April 29, 2011

Decatur's Kramer

Decatur’s Jenna Kramer skies high for a loose ball during the first half of Worcester Prep’s 6-5 overtime win over the Seahawks on Wednesday. Photo by Shawn Soper ...READ MORE

Proposed OC Golf Co-op Worth A Shot

For the northern Worcester County area, golf was once credited with being the reason why the shoulder seasons had grown from a business perspective. That’s no longer the case today. When business is booming in the Ocean City region these days, it’s likely because the weather is cooperating or a result of planned special events attracting people to the area. The region’s popularity as a golf destination has been on a steady decline for at least the last five years. It could be...READ MORE

Between The Lines

After reading all the details of the random attack on the Boardwalk last weekend, it’s difficult not to be disturbed. A number of questions come to mind after this concerning incident. Did a group of nine men really just head to the Boardwalk looking to beat down a group of strangers? Was it really just “for fun” as alleged by the victims? Are the victims lucky to have survived this supposedly random attack? Is someone lying about what really happened? Is there anything in...READ MORE

Quiet Storm Store Celebrated

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Chamber of Commerce hosted a grand opening/ribbon ceremony at the new Quiet Storm on the Boardwalk last Friday. Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan was on hand to present owner Bill Dreibelbis a key to the city and a commendation for his new venture. Pictured, Dreilbelbis is pictured with Meehan, staff members, chamber officials and supporters. Photo by Terri French 100th Façade Project Completed OCEAN CITY -- The Buckingham Hotel is the 100th building renovated under...READ MORE

Things I Like

A jeep cruising on the beach The movie, ‘The King’s Speech” Leftovers as good as the first time The first dip of the year in the pool A day with no allergy issues Hummus and crackers When a grassroots effort is successful Hitting the trampoline with my kids A hammock under a tree Iced tea and lemonade mixed together Eating ham on Easter ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Temper your typical Aries urge to charge into a situation and demand answers. Instead, let the Lamb's gentler self emerge to deal with a problem that requires delicacy. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): You are aware of what's going on, so continue to stand by your earlier decision, no matter how persuasive the counter-arguments might be. Money pressures will soon ease. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): By all means, have fun and enjoy your newly expanded social life. But...READ MORE

Preakness Party

Which of these men from the Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club have an opportunity to win the Gentlemen’s Hat Contest during the Preakness Party at the Captain’s Table Restaurant in the Courtyard by Marriott? See for yourself on Saturday, May 21, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Pictured are Louis Shockley, David Taylor, Tom Bickerstaff, Daniel Harris, Stan Kahn and seated, Dave Blair. There will also be a Ladies Hat Contest. Tickets are $40 and include two drink vouchers. They are available at the...READ MORE

Generous Donation For Diakonia

Dave Gaskill recently presented a check from the Worcester County Bar Association to Diakonia Executive Director Claudia Nagle.  Gaskill is a member of the Worcester County Bar Association and also serves on Diakonia’s board of directors. These funds were presented to support the charitable works of Diakonia to help sustain the daily operations of this crisis shelter.  ...READ MORE

SDHS Field House

A leadership gift of $5,000 has been made by the Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley Insurance Agency to the capital campaign for the construction of a new athletic field house at Stephen Decatur High School’s Seahawk Stadium. Above, President Laura Bren presents the donation to SDHS Principal Loy Taylor. The fund raising campaign is a project of the SDHS Alumni Association. For more information and online giving opportunities to the campaign visit www.sdhsalumni.com ...READ MORE

Sons Of Italy

Adrienne Celeste, left, and Mary Castorina, right, representing the Ocean City Chapter of The Sons of Italy, last week presented Easter baskets and gifts from the group to Darlene Onley, executive director of Worcester GOLD for distribution to needy children. ...READ MORE

DAR Plants Ornamental Pear

The General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently planted an ornamental pear tree on the grounds of Worcester Preparatory School in memory of deceased chapter member Ann Showell. Pictured, from left, are Regent Pat Arata, Headmaster Dr. Barry Tull and Jacqueline Spurrier. ...READ MORE

