March 15, 2013

NEW FOR THURSDAY: ‘Lucky Summer’ Campaign Planned For Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – This summer in Ocean City will be the “Lucky Summer of ’13” as the town will continue to focus its message on deals, discounts and free events. The town’s advertising agency, MGH, reveled last Friday during a Tourism Commission meeting this summer’s marketing campaign will be called “Lucky Summer of ’13”. Last summer the Ocean City advertised the “Summer of Thanks” that highlighted the value in vacationing in Ocean...READ MORE

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Mitch Scott Remembered; ‘He Just Lived To Help Others’; Services Set For This Weekend

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City area lost a giant last weekend when Mitch Scott, best known for his remarkable charitable efforts in the community, lost his battle with a lengthy illness on Sunday. Mitchell Kevin Scott, 56, of Ocean City, who was the CEO of Great Scott Broadcasting and its fleet of area radio stations, passed away at his home in Ocean City last Sunday, after a lengthy battle with leukemia. Scott officially presided over a large, multi-station broadcasting company in Ocean City and...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Fire Chief Supports Private Meetings With Employees

OCEAN CITY -- As City Manager David Recor holds private talks with members of the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) this month, Fire Chief Chris Larmore has made it clear he is not worried about what his superior is going to hear from his personnel. With questions continuing to abound about general operations with the OCFD and at least two internal investigations being conducted -- one by the city’s labor law firm, Miles & Stockbridge, and another less formal one by Recor and Human...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Off-Duty Officer’s Gun Swiped During Hotel Burglary

OCEAN CITY -- A Bridgeville, Del. man was arrested on numerous charges last weekend after allegedly swiping a handgun from the hotel room of a federal officer and firing the weapon in the room before being nabbed on the Boardwalk a short time later. Around 11:15 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police responded to the Comfort Inn on the Boardwalk in response to a burglary and the theft of an off-duty federal law enforcement officer’s handgun. OCPD officers arrived at the scene and met with...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: School Resource Officer Proposal Could Cost $1.6M In First Year

SNOW HILL -- A trained, active School Resource Officer (SRO) is a necessity in every Worcester County Public School facility, said Worcester County Sheriff Reggie Mason this week, but it will come with a steep cost ranging from $600,000 to $1.6 million depending on the county’s preferred course of action. “No child should feel in danger when attending our schools,” Mason told the Worcester County Commissioners Tuesday. “Our children need to be learning, not sitting there...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: OC Adapting Advertising Buys To Reflect Market Changes; Officials See Cautious Opportunity With Jersey Recovery

OCEAN CITY – Most of the resort’s competition to the north will not be up to par this summer following the unfortunate damage left by Hurricane Sandy, and Ocean City tourism officials are cautiously looking to remind Jersey shore visitors what lies a few hours to the south. Following a Tourism Commission meeting last Friday when the town’s advertising firm, MGH, presented recommended media advertising buys for the upcoming summer season, MGH President Andy Malis returned...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: Table Games Still Under ‘Consideration’; Casino Adding Parking, Satisfied With Flat Revenue

SNOW HILL -- Table games at the Casino at Ocean Downs are under “serious consideration,” according to General Manager Joe Cavilla, but there are no concrete plans in place currently. Cavilla was on hand during this week’s Local Development Council (LDC) meeting to update the group on what’s new with Ocean Downs. He said improvements are being made to parking and the race track. Additionally, Cavilla confirmed that casino revenue this year has been “flat” with...READ MORE

New Policies Put In Place At First Subcommittee Meeting

OCEAN CITY – The newly reinstated Ocean City Recreation and Parks Committee met for the first time in two-plus years this week, laying the ground work for the upcoming meetings with all Mayor and City Council standing committees and commissions to ease any concerns. Shortly after the last time the Recreation and Parks Committee met, the former council majority voted to disband the individual meetings of City Council legislative committees and commissions to have departments report to the...READ MORE

