March 21, 2008

Thursday, March 27 - Officials Eye Open Container Law Change

OCEAN CITY - After numerous discussions over the current open container laws, the Ocean City Police Commission agreed this week to support the change of open container violations from arrestable to non-arrestable offenses. The consideration to change the open container law from a criminal misdemeanor to a municipal infraction has been circulating for years. Under the town code, it is unlawful to possess or consume alcoholic beverages 'on any public street, highway, alley, sidewalk, parking lot,...READ MORE

Wednesday, March 26 - Ocean City Police Solve Trailer Park Burglaries

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City Police this week have one man in custody and are seeking another believed to be in Florida after connecting the pair to a string of burglaries at a resort trailer park earlier this month. On March 4, OCPD officers responded to the Isle of Wight Trailer Park near 24th Street in reference to a burglary. Initially, the officers believed they were responding to a single burglary, but a thorough search of the entire trailer park revealed an additional 14 trailers had been...READ MORE

Tuesday, March 25 - OC Names Top Citizens

OCEAN CITY - The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce announced last weekend that Brice and Shirley Phillips had been named the 2008 Citizens of the Year. The public is invited on Thursday evening, April 10, to the Citizen of the Year banquet to be held at the Holiday Inn Conference Center on 66th Street. Reservations are required, call the Chamber office 410-213-0144 to reserve or register on line at www.oceancity.org. Nominated by Mary Tawney Eastman, the Phillips' are regarded as one of...READ MORE

Monday, March 24 - What's Going On In April?

OCEAN CITY - With Easter falling earlier in the calendar than usual, there is a noticeable void in the Ocean City list of activities. However, that does not mean there are not plenty of events on tap for April, the first full month of spring. Here's a look at some of those events: April 4-6: Reach the Beach All Star Internationals, Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay: Cheerleading & dance competitions. One of the largest all star & college events in the country. Admission. Friday, 4-9...READ MORE

People Joining Together For Community Causes

See who was out helping causes in the Ocean City area. ...READ MORE

Worcester Girls Back in Action

Worcester Prep's girls' varsity lacrosse team hit the field this week for a scrimmage against visiting Easton. Pictured above, Worcester's Molly Dickerson (right) works the ball around the front of the Warriors' goal in the first half. ...READ MORE

Drug Dealer Sentenced

SNOW HILL- An Ocean City man arrested last August for possession with intent to distribute cocaine was found guilty last week and sentenced to three years in jail with all but one year suspended. Brett A. Owen, 25, of Ocean City, was arrested last August 16 at a north-end Ocean City convenience store and was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Last week, Owen pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to three years in jail with all but one year suspended. Owen was...READ MORE

94th Street north-Fenwick

Big Tuna Grill 128th Street & Coastal Highway, 410-250-1001 , www.bigtunaOC.com A locals' and vacationers' favorite alike. Experience culinary delights as well as a visual excursion, dining among authentic nautical artifacts of old ships. Choose an array of entrees from fresh seafood to char-grilled steaks. Enjoy some drinks on our 50 ft. bar while watching our plasma TVs. Billy's Sub Shop 120th Street, Bayside (Food Lion Shopping Center) , 410-250-1776 Between 139th & 140th Streets,...READ MORE

Inlet To 94th Street

Angelo's Italian Cuisine 33rd Street & Coastal Highway , 410-524-2855 The Russo family proudly presents, Angelo's Italian Cuisine, the latest venture in a long line of Italian restauants and pizzarias owned by the family in Baltimore, Salisbury and Ocean City. Our authentic Italian cuisine is prepared by a top New York chef and presented in a classically decorated setting. Smoking allowed in our cocktail lounge with special drink prices 4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Open Tuesday-Saturday at 4...READ MORE

West Ocean City-Berlin-Ocean Pines

Assateague Island Oasis Rte. 611, West Ocean City , 410-629-1492 Enjoy a delicious meal, refreshing drinks, and the peace and quiet that once was. Weekly live entertainment and Happy Hour daily from 3-7 p.m. Just relax! Boomers Restaurant 525 South Main Street, Berlin , 410-629-0001 Conveniently located on Rte. 113 at the southern entrance to Berlin, Boomers Restaurant has re-opened after a complete renovation. Full service dining, self-service eat-in or carry-out. Food cooked to order. Fried...READ MORE

