June 8, 2012

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Hollywood Coming To Ocean City This Fall?

OCEAN CITY – It was announced this week that there is a possibility that a movie, Ping Pong Summer, starring actress Susan Sarandon, will be filmed in Ocean City this September. Following Tuesday afternoon’s Mayor and City Council meeting, officials received invitations to a cocktail party on June 28 to introduce the movie. Ruth Waters, director of sales for the Harrison Group Resort Hotels & Restaurants, sent out the invites as she has been working closely with the project and...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Employee Group Looks To Submit Petition By July

OCEAN CITY – City employees said last week they are planning on wrapping up petition efforts to gain the right to collective bargaining by the end of this month. In the beginning of the year, rumors began to spread that general employees intended to pursue collective bargaining. In February, city employees packed council chambers to reveal their concerns and their intentions and returned in April to remind the council that they have not backed down in their efforts. Last Thursday, Barbara...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: Another Pedestrian Hit On Coastal Highway

OCEAN CITY -- For the third time in about two weeks, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross Coastal Highway near 54th Street early Tuesday morning and once again the victim was not in the crosswalk. After two pedestrian fatalities in eight days since Memorial Day in Ocean City, a third was struck on Coastal Highway near 54th Street around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, and while the injuries sustained by the victim are serious, they are not considered life-threatening. The victim,...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: Autopsy Confirms Accidental Cause Of Death

Shawn J. Soper News Editor OCEAN CITY -- Official autopsy results released this week revealed the death of an upstate New York man, who went missing in Ocean City in late April and was recovered in the bay nearly two weeks later, was accidental. Ocean City Police this week confirmed the autopsy report for Lance Corey Gaines, 22, of Groton, N.Y., who was reported missing on April 21 and whose remains were recovered in the bay on May 1, revealed the manner of death was accidental and the cause of...READ MORE

12th Annual Longboard Team Challenge on Tap

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City chapter of the Surfrider Foundation will host the 12th Annual Longboard Team Challenge this weekend with a longboard competition sandwiched between other events all weekend at different venues around the resort. The annual event gets underway today with a Legends’ Party at the Pirate’s Galley. The centerpiece of the weekend-long festival, however, is the 12th Annual Longboard Team Challenge, set for tomorrow on the beach at the Castle in the Sand on 37th...READ MORE

32nd Ocean City Shark Tourney Next Week

OCEAN CITY- The 32nd Annual Ocean City Shark Tournament gets underway next week, and with the action off the coast of the resort off to a remarkable start, there should be no shortage of excitement at the docks. Hundreds of offshore anglers will chug out to the canyons off the coast next week in search of sharks of all species and sizes. A decent number of big sharks were weighed during Mako Mania last weekend and quite a few more were released, setting the stage for what should be a strong...READ MORE

Berlin Rays Girls' Softball Team Completes Perfect Season

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Hundreds Compete in Fitness Events

OCEAN CITY- Hundreds of athletes from all over the region competed last weekend in a series of fitness events in and around the resort area culminating with the 4th Annual Assateague Assault Triathlon last Sunday.Sponsored by OC Tri-Running, the three events got started last Saturday morning with the Ocean City Boardwalk 5-Mile Run. The race began at the Boardwalk Arch at North Division Street and the course went up to a turnaround point in mid-town Ocean City before returning to the Boardwalk....READ MORE

16th Mako Mania In The Books

OCEAN CITY- The 16th Annual Mako Mania Shark Tournament last weekend was one for the books, with plenty of sharks of all species caught and released and dozens more weighed at the scale at host Bahia Marina. With the shark season offshore heating up earlier than ever this year, expectations were high for the 16th Mako Mania tournament out of Bahia Marina last weekend. The tournament is the first significant event of the summer-long offshore tournament season in the resort and serves as a...READ MORE

