February 8, 2013

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Larger ‘Flagship’ Liquor Store Eyed For Route 50

BERLIN -- The liquor industry in Worcester County could change dramatically in the coming months if officials approve a plan for a new and larger Department of Liquor Control (DLC) retail facility on Route 50. A DLC advisory committee will present to the County Commissioners on Tuesday a proposed lease agreement for a new alcohol distribution retail operation at a shopping center development on the eastbound side of Route 50 between Berlin and West Ocean City. If the commissioners approve the...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Public Outcry, Crash Data Leads State To Reverse Earlier Traffic Light Decision

SNOW HILL -- One troubled intersection in the south end of Worcester County will receive a traffic light by mid-summer, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). While MDOT and the State Highway Administration (SHA) had previously opposed a light in favor of installing J-turns, public outcry persuaded MDOT to re-evaluate the need for a traffic signal at the intersection of Routes 113 and 12 near Snow Hill. The decision was widely lauded by representatives on the Eastern...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: New Arts Center Now Open In Ocean City; Grand Opening Set For March 1

OCEAN CITY – The new Ocean City Center for the Arts is anxiously awaiting its grand opening in a couple weeks but in the meantime classes and activities are already taking place. Ocean City Center for the Arts Executive Director Rina Thaler came before the Mayor and City Council on Tuesday afternoon to report on the new center, which is the new home for the Art League of Ocean City. With her was Board President Marian Bickerstaff, Vice President Emily Schwab and Past President Betty...READ MORE

NEW FOR MONDAY: 30th Annual Boat Show Growing To Meet Demand

OCEAN CITY -- The Seaside Boat Show, sponsored by the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, turns 30 this year and a variety of factors have teamed to likely make this year’s event the biggest and best ever. For the last 29 years, the annual boat show has helped mark a turning point in the winter season for many visitors to the resort and its hearty year-round residents and this year should be no different. Coupled with the three-day President’s Day weekend with Valentine’s Day in...READ MORE

NEW FOR FRIDAY: Three Men Charged With Theft From Wal-Mart

BERLIN -- Three Salisbury residents were arrested on theft and theft scheme charges this week after local law enforcement officials were able to connect them to a series of thefts of flat-screen televisions, computers and other electronics from the Wal-Mart in Berlin totaling thousands of dollars. On Jan. 26, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the theft of numerous laptop computers, desktop computers, televisions, home surveillance equipment and Blu-Ray DVDs...READ MORE

Wicomico County Looks To Phase Out Inventory Tax

SALIBSURY – The Wicomico County Council is weighing whether to eliminate its inventory tax with a public hearing planned for next month on the effort. On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council voted unanimously to introduce a legislative bill that will amend a chapter within the County Code regarding taxation and the “percentage of assessed value changed” to reduce the percentage of the assessed value of commercial inventory subject to county property tax from 35 percent to zero...READ MORE

State Now Mulling New 113 Traffic Light

SNOW HILL -- Collective protests from the Snow Hill community and unique traffic conditions have the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) re-considering placing a stoplight at the intersection of Routes 12 and 113. Though nothing has been guaranteed, MDOT’s admission that they might put a traffic light at the accident prone intersection is a major change in position from its most recent stance. County Commissioner Virgil Shockley, who has made Routes 12 and 113 a pet project for...READ MORE

State Gun Debate Heats Up As Governor Testifies For Changes

ANNAPOLIS -- The first salvo in what has become a heated debate over the governor’s proposed gun control legislation was fired this week when hundreds of Marylander’s from all over the state rallied in opposition to what they perceive as an assault on their Second Amendment rights. In the wake of the Newtown, Conn. tragedy in December, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley has proposed stringent changes to the state’s gun laws which, if approved, would make them among the...READ MORE

Showell Students Score Wins At International Fest

BERLIN -- Though they couldn’t make the trip to Kentucky to participate in the International Student Media Festival (ISMF) in November, Jeannette Mears’ former kindergarten class got an opportunity to celebrate their victories in two categories when Showell Elementary School (SES) held a screening of their multi-media story project on Wednesday. “We thought we’d bring the festival here and do our own production for you and share what your students did and all of their...READ MORE

