June 29, 2012

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Smoke-Free Beach Streets Pitched For Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council have voiced a consensus to move forward in creating smoke-free areas on the beach by next summer. Terry Steimer of the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and chair of the Ocean City “Leave Only Your Footprints” campaign received permission this week from the Mayor and City Council to continue a program to place cigarette butt cans along the resort’s beach and Boardwalk. In the last year, the foundation has initiated a pilot...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Ocean City’s Summer Song Contest Draws 55 Entries

OCEAN CITY – Judging is currently taking place n the more than 50 entries for the resort’s Song of the Summer contest. As of midnight on Monday, the entry phase for the Ocean City Song of the Summer contest closed with 55 entries received. “I just think that is an incredible response because it is not your average contest, there has to be some thought and effort put into it,” Tourism Director Donna Abbott said on Tuesday. “So we are just thrilled with the...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: OC’s Merged Election To Feature Two Separate Ballots; Tensions Run High During Discussion

OCEAN CITY – A moment in history was made last night as the City Council decided to authorize the consolidation of its municipal election with general election day. The question to consolidate Ocean City’s individual municipal Election Day in October with National Election Day in November has been brought up throughout the town’s history, as recently as twice in the last year, and on June 18 the council voted 4-3, Council members Joe Hall, Doug Cymek, Mary Knight and Lloyd...READ MORE

NEW FOR MONDAY: Movie Aims ‘To Capture Ocean City' In Mid-1980s, But Needs Funding Help

OCEAN CITY – After briefly explaining the details of production and funding issues facing it, Ocean City officials and private investors now must decide whether they want to take the risk of investing money in a movie that hopes to film in Ocean City this fall. Last Thursday, writer/director of “Ping-Pong Summer,” Michael Tully, along with entertainment attorney George Rush and a team of producers involved with the film, including Jeff Allard and Michael Gottwald, met with...READ MORE

Worcester Natural Gas Network Near

BERLIN -- Work is moving faster than expected for the much anticipated installation of a natural gas network in Worcester County. According to County Commissioner Judy Boggs, who has led the charge to bring natural gas to the area, Chesapeake Utilities is nearing the final stages of laying a transmission line, which will feed natural gas into Worcester, and should be finished by early-August, weeks ahead of their original timeline. “They are a month ahead of schedule,” Boggs...READ MORE

OC Liquor License Requests Denied Due To ‘Lack Of Public Need’

SNOW HILL -- The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) cited a “lack of public need” last Friday when denying two Ocean City applications -- one for a new liquor license and another for the expansion of an existing liquor license. Both license applications are located within a block of each other. The first, an attempt for a new license on 44th Street that would have been called “The Retro Music Hall,” wanted to fill a niche that applicant Steve Long...READ MORE

MML Officials Hear From Cardin, O’Malley

OCEAN CITY -- U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley delivered bookend speeches to the Maryland Municipal League (MML) convention in Ocean City this week with remarks often long on rhetoric and short on substance. State and federal leaders were all over the resort area and the Lower Shore this week to attend events in conjunction with the annual MML convention in Ocean City. After somewhat relaxed opening MML events last Sunday, Cardin delivered a speech at the...READ MORE

OC Police Reports Street Performers Not Causing Issues

OCEAN CITY -- After a rather tumultuous 2011 summer season with street performers on the Boardwalk, all has been relatively calm thus far this season with a new set of rules and a new “if you can’t beat them, join them” attitude. Fresh off a victory in a federal lawsuit challenging First Amendment rights filed against the resort last fall, street performers have been back in force on the Boardwalk this summer. However, with perhaps one notable exception, the prevailing attitude...READ MORE

OC Earns Perfect Water Quality Grade

OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City and neighboring Dewey Beach in Delaware were among the 12 destinations to earn a perfect five-star rating in an annual report released this week on water quality at popular beaches around the country. According to “Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches,” an independent report released every year by the Natural Resources Defense Council, water quality at beaches in Ocean City earned a perfect five-star rating again. For the 22nd year...READ MORE