Beach Girls Win Lax Splash Title

OCEAN CITY- The Beach Lacrosse Program made a great showing at the Lax Splash tournament in Baltimore last weekend with the girls’ 11-12 team winning the championship in its division. The Beach Lacrosse 11-12 girls swept six games to win the championship, including a 4-3 nail biter over FCA in the title game. The Beach Lax 11-12 girls, made up of 5th and 6th graders, were the youngest team in its division. Most of the teams they competed against in the Lax Splash tournament were made up of...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Governor Preoccupied By National Aspirations Editor: Recently our absentee Governor, who has been spending more time running around the country campaigning than here at home running the state, made an interesting speech in New Hampshire. In the beginning of the speech, he stated that every time Democrats were to mention something negative for the next seven months they should start the sentence with the word “Bush”. Then he went on to list a few -- Bush Deficits, Bush long wars, Bush...READ MORE

Suspension Warranted For Chronic Offenders

In issuing a 10-day business license suspension, which begins today, enough is enough seemed to be Ocean City’s message to the businesses that knowingly and blatantly violated the town’s synthetic drug ordinance. After hearing word the stores Cool Topics and New York New York were selling drug paraphernalia and synthetic drugs on the Boardwalk, contrary to the ordinances passed last year banning those marijuana-like substances, the Ocean City Police Department conducted a raid and...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

It was difficult not to get upset this week driving eastbound on Route 50 when several miles of the highway was milled for a resurfacing project.As my steering wheel throbbed in my hands, I found myself shaking my head, which was involuntary due to the road’s surface, over the timing of this project, which resulted in lane closures and backups this week. I understand it’s just a few weeks and is expected to be finished partially by today, but it’s difficult to believe there was...READ MORE

Councilman Wants Private Security Personnel On City Buses In June

OCEAN CITY – Councilman Joe Hall reached out to his colleagues this week over concerns regarding the bus and what he perceives as an overabundance of rowdy crowds this time of the year. “The bus drivers aren’t the highest paid city employees but for the next three weeks they have one of the most challenging jobs in town to move a large amount of people having a very good time,” Joe Hall said. “I felt for their safety and for their sanity that some form of security...READ MORE

Judge Gives Berlin Man 10 Years For Cocaine Dealing

SNOW HILL -- A Berlin man with a history of drug and sex offense arrests in Worcester County and in Delaware was sentenced on Tuesday to 10 years in jail for his latest conviction. Deshawn Sturgis, 29, appeared in Worcester County Circuit Court on Tuesday for trial following a December arrest and pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. With the agreed upon plea arrangement, Sturgis faced a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years without the possibility of parole under the...READ MORE

Scooter Citations, More Enforcement Eyed For Violators

OCEAN CITY – On Monday night, a message rang loud and clear at City Hall that enforcement is taking place and citations are being written for those scooter rental operators who cannot abide by the law. New laws placing firmer rules and regulations on the scooter rental industry to increase safety in Ocean City are in effect. The deliberations have been done, public hearings have been held, and the ordinances have been passed, yet ongoing issues continue. The unscheduled discussion began...READ MORE

City, Promoter Tweak Beach Lights Shows

OCEAN CITY – The new Sunday night OC Beach Lights shows downtown have experienced a few technical difficulties, but “the show goes on” as adjustments are being made along the way. Mayor Rick Meehan explained this week that there have been a few difficulties that the city in conjunction with Bob Rothermel of T.E.A.M Productions has been working on to tweak the show, which entails a five-story tall inflatable sphere featuring a visual laser, lighting, video and audio...READ MORE

Restitution Plan Leads To Reduced Sentence For Embezzlement

SNOW HILL -- A Salisbury woman, who pleaded guilty last month to carrying out a two-year theft scheme involving thousands of dollars against the Berlin golf course where she worked as a bookkeeper, was sentenced Tuesday to a year in jail, most of which was suspended as long as she continues on a restitution plan. In October, a Maryland State Police trooper investigated an initial theft report filed by Ed Colbert, owner and president of the Deer Run Golf Club in Berlin. The investigation focused...READ MORE

Salisbury Takes New Approach To Old Downtown Issues

SALISBURY -- Looking to ignite growth downtown, the Salisbury Council discussed strategies for generating development in the area Monday. “You have to understand that it’s not the equivalent of flipping a switch,” said Planning and Zoning Director Jack Lenox. “This is not going to happen overnight.” Lenox explained that the city has been having “a discussion on downtown for decades” and that triggering growth in the area is a long-term...READ MORE

