 with an early morning start time through downtown Berlin. The annual race, which has become a fixture on the local holiday schedule since its inception three years ago, starts and finishes at the Atlantic Hotel with the course winding its way through the heart of the downtown area. The course heads down Main Street around the Worcester Prep campus and the Northern Worcester County Athletic...READ MORE

Decatur Teams Ready for Winter Campaigns

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s winter sports teams are all locked and loaded for their respective 2011-2012 campaigns and are ready for action. The boys’ varsity basketball tuned up for the regular season this week with a scrimmage against Delmarva Christian and will scrimmage Cape Henlopen on the road this afternoon. The Seahawks open the regular season on the road on Tuesday against North Dorchester and will host Bayside South rival Bennett in the home opener next Thursday. The...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

Dec. 2: KC Bingo 5 p.m., doors open; 6:30 p.m., games begin; rear of St. Luke’s Church, 9901 Coastal Hwy., O.C. Refreshments on sale. For more information, 410-524-7994. Dec. 2: Everything $6 Sale 8 a.m.-4 p.m., AGH Main Lobby. All proceeds benefit the Atlantic Gen-eral Hospital. Necklaces, rings, shawls, watches, eyeglasses, gift ideas for men, women and children. Dec. 2-3: Versakats Charity Perform “Miracle In Midtown” Holiday Show 7 p.m., buffet dinner; 8 p.m., show begins;...READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

 28t Saturday, Dec. 3: Phantom Limbs Pour house, The 410-289-POUR 501 S. Baltimore Ave.,Corner Of Wicomico & Baltimore Ave. Friday, Dec. 2: DJ Bigler Saturday, Dec. 3: Skip Dixxon’s 12 Bands Of Christmas with Phantom Limbs, The Hooplas, Slackjaw, Livin’ the Dream, Semiblind, Dust N Bones, Abbys Cage, When We Collide, Witches Brew and Asphalt Surfers Every Tuesday: Poker Night, 7 p.m. Every Wednesday: Open Mic Night with Livin’ The Dream, 9:30...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 own-ed 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

Rayn'es Reef Collection Point For US Marine Corps Toys For Tots

Rayne’s Reef owner Michael Queen has again offered his place of business as a collection point for the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program each Christmas season. Helen Wiley, coordinator of The Church Mouse Thrift Shop on North Main St. in Berlin, has a tradition of filling up the collection bin at Rayne’s with toys purchased by St Paul's Episcopal Church Outreach Ministry, which is funded by profits from the Church Mouse. ...READ MORE

Seaside Christian Academy's Mission For November Was Diakonia

Seaside Christian Academy's mission for the month of November was Diakonia.  The students and families gathered specific items that were needed and presented them to Susan Blaney, faculties/volunteer coordinator of Diakonia.  With Blaney, above left, are Shyanne Smullen, Lucas Franzetti, Rachel Peretz, and Dyllon Collier. ...READ MORE

Retired National Guardsman Featured Speaker At General Levin Winder Chapter Meeting

Retired National Guardsman Doug Glascox was the featured speaker at a recent General Levin Winder Chapter meeting.  After a brief history of the National Guard, he gave a moving account of his deployment to Iraq.  Pictured with Glascox are Vice Regent Kitt Matthews, left, and Regent Pat Arata. ...READ MORE

OC Elks Donates $5,000 To Stephen Decatur Field House Fund

Ocean City Elks #2645 donated $5,000 to the Stephen Decatur Field House Fund. Pictured are Elks Treasurer Jim Flaig, Decatur Principal Lou Taylor, Charity Chair Carroll Wagner and Exalted Ruler Paul Yates.  ...READ MORE

CFS Retirement & Tax Solutions Presents Wicomico Habitat For Humanity With $2,000 Check

Bruce Robson, Mark Engberg and Frank Brittingham of CFS Retirement & Tax Solutions, presented Wicomico Habitat for Humanity with a check for $2,000 to continue habitat’s revitalization of the Church Street neighborhood.  The donation was made in memory of local builder Frank Kirwan who did the construction of CFS’s offices. ...READ MORE

Crazy Ladyz Donates To Diakonia

CraZy LadyZ recently presented donations to Diakonia. Pictured, from left, are co-owners Jan Patterson-Hohman and Louise Reardon and Claudia Nagle of Diakonia.  ...READ MORE

NARFE's November Guest Speaker Charlie Paparella

Charlie Paparella of WBOC TV's "Travels with Charlie" was the guest speaker at NARFE's November meeting. Paparella entertained the group with stories and his banjo playing. He was accompanied by his wife Becky. Pictured are Paparella, NARFE President Arlene Page and Becky Paparella.  ...READ MORE

Wor-Wic Students Inducted Into The Alpha Nu Omicron

Sixty-one Wor-Wic Community College students were inducted into the Alpha Nu Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa during a ceremony held recently. Students from Worcester County were, front row, from left, Michelle Hernandez of Bishopville and Donald Harris of Ocean City. In the back, from left, are Mary Myers, Ryan Sullivan, Jamie Dressel and Jill Glassman of Berlin. ...READ MORE

