September 28, 2012

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: City Hall Conversations Confirm Election Drawing Near

OCEAN CITY – With Election Day approaching in a month, discussions are heating up at City Hall, as City Council members and citizens alike continue to stir the political pot. Citizens For Ocean City spokesman Joe Groves approached the Mayor and City Council during the comments portion of Monday’s council meeting to speak in regards to an incident that occurred a couple of weeks ago. At that time, Councilman Joe Hall asked Groves to come to the podium to answer a few questions...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Ping-Pong Summer Cast, Crew Discuss Movie

OCEAN CITY – The stars of Ping-Pong Summer took the time this week to sit down and take in the scenery while they introduced themselves to the media. The conference was held at the Hilton with select cast and crew of the independent movie now being filmed in Ocean City. “I can’t tell you how proud we are to have all you here in Ocean City overlooking the Atlantic Ocean … and we are proud of [writer/director] Michael [Tully] being so determined over the course of the last...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: Council President Files For Re-Election

OCEAN CITY -- Council President Jim Hall marks his 25th year as an elected official in Ocean City this year, and he officially confirmed on Monday he is looking to extend his tenure. Jim Hall, council president since 2010, filed yesterday for another term at City Hall, bringing the total number of City Council candidates to nine. Along with Jim Hall, vying for four open council seats in the Nov. 6 election are incumbents Doug Cymek, Joe Hall and Mary Knight as well as Bob Baker, Sean Rox, John...READ MORE

NEW FOR MONDAY: Businesswoman Wins Berlin Award

BERLIN -- Commended for more than 20 years of volunteerism and dedication to the town, Terri Sexton was named the recipient of the 47th Annual Berlin Award last Thursday. Sexton, who owns The Treasure Chest jewelry store, was singled out for the award this year for a lifetime of striving to improve Berlin. “It was a pleasure watching this person work,” said Steve Frene, co-owner of Victorian Charm. It was Frene’s job to announce the winner this year and, as per tradition, he...READ MORE

NEW FOR FRIDAY: New Scooter Changes Take Effect Monday

OCEAN CITY -- Among a bevy of new state laws set to take effect on Monday are vast changes to the rules and regulations regarding scooters and mopeds, increasingly popular forms of transportation in the resort area, but one significant element will be somewhat relaxed right from the get-go. Next Monday, Oct. 1, will be the effective date for many of the new laws passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed by the governor last spring, including several with local implications. Perhaps the...READ MORE

Raw Sewage Leaks Into Wicomico River

SALISBURY -- More than 100,000 gallons of sewage leaked into the Wicomico River this week but shouldn’t have much in the way of long-term impact, according to city officials. “It’s been a very finite area where it hit the surface,” said Public Works Director Teresa Gardner. According to Gardner, a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) at the Southside Pumping Station began at approximately 2 p.m. on Tuesday and lasted until about 7:45 p.m. Though the actual overflow has ceased,...READ MORE

Boardwalk Skate Law Advances

OCEAN CITY – A law allowing skateboarding on the Boardwalk has been drafted and approved by the Mayor and City Council to come forward next week to receive final approval. On Tuesday, the Mayor and City Council voted to move a drafted ordinance to first reading that will allow skateboarding, for transportation purposes only, on Atlantic Avenue, or the Boardwalk, during the same off-season schedule that bicycles are allowed. The law regarding skateboarding will transform from being ...READ MORE

Chief Advocating For Speed Limit Drop On Coastal Highway

OCEAN CITY -- In the wake of a difficult summer in terms of pedestrian-vehicle collisions, an effort is underway to potentially lower the speed limit on Coastal Highway in an area of the corridor deemed particularly prone to tragedies. Ocean City Police Chief Bernadette DiPino has initiated an effort to reduce the speed limit on Coastal Highway from 33rd to 62nd streets from the current 40 mph to 35 mph. DiPino sent a memo to the Mayor and Council last week seeking the elected officials’...READ MORE

