December 21, 2012

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Fatal Accident On Route 50 Yesterday

BERLIN -- A local man was killed yesterday in a two-vehicle accident along Route 50 at its intersection with Route 818, or Main Street extended, in Berlin late Wednesday morning. Shortly before noon on Wednesday, Berlin Police responded to a reported vehicle collision at Routes 50 and 818 where Main Street extends across Route 50. The preliminary investigation revealed a vehicle, driven by Christopher Keenan, 24, of Berlin, was headed westbound on Route 50. Another vehicle, driven by Amberle...READ MORE

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Reassessment Shows North Worcester Property Values Still Declining

BERLIN -- When north-end Worcester County property owners get their reassessment notices in the mail likely next week, most will see their values have continued to decline, but the level of decrease will likely not be as great as once anticipated. Assessments of real estate values in a north end of Worcester County, including Berlin, Ocean Pines and other areas, were officially completed earlier this month, and new notices are expected to be mailed out by the end of the year. While most in the...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Interest In Old Boardwalk Lumber Runs High

OCEAN CITY – Pieces of Ocean City’s old Boardwalk are being spread around the country for all to enjoy as the contractor has been recycling the lumber through interested parties. City Engineer Terry McGean reported last Friday the reconstruction of Ocean City’s famous Boardwalk is going well and is still ahead of schedule. Phase two of the Boardwalk’s reconstruction began in early October and is planned to end in April of 2013. The second phase will finish the entire...READ MORE

Worcester Seeks Dismissal In LCB Wage Discrimination Suit

BERLIN -- Worcester County this week filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed in late August alleging the now-defunct Liquor Control Board (LCB) violated the federal Equal Pay Act by paying female employees at retail outlets less than their male counterparts in the same positions. In August, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed the suit in U.S. District Court. The complaint outlines an alleged pattern by the old LCB or undercompensating female retail clerks at the agency’s...READ MORE

Salisbury Tables Council Raises

SALISBURY -- Every four years a Salary Review Committee examines the salaries of the Mayor and City Council in Salisbury, and this year it recommended a 12-percent salary increase for city elected officials to catch up to cost of living. Many members of the council were uncomfortable with how large the number was, however, and voted to re-address the topic at a later date when salary raises for general employees are also on the table. “I can’t vote for an increase for myself if...READ MORE

Route 113 Intersection Needs A Light, Residents Urge

SNOW HILL -- Weeks after the most recent fatality at a troubled intersection, Snow Hill residents turned out in force Wednesday night at a public hearing to demand a traffic light at Routes 113 and 12. With the current state plan calling for the installation of “J-turns” at the intersection instead of a light, dozens of residents promised to do everything from a petition drive to marching down to Annapolis to get a light built instead. That intersection has a long history of...READ MORE

Ravens Honor Decatur Students For Community Service

BALTIMORE – One hundred National Honor Society and Presidential Service Award volunteers from Stephen Decatur High School attended the Ravens vs. Broncos game last week after being selected as Honor Rows Program recipients. The Ravens’ 13th Annual Honor Rows Program, presented by M&T Bank, salutes organizations that provide outstanding service to the community. Through events and fundraisers, the students of the two service organizations have raised over $2,000 and volunteered...READ MORE

Performing Arts Center Plans Advance

OCEAN CITY -- The new 1,200-seat performing arts center in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center is on the fast track after city officials this week got an overview of the schematic design for the project and an expedited timeline that could see it open as early as the fall of 2014. The Ocean City Mayor and Council on Monday heard an update on the plans for the long-awaited 1,200-seat performing arts theater and the second phase of the latest expansion of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center....READ MORE

New Worcester Program Targets Minority Gap

NEWARK -- Despite consistently ranking at the top of school systems in the state, educators in Worcester County have always acknowledged that schools here suffer from the same minority achievement gap that is measurable nationwide. Hoping to chip away at that gap, the county has started a Building a Bridge to College Summit Program (BBCSP). “The focus of this program is to promote academic excellence and opportunities for underrepresented minority students, as well as other students, in...READ MORE

