March 16, 2012

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Process Behind School Delay Decisions Detailed

NEWARK -- With a continued pattern of thick, early morning fog this week, Worcester County Public Schools were delayed Wednesday and today, but not Tuesday, prompting questions about the process and what factors into the decision. On Tuesday, thick fog blanketed much of the county in the early morning hours, but Worcester’s public schools reported on time. On Wednesday, similar conditions prevailed and the start of the school day was delayed for two hours. This morning, fog was barely...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Beach Bikini Parade Proposed For North OC

OCEAN CITY – Thousands of visitors in bikinis could be marching along the north end of Ocean City’s beach this summer if a proposed bikini parade comes to fruition. As proposed, the idea behind it would be to break the current Guinness World Record while simultaneously enhancing tourism for the northern part of the resort. According to Councilman Brent Ashley, bikini parades have been conducted around the world at such locales as San Diego, Las Vegas, Cayman Islands, Gold Coast of...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: Decatur Principal To Leave School, Accept Board Post

NEWARK -- At today’s Worcester County Board of Education meeting, Stephen Decatur High School Principal Louis H. Taylor was named to succeed Ed Barber as the Assistant Superintendent for Administration, effective July 1, 2012. Barber is retiring on June 30 after serving 17 years with Worcester County Public Schools and a total of 36 years in education. Taylor was appointed by Superintendent Dr. Jon Andes, who is also retiring on June 30. “Lou Taylor is an exceptional educational...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: Group Outlines Downtown Plans Including More Weekly Concerts

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) has been in existence for 13 years and through its assistance a considerable amount of improvement has been made to the downtown area. The OCDC has grown to 11 committees and volunteers have chalked up 7,500 volunteer hours since 2000. This year the OCDC absorbed the Boardwalk Development Association, which added 30 additional new members. To date, OCDC has played a role in 120 façade programs, including 18 just in the past...READ MORE

NEW FOR MONDAY: Missing Man Found In Assawoman Bay

OCEAN CITY -- The body of an Ocean City man, who went missing after capsizing a canoe in the Assawoman Bay near Fenwick Island in the early morning hours of March 2, was found in the bay near Ocean City on Saturday. Nicholas R. Townsend, 23, was last seen around 4 a.m. on March 2 while canoeing with a second man, Matthew Bullen, 20, of Fenwick, in the Assawoman Bay. The canoe, later reported to have been stolen, capsized in the bay and Bullen was able to make it to shore, but Townsend was not...READ MORE

NEW FOR FRIDAY: Kathy Mathias Chemo Bill Nears Passage

OCEAN CITY -- The Kathleen A. Mathias Chemotherapy Parity Act of 2012 has sailed through the Senate and is expected to breeze through the House of Delegates soon. The act, named after Mathias, a beloved Ocean City resident who lost her battle with cancer last August, aims to level the playing field for insurance coverage for both the intravenous and oral forms of chemotherapy. Last month, State Senator Catherine Pugh (D-40), with co-sponsorship by 25 other state senators including Sen. Jim...READ MORE

Rommel's Ace Wins St. Patrick's Soccer Tournament

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OP Platform Tennis Club Hit The Courts

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Worcester Prep And SD Scrimmage Ends In A Tie

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24th St. Pat’s Tournament to Conclude

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s 24th Annual St. Patrick’s Soccer Tournament concludes this weekend after hosting over 150 teams and hundreds of players from all over the mid-Atlantic region for the last month. From modest beginnings, the annual St. Patrick’s Tournament has grown by leaps and bounds over the years and is now one of the largest events of its kind. The 2012 event has hosted over 150 teams competing in 12 divisions over the last three...READ MORE

Nottinghams Hitting the Mark at WC

BERLIN- Former Stephen Decatur softball standouts, sisters Shae and Kylie Nottingham, are making their mark on the diamond at Washington College with several honors collected over the first few weeks of the regular season. Kylie was named Centennial Conference Player of the Week last week, earning the award for the second time in her young career and the first time outright. She was named Co-Conference Player of the Week last year as a freshman. In Washington’s first two games of the...READ MORE

