February 11, 2011

What's Your Sign

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): St. Valentine's Day magic rules the entire week for romantic Rams and Ewes. Music, which is the food of love, is also strong. The weekend offers news both unexpected and anticipated. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your aspects favor the arts -- which the Divine Bovine loves, loves, loves. Also, for those looking for romantic love, Cupid is available for requests. After all, his mother, Venus, rules your sign. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Loving commitments continue to...READ MORE

Things I Like

Close Super Bowl games Having a short drive to work Watching my son kick a soccer ball Hitting the couch after a long day The movie, “Billy Elliott” Thinking flip-flop weather Finishing a long run Showering first thing Walking on the beach Feeling sore after a workout Chocolate milk ...READ MORE

SoMIRAC

Stephen Decatur High School students placed in the 6th Annual State of Maryland International Reading Association Council (SoMIRAC) High School Young Authors contest. Above, from left, are sophomore Jess Maddy, first; senior Holly Thiel, second; Creative Writing teacher Kim Patrick; senior Alexis Adelsberger, third; and sophomore Jonathan Phippin, second.  The contest required a submission of an original story, essay, and/or poem.  Maddy will go on to compete at the...READ MORE

Red Ribbon Week Winners

Ocean City Elementary School recently announced the winners of the Red Ribbon Week Drug and Alcohol Poster Contest winners.  The winners will compete in the Worcester County contest.  Pictured, front, are Maddox Bunting, second place in the K-3 category, and Leslie Zamora-Espinoza, third place in the K-3 category; back, Michaela Vinogradov, third place in the fourth category; Noah Jankowski, tied for first place in the fourth grade; and Jamey Gannon, first place in K-3 category. ...READ MORE

MCC Visits SES

Third grade students at Showell Elementary School learn about the ecosystem with the Maryland Conservation Corps from Assateague Island.   Pictured are Jaya Tyre, Eric Gwin, Ella Peters, Zehra Mirza, Brian Atkins and Blair Gray. ...READ MORE

Nation Geographic Bee Medal Earned

Head of Worcester Prep’s Lower School Celeste Bunting presents a Certificate of Achievement and National Geographic Bee Medal to fifth grader Jarrett Daffern, who was the school winner in the 2011 Geography Bee for grades 4 through 8. ...READ MORE

President Brochure

Students in Bess Cropper's second grade class at Ocean City Elementary School used one of the school’s two mobile tech labs to navigate and locate information about U.S. presidents to create a brochure. Pictured, from left, are Emily Tilghman, Kellen Catrino and Sam Oates. ...READ MORE

Talent Show At SDHS

The Stephen Decatur High School drama department hosted its annual talent show last month where seniors Zach Engh, below, and Gabby Anthony placed first and second, respectively. Engh sang "Green Hell" by Pepper while playing the acoustic guitar. Anthony, who also played the acoustic guitar, sang a song she had written herself. ...READ MORE

Top Employees Honored

WILLARDS -- Laura Deeley Bren, right, president of Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley, presented Vonette Breeden, assistant marketing specialist, the Top Customer Service Award for 2010 at the company’s Annual Meeting last month. Breeden received the award for outstanding service and support over the last 27 years. Also, at the banquet, Rick Martelo was presented with the Top Account Executive award. MRI Accreditation Received SALISBURY – Peninsula Regional Medical Center has been...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Robert “Bob” I. Snair OCEAN CITY – Robert I. Snair, 77, of Ocean City, beloved husband, father, and brother departed this life suddenly on Feb. 1, 2011. He was born in Baltimore to Jennie and Robert Snair. Bob was a veteran, having served in the United States Army, after which he graduated from the Baltimore Business College. Bob was employed with the United States Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C. and retired in 1993. Bob and his beloved wife Carole lived in...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

Funding Your Next Step Involves Lots Of Options

OCEAN CITY -- The current economy has created double challenges for many midcareer professionals: Not only are they saving for their children's college education or helping their children to repay their college loans, they may also be reinventing themselves to improve their employment prospects. While an advanced degree can offer abundant rewards, including intellectual satisfaction and entrée into a new, potentially higher-paying field, it can also mean a temporary drop in income and a big...READ MORE

Young Men Honored

The Ocean Pines Association and Ocean City Aquatics honored two young men in the community who have volunteered their service and qualified to receive a Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Recognized were David Bernal-Clark, who received the bronze and silver, and Lucas Duker, who received the bronze. Pictured, from left, are Tom Perry, OPA Aquatics; Duker; Bernal-Clark; and Lori Ciminelli, OC Aquatics. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Venable Electric Receives Plaque