Septic Repeal Bill Still Alive

BERLIN -- A local delegate’s effort to repeal the state’s Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Act of 2012, or “septic bill,” appears to have newfound support after its first committee hearing in the House this week. Earlier this session, Delegate Mike McDermott introduced legislation aimed at repealing the controversial septic bill approved by state lawmakers last year. After considerable debate during the 2012 session, state lawmakers passed legislation, which would...READ MORE

Salisbury Alters Police Position

SALISBURY -- To get more sworn members of the police force out of the office and into the field, Salisbury Police Chief Barbara Duncan successfully petitioned the City Council Monday for permission to change the agency’s quartermaster position into a civilian role. “Essentially, we are looking to completely civilianize our quartermaster position and get another sworn officer out into the street,” Duncan said. According to Duncan, the quartermaster is responsible for ordering...READ MORE

Resort’s Strategic Planning Model Shaping Up

OCEAN CITY – The Strategic Planning Model for Ocean City is nearing completion as city staff, citizens and the Mayor and City Council reviewed the draft last week. The Strategic Planning Model, an initiative being led by City Manager David Recor, begins with a vision that is described by value-based principles of the preferred future of Ocean City over the next 15 years. Following a minor tweak by the Mayor and City Council last Friday after receiving input from citizens the night before,...READ MORE

Pre-Engineering Academy Marks Five Years

SNOW HILL -- With a new batch of Worcester Technical High School’s (WTHS) seniors set to graduate this year, Engineering Instructor Bob Dawson pointed to the capstone projects of this year’s class as further proof that the five-year-old pre-engineering program is producing results. “The pre-engineering academy, we’re in our fifth year, so these kids that are seniors, they’re our second set of graduates. They come to us in the eighth grade and we keep them for four...READ MORE

PNC Grant To Bolster Center For Arts Offerings

OCEAN CITY -- The Art League of Ocean City has been awarded a $25,0000 grant from the PNC Foundation to name the upstairs community/classroom in the new Ocean City Center for the Arts building. The new art center is scheduled to have its ribbon cutting and grand opening reception on Friday, March 1 at 4:30 p.m. An opening art reception from 5-7 p.m. featuring acclaimed artist Patrick Henry as well as artwork by local artists will follow the ribbon cutting. A result of a public private...READ MORE

New Accord Over Senior Housing Facility Requested

SALISBURY – With renovations and new amenities eyed for the future, the operator of Pine Bluff Village is looking to become separated from the State of Maryland and is looking for the county’s support. During this week’s work session, the Wicomico County Council was approached by Isaac Sassoon and Mark Gold of Tryko Partners and their legal representation Bob Taylor to discuss the PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) agreement the county holds on the property of Pine Bluff...READ MORE

Months Later, Post-Fire Rebuilding Efforts Now In Full Swing

OCEAN CITY -- Months after a pair of devastating fires in and around Ocean City just 10 days apart, all or parts of the damaged buildings are being torn down with the hope of a quick turnaround for both. On Sept. 26, 2012, a massive fire consumed the entire top floor of a three-story condominium building at the Bradley on the Bay complex at 37th Street, bellowing thick black smoke across much of the midtown area. The Ocean City Fire Department responded en masse to the blaze and soaked the...READ MORE

Legislation’s Roots Linked To Local Murder Case

BERLIN -- A bill introduced in the General Assembly that would greatly enhance the penalties for an accessory after the fact conviction in a murder case has its roots in a homicide and subsequent conviction in Worcester County last year. Delegate Mike McDermott (R-38B), who represents Worcester County and the lower shore, is among the eight co-sponsors of House Bill 709, which if approved would increase the maximum sentence for those convicted of being an accessory after the fact in a...READ MORE

Inlet Repairs Aim To Address Repeat Problem

OCEAN CITY -- Months after Hurricane Sandy passed over Ocean City and the mid-Atlantic region, there is little evidence of the storm’s damage in the resort area, but one high-profile area continued to get attention this week. As is the case with most major storms, the Inlet parking lot and surrounding areas typically see significant damage and erosion and Hurricane Sandy was no different. This week, Ocean City crews were seen excavating the edge of the asphalt parking lot closest to the...READ MORE