St. Patty’s Day Boardwalk 5K on Tap

OCEAN CITY- Hundreds of runners from all over the local area and beyond will compete in the 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Boardwalk 5K tomorrow. Sponsored by OC Tri-Running Sports, which produces several events and races in the resort area, the St. Patrick’s Day Boardwalk 5K is set for tomorrow, Saturday, March 17. The course starts at Shenanigan’s and heads south on the Boardwalk toward the Inlet where it will loop around the pier and head north. From there, runners will...READ MORE

High Voltage Teams Win Top Honors

BERLIN- The High Voltage All-Stars, a cheerleading and dance team made up of young athletes from all over the local area including Ocean City and Berlin made another strong showing last weekend at the Extreme Shore Open Championships in Lewes with several teams winning or placing in their respective divisions. The “Power Surge” senior team, level 3, pictured above, swept honors in its division, collecting first place, the Grand Champions award and the Judge’s Extreme Award. In...READ MORE

Decatur, Worcester Renew Lacrosse Rivalries

BERLIN- Relegated to just scrimmages this year because of scheduling issues, the early season matchups between the Stephen Decatur and Worcester Prep boys’ and girls’ varsity lacrosse teams on Tuesday did not lack the drama and big crowds associated with the rivalries over the past several years. The Worcester Prep boys’ and girls’ varsity lacrosse teams hosted their neighborhood rivals from Stephen Decatur on a picture-perfect mid-March afternoon on Tuesday in a pair of...READ MORE

Schools Super Seeks Raises For All County Employees

SNOW HILL -- In anticipation of a difficult budget season, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jon Andes appealed to the Worcester County Commissioners this week to draft a fiscal year 2013 budget where all county employees receive a raise, the first in three years. “I’m asking you, pleading with you, begging you to find some way, somehow, to give all employees a pay raise,” Andes told the commission Tuesday. The remark came at the tail end of Andes’ defense of the next fiscal...READ MORE

Wallops Launching Five Rockets In Five Minutes Tonight

WALLOPS -- Residents and visitors could see a rare spectacle across the sky late tonight and early tomorrow morning as NASA’s Wallops Island Flight Facility plans to launch five suborbital rockets within a span of five minutes as part of a jet stream wind study. With a little cooperation from the weather and a resolution of some minor technical issues, Wallops officials are expected to launch five suborbital rockets within a span of about five minutes late tonight or early tomorrow...READ MORE

Change In Fireworks Provider Splits City Council

OCEAN CITY – This summer’s 4th of July fireworks displays were in question this week with the City Council deciding to go in a different direction with providers. Recreation and Parks Director Tom Shuster explained that the Independence Day fireworks bids were opened on Feb. 14 and set at a budget amount of $62,500. Since then, city staff has narrowed it down to the lowest bid offered by American Fireworks of Hudson, Ohio submitted in the amount of $20,000 for each of Ocean...READ MORE

Berlin B&B Wants To Host Events

BERLIN -- Bed and Breakfasts in Berlin might become a lot more than a place to sleep and grab an omelet if a proposal that received a favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission this week eventually becomes law. Representing the new Waystead Inn, located on Harrison Avenue, attorney Mark Cropper put forth an application to expand the activities that would be acceptable. As the code currently stands, the only allowed uses for a Bed and Breakfast are for sleeping and serving a morning...READ MORE

Salisbury News In Brief

SALISBURY – The City Council’s agenda this week was brief but the following items were discussed and approved. New Crosswalk Near SU Planned A resolution accepting the gift of $4,879 for a mid-block pedestrian crosswalk on Milford Street was approved by the City Council. City Administrator John Pick explained that during a recent review the Public Works Department noted that there were a number of students jaywalking on Milford Street between Wayne Street and Route 13 and felt that...READ MORE

Resort About To Transition To Coca-Cola

OCEAN CITY – The Recreation and Parks Department gave an update this week on the progress in creating a relationship with Coca-Cola as well as increasing participants in their sports programs. Ocean City Recreation and Parks Director Tom Shuster began with saying the relationship between the town and its new beverage franchise holder, Coca-Cola, is off to a good start. He has begun to work directly with the new partners to ensure a smooth transition from Pepsi to Coca-Cola and their...READ MORE