Judge Rules For Family In Clean Water Act Lawsuit

BERLIN -- After three years of tense legal wrangling, a U.S. District Court judge on Thursday issued a ruling in the landmark civil suit filed against a Berlin farm family and Perdue over alleged pollution violations dating back to 2009, siding with the defendants Alan Hudson and Perdue over an independent environmental watchdog group. In March 2010, the New York-based Waterkeeper Alliance, along with the Assateague Coastal Trust and the Assateague Coastkeeper, filed suit in U.S. District Court...READ MORE

Federal Aid Decision Reversed To Help Somerset

OCEAN CITY – The decision to deny Individual Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was overturned this week to provide help to Somerset County residents and businesses following Hurricane Sandy. Last Friday Gov. Martin O’Malley announced that President Obama had approved an Individual Assistance disaster declaration for Somerset County for damages from Hurricane Sandy. The Individual Assistance declaration will make federal funds available to homeowners,...READ MORE

Fearing State Law, County Eyes Subdivision Changes

SNOW HILL -- With the deadline for accepting the controversial Senate Bill 236, or the “Septics Bill,” looming, the Worcester County Commissioners will be looking to re-define the definition of a minor subdivision of property to allow a maximum of seven lots instead of the current five lots. “I think this is one thing that we actually need to do for the farmers in the county,” said Commissioner Virgil Shockley, who is a farmer. According to Shockley, agriculture and...READ MORE

Council Okays Taxi Medallion Transfer

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Council this week approved the sale of a taxi medallion from one independent operator to another after sending the seller back to the drawing board two weeks ago over concerns about the low sale price. In early December, Ocean City reviewed two taxi medallion transfer requests, one of which came in at $5,000 and the other that came in at the much lower $3,000. The second proposed transfer raised eyebrows because of its relatively low price compared to the average...READ MORE

Council Approves Noise Law Change

OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City officials this week approved on second reading an amendment, which, if ultimately approved, will add more teeth to the resort’s noise ordinance. In November, Noise Control Board Chairman Brett Wolf came before the council with recommendations for enhancing the enforcement of the town’s policies regarding noise emanating from properties. With thousands of summer rentals, condos, hotel rooms and private residences in the resort, noise from loud parties and...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Clarity On Finances Editor: The sky is falling. The Ocean Pines Administration forecast a "loss" of $335,000. We are terrorized by arbitrary budgets because we do not look at spending in a broad fashion. Let's think like those wise souls who improved our area with a library that would never cover its costs via late charges on books and DVD's. Incidentally, the $3,601,399 difference between administration "Revenue" and "Expense" should be allocated to the other...READ MORE

Shooting Should Lead To Security Changes

Predictably, elected officials from across the country are now rallying forward with plans to curb gun violence in the wake of last week’s tragedy in Connecticut. While this knee-jerk reaction always happens following unspeakable incidents that seem so preventable, we are disgusted by legislators, from the president to governors to the municipal leaders in some cases, trying to secure political favor by assuring the public gun laws will be tightened to prevent situations like this from...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

In the last issue of every year, I make some predictions for the year ahead. It’s time this week to see how I fared. After reviewing what I thought would occur in 2012 and what in fact happened, I give myself this year a “B-”, a major improvement from last year’s “D+”. Here’s a look:On The Money I was correct when I predicted Ocean City would hire an administrator working in Florida as its next city manager, replacing Dennis Dare. Current City Manager...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

Every Saturday: Pancake Breakfast 8 a.m.-noon, Ocean City Airport. To benefit the Ocean City Aviation Association’s Huey Memorial Dis-play restoration and continuous maintenance fund. For more information, 410-641-6888 or 410-213-2471. Every Sunday: Morning Worship 8 a.m. & 11 a.m., Traditional Worship; 9:30 a.m., Contemporary Worship; St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A, 10301 Coastal Hwy., O.C. For more information, 410-524-7474. Open Monday-Saturday: Atlantic United...READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

