March 11, 2011

Hospital Promotion

SALISBURY -- Dr. Peggy Naleppa, President/CEO of Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, has announced that Douglas H. Wilson, Ph.D., D.B.A, has been promoted to the position of  Executive Director of Strategy and Market Development.   Wilson, who joined the Medical Center in 1982, has most recently served as the Director of Planning, Business Development, Government Relations and Marketing and will continue to oversee those departments. “This change reflects a more...READ MORE

What's Your Sign

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Consider moving beyond the usual methods to find a more creative means of handling a difficult on-the-job situation. Avoid confrontation and, instead, aim for cooperation. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Seasonal change creates a new look for the outdoors. It also inspires Taureans to redo their own environments, and this is a good week to start redoing both your home and workplace. Enjoy. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A misunderstanding needs to be straightened out so...READ MORE

The Economic Impact Of Egypt

OCEAN CITY -- The recent and revolutionary upheavals in Egypt and the Middle East have captured the world's attention, and they have also caused some concern about global economic fallout. Markets worldwide initially reacted to the turmoil with understandable uncertainty — exchanges dropped and oil prices began to rise. Dramatic political change often leads to market volatility, but the recent events in Egypt do not appear to have changed the fundamentals of the U.S. or world...READ MORE

Things I Like

The Kirby Holloway booth at the Trade Show How my kids love 'The Wiggles' Quiet Sunday nights Young people who like art Driving on new tires Taking a carriage ride in Berlin Irish parade day in Ocean City A massage Citizen watches Keeping things simple Sunrises over the ocean ...READ MORE

SDHS Clothing Drive

Stephen Decatur High School students recently participated in a school-wide clothing drive and collected two entire truckloads of used apparel to assist in the opening of the new Coastal Hospice Thrift Shop in Berlin. The drive was organized by Connections Advisor Laurie Chetelat. Above, juniors Abby Hastings, Ian Bresnahan, Ravyn Saunders, and senior Garrett Mohammadioun are ready to deliver what they collected. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Church Mouse Makes Donation

The Church Mouse Thrift Shop/St. Paul's Episcopal Church Berlin recently presented a donation to the Worcester County Developmental Center. The presentation was made during the Berlin Chamber of Commerce February Business After Hours. Profits from the Church Mouse are the main source of outreach giving for St Paul’s Church. Pictured, from left, are Helen Wiley, Church Mouse Coordinator, Rachel Buser, Service Coordinator of the Developement Center , Olive Mayer,...READ MORE

River Run Artists Showcase Work

On Friday, March 4, local artists from River Run showcased their art work at the Art League of Ocean City. Above are Art League President Meg Spurlock with Lois DeVoe, curator of the show. ...READ MORE

Art Preakness Event Planned

Ocean City Public Art Committee members Lauren Taylor, Caitlin Evans, Jody Veader, Donna Greenwood, Carolyn Kennington, Rebecca Taylor and Veronica Kahn recently met to plan their Ocean City Public Art Committee Preakness event at the Captain’s Table. Event features raffle ticket bets, the "Black Eyed Susan" drinks, heavy hors d’ oeuvres and a hat contest. All for $40 on Saturday May 21, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Space is limited so get your tickets early by calling 410-289-7739....READ MORE

United Way Contribution

Catholic Charities/Seton Center recently received $80,000 from the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore to support emergency food distribution, case management and children’s programs for economically disadvantaged families. Pictured, from left, are United Way Assistant Director Aaron Reid and Seton Center’s Sister Regina Hudson and Chair of the Advisory Committee Barbara Cash. ...READ MORE

SCA Performs

Several students from Seaside Christian Academy in Ocean City performed a music recital under the direction of Karl Behrens. Some students played guitar while others played piano. For the finale, the students sang with Behrens leading them in "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Hawk Staff Heads To NYC

Staff members of the Stephen Decatur High School newspaper, The Hawk, are headed to the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Convention in New York City this month. In recent years, The Hawk has earned Gold Medals in overall layout and business operations. Above are section editor Bethany Lam, section editor Jessica Fry, Chief Editor Kelley Freeman, photographer Abby Simpson, Advisor Mary Berquist, section editor Holly Thiel, Chief Editor Rachel Thompson, and section editors Nicole Ligor and...READ MORE

BES Students Of The Month

Buckingham Elementary School recently announced its Students of the Month for February. Above, from left, are third grade honorees Branden Manuel, Alayiah Deshields, Cedasia Downing and Marissa Cannon. Others honored, but not pictured, were first graders Damien Jackson, Bri’Kyra Tingle, Lakia Vinson and Jenna Bradford; second graders Colbey Sirman, Mariana Juarez-Quio, Adon Smith, Cameron Smith, Bryan Thompson and Je’Kai Farmer; and fourth graders Akira Mumford, Jessenia...READ MORE