Salisbury Okays New Business Disclosure Rules

SALISBURY – The term transparency won over the majority of the City Council this week who voted to have businesses entering into the agreements with the city declare all partners and owners versus the minority who titled the legislation invasive. A new section has been proposed to be added to the City Code titled, Business Disclosure Form Required, and the provisions require any vendors who contract with Salisbury for more than $3,000 in a single agreement or $10,000 for the fiscal year to...READ MORE

Offshore Wind Passes Senate, Awaits Governor’s Signature

OCEAN CITY -- A future offshore wind energy farm became closer to reality than ever from a legislative standpoint late last week when the Senate approved Gov. Martin O’Malley’s legislation by a vote of 30-15. The State Senate approved O’Malley’s Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013, making the governor’s signature on the legislation the final legislative piece of the puzzle after two earlier unsuccessful attempts. The House approved the bill in late February by...READ MORE

OC Fire Chief Presents Council With Quarterly Report

OCEAN CITY – Despite the ongoing ripples of controversy that have recently made headlines, the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) continues to exceed national expectations, according to its chief. This week Fire Chief Chris Larmore presented to the Mayor and City Council and public the quarterly Fire/EMS report starting with the department holding onto an exceptional response time. For the past four years, the department has done extensive research and monitoring of response times and has...READ MORE

Questions Surround Casino’s Expanded Alcohol Sales

BERLIN -- There appears to be an effort in the Maryland General Assembly to allow the Casino at Ocean Downs to serve alcohol 24 hours a day, although there were more questions than answers swirling around late yesterday as almost none of the parties had a definitive answer about where the measure was headed. With the current session now past the halfway mark, an effort is underway to allow the Casino at Ocean Downs to offer alcoholic beverages during its hours of open operation, presumably 24...READ MORE

Area Businesses Brace For ObamaCare’s Impact

OCEAN CITY -- With the mandated Affordable Health Care Act, or ObamaCare, deadline still almost a year away, Ocean City business leaders this week got a primer on what the changes might mean to them, but because of the seasonal nature of the resort and the wildly fluctuating employee totals, the solution still appears to be as clear as mud. Chris Carroll, vice president of Atlantic-Smith-Cropper and Deeley Insurance, this week presented a primer of sorts on the ins and outs of the Affordable...READ MORE

Court Hears Dram Shop Appeal; Third-Party Liability Case Heard

BERLIN -- The Maryland Court of Appeals heard testimony this week in a potentially landmark case that could ultimately hold restaurants and bars in the state liable for the actions of their intoxicated patrons. The state’s highest court on Tuesday heard an appeal in the latest attempt to add Maryland to the growing number of states in the country with “dram shop” laws that hold accountable establishments that serve alcohol for the actions of their intoxicated patrons, the...READ MORE

Wicomico Continues Work On Tier Map

SALISBURY – The Wicomico County Council is taking steps to submit a tier map to the state following several weeks of public outreach and a public hearing regarding the ongoing “septic bill”. The Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012, also referred to as the “septic bill,” requires counties to make a number of changes to their subdivision codes, including the adoption of a four tier system for categorizing the development of land in the county...READ MORE

OCFD Investigation Complete; City Council To Hear Findings Soon; Dead Cat Incident Not Part Of Inquiry

OCEAN CITY -- The Mayor and Council will soon hear the results of an internal inquiry involving the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD), but the allegation of a dead cat being placed outside the fire chief’s house after a stormy promotion process last year is not part of that probe. Ocean City Fire Chief Chris Larmore confirmed to The Dispatch on Tuesday he discovered a dead cat outside his front door back on Nov. 30, 2012. Larmore stopped short of providing more details, such as whether it...READ MORE

Berlin Council Supports Brewery’s Special Event Plans

BERLIN -- Burley Oak Brewery is looking to to partner with town businesses to provide four different weekend festivals aimed at attracting craft beer devotees to Berlin. “The craft beer demographic is one that we like to have in town because they like to spend money,” said Burley owner Bryan Brushmiller. “We’ve seen it work well for us. So we decided to do four events that would bring this demographic to town.” The festivals would be staggered quarterly, taking...READ MORE

