February 3, 2012

NEW FOR THURSDAY: OC Buskers No Longer Need To Register

OCEAN CITY -- A federal lawsuit filed by a Boardwalk street performer over alleged First Amendment rights violations officially ended this week with Ocean City agreeing to a consent decree allowing certain performers or vendors to sell their wares and eliminating the registration requirement. Last June, the City Council unanimously passed an emergency ordinance requiring all street performers to register each day at City Hall and pay a nominal fee for the registration. The ordinance also...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: OC Okays Hourly Parking Rate Hike

OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City officials this week approved a 50-percent increase in the hourly parking rates at metered spots throughout the downtown area, but there was little discussion about the proposal to add meters at parking spaces throughout other parts of the resort. The City Council on Monday approved an ordinance raising parking spaces covered by the Cale Meter System throughout the downtown area from the current $1 per hour (25 cents per 15 minutes) to $1.50 per hour (25 cents per 10...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: Beach Horseback Riding Clears Council

OCEAN CITY -- Despite some last-minute misgivings, the Ocean City Mayor and Council on Monday approved an ordinance allowing horseback riding on the beach on a limited basis in the offseason. With a split vote of 4-3, the council approved horseback riding on the beach with an amendment to add a $20 one-day permit fee. The ordinance as written only allowed for a $50 seasonal pass to ride horses on the beach, but Councilman Joe Hall suggested the one-day pass as a means to encourage more riders to...READ MORE

NEW FOR MONDAY: OCPD Seeks Help In Baby Ava Benefit Theft Case

Ocean City Police this week are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect who stole a beach umbrella valued at $125 intended to be a silent auction item at a fundraiser for Baby Ava, the little girl critically injured in an accident in mid-December. Last Thursday, Ocean City Police responded to the Pour House bar on Wicomico Street to investigate a theft that had occurred during a fundraiser for Ava DelRicco, a toddler critically injured in an accident on Coastal Highway at...READ MORE

Proposed Wind Farm Areas Clear Environmental Hurdle

OCEAN CITY -- Plans to develop a vast offshore wind farm off the coast of Ocean City took a significant step forward yesterday with a major announcement about the results of an environmental assessment and the identification of specific areas available for potential leases. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, along with Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Tommy Beaudreau on Thursday held a joint press conference in Baltimore to announce a...READ MORE

Ceremony Marks 44th Anniversary Of War Battle

OCEAN PINES -- In a solemn, quiet ceremony this week, about a dozen U.S. veterans gathered at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines to commemorate the 44th anniversary of the Tet Offensive, a major attack by communist forces on South Vietnam in 1968 that helped escalate the ill-fated conflict. After a few brief remarks, Vietnam War veteran Bob Bates and Worcester County Sheriff Reggie Mason, also a Vietnam veteran, placed a wreath with a sash simply saying Tet 44 at the base of...READ MORE

Fiscal Impact Of Pension Changes Debated In OC

OCEAN CITY – A fire was lit in council chambers this week as discussions turned to the changes made to town employee benefits and what it is costing the town today rather than in the future. Finance Administrator Martha Bennett asked the Mayor and City Council for an approval of the annual contribution to the pension and Other Post-Employment Benefit (OPEB) fund as council members began to debate the pros and cons of changes made to town employee benefits a year ago. Bennett started off by...READ MORE

This January Not Mildest Ever But It’s Close

OCEAN CITY -- While there is still a long way to go and February and March might yet deliver the toughest blows, the remarkably mild winter thus far has been a blessing for most across the Lower Shore. Temperatures peaked out in the mid-60s this week with some areas approaching the 70-degree mark, continuing a winter-long trend of extremely mild temperatures and relatively dry conditions. With the exception of a handful of days, the month of January has been one of the mildest on record in the...READ MORE