19th hole bar & Grille, The 410-213-9204 Corner of Rte. 611 & Sunset Ave., West Ocean City Friday, Dec. 21: Johnny Mojo Saturday, Dec. 22: Louis Wright Sunday, Dec. 23: Louis Wright, 10 a.m.-noon 28th Street Pit and Pub 410-289-2020 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Every Thursday: DJ Jeremy 45th Street TapHouse Bar & Grille 443-664-2201 45th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 28: Scott Glorioso Saturday, Dec. 29: DJ Ukelelee Monday, Dec. 31: NYE with Pompous...READ MORE

Best Bites On The Beach

Fruitland-Salisbury Restaurant 213 213 N. Fruitland Blvd., Fruitland 410-677-4880 • www.restaurant213.com Just 20 minutes from Ocean Pines and Berlin, Restaurant 213 is worth the drive! Chef Jim Hughes has been serving celebrities worldwide for 25 years and was named a 2009 inductee to the coveted Distinguished Restaurants of North America awards, one of only 220 in North America and the only one in this region. Serving dinner Tuesday-Sunday starting at 5 p.m. Also offering a 5 course...READ MORE

DWI Stop Leads To Gun

OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City Police last week seized three guns during a routine drunk-driving traffic stop of a local man. Around 12:30 a.m. last Sunday, officers stopped a vehicle in the area of 65th Street in a reference to a suspected drunk-driving incident. Prior to the stop, officers received information the driver of the vehicle, identified as Scot Donald Randolf, 43, of Ocean City, was allegedly overly intoxicated. In addition to receiving information about Randolf’s alleged inebriated...READ MORE

Coleman Tourney on Tap Next Week

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team will hit the ground running after the holiday break next week when the Seahawks compete in the annual John Coleman Christmas Tournament next Thursday and Friday. The annual tournament, named for long-time Worcester County Public Schools Administrator John Coleman, has become one of the highlights of the holiday basketball tournament schedule over the years although its configuration has been altered several times. For years,...READ MORE

Mallards Run Table in First Half

BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity basketball team edged visiting Central Christian, 49-45, on Monday to close out a perfect first half of the season at 7-0. The Mallards defeated Central Christian in their last game before the long holiday break before they return to action on January 4. In the first half of the season, Worcester ran the table, beating Holly Grove, Greenwood Mennonite, Chincoteague, Salisbury Christian, Greenwood again and Holly Grove again last Friday. Against...READ MORE

Fourth Reindeer Run Largest Ever

BERLIN- The 4th Annual Reindeer Run 5K last weekend, sponsored by Live Long Fitness, was a huge success with 322 runners competing in the annual holiday race through the streets of downtown Berlin. The annual race, which has become a fixture on the local holiday schedule since its inception three years ago, started and finished at the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin last Saturday morning with the course winding its way through the heart of the downtown area. From the Atlantic Hotel, the course headed...READ MORE

Bayside South Sending 5 to Crab Bowl

BERLIN- The Bayside South will be well represented in the 5th Annual Crab Bowl, pitting the top senior football players from Maryland and Washington, D.C. against each other in the All-Star game, with five players from Lower Shore schools on the roster. The annual Crab Bowl features the top senior high school football players from across Maryland and D.C. each year as a showcase event for the All-Stars. For years, most of the players on both rosters have come from the big schools up the populous...READ MORE

Decatur Boys Continue Up and Down Ways

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team continued its early season up-and-down ways last week, beating Mardela, 53-40, before falling to Wicomico, 76-53 and finishing up with a 56-48 win over Kent Island. Decatur started its season with a 61-45 win over North Dorchester, followed by a 54-44 loss to Bennett last week. The pattern continued this week as the Seahawks cruised past Mardela, before getting thumped by Wicomico. Against Mardela, Dimir Andrews led the Seahawks...READ MORE

Decatur, Local Teams in Governor’s Cup

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team, along with several other teams from the Bayside Conference, will compete next week in the 3rd Annual Governor’s Cup Holiday Basketball Tournament featuring the top teams from Maryland against some of Delaware’s best. For years, the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury has played host to holiday basketball tournament featuring some of the best prep teams from around the region between Christmas and New...READ MORE

