December 23, 2011

Worcester Submits Watershed Plan Before Deadline

SNOW HILL -- After tweaking the language, the Worcester County Commissioners submitted a Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) to Annapolis this week, meeting the state’s deadline. However, some environmental activists are upset that the commission’s adherence to the WIP is evasive since it is “subject to adequate funding,” according to the document signed by the commissioners. “What troubles ACT is the commissioners’ clear lack of political will to meet the...READ MORE

Wicomico Council OKs Stadium Study Funds

OCEAN CITY – With the Shorebirds lease nearing its end at the Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, Wicomico County is looking to make improvements at the stadium in order for the Shorebirds to renew their lease and possibly attract new business. Wicomico Recreation Parks and Tourism Director Gary Mackes requested at this week’s meeting a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism for $8,333.33 to cover one-third of the costs of Phase 1 of an economic impact...READ MORE

Salisbury Council Could Be Headed To 7 Seats

SALISBURY -- The Salisbury City Council went to work Monday on the dicey job of updating election districts to more fairly reflect the city’s population. Three solutions were presented for review, two of which would require going to court. While the first option would be a relatively minor change that might be passable without court approval, Councilwoman Laura Mitchell was confident that all three choices would probably end up before a judge, something she wasn’t adverse to. Council...READ MORE

New Year’s Day Walk Planned

ASSATEAGUE -- This year’s 32nd Annual Ilia Fehrer-Judy Johnson Memorial New Year’s Day Beach Walk will honor its namesakes and founders of the organization responsible for saving the barrier island from development several decades ago. In the late 1950s, Assateague Island was slated for development as the future Ocean Beach, Md. before Mother Nature and a steadfast group of fledgling environmentalists intervened. Roads had already been built and lots had been sold for before a series...READ MORE

New Md. Planning Initiative Worries Worcester Officials

SNOW HILL -- PlanMaryland, a controversial initiative born in Annapolis that Worcester County officials worry could usurp planning authority, was passed quietly this week, catching the County Commissioners by surprise. “The speed, in my opinion, was a little unexpected,” said Development Review and Permitting Director Ed Tudor. “It’s a Christmas present,” joked Chief Administrative Officer Gerald Mason. Though the commissioners didn’t expect PlanMaryland to...READ MORE

Fenwick Restaurant Rebuilding

FENWICK -- After a devastating fire in August, the Catch 54 restaurant in Fenwick Island just west of the Fenwick Ditch is steadily emerging from the ground and is on schedule for a spring 2012 opening. Around 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 2, a fire ripped through the popular Catch 54 restaurant in Fenwick Island during the height of a summer dinner rush, but potential tragedy was averted when the hundreds of diners at the establishment were safely evacuated with no injuries. Firefighters from Fenwick,...READ MORE

County Finance Department Wins Award, Praise

SNOW HILL -- Good-tidings and cheer came early for the Worcester County Commissioners when they learned Monday that they had an award winning Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This years’ CAFR for Worcester received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. It also revealed that the county is doing better fiscally than anticipated. “Income tax is a little bit better than expected,” said...READ MORE

Community Rallies For Local Mother Of Twins

OCEAN CITY – The community has turned out from all directions to help a mom in need who delivered twins early, just in time for the holiday season. A single mom with two children living in Salisbury recently gave birth prematurely to twins and the generosity she has received from the region is overwhelming. As of Monday, the babies were still in the hospital. “It is just like a Christmas miracle,” Shirley Grace Pregnancy Center Executive Director Mari Quillen said. “It is...READ MORE

Bennett Middle Funding Options Weighed

SALISBURY – Wicomico County is facing a long to do list in a short amount of time in order to get the James M. Bennett Middle School (BMS) project underway as possible funding methods were proposed this week. The County Council is under pressure to sign a letter addressed to state officials endorsing their commitment in funding to the Bennett Middle School Project. The county is to attend the Board of Public Works meeting on Jan. 28 and county staff is looking to have that letter in hand...READ MORE

Area Pools Might Need To Meet New ADA Standards

OCEAN CITY -- State officials announced last week hundreds of pools and spas in the resort area could be forced to comply with rigorous new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards or run the risk of not getting their required permits issued by state and local health departments. The state’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) last week sent out a memorandum to public swimming pool and spa owners and operators in Worcester County detailing the requirements for compliance...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

