March 18, 2011

Optimist's Schorlarship Winners

The Optimist Foundation Scholarship Lotto winners recently received their checks. Above left, Rich Dalton, left, Optimist Foundation Lotto chairman, presents the Scholarship Lotto second place winner, Debra Lokey middle, with a $15,000 check. She was accompanied by her daughter, Angela.  ...READ MORE

Hamburys Presented Winnings

Optimist Foundation Lotto chairman Rich Dalton presents David Hambury with a $75,000 check. He was accompanied by his wife, Sara, son, Hayden, and daughter, Opal. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Stevenson United Methodist Women

The Methodist Women of Stevenson United Methodist Church in Berlin recently presented a $250 check to Diakonia Executive Director Claudia Nagle. Above, President Dee Whittington is pictured with Nagle. ...READ MORE

More Donations To SDHS Field House

A leadership gift of $10,000 has been made by Atlantic Orthopaedics to the capital campaign for the construction of a new athletic field house at Stephen Decatur High School’s (SDHS) Seahawk Stadium. The fund raising campaign is a project of the SDHS Alumni Association. Above, SDHS Principal Lou Taylor accepts the donation from Dr. Thomas Beck, Dr. Eric Bontempo, Dr. Phillip Spinuzza, and Dr. Daniel Pascucci.  For more information and online giving opportunities to the campaign, visit...READ MORE

Raven's Roost March In Parade

Ocean City Ravens Roost #44 members marched in the Ocean City St. Patrick's Day Parade last weekend. Above are members Marie and Ray Myers on parade day.  ...READ MORE

The Children's Book Garden At SES And BIS

Allison Barton, owner of The Children's Book Garden, recently shared new and favorite book titles with Salisbury University student interns assigned to Showell Elementary and Berlin Intermediate. The future teachers, from left, are Chelsey Kline, Kristin Richardson, Allison Barton, Paige Baker and Leah Cox. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Pack's Pinewood Derby

Webelos from Cub Pack 267 at Worcester Prep enjoyed watching the Pack’s Pinewood Derby Competition. The are, clockwise from far left, Porter Bunting, Colton Edmunds, James Mathias, Jordan Welch, Parker Brandt and Matthew Wilson. ...READ MORE

Principal For The Day

The students at Seaside Christian Academy were given a challenge from the principal to read 8,640 minutes in February. Each student kept track of their reading minutes and at the end of the challenge the top readers from each class got to decorate the principal's hair. The top reader from the school was also named "Principal for the Day." Above, sixth grader and “Principal for the Day” Jacob Shockley is shown with Principal JoAnna Evans.  ...READ MORE

OCES Creates Own Hats

Students in Jennifer Fohner's Pre-K classroom at Ocean City Elementary School brought in their favorite Dr. Seuss book to celebrate his birthday. After reading The Cat in the Hat, students created their own hats. ...READ MORE

Key Club Blood Drive At SDHS

Stephen Decatur High School senior Kristen Miller donates blood during the Key Club's second blood drive for the school year on March 11. The blood drive brought in over 80 pints of blood, totaling 155 pints for the year. ...READ MORE

SDHS Varsity Can Swim

Just three years after Stephen Decatur High School added the varsity sport of swimming, the men’s swim team came within decimal points from taking home the 3A/4A state title. Placing second overall to Fallston High School, the team placed first in four events, including two first place finishes by junior Jake Blazer (pictured) in the 50 yard freestyle and the 100 yard freestyle.  ...READ MORE

SES Learning About Weather

Kindergarten students at Showell Elementary have been learning about weather. This month, Miss Pike's class made lion and lamb masks to demonstrate the saying "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb." Pictured are Tyler Pursel, Na'Sier Tull and Mia Diehl. ...READ MORE

Company Develops New Screening Approach

OCEAN CITY — Blake and Cindy McGrath, longtime residents of Ocean City and owners of Screenmobile®, a mobile screen repair and replacement business that serves Delmarva, announced this week the development of a screening retention approach for seaside decks. The high-tension assembly is the ideal replacement for spindles within railings while preserving the beauty of waterfront and golf course views. Recognizing a need, the McGrath began seeing neighbors and seaside property owners...READ MORE

Concerned About Retirement and Health Care Costs?

