The Berlin Heritage Foundation announces it will hold the second annual “Afternoon on the Lawn,” on Sunday, June 4, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum on Main Street.
You don’t have to be an Anglophile or an aristocrat and you don’t have to attend in period costume (although the dress is Garden Party attire), but we hope you will come out to support all things Berlin. Enjoy tastings from Berlin restaurants while you stroll around our historic grounds to the sound of a ragtime band.
During the afternoon we will be celebrating the original members of the Berlin Heritage Foundation whose foresight ensured the creation of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum as an adjunct to the restoration and preservation of the town of Berlin. We are honored to recognize these individuals who have been so important in our Town’s recent history.
Committee members Carol Rose, Lisa Cook and Melissa Reid are “thrilled to put on this event for the museum, and are pleased to showcase menu items from local Berlin restaurants.”
Tickets are $50.00 per person and include food tastings and two glasses of wine or beer. A cash bar will be available. Contact the museum for tickets by May 20th, at 410-641-1019, or email taylorhousemuseum@verizon.net.
Berlin Heritage Foundation To Host Afternoon on the Lawn
Berlin announces Pink Party details
Berlin’s Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Party & Costume Contest Event Saturday, April 8th, 1pm – 5 pm Berlin to host a Pink Party & Costume Contest for the Susan G. Komen Ocean City racers. Berlin will support Komen MD’s Race for the Cure in Ocean City, Maryland with an afternoon devoted to education, support, and fun. Berlin merchants will decorate their stores and windows in pink to welcome the Komen Community to our town.
• Raising awareness for breast cancer and the Komen MD organization
• Raising funds to increase education and awareness on the Eastern Shore and to help battle breast cancer.
• Bringing the Race for the Cure community to Berlin to experience the Coolest Small Town in America and to help promote the Town and the merchants here.
• The Town will decorate public street lamps with pink bows
• Many merchants will offer discounts for all Race participants or those that wear pink,
• There will be pink sidewalk chalk so all can decorate the sidewalks of Berlin with messages of hope
• The Worcester County Tourism Office is sponsoring a pink costume/outfit competition centered in the parking lot behind Fins just off Main Street. They will judge and give prizes for the best pink outfit in three categories:
Adults (pink Kitchenaid mixer)
Children (pink scooter)
Pets (pink plush gorilla)
The following businesses are offering specials as well
The Beez Kneez – 15% off for Race participants
Victorian Charm – Donating the following for the Costume Contest Prizes (1) Adult costume a pink striped backpack and free monogram ($47 value) (1) Kids – Simple Southern pink backpack ($15 value) Present flyer to receive 10% off – excludes Brighton Church Mouse – Pink clothing at $1.00 each and will make donation to Komen.
Maryland Wine Bar – Pink wine slushies for $7.00
Patty Jeans – Pink Sangria and raffle for a pink clutch. Portion of that days sales goes to Komen
Baked Dessert Café – Pink strawberry shortcake cupcakes and tart cherry pie with special discounts for those currently battling this disease and survivors.
On What Grounds – Homemade Pink raspberry truffles Fins – Will donate 10% of all their proceeds to Komen MD. They will offer a pink Kolsch beer (Komen Kolsch) and feature live music.
Runaway Tide General Store – 20% off anything pink in the store Crush & Crab $5 Pink Crush – 50% of each crush donated back to Komen
The Treasure Chest – Pink polishing cloths for $4 regular $8. Drawing for a Pink Jewelry Case
Oh My Hair – Pink Hair Strand Extensions for $10 Sisters – Pink Moscato drink specials and 20% of bar proceeds donated to Komen.
World of Toys – 10% discount off of entire purchase
Una Bella Salute – 20% off robust olive oils and 10% off all other olive oils
Stuarts Antiques – 20-70% off back room items, 20%-50% off
Fine Jewelry A Little Bit Sheepish – 10% discount on all pink yarn that day
Heart of Gold Kids: Pink refreshments & 15% off everything pink in the store.
The Atlantic Hotel: Special Pink dessert featuring layers of Strawberry cream with a pecan crust
INCA RUINS- 10% off and 10% donation to MD Komen on your Purchase if you’re wearing Pink! Spend $50 & get a Special Breast Cancer Awareness Perfume and Wristband Free! (Max 10 Gifts).
Siculi’s – $ 5.00 Cosmo and Siculi’ Lemonades; $12 Shrimp Salad & $8 Beet Salad, will donate a portion of their proceeds to Komen.