OCPD: Tasers Have Been Used When All Else Fails For Officers

OCEAN CITY -- Months after adding Electronic Control Devices, or Tasers, to its crime-fighting arsenal, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) has used the device a handful of times this year, including an incident late Tuesday night. Last October, the Ocean City Mayor and Council approved a pilot program for the acquisition and use of Tasers by the police department and a limited number of OCPD officers started carrying them in February. In the months since, OCPD officers have resorted to the...READ MORE

Summer Season Off To Brisk Start For Ocean City Area

OCEAN CITY – Numbers go to show that it is just not left to the imagination that the crowds in town this summer seem larger than previous years. According to Demoflush, May and June of this year have seen an increase in visitors compared to last year during the same period. Demoflush is weekend population estimates based on wastewater volume. In May, the total weekend estimated population was 766,246 with an average of 191,561, and in June the estimation is 1,000,583 with an average of...READ MORE

Legionella Suspected At North OC Condo

OCEAN CITY -- The presence of the Legionella, a bacteria that can cause a type of pneumonia called Legionnaire’s Disease, has been detected at a north-end Ocean City condominium, marking the second time in less than a year the illness has surfaced at a resort lodging facility. Two people, both of whom visited Ocean City and stayed at the Sea Watch Condominiums in north Ocean City, have been diagnosed with symptoms of Legionnaire’s Disease. One individual was diagnosed with the...READ MORE

MSP Helicopter Stationed Downtown This Summer

OCEAN CITY -- After a solid first season in 2011, the Maryland State Police (MSP) will continue the forward deployment of a medevac helicopter in Ocean City this summer to be used in partnership with the Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP). This year, however, the helicopter will be stationed even closer to the action for faster responses. “It’s actually at the Coast Guard station,” said OCBP Captain Butch Arbin. “We can be deployed many minutes faster.” During the...READ MORE

Troubled Snow Hill Store Scores Liquor License

SNOW HILL -- A controversial business in Snow Hill is getting a new chance at an alcohol license with new owners. Residents both supporting and protesting the West Market St. “Your Stop” receiving a beverage license packed the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) meeting last week with tempers between the two groups running high. Attorney Joe Moore, who represented Your Stop, told the board that the owners have operated the business with no alcohol sales and no...READ MORE

Former County ‘Kingpin’ Arrested After Police Altercation

BERLIN -- Over two decades after his arrest and conviction on a single conspiracy to distribute cocaine charge after a grand jury identified him as the “kingpin” in a major drug distribution ring in Worcester County, Archie Elliott returned to the area this week and was promptly arrested after a scrap with local law enforcement. Elliott, now 63, whose current address is listed as Myrtle Beach, was one of the key figures, or “kingpins,” identified in a 1988 grand jury...READ MORE

Attendance Growing At New Beach Lights, Fireworks Events

OCEAN CITY – There is a buzz around town over this summer’s new weekly events --- the laser sphere and the fireworks -- as attendance has been increasing each week. Starting on Memorial Day weekend the town has been hosting weekly entertainment as part of the Summer of Thanks 2012 campaign, including the OC Beach Lights show on Sunday nights and a fireworks display on Tuesday nights. The OC Beach Lights entails a five-story tall inflatable sphere featuring a visual laser, lighting,...READ MORE

Tech Manufacturer To Begin Operating In Worcester

POCOMOKE -- The Eastern Shore of Maryland is generally known for tourism and agriculture, but state and local officials met this week at Vorbeck Materials’ new location in Pocomoke to celebrate the expansion of technology, one of the area’s fastest growing industries. “We have tourism, agriculture, small business and, you know what?” asked State Sen. Jim Mathias (D-38B). “We have a tech industry here.” Gov. Martin O’Malley made similar comments this week...READ MORE