OCEAN CITY -- With a modest recovery taking hold, affluent Americans are generally fretting less about the economy and meeting their financial goals — but they're still far from optimistic about their financial well-being, according to the most recent Merrill Lynch Affluent Insights Quarterly (AIQ) survey. "People still worry about the sustainability of the economy's improvement and have big questions about what to do next," says Sallie Krawcheck, president of Bank...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

C. Laverne Bennett BERLIN -- Laverne Bennett, formerly of Ocean City, died at Ridgeway Manor Nursing Center in Baltimore on March 5, 2011 from congestive heart failure. She was 95. The former Laverne Ohle was born and raised in Baltimore. Growing up on Saratoga Street and then Mt.Holly Street in Baltimore city, she attended Western High School. She met and married Mike Bennett of Catonsville, Md. After a few years of service in the Navy, they returned to Baltimore and settled in Westowne. She...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

Where to Eat Around Town

West Ocean City- Berlin Ocean Pines-Fruitland 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

Who's Playing Where And When

Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 18: TBA Saturday, March 19: Pompous Pie Charlie’s Bayside Restaurant 302-539-3526 Rte. 1 & Maryland Ave., Fenwick Island   Friday, March 18: Old School, 9 p.m. Saturday, March 19: Randy Lee Ashcraft & Jimmy Rowbottom, 9 p.m. Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.   Ocean Club: Friday, March 18 & Saturday, March 19: First Class Dr.Unks Bar & Grille 410-213-7775 9636 Stephen Decatur...READ MORE

Things Going On This Week

Ongoing: OP Players Auditions For Female Version 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 18: Homemade Soup & Chicken Salad Sale 5-7 p.m., Eden United Methodist Church, Willards. Platters...READ MORE

Bull on the Beach Wins St. Patrick’s Tourney Open Division

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s 23rd Annual St. Patrick’s Indoor Soccer Tournament rolled on last weekend with new champions crowned in the event’s signature men’s and women’s open divisions. The annual event features about 150 teams from all over the mid-Atlantic region converging on Ocean City each late winter and early spring for a huge indoor soccer tournament spread over four weekends. Last weekend, the men’s and women’s...READ MORE

WPS Awards

Worcester Prep recently handed out its winter sports awards for varsity and junior varsity basketball and cheerleading. The girls’ team’s winners, pictured above, from left: Hannah Esham, Most Improved, JV Basketball; Frankie Willing, MVP, JV Basketball; Mallory Richards, Most Improved, Cheerleading; and Mary Beth Fisher, Coach’s Award, Cheerleading. Pictured back row, from left: Alissa Talbert, Coach’s Award, JV Basketball; Lilly DiNardo, Most Improved, Varsity...READ MORE

WPS Awards

Worcester’s boys’ teams were also honored with post-season awards. Pictured above, first row, from left: Ryan Nally, Coach’s Award, Varsity Basketball; Andrew Ternahan, MVP, Varsity Basketball; and Lucas Payne, Most Improved, JV Basketball. Pictured back row, from left: Will Simons, Coach’s Award, JV Basketball; and Scott Gee, MVP, JV Basketball. Not pictured is Matt Reilly, Most Improved, Varsity Basketball.  ...READ MORE

“March Madness” mini-golf fundraiser at the Old Pro

The Ocean City Drug and Alcohol Prevention Committee this week sponsored its 4th Annual “March Madness” mini-golf fundraiser at the Old Pro indoor facility on 68th Street to benefit the Play it Safe program. Over 50 players representing several public and private sector organizations participated in the event, including five teams from the OCPD and FOP Lodge 10 pictured above. Submitted photo ...READ MORE

Beach Lacrosse Fundraiser on Tap

BERLIN- In preparation for the 2011 season, the Beach Lacrosse Program has a major fundraising event on tap next week.
Beach Lacrosse, a volunteer organization that has been around for 18 years and has introduced thousands of young local players to the game including many now playing in high school and college, is currently nearing the home stretch for registration for the 2011 season and has several fundraisers planned in order raise money for uniforms, equipment and travel expenses for...READ MORE

St. Pat’s Boardwalk 5K a Big Hit

OCEAN CITY- The first-ever St. Patty’s Day Boardwalk 5K last weekend was a huge success with 480 runners participating on a picture perfect parade day in Ocean City. Sponsored by OC Tri-Running Sports, which produces several events and races in the resort area, the St. Patrick’s Day Boardwalk 5K ran last Saturday morning with 480 runners competing. The course started at Shenanigan’s and headed south on the Boardwalk toward the Inlet where it looped around the pier and headed...READ MORE

