Ocean City Today

Fire destroys boat off resort coast

CHRISTINE CULLEN n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) What began as a leisurely cruise to Lewes, Del., from a downtown Ocean City marina turned into a nightmare for two local men early Monday, when the fishing boat they had intended to deliver to a potential buyer caught on fire and was destroyed before it could reach its destination.

Health Department challenged to cut services, not quality

NANCY POWELL n Associate Editor — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) Some county residents could expect to be on waiting lists for some Health Department services because of the poor economy. Federal, state and county cuts to the department have hurt its ability to provide the same services the same way as in past years. The overall reduction so far for fiscal year 2010 is $1.5 million.

Group recommends county do away with valedictorian system

CHRISTINE CULLEN n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) The end of the valedictorian/ salutatorian ranking system for Worcester County's graduating high school seniors could be near. A committee reviewing the ranking system has recommended switching to a threetiered recognition system instead.

Snow Hill Middle School receives top state honor

CHRISTINE CULLEN n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) Tuesday was a day of celebration in Snow Hill, when Snow Hill Middle School was named the county's newest Maryland Blue Ribbon School. The school was announced as one of six schools statewide to receive the honor in 2009 at a Maryland Board of Education meeting in Baltimore.

Northern Worcester County Senior Center opens in Berlin

NANCY POWELL n Associate Editor — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) Three Ocean Pines residents had lunch, discussed the issues of the day and enjoyed each other's company Monday at the new Northern Worcester County Senior Center. Sharing a table in the dining room at the new facility, near the intersection of Route 346 and Route 113 in Berlin, the women welcomed the opportunity to socialize with each other.

BERLIN BRIEFS

NANCY POWELL n Associate Editor — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) The Berlin Town Council discussed the following topics during its Monday's meeting. Appointments The Town Council approved Mayor Gee Williams' appointments to various commissions. Ron Cascio, an alternate on the Planning Commission, will now be a fulltime member and Barb Stack will be the alternate member.

Eden man loses portion of leg in accident at Berlin feed mill

CHRISTINE CULLEN n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT KORB JR., DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL (Dec. 18, 2009) A worker at a Perdue Farms grain receiving facility in Berlin had the lower portion of his right leg amputated during an industrial accident Monday afternoon.

WATERS RECEIVES 'LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT' AWARD

12/18/2009

Veronica Donaldson, president of the Hospitality, Sales and Marketing Partnership, left, presents the organization's Lifetime Achievement Award to Ruth Waters, director of Group Sales for the Harrison Group, during a Christmas luncheon on Dec. 10, at the Captain's Table in the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel on 15th Street. The annual award is presented to a citizen who, during his or her lifetime, has made creative contributions of artistic significance to Ocean City.

Business, environmental leaders push for offshore wind in state

CHRISTINE CULLEN n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

OCEAN CITY TODAY/CHRISTINE CULLEN (Dec. 18, 2009) Environmental, business and government leaders gathered in Ocean City Tuesday to support an offshore wind park off the coast of the resort and call for Maryland to be a leader in the clean energy industry.

Plans under way for Penguin Swim

12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) The beachfront of the Princess Royale Hotel on 91st Street in Ocean City will be crowded on New Year's Day with hundreds of Penguin Swim participants and spectators cheering them on as they plunge into the cold Atlantic to raise money for Atlantic General Hospital.

PARK PLACE PROGRAM BENEFITS CANCER SOCIETY

12/18/2009

OCEAN CITY TODAY/HEATHER MAY

2-1-1 MARYLAND NOW AVAILABLE

12/18/2009

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Dec. 1, to mark the opening of the 2-1-1 Maryland resource hotline, housed at the Life Crisis Center in Salisbury. The hotline is available 24 hours, seven days a week, in several languages, and is one of the four call centers in the state to house 2-1-1 Maryland, an easy to remember phone number that connects individuals with health and human services resources in their community, providing a range of services like rent assistance, food banks, emergency shelter, affordable housing, job training, energy assistance and health resources. For more information, visit the Life Crisis Center's Web site at www.LifeCrisisCenter.org. On hand for the ceremony are, from left, Michele Hughes, Comptroller Peter Franchot, Delegate Rudolph Cane, Jimmy Sarbanes and Kathleen Momme.