Live Bands and DJs

707 Sports Bar & Grille: 410-213-9507, 12702 Old Bridge Rd. West Ocean City; Friday, March 21: Semi Blind; Saturday, March 22: Karaoke with Hey Mick. Assateague Island Oasis: 410-629-1492, Rt. 611; Entertainment Friday & Saturday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Buxy's Salty Dog: 410-289-0973, 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Friday, March 21: DJ BK; Saturday, March 22: TBA. Castaway's: 410-524-9090, 64th St. Bayfront; Friday, March 21: DJ Mike C; Saturday, March 22: Tear The Roof Off. Clarion Hotel:...READ MORE

Ocean City

OCEAN CITY The Meridian Daily 10-4 Oceanfront Residences New Construction Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-520-0072 OCEAN CITY Bella Vista Daily 10-4 3BR Bayside Condos Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 OCEAN CITY Bahia Vista 10th St. Bayside Mon-Fri 11-3 3&4BR Condos Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY Bel Mare Somerset Street Daily 11-3 3BR/2BA New Const. Skip Schlesinger Re/Max Premier Properties 410-520-8118 OCEAN CITY South Beach Boardwalk at 7th Fri-Sun 11-3 3&4BR...READ MORE

West Ocean City - Ocean Pines - Berlin - MD - VA

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Sat & Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker VIRGINIA 3205 Salty Way Captains Cove Sat & Sun 10-2 4BR/3BA Waterfront For Sale by Owner 410-365-8561 VIRGINIA Coulbourn Mill Road Sat 10-4 3BR/2BA Cozy Rancher Decked Pool Tamera Myers Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-4853 BERLIN Purnell Crossing Tues-Sun 11-6 3BR/2.5BA Villas w/ 2-car Garage Ryan Homes 866-776-9818 OCEAN PINES Canvasback Road Sat 11-3 3BR/3.5BA...READ MORE

Diving Into The Area's Cultural Activities

An inside look at the regional arts scene through photographs.  ...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publishers Desk

While trying to make some room on my bookshelves recently for some old bound editions of the 'Resorter', I came across a copy of 'The Harper Book of Quotations' and became infatuated with some of the passages. Here's a look at some of the quotes I may or may not be thinking about while I am on vacation this week: On drink, drinking and drinkers: 'First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then drink takes you.' -- F. Scott Fitzgerald 'I like liquor - its taste and its effects - and...READ MORE

More Sunshine, Not Less

The flow of information between government and citizens is changing rapidly with new technology. Maryland isn't exactly leading the pack in adapting to these changes, but it's not operating in the dark. Sunshine Week, a news media effort to focus on the need for more transparency, is a welcome reminder that open government should be the reality, not just an ideal. To that end, legislation being considered by the General Assembly would allow the state budget office to create a Web site detailing...READ MORE

Council to Save on Police Ammo

OCEAN CITY -The Ocean City Police Department will be taking advantage of a savings on ammunition before the next fiscal year, after unanimous approval from the Mayor and Council to purchase a portion of next year's ammunition from the existing budget. Captain Kevin Kirstein came before the Mayor and Council on behalf of the police department this week, requesting approval to purchase a large portion of ammunition before the week end in an effort to save money in the next fiscal year budget....READ MORE

County Backs Farmers in Nutrient Plan Changes

SNOW HILL - Despite spending little time discussing the new state pollution permits for large poultry farms, the Worcester County Commissioners voted this week to support the anti-regulation stance of the Worcester County Farm Bureau.  Maryland has drafted new permitting regulations for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), in response to a 2004 federal law. The proposed regulations will enforce the use of the most effective ways to keep animal manure from reaching streams,...READ MORE

Officials Discuss Apartment Lease; Dredge Spoil Site

SNOW HILL - The Worcester County Commissioners worked their way through a busy agenda in just two hours on Tuesday, March 18. Here are some of the minor items discussed: (bullet) Worcester County may not be fulfilling legal requirements to have surplus vehicles inspected before offering them for sale through government surplus auction site GovDeals, said Jacqueline Delisle Tuesday. 'I just wanted to bring this section of the code to your attention,' Delisle said. Maryland code mandates that...READ MORE

County Grants $30K to Diakonia Shelter in Fiscal Crisis

SNOW HILL- Diakonia homeless shelter got a reprieve this week when the Worcester County Commissioners voted to grant the non-profit $30,000 to keep the shelter open. Earlier this month, Diakonia executive director Claudia Nagle asked the Worcester County Commissioners for $65,000 to operate the 45-bed emergency shelter and transitional housing until the new fiscal year in July. The shelter, Diakonia Treasurer Roy Frick reported at that meeting, was flat broke. The commissioners discussed...READ MORE

