November 19, 2010

OCES Picks A Pumpkin From Peppers

Christine Lieb's kindergarten students Jessie Bevard, Brittany Chase and Layla Powell from Ocean City Elementary School show off the pumpkins they decorated after their trip to Mr. Pepper's Pumpkin Patch. The students also measured and weighed their pumpkins before decorating them. ...READ MORE

Management Team Changes

OCEAN CITY – Phillips Seafood Restaurants has announced changes to its restaurant management team in Ocean City. Mike Caggigo has been named Executive Chef of Phillips Seafood House. Caggigo began his career with Phillips in 1981. He was kitchen manager at Phillips Seafood House, then moved to Phillips By The Sea and worked as kitchen manager, assistant general manager and most recently as general manager of Phillips Beach Plaza Hotel and Phillips By The Sea Restaurant. Suzanne Jackson has...READ MORE

Open Houses This Week

WEST OCEAN CITY Bay Point Plantation Rt589/Gum Point Rd Daily 10-5 Waterfront Estate Lots in 142 Acre Preserve Kevin Decker The Fritschle Group/ Condominium Realty 443-235-6552 OCEAN CITY Coconut Malorie 60th Street Bayfront Open Daily 1BR w/ Views Jim White ReMax Premier Properties 410-726-9026 OCEAN CITY Makai Condominiums 42nd St. Bayside Daily 10-4 New Construction 2BR & Studio Condos Ben Dawson The Fritschle Group/ Condominium Realty 410-603-2205 WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf...READ MORE

Adventures In Fatherhood

It never ceases to amaze me the differences between my two kids. There are so many examples, but one in particular is on my mind today. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Carson, who just turned 1-year-old this month, wants nothing to do with the spotlight, while Beckett, 2 ½-years-old, is all about being the center of attention. It’s remarkable to observe this at play, and their particular proclivities were on full display at Carson’s 1-year-old birthday party last...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

It never ceases to amaze me the differences between my two kids. There are so many examples, but one in particular is on my mind today. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Carson, who just turned 1-year-old this month, wants nothing to do with the spotlight, while Beckett, 2 ½-years-old, is all about being the center of attention. It’s remarkable to observe this at play, and their particular proclivities were on full display at Carson’s 1-year-old birthday party last...READ MORE

Black Friday Tournament Next Week

OCEAN CITY- Local anglers hoping to avoid the crowds and holiday shopping next weekend and perhaps win some money instead of spending it will participate next weekend in the 4th Annual Black Friday 550 Rockfish Tournament, which gets underway next Friday out of the Ocean City Fishing Center. For three days next weekend, local fishing enthusiasts looking for an alternative to holiday shopping will take to the waters in and around the resort area for the fourth annual Black Friday 550 tournament....READ MORE

Decatur Golf Doles Out Annual Awards

BERLIN- The Stephen Decatur varsity and junior varsity golf teams last week put the wraps on their 2010 seasons with the annual player/parent tournament at Eagle’s Landing followed by an awards ceremony and banquet. The Seahawk golf teams began the day with the 11th Annual Player-Parent tournament at Eagle’s Landing. For the record, senior Jake Miller and his father Dave Miller won the annual event and earned bragging rights and their names engraved on a plaque displayed in the...READ MORE

Berlin Dolphins Remain Unbeaten

BERLIN- The Berlin Dolphins youth football league teams each won again last week with the Juniors routing Snow Hill, 32-0, in their regular season finale and the Cadets also beating the Eagles to improve to 7-0 on the year. The Berlin Dolphins Junior team finished the regular season with a perfect 8-0 record after dominating Snow Hill last week. The Junior Dolphins’ defense was outstanding again in keeping Snow Hill off the scoreboard and allowed only 20 points in eight games all season....READ MORE

Who's Playing Where And When

707 Sports Bar & Grille 410-213-9507 12702 Old Bridge Road, West OC Friday, Nov. 19: Tommy Edwards Band, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Every Saturday: Karaoke with Hey Mick, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24: Tranzfusion Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Nov. 19: TBA Saturday, Nov. 20: John LaMere Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.   Ocean Club: Friday, Nov. 19 & Saturday, Nov. 20: Power Play Dr.Unks Bar & Grille 410-213-7775 9636 Stephen Decatur...READ MORE