Redistricting Plan Alter Lower Shore Delegate Districts

BERLIN -- State redistricting officials this week released their recommendations for Maryland’s legislative district boundary lines with “radical” changes for the Lower Shore House of Delegate districts, including dividing Worcester County in half for the first time ever. The Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Committee (GRAC) last Friday released its unanimous recommendations for the redrawing of Senate and House of Delegate legislative districts for the state, including...READ MORE

Child Critically Injured In Accident

OCEAN CITY -- The collective prayers of the entire resort community and beyond for a Christmas miracle are going out this week on behalf of an 18-month-old girl critically injured in a horrific accident on Coastal Highway last Friday.Eighteen-month-old Ava DelRicco remained in critical, but stable, condition at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore this week, clinging to life after a horrible rear-end accident on Coastal Highway at 142nd Street last Friday afternoon. Her mother, Ann Marie...READ MORE

Coleman Tourney on Tap Next Week

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team will hit the floor running right after the holiday break next week when the Seahawks compete in the annual John Coleman Christmas Tournament next Tuesday and Wednesday. The annual tournament, named for long-time Worcester County Public Schools Administrator John Coleman, has become one of the highlights of the holiday basketball tournament schedule over the years. This year’s tournament features the girls’ varsity...READ MORE

Lacrosse Club Expanding Shore Presence

OCEAN CITY- With top-notch coaching, deep talent and an impressive track record of success, the Greene Turtle Lacrosse Club is seeking to expand its presence in the sport’s rapidly growing popularity on the Eastern Shore. The Greene Turtle Lacrosse Club, formed years ago by Steve Pappas and now led by head coach Matt McGinnis of Salisbury University and his talented group of coaches, many of whom are former All Americans and national championship winners, is seeking new players for the...READ MORE

OC Boys Basketball Action Continues

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s boys’ winter basketball league continued this week with a full slate of games at Northside Park. The following are some of the highlights from this week’s action: (bullet) Belair Road Supply 28- Shenanigans 20: Matt Kristick scored 18 points and Chase Hampstead added seven to lead Belair Road Supply. Blake Ludlam scored eight and Tate Shockley scored six for Shenanigans. (bullet) Red Sun 41- OC Rec Boosters 32: Marcus...READ MORE

Seahawks Continue Up and Down Trend

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team continued its early season up and down trend this week, falling to Bayside South rival Wicomico, 77-58, last Thursday before rebounding with a 45-27 win over Kent Island on Monday. Decatur’s record now stands at 3-2 on the season after a continuing an early season trend of a win followed by a loss. The Seahawks beat North Dorchester, 69-55, in their season opener, then fell to Bennett, 65-55. Decatur responded with a 69-51...READ MORE

Decatur, Local Teams in Governor’s Cup

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team, along with several other teams from the Bayside Conference, will compete next week in the 2nd Annual Governor’s Cup Holiday Basketball Tournament featuring the top teams from Maryland against some of Delaware’s best. For years, the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury has played host to holiday basketball tournament featuring some of the best prep teams from around the region between Christmas and New...READ MORE

Berlin’s Reindeer Run Biggest Ever

BERLIN- The 4th Annual Reindeer Run 5K, sponsored by Live Long Fitness, was a huge success last weekend with hundreds of runners competing in the annual holiday race through the town of Berlin. Over 250 runners competed in the Reindeer Run 5K in Berlin last Saturday, topping last year’s total of 141 for the biggest turnout in the history of the annual event, which is steadily becoming a fixture on the holiday events season in the area. The race started and finished at the Atlantic Hotel on...READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve with Tim Cyphers Duo 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, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve with Old School Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.   Ocean Club: No Band-Friday, Dec. 23 & Saturday, Dec. 24 Friday, Dec. 30, Saturday, Dec. 31 & Sunday, Jan.1:...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Panel Should Study OC Police Department Editor: I have lived in Ocean City for 30-plus years and have seen three police chiefs run our department. Current Chief Bernadette DiPino’s tenure has seen a lot of controversies come and go. The OCPD has been sued by its officers many times. There was a vote by the FOP of no confidence in DiPino’s leadership. There are too many whispers and rumors of misconduct by command staff. FOP leaders seem to lave sooner than they should. One of the...READ MORE

Council Giving Tourism Board Mixed Signals

Frustration was running through sectors of the Ocean City tourism industry this week, thanks in large part to the division among the Mayor and Council. In the fall, the council as well as all aspects of the tourism industry in Ocean City was told by an objective consultant the current system is not working. “There is a remarkable lack of trust here … between the industry, the tourism marketing, and the city government,” OCG President Joe Lathrop told the Mayor and Council in...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