Judge Rules Out Pre-Trial Visit To Hudson Farm

BERLIN -- With a little more than a week left before the opening of the trial in the civil suit against a Berlin farm family over alleged pollution violations dating back to 2009, the federal judge presiding over the case late last week ruled out a pre-trial visit to the site where the infractions allegedly occurred. In March 2010, the Waterkeeper Alliance, along with the Assateague Coastal Trust and the Assateague Coastkeeper, filed suit in U.S. District Court against Perdue and Berlin’s...READ MORE

Mayor Signs Off On Salisbury Police Pay Raises

SALISBURY – Salisbury police officers will get their salary increases, and the City Council is looking to sustain the salary structure and give pay increases to all employees by Christmas if not sooner. Salisbury Police Department (SPD) officers have not had a raise in five years and their pay scale is one of the lowest in the area. On top of the comparatively low salary structure is a wide disparity in the case load for the SPD compared to other agencies in the area. At first Police Chief...READ MORE

OC Revises Free Golf Policies

OCEAN CITY – Councilwoman Margaret Pillas took a revised copy of the town’s policy regarding complimentary/reduced golf at Eagle’s Landing by the horns this week saying if it was going to get done it needed to get done right. In late August, Councilman Brent Ashley requested City Manager David Recor research the records of town employee and guest play at the town’s golf course, Eagle’s Landing, including the use of Gold and Silver passes and earlier this month asked...READ MORE

Berlin’s Utility Expansion Not A Land Grab

BERLIN -- Despite some initial belief to the contrary, the Berlin Town Council promised residents this week that an expansion of water and sewer services along Main Street isn’t a thinly-veiled land grab. “We don’t want the misconception that we are trying to expand the town limits,” said Mayor Gee Williams. The project to extend water and sewer coverage has been in the pipeline since this summer. The move is geared toward offering services to several commercial...READ MORE

Six Families Displaced By Fire; Fundraising Effort Launched

OCEAN CITY -- With no casualties and only one minor injury to a firefighter, Wednesday evening’s massive blaze that consumed the top floor of a midtown Ocean City condominium building could have been much worse but it has left many picking up the pieces. Shortly before 6 p.m. on Wednesday, the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) received a call about a residential fire at the Bradley on the Bay complex at 37th Street. First arriving units encountered heavy fire and thick black smoke...READ MORE

Coastkeeper Wants Runoff Considered In Boat Ramp Plans

OCEAN PINES -- With the proposed replacement of the dilapidated, county-owned public boat ramp at Gum Point Rd. on the Turville Creek moving forward, area environmental advocates are urging the partners to go the “extra mile” to voluntarily include some elements to improve water quality in the impaired waterway. A project is underway to remove the existing public boat ramp at Gum Point Rd. just off Route 589 south of Ocean Pines and replacing it with a new, larger structure. The boat...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

Call me a pessimist, but I don’t see how lowering the speed limit 5 mph on a 30-block portion of Coastal Highway will make anyone any safer. However, it can’t hurt to give it a shot.Rather than this proposed reduction, which will most likely happen between 33rd and 62nd streets, what was more exciting to learn this week was that the State Highway Administration is involved in tackling the pedestrian safety problems.Alcohol is the most significant factor in pedestrian accidents in...READ MORE

Thank Your Local Firefighter Often

The only time the general public really gets a feel for what firefighters do on day-in and day-out basis is when a huge fire erupts. That was the case with the Bradley on the Bay blaze on Wednesday, and it was the case when the legendary Hooper’s fire took place over a decade ago as well as when the Dough Roller building was destroyed downtown in recent years and when the Alaska Stand and Crab Alley buildings on 9th Street were engulfed in flames in 1994. The firefighters on the scene of...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Majority Deserves Praise Editor: It never ceases to amaze me when intelligent people misinterpret the positive actions of others. Currently, some of the employees of Ocean City are upset with the majority on the City Council. One of their grievances is that the majority closed the defined benefit retirement plan for new employees.  Did they close the plan for the existing employees?  Absolutely not!  Did the majority ever consider closing the defined benefit plan for the current...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