Concerns Continue Over Mandatory Rental Inspection Plan

SALISBURY -- Eventual guidelines for how Salisbury will conduct inspections on rental properties inched forward Monday, though officials predicted that it will be several months at least before anything is etched in stone. “I’m more interested in doing it right then trying to rush through,” said Council President Terry Cohen. How the city will handle rental inspections has already been a topic of concern for months. The proposed plan will likely call for each rental property to...READ MORE

State OKs School Improvements

BERLIN -- The state’s Board of Public Works last week approved roughly $250 million in public school improvement projects across Maryland, including several significant upgrades in Worcester and Wicomico counties. The Board of Public Works, which includes Gov. Martin O’Malley, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, last week approved a laundry list of recommendations from the Interagency Committee on School Construction (IAC) for the fiscal year 2013 budget totaling...READ MORE

Berlin Seeking Input On Architectural Standards

BERLIN -- The Berlin Historic District Commission (HDC) met this week to discuss signage at the Chamber of Commerce, alterations to PNC Bank and the eventual adoption of town architectural standards and guidelines. First on the agenda were proposed alterations to signs adorning the chamber building on Main St. Chamber Executive Director Olive Mawyer came before the commission with designs for a new frontal and side sign. The commission immediately had problems with the insignia meant for the...READ MORE

OCPD To Begin Carrying Tasers; Information Session Next Week

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) will have another weapon in its crime-fighting arsenal next week it breaks out Electronic Control Devices (ECD), or Tasers, for the first-time ever. Back in October, the Ocean City Mayor and Council approved a pilot program for the acquisition and use of Tasers by the police department on a limited basis. This week, the town’s elected officials approved the department’s new general orders for their use while 14 OCPD officers...READ MORE

Resort Boat Ramp Funds In Md. Budget

OCEAN CITY -- Plans for a new public boat ramp in Ocean City got a much-needed fiscal shot in the arm last week when Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials told local legislators the governor’s proposed budget includes over $800,000 in state matching funds for the project. After years of wrestling with an outdated and over-utilized public boat ramp in a residential area in the 94th Street area in Little Salisbury, resort officials last summer identified a new location for a second...READ MORE

Resort Could Save Money By Outsourcing Cardboard Collection

OCEAN CITY – With budget time approaching, a few unexpected suggestions were made this week that could save Ocean City money. Finance Administrator Martha Bennett said she has received news that Ocean City is at the point to where it is favorable to refund 2005 bonds. If the town were to refund just the callable bonds, it would save $846,000 in interest or if all bonds are refunded $878,000 could be saved. Bennett furthered that as the town moves forward in projects such as the Boardwalk...READ MORE

Manslaughter Indictment In WOC Bar Owner’s Death

SNOW HILL -- A Worcester County grand jury last week indicted a West Ocean City man on manslaughter and assault charges for his role in the death of a West Ocean City bar owner in October. Last Wednesday, the grand jury indicted Cyle Walker, 26, of West Ocean City on manslaughter, second-degree assault and disorderly conduct charges in the death of 707 Sports Bar and Grille owner Carey Patrick Flynn. Walker admitted to being in a verbal altercation with Flynn outside the establishment and that...READ MORE

Bill Provides Art Center Funds

OCEAN CITY -- The proposed new Ocean City Center for the Arts, approved by the Mayor and Council last fall, could get a significant boost in state funding assistance if a bill introduced in the General Assembly by local legislators last week is approved by state lawmakers. Last week, Sen. Jim Mathias (D-38) introduced Senate Bill 275, which, if approved, would authorize the creation of a state debt not to exceed $250,000 for use in the development of a new 7,500-square-foot Ocean City art...READ MORE

Habitat House Project In Berlin Underway

BERLIN -- The third and final house to be built by Worcester County’s Habitat for Humanity on a property located in Berlin is on schedule to be completed in April. After its completion, the organization will be looking for more property in Worcester for the next project. “After the third house is built, we have no more land [in Berlin],” said John Kotoski, a member of the Habitat Board of Directors who oversees construction. The Worcester branch of HFH is part of a larger...READ MORE