Berlin Council To Decide Height Issue

BERLIN -- After deadlocking the Berlin Planning Commission, a developer hoping to loosen the town’s height limit restrictions for houses will be taking his case directly to the Mayor and Council. Last month, developer Bob Purcell approached the commission looking for support in his bid to have Berlin’s residential height limit expanded beyond the current 30-foot cap. He was told to put a specific text amendment together and returned this week with a compromise. Instead of asking that...READ MORE

County Proposal Would Group Advertising Dollars

SNOW HILL -- Though a lucrative restructuring of tourism funds could mean up to $60,000 in new grants for Worcester County, at least one County Commissioner is afraid the move would mean excessive interference with towns and municipalities if it comes to pass. “We’re not in the business of micromanaging,” said Commissioner Louise Gulyas during a budget work session Tuesday. Gulyas’ reaction came in response to a proposal by Tourism Director Lisa Challenger to group...READ MORE

Search Continues For Missing OC Man

OCEAN CITY -- The search continues this week for an Ocean City man who went missing after reportedly capsizing a canoe in the Assawoman Bay near Fenwick Island in the early morning hours of March 2. Nicholas R. Townsend, 23, was last seen around 4 a.m. on March 2 while canoeing with a second man, Matthew Bullen, 20, of Fenwick Island, in the Assawoman Bay. The canoe, later reported to have been stolen, capsized in the bay and Bullen was able to make to shore, according to reports, but Townsend...READ MORE

Pilot Program Targets Pedestrians In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY -- On the eve of the biggest early season weekend of the year in Ocean City, State Highway Administration (SHA) officials this week embarked on a new initiative to improve pedestrian safety in the resort. Just days before the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, SHA officials on Wednesday began installing thermoplastic pedestrian sidewalk markings at a handful of the trouble spot intersections in the resort. The new black and yellow markings were installed this week at the 19th,...READ MORE

New Charges In Baby Ava Case

OCEAN CITY -- The proverbial other shoe dropped late last week for a local man now facing 11 additional charges, including two counts of causing a life-threatening injury by motor vehicle while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance, after plowing into the back of a passenger vehicle on Coastal Highway in mid-December. The Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office last Friday charged Andre Kaczynski, 48, of Ocean Pines, with 11 new counts including two counts of causing a...READ MORE

Freeman Stage Releases Schedule

SELBYVILLE, Del. – The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation has announced that The Freeman Stage at Bayside is set to celebrate its fifth season of bringing arts and entertainment to Sussex County. The Freeman Stage has attracted an average of 25,000 audience members each year in its first four seasons with a diverse offering of dance, theatre, live music and children’s performances. The Stage has partnered to present over 200 different performing artists, which include both local and...READ MORE

Assateague Welcomes New Filly

ASSATEAGUE -- Spring seems to be showing signs of new life everywhere, including on Assateague Island. A new wild horse foal was born into the herd at Assateague Island on Friday March 9. A young filly, with pinto coloration showing mostly white hair with brown patches was born to 8-year-old mare April Star (also known by the alpha numeric name N2BHS-C). The gangly long-legged newborn has been seen by many park visitors enjoying Assateague Island within the past week. She is one of the 114...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Protect Fisheries Editor: As you know, the Chesapeake Bay is our state's greatest natural resource and a national treasure.  Because of its immense value to the citizens of our state and our economy, the region's largest recreational fishing advocacy group, the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association (MSSA), and Senator Kathy Klausmeier have joined forces to protect this great asset through the introduction of Senate Bill 1032  -  Fish and Fisheries - Prohibiting the use of...READ MORE

Increase Taxes To Allow For Employee Raises?