Spending the day on Assateague Island, specifically the OSV portion, has long been our favorite way to spend a day.We like any day spent on any beach, but we have found driving on at Assateague the best way to enjoy the beach without much fuss.As parents with little ones know, or recall when their kids were younger, there is a lot of stuff required for a beach day with kids and having it all in the vehicle makes it about as easy as it gets.However, for some reason, the last couple days on the...READ MORE

Out Of Darkness Benefit Walk Set For OC

SNOW HILL -- Hoping to boost awareness of suicide in Worcester County, representatives from several advocacy groups met with the County Commission last week to update them on the status of prevention efforts in the area as well as to invite them to attend an upcoming fundraiser. That fundraiser, which is a joint effort by the Jesse Klump Foundation, Atlantic General Hospital (AGH), the Worcester County Health Department (WCHD), the Core Service Agency (CSA), and the Worcester County Local...READ MORE

Phony Bomb Threat Evacuates Wal-Mart

BERLIN -- The Wal-Mart on Route 50 near Berlin was evacuated on Monday evening when local law enforcement agencies responded to a reported bomb threat at the store. Around 6 p.m. on Monday, Maryland State Police troopers responded to the Wal-Mart on Route 50. According to Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) Sgt. Scott Brent, Wal-Mart officials called the MSP Berlin barrack after receiving an anonymous tip by telephone about a bomb in the cavernous new Super Wal-Mart facility near...READ MORE

Council Reverses Course, Extends Ad Agency Contract

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council had a change in heart in its decision to shop around for an advertising agency this week, deciding instead to extend the incumbent’s contract while the city embarks on a strategic planning initiative. Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) Chair Greg Shockley gave the Mayor and City Council an update on upcoming events during the fall season this week and upon conclusion made a request for the council to reconsider the town’s contract with MGH,...READ MORE

Business Shut Down For Ignoring Resort Law

OCEAN CITY -- An Ocean City restaurant was shut down for 30 days last week for allegedly flaunting the town’s laws against distributing flyers and handbills even after numerous convictions for the offenses. Last week, City Manager David Recor, at the request of the Ocean City Police Department, officially suspended the business license for Marco Polo Pizza for a period of 30 days after the operator repeatedly ignored a city ordinance making it illegal to distribute flyers, handbills,...READ MORE

AARP Announces OC Candidates Forum

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City AARP Chapter 1917 is hosting a "Candidates Forum" to allow residents the chance to meet and hear from candidates for the upcoming Mayor and Council election. It will be held Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 5-7 p.m. with doors opening at 4 p.m. at the Ocean City Elks Lodge, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave. Dr. Harry Basehart, Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Co-Founder of Salisbury University's Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, will...READ MORE

Wine Festival On The Beach Begins Today In Resort

OCEAN CITY -- The 17th Annual “Wine Festival on the Beach” will be held Sept. 28-29 at the Inlet Park in Ocean City, featuring wineries from all over the East Coast. The festival will be open Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. In addition to the vast array of wine offerings, there will be several vendors offering an array of international cuisine. There will also be several arts and craft vendors, several micro-brewed beers for purchase. Popular local recording...READ MORE

Md. Attorney General Answers Erika Sifrit Appeal

OCEAN CITY -- Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler last week filed a formal answer to the latest appeal of Erika Sifrit, who, along with her husband Benjamin brutally murdered and dismembered a couple vacationing in Ocean City in 2002, seeking a dismissal of what will likely be the convicted killer’s last attempt at a new trial. In March, Erika Sifrit, now 34, filed a petition seeking an overturn of her prior convictions and sentences and a bid for a new trial, citing, among numerous...READ MORE

Q&A: Joe Hall Files For Re-Election With No Regrets


OCEAN CITY -- Despite an eventful term that included some self-proclaimed “gaffs” on his part, Councilman Joe Hall has no regrets about the decisions he made in office over the last four years and believes his knowledge, experience and passion merit him another term in November. During an interview this week at Soriano’s Coffee Shop, where he once worked when his father ran a business in the same downtown location, Joe Hall, who has served 10 years in elected office and...READ MORE