Parkside Ends Decatur Win Streak

BERLIN- Despite a fierce comeback attempt, Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team fell to visiting Parkside, 39-29, in front of a standing-room only bi-partisan crowd on Wednesday, ending the Seahawks’ remarkable unbeaten streak in the Bayside Conference that dated back several years. Something had to give when Decatur, 12-0 in conference matches this season, played host to Parkside, also 12-0 this year, on Wednesday. It was a match both teams had circled on their schedules back...READ MORE

Ocean City Winter Basketball Continues

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s winter boys’ basketball league continued this week with a full slate of games at Northside Park. The following is a quick look at some of this week’s action: (bullet) Red Sun 59- Ocean City FOP 45: Josh Mercer led Red Sun with 22 points, while Marcus Pitts added 14. Joey Turcol scored 17 for the FOP in the loss, while Tyler Dean pitched in 10 points. (bullet) Atlantic General 29- Shenanigans 12: Tyree Henry scored...READ MORE

Beach Lacrosse Fundraiser Slated

BERLIN- The Beach Lacrosse Club is holding its annual pre-season fundraiser next weekend at the Cork Bar in Ocean City in an effort to raise money for operating expenses for the coming season. The event is scheduled for next Friday, February 10, at the Cork Bar on Wicomico Street in Ocean City from 6-10 p.m. Tickets, which are available only to those 21 years of age or older, are $20 and include draft beer and appetizers, along with silent auctions, raffles and other fun events. Proceeds from...READ MORE

Seahawks Sweep Bayside Track Titles

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’ varsity indoor track teams swept the titles in the Bayside Conference championship meet last week and collected numerous individual championships along the way. The Decatur boys finished first in the 13-team Bayside Conference field with 143.5 total team points, far ahead of second-place North Caroline, which finished with 76 team points, and Kent Island, which ended up in third with 56 points. On the girls’ side, the Seahawks soared over the competition with...READ MORE

Decatur’s Craven, Kee Sign Letters of Intent

BERLIN- On National Signing Day, two standout Stephen Decatur football players this week signed letters of intent to play Division I football and continue their educations next season. On Wednesday, Decatur star running back D.J. Kee officially signed a letter of intent accepting a scholarship offer to play football next year at Lehigh University. Sitting at the same table, Decatur’s standout offensive lineman Nick Craven, who was largely responsible for opening the holes for Kee, signed...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Court Got It Right Editor: The decision by the Appeals Court of Maryland to allow Allstate to stop writing policies along the Atlantic Coast, while unpopular, was done for the right reason ("Court Upholds Hurricane Insurance Decision", Jan. 27). The Maryland General Assembly’s People’s Insurance Counsel Division’s challenge, that the decision to stop writing policies along the coast was discriminatory and not based on realistic projections, chastises Allstate for...READ MORE

Paid Parking Expansion Worth Deliberation

Faced with declining revenues amid growing expenses, as is the case with all governments currently, the Ocean City Mayor and Council is considering adding more paid parking throughout the island. This is a worthwhile discussion to be having this time of year, and the issue has proven to be quite divisive over the years. The major fact to consider here is Ocean City must find new revenue to offset the $6 million loss in property taxes anticipated over the next budget year as a result of declining...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

It will be quite the photo op come April 2, or the days before, as Pepsi banners, products and vending machines are quickly removed in Ocean City and replaced by those bearing the name of Coca-Cola, which successfully outbid its familiar rival for the town’s beverage franchise this week.Back when Ocean City first went the way of an official drink, it was quite controversial. There were cries that the city was selling out and going overly commercial at the time. I actually recall thinking...READ MORE

‘Most Wanted’ Nabbed

BERLIN -- One of Worcester County’s Top 10 Most Wanted was removed from the list last week when Maryland State Police troopers arrested a Baltimore woman in Berlin without incident. Last Sunday, troopers responded to a residence on Upshur Street in Berlin in an attempt to locate Branden Leigh Sandifer, 31, of Baltimore, who was listed as one of Worcester County’s Top 10 Most Wanted. Once at the suspected location on Upshur Street, troopers located Sandifer and took her into custody...READ MORE