Casino Revenue Up 21% From Last May

BERLIN -- Against the backdrop of the first meeting of the governor’s special task force on expanding gambling last Friday and the official opening of the state’s latest and largest casino Wednesday, the May numbers for the Casino at Ocean Downs were released this week, revealing a significant spike over the prior month and the fourth highest total ever at the Berlin facility. Much was happening on the gambling scene in Maryland in the last week. Last Friday, the governor’s...READ MORE

Zoning Board Grants Events Request For Berlin Inn

BERLIN -- After months of lobbying and changes to town code, the Waystead Inn has gotten approval from the Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) to host functions beyond the parameters of a classic bed and breakfast. “You won’t have any complaints,” attorney Mark Cropper, who represented the Inn, promised the BZA Wednesday. Inn owner Mark Kaufman wants to host birthday parties, weddings, retreats and dinner clubs at his bed and breakfast. Cropper described Kaufman’s vision...READ MORE

New Snow Hill High Project Funds Not In Budget

SNOW HILL -- Though the loose timeline for the eventual renovation of Snow Hill High School (SHHS) remains unaltered, one Worcester County Commissioner voted against this year’s budget because it didn’t include any new funding set aside for the project. “I am very disappointed that Snow Hill High School wasn’t included … For the second time in 14 years, I’m not voting for [the budget],” said Commissioner Virgil Shockley Tuesday. The budget eventually did...READ MORE

High-Speed Chase In Berlin Results In Major Pot Seizure

BERLIN -- After speeding through the Berlin area well in excess of 100 mph on Tuesday, three individuals were caught in a nearby shopping center and in the woods behind it, although a fourth suspect remains at large. Around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Maryland State Police troopers were conducting a stationary speed enforcement detail on Route 50 near Route 346 when they attempted to stop a green 2003 BMW for going 72 mph in a 55 mph zone. The vehicle swerved to the shoulder, went around the trooper and...READ MORE

Q&A With New Worcester County Superintendent

NEWARK -- Last month, Dr. Jerry Wilson was selected by the Worcester County Board of Education to take up the position of Superintendent of Schools when Dr. Jon Andes retires this summer after 16 years as superintendent. The Dispatch got a chance to ask Wilson some questions this week about his past, the unique education atmosphere in Worcester and the future of county schools. Wilson will be bringing 34 years of experience as an educator to the Eastern Shore, including 18 years as a...READ MORE

Campers Call Chick-fil-A Home For A Day For Giveaway

WEST OCEAN CITY -- The parking lot of the new Chick-fil-A restaurant on Route 50 in West Ocean City turned into a vanilla Shakedown Street of sorts on Wednesday as dozens gathered and camped out for a chance to win a year’s supply of the popular chain’s offerings. Since a store opening in Arizona in 2003, each new Chick-fil-A has hosted a “First 100 Celebration,” awarding the first 100 people in line with a free year’s supply. With the new store set to open...READ MORE

Berlin Eyesore Finally Demolished

BERLIN -- A troubled building in Berlin finally came down this week, though what, if anything, will take its place is still a mystery. Last January, the Mayor and Council heard complaints regarding the derelict building, located at 9913 Old Ocean City Blvd. and most previously known as the Neon Moon restaurant. At the time, resident Susan Moore told the council that the building “looked horrible” and was in such poor condition that it potentially posed a safety hazard. “It...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

It’s a different kind of night’s sleep when it involves a bed with my wife and 4-year-old son.Although we go to great lengths to keep our kids out of our bed to maintain some sanity, we have been having a frequent visitor in the middle of the night in our room for the last few months.It’s usually sometime between 2 and 5 a.m. and it involves Beckett stomping over to my side of the bed. He doesn’t say anything. With his eyes closed, he simply stands there and lifts up both...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 Sunset Island 67th St & The Bay Fri, Sat & Sun Condos, Townhomes, Single Family Homes Luxury Resort Living Terry Riley Vantage Resort Realty 443-880-0512 SELBYVILLE Lighthouse Crossing Green Heron Rd Open Daily 11-6 New Construction Large Luxury Homes On Expansive Lots 90-Day Delivery 877-436-9157 OCEAN...READ MORE