Winterfest Soccer Camp Next Week

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department next week will host the annual Winterfest Soccer Camp under the direction of Stephen Decatur graduate and former professional player Steve Fell. Fell is a former Regional All-American and Division I player at Towson University before playing for the Baltimore Blast in the Major Indoor Soccer League. Fell and his team of instructors will host the annual Winterfest Soccer Camp at Northside Park next week, Wednesday, December 26 to Friday,...READ MORE

Worcester Girls a Perfect 7-0 Heading into Break

BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity basketball team wrapped up a perfect first half of the season last week with a 35-32 win over old rival Saints Peter and Paul. The Mallards finished off the first half going into the holiday break with a perfect 7-0 record. In the opening stretch, the Worcester girls have beaten Holly Grove, Greenwood Mennonite, Chincoteague, Salisbury Christian, Greenwood again, Holly Grove again and Saints Peter and Paul, 35-32, last week. Against the Sabres,...READ MORE

Seahawk Track Teams Strong in Meet

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity indoor track teams turned in strong performances at a Bayside meet last week, with each team finishing second and several individuals placing in their respective events.The Decatur boys finished second with 67 total team points, while Caesar Rodney was first with 79 points and Cape Henlopen was third with 62 points. On the girls’ side, the Seahawks also finished in a two-way tie for second with Smyrna as each team scored 62 team points. Cape Henlopen...READ MORE

Seahawks Split Pair with Mardela, Kent Island

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team got back on the winning track this week with a 71-50 win over Kent Island after falling to unbeaten Mardela last week. Against Mardela last week, the Seahawks got off to a quick start and led early, 9-4, before the unbeaten Warriors got on track. Mardela cut the lead to 11-10 at the end of the first quarter, then went on a big roll in the second to gain some separation from Decatur. The Warriors reeled off a 10-0 run in the...READ MORE

Wicomico Council Weighs Tier Concept

SALISBURY – The Wicomico County Council continued a discussion regarding controversial septic legislation this week that started off as a conversation over notification letters and changed to whether property owners will really have a choice in whether to be included in a specific tier or not. Earlier this year, Maryland enacted the Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012 which requires counties to make a number of changes to their subdivision codes, including the...READ MORE

Wicomico Agency Presents Enterprise Business Plan

SALISBURY – The Wicomico County Council was presented with good news and bad news this week when it comes to the Recreation, Parks and Tourism Department, but analysis shows in the end the final revenue figure in 2013 will continue to be on the rise. This week the Wicomico County Council was presented with the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism’s 2013 Enterprise Business Plan. Recreation, Parks and Tourism Director Gary Mackes explained 32 years ago the county charged the...READ MORE

Tourism Booth Producer Feels ‘Blindsided’ By City’s Alternative

OCEAN CITY -- A potential major marketing tool for Ocean City has been temporarily put on hold after gaining a unanimous endorsement from the former City Council last spring as a low-cost alternative surfaced in the 11th hour this week. Last March, the Mayor and Council unanimously approved an $85,000 investment in the OC Experience, an interactive marketing booth designed by Spark Productions scheduled to be displayed at major consumer travel trade shows in the resort’s target markets and...READ MORE

School Security Under Evaluation After Conn. Shooting

SNOW HILL -- In the wake of the tragic mass shooting in Newtown, Conn. last Friday, school officials in Worcester and Wicomico counties acknowledged the need to discuss and potentially upgrade security in local schools. “Our school system was safe for the times we had and all of that changed on Friday,” said Worcester Board of Education President Bob Rothermel during the board’s meeting Tuesday. “It certainly changed for that school system in Connecticut because they had...READ MORE

Salisbury Zoo Opens New Australia Exhibit

SALISBURY -- The Salisbury Zoo has gone under with the addition of the “Discover Australia” exhibit, which included a pair of new wallabies named by the community. Discover Australia is one of three priority projects designated by the community and funded by the Delmarva Zoological Society’s Renew the Zoo Capitol Campaign, which raised a combined $3 million for the projects. While a new animal health care clinic and a new environmental center, the other two projects funded by...READ MORE