Main Street Deli – $1.00 pink cupcakes, will donate a portion of their proceeds to Komen.
Bruder Hill – Offering Pink lemonade, 50% discount on all jewelry to all race participants. All purchases go towards two raffles of $25 each, with a portion of the proceeds going back to Komen.
Nest – 15% off all pink items in the shop
Gilberts Provisions – 10% for those wearing their race numbers Berlin Butcher Shop – 10% of sales donated to Komen.
TaDa – Will be giving away 6 Nora Fleming bud vases and pink ribbon minis to shoppers throughout the day
Choosing an Ocean City Hotel
Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but choosing an Ocean City Hotel doesn’t have to be. People ask questions like, How do I pick a place to stay? I cannot afford to take a vacation this year, can I? These are questions that people ask themselves all of the time. This is what you need to do. There are many hotels in Ocean City, that is for sure, but what that means is there is a lot of different products to choose from.
Hotels Ocean City Boardwalk | Grand Hotel and Spa | Maryland
Stay at the Grand Hotel & Spa in Ocean City, Maryland and enjoy all the comforts and conveniences of a home away from home
Choosing an Ocean City Hotel
There are hotels on the Boardwalk, on the Ocean, Bayside, some with indoor pools, outdoor pools and both, some with restaurants and bars, upscale, luxury and economy accommodations without all of the frills. All of these hotels have different prices.We are sure there is one that you can afford. This is what you need to do. Sit down and come up with a budget, your budget may be $500. This could buy you one night in an upscale hotel or 3 nights in an economy brand. Next, figure out what the most important amenities are to you. These are the amenities that you just cannot live without.
Clarion Resort Hotel | Ocean City MD Oceanfront Hotels
The Clarion Resort Hotel is the finest in Ocean City, MD oceanfront hotels. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll get the best in Ocean City, MD resorts.
Researching Ocean City Hotels
Then, do some research. You will find some hotels will just meet your price range and minimal requirements and others that exceed your requirements. Then you must make a decision, which one will you choose? Now is the time to book your vacation. The economy is still in bad shape and hotels are discounting their rates to compete for their fair share of the market. Hotels want to get a jump start on their bookings and are offering all sorts of deals from deep discounts to added values in order to capture your reservation. What are you waiting for? Start your search now and start here: https://www.oceancity.com/book-early-ocean-city.php. This site is not only offering discounted room rates for advance bookings, but also including a packet of gift certificates for food and admission to area attractions which will also help reduce the cost of your next vacation!
Chincoteague: The other horse island
Spend the weekend in Chincoteague. You’ll be happy you did.
Sometimes it is so easy to get wrapped up in the Assateague ponies we can forget that Chincoteague Island is only a few miles farther as the crow flies, but those of us who aren’t crows have to make the 45 minute drive west, then south then east to wind up on Chincoteague Island. Let me tell you now, it is worth the trip. I spent the afternoon on Chincoteague this week and, even though it’s only been a couple of months since I last visited, I was struck by the island’s potential.
Now, to be clear, I don’t mean that Chincoteague has potential. Given the diversity of distractions (shops, restaurants, and of course the bay, ocean and all those entail) Chincoteague is about as fully realized a destination as it can be. I meant that I tend to forget how much potential it has for me as a weekend destination. It is eminently walkable. It has a 20th century movie theater, almost too many restaurants to choose from and the kind of views you really just have to experience.
It starts with the drive in
I was down to take a look at the fairgrounds, where the annual pony auction is held. If you for some reason are unfamiliar with the concept, there are wild horses on Assateague and Chincoteague islands. The Assateague ponies are federally protected and the Chincoteague ponies are owned by the local fire department. The fireman care for the herd and auction some of the ponies off each year to manage the population and fund the fire department.
They’ve been doing it for such a long time that the fairgrounds are permanent, a village of stone buildings holding fast against the elements. Also, as it happens, the fairgrounds are the perfect place for a beer festival, more on that here.
But it would have been silly to make a trip all the way to Chincoteague and not take notice of its potential for me and that’s what I want to get at. By the height of summer Chincoteague is as abuzz as it gets with visitors and part-time residents taking advantage of its perfect placement between the ocean and bay.
