April 13, 2012

NEW FOR THURSDAY: WOC Cat Situation May Spark Changes

SNOW HILL -- In the wake of public outcry over the euthanasia of three West Ocean City cats, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control tried to clear the air Tuesday, presenting a timeline of what actually happened as far as cat trapping on Waterview Drive. While Animal Control was not chastised for its handling of the situation, the County Commissioners are hoping the incident will spark some changes, including more cages so animals can be held longer and more community...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Council Approves Weekly Laser Show, Fireworks

OCEAN CITY – A series of new events received its final approval this week from the Mayor and Council and is slated to begin Memorial Day weekend. Since December, there has been much discussion over a new series of events proposed to come to Ocean City this summer. At that time, the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) brought forward Bob Rothermel of Special Event Productions/T.E.A.M Productions, who proposed a number of new events that would be funded with TAB’s funds, $275,000, which was...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: Komen’s Race For The Cure Comes To Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – The number of participants for the Inaugural Komen Maryland Ocean City Race for the Cure is continuing to rise throughout the week as Ocean City turns pink to support Susan G. Komen coming to town. As of Monday, the number of participants registered for the Race for the Cure on Sunday, April 22, had increased to 2,717 from 2,201 last Wednesday. The number is expected to grow as the week progresses. “Our goal, because this was the first year, was 3,000 people … so...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: OC Featured In New Three-Stop Dew Tour Model

OCEAN CITY -- The resort will represent one-third of this year’s Dew Tour, as it transitions to the new “Beach, City, Mountain” model for 2012’s edition. Leveraging the resources of the NBC Sports Group, which acquired Alli Sports last year, the new Beach, City, Mountain tour model will better serve the needs of the athletes and action sports community. The three premium events will boast expanded television programming and digital strategy across NBC, NBC Sports Network,...READ MORE

NEW FOR MONDAY: Employee Bonus Pitch Stirs Up City Council

OCEAN CITY -- An unexpected proposal to give municipal employees a one-time $500 bonus on July 1 was met with resistance last Friday, but the Ocean City Mayor and Council did resolve to discuss at the end of this week giving city workers some sort of monetary perk. During Friday’s budget session, Councilman Joe Hall interjected a proposal he had discussed with Council President Jim Hall the previous night. “Clearly, what the staff has been able to do in being responsible and bringing...READ MORE

NEW FOR FRIDAY: OCPD Outlines Planned Technological Advancements

OCEAN CITY – Police Chief Bernadette DiPino provided an update to the Mayor and City Council this week as the department prepares for the upcoming summer season. “When I became chief nine years ago, one of the long-term strategic plans was to utilize technology as much as possible,” she said. “Social media is a big deal in our society and we plan on using that in our law enforcement to help us support crime and help us be more proactive as crime approaches.” DiPino...READ MORE

Funding Shortage In Legal Fees Divides Council

SALISBURY – By the end of Monday evening’s meeting, city attorney Mark Tilghman didn’t know whether he would return to work the next day as an ordinance approving his pay through the end of the fiscal year stopped in its tracks. The last ordinance discussed that night was to approve an amendment to the current fiscal year’s General Fund and Sewer Fund budgets to appropriate additional funds to cover legal expenses. According to the ordinance, the fiscal year 2012 General...READ MORE

Shore Counties Unclear On State Budget Impacts

SNOW HILL -- With the Maryland General Assembly unable to agree on a budget by Monday, Worcester and Wicomico County officials are predicting that Gov. Martin O’Malley will call for a special session within the next three weeks.However, while Wicomico Executive Rick Pollitt warned that the current default budget automatically adopted Monday, nicknamed the “doomsday budget,” would be “devastating” for his county, Worcester County Commissioner Virgil Shockley admitted...READ MORE