Things To DO

Nov. 19: Everything $6 Sale 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Atlantic General Hos-pital main lobby. Sponsored by the AGH Auxiliary with all proceeds benefitting the hospital. Handbags, totes, shawls, watches, rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, children’s items and more. Nov. 19-20: Christmas Bazaar 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Holy Savior Parish, Father Connell Parish Center, 1705 Philadelphia Ave., O.C. Homemade Christmas decorations, plants, gently used gifts, toys, linens, jewelry & books. Raffle for trip to...READ MORE

Cops & Courts

Property Damage Spree OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City man was arrested on assault and malicious destruction of property charges last week after getting bounced from a north-end restaurant before resisting arrest and assaulting two Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers. Last Friday, OCPD responded to Duffy’s Tavern in north Ocean City for a reported disorderly male who had damaged restaurant property. Police officers spoke with tavern employees and learned that earlier in the...READ MORE

Between The Lines

There will be two new faces in Snow Hill when the County Commissioners meet next month. Much of the board’s early business will be mundane, and the first tricky business will start to unfold during budget deliberations after the first of the year. It’s no secret the commissioners are going to be presented with a tax increase proposal by staff. Talks will, of course, originate privately and the public will likely know little about it for a while, but sources said this week there are...READ MORE

Man’s Heroic Act Deserves Recognition

A local woman has a lot to be grateful for when Thanksgiving rolls around next week. Thanks to the quick thinking and heroic actions of Chris Sullivan, general manager of Yang’s Palace who lives adjacent to the restaurant, she should be thankful to be alive. The problem is her memory of the event is likely dulled by the fact she was inebriated and clearly unaware of the severity of what was happening at the time. Her ridiculous actions and words after the event were surely a result of the...READ MORE

Letters To The Editor

James Congratulates Mathias Editor: I recently called Jim Mathias to congratulate him on his victory in the District 38 State Senate race. I am also in the process of contacting many friends and supporters who have been so supportive to me and my family during the last year as we vigorously campaigned throughout Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties. It has been an honor and a privilege to take part and compete in this election. Though I wish the outcome was different, I truly believe we...READ MORE

Turtle Lax Tryouts on Tap

OCEAN CITY- The Greene Turtle girls’ lacrosse club will be holding tryouts for the 2011 season on December 4 at the Crown Sports Complex in Salisbury. The club is looking for girls who are interested in playing competitive tournament lacrosse against some of the best competition throughout the region and on the east coast. Now in its fifth year, the Greene Turtle Lacrosse Club offers a well-established, well-respected competitive club program with an excellent coaching staff. Tryouts will...READ MORE

Seahawks Fall in State Playoffs

BERLIN- The Stephen Decatur varsity football team’s magical late-season run came to a halt last weekend with a 47-14 loss to top-seeded River Hill in the first round of the state Class 3A-East region tournament. The Seahawks went on a five-game winning streak late in the season to secure the final playoff spot in the Class 3A-East region playoffs. After starting the season 1-4, including a tough 0-3 stretch against Bayside North powerhouses North Caroline, Queen Anne’s and Kent...READ MORE

Powerhouse Gym Returning To WOC With New Facility

WEST OCEAN CITY – The Powerhouse Gym in West Ocean City has come full circle. Originally opened in the early 90’s in its current location inside the Food Lion Shopping Center off Route 611 in West Ocean City, the new Powerhouse Gym is taking over again and opening in December 2010. Initially, when Tony and Laura Taghipour purchased the Powerhouse Gym in October 1997, the club had less than 180 members. It was filled with older equipment, had no childcare and the group exercise room...READ MORE

Busick, Cowger Bow Out As Commissioners

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners took the opportunity Tuesday to bid farewell to two of their colleagues, Commissioners Linda Busick and Bobby Cowger. Busick and Cowger both participated in the final meeting of their terms this week. Busick, who represented District 6, lost to Madison Jim Bunting Jr. in the primary. Busick later entered the general election as a late write-in candidate. Cowger, who represented District 1, did not run for reelection and will pass his seat to...READ MORE

