Ocean City Today

ABSENTEE VOTING: Not going to be in town or

MOVIE MONEY: County gov’t

don’t want to be in town on election day? No problem.

The City Council is adopting a ‘no excuse needed’ absentee ballot policy PAGE 15

says here’s its $100,000 if Ocean City puts up the same to help finance local filming of ‘Ping Pong Summer’ PAGE 11

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . 47 CLASSIFIED . . . . . . . . 77 ENTERTAINMENT . . . . 53 LEGALS . . . . . . . . . . . 82

LIFESTYLE . . . . . . . . . 49 OPINION . . . . . . . . . . 20 OUT&ABOUT . . . . . . . . 73 SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . 40

BJ’S ANNUAL CANOE RACES SET FOR TUESDAY…PAGE 49

Ocean City Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.NET

JULY 20, 2012

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CITY WORKER UNION QUESTION WILL GO TO VOTERS Ocean City Employees’ Coalition petition garners 371 more signatures than needed ZACK HOOPES ■ Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) The option for the city government’s general employees to bargain collectively will definitely be on the ballot

this November, as the Ocean City Council on Monday voted unanimously to accept a petition from the Ocean City Employees’ Coalition and to make their requested charter change a referendum question.

The petition was submitted on June 28, at which time City Clerk Kelly Allmond said her office would be working with the city’s Board of Elections Supervisors to verify the names appearing on the signed sheets.

According to the Maryland laws that govern changes to municipal charters, 20 percent of a municipality’s registered voters

must sign in order for the petition to be valid.

On Monday, Election Supervisor Vicky Barrett told the council that 783 signatures out of the 2,362 collected were determined to be invalid. Reasons for disqualification included incomplete information, duplication, circulator error, and, in the most number of cases, not being able

to be verified as a registered Ocean City voter.

However, the remaining 1,579 legitimate signatures were more than enough to meet the mark.

The latest number from Worcester County election records shows 6,039 registered voters, meaning only 1,208 signatures were needed.

See COLLECTIVE on Page 5

OC convention center awarded long-term deal with Maryland Agreement allows city to proceed with expansion ZACK HOOPES ■ Staff Writer

ONE DEAD IN SINGLE-ENGINE PLANE CRASH

PHOTO COURTESY DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL ROBERT KORB JR.

The pilot of a single-engine banner plane crashed late Thursday morning at the Beach Club Golf Course in Berlin near a pond off of Deer Park Road. After reportedly dropping a banner, the pilot turned the plane and crashed into a tree. The golf course had been closed for several years.

Worcester County CBI is handling the investigation. Berlin Fire Company, Showell Fire Company, Worcester County Emergency Services, Maryland State Police, Maryland State Medical Examiner, Worcester County Public Works and Worcester County Fire Marshal were on the scene assisting.

(July 20, 2012) The Ocean City convention center has received a major windfall from the Maryland Stadium Authority in an agreement that will see the state continue its lease of a 50 percent interest in the convention center until 2034. The agreement also will allow the city to proceed with the second phase of the center’s expansion.

City Engineer Terry McGean on Monday gave the City Council a memorandum from the state regarding its contribution to the city’s convention center, which is subsiSee SECOND on Page 4

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Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

JULY 20, 2012

Ocean City Today

NEWS 3

Irish Outreach opens doors; embassy officials visit Ocean City ZACK HOOPES ■ Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) The door sticks a bit.

The carpet is mismatched and the stains that spot it probably date back to the Reagan years. Sets of donated sheets line the shelves, organized into old shopping bags with “twin” or “queen” scrawled in marker across the front.

There is a conference room, however – an old couch and some patio chairs at the back of an adjacent vacant restaurant. It might have the ambiance of a Balkan refugee camp, but what transpires in this space is one of the more important contributions to keeping Ocean City running during the summer.

Such is the terrain at Irish Outreach, the nonprofit group that assists the resort’s seasonal workforce of foreign students, particularly Irish nationals, who for the past two years have made up the bulk of the town’s imported labor.

Despite having actually been open for some time, the center, located behind Layton’s on 16th Street, held its official ribbon cutting Tuesday to mark the occasion of a visit from officials from the Republic of Ireland’s embassy in Washington, D.C. Irish officials were in town to discuss the condition of Irish students traveling and working in the area.

“We’re very fortunate in this case to have the Irish Outreach. They’ve been our eyes and ears on the ground,” said embassy First Secretary Ralph Victory.

The embassy indirectly funds Ocean

OCEAN CITY TODAY/ZACK HOOPES

Deirdre Bourke, a consular official from the Republic of Ireland’s embassy in Washington, D.C., cuts the ribbon at the official opening of Ocean City’s Irish Outreach headquarters on Tuesday.

City’s Irish Outreach, providing significant support for the public service programs of the Irish Apostolate USA, based out of Silver Spring, Md. The IAUSA subsequently sponsors Irish Outreach, which is organized through Ocean City’s division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

The center is open daily from noon to 8 pm, and is staffed from a pool of about 25 volunteers. Most are AOH members or other locals, largely retirees, of IrishAmerican descent.

“We were doing this out of our cars last year and there were only about 10 of us. It

was hectic. It’s nice to have a home base,” said Irish Outreach head Rick Fairburn.

Ocean City has had some sort of Irish student support group for years, and the AOH has been sponsored by IAUSA since 1999 to do so.

In recent years, however, the program had atrophied as a declining number Irish students came to the resort. But with last year’s resurgence in the number of Irish, Fairbend and his wife, Pat, took the initiative to do more active outreach.

“There was very little output [from Ocean City groups] before,” said IAUSA administrator Geri Garvey. “But with the economy the way it is they [the Irish students] are coming more and more. The Hibernians in Ocean City have really stepped up to be here.”

Since the 1960s, the U.S. State Department has offered J-1 student visas to foreign students who wish to spend their summer traveling in America. Once here, students are allowed to work for a period of time to cover the costs of their trip.

Ocean City is a popular destination, given its summer vibrancy and bounty of temporary jobs.

In the 1980s and early 90s, Irish students were said to have made up the bulk of Ocean City’s foreign workforce. But at some point – possibly with the strong debut of the unified Euro currency in 1999 – it became easier for Irish students to work and travel within Europe, and their numbers were supplanted by students from the non-European Union countries See HOUSING on Page 18

Ocean City Today

4 NEWS

JULY 20, 2012

Second phase of construction will include high-tech performance space Continued from Page 1

dized by the state through the MSA. The memorandum is based on the city’s plans, developed last fall, to continue the expansion of its convention space to include a performance stage.

The council voted unanimously to adopt the agreement.

Obtaining the state’s approval and assistance was an arduous process, McGean said as he thanked Mayor Rick Meehan, State Sen. Jim Mathias and Delegate Norm Conway for their lobbying and legislative efforts.

When McGean presented his initial design outline to the council last November, the council decided that the construction would only take place if the state committed itself to long-term support.

“The council set forth three minimum conditions, which were quite challeng-

ing,” McGean said. “The fact that they were met, and exceeded, really says something about how much the state values the convention center.”

Last year, the council decided that the state would need to pick up at least 25 percent of the projected $14 million tab for the expansion to take place. Additionally, the state would need to re-commit to its half-stake operational lease of the center for at least another 20 years.

Thirdly, the city asked that the state amend its food tax legislation to allow the city to borrow against its 0.5 percent food tax revenue to pay for continuing capital improvements to the convention center.

On Monday, McGean announced that the state had agreed to contribute $5.7 million – over 40 percent – towards the construction. The stadium authority would also commit to an additional 20-

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year lease on top the current one, which expires in 2014 after current bond obligations are paid. Further, the food tax capital fund has been changed, “which allows us to continue to borrow against that fund as we pay it off,” McGean said.

The current, first phase of the convention center expansion is under way, with the construction of a bay-view grand ballroom. The space was designed by architecture firm Becker Morgan and is being built by Whiting-Turner. Both firms will work again on the second phase.

“We are on time and under budget [with phase one], and they’re a great team to work with,” said McGean.

The anticipated performance space will have a 40-by-60 foot stage and will seat more than 1,200 people. Roughly 400 of those seats will be balcony-level.

“We’re basically taking the columns out in Hall C, as well as the floor, which will essentially make it a two-story auditorium around 50 feet in height,” said Convention Center Director Larry Noccolino.

While final plans for the room are yet to be drawn, McGean’s initial outline included a number of high-end features, some of which will be included, and others that McGean is hoping will fit into the budget once the final tally is taken.

Of particular interest are options for telescoping front seating, which would allow for extra free space in front of the stage, as well as a movable stage that could be brought forward to create more

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“One of the intriguing things that the architect pointed out during his presentation was, with telescoping seating and a movable stage, that you could do both traditional theater and theater in the round,” said McGean, in reference to the performance style in which audience members surround the actors on all sides.

“We don’t want to confuse this with high school gym expandable seating, like bleachers,” said Noccolino. “These are state-of-the-art theater seats.”

Definitely included in the project, however, are provisions for the new stage to have a “fly gallery,” an overhead, balcony-level space above and behind the stage where props and sets are hoisted and lowered. In order to have a fully functional fly gallery, McGean said, the stage would need to have as much room above the top of its arched opening as it does in the height of the opening itself.

“The old stage did not have a fly, and we could not do one because the roof was too low,” McGean said. “There’s a substantial steel structure that has to go above the stage.”

Noccolino said he is looking forward to the stage providing a diverse venue for the city through the off-season. “It’s absolutely a year-round venue,” he said.

“We’ll be putting things in there like competitions, concerts, assembly sessions, even corporate meetings. We want the space to be as flexible as possible.”

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Ocean City Today

NEWS 5

Collective bargaining for city employees to be on Nov. ballot Continued from Page 1

The council had relatively few options for action. Once accepting the petition, City Solicitor Guy Ayres said the council could either choose to enact the request of the petition or have it posed as a ballot question.

Councilman Joe Hall asked Ayres how such a question would be worded for voters.

“The question will be whether the general employees of the town will have collective bargaining, just as with the police and the EMTs and firefighters. The only difference is that the OCPD has binding arbitration; the fire department does not, and the general employees are not seeking it,” Ayres said.

Hall also clarified with Ayres that the voters’ response would be binding to the council.

In May, the Ocean City Employees’ Coalition established a storefront in the Food Lion shopping center on 118th Street for an organization calling itself the Ocean City Employee Coalition. While the group itself consists of city workers, organizers said that the Maryland Classified Employees Association, which has helped organize collective bargaining for public employees around the state, would be sponsoring and coordinating the union drive along with its larger affiliate, the American Federation of Teachers - itself an affiliate of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

The petition was submitted along with a letter from Parks and Recreation department employee Greg DeMarco, who refers to the charter amendment for “fair and

OCEAN CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS ZACK HOOPES ■ Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) The following topics were discussed at the July 10, 2012 meeting of the Ocean City Mayor and City Council:

Tourism Advisory Board presents council with MOU The city-sponsored Tourism Advisory Board, formed just last year, presented a revised Memorandum of Understanding to the council. TAB is given the discretion to allocate $300,000 annually as seed money for new promotional events on the island, although concern has lingered among council members about accountability.

“We need something absolutely that shows proof that this invoice exists and it’s not a sum total without detail,” said Councilwoman Margaret Pillas. Her comments led to some discussion about vendors’ flat personal fees versus expenses they bill to the city, with Mayor Rick Meehan concluding “in the future, we need to be very clear about this, there’s a fee and that’s your [the contractor’s] fee and the rest is on a cost-for-cost basis.”

Board Executive Directors Melanie Pursel of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and Susan Jones of the Ocean City Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Association also announced that

equal representation rights for the general employees of the Town of Ocean City.”

In April, DeMarco appeared before the council to condemn the voting majority for what he called a “vicious assault” on municipal workers, citing changes in retirement benefits, as well as the dismissal of City Manager Dennis Dare, as reasons for employee dissatisfaction and a desire for unionization.

Employees’ Coalition spokesperson Barbara Dahan said recently that employee concern, however, had been growing since long before the political upheaval of this past fall.

“We, the Ocean City Employee Coalition, which consists of the majority, want to thank everyone who signed the petition and for the support from the people of the Town of Ocean City,” Dahan said in a recent statement.

“The charter change would provide fair and equal representation rights for all town employees. We feel that the question of our representation should be decided democratically by the voters of Ocean City and because of the support we have received in the signature gathering process, the voters will now have the opportunity to decide. Having representation rights would grant us the ability to work together to make Ocean City a better place to live and work. We care greatly about the Town of Ocean City and providing the best possible services to the citizens.”

Hall and fellow Councilman Brent Ashley have said previously that they oppose unionization, while other council members have demurred on that subject, saying they will simply defer to the voters on the issue.

the board’s members had elected their first slate of officers, with Shenanigan’s owner Greg Shockley to serve as chair and John Gehrig, owner of local web development firm D3Corp, to serve as co-chair.

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City Tourism Director Donna Abbott said she and City Manager David Recor are working with the city’s advertising agency, MGH, to develop some national media coverage of the recently approved Bikini Parade event in North Ocean City.

Recor noted that a past world-record bikini congregation in Panama City Beach, Fla., garnered considerable media attraction and impressive revenue estimates.

“With what was reported in Panama City, let’s touch base with those national media markets,” Recor said.

New advertising initiatives show results Freshly appointed city Tourism Director Donna Abbott detailed several marketing successes, particularly online where the 0.37 percent click-through rate for the city’s ads has been far above the industry standard of 0.09 percent.

Use of the city’s ococean.com mobile appliContinued on Page 14

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6 NEWS

Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

NEWS 7

OCDC requests state funding; could put lights back on St. Louis ZACK HOOPES ■ Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) The Ocean City Development Corporation has received the City Council’s support in applying for $300,000 of funding through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s annual Community Legacy Program.

The money would help to finance the continuation of OCDC’s signature revitalization initiative, as well as two new projects the nonprofit corporation hopes will improve downtown Ocean City’s pedestrian atmosphere.

According to OCDC Executive Director Glen Irwin, $100,000 of the potential grant would go towards OCDC’s façade renovation program. The OCDC operates at the request of the city’s government, but its major role is to subsidize for-profit businesses and private residences to improve the downtown landscape.

Under the façade program, exterior renovations to buildings below 17th Street can receive funding of up to one-third of the project’s total cost, with a maximum of $5,000, as long as the design meets OCDC’s aesthetic and energy-efficiency standards.

Similar to the façade assistance program, OCDC would also look towards putting $50,000 of the requested state funding towards a Business Assistance Program. The program would be run “administratively identical to the façade program,” according to Irwin, but would cater to interior renovations.

82nd Street

“It would primarily support interior permanent fixtures, electrical, plumbing, wall treatments, things like that,” Irwin said.

The program would be complimentary to the Main Street Maryland designation that Ocean City recently received from the MDHCD. The special designation, Irwin said, provides additional funding opportunities for downtown revitalization, providing certain initiative guidelines are met.

One of these is the development and diversification of new business, for which OCDC has recently formed a separate Business Recruitment and Retention Committee. The Business Assistance Program, once funded, would be the main executive means of the new committee.

“A large part of it is to help reduce the initial cost for a new business or expanding business,” Irwin said. “The idea is to have a more active street that creates a more active pedestrian environment. Some of it will be to attract year-round businesses, or at least close to year-round.”

The remaining $150,000 of the requested funds would go towards the installation of street lighting on St. Louis Avenue between 10th and 17th Streets, something that was recently axed from the city’s planned renovation of the street because of budgetary constraints.