Council Approves $5M Fire Upgrades

OCEAN CITY – Fire Chief Chris Larmore came before the Mayor and Council this week to justify bond funding for repairs and improvements to fire stations. “I came before the council when the council decided it would be a possibility to go to the bond market and I asked that you insert a project that would involve both … an expansion of fire department headquarters and the replacement of Station 4,” Larmore said. Station 4 is the fire department’s northern station. It...READ MORE

Convention Center Director Hired

OCEAN CITY -- Lawrence (Larry) Noccolino has been appointed to the position of Director of Ocean City’s Roland Powell Convention Center.   Noccolino’s appointment was approved at the April 10 meeting of the Ocean City Mayor and City Council.  His appointment comes following the resignation of Rick Hamilton in late November 2011 and a national recruitment campaign conducted by the Town’s Human Resources department. As Executive Director of the Valley Forge...READ MORE

Septic Bill, Flush Tax Hike OK’d

BERLIN -- In the midst of the swirling controversy at the end of the General Assembly session this week, state lawmakers did pass a couple of pieces of legislation about how and where sewage goes into the ground and ultimately into the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays and who should pay for it. The legislature last week approved a watered-down version of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s bill that would limit the use of septic systems in new developments. The measure was largely criticized in rural...READ MORE

Offshore Wind Again Falls Short

OCEAN CITY -- Despite coming much closer to prior efforts, the latest effort to develop a vast offshore wind energy farm off the coast of Ocean City failed to pass again this year. The House of Delegates had approved Gov. Martin O’Malley’s Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2012, which would open the door for the development of a wind farm including as many as 40 turbines off the coast of Ocean City, but the Senate never took up the debate and the legislation died. However, it remains...READ MORE

Md. Grand Jury Indicts OC Man On Five Counts

OCEAN CITY -- An Ocean City man, arrested on child pornography charges last year after an investigation into his alleged illicit activities dating back to June 2010, was formally indicted last week in U.S. District Court by a Maryland state grand jury. In December, Ocean City Police arrested Laurence John Bode, 60, of Ocean City after a Worcester County grand jury indicted him on 16 child pornography possession and distribution charges. The county grand jury indicted Bode after a nearly two-year...READ MORE

Salisbury Wants To Discuss Redistricting With ACLU

SALISBURY -- In light of concerns raised over the election redistricting proposals last week by the Maryland branch of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Salisbury City Council intends to meet with the organization’s representatives to go through a “more formalized process,” according to Council President Terry Cohen. The council hopes to iron out any issues with redistricting plans that could drag the matter through a lengthy court process, though officials warn...READ MORE

Ava’s Law Passed; Bond Bills In Budget

BERLIN -- While the 2012 General Assembly session is being considered an epic failure by many because state lawmakers were unable to reach a balanced budget before the 90-day session expired on Monday, triggering the so-called “doomsday budget,” local representatives this week said the session was productive in terms of legislation germane to the shore. While much has been said and written this week about what wasn’t accomplished during the session that ended on Monday, local...READ MORE

Charitable Souls Honorees Profiled

A special magazine insert was featured in this week’s issue of The Dispatch spotlighting this year’s Charitable Souls honorees, who will be honored at an awards reception at Fager’s Island on April 24.For online users, obviously the magazine is not available. Therefore, here’s a look at all the honorees’ and their individual profiles. Tickets are available for the Charitable Souls awards reception at www.thedispatchshorestars.com or by calling 410-641-4561. Tickets...READ MORE

Bill Easing Casino Restrictions Fails; Table Games Falls Short

BERLIN -- A possible expansion to table games at approved slots venues in Maryland, including the Casino at Ocean Downs, died on the table late Monday night as the General Assembly session expired. State lawmakers could not come to an agreement on a bill that would put a possible expansion to table games such as blackjack, roulette, craps and poker, for example, in front of voters in Maryland in a future referendum as the session expired. Like so many other pieces of legislation, the expanded...READ MORE

