OUT&ABOUT

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME … Members of the Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club and their families and friends gather for a recent Delmarva Shorebirds game at Perdue Stadium in Salisbury. Among them are, from left, Maureen and Gloria Alarcon, Maurice Herman, Ed, Jordan and Jamie Welch, David Blair, Nicole Pachuta, President Margo Jones, Tom Bickerstaff, Stan and Paul Kahn, Robert Pachuta and District Gov-Elect Don Hackett and Donald Brannock Hackett II. FRIDAY, SEPT. 4

LABOR DAY ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL — Ocean City convention center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artists and crafters offer unique items for show and sale. Info: 410-524-9177.

EVENING PADDLE ON THE POCOMOKE — Pocomoke River Paddle Company, 312 Washington St., Snow Hill, 5 p.m. to dark. Cost is $15 per boat. Take picnic dinner. Reserve boat: 410-635-3971.

FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES — Mar-Va Theatre, 103 Market St., in Pocomoke City, 7 p.m. Double feature showing, "Back To The Wild" starring Assateague Wild Horses, and "National Parks: America's Best Idea." Sponsored by Assateague Island Alliance. Cost: $5 donation.

SCARLET LADIES GET GOLDEN TANS Members of the Scarlet Ladies by the Sea get together for a day in the sun at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club last month. Led by Queen Becky Lawson, in front row, the Scarlet Ladies are, second row from left, Joan Haffer, Jackie Nutwell, Gail Payne, Phyllis Rivet and Pat Collins; third row, Amy Rossiter, Fay Eberly, Ginger Collins and Shirley Ballantyne; and fourth row, Dottie Smith, Barbara Stawecki and Betty Becker. FREE PERFORMANCE — The Freeman Stage at Bayside, located on Town Lake at the intersection of Americana Parkway and Lakeview Drive in the Bayside community (routes 54 and 20). Featuring the Washington National Opera's Domingo- Cafritz Young Artists at 7 p.m. Open to the public. Blankets, lawn chairs, cameras, camcorders and picnics (no glass or alcoholic beverages) welcome. Concession stand opens 30 minutes prior to performances. Open during light rain. For schedule changes due to severe weather: 302-436-3015 or www.freemanstage.org.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! OCEAN CITY TODAY/BRANDI MELLINGER Jeannie Dark of West Ocean City, third from right, celebrates her birthday on Monday during one of the final deck parties of the season at Fager's Island. Joining her are, from left, Alissa Carr-Phebus, Michaela Lizas, Beverly Furst, Heather Plutnicki, Amy Katz and Paula Potter. PICTURE PERFECT' PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT OPENING RECEPTION — Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., in Ocean City, 5-7 p.m. Exhibit runs through Sept. 27. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Co-sponsored by Ocean Pines Camera Club. Info: www.artleagueofoceancity.org or 410- 524-9433.

BINGO — Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and Holy Savior, 9901 Coastal Highway (rear of St. Luke's Church) in Ocean City. Doors open at 6 p.m. and games begin at 7 p.m. Info: 410-524-7994.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5

FREE PERFORMANCE — The Freeman Stage at Bayside, located on Town Lake at the intersection of Americana Parkway and Lakeview Drive in the Bayside community (routes 54 and 20). Family Stages will present "Cinderella" at 10 a.m. and Choral Arts Society of Washington & a Laser Light Spectacular at 7 p.m. Open to the public. Blankets, lawn chairs, cameras, camcorders and picnics (no glass or alcoholic beverages) welcome. Concession stand opens 30 minutes prior to performances. Open during light rain. For schedule changes due to severe weather: 302-436-3015 or www.freemanstage.org.

LABOR DAY ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL — Ocean City convention center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artists and crafters offer unique items for show and sale. Info: 410-524-9177.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND CONCERT — On the beach at North Division Street in Ocean City, 8 p.m. Free concert on the beach featuring The Groove Train. Take a blanket or chair. Info: 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

THE STACY MITCHHART BAND — Ocean City convention center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. Phillip Knight will open for the Stacy Mitchhart Band. Stillglow will close the show. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased in person at Convention Center, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or call Ticketmaster, 800-551-7328 or www.ticketmaster.com.