Best Bite 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

Who's Playing When And Where

19th hole bar & Grille, The 410-213-9204 • Corner of Rte. 611 & Sunset Ave., West Ocean City Friday, June 8: Walt Farozic Saturday, June 9: Mike Bennet, 6-10 p.m. Sunday, June 10: Louis Wright, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Walt Farozic, 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 11: Louis Wright, 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 14: TBA, 5-9 p.m. 28th Street Pit and Pub 410-289-2020 • 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, June 8: The Roofshakers, 9 p.m. Saturday, June 9: Slim DeNunn & The High Rollers, 9...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

Every Sunday: Morning Worship 8 a.m. & 11 a.m., Traditional Worship; 9:30 a.m., Contemporary Worship; St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A, 10301 Coastal Hwy., O.C. For more in-formation, 410-524-7474. 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...READ MORE

West OC Party Busted

WEST OCEAN CITY -- The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office last week busted a large unauthorized party at an unlicensed commercial property just off Route 50 in West Ocean City. Around 1 a.m. last Saturday, the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office was requested by the county Sheriff’s Department to investigate a large party going on in a commercial property on Route 50 in West Ocean City occupied by a business called “Get Gnarly.” Worcester County...READ MORE

Berlin Brewery Excited For Summer Growth

BERLIN -- With his one-year anniversary approaching in August, Burley Oak Brewery owner Bryan Brushmiller has some big plans for the summer, including bottling beer, setting up an on-site farmer’s market, and opening a free bicycle library to encourage exploration of the area. “We just want to get people downtown,” Brushmiller said of the nine bikes currently available. Unlike anything else the town offers, Brushmiller revealed that the idea to offer visitors free bike rentals...READ MORE

Annual Captain Schoepf Relay Set For Sunday

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Beach Patrol’s Annual Captain Schoepf Relay will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 10 starting at 7th Street. George Schoepf served as captain of the Ocean City Beach Patrol from 1987-1996, although his leadership role on the beach patrol was quite extensive, beginning with his appointment as "assistant" to Captain Craig in the late 1960s. Every year in June, in honor of his many years of service to OCBP, a relay is held where a classic steel rescue...READ MORE

Song Of Summer Contest Underway

OCEAN CITY — The Town of Ocean City has announced that it is on the hunt for the official Song of the Summer for 2012. The town is holding a contest and asking citizens to write an original song about Ocean City. The Song of the Summer contest will be hosted on the official Ocean City Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OceanCity. “Everyone associates certain songs with memories – especially when it comes to the beach and vacations,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “We want...READ MORE

OC Boardwalk Stores’ Licenses Suspended For 10 Days

OCEAN CITY – Two Boardwalk businesses are facing a 10-day suspension, effective Friday, following the arrest of the owner and employees due to an undercover operation revealing the sale of illegal synthetic drugs and drug paraphernalia. Last month’s raids were conducted on OC Cool Topics Inc., which is the holder of the three business licenses that were subject to a license suspension hearing held last Friday, June 1. OC Cool Topics Inc. operates two stores on the Boardwalk -- Cool...READ MORE

New OC Beach Ministry Formed

OCEAN CITY -- Beginning Monday, June 11, an exciting new beach ministry will begin at 38th Street in Ocean City at 6:15 pm. This inter-denominational ministry is open to the public and families are encouraged to attend with children of all ages. There will be live music, followed by a short devotion. Then, attendees are invited to hang out together, surf and play on the beach. Many years ago, Michelle Sommers of Sommers Surf Lessons, was part of such a beach ministry in Ocean City. "I met...READ MORE

Weekend Rescue Serves As Reminder To Swim Only When Guards On Duty

OCEAN CITY -- An early morning rescue last Saturday in north Ocean City led to safety personnel reminding visitors and residents to refrain from swimming when the Ocean City Beach Patrol is not on duty. Last Saturday morning around 6, the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) and Ocean City Police Department were dispatched to the area of 141st Street for a reported drowning. OCFD paramedics and rescue swimmers reportedly discovered CPR being performed on a female on the beach. Rescue personnel...READ MORE