County Defends Cat ‘Massacre’ In West OC

WEST OCEAN CITY -- Several family cats in a quiet West Ocean City neighborhood were recently trapped and later euthanized in a situation one resident characterized as a “massacre,” but county officials this week stood by policy and procedures. Last week, several cat owners along bucolic Waterview Drive began to notice their family cats, most of which were either adults or elderly and allowed to roam their yards, were missing. After several inquiries and failed attempts to locate the...READ MORE

Annual Boardwalk Cross Walk Provides Community Outreach

OCEAN CITY -- Drawing in one of the largest crowds in years, the 2012 Good Friday Cross Walk still has room to grow, especially with church partners, according to event organizers. “This Friday was probably as big a crowd as I’ve seen … our fellowship hall was absolutely full,” said Rev. Normand Poultney of the Atlantic United Methodist Church. A member of the Cross Walk for the last six years, Poultney was pleased with the turnout from last Friday’s event. Besides...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Contrasting Figures Simple To Explain Editor, In last week’s edition of The Dispatch, in the section Between The Lines, you posed the dilemma of how two key economic indicators for Ocean City, room and food tax and demoflush numbers seemed to be in conflict during certain periods of time. The reason for this is really quite simple. If the room and food tax is up but the demoflush numbers are down it means that less people are visiting but they are paying higher rates for rooms and higher...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

The prospects of a special legislative session in Annapolis should scare all Marylanders because recent history indicates these short gatherings almost always result in government raising taxes or fees or finding other creative ways to reach further into our pockets.This will almost surely be the end result whenever legislators head back to Annapolis to do their jobs. What happened this session, particularly in the last few days, was embarrassing and unprofessional. Leaders in the House and...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

Thanks to my kids, Easter weekend has quietly become one of my favorite times of the year. This year, in particular, was quite significant for my family on several fronts, including an odd deadline we set for our oldest son, a new vigor for Easter egg hunts and a harsh lesson in the danger of toddlers eating candy for breakfast.------------------------------------ Since he was born, Beckett has had a love affair with his pacifier. However, it’s always been a bedtime thing and he was never...READ MORE

Pedestrian Struck

OCEAN CITY -- One of the first pedestrian collisions of the year on Coastal Highway occurred last Saturday evening when a Pennsylvania man was struck around 81st Street. Around 5:45 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police responded to the area of Coastal Highway and 81st Street for a reported vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. The investigation revealed a 47-year-old Lititz, Pa. man was attempting to cross Coastal Highway from east to west when he was struck by a northbound vehicle driven...READ MORE

New Arts Center Ground Breaking Planned

OCEAN CITY -- Ground breaking will occur on April 15 at 1:30 p.m. for the new Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street The center will include a large gallery than can accommodate more than one exhibit at a time, a pottery studio, multiple classrooms, space for an art library and shop, multi-purpose space for rental by community groups, studio space for artists and the ability to offer additional programs for children and adults.   Forming a partnership with the town of Ocean City, the...READ MORE

OC Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Recognized

OCEAN CITY -- After 35 years of dedicated service, Ocean City Police Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Mary Cascio was recognized on Tuesday before the Mayor and City Council.  Presenting Cascio with a certificate of appreciate on behalf of the Ocean City Police Department was Chief Bernadette DiPino. “It is my pleasure to recognize Mrs. Cascio for her dedicated service to the Ocean City Police Department and the Ocean City community,” she said.  “The OCPD would like to...READ MORE

Berlin’s Take Pride Week Starts Next Saturday

BERLIN -- Berlin residents are being asked to help support their town for the first ever Take Pride In Berlin Week (TPBW), April 21-28. Formerly known as Take Pride in Berlin Day, town officials said that the event is being upgraded to an entire week this year to reflect the growing interest of the community. “The Mayor and Council are very grateful for the growth and support the Take Pride in Berlin initiative continues to receive from citizen volunteers from the greater Berlin area whose...READ MORE