Council Approves Revised Rental Sticker System

OCEAN CITY – Property owners will have no excuse when it comes to noise complaints or rental licenses now that the Noise Board’s request to re-implement a sticker system has been approved. According to Noise Board Chairman Brett Wolf, the board has been meeting in efforts to improve and streamline the application of the Noise Code, the collection of data required by the Noise Code and the required notification process because a number of problems occurred in 2011. An issue has...READ MORE

New Attorney Confirms Wilbur’s Fire Chief Opinion

SALISBURY -- After legal confirmation that Salisbury could bypass a national fire chief search if it so chooses, the City Council decided to interview Acting Fire Chief Rick Hoppes this week. “The council can take two or three or four possible paths when proceeding with this,” said Council President Terry Cohen in reference to Hoppes. Early last month, Salisbury Fire Department Chief Jeff Simpson announced his resignation, which went into effect Jan. 20. Simpson was the second fire...READ MORE

Route 54’s Bayside Offers Unique Shopping Experience

OCEAN CITY – Bayside Wines & Spirits is getting settled in its new location as it rides along through the off-season with an eye on the coming summer season. Bayside Wines & Spirits are located in the Bayside Shopping Center on Route 54 close to Fenwick Island next to the Harris Teeter grocery store. It accompanies its sister store, Bayville Package Store, which is also on Route 54 closer to the beach and has been in business for over 30 years. Bayside Wines and Spirits was...READ MORE

New Tree Species Found In Worcester

BERLIN -- Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials last week officially identified and recorded a rare species of tree found in Worcester County in the Pocomoke State Forest. The tree species Swamp Bay, or Persea palustris, was discovered and measured earlier this month in Hickory Point Cypress Swamp at Pocomoke State Forest by Dan Wilson, a volunteer with the Maryland Big Tree Program (MBTP). “In the past, the Department of Natural Resources recorded the existence of this...READ MORE

Councilman To File Complaint Over Citation Leak

SALISBURY -- A potential leak in Salisbury’s Neighborhood Services and Code Compliance (NSCC) had several members of the City Council calling for a crackdown this week. In 2009, Councilman Tim Spies’ Virginia Ave. home reportedly failed a building inspection and since then has been embroiled in a series of re-inspections, controversial extensions and citations. One such citation was received late last month. What made this one, a complaint regarding Spies’ fence, unusual was...READ MORE

Paid Parking Expansion Proposed To Fund Projects

OCEAN CITY – Tough decisions will have to be made soon as Ocean City’s infrastructure concerns deepen and the Mayor and City Council reviews potential funding options including expanding paid parking throughout the resort. City appointed and elected officials furthered their discussion on options in funding an Annual Street Improvement Program during this week’s meeting. City Engineer Terry McGean returned with responses to the council’s inquiries of raising existing...READ MORE

What Exactly Is A Paramedic?

OCEAN CITY -- Lights flashing and sirens blaring, you pull your vehicle over and yield to Ocean City fire apparatus or ambulances. As the emergency vehicle passes, you merge back into your travel lane and go about your day. Have you ever wondered what goes into making certain your firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) providers are top notch? Over the next few weeks, I will highlight the different jobs within the fire department and explain in detail what they are about. I take pride...READ MORE

Worcester Tech Invests In Health Care Professions

SNOW HILL -- A focus on crafting healthcare providers out of local students has Worcester Technical High School (WTHS) tripling the number of health profession pathways offered this semester. “We need healthcare providers on the shore,” said Dr. Penny Makuchal, Nursing and Health Professions Instructor. For decades, WTHS has offered a popular nursing pathway of study. Following that program, students, under the eye of a Registered Nurse (R.N.) attempt to earn a Certified Nursing...READ MORE