Council Majority Seeks To End Fire Chief Stalemate

SALISBURY -- The majority of the Salisbury City Council put Mayor Jim Ireton on the clock this week when it only agreed to extend the status of Acting Fire Chief Rick Hoppes until Feb. 28 and told administration to advance a candidate to serve as permanent chief. Hoppes has served as the Salisbury Fire Department (SFD) acting chief since last winter when then-Chief Jeff Simpson resigned. As deputy chief, Hoppes was moved to fill the spot until a permanent replacement could be found. Ireton...READ MORE

Former Adolfo’s Building Downtown Razed

OCEAN CITY -- A historic Ocean City landmark near the Inlet was unceremoniously torn down this week after an investigation revealed it was not as old as first believed. The old house, most recently home to Adolfo’s Restaurant, on a site adjacent to the Oceanic Motel near the Inlet, was torn down this week after outliving its useful purpose. The old house turned Italian restaurant was first believed to be one of the oldest buildings in Ocean City and the site of the town’s first...READ MORE

Stronger Concussion Regs Approved

BERLIN- Public school systems in Maryland and across the lower shore will have to implement even more stringent regulations on concussions and head injuries for student-athletes after the state announced the changes last week. The Maryland State Board of Education took action in their meeting last week to strengthen protections for student-athletes by making permanent the emergency regulations put in place last fall requiring training for coaches in the area of brain injuries. Board members...READ MORE

Seahawks Fall to South River in Region Duals

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team’s bid for a perfect season came to a close on Wednesday with a loss in the state Class 4A-3A East Region dual tournament to old rival South River, but the season continues with the Bayside championship looming. The Seahawks fell to South River, 34-27, in a close match on Wednesday in the 4A-3A East Region dual meet for its first team loss of the season. Decatur entered the region dual meet as the number-two seed, while South River came...READ MORE

Seahawks Return Home after Loss to Washington

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team completed a tough three-game road stretch this week with a 50-46 loss to Washington on Tuesday and is now ready for a little home cooking. The Seahawks completed a tough stretch of three straight road games against Washington on Tuesday and fell to the Jaguars, 50-46. The late season road swing started with a close 55-50 loss to Worcester County rival Pocomoke last Tuesday and included a 54-41 win over Crisfield sandwiched in...READ MORE

OC Boys Basketball Action Continues

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s boys’ winter basketball lead continued this week with a full slate of games at Northside Park. The following is a look at some of this week’s action: (bullet) O.C. Rec Boosters 25- O.C.-Berlin Optimists 18: Avery McCormick led the Boosters with 11 points while Kodie Johnson scored 12 for the Optimists in the loss. (bullet) OC-Berlin Optimists 67- FOP 58: Zach Cordrey went off for 37 points to lead the Optimists over...READ MORE

Decatur’s Duker Wins High Jump Regional Title

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity indoor track teams turned in strong performances at the state 3A-East Region meet this week with middle-of-the-pack team finishes and several outstanding individual efforts including a regional title in the boys’ high jump. The Seahawks competed in the 3A-East Region meet in Prince George’s County and acquitted themselves well against some of the top track athletes in the state. The Decatur boys finished seventh overall in the region meet with...READ MORE

25th St. Pat’s Soccer Tourney Set to Return

OCEAN CITY- The  Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s 25th annual St. Patrick’s Soccer Tournament returns next weekend with roughly 150 teams and hundreds of players from all over the mid-Atlantic region expected to converge on the resort for the four-weekend event. From modest beginnings 25 years ago, the annual St. Patrick’s Tournament has grown by leaps and bounds over the years and is now one of the largest events of its kind. The 2013 tournament will host over...READ MORE

Decatur Girls Roll Past Jaguars, 60-16

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team utilized a high-powered offense and atrocious shooting by visiting Washington on Tuesday to cruise to a 60-16 win over the Jaguars. The Seahawks were already head 10-3 in the first quarter before a steady parade of free throws increased the lead. Monique Wise went up strong and was fouled and made the front end of a one-and-one to increase the lead to 11-4. On the next possession, Abbey Schorr knocked down a pair of foul shots...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