The initial improvement plan included extensive decorative lights, sidewalk expansions and even a traffic circle. Most of this was pulled from the proposal, although city Public Works Director Hal Adkins has made plans to install some

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base-work and electrical conduit to allow the city to make improvements piecemeal as the economy recovers.

“What we want to do is put one of those frills back in that was cut out because of the finances,” Irwin said. “The lights are pedestrian lights, as opposed to a ‘cobra’ light that is more of a vehicular light. For the money, it’s a good value for what it achieves [in terms of a downtown pedestrian environment].”

Irwin was confident that, while not all of the $300,000 would necessarily be granted, OCDC would receive a good chunk of funding from the state. The program has expanded recently, making applications more competitive, but OCDC “has a good track record of spending the grant money in a timely fashion.”

“We’ve been fairly aggressive in what we request. The worst thing you can do is to receive a grant and then not spend it, the state doesn’t like that,” Irwin added.

OCEAN CITY TODAY/ZACK HOOPES

These lights, currently found along Bayshore Drive, are of the same type as the ones for which OCDC is seeking state funding to put along the north end of St. Louis Avenue. They feature LED elements and spun concrete poles.

Ocean City Today

8 NEWS

the request of the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, which is applying for state tax credits for 2013. Those credits will be offered as an incentive for businesses that support its upcoming leadership project.

For the Scouts’ purposes, the credits must be granted via a resolution, which the commissioners quickly approved.

The credits will be issued under the auspices of the state Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Investment Tax Credit Program.

WORCESTER COUNTY BRIEFS NANCY POWELL ■ Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) The Worcester County Commissioners discussed the following topics during Tuesday’s meeting.

Commendations presented to couple The commissioners presented commendations to Lt. Lee Holloway and his wife, Dena Hollaway, in recognition of their retirement.

Lt. Holloway served 36 years as a deputy in the Sheriff’s Office and Dena Holloway served 31 years in the Sheriff’s Office. In addition to being an office assistant, Dena Holloway was the driving force behind the Santa House.

Holloway oversaw contributions and donations to the Santa House, as well as its giveaways to needy children and families at Christmas. She said she would continue her involvement with Santa House in her retirement.

Grant applications approved for shelters The commissioners approved grant applications from Diakonia, the crisis shelter in West Ocean City, and Samaritan Shelter in Pocomoke.

Both are applying for $25,000 toward preventing homelessness and Diakonia is seeking an additional $25,000 for homeless prevention/rapid rehousing because it already has that system in place.

The grants are from the state Department of Housing and Community Development, which provides funds to help improve the quality of existing emergency and transitional shelters for the homeless.

Tax credits for two organizations The commissioners authorized 100 percent tax credits for the Berlin Community Improvement Association, which owns the Multi-Purpose Building on Flower Street, and to the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, which has its office and visitors center on Route 50 outside of Ocean City.

The commissioners also approved

Boat slip leases to be up for bids next month The commissioners approved the boat slip leases for slips at the West Ocean City commercial harbor. The current leases expire Sept. 22.

Bids will be opened Aug. 13 and ap-

JULY 20, 2012

proved Aug. 21.

All bidders must be commercial fishermen and they must certify that they will use the dock space at least 270 days each year. They must be the sole owner of a commercial fishing vessel or own at least 50 percent of the stock or partnership that owns the vessel. No more than two boats may use dock space at any one time.

Boat ramps prioritized for improvements The commissioners reviewed and assigned priorities for improvements to county boat ramps as part of their Waterway Improvement Project grant applications.

First on their list is Cedar Hall, a boat ramp in the southern end of the county where existing finger piers and ramps would be replaced at a cost of $99,000.

Next on the list is the Gum Point boat ramp on Gum Point Road in Taylorville where existing finger piers and ramp would be replaced, also with a $99,000 grant. Third on the list is Mason Landing, where the existing parking lot would be resurfaced.

Beauchamp Road costs to be split 50/50 The commissioners voted to proceed on the Beauchamp Road project as a joint venture with the Ocean Pines Association.

The project’s goal is to ease the flooding problems on properties in the Pinehurst Road area of Ocean Pines.

The Beauchamp Road work group met July 10 to discuss the project and the design for the installation of a parallel 24-inch drainage pipe from Beauchamp Road to a pond on the adjacent River Run property.

The group decided the county should review storm water calculations, engineering plans and specifications for a cost of $3,960. The group recommended the cost be split with the Ocean Pines Association and the county commissioners approved that recommendation.

Public Works Director John Tustin expected Bob Thompson, general manager of the Ocean Pines Association, to discuss the issue with the community’s board of directors on the same day as the commissioners’ meeting, but Thompson did not because he did not need the board’s approval to make the decision. Thompson said in an e-mail Wednesday that the OPA would split the costs with the county.

Sludge usage agreement approved by county The commissioners renewed the existing agreement with the Maryland Department of the Environment about out-of-county sludge received for land application in Worcester. The MDE will reimburse the county for inspections and monitoring using a formula based on tons applied.

At the present time, the Billie Laws Tree Farm near the Wicomico County line, is the only site in the county permitted to operate.

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JULY 20, 2012

Ocean Downs wants service from Pines wastewater facility Planning Commission recommends change to Worcester Co. leaders NANCY POWELL ■ Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) The Worcester County Planning Commission has come out in favor of treating wastewater from Ocean Downs at the Ocean Pines treatment plant.

“We want to get rid of some of those septics,” Planning Commissioner Wayne Hartman said the commission’s July 12 meeting to consider amending the county’s water and sewer plan. The planning commissioners voted unanimously to recommend the change to the Worcester County Commissioners.

The sewer would be connected by a line run beneath Turville Creek to the public boat ramp on Gum Point Road. It would then go through property owned by developer Marvin Steen and then to Ocean Pines. The pump station would be located on the Ocean Downs property.

The change could make it possible for

other unconnected properties within the Greater Ocean Pines Sanitary Planning Area to connect to the Ocean Pines wastewater treatment plant as well, since the main pipe called for in the plan would be designed to accept new connections.

Among those properties would be those in the Steen development and some along Route 589.

Providing wastewater treatment for those properties was recommended in a recent study of the Ocean Downs hook-up accepted by the Worcester County Commissioners.

The Ocean Pines plant now has a treatment capacity of 2.5 million gallons of wastewater per day but runs at about 50 percent of capacity as it treats approximately 1.1 million to 1.2 million gallons of wastewater per day.

“We don’t think this is going to cause any sort of problem,” said John Ross, deputy director of the county Department of Public Works.

In addition to serving the casino and racetrack, allowances would be made for a proposed bowling alley and movie theater. Onsite sewer and private water now serve the facility.

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Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

NEWS 11

County to give money for movie in resort if OC also contributes Commissioners agree to give $100k toward film starring Susan Sarandon NANCY POWELL ■ Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) Count the Worcester County Commissioners in on the making of the movie “Ping Pong Summer,” albeit at arm’s length via a grant to the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and providing Ocean City government chips in an equal amount.

The commissioners voted Tuesday to give $100,000 to the chamber to invest in the movie to be filmed in Ocean City starting in mid-September.

“The county itself cannot invest [directly] in the movie,” county attorney Sonny Bloxom told the commissioners, but it could give it as a grant to the chamber, which could then invest it for its own purposes. If the movie is successful, the chamber believes, it could have a stream of income well into the future.

The one catch is that the money would be awarded only if Ocean City antes up $100,000 as well. The Ocean City Tourism Advisory Board has recommended that the City Council approve its contribution of $100,000, although the council has not voted on the request.

County Tourism Director Lisa Challenger and Economic Development Director Bill Badger told the commissioners that the movie is expected to be filmed over the course of six weeks this fall. But that’s only if the producers can secure funding to make up for the loss of an expected contribution from the state.

The producers had counted on getting $300,000 from the Maryland state film rebate program, but that program ran out of money while the General Assembly concentrated on passing an overall budget.

Challenger told the commissioners that this circumstance presented them with a “very exciting opportunity” to invest in a feature film “to be shot in its entirety in Ocean City.”

The cast, including Oscar winner Susan Sarandon (for “Dead Man Walk-

ing”), is in place and producers anticipate an economic impact of approximately $650,000 in their direct spending. Challenger said the crew of 50 to 60 people will spend 2,535 room nights in Ocean City hotels and there will be considerable spending by tourists who will come to see the filming or in hopes of seeing some of the actors.

“A lot of people will want to come to Ocean City to see it,” Challenger said.

“There’s a lot of mileage on this to come.”

If the additional funding is not made available by Aug. 1, Challenger said, the movie would most likely be pushed back and would lose its biggest star, Sarandon.

Bud Church, president of the Worcester County Commissioners, said Berlin continues to promote itself as the site of some scenes in the movie, “The Runaway Bride,” starring Richard Gere

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and Julia Roberts.

In that film, however, shooting lasted only a few days and the town was renamed “Hale” (after the peach that was developed there). For “Ping Pong Summer,” that will not be the situation.

“The film is about Ocean City, Md.,” Badger told the commissioners.

Challenger and Badger had no problems persuading Church.

“In my biz, I have to spend money to make money,” said Church, owner of Coldwell Banker Bud Church Realty.

“We’ll get our money back,” Church said.

Commissioners Merrill Lockfaw and Madison Bunting voted against awarding the $100,000 to the chamber. Commissioner Louise Gulyas was absent.

Bunting noted that the county increased the property tax rate by 7 cents this year and that money for the film was not in the budget.

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12 NEWS

Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

NEWS 13

WOC woman guilty of drugged driving NANCY POWELL ■ Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) West Ocean City accountant Jenny Mama pleaded guilty last week to possession of marijuana and driving a vehicle while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance on New Year’s Eve. She will be sentenced Sept. 17.

At about 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, police got a call about a driver smoking marijuana and an Ocean City policeman stopped Mama’s Lexus, which matched the description, on 80th Street because she was not wearing a seatbelt and failed to stay in one lane.

According to charging documents, she failed the field sobri-

ety tests and was arrested.

A search of her person revealed a pill bottle with marijuana in her front sweatshirt pocket and a glass pipe with marijuana, the charging documents state. She agreed to submit to an alcohol test, but refused to be evaluated by a drug recognition expert.

In exchange for the guilty pleas in Circuit Court in Snow Hill, the State’s Attorney’s Office did not prosecute charges of failure to obey designated lane directions, operating a motor vehicle while not restrained by a seatbelt, driving a vehicle while impaired by drugs and possession of paraphernalia.

Judge Theodore Eschenburg ordered a presentence investiga-

tion. Mama, 57, is not being held in jail pending that investigation.

In 2008, Mama pleaded guilty to driving while impaired by alcohol and was sentenced to 30 days in jail, with all but two days suspended.

At the time of her arrest New Year’s Eve, Mama was on probation for second-degree assault.

When she pleaded guilty to that offense Nov. 9, 2011, she received a one-year suspended jail sentence and was put on probation for three years. She also pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and received a 60-day suspended sentence and three years probation. She also pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and was fined $100.

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14 NEWS

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OCEAN CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS Continued from Page 5 cation has spiked as well, with almost 350,000 unique visitors this June, up from 300,000 last June. Abbott also stressed that the city’s “OC Night at Camden Yards” event, which took place during the Orioles-Nationals game on June 23, worked extremely well in concert with the city’s new media buy-in with the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.

“The ratings have exceeded what we were told they would be due to the Washington and Baltimore baseball teams doing relatively well,” Abbott said.

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Fire dept. seeks to close equipment, personnel gap Ocean City Fire Department Chief Chris Larmore summarized some of the difficulties facing the OCFD this summer, but said the department is making do without any service interruptions. June’s call volume was 8 percent higher than last year, Larmore said, and the department has been making a push to fill shifts.

“Unfortunately, yes, our OCFD Chief overtime is higher than I Chris Larmore would like it,” Larmore said.

“We made a commitment to keeping up service and it’s the mission of the department to never stack a call,” he said, in reference to the practice in which low-priority calls are “stacked” behind high-priority ones and go unanswered until the more urgent requests are dealt with.

Larmore also said the department’s aging ambulance fleet has been having repair is-

sues, forcing the department to lease emergency medical vehicles with short notice. Larmore further noted that the department was working to address its aging workforce as well, given that a majority of its higher ranks will be eligible for retirement within the next five years.

“We don’t want to wake up in three to five years and realize the people who have made all our plans are retired,” Larmore said. “Now is the time not only to train the more junior officers, but also to get their input on what we’ve been doing. I can assure you that it will be a smooth transition.”

Zoning enforcement push continues City Zoning Administrator R. Blaine Smith discussed the continuing stress of enforcement, particularly in regards to the city’s new scooter rental requirements as well as Boardwalk signage restrictions. Balancing shops’ needs for display space and the newly mandated training space with the city’s parking requirements have been taxing, Smith said.

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Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

NEWS 15

City may open up absentee voting system: no excuse needed ZACK HOOPES ■ Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) A possible change to the city’s absentee voting policy briefly renewed the ongoing spat in City Council about the motivations behind the recent vote to change the city’s election date to match the federal contest calendar.

City Clerk Kelly Allmond presented her findings Monday night regarding the State of Maryland’s “no excuse” policy for absentee voting. In November, the council asked Allmond to look into ways that the absentee voting process – whereby voters who are unable to attend the polls on election day can vote via a mailed-in application and ballot – could be revamped.

Allmond had noted soon thereafter that the state was revising its excuse policy for absentee voters and would present the city with options based on state legislation at a later time. This week, on the footsteps of sessions earlier this month in which the council voted to change the city’s election to coincide with the county, state and federal date, Allmond brought the issue to the table again.

The elections themselves will not be merged and the city contest will still take place on a separate ballot in a separate polling area, under the independent oversight of the city’s own Board of Elections Supervisors.

“What I have learned is that the state has fully embraced the ‘no excuse’ policy.

An excuse is not required even through the emergency period,” Allmond said.

The previous state policy, and Ocean City’s current policy, is that absentee voters must sign an affidavit listing a good-faith reason for being unable to vote at the polls.

Absentee ballots can be applied for up to seven days before the election date, although emergency ballots can be requested from the Board of Elections Supervisors up through the day of the election for those who have personal or family emergencies.

Council members’ opinions this week were much the same as they were last year. The difference now, though, is the added undertone of the recent election date change, which some alleged was orchestrated not to improve voter turnout, but to allow ousted City Manager Dennis Dare to run for council. Dare’s severance package with the city does not end until Oct. 31, creating potential difficulties for his candidacy if the election were to take

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“You have to be as consistent as possible. We already moved the election date to the same day. If we don’t have the same rules as the state and county, it opens it up to confusion,” said Councilman Joe Hall, a consistent proponent of the date change who had, however, questioned some of his colleagues’ motivation for their change in stance.

“There’s the problem of City Hall becoming a polling place,” said Councilman Doug Cymek. He explained that, if no-excuse emergency ballots were provided on the day of the election, people would simply come to the downtown City Hall to pick them up for the sake of convenience, instead of attending the actual polls at the city’s convention center at 40th Street.

Cymek suggested closing all absentee options at 5 p.m. on the Monday before election Tuesday.

Councilwoman Mary Knight agreed. “I don’t see the difference between going to the convention center or coming down

here [to City Hall]. I have no problem with [having no-excuse ballots] until 5 p.m. the day before, but I don’t want people saying, ‘I’m going to City Hall instead of the convention center.’” Last year, Knight had suggested that the no-excuse policy only be available to non-emergency ballots, for the same reason.

“Is there a potential for abuse and confusion, yes, but I would stand by the position that we would keep it consistent [with the policy for the state ballot],” reiterated Hall.