There always is something to do on Chincoteague, even if it is nothing
The hotel rooms are nearly laughably inexpensive at this time of year and I thought about taking a weekend trip, Friday to Sunday, just to knock around. It is the knocking around part that makes the island a particular attraction. You can wander to the park and watch the penned ponies at play or at rest. You can bike, walk or drive out to Chincoteague National Park and explore the beach. You can sit bayside and have a meal and maybe a drink or two before wandering off again.
Realizing how much there was to do (or not do) on the island is what convinced me to pitch this weekend away to you. The weather will have broken by the end of April and even more of the shops and restaurants will have weekend hours. April 29th, the weekend of the Shore Craft Beer Fest: Chincoteague is an arts weekend as well. There will be a plein air festival and wet paint sale and after-party. The town shops will participate in their own particular ways.
This will be a weekend where Chincoteague shows off its diversity and sparks your imagination for making it your next big weekend destination.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Winners Announced
OCEAN CITY, MD – (March 13, 2017): Coastal Highway was glowing in green on Saturday, at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival hosted by the Delmarva Irish-American Club. Judges reviewed the participating units and presented awards in several categories. The winners are as follows
· Best Marching Unit: Believe in Tomorrow Children’s House by the Sea
o Honorable Mention: Surfrider Foundation
· Best Commercial Float: Mann Properties
o Honorable Mention: Belly Busters Seafood and Deli
· Best Non-Commercial Float: Relay for Life of Northern Worcester County
o Honorable Mention: Ocean City Downtown Association
· Best Motorized Unit: Friends of the Worcester County Developmental Center
o Honorable Mention: Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce
· Best Adult Group: The Frat Boys
o Honorable Mention: Matteo’s Salsa Loco
· Best Youth Group: Sussex Central High School Marching Band
o Honorable Mention: Paula’s School of Baton
· Special Committee Award: Ocean City Surf Club
· Judges’ Choice Award: Float of Hope
· Best Overall: Seacrets/Ocean 98/Seacrets Distillery
· Baskets of Cheer Winners: Charity Dudley, Selbyville, DE, Mary Matthes, Frankford, DE, Dawn Bowen, Leonardtown, MD
Winter Storm Update
March 13, 2017, the National Weather Service is calling for a wintry mix of freezing rain, snow, and wind gusts of up to 50 mph beginning tonight for the Lower Eastern Shore.
The heaviest periods of rain and possible snow accumulations are expected to take place tonight through Tuesday afternoon, with winds beginning tonight and lasting through Wednesday. Power outages due to downed trees are possible with this storm.
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Worcester County Emergency Services (WCES) urge residents to secure all loose outdoor objects around their homes and businesses. Those who must venture out onto area roadways should exercise extreme caution, as slick conditions, periods of low visibility, and possible downed power lines and trees will make driving hazardous.
The Town of Ocean City’s Emergency Services Department is continue to monitor the storm and will continue to update residents and visitors as services change. Residents should program their radios to 99.5 and follow @townofoceancity on twitter or visit https://www.facebook.com/TownOfOceanCity for updates.
Easter in Ocean City: Hopping down the beach trail
Consider a condo
Plenty to do Easter weekend
Ring the dinner bell!
Here’s what not to do…
Opening of the Hazel Family Foundation Touch Pool announced
The Delmarva Discovery Center and Museum is thrilled to announce the grand opening of an exciting and interactive new exhibit. The Hazel Family Foundation Touch Pool is the culmination of more than a year of research and a custom exhibit which brings all of our guests closer to nature.
“I think it’s very important to expose kids to the natural world. I believe any individual, if better educated about the outside world, will treat it with more respect,” said Morgan Hazel. “The Touch Pool will allow kids to interact with animals in a tactile way, giving them an experience they might not otherwise ever have.”
“It has been our dream to make the Discovery Center as interactive and hands-on as it can be for everyone, and to make the building and exhibits as universally accessible as we can” said Stacey Weisner, President and CEO. “I would have given anything to have been able to see my sister Shelly enjoy this exhibit when she was not as mobile after her stroke. There are actually four wheelchair stations incorporated in the Touch Pool. The Hazel family is well-known throughout the region for their generous support of area non-profits, and the Touch Pool is a permanent reminder of their kindness”.
The Discovery Center is 16,000 square feet of hands-on and interactive exhibits and the Wally Gordon River Otter Exhibit. We are open 7 days a week year-round and only closed on 4 major holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving & Christmas. Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon-Sat, and noon – 4 p.m. Sun. Visit or call www.DelmarvaDiscoveryCenter.org, 410-957-9933, or contact@DelmarvaDiscoveryCenter.org for more information.