OCDC Briefs City Council On Summer Plans

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) came before the Mayor and City Council this week to give its annual update and asked for a few requests. The OCDC was incorporated in 2000 as a nonprofit organization. The corporation is charged with revitalizing downtown Ocean City. Since 2000, the organization has grown to include 102 members, 10 committees and 6,983 volunteer meeting time hours. The OCDC Facade Program has accomplished 98 building renovations, 23 of which were...READ MORE

County Approves Leggs Prosecution Funding

SALISBURY -- Wicomico County officials this week vowed to continue to spend what was necessary for the prosecution of Thomas James Leggs, accused of kidnapping and murdering an 11-year-old girl in December 2009, as the costs associated with the case start to mount. The Wicomico County Council on Tuesday somewhat reluctantly approved a requested supplemental appropriation of $11,638 for the State’s Attorney’s Office for costs associated with prosecuting Leggs, whose trial has been...READ MORE

Service Agent Ordinance Divides Salisbury Council

SALISBURY – The City Council stood split on Monday over the decision to require vacant properties to have a service agent within Wicomico County or within a certain radius around town. The proposed ordinance states, “If the owner of a vacant building is not domiciled in Wicomico County, Maryland, the owner must have a designated agent for service of notice of violation and process by the city, who is a permanent resident of Wicomico County, Maryland. The agent shall not be a tenant...READ MORE

Chickenstock Live Lineup Announced

SALISBURY -- Several major music stars and bands, including a couple of Grammy winners, will headline Chickenstock Live 2011, a major concert event scheduled for Arthur W. Perdue Stadium next fall for the benefit of the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore. United Way officials on Tuesday announced the line-up for the Chickenstock Live 2011, which will include Dionne Warwick, Kenny Loggins, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, America and the Marshall Tucker Band. The concert is set for Sept. 24...READ MORE

Cooper Honored With Citizen Award

SALISBURY -- The Del-Mar-Va Council, Boy Scouts of America (BSA), has announced that Philip C. “Pete” Cooper has been selected to receive the 2011 Distinguished Citizen Award. Cooper will be honored at the annual awards dinner on April 16 at The Fountains Wedding and Conference Center. For 26 years, the Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner has been one of the Council’s premiere events. The award is an annual recognition of those who give freely of their time and talents to...READ MORE

Quiet Courage Of Marylou Jones

Elle Jaye (Editor’s Note: The following is the second installment of a new monthly feature, focusing on local women who have overcome some daunting obstacles in their lives. This feature will spotlight them and demonstrate their strength and ability to persevere when life is at its most challenging. If you know of someone we should profile, you can email us at editor@mdcoastdispatch.com and we will get the information to our writer, Elle Jaye). Cour-age \’kur-ij\ n : the ability to...READ MORE

Regional Power Line Merits Questioned

SNOW HILL -- Representatives from Dorchester County visited their counterparts in Worcester Tuesday to discuss the future of the Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway (MAPP), the 150-mile interstate power transmission line planned to run from Virginia through New Jersey. The power line could cut directly through Dorchester, a fact many residents of the county take issue with at this time. While Worcester would not be in direct contact with the line, the County Commissioners did vote to support it several...READ MORE

Federal Sea Bass Closure Lawsuit Dismissed

OCEAN CITY -- While the black sea bass season off the coast of the resort was officially closed indefinitely last Thursday, just days earlier a federal judge dismissed a civil suit filed by the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and coalition of regional and local anglers and charter captains over an abrupt closure of the fishery in the fall of 2009. Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials last week announced the black sea bass season off the coast of the resort was officially...READ MORE

One Year For Tossing Woman On Highway

SNOW HILL -- A Westminster man who pleaded guilty in December to second-degree assault for tossing a woman onto a busy Coastal Highway last July was sentenced last week in Worcester County Circuit Court to three years in jail, all but one of which was suspended in favor of probation and restitution to the victim. At around 2 a.m. last July 28, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer observed a man, later identified as Steven B. Barnett, 20, approach a group of several women walking...READ MORE

Pollitt Eyes Bennett Middle Funding Task Force

SALISBURY -- Undaunted by a Wicomico County Council decision earlier this month to remove funding for a new Bennett Middle School from next year’s capital improvement plan, Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. this week announced he is forming a special task force to explore alternative funding opportunities for the project. The Wicomico County Council on March 1 voted 5-2 to remove $16 million included for a new Bennett Middle School in Salisbury from its fiscal year 2012...READ MORE