I will never forget last weekend’s Super Bowl. Obviously, the Ravens took home the top prize, which makes it memorable alone for a fan. Best of all, though, was being able to watch it with my family.Earlier in the week, I passed on several opportunities to watch the Super Bowl in person in New Orleans. I seriously considered at least one of those offers, but I’m glad in the end I saved the money and watched it at home.The highlight of the game for me was Jacoby Jones’ second...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Bus Stop Intentions Meant To Deceive Editor: A wise man, Bo Ruggerio, once told me some good advice. He said, “Look after the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.” I know that the issue of $13,000 for an expanded bus stop on the corner of Somerset Street and S. Baltimore Ave. is small in dollars comparatively, but obviously it matters to a lot of people. It’s so much money, in fact, that we have to ask the taxpayers of OC to spend their money for this expansion...READ MORE

When Common Sense Beats Out Numbers

It’s often said numerical data can be twisted and manipulated to present favorable arguments for just about any sort of issue. That may be true, but common sense trumps everything, including figures that may lead to a contrary conclusion. The situation involving the controversial intersection of Routes 12 and 113 south of Snow Hill is an example of just that. This intersection has been the scene of dozens of accidents in recent years, including some fatalities. Ever since Route 113 was...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

While there are some proposed changes to the general law governing the liquor industry in Worcester County expected to be approved by the General Assembly this year, the big news on the liquor front here in Worcester County involves the retail side of the industry.Department of Liquor Control Executive Director Bob Cowger was unavailable for comment this week, but it’s well-known the county has a plan on the table to shutter its existing retail stores in Berlin off Old Ocean City Blvd. and...READ MORE

Airlifted After Crash

BERLIN -- An Ocean City woman was flown to Shock Trauma with injuries not believed to be life-threatening after a single-vehicle accident at Routes 113 and 589 on Tuesday afternoon. Around 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Maryland State Police troopers responded to a reported motor vehicle accident with injuries at Routes 113 and 589. Upon arrival, troopers observed one vehicle had gone through a guardrail on the shoulder of northbound Route 113 and collided with a tree. The operator and sole occupant of...READ MORE

Songwriters In Focus At Fager’s Island Feb. 15

OCEAN CITY -- Fager’s Island will be hosting a unique event this month aimed at providing a break from the winter doldrums. On Friday, Feb, 15, Fager’s Island and GoodCleanFunLife.com will host six of the Mid-Atlantic’s finest songwriters and performers from multiple genres on the main stage. Tapped to appear are Nate Clendenen and Blake Haley of Ocean City; Cliff Hillis of Philadelphia; Robert Mabe of Winchester, Va.; Nancy Micciulla of Rehoboth Beach, Del.; and Skribe of...READ MORE

School Workshop Aims To Help Prepare Substitute Teachers

SNOW HILL -- Looking to create a more prepared substitute teacher, Worcester County Public Schools offered a day of workshops last week, including a program designed to teach classroom management techniques. The workshop event was one of two held throughout the year that substitutes are expected to attend to qualify for a higher pay rate and to pick up essential teaching skills that are designed to make them more effective educators. Theresa Torpey, extended school program administrator at...READ MORE

Proposed Aquaculture Lease Touches Off Rights Debate

BERLIN -- A proposed water column lease in the Chincoteague Bay off South Point for the purpose of aquaculture has become the touchstone of a much larger debate about the public’s right to recreate in state waters and has now resulted in a bill introduced in the General Assembly aimed at preserving those fundamental and historic rights. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering an application for a water column lease in a vast area off South Point pre-approved for...READ MORE

OC Council Irons Out Public Comment Debate

OCEAN CITY – The city’s strategic planning process is coming to an end but not before the Mayor and City Council discussed challenges that have surfaced during public meetings and ways to bring governance back to a high level of decorum. Last Friday the Mayor and City Council met to discuss final matters within the strategic planning process. About five hours into the meeting, officials reached the final section that included governance topics, such as house rules when it comes to...READ MORE

OC Arrests Jumped 14% Last Year; Assaults Decrease

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Acting Chief Kevin Kirstein gave an overview last week of the department’s 2012 Annual Report. In 2012, there were 1,497 reportable offenses, representing incidents that have to be reported to the FBI like homicide, rape, robbery, assault, breaking and entering, larceny and motor vehicle thefts. Since 2006, there has been an average of 1,488 reportable offenses in Ocean City. Within those offenses, assaults decreased 10.6 percent from...READ MORE