OC’s Trash Hauler Not Meeting Obligations

SNOW HILL -- After contract complications with a private waste hauler, the town of Ocean City has turned to Worcester County for help depositing trash until a new contract with a different agency begins on June 18. With the county promising cooperation, Ocean City officials are confident that residents and visitors to the resort will see no reduction in services. “The town is doing what they need to so we don’t have a backup of trash,” said Ocean City Public Works Deputy...READ MORE

Worcester Commissioners OK Tax Hike In 5-2 Vote

SNOW HILL -- The official vote is in -- property taxes in Worcester County will increase 7 cents per $100 of assessed value next year for the first time in eight years while county employees will receive a 2 percent raise for the first time in three years. The total fiscal year budget came in at $165,904,256. Though the budget was able to pass relatively unscathed in a 5-2 vote, none of the County Commissioners claimed to be entirely satisfied with the end product and most of them laid the...READ MORE

‘A True Restaurant’ Offering Bayfront Dining, Unique Menu

OCEAN CITY – The 45th Street Taphouse “kicks up bar food” and offers 36 cold beers on tap to add to the restaurant’s unique Ocean City atmosphere. General Manager/Executive Chef Jeff Burton was hired by the Sibony family, owner of the Sunsations stores, the 45th Street Village and other properties in Ocean City, in March of 2011 to develop the 9th Street and 45th Street Taphouse. “They are a great family to work for,” Burton said of the Sibonys. “They...READ MORE

2nd Pedestrian Fatality In Two Weeks In Resort

OCEAN CITY -- For the second time in just eight days, another pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross Coastal Highway in Ocean City on Tuesday evening and again the victim was not using a marked crosswalk. Around 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Ocean City Police and paramedics responded to a reported vehicle accident involving a pedestrian in the area of 21st Street and Coastal Highway. The preliminary investigation revealed a group of friends were attempting to cross the highway in...READ MORE

Motions Hearing In Ava Case Provides New Details

SNOW HILL -- Stunning new details emerged yesterday afternoon during a motions hearing for the Ocean Pines man allegedly high on PCP when he crashed into a vehicle on Coastal Highway in December, seriously injuring a mother and her then-18-month-old daughter. Tuesday’s testimony featured an admission that the suspect had smoked the drug while crossing the Route 90 bridge into the resort minutes before the collision and that he vaguely remembers making a left turn at the foot of the bridge...READ MORE

OC Air Show Set For This Weekend

OCEAN CITY – An incredible line-up of the nation’s top military and civilian acts is getting reading to hit the beach in Ocean City for the 5th anniversary of the OC Air Show. The latest news is the addition of another impressive military aircraft - the A-10 Thunderbolt II (aka: Warthog) has been added to the lineup. Known in the Air Force as the Warthog, the “flying gun” and the Tankbuster, the A-10 Thunderbolt has been used extensively in Operation Desert Storm,...READ MORE

OC Car, Truck Show Gears Up For 11th Edition

OCEAN CITY -- The 11th Anniversary of the OC Car and Truck Show will take place in Ocean City this weekend, June 9-10, at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. During the annual June event, Spark Productions LLC is known for providing some of the best entertainment Ocean City has to offer with hundreds of the most amazing automotive creations on display and some of the biggest stars Ocean City has ever seen. The organizers have been working for over a year on this event and assure you that...READ MORE

Wicomico Hears Pro-Education Funding Message

SALISBURY – A public hearing held on County Executive Rick Pollitt’s proposed 2012-2013 operating budget turned into an outlet for members of the education community to speak out on the lack of funding dedicated to the Board of Education. A nearly empty room at the Wicomico Civic Center turned into standing room only as a long line of educational employees, parents, students, and future students of Wicomico County filed into the room to show support to have the Board of...READ MORE