Shore Fund Established To Help Boost Local Swimming Programs

OCEAN CITY – Although the Worcester SWIM Fund is just starting to get its feet on the ground, organizers are hoping to immediately help fund existing swimming programs in the area through local donations. Worcester SWIM (Safe Waters In Maryland) Fund, a donor advised fund of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, was recently established by eight local families. “The eight families have all swum for the Ocean Pines Swim Team, or the Stephen Decatur Swim Team, and it has been...READ MORE

Tourism Board’s Responsibilities Outlined

OCEAN CITY – The long-awaited Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was presented yesterday to the Mayor and City Council by the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB). “The last time TAB was before the council we were tasked with crafting a MOU that outlined the specific responsibilities of the Tourism Advisory Board, the council and the city,” TAB Chair Melanie Pursel said. TAB was formed following the 2010 elections when the council voted to dissolve the Tourism Commission, along with...READ MORE

Proposed OC Budget Sees Tax Rate Jump But Impact Called Minimal

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council got down to business this week on the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. “The FY 2013 budget presents many challenges,” Mayor/Acting City Manager Rick Meehan said during Tuesday afternoon’s meeting. “Our goal from the onset is to continue to reduce the cost of government, where possible, and at the same time continue to provide the level of services our residents and visitors expect and deserve. A dramatic decrease in...READ MORE

Resort Tourism Industry Structure Debate Resurfaces

OCEAN CITY – The North Ocean City Business Alliance meeting last week became chaotic when it turned into a blame game of who is at fault for a state of confusion across the tourism industry in town. The conversation turned sour over the $300,000 that the Mayor and City Council allocated to the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) to market and promote events for Ocean City. TAB was formed following the 2010 elections when the newly formed majority of the council voted to dissolve the Tourism...READ MORE

Berlin Moves To Expand Water, Sewer Services

BERLIN -- First considered a decade ago, the town of Berlin is finally moving ahead with the extension of water and sewer services north of town and just beyond Route 50. The town also plans to continue to offer flexible payment plans for businesses wishing to purchase EDUs and become connected with water and sewer. According to Mayor Gee Williams, interest from properties between Cheers service station and Route 50 hooking up to the town water and sewer grid was high 10 years ago but gradually...READ MORE

OC Bridal Show Marks 10 Years

OCEAN CITY -- The 10th Annual OC Bridal Show will take place on Sunday, April 15 at Seacrets from 1-4 p.m. A special ribbon cutting will open the event at 12:30 p.m. The event provides an exciting opportunity for brides to catch up on their wedding planning while enjoying a fabulous day at the beach. Amber Nicole’s Bridal of Salisbury will be providing the lady’s fashion expo on Morley Hall’s main stage.  You’re Invited of Ocean City will launch the Men’s...READ MORE

Super Walmart Opening Celebrated

BERLIN -- After a years-long approval and construction process, the new Super Walmart on Route 50 in Berlin opened early Wednesday morning amid much fanfare and ceremony. The cavernous new 85,000-square-foot store dwarfs the company’s former facility on the site, which opened in 1999. The old store will eventually be torn down and the site will be paved over to create parking for the new facility, which officially opened around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday and will be open 24 hours a day. In the...READ MORE

Route 54 Project Sparks Petition Encouraging Faster Pace

FENWICK ISLAND -- Frustrated with the prolonged road construction along Route 54 in Fenwick Island, several business owners and residents along the corridor are petitioning the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDot) to finish the project by Memorial Day weekend. In the fall of 2010, DelDot embarked on an ambitious $8.1 million project to widen Route 54 from its intersection at Route 20 to the Mallard Lakes community. The improvements include adding a 14-foot wide center turn lane as well...READ MORE