OC Stormwater Fee Proposed

OCEAN CITY – Spring showers bring May flowers or just flooding in Ocean City’s case. The University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center is about half way through its study of the town’s stormwater infrastructure and presented preliminary recommendations to the Mayor and City Council this week. According to Gail Blazer, the town last year received a grant from the Department of Natural Resources to research the feasibility to develop a stormwater utility for the...READ MORE

Speeding Stop Nets Drug Bust

Speeding Stop Nets Drug Bust BISHOPVILLE -- A Smyrna, Del. man was arrested on numerous drug charges after a routine speeding stop in Bishopville last weekend. Around 4:40 p.m. last Saturday, a Maryland State Police trooper pulled over a vehicle on Back Creek Rd. in Bishopville. Upon making contact with the vehicle, the trooper detected the odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the passenger compartment. In addition, the trooper learned the driver, identified as Kevin Jordan Barnes, 21, of...READ MORE

Adventures In Fatherhood

Elephants scare the daylights out of Beckett, and we have no idea why. This fear surfaced when Beckett was a baby and does not appear to be something that’s fading away as he gets older. We learned of this extreme trepidation when he was just a few months old. One day, he was watching Baby Einstein in his swing having a bottle when an elephant roared on the television. It sent Beckett into tears immediately. More than two years later, the mere image of an elephant can send Beckett into a...READ MORE

Time Not Right For Gasoline Tax Increase

Time Not Right For Gasoline Tax Increase Gasoline prices are on the minds of many these days, and it’s understandable, considering insiders say the price per gallon could be well in excess of $4 by Memorial Day weekend. According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, the average price per gallon of unleaded gas yesterday was $3.49 on the lower shore, compared to last month’s average of $3.09; six months ago, $2.59; and last year, $2.73. This rising pinch at the pump comes at the unfortunate time when...READ MORE

Clarifying Bus Situation

Clarifying Bus Situation Editor: Since Mr. Rothermel has chosen to attack me in your newspaper, I feel compelled to respond. First, I reiterate that the information I previously reported is factual. But, since there is a discrepancy concerning what the law is, as it relates to the useful life of a school bus, I feel obliged to quote the Maryland School Laws and Regulations Annotated: “ED 7-804 reads … In general (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection,...READ MORE

Between The Lines

Marquees in Ocean City seem to get a lot of attention from motorists, and some businesses do a stellar job of drawing attention to their signs with a little wit and creativity. For example, Seaside Deli’s sign in mid-town Ocean City has been one of my favorites to observe for years. Last week, one sign that got a lot of attention was at the former home of The Adkins Company on 55th Street. Word is out that Adkins will no longer operate out of its resort location effective immediately,...READ MORE

County Commissioners Approve Solar Energy Bill

SNOW HILL -- After months of preparations, Worcester’s proposed Solar Energy Bill finally reached the point Tuesday to be officially open for public comment. At a public hearing run by the County Commissioners, local residents had the opportunity to discuss the potential legislature. Special attention was paid to two specific aspects of the bill -- stormwater management and the necessity of screening. “I do understand people’s concerns with the panels,” said Development...READ MORE

Mayor Grilled Again Over Hotel Move

BERLIN -- Berlin Mayor Gee Williams was once again publically questioned over his decision last fall to overrule a Historic District Commission (HDC) ruling. “It’s very questionable as to whether you had the authority to do what you did,” said Ron Cascio at Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting. While Cascio serves on the Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission, he said that he was speaking only as a concerned member of the public. “If I exceeded my authority, I...READ MORE

Council Approves Designated Boardwalk Performer Spots

OCEAN CITY – The City Council this week laid down the law for street performers on the Boardwalk for this upcoming summer and seasons to come. According to City Clerk Kathy Mathias, the town had some trouble with street performers on the Boardwalk last summer and some adjustments were necessary. The town issued 555 street performer permits last season. The police had issues with congestion and pedestrian flow on the Boardwalk. Business owners on the Boardwalk complained about their stores...READ MORE