Investing In What You Love

OCEAN CITY -- "I buy because I love the work." That’s what one legendary financier and patron of the arts told Bloomberg News in 2003. Through his money management firm he had amassed not only a fortune but also a stunning collection of modern American art, fueled purely by the desire to support living artists and to share their work with the public. Ardent collectors of all stripes understand that kind of passion, even if they’re not buying million-dollar paintings:...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

Eileen Theresa Riccio

OCEAN CITY -- Eileen Theresa Riccio, 68, died April 23, 2011. She was born in Queens, NY to the late John and Margaret Casey.   Eileen is survived by her husband, Charles Riccio; son, William Riccio, daughter Elaine Tellerday; son, Charles Riccio; daughter, Dawn Riccio; grandchildren, Mitchell Tellerday, Jack Tellerday, Nicholas Riccio and Erin Riccio; sister, Mary McCabe; and sister, Kathleen Walsh. A visitation was held at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin on Wednesday, April 27. A Mass...READ MORE

Making Butter At SES

Kindergarten students at Showell Elementary School are learning about farms. Miss Pike's class made butter and ice cream while studying dairy farms. Pictured are Paige Wisniewski, Salisbury University student Nicole Harter and Alex Navarro. Submitted Photos B. ...READ MORE

Optimist Oratorical Competition

Worcester Prep students who entered the Optimist Oratorical competition for 2011 were, front from left, Nick Moondra, Keegan Pando, Halie Murray-Davis, Hannah Esham, Claire Stickler, Aelya Ehtasham, Amanda Gabriel, Raphael deJesus, Christopher Choy, Daniel Rosa, Jordan Welch and Lorenzo deJesus. Those selected as finalists were Pando, Murray-Davis, Gabriel, Raphael deJesus, Lorenzo deJesus, and Esham. ...READ MORE

Contest Winners Announced

The Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club announced the winners of its annual oratorical contest. Rich Caproni, chairman, announced that Keegan Pando and Amanda Gabriel from Worcester Prep won the boys and girls contest respectively. The two local winners will speak in the Maryland/South Delaware finals to be held in Ocean City on April 30. Pictured are Robert Mitchell, second place, Decatur Middle; Grain De Jesus, third place, Worcester Prep; Keegan Pando, first place, Worcester Prep; Lew Frey,...READ MORE

Shakespeare Festival

Stephen Decatur High School held its annual Shakespeare Festival on April 14 sponsored by the English Honor Society members. The day featured numerous events including a jousting competition, costume contests, magic tricks, a life-sized board game, jester performances and pie eating. Above, senior Drew Eckman prepares the pie for sophomore Laurent Bruce in the Pie and Facts competition. ...READ MORE

Drug And Alcohol Essay Contest

The Southeast District of the Elks Club announced that Most Blessed Sacrament seventh grader Emma Engel was the first place district winner and seventh grader Paula Gonzalez was the third place district winner in its Drug and Alcohol Essay Contest. ...READ MORE

Pajama Day At OCES

First graders in Deneen Jones' class at Ocean City Elementary School dressed up for Pajama Day in order to celebrate MSA Spirit Days earlier this month. ...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

If I were a kid today, Easter weekend would be one of the highlights of my year.

It would be competing for top billing and most likely would fall just behind Christmas and birthdays because it truly is a day (really is more of an entire weekend) of fun. Easter around my house is serious business, and my wife, Pam, gets most of the credit for making it such an enjoyable time for my sons, Beckett and Carson. When I was growing up, I surely remember receiving my share of memorable Easter baskets, but, like most things, they have gotten bigger and better over time, and Beckett...READ MORE

Who's Playing Where And When

Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 29: Aaron Howell, 5-9 p.m. Saturday, April 30: Pompous Pie, 9 p.m. Charlie’s Bayside Restaurant 302-539-3526 Rte. 1 & Maryland Ave., Fenwick Island   Friday, April 29: Chris Button & Joe Mama, 9 p.m. Saturday, April 30: Randy Lee Ashcraft Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.   Ocean Club: Friday, April 29 & Saturday, April 30: First Class De Lazy lizard 410-289-1122 1st Street In De...READ MORE