OC Design Guidelines Tweaked

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council voted Tuesday to exclude single-family homes from proposed design guidelines that are scheduled to be made final next week. This week Councilman Joe Hall expressed concern over single-family homes being included in design guidelines. The guidelines were approved on first reading a few weeks ago in a 4-3 vote, with Council members Margaret Pillas, Brent Ashley and Doug Cymek in opposition. “I voted for it in first reading and to not hold this up...READ MORE

Ocean City Enacts 90-Day Scooter Moratorium

OCEAN CITY – In the next 90 days, no new scooter rental businesses will be coming to town as the mayor has signed emergency legislation enacting a moratorium. A few weeks ago, City Council member concerns were brought up during a meeting over scooter rental operations and whether more controls are needed in issuing scooter business licenses. Last week Planning and Community Development Director Jesse Houston recommended transferring the issue into the hands of the Planning and Zoning...READ MORE

Phone Scam Warning

BERLIN -- The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office this week is warning local residents of an ongoing telephone scam in which the suspect or suspects are representing themselves as lawyers and claiming the victims have defaulted on loans. According to the sheriff’s office, the suspects are relentless and call their potential victims several times demanding payment and further personal information. The phone number that has repeatedly shown up on victims’ caller identification is...READ MORE

For OC, Coke Is It

OCEAN CITY – Coca-Cola fans will be pleased to hear that the company outbid Pepsi and will be taking over the title of Ocean City’s official soft drink. During Tuesday afternoon’s Mayor and City Council meeting, Council President Jim Hall announced that Coca-Cola has won the bid for Ocean City’s five-year beverage franchise. “Coca-Cola will be taking over the town of Ocean City,” he said. Pepsi Bottling Ventures has held the town’s beverage franchise for...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

Feb. 3: 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. Feb. 4: Indoor Flea Market 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Bethany United Meth-odist Church, Rte. 611 & Snug Har-bor Rd., near Frontiertown, Berlin. Break-fast, lunch, great soups and baked goods. For more information, 410-629-0926. Feb. 4: AYCE Pancake Breakfast 8-11 a.m., St. Martin’s in the Field Episcopal Church, Selbyville,...READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Feb. 4: Pompous Pie Charlie’s Bayside Restaurant 302-539-3526 Rte. 1 & Maryland Ave., Fenwick Island   Call For Entertainment Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.   Ocean Club: Friday, Feb. 3 & Saturday, Feb. 4: New Censation Dead freddies 410-524-3733 64th St. & the Bay Friday, Feb. 3: DJ Rupe, 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4: DJ Wax Fager’s Island 410-524-5500 60th St. in the...READ MORE

Best Eats On The Beach

Fruitland-Salisbury Restaurant 213 213 N. Fruitland Blvd., Fruitland 410-677-4880 • www.restaurant213.com Just 20 minutes from Ocean Pines and Berlin, Restaurant 213 is worth the drive! Chef Jim Hughes has been serving celebrities worldwide for 25 years and was named a 2009 inductee to the coveted Distinguished Restaurants of North America awards, one of only 220 in North America and the only one in this region. Serving dinner Tuesday-Sunday starting at 5 p.m. Also offering a 5 course...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

Adult meltdowns happen, and I had a memorable one the other morning. Fortunately, besides the dogs, nobody was around to hear it. It was 6 in the morning, and I needed to get some work done before the kids awoke for the day. Usually, that start rumbling around between 6:30 and 7 a.m.When I came downstairs, I was greeted by the overwhelming and unmistakable odor of feces.Apparently, one of the dogs, or both perhaps judging by the size of the mess, had some sort of stomach issue that resulted in...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Timothy John Curran OCEAN CITY -- Timothy John Curran of Ocean City died suddenly on Jan. 26, 2012. He was the devoted son of Peggy Burns and Michael Burns (stepfather) and John Joseph Curran; loving father of Angelina and Simone Whitaker and Timothy John Curran, Jr. expected in April; and stepfather of Nicholas Whitaker. He was the dear brother of the late Melanie Ann Curran and stepbrother of Tracy Smith and James Burns. He is also survived by his uncle, Rev. Glen Willis SDS; his nephews,...READ MORE