Council Divided Over How To Use Health Benefit Savings

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and Council heard “good news” this week when it learned the city’s health benefit costs will be $100,000 less than projected. “We are bringing good news to the table today,” Ocean City Human Resources Director Wayne Evans said. Evans explained that the medical, prescription drug and vision plan rates are projected at a better rate than expected. The city had budgeted for a 10-percent increase in rates when there was an actual 3.9 percent...READ MORE

Berlin’s Ineligibility For Storm Help Explained

BERLIN -- With questions still lingering after major flooding struck Berlin last month, Worcester County Emergency Services Director Teresa Owens visited the town in an attempt to clear the air this week. Specifically, Owens explained why Berlin did not qualify for any Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance over the late-August rain event. “FEMA has specific guidelines on major damage, minor damage,” she said. Owens followed up by revealing that properties in Berlin...READ MORE

Sunfest Attendance Jumps By 30,000

OCEAN CITY -- The 38th Annual Sunfest weekend festivities drew a crowd of roughly 185,000 people to the Inlet Lot and beach Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 20-23. Rated by Sunshine Artist, “America’s Premier Show and Festival Magazine,” the second best tradition art and craft show in the nation, Sunfest featured over 180 crafters, along with live music, hayrides on the beach and a wide and delicious offering of food. With sunny skies and warm temperatures, this year’s event...READ MORE

Berlin Hosts Outdoor Wedding Show

BERLIN -- Berlin’s first outdoor wedding show is planned for Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event will feature approximately 25 vendors, offering demonstrations, fashion shows, gifts, prizes, custom registries, culinary venues, entertainment, products, services and more. A vintage fashion show will be held at 11 a.m. at the Atlantic Hotel, following by a Trousseau Fashion Show at the Globe at 1 p.m., a Bridal Fashion Show on Main Street at 3 p.m. and a grooms event at the...READ MORE

Free AGH Flu Clinics Scheduled

BERLIN -- As a service to the community’s health, Atlantic General Hospital/Health System will again be holding free flu shot clinics to the community. Individuals must be at least 13 years old to receive the vaccine at one of the free clinics. This year the hospital and health system has scheduled the clinics as follows: In the hospital’s outpatient services lobby in Berlin, clinics will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 2-6 p.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2-6 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 7,...READ MORE

OC Native Returns To Shore With Shakespeare Initiative

BERLIN -- "Star-crossed lovers” exist in every century -- even ours. Nick Brous, a member of the Class of 1986 of Worcester Preparatory School, and his team at First Folio Productions are working to demonstrate just that with a show in Ocean City on Sunday, Sept. 30. Brous and his team are producing a film version of "Romeo and Juliet" as a pilot for a program to make the great works of Shakespeare relevant to high school students. In this film version of the famous love...READ MORE

OC Honors Retiring Planning Head

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council recognized Planning and Community Development Director Jesse Houston this week on his retirement after 30 years of service with the town. With Mayor Rick Meehan absent during Tuesday afternoon’s Mayor and City Council meeting, Council President Jim Hall presented Houston with a Proclamation and Key to the City recognizing him for his service. Houston joined Ocean City in 1982 and has played a significant role in the Department of Planning in...READ MORE

New Partnerships Increase Offerings At WOC Fitness

OCEAN CITY -- Through several partnerships in the community, one local gym is looking to offer members every service available in fitness, including access 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “We have everything that you’d want,” said West Ocean City Fitness (WOC Fitness) representative Tim Sebold. Approaching their two-year anniversary this November, WOC Fitness began with the unique idea of anytime access for members. “We do have people coming in at all hours,”...READ MORE

Artist Fitzgerald Reflects On Antietam’s Impact On His Life

OCEAN CITY – Last week marked the 150th anniversary of several noteworthy Civil War events, including the Battle of Antietam, and local artist Kevin Fitzgerald celebrated at Water’s Edge Gallery in downtown Berlin by exhibiting his art work directly related to his connection with the Antietam Battlefield. Fitzgerald was nine years old when he and his family first visited the Antietam Battlefield and at that time the 100th anniversary of the Civil War battle approached. Besides the...READ MORE