MARIAN COLBERT GOLF INVITATIONAL — Deer Run Golf Club, 8804 Logtown Road in Berlin. Be a sponsor or form a team: 410-641-2849. Proceeds benefit Women Supporting Women.

DAY AT JOLLY ROGER AMUSEMENT PARK, SLASH MOUNTAIN — Sponsored by St. Luke Catholic Church, 14410 Sinepuxent Ave., Ocean City, to benefit youth ministry program. Purchase a wrist band for $25 for unlimited Slash Mountain from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and almost unlimited amusement rides, 2-6 p.m. Tickets available at St. Luke's Parish Office until Sept. 4. Info: 410-250-0300.

OUTDOOR FLEA MARKET — Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway (Route 611) near Frontier Town, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Barbecued chicken and crab cake platters. For info or tables: 410-629-0926.

PINE'EER CRAFT AND GIFT SHOP — White Horse Park, off Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop features handcrafted items by members of the Pine'eer Craft Club.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 6

LABOR DAY ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL — Ocean City convention center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artists and crafters offer unique items for show and sale. Info: 410-524-9177.

GOSPEL CONCERT — St. Matthew's By-The- Sea UMC, Coastal Highway and Dagsboro Street in Fenwick Island, Del., 7 p.m. Featuring "The Lights of Home." The concert is free; however, a love offering will be taken for the group. Info: John Williams, 302-436-1562.

BREAKFAST SERVED BY VOLUNTEERS IN MISSIONS — Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Menu includes scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, coffee and juice. Cost is $6 at the door. All proceeds benefit Volunteers In Missions, who will travel to Galveston, Texas, in January to aid Hurricane Ike victims.

PINE'EER CRAFT AND GIFT SHOP — White Horse Park, Ocean Pines. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop features handcrafted items by members of the Pine'eer Craft Club.

MONDAY, SEPT. 7

NAR-ANON FAMILY GROUP MEETING — Atlantic Club, 11827 Ocean Gateway Highway (Route 50), West Ocean City, Mondays, 6:30- 7:30 p.m. The only requirement to be a member and attend Nar-Anon meetings is that there is a problem of drugs or addiction in a relative or friend. Info: www.nar-anon.org/maryland.htm.

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY MEETING — Berlin group No. 169, Atlantic General Hospital, conference room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive in Berlin, 5:30-6:30 p.m. TOPS is a support and educational group promoting weight loss and healthy lifestyle. It meets weekly. Info: Edna Berkey, 410-629-1006.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 8

FREE 12-WEEK COURSE FOR FAMILIES OF THOSE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS — Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, 6:30-9 p.m., at the Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road. Topics include basics of the brain and research, stages of emotional trauma, overview of the major mental illnesses, problem solving skills, understanding your loved one's experience, communicating with your loved one, self-care, recovery and advocacy. Register early: 410-208-3313 or 410-208- 4003. Classes also held in Salisbury in January. Info: namimdls@nami.org.

ALL NEW AMERICA'S BOATING COURSE — Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road. Sponsored by Ocean City Power Squadron. Registration 6:30 p.m., first class at 7 p.m. Every Tuesday. Boating class mandatory for anyone born after July 1, 1972 who wants to operate a recreational vessel or personal watercraft in Maryland and Delaware. No cost. Nominal charge for materials. Info: 410-726-1509 or 410-641-6535 or www.ocpowersquadron.org.

YOGA — Barrett Medical Office Building rotunda, 5:45-7 p.m. All levels welcome. Cost is $72 for eight sessions or $10 drop-in fee for first time. Info: Georgette Rhoads, 410-641- 9734 or grhoads@atlanticgeneral.org.

STEAMED CRABS/SHRIMP — Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway (rear of St. Luke's Church) every Tuesday, 5-7 p.m. Additional seafood menu and cash bar available. Phone orders Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 410-524-7994.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9

PAINTING ON PORCELAIN —Sponsored by Worcester County Arts Council, 6 Jefferson St., Berlin. Series of classes, every Wednesday through Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $25 per class. Supplies included. Registration must be for at least three classes, 410-641-0809.