Retired Navy Destroyer Could Find Home Off Coast of Resort

OCEAN CITY- The artificial reef system off the coast of Ocean City could get a major contribution is plans to scuttle a retired U.S. Navy destroyer come to fruition. The Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative (MARI) is considering a partnership with the states of Delaware and New Jersey to acquire the retired 563-foot U.S. Navy destroyer Radford, which has been stored at the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard while awaiting its fate. The vessel is in the process of being stripped and cleaned in order to...READ MORE

Protest Overruled in County Project Bid

SNOW HILL - A formal protest by a losing bidder on the Worcester County State's Attorney building construction project did not prevail, with the Worcester County Commissioners exercising their right to waive bid requirements in choosing the best bid. Nason Construction, which submitted the second lowest bid to build the new State's Attorney offices, protested the selection of Southern Builders as low bidder because of the late submission of the firm's anti-bribery affidavit, anti-collusion...READ MORE

Second Defendant Files Answer in Carbon Monoxide Suit

OCEAN CITY- The second of four defendants named in a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit filed in February by the family of two Pennsylvania tourists who perished from carbon monoxide poisoning in their Boardwalk hotel room in June 2006 last week filed a formal answer to the complaint outlining the reasons the company should not be held liable in the accidental deaths. Attorneys for R.E. Michel, Inc., a middle-man of sorts in the case that distributed the hot water heater blamed in the deaths,...READ MORE

Town Planners Approve Two Project...Indoor Golf Site Ok'd

OCEAN CITY -The Planning and Zoning Commission noted changes to two previously approved conditional uses this week, including a watersport activity behind the 45th Street Village and an uptown golf course and arcade expansion. A public hearing was held on January 8 regarding the expansion of the 145th Street golf course and arcade. At that time, no opposition was voiced over the expansion of the arcade or the proposed addition of an 18-hole mini-golf course. As a result, the planning commission...READ MORE

Town Could Seek 'X-Games' Type of Event in 2009

OCEAN CITY -Ocean City could be seeing a new family and youth oriented event in the summer of 2009, a citywide event that would target families and promote action sports. The concept for OC Beachfest was presented last week at a tourism commission meeting, an event that promises to be 'three days of action sports at the beach.' Action sports are on the rise and have been for many years as events such as the X-Games become increasingly popular. OC Beachfest looks to capitalize on the...READ MORE

Sunsations Sole Vendor for Air Show

OCEAN CITY - The Ocean City Air Show is moving along as planned, reported show officials this week, as they presented the Mayor and Council with an update on the show and scheduled performers. The Ocean City Air Show will be held Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. A rehearsal day is scheduled for Monday, June 9 as well as an open house at the Ocean City Airport. The majority of the event is centered on 16th Street, with ground displays along 15th, 16th, and 17th...READ MORE

WOC Drive-Thru Plans Approved

OCEAN CITY -West Ocean City will soon be enjoying a drive-thru BBQ, as plans to convert the old Jerky Outlet continue to move forward this week. J.W. Powell, who currently owns Boog's Barbeque on the Boardwalk, and attorney Hugh Cropper, came before the Mayor and Council this week, requesting permission to create a drive-thru exit that would pass through the West Ocean City Park and Ride. The proposed drive-thru, quick service barbeque will take the place of the old Jerky Outlet, located...READ MORE

New System to Track Bus Locations

OCEAN CITY - The City Council voted to move forward with the purchasing of an auto vehicle locater for the town's bus system this week, despite a lack of state grant assistance. Public Works Director Hal Adkins reported this week the anticipated grant funding for the purchase of the auto vehicle locator (AVL) system was no longer an option. The City Council approved the purchase of the system in January 2007 with the understanding that the purchase would be supported through a MTA grant...READ MORE

Performing Arts Center Gains Support

OCEAN CITY -The proposal for a performing arts center in Ocean City received further support at a tourism commission meeting last week, as local business owners voiced the need for increased cultural tourism. Rina Thaler, President of the Art League of Ocean City, presented her ideas for cultural tourism, maintaining the importance of art in Ocean City. 'We have seen tremendous growth and demands for art in Ocean City,' Thaler said, citing the success of the Art League and the demand for more...READ MORE

State Police Make Huge Crack Bust

SNOW HILL- The Maryland State Police made a significant drug and weapons bust this week after stopping a vehicle passing through Worcester County on its way to points north for a routine equipment violation. A little after 11 p.m. on Tuesday, a Maryland State Police trooper from the Berlin barrack working routine patrol on Route 13 near Pocomoke observed a 2007 Dodge Charger with an equipment violation. The trooper pulled over the vehicle for the equipment repair order and found the driver had...READ MORE