Councilman Brent Ashley was of like mind. “The whole direction here has been to make voting more accessible … why would we not do that with absentee voting [as was done with the polling date]?” he asked. Ashley also continued to criticize Cymek’s use of the rationale of protecting “the integrity of the process,” which Cymek had said was his reason for not wanting the election date changed, prior to the most recent vote in which he cited public demand as a reason for shifting his stance.

“It just doesn’t make sense [to allow

absentee ballots the day of the election],” countered Cymek. He questioned whether the Board of Elections Supervisors would be able to handle the possible large number of absentee ballots being filed on election day, since a board representative has to verify each ballot.

Hall, however, said that there was always a time difference between when absentee ballots were collected and when they were tabulated. “What’s the difference if they submit it on the exact day,” he asked Cymek. “From the point you’re making, we’d need a judge there every day whenever someone [at City Hall] accepts a ballot.”

Allmond said she would look into any possible logistical difficulties, but that she was sure her “staff was up to the challenge.”

The council voted 5-2 to have City Solicitor Guy Ayres draw up a change to the town’s code that would allow for no-excuse absentee balloting, with Cymek and Knight opposed.

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Ocean City Today

16 NEWS

JULY 20, 2012

Public outcry leads to revision of 1972 bodyboard ordinance Gives Ocean City officials opportunity to update code regarding surf activities ZACK HOOPES ■ Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) City Council moved quickly Monday night to adopt an emergency ordinance revising the section of the city’s code that addresses the use of bodyboards on public beaches, following an outcry last week from the surfing community regarding a sudden increase in the enforcement of policies many said were outdated.

City Manager David Recor noted Monday that he and many other city of-

OCEAN CITY TODAY/ZACK HOOPES

The city has recently revised its definition of body boards in order to lift the de-facto ban on some newer types of equipment. At center is a traditional 42-inch “Boogie Board” style board. At right is a “Beater” board, popularized in California, and designed to allow for either prone or standing riding – often by those just learning to surf. While this board is 48 inches in length, longer versions are common. At left is the “Answer” board, a new “Beater”-style product from local surfer and designer Chris Willey, which is 54 inches. City code now allows for any soft-top, finless board of 54 inches or less.

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ficials had received a “flurry” of phone calls and e-mails last week complaining that the Ocean City Beach Patrol seemed to be heightening its enforcement of the city’s 1970s-era code regarding surf activities.

Several dozen surfing and bodyboarding enthusiasts attended Monday’s meeting, prompting Council President Jim Hall to move the issue to the top of the agenda. The majority of the crowd left the room after the revision was passed, without speaking publicly.

The public clamor, Recor said, led him to organize a number of meetings with city officials and local surf shop owners “to discuss the events that led to this heightened awareness of the 1972 ordinance.”

Section 106-92 of the city code previously defined a “boogie board” as a semirigid foam board no more than 3.5 feet long and 2 feet wide, and not having any fins or other rudder-like protrusions, often referred to as “skegs.” Such boards are permitted on city beaches during peak summer hours — but anything larger, or finned, was by default considered a “surfboard” and prohibited from the hours of 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and specifically along Boardwalk-adjacent beaches from May 1 to Sept. 30.

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Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

NEWS 17

Residents dispute traffic change on Seabay Drive ZACK HOOPES ■ Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) Soon after Monday night’s swift and fairly clear-cut resolution of a public outcry over the prohibition of certain bodyboards, City Council struggled to resolve another, more localized — but more ambiguous — matter of city policy.

City Engineer Terry McGean presented his final recommendation regarding a traffic issue which he presented to council several weeks ago. McGean had been contacted by Tim and Maria Covell, who said they were having chronic issues with speeding cars going down the small, alleywidth street — Seabay Drive — on which they live during the summers.

McGean explained that the issue largely stems from poor traffic patterns put in place by the state. Seabay Drive runs north-to-south between 86th Street and Bering Road, which is in effect Ocean City’s 87th Street. Bering Road is a major artery for the Little Salisbury community, which houses a number of long-time, year-round residents.

At some point, there was an open intersection at Bering Road and Coastal Highway, but McGean recalled that around 1985, when the State Highway

Administration installed the median structure on the highway, Bering Road did not receive a traffic light. The closest one was placed at 85th Street, and thus residents began to cut south on Seabay Drive to get to 86th Street. From there, they could cut through the parking lot of the Exxon/Wine Rack that occupies the block between 86th and 85th Streets, to get to the light. The next closest light was north of the neighborhood, on Pacific Avenue.

McGean stated that he had conducted a traffic study on Seabay Drive, which confirmed that the street was not designed to handle the traffic it does. The Covells had noted to McGean that their children, as well as many summer residents, walk down the alley to get to the Wine Rack convenience store, and speeding cars are a danger. McGean noted that his study confirmed that the street was heavily pedestrian traveled and was of concern.

But in presenting his solution, McGean seemed well aware that a change would not be well-received. His recommendation was to install flexible posts at the south end of Seabay Drive, closing the street to through traffic but still allowing emergency access for ambulances and fire trucks.

The suggestion that the route to the light would be closed, however, elicited angry rumblings from the Little Salisbury residents in attendance.

In making his case, Tim Covell noted that his concerns were not intended as an attack on his neighbors, and were a matter of circumstance.

“The last thing I want to do is be an inconvenience to my neighbors,” he said.

“But as we see changes in Ocean City for pedestrian safety, some of them are not convenient.”

Covell noted that it was difficult for him to get into the back of his car on the street without exposing himself to traffic, itself an inconvenience just the same.

“There used to be a pedestrian crossing at 87th,” Covell continued. “That was taken out this year, and I’m sure it wasn’t done to inconvenience you but to encourage us to use the crosswalks. When 87th got the traffic island [in 1985], a lot of traffic got pushed down that alley, but it clearly wasn’t intentional.

Several of the Little Salisbury residents, however, placed more blame on the design of Covell’s house — which the Covells recently renovated and expanded – and the habits of local children.

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Ocean City Today

18 NEWS

JULY 20, 2012

City officials modify bodyboard ordinance established in 1972 Continued from Page 16

schedule that limits summer daytime surfboard use to two select areas, which change daily, as well as a section of the inlet on weekdays only.

OCBP Capt. Butch Arbin explained that the “boogie board” definition was added into the original 1972 city code sometime in the late 1970s, when the “Boogie Board” brand bodyboard first became commercially available. Last week, when the OCBP began to receive some complaints from swimmers about close calls with reckless bodyboarders, the only enforcement mechanism available to Arbin was the old definition of a permitted “boogie board” — which created a de-facto ban on other types of boards larger than the classic “boogie board” shape.

Other types of longer bodyboards have indeed become prominent since the 1970s. Malibu’s Surf Shop owner Lee Gerachis explained that many people, particularly youngsters who are learning to surf, often use oversized bodyboards they can both lie down and stand up on.

Some such boards are simply shaped like traditional “boogie boards,” while others are better streamlined to allow young riders to practice standing up — these are often referred to as “beaters” after the “Beater” brand board popularized in California. Sold by the Catch Surf company, the original “Beater Board” is 54 inches long.

“We have a lot of young kids who use these to learn how to surf, local kids who can’t get to the surf beach — and even if they could, they can’t use the Beaters on

the surf beach [where real surfboards are required],” Gerachis explained last week.

“Given the evolution of the product since 1972, we knew we needed to elicit some feedback from the community and possibly develop a policy change based on that,” Recor continued Monday.

The legal revision, according to City Solicitor Guy Ayres, repeals the definition of a “boogie board” and inserts a definition for “soft-top bodyboards,” which includes rudderless, foam-topped boards of any shape up to 54 inches. Such boards will be permitted during summer daytime hours provided that riders maintain a 10-yard buffer between themselves and swimmers, and employ some sort of retrieval device such as an ankle leash. The revision also updates other outdated technical language, such as re-

placing “surf mats” with a broader definition for “inflatable flotation devices.”

“We used this as an opportunity to go back and update that entire section of the code,” said Arbin.

Council unanimously approved the recommended revisions, and further voted unanimously to make them an emergency ordinance.

Emergency ordinances go into effect immediately provided they have the consent of the mayor, and Mayor Rick Meehan seemed surprised that the policy had even gone this long without revision.

“If not, it would’ve been about the only thing that hasn’t changed since 1972,” Meehan said. “This really shows what we can do in a small community — we can recognize a problem and get together to remedy it.”

Housing supply primary issue among visiting foreign students Continued from Page 3

of Eastern Europe.

Recently, however, the State Department has begun to scrutinize the accountability of some Eastern European visa sponsors, heavily cutting the number of Slavic students who visit the resort. Just three years ago, officials have said that the number of Russian students in the resort was close to 1,500. That number was down to 445 last year, while the Irish population was up to 603. It is expected to be higher this year, with several attendees

Tuesday saying they had been told upwards of 800.

However, unlike the Eastern European states, Ireland is a visa waiver country: Irish nationals can come to the U.S. without pre-arranged jobs or housing. Many Irish students in Ocean City arrive without knowledge of the housing market.

That has led to some ugly incidents such as one last week in which a landlord had offered an apartment to Irish students, claiming that it was to hold six or seven people, only for the students to have

city building officials tell them the unit was unsafe for any more than three.

“We are really concerned about the housing issue, we had a conversation to hone in on how we can target some better places for these kids,” said Garvey.

Victory and Irish consular official Deirdre Bourke have visited students’ apartments in the past. “Some were okay, some a little cramped, a few I would say were substandard,” Bourke said.

“The vast majority of things here are very good, there’s just a few areas we’re

trying to sort out,” added Victory. “We’re identifying ways, particularly, to get more housing into to them [the students] earlier.”

He also noted that he and Bourke had met with Ocean City Police Department Chief Bernadette DiPino. “We’ve had a very good response from the authorities here,” Victory said. “They did make it clear that they’re aware [of the housing issues], and even if the police can’t intervene directly, they’ll make sure the proper authorities know about it.”

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OPINION www.oceancitytoday.net

PAGE 20

JULY 20, 2012

Council majority ducks union issue Mum continues to be the word from most Ocean City Council members on the subject of unionization for general employees, even though this latest collective bargaining question will be put to resort voters on the November ballot.

Although Council members Joe Hall and Brent Ashley have voiced their opposition to another employees union, others continue to say only that they will “defer to the will of the people.”

That’s an interesting response, considering that the democratic process is all about the people deferring to their representatives on important issues or looking to them for information on which they might base their own opinions.

But outside of the aforementioned pair, no one’s talking, preferring instead to duck the topic rather than to offer some insight that might help voters decide which lever to pull when they go to the polls.

If they feel general employees would benefit from union membership and that would lead to better government for the community as a whole, they should say so. If on the other hand, they believe the opposite, that should be made clear as well.

But to be completely neutral and have no opinion whatsoever?

Considering that the entire council is capable of dissecting and arguing over the smallest and silliest of things, such as what fireworks company to employ for the Fourth of July celebration, it’s inconceivable that they would have no thoughts on what is a very big thing.

The effort’s organizers, meanwhile, have had and will continue to have plenty to say, which leaves the voting public to conclude that this silent majority has no objection.

And maybe it doesn’t. There is a legal term for that, qui tacet consentiret, which, loosely translated, means silence is consent.

Ocean City Today P.O. Box 3500, Ocean City, Md. 21843 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

MANAGING EDITOR ...................... Brandi Mellinger ASSISTANT EDITOR ............................ Lisa Capitelli STAFF WRITERS ................................ Nancy Powell, ................................................................Zack Hoopes ACCOUNT MANAGERS ...................... Mary Cooper, .. Sandy Abbott, Frank Bottone, Taryn Walterhoefer CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Terry Testani SENIOR DESIGNER ............................ Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTISTS .......................... Tyler Tremellen, ................................................................ David Hooks PUBLISHER .................................... Stewart Dobson ASSISTANT PUBLISHER ...................... Elaine Brady COMPTROLLER .............................. Christine Brown ADMIN. ASSISTANT .................................. Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. at 8200 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Ocean City Today is available by subscription at $150 a year.

Visit us on the Web at www.oceancitytoday.net.

READERS’ FORUM

Some neighborhood watches unofficial Editor, In a “bitter sweet” way, I am pleased to read about the neighborhood watches that have been started and continue at various parts of Ocean City. Bittersweet referring to the sad fact that it is needed and sweet referring to the individuals who remain strong and care for their property, their community and their neighbors in such a way to help make a difference.

Thank you for doing what you do.

I live ocean block in a small building in the midtown area.

There are only a select few of us year-round and of course, there are many more owners/renters around during the summertime. Because many of us have taken the time to know our neighbors, we watch out for each other’s property and a few years ago developed what we call a “phone tree.” It has given many more piece of mind and a good sense of trust on much of our street. We tell each other when something happens at the building or even with inhabitants who may be staying at an adjacent building.

Even when the hurricane threatened Ocean City last August, there were a few of us who were able to immediately contact many owners and year-round renters to tell them the good news that our building was safe and sound.

If we all continue to do our part in helping keep our community safe, we are doing well. Additionally, I encourage the local news publications to keep publicizing the

GOT MAIL? Mail your letter to editor@oceancitytoday.net All letters are subject to editing for clarity and potentially libelous material fact that there are, in fact, neighborhood watches and we are watching to help make a difference.

Doug Antos Ocean City

Candidate not part of a packaged deal Editor, As the town’s election approaches, I would like to offer some thoughts.

I suppose that it is inevitable in today’s society that we create division and partisanship. Ironically, we curse it as we watch news out of Washington while we create and nurture it in the small town in which we live.

Hot issues drive the formation of groups of people who come together, based on common threads, in order to sway the election in one direction or another. Perhaps no issue is stirring more emotion than the forced departure of [former] City Manager Dennis Dare.

As expected, people are already choosing sides on this and other issues and we will likely soon see candidates running as “package deals,” trying to leverage each other and appeal to the hottest issues on voters’ minds.

I am going to file for council myself. My hope is that the residents

who truly care about this town will vote for individual candidates who can think and act independently.

Instead of “packages,” we should try to have seven independent thinkers who will focus on the good of the town and rise above the partisanship, understanding that spirited debate and disagreements are a natural and healthy part of making decisions as a group.

I hope the residents will temper their emotions and vote accordingly, regardless of their choice.

I will not be with anyone or against anyone, rather for the town of Ocean City. And, should I be elected, I would look forward to working with the other elected council members and mayor to improve Ocean City as a premier destination for vacationers, as well as a making it a desired location for living year-round.

Bob Baker Ocean City

Have smoking and non-smoking beaches Editor, As a smoker and an Ocean City local who does indeed use a trash receptacle when available (or a pocket when not) for butts, I take offense to the fact that most of the Continued on Page 21

Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

OPINION 21

READERS’ FORUM Continued from Page 20

By Stewart Dobson I’d like to discuss solar flares and sunspots and how they come into play in our every day lives.

Many people believe that something occurring 93 million miles away would have no affect on our normal routines, but they would be wrong, and I’m not talking about malfunctioning computer equipment. No, I am referring to more fundamental aspects of our existence, such as happy hours.

It is a fact that eruptions on the sun will cause electronic equipment besides computers to exhibit bizarre behavior.

That’s what scientists say, and I rarely argue with scientists unless they are advising us to refrain from doing something that I don’t want to stop doing.

In cases such as this – and there are more than a few – I point out that scientists once argued passionately that the sun revolves around the earth, a belief that, incidentally, might still enjoy popularity among some of the people I have seen lately.

But there is no argument about sunspots. At least that’s my position.