“The new Touch Pool is such an exciting, ever-changing addition for visitors to learn more about the creatures in their environment. We are so very grateful The Hazel Family Foundation made this hands-on enjoyable experience possible” said Susan Buckle Pusey, Board Chair.
Partial funding for the Touch Pool was also provided generously by the Maryland Heritage Area Authority. MHAA has been a great partner with the Discovery Center, as we are able to leverage public and private funds to make great exhibits and capital improvements.
FEATURED PHOTO: Bill Kerbin, Willie Jackson, Janette and Morgan Hazel, Stacey Weisner, and Susan Buckle Pusey around the newly opened touch tank.
A pARTy That You Don’t Want To Miss!
Mark your calendars now!!
On Saturday, April 8th, from 5-8pm we are having a pARTy for the arts and all are invited! The event will be held at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street in Ocean City, Maryland. Come join the party that will benefit the Art League of Ocean City, Brown Box Theatre Project, AND Friends of the Gwen Freeman Lehman Foundation. That’s three wonderful organizations coming together for an Arts Center takeover. It’s going to be a great night!
Live music from Bryan Russo
Performances by Brown Box Theatre Project
Tapas-style food by Phil Cropper
Cash bar serving craft beer and wine
Art by Gwen Lehman featured in Studio E
Art on the spot with a selfie station and more fun interactive art
Raffles to support the arts & a chance to win a Grand Prize
General admission is $45 for over age 25
$25 admission for age 25 and under
Purchase tickets now! At https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eduegte487ab0536&oseq=&c=&ch
OCFD holds 3rd Annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony
OCEAN CITY, MD – (March 2, 2016): On Saturday, February 25, 2017, the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) held its 3rd Annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the 66th Street Holiday Inn, honoring members for their achievements. The ceremony named Fire/EMS Firefighter of the Year, Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (OCVFC) Firefighter of the Year, and Fire/EMS Paramedic of the Year, along with several Years of Service Awards, Distinguished Service Awards, and Incident Citations.
“In our profession, we don’t often take time to recognize the work we do or the people who do it,” said OCFD Fire Chief Chris Larmore. “Today is a special day, because we can reflect on the past year, focus on our accomplishments and acknowledge our successes.”
Along with several dignitaries who attended in support of the department, Chief Larmore and Deputy Chief’s David Hartley, Chris Shaffer and David Cropper were present to give the awards, which included an honorable service award to recent retires and long term employees Chuck Barton and Trevor Steedman. “Our members go above and beyond the call of duty to make our department constantly the best. We are proud of each and every one you,” Chief Larmore continued.
The first award was given by the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (OCVFC) Ladies Auxiliary. Teresa Swinscoe was given the OCVFC Ladies Auxiliary Member of the Year Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Yvonne Bunting and Patty Cropper. Also recognized for their active service were Virginia “Ginny” Harmon, for 70 years of active service, Rita Villani, for 65 years of active service and Lillian “Lou” Luciano, for 45 years of active service. In addition, the Ladies Auxiliary donated more than $3,000 dollars to various organizations, including the John Paul Adkins II scholarship fund, the F. Michael Sacca scholarship fund and the OCVFC cadet program.
Awards were presented for length of service, special recognition, citizen appreciation, honorable and incident citations. In addition, members were in attendance to present proclamations to select members for 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50 years of service.
At the close of the event, the top honors for Fire/EMS Firefighter of the Year, OCVFC Firefighter of the Year, and Fire/EMS Paramedic of the Year were awarded. Steven Twilley was named Fire/EMS Firefighter of the Year, Greg Dypsky was named OCVFC Firefighter of the Year, and Sean Sullivan was name Fire/EMS Paramedic of the Year.
