January 18, 2013

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Assateague Ruled Out As Possible Wind Farm Connection Site

ASSATEAGUE -- With Gov. Martin O’Malley this week introducing his latest attempt at offshore wind energy turbines off the Maryland’s Atlantic coast, it remains uncertain where the eventual transmission line will connect to the mainland, but it will not come across Assateague as was feared earlier. Governor Martin O’Malley this week introduced his Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013, perhaps moving a future offshore wind energy farm as close as 10 miles off the coast of...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Council Votes 5-2 To Add Decorative Lights To St. Louis Ave.

OCEAN CITY – Decorative street lighting was approved Tuesday for the first reconstruction phase of St. Louis Ave. Last week a discussion over installing ornamental lighting along St. Louis Ave. began while the reconstruction is currently in its first phase from 17th to 10th streets. The project is being funded through bonds the city acquired last year to complete several capital projects. St. Louis Ave. runs north and south in Ocean City and is a frequently used corridor on the western...READ MORE

NEW FOR MONDAY: County Planners Support Proposed Subdivision Change Spurred By Septic Bill

SNOW Hill -- Since September, Senate Bill 236, also known as the “septic bill,” has been hotly debated across the shore, with opponents arguing that it would be a noose around the neck of development while proponents assert that it is a necessary antidote to sprawling growth. The debate came closer to a conclusion last week when the Worcester County Planning Commission voted 5-2 in favor of recommending that the County Commissioners adopt Senate Bill 236 as well as Bill 12-6, a text...READ MORE

Work Session Public Comments Questioned In OC

OCEAN CITY – The frequency of public comment periods at city government meetings was questioned this week with one councilman wanting to create a consistent policy for all government meetings. During a discussion on the expansion of a bus stop located on Somerset St. between Baltimore and Philadelphia avenues, a citizen asked to speak on the topic and was turned down. Once the vote was taken on the subject, Councilman Brent Ashley interjected that the Town of Ocean City’s code states...READ MORE

Thanos Case Recalled With Death Penalty In Focus

BERLIN -- With the governor’s proposed repeal of the death penalty taking center stage in the General Assembly this week, a brutal murder spree that began in Worcester County over two decades ago dimmed from memory over the years has come back into focus. On Tuesday, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley announced a renewed effort to repeal the death penalty in Maryland. The Maryland legislature reinstated the death penalty in 1990 and convicted murderer John Frederick Thanos, whose Labor...READ MORE

Shore Officials Oppose Death Penalty Repeal

BERLIN -- As expected, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley this week announced his latest plan to introduce legislation to repeal the death penalty in Maryland and believes he has the votes this time in the General Assembly, but the bill will have little support from lawmakers on the lower shore. On Tuesday, O’Malley held a press conference in Annapolis presenting his plan to introduce legislation to abolish capital punishment in Maryland. A similar effort in 2009 did not pass and resulted...READ MORE

Shore Counties To See More Funding In Governor’s Budget

BERLIN -- Gov. Martin O’Malley this week introduced his proposed fiscal year 2014 budget, and while the weighty document is sprinkled with mixed news, it appears Worcester and Wicomico counties could stand to gain much more in state aid in various departments and for significant capital projects. O’Malley on Wednesday introduced a proposed $37.3 billion fiscal year 2014 budget that includes an estimated $325 million in spending cuts while increasing the state’s rainy day fund...READ MORE

School Budget Process Underway

SNOW HILL -- A preliminary budget for fiscal year 2014 from the Worcester County Board of Education will be about 1 percent, or roughly $1 million, higher than last year and include funding for the county’s popular afterschool programs, several of which lost grant support over the summer. Costs are on the rise across the board, according to Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert, which is the main reason the budget has ballooned slightly. “At this time, we are anticipating increases...READ MORE

OC Council, Chamber Ink Guide Accord

OCEAN CITY -- The City Council and the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce inked a two-year contract this week on the distribution of an annual vacation guide. Tourism Director Donna Abbott and Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melanie Pursel requested the council sign a letter of agreement with the chamber for the distribution of the Visitors Guide and to approve a new two-year agreement. Abbott submitted, in 2010 the Department of Tourism and the chamber entered into...READ MORE