We are all on the same team. That’s the message that should be resonating throughout Worcester County and all other jurisdictions this time of year. It’s no secret counties are struggling with their budgets currently. They don’t know what cuts are coming from the state yet, but they are well aware property tax revenue is going to be down significantly due to declining property values and that almost all other expenses associated with energy, health insurance and services are...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

With just a few weeks remaining in this year’s General Assembly session, governments continue to wearily keep an eye on goings on in Annapolis.One bill grabbing the attention of Worcester County lawmakers is House Bill 366, which has the potential to take away Worcester’s right to opt out of residential sprinkler systems in new homes, despite the commission voting to do so amid controversy last year.After hours of testimony and numerous hearings and presentations, the commission...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

It’s called the “terrible 2s” for a reason, although I prefer to refer to this time in my son Carson’s life as the “traumatizing 2s”. It appears even Pam has accepted this fact of late. You see, despite my best efforts to egg her on from time to time, Pam rarely talks unfavorably about our kids. It’s not that I am one to bash our boys, but I freely talk about all the experiences -- positives and negatives -- associated with raising a 3-year-old and a...READ MORE

Vehicle Overturns On Route 50

BERLIN -- Westbound Route 50 was closed for about an hour early Monday morning after a two-car crash resulted in an overturned vehicle at the intersection with Route 589. Around 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Maryland State Police troopers responded to a reported motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Routes 50 and 589. The investigation revealed a vehicle driven by Dontae Lamar Sturgis of Frankford, Del., was traveling south on Route 589 when it ran through a red light at Route 50 and collided...READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 16: Electric Co. Saturday, March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Party with DJ Bigler, 1-5 p.m. & DJ BK, 5 p.m. Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.   Ocean Club: Friday, March 16 & Saturday, March 17: Full Circle Fager’s Island 410-524-5500 60th St. in the Bay Deck: Friday, March 16: DJ Hook Saturday, March 17: Opposite Directions, 1 p.m.; DJ Robcee, 6 p.m.; DJ Groove, 9 p.m. Inside: Friday,...READ MORE

Best Bites 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 Ameri-ca awards, one of only 220 in North Ameri-ca and the only one in this region. Serving dinner Tuesday-Sunday starting at 5 p.m. Also offering a 5 course...READ MORE

School Officials Clarify Homework Pass Misconception

BERLIN -- After admitting murky language in a Buckingham Elementary School (BES) event flyer may have confused parents, Principal Roger Pacella wrote an apology letter this week and sought to set to rest any worries that schools are pressuring or coercing parents to support this year’s Worcester County Board of Education budget. “Please know that we believe that it should be a parent’s choice as to whether or not they would like to directly communicate with County Commissioners...READ MORE

Guilty Plea In Rape Case Results In 30-Year Sentence

SNOW HILL -- A Florida man charged with the brutal beating and rape of a woman in Ocean City on Memorial Day weekend in 2008 pleaded guilty this week in Worcester County Circuit Court to first-degree rape and was sentenced to 30 years in jail. Lorenzo Ivan Garcia-Moreno, 25, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to first-degree rape in the attack on a woman in a parking lot on 49th Street adjacent to a popular resort nightclub on May 24, 2008 and was sentenced to five more years than prosecutors were...READ MORE

Salisbury Planning Redistricting Public Forums

SALISBURY – With public forums scheduled into next month, the Salisbury City Council will be hearing the public’s input on how election districts should be altered. In November, Mayor Jim Ireton proposed a few different plans on how to make adjustments to the boundaries of the city’s election districts due to an increase in population. Based on the results of the Census, the population has grown to 30,607 in the last 10 years and minorities make up 44 percent of the...READ MORE

Berlin Might Seek Consultant For Architectural Guidelines

BERLIN -- Looking to implement some kind of architectural guidelines for future developers in Berlin, the Mayor and Council agreed Monday to consider bringing in professional help to draft the codes. But first the Planning Commission and Historic District Commission (HDC) are being asked to decide exactly what a consultant should focus on. “We can’t have it open ended,” said Town Administrator Tony Carson. “We need to tell them what we want.” Carson suggested that...READ MORE

Going Bald For A Cause In Pittsville

PITTSVILLE -- Heads are going bare in the name of charity this weekend when the Delmarva Emerald Society hosts its 2nd Annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation head-shaving on Saturday. “It just struck my eye,” said Emerald Society President James Jester in reference to St. Baldrick’s unique approach to raising money and awareness for childhood cancer, which involves volunteers raising donations while shaving their hair. Since its origin, the foundation has spread and formed new...READ MORE