Audit could lead to higher water rates

NANCY POWELL n Associate Editor — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) Water rates could increase in Berlin if consultants determine they are needed to cover operating expenses.

ARTISTS WELCOMES GUESTS IN BERLIN

12/18/2009

OCEAN CITY TODAY/HEATHER MAY

Dental clinic to open in Berlin

NANCY POWELL n Associate Editor — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) Now that the former Tyson administration building has been renovated and is in operation as the Northern Worcester County Senior Center, the former Berlin Senior Center will be renovated to become the Worcester County Dental Clinic.

'MEDTRN' service begins in OC

12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) Ocean City Transportation, in conjunction with the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, has begun a pilot transportation service called "MEDTRN." MEDTRN will transport ADA-qualified persons with disabilities within the corporate limits of Ocean City to/from the corporate limits of Berlin for medical appointments only.

GRAND OPENING

12/18/2009

OCEAN CITY TODAY/HOPE THOMAS

OC Council supports zoning code amendments

CHRISTINE CULLEN n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) Three proposed amendments to Ocean City's zoning code were presented to the City Council on Tuesday. They were about the acquisition of small corners of land for sidewalk improvements, outdoor display regulations for Boardwalk stores and the application process for displays in other downtown locations. All received support to move forward.

GENEROUS DONATION

12/18/2009

OCEAN CITY TODAY/NANCY POWELL

Gated communities are becoming more prevalent in county

NANCY POWELL n Associate Editor — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) Gated communities can pose difficulties for emergency responders, so the Worcester County Commissioners will consider requirements for emergency access after the Christmas holiday. Developers of Aqua Residences of Maryland Inner Shores, a proposed 15- lot subdivision off St.

County offers OC 25-year lease for Third St. property

CHRISTINE CULLEN n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) A proposed 25-year lease agreement offered to Ocean City by Worcester County for the resort's continued use of land on Third Street for a recreation complex could allow the city to finally move forward with renovations at the site.

Ocean City to begin permitting, inspecting mechanical installations

CHRISTINE CULLEN n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) To address public safety in the wake of multiple gas leaks last summer, Ocean City plans to begin requiring permits and inspections of most mechanical installations in all buildings.

NEW ETHICS BOARD MEMBERS

12/18/2009

OCEAN CITY TODAY/CHRISTINE CULLEN

PASTOR SHARES HIS STORY IN OC

12/18/2009

OCEAN CITY TODAY/CHRISTINE CULLEN

Pines GM given authority to OK property access

NANCY POWELL n Associate Editor — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) The Ocean Pines general manager will decide whether to authorize access on private property by inspectors investigating possible violations of the community's Declaration of Restrictions.

ALL STATES OPENS NEW BISHOPVILLE LOCATION

12/18/2009

OCEAN CITY TODAY/MELISSA SYLVESTER

POLICE BRIEFS

12/18/2009

Drug busts The Ocean City Police Department's narcotics unit served two search and seizure warrants and arrested seven people for drug possession on Dec. 12. At approximately 6:20 a.m., the narcotics unit served the search warrants at two separate units in the Jocelyn Manor Apartments on Eighth Street.

Charles B. Bohner

12/18/2009

OCEAN CITY — Charles B. Bohner, 69, passed as gently as the life he lived on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. Born in Kansas City, Mo., he was the son of the late Woodrow and Blanche Brosius Bohner.