That’s because I have run out of people to blame things on when I am not as prompt as I ought to be in my return home from offering my support to our local food and beverage industry.

Time was I could come home after the designated hour and say, “Sorry, but I was with … (name withheld for security reasons).” That worked until it was noted that (name withheld for security reasons) might not be the best company for someone who, failing to call with an advisory, NEEDS TO BE HOME ON TIME. I have to interject that I always mean well, but, well …

In any event, I recently found myself in an intriguing happy hour conversation, realized the possibility that I might lose track of the time and made the advisory call.

But when I arrived at home, I was greeted with a countenance as frosty as the beverage I had been consuming, my message never having made it through whatever cosmos it has to traverse to get from one cell phone to the other. My call did, however, show up the following day.

“Solar flares and sunspots!” I declared. “That’s what did it. I’m vindicated!”

She had to agree, a circumstance as rare as sunspots themselves, and which led me to do some research and to develop an entirely new approach to staying out past the appointed hour.

These solar flares can be predicted, although not with a high degree of accuracy. That said, according to space scientists, I’m pleased to report there is a 30 percent chance of a solar eruption/extended happy hour outing within the next 48 hours.

trash found on the beach is packs and butts. I see more soda cans and water bottles and just general paper.

Stating that 69,000 butts have been collected tells me that the receptacles are working.

To say that most of us (smokers) do not use receptacles is unfair. Let’s say fairly that all non-smokers want to take our (smokers) rights away. We’ve lost hotel rooms, we’ve lost bars, we’ve lost restaurants and now you want to take the outdoors. I was at work one day on my break smoking outside and a lady came up to me and said, “I am allergic to smoke. Please stand somewhere else to smoke.” The problem is, I was there first.

Did you also forget that smokers pay the same taxes non-smokers do? So we have the same rights. Also, we pay an awful lot of tax on a pack of cigarettes, so if we all quit, where is that money

coming from? Higher sales tax, higher property tax and so on.

Now let’s talk about the children seeing smokers enjoying a cig — do you really think that this has caused them to want to become smokers? No way. Do we do drugs on the beach? No. Do they see us drinking beer on the beach? No. So then please tell me why it is we have kids doing this? Well, let me tell you, kids just have to try it all. So please let us not say that kids seeing an adult smoking on the beach is going to cause them to smoke. It is just wrong.

To tell me I have to sit behind a lifeguard to smoke is also not fair. Sounds more like the ’50s when blacks were forced to sit on the back of the bus. If we have to split the beach, give smokers odd streets and non-smokers even streets; this sounds fair.

Dean Germann Ocean City

Reuniting children with families part of guard’s job Editor, When I was in Ocean City recently, my daughter and I enjoyed a day at the beach at the Clarion hotel where a too-familiar drama played out that reminded me of the many heroic responsibilities of your surf rescue technicians, known to beachgoers for generations as “lifeguards.”

We watched as a little lost girl was found by lifeguard AJ, who coordinated the reunion with her mother with great caring and to loud applause from the beachgoers. I know how relieved and grateful her mother felt, as my own daughter was lost on a nearby Ocean City beach once upon a very scary time ago.

She was returned to me on the shoulders Continued on Page 22

22 OPINION

READERS’ FORUM Continued from Page 21

guardians and heroes.

This memory prompted me to acknowledge the importance and skill level of the members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol. Every lifeguard is a powerful athlete and must pass a vigorous testing process to be able to guard the shoreline.

They inform us about any dangerous surf and beach conditions and patrol our beaches for emergencies.

Each day they are subject to the hazards of open water and often work outside in extreme weather conditions. They must know how to perform lifesaving rescues, CPR, first aid, and other medical responses.

And of course lifeguards need to have good judgment and the ability to make effective decisions under pressure. That’s just what AJ did as he saw to the care of the little lost girl until her mother arrived.

He performed just one of the many res-

Ocean City Today cues that he and the other members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol can be counted on to do to protect us vacationers.

I would like to personally thank the surf rescue technicians of the Ocean City Beach Patrol for their invaluable service to the community. Please don’t take them for granted.

Marilou Regan Springfield, Pa.

Harris staff saves man from possible deportation Editor, My family immigrated from Germany in 1952. I was 2 years old at the time. My family all became naturalized citizens and because of my age, I was naturalized also.

I received a Social Security card in 1965, registered for the draft in 1967, completed college with both a BA and master’s degree, and taught special needs students for 30 years — and I also did my civic duty and voted.

In 2004 I became trapped in a bureaucratic nightmare. I applied for a passport and was told by Homeland Security that I was not considered a citizen. I was devastated. I hired an immigration attorney and I was again denied citizenship because of a technicality that was instituted in 2000 and was not law in the 1950s. I appealed and was again denied. I again applied for citizenship. When I finally went to Baltimore to take the citizenship civics test, literacy test and interview, my voting record was questioned and I was again denied citizenship because I had voted. The next day I received a letter from Homeland Security threatening me with a $1,000 fine, up to five years in prison, or deportation because they said I voted illegally.

Again, the nightmare deepened. It was then, at the urging of a friend, that I contacted Rep. Andy Harris’ office. His office received my information on a Thursday.

The following Monday, Liz Linsky called from Harris’ office and reassured me that

JULY 20, 2012

they were on the case. Wednesday, I received a call from Immigration and was directed to be in Baltimore on June 15 to be sworn in as a U.S. citizen. I am proud to say that, finally, I am a U.S. citizen, again. With Rep. Harris’ staff’s amazingly fast action, I went from facing deportation to gaining my rightful citizenship.

I cannot thank Rep. Harris and his staff enough. Many times, I think, individuals feel lost in the system and inconsequential — no so with Rep. Harris. Even though Rep. Harris and I are on opposite ends of the political spectrum, there are times one must look past political ideological differences and look to the man himself. Rep. Harris and his staff did their jobs and did them well.

Manfred J. Frank Ocean City

‘Tourists’ The tourists come from far and wide On the beach, with us, they sit side-byside They bring many an umbrella, canopy, Boogie boards, and the latest beach toys.

So they can indulge in beach time joys.

They comb the beaches, Coastal Highway, And the Boardwalk for shells, bargains, Beach fries, ice creams, and the like.

Some of them will even ride bikes.

With them, let’s not fuss.

Some of them never have ridden a bus.

So please have them take care when the Street they cross We have already experienced at least Two deadly a loss.

With your manners, do recoup.

Just say “Hello.”

It will make our mutual experience More mellow.

So tourists do hail Without you here, Our pocketbooks would be Nothing more than empty pails.

Ellen C. O’Donoghue Ocean City

Ocean City Today

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Ocean City Today

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OCEAN CITY TODAY/LISA CAPITELLI

The Absolute Pleasure crew unzips the bag that keeps angler James Romero’s bigeye tuna cool, on July 15, the final day of the 25th annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament. The bigeye weighed 257 pounds and took over first place in the Single Heaviest Tuna Division. The fish was worth $224,116.

‘Absolute Pleasure’ wins Tuna Tourney with 257-pound bigeye LISA CAPITELLI ■ Assistant Editor (July 20, 2012) Capt. Willie Zimmerman took the Absolute Pleasure and its crew to the Washington Canyon about 60 miles offshore last Friday, the first day of the 25th annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament. It was a spot where there has been a strong bigeye bite this fishing season, but he didn’t have much luck that day.

Unfortunately for all of the tournament participants, the bigeye tuna bite last weekend seemed to taper off a bit.

“The last three weeks, there have been bigeyes caught every day down there,” Zimmerman said. “This week, I don’t know why it shut down.”

Added Tuna Tournament Director Jennifer Blunt, “A lot of the guys were not real happy with the [tuna fishing] outSee ZIMMERMAN on Page 28

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Ocean City Today

24 NEWS

JULY 20, 2012

Worc. Commissioners oppose proposed aquaculture sites NANCY POWELL â&#x2013; Staff Writer

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(July 20, 2012) The Worcester County Commissioners will be going on record with state officials that they oppose a proposed aquaculture project in the Chincoteague Bay just off South Point. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a terrible location,â&#x20AC;? said Bud Church, president of the Worcester County Commissioners.

Church was talking about plans of Don Marsh to have an aquaculture operation in an enterprise zone established in that bay by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for the purpose of aquaculture leasing. It is not something that can be regulated through county laws, but county officials may endorse or oppose it.

Church, who said he has received numerous calls about the proposed project, said 98 percent of those call oppose the plans.

The exact location of the project has changed slightly, but not the opposition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Residents, by and large, are still opposed to this, even in this [new] location,â&#x20AC;? said Church, who added that he is not opposed to aquaculture, but to the possible location of it.

Ed Tudor, director of the Department of Development Review and Permitting, said there should be 2 feet of water above the cages, but Church did not think that

was sufficient.

The proposed site is popular with wind surfers, who could tumble and fall onto the cages used in the aquaculture project, Church said. Riders of personal watercraft could also fall onto the cages. He also noted that the site has strong currents, which could move the cages, even though they are heavy.

Commissioner Virgil Shockley was concerned about boaters. The proposed site of the aquaculture project, he said, is the location of a channel and â&#x20AC;&#x153;thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where boats go,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Commissioner Madison Bunting was also concerned about the location. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anything that could tear my boat up â&#x20AC;Ś,â&#x20AC;? he said.

The commissioners are expressing their opinion to state officials in a letter, which will be the second from them arguing against the proposals. They sent a letter Aug. 8, 2010 to Sec. John Griffin of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources saying they wanted him to relocate the proposed leasing areas farther south so they would not conflict with recreational uses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are specifically concerned regarding the potential safety hazards to the recreational boating public as well as the potentially negative impact that such commercial operations may have on tourism in Worcester County,â&#x20AC;? the letter stated.

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Ocean City Today

NEWS 25

OCEAN CITY TODAY/NANCY POWELL

New cottages to be built on property adjacent to the existing Villa Nova development, shown above, will be larger than these cottages behind the former 707 Sports Bar and Grill.

New cottages for West Ocean City NANCY POWELL ■ Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) The Villa Nova in West Ocean City is expanding.

The Worcester County Planning Commission approved the site plan for the expansion July 12.

Attorney Hugh Cropper, representing owner Jack Burbage, said the Villa Nova “had been there forever.” The new plans, he added, “are just an expansion of what’s there.”

Last year, 27 cottages were rebuilt at Villa Nova I at 12702 Old Bridge Road.

Those new cottages are for residents; the 12 cottages to be built will be for vacationers. Those will be at Villa Nova II, which is located to the west of Villa Nova I.

“There is a big public need for both,” Cropper said.

In addition to the cottages, three duplex units will be built for longer-term rentals.

“Families need places to live that aren’t expensive,” he said.

The Villa Nova also had a bar and restaurant for many years. It was the 707 Sports Bar and Grill for more than one year, but it closed after the death of its owner, Carey Flynn, during a fight last year. Cyle Walker, 26, who was found guilty last week of involuntary manslaughter in that case awaits sentencing.

The building will be the newest Station 7 Restaurant, now located in Pittsville and Laurel, Del.

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Tell us what you like or dislike about Ocean City Today, and how we can better meet your needs as readers. Mail comments to: Ocean City Today, 8200 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. 21842 or e-mail editor@oceancitytoday.net

Ocean City Today

26 NEWS

JULY 20, 2012

Men charged in counterfeit case NANCY POWELL â&#x2013; Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) Two men, one from Ocean City and one from Berlin, have been charged in connection with a June counterfeit case in the resort.

On June 17, Ocean City police in the area of 17th Street and Philadelphia Avenue were told by an employee of a nearby business that someone had just attempted to pass a $20 counterfeit bill.

After meeting with employees and reviewing surveillance images of the incident, officers identified the suspect as Christopher Dale Miller Jr., 28, who lives in Berlin.

During their investigation into the use of counterfeit money, police linked Miller to additional cases. They identified a second suspect as Kevin Michael McCarthy Jr., 27, of Ocean City.

Police recovered 31 counterfeit $20 bills from eight businesses that were victimized.

Miller and McCarthy were charged with multiple counts of issuing and manufacturing counterfeit currency and theft. Miller was arrested June 20 and is being held in the Worcester County jail. McCarthy was charged on a warrant July 16 and as of Tuesday, had not been apprehended by police.

Both men have criminal records.

McCarthy is scheduled for jury trial in Circuit Court in Snow Hill on Aug. 11 on charges on second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

Christopher Dale Miller Jr.

Kevin Michael McCarthy Jr.

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Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

NEWS 27

Two men charged in counterfeit crimes (July 20, 2012) Two men believed to have passed counterfeit money in Ocean City, Pocomoke, Fruitland and Princess Anne were arrested last week.

Fruitland police were aware that the Ocean City Police Department was investigating a rash of counterfeit currency crimes and believed the suspects in their custody may be responsible for those crimes.

Surveillance cameras in Ocean City verified that the two men — Deontrae Lamar Bailey, 19, of Pocomoke, and Quincy Lene Williams, 21, of Norfolk, Va. — were the men arrested in Fruitland.

A joint investigation by police in Ocean City, Pocomoke, Princess Anne and Fruitland, plus investigators from the United States Secret Service, led to charges against the men.

The Ocean City Police Department charged Williams and Bailey with four counts of theft under $100, two counts of attempted theft under $100, one court of manufacturing counterfeit currency, one count of conspiracy to manufacture counterfeit currency, one count of conspiracy to commit theft and two counts of possession of forged currency.

Both men were being held in the Wicomico County Detention Center on $10,000 bond.

Anyone with information about this incident or the suspects involved is asked to contact the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6600.

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28 NEWS

Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

Zimmerman: I knew we needed a big fish Continued from Page 23

OCEAN CITY TODAY/LISA CAPITELLI

The Absolute Pleasure team poses with the 157-pound bigeye tuna caught by James Romero on July 15, the final day of the 25th annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament.

come on Friday. A majority of the fleet (71 of the 79 boats) went out that day and it may have scared the bigeyes. There were fewer boats fishing [Saturday and Sunday] and maybe the big eyes resurfaced.”

Zimmerman decided to go back to the Washington Canyon on Sunday, the final day of the competition. At that time, a 194-pound bigeye, caught aboard Restless Lady, held the first-place spot.

The Absolute Pleasure crew got two yellowfin bites early in the day, but neither were contenders.

“I didn’t think we were going to get a bite,” Zimmerman said. “I knew we needed a big fish to win it.”

Their luck would change later in the day, when at 2:02 p.m., a bigeye grabbed the bait. Angler James Romero fought the large fish for about two hours and boated it at 4:05 p.m.

“I didn’t know how big it was because it was hard to tell from up on the bridge,” Zimmerman said. “Our mate [Justin Hart] told me it was well over 200 pounds. He thought it was about 260 pounds.”

Zimmerman had a long ride back to the Ocean City Fishing Center, but he knew the Absolute Pleasure was fast.

Tournament weigh-ins ended at 7 p.m. and he got to the inlet in plenty of time, around 6 p.m. Since boats were lined up waiting to weigh their catches, the Absolute Pleasure didn’t arrive to the scale until 6:45 p.m.

Zimmerman could hear the crowd

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cheer as the fish was hoisted. When the scale read “257 pounds,” he was elated.

“I thought, ‘Holy cow, that’s a big fish.’

It was awesome,” he said. “I’ve been fishing this tournament since I was a kid and it’s been a long time coming. I’ve caught bluefin over 600 pounds, but this was my first bigeye. It was the perfect time to get it. You couldn’t ask for anything better.