OC Council Debates St. Louis Ave. Lighting

OCEAN CITY – Placing ornamental lighting on St. Louis Ave. remains in question this week as city staff is directed to review other alternatives in the height of sidewalks and positioning of light posts. St. Louis Ave. is currently in the first phase of reconstruction from 17th to 10th streets with completion targeted for the end of May. The second phase includes 10th to 4th streets and is scheduled to begin next fall. The third phase will follow in fall of 2014 and will complete the...READ MORE

Measure Seeks Relaxed Business Violation Fines

BERLIN -- With an eye on improving Maryland’s often disparaged business climate, Delegate Mike McDermott has introduced legislation in the General Assembly that would relax the penalties for health and safety violations. McDermott sponsored the legislation, along with around 30 co-sponsors, which would, among other things, reduce hefty fines handed out by the state for first-time health and safety offenses at job sites and businesses if the offenders made a good faith effort to correct the...READ MORE

Md. Coastal Bays To Hold Volunteer Group Meeting

BISHOPVILLE -- The Maryland Coastal Bays Program will be holding a meeting at the Bishopville Firehouse on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. to develop a volunteer group to help steward the Lizard Hill restoration project located on Cemetery Road in Bishopville. MCBP is looking to inform the public about the Lizard Hill restoration site, including what it used to be, what it is now and what the plans are for the site’s future. MCBP is also looking to recruit interested community members to be...READ MORE

Downtown Bus Stop Expansion Moves Forward

OCEAN CITY – A compromise was made this week to have an overcrowded bus stop on Somerset St. expanded to accommodate increasing crowds. Public Works Director Hal Adkins brought forward a request this week to expand a bus stop located on Somerset Street between Baltimore and Philadelphia avenues. According to Adkins, in an effort to address a few privately owned and operated transit buses from the Francis Scott Key Motel, Frontier Town Campground, and the Castaways Campground, the town...READ MORE

Disaster Assistance Deadline Looms Next Month

SALISBURY – The U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding citizens and business owners that assistance is available for those who have been affected by Superstorm Sandy. SBA Public Affairs Specialist Karen Knapik attended both the Salisbury City Council and Wicomico County Council sessions to inform the public on SBA assistance for victims of Hurricane Sandy. “In times of disaster, we are tasked with being the federal government’s source of long-term funding for...READ MORE

County’s Interest Rates Impress; Shockley Upset Snow Hill High Not Included In Bond

SNOW HILL -- During a bond sale this week, the Worcester County Commissioners agreed they hit a home run in terms of the interest rates secured, but the silver cloud has a dark lining, according to Commissioner Virgil Shockley, who chided his colleagues for not including bonding for Snow Hill High School (SHHS). “We missed an opportunity [Tuesday] to save taxpayers literally millions in interest on Snow Hill High School,” he said. Two sets of bonds were bid out this week -- a Pension...READ MORE

Assateague’s ‘Name That Foal’ Auction Sets Record

ASSATEAGUE -- A wild foal born on Assateague last spring has a new name after a record-setting “Name That Foal” eBay auction late last month. Each year, the Assateague Island Alliance auctions the naming rights to a foal born in the Assateague Island National Seashore and the proceeds support the organization’s management efforts for the herd of wild horses on the barrier island. The latest naming opportunity was auctioned on eBay in late December and brought a new record...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Councilman, Citizen Have Slurpee Bet Editor: The Ocean City Council is living beyond its means and borrowing the difference. Last year the city’s debt rose $15 million. Councilmembers tell me this will continue because we are “rated AA”. However it is only a matter of time before the credit agencies downgrade the city’s credit rating. On Jan. 10, 2013, I made a bet with Lloyd Martin, president of the council, that Ocean City’s “AA” credit rating would be...READ MORE

Parents’ Annoyance Over Safety Understandable

Although minor institutional changes have been put in place in several schools, the parents who expressed angst over the slow pace school security measures have been approved in Worcester County have a right to be concerned. It’s only been a month since the horrific tragedy in Newtown, Conn., but we agree with the parents that significant changes should already be in place in the local school systems. This is perhaps the latest example of how government operates at an incredibly slow pace....READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

There are many disparate positions regarding the ongoing spat between Berlin and its fire company, but the one thing all sides seem to agree on is it’s time to move beyond the present acrimony.Last week epitomized how rocky this relationship has become with present leadership on both sides. Early in the week, Mayor Gee Williams confirmed the first salvo toward some sort of reconciliation has been made with town attorney Dave Gaskill seeking financial records from the Berlin Fire Company...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