Snow Hill High Scores National Award

BERLIN -- For a fifth year, Snow Hill High School (SHHS) has been received an award from the US News and World Report, most recently bringing in the silver award. Since 2007, SHHS has been recognized by US News and World Report for academic achievement, winning a bronze classification for the 2006-2007 school year and silver every year since, except for 2008-2009 when the agency didn’t issue awards to any schools. Recognition is based on a variety of criteria, explained SHHS Principal Tom...READ MORE

Speed Camera Funds Put To Use

SALISBURY – Revenue from speeders is being used to enhance property dedicated to the Salisbury Police Department (SPD) as well as purchasing new equipment for seven new patrol vehicles. The SPD wants to appropriate funds received from the speed camera program for construction of a fence at the city’s police range. Internal Services Director Keith Cordrey explained to date all the speed camera funds have gone into the general fund. The funds have to be spent towards public...READ MORE

Old Church Steeple Part Of Planned Reef Addition

OCEAN CITY -- The newest addition to the growing artificial reef system off the coast of Ocean City will include a structure with a large medal cross mounted atop of it, a contribution from a decades-old church in Selbyville damaged in Hurricane Sandy last fall. For more than a decade, the Ocean City Reef Foundation has been steadily expanding the artificial reef system off the coast of the resort with eight sites ranging from as close to shore as one mile to as far as 20 miles. In that span,...READ MORE

Funds Sought To Address Huey’s Storm Damage

OCEAN CITY -- The Vietnam-era Huey helicopter erected in 2011 as part of a permanent memorial and display at the Ocean City Municipal Airport in West Ocean City was damaged during last week’s severe storm and now needs a little help from the community for repair. The decades-old Huey helicopter was mounted at the airport in 2011 after the Ocean City Aviation Association (OCAA) was able to secure the relic of a bygone era in military aviation. The Huey helicopters were in service for nearly...READ MORE

Freeman Stage Announces Summer’s Special Concerts

OCEAN CITY -- The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation yesterday announced that The Freeman Stage at Bayside, an outdoor performing arts venue located off Route 54 in the Bayside community, is set to celebrate its sixth season of bringing arts and entertainment to the Mid-Atlantic region. The Freeman Stage has attracted over 120,000 audience members since 2008, with a diverse offering of dance, theatre, live music, and children’s performances. The 2013 season will include over 50 performances...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Support Group Has Faith In Process Editor: Fully Involved S.T.A.F.F. (Standing Tall Around Firefighters) would like to take this opportunity to thank The Dispatch newspaper for your article, “OC Fire Department Embroiled In Turmoil.” After many years of ongoing issues within the Ocean City Fire Department including the witnessing of deteriorating morale, strong arm management, fear of retaliation, negative attacks in the press and other items reported in the story, we decided to form...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

With all the news of late regarding emergency services in Ocean City and Berlin, it’s natural for the public to be concerned about their wellbeing. Indeed, there are major political waves pounding the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) and the Berlin Fire Company (BFC). There are major allegations being hurled about both of these organizations. Through this paper’s internal investigations, some of the claims have been found to be legitimate, while some are bogus. One of the common...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

After nearly five years of being a parent, I have learned a tremendous amount about a lot of different things when it comes to raising my kids. It’s funny these days to think about what I thought parenting was going to be in comparison to what it is in reality. For one thing, it’s a lot harder than I ever imagined, particularly when it comes to balancing a working career with actively raising kids. This was something I never gave much thought to previously. After all, it’s...READ MORE

St. Pat’s Boardwalk 5K Set for Next Week

OCEAN CITY- The annual St. Patrick’s Day Boardwalk 5K returns tomorrow, March 16, with hundreds of runners from all over the local area and beyond expected to descend on the resort for the third installment of the annual event. Last year, 1,000 runners from all over the region participated in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Boardwalk 5K, produced by OC Tri Running for the benefit of Diakonia. The course starts on the Boardwalk in the area of 3rd Street not far from the main sponsor...READ MORE