It’s a tournament I’ll never forget.”

The bigeye took over first place in the Single Heaviest Tuna Division. The fish was worth $224,116. A majority of that money, $155,000, came from the Level F Pro Tuna Jackpot, which is a winner-takeall pool for the largest single tuna. It costs $5,000 to enter and 34 of the 79 boats registered for the Level F calcutta.

Shortly after, the Reel Desire arrived at the scale. They had two bigeye tuna bites, but cut one loose because it was getting close to the time when lines had to be out of the water. They wanted to make sure they had at least one fish to weigh.

“They knew they wouldn’t be able to fight two and make it back on time, so they cut one off,” Blunt said. “They were rushing to get home and lost an engine. It comes to time management. You have to be aware of where you are and how long it will take to get back.”

Troy Graham’s bigeye weighed in at 202 pounds, good for second place. The fish earned the Reel Desire team $30,978.

Restless Lady angler John Schindler’s 194-pounder finished in third place. It was worth $20,653.

The Lady Luck II crew weighed five

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Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

NEWS 29

Bigeye tuna bite last weekend tapered off just before tournament yellowfin tuna each of their two fishing days. Total weight of the 10 fish was 489 pounds. The team won the Stringer Weight Division and pocketed $68,236.

The Cat Without A Handle crew also weighed 10 yellowfin. Their total weight was 412 pounds, to put the group in second place. They took home $27,131. The D.A. Sea brought eight yellowfin to the scale. They weighed a combined 373 pounds, good for third place. The crew was awarded $25,715.

Mike Glyphis, fishing on the Cat Without A Handle, took top honors in the dolphin division with a 35-pounder that brought in $2,500. Erick Martinez’s

(Crush’Em) 30-pounder was good for second place and $1,000. The Chain Reaction received $500 for Grant Clubb’s 19-pound dolphin.

Tina Boykin, fishing on Lucky Duck II, nabbed first and third place in the Lady Angler Division, with 56- and 52-pound yellowfin tuna. She won $1,500, Costa sunglasses and a $100 gift card to the OC Fishing Center gift shop.

Reelin’ & Rockin’ angler Sue Littleton finished in second place with a 53pounder. She received Costa sunglasses and a necklace from Park Place Jewelers.

Team Binnacle Tackle angler Alex Grapes, 9, scored first-place honors in the

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Junior Angler Division, with his 49pound tuna. He was awarded $1,000.

Eleven-year-old Ben Boykin, fishing aboard Lucky Duck II, caught a 48pounder to put him in second place. No Limits angler Jacob Adkins, 16, took third, with a 47-pound yellowfin. Both Boykin and Adkins won $500.

A new Calcutta — Level I Boats Under 40 feet Winner Takes All — was added in 2011. This year, 26 of the 30 boats smaller than 40 feet entered the Level I calcutta, where 50 percent of the prize money went to the angler who reeled in the heaviest tuna. The other 50 percent was awarded to the team with the most tuna caught,

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Trevor Hicks hooked a 56-pounder aboard the Albedamn to win $3,510.

Lucky Duck II also received $3,510 for its 489-pound stringer weight.

A total of $426,910 was paid out to tournament winners. Five bigeyes, more than 100 yellowfin and seven dolphin were weighed throughout the three tournament days. No bluefin tuna were brought to the scale.

“I think the tournament went very well.

We were happy with the turnout,” Blunt said. “We saw some great strings of yellowfin. The last day, a lot more bigeyes showed up.”

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Ocean City Today

30 NEWS

JULY 20, 2012

EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION On June 15, Stephen V. Hales, Clerk of Circuit Court for Worcester County, presented “Years of Service” awards, from left, to Rhonda Wilkerson (10 years), Chief Deputy Clerk Susan Braniecki (25 years), Claire King (15 years), Michelle Taylor (five years), Nicole Caudell (five years) and Robin Hester (10 years).

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Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

NEWS 31

OCEAN CITY TODAY/NANCY POWELL

NIGHT AT THE RACES Lou Ann Trummel, treasurer of Star Charities, at left above, accepts a $500 check from Lucille McNulty, president of the Sister City Committee, during the Night at the Races event, held July 12, at Ocean Downs Racetrack. The check will be given to Diakonia, the West Ocean City crisis shelter for men, women and families. (Left) Anna Foultz of Star Charities, left, with Susan Blaney, faculties and volunteer coordinator at Diakonia.

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Ocean City Today

32 NEWS

JULY 20, 2012

Debate pits locals against summer residents Continued from Page 17

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their neighbors had a skateboard ramp that ran onto the street. I keep my kids off the street,” said Little Salisbury resident Ron Buckley. “If you build a house so big that you don’t have room to get in your car, it’s probably your concern. I don’t think all of us should suffer for one house.”

“When the two really huge new houses came in, I noticed they had a ramp on one side of the street and another on the other, and that is entirely unsafe,” said resident Carol Skinner. “I’ve seen the 15 mile-per-hour signs, and I think it’s being observed by everyone who’s a local.

There are the tourists, and I guess they’ll love it [the closed road] if they come back in the winter.”

Council – many of whom said they had received calls about the issue - was supportive of keeping the street open.

“You can’t go closing off every street in the name of safety,” said Councilman Brent Ashley.

“When that house was laid out, there were probably some things that should’ve been taken into consideration, but maybe there is something we can do to meet in the middle,” suggested Councilman Doug Cymek.

Council voted to keep the road open, but have McGean investigate other options for traffic mitigation.

“I’m just confused as to why it was said so quickly to not close the road to appease everybody,” said Maria Covell. “It’s a safety issue. We aren’t just looking for

additional space for our kids to play.”

Tim Covell acknowledged the socioeconomic undertone to the debate. “I bought the house and fixed it up for myself. Maybe that’s not what some people were looking for. We’re not trying to create a gated community for ourselves.”

Chris Shanahan, owner of K-Coast Surf Shop who has lived in the area since 1996, said he was the one who originally sold the skate ramps in question to residents who have since left. “I don’t think the pitchforks should’ve come out against our neighbors so fast,” Shanahan said.

“In the summertime, we do have so many pedestrians who need to use it [Seabay Drive]. I’d like to lend them [the Covells] my support.”

Former resident Jenny Carven also noted that the need was not just for the Covells. “I don’t know how many time I personally have been walking down that street and had to jump out of the way of cars,” she said. “There are a lot of younger people who rent during the summer on that street. I don’t think these people are just letting their kids run in the street.”

Council found it difficult to make a compromise. “As I was pondering this issue this afternoon, I did think, if that was the case, of possibly closing the street to travel just during the summer months.

Would that be workable?” Cymek asked.

He was quickly shouted down by a disgruntled audience.

Various non-committal options, including speed bumps and additional sig-

nage, continued to be discussed.

Throughout the session, McGean became more and more visibly annoyed as he was asked to determine the effectiveness of options that he had already determined, in his professional opinion, were ineffective.

“A ‘child at play’ sign is not a legal sign, I can’t just put one up every time someone asks,” McGean explained. “I look into these things. That’s what you all pay me for.”

McGean also reiterated several times his determination that speed bumps were “under no condition a good idea.”

“Among the many problems with speed bumps are the danger to emergency vehicles, and the fact that they encourage those with soft suspensions to just go faster to dampen the impact,” he stated.

“I swore I wouldn’t do this,” uttered McGean at the end of the meeting. “The right engineering solution, from your engineer, is the one I outlined. I understand that that’s not the popular one, so I can see what other things could be done.”

“The most effective means of controling the traffic on that street would have been to put the flex posts in to close the one end to vehicular traffic,” McGean later clarified. “There are other options that could help but would not be as effective.”

As of Thursday morning, it appears that a speed-indicating sign had been installed to face northbound traffic on the street.

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Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

NEWS 33

POLICE BRIEFS

Vehicle accident near Kelley bridge A 23-year-old West Ocean City man was charged July 13 with driving under the influence, negligent driving, driving on an expired license and failure to control speed to control collision.

According to Maryland State Police, David Leyden was driving westbound on Route 50 just west of the Harry Kelley bridge in lane two when two other vehicles were stopped at the red signal at westbound Route 50 and Inlet Isle Lane. Leyden failed to slow and collided with the rear of a vehicle driven by Melinda Harmon, 32, of Delmar, Md., which then struck a vehicle driven by Robert Zaremski, 44, of Crownsville.

The lane was closed for approximately 30 minutes.

Heyden was not injured. Harmon and Zaremski both suffered minor injuries.

Woman’s car stopped illegally, causes crash An 87-year-old Ocean City woman was charged July 13 with stopping her vehicle in an intersection after being involved in a collision on westbound Route 50 east of Route 589.

Maryland State Police said Leona Mansfield suffered minor injuries after stopping on Route 50 and trying to make an illegal left turn into the WalMart parking lot. A vehicle driven by James C. Martin, 64, of Clarksburg then collided into the rear of Mansfield’s vehicle.

Drinking leads to collsion on Route 589 A 44-year-old Baltimore man was charged July 14 with driving under the influence, attempting to leave the scene of a property damage accident, negligent driving and related traffic charges after a vehicle collision on Route 589 at Ocean Downs Casino.

Maryland State Police stated in a press release that Michael Thomas Barlage was driving south on Route 589 at the Casino at Ocean Downs when he failed to slow and collided with the read end of a vehicle driven by Cheryl Lynn George, 42, of Berlin.

Barlage refused field sobriety tests and was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and other charges.

Vehicle strikes old Stockton firehouse A 17-year-old Stockton girl was charged July 15 with negligent driving after she lost control of her vehicle on George Island Landing Road. Her vehicle spun out of control and collided with the old Stockton firehouse.

According to Maryland State Police, there were minor cosmetic damages to both the building and the vehicle.

Two men charged with counterfeit offenses Ocean City police charged two men July 21 with multiple counts of possession of counterfeit money, the issuing of counterfeit and theft.

Police were called to the area of Seventh Street and Philadelphia Avenue at about 8:45 p.m. in response to a call of two men who had just passed a counterfeit $100 bill.

Continued on Page 39

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Ocean City Today

34 NEWS

OBITUARIES Diane Janet Hall Fritschle SARASOTA, Fla. — Diane Janet Hall Fritschle, 60, passed away Saturday, June 30, 2012 in Sarasota, Fla. Born Oct. 22, 1951 in Dayton, Ohio, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Carter T. Smith, and her father, James E. Hall Jr. She is survived by her mother, Mary D. Smith; sons, Grant (Jamie), Drew (Hollie) and Chase (Jenn); daughter, Sarah (Jared) DeStackelberg; granddaughters, Hailey and Diana Fritschle and Aubrey Fritschle and Lily DeStackelberg; siblings, Steve (Sally), D.D. (John) Hilke, Amy (Robert) Coughlin, James E. Hall III, Molly (Rick) Day, Janie (Lance) Hill and Creighton Smith; and 14 nieces and nephews.

Ms. Fritschle is a 1969 graduate of Oakwood High School in Dayton, Ohio. She attended Leas McRae Jr. College, Western Washington State College and Appalachian State College. She resided in Ocean City for 30 years prior to settling in Sarasota.

She was a dedicated, loving, nurturing mother, grandmother, daughter, sibling and aunt. She will always be remembered for her loving heart, sparkling eyes and wonderful laugh.

A memorial Mass will be held Friday, July 20, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, in Sarasota. Donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice House, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Fla. 34238.

Robert S. Smith Sr. BISHOPVILLE — Robert S. Smith Sr. was called to rest on Tuesday, July 10, 2012.

Born Feb. 16, 1933, he was the son of the late Harrison and Sarah “Holland” Smith.

Mr. Smith’s early childhood education was at George Washington Carver School in Frankford, Del. He started his Christian walk with Christ early at St. John AME Church in Bishopville, where he was still a member until his passing. While there, he was a dedicated trustee for many years.

He performed duties as carpenter, electrician and yard maintenance. He completed the interior of the pastor’s office and the church dining facility. He was a member of the musician team. He loved playing his guitar. One of his favorite hymns was “Yes God Is Real.”

He met and married Elizabeth Taylor in 1955, and to that union were three sons, Woodrow, Robert and Eugene. He was employed by Mann’s Potato Chip plant for several years. Later, he purchased a truck and became a self-employed truck driver. He built cabinets, tables and anything else needed with wood and nails. He was a loving and caring person. He would do anything he could for anybody. He always kept a smile on his face.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith was also preceded in death by his son, Woodrow (Booty) Smith; three brothers, Orlando, Martin and Layfield Smith; and three sisters, Martha Custis, Rosie Johnson and Katie Smith.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth Smith; two sons, Robert and Eugene (Michelle) both of Millsboro, Del.; three brothers, Raymond (Diane) of Fruitland, Md., Russell (Arlinda) of Williamstown, N.J., and Randall (Ellen) of Newark, Del; two sisters, Roberta Cropper

JULY 20, 2012

of Williamstown, N.J., and Ruth (Daniel) Rayne of Frankford, Del.; two uncles, Martin (Mabel) Holland and Frankie Pitts; two sisters-in-law, Margaret (Albert) Hagans and Daisey Taylor; three brothers-in-law, Russell (Diane) Taylor of Selbyville, Del., Harold (Roseanna) Taylor of Williamstown, N.J., and Robert (Shirley) Taylor of Berlin; one great-aunt, Cordelia Tyre; 11 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

A funeral service was held Saturday, July 14, at the Calvary Pentecostal Church in Bishopville. The Rev. Alfred Barnes officiated. Burial followed at St. John AME Church Cemetery in Bishopville. Arrangements were handled by Watson Funeral Home.

Emanuel J. “Manny” Ortiz LEWES, Del. — Emanuel J. “Manny” Ortiz, 76, of Selbyville and Ocean City, and formerly of Bowie, Md., died Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Del. Born in New Kensington, Pa., he was the son of the late Julius and Salvatrice (Mighorici) Ortiz.

Mr. Ortiz was a supervisor in the procurement section, Department of the Navy. A Marine Corps veteran, he was a member of the First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League in Ocean View.

He was also a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Ocean Pines and the Old Timers Softball League.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Franca Ortiz; two daughters, Joann DeVito and her husband, Tony, of Davidsonville, Md., and Linda Morrison and her husband, Rob, of Stevensville, Md.;

two sisters, Michelina Ferrante of Stone Mountain, Ga., and Joann Bernstein of Ft. Myers, Fla; and three grandchildren, Joseph and Erica DeVito and Derrick Morrison.

A Mass of Christian burial was held Tuesday, July 17, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Ocean City, with Father Richard Smith officiating. Burial was in Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First State Detachment, Marine Corps League, P.O. Box 434, Ocean View, Del. 19970. Arrangements were handled by Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville, Del. Buddy R. Age SHOW HILL — Buddy Ray Age, 77, died Friday, July 13, 2012, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury.

Born in Glen Rogers, W.Va., he was the son of the late Robert Lee Age and Bonnie Bates Age. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Fooks Age; and children, Kathy Gravenor of Snow Hill, Carol Brittingham and Buddy Age her fiancé, Charles William Knight III of Berlin, Kimberly Age of Snow Hill and Ray Age Jr. of Salisbury; and adopted daughter, Katheryn Liddle of Snow Hill. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Roy and Tim Brewington, Chip Quillen, and Brooks, Brenton, Tyler, Austin and Lindsay Brittingham; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are brothers, Robert

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OBITUARIES Age and his wife, Hazel, of South Carolina, Daniel Age and his wife, Linda, of Girdletree, and David Age and his wife, Susan, of Newark; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Eleanor Hook and grandsons, Bradley Quillen and Jeff Shockley.