Social Services Commended For Surpassing Goals

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Department of Social Services (DSS) received a county commendation for being one of only three such departments to “meet or exceed all four Place Matters goals for child welfare.” The commendation especially praised the DSS for having the lowest percentage of foster children placed in group care in the entire state. DSS Director Pete Buesgens and other representatives were on hand at the County Commissioners meeting Tuesday to receive the...READ MORE

Town In Prep Mode As Celebration Nears

BERLIN – The Town of Berlin is currently in the midst of preparing for its annual Victorian Christmas celebration. Officially kicking off the day after Thanksgiving, work on the month-long festival is already well underway, especially concerning perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the town’s Christmas, the large tree placed in front of the Atlantic Hotel every winter. “We’ll begin installing lights on the tree within the next week or two,” Tim Lawrence, the...READ MORE

New Liquor License Granted; Violation Draws Fine

SNOW HILL – Two matters on the agenda for the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) Wednesday were the approval of a new liquor license and the violation of another by way of sale to a minor. Representatives from Simon and Oliver’s Wood-Fired Grille petitioned the BLC for a Class ‘B’ seven-day license, which would allow beer, wine, and liquor to be sold at the establishment, located at 116th Street and Coastal Highway inside the Fountainhead. Attorney Guy...READ MORE

Rail Work Confirms Trains Will Remain In Berlin

BERLIN – The Maryland & Delaware Railroad Company (MDRC) is reaching the final stages of extensive work in the Berlin area, confirming what the company president says is a commitment to continue operations in this area. MDRC, through the use of a $1.6 million grant, will complete new track and lighting work for three crossings in town. In an interview and tour of the project on Monday, MDRC President Eric Callaway said he estimates that all work should be completed by early March. The...READ MORE

New Gala Affair Planned In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – A new holiday event called “Puttin’ on the Ritz” will take place this month, and, according to the event coordinator Veronica Donaldson, it is an event that Ocean City hasn’t seen before. According to Donaldson, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” has been started to bring visual arts to the community and to involve the Art League of Ocean City will putting artwork at the convention center. All of the proceeds will be going to the art league to fill...READ MORE

City Council Clears New Water Sports Operation

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council reviewed on Monday the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation to add a new water sports operation downtown near the Inlet. Graham Bostic, owner of the Sea Rocket operation in Ocean City, wants to add a jet ski and parasailing operation to his business. The Sea Rocket operates off the pier near the Inlet on Philadelphia Avenue, adjacent to the fishing pier. He wants to add the new operation to the other side of the pier, so the Sea...READ MORE

Ocean City News In Brief

OCEAN CITY – This week’s Mayor and City Council meeting’s agenda was light but the following items were discussed. Pillas Concerned Over Event The 31st Annual Mid-Atlantic Classic Chevy Festival will commence June 11-12, 2011. The total cost to the town is $140, due to Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) costs. The festival is free to the general public. There has been no charity determined yet for proceeds generated. Mason Dixon Classic Chevy Club member Robert K. Bowie was...READ MORE

Association Wants To Land Huey Helicopter

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Aviation Association (OCAA) came forward before the Mayor and City Council this week and requested funds to display a Huey helicopter at the Ocean City airport. According to OCAA, sometime back the city asked if it was to provide an aircraft display would the OCAA be willing to clean and maintain it. The association eagerly replied, yes. In September, the Unites States Army offered a donation of a Huey helicopter to the city, but the city was unable to fund the...READ MORE

County Truck Route Being Ignored By Some

SNOW HILL – The possibility of setting up a new truck route in Worcester County generated a lot of discussion this week between the County Commissioners, the Sheriff’s Office and the Public Works Department. Concerns were brought before the commissioners about an increasing amount of heavy truck traffic causing potential damage to several roads in the county as well as a bridge. Cypress, New Bridge, and Tulls Corner roads were among those named in the Pocomoke area that are receiving...READ MORE

Officials Looking To Outlaw High-Caffeine Alcoholic Drinks

BERLIN – In the wake of a terrible tragedy that claimed the life of an Eastern Shore woman last weekend, local, state and federal officials this week called for an immediate ban on certain high-octane alcoholic beverages being marketed and sold to young adults. Marketed under names such as “Four Loko” and “Joose” among others, Alcoholic Energy Drinks (AEDs) have become increasingly popular with young adults and teens in recent weeks including college students and...READ MORE