2012-13 Board Officers Of The Republican Women Of Worcester County Installed

The 2012-13 Executive Board Officers of the Republican Women of Worcester County were installed by the MFRW President Ruth Umbel this month. Pictured, from left, are Umbel, RWWC President Joan Gentile, 1st Vice President Lou Ann Trummel, Recording Secretary Dr. Sharon Nelson, Corresponding Secretary Major Hagood, Treasurer Gail Schuler and Assistant Treasurer Peggy Long. Submitted Photos...READ MORE

OC Elementary Students Practice Imitative Speech

Maddox Mitchell, Sasha Yonyak, Carol Chrysanthis and Caleb Buxbaum of Mrs. Quilter's Early Intervention class at Ocean City Elementary School practice imitative speech using an iPad application. ...READ MORE

Judy Center Hosts Munchies For Moms Event

The Judy Center at Snow Hill Elementary School hosted 65 moms, grandmoms, aunts and other family members during it's “Munchies for Moms” event. Above, kindergarten student Grant Andrews and his mom, Sandy, enjoy some cookies and punch. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary Students Create Colonial Family Quilt

As part of social studies and language arts units on Family and Thanksgiving Holiday Traditions, Mrs. Hager's class at Showell Elementary School created a classroom colonial  family quilt using the patterns that the pilgrims might have used in their own quilts. Above, Olivia and Skylor are pictured with it.  ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Students Attempt To Determine Formula

Ocean City Elementary fourth graders Brady Abbott and Austin Allen attempt to determine a formula for volume by adding cubic centimeters to a graduated cylinder and noting how much the water rose each time. ...READ MORE

Stephen Decature Hosts Parents During American Education Week

Stephen Decatur High School Future Educators of America members Natalie Cieri and Amber Mione greeted parents during American Education Week last month. In addition to opening its classrooms and hallways to parents and community members, Stephen Decatur High School hosted several events for parents included the annual school competition of Poetry Out Loud. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Honors November Students Of The Month

Ocean City Elementary School honored the November Students of the Month this week with a T-shirt, special luncheon and a beautiful cake sponsored by OC Floor Gallery. Above, first row, first graders Bennett McLendon, Savannah McCabe, Caden Daubach, Meghan Bean and Jonathan Wallace; second row, second graders Shaurya Joshi, JAvalos, Joseph Buxbaum and Alexis Mumford (not pictured); third row, third graders Anisha Carson, Jessica Janney, Chelsea VanVonno, Melis Unal Aidan Morrison and Kendal Vick;...READ MORE

Rev. Doug Potvin Featured Speaker At Worcester Prep's Annual Thanksgiving Services

At Worcester Preparatory School’s annual Thanksgiving Services for Grades Pre-K to 5 and Grades 6 to 12, Rev. Doug Potvin, pastor of the Green Hill Church of the Brethren, was the featured speaker. For the Lower School service, a group of fifth grade students assisted Potvin with his lesson. They were, front from left, Hailey Merritt, Alexander Canakis, Graham Hammond and Baera Bischoff; and, back, Andrew Stickler, Christopher Potvin,  Hannah Merritt, Julia Godwin and Grace Swartz....READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

JoAnne Barbara Wade Donovan OCEAN PINES -- JoAnne Barbara Wade (Mulcahy) Donovan, age 62 died Friday, Nov. 25, 2011 at her home in Berlin. Born in the Yukon Territory of Canada, she was the daughter of the late Theresa Lillian Burnett Wade and Joseph Albert Richard Wade. She is survived by her stepsons, Christopher Ryan Donovan of Ocean City and Patrick Kevin Donovan of Arnold, Md. Also surviving is a brother, Martin Wade of League City Texas; a sister, Sandra Combs of Virginia; a nephew Jason...READ MORE

Things I Like

When all the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone Productive days Laidback dogs Hanging Christmas lights in 70-degree weather An easy run Chili and football Jeffrey Auxer’s glass creations Local banks A soup and sandwich for lunch Looking forward to a new phone The return of “Elf on the Shelf” ...READ MORE

Should You Consider Gold For Your Portfolio?

OCEAN CITY -- The price of gold (and other precious metals) has risen sharply during the economic uncertainty of the past year, with a gain of more than 26% from July 2010 to July 2011. The price has fluctuated through August and into September, but remains historically high. No one can reliably predict if or when the price might change, either up or down. While a direct investment in gold is typically not available through qualified retirement plans, it’s important to consider a number of...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

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Make your holiday preparations one step at a time in order to avoid being overwhelmed and leaving things undone. That confusing family situation continues to work itself out. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Ease this year's holiday money pressures by letting your thrifty side guide you as you look for those perfect gifts that typically reflect your good taste and love of beauty. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You'll have a good handle on potential holiday problems if you...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Berlin Finances Praised BERLIN -- Berlin was given a rosy review last week after PKS and Company finished their annual audit of the town. Mike Kleger, a partner with the accounting firm, favorably compared what PKS found this year to the town’s last audit. “This year’s report is much smaller,” he said. “There are very few comments.” According to Kleger, the town “dealt with material weaknesses” that had shown up on last year’s...READ MORE