Mr. Age had owned and operated Buddy Age Television Repair Shop for many years. He was a United States Air Force veteran. He was a member of the Snow Hill Christian Church, where he served as deacon. He was a graduate of Snow Hill High School and a member of the Snow Hill Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed metal detecting.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, July 17, at the Snow Hill Christian Church.

The Rev. Dale Jacobs officiated. Interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Snow Hill Christian Church, 300 Park Row, Snow Hill, Md. 21863. Arrangements were handled by Burbage Funeral Home in Snow Hill.

Joseph C. Burns OCEAN PINES — Joseph Clark Burns, 75, died Friday, July 13, 2012, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Andrew Joseph Burns and Martha Clark Burns.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Lillian Burns, in 2008. He is survived by his son, Steven Joseph Burns of Marina del Rey, Calif.; a sister, Martha Ann Huber and her husband, John; two nieces; and one nephew.

Ocean City Today Mr. Burns was one of the first employees with the Rouse Company of Columbia, Md., where he served as an accountant. He had also worked with the Western Maryland Railroad. He was a founder of the Lions Club in Ocean Pines and had also been a member of the Ellicott City Lions Club. He had been a volunteer with Diakonia in Ocean City and had served in the Armored Division of the National Guard.

Cremation followed his death. No formal services are planned. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory may be made to Diakonia, 12474 Old Bridge Road, Ocean City, Md. 21842. Arrangements were handled by Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Elmer “Babe” Parks OCEAN CITY — Elmer Dawson Parks, affectionately known as “Pop,” died at his home on Sunday, July 15, 2012. Born June 28, 1917, in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Katherine and Harry Parks. He was the baby of 10 boys, earning the name “Babe.”

Mr. Parks spent the majority of his life in Baltimore and spent his summers in Ocean City with his wife Catherine Elmer Parks and grandchildren, Jacques and Tracey, who were his pride and joy. He loved flounder fishing and the Ocean City Boardwalk. Babe loved to work in his garage and fix things around the house. He was a hard working, family-oriented man.

On his 80th birthday, Mr. Parks was

presented with the key to Ocean City. He moved to Ocean City after retiring from Baltimore Gas & Electric in 1979. He loved his one and only daughter, Bonnie, with all of his heart. Bonnie was truly a “daddy’s girl.”

Mr. Parks was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew him.

“Babe” was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Catherine, in 2004. He leaves to cherish his loving memories his daughter, Bonnie and son-in-law, Cecil Estes, of West Ocean City. Also surviving are grandchildren, Jacques J. Remmell and his wife, Chris, Tracy R. Hall and her fiancé, Dave Mullineaux, Lori and Jeff Pitts, Lisa and John Kerr, and Ed Estes; great-grandchildren, Katie, Cassidy and Jack Remmell, Zachary Hall, Sam and Lilly Pitts, John, Kelsey, Shelby and Kylie Kerr, Joanna Adams and Patricia Estes; and great-great-grandchildren, Trevor Adams and Julian Lanier. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Mary Louise Miller,

NEWS 35

many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Chauncey.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made in his memory to Atlantic General Hospital Foundation, Tree of Life Program, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, Md. 21811.

David Lazar OCEAN PINES — David Lazar, 78, died Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at his home after a brief illness. Born in Oliphant, Pa., he was the son of the late Michael Lazar and Mary Prokipchak Lazar. He is survived by his wife, Diane B. Lazar, and daughters, Donna Pachasa of Sewell, N.J., Deanna O’Driscoll and her husband, Dennis, of David Lazar Mullica Hill, N.J., and Deborah Calhoun and her husband, Joseph, of Turnersville, N.J. He was preContinued on Page 36

36 NEWS

Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

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ceded in death by his son, David Michael Lazar. He leaves five grandchildren, Kristina Miller, Megan Pachasa and Steven, Ryan and Devon Calhoun. There are numerous nieces and nephews.

Also preceding him in death were his brothers, Richard and Gerald Lazar and his sister, Janice Marie Picardi.

Mr. Lazar had been a senior claims specialist in workers compensation with Employers Insurance of Wausau. He also was employed as a part-time bus driver during the summer with the town of Ocean City Transportation Department. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He attended St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Ocean City, had been a member of the Ocean Pines Kiwanis, enjoyed working with stained glass, woodworking and loved bowling.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. The Rev. David Dingwall will officiate. Cremation will follow. Inurnment will be in the St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory may be made to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21804.

DNR seeks public comment on land through Aug. 10 (July 20, 2012) The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the 15-year vision for E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area.

The 2,630-acre property is located in southeastern Worcester County. DNR will accept public comment on the plan through Aug. 10.

“Public comments will help wildlife professionals establish a sound management strategy to preserve, protect, enhance and restore diverse wildlife populations and habitats,” said Russ Hill, habitat biologist and plan coordinator for DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. “We hope that interested hunters, hikers, birdwatchers and other outdoor enthusiasts will take advantage of this chance to review and comment on the vision plan.”

The E.A. Vaughn WMA vision plan was developed to effectively establish long-term goals, and maintain and manage public access for outdoor recreation and natural resource protection. The plan, to be carried out over the next 15 years, will address conserving, restoring and protecting sensitive wildlife habitats as well as creating and maintaining valuable habitat for game species.

Citizens may comment by phone at 410-713-3851, by fax to 410-713-3849, or online by visiting dnr.state.md.us/ wildlife/EAVaughn_WMAForum/Vision_Plan.asp. Written comments should be sent to Russ Hill, DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service, 201 Baptist St., Suite 22, Salisbury, Md. 21801. For additional information about the E.A. Vaughn WMA, visit http://dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Publiclands/eastern/eavaughn.asp.

JULY 20, 2012

Ocean City Today

NEWS 37

Berlin drug dealer sentenced by Cathell to 14 years in prison NANCY POWELL ■ Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) Drug dealer Darryl Lee Whaley, 55, of Berlin, remained standing, but slumped forward at the defendant’s table in Circuit Court in Snow Hill on Monday after he was sentenced to 14 years in prison for distributing cocaine.

Defense attorney Erin McCormack had told Judge Dale Cathell, who is retired from the Court of Appeals, but sometimes sits on the bench to hear cases, that his client was not a drug dealer. He had agreed to supply cocaine to an undercover Ocean City policeman, but he “essentially acted as a courier,” McCormack said. “If he was a drug dealer, he would have reached in his pocket.”

What Whaley did at the Harbor Inn in downtown Ocean City was take the officer’s money, go somewhere nearby to get the cocaine and then handed the cocaine to the policeman. The sale was part of the Tipsy Taxi undercover sting of the Ocean City police department that continued for a couple of years. Whaley’s charges, McCormack said, stemmed from that Harbor Inn sale in October 2008.

A grand jury indicted Whaley in January 2012 with three counts of distribution of cocaine and one count of distribution of oxycodone. He was arrested in February and he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine in May. In exchange for his plea, the State’s Attorney’s Office did not prosecute the other charges.

During Monday’s sentencing, McCormack told Cathell that Whaley had “been to hell and back” because of his drug use. That drug use was the cause of his 45-day coma, which was a “life-changing experience,” McCormack said. Since then, his client has been clean, has gotten married, built a house and has a job with a moving company. He asked Cathell to allow Whaley to participate in drug court, a strict regimen requiring intensive counseling, frequent drug tests and numerous appearances in court.

Cathell disputed McCormack’s statements that Whaley was not a drug dealer.

“He’s had a bunch of drug distribution convictions,” Cathell said.

In addition to six convictions of possession of drugs and two convictions of dis-

OP resident gets jail for oxycodone distribution NANCY POWELL ■ Staff Writer (July 20, 2012) A 32-year-old Ocean Pines woman, who was convicted of drug distribution, was sentenced Monday to one year in the county jail.

Originally from Berlin, Branden Leigh Sandifer pleaded guilty May 8 in Circuit Court in Snow Hill to distribution of oxycodone, a prescription narcotic, and Judge Dale Cathell ordered a presentence investigation. In exchange for her guilty plea, the State’s Attorney’s Office did not

prosecute two additional charges of distribution of oxycodone against her.

Deputy State’s Attorney Abigail Marsh said Sandifer was eligible for Drug Court, an intensive program where participants are closely supervised, are tested frequently for drugs, have intensive counseling and frequent appearances in court.

Sandifer, who had been one of Worcester County’s most wanted last winter, has five convictions of driving while her license was suspended or driving under the influence. She also has a pending theft case.

Marsh said Sandifer has been living

with her mother and her 14-year-old daughter, but her daughter will be going to Florida to stay with her grandparents.

She has worked as a bartender.

Sandifer told Cathell she had been in drug treatment as a juvenile and she wanted to participate in Drug Court.

“The stability of it is something I need,” Sandifer said. “I have a drug problem.”

Cathell was not persuaded. He sentenced her to one year in jail and said he had no comment to make about Drug Court.

tribution of cocaine, Whaley had five major traffic offense convictions and one felony theft conviction. He also spent 15 of the past 37 years in prison, Cathell said.

“He’s just been a pain and a problem to the criminal justice system since he became an adult,” Cathell said.

Before his sentencing, Whaley said he was sorry and blamed others for his problems.

“I put myself around people who were using drugs,” he said.

He said he had made some dumb choices, but had changed his life.

“Jail is not going to help me,” Whaley told Cathell. “I’d like to get the help drug court could give me.”

Cathell noted that Whaley had been on probation numerous times and had violated parole four times and that all of his offenses took place in Worcester County.

One of Whaley’s previous arrests for distribution of cocaine was in June 2009 following a Take Pride in Berlin meeting organized by then-State’s Attorney Joel Todd, who announced the operation to target the open air drug market in the area of Bay and Flower streets in Berlin. Whaley was considered one of the area’s biggest drug dealers.

“The only thing I can do is get him out of Worcester County and let the state system worry about him,” Cathell said.

Cathell then sentenced Whaley to 14 years in prison, dating from Feb. 3, when he was arrested because he had been held in the county jail since then.

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Ocean City Today

38 NEWS

JULY 20, 2012

Girdletree firefighter assists Va. woman overcome by car fire (July 20, 2012) Capt. Sergio Castillo of the Girdletree Volunteer Fire Company was called a hero last week by the head of a service crew fighting forest fires in northwestern Virginia.

“According to the information we received from the local hospital emergency room following the incident, the woman would not have lived without the emergency medical assistance the crew provided,” said Mark Beals, boss of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service Crew.

Castillo, who is also an emergency medical technician with the Pocomoke City Emergency Medical Services, was one of a 20-person DNR wildland firefighting crew on a 14-day assignment in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. When the crew was returning to their base camp after a full day of firefighting July 3, they came across an unresponsive woman lying on the road near a smoking car.

Castillo and four other men, all emergency medical technicians or paramedics, administered medication to restore her

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breathing while other fighters extinguished the vehicle fire, provided traffic control and scene security. The woman was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Fire supervisors hailed the crew members as heroes at the firefighting briefing the following morning. In addition to Castillo, the men who provided emergency medical care were Eric Peterson of Lusby in Calvert County, Stephen Stanton of Deale in Anne Arundel County, Mark Miller of Sykesville in Carroll County and Keith Gordon of Glenmount in Montgomery County.

Following the roadside emergency incident, Castillo and the others continued to fight wildfires in the steep and rugged landscape of the national forests for 10 additional days in oppressive heat.

The DNR Forest Service, under agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, has provided specially trained wildland firefighting personnel and equipment to assist with wildfires throughout the United States since 1974. Crews have worked this summer in Virginia, Colorado and Missouri.

Drug drop box in Public Safety Building yields some narcotics (July 20, 2012) In just two weeks, the drug drop box in the lobby of the Public Safety Building at 65th Street, has yielded 26 pounds of assorted medication, some of which were narcotics.

The permanent drug drop box, donated by the Ocean City Elks Lodge in May, was Worcester County’s first.

“We are extremely pleased with the response we are receiving from the program,” Chief Bernadette DiPino stated in a press release. “We are proud to be part of a program that has increased the ability of residents and visitors to easily and properly dispose of unneeded, expired or unwanted medicine.”

The drug drop box program,

launched by the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, was designed to significantly reduce the prescription drugs in American homes that are either no longer needed or outdated.

Citizens may dispose of their unwanted medications by using the drug drop box at any time or day.

Police ask citizens who want to remove their personal information from the medicine container to leave the name of the medication, in order to properly dispose of it.

For additional information, contact the Ocean City Police Department’s Public Affairs Office at 410-723-6665.

Dolphin Count 2012 invites public to assist in annual event (July 20, 2012) The public is invited to join the National Aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue Program staff today, July 20, for the annual dolphin count along the coast of Maryland. The annual dolphin counts help marine mammal specialists capture a snapshot look at dolphin populations, reproduction rates, and ocean health.

We now know that Atlantic bottlenose dolphins use Maryland waters as a thoroughfare for migration, summertime breeding, and feeding along the way. With the public’s help, we will continue to gather and analyze this information and learn more about the state of our waters and the dolphin populations that are found off our coast.

The National Aquarium’s annual count

involves spending a few hours on the beach watching the water for passing dolphins, and filling out a data sheet. Each team will have an aquarium representative to help set up and answer questions.

The event is free and open to the public.

The July 20 count will take place from 8– 11 a.m.

Aquarium staff will be stationed Assateague State Park (day use area) and on the beach at 40th and 130th streets in Ocean City. Look for aquarium staff in blue shirts. As a reminder, it is always helpful to bring a beach chair or blanket, water to stay hydrated, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and binoculars.

E-mail marp@aqua.org for more information about the event.

Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

NEWS 39

knife on the car floor in front of where she had been sitting.

The police officer had stopped the car at North Division Street and Baltimore Avenue because the passenger, Samantha Leigh Livingston, 21, was not wearing a seatbelt.

Then the officer saw the knife.

Livingston said the knife was hers and she had it because she lives in a bad neighborhood.

POLICE BRIEFS Continued from Page 33 When police arrived in the area, one suspect was being detained by employees of one establishment and one suspect had fled.

About 20 minutes later, police were called to a business on Fourth Street on the Boardwalk because a man was trying to pass a counterfeit $100 bill. The employee, who determined the bill was fake, stalled the suspect until officers arrived.

Investigation revealed the suspects, Gusyen Aliyev, 28, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Mikhail Eugene Dikler, 29, also of Brooklyn, entered businesses and used a counterfeit $100 bill to purchase a low-cost item. The counterfeit bill, which was a very high quality, would yield the suspects more than $90 in change in authentic currency.

The investigation resulted in the recovery of 16 counterfeit bills. Approximately $5,000 in actual U.S. currency, believed to be the proceeds of these counterfeiting crimes, was seized.

Vandals place lifeguard stand on Coastal Hwy. Ocean City police went to the area of 139th Street and Coastal Highway on July 12 for a report of disorderly conduct and possible theft of a lifeguard stand.

They located the lifeguard stand near the bus lane on the highway.

Witnesses told police they saw five men carrying the lifeguard stand from the beach and set it in the roadway. Three of the suspects ran when police arrived, but the other two were located by police in the area of

A SHORT WAIT

OCEAN CITY TODAY/NANCY POWELL

Bicyclists wait for emergency personnel to take care of a gas leak from a vehicle in the beach side camping area at Assateague Island National Seashore on Saturday.

138th Street.

Those men, Matthew Jarvis Winemiller, 24, of Whiteford, and Michael Andrew Albert, 24, of Port Deposit, were charged with theft and disorderly conduct.