###
A complete lists of award winners can be found below. Pictures can be found at:
http://robkorbphotography.pass.us/ocfd/
(Please credit photographs to Rob Korb Photography if using for Publication)
| Fire/EMS Division Paramedic of the Year:
Sean M. Sullivan |
Fire/EMS Division Firefighter of the Year:
Steven H. Twilley |
OCVFC Division Firefighter of the Year:
Greg Dypsky
|
OCVFC Training Award:
Anthony Sandouli
|
| OCVFC Member of the Year Award:
A Michael Hastings |
OCVFC Chief’s Award:
Fletcher Case |
OCVFC President’s Award:
Bradley Bunting |
Length of Service 5 Years:
Michael Chester Joshua Kirstein John McAllister Edward Kovacs David Williams
|
| Length of Service 10 Years:
Michael Ellingsworth Derrick Simpson Christopher Brown Sidney Wooten Kimberly Tull Steven Twilley Amanda Bunting Mark Lloyd Frederick Senger Joshua Steger William Carey Eric Borneman |
Length of Service 15 Years:
Janet Fisher Alan Jarmon
Length of Service 25 Years: David Hartley Michael Maykrantz Hugh Hommel Trevor Steedman
Length of Service 50 Years: Michael Hastings |
Honorable Service:
Trevor Steedman Charles Barton
Citizen Service: Joanna Morley Jason Cole
|
Incident Citation –Hayes Avenue Boat Accident
Eric Peterson Maurice Cropper Christopher Murray Cory Brown Darrick Elliott Galen Curtis Brandon Rose Drew Landuyt Shawn Wright Jennifer Potocki |
Photo courtesy of Rob Korb Photography
It’s time to get sauced: Ocean City’s 5 best Italian restaurants
The Ocean City Outsider’s 5 Favorite Italian Restaurants
Number 5 – Davinci’s by the Sea
Number 4 – Touch of Italy
Number 3 – Mio Fratello’s
Served over pasta, this sauce traces it’s origin back to kitchens in the brothels of Italy, and as the legend suggests the strong aroma of tomatoes, with black olives, capers, anchovies, onions, garlic, and herbs was invented to lure men inside their establishments. I can’t say for sure how true all that is, but I can tell you it’s made a repeat customer out of this guy. Also worth mentioning, I realize ordering calamari is viewed as a “cop out” by some, but I have to admit I’m a huge fan of it here. It’s lightly dusted, fried just right so it’s not tough or gummy, and the basil infused marina they serve with it is a winner by itself, but if you really want to take it to the next level, ask for a few extra lemon wedges and squeeze them liberally over the squid before you start dipping.
Number 2 -Ristorante Antipasti
Number 1 – Sello’s Italian Restaurant
We’re getting ready for your vacation: Behind the scenes at the OCHMRA Trade Show
In another few weeks people will be coming to town to dust off their condos, or for short pre-season weekend jaunts. Most of the restaurants and hotels will be open and the buzz of the summer season, the anticipation of warm weather and cold drinks will begin reaching a crescendo. The first step in making sure you have what you want when you arrive is that restaurateurs, hoteliers, attraction hosts and general ancillary service people go to the annual Ocean City Hotel Motel Restaurant Association show to test out some of the newest trends and tech to make your stay more efficient and comfortable.
The two day show brings thousands of purveyors to town to show of the best of the best of what they have to offer. I swung down there to get a general overview. Here are some of my favorite shots and insights. Make sure you’re following us on Instagram. Tomorrow I’ll be documenting the whole day with videos and insights about what to expect from Ocean City this summer.
There were tons of fresh bread and sweets displays, but this guy from Uptown Bakers was a pip. By the end of the first day everyone is a little punchy from all the chatting and work and just ready to lay into having a good time.
Setting the standard: The Globe in Berlin
I don’t remember enough about the “old” Globe to say much about it one way or another. I popped in once just around the turn of the century, knew immediately it wasn’t for me, and popped back out. I was in my 30s at the time, maybe my late 20s and pretty much everything about Berlin said, “Keep on moving, kid. And stay off our lawn.”
The next time I was at the Globe, I was a reporter covering a meeting of the recently re-invigored Main Street committee. I met owner Jennifer Dawicki, who hosted the event and was a major proponent of continuing to push the new 2nd Friday Art Strolls through the winter. The meeting was in the upstairs gallery. I was too new to know that I was in the “new” Globe or that there was any controversy about the fact.
The Stay-Off-Our-Lawn contingent referred to the “new” Globe and it’s fancy beers and diverse, quasi-metropolitan menu with the inferred derision of the type particular to their set. It was in the intonation of the word “new” while the rest of the sentence was open to interpretation. The phrase “old” was incapable of being misunderstood as it was part of the sentence, “I liked the old Globe.”