With Pam out of commission due to the flu last weekend, I had a dilemma: how was I going to watch the Ravens play on Saturday with the kids? Typically, if I watch the game at home, Pam tends to the kids for the most part while I enthusiastically obsess on the television. She has an interest in the Ravens, but she’s more into it when the team makes the playoffs than during the season. She is not quite as diehard as I am. With her down for the count last weekend, I knew I would have to get...READ MORE

Seahawks Finish Strong at Bob Rowe Classic

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team turned in a strong performance at the 18th Annual Bob Rowe Memorial Classic last weekend, finishing fourth overall as a team with several individual wrestlers placing in their respective weight classes. The annual Bob Rowe Memorial Classic, a mid-winter wrestling tournament honoring the former Wicomico High coach, was held last weekend at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. The tournament featured 15 of the top programs in the region...READ MORE

Seahawk Girls Improve Record to 10-2

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team split a pair of games this week, falling to Parkside, 73-60, last Friday before getting back on track with a 65-48 win over Bennett on Tuesday. The Seahawks fell to the unbeaten Rams last week, 73-60. Makayan Alexander led Parkside with 36 points, while Decatur’s Abbey Schorr scored 26 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. On Tuesday, Decatur got back in the win column with a resounding 65-48 win over Bennett. Again, Schorr led...READ MORE

OC Boys Basketball Action Continues

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s winter boys’ basketball league continued this week with a full slate of games at Northside Park. The following is a look at some of the action: (bullet) Rox Weddings 42- Belair Road Supply 29: Jakeem Jordan scored 18 points and Owen Nally added 13 in the win for Rox. Thomas Dibuo led all scorers with 21 of his team’s 29 points in the loss. (bullet) OC-Berlin Optimists 28- OC Rec Boosters 24: Michael Barnes scored 16...READ MORE

Mallards Take Two, Remain Unbeaten

BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity basketball team swept two games this week, beating Gunston last Friday and Chincoteague on Monday, to remain unbeaten on the season. The Mallards’ record now stands at an impressive 12-0 after a pair of relatively easy wins this week. Worcester beat Gunston, 58-37, last Friday as Zander Farr scored a team-high 17 points and Harrison Brennan added 13. On Monday, the Mallards beat Chincoteague, 68-25, with Ryan Nally scoring 16 and Farr...READ MORE

Decatur Boys Continue Up and Down Ways

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team continued its up-and-down ways this week, beating Parkside last Friday before falling to Bennett in a close game on Tuesday. Against Parkside last week, the Seahawks edged the Rams, 62-58, and got balanced scoring from up and down the lineup. Tyler Hunter led Decatur with a double-double including 18 points and 15 rebounds. Jesse Engle scored 15 points and dished out eight assists, while Cameron Gaynor grabbed 11 rebounds. The...READ MORE

Coastal Lacrosse Registration Underway

BERLIN- Registration for the Coastal Lacrosse Club’s 2013 outdoor season is underway and teams are filling up quickly. Registration for the 2013 season may be done online through PayPal or the forms can be downloaded and mailed. In order to maintain a low player to coach ratio, the club will limit the number of players per team, therefore, teams will be formed solely on a first come-first served basis. Games and practices will be held at the Worcester County Northern Complex. Games will be...READ MORE

Annual Super Bowl Scramble Set

BERLIN- With the NFL playoff field down to just four teams heading into this weekend, it’s not too early to start making plans to participate in the annual Super Bowl Scramble golf tournament and tailgate party at Eagle’s Landing on February 3. Before settling in for the big game, local residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in the annual Super Bowl Scramble at Eagle’s Landing. Golfers will enjoy a fun tailgate party and a competitive round of golf, which will...READ MORE

Sports Editor Worcester Girls Thump Herons, Ponies

BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity basketball team enjoyed another solid week, beating Gunston, 41-14, last Friday before dismantling Chincoteague at home on Monday. Against Gunston, Molly Marshall scored 10 points and added 11 rebounds, while Sophie Brennan scored nine points and Meredith Smith scored eight and added 11 rebounds. Against Chincoteague at home on Monday, Worcester got up early on the Ponies and never looked back. The Mallards led 18-0 with three minutes left in...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

Hit-and-Run Help Sought

BERLIN -- The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office this week is seeking the public’s help in solving a hit-and-run accident involving a pedestrian in Pocomoke in late December. Around 7 p.m. on December 28, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit assisted the Pocomoke City Police with a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. The investigation revealed the female victim was struck initially by a Ford passenger car. After the initial collision,...READ MORE