City Seeks Changes To Boardwalk Comfort Station

OCEAN CITY – With hopes to break ground on the new Caroline Street Comfort Station in October, the design was turned down once again this week, as the Mayor and City Council seeks additional modifications to uphold the town’s traditional architecture spread. In November 2011, architect David Quillen and City Engineer Terry McGean presented a proposed design of the new Caroline Street Comfort Station, but the council was not enthused and requested some changes. At that time, Quillin...READ MORE

Beach Lax Hosts Touring British Team

BERLIN- The Beach Lacrosse Club yesterday hosted the Spencer Lacrosse Club, which has been touring the mid-Atlantic region over the last two weeks as part of an annual U.S. tour, with a day of sightseeing in the area followed by a couple of games in Berlin. The Spencer Lacrosse Club, one of Britain’s top youth programs, is touring the U.S. this spring during Easter break and the trip once again included a stop in Worcester County to face Beach Lacrosse. The Spencer Club visited Worcester...READ MORE

Early Figures Strong for Komen Race

OCEAN CITY- Early registration figures for the Maryland affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Ocean City next Sunday were released this week, revealing over 2,000 competitor from all over the country have already signed up. Susan G. Komen Maryland affiliate officials this week announced 2,207 participants had registered for the race in Ocean City set for next Sunday, April 22 as of Monday. The participants are heading to the resort from all over Maryland as well as over 20 states....READ MORE

Offshore Racing Returning to OC

OCEAN CITY- The grand spectacle and sheer energy of offshore powerboat racing returns to the resort next month with the first in a summer-long series of events planned in Ocean City. Produced by OPA Offshore Racing, the Bull on the Beach Offshore Grand Prix is scheduled to return to the resort for the weekend of May 11-13, with the actual races set for Sunday, May 13. Sponsored by namesake Bull on the Beach, race headquarters and a race village will be based this year at the parking lot of the...READ MORE

Seahawks Edge Rams to Stay Perfect

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity baseball team maintained its perfect record on Tuesday, beating rival Parkside, 6-5, in a nail biter after opening a big lead early. The Seahawks entered Tuesday’s game with a perfect 6-0 record, but faced one of its toughest early season tests with the Rams traveling to Berlin. Decatur jumped out to a quick lead in the first, scoring three times as the first five batters of the game reached base. Teron Tyre led off the game with a comebacker to the...READ MORE

Tough Pitching Sinks Seahawks

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity softball team ran into a tough pitcher on Tuesday, falling to visiting Parkside at home, 3-0, to fall to 3-6 on the season. The Seahawks could get little going offensively on Tuesday against Parkside starter Brittney Donald, who struck out nine and scattered five hits. Decatur fell behind, 3-0, early and the Rams made the early runs stand up the rest of the way as the Seahawks couldn’t push a run across despite a few opportunities. For example, in...READ MORE

Financial Advisors Valuable For Many

OCEAN CITY -- Todd and David have been a couple for 20 years. They hold approximately $50 million in assets, the bulk of which is in real estate Todd inherited from his family. With retirement approaching, Todd and David decide to attend a domestic partner seminar presented by a Merrill Lynch financial advisor to make sure their finances are in order. The financial advisor raises several points during the seminar alerting the couple to issues related to their partnership that could significantly...READ MORE

OC Elementary Students Use Concrete Materials To Explore And Create Sets Of Ten

Ocean City Elementary School students in Christine Lieb's kindergarten class use concrete materials to explore and create sets of 10. Pictured are Antonio Vazquez and Kenza Farih. ...READ MORE

Kindergarten Students At Showell Learn About Magnets

Kindergarten students at Showell Elementary School have been learning about magnets. Students recognized numerals and color words to create mosiac pictures using magnetic cubes. Jackson Vit and Madelynn Gardner are pictured. ...READ MORE

Annual Talent Show Held At Showell Elementary

Showell Elementary School held its annual talent show last month, and the crowd was wowed by the many students who showcased their talents by singing, dancing, performing gymnastics, and karate skills. Above are some of the participants. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary Kindergarten Students Participated In Egg Hunt