Liquor Law Changes Get County Support

SNOW HILL -- A series of changes to Article 2B, which governs the sale of alcohol in Maryland, could quadruple the maximum fine for serving alcohol after hours, require a supervisor with alcohol training on site at all times and permit the off-sale of beer, wine and liquor from seven-day license holders. However, putting the alterations on the books requires approval from the state legislature. The changes are “minor amendments,” according to a letter from Board of License...READ MORE

Eagle Scout Proposes Bat Boxes For Berlin Park

BERLIN -- At last week’s Berlin Town Council meeting, roosting areas for bats were approved for Stephen Decatur Park, a new town event aimed at supporting the fight against breast cancer gained the nod and it was learned a popular theatre group that first visited Berlin this fall will be returning in September. Bats in Berlin will be able to thank Eagle Scout Peter Marx for the addition of a dozen roosting boxes to Stephen Decatur Park next month. Marx told the council that the boxes will...READ MORE

Diakonia Seeks State Funding To Help Expand Services

WEST OCEAN CITY -- An organization dedicated to providing transitional housing and other support to those needing a leg up might soon be able to provide a more permanent solution if a bill introduced in the Maryland General Assembly is approved. Senator James Mathias (D-38) last week introduced a bill in the General Assembly that, if approved, could provide a much-needed fiscal shot in the arm for a Diakonia, a West Ocean City-based organization that has provided transitional housing and other...READ MORE

Death By Chocolate Announced For Feb. 17

OCEAN CITY – Take a trip to the zoo, only this time indulge in chocolate along the way as this year’s “Death by Chocolate” event will uncover the mystery of where zoo animals have taken cover at local participating merchants. The 6th Annual “Death by Chocolate” will be held on Sunday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. CraZy LadyZ owners Jan Patterson-Hohman and Louise Reardon created the event to promote local businesses...READ MORE

Council Okays Committee Structure

OCEAN CITY – At the conclusion of the Mayor and City Council’s strategic planning workshop last Friday, the decision to re-establish town committees was brought forward to dig deeper into details. Councilman Joe Mitrecic brought up the idea last month to re-enact the committee structure the town had in place prior to the organizational meeting following 2010’s municipal election when the previous council voted to dissolve the groups. The reasoning was to have all city business...READ MORE

Commissioners Support New GIS Policies

SNOW HILL -- Due to rising demand for Geographic Information System (GIS) data and maps by private sources, Worcester County officially adopted a set of GIS policies and procedures this week. The majority of the County Commissioners agreed to adopt the original policies suggested by the Department of Development Review and Permitting. However, two commissioners unsuccessfully argued about lowering costs to private individuals seeking GIS information, with one commissioner saying that the current...READ MORE

Citizens Add Input To OC Strategic Planning Effort

OCEAN CITY – As part of the ongoing strategic planning process, the Mayor and City Council invited approximately 70 citizens to participate in a summit to receive input on goals and initiatives moving Ocean City into the future. For the past couple of months, the Mayor and City Council and city staff have gone through several rounds of interviews and workshops to narrow down a Strategic Planning Model that outlines a vision describing the preferred future of Ocean City over the next 15...READ MORE

8th DUI Results In Jail Term

SALISBURY -- A Berlin man arrested on drunk driving charges for the eighth time last June was found guilty again this week in Wicomico County Circuit Court and was sentenced to an additional three years, bring his net total to eight years for prior convictions. On Monday, James David Nibblett, Jr., 48, of Berlin, appeared in Wicomico County Circuit Court to face one count of driving under the influence of alcohol as a subsequent offender and was sentenced to an additional three years, with all...READ MORE

‘Get Fit’ Day Used As Incentive For Berlin Students

BERLIN -- Students who have shown responsible behavior and positive attitudes at Buckingham Elementary School (BES) got a chance to spend a few hours learning about, and trying out, several different kinds of fitness programs last Thursday during a special “Get Fit” event. Hundreds of students filled the school’s gymnasium and were able to rotate around several fitness stations scattered throughout the area. The activities offered ranged from obstacle courses to zumba to more...READ MORE