It has become tradition in our Christmas issue to look back on some predictions I made at the end of 2010 for 2011.As usual, there were several that were completely wrong, some that were right and others somewhere in between. Next week, I will take another stab on the prediction front.In the meantime, let’s look back at what I thought was going to happen in 2011. As usual, I was wrong about most of my prognostications but at least a few were correct.ON THE MONEY Ocean City did choose wood...READ MORE

Grinch Steals Christmas

SALISBURY -- Local police this week are looking for the suspect or suspects who broke into a Salisbury residence and stole wrapped presents from under a Christmas tree. Shortly after 6 p.m. last Sunday, Maryland State Police troopers responded to a residence on South Westover Drive for a reported burglary. The investigation revealed a suspect or suspects had broken into the residence through a side door. Once inside, the suspect or suspects unwrapped numerous gifts that had been placed under the...READ MORE

Ex-Cop Rejects City’s Reimbursement Offer

OCEAN CITY – Former Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Officer Earl Campbell’s message, “it is not about the money”, rang loud and clear this week as he rejected the Mayor and City Councils offer to reimburse the cost for his K-9 partner’s surgery. At the conclusion of this week’s Mayor and City Council meeting, an unexpected gesture to reimburse Campbell for K-9 Charlie’s surgery was made. “On behalf of the Mayor and Council, I want you to know...READ MORE

Council Tables Tourism Realignment Proposal

OCEAN CITY – The future of Ocean City’s tourism industry structure remains in a state of confusion, thanks to the Mayor and City Council tabling a proposed realignment supported by the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) on Monday. TAB returned to the Mayor and City Council this week recommending an internal re-alignment within Ocean City’s tourism structure and seeking a decision or at least further discussion on the topic. TAB and was shot down once again because Councilwoman...READ MORE

Ocean City Fire Department Issues Holiday Reminders

OCEAN CITY -- The smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree, cookies in the oven and the apple spice candle burning reminds you that the family will soon be arriving at your home for the holidays. Christmas presents are wrapped and the kids are excited because Santa will be here soon. As you and your family gather at the dinner table, the Ocean City Fire Department reminds you that the holidays are a time of joy and excitement, and a few simple steps can not only ensure a joyous holiday spirit but a...READ MORE

Salisbury Rental Inspection Plan Laid Out

SALISBURY -- The line between privacy and protection was questioned Monday when the Salisbury City Council attempted to iron out details on a rental inspection program. “The goal is equality in enforcement and protection,” said Mayor Jim Ireton. The council remained divided over what exactly would constitute equal enforcement and protection, however. Under the program proposed by Neighborhood Services and Code Compliance (NSCC) Director Tom Stevenson, his office would make...READ MORE

County Schools, Libraries Collaborate On Campaign

NEWARK -- The Maryland State Department of Education’s Divisions of Career and College Readiness and Library Development and Services along with Worcester County Public Schools and Worcester County Library this week unveiled a new public awareness campaign focusing on Career and Technology Education (CTE). The campaign kicked-off at the Snow Hill branch of the Worcester County Library and will be followed by a series of five presentations which will highlight the CTE programs offered at...READ MORE

Federal Funding For Waterways Approved

BERLIN -- Federal officials this week announced approval of nearly $52 million in funding for waterway improvement projects across Maryland including a couple on the Lower Shore. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) this week she was successful in securing $51.7 million for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects throughout Maryland in the fiscal year 2012 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill. The bill’s biggest allocations include $18.3 million for the annual maintenance dredging of...READ MORE

Firm Outlines City Manager Search Process

OCEAN CITY – If all stays on track, a new city manager should be in place by March, but it will take a lengthy search process to get there. The Mayor and City Council has chosen a firm, Springsted Inc., to conduct a national search for a new city manager. This week Springsted Senior Vice President John Anzivino presented the steps involved with the search process in making a final selection. Anzivino started out by stating that he was once a manager and worked in the public sector for 27...READ MORE

H2B Visa Changes Delayed

BERLIN -- The U.S. Senate this week voted to delay new Department of Labor requirements that would raise the hourly wages of temporary foreign workers with H-2B visas, a measure many fear would threaten Maryland’s seafood industry. U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski was successful in amending the 2012 Labor, Health and Human Services spending bill. The new wage regulations were originally set to go into effect on Oct. 1, 2011. However, Mikulski was successful in getting the effective date moved...READ MORE