Responders Participate In Mock Drill At Power Facility

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Emergency Services this week participated in a mock “man down” drill with Delmarva Power at a high voltage electric substation in the resort to practice the joint response to an individual or individuals injured or worse. Shortly after 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Delmarva Power emergency vehicles along with Ocean City Emergency Services responded to the company’s Maridel substation on 41st Street near the Roland E. Powell Convention Center for a staged...READ MORE

SHA Continues Work On Handicap Sidewalk Cuts

OCEAN CITY – At last week’s Mayor and City Council meeting, the State Highway Administration (SHA) reviewed its list of projects for the roadways in town. District Engineer Donnie Drewer said the project to mill and re-surface north bound lanes on Philadelphia Avenue between 9th and 26th streets is finished and the SHA is in the process of replacing pavement markings. “As luck would have it, we had a little money left so we’re in the process of doing the southbound side...READ MORE

P.J. Aldridge Takes Message To Oprah

OCEAN CITY – A local man with a huge heart but ailing lungs will have the opportunity to forward his message of hope and the importance of a positive mental attitude when he appears next week on one the largest stages in the world. P.J. Aldridge, who was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer last February during a surfing vacation in Costa Rica, has since been waging his own personal battle against the insidious disease while fighting a larger war for greater awareness and research funding....READ MORE

Current Rates Provide Opportunity For Investments

OCEAN CITY – Interest rates are going up — probably not within this year, maybe not even in the next. But at some point in the upcoming 24 months, says Larry Washington, Managing Director and Head of Merrill Lynch Home Loans, the rates for home mortgages and other loans will likely start to rise from their current historic lows. "It's inevitable," according to Washington. For anyone who owns or is in the market for real estate, this combination of record low...READ MORE

What's Your Sign

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): This year, instead of jumping into the whole holiday prep scene, move in a little at a time. You'll appreciate the sense of control you're more likely to enjoy. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): The separation between the Bovine's head and heart is never as far apart as it seems. Both senses work best when they come out of logic and honesty. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): The best way to keep those pre-holiday pressures under control is to just say no to taking on new tasks...READ MORE

Things I Like

Smell of a bonfire on a cool day Crispy leaves Thursday night football games Watching my kids play together A big dose of sleep Different kinds of cheese on a plate A new appliance De Niro in comedies Slipping into the Uggs for the first time in months Warm days in November A soft, old sweatshirt ...READ MORE

APF Donates To American Cancer Society

A Perfect Face Day Spa owner, Carol Withers, center, recently presented a $2,145 check to American Cancer Society Pink Ribbon Classic Chair Kathy Mathias, left, and Community Manager Debbie White.  Withers and associates at A Perfect Face held a month-long "pampering" raffle to benefit programs of breast cancer research, patient services, education, and advocacy. For 13 years Withers and Denise Williams have arranged this special event in honor and memory of Withers’...READ MORE

Hometown Hero Award

On Monday, Nov. 8, the Berlin Chamber of Commerce awarded the Berlin Fire Company with the Hometown Hero Award, presented to an individual or organization that makes Berlin a better place to live, work and play. Pictured, from left, are Mike Wiley of the Berlin Chamber; David A. Fitzgerald, president of Berlin Fire Company; Linda Dearing, Berlin Chamber; and Derrick Simpson, fire chief, ...READ MORE

AGH's Junior Auxillary Makes Donation

Atlantic General Hospital’s Junior Auxiliary Group recently donated $9,655 to the AGH Foundation’s Major Gifts campaign as well as the James G. and Nancy W. Barrett Nursing Scholarship Fund and the annual Visions for Total Health community health conference. Pictured, from left, are Jean Marx, JAG treasurer; Beth Riley, JAG member; Amy Unger, director of development; Terri Mahoney, JAG president; Toni Keiser, AGH vice president of public relations; Ellen Abbott, JAG membership...READ MORE

Red Hats Held Fashion Show

The Ocean City chapter of Red Hats, OC Gems recently held a luncheon fashion show at the Bayside Skillet.  Women Supporting Women was the recipient of the $1,000 raised at the event. Dress Barn fashions were modeled by, from left, Diana Turner, Bonnie Mitrecic, Nancy Howard, Grace Jenkins and Fran Wimbush.     ...READ MORE