Stephen Decatur High School Alumni Association Building Chair Ryan Bergey, right, presents a plaque to Dale Venable, left, owner of Venable Electric, in appreciation for his firm’s donation of discounts for services in providing electrical and HVAC work for the building of the athletic field house at Stephen Decatur High School’s Seahawk Stadium. The field house is now under construction and is a project of the SDHS Alumni Association.  For more information and online giving...READ MORE

Black History Month

Stephen Decatur High School Media Specialist Mary Cosby stands next to a display of African American books in honor of Black History Month. Throughout the month of February, Stephen Decatur High School students will be engaged in a variety of activities and instruction that highlight the many accomplishments of African Americans. ...READ MORE

DAR Application Workshop

General Levin Winder Chapter, NSDAR, members attended the annual workshop designed to assist DAR prospective members in completing applications and to assist current members with further genealogical research. Pictured are Pat Arata Sue Mallory, Sallie Smith and Jane Bunting. ...READ MORE

Worcester Branch NAACP New President

At the monthly meeting of the Worcester County branch of the NAACP, Dr. Roxie Dennis was installed as the new president of the organization. Above, Dennis is pictured with County Commissioner James Purnell, who performed the swearing-in ceremony. ...READ MORE

Jet Ski Thieves Sought

WEST OCEAN CITY -- Worcester County detectives this week are seeking the public’s help with the investigation of the theft of two jet skis and a trailer from a property in West Ocean City in late January. According to police reports, sometime between the evening hours of Jan. 27 and the morning hours of Jan. 31, an unknown suspect or suspects entered a property on Harbor Rd. in West Ocean City and stole two jet skis and a trailer. The jet skis were secured on the trailer and wrapped in...READ MORE

Adventures In Fatherhood

As was the case last winter, Saturday mornings are now devoted to soccer at Crown Sports Center in Fruitland. During last weekend’s session, the first of the season for the Cottontails, Beckett was a terror, pure and simple, adding a handful of grays to my rapidly fading head of hair in less than an hour. The only good thing about it was I got my workout in for the day, as at least one parent is required to be with their kid during every session. Consequently, that meant a lot of sets and...READ MORE

County Revises Solar Panel Requirements

SNOW HILL – After weeks of discussion, the Worcester County Planning Commission has finally made a decision over the future of solar panels in the county. The commission voted unanimously to support the latest revision of a plan drawn up by Development Review and Permitting Director Ed Tudor. However, commissioners found one sticking point in the document that they voted to change, despite Tudor’s advice to the contrary. The issue of contention had to do with the maximum amount of...READ MORE

June’s Air Show Lineup Announced

OCEAN CITY – After much deliberation on what dates the OC Air Show should take place and what headliners would appear, the event has finalized its 2011 lineup. Ocean City will be one of two air shows in the country to feature the dual headline acts of the F-22 Raptor and AV-8B Harrier Demo teams on June 11-12. This year the Marine Corp Harrier Demo has only selected eight air shows and the Air Force Raptor Demo has only selected seven air shows to perform in. According to OC Air Show...READ MORE

Tighter Rules On Worcester Chicken Houses Dismissed

BERLIN – A recent request made by a local to see tougher restrictions on the placement of chicken houses in Worcester County was not well received by members of the county’s Planning Commission. County resident Larry Ward presented the Planning Commission with a proposal to increase setbacks against new chicken houses. Ward hoped to convince the commission to expand the setbacks to the point where any new coops would have to be 150 feet from roads, 200 feet from property lines and...READ MORE

31st Annual Car Show, Auction In Ocean City This Weekend


OCEAN CITY – Brilliant paint, bright chrome and tricked out American street rides will be showcased in the Ocean City Convention Center at the 31st Annual Ocean City Hot Rod and Custom Car Show Feb. 12-13. From wild customs to cool classics, extreme trick trucks to hot muscle cars, come experience the Hot Rod Show World and more. Meet in person Stanley Livingston best known for his role as “Chip” Douglas on My Three Sons that debuted in 1960 and ran through 1972 to...READ MORE

Race For Cure Event Eyes Resort

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council offered this week to paint a portion of the Boardwalk pink in attempts to compromise on a race route for Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure event proposed for 2012. The organization has already turned the Rockefeller Center, cruise ships and even the pyramids pink, and now they look to Ocean City to do the same. “We want to turn Ocean City pink both literally and figuratively,” Race Director Elaine Ford said. “The race has the...READ MORE