Talkative man has switchblade, is arrested A Baltimore man who asked an Ocean City policeman for directions on July 10 ended up in handcuffs.

Ryan Christopher Ockimey, 28, asked for directions and the policeman noticed he was holding an open aluminum water bottle that had a very strong odor of alcohol. Ockimey said he was drinking a malt liquor and the policeman informed him of the town ordinance against drinking alcohol on public property. The policeman then told Ockimey he was free to leave, but Ockimey kept talking to him and the policeman saw that he

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was wearing a necklace in the shape of a marijuana leaf.

He asked Ockimey if he had any drugs and Ockimey said he could search him. Then he raised his hands and said he had a “blade.”

A 4-inch-long switchblade knife was attached to Ockimey’s belt. He told the policeman that it was for protection and that he lived in Baltimore.

“You carry this type of thing so that you don’t die,” Ockimey said.

The policeman then arrested him and charged him with carrying a concealed deadly weapon.

Officer sees knife on vehicle floor A 21-year-old Salisbury woman was charged July 15 with having a concealed deadly weapon after a police officer found a

Anger at girlfriend leads to arrest An 18-year-old Fruitland man was charged July 13 with second-degree assault and obstructing and hindering after allegedly interfering in the arrest of his girlfriend, who allegedly shoplifted a candle from a downtown Ocean City store.

Jacob Dallas Tingle started yelling at her and a police officer ordered him to back away from her.

He backed up, but continued yelling. He reportedly slapped the officer’s hand when the officer raised it while talking to him.

Marijuana in vehicle leads to arrest of two Two New Jersey men were charged July 11 with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia after their vehicle was stopped for speeding on Route 113 in the area of Branch Street in Berlin.

During a search of the vehicle, officers of the Berlin Police Department discovered suspected marijuana and a smoking device.

Jeffrey Hirshorn, 40, and Edmond Rorke III, 42, both of Cherry Hill, were arrested.

Ocean City Today

SPORTS www.oceancitytoday.net

PAGE 40

JULY 20, 2012 PHOTO COURTESY KALEN FOLEY

PHOTO COURTESY ALEX BRUDER

Berlin resident Erick Bruder competed against some of the top athletes in the world during the 2012 Reebok CrossFit Games, held July 13-15, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Bruder takes on world’s top athletes during CrossFitGames LISA CAPITELLI ■ Assistant Editor (July 20, 2012) Erick Bruder competed against some of the top athletes in the world last weekend during the 2012 Reebok CrossFit Games, held July 13-15, in Carson, Calif.

The Berlin resident finished 15th overall in the Master Men 50-54-year-old division of the CrossFit Games, which are billed as the world’s premier test to find the “Fittest on Earth.”

“The competition was fierce.

You’re out there to win, but at the same time everyone’s so humble and nice,” said Bruder, 50. “The whole experience was great. It was a fantastic time.”

Bruder, who trains at Ocean City CrossFit, located on Grays Corner Road near Berlin, has been following the core strength and conditioning program for about six years and said he is in the best shape of his life. CrossFit is described as “constantly varied, high intensity, functional movement,” with the goal of improving fitness.

Athletes had to complete two CrossFit workouts each day of the Games. Competitors only found out a few days before the start of the competition what activities they would perform during the workouts.

Weighing in at 145 pounds and standing 5 foot 6 inches, Bruder was one of the smaller See BRUDER on Page 41

Resort’s own Brian Stoehr adds another milestone to his 14-year professional bodyboarding career

WAVE OF

SUCCESS LISA CAPITELLI ■ Assistant Editor

Professional bodyboarder

(July 20, 2012) Professional bodyboarder Brian Stoehr has chalked up countless accomplishments throughout his 14-year career, and now at the age of 33, he continues to ride the wave of success.

For the first time in his career, Stoehr advanced to the drop knee finals of the Dave & Buster’s Sandy Beach Pro in Oahu, Hi., held July 7-8. It was the second event on the USBA Pro Bodyboard Tour.

He placed fourth overall, behind three Hawaiian locals — Dave Hubbard, Sammy Morretino and Kawika Kamai.

“It’s the best I’ve ever done in a Hawaiian event.

I’ve won tour events before, but never in Hawaii,” said Stoehr, whose previous top performance during the event was seventh place.

“Hawaiian events are tougher. [Hawaiians] are known for being the best bodyboarders in the world.

Those guys know those waves so well.”

Brian Stoehr, above, competes in the Dave & Buster’s Sandy Beach Pro in Oahu, Hi., the second event on the USBA Pro Bodyboard Tour, held July 7-8. He placed fourth overall, his best finish at the event.

Stoehr’s fourth-place finish two weeks ago was the best anyone from the east coast has done in more than 20 years.

“I’m very fulfilled with my career already. A couple times over the years I’ve done something that I’ve never done before, but this is a big deal. It’s right up there with winning the tour a few years ago,” said the Selbyville, Del.based bodyboarder, who grew up riding waves in Ocean City. “I was pleased to accomplish something that I’ve never done before.”

In early June, Stoehr finished in seventh place during the U.S. Open in Huntington Beach, Calif.

See STOEHR on Page 41

SPORTS BRIEFS

Track camp Worcester County Recreation & Park’s weeklong track camp for youth entering grades 1-8 will take place at the facility in Snow Hill, Monday, July 23, to Friday, July 27, from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $70 per child.

Participants will learn track and field fundamentals by participating in a variety of activities that cover the basic principles of running and jumping as well as long jump, high jump, shot-put and hurdles.

Campers should wear shorts and running shoes. Please no basketball or skater shoes or clothing.

Financial aid for most youth programs is available to those that demonstrate a need. For more information, call Myro Small at 410-6322144, Ext. 109.

Strongman Contest Ocean City’s first strongman competition was held Saturday, July 7, behind the Gold Coast Mall on 115th Street at Golds Gym. Twenty-two competitors from five states competed.

Mitch Miedusiewski, Timonium, Md., placed first in the Teenage Under 200 pounds division. Zac Hill of Selbyville, Del., took first in the Teenage Over 200 pounds class.

David Stinson, Dagsboro, Del., won the Masters 40-49 light heavy weight category and Phil Kirby of Fenwick Island, Del., was victorious in the 50plus group.

Joe Cryer of Ocean City, won the 40-49 heavyweight division. Adam Delaney of Albany, N.Y., earned first place in the Open Under 200 pounds category and Bryan Dephillip of Avokeek, Md., won the Over 200-pound class.

Delaney won the overall men’s championship and Katelyn Choiniers of Albany, N.Y., was the women’s champion.

The next strongman competition will be in September at Golds Gym. For more information, contact Gary or Mike at 410-723-4653.

Two Berlin All-Star teams battle for state championships LISA CAPITELLI ■ Assistant Editor (July 20, 2012) Two Berlin Little League All-Star teams are competing for state championship titles. The 10-11-year-old squad is going for its second consecutive crown, while the Junior League team hopes to capture the title on its home field next week.

■ 10-11-year-olds: The 10-11-year-olds domi-

nated their District 8 competition, outscoring opponents 65-7, to earn their second banner. Representing District 8, the Berlin squad advanced to the weeklong double elimination state tournament, which began last Saturday in Hurlock.

The Berlin boys topped Bethesda 8-3 in their first game last Saturday. Bethesda led 2-1 heading into the third inning when Berlin scored four runs to

pull ahead 5-2. Both teams tacked on a single run in the fifth inning and Berlin added two more in the sixth.

Tristan McDonough led the team with three hits and two RBIs. Hayden Snelsire had two hits and two RBIs. Matt Kinsey pitched four innings; he struck out two and allowed three hits.

Snelsire took the mound for an inning and a half and gave up a hit. Zach Pletcher threw eight

pitches to finish the game. He allowed two hits.

On Sunday, Berlin took down Easton 15-3. The game was close early, with Berlin scoring two runs in the first inning. Easton tied it at 2-all in the second.

Berlin tacked on five runs in both the third and fourth innings, to gain a 12-2 advantage. Easton scored once in the fourth, while Berlin added three in the fifth.

See JUNIOR on Page 42

JULY 20, 2012

Ocean City Today

SPORTS 41

Bruder finishes 15thin his division of CrossFit Games Continued from Page 40

competitors in his division. He said he struggled a bit with the heavy weights.

“Dead lifts with 265 pounds for a big guy is not a lot of weight. For me, I’m a small guy, and it was heavy stuff,” he said.

About 16 members of CrossFit Ocean City made the trip to California, along with Bruder’s wife and children, to cheer him on. They wore “Go Team Bruder” Tshirts, which drew the attention of ESPN commentators.

“It blows me away that they traveled across the county for me,” he said. “I have a great support group.”

Friends and family who couldn’t make it to California were able to see Bruder compete as the events streamed live on the Internet.

Bruder said when he entered the Home Depot Center with the other athletes, the roar of the crowd was deafening and he could hear his fan club rooting him on as he competed.

Anyone could try out for the competition. The most recent world qualification rounds took place in February and March.

Bruder had to complete one workout a week for five weeks and be observed by a Level 1 CrossFit instructor. He was able to do the workouts at the Ocean City CrossFit facility. He qualified for the CrossFit Games, in the Masters 50-54 age group, in late March. At the end of five weeks, the top 20 in each division advanced.

After entering his results each week, with approximately 2,000 competitors in his age group, Bruder ranked sixth in the world in his division going into the CrossFit Games.

Last year, competing in the 45-49-yearold age group, Bruder just missed qualifying for the Games, finishing in 26th place.

Bruder is anxiously anticipating the start of qualifying rounds for the 2013 Games. “[Competing in the Games] shows your weaknesses. You take it as a tutoring lesson and hope to get better and try again next year,” he said. “I’ve got my homework laid out for next year. My main goal is to gain some muscle mass.”

Stoehr ranked third heading into final USBA Tour event Continued from Page 40

He is currently ranked third overall on the Tour with one event remaining, the Jenks Pro, scheduled to take place Labor Day weekend in Point Pleasant, N.J. Stoehr is a two-time United States Bodyboard Association Pro Tour champion in the drop knee division, winning in 2008 and 2009. The last time he was ranked third going into the final competition, he won the Tour.

“This year is going to be harder to win,” he said. “It will be tough to beat the two guys in first and second place.”

He has finished in the top 10 every year since his professional career began at the age of 19.

PHOTO COURTESY ALEX BRUDER

Sixteen members of Crossfit Ocean City made the trip to California to cheer Erick Bruder on as he competed in the 2012 Reebok CrossFit Games, held July 13-15, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Ca. They wore “Go Team Bruder” T-shirts.

Ocean City Today

42 SPORTS

JULY 20, 2012

Junior League squad hopes to win in Berlin Continued from Page 40

OCEAN CITY TODAY/LISA CAPITELLI

Berlin Junior League All-Star Lane Dillon was “phenomenal” on the mound last Wednesday against West Salisbury, according to Manager Mike Forrest. In six and one-third innings, Dillon struck out five. Berlin won 5-1.

McDonough had four hits, including a home run, and three RBIs. Kinsey recorded two hits and four RBIs. Pletcher pitched the first three innings. He struck out two and allowed one hit. Snelsire took the mound for the last two innings. He struck out two and allowed two hits.

Berlin shut out West End 6-0 in the semifinal round on Tuesday.

The game was scoreless going into the fourth inning.

“It was unbelievably tight until the fourth inning. Their pitcher was fantastic, the best we’ve seen all year,” said Berlin Manager Cameron McDonough. “We got a double play to end the third inning and that was the point where I was like, ‘OK, we’re going to be fine.

We were making every play defensively.’”

Kevin Beck started the fourth inning with a bunt single and would eventually score to give Berlin a 1-0 lead. A few batters later, Billy Wheatley hit a three-run home run to boost the lead 4-0. Kinsey walked and Wes Powell came to bat. He sent the ball soaring over the fence and Berlin pulled ahead 6-0 and held its opponent scoreless.

“The first nine kids sat down in order, so the fourth inning was the second time through the line-up

and they knew what to expect,” McDonough said. “The boys waited for their opportunity. They dug their heels in and they weren’t going to let it go.”

Snelsire struck out four and allowed three hits in four innings.

McDonough struck out six in the final two innings.

Berlin has advanced to the state finals, scheduled for today, Friday.

The team’s opponent was determined Thursday night.

“So far, we’ve done fantastic, but we still have a goal to achieve,” McDonough said. “To make it to two state championships is an achievement in itself. We have to make sure they keep the goal and stay hungry.” n JUNIOR LEAGUE: The Junior League team edged out Delmar 9-7 in the June 30 season opener and on July 7, the group topped Fruitland 9-4. Last Wednesday, Berlin won 5-1 over West Salisbury.

“It was amazing. A really wellplayed game,” said Manager Mike Forrest after the July 11 contest.

Brendan McKenzie had two hits, including a double in the third inning to score two runs. Brooks Holloway also recorded two hits.

Pitcher Lane Dillon was “phenomenal” on the mound in Berlin, Forrest said. In six and one-third

innings, Dillon struck out five.

Sean Colgan closed out the game with six pitches.

On Sunday, Berlin scored a come-from-behind 11-10 victory over East Wicomico and won the District 8 title. The home team trailed throughout the game. East Wicomico extended its lead 10-6 in the top of the sixth inning.

Berlin cut the advantage to one in the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Holloway’s double scored two runs to give Berlin an 11-10 victory.

“The crowd erupted. Everyone went crazy,” Forrest said. “It wasn’t a very well-played game, but the kids never stopped fighting. It was exciting to win the district championship on our field.”

Bailey Littleton started on the mound and in three and one-third innings struck out two. Holloway retired three hitters in the final innings.

After the game, the Berlin players carried their championship banner around the field.

District 8 is the host of the Junior League double elimination state championship, so Berlin will be competing for the title on its field.

“It will be our home field, our home crowd and all of the other teams will have to travel, so I think See BERLIN on Page 43

Ocean City Today

JULY 20, 2012

SPORTS 43

Berlin 10-11-year-old team competing for second state crown Continued from Page 42

it gives us a slight advantage,” Forrest said. “But all the teams at this stage are district champions, so the competition will be tough. A lot of good baseball will be played in Berlin.”

Opening ceremonies will begin at noon on Saturday. Berlin will compete at 5 p.m. on Sunday.

“I think we have a good shot at winning. I’m excited and the kids are, too,” Forrest said. “We have good pitching, we play solid defense and the kids love to hit the ball. If we can win it on our home field, that would be unbelievable.”

■ MAJOR LEAGUE: The Major Leaguers fell to West Salisbury 8-1 in the July 5 season opener, but the team bounced back two days later, with a 174 win over Pocomoke. The boys then pulled out a 12-2 win over Crisfield on July 9.

Last Friday, Berlin shut out Princess Anne 10-0 at the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex, off Route 113.

“We played very well. They were finally bonding as a team,” Manager Bill Cioccio said after the July 13 game. “Everybody was hitting. Our defense has always been good, buy we played exceptionally well that night. It was a great team effort.”

Shane Cioccio started on the mound and struck out five in two innings. Jacob Shockley took over and recorded four strikeouts in three innings. Shockley and

Zach Pilarski had two hits apiece.

Berlin faced Fruitland in the District 8 semifinals on Sunday and came out on top, 7-1.

“They played excellent. It was the best they’ve ever played,” Cioccio said. “Fruitland was a tough team and we got the best of them. We had a couple of crucial plays that took the wind out of their sails.”