Suspected Heroin Dealer Busted

OCEAN CITY -- A Salisbury man was arrested on heroin distribution and other charges last week during which the suspect was tased in order to be brought under control. Last Wednesday, Ocean City police concluded an investigation into heroin distribution in the resort area with the arrest of Arnesto Lee Smith, 33, of Salisbury. Smith was arrested after a four-week undercover operation during which undercover narcotics detectives made several purchases of the illegal drug from the suspect. Smith...READ MORE

Q&A: Joe Hall Files For Re-Election With No Regrets

OCEAN CITY -- Despite an eventful term that included some self-proclaimed “gaffs” on his part, Councilman Joe Hall has no regrets about the decisions he made in office over the last four years and believes his knowledge, experience and passion merit him another term in November. During an interview this week at Soriano’s Coffee Shop, where he once worked when his father ran a business in the same downtown location, Joe Hall, who has served 10 years in elected office and filed...READ MORE

Worcester Cruises Past Salisbury Christian

BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity soccer team cruised past Salisbury Christian, 8-0, on the road on Monday. The Mallards got on the board early and often against Salisbury Christian on Monday with several players getting into the score book. Meredith Soule led the scoring barrage with two goals, while Molly Soule, Alex Bruder, Meredith Smith and Julia D’Antonia each scored single goals. Next up for the Mallards is a series of road games next week at Chesapeake Christian,...READ MORE

Seahawks Drop A Close One To Clippers

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity field hockey team lost a tough one this week, falling to Bennett, 2-1, on Monday at home to drop to 1-5 on the season. The Seahawks fell to the Clippers in a close game on Monday, 2-1. Cassidy Remmel scored Decatur’s lone goal. The loss on Monday came on the heels of a 7-1 loss to Kent Island on the road last Wednesday. In that game, Erin Florek scored Decatur’s lone goal on an assist by Glennie Rypien. The Seahawks’ lone win thus far...READ MORE

Seahawk Harriers Finish Strong in Meet

BERLIN- Decatur’s varsity cross country teams fared well at the latest Bayside Conference meet in Cambridge last week with several Seahawks finishing in the top of the standings. On the girls’ side, Chloe Fauntleroy came in second in the field of 45 competitors, finishing in 25:32. Alexandra Tushup was fourth overall, finishing in 26:18, while Alex Saunders was fifth at 26:31 and Lauren Buckman was eighth at 27:39. Other Seahawks finishing in the top 25 included Jordan Klebe in 12th...READ MORE

Decatur Boys Back on Winning Track

BERLIN- The Decatur boys’ varsity soccer team beat Wicomico, 4-1, last week to end a two-game losing streak and improve to 3-2 on the season. The Seahawks had plenty of firepower against the Indians last Wednesday in a convincing 4-1 win over the Indians. Nick White led the attack with two goals, while Zak Hoshino and Sunny Aroh each added single tallies. Sean Colgan led the Seahawk defense with eight saves in the net. The win over Wicomico got the Seahawks back on the winning track after...READ MORE

Seahawks Thrash Bennett, 45-0

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team thrashed Bennett, 45-0, on the road last week to improve to 2-2 on the season. After two consecutive losses, the Seahawks put it all together last Friday against Bennett, stomping the Clippers in all phases of the game. James Mapp got Decatur on the board early with a four-yard touchdown run. On the Seahawks’ next possession, quarterback Colin Macomber hit Cameron Gaynor on a 44-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead. Just before the...READ MORE

Bank Of OC MVP Of The Week

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Atlantic Physical Therapy Tough Guy Of The Week

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Decatur Girls Scalp Clippers, 3-0

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity soccer team remained unbeaten this week, topping visiting Bennett, 3-0, on Monday to remain nearly flawless on the season. Brittney Calandra led the Seahawks with two goals on Monday against the Clippers, while Tori Whigham added a single tally. Lexi McDonough and Liz Rouchger each contributed an assist, while goalkeeper Ashley Paul was her usual stingy self with eight saves. Monday’s shutout win came after the Seahawks thrashed county...READ MORE