OC’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Returns Saturday

OCEAN CITY – This weekend will be the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ocean City’s history, and event organizers reflected this week on how the day has grown over the years. The 31st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, sponsored by the Delmarva Irish-American Club (DIAC), returns to the streets of Ocean City on Saturday, March 17. “It starts at high noon and we’re never late,” said parade organizer Buck Mann. Mann said that the parade first...READ MORE

eCruisers Eyes Return To Ocean City Streets

OCEAN CITY – Five years after initially being approved for Ocean City, the eCruisers service is once again asking for the right to advertise on its vehicles in the hopes of returning to Ocean City. In 2007, the Mayor and City Council approved eCruisers, a shuttle service that features six-passenger Global Electric Motorcars traveling from east to west in the downtown area to transport people to and from the beach and other destinations, embracing the environmentally-friendly vehicles. The...READ MORE

Bill Rolig Fondly Remembered

SNOW HILL -- On Tuesday, just two days after his 55th birthday, Bill Rolig, a Snow Hill resident with a passion for art, music and family, succumbed to his two-year battle with prostate cancer.Back in 2010, the lower shore community rallied to support Rolig, who was shockingly diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Two separate benefits at The Globe in Berlin and at Seacrets in Ocean City hosted pack houses as residents turned out to raise thousands of dollars for Rolig’s...READ MORE

Charitable Souls Campaign Honorees Announced

BERLIN -- The honorees for the 2012 Charitable Souls campaign were announced this week. They include Cathy Bassett, Gloria Carr, Ed Colbert, Alexis Dashield, Linda Dearing, Arnold Downing, Mary Ferry, Jim Flaig, Frank Gatley, Veronica Gatley, Bill Gibbs, Sierra Hall, Michael James, Jean Keagle, Bob Kelly, Becky Kelly, Audrey Killen, Kimberly Majus, Buck Mann, Daryl McCready & SonRise Church, Linda Pepper, Ginny Reister, Susan Runk, Michelle Schachter, Judy Johnson Schoellkopf, Christine...READ MORE

February Casino Figures Up From Year Ago

BERLIN -- The February figures for the Casino at Ocean Downs were released last week, revealing an increase over the prior month and an increase in revenue from the same month in 2011. The Casino at Ocean Downs generated just over $3.5 million in February, up slightly from the $3.1 million generated in January. Last February, the second month of its existence, the casino generated $3.1 million. The casino’s average daily gross per machine also increased to $152.02 in February, up from the...READ MORE

Ocean City Boardwalk Safety Initiatives Discussed

OCEAN CITY – Department heads returned this week to City Hall with responses to suggestions made a few months ago on ways to increase safety on the Boardwalk. In December, Boardwalk property owner Jerry Greenspan briefed City Council members on safety concerns on the Boardwalk. A meeting had been held previously where a number of Boardwalk property owners gathered to discuss Boardwalk safety and came up with a few suggestions. The suggestions made included improving the lighting on the...READ MORE

Ocean City Truck Clips Utility Pole Near Bridge

OCEAN CITY -- Traffic in and around the Harry Kelley Bridge area was snarled for much of the day on Wednesday after a town of Ocean City truck struck a utility pole at the base of the span. Around 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday, an Ocean City wastewater department truck attempting to head west over the Route 50 Bridge from southbound Philadelphia Ave. cut the turn too close and struck a utility pole, snapping it off near the ground. The collision left the utility pole dangling and downed power lines...READ MORE

County Drops Fed Grant Effort After Company Bails

BERLIN -- Three weeks after securing the Worcester County Commission’s support to apply for the fourth round of U.S. Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant funding, a major stakeholder backed out, causing the county to drop its application. “Tyson has chosen to withdraw their support for the TIGER IV grant application,” said Worcester Director of Economic Development Bill Badger. Badger visited the Berlin Mayor and Council Monday to break the news,...READ MORE