Shockley earned two strikeouts in one and a half innings. With one out and the bases loaded in Fruitland, Stephen Bontempo relieved Shockley in the second inning. He struck out the next two batters to get out of the inning as Berlin led 2-0.

Berlin tacked on a run in the third and scored twice in the fourth and fifth innings to gain a 7-0 advantage.

Bontempo finished the game with six strikeouts. At the plate, Bontempo had three hits. Shockley recorded two doubles and a single and drove in four runs.

On Tuesday, Berlin traveled to Salisbury to compete for the District 8 title.

The team fell to West Salisbury for the second time this season, losing the July 17 match 8-2.

Berlin scored its runs in the first inning when Cioccio’s double scored Shockley and Bontempo.

“Obviously we were disappointed we lost, but all-in-all it was a good game,” Cioccio said. “West Salisbury had a very good pitcher and it was quite an accom-

plishment to get a hit off him.”

Cioccio said he was pleased with the season overall. His players improved after each competition.

“I’ve had the privilege of coaching this same group of all-stars for five seasons.

We began with Pitching Machine League and continued until the 12U Majors.

Every year we’ve done quite well, achiev-

ing a lot of major victories,” Cioccio said.

“There are a ton of big hits, big plays and fun times that will always remain as fond memories. We should all be proud of our hard work and accomplishments.

“I want to thank the players, parents and Berlin Little League for such a wonderful opportunity,” he said. “It’s been a great run.”

Junior anglers main focus of upcoming tournament Marlin Club event open to youth 19 and younger; final registration July 20 LISA CAPITELLI ■ Assistant Editor (July 20, 2012) The Ocean City Marlin Club’s seventh annual Kid’s Classic last year was such an overwhelming success, with 333 junior anglers fishing aboard 61 boats and from the shore, that organizers are anticipating an even bigger turnout in 2012.

“It was great,” Pat Svehla, who cochairs the Classic with Bill Regan and Annette Cropper, said after the 2011 tournament, during which participants reeled in approximately 20 different species of fish. “The kids had a ball. It’s very rewarding not only for the kids, but for us as well.”

Svehla and Bill Regan started the Classic after they looked at the annual tournament schedule and realized there was no event that recognized young anglers. They wanted to create a tournament to introduce youngsters to fishing that would interest them at an early age. The Classic has grown to become one of, if not the largest children’s tournaments in the country.

“We don’t know of a single kids’ tournament that has had at least 300 kids consistently,” Svehla said. “We’ve had as many as 400 kids in this tourna-

ment. You see a lot of the same faces each year, but there are a lot of new faces also. It’s completely designed for family participation.”

The fishing event is open to junior anglers age 19 and younger. Registration will begin at 6:30 p.m. today (Friday) at the Marlin Club, on Golf Course Road in West Ocean City.

See ANGLERS on Page 46

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Fourth annual blue marlin tournament to commemorate late diver Teams fish two of three days, July 27-29, Sunset Marina to host weigh-ins LISA CAPITELLI ■ Assistant Editor (July 20, 2012) Sunset Marina will again present a fishing tournament to honor the late Glen Robert “Branch” Kreppel, a commercial diver and owner of Diver Services Company, who died in 2008 at the age of 44.

Final registration for the fourth annual Branch Kreppel Memorial Blue Marlin Tournament is 4:30-6 p.m., Thursday, July 26, at Sunset Marina, on Sunset Avenue in West Ocean City. A captains’ meeting will follow at 6:30 p.m.

The cost to enter the tournament is $500. Eight optional added entry level calcuttas range in cost from $500 to $1,500. Participation in these calcuttas can increase prize money won by those who reel in top fish. To enter across the board costs $7,000, which includes the initial entry fee. Proceeds of the Level JJ dolphin calcutta will benefit the Ocean City Reef Foundation in the name of Jimmy Jackson, a local angler and businessman who lost his life in a diving accident in April 2010 in the Bahamas.

Anglers will fish two of three days, July 27-29. There is no limit to the number of anglers on each boat. Weigh-ins

will take place from 4-8:30 p.m. July 2728 and until 8 p.m. on July 29, at Sunset Marina.

To be eligible for prize money, a blue marlin must weigh at least 400 pounds and measure no less than 105 inches.

Teams will receive one point per pound for each qualifying blue marlin weighed. Each blue marlin released will earn teams 250 points. White marlin, sailfish and spearfish releases will earn

anglers 20 points.

There is also a meat fish division.

Awards will be presented to anglers who catch the heaviest wahoo, tuna and dolphin.

Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to Kreppel’s family.

Anglers aboard 15 boats went offshore fishing in 2011 during the third annual Branch Kreppel Memorial Blue Marlin Tournament, where $26,625 was paid

out to the winners. No blue marlin were boated or released, so white marlin dominated the competition. Thirty white marlin were released.

“It went great. We had a real nice event,” said Brian Tinkler, Sunset Marina general manager and tournament director, after the competition. “We were very pleased with the participation.”

For more information, call 410-2139600 or visit www.ocsunsetmarina.com.

Anglers will fish for tuna, tog, among other species Continued from Page 43

The cost is $200 per boat with unlimited anglers. Those without a boat may participate for $25 and fish from areas including the surf, Route 50 bridge, Ocean City fishing pier and Assateague Island.

The Bay Bee, docked at the Ocean City Fishing Center, will take participants who don’t have access to a boat out in the bay for a fishing trip. The cost is $20 per junior angler and $30 for adults, but there is limited availability.

To make reservations, call 410-2131121.

Youngsters may fish one of two days, July 21 or 22. Weigh-ins will take place 3-6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3-6 p.m. on Sunday at Sunset Marina.

Eligible species include rockfish, mackerel, bonita, tog, bluefish, floun-

der, sea bass, tuna, shark, wahoo, dolphin and unusual catch.

This year, there is also a stringer weight division (five fish in a bucket per angler per day) for croaker and spot. A billfish release division is offered as well.

Every child will receive an award for participating. The anglers with the three largest fish in each species category will win additional prizes.

The billfish division is catch-and-release only. The three anglers who catch and release the most billfish will receive awards.

“Kids love to fish and compete just as much as the adults,” Svehla said. “I have the most fun going to the scales at Sunset Marina during this tournament.

The looks on the kids’ faces when they weigh their fish is just priceless.”

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Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Wish-A-Fish Foundation, whose mission is to “provide a little relief for a family from the daily stress of having a child with special needs, such as a life-threatening illness, mental or physical disability, by taking the entire family out for a day of fun and fishing on the water.”

The Judith M and the Tortuga took more than 70 special-needs children and their families fishing during the 2011 tournament, free of charge and they will do so again this year.

A cookout is scheduled for Wish-AFish participants on Saturday evening at the Marlin Club. The tournament will conclude Sunday with a carnival and awards banquet for all anglers.

For more information, call 410-2131613 or visit www.ocmarlinclub.com.

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BUSINESS www.oceancitytoday.net

JULY 20, 2012

REAL ESTATE REPORT

MAR releases second quarter housing stats LAUREN BUNTING ■ Contributing Writer (July 20, 2012) The Maryland Association of Realtors has released its housing statistics for the second quarter of 2012, and the numbers show some mixed blessings for Worcester County.

The housing statistics report for AprilJune shows that overall sales volume took a hit over last year and was 14 percent off last year’s second-quarter volume (sales volume equaling total units sold). But, when you take into account that “active inventory” has been consistently down during the last year, it is an indicator that our inventory is leveling off. For example, we ended the second quarter with 1,844 units of active inventory, as compared to last year’s 2,312 units — showing a 20 percent drop in active inventory this year over last.

Average sales price figures are still not representative of a completely balanced market, but there’s evidence of supply and demand coming into play in certain pockets of the county.

Additionally, there is a reduction in foreclosures this year over last with 94 total foreclosures going to settlement within the past 12 months as compared to 280 foreclosures settling in the 12month period a year prior.

If you would like to view more information on local housing statistics, the housing figures for our area are reported by the Coastal Association of Realtors, and more detailed figures are available to the public online at www.coastalrealtors.org. Included are breakdowns for single-family homes versus condominiums for Ocean City proper, Worcester County, Wicomico County and Somerset County.

— Lauren Bunting is a member of the Coastal Association of Realtors and a licensed REALTOR®with Bunting Realty, Inc. in Berlin.

PAGE 47

2 CRAZY X’S OPENS ON 2ND ST.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Carryout eatery features subs and burgers, among other items

Si’culi restaurant and the Berlin Chamber of Commerce are hosting a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, July 21, at 3 p.m.

Si’culi, located at 104 North Main Street in downtown Berlin, will officially open its doors for dinner that evening. Refreshments and small samplings will be served. Husband and wife team, Peter and Jennifer Livolsi, will be bringing their authentic brand of Italian cuisine to downtown Berlin with brick oven pizzas, homemade pastas, breads and desserts.

For more information, contact the Livolsis, at 410-629-0550.

LISA CAPITELLI ■ Assistant Editor (July 20, 2012) Many of the people who hear or see the name of the new carryout eatery at 105 Second St., ask owners Paul Baron and Terra Rygh, how they came up with “2 Crazy X’s.”

The answer is from life experience. The pair dated for eight years and just broke up last September.

“The name gets a lot of attention,” Rygh said. “We had talked about opening a place when we were together. We get along as friends, and we have a child together, and we still wanted to open a business.”

The Salisbury residents were planning a move to Annapolis, when they came across the property for sale in May. The duo opened 2 Crazy X’s on June 1.

The eatery is located in a building recently renovated using the OCDC’s Façade Improvement Program, according to Glenn Irwin, executive director of the Ocean City Development Corporation. The OCDC façade program provides financial assistance to property owners and businesses to renovate the exterior of their buildings.

The applicant is required to provide at least double the amount of grant assistance.

The program is funded by grants from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

“2 Crazy X’s is conveniently located for pedestrians traveling between the Boardwalk and parking areas around Second Street in the downtown area,” he said.

Baron said business has been steady since the shop opened. Many customers order food several times a week.

Si’culi restaurant grand opening

Luterman seminar set for July 26

OCEAN CITY TODAY/LISA CAPITELLI

Paul Baron and Terra Rygh present some of the subs they offer at their new business, 2 Crazy X’s.

“A lot of locals like us because of our prices and the food is good. We try to give people a good sub for a decent price,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of repeat business.”

Baron and Rygh run the entire operation themselves.

Baron takes care of the customers, while Rygh prepares the food.

Rygh said she enjoys seeing the reaction on customer’s faces when they eat something she just made.

“When they bite into it and say, ‘Yum, that’s so good, it’s just awesome,’” she said. “I just love cooking.”

Breakfast is available all day.

Sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, subs, salads and side items are offered.

One of the most popular items is the buffalo chicken cheesesteak sub with ranch dressing.

The OC Chamber of Commerce will present Mark Luterman: “How to Own Your Niche & Grow Rich,” on July 26, 810 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront on 67th Street in Ocean City. The presentation is part of Luterman’s “Small Business Secret Weapon” series.

Luterman will share how he used his own techniques to create a huge following in less than six months.

Cost is $25 per person and includes breakfast. For more information, or to register, call Lisa Dennis, events director at 410-213-0144, Ext. 104 or e-mail lisa@oceancity.org.

ASC&D named to top 100

OCEAN CITY TODAY/LISA CAPITELLI

A new eatery, 2 Crazy X’s, opened June 1, at 105 Second Street, between Baltimore and Philadelphia avenues.

“It’s messy, but people just love it,” Baron said.

Added Rygh, “We’re all about good customer service and everything is fresh. It’s all cooked to order.”

Baron said it might take a See ALL on Page 48

Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley has been named a Top 100 independent agency by Allstate Insurance Company for its achievement in superior growth, high standards in customer satisfaction and customer retention in 2011.

The award recognizes Atlantic/ Smith, Cropper & Deeley as one of the top independent agencies in auto and property insurance for Allstate and is a testimony to Atlantic/ Smith, Cropper & Deeley’s dedication to assisting customers.

Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley is located at 7171 Bent Pine Road, Willards, MD 21874.

Express drive-thru opens at J/R’s Ribs on 131st Street LISA CAPITELLI ■ Assistant Editor (July 20, 2012) J/R’s Ribs on 131st Street bayside has made it convenient for customers in a rush to order some of their favorite items on the go — the uptown restaurant now has an

express drive-thru.

Only certain items are available through the drive-thru. Patrons can get burgers, chicken sandwiches and tenders, barbecued baby back ribs and owner Jack Hubberman’s famous, original recipe crispy fried chicken.

Side items, such as baked beans,

homemade coleslaw and chunky applesauce, among others, are also available. The restaurant’s signature Maryland crab soup is on the drive-thru menu as well.

More items will be added soon.

“The menu has items that we can serve quickly,” Hubberman said. “Under normal conditions,

in three and a half to four minutes [customers] should be out of here.”

If customers wish to get items not on the drive-thru menu, their entire order must be placed through carryout.

J/R’s full restaurant menu is See FRIED on Page 48

Ocean City Today

48 BUSINESS

JULY 20, 2012

Fried chicken offered at drive-thru Continued from Page 47

OCEAN CITY TODAY/LISA CAPITELLI

J/R’s Ribs on 131st Street bayside recently opened an express drive-thru where customers can get burgers, chicken sandwiches and tenders, barbecue baby back ribs and crispy fried chicken.

WHEN YOU ARE READY TO QUIT SMOKING . . . .

available through carryout.

One of the reasons to add a drive-thru was the overwhelming request for fried chicken. In the late 1980s, it was offered at the J/R’s in Rehoboth, Del,. and Hubberman said customers just loved it. The 131st Street J/R’s purchased new equipment specifically to make the fried chicken.

“You can go anywhere and get fried chicken, but it wouldn’t be our recipe,” he said. “So many people requested to put fried chicken in here. They love the taste.

It’s tender and juicy.”

Customers could get barbecued chicken and garlic/herb chicken at the 131st Street restaurant, but this is the first time fried chicken will be offered. It has been available about four weeks, and the reaction from customers has been “unbelievable,” Hubberman said.

“People are raving about it,” he said.

Chicken is only offered in the restaurant until 6:30 p.m., but customers can get it by the piece or bucket through the express drive-thru, which is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Carryout opens at 2 p.m.

The entire J/R’s establishment, which opened in 1984, has under gone renovations since Hubberman returned last year. It is about 95 percent complete, he said. He took a five-year break from the business due to health issues.

“The quality of food is better than it’s ever been,” he said. “We want to make

sure customers walk out happy, so if anyone is ever dissatisfied about anything, they should talk to a manager before they leave.”

The sports bar has been refurbished, with new carpet and lighting, and about a dozen large televisions were added. The bar seats 16 guests and 10 stools are available at the side bar counter. There is also a dining area in the bar. Happy hour is offered daily. Music and dancing is provide one evening a week.

The dining room, which seats approximately 400 patrons, got new chairs this week.

J/R’s opens at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There is also a J/R’s on 62nd Street and Coastal Highway.

All food prepared to order at shop Continued from Page 47

minute or two longer for customers to receive their food because it’s prepared when it’s ordered, but the wait is worth it, he said.

“At least that’s what the locals say.”

2 Crazy X’s is open from 11 a.m. to about 2 or 3 a.m. daily. To place an order, call 410-289-1264. Free delivery is available.

They will currently deliver up to the midtown area. Follow the pair on Twitter @2crazyxs.

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Securities and advisory services offered through National Planning Corporation (NPC), Member FINRA/sipc, a Registered Investment Advisor.

M and H, Phyllis R. Mitchell Financial Services, Inc., and NPC are separate and unrelated companies.

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