OC’s Dew Tour Free To Public This Year

OCEAN CITY – The Dew Tour returns to Ocean City in less than two months and yesterday released big news -- the entire event will be free and open to the public. The Dew Tour’s Ocean City stop is scheduled for Aug, 16-19. The event’s stop in Ocean City this summer aims to capture the unique beach lifestyle in the competitions, music and character with transition focused and ocean inspired events. It will be completely free and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Moving Election Is Wise Editor: Combining the national and municipal elections in Ocean City is the right choice. I’ll never forget the 2010 municipal election. On that Tuesday, it was literally a ghost town at the Convention Center. To point out how sparsely populated it was, a song started on the radio when I entered the building and it was still playing upon returning to my vehicle. At that moment I realized to expect the unexpected with the results. And as we all know Brent Ashley...READ MORE

With June Best To Remember ‘This Too Shall Pass’

It happens every year. Summer arrives and we begin wondering whether Ocean City is a safe place to be or not. When it comes to June and all the crime that surfaces during this month, it’s difficult not to conclude that Ocean City can be a dangerous place. However, that would not be an accurate representation of this resort. Sure there are hundreds of arrests made and some are disturbing. It’s normal to be worried when within a few days there are several reports of routine traffic...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

Two confident predictions were made in Ocean City this week regarding the outcome of the debate over merging the municipal election with the general vote.Councilmen Brent Ashley and Doug Cymek, who may sit next to each other on the council dais but are miles apart typically on their political views, each looked into their crystal balls this week, predicting what would be end result next week of the ongoing dispute.Once the citizens have a chance to speak on the issue during the Monday, July 2...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 PINES 4 Annapolis Court The Parke Sat&Sun 12-4 Shows Like New 3BR/2BA/2444SF On Quiet Cul-de-Sac Greg Erdie Coldwell Banker 410-641-7636 OCEAN PINES 3 Portside Court Teal Bay Sat&Sun 12-4 Waterfront 3BR+Loft With Boat Dock Greg Erdie Coldwell Banker 410-641-7636 OCEAN CITY Sunset Island 67th St & The...READ MORE

Arrested Twice In One Day

WEST OCEAN CITY -- A Delmar woman was arrested twice in the span of a few hours last week after first wandering while intoxicated along Route 611 and later fighting with a friend who came to pick her up from jail. Around 8 p.m. last Wednesday, Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the area around Route 611 and Sunset Ave. for a reported intoxicated person. The reports indicated an intoxicated person had wandered into Route 611 and was lying in the roadway. When deputies...READ MORE

Bob Dylan Returning To Salisbury

SALISBURY – Bob Dylan has announced he will return to The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury on Thursday, Aug. 30.  Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show go on sale Friday, June 29.  Dylan, who has not performed on the Eastern Shore since 2000 and previously in 1994, is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Pullitzer Prize winner.  His singing and songwriting is recognized not just for its artistic value, but for capturing the voice of a generation.  Beginning with his...READ MORE

Berlin’s Downtown Offers Free WiFi Service

BERLIN -- There’s something in the air in Berlin this summer. It’s not love; it’s free wireless Internet. “After receiving a number of requests from visitors, the Berlin Council authorized the installation of Wi-Fi and Tim Lawrence, Berlin’s Electric Utility Director, facilitated the addition of the necessary equipment to provide this service,” said Mayor Gee Williams. “We think that our town’s visitors and guests will enjoy and appreciate this...READ MORE

Area Arts Council Awards 12 Grants, Eight Scholarships

BERLIN -- The Worcester County Arts Council has awarded $14,750 in Community Arts Development Grants program to 12 art projects and events to be presented by local nonprofit arts organizations during the six-month granting cycle beginning July 1. Grants were awarded to Art League of Ocean City, various art exhibits; Berlin Heritage Foundation, Berlin Peach Festival; Berlin Intermediate School, Believing in BIS Summer Academy; Germantown School Community Heritage Center, Tinley Gospel Fest; Great...READ MORE