Woman Loses $40K In Sweepstakes Scam

BERLIN -- Law enforcement officials this week are warning residents about a telephone scam that convinced an unsuspecting local elderly woman that she had won $2.5 million in a sweepstakes before bilking her out of $40,000 in increments to collect the winnings. In October, an elderly victim who wishes to remain anonymous was contacted by telephone by a person claiming to be from the American Sweepstakes Network. The caller told the victim she had won $2.5 million. The victim had not entered any...READ MORE

Wicomico Council To Update Md. On Tier Map Planning Process

SALISBURY – The Wicomico County Council has announced a public hearing regarding the complex septic bill that could affect the value of many rural properties within the county will be held next month. In its last couple of discussions regarding Senate Bill 236, known as the septic bill, the council has established a public participation program to notify rural property owners about the potential impacts associated with the ongoing legislation. Property owners in the R1 Zoning District that...READ MORE

Purnell House Renovation Gets Early Support

SNOW HILL -- After getting an exterior face lift last year, the Purnell House in Snow Hill is set to enter the next phase for interior renovation. Many on the Worcester County Commission winced when faced with the likely $600,000 eventual cost for interior work, but voted 6-1 in favor of moving forward with $36,245 of funding for continued support. “I want to see where they’re going with it,” said Commissioner Virgil Shockley in defense of his vote to continue renovating the...READ MORE

Ocean City Employees To Show Ravens Support

OCEAN CITY – The Town of Ocean City has committed to show its support by participating in “Purple Friday” today to cheer on the Baltimore Ravens into victory. “I think everybody had a great weekend, especially those who are Ravens fans and I think what the Ravens have done is great for their fans, great for the State of Maryland, and great for Ocean City and all its businesses,” Mayor Rick Meehan said at the conclusion of this week’s Mayor and City Council...READ MORE

Ocean City Clinic Aims To Transform Stress

OCEAN CITY – Dr. Keith Coleman of Ocean City Stress Transformation and Wellness Clinic is revamping his practice as the field of mind/body medicine progresses. “Obviously everyone can relate to stress but the significant difference is when you see a stress clinic generally they talk about stress reduction and stress management and the emphasis here is not on either one of those things, it’s on stress transformation,” Coleman said. Coleman explained it is the sympathetic...READ MORE

Group Again Seeks Support To Clean Up City Park’s Trails

SALISBURY – Local bicycle advocates pushed the Salisbury City Council this week to sanction a plan to rebuild the city park’s trails on the east side. At the conclusion of this week’s City Council meeting, Eastern Shore International Mountain Bicycling Association (ESIMBA) President Tres Denk came before the council to further a discussion that occurred last month. On Dec. 17, 2012, ESIMBA leader and Salisbury resident Jeff Dean came before the council asking the city form an...READ MORE

Greater Urgency Sought On School Security Measures

SNOW HILL -- One month after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, the Worcester County Board of Education outlined the status of security in schools and discussed how improvements might be made in the months to come. Several parents in the audience, however, called on the board to implement more security measures immediately no matter the cost. “We are willing to fund raise,” said Jeanne Zender, vice president of the Showell Elementary School (SES) PTA....READ MORE

Downtown Design Guidelines Mark 10 Years

OCEAN CITY – It’s been a decade since downtown design guidelines were instituted in Ocean City, and the success of the program is clearly visible with a ride around the historic area. Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) Executive Director Glenn Irwin explained the OCDC and Downtown Design Committee came about in 2000 following a report by the International Waterfront Group in 1999 suggesting a “Downtown Village Overlay District” be created in downtown Ocean City, as...READ MORE

Civic Center To Host Large Dental Clinic Next Month

SALISBURY -- According to organizers, the Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy (ESMOM) free dental clinic in March will be a “massive undertaking” that will attempt to provide dental health services to approximately 1,500 visitors over two days. On March 15 and 16, the Wicomico County Youth and Civic Center will be revamped into a 100-station adult dental clinic. “It’s a major event,” said ESMOM Community Chairperson Richard Van Gelder. “It’s going to...READ MORE

