December 14, 2007

Thursday, December 20 - Reward Offered In Missing Woman Case

BERLIN - The family of a Delaware woman and mother of two, who went missing in the Pocomoke area over a month ago, this week offered a $5,000 reward for information to help locate her as the holidays near. Christine Marie Sheddy, 27, of Bowers Beach, Del., was last seen on Nov. 13 in the Byrd Street area of Pocomoke. She has been missing for about five weeks now, touching off a search effort across Worcester County that has been expanded to include neighboring Delaware and Virginia. The...READ MORE

Wednesday, December 19 - OC Extends Sex Shop Moratorium

OCEAN CITY - The end date of the moratorium on sexually oriented business licenses and zoning in Ocean City was officially pushed back another month this week with the unanimous vote from the City Council. In a regular session of the Mayor and City Council Monday night, the council was presented with a resolution extending the moratoria on the issuance of business licenses and zoning approval for sexually oriented businesses. The resolution calls for the extension of the expiration of the...READ MORE

Tuesday, December 18 - OC Cop Terminated After Drunk Driving Charge

OCEAN CITY - An Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer arrested and charged with driving under the influence last week after a holiday party was terminated by Chief Bernadette DiPino on Monday following an administrative hearing. OCPD Officer Wilbur Thomas Jesson was arrested early last Wednesday morning in Delaware when his car left the roadway along Route 113 after leaving an Ocean City Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 10 Christmas party. Jesson was driving on Route 113 near...READ MORE

Monday, December 17 - Scrap Tires Planned For Berlin Park Path

BERLIN - The scrap-tire walking and jogging path long intended for Stephen Decatur Park should begin construction this spring, the Berlin Town Council learned last week. The five-foot wide path will be laid out around the park, stretching six-tenths of a mile and will accommodate walkers and joggers. Bicyclists will be asked not to use the path. State grant funds from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will fund construction. The Maryland Board of Public Works approved the project...READ MORE

Car Stolen From Iraq Soldier Recovered in OC

Car Stolen From Iraq Soldier Recovered in OC OCEAN CITY - A Gaithersburg, Md. man is in custody this week after his arrest in Ocean City late last week for stealing a car and other property from a female soldier serving in Iraq. Last Thursday, Ocean City Police were contacted by several motel clerks throughout the resort complaining a suspicious man was entering the properties and asking for a free room. The last call the OCPD received came from the Hilton on 32nd Street, and when police...READ MORE

Council Backs Tax District Idea To Help Trimper's

OCEAN CITY - The Mayor and Council gave full support to the Trimper family this week, agreeing to back the concept of the proposed historic amusement tax district, a legislative proposal that many are hoping will keep the downtown Ocean City landmark in business for decades. The news earlier this year that the downtown amusement park might be closing for good left many reeling, sparking a mass of letters to the editor, to the Mayor and Council and to pretty much anyone who would listen. A...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

Former County Commissioner Sonny Bloxom will be taking over as the county attorney next year. Ed Hammond's retirement will mark the end of an era in Snow Hill. The longtime Berlin resident, never shy about expressing his thoughts on any given day, was more than simply the county's advisor on legal issues. In the days there were five commissioners, he was often referred to as the 'sixth commissioner.' Now, that there's seven commissioners in office, thanks to a complicated redistricting process,...READ MORE

A Step In The Right Direction

A home is our most prized possession as well as our wisest investment. That's why it's a good move for President Bush and the federal government to step in and address the foreclosure crisis in this country. Although last week's announcement by the feds is expected to grant reprieves to many Americans, it will not keep many from losing their homes. The administration's decision to freeze interest rates for some homeowners is good news, but only time will tell how effective it will be in keeping...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Paper Seeking Revenge Editor: 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!' Or maybe it should be, as a reporter scorned. After a County Commissioners meeting, where a certain Dispatch reporter tried to bully her way into reopening the meeting after it was adjourned, it has been apparent that revenge is the action that the newspaper chose to pursue. After reading the reporter's childish retort in the next Dispatch, I thought that would be the end of it. Apparently The Dispatch wants to keep the pot...READ MORE