Death By Chocolate Event Keeps Growing

OCEAN CITY – Lovers of sweets from all around are keeping the “Death by Chocolate” event growing every year. The 4th Annual “Death by Chocolate” event takes place on Sunday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The owners of CraZy LadyZ in West Ocean City, Jan Patterson and Louise Reardon, created the event to promote local businesses during the off season. “It was designed in the dead of winter to create awareness for the local population to really see what is at...READ MORE

Who's Playing Where

Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Feb. 11: Tim Cyphers, 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12: Electric Company Charlie’s Bayside Restaurant 302-539-3526 Rte. 1 & Maryland Ave., Fenwick Island   Friday, Feb. 11: Chris Button & Joe Mama, 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12: Electric Velvet, 8 p.m. Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.   Ocean Club: Friday, Feb. 11 & Saturday, Feb. 12: First Class Dr.Unks Bar & Grille 410-213-7775 9636...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

Feb. 10: OP Garden Club Meeting 10 a.m., Ocean Pines Community Center. Featured speaker will be Linda Doherty on vegetable gardening. Feb. 10: Soup & Sandwich Fundraiser 11 a.m., Atlantic United Methodist Church, 4th St. & Baltimore Ave., O.C. Featuring homemade soups and sandwiches, cold salad plates, homemade desserts, coffee, tea and soda. Carry-out available. For more information or to place an order, 410-289-7430 or fax 410-289-8175. Feb. 10: Widows & Widowers Dinner Outing 5...READ MORE

What's For Dinner

West Ocean City- Berlin Ocean Pines Breakfast Cafe Of Ocean City 12736 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City • 410-213-1804 Open seven days a week between Sun-sations & Starbucks, across from Outback, come join us at the “Breakfast Cafe” (formerly Rambler Coffee Shop) we are a family-friendly restaurant that’s been family owned for 30 years passed from mother to son in 2001. We believe that fair pricing, putting out quality food as fresh as we can make it and a nice...READ MORE

Between The Lines

A couple months ago, the future of the OC Air Show was a concern to many, largely as a result of the uncertainty of its lineup for the 2011 edition and some contrasting views on which June weekend it should be held. There have also been private talks on whether the event should be produced solely by Ocean City or continue with the existing partnership, but a change on that front does not appear to be imminent or even likely at this point. At the risk of being a pushover, I admit I’m...READ MORE

County’s Liquor Control Grab Puzzling

The ongoing controversy surrounding the Liquor Control Board for Worcester County (LCB) took another step this week. The problem is it went severely in the wrong direction. The idea to create a Worcester County Liquor Control Department is not only a blindside to all the parties involved but also a mistake. This will immediately become regrettable for all involved and represents an inconsistent approach to government by county officials who recently merged three planning county departments into...READ MORE

Thanks For Good Deed

Editor: While shopping in Walmart on Sunday, Jan. 23, an envelope containing money was lost. Realizing this several hours later, and not knowing for sure where the money envelope was misplaced a (by chance) phone call was placed to the Walmart store in Berlin. The employee took the phone number (of my son Kenny) they would call if it was returned. A phone call was received on Monday morning. An employee found the envelope and all money was returned. Walmart would not allow a reward to...READ MORE

County Casino Revenue Tops $3 Million

BERLIN -- The first batch of revenue numbers for the Casino at Ocean Downs were released this week with the state’s newest slots venue generating a little over $3 million in its first month. Maryland Lottery officials this week released the January revenue figures for the Casino at Ocean Downs, which opened to the public on Jan. 4. The facility, which opened with 750 video lottery terminals (VLTs), generated just more than $3 million in its first 28 days of operation, or just about...READ MORE

Coastkeeper Scores $50K Grant

BERLIN -- The Town Creek Foundation recently awarded a $50,000 grant to the Maryland Assateague Costal Trust (ACT). While the foundation has provided funding to ACT in the past, this is the first year that such a large grant has been given entirely to ACT’s Coastkeeper Program. Kathy Phillips, who serves as Assateague Coastkeeper and as ACT’s executive director, said the grant will help the program continue to provide educational and hands-on services. “Anytime someone finds...READ MORE

County Liquor Control Takeover Questioned

SNOW HILL -- A proposal by the Worcester County Commissioners drafted Tuesday could result in the Liquor Control Board (LCB) falling directly under government control. Several months ago, the LCB came under fire for multiple trade law violations and illegal business practices. The resulting backlash saw proposals for changes to the board being presented to the commissioners, the most publicized of which was a list of amendments to the LCB suggested by the Worcester Alliance for Free Market...READ MORE