State Cuts County Mosquito Budget

SNOW HILL- Towns and local communities must pay more for mosquito control this year or reduce efforts to control the biting pests, after the Worcester County Commissioners voted to pass the extra mosquito control costs on rather than absorbing or splitting the higher bill. 'The state has reduced its share,' reported county chief administrator Gerry Mason Tuesday. County Budget Officer Kathy Whited told the commissioners the state was reducing its contribution by five percent. 'The state is going...READ MORE

County Hopes to Reduce Spray Buffers

SNOW HILL - The Worcester County Commissioners will hold a public hearing April 22, before considering the text amendment for passage on changes to spray irrigation buffers and an expansion of the zones spray irrigation land will be allowed in. The change would implement an important tenet of the March 2006 Worcester County Comprehensive plan that highly treated effluent should be disposed of through spray irrigation. The Worcester County Planning Commission enthusiastically endorsed the text...READ MORE

County Seeks New Sewer Plant Site

SNOW HILL - The planned new Mystic Harbour sewer plant may not be built on the same site as the existing facility, with the Worcester County Commissioners directing staff this week to explore an alternate site before planning proceeded further. 'I do have a concern of building the plant at the same location,' said Commissioner Bud Church. 'I'd like you to broaden your horizons a bit.' The plan has been to build a new plant next to the existing plant, allowing the old facility to handle...READ MORE

Local Contractor Pleads Guilty to Theft Charges

SNOW HILL- A local roofer investigated last year for bilking customers out of their money without completing contracted projects pleaded guilty this week in District Court to felony theft and operating without a contractors office and now awaits his fait pending the outcome of a pre-sentence investigation. Charges against James Ira Lewis, 40, of Ocean City, were filed after a joint investigation carried out by the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI), the Worcester County Sheriff's...READ MORE

Friday, March 21 - Fire Dispute Parties Agree to Work Toward Solution

OCEAN CITY - After another lengthy and impassioned discussion over the future of the town's fire services this week, the Mayor and City Council and the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (OCFVC) agreed to come together and at least begin to hash out the problems that have caused the current rift and move towards a solution that all parties can feel comfortable with. Tensions remained high at a meeting of the Mayor and City Council Monday night as OCVFC Chief Chris Larmore and President Jay...READ MORE

OP Dodges Flush Tax Bullet

SNOW HILL- Ocean Pines wastewater customers will not pay the flush tax this year, the state has said, since higher nitrogen levels last winter could not be controlled by technology. 'I'm glad the state realized there's not technology available to process effluent at such extremely low temperatures,' said Worcester County Commissioner Judy Boggs. Earlier this winter, Worcester County learned high nitrogen levels in the extremely cold February and March of 2007 had skewed the annual nitrogen...READ MORE

Vilified Cabbie Helps Saves Man's Life

OCEAN CITY- With an ironic twist of fate, an Ocean City woman vilified last summer by the local and national media when she was charged with murder in the death of her unborn fetuses was a hero of sorts this week when she helped save the life of an elderly man who collapsed in a West Ocean City store. Christy Lynn Freeman found herself in the right place at the right time this week when she helped revive and later comforted an elderly man who collapsed from an apparent heart attack while in the...READ MORE

St. Pat's Parade Awards Announced

OCEAN CITY- The 28th Annual Delmarva Irish-American Club Saint Patrick's Day Parade was held last Saturday in Ocean City with picture-perfect weather and thousands of spectators on hand. All of the participants acquitted themselves well with a wide variety of floats, bands, historic vehicles and more. Following the parade's judges conferred and awarded first place and honorable mention prizes to winners in several categories. In the Marching Units category, the Chesapeake Caldonia Pipe and Drum...READ MORE

Ocean City Chapter 1917 AARP

Worcester County Commissioner Louise Gulyas was the guest speaker at the recent Ocean City Chapter 1917 AARP meeting.  At the meeting a collection was taken for Diakonia and $205 was raised.  Left to right:  Tom Hannon, Anne Cooley, Sue Shoop, Dubby Eby, Council member Mary Knight and Gulyas. ...READ MORE

Murray Oltman Recognized

Murray Oltman, director of information services at Atlantic General Hospital and owner of Wavelength Information Services, was recognized recently for his generous in-kind donation of service hours during 2007. Oltman donated a large number of support hours beyond the contracted levels to the hospital totaling $111,662. From left: Todd Hershey, chair of the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation; Murray Oltman, owner of Wavelength Information Services; and Michael Franklin, CEO of Atlantic General...READ MORE