Ocean City

OCEAN CITY Trout Lane 14th Street Fri-Sun 11-3 Bayside Townhouses Rick Meehan Coldwell Banker 410-723-8778 OCEAN CITY The Meridian Daily 10-4 Oceanfront Residences New Construction Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-520-0072 OCEAN CITY Bella Vista Daily 9-5 3BR Bayside Condos Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 OCEAN CITY Bay 1 Fri-Sun 10-4 3/4BR, 3+ BA 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...READ MORE

West Ocean City - Berlin - Fenwick Island

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Fri-Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker BERLIN Purnell Crossing Tues-Sun 11-6 3BR/2.5BA Villas w/ 2-car Garage Ryan Homes 866-776-9818 OCEAN PINES 98 Lookout Pt Sat-Sun 12-3 2300sqft Waterfront Greg Erdie Coldwell Banker 410-641-5700 FENWICK ISLAND Bayside Rt. 54 Models Open Daily Classic Beach Resort Town Carl M. Free ...READ MORE

Decatur Girls Fall to 0-2

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's girls' varsity basketball team got their season off to a rough start this week, falling to Washington, 34-25, last Friday before losing to visiting Mardela, 42-29, on Tuesday. The Seahawks are now 0-2 on the year with a handful of games left before the holiday break. Decatur plays Bennett on the road tonight and returns home for a pair of games early in the week against Cambridge-South Dorchester on Monday and Pocomoke on Tuesday. Decatur closes out the early portion of...READ MORE

Host Decatur Finishes Second in War on Shore

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity wrestling team enjoyed a great weekend hosting the 6th Annual War on Shore tournament, finishing a close second to Baltimore powerhouse Mount St. Joseph as a team and placing several individual grapplers in their respective weight classes. The Seahawks came in second in the sixth annual event featuring some of the best high school wrestling programs from several states in the mid-Atlantic region. Traditional wrestling powerhouse Mount St. Joseph finished atop...READ MORE

Mallards Split Pair with Dragons

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's men's and women's varsity basketball teams had an up-and-down day this week with the boys beating old rival Salisbury School, 43-36, on Tuesday after the girls lost to their familiar foe, 42-35, in the matinee. Games between Worcester and Salisbury School are always emotionally charged whatever the sport or venue and this week was no different when the two schools butted heads in basketball for the first time this year. The Worcester girls fell to the Dragons in the...READ MORE

Tuna Tournament Donations

OCEAN CITY- Ocean City Tuna Tournament officials Brian Tinkler, Jennifer Blunt and Denny Sharp last week presented a check for $5,000 to the Maryland Coastal Bays Programs Evelina Erickson and Dr. Roman Jessien. from funds raised with raffles during the 20th annual event in July. A tuna fighting chair donated by Release Marine raised $5,000 for the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. In addition, Kuhn's Jewelers of Salisbury donated a Rolex watch, which was raffled and raised $2,500 each for the O.C....READ MORE

Winterfest Soccer

Looking for a last minute holiday gift, ask about our Winterfest Soccer Camp Gift Certificates. Sign your son or daughter up for the only holiday camp in the area and receive a soccer ball, t-shirt and lots of give-a-ways. Sign up with a friend and enjoy the holidays. Campers also receive a camp t-shirt, 5 x7 photo with coaches, certificate of completion and give-a-ways. The Camp Director, Kevin Darcy, Director of Coaching for the Virginia Legacy Soccer Club, Head Coach For the Williamsburg...READ MORE

Worcester's Wyatt Signs with Fairfield

BERLIN- Worcester Prep standout scholar-athlete Caroline Wyatt last week signed a letter of intent to attend school and play lacrosse at Fairfield University in Connecticut next year, joining a long list of Mallards taking their games to the next level. Wyatt, who led the Worcester varsity girls' team in scoring last year as a junior, was recruited by Division I Fairfield and its coach Beth Loffredo this summer and agreed to sign on with the school after falling in love with the Connecticut...READ MORE

OC Eyes New Street Approach

OCEAN CITY - The fiscal year 2008 street improvement program is preceding smoothly, reported Public Works Director Hal Adkins this week. The FY08 street improvement program is slated for completion by May of 2008. The goal of the annual street improvement programs has been to focus on citywide street improvement based on areas requiring the most attention rather than focusing on specific areas at a time. Adkins explained to the Mayor and Council this week that the town needs to make a focused...READ MORE