Boutique’s Opening Coincides With 2nd Friday Bridal Stroll

BERLIN -- Hoping to make Berlin a “wedding destination,” Bustle bridal boutique will be opening its doors Friday. According to co-owner Kathy Walsh, Bustle will be a fitting addition to a town that already features bakeries, restaurants, florists, horse carriage rides, a hotel and pretty much everything else one needs to make a wedding. “Everyone in the town of Berlin wants to make the town a wedding destination,” said Walsh. Along with daughter Jennifer Davis, Walsh will...READ MORE

Students Race For Excellence To Assist School

BERLIN -- Students at Worcester Prep got the chance to spend time outside last Friday while raising money for the renovation of the school’s dated multi-purpose room. Students were able to participate in the first-ever Race for Excellence, which allowed kids in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade to walk, jog or sprint around a portion of the school’s campus. The goal of the event was to raise donations to remodel Worcester Prep’s multi-purpose room, which was originally...READ MORE

Berlin Intermediate Students Excell In Accelerated Reader Program

Berlin Intermediate School students this year have excelled in the Accelerated Reader Program. According to the school, 402 students have earned at least 50 points in the Accelerated Reader Program. In addition, 94 students have achieved Millionaire Club status, reading over one million words. This year’s term high point winners have been, above from left, were Jessica Bunting, term four; Michael Mareno, term three; Omer Peled, term two; and Daniel Stepcic, term one. ...READ MORE

Buckingham Elementary Holds Field Day

Buckingham first grade teacher Frank Siano and first graders Mason Crossland and Aaliyah Sturgis played on the moon bounce at the recent Field Day. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary Third Graders Learn About Screen Printing

Third graders from Showell Elementary enjoyed learning the art of screen painting with visiting artist John Iampieri. Pictured are Victoria Wade, Ryan Boyle, Jonathan Pinkham and Alex Brunkhorst. ...READ MORE

2nd Annual Chameleon Team Olympics Held By SD Middle

Seventh graders at Stephen Decatur Middle School recently participated in the 2nd Annual Chameleon Team Olympics using their knowledge of government and economic systems, knowledge of ancient cultures, and their problem-solving skills to create their own country. Best Country awards went Jared Massey, Silver; Natalie Shaffer, Gold; and Alton Walker, Bronze. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Honors May Students Of The Month

Ocean City Elementary School recently honored the May Students of the Month. Pictured, first row, are first grade honorees Nash Rogers, Eva Purnell, Ella Truitt, Keeley Catrino, and Ava Kennell; second row, second graders Autumn Tunnell, Leela Bacon, Kamilla Dymova, Hanna Zajdel, Skylar Cook and Abigail Greenwood; third row, third graders Anthony rozaieski, Aaron Cohen, Zachary Krasner, Luke Doerzbach, Gavin Conner and Ashley Sickler; and, back row, fourth grade honorees Cory Braica, Jacob...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Presents Academic Awards

At the 2012 Worcester Preparatory School Convocation, awards were presented to students in Grades 6-11 who achieved the highest academic averages in their coursework and who were deserving of service awards. Top honors went to, from left, Razaak Eniola, Best All-Round Student, Grades 9-11; Casey Knerr, Highest Academic Average, Grades 9-11; Grace Tunis, Highest Academic Average, Grades 6-8; and Michael Brittingham, Best All-Round Student, Grades 6-8. ...READ MORE

Academic Awards Held By Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School

Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School recently held its annual Academic Awards Banquet at Magnolias Restaurant in Ocean View, Del. Students who achieved academic honors for two consecutive trimesters were invited with their families for a delicious buffet dinner in the upstairs banquet room at Magnolias. Eighth grade awardees pictured with their certificates and Principal Mark Record were, from left, Emma Engel, Catie Mitchell, Amy Jackson, Jimmy Brannon, Nick Curtis and Noah McVicker. ...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Dr. Vernon Harry Wiesand SALISBURY – Dr. Vernon Harry Wiesand, 92 of Salisbury, died Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Anchorage Nursing Home in Salisbury. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late William J. and Louise Voelkel Wiesand. Vernon was a good husband and father, his integrity was only exceeded by his kindness toward his fellow man. He achieved much in life despite contracting Polio at a very young age. Vernon had a high degree of acceptance throughout his life and instilled that...READ MORE