Minor Boardwalk Work Now Underway

OCEAN CITY -- While an online poll on the future of Ocean City’s Boardwalk surface rolls on, extensive repairs to the famous promenade continued this week. According to Ocean City Public Works Director Hal Adkins, the town has around $127,000 in its current budget for Boardwalk maintenance and the funding is being used to repair several trouble spots to safely get through the upcoming season in advance of a major rehabilitation project likely to begin next fall. The Ocean City Mayor and...READ MORE

Cymek, Chief Want Officers In July Police Academy

OCEAN CITY – Discussion over the Race for the Cure event to raise money for breast cancer continued this week during the Police Commission meeting yesterday, and the opportunity opened for comments to be made on the police department’s current hiring freeze. Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure received a date hold for April 22, 2012 from the Mayor and City Council earlier this week to plan for the Race for the Cure event in Ocean City. The proposed race route creates a loop...READ MORE

Traffic Stop Yields Man Wanted For ’05 Condo Burglary

OCEAN CITY -- A routine traffic stop in Ocean City last weekend led to the arrest of a Selbyville man wanted in connection with a condo burglary in the resort dating back to 2005. Around 1:30 a.m. last Sunday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer on routine patrol observed a vehicle leave a north-end convenience store parking lot without stopping at a stop sign. The officer pulled over the vehicle and made contact with the driver, later identified as Michael X. Harant, Jr., 26, who...READ MORE

Suspect In OC Burglaries Caught

OCEAN CITY -- Tips from a few anonymous concerned citizens this week helped the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) nab the suspect in a string of residential burglaries and the burglary of a downtown pharmacy. On Monday, an OCPD detective met with the victim of a burglary on Pacific Ave. that had occurred sometime between Jan. 29 and Feb. 2. The victim told police someone had gained entry to his residence and stolen around $450 in cash from his girlfriend’s purse along with a Sony digital...READ MORE

New DNA Evidence Delays Murder Trial

SNOW HILL -- The first-degree murder trial of a Texas man charged in the death of a Delaware woman reported missing in Pocomoke in 2007 was postponed this week after new DNA evidence in the case recently came to light. The trial of Justin Michael Hadel, 20, of College Station, Texas, was scheduled to get started Tuesday but was postponed after the new evidence had not been reviewed by the defense. The trial was laid in for three days from Tuesday to Thursday, but has now been moved back to...READ MORE

Ocean City Crime Analysis Report Presented

OCEAN CITY – During this week’s Ocean City Police Commission meeting, Crime Analyst Brandon Reim presented an analysis of 2010’s crime in Ocean City compared to previous years. “We’re looking at time management and crime fighting,” Police Chief Bernadette DiPino said. “We’re really focusing on those two things because it is a win-win.” Between robberies, breaking and entering, larceny theft, arrests, drug arrests, citations, alcohol...READ MORE

OC All-Day Bus Fare Jumps Feb. 28

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City residents may or may not be fazed by the one dollar increase in an all-day bus pass, but only time can tell how summer time visitors may react. In December of last year, the Mayor and City Council voted to increase the Ocean City bus fare for its ride-all-day pass. Starting Monday, Feb. 28, the new fare structure will begin increasing the current fare which is set at a $2 ride-all-day rate. The new bus fare will increase to a $3 ride-all-day pass, and riders will...READ MORE

New Trial Ordered In Police Case

OCEAN CITY -- One year after the Maryland Court of Special Appeals dismissed a discrimination suit filed in November 2008 by an Ocean City Police sergeant, who alleged he was passed over for promotion to lieutenant when he was pressed into active military service, the higher U.S. Court of Appeals last week reversed the decision. In November 2008, OCPD Sgt. William Bunting filed a civil suit against the town of Ocean City and its police department alleging he was by-passed for promotion on two...READ MORE

Feds Invest In Wind Farm Project

OCEAN CITY -- The federal government this week identified a 200-plus mile swath of ocean off the coast of the Ocean City as a priority area for future offshore wind energy and injected over $50 million in funding to help jumpstart some of the projects. Last week, as expected, Governor Martin O’Malley made the development of offshore wind energy off Maryland’s coast a priority in his annual state-of-the state address. The governor’s plan calls for the development of a 600...READ MORE

Census Finds Worcester Population Spiked 11%

BERLIN -- The long-awaited 2010 U.S. Census figures for Maryland were released with week, reflecting a population growth in Worcester slightly higher than the state rate. The U.S. Census Department on Wednesday released the first set of raw numbers for population totals in Maryland after the completion of the latest national Census last year including a county-by-county breakdown. Statewide, the population grew by 9 percent since the last Census taken in 2000 and now totals nearly 5.8 million...READ MORE