Officials Hear More About Edgewater Ave. Project

OCEAN CITY - Issues surrounding the 1111 Edgewater property came before the Mayor and Council for at least the fifth time this week, as the Mayor and Council attempted to review the current status of the property. The first issue regarding the building arose over a month ago, when property owner Bob Warfield requested a building permit extension to allow more time for the real estate market to readjust. After several discussions and a final agreement to fix up the property, the City Council...READ MORE

Planners Approve Proposed Adult Business Regulations

SNOW HILL - The adult oriented business law sought by the County Commissioners received a favorable recommendation from the Worcester County Planning Commission last week and will probably go before the commissioners on Tuesday. The three north county sites that could become host to adult oriented businesses are all on heavy industrial land, in a bid to keep those businesses isolated from daily commerce. Businesses like adult video stores, strip clubs and sex toy shops would be allowed under...READ MORE

Planners Give A Little On Campground Buildings

SNOW HILL - Campgrounds should be restricted to accessory buildings 35 feet or less in height, the Worcester County Planning Commission concluded last week at their December meeting. The commission supported an increase in the building height allowed, but did not go as far as Eagle's Nest campground owner Jack Burbage would have liked. Burbage requested a text amendment allowing accessory buildings at campgrounds to reach 45 feet. The change would apply countywide. 'We want to encourage people...READ MORE

Council Eyes Severe Restrictions For Sex Shops

OCEAN CITY -The end date for the moratorium on sexually oriented businesses has been postponed yet again, with the City Council unanimously agreeing this week to extend the moratorium until March 1, giving them more time to pass ordinances regarding the issue. City Planner Jesse Houston made another appearance before the Mayor and Council this week to discuss the ongoing issue of zoning and licensing for sexually oriented businesses. The town currently houses one sexually oriented business on...READ MORE

Joe Moore Among Candidates For Cathell's Court Seat

BERLIN - If popular local attorney Joseph Moore is successful in his attempt to follow another Berlin native son to the bench of Maryland's highest court, he will have bypassed an important step in the path taken by his predecessor, Judge Dale Cathell, but the two have otherwise followed eerily similar career paths. Moore this week officially filed an application to replace Cathell as the Maryland Court of Appeals judge for the state's First Appellate Circuit, which includes the nine counties of...READ MORE

Local Officials Vow To Maintain Slots Opposition

OCEAN CITY - Although the reality of slots at Ocean Downs now appears closer than ever with the passage of a bill last month to let the voters of Maryland decide the issue once and for all in a referendum vote next November, local opposition has not waned as several business leaders and elected officials have vowed to keep up the fight. The slots issue was raised again this week during the resort's Economic Development Committee (EDC) monthly meeting. Despite the apparent writing on the wall,...READ MORE

More Tourism Survey Results Presented To Commission

OCEAN CITY - Further results of a visitor survey were presented to the Tourism Commission this week, giving them a more in-depth look at what visitors prefer and do not enjoy about Ocean City. In October, MGH Advertising presented the Tourism Commission with the results of over 2,000 surveys. The results revealed some surprising and some not so surprising details, presenting the Tourism Commission a better idea of where additional tourism funding should be directed. At the October meeting, the...READ MORE

Annual Road Race Details Emerge

OCEAN CITY - While there will not be a full Ocean City Marathon this spring for the first time in three years, plans are starting to emerge for a similar event including a half-marathon and a 5K race in April. The closure of the Route 50 Bridge and other possible road construction projects in the resort area forced Extreme Dream Events, which has produced the Ocean City Marathon the last three years, to scrap the complete race this year. However, race organizers are moving forward with plans for...READ MORE

Attorney To Retire Next Month After 33 Years

SNOW HILL - Worcester County attorney Ed Hammond will retire at the end of January, with 33 years of service to Worcester County on his resume. Hammond took up the county attorney post part-time in 1974 and resigned from his private law practice to work full-time for the county in 2002. He had little thought of a career in public service while in law school at the University of Georgia and the University of Maryland, Hammond said this week. 'In law school, I was thinking about fulfilling my...READ MORE

Berlin Approves Alternate To Planning Commission

BERLIN - The replacement of Dave Rovansek on the Berlin Planning Commission was due to a misunderstanding, several Berlin Mayor and Council members said Monday night before voting to establish an alternate for Rovansek, as he had originally requested. Mayor Tom Cardinale proposed the alternate system Monday night, reversing his appointment of John Barrett as a permanent replacement for Rovansek from two weeks ago. 'In hindsight, it should have been a temporary appointment,' said Council Vice...READ MORE