New Offerings Planned For First Friday In Snow Hill

SNOW HILL -- Don’t miss the opportunity to extend your 4th of July celebration on Friday, July 6, with Arts on the River First Friday in Snow Hill. Snow Hill merchants and gallery owners in downtown will stay open until 8 p.m. to welcome visitors. Enjoy the island sounds of steel drums being played by Augie DiGiovanni in addition to special discounts, art openings, and light refreshments. Nick Haglich will open from 5 to 7 p.m. for Brad Stevens,...READ MORE

No Legislative Vote Needed For Resort To Merge Elections

OCEAN CITY – A state of confusion arose this week when a supposed state regulation almost put a stop to Ocean City’s attempts to consolidate its municipal elections with national Election Day. Early this week, a letter from City Solicitor Guy Ayres had circulated among the Mayor and City Council answering a list of questions regarding consolidating Ocean City’s municipal Election Day in October with national Election Day in November. On June 18, the council voted 4-3, Council...READ MORE

PRMC To Host Cancer Art Exhibition Next Month

SALISBURY -- Lilly Oncology On Canvas, an art exhibition honoring the physical and emotional journeys people face when confronted by a cancer diagnosis, will be on display at Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute during the month of July. This free public exhibit, which is touring communities nationwide, will showcase more than 50 select pieces of art from the 2010 Oncology On Canvas competition. Community members who wish to view the artwork are encouraged...READ MORE

Salisbury, County Meet On Enterprise Zones

SALISBURY – City officials last week met with the Wicomico County Council to discuss the renewal of Enterprise Zones in the area. According to Assistant City Administrator Lore Chambers of Salisbury, the Salisbury/Wicomico Enterprise Zone Designation expires on Dec. 14, 2012, and there is only one reapplication oppurtunity left, Oct. 15. The City Council and County Council must approve a resolution to submit the application before that time. The Department of Business and Economic...READ MORE

Museum’s Free Weekly Programs Start Next Week

OCEAN CITY -- Families looking for a free, enjoyable morning activity in Ocean City can head to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. Nestled on the Boardwalk by the Inlet, the museum offers free programs six mornings a week, with topics ranging from knot tying to “All About Sharks.”  Programs take place from July 2 through August 25 every day except Sunday at 10 a.m. and last approximately one-half hour.  On Mondays, the Ocean City Beach Patrol demonstrates the newest...READ MORE

Teens Rescued In Inlet By Coast Guard

OCEAN CITY -- Two teenage boys were rescued by the Coast Guard in the Inlet on Monday evening after the personal watercraft they were riding capsized during a sudden storm. Around 6:30 p.m. on Monday, two 17-year-old boys were riding personal watercraft in the bay near the Inlet when the last of several severe storms throughout the day blew through the resort area. The personal watercraft flipped in the suddenly turbulent conditions, sending the teens into the water. A witness at a nearby motel...READ MORE

Gulyas Recovering From Heart Surgery

SALISBURY -- Worcester County Commissioner Louise Gulyas is recovering after having heart surgery this week. According to her son, Thom, Gulyas was in good spirits after the surgery on Tuesday and anxious to begin her rehabilitation once doctors clear her. Although the family did not wish to divulge all the details of the procedure, it was confirmed Gulyas underwent a five-hour bypass surgery at PRMC Tuesday. The surgery was conducted by Dr. James Todd. Gulyas hopes to return to her elected...READ MORE

Mikulski Tours Wallops In Advance Of Major Launch

BERLIN -- Days after the most recent rocket launch from Wallops Island, located south of Assateague, Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) this week toured the NASA flight facility to see first-hand the preparations for a major launch event later this year. Around 6:40 a.m. last Thursday, a NASA rocket carrying 17 educational experiments arched its way across the early morning sky over the Lower Shore, reaching an altitude of around 73 miles before falling harmlessly into the ocean off the coast of the...READ MORE