John H. "Jack" McAleer

12/18/2009

BERLIN — John H. "Jack" McAleer, 83, died Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, at his home in Berlin. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Arthur F. and Marguerite Blessing McAleer. Mr. McAleer was a WWII veteran, having served in the Army Air Corp and later in the National Guard. He had worked for many years as a superintendent with A.J. Ellis Construction Company.

Sandra Kay Elburn

12/18/2009

BERLIN — Sandra Kay Elburn, 65, died Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. Born in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Mary Jarrell Simmont. Ms. Elburn worked as a registered nurse in the home health care system and at health facilities across the Delmarva peninsula.

Eleanor Ayres Breuhl

12/18/2009

BERLIN — Eleanor Ayres Breuhl, 96, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009. She was the daughter of the late Thomas Harvey Davis and Lula Burbage Davis of Berlin. She is survived by a granddaughter, Susan Ayres Wimbrow and her husband, Maury, of Berlin; a brother, Franklin Davis; a close sisterin law, Hilda S. Ayers; and several nieces and nephews.

'HOME MINDERS' OFFERS PEACE OF MIND

LISA CAPITELLI n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) Worried about your property when you go on vacation? Part-time residents, are you concerned when you leave your home or condo unattended for a long period of time? Well, Barbara Hobbs has the answer. The Fenwick Island, Del. resident recently started Home Minders to provide homeowners with peace of mind when they are gone for any period of time.

Cell phones, airtime available for low-income residents

CHRISTINE CULLEN n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) Lowincome Maryland residents, including more than 8,000 in Worcester County, could be eligible for free prepaid cell phone service through an expanded government program. For 25 years, a program called Lifeline has helped lowincome residents across the country subsidize landline telephone service. That program was recently expanded to include cell phones.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

12/18/2009

Cake Co. offers open house and storytime The Original Smith Island Cake Company, a gourmet dessert and coffee café, is holding a Holiday Storytime and Open House from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 19. Located in the Ocean City Factory Outlets, the Original Smith Island Cake Company café offers slices of cake, whole cakes and gourmet boutique cupcakes.

BERLIN CHAMBER WELCOMES SIMPLY SHADES

12/18/2009

The Berlin Chamber of Commerce welcomed Simply Shades with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Dec. 11, at the shop's Berlin location, 103 N. Main St. On hand for the event are, from left, Charles Khom, former chamber president, employee Barbara Gaunt, owner Pat Taylor, Jessica Castanon of the chamber's board of directors and Olive Mayer, the chamber's marketing coordinator.

A more accurate way to recognize students

12/18/2009

To those of us who did not distinguish ourselves academically in high school or anywhere else, for that matter, the class ranking tradition made little difference.

Cartoon

12/18/2009

The Public Eye

By Stewart Dobson — 12/18/2009

Anyone who has ever used a computer to write has recounted for the benefit of others some disastrous computer experience because it seems amusing in retrospect. It is, in other words, a cheap idea when space needs to be filled, time is short and you're looking for something to which others can relate. Interestingly, or possibly not, I'm writing about computers this week.

Poem welcomes happy holiday season

12/18/2009

Editor, 'Twas the night before Christmas, and inside this place No room was available, not one empty space. Outside, cold winds blew, there was forecast of snow. Those inside the room all bent their heads low. They thanked God above for guiding them here.

Writer rebuts Proctor letter

12/18/2009

Editor, The Dec. 11 edition of Ocean City Today included a letter from Rick Proctor professing to "strongly disagree" with my letter of a week earlier. However, I find it difficult to take Mr. Proctor very seriously, as I did not say the things he claims to disagree with.

Reader confused by letter

12/18/2009

Editor, I find Rick Proctor's letter on health care somewhat confusing. James Madison, the Federalist Papers' author quoted by Proctor, was among those who found it "self-evident" that everyone has a right to his or her life and to the pursuit of happiness (Declaration of Independence),

Family grateful for help

12/18/2009

Editor, It is the time of year again to reflect and count all our blessings in so many ways. For the Baker family and extended, three days before Christmas a year ago, our mother was rescued from the roof of her burning home in Selbyville. Our father's urn was also saved from the burning home.