Stamp Design Awards

Daughters of the Colonists Stamp Design Awards were recently presented. Above, Lenore Huffer, second from right, presented awards from the Daughters of the American Colonists to Sandra Karsli, fifth grade, and Jacob Cockman, third grade. With them is Head of Lower School, Celeste Bunting. ...READ MORE

SDHS Multiple Medals

Stephen Decatur High School junior Zach Palmisano took home nine medals, including two gold, in the Worcester County Technology Festival in February. Palmisano stands beside his silver medal entry entitled "Six of Me," which features six versions of himself in the same setting. ...READ MORE

Essay Competition Winners

Berlin/Ocean City Elks Drug Essay Competition Winners were honored by Pete Peterson, left, Education Chairman and T.P. Simon, right, Exalted Ruler. The winners were Worcester Prep Middle School students Kathleen Emche, second from left, and Lauren Meoli and Caroline Savage, not pictured. ...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Douglas James May, Sr. BERLIN -- Douglas James May, Sr. passed away Feb. 24, 2011 at Atlantic General Hospital after a long, hard fight. He was born March 9, 1937 in Johnstown, Pa. Doug attended Grove City College and spent his career with C&P Telephone which was later Bell Atlantic and finally Verizon. Doug was always active in his community. In his youth, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts and he rose to the degree of Chevalier within the Order of DeMolay. In his young...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 Sunset Island Sat & Sun 10-4 3-5 Bedroom Condos, Townhomes, Single Family Homes C.Jett/T.Riley Vantage Resort Realty 410-723-1730 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...READ MORE

Who's Playing Where And When

Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 11: The Electric Company Saturday, March 12: St. Patrick’s Party with DJ BK, 2 p.m.-until Charlie’s Bayside Restaurant 302-539-3526 Rte. 1 & Maryland Ave., Fenwick Island   Friday, March 11: Chris Button & Joe Mama, 9 p.m. Saturday, March 12: Electric Velvet, 9 p.m. Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.   Ocean Club: Friday, March 11 & Saturday, March 12: Power Play Dr.Unks Bar...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

Ongoing: OP Players Auditions For Female Verision Of The Odd Couple The Ocean Pines Players will stage Neil Simon’s Odd Couple at Carousel Hotel & Oceanfront resort on June 10-12 and 17-19. The cast needs 6 women and 2 men who can speak with a Spanish accent, age 30-55. Experienced actor, backstage help needed. To schedule an audition, 410-208-0747, 410-250-0544 or 410-641-8173. March 11: Lenten “Souper” 5-7 p.m., St. Mary Star of the Sea/Holy Savior Parish Hall, 1705...READ MORE

Hit-and-Run Probed

SNOW HILL -- Maryland State Police is looking for the suspect involved in a hit-and-run accident on southbound Route 113 last Friday that injured a 71-year-old wheelchair-bound Vietnam veteran and killed his dog. Around 3 p.m. last Saturday, a 71-year-old Pocomoke man was walking his dog on southbound Route 113 near Smitty’s Garage when he was struck by a black SUV. The victim, a disabled Vietnam veteran confined to a wheelchair, was knocked out of his chair and his dog was killed. Unknown...READ MORE

Berlin To Disband Utilities Commission

Berlin To Disband Utilities Commission Travis Brown Staff Writer BERLIN -- The Berlin Mayor and Council’s decision to disband the Berlin Utilities Commission (BUC) has not been well received by all of those involved.
 “I am disappointed with the apparent decision of Mayor and Council to ‘disband’ the BUC,” Erik Quisgard, the commission’s current president, told The Dispatch. According to a press release issued by the town, the Mayor and Council recently...READ MORE

Authorities Seeking Leads In Armed Robberies

SALISBURY -- Salisbury Police this week are looking for suspects in three seemingly unrelated armed robbery cases about 18 hours apart from Sunday night to Monday afternoon including just minutes apart on Sunday. Around 9:54 p.m. on Sunday, Salisbury Police responded to the McDonald’s restaurant on South Salisbury Blvd. for a reported robbery. Responding officers met with store management who said a lone suspect had entered the restaurant had attempted to rob the restaurant. According to...READ MORE

City Council United Against Park Smoking

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council voted unanimously on first reading, with no discussion, to ban smoking in public parks and playgrounds. The ordinance defines “environmental tobacco smoke” as the complex mixture formed from escaping smoke of a burning tobacco product or smoke exhaled by the smoker. “Smoking” means the burning of a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, or any other matter or substance that contains tobacco. The ordinance reads, “It is the...READ MORE