Turtle Lax Club Tryouts Slated

OCEAN CITY- The Greene Turtle Lacrosse Club will hold tryouts for its new Eastern Shore under-15 team on Friday, March 22 from 5-7 p.m. at Sea Gull Stadium on the campus of Salisbury University. The Greene Turtle Lacrosse Club is looking for top-notch players ages 13-15 who are serious about improving their game and want to play with the area’s premier coaching staff and talent. The two-hour tryout session will allow players to showcase their talent and be evaluated by the Greene Turtle...READ MORE

Mallards Not Deep but Talented Heading into 2013

BERLIN- With a veteran group of upper classmen and a talented collection of young players ready to make their mark on the program, the outlook is bright for the Worcester Prep boys’ varsity lacrosse team this season. Worcester returns several key players at almost every position on the field as it prepares for the 2013 season, a campaign that will see the Mallards competing in a new conference. The Metro Independent Lacrosse League will feature some of the top prep teams from Maryland,...READ MORE

OCES Golf Tournament Date Set

OCEAN CITY- The 2nd Annual Ocean City Elementary PTA Golf Tournament is set for Thursday, April 16, with the proceeds dedicated to the school’s technology fund. The Ocean City Elementary School PTA golf tournament will be held at the Ocean City Golf Club with the goal of purchasing 30 more tablets for the school. Last year’s inaugural event raised over $10,000 for the OCES technology fund, which was used to purchase 30 tablets for the students, and organizers hope to duplicate the...READ MORE

ESIWC Wrestlers Bring Home Hardware

WEST OCEAN CITY- Young wrestlers from the Eastern Shore Intensive Wrestling Club (ESIWC) added to their growing list of accomplishments last weekend with a win in a prestigious tournament in Pennsylvania for one competitor and a handful of top finishes for another group competing in a tournament in Delaware. The Eastern Shore Intensive Wrestling Club, under the direction of Coach Keith Tobin and his staff, provides young grapplers in the area with training and mentoring all year around in an...READ MORE

Seahawks Poised for Another Big Season

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team appears ready to make another run at a possible state championship this year with a talented group of returning players and a flock of young Seahawks ready to contribute. With a nucleus of key players returning, the Seahawks appear poised to compete for a Bayside championship again this year and a possible deep run in the state playoffs. After a highly successful season last year, the Decatur girls reached the semifinals in the...READ MORE

Former Seahawk Advances to NCAAs

BERLIN- Former Stephen Decatur wrestling standout Dan Miller, now a senior at the U.S. Naval Academy, last weekend won the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) championship in the heavyweight division and will now compete in the NCAA Division I championship meet. Miller, who won three straight state championships at Decatur, entered the EIWA meet last weekend in Piscataway, N.J. as the fourth seed in the heavyweight division and knocked off a couple of the higher seeds ahead of...READ MORE

Open Houses Of The Week

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 Realty 410-603-2205 NORTH OCEAN CITY Lauren’s #1 12008 Assawoman Sat 10-4 Oceanblock 2BR Condo Easy Beach Access Josh Morimoto Prudential PenFed 410-371-2216 NORTH OCEAN CITY Atlantis...READ MORE

State Probe Finds No Misconduct At Berlin Fatal Accident Scene

BERLIN -- While the Berlin Fire Company (BFC) was found without fault in the transporting of an accident victim in December that ultimately died, the agency that investigated the incident did warn that “significant underlying tensions” between the company and the town of Berlin are a cause for concern. Mayor Gee Williams made it clear today that he was not happy with the state investigation and accused those involved of “passing the buck.” In January, the Maryland...READ MORE

Officials Defend Berlin Stormwater Project Costs

BERLIN -- Though a stormwater utility in Berlin and the fees to fund it were officially passed earlier this year, some concerns in the community linger over costs, especially since they exceed predictions made several years ago. Both town leadership and its stormwater firm, EA Engineering, defended the route Berlin is currently taking with expensive but high impact projects. The town approved last month a $197,000 contract with EA for design work on four stormwater projects called...READ MORE

Berlin Electric Crew Praised For Storm Work

BERLIN -- During Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting, several new special events were approved in town, a public hearing on solid waste was held and the town’s electric utility was praised for their actions during the storm last Wednesday. (CENTER/BOLD)Special Events Okayed Charity races in Berlin were in the news this week with three different approvals for non-profit events being passed, two in April and one in December. The first will be Paint the Town Purple, which will be hosted...READ MORE