Summer Season Ushers In Changes For The Globe

BERLIN -- With 10 new beers on tap, including some local favorites and later kitchen hours, the Globe in Berlin is gearing up in a big way for its seventh summer season. On top of all of that, owner Jennifer Dawicki confirmed that the plan this year is to encourage more special events and to take advantage of the Globe’s 100-year-old building to make the place more than a restaurant. “I’d like to see the Globe evolve into the cultural hotspot it could be,” she said....READ MORE

Local Shop Owners Filling A Void In Village Of Fenwick

OCEAN CITY -- In the last three years, Janilyn Elias and Jeff Fetterman have filled in The Village of Fenwick with a couple of shops that go against the grain of a traditional pet and book store. Elias and Fetterman, opened Petique in the Village of Fenwick in spring of 2010. At the time, it was named Indulgence until they opened their second shop in the village, The Bookend Café, the following year. Indulgence offered merchandise for pets and people alike but it evolved into just a pet...READ MORE

Gov., Officials Tour Salisbury’s Evo Operation

SALISBURY -- A few months after moving to a 30,000-square-foot facility in Salisbury, Evolution Brewing Company got a visit from Gov. Martin O’Malley. During the tour, O’Malley outlined what Maryland is doing to encourage job creation and economic growth, a strategy that he said is reliant upon small businesses like Evolution. “The reason we’re here is because of the entrepreneurial spirit and job creating capacity of the Knorr brothers and people like them,” he...READ MORE

Coastal Bays Program First Beneficiary Of Art Project

BERLIN -- Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) is the first non-profit organization to receive a donation from a new innovative local company called Free Lance Art Party (FLAP). FLAP has a unique product approach beneficial to many. FLAP collects art from talented unknown artists and introduces it to the public through their apparel. An artist whose work is chosen for one of their products receives $200 and a sample of the product. For every item sold, a portion of profits are then donated to a...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

Big changes on several fronts have been occurring with our oldest son, Beckett, and it’s been wonderful to observe.Many parent friends have told me over the last couple years there comes a time when kids start to turn the corner and noticeable maturation takes place. They advised it would be like the flip of a switch and it happens on the little ones’ timetable.One comment that has stuck in my head over since I heard it the first time was, “just wait till the phase when they...READ MORE

32nd Small Boat Tourney in the Books

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Marlin Club’s 32nd Annual Small Boat Tournament last weekend was a big success with plenty of action both offshore and inshore. The Marlin Club’s annual Small Boat Tournament provides an opportunity for some of the smaller vessels in the resort area’s sportfishing fleet to compete before the bigger events such as the Ocean City Tuna Tournament and the White Marlin Open arrive on the calendar. As its name implies, the event is open to boats with a...READ MORE

Club’s 30th Canyon Kick-off Underway

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Marlin Club’s 30th Annual Canyon Kick-off tournament got underway this morning with the first of three official fishing days. With tuna practically jumping in the boat for most of the resort area’s sportfishing fleet for the last week or so, and billfish and dolphin turning up in decent numbers offshore, there should be plenty of action in this year’s Canyon Kick-off. Captains must choose to fish two of the three fishing days of the event, the first...READ MORE

10th Annual Firecracker Mixer on Tap

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s 10th Annual Firecracker Mixer will be held at the Ocean City Tennis Center next Wednesday, July 4, from 9-11 a.m. The mini-tournament is open to the public and men and women of all ages. The event includes a round-robin tournament, prizes and other contests including a “most patriotic tennis outfit.” Participants are required to sign up in advance as the event is limited to 40 players. For more information, call the...READ MORE

Pop Warner Teams to Hold Registration

BERLIN- The Worcester County Pop Warner Youth Football and Cheerleading teams will be holding registration for the upcoming season on July 10 at 7 p.m. at the Northern Worcester County Athletic Complex in Berlin. The Worcester Pop Warner program will hold registration for the 2012 season for the Junior Peewee football team for players ages 8-10 with a weight of 60-105 pounds, or age 11 with a weight of 60-85 pounds. The program is also holding registration for the Peewee team ages 9-11 with a...READ MORE