Burglary Suspect Jumps In Bay After Trying To Steal Car

OCEAN CITY -- Nine days after being charged in connection with six burglaries in the Montego Bay area, an Ocean City man was arrested again early Saturday morning after allegedly stealing a car in the resort and jumping into the bay in an attempt to avoid capture. On Jan. 3, Ocean City police concluded a nine-month investigation into multiple burglaries with the arrest of Alexander George Ellis, 20, of Ocean City. For nine months, OCPD detectives investigated seven burglaries, all of which...READ MORE

Boardwalk’s Purple Wood Not Connected To Ravens

OCEAN CITY – Placed in a timely manner as the Baltimore Ravens head to the AFC Championship this weekend, a unique purple section of Ocean City’s new Boardwalk was placed this week. While some may think it was placed to show pride in the Baltimore Ravens, the purple wood, called Purple Heart, was a planned marker on the Boardwalk to differentiate where the tram route moves from its own concrete lane and joins the wooden surface. The purple section of the Boardwalk begins on 4th...READ MORE

Berlin Tables Wind Turbine To Further Brief Citizens

BERLIN -- The installation of Berlin’s first wind turbine has been delayed to allow residents in the area around the proposed location more time to study the project. First pitched to the Berlin Town Council a little over a month ago, the turbine would be installed by DDU Magnetics and feature new technology designed by CEO Doug Richards. “It’s a new type of machinery, electro-rotating machinery, and this will be the first commercial application of a wind turbine of this type...READ MORE

Berlin Stormwater Study, Utility Costs Questioned

BERLIN -- The formation of a new stormwater utility in Berlin took another step forward this week with the Mayor and Council officially introducing the ordinance at their meeting Monday. However, one local business person attacked the idea of the utility and called the feasibility study it is based on “disingenuous” and “not worth the paper it is printed on.” “They’ve written this thing so slyly and so disingenuous,” said Jay Bergey of the study....READ MORE

Berlin Approves Restroom Renovation Contract

BERLIN -- Hoping to address what has been labeled the “No. 1 complaint” from visitors to Berlin, the Town Council unanimously approved a $104,528 contract with Joshi Construction Monday for the renovation of the public restrooms at town hall. While Berlin has been experiencing a “renaissance” over the past few years, according to Mayor Gee Williams, that spirit of rebirth has stopped just short of the town’s aging public bathrooms. “The number of people...READ MORE

AGH Installs New Multi-Media Units In All Rooms

BERLIN – As part of a hospital-wide update of all inpatient rooms, Atlantic General Hospital installed last fall new multimedia units that allow patients to watch television, make phone calls and surf the web all on one machine. The units were made available to patients this month after thorough testing. The new technology, called care.connection, offers more than just entertainment value – giving patients an easy way to access health education and important messages from the...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 info, 410-289-4458. Open Wednesday-Saturday: Shepherd’s Nook Thrift Shop 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Community Church at Ocean Pines, Rte. 589 & Racetrack Rd., Berlin....READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

19th hole bar & Grille, the 410-213-9204 Corner of Rte. 611 & Sunset Ave., West OC Friday, Jan. 18: TBA 28th Street Pit and Pub 410-289-2020 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Every Thursday: DJ Jeremy Adolfo’s 410-289-4001 13th St. & The Boardwalk, In The Beach Plaza Hotel Friday, Jan. 18: Rhonda Apple & Dale Britt 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. &...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

OC Elementary Students Follow Recipe To Make Stone Soup

Paige McAdams, Damira Hill, Aarnav Tiwari, Nicolas Rittersbacher and Julianna Wooden in Jennifer Spicer’s kindergarten class at Ocean City Elementary School followed a recipe to make Stone Soup after reading the folk tale in class. ...READ MORE

4 through 8 Grades Compete In Wicomico Day School National Geographic Geography Bee

Students in grades 4 through 8 competed in the first annual Wicomico Day School National Geographic Geography Bee on Jan. 10. The winner was seventh grader Ryan Townsend and first runner up was fifth grader Austin Dalfonso. Townsend is pictured with school Administrative Head Michael Detmer. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Fourth Grade Students Use Their iPad Expertise To Offer Instructions To First Graders

Worcester Preparatory School fourth grade teacher Mandy Lynch’s students used their iPad expertise to offer instruction to first graders. Pictured above are, from left, Nathan Oltman, Meredith Cummings, Sienna Tunnell, Graham McColgan and Kannon Cropper. ...READ MORE