Salisbury Considering Mountain Bike Trail Accord

SALISBURY -- Unwilling yet to fully endorse a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the city and the Eastern Shore branch of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (ESIMBA) for trail preservation, the Salisbury City Council did agree to keep the issue on the table while they examine the trails and consider possible impact. While not the total support that ESIMBA was seeking, spokesperson Jeff Dean said that he is optimistic that his organization can convince the council in the next...READ MORE

Police: Man Took Own Life On Beach

OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City Police late Tuesday confirmed the remains recovered on the beach at 45th Street early Tuesday morning were those of a 27-year-old, Mt. Airy, Md. man, the victim of an apparent suicide. Around 7:55 a.m. on Tuesday, Ocean City police responded to the beach at 45th Street in reference to an unresponsive male who was lying on the beach with a rifle in his lap. Officers arrived at the scene and determined the individual was deceased. The individual’s name is not being...READ MORE

Pier Damage Forces Blessing Event Relocation

OCEAN CITY -- The St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church this week got approval from the Mayor and Council to hold its annual Blessing of the Waters ceremony on the beach at 90th Street in January after the original plan to host it at the Inlet pier was derailed because of damage to the structure caused by Hurricane Sandy. For years, the St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean City has held an annual religious ceremony to bless the waters of the ocean off the coast of the resort. In...READ MORE

OC Open House Plans To Feature ‘Silent Giants’

OCEAN CITY -- Residents and visitors are invited to start off the New Year with a visit to the Ocean City Mayor and City Council's 17th Annual Open House, scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. on New Year's Day at City Hall, located at 3rd St. and Baltimore Avenue. The Mayor and City Council’s Open House, which has been a community tradition since 1997, offers a different theme each year. This year's theme focuses on the "The Silent Giants: The men and women of the Public Works...READ MORE

Former Councilman Challenges Utility Expansion Process

OCEAN CITY – Delmarva Power & Light’s proposed expansion of its substation in north Ocean City, which has been the subject of extensive debate in recent weeks, provided a rather chippy exchange between a former councilman and the town’s attorney. Delmarva Power & Light (DP&L) has proposed a significant expansion at its substation in the area of 137th and 138th streets in an effort to enhance reliability and stabilize electric service in the resort. The expansion...READ MORE

County Agrees To Fund $300K For After School Academies

SNOW HILL -- To keep popular After School Academies (ASA) alive at several local middle and elementary schools, the Worcester County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to provide $300,000 worth of funding to support the programs through the end of this school year. While all of the commissioners have addressed how tight this coming budget season will be, none of the six officials present (Commissioner Louise Gulyas was absent) raised any objection to granting the academies enough funding to...READ MORE

County Agencies To Step Up Officer Training After Shooting

SALISBURY -- Sheriffs in both Worcester and Wicomico counties are promising more training for officers and a focus on school violence response after the shooting deaths at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis said this week that after learning of the shooting he began meeting with counterparts at the local level, such as Salisbury Police Chief Barbara Duncan, to talk about law enforcement’s response in the event that a school shooting occurred...READ MORE

Council, Elected Officials Honor Departing Chief

OCEAN CITY -- Outgoing Ocean City Police Chief Bernadette DiPino was honored this week with recognition and a key to the city from the Mayor and Council and special commendations from the town’s representatives in Annapolis including the governor. At the outset of Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting, Councilman Joe Mitrecic, speaking on behalf of the absent Mayor Rick Meehan, read into the record a special proclamation recognizing DiPino’s nearly 25-year career with the Ocean...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Mary Ann Parker BERLIN -- Mary Anne Parker, age 85, of Berlin, died on Monday, Dec. 17, 2012 at Harrison Senior Living of Snow Hill. Born in Gloucester, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Harry L. Heppe and Mary Anne Hickson Heppe.  She was preceded in death by her husband, William O. Parker in 1968. Mary is survived by two daughters, Kathryn Parker of Berlin and Carol A. Zacur and husband Richard of Petersburg, Fla.; and a sister, Helen E. Graham and her husband Lewis of Punta Gorda,...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