A Deal Team Key For Sellers

OCEAN CITY -- It may seem improbable given some of today's financial headlines, but the deal market for small and midsize private companies has come to life, and many entrepreneurs who've spent decades building companies are taking advantage. Last week we look at the buyer side and this week we will look at some aspects of the selling side to consider. There comes a time, early in the process, when the owner needs to hire a deal team — best practices suggest putting one in place as much as...READ MORE

Former Worcester Prep Student Attends White House Christmas Party

Carson Wigley, a freshman at Wake Forest University and 2011 graduate of Worcester Prep, attended the White House Christmas Party. Wigley was invited in recognition of her continued commitment to volunteer service. She is pictured with a replica of the Obama family’s pet. ...READ MORE

After School Academy At SD Bakes Tasty Treats

Stephen Decatur Middle School student Brittany Baker checks on her tasty treat during an After School Academy session on baking. ...READ MORE

Berlin Intermediate School Sponsors Its Annual Help Increase The Peace Day

Berlin Intermediate School sponsored its Annual Help Increase the Peace (H.I.P.) Day last month. BIS’s staff and students showed their Groovy School Spirit by wearing flower power, 60’s 70’s peace attire. Above are Dina Sbih, Stephanie Marx, Hattie Brous, Autumn Pracko, Maggie Bunting and Jamie Ditzel.  ...READ MORE

Seventh And Eighth Grade Athletes Honored At Worcester Prep Sports Assembly

Seventh and eighth grade athletes honored at Worcester Prep’s Winter Middle School Sports Assembly for boys basketball were, front from left, Tate Shockley, seventh grade, MVP; Zachary Wilson, seventh grade, Coach’s Award; Keegan Pando, seventh grade, Most Improved; back, Michael Brittingham, eighth grade, Coach’s Award; Reece Brown, eighth grade, Most Improved; and Wyatt Richins, eighth grade, MVP. ...READ MORE

Berlin Intermediat Students Become More Proficient In Their Keyboarding And Computer Skills

Jenna Shumate and Sivan Cohen are in Keyboarding Capers, a club in the Berlin Intermediate School’s Beyond After School Academy designated to help students become more proficient in their keyboarding and computer skills. ...READ MORE

Kindergarten Students At OC Elementary Get Involved In Magnets

Kindergarten students in Christine Lieb's class from Ocean City Elementary are involved in a unit on magnets. Students Nevaeh Wilgus, Tatum Daubach, Daniel Karcheuski and Serenity Sanon are discovering what types of objects are attracted to magnets. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary School Students Give Presentation On School Buddy Reader Program

Students at Ocean City Elementary School gave a presentation about the school's Buddy Reader Program to the Worcester County Board of Education recently. Pictured, front row, are Deema Hammad, Josselyne Maza-Chavez, Keeley Catrino, Sophia Krasner, Abby Yesko, Isaac Gillin, Theo Hobbs, Jacob Fuschluger, Riley Moyer and Hannah Burke; and, back, Principal Irene Kordick, Kristin VanKirk and Dr. Melanie Biscoe ...READ MORE

Members Of Kiwanis Builders Club Make Valentine's Cards To Lift Spirits

Members of the Kiwanis Builders Club at Berlin Intermediate School Zerrick Collins, DJ Taylor and President Jake Ginther, are busy making Valentine's cards for those in the community who may need their spirits lifted on that special holiday. ...READ MORE

Snow Hill Elementary School To Receive $100,000 Target Grant

Snow Hill Elementary School third grader Dylan Truitt was among the excited students who were surprised last week to learn about the $100,000 Target grant that will likely be used to help repair old and purchase new equipment. He is pictured with technology coach Maryellen Nugent, who wrote the school’s nomination.   ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Lower School Students Come Out On Top Of National Geographic Bee

Worcester Prep Lower School students who came out on top in their knowledge of regions and cultures of the world in the National Geographic Bee were, from left, fifth graders Dakin Moore, Delaney Abercrombie and Cole Bennett.  ...READ MORE