Air Show To Expand Flyovers To North OC

OCEAN CITY -- Resort business leaders this week got an update on the 2012 Ocean City Air Show, including a plan to extend many of the show’s flyovers to the north end of town. Ocean City Air Show Director of Sponsorship and Hospitality Sales Steven Webster on Monday morning presented an update to the Ocean City Economic Development Committee (EDC) on the 2012 event set for June 9-10 in Ocean City. Among other things, Webster confirmed the signature act for 2012 will again be the U.S. Air...READ MORE

Community Fast Underway, Culminates With Worship Service


BERLIN — Daryl McCready admits he was intrigued and personally challenged when his fellow pastor friend and accountability partner talked about fasting. Bryan Pugner, pastor of The Worship Center, an Assemblies Of God Church, in Berlin, had spoken several times about how he had fasted for 21 days during the first 21 days of the year. Pugner even considered writing a booklet about it. McCready, founder and pastor of SonRise Church, also in Berlin, felt God "placed it on his heart to...READ MORE

Annual HealthFest Features Dawes

SALISBURY -- Peninsula Regional Medical Center and the Wicomico County Board of Education have announced three-time United States Olympic gymnast, gold medalist and health advocate Dominique Dawes will serve as the guest speaker at HealthFest: An event for all ages, on Saturday, March 31. This year’s event, a showcase of healthy exhibits and health screenings, is free and open to the public at James M. Bennett High School on College Avenue in Salisbury. HealthFest: An event for all ages...READ MORE

Real Housewives Group Aims To Help Coastal Hospice

OCEAN CITY -- While they may call themselves “Real Housewives,” a group of Worcester County women only have charitable aims. “We’re the good housewives … we’re the giving housewives,” joked Real Housewives of Worcester County (RHWC) member Stephanie Meehan in reference to the less than altruistic tendencies of the casts of Bravo’s popular “Real Housewives” series. Formed three years ago as a charitable outlet for a group of longtime...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 Harbor Place B Windward Drive Off Jamestown Road 118th St Bayside Sat 11-3 Lauren Britt The Fritschle Group/ Condominium Realty 410-430-9634 OCEAN CITY Bay Breeze II #2 408 St. Louis Ave Sat 12-3 2BR/1BA Condo Large Porch w/ Bay Views Ed Balcerzak Prudential PenFed 443-497-4746 OCEAN CITY Makai...READ MORE

Showell Elementary School Celebrates The 100th Day Of School

Showell Elementary School recently celebrated the 100th Day of School. All students and staff members collected pennies for the Humane Society.  Pictured with teacher Ashley Fardone are second graders Brighton Swanson, Donny Post and Tristan Dutton. ...READ MORE

Freshman Girls Enjoy Dress For Success Session

Cathy Davies Harmon, center, enjoyed Dress for Success sessions with groups of freshman girls. One group included, front from left, Gabrielle Alicea, Aelya Ehtasham, Sophie Brennan and Victoria Lawrence; and, back, Mikalah Potvin, Amanda Gabriel, Carolyn Dorey, Mattie Maull, Meridith Kellam, Molly Soule´ and Tatjana Kondraschow. ...READ MORE

Parents Participate In Read Across America Day At OC Elementary

Parents in Liz Engh's classroom at Ocean City Elementary School participated in Read Across America Day by reading favorite books to the Kindergarten students. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Students Dress Up To Present Reports

After completing a unit on biographies, second graders in Monica Piern's class at Ocean City Elementary School researched a famous American and dressed up to present their reports. Pictured are Trystan Duffy, Meredith Eitel, Patrick Fohner and Cahya Podowski. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Students Participate In Bullying And Cyberbullying Workshop

Some of the Worcester Prep Middle School students taking part in Worcester County Sheriff Sergeant Matt Crisafulli’s workshop on bullying and cyberbullying were, front from left, Samantha Wolpin, Aria Zia-Shakeri, Neva Richardson, Kathleen Emche, Riley Mears and Paul Townsend; and, back, Maya Zia-Shakeri, Sambina Anthony, Tate Shockley, Eva Parks and Grace Mullaney....READ MORE