Accidents Knock Out Power In West Ocean City

WEST OCEAN CITY -- Bustling pre-holiday weekend traffic in West Ocean City was snarled last Saturday afternoon after a pair of accidents on Route 611 within an hour of each other knocked out power in the immediate area for several hours. Around 1:30 p.m. last Saturday, a large, extended cab pick-up truck with a cap was heading northbound on Route 611 approaching Sunset Ave. when it veered off the roadway and collided with a utility pole, snapping the pole in half and leaving it dangling by its...READ MORE

Health Department Employees Awarded

SNOW HILL -- The Worcester County Health Department’s Suicide Prevention Program and public information officer Katherine Gunby this week were named recipients of three 2011 Awards of Excellence in Public Health Communication. The health department staff won a Gold Award and a Bronze Award in the media relations-op-ed category for two published columns about suicide prevention. The staff also received a Silver Award in the social media category for its suicide prevention advertising...READ MORE

Operation Shooting Star Aiming High


 OCEAN CITY – “Wish, Believe, Achieve … Cure One to Cure All”. That’s the motto of Operation Shooting Star, a local organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autoimmunity and its diseases while being committed to sending 100 percent of fundraising efforts directly to research. Operation Shooting Star Director Audrey Killen was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in November of 2009 and her father was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in...READ MORE

Man Gets 20 Years For Child Porn, Animal Cruelty Sentence Pending

SNOW HILL -- A Berlin man who pleaded guilty last month to five counts of possession of child pornography stemming from an investigation in January 2010 was sentenced this week to combined 20 years in prison. Kirt Greenberg, 46, of Berlin, pleaded guilty on Nov. 22 to five counts of possession of child pornography following an investigation local, state and federal investigation that began back in September 2009. Back in court on Tuesday, Greenberg was sentenced to four years in jail for each of...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

John W. Martin BERLIN -- John W. "Pop" Martin, 92, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011 at his home in Berlin. He was born on Jan. 4, 1919, in Chincoteague, Va. to the late John P. and Mary E. Martin. He was a commercial fisherman who moved with his family to Ocean City, and with his cousin Harold E. Martin started Martin Fish Company. Although well respected as a fisherman, his greatest joy came from teaching others about the bible, which he did faithfully and zealously for over 70 years....READ MORE

The First Step In Your Second Act

OCEAN CITY -- Whether embarking on a new career, earning an advanced degree or pursuing a combination of for-profit, nonprofit and leisure interests, Americans increasingly view retirement as a gateway to a second act. It's understandable: The average 65-year-old today can expect to live well into his or her 80s, so the time to pursue new careers could be extended by decades. While having more time to pursue a second act is good news, it also means that you need to plan financially for your new...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7 p.m., Bethany United Methodist Church, Rte. 611 & Snug Harbor Rd. Special service will feature special music, a message of hope and the singing of Silent Night to Candlelight. For more information, 410-641-2186. Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 8 p.m., The Fountains, Salisbury. The Soul Discovery Church invites the community to a celebration filled with music and a special youth presentation. After the service, there will be desserts...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...READ MORE

OC Elementary Student's Donated Animal Supplies To Worcester County Humane Society

Students in Andrea Wierengo's third grade class at Ocean City Elementary School show their generosity by donating animal supplies to the Worcester County Humane Society. Pictured, from left, are Kendal Vick, Jacelyn Clapsadle, Claire Williams and Maddy Kiesewetter. ...READ MORE

Buckingham elementary Students Learn About Family Traditions

Kindergartners Dakeierra Godwin and Ella Gaddis learn about family traditions during foreign language at Buckingham Elementary School. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary Students Make Contribution To Worcester County Sheriff's Holiday Gift Drive

Showell Elementary third graders T.J. Bescak and Brady Esham are pictured making their contribution to the Worcester County Sheriff's Holiday Gift Drive. The students wore Santa hats to school on Friday and brought unwrapped toys and books to help the needy children in Worcester County.  ...READ MORE

Students From OC Elementary Enjoy Stephen Decatur High Theater Production

Students from Ocean City Elementary thoroughly enjoyed the Stephen Decatur High School Children's Theater production of "The True and Actual Tale of The Tortoise and the Hare". Kindergarten students Tobias Walas and Sofia Finocchiaro are pictured above with Master Tinkerton Tortoise (Patrick Lieb) and Rupert Raston Rat (Reeves Dark). ...READ MORE

"Card Club" Students Use Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards

Keshawn Corbin, Evan Marlowe, Jimmy Willey, Ian Albert and Steve Wehlan are in the Berlin Intermediate School After School program known as the "Card Club" where students use Yu-Gi-Oh! cards to not only have fun and learn a new game system, but also to expand on their math skills and math vocabulary. ...READ MORE

Snow Hill Elementary School Students Read "The Story Of Hanukkah"

Snow Hill Elementary School students in Janet Nicholson's second grade class read "The Story of Hanukkah" by Lisa Rojany to learn about the holiday.  Becky Brunet, the school's Judy Center Family Service Coordinator and a member of Temple Bat Yam in Berlin, then talked to the class about how the holiday is celebrated by Jewish families, learning the meaning of the menorah and dreidel. Above she is pictured with students Zyheem Jackson and Victoria Harper. ...READ MORE

Most Blessed Sacrament Students Win Privilege Of Becoming "Principle For The Day"

Hallie and Harper Edmunds, sisters who both attend Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, won the privilege of becoming "Principal for the Day." Hallie, a sixth grader, and Harper, a first grader, spent the day shadowing Principal Mark Record and learned what a typical day is like for a school principal. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Vernon Powell Donates $1,500 To United Way

Vernon Powell recently presented United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore with a donation of $1,500 as a portion of the proceeds from their 75th anniversary celebration. Above, United Way Executive Director Kathleen Mommé accepts the donation from Vernon Powell President Joe Wright.  ...READ MORE

Worcester County Commission For Women To Hold Community Leaders Event

The Worcester County Commission for Women has reserved Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the Clarion Hotel, Ocean City for its annual gathering of community leaders to recognize local women whose lives show exceptional vision and leadership.  The event is a fundraiser for the McGuffey Literacy Summer Reading Program for Worcester County elementary students. Pictured, front from left, are co-chairs Cassandra Rox and Cheryl Jacobs with committee members Felicia Daly and Diane McGraw; and, back,...READ MORE

Helping Hands Families Adopted By Long & Foster

Long & Foster adopted four local families in conjunction with the Helping Hands for the Holidays program of Worcester GOLD. Toys for children and household items for the families as well as gift cards for Food Lion were provided by the agents and staff of the Ocean City office of Long and Foster Real Estate and delivered to each family to help make their holidays a little happier.  Pictured, standing from left, are Karen Oass, Stephen Cain, Joan Walter, Dottie Wells, Steve Mastbrook,...READ MORE

Merrill Lynch OC Hosts Annual Toys For Tots Drive

Brian and Christine Selzer of the Merrill Lynch Ocean City office hosted their annual Toys for Tots Drive again this holiday season. Above, they are pictured with this year’s donations. ...READ MORE

Participants From Easter Seals Enjoy A Holiday Outing

Participants from the Easter Seals adult day program in Georgetown enjoyed a holiday outing complements of long-time Easter Seals supporters Herb and Judy Schoellkopf, owners of Old Pro Golf course. Pictured are Lori Hickman, Bonnie Milligan, Eli Steverson, Linda Gibbs, Jose Rodriguez, Persephone Whaley, Connie Osborne, Douglas Pollard, Tony Cox, Glenda Mitchell, David Doane and owner Herb Shoellkopf. Kneeling in front is Old Pro Golf employee Larry Shockley. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Things I Like

Adults dressed as elves Helping others this time of year Taking my sons to get their hair cut Sitting in a room with no lights on except the Christmas tree Old shirts that look new The feeling of Christmas Eve Guys who can pull off a moustache Big cups Smell of a real Christmas tree A bloody mary with a bit of Worcestershire Sauce When surprises are pleasant ...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Cropper Testifies At Hearing OCEAN CITY -- Reese Cropper III, CIRMS testified at the Maryland Insurance Administration’s (MIA) quasi-legislative hearing this month on the availability and affordability of property and casualty insurance in the coastal market. The Maryland Insurance Commission called the hearing due to some insurance carriers who no longer want to insure in coastal areas or want to place a moratorium on insuring additional coastal properties. Senator Jim Mathias also...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

Encounters with Santa Claus have been interesting annual occurrences for my family, particularly for my oldest son. Earlier this month, we made our traditional jaunt over to Worcester Prep for its annual Christmas bazaar, an annual stop for us so we can get the kids’ pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This is the fourth year we have been heading to the school to get this keepsake, as it marks the fourth Christmas for Beckett and the third for Carson. It has been interesting to watch...READ MORE