Locals Fare Well in State Track Meet

BERLIN- Worcester County’s representatives fared well last weekend in Maryland’s Hershey Track and Field Championships in Gaithersburg with one local athlete sweeping his three events and winning the meet’s MVP award. After Hershey Track and Field championship meets in different regions across Maryland last week, the top two finishers in each local event were invited to the Maryland State Championships in Gaithersburg last Saturday. Colton Edmunds, 12, of Berlin, (pictured with...READ MORE

Decatur Boosters Tourney Sets New Record

BERLIN- The Stephen Decatur High School Athletic Boosters Club’s 13th annual golf tournament last week was a huge success with the number of participants sold out and a new tournament record of funds raised for the school’s sports programs. The Decatur Athletic Boosters last Tuesday held their 13th annual golf tournament fundraiser at Eagle’s Landing with a sold out field of 144 golfers competing. The players enjoyed near perfect weather, perfect playing conditions, excellent...READ MORE

Berlin All-Stars Win First Tourney

BERLIN- The Berlin Little League All-Stars season got off to a great start last weekend with the 7-8 team winning the title in the Willards tournament, the first of a weeks-long series of events leading up to the District 8 championships. The Berlin Little League 7-8 All Stars went 5-1 in the tournament at Willards last weekend to win the title. Berlin swept its three games last Saturday, then won it first game on Sunday, beating the Fruitland Blue team. Fruitland Blue handed Berlin its first...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 Wed., Thurs. & Sat.: Shepherd’s Nook Thrift Shop 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Community Church at Ocean Pines, Rte. 589 & Racetrack Rd., Berlin. Accepting donations of gently worn clothes and small household items. Open Wednesday-Friday: Stevenson United Methodist Thrift Shop 5...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Roger Williamson Cohill BERLIN -- Roger Williamson Cohill passed away on June 21, 2012. He was 88 years old. The son of the late James Andrew and Helen Morgan Cohill, Roger was born and raised in Hancock, Md. where his family was in the orchard business. He attended the University of Maryland and graduated with a degree in Entomology. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945 where he met his wife, Elizabeth Patricia Gorman, who predeceased him in 2005 after 59 years of marriage. Roger had a...READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

19th hole bar & Grille, The 410-213-9204 • Corner of Rte. 611 & Sunset Ave., West Ocean City Friday, June 29: Blake Haley, 6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 30: John Remy, 6-10 p.m. Sunday, July 1: Louis Wright, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Walt Farozic, 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 4: Walt Farozic, 6-9 p.m. Thursday, July 5: Chris Button, 6-9 p.m. 28th Street Pit and Pub 410-289-2020 • 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Saturday, June 30: Pompous Pie Every Monday: Galaxy Collective, 10 p.m. Every Thursday:...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 Distin-guished Restaurants of North America awards, one of only 220 in North America and the only one in this region. Serving dinner Tuesday-Sunday starting at 5 p.m. Also offering a 5 course...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Conference Attended SALISBURY -- Bradley Gillis of Sperry Van Ness-Miller Commercial Real Estate in Salisbury recently attended the Healthcare & Real Estate Conference in New York. The conference featured important discussion on the state of healthcare in the United States, the implementation of healthcare reform and the various investment and development opportunities in the myriad of medical office buildings, research facilities and seniors’ housing. It was attended by 225 leading...READ MORE

Wicomico Gardening Club Presents Salisbury Horizons With $500 Check

The Wicomico Gardening Club presented Salisbury Horizons with a $500 check to help fund different gardening programs during the Horizons six-week summer session at The Salisbury School. Pictured, front from left, are students Ahnija Deal, Joshua Auguste and Nicholas Pellegrin; and, back, Horizons Executive Director Harlan Eagle, Horizons Program Director Donelle Van Holten and the club’s Paula Erdie. ...READ MORE