For me, though, the “old” Globe was part of the “old” Berlin which, at the time, consisted primarily of shuttered storefronts and antique shops. But there were galleries trying to bloom and a couple of funky, off-Main Street shops along with the core of shop owners who were committed to dragging Berlin back to relevance and economic stability.
Happy Hour at the Globe in Berlin
One of the great complaints about 2nd Friday early on was that too many of the shops closed early so they could go to the Globe, which took the event as seriously as anyone. They held spectacular art openings every month featuring regional and national artists. Similarly they had proper concerts of the type usually restricted to the Avalon theater in Easton or Ram’s Head in Annapolis—largish regional acts and very popular local acts. The Globe had live original music.
As it turned out, the people who “liked the old Globe in Berlin” weren’t missed by those of us who embraced the “new” one. In fact, not only did the 30-something crowd poke their heads in and stay rather than move on, but so did the 40-something and 50-something crowd. Hell, plenty of the 60-something crowd was tickled with the food and the menu. It was the first restaurant to ban smoking before the “legal” ban. The Globe was about culinary and aesthetic taste, so smoking wasn’t missed, even by me and I was an enthusiastic smoker.
People came to the Globe and stayed for Berlin, and as the town caught on it acted somewhat as the anchor of cool as the galleries and new shops filled in the gaps between the traditional and antique shops. The downtown filled and the Globe prospered in its center. The Coppertop Bar was a centerpiece, but as the restaurant continued to improve and to be daring the entire place set the standard for the new Berlin cool but cultured, staid but not stodgy.
Meet the new Globe, same as the old Globe
In the six or so months I’ve been back in town I haven’t heard the phrase “old” Globe. I think mostly people break down into two categories: those who never have heard the term, and those embarrassed by it. After a decade in business, it was clear that the term “old” Globe made sense only in reference to the building as it has been in the early 20th century. The Globe is best described as the Globe.
The thing that has changed the least, and the thing that still makes it among the best places to spend Happy Hour is that you can be as engaged with the crowd as you wish. From the very first, what set the Globe apart at Happy Hour was its openness to discussion. It attracted people who were gregarious enough to entertain and converse with strangers, but respectful enough to give anyone enough space.
It hadn’t changed when I went in for my most recent experience. People were happy to be together and happy to invite me to join them. Several asked questions and several others kept to themselves. The mood is always up, always welcoming. They still have one of the finest alcohol selections in the area, especially for a bar their size. They have plenty of local beer on tap, but also have regional and national standards available. Their wine list is compatible with their menu, and their happy hour bar snacks are almost aggressively diverse. That is, the Globe is not afraid to fry things, but neither does the kitchen shy from healthy and subtle choices.
For my money, though, the most special thing about the Globe in Berlin is that it still feels fluid. Mostly it looks the same, and mostly the attitude is the same but that just happens to be the case. The Globe has an attitude of openness to change that makes it forever young. They have tried a bunch of stuff that didn’t stick, but it was in the trying that the Globe developed its reputation, in its willingness to try and fail with new things that the Globe succeeded.
This story originally ran in 2016, calendar information was changed or deleted. — Ed.
Adding a selfie to your Ocean City memories
I think selfies sometimes get a bad rap. I might think that because I take a ton of them. A part of that is, I’ll admit, a little vanity, the way a person often can’t pass a mirror without noticing themselves. Also (to be honest and fair) as we’ve really only had mass access to reasonably accurate reproductions of ourselves for (if you count old time cameras and silver mirrors) maybe a couple hundred years.
But the second reason I take scads of selfies is as a kind of reaching out. A way of saying to my family and my both IRL and virtual friends, “Hey! I’m here doing this. Pretty cool, huh?” Of course I often turn the camera around and also share what I’m seeing or where I am, but there is something a little more personal about locating myself in that place and time, rather than just documenting.
This batch of submitted photos contained a fair amount of selfies. I never get tired of getting them, so please keep sending them.
Sunsets together
Winter Beach photos
Photos of Ocean City
Sometimes the best memories are associated with turning the camera around and focusing on the place you’re exploring, or the event you’re having. We had a couple submissions that were just celebrations of Love (it being February and all) as well as just celebrating the views available in Ocean City.
Coming Up in March at the Ocean City Center for the Arts
March at the Ocean City Center for the Arts begins with a First Friday reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 3. The event is free and open to the public so everyone can come enjoy refreshments, hors d’oeuvres from Touch of Italy restaurant and wonderful artwork. This is an event the Art League of Ocean City Maryland hosts on the first Friday evening of every month, so now you know you always have something fun to look forward to. It’s a great way to start your night out before you head for dinner and an evening on the town.