At Showell Elementary School, kindergarten students participated in an egg hunt before spring break. In Miss Pike's class, Kolten Zender and Lauren Sikora made bunny bags to collect their goodies. ...READ MORE

Carmella's Kids In Berlin Get Visit From Worcester Health Department

Carmella's Kids in Berlin got a visit from the Worcester County Health Department and got a lesson on how to care for their teeth for dental month. Pictured, first row from left, are Caitlyn Crockett, Omar Almashni, Giovanni Gregg, Jullian Culley, Kyle Springle, Christian Mueller, Alexis Blake, Parker Moore, Ben Holloway and Reece Solomon; second row, from left, Jacob Shipman, Lidia Serrano, Arriena Stedding, Marley Scott, Andra Bernatchi and Amanda Marrotta; third row, from left, Mahi Patel,...READ MORE

2012 Colonial Poster Competition Announced

Lenore Huffer, Education Chairman of the Daughters of the American Colonists, announced that the winners of the 2012 Colonial Poster Competition were Worcester Preparatory School students Mason Brown, left, third grade, and Dawson Delaney, fifth grade. With the award winners is Celeste Bunting, Head of Lower School. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Honors March Students Of The Month

Ocean City Elementary School honored the March Students of the Month with a special T-shirt, luncheon, and cake sponsored by the Ocean City-Berlin Opti-MS. Pictured, first row, from left, are first grade honorees Benjamin Swan, Grace Engle, Cole Myers, Dalton Bunting and Logan Intrieri; second row, second grade honorees Morgan Echols, Cyia Quillin, Aeddan Jones, Anderssen Taylor, Ariana Gray, Emily Peters and Saige Figgs; third row, third graders Marley Miller, Danikah Coleman, Kylie Boston,...READ MORE

American Legion Accounces Winners Of Americanism Essay Contest

The American Legion Auxiliary of Ocean City recently announced the Ocean City Elementary School winners of the Americanism Essay Contest. Pictured are first place winner Lydia Woodley (grade 3), second place winner Arusa Islam (grade 3), and third place winner Betul Yucel (grade 4). Their winning essays explain how they can show patriotism in their community and will be recognized at a luncheon in April. ...READ MORE

Decatur Volunteers Raise Money For OC Elementary PTA

Stephen Decatur High School’s service learning volunteers helped raise money for the Ocean City Elementary School PTA by assisting breakfast patrons at the Quality Inn & Suites Beachfront on 33rd Street. Pictured with Vice Principal Thomas Sites were, from left, Jessi Maddy, Jenna Abbaticchio, Amanda Parsons, Bekah Scott and Yasemin Unal. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Dorothy Webb Taylor POCOMOKE -- Dorothy Webb Taylor, 82, of Pocomoke and formerly of Hallwood. Va., passed away at Hartley Hall Nursing Home in Pocomoke on Tuesday April 10, 2012. She was the daughter of the late Sidney H. Webb and Mable Parker Webb of New Church, Va. Mrs. Taylor was a member of the Eastern Stars and Union United Methodist Church in Greenbackville, Va. Her survivors include her husband, Alvin Taylor of Pocomoke, and her children, Bonnie M. Trower of Eastville, Va., Patsy M. Bell...READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

28th Street Pit and Pub 410-289-2020 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Saturday, April 14: Slim DeNunn and the High Rollers, 8 p.m. Every Thursday: DJ Jeremy 45th Street TapHouse Bar & Grille 443-664-2201 45th St. & Coastal Hwy. Saturday, April 14: Blake Haley, 7-11 p.m. Atlantic Hotel 410-641-3589 2 North Main St., Berlin Every Friday: Elsworth Wheatly Every Monday: Earl Beardsley Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Saturday, April 14: Saltwater String...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