Berlin Makes It Official, Plans To Hire Consultant

BERLIN - After months of no progress on the comprehensive plan, the town of Berlin has voted to hire a consultant to complete the land use document on time. The Berlin comprehensive plan has languished incomplete for months. A draft was presented to the town and public last spring, and revisions were reportedly made based on those comments, but the plan has not moved forward since. Tim Bourcier, a planner with Davis Bowen and Friedel (DBF), who is currently handling some functions of Berlin's...READ MORE

Berlin Slow To Vote On Senior Living Community

BERLIN - A bid to add a senior living residential use to industrial zoning for the Davis farm in Berlin is stalled once again, waiting for town staff input. Property owner Tom Ruark is attempting to get a text amendment to the Berlin zoning code to allow senior housing and associated medical offices in the M1-A industrial zone. The current Berlin zoning code specifically prohibits dwellings in the M1-A district, listing under prohibited uses, 'any dwelling, trailer, hospital, church, clinic or...READ MORE

Comcast Honored For Senior Week Video

BALTIMORE - Comcast was recognized this week as a Governor's Crime Prevention Award recipient at a luncheon ceremony held at La Fontaine Bleu in Glen Burnie for its video titled "A Graduate's Guide to Enjoying Your Stay in Ocean City, Md." The video was produced in cooperation with the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) to advocate responsible decision-making and safe behavior among high school seniors considering a stay in Ocean City during the popular "senior week"...READ MORE

Cop Charged With DWI After FOP Holiday Party

OCEAN CITY - An off-duty Ocean City Police Department officer was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Delaware early Wednesday morning when his car left the roadway along Route 113 after leaving a Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Christmas party. OCPD Officer Wilbur Thomas Jesson was driving on Route 113 near Georgetown, Del. shortly before 1 a.m. on Wednesday when his vehicle left the roadway and struck road signs before becoming disabled. Delaware State Police responded to the...READ MORE

Council Okays Suggested Changes For N. Division St.

OCEAN CITY - The eastern part of North Division Street will be experiencing some minor parking changes in hopes of alleviating traffic build up along the popular street. City Engineer Terry McGean came before the Mayor and Council this week to request the removal of two parking spaces from North Division Street so that cars could maneuver easier along the street end. North Division Street, home to the Boardwalk Arch, is a popular street for vehicle traffic in the downtown area. Many cars...READ MORE

K-Coast Revamps Online Store

OCEAN CITY - 'Log on before you drop in.' That's become the underlying theme of Kcoast.com, the latest addition to the ever-expanding Ocean City surf shop. K-Coast Surf Shop has grown dramatically since opening its doors nearly 20 years ago, expanding on its locations, products and customer base. The most recent expansion has been revamping the website and creating a new and improved online store, giving customers the chance to experience their favorite surf shop from home. Kcoast.com has been...READ MORE

Berlin Man Faces Life Term For Rape Conviction

SNOW HILL - A Berlin man faces life in prison this week after a Worcester County Circuit Court jury found him guilty of first-degree rape, first-degree assault and other charges for a year-long pattern of sexual assaults and abuse on his girlfriend and mother of his child. Preston Lewis Whaley, Jr., 43, of Berlin, was in Worcester County Circuit Court on Tuesday facing a slew of felony charges including first-degree rape and assault, for an incident dating back to August, which was just the...READ MORE

OC Burglary Charges Dropped

SNOW HILL - An Ocean City man arrested on the Fourth of July this year after a bizarre sequence of events that started with an alleged break-in at an uptown residence where frozen food was stolen from a freezer and ended with a hit-and-run accident after which the suspect fled on foot had the burglary charges against him dropped this week in Circuit Court, but still faces a slew of other charges in a separate trial slated for early next year. Curtis Eugene Severe, 47, of Ocean City, cleared the...READ MORE

Tennis Interest In Resort Continuing To Increase

OCEAN CITY - The current status of the Ocean City Tennis Center was reported at a Recreation and Parks meeting this week, revealing the tennis center's increasing success over the past few years. The Ocean City Tennis Center (OCTC), located on 61st Street in the bay, was open from May 15 through Sept. 11 this year, and according to a staff report by Kate Gaddis, the center saw a successful year in 2007. 'Things are going really well down there,' said Gaddis, reporting that the success...READ MORE