DECATUR TOPS COUNTY RIVAL BY EIGHT

LISA CAPITELLI n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) It was all about taking care of business on the basketball court for Stephen Decatur's Cedrick Johnson when the Seahawks played against his former team, the Snow Hill Eagles, Tuesday in Berlin.

Delmarva defense holds off Worcester Mallards

LISA CAPITELLI n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

OCEAN CITY TODAY/LISA CAPITELLI (Dec. 18, 2009) The Worcester Prep girls' basketball team fought until the end, but it wasn't enough to triumph over Delmarva Christian's defense, which helped seal the Royal's 29-21 victory Tuesday in Georgetown, Del.

Mallards win three in a row

LISA CAPITELLI n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) The Worcester Prep boys' basketball team won its last three games without difficulty, as the Mallards' narrowest margin of victory was 14 points. The Berlin squad topped Wesleyan Christian 50-25 in the opening match of its Invitational Tournament on Dec. 12. Justin Butler led Worcester with 12 points, three rebounds and five steals.

Seahawks too fast for Trojans; girls, boys win Dec. 10

LISA CAPITELLI n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) Coach Gwen Trice knew the Stephen Decatur boys' and girls' swim teams had an advantage going into the Dec. 10 meet against Kent County at the Pocomoke YMCA. The Seahawks had more swimmers than the Trojans and were stronger overall.

Seahawks win season opener, 60-9, over regional rival

LISA CAPITELLI n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

OCEAN CITY TODAY/LISA CAPITELLI (Dec. 18, 2009) The Stephen Decatur wrestling team won its season opener last Friday in Berlin, 60-9, over its 3A East Regional foe, Severna Park of Anne Arundel County. Decatur was victorious in 12 of the 14 weight class matches.

Back-and-forth fight comes down to wire for Lady Seahawks

LISA CAPITELLI n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) The Stephen Decatur-Snow Hill girls' basketball game was a back-and-forth battle, but it was the visiting Seahawks who came out on top Tuesday, 48-44. "It was a close one all the way, but we kind of had things under control most of the game," Decatur Coach Ron Knerr said.

Swing for Youth raises nearly $20k

12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) More than 20 teams participated in the fifth annual Swing For Youth Golf Open, Nov. 7, at Eagles Landing Golf Course, helping to raise approximately $20,000 for the Ocean City's Recreation and Parks Department's youth programs.

FOOD, COMPANIONSHIP HEART OF HOLIDAY FEAST

LISA CAPITELLI n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) The NOEL Community's annual Christmas Day dinner is an event intended to bring people together for food and companionship. NOEL, which stands for Nothing Other than Eating and Loving, will serve its 12th annual free turkey and ham dinner with all the trimmings Dec. 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the St.

Dancers dazzle with holiday cheer

LISA CAPITELLI n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) Holiday cheer and festive music will fill the Ocean City convention center this Saturday, as dancers from the Berlinbased Seaside Dance Academy, directed by Lisa Tingle, perform approximately 30 Christmas numbers.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

12/18/2009

Winter coat drive under way in OC A winter coat drive is under way at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage on 120th Street in Ocean City. The office is collecting winter coats, as well as hats, scarves, gloves, children's clothes and any other warm weather gear, through Jan. 31, 2010.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

KARA DePAOLA n Contributing Writer — 12/18/2009

Follow 'Jane' as she takes on many of life's challenges (Dec. 18, 2009) On an unusually warm winter day, Jane cruised around town on her bike, and overheard two young girls chatting, one of them musing, "When I grow up, I want a big kitchen in a cottage with a husband, three kids and two dogs, all rolling around on the kitchen floor, covered in flour and cracking up.