Gambling Study Underway To Gauge Addiction Funding

BERLIN -- The Worcester County Health Department (WCHD) is currently waiting for the results of a state-run gambling prevalence survey. Until those results are in, the WCHD will not be sure what percentage of revenue from the newly opened slots Casino at Ocean Downs will go toward fighting gambling addiction in the area. Health Officer Debbie Goeller admitted that the revenue from the casino could be a big help this year, as the department is expecting a 3-percent overall decrease in state...READ MORE

Injured Juvenile Seal Transported To Aquarium

OCEAN CITY -- An injured seal discovered on the beach in north Ocean City last weekend by a concerned resident and eventually rescued by the Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP) on Monday was still being treated for a severe infection at the National Aquarium in Baltimore late yesterday afternoon. A local resident encountered the juvenile grey seal on the beach at 139th Street last Sunday and stayed with it throughout the day and into Monday until MARP staffers arrived. According to National...READ MORE

Salisbury Seeks Grant To Revitalize Apartment Building

SALISBURY – “The Bricks” apartment building on Church Street moved closer toward a renovation this week, despite concerns from a couple Salisbury City Council members on what the grant application will mean for taxpayers. The City Council was presented on Monday night with a resolution to apply for a grant. Homes for America, the “turnkey” contractor for the city, is applying for a predevelopment grant on behalf of the city for the revitalization of the Richardson...READ MORE

Wicomico Early Retirement Plan OK’d

SALISBURY -- Wicomico officials this week approved an early retirement incentive program for dozens of long-time county employees in an effort to further trim labor expenses in yet another challenging budget year. The Wicomico County Council on Tuesday approved the early retirement incentive program after a lengthy debate about the potential savings and the need to fill the resulting vacancies with new hires at lower salary rates and benefit packages. Under the approved plan, nearly 80 county...READ MORE

Resort Planning To Remove Water Tank On 66th Street

OCEAN CITY – The resort’s skyline will change in the near future, as the 66th Street water tank is scheduled to be removed. The 66th Street water tank was built in 1963 and has a 440,000 gallon capacity. Once the 64th Street water tank, which holds 1 million gallons, was built in the 1990’s, the 66th Street tank was determined unnecessary in satisfying the town’s water needs. According to Public Works Chief Deputy Director Jim Parsons, during discussions with the Mayor...READ MORE

Utility Planning For Future Move To Natural Gas

BERLIN -- Whether there is a will in Worcester County to switch over from propane to natural gas in government buildings, schools and even private residences is unknown, but one local utility company has spent decades preparing for that eventuality. Last week, Commissioner Judy Boggs said making the switch from propane to clean burning, efficient natural gas across Worcester was her “special mission” as she questioned various county department heads about their current propane usage...READ MORE

Board Denies Beer, Wine License For Snow Hill Store

SNOW HILL -- Concerns that allowing alcohol back into a troubled area could ignite old problems led the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) to deny an applicant seeking a beer and wine license. Chaudhary Warraich, who, along with his wife, owns the “Your Stop” convenience store in Snow Hill, made an attempt Wednesday to secure a seven-day beer and wine license from the BLC. Attorney Joe Moore, representing Warraich, presented the BLC with 70 signatures on a petition...READ MORE

Ocean City Bar’s DJ Request Denied Due To Residential Concerns

SNOW HILL -- A popular Ocean City bar had its request for a disc jockey denied Wednesday over fears it may negatively impact residential neighbors. Fish Tales, which was nominated this year by the Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM) in its “Favorite Bar” category, had its request for an expansion of entertainment turned down by the Board of License Commissioners (BLC), due to a large amount of protest by the residents neighboring the establishment. “We’re just trying...READ MORE

Offshore Wind Farm Bill Details Questioned

ANNAPOLIS -- Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley’s push to pass legislation enabling the development of offshore wind energy off the coast of Ocean City remains on track this week, despite administration officials’ three-hour grilling in front of the Senate Finance Committee over the potential cost to ratepayers and the level of public investment in the potential project. On Tuesday, O’Malley staffers testified on behalf of the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2011, a plan...READ MORE

OC Council Split Over Golf Co-Op Marketing Plan

OCEAN CITY – Tensions ran high this week during the Ocean City Mayor and City Council meeting, as the discussion turned toward the proposed Golf Co-Op Marketing Plan with half the council attempting to persuade the other half to approve of the idea. Tourism Director Deborah Turk and Eagle’s Landing Golf Professional Bob Croll presented the council with the co-op initiative for the second time during this week’s meeting. According to Turk, the Golf Co-Op Marketing Plan’s...READ MORE