Every year since this rambling has been appearing in this paper I have shared my family’s photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as the experience our boys had with the jolly one and his wife. It’s the one time a year you get see the faces of the children I write about each week. Along those lines, it’s a tradition for us to go to Worcester Prep’s annual holiday bazaar, mainly to have the boys’ photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The kids know it and started...READ MORE

Most Blessed Sacrement Songbirds Sing Carols At Sunset Park

Most Blessed Sacrement songbirds Caroline Engle, Carrissa Gabbard, Jessa Hoover and Keely Allison recently sang carols at Sunset Park awaiting the arrival of Santa. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Students Practice Composing Numbers 11 To 19

Students in Christine Lieb's kindergarten class at Ocean City Elementary practiced composing numbers 11 to 19. Pictured are Finian Dudley and Nicole Kiser discussing what they need to do to reach 19. ...READ MORE

Judy Center At SH Elementary Hosts Munchies For Mom

The Judy Center at Snow Hill Elementary School hosted "Munchies for Moms" on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012.  Sixty-two mothers, grandmothers and other family members joined their children for snacks and crafts in the school's cafeteria and then were able to visit their child's classroom. Above, kindergarten student Alyssa Garner shows off the tea pot ornament she made for her mom, Mandy Stephens. ...READ MORE

Pre-K Students At Seaside Christian Academy Create Handprint Christmas Trees

Pre-kindergarten students from Seaside Christian Academy, Kamryn Hitchens and Naomi Smith, proudly show their handprint Christmas trees. ...READ MORE

Buckingham Elementary Congratulates Students Of The Month

Buckingham Elementary would like to congratulate all of its Students of the Month for November. Pictured are third grade students of the month Mildred Sanchez-Cruz, Zach Goodwin, Francesca Richwalski and Erika Kolacz. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary Students Learn About Quilting

Mrs. Mears' kindergarten class at Showell Elementary School enjoyed a visit from Betty Parker, who is passionate about quilting and she showed the children how shapes are used when making quilts. She used the friendship star as the example to correlate with their current reading unit on friendship. ...READ MORE

SD Middle School Offers After School Academy Class

Duct Tape Again! is an After School Academy Class offered at Stephen Decatur Middle School that allows students to use their artistic talents to create works of art from duct tape. Displaying the Christmas trees the students have been working on are Karla Maldonado, Candace Allen and their teacher, Mrs. Davis. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Owner Testifies OCEAN CITY -- Reese Cropper, III, owner of Insurance Management Group, Inc. in Ocean City, testified before the Economic Matters Committee on Dec. 13. The Task Force, chaired by Senator Thomas M. Middleton and Delegate David D. Rudolph, was convened to study the availability and affordability of personal and commercial property and casualty insurance in coastal areas in Maryland. Local Hospital Honored BALTIMORE -- Five Maryland hospitals and one nurse were honored for their...READ MORE

Talking To Kids About Money

OCEAN CITY -- It’s an age-old parenting dilemma. When a child begins to edge into adulthood, how do you make sure he or she has the knowledge and skills needed to make smart financial decisions? It’s critical to recognize that becoming financially independent is a journey —one that may take longer in today’s uncertain economy. “Achieving financial autonomy is a transition rather than an abrupt change,” notes Eileen Gallo, co-author of Silver Spoon Kids: How...READ MORE

Community Foundation Honors Wicomico County TAD Program And Wicomico High With Mary Gay Calcott Award Of Excellence

The Community Foundation honored the Wicomico County TAD Program and Wicomico High School with the Mary Gay Calcott Award for Excellence. These schools received Education Award Grants for their innovative programs benefitting not only their students but their communities as well. Pictured, front from left, Jennifer Watson, TAD Instructor; and Betty Wootten, Donor Representative; back, from left, Ruby Brown, Principal, North Salisbury Elementary; Amanda Markos, TAD Instructor; Kristen Briggs, TAD...READ MORE

Wicomico County Board Of Ed President And Superintendent Of Schools Recongnize Support Staff Employees Of The Month