Effort Begins To Open Rock Fishery Off Coast

OCEAN CITY -- A petition drive is underway, led by a grassroots recreational fishermen’s organization based in the resort area, to urge the government to reverse a decades-old moratorium on fishing for striped bass in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a 200-mile swath of open ocean just outside the state’s three-mile band closest to the shoreline. Let Us Fish, a non-profit, locally-originated and Internet-based organization of recreational anglers, and some of their commercial...READ MORE

Boggs On Natural Gas Mission

SNOW HILL -- One Worcester County Commissioner has decided to try and make natural gas a more viable substitute for propane on the Eastern Shore. Commissioner Judy Boggs made it a point to question department heads about propane usage during a budget review Tuesday. “It’s a special mission of mine,” she told the assembly. Boggs expressed surprise when told that at least five county schools were heated by propane. The list of county buildings that utilized propane grew as the...READ MORE

Future Looking Bright For Pocomoke Visitor’s Center

SNOW HILL -- Even without any state funding this year, Worcester County Tourism Director Lisa Challenger asserted that the Pocomoke Visitor’s Center was in good shape and might soon expand. “The welcome center is doing great and performing under budget,” said Challenger at a county budget review Tuesday. Last year was the first that the center operated directly under county control. Prior to that, it was a state run operation. However, the state decided to turn over the center...READ MORE

Habitat Dedicates Flower Street House

OCEAN CITY – Habitat for Humanity Worcester County dedicated another home to a deserving family this past Saturday. “It is part of our ongoing mission to provide decent affordable homes for deserving families in the area,” Habitat Humanity of Worcester County President Clint Houser said on Saturday. Worcester County is a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, an ecumenical housing ministry. The Board of Directors is comprised of about 20 volunteers representing...READ MORE

Zoo Groundbreaking Slated

SALISBURY -- Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton is inviting the public to a groundbreaking ceremony for the Salisbury Zoological Park Animal Health Building on Monday, March 28. The project includes the construction of a new Animal Health Clinic, which will enable the Salisbury Zoological Park to have a facility that will house and treat the current and future animal collection. It will also further the Zoo’s involvement in the conservation breeding programs. The project will include geothermal...READ MORE

Decatur Battling To Keep NJROTC

BERLIN -- After falling just six students short of enrollment requirements, the Navy Junior Reserves Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC) program at Stephen Decatur High School last week was added to a list of 19 similar programs across the country to be disestablished, but the popular program will not be sunk without a fight. The U.S. Navy announced last week it was disestablishing NJROTC programs at 19 high schools across the country, including Decatur, citing a failure to meet enrollment...READ MORE

Salisbury Council Nears Vote On Crime Free Lease Addendum

SALISBURY -- The Salisbury Mayor and Council have finally reached enough of a consensus on the proposed Crime Free Lease Addendum (CFLA) to place it in the agenda for their next legislative session. While some officials still baulked at misdemeanors and other relatively minor crimes being considered grounds for eviction, the document eventually made it through more or less intact. In its current form, the CFLA sports similar language to sister policies used by other cities and was modeled to fit...READ MORE

Between The Lines

For some reason, the Maryland Senate wants to give in-state tuition breaks (immense savings over a four-year degree) to illegal immigrants. There’s a lot more to this issue, of course, but the fact is if the Senate gets its way -- House approval is still considered unknown -- people who live in Maryland as illegal immigrants can enjoy the same tuition breaks as official citizens. Coined the Maryland DREAM Act, bill supporters say the state as a whole will benefit as a lot more so-called...READ MORE

Wooden Surface Worth The Extra Bucks

At a time when every dollar still needs to be monitored carefully in the private and public sector, we understand why detractors oppose spending the extra money it will take to continue using wood on the Boardwalk’s surface. Funds need to be protected these days and money shouldn’t be unnecessarily spent or foolishly used in another fashion. However, the surface of the Boardwalk in Ocean City is another matter altogether. This is about tradition and living up to an image millions...READ MORE

Clarifying The Facts

Editor: In recent letters to the editor, Mr. Ted Elder, president of the Worcester County Bus Contractors Association, has taken exception with the actions of the Worcester County Board of Education (WCBE). While it is not my habit to debate public policy in this forum, I am compelled to do so as Mr. Elder has impugned the integrity of the staff and administration of the WCBE.  Although he magnanimously offers a history lesson, it is he who clearly needs to be taken...READ MORE

OC Police Ready For Bath Salts Surge

OCEAN CITY – A national surge of the drug MDPV is hitting the market, but the Ocean City Police Department is ready for its arrival. “It is a very dangerous drug that is in our society today and we are going to do everything we can to make sure it doesn’t fall into the hands of the young people in our community,” Chief Bernadette DiPino said yesterday. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the U.S. analogue drug laws are laws that are designed...READ MORE