OC Elementary Honors February Students Of The Month

Ocean City Elementary School honored the February Students of the Month with a special t-shirt, luncheon and tasty cake sponsored by Heritage Plumbing Services. Pictured, first row, are first grade honorees Nicole Telo, Brady Marshall, Sophie Krasner, Kameron Harris, Lauren Hoffman, and Carlie Gates; second row, second graders Matthew Janson, Milena Olerta, Gavin Vent, Megan Wheeler, and Mac Gates; third row, third graders Logan Bowers-Flannery, Ja'bria Lewis, Yasmeen Sbih, Brooke Warthen,...READ MORE

SD Middle School Competes In Science Olympiad

Students from Stephen Decatur Middle School competed for the first time in the 2012 Science Olympiad Eastern Shore Regional Competition at Salisbury University. The SDMS team placed fourth overall in the competition. The students placed first in the Anatomy and Write It, Do It events, second in Disease Detectives, and third in Food Science and Microbe Mission. Pictured, above back, are Reagan Dunham, Jee-ny Choi, Haylah Hassan-McCrodden, Ashley deSampaio, teacher Michelle DeCicco, Lexi...READ MORE

Snow Hill Rotary Welcomes Guest Speaker

Snow Hill Rotary Club President Kemp Wills is pictured with guest speaker Stefanie Gordy of Worcester Youth and Family.  The Club welcomed Gordy who spoke about the programs being led by the private non-profit serving the families and children of Worcester County. ...READ MORE

Kiwanis Club Presents Check To Diakonia

Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines - Ocean City Young Children: Priority One Chair Jim Spicknall presents a $500 check to Diakonia Volunteer Coordinator Susan Blaney in support of Diakonia’s programs which provide temporary housing for the homeless and helps them seek employment as well as providing basic necessities for those in need.  ...READ MORE

Houch Takes Second Place In the Tri-State Pole Invitational

Area resident Angela Houck took second place in the Tri-State Pole Invitational Competition held at the Howard County Sports Center in Elkridge, Md. on Saturday, March 10. This was the second annual Tri-State Pole Competition, and included 16 pole fitness studios from the MD-DC-VA region. Houck, owner/instructor of The Pole Power Studios in West Ocean City and Salisbury, had two students and fellow instructor, Daina Kazmaier (placed 6th), also competing for the local studio.  ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Head Of Lower School Receives Certificate Of Appreciation

Sergeant Matt Crisafulli of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Celeste Bunting, Worcester Prep Head of Lower School. The certificate honored WPS and Bunting for involvement in the county’s Santa House Program. Over 200 beautifully wrapped and carefully selected gifts were given to Santa Claus, who then has the Sheriff’s Office help with distribution ...READ MORE

Community Church Members Sponsor Benefit Breakfast

On Sunday, March 25 from 7:30 a.m.-noon, members of the youth mission team will sponsor a breakfast to benefit their trip to Appalachia in June. The event is held in the Family Life Center at Community Church on Route 589 at Beauchamp Road.  All are welcome. This is the 11th year that youth and adult advisors from Community Church have spent a week in Appalachia making repairs to homes and bonding with the families they meet. This year youth and adults from Wilson United Methodist Church in...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Top Producers Recognized BERLIN -- Re/Max Premier Properties Broker, Dr. Carl E. Ortman announced the top producers for the Month of February. The team of Bill and Sharon Hunt topped the list of both top producing agents and top sales volume for the month. Additionally, Holly Campbell came in at No. 5 for volume of sales, year to date, for the Coastal Association of Realtors. Del. Real Estate Exam Passed SALISBURY -- Advisor Joey Gilkerson of Sperry Van Ness – Miller Commercial Real Estate...READ MORE

Things I Like

Eating dinner while the sun is out Family trips for ice cream Seafood on pizza Not being behind anyone on Route 90 Aerial photos A truck with a lot dents Talented carpenters who are reasonable Numbers people Smell of a newspaper Home videos of my kids Good news first thing in the morning ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): This is a good time to reassess important relationships, both personal and professional, to see where problems might exist and how they can be overcome. Keep communication lines open. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): It's not easy to bring order to a chaotic situation, whether it's in the workplace or at home. But if anyone can do it, you can. A pleasant surprise awaits you by week's end. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Be careful that you don't make an upcoming decision...READ MORE