OC Elementary School January Students Of The Month

Ocean City Elementary School honored the January Students of the Month with a special T-shirt, a luncheon, sponsored by Bunting Landscaping, and a tasty cake.  First grade honorees, first row, are Kora Ketner, Reese Robins, Collin Bunting, Connor Herr and Rife Leonard; second graders, second row, Sophia Haines, Janaesha Carson, Phillip Rittersbacher, Kassidy Ford, Danielle Consigli and Owen McAdams;  third graders, third row,  Victoria Mueller, Arusa Islam, Lydia Woodley, Steven...READ MORE

Business News Of The Week

Seminars Attended OCEAN CITY -- Reese Cropper, III, owner of Insurance Management Group, Inc. in Ocean City, attended the 2012 College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL) Conference from Jan 26-29. Attendees were lawyers and insurance agents that specialize in condominium risks as well as community managers from across the United States. The law seminar provides a unique learning opportunity to discuss emerging trends and legislative issues important to the practice of community association...READ MORE

What's Your Sign

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): The changes you've waited to see in your work situation might not be happening quite as quickly as you'd hoped. Although the pace is slow, it's ongoing. Expect to hear news soon. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): You should be feeling very proud of the fine effort you've made to get that important project done. Now take some time out to celebrate with family and friends. You've earned it. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You're close to reaching your objectives. That's the...READ MORE

Salisbury Mayor Speaks At Democratic Women's Club Meeting

Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton spoke to the Democratic Women's Club at their meeting last month. Pictured, from left, are Dr. Ethel Hines, Ireton, Vice President Judy Butler and President Dell Purrell. The next Democratic Women's meeting will be Feb. 13 at the Ocean Pines Community Center.  ...READ MORE

Beef 'N Beer Gala Held By STAR Charities

STAR Charities held its annual Beef 'N Beer gala last month at the American Legion Post #166 in Ocean City. Proceeds from the event go to purchase phone cards for our military overseas. Pictured, from left, are Lee Taylor, Stephan Pavlos, Pete Evans, Greg Caldwell, Don Wann, Gene Jackson, Graham Caldwell, Star Charities President Anna Foultz, co-chair Gilly Foultz, and Kathy Matson. Bob Hughes provided music. ...READ MORE

OP Garden Club Installs 2012 Officers

The Ocean Pines Garden Club installed officers for 2012 at an Ocean Pines Yacht Club luncheon last month. Pictured, from left, are Sharon Puser, Treasurer; Daryl Carpenter, Corresponding Secretary; Suzanne Brooke, Recording Secretary; Anita Roberts, Co-Vice President (Gail Jankowski, Co-Vice President, not shown); and Barbara Ferger, President.  ...READ MORE

OC Lions Members Wist, Cannon Named "Melvin Jones" Fellows

Ocean City Lions Club members Ron Wist, left, and Wayne Cannon have recently been named “Melvin Jones” Fellows by Lions International. The Fellowship is the Lions Clubs International Foundation’s highest honor and represents humanitarian qualities such as generosity, compassion and concern for the less fortunate. The Honor is named for Jones, a Chicago businessman who founded Lions Clubs International in 1917. ...READ MORE

Wolf Den Pack 589 Participates In Recycling Program

The Pack 589, Wolf Den of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School got an opportunity to serve their community and participate in recycling through the St. John Neumann Catholic Church Aluminum Can Program., which benefits the church’s scholarship fund. The church counts on the parishioners and community to gather their aluminum cans for recycling. They are then crushed by a team of volunteers, led by Lee Phillips, and taken to the recycling center where the cans are turned into cash. Above,...READ MORE

Things I Like

The movie theater in Salisbury Listening to attorneys argue An old couch That dogs don’t talk George Clooney in ‘The Descendants’ Stinky cheese that tastes great Fried oyster sandwiches When my sons high-five each other All of the Ava benefits being held Getting a postcard in the mail Keeping a secret ...READ MORE