Ocean City Chapter-Surfrider Foundation

The Ocean City Chapter-Surfrider Foundation received a generous donation from the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage C.A.R.E.S. The two thousand dollar grant from the Mid-Atlantic region was collected by the employees and agents. Accepting the gift from Karen St. Angelo (CB) is OC-SRF Shelly Dawson during the monthly meeting at the Bull on the Beach 94th Street. ...READ MORE

Carmella's Kids Preschool Students

Attached is a picture of Carmella's Kids Preschool Students who collected, built and worked hard to construct an igloo out of 200 milk jugs! Pictured students are: Skylar Mahoney, Brady Parcells, Jocelyn Berzonski, Daniel Ridenour and Nicolas Vinogradov.  Carmella's Kids learning center is located in Berlin. Great Job Students! ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary

Kaylyn Cobb, kindergartener from Mrs. Fell's class delivers a grocery cart full of books to the Media Center at Showell Elementary. Showell's Media Center is a busy place. Each child visits there each week. They check out 3 books each. Students keep monthly reading logs to account for minutes read each night. Mrs. Fell's class read a total of 9,785 minutes in the month of February. Showell's mantra is 'a book in every book bag' each night to read for pleasure. Kaylyn has a close...READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary School

Miss Elizabeth Parker's third grade class at Ocean City Elementary School made "Bright Breakfast Baskets" for the birds.  We removed and enjoyed feasting on the juicy inside of an orange half, then filled it with a mixture of bread, raisins, bird seed and apples.  The local birds are enjoying a spring treat all over Ocean City as the students took them home to hang on a nearby tree.  Pictured above, Miss Parker's students watch as Kody Sineno hangs the basket and Jillian...READ MORE

Showell Elementary

Physical education teachers Robin Wolinski and Scott Bailey had 125 Showell Elementary students jump rope to raise money for the fight against heart disease and stroke recently. Their efforts raised over $6500. Pictured above, Liabrooke Leggour does her part. ...READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary School's First Grade

Ocean City Elementary School's first grade held their choral concert, 'Character Chorus,' on March 11.  The songs and dialogue focused on good character traits and making smart choices.  The children learned through these songs that when we choose our friends by character, we choose the best friends.  When we understand that we all have feelings, we choose not to hurt others.  They also learned that it's never too early to start learning good habits, because good choices will...READ MORE

Second Grade Students At Ocean City Elementary

Second grade students at Ocean City Elementary recently held their Spring Concert titled "Almost Spring".  Pictured are students from Mrs. Wendi Eitel's class dressed in their costumes for their song, "Puddle Jumping".  Pictured are:  Macy Petersen, Julia Rettig, Yarden Rafaeli, Amanda Melvin, Hattie Brous, Stephanie Clark and Kira Solomon. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep

Geneva Sampson's Grade 5 Reading Class at Worcester Prep, after reading about teatime in one of the novels on the class reading list, visited Tea by the Sea, the tea shop in Berlin. Pictured above, Shea Dowling of Ocean City, loved dressing up for teatime. "It was so much fun, and we loved the food." ...READ MORE

Elks 2007-2008 Americanism Poster Contest

Riley Mears, a 2nd grader at Showell Elementary, won 1st place in the Elks 2007-2008 Americanism Poster Contest, "My Favorite Symbol of America" for ages 6 & 7 sponsored by the Ocean City, Maryland Elks Lodge #2645.  She also won 1st place at the South East District Level where she competed with over 600 poster entries. Riley told reporters, "I chose to draw myself holding the American flag because it is my favorite symbol of America. Most children recognize it to...READ MORE

Showell Elementary Third Graders

Showell Elementary third graders, Erica Hall (left) and Logan Gordy (right) came dressed to school as if they were going on a voyage to help kick-off their new reading theme.  Erica wants to go to Hawaii and Logan would like to visit a rain forest.  The third grade children in Mrs. Lertora's and Mrs. Johnson's classes wrote paragraphs about their imaginary voyages. ...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Barbara Lynn Horn Barbara Lynn Horn, age 53, died Friday, March 14, 2008 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin with her family by her side. Born in Tennessee, she was the daughter of Bobby K. and Kayree Kirk Hamlett. Mrs. Horn had worked as a photo manager at Happy Harry's Drug Store. She was very artistic, she loved crafts and painting. She was a big fan of Rod Stewart. She enjoyed reading, especially Danielle Steel. She was an animal lover, she had a Yorki (Peaces) and a cat (Thomas). She was...READ MORE