Town Seeks Additional Water Supply

SNOW HILL - Berlin's bid to increase its water supply received a favorable recommendation last week when it was found consistent with the Worcester County Comprehensive Plan by the county planning commission. Town plans call for the addition of 1,600 water EDUs over the next 20 years, an increase of 400,000 gallons of water per day. This would be accomplished through either a new well or by increasing the output of the three existing production wells. The new supply would serve the county...READ MORE

Tyson Sewer Permit Extended Indefinitely

BERLIN - The Tyson chicken plant industrial wastewater discharge permit has been extended indefinitely, less than a week after a sewer plan amendment was held back because of the previous permit expiration date of August 2008. Now there is no procedural restriction on the Berlin sewer amendment, which was presented to the County Commissioners in early December only to be postponed until the county Planning Commission looked at language acknowledging renewal of that permit as consistent with the...READ MORE

Making Best Of Weak Dollar

BERLIN - For Americans planning a vacation abroad, the weak dollar may be a good reason to rethink their plans and travel closer to home. For investors, however, the weakening U.S. dollar is a call to action. Although the earnings of many companies around the world take a hit when the dollar drops, that tendency is by no means universal. For instance, U.S. companies that export abroad generally do better, because their products are less expensive to foreign buyers. Likewise, foreign importers...READ MORE

My Thoughts

There really are only a few good movies out there worth watching. Some of Insider's favorites are Citizen Kane, A Christmas Carol (the black and white), The Rules of the Game, Singin' in the Rain, Casablanca, Gone with the Wind, Bridge on the River Kwai, Ben-Hur and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. The topics of these movies are as contrasting as possible, but they each will make you do a few things; that's laugh, cry and wish it never ended. The best part of all is there's no foul language,...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Rowen J. (Sonny) Neal BERLIN - Rowen J. (Sonny) Neal, age 73, departed this life on Dec. 6, 2007. Surviving are his wife, Nancy (nee Stokes); daughter, Cynthia N. Stillwaggon, and her husband, Jos. V. Stillwaggon; daughter, Pamela S. McCollum, and her husband Shon A. McCollum; grandchildren, Leslie M. Schwandtner, Bruce E. Knox, Jr., Lauren B. Wade and Kelly L. Brown; a sister Nancy L. Fletcher; and a host of family members and friends. Neal was born and raised in Baltimore and attended Calvert...READ MORE

Live Bands And DJs

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, Dec. 14: Christmas Party with Opposite Directions Castaway's: 410-524-9090, 64th St. Bayfront; Friday, Dec. 14: Pasadena; Saturday, Dec. 15: Vinyl Rhino Clarion Hotel: 410-524-3535, 10100 Coastal Hwy; Ocean Club: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 14-16: Synergy; Wednesday & Thursday, Dec. 19 & 20: Power Play Coins: 410-289-3100, 28th...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Student Will Attend Harvard

Worcester Prep Senior Christian Coates will play lacrosse for Harvard University in the fall. Coates, an outstanding student and athlete, was recruited to play in the Ivy League school. Coates is a National Merit Commended Scholar, Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, and a member of the National Honor Society, the National Art Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. Pictured with him are his coach Kevin Gates, center, and his parents Cathi and Tom Coates, Berlin. Submitted...READ MORE

Pink Ribbon Committee

Kathy Mathias, Pink Ribbon Committee Chair, accepted a $500 check from Shelly Bruder, owner of Bruder Hill in Berlin, last week made payable to the American Cancer Society. Bruder Hill contributed the funds as a result of selling specialty Pink Ribbon jewelry during the month of October as well as a percentage of overall jewelry sales. ...READ MORE

The Ladies Of Red Hat Chapter

The Ladies of Red Hat chapter OC Gems recently got into the holiday spirit at the organization's December luncheon at the Dunes Manor. ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Make a start on that new workplace challenge. But get more information before you find yourself too deeply involved without knowing in which direction you should go. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): You might find things becoming tedious as your schedule slows down for the holidays. Use this time to get information about a possible post-New Year job change. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): The creative Twin finds outlets for her or his ideas in the early part of the week....READ MORE