Things To Do

April 29: Holy Savior/KC Bingo Doors open 5 p.m.; games begin, 6:30 p.m.; 9901 Coastal Hwy., O.C. Refreshments will be on sale. For more information, 410-524-7994. April 30: Board Walkin’ For Pets 9 a.m.-noon, Ocean City Boardwalk, Inlet. To benefit the Worcester County Humane Society, a no kill shelter. For more information boardwalk-inforpets.com. April 30: VFW Pancake Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon, VFW Post 8296, 104 66th St., Bayside, O.C. All-you-can-eat pancakes for $5 or have 2 pancakes, 2...READ MORE

Burglary Suspect Convicted

SNOW HILL -- One of two Berlin residents arrested last September for involvement in a two-state burglary spree pleaded guilty last week in Circuit Court to first-degree burglary and now awaits her fate pending the outcome of a pre-sentence investigation. Around 10 a.m. last Sept. 28, Selbyville Police stopped a Dodge Caravan on Polly Branch Rd. for a seatbelt violation. The Selbyville Police officers had been advised to be on the lookout for the vehicle after receiving information it had been...READ MORE

Ocean Pines Abandons YMCA Court Fight

OCEAN PINES -- The Ocean Pines Association (OPA) last week announced it was abandoning any further appeals in an ongoing dispute over a piece of property donated in 2002 for the development of a YMCA in Worcester County after the state’s Court of Special Appeals ruled against the association late last month. “We got to the point where we were all shaking our heads and wondering how it ever got to this point,” said OPA Board of Directors President Tom Terry this week....READ MORE

County Tax Increase Calculator Available

SALISBURY -- When Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt, Jr. last week presented a budget balanced with a 5-cent increase on the property tax rate, he promised a “tax calculator” would soon be available on the county’s website to allow residents to figure out just what the nickel increase would mean for them and the application is now up and running. The Wicomico County website is www.wicomicocounty.org. On the home page, there is a column on the right called...READ MORE

Quiet Courage Of Kay Windsor

By Elle Jaye (Editor’s Note: The following is the latest 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). Courage – N. – Kur-ij; the...READ MORE

Berlin Council Gives Green Light To Video Project

BERLIN -- In an effort to showcase the town’s highlights and to attract tourists, a brief movie of Berlin will be filmed by CGI Communications and then given back to the town for distribution. Town officials say the best part about the situation, however, is the fact that CGI will film and produce the movie for free. According to Economic and Community Development Director Michael Day, CGI has offered to create a short, 60-90-second video for the town at no cost. In response, the firm...READ MORE

Golf Marketing Concept Stalls After Tie Vote

OCEAN CITY – Members of the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) have tried on several occasions to convince the majority of the City Council to approve a golf cooperative to bring more revenue to Ocean City through a contract between the town and golf packagers. TAB member Tom Perlozzo presented the Mayor and City Council with recommendations the board passed earlier in the month. One of those recommendations was one more attempt to discuss a “golf co-op”. The concept includes using...READ MORE

Salisbury Mayor’s Budget Holds Line On Property Tax Rate

SALISBURY – Mayor Jim Ireton presented the City Council and public with proposed fiscal year 2012 budget on Monday, reiterating this year’s budget is strong due to the sacrifices made by the city’s departments and employees. The mayor’s proposed budget calls for spending close to $50 million, a 4.62-percent increase from 2011 which was about $47 million. He also proposed a little over $30 million be placed in the general fund, a 5.97-percent increase since 2011. According...READ MORE

Two-State Crime Spree Starts In Resort

OCEAN CITY -- A Laurel, Del. man was arrested on numerous charges last week after a two-state crime spree that began with a stolen vehicle in Ocean City, included a hit-and-run accident in West Ocean City and a car-jacking near Delmar before the suspect was found sleeping in a camper in a garage. Shortly after 3 p.m. last Wednesday, Maryland State Police troopers responded to the Wine Rack in West Ocean City for a reported hit-and-run accident in the parking lot. Troopers met with the witness,...READ MORE