A Look At Who Was Out On The Town This Week

Weekly pictures from the restaurant and bar scene around the Ocean City area.  ...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Hileman Real Estate Announces Top Agents for February  BERLIN- Sonia Zaffiris, Associate Broker, was named Top Listing Agent for February.  Sonia has many years of experience in residential, commercial properties in Delaware and Maryland.  Bethany Drew was named Top Sales Agent.  With Hileman eight years, Drew handles listings and sales in Maryland and Delaware.  All agents can be reached at Hileman Real Estate's office on Cathell Road in Ocean Pines.  Open...READ MORE

Decatur Girls Reload, Not Rebuild

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's girl lacrosse team lost 12 seniors from last year's state regional championship team, but with a strong group of returners and a young group of players ready to step into the void, the Seahawks appear to be reloading rather than rebuilding as they prepare for the 2008 campaign. Last year's edition went a perfect 14-0 in the regular season and captured its second straight Bayside Conference title. The Seahawks then won the state 3A-2A East Region title before falling in...READ MORE

Seahawks Loaded with Talent, Potential

BERLIN- With a solid nucleus of solid veteran players returning at nearly every position on the field, Stephen Decatur's men's varsity lacrosse team appears poised to make a run at a conference championship and beyond this year. Decatur, under the guidance of Coach Jason Macrides, has flourished in recent years, turning in great season after great season with a seemingly endless string of talented players. This year, the beat should go on for the Seahawks with talented veterans all over the...READ MORE

Snow Hill Wins State Title, Completes Perfect Season

SNOW HILL- Snow Hill's men's varsity basketball team beat Surrattsville, 92-75, last Saturday in the state's Class 1A championship game to collect its third state title and complete a magical perfect season at 26-0. The Eagles jumped out to any early lead against Surrattsville at the Comcast Center at the University of Maryland last Saturday and never looked back on their way to a state championship and a perfect 26-0 season. The state title was the third in Snow Hill history, with other...READ MORE

My Thoughts

The old guy stopped by the newspaper office the other day to watch the young guys put the paper together and it brought back a lot of memories about laying out pages, placing pictures and writing headlines- especially the latter. Writing headlines is tricky business because you have to let the readers know what the story is about and you have to do it in a pre-determined space. Too long and it won't fit- too short and you get a lot of ugly white space. Insider has always considered himself an...READ MORE

How The 401(k) Can Help Your Business

BERLIN - One way to attract and retain employees who can help bring your company to the next level is to offer a solid 401(k) retirement plan that encourages them to build for their own financial futures. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 helps do just that. It has made setting up a 401(k) for your company easier than ever, with greater incentives for both you and your employees. In one of the act's most important provisions, you can automatically enroll workers in your company's 401(k). While...READ MORE

Seaside Country Store Opens for 39th Season

OCEAN CITY -Seaside Country Store opened its doors last Friday, kicking off another season of gourmet foods, unique gifts and home décor at 'the most unusual store on the shore.' Owner Stephen Vickers took The Dispatch on a tour of the expansive store, giving a preview of all the unique items that the Fenwick Island store will have to offer this year. The smell of gourmet cheeses, spices, and homemade fudge fills the entrance of Seaside Country Store as you walk into the gourmet foods...READ MORE

"Planning to Make Other Plans"

'I never planned to be doing this' is a mantra that many say, to defend whatever action they are about to do or have just done.  It is sometimes followed by this phrase: 'but life is what happens when you are making other plans.' Maybe it's said before you attempt to sing a karaoke rendition of Journey's 'Any Way You Want It' after 12 daiquiris or maybe it's something that you say to yourself each morning before you go to work at a job that you never aspired to do in your wildest dreams. I...READ MORE

Things I Like

Learning about an unknown topic An old computer that still works well The saying, •€˜seeing is believing' Early Bon Jovi records That baseball season is near An excited dog at mealtime The anticipation of time away from home Looking back at what made news years ago That I don't move furniture for a living Looking at newspapers while visiting other places Anyone with a good heart ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Congratulations, Lamb. This is the week to finish your project and then bask in your well-earned approval. (And if you like, you can also say "bah" to all those detractors.) TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The bold Bovine could find a new opportunity too intriguing to be ignored. But don't charge into it. Go slowly so you see how things develop as you get more involved. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might try to soften your stand on that important issue. A...READ MORE