County To Keep Berlin Liquor Store Open For Now

BERLIN -- Worcester County Department of Liquor Control (DLC) officials confirmed this week that contrary to rumors there are currently no immediate plans to close the county Liquor Mart located in Berlin. DLC Director Bob Cowger said Wednesday that the fate of the Berlin location will not be decided until after the upcoming tourism season. “The Berlin store is scheduled to stay open at least through the summer,” he said. “We just want to see what kind of impact the new store...READ MORE

Council, Volunteers Ink New Agreement

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and Council and the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (OCVFC) celebrated this week the signing of a new contract of sorts between the two entities. “This is a good occasion today … it has been an honor to stand together with our volunteers, and in this case our volunteer fire company,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. The mayor stood with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the OCVFC and the Mayor and City Council that he was prepared to sign and...READ MORE

Safety Training Program For Kids Planned In Berlin

BERLIN -- A new series of programs conducted by Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (WYFCS) will seek to prepare children for a wide variety of potentially dangerous situations. Dubbed “Safety Training For Kids,” the program will focus on giving children tools to make “safe choices” while also providing complimentary education for parents. According to WYFCS Youth Coordinator Melanie Windsor, it’s crucial that families discuss details when it comes to any...READ MORE

Wicomico Sheriff’s Deputies Honored With Awards

SALISBURY – Several members of the Wicomico County Sherriff’s Office were recently recognized as recipients of the National Sheriffs Association (NSA) awards. At last week’s Wicomico County Council meeting, Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis recognized Deputy First Class Chip Oakley, who had been assigned to the Judicial Protection Unit since 2006 and has served at both Wicomico County District Court and Circuit Court. “Deputy Oakley’s responsibility of safe...READ MORE

Diakonia Seeking Restaurants For Dine Out Benefit

OCEAN CITY – Gather your friends and family to come out next month and support Diakonia, which supports those in need, by simply dining out. Diakonia will be holding its 2nd Annual Dine Out for Diakonia on April 24-25. Dine Out for Diakonia is when restaurants are asked to participate by donating a percentage of their profits on April 24 and/or 25 while community members are asked to assemble friends, families and co-workers and dine out at a participating restaurant. A meal will support...READ MORE

Judge Again Dismisses Wrongful Termination Suit

BERLIN -- A visiting Worcester County Circuit Court judge last week dismissed for the second time a lawsuit filed by a former Berlin Fire Department supervisor against the town and its elected officials, alleging wrongful termination and calling into question the town’s authority to fire, suspend or discipline emergency services personnel. The plaintiff’s attorney said today he has filed an appeal with the state’s Court of Special Appeals. In May, the town terminated EMS...READ MORE

K-Coast Opens Art Contest To Area Students

OCEAN CITY -- K-Coast Surf Shop recently announced its second annual Art Contest, which is open to local school children in grades fourth through eighth. Schools currently planning to participate include Berlin Intermediate School, Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, Ocean City Elementary School, Showell Elementary School, Stephen Decatur Middle School and Worcester Preparatory School. Homeschooled children are encouraged to participate as well. K-Coast is asking all participants to create...READ MORE

OCDC Updates City Council On Upcoming Initiatives

OCEAN CITY – In the last 13 years, the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) believes it has set an example of what a private and public partnership can accomplish. OCDC President Bob Givarz and Executive Director Glenn Irwin presented the Mayor and City Council with OCDC’s annual report this week. Since 2000, the OCDC has become comprised of 128 members, 11 committees and 8,037 volunteer meeting time hours since its inception. So far this year, there have been several community...READ MORE

Coastal Hospice Benefit Announced

OCEAN CITY -- The Real Housewives of Worcester County are at it again, but unlike their television counterparts, they are working to ensure another successful Taste of Finer Things to benefit Coastal Hospice at the Ocean. The 2013 event will be held on April 4 at 6:30 p.m., again at Harrison’s Harbor Watch in Ocean City and is sponsored by the Atlantic General Hospital. The party supports Coastal Hospice at the Ocean, a planned hospice residence that will provide medical support to...READ MORE