Boardwalk Petition Suggested

OCEAN CITY – Councilman Joe Hall voted against an all wooden deck for the Boardwalk renovation and is asking residents who agree to consider a petition on the matter. “I felt that the combination of concrete and Boardwalk was the best choice and even aesthetically pleasing,” Joe Hall said. “It gave some contrast to the Boardwalk, especially if it was a colored concrete put down.” Hall added the most important part is the economic circumstances. The town would save...READ MORE

Septic Bill Looks To Be On Life Support

BERLIN -- Legislation calling for a ban on septic systems in new development in Maryland appears to be on life support this week after several state lawmakers including the local delegation have come out strongly opposed to the measure, but the bill’s originator, Gov. Martin O’Malley has not backed down from the proposal. At O’Malley’s urging, cross-filed bills in the House and Senate call for a ban on the use of septic system in new developments, citing the on-site...READ MORE

Teacher’s Discrimination Suit Moves On To Trial

BERLIN -- A federal judge made several rulings this week in a discrimination lawsuit filed in 2009 by a former Ocean City Elementary School (OCES) teacher against her former principal, vice principal and the superintendent of schools. Last July, teacher Lindsay Greenan filed suit in U.S. District Court against the Worcester County Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Jon Andes, OCES Principal Irene Kordick and Vice Principal Karen Marx alleging racial discrimination, pregnancy discrimination,...READ MORE

Positive ID Closes Missing Persons Case

ASSATEAGUE -- The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) this week confirmed the remains recovered on Assateague Island in November were those of a Silver Spring man reported missing in Dewey Beach, bringing closure to the months-long missing persons case. WCBI officials this week announced a Virginia forensic lab last month confirmed the remains that washed on the north end of Assateague Island on Nov. 6 were Jung Han Lee, 36, , who was reported missing in Dewey Beach in late October....READ MORE

Septic Bill Appears On Life Support

BERLIN -- Legislation calling for a ban on septic systems in new development in Maryland appears to be on life support this week after several state lawmakers including the local delegation have come out strongly opposed to the measure, but the bill’s originator, Gov. Martin O’Malley has not backed down from the proposal. At O’Malley’s urging, cross-filed bills in the House and Senate call for a ban on the use of septic system in new developments, citing the on-site...READ MORE

Rush Put On Ocean City’s New Employee Pay Scale Ordinance

OCEAN CITY – The resort’s mayor this week agreed to pass the town’s new employee pay scale into an emergency ordinance in order to hire and place temporary employees in advance of the busy season. During Monday night’s Mayor and City Council meeting, the City Council voted to accept the new town employee pay scale ordinance on first reading. The ordinance includes newly hired general full-time and new and returning temporary part-time hires. City Manager Dennis Dare asked...READ MORE

Free Graduate Bus Passes To Return In June

OCEAN CITY – Buses may be more crowded during Senior Week this June now that the Mayor and City Council approved re-instating free bus rides to high school graduates with wristbands. Each year thousands of high school graduates come to Ocean City to celebrate their graduation. The town has decided to sponsor free bus rides for the 2011 high school graduates. According to Donna Greenwood of the OC Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Committee, the Play It Safe program is designed to encourage...READ MORE

Mayor Stands By Hotel Move, Despite Attorney General Opinion

BERLIN -- In response to a letter from the Maryland Attorney General’s office criticizing interference with the Berlin Historic District Commission, Mayor Gee Williams once again reaffirmed his original decision to intervene. The letter, which was issued Wednesday to Rodney Little, the Director of the Maryland Historic Trust, expresses the opinion that a town executive such as Williams does not have the authority to refuse to enforce a HDC ruling. It went on to state that any such...READ MORE

Slots Revenue Mirrors 1st Month

BERLIN -- The second month’s batch of revenue numbers for the Casino at Ocean Downs were released this week, and if nothing else can garnered from the figures, it appears the new gaming facility in Worcester County is remarkably consistent. Maryland Lottery officials this week released the February revenue figures for the Casino at Ocean Downs, which generated $3.13 million during the 28-day month. The numbers were up slightly from the $3.03 million the facility took in during January, but...READ MORE

Some OC Taxi Operators Seeking Fare Increase

OCEAN CITY – Different options were proposed to offset the increase in costs to run a taxi cab in town during Wednesday afternoon’s Police Commission meeting. In February of 2010, the Mayor and City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance that would instill a $1,500 taxi medallion as a requirement to operate a cab in the resort and a number of other changes to cabbie laws and fees. Now with the increase in gas prices along with the position the economy is in, the majority...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

“Many parents have gone through this, it’s no big deal.” That's what I was thinking to myself, as I sat in the waiting room with Pam at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore on Tuesday for what seemed like a lifetime. Our youngest son, Carson, was undergoing several outpatient surgical procedures, each of which was labeled routine by the doctors but combined had been inhibiting normal growth progressions. Consequently, it was a day we dreaded and welcomed at the same...READ MORE