Tangram Time At OC Elementary

It's "Tangram Time" in Linda Brown's second grade at Ocean City Elementary. Brooks Kendall and Layla Powell are shown with a shark and a swan they created with their tangram pieces as part of the Commom Core geometry unit.   ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Students Make Models Of Possible Careers

Deneen Nicolle's first grade class at Ocean City Elementary School made models of possible careers they would like to have when they grow up. They read and wrote about specific goals they have to achieve in order to be successful in that job field. Pictured, from left, are Kaleb Davis, Eric Braica, Faith Haddad and Kalena Ethridge.  ...READ MORE

Buckingham Elementary Students Complete Arts Immersion Lesson

Third grade students at Buckingham Elementary School who recently completed an arts immersion lesson are pictured. The Kandinsky Arts Immersion Lesson incorporated geometric concepts into a painting inspired by the artist Kandinsky. Pictured, back, are Zoriah Shockley, Alexis Walker, TreShon Brewer, Sunny Trivits and Frankie Richwalski, and, front, Hailey Timmons, Bryant Rappold and Zanyha Duffy. ...READ MORE

NSCAA Recognizes SD High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) this week recognized Stephen Decatur High School’s girls varsity soccer team for its exceptional academic performance this year with a Team Academic Award. The team grade point average was 3.70 on a 4.0 scale. Pictured, from left, are Coach Misty Bunting, seniors Alex Pinto, Taylor Frederick and Tori Whigham, and Principal Tom Zimmer. Submitted Photos...READ MORE

A Week In Business

New Director Named BETHANY BEACH, Del. – The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce recently appointed David Martin as its new executive director. Formerly the vice president of the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island, S.C., Martin is an entrepreneurial, creative and member-oriented executive with proven relationship building skills and marketing success in hospitality, tourism, and event planning. Other notable experiences in Martin’s career include positions as...READ MORE

Tri-County Council For The Lower Eastern Shore Of Maryland Presents Annual Citizenship Award

The Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland presented its annual Citizenship Award at their quarterly meeting last month. The award is given in recognition of outstanding service through leadership, responsibility, character and commitment which have produced a positive effect on Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. The award was presented to The Seton Center, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Wilmington.  The award was accepted by Denean Jones-Ward and Sister Cecelia...READ MORE

OC Lions Club Presents Check To Worcester County Commission On Aging Inc.

Ocean City Lions Club President Cindy Malament, right, presents a check to Robert Hart, executive director of the Worcester County Commission on Aging Inc., to help fund the commission’s many services. Hart and Malament are pictured above. ...READ MORE

Quilters By The Sea Donate Quilts To The Children At Diakonia

Quilters by the Sea of Ocean Pines made and donated eight quilts to the children at Diakonia last month. Pictured holding two of the quilts given are quilters Shirley Schaefer and Diane Sparzak. ...READ MORE

OP Garden Club Holds Installation Luncheon

The Ocean Pines Garden Club held its installation luncheon this month at the Ocean Pines Country Club. The program schedule for 2013 was presented and new officers were installed during a candle lighting ceremony that detailed the duties of each position.  Pictured, from left, are Barbara Ferger, President; Daryl Carpenter, Corresponding Secretary; Gail Jankowski, Co-Vice President; and Anita Roberts, Co-Vice President. Not pictured were Sharon Puser, Recording Secretary, and...READ MORE

Junior Auxiliary Board Donates $25K To PRMC Foundation

The Junior Auxiliary Board recently donated $25,000 to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Foundation as part of the Junior Board’s $1 million pledge toward PRMC’s trauma center. Above, Junior Board President Cynthia Holloway gives the $25,000 donation to Peninsula Regional Medical Center Education Department Director Patti Serkes, PRMC Vice President of Operations Optimization and Innovation Steve Leonard with Junior Board Immediate Past President Susan Peacock. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Things I Like

When the Ravens are underdogs What jingling the car keys does to my dogs Winter frosted windows Good steamed crabs in January Not complaining Using a dictionary Seafood with eggs for breakfast Remembering concerts with friends Watching my kids dance together Smell of bacon cooking Easy return policies ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Guess what, Lamb? You're about to experience a new perspective on a situation you long regarded quite differently. What you learn could open more opportunities later.TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): The Bold Bovine is tempted to charge into a new venture. But it might be best to take things one step at a time, so that you know just where you are at any given point.GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): It's a good time to go on that fun getaway you've been planning. You'll return...READ MORE