OC’s Annual Irish Parade, Festival Saturday

OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City will be glowing with green at the 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, which marches down Coastal Highway on Saturday, March 16. Sponsored by the Delmarva Irish-American Club, this Ocean City tradition has grown to become the second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the state. Leading the parade are grand marshals Molly and John O’Brien, active members of the Delmarva Irish-American Club for more than 10 years. John is the vice-president...READ MORE

Singing Group Impresses Students; WPS Alumnus Member Of Group

BERLIN -- When Yale University’s Baker’s Dozen a cappella group visited Worcester Prepatory School this week for a concert and a student workshop, the response was overwhelming. “They blew me away,” said Worcester Prep student Elise Harmon. Of course, Harmon is a bit biased since her big brother, Hunter Harmon, a 2011 Worcester Prep alumnus, is a member of the group. However, with their performance at the school receiving a standing ovation and their workshop with music...READ MORE

Senator Helps Nab Alleged Thief

OCEAN CITY -- An Ocean City man was arrested on theft and other charges last weekend after State Senator Jim Mathias observed him acting suspiciously in the Teal Drive area early last Sunday morning. Around 12:30 a.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police received a call in reference to a suspicious person spotted in the area of Teal Drive. The caller, later identified as Mathias, told police the suspect was acting suspiciously and remained on the phone and reported the location of the suspicious...READ MORE

Peaky’s Enters Resort Market With A Rooftop View

OCEAN CITY -- For a local man, a dream has come true as the restaurant where he started out busing tables he now owns. Peaky’s Rooftop Restaurant & Bar officially opened Feb. 27.  Owner Justin Schaub received the keys on December 24 and it was only a couple days later he and his team were in there making cosmetic repairs. “We have had a great response ... we have had a soft opening and plan on a grand opening hopefully in late April,” he said. “We want to make...READ MORE

New Walk Smart Program Planned For Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – Following a sharp increase in pedestrian crashes last summer, a new Walk Smart campaign has been initiated to spread pedestrian safety awareness in Ocean City starting this summer. On Tuesday afternoon, Karen Waggoner of the Maryland Highway Safety Office came before the Mayor and City Council to request permission for projects sent forward by the Ocean City Pedestrian Safety Committee (OCPSC). Waggoner has been working with the committee that is made up of representatives of...READ MORE

New West Ocean City Hotel Planned

OCEAN CITY -- A revised site plan for a proposed 78 unit Holiday Inn Express in west Ocean City breezed through the Worcester County Planning Commission last week. The commission has seen previous versions of the site plan and expressed some reservations about the layout of the facility. Land planner Bob Hand told the commission that the proposal is “continuing to evolve.” “The floor plan is being modified. The biggest modification I saw was taking the pool from the northeast...READ MORE

Boardwalk Tram Wraps Weighed

OCEAN CITY – A proposal by an essential spice in most households of Maryland to be featured on Ocean City’s Boardwalk trams was turned down this week until further research takes place on the value of the advertising space. The town’s current vehicle advertising agency, Direct Media, requested approval to expand saleable advertising space on Ocean City’s Boardwalk trams to include full wrap advertising on all eight power units, which is where the driver is...READ MORE

Dental Clinic Eyes Future Growth

BERLIN -- With a two-year anniversary approaching next month, the Worcester County Dental Clinic in Berlin is planning an advertising campaign to increase awareness of the services offered. “I still feel like the community doesn’t know we’re here yet,” said Clinic Director Krista Hill. “Not everybody knows we’re here.” Located on William Street, the clinic serves youth under the age of 21 as well as pregnant women. This is a significant expansion on the...READ MORE