Royal Farms Awarded $500 To Support Community Foundation Help Your Neighbor Fund

Royal Farms awarded $500 to support the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s Help Your Neighbor Fund, during the grand re-opening of its South Division Street store in Salisbury.  The contribution provides financial assistance to organizations serving families and seniors in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties who need assistance paying utility bills, purchasing food and buying medical prescriptions.  Pictured are Spicer Bell, left, president, Community...READ MORE

Annual Member Appreciation Picnic Held For OP Boat Club

The Ocean Pines Boat Club held its Annual Member Appreciation Picnic celebrating its 22nd Anniversary this month with 202 members in attendance. Among them were eight Past Commodores and the current Commodore. Pictured, above, front, Dick Clark; and, back, Doris Lloyd, Tom Quinn, Tim Mullin, Bob Abele, Pat Marchesiello, Bill Neubrand, Sharon Connelly and Rich Marchesiello. ...READ MORE

Fundraiser Held for Democratic Candidate For Congress

A fundraiser/reception was held for Wendy Rosen, Democratic candidate for Congress, June 21 at Taustin family’s Blu crab house and raw bar at 24th Street and Coastal Hwy. Hosting the reception was Jeff and Rina Thaler of Ocean City. Pictured, from left, are Blu owner Taustin, Jeffrey Albright, Stu Eisenman, Jamie Albright, Rina Thaler,  Rosen, Berlin Mayor Gee Williams, Larry Pack, Allen Brodsky and Jeff Thaler. ...READ MORE

Years Of Service Award Presented By Worcester County Clerk Of Court

Earlier this month, Worcester County Clerk of Court Stephen V. Hales presented “Years of Service” awards to, from left, Rhonda Wilkerson, 10 years; Chief Deputy Clerk Susan Braniecki, 25 years; Claire King 15 years; Michelle Taylor, five years; Nicole Caudell, five years; and Robin Hester, 10 years. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Things I Like

Seeing people reading this paper on the beach The “I Love Berlin” bumper stickers When something is not too good to be true Ocean City’s vanity plates Books on local history How some shore folks refer to a thunderstorm as a “squall” A photo of my kids both smiling Cold fried chicken on the beach A clean, glassy set of waves When big-name acts come to the shore Big summer concerts ...READ MORE

Four Ways To Pay For College

OCEAN CITY -- Depending on your family’s situation, any one of these options could work for you in funding your child’s higher education expenses. 1. 529 College Savings Plans
Advantages include account owner retains control and manages accounts based on investment options available in the plan, primarily portfolios consisting of mutual funds; any earnings are federal- and state0income tax free, if used for qualified higher-education expenses; and treated favorably for federal...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Be prepared to face some challenges stirred up by an envious colleague. Your best defense is the Arian's innate honesty. Stick with the truth, and you'll come out ahead. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your sensitivity to the needs of others is admirable. But be careful to avoid those who would take unfair advantage of your good nature, especially where money is involved. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Having an optimistic attitude is fine, as far as it goes. But don't be...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Election Move Is Right Editor: (The following letter was addressed to the Ocean City Mayor and Council with a copy sent to this publication.) As most of you know, I was a resident of Ocean City for 23 years. I recently moved to Florida, but still keep up with the town and its news as I am an Ocean City resident at heart. I recently read in The Dispatch’s Daily Buzz that you are considering consolidation of the town election with the state and federal election. I am glad to see that. I was...READ MORE

Logic Wins Out In OC Election Decision

Reason won out over tradition at this week’s Mayor and Council meeting when the decision was made to do away with the municipality’s election in October and merge it with the November vote. In a 4-3 vote, with Doug Cymek, Joe Hall, Mary Knight and Lloyd Martin in support and Brent Ashley, Jim Hall and Margaret Pillas opposed (as well as the non-voting mayor), the council decided it was in the best interests of the town to combine its bi-annual election with the general election. The...READ MORE