Wicomico County Board of Education President Ron Willey and Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen recognize the school system’s first Support Staff Employees of the Month. They were Dee Calloway, office associate, Department of Instruction; Susan Tayman, principal’s secretary, Mardela Middle and High; and Joan Pitts, Special Education paraprofessional, Charles H. Chipman Elementary.   ...READ MORE

OC AARP Chapter 1917 Installs New Board Of Directors

Members of the Ocean City AARP Chapter 1917 enjoyed a festive meeting on Dec. 13 and installed the new Board of Directors for 2013. Past President Nancy Howard presided over the ceremony. Pictured, front from left, are Nancy Howard, Sandy Kvech, Jeff McArthur, Norma Bull and Ray Jackson; and, back, Bob McCluskey, President Chris Norris, Garry Fox, Treasurer Bill Shoop, Secretary Andrea Albrecht and Frank Hoover. ...READ MORE

OC Elks Lodge Presents $2000 Donation For The OCPD Christmas Drive

Jim Flaig, center, treasurer of Ocean City Elks Lodge, and members are pictured presenting Chief Bernadette DiPino a $2000 donation for the OCPD Christmas Drive. ...READ MORE

United Way Recognizes Safran Labinal For Countinuous Support

The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently recognized Safran Labinal for their continuous support of the annual United Way campaign. Combined contributions totaled $49,937.48, almost a $5,300 increase, ranking them once again among the top 25 companies supporting United Way. Pictured, from left, are Helena Hearn, Carmel Gray-White and Janet Phillips of Safran Labinal and Kathleen Mommé, United Way Executive Director, and Jim Hartstein, United Way Board member. ...READ MORE

Cowall Receives Coastal Hospice Jean Camie Jackson Heart Of Hospice Award

Dr. David Cowall, Medical Director for Coastal Hospice & Palliative Care, received the Coastal Hospice Jean Camie Jackson Heart of Hospice award at his retirement party this month. Cowall came to Coastal Hospice in 1981 as volunteer associate medical director and became Medical Director in 2004. During his tenure at Coastal Hospice, he was pivotal in introducing and promoting hospice care in the region. Pictured, from left, are Cowall, Coastal Hospice Board Chairman Richard Holloway and...READ MORE

Worcester County Garden Club Holds Annual Christmas Party

Members of the Worcester County Garden Club held their annual Christmas party recently at the Ocean City Golf Club where they decorated 60 coffee mugs with greens and flowers for patients in the area nursing homes. Pictured, from left, are Doris Lloyd, Mary Ellen Jefferson, Joan Huntt, Carol Hageman, Joanne Kirby, President Carol Morrison and Marion Novack.  ...READ MORE

AGH Receives Proceeds From 3rd Annual Hal Glick Distinguished Service Award Gala

Atlantic General Hospital was one of three non-profit organizations to receive proceeds from the 3rd Annual Hal Glick Distinguished Service Award Gala honoring Leonard P. Berger, M.D. in November. Above, from left, are Warren Rosenfeld, Glick Gala co-chair; Michael Franklin, President and CEO of Atlantic General Hospital; and Jeff Thaler, Glick Gala co-chair. ...READ MORE

Worcester County Democrats Hold Annuall Christmas Party

Worcester County Democrats held their annual Christmas Party at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club on Dec. 9 with Dr. John LaFerla and wife Susan as guests. LaFerla ran unsuccessfully for Congress in Maryland's 1st District this past November. Above, from left, are Tom Sandusky, President, Democratic Club of Worcester County; Bill Louis, Vice President; Lanny Hickman, President of Democratic Club of Ocean City/Assateague and Treasurer, Democratic Central Committee, Worcester County; Dr. John and Susan...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): An old adversary wants to make amends over the holidays. The decision is yours. But wouldn't it be nice to share the upcoming new year with another friend? TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): As news of your work gets around, expect to receive a special holiday "gift" from influential contacts who could help you launch your new projects in the new year. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Instead of fussing over what you didn't do to prepare for the holidays, relax and...READ MORE