Gun, Cocaine Arrest

BERLIN -- A Connecticut man was arrested on drug and weapons charges last week after getting his vehicle stuck in a water-filled ditch along Route 113.Last Friday, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of Route 113 and Porter’s Crossing to assist a motorist who had gotten his 2013 Ford truck stuck in a ditch with the engine area of the vehicle submerged. While the vehicle was being pulled out of the ditch and loaded onto a tow truck, deputies observed the...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Miriam Nichols Smith OCEAN CITY -- Miriam Nichols Smith, age 80, died on March 1, 2013. Born June 25, 1932, at Federalsburg, Md., she was the daughter of the late Raymond “Pix” Nichols and Stella Craft Nichols. Mrs. Smith graduated from Federalsburg High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington College in 1953. She did graduate work at Salisbury University, Trinity College and University of Maryland. For 38 years, she taught English and Spanish in Caroline County...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, March 15: Chris Button Saturday, March 16: Scott Glorioso, 1-5 p.m.; Walt Farozic, 6-10 p.m. 28th Street Pit and Pub 410-289-2020 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Saturday, March 16: Slim DeNunn & The High Rollers, 1-5 p.m. Every Thursday: DJ Dance Party 45th Street Taphouse 443-664-2201 45th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 15: Johnny Bling, 7-11 p.m. Saturday, March 16: Pompous Pie, 7...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 5 course...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Businesses Partner On Diabetes Care SALISBURY -- Peninsula Home Care and Apple Discount Drugs are teaming up to offer specialized diabetes services to help home care patients, often isolated due to medical issues, manage the disease and take steps to prevent other health complications prompted by the disease. “Early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and...READ MORE

Pine'eer Craft And Gift Shop Of Ocean Pines Reopens March 16

The Pine'eer Craft and Gift Shop of Ocean Pines will reopen for the year on March 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thereafter the shop will be open every Saturday and Sunday, with the exception of Easter Sunday. Pictured, from left, are Pine'eer Craft Club members Linda Brindley, Nancy Welsh and Midge Powell. ...READ MORE

Dryzga, OP/OC Kiwanian Of The Month

Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City President Barbara Peletier presents "Kiwanian of the Month" honors to Carolyn Dryzga for the month of February 2013.  ...READ MORE

NAACP Installs New Officers

New officers were installed at last month’s NAACP monthly meeting. The next meeting is March 28 at 7 p.m. at the New Macedonia Baptist Church in Pocomoke. Pictured, from left, are Dr. Roxie Dennis, president; Ivory Smith Sr., 1st Vice President; Bertha Purnell, secretary; and Doreatha Davis, treasurer. ...READ MORE

Quota Club Women And Children's Fund Grant $3,600 To Christian Shelter

The Quota Club Women and Children’s Fund at the Community Foundation granted $3,600 to the Christian Shelter. The contribution assists in the completion of a vital addition to the Christian Shelter — family rooms to provide housing, primarily for women and children.   Pictured, from left, are Erica Joseph, Program & Development Director, Community Foundation; Paula Brown, Vice President, Quota Club Salisbury; Diane Walter, President, Quota Club Salisbury; and Jim...READ MORE

United Way Recognizes Worcester County Government Employees For Their Support

The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently recognized Worcester County government employees for their support of the annual United Way campaign. Worcester County employees donated a generous $19,535.50 to help their neighbors on the Lower Shore. Pictured, from left, are United Way Board Member John Gaddis, United Way Donor Relations Director Pamela Gregory, Garry Mumford, Cyndy Howell, Natalie Costello, Diana Hurley, Kristin Jester, Beth Mathias, Kenya Baine and Peggy Ellis. Submitted...READ MORE

Things I Like

The sounds of the WOC harbor That first sunny day after a bad storm Kissing my sons goodnight Remembering going under the Boardwalk Fresh flowers in the house Clean public restrooms Big hugs from little kids Down comforters Patrick Henry’s ocean scenes Driving with my old dogs Pictures on canvas ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): With your practical side dominant this week, it's a good time to reassess your finances to see what expenses you can cut. Aspects also favor mending fraying relationships.TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your Bovine-inspired determination to follow matters through from beginning to end pays off in a big way. Enjoy a well-earned weekend of fun with a special someone.GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Aspects favor re-establishing business relationships you might have neglected....READ MORE