Lions Donate To Community Projects

At a recent Ocean City Lions Club meeting, Lions President Joe Schanno presented a check for $1,500 to the Ocean City-Berlin Leo Club to help fund upcoming community projects. The club is a youth-based group sponsored by the Ocean City Lions and based at Stephen Decatur High School. Pictured, from left, are teacher Nora Duke, advisor Ciara Merritt, Leo member Mariah Amos, Leo Secretary Cameron Tull and Schanno. ...READ MORE

OCES Sending Fall To Hawaii

Deb Quilter's early intervention class at Ocean City Elementary School collected fall leaves as a part of its annual "Fall Leaf Project".  The class sends colorful autumn leaves to a class in Hawaii so they can experience "fall". Pictured are students Evan Todd and Sydney Rogerson. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

BIS Students Brighten The Holidays For Charity

Students in Berlin Intermediate's Beyond Christians in Action Club made hats and handbags to include in their shoeboxes full of gifts that will be sent to underprivileged children over the holidays through the charitable organization, Samaritan's Purse. Pictured are Fernando Garcia, Matthew Sobol, Sophia Cifolilli, Janae Fooks, Antonio Johnson and Jacob Eash. ...READ MORE

SES Shows Their Science Minds

Showell Elementary students Amber Whittaker, Alicia Thomas and Riley Rogers feel that three science minds are better than one during a visit from the Maryland Department of Agriculture Aquatics Lab. ...READ MORE

Crazy Hair Day At BES

Students at Buckingham Elementary celebrated crazy hair day to as part of National Red Ribbon week. Pictured are Ashley Baez Vazques, Asiakakay Hass Dakierra Godwin and teachers Hayley Minner, Sheryl Mitrecic and Melissa Reid. ...READ MORE

BES Enjoys Interactive Reading

Buckingham Elementary teacher Georgia Wierengo and first grade student Lekia Vinson read a story together during interactive reading. ...READ MORE

OCES Students Have Their Finger On The Button

Renee Fohner uses buttons to create an ABC pattern during the Positions, Patterns and Classification unit in Elizabeth Engh's kindergarten math class at Ocean City Elementary School. ...READ MORE

James Concedes As Mathias Pulls Away For Victory

BERLIN – With all but a smattering of absentee and overseas ballots left to count, State Senate District 38 Republican challenger Michael James late last week conceded the election to Democrat Jim Mathias, sending the district’s current delegate back to Annapolis for four more years. Going into last Friday’s canvas of absentee ballots across the district, which includes all of Worcester and Somerset counties as well as a significant chunk of Wicomico County, Mathias led James...READ MORE

OC Resident Saves Woman After Crash Into Canal

OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City man is considered a hero this week after rescuing a woman who drove her vehicle into a midtown bayside canal early Monday morning. Shortly after 2 a.m. on Monday, Christopher Sullivan, general manager of Yang’s Palace restaurant, was sleeping in his apartment over the establishment when he heard the grating sound of tire rims on the parking lot outside. Sullivan went outside to investigate the noise and saw a Toyota Camry ride across the parking lot on flat...READ MORE

Oglesby, Todd Pledge Smooth Transition Ahead

BERLIN – Transition and cooperation were the catch words this week when the dust settled after another remarkably close Worcester County State’s Attorney election was officially conceded by the incumbent late a week ago. Incumbent Worcester County State’s Attorney Joel Todd officially conceded to Republican challenger Beau Oglesby last Friday after the penultimate batch of absentee ballots had been counted. Todd actually picked up a little more ground after county elections...READ MORE

OC Seeks To Reduce Building Lighting

OCEAN CITY – The ongoing issue regarding the Rivendell lighting issue returned to the Mayor and City Council again this week. Bay Princess resident Andy Anders presented the Mayor and City Council with the history between the neighboring Bay Princess and Rivendell buildings. There have been issues concerning the height, setback, shadows and lighting of the Rivendell building over the years. The lighting issue consists of matters regarding the lighting in the building’s parking garage...READ MORE