Open Wed., Thurs. & Sat.: Shepherd’s Nook Thrift Shop 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Community Church at Ocean Pines, Rte. 589 & Racetrack Rd., Berlin. Accepting donations of gently worn clothes and small household items. Open Wednesday-Friday: Stevenson United Methodist Thrift Shop 5 Stevenson Lane, Berlin, across from the Laundromat. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sale days every Friday, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. April 12: Legion Bingo Doors open 5:30 p.m., games begin 7 p.m.; American Legion...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 SELBYVILLE Lighthouse Crossing 38623 Green Heron Rd Open Daily 11-6 New Construction Large Luxury Homes On Expansive Lots 90-Day Delivery 877-436-9157 OCEAN CITY Misty View #204 138th St. Oceanblock Sat 11-3 1BR/1BA Condo Good Ocean View Well-Maintained The Fritschle Group/ Condominium Realty 410-524-6400 OCEAN CITY Makai...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 Distin-guished 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

Kiwanis Club Of OP/OC Provide Help To Berlin Nursing Home

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City supplies the workers for bingo twice a month at the Berlin Nursing Home. In addition, it was recently determined the Kiwanis Club could provide small "companion dolls" for the residents. Kiwanians made dolls and presented them to Doris Schonbrunner of the Berlin Nursing Home at a meeting this month. She is pictured with Kiwanis President Mike Morton. ...READ MORE

CFES Contributes $643 To Pets On Wheels

The Carol Steffy Spirit of Esther Fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) contributed $643 to Pets on Wheels of Delmarva, Inc., a local pet therapy program.  This fund was established by Steffy in memory of her mother, Esther Sinnott Moore.  The grant will promote the work of the Pets on Wheels’ volunteer teams and the important role the canine companions play in providing comfort and companionship to patients in local nursing homes and senior centers. ...READ MORE

Dunes Manor Hotel Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Among those taking part in the Dunes Manor Hotel’s 25th Anniversary tea on April 1 were, from left, Paul and Patricia Dufendach, County Commissioner Louise Gulyas, Sue and Bill Mariner, Vicki Morris and Jennifer Clarke. ...READ MORE

United Way Receives Donation From Servpro

The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently received a donation from Servpro of the Lower Shore for their 2011 United Way employee campaign. Pictured, from left, are Servpro of the Lower Shore’s Dave Foskey, Megan Jones and Deanna Miller, United Way’s Amy Luppens and Servpro owner Robb Sartorio. ...READ MORE

Perdue Strike Out Huger Challenge Receives $15,000 Grant

Bill Hetherington, center, executive director of the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, joins Delmarva Shorebirds and representatives of Delmarva’s three food banks in announcing a $15,000 Arthur W. Perdue Foundation grant to support the “2012 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva.” Pictured, from left, are Chris Bitters, Delmarva Shorebirds general manager; Charmin Horton, Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia, Eastern Shore branch manager; Hetherington; Charlotte McGarry,...READ MORE

Things I Like

Small Easter egg hunts How much kids love a golf cart Early season baseball Sitting in a tree Watching an eating contest Productive days Chicken on pizza Pictures under the pier My morning caffeine fix Baby birds chirping Local wildlife pictures ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): The Lamb loves to be surrounded by flocks of admirers. But be careful that someone doesn't take his or her admiration too far. Use your persuasive skills to let him or her down easily. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): This is a good time to begin setting far-reaching goals and connecting with new contacts. Aspects also favor strengthening old relationships -- personal and/or professional. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A personal disappointment should be viewed as a...READ MORE

A Week In Business

New Sales Staff Member OCEAN CITY -- Cleaning Management Service, Inc. President Jerry Selig announced that Charles Smith has returned to his sales staff. Smith has more than 13 years of experience in renovation and flooring sales. Cleaning Management, located at 131st Street and Coastal Highway, has been in business since 1973. BERLIN -- Re/Max Premier Properties Broker Dr. Carl E. Ortman has announced top producers in listings and sales for the month of March. Top listing agent was Joel Maher...READ MORE