Make plans now for New Year's Eve celebrations

LISA CAPITELLI n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) New Year's Eve is right around the corner, and many bars and restaurants in and around the Ocean City area will celebrate the end of 2009 and the start of 2010 with live entertainment, dinner and drink specials and a champagne toast at midnight.

Resort offering free bus service for NYE events

12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) Free public bus service will be provided on New Year's Eve to everyone "ringing in the new year" within the municipal limits of Ocean City. The town of Ocean City's Transportation Department will offer the free bus service from 6 a.m. on New Year's Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year's Day. Bus service will be offered every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Santa's making a list and checking it twice…

IRISH KEMP n Contributing Writer — 12/18/2009

PHOTO COURTESY IRISH KEMP 'Twas a few weeks before Christmas and Santa was in a stew. What in the world was he 'sposed to do? Prancer, Dancer and Rudolph had come down with the flu. Not to worry, Mz. Claus Twittered, "as soon as I find my mouse, I'll e-mail Doc at CVS and get some Vicks in this house.

HOROSCOPE

12/18/2009

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your love of the holidays creates a special bond between you and the people in your life. Use this as a way of building stronger relationships that will carry over well beyond this time. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A new approach could go a long way toward resolving a painful estrangement, especially at this holiday time.

Everyday online shopping can now assist charities nationwide

CHRISTINE CULLEN n Staff Writer — 12/18/2009

OCEAN CITY TODAY/CHRISTINE CULLEN (Dec. 18, 2009) There is now a way to contribute to a favorite charity while making everyday purchases online, at no additional cost. A new Web site, www.CharityShop per.com, links shoppers to thousands of well-known online shopping sites.

Wreath contest ends

12/18/2009

(Dec. 18, 2009) During the festivities of Berlin's annual Arts Night on Nov. 28, the Worcester County Arts Council held a Wreath Decorating Contest. Participants in this year's Holiday Wreath Decorating Contest were Janis Robinson, Irene Diane Voss, Monika Pawliuk, Robin Long and A Step Above Gallery and Gifts.

'SCARE FOR CARE' BENEFITS LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

12/18/2009

Last year, when Emmi Shockley's 3-yearold cousin Lilly was diagnosed with leukemia, the Ocean City teen organized a Halloween fundraiser that raised $701 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This year, with the support of many local businesses, family and friends, Shockley, above right, with Lilly, 4, was able to raise $2,263 for the organization by way of her "Scare for Care" event. (At left) Helping to organize the fundraiser are, clockwise from back left, Glenn Rippin, Shockley, Claire Esham, Tate Shockley, Addie Rippin and Rachel Esham.

APPEARING LIVE

12/18/2009

BJ'S ON THE WATER 75th Street and the bay 410-524-7575 Dec. 18-19: Mood Swingers, 9 p.m. Dec. 23: Happy Hour Party w/Dawn & the Williams Project, 5 p.m. COTTAGE CAFÉ Route 1, Bethany Beach, Del. 302-539-8710 Dec. 18: DJ Bump, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 19: DJ Blazin Hott, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Photos

12/18/2009

OCEAN CITY TODAY/HOPE THOMAS OCEAN CITY TODAY/LISA CAPITELLI OCEAN CITY TODAY/LISA CAPITELLI

Kitchen gadgets and goodies sure to please every cook this holiday

DEBORAH LEE WALKER n Contributing Writer — 12/18/2009

Dear Santa, Christmas is only a week away and I want to make sure my letter finds its way to the North Pole. I know your focus is on toys for children, holiday meals for those less fortunate and treats for our troops away from home.

OUT&ABOUT

12/18/2009

FRIDAY, DEC. 18 MOVIE — Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, 6 p.m. Featuring "It's A Wonderful Life." MERRY WIDOWS & WIDOWERS SOCIAL CLUB TO PLAY MINIATURE GOLF — Old Pro Golf, 6801 Coastal Highway, 1:30 p.m. To attend, call 410-208-1780. Open to anyone who is a widow or widower.