Effort Underway To Improve School Nutrition

SNOW HILL -- After spending more than a month working with local elementary school cafeterias as part of a Team Nutrition Grant program, Chef Paul Suplee called the effort to improve school nutrition a success. He did admit, however, that it was a small step but expressed hope that it would lead to similar efforts in the future. Suplee, culinary arts instructor for the Worcester County Technical High School, and his students teamed up with cafeteria workers at five local elementary schools to...READ MORE

Carvers Headed To Ocean City

OCEAN CITY -- For more than 40 years, talented artists from the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia have convened in Ocean City to showcase their carving skills at he Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival. The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury University, once again hosts the event at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City from Friday-Sunday. On display will be more than 1,400 wildfowl carvings, many of which are created by the world’s...READ MORE

Ocean City News In Brief

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council approved a list of requests this week during Tuesday afternoon’s work session. Here’s a recap: Fire Department Requests Approved The council voted unanimously to approve the Ocean City Fire Department’s request to purchase a Zoll Autopulse Cardiac Support Pump and replacement turnout gear. The cardiac supportive pump is a revolutionary new automated chest compression system that helps deliver improved blood flow during sudden...READ MORE

17th Annual Kite Festival Returns To OC

OCEAN CITY -- The sky above the resort will be painted with every color under the sun at the 17th Annual Maryland International Kite Expo (M.I.K.E.), set for April 29-30 and May 1. The festival will be showcasing a spectacular cast of kite flyers from all over the United States. The giant kite field will be coordinated by Jeff and Joyce King. Thousands of spectators will watch giant kites, as big as a city bus, fly high above the Ocean City skyline. In addition, stunt teams will perform amazing...READ MORE

City Council Plans Revisions To Towing Ordinance

SALISBURY – Proposed changes to the city’s towing ordinance has had city staff busy for some time now, and a list of new adjustments reached the Salisbury Mayor and Council’s table last week again during a work session. The list of amendments includes the minimum experience required in the towing industry has been reduced from five years to three years; a criminal background check has been added to section for owner/applicants of towing companies; background investigations...READ MORE

Navy Announces Revised Cadet Program For Decatur

BERLIN -- After a considerable public outcry, the Navy has decided to stay at Stephen Decatur High School. Several months ago, the public learned that the Navy was planning on removing its National Junior Officer Reserve Training Corps (NJROTC) program from Decatur, the largest high school on the shore. However, the community immediately jumped to the defense of the program with an intensity that caused the Navy to reconsider. Though the NJROTC itself will still be dissolved, a new Navy National...READ MORE

Council To Comply With Meetings Act

SALISBURY – The new City Council voted this week to become more transparent to the citizens of Salisbury by moving a resolution to comply with the Maryland Open Meetings Act. “There are some things that are worth fighting for but not worth fighting about and this resolution is one of them” Council President Terry Cohen said. Cohen said that she first brought up this issue in 2008 and is very appreciative of the city council for wanting to move it forward and quickly. According...READ MORE

County, School Board Claim Victory In OCES Case

BERLIN -- The ongoing legal battle between the Worcester County Board of Education and a private contractor hired to complete certain elements of the long-since completed Ocean City Elementary School is heading back to Circuit Court. The Maryland Court of Appeals this week rendered an opinion in Worcester County Board of Education vs. Beka Industries, Inc., agreeing in part on some elements of the case, while disagreeing on other salient issues. Essentially, the state’s highest court ruled...READ MORE

New Business Will Use Dogs To Sniff Out Bed Bugs

OCEAN CITY – A new business has come to town to sniff out bed bugs quick and easy when compared to traditional styles of detection. Rona Schneck, a Berlin fire fighter, and Andrea Peterson, a property manager, teamed up and started Coastal K-9 Detection Services. The business offers canine bed bug detection service that strives to assist both property owners and business owners to avoid costly bed bug infestations. “Because we live and work in this community, we don’t want to...READ MORE