Decatur Golfers Take Battle of Berlin

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity golf team topped neighborhood rival Worcester Prep in the final leg of the annual Battle of Berlin, a Ryder Cup-style series between the two schools, taking back the cup it relinquished to the Mallards last year. For the fourth straight year, the Decatur and Worcester Prep varsity golf teams have competed for the annual Battle of Berlin cup with a series of friendly but intense matches loosely based on the Ryder Cup format. The brainchild of Worcester Prep...READ MORE

SH Elementary Students Create Pinwheels

Cindy Sullivan, art teacher of Snow Hill Elementary, coordinated the Pinwheels for Peace project this year. Students created pinwheels as part of the creation process, then the students wrote or discussed about what peace meant to them on one side. Above, third graders Natalie Bowden, Zhamaia Collick and Bryce Purnell are shown. ...READ MORE

SD High School Students Participate As Face Painters At Bounce Out Bullying Event

Stephen Decatur High School junior Paige Bradford, sophomores Christina Van Vonno, Serena Craven, and juniors Cora Cox, and Ciara Wright participated as face painters at the inaugural Bounce Out Bullying event sponsored by the Acts of Kindness organization and the Student Government Association.  ...READ MORE

Lobo Honored As One Of The Highest Scoring Students of Hispanic/Latino Decent In The PSAT/NMSQT Testing

Worcester Prep senior Steven Lobo, pictured with Tull, was honored as one of the highest scoring students of Hispanic/Latino descent in the PSAT/NMSQT testing this year. To qualify for the award, in addition to outstanding an PSAT/NMSQT score, students must be at least one-quarter Hispanic/Latino, a high school junior when taking the test, have a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher, and be a United States citizen....READ MORE

Souleé Named Semifinalis In National Merit Scholarship

Above left, Meredith Soule´ was named a semifinalist in the annual National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) competition. The Worcester Prep senior received this honor because of her high scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. She is pictured with Headmaster Dr. Barry Tull receiving her certificate. ...READ MORE

SD National Honor Society Participates In Coastal Bays Beach Clean-up

Stephen Decatur High School National Honor Society members participated in the Coastal Bays Beach Clean-up on Sept. 15. Pictured, back, are Madi Mitrecic, Chris Dear, Joe Iacona, Katelynn Knowles and advisor Sabra McIntosh; and, front, Allie Oettinger, Sydney Hudson, Julia Shockley, Sara Prengaman, Zach Keiser, and helper Brooke Berquist. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Students Enjoy Anti-Bullying Pep Rally

Students from Ocean City Elementary School enjoyed an Anti-Bullying Kick Off The School Year Pep Rally. The program "Stand Up Speak Up" written by a committee of teachers at OCES, encourages children to stand up and speak up when they are being bullied or see bullying happening in the world around them. Performing an anti-bullying skit are fourth grade students, from left, Jabria Lewis, Charlotte Edmunds, Zak Krasner, Chelsea Van Vonno, Frances...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Joyce Davis Harrison BERLIN -- Joyce Davis Harrison, age 82, died Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. A native of Ocean City, Mrs. Harrison was the daughter of the late Arthur C. Davis and Violet Cropper Davis. She was preceded in death by husband Horace “Harry” Harrison, Jr., and brother Art Davis, both in 2007. Mrs. Harrison owned and operated the Tarry-A-While rooming house on Dorchester Street in Ocean City for many years. At the time it was built, the...READ MORE