Fiance Attacked With Beer Can, Then Bean Can

OCEAN CITY -- An Ocean City woman was arrested on assault charges twice within a span of a few hours on Tuesday and early Wednesday morning after allegedly attacking her fiancé first with a can of beer and later a can of beans. On Tuesday, Kathleen Theresa Machen, 47, of Ocean City, was arrested on second-degree assault charges after allegedly attacking her fiancé by hitting him in the head with a can of beer. Ocean City Police responded to the residence on Philadelphia Ave. near 12th...READ MORE

Chef Tapped For OC Trade Expo

OCEAN CITY -- Plans are underway for the 39th Annual Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Trade Expo which will be held on March 3 & 4, 2013 at the Ocean City Convention Center. The newly expanded Ballroom, featuring floor to ceiling windows overlooking Assawoman Bay, will provide a stunning backdrop for DC Chef Mike Isabella, who will appear on stage in the Culinary Corner on Sunday, March 3 at noon and following his cooking demo will be available to sign his new...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

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

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Leonard Benjamin Kelley OCEAN PINES -- Leonard Benjamin Kelley, age 92, died Sunday January 27, 2013 at the Wicomico Nursing Home in Salisbury. Born in Humboldt, Iowa, he was the son of the late Thomas Edward Kelley and Ella Bohn Kelley. He was preceded in death by his wife Elsie Alvarez Kelley in 2006. Mr. Kelley was a graduate of the University of Maryland and had been an editor with the Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. He was a WWII Army/Air Force veteran, a member of the VFW in...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, Feb. 8: Scott Glorioso Saturday, Feb. 9: Louis Wright Thursday, Feb. 14: Brenda Golden & Mike Smith 28th Street Pit and Pub 410-289-2020 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Every Thursday: DJ BK Adolfo’s 410-289-4001 13th St. & The Boardwalk, In The Beach Plaza Hotel Friday, Feb. 8, Saturday, Feb. 9 & Thursday, Feb. 14: Rhonda Apple & Dale Britt Atlantic Hotel 410-641-3589 2 North...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

Trice Wins Worcester Prep School National Geography Bee

Mina Trice, a fourth grade student from Seaford, was the winner of the Worcester Preparatory School National Geography Bee for grades fourth through eighth. She is pictured with Lower School Head Celeste Bunting. ...READ MORE

Students Celebrate Pajama Day At Showell Elementary School

Students celebrate Pajama Day at Showell Elementary School because they won the Discipline Challenge. Each month the students at Showell try their best to reduce the number of discipline referrals from the previous month last year. Above, Nicholas Hitchens, Pearson Schul, Hannah Tilton and Sadie Peters pose with Principal Diane Shorts. ...READ MORE

Salisbury School Key Club Volunteers Work With Community Emergency Shelter Program

The Salisbury School Key Club volunteers worked with the Community Emergency Shelter Program at St. Peters Episcopal Church in downtown Salisbury last weekend. Club members put together several bagged lunches, prepared and served dinner to those in the shelter program. Pictured, from left, are Sarah Benamati, Tony Cheng, Grace Rabasca, Peggy Chen and Alex Batton.   ...READ MORE

Third Grade Students At Showell Elementary Create Analog Watches

Miss Bobik’s third grade students at Showell Elementary School created analog watches in order to practice telling time with one another. Kenny Berry is shown reading a friend’s watch and writing the time shown on a time collection sheet.  ...READ MORE

SH High Artists Place In 8th Annual Berlin/OC Optimist Student Art Show

Three artists from Snow Hill High School recently placed in the 8th Annual Berlin/O.C. Optimist Student Art Show and Contest held at the Random Juxtaposition Gallery in Ocean Pines. Pictured, from left, are Taylor Burkhead, second place painting; Bethany Belton, third place drawing; and Kasey Jones, first place painting.  ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Honors January Students Of The Month