Local Jurisdictions Join $20M Suit Against Oil Companies

BERLIN -- Worcester County, the town of Berlin and the city of Salisbury are among seven jurisdictions in Maryland listed as plaintiffs in a $20 million-plus civil suit against the nation’s major oil companies over a potentially harmful and perhaps deadly gasoline additive that has leached into the jurisdictions’ drinking water supply. The suit was filed in the Circuit Court in Baltimore City in January and was transferred this week to the U.S. District Court. Seven jurisdictions in...READ MORE

Berlin Council Criticized As Anti-Business For New Regs

BERLIN -- One local real estate professional criticized Berlin’s recently adopted stormwater regulations at Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting, warning the town was not being friendly toward development. While town officials promised to keep the complaints in mind, they do not feel that the new regulations are as restrictive or harmful to developers as Loewer portrayed them. Douglas Loewer, president of Loewer and Associates real estate, claimed that implementation of the current...READ MORE

Berlin Trail Pitch Gains Town Support

BERLIN -- After being endorsed by the Berlin Planning Commission last week, Kate Patton’s proposal to install hiking and biking trails in the area was met with enthusiastic praise from the Mayor and Council Monday. Patton, town resident and executive director of the Lower Shore Land Trust, presented a general concept to the council on Monday night. While the project is in its planning stages, Mayor Gee Williams believes it has potential. “I’m very excited with this...READ MORE

Election Change Brings Longer Spring Break

SNOW HILL -- A change in date for next year’s Presidential Primary Election will have a ripple effect on Worcester County’s school calendar. Though traditionally held the second Tuesday in February, a recent bill passed by the Senate has moved the election to the first Tuesday in April. This change would be disruptive for students, as county schools are used as polling sites and thus cannot have classes in attendance during the primary. In order to even out the schedule, school...READ MORE

Rates Fall For Salisbury, Wicomico Health Consortium

SALISBURY – The city plans to come together with the county and Board of Education to amend the Memorandum of Understanding involving their health insurance consortium to reduce the entity’s rates. According to the Director of Internal Services Pam Oland, the city is in a consortium with the Wicomico County Board of Education and Wicomico County for health insurance. As a consortium, the city is self-insured for health insurance claims. A requirement involved in the Memorandum of...READ MORE

Mallards Top Seahawks in OT Thriller

BERLIN- After 50 minutes of knock down, drag out regulation, it took a fluke goal in overtime for Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team to prevail over host Stephen Decatur in overtime in another classic episode in the neighborhood rivalry. The Seahawks and Mallards battled tooth and nail for two halves of regulation in the latest installment of the backyard brawl, only to see it end with in a surprise. Worcester jumped out to an early 1-0 lead before Decatur got on the board...READ MORE

Decatur Boys Edge Worcester in 3OT Classic

BERLIN- Wow is about the only word to describe Stephen Decatur’s varsity boys’ lacrosse team’s dramatic triple-overtime 8-7 win over cross-town rival Worcester Prep on Wednesday in a game that included amazing shots, great saves, big hits and even a heavy downpour in the first quarter. It’s always special when the Seahawks and Mallards face off in lacrosse and the 2011 installment might have been the best ever. Ominous dark clouds gathered, as did a huge bi-partisan crowd...READ MORE

Decatur's Snyder

Decatur’s Curtis Snyder scrambles for a loose ball with Worcester goalkeeper Austin Gerachis and defenseman Zach Jacobs during a crucial point in the third quarter of the Seahawks triple-overtime win. Gerachis was called for a penalty and had to leave the game briefly, putting attackman Jake Emche in the net for the Mallards. Photo by Shawn Soper ...READ MORE

BLL Blake Ludlam

Berlin Little League’s Blake Ludlam last week accomplished the rare feat of hitting for the cycle in a single game. Pictured above, Ludlam (center) shows off the game ball autographed by his teammates and coaches. Submitted photo ...READ MORE