Community Foundation Of The Eastern Shore Awards Grant To Wor-Wic

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore awarded a grant to Wor-Wic Community College to support scholarships for students to participate in the Summer Scholars Program, which introduces students to a variety of hands-on classes and exposes kids to Wor-Wic’s campus and all that it has to offer. Pictured, from left, are Spicer Bell, President, CFES; Jill Heathfield, Director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development; and Ruth Baker, Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce...READ MORE

OP Line Dancers Hold Annual End-Of-Season Event

The Ocean Pines Line Dancers held their annual end-of-season event at Seacrets in Ocean City last month. The ladies in the picture contributed to the success of the season by sharing/demonstrating music and step instructions. Pictured, front from left, are Janet O'Brien, Maureen Crespo, Penny Papaarello, Marilyn Allen, Mary McCormick; and, back, Lynn Gibbons and Betty Daugherty. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary School's Art Contest Judged By Kiwanis Club

For quite a few years, Kiwanis Club members have judged the Showell Elementary School's annual art contest started by previous school Principal Paula Jones.  Pictured, from left, are Don Brisbane, Showell administrator Sandy West, Jackie Todd, Skip Dennig, Kiwanis President Mike Morton and Carolyn Dryzga.  Other judges not pictures were Maxine Brisbane, Graham Caldwell, Stella Hartington, Dick Jacobs and Peg Morton. ...READ MORE

Saunders Honored For Outstanding Leadership By OC Lions Club

The Ocean City Lions Club recently honored outgoing Stephen Decatur High School Senior Ravyn Saunders for her outstanding leadership as the 2011/2012 Leo Club President. She plans to study marine biology at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.  Pictured, from left, are Ocean City Lions Leo Advisor Wayne Cannon, Saunders and Stephen Decatur Leo Advisors Nora Duke and Nikki Zervakos.   ...READ MORE

Bertha Holloway Memorial Scholarship Presented By OC Marlin Club Auxiliary

At Stephen Decatur High School's Awards Night, the Ocean City Marlin Club Auxiliary presented five students with their Bertha Holloway Memorial Scholarship of $3,000 each. Recipients were Bryton Adkins, attending Salisbury University; Emlyn Hammer, attending the University of Delaware; Ashley Hrebik, attending Georgia Tech; Nicole Ligor, attending St. Mary's College of Md.; and Brooke McGrath, attending the University of North Carolina. Above, from left, are scholarship committee chair...READ MORE

Get The Most Out Of Statement

OCEAN CITY -- Back in the markets’ worst days a few years ago, a lot of investors kept their 401(k) statements at arm’s length: out of sight and happily out of mind. That approach might make some sense — in the short run — if you have trouble staying calm in the midst of a storm. But if it’s been a while since you checked your 401(k) statement, you should probably give it a good, thorough look. For one thing, you might be in for a pleasant surprise. Key stock...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Excellence Award Earned BERLIN -- Atlantic General Hospital physicians, leaders, and clinicians gathered recently to celebrate the Robert A. Warriner III, M.D., Center of Excellence Award, which was given to the AGH Wound Care Center because it has met the Center of Distinction quality standards for at least two consecutive years. This marks the fourth year that Atlantic General met the standards, which include patient satisfaction rates over 92 percent and at least a 91 percent healing rate in...READ MORE

Things I Like

Teaching my son how to swim College reunions Jumping in a pool after a run People watching from the porch of Berlin’s Atlantic Hotel The first shower after a hair cut Picking warm crabs Quick summer storms Fancy cheese plates The morning after a full night’s sleep Hearing my kids’ voices before I walk into the house Tall and thin trees ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A recent spate of confusion regarding decision-making begins to clear up. But caution is still advised. Continue to check details. An old friend has important news. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): You're anxious to see your ideas move from concept to development. But trying to force the issue right now could backfire. Wait for movement to resume on the 11th. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Keep your thoughts focused on the positive as you deal with an unexpected turn of...READ MORE