Things I Like

Going to brunch after church The Ray Pittman Project band Going through Winterfest on a cold night The annual carriage rides in Berlin Talking with Paul Corbett about Loyola College A young person with strong convictions Kids waiting for the school bus in the morning A snowflake on my black Lab's face The sound of wood crackling in a fire Curbside recycling pickup Watching football at home on a dreary Sunday  ...READ MORE

Things We Like

Steve Green's 'Things I Like' Snowflakes on palm trees Sunsets at Fager's with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture Sitting by the fire with our grandchildren Getting together with friends on Fridays after work Bud's crab soup and chili Still laughing at each others jokes after all these years Spotting from our window a great blue heron at the water's edge Having our family say 'I love you' instead of 'Goodbye' when ending a phone conversation Having a '5-minute' family reunion with Mike ('Batman') and...READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary

Kelly Seitzer\'s fourth grade class at Ocean City Elementary recently built a gingerbread house to help Stephen Decatur High School students in their efforts to support Habitat for Humanity. This gingerbread house was placed on the Habitat for Humanity\'s Christmas Float. Pictured, bottom from left, are Justin Weber, Rachel Savage, Michael Tropkoff, Todd Petrella and Daniel Moyer; second row, Nick Matha, Yina Dong, Eva Fermin and Julian Tomasello; and third row, Scott Devenny, Kandace Scheel,...READ MORE

Cedar Chapel Special School

Cedar Chapel Special School would like to thank Captain Willy Dykes and WBOC for choosing Cedar Chapel Special School as one of 16 schools in their school salute. Captain Willy came for a visit and tour of the school recently and was shown the many different facets of teaching and the great successes the students have achieved. Shown here are Frankie Watson, Captain Willy and Danny Miller after a tour of the news chopper. ...READ MORE

Snow Hill Elementary School

First-grade students in Betsy Robinson's class at Snow Hill Elementary School collected items for "Life Boxes" to be sent to soldiers overseas. The boxes are being shipped to troops serving in the military to let them know that they are remembered during the holidays. Pictured, from left, are Joshua Shoemaker, Michael Larger, Joshua Jones, Katie Baumann, Debrina Rolley, Emma Simpson and Lisa Black. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep

Thirty-six Worcester Prep fourth graders had the opportunity to test a new educational tool, GeoSafari Quiz Bowl from Educational Insights.  Pictured, Jordan Osias, Bethany Beach, Ross Dickerson, Ocean City, and Christopher Choy, Rehoboth Beach, concentrate on listening to a question during their class Quiz Bowl competition. Questions used for the game related to Worcester's Grade Four Manners Curriculum. ...READ MORE

After-School BES Drama Program

The students who participate in the after-school BES Drama program recently worked with former Stephen Decatur graduate-turned-professional actor Jason Hamilton, who can been seen in the off-Broadway production Arpeggio. He got an opportunity to share his experiences as a New York actor with some of the young aspiring actors at Buckingham Elementary School.  Above, Jason Hamilton and Caroline Hammond are pictured acting out a scene. ...READ MORE

Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School

Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in Berlin participated in the 25th Annual Ocean City Parade and brought home the third place trophy. Second grade parents Ron Rodimak, Brendan Welch and Donnie Elder built their "Polar Express" train from scratch and recreated characters and symbols from the famous story. Pictured, from left, are Maggie Allison, Jimmy Brannon, Maddie King, Emma Engel and Tori Buchanan. ...READ MORE

A Week In Business

AGH Joins MRSA Initiative BERLIN - Atlantic General Hospital was recently selected to join the Maryland Patient Safety Center's MRSA Prevention Initiative, a five-month program that helps participating hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and dialysis centers identify and successfully implement new practices to reduce the spread of MRSA. While it is estimated that more than two million people carry the MRSA germ on their skin and the incidence of infections contracted in the community is also...READ MORE

"The Trouble with 'Me-isms'"

If you know someone for long enough, eventually you will be able to predict what they are going to do or say when a situation presents itself. These mannerisms range from how they order their food to how they react when they see a small child in a Santa hat. I think you pretty much get the gist of what I'm saying: we are all creatures of habit, and our habits sometimes, whether we like it or not, end up defining us. Our 'me-isms', if you will, are our daily M.O's or schticks that people think of...READ MORE