BINGO — Ocean City Elks Lodge No. 2645, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave., in Ocean City, every Wednesday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., early bird at 6:30 p.m. and regular bingo at 7 p.m. Refreshments available. Info: 410-250-2645.

CRABBY WEDNESDAY — American Legion Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., in Ocean City, every Wednesday until September. Order steamed crabs by 2 p.m. on Tuesday and eat them at the Post from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday. The public is invited. Order: 410-289-3166.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10

BINGO — American Legion Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., in Ocean City, every Thursday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the public is invited. Refreshments are available. Info: 410-289-3166.

GOOD GOURDS ALMIGHTY — The Ocean Pines Garden Club meeting, at Ocean Pines Country Club, 100 Clubhouse Drive., 10 a.m.

BEACH SINGLES MEETING — Castaway's, 105 64th St., in Ocean City, every Thursday, 4-6 p.m. Join the 45+ singles for socializing and an opportunity to get information on the Beach Singles monthly activities. Info: Arlene, 302-436-9577.

CELIAC SUPPORT GROUP — Atlantic General Hospital, conference room 2, 9733 Healthway Drive in Berlin, 7-8 p.m. Support and information for those affected by Celiac Disease. Info: Betty Bellarin, 410-603-0210.

CURIOUS ABOUT MENSA? — BJ's on the Water, 75th Street and the bay in Ocean City, 5 p.m. Public invited to join Maryland Mensa members for drinks, food and conversation. Info: ocmdwriter@ hotmail.com or 410-641-8696.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP — Coastal Hospice, Ocean Office, Route 589 in Berlin, 11 a.m. Offered at no cost and open to any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. Register: 410-742-8732.

SDHS FIELD HOCKEY FUNDRAISER — Bull on the Beach restaurant, Route 50 and Keyser Point Road in West Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Food, Chinese and silent auctions, happy hour drink prices, 50/50 drawings and music. Tickets cost $10 if purchased by Sept. 4, and $12 at the door. Info: Mandi Wells, 410-726- 5493 or mandiwells@mchsi.com.

'IN THE BAG' SALE — Atlantic General Hospital, main lobby, 9733 Healthway Drive in Berlin, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring a huge selection of the newest styles and colors at 40- to 70-percent off regular retail price. Wallets, mini bags, small leather goods and luggage. All proceeds benefit AGH.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11

PATRIOT DAY FASHION SHOW, LUNCHEON Clarion Hotel, 10100 Coastal Highway in Ocean City. Honoring first responders and servicemen/ women, Featuring fall and winter fashions from Southern Exposure and Lady Fenwick. Tickets cost $30. Advertise business for $25. Reservations: Marion Niemkiewicz, 410-208-2071.

OCEAN PINES BOAT CLUB — Final raft-up of the season. Contact Raft-Up Capt. Fred Heinlen to sign up. 410-208-3165.

YOUTH CONCERT — Stevenson U.M. Church, Rewired Cafe, 123 N. Main St., in Berlin, 7-9 p.m. Featuring Life Blood Christian Youth Band. Admission costs $5. Drinks and snacks also for sale.

BINGO — Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and Holy Savior, 9901 Coastal Highway (rear of St. Luke's Church) in Ocean City. Doors open at 6 p.m. and games begin at 7 p.m. Info: 410-524-7994.

ONGOING EVENTS

DISCOUNT AMUSEMENT PARK TICKETS — Worcester County Recreation and Parks has discount tickets available to many amusement parks, including Busch Gardens, Dorney Park, Dutch Wonderland, Hershey Park, Kings Dominion, Sesame Place, Six Flags America, Six Flags Great Adventure and Water Country. Save up to $35 per ticket during certain days. Info: 410-632-2144, Ext. 100.

DELMARVA NEEDLE ART SHOW AND COMPETITION — Julia A. Purnell Museum, 208 W. Market St., in Snow Hill, now through Oct. 31. Popular exhibit of regional needle art including quilts and embroidery. Admission costs $2 for adults and 50 cents for children 12 years and younger. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Info: Claire Otterbein, 410- 632-0515 or www.purnellmuseum.com.