Ocean City Elementary School honored the January Students of the Month with a luncheon and special cake sponsored by the Ocean City/Berlin OptiMs. Pictured are, first row, first grade honorees Jasmine Gooch, Nevaeh Wilgis, Natasha Vazquez, Zane Koch, Joshua Myrick, and Rowan Wilkins; second row, second graders Julianna Johnston, Julisa Torres-Tress, Sophia Krasner, Dalton Bunting and Vance Jenkins; third row, third graders Abigail Greenwood, Grant Gursky, Bahar Yucel, Marina Bryan and...READ MORE

SD High History Department Recognizes Top Writers From Fall Semester

The Stephen Decatur High School history department recognized its top writers from the fall semester in grades 10 and 11. As part of the Worcester County Public Schools writing across the curriculum initiative, United States and world history students are required to write extensive research papers. Pictured, back from left, are Co-principal Karen White, juniors Jonah Crisanti, Tyler Coppinger, sophomore Conor May, juniors Trevor Hanley, Hannah Kennedy, and sophomore Gabrielle...READ MORE

Jeffrey Peter Marx Fund Awards Grant To Worcester County G.O.L.D.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s Jeffrey Peter Marx Memorial Fund awarded a $2,000 grant to Worcester County G.O.L.D. to support efforts to provide emergency services to local families in need. Pictured, from left, are Eric Vinson, Treasurer, Worcester County G.O.L.D.; JoAnne Hunsicker; Kelly Barker, Assistant Executive Director, Worcester G.O.L.D.; Jack Perry; Jessica Marx Baker; Kurt Marx; Millie Marx; and Jean Marx. ...READ MORE

OC Lioness Inducted Seven New Members

The Ocean City Lioness inducted seven new members during their 37th Year Charter Night activities. Pictured, front from left, are Amy Bishop and Linda Oliver; and, back, Billie Terrones, Joyce Davis, Jackie Burgan, Debi Gorsuch and Kyrstal Schlissler. ...READ MORE

Jackson Receives Certificate Of Appreciation From DEF

Michael Pennington, right, president of the Delmarva Education Foundation (DEF) board of directors, presents a certificate of appreciation to Jack Jackson, a long-time DEF director who is retiring from the board.  ...READ MORE

Community Church at OP And Bishopville Charge of United Methodist Churches Hold Benefit To Fund Youth Mission

The youth mission trip sponsored by Community Church at Ocean Pines and the Bishopville Charge of United Methodist Churches recently benefited from a dinner hosted by Carrabba's Italian Grill. The proceeds from the dinner will help fund the youth mission trip to Appalachia in June. Thirty youth and 12 adults will spend a week in Kentucky repairing homes to make them warmer and safer. Bryan Otto, Proprieter of Carrabba's is pictured with some of the mission youth. ...READ MORE

Star Charities Present $3K Check For Wounded Soldiers Of Maryland

Star Charities President Anna Foultz and her volunteers presented a check for $3,000 to Major General James Atkins, Adjutant General of Maryland, and Col. Richard Knauer, Jr., Chairman of the Maryland National Guard Foundation, at the American Legion Synepuxent Post #166 in Ocean City. The money was raised through a Beef & Beer fundraiser to benefit the Wounded Soldiers of Maryland. Pictured, from left, are Peggy Rumberg, Sandy McAbee, Paul Mazzei, Barbara Mazzei, Lee Tilghman, Foultz,...READ MORE

Things I Like

Going to bed early Wings and football Watching news coverage of Groundhog Day Waking up before the alarm clock Living and working in Berlin The first good day after being sick Seeing a movie after reading the book Baltimore pride The show, “The Following” Coming across an old “Insider” column Getting up early ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): It could be risky to push for a project you believe in but others are wary of. Never mind. If you trust your facts, follow your courageous Aries heart and go with it.TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your enthusiasm sparks renewed interest in a workplace project that once seemed headed for deletion. Support from supervisors helps you make all necessary changes.GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A colleague might be a bit too contrary when your ideas are being discussed in the...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Re-Accreditation Earned FRUITLAND — Apple Drugs Diabetes Center has recently been re-accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. The accreditation comes after an annual review process through the Diabetes Education Accreditation Program (DEAP). The report revealed that Apple remains in compliance with the National Standards. “The review process forces us to go back and review our patient’s outcomes,” said John Motsko, certified diabetes educator....READ MORE