We are also hosting our Shirley Hall Memorial Youth Art Show this month! For over 20 years, the Art League of Ocean City MD has organized and presented a youth art show in cooperation with Worcester County Schools. The purpose of this event is to promote creativity and allow the middle and high school students of Worcester County to present their artwork in a professional setting at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. Cash prizes are awarded to the students. This is a great chance to support arts education in our schools! The show opens at First Friday and continues thru March 4 – 5 from 11am-4pm.
March Exhibits
The Thaler Gallery will have an exhibition featuring the Delaware Watercolor Society. Since 2004, the group has grown to consist of over 100 members from all walks of life. The Society’s mission today focuses on exploring, creating, and sharing the wonders of watercolor with new, emerging, and professional artists from Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Watercolors can produce painting effects which no other medium can match, so this show is sure to be a captivating one.
In the Galleria is an all media group show titled “text” featuring artwork by local artists and members of the Art League of Ocean City Maryland. I am very excited about the different interpretations of the theme because it’s so broad and artists can take it in any direction they want. Text can really create a whole other layer to a work of art.
This month, Studio E will feature artist Barbara Kern Bush. Barbara has been painting professionally since 1999. She is a member of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, and a signature member of the Pastel Society of America. Barbara considers her specialty the human form. Although she is known for her portraits, she has the ability to capture the mood and emotional state of her subject, which is not always easy to do.
Illustrator and designer Ian Postley‘s work will be on display in the Spotlight Gallery. There is great meaning behind his work. Ian says, “With each design, I embark, I flesh out each of my concepts with the intention of breathing new life into a once dated concept. Finding the ability to overcome and progress, to me, is the true artist’s way; or at least my way”. Come by the Ocean City Center for the Arts to see his fabulous illustrations.
In the Artisan Showcase, we will have fun pieces of jewelry by Nicole Maskell, owner of Sweetie Beads LLC. Nicole uses her graphic design and other crafting experience to create personalized and themed items in a multitude of settings including fun bottle caps and men’s cuff links. She also enjoys using fabric and feathers to create fun hair accessories like boutique bows.
What else to look forward to in March:
- “Originals Only” featuring live music and art demos. Join us on Saturday March 4 at 6pm to hear music from the next generation of local artists and musicians right in the gallery.
- Brushes & Bubbly. A fun, stress-free evening of painting on Wednesday March 8 from 6:30 to 9pm. Bring your friends, a snack, and an adult beverage and we take care of the rest!
- Free Family Art Saturday. Make sure to sign up in advance for Family Art Day on Saturday March 11 from 10am to noon. We will be making watercolor sea turtle paintings!
- Sip & Ceramics. Similar to our Brushes & Bubbly paint night, pottery night is on Wednesday March 15 from 6 to 8pm. This month we will be making luminaries.
- Mosaic 2-Day Workshop. Make beautiful mosaic art on a 10×10″ board and take home a finished piece for inside or outside. March 18 – 19, Saturday from 10am – 4pm and Sunday from noon – 3pm.
- Yoga Class. Our next class is on Wednesday March 22 from 5:30 – 6:30pm. Balance mind and body through breath-awareness, physical movement, relaxation, and meditation. You will leave feeling energized and relaxed. Bring your yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes.
- The Art of Baltimore Screen Painting. Join us on Friday March 24 from noon to 3pm. Learn the history of Baltimore screen painting while you paint on your own framed 14×18″ vinyl screen, with all paints and materials included.
- Empty Bowl Project Soup Dinner. If you did not get a chance to come to one of our bowl making sessions, your $25 donation at the door includes a finished ceramic bowl and admission to the soup dinner on Friday, March 31 from 4:30 – 8:30pm.
Visit https://artleagueofoceancity.org/ for our full list of classes. You can register for any class online or by calling 410-524-9433.
An off-season afternoon on Assateague Island
Treating myself out to a day of photo adventuring for an off-season afternoon on Assateague. First off, because it is so nice to get out to the ocean, even when it is chilly. Second off, because it is a great excuse to parlay the day at the beach into a Happy Hour Adventure. But the best reason is because it forces me to try and see the island in a different way, to look for the opportunity to take photos I haven’t seen a lot, or at least ones that I think are worth seeing.