KIWANIS ANNOUNCES 2009 DUCK RACE ENTRIES ON SALE — Tickets cost $5 each or three for $10 to enter ducks in the race to be held at the Frontier Town pool on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 5 p.m. Duck Race entry tickets are available from any member or at any Kiwanis event. Participants do not have to be present to win. Proceeds to benefit the Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship Fund. Tickets: Ron Graybill, 410- 208-9208 or Ed Aurand, 410-208-0479.

ORDER HOMEMADE PIES — Pies cost $9. Chicken salad also available, $6 per pint. Showell Christian Workers, Showell UMC, 10115 Pitts Road, Showell. Call 410-352-5163 or 301-436-8942 by Sept. 9. Pick up orders Sept. 12, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

STAND UP AGAINST TAXATION, SPENDING WITHOUT REPRESENTATION — Join thousands for a peaceful protest in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Sept. 12. Bus departure from West Ocean City park and ride at 6:30 a.m. Cost is $30 per person. Refreshments included. Contact Brian at 410-251-3585 or John at 443-664-6887, members of the "Patriot Party," a grassroots movement to reduce government deficit spending. Limited to the first 50 people. BUS TRIPS ALONG EAST COAST — Sponsored by the Worcester County Recreation and Parks n Sept. 24-30: New England Fall Foliage Tour. Seven days and six nights. Traditional clam bake in West Harwick, Hyannis Baseball League Museum, Cape Cod Central Railroad, "Millionaire Mile" in Boston, feast at the Scallop Festival and view historic sites on a dinner cruise aboard the Odyssey. Cost is $1,700. n Oct. 10: 45th Annual National Apple Festival in Arendtsville, Pa. Cost is $100 and includes motorcoach transportation, festival admission and dinner at Hickory Bridge Farms. Festival offers hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, demonstrations, contests, food stands and live entertainment. n Oct. 24: New York City. Spend six hours exploring New York City on your own. Cost is $60. n Nov. 14: American Girl Place. Take your favorite doll to dinner at the American Girl Cafe. Also, shop in rooms filled with beautiful dolls, books, accessories and outfits for both girls and dolls at the American Girl Shop. Cost is $90 per person. n Dec. 5: New York City. Spend the day on your own in New York City during the holiday season. Cost is $60. n Dec. 10: New York City. Catch the famous Radio City Rockettes. Cost is $110 and includes transportation and a ticket to the show. Afterward, there will be time to see the city. n Dec. 13-14: Spend a night and a day in New York City. Cost is $630 and includes motorcoach transportation, a ticket to "Chicago" and a ticket to George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at the New York City Ballet, breakfast and overnight accommodations at the Novotel Hotel. n Dec. 16: Day trip to New York City. Explore New York on your own at a cost of $60 for motorcoach transportation or see the Radio City Rockettes perform for $110 for transportation and a ticket to the show. Register: Chris Adkins, 410-632-2144, Ext. 107 or cadkins@co.worcester.md.us.

MUSEUM EXHIBIT — Julia A. Purnell Museum, 208 W. Market St., in Snow Hill, now through Oct. 31. Featuring children's toys and clothing from the 19th and 20th centuries. Admission costs $2 for adults and $.50 for children 12 years and younger. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Info: Claire Otterbein, 410-632-0515 or www.purnellmuseum.com.

CUDDLY KITTENS — Worcester County Humane Society Shelter, Route 611, has adorable kittens of every color ready for adoption. The kittens are healthy and have had shots. The shelter is open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed on Tuesday and Sunday. Info: 410-213-0146.

BERLIN FARMERS MARKET — Held on the corners of West and Main streets in Berlin, now through October on Fridays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Featuring local farmers, fresh produce, seafood, bedding plants, herbs, eggs and flowers. "Ask a Master Gardener" will be on hand on Fridays. Have a sick plant, want your soil tested ask the Master Gardener. There is no charge for this service. Info: Berlin Chamber of Commerce, 410-641-4775.