Drawdown Strategy Considerations

OCEAN CITY -- For previous generations, retirement planning generally meant one thing: saving and investing for the time when you would no longer bring in an income. Nowadays, with people living longer, health care costs rising, pensions disappearing and people increasingly embracing more active, adventurous post-career lives, retirees need to be a lot more deliberate about making their money last. In fact, according to Merrill Lynch Affluent Insights Survey conducted in February 2012,...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 information, 410-524-7474. Open Monday-Saturday: Atlantic United Methodist Church Thrift Shop 10 a.m.-2 p.m., AUMC, 105, 4th Street, O.C. For more information, 410-289-4458. Open Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday: Shepherd’s Nook Thrift Shop 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Community Church at Ocean Pines, Rte. 589 &...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 Sat & Sun Condos, Townhomes, Single Family Homes Luxury Resort Living Terry Riley Vantage Resort Realty 443-880-0512 OCEAN CITY Makai Condominiums 42nd St. Bayside Daily 10-4 New Construction 2BR & Studio Condos Ben Dawson The Fritschle Group/ Condominium...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, Sept. 28: Blake Haley, 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29: John LaMere, 6-10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30: Louis Wright, 9 a.m.-noon 28th Street Pit and Pub 410-289-2020 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 28: TBA Saturday, Sept. 29: Pompous Pie 45th Street TapHouse Bar & Grille 443-664-2201 45th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 28: Pompous Pie, 7-11 p.m.; Saturday, Sept....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 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

A Week In Business

Women’s Conference Set BERLIN -- Carrie Dupuie, financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., will present the WOW Conference 2012 on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at the Ocean Pines Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The women’s conference will feature local speakers who will discuss finances, health, ideas for our home, fitness and fashion and will include a complimentary lite lunch. Reservations are required by Oct. 2 so call 410-208-1704 for additional details and to...READ MORE

N.A.A.C.P. Raises Money At Tindley Gospel Fest

Jim Richardson and Pat Warren of the Worcester County N.A.A.C.P. served visitors at their booth at the Tindley Gospel Fest held on Sept. 15 in Berlin. The chapter raised money to help with the Oct. 20 Freedom Fund Event. This yearly event will be held at Stephen Decatur Middle School and feature Keynote Speaker Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown. Tickets are $25. For more information, call 443-944-6701....READ MORE

Healing Hands Chiropractic Holds School Supplies Drive

Healing Hands Chiropractic held a "Fill the Bus" drive collecting school supplies for local Berlin Intermediate School. They are pictured with their collections with principal Tom Sites.  ...READ MORE

3rd Annual Blues On The Bay Raises Money For Coastal Hospice

Over 225 people attend the 3rd Annual Blues on the Bay fundraiser at Macky’s Bayside in Ocean City on Sept. 19 to raise money for Coastal Hospice at the Ocean. Pictured, from left, are Rodney Abbott, and Coastal Hospice Board members Debbie Abbott, Patricia Dempsey and Rick Holloway.  ...READ MORE

Worcester County Arts Council Honor Winners

The winners of the Worcester County Arts Council’s “Artists Choice” Juried Art Show were honored at the opening reception held on Sept. 14 at the Arts Council Gallery. Dee Brua won first prize for her watercolor painting titled “Poppies”, Charlotte Poore placed second for watercolor painting, “Powell Creek Storm”, and Janet Trimper won third prize for the "Summer Street Doorway", watercolor. Honorable mention awards were also announced to Jeri...READ MORE

Five Local Gold Star Mothers Honored

Five local Gold Star Mothers were honored on Sept. 5 at the 4th Annual Patriot Day Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Clarion Hotel in Ocean City. The event is organized by the Republican Women of Worcester County (RWWC). Pictured, from left, are Toni Coffland (son Christopher, US Army, Afghanistan, 2009); Colleen Eastman (son Sean Michael, USAF, North Carolina, 2002); Mary Suplee (son Daniel, US Army, Kuwait, 2006); Vina Bailey (son Keith Bailey, USMC, Beirut, Lebanon, 1983); and Kit Federico...READ MORE

Things I Like

A bottle of wine and a movie Staying up late for a football game Brick walls inside a restaurant Hearing wind chimes from bed Cooking out with a chill in the air Cashing in loose change Old expressions still true today Eating healthy at least a few days a week Biking on the beach down south My sons’ fascination with big inflatables A goofy, old dog ...READ MORE