Make Your Own Pottery Bowl for the Empty Bowl Project

Art League of Ocean City
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Ceramic bowls from Empty Bowl 2016 on display in the Galleria

This year is our fourth annual Empty Bowl Project at the Ocean City Center for the Arts! For a $20 donation in advance, you get one family-friendly pottery bowl making session as well as admission to a wonderful soup dinner on Friday, March 31. By participating in this event, you are helping to fill the food pantry at Diakonia and support the missions of the Art League of Ocean City. Two great causes wrapped into one event!

Bowls in a variety of styles and glaze colors

There are still six bowl making sessions available and spots are filling up FAST! You can call the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 410-524-9433 to reserve your spot today.

  • Saturday, February 4 – Session 2 from 3-4pm
  • Tuesday, February 7 – Session 2 from 3-4pm
  • Thursday, February 16 – Session 1 from 1-2pm and Session 2 from 3-4pm
  • Tuesday, February 21 – Session 1 from 5-6pm and Session 2 from 7-8pm
Evelyn Hartman & Velda Henry serving soup at the Empty Bowl 2016 dinner

The soup dinner on March 31 is a great chance for us all to come together at our location on 94th Street bayside in Ocean City, Maryland. The dinner will go from 4:30 to 8:30 pm with continuous open seating. Soups, breads, and desserts are donated by local restaurants and served to all guests in the ceramic bowls that they made themselves. What a cool experience! After you enjoy your soup dinner, you take your bowl home as a reminder of all the empty bowls around the world. It is also a reminder of your support for those right here in our community. If you do not get a chance to make a bowl yourself, you can come the night of the dinner and pay $25 at the door to receive a ready-made bowl and admission to the soup dinner. In addition to a delicious dinner, we will have a silent auction, a cash bar, and live music. We will also be accepting cash donations that evening. Visit our website at www. artleagueofoceancity.org for more details.

Winter at Seacrets? Why not?

Tony Russo
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I’ve been attending beer festivals professionally for the better part of five years, but Love on Tap, held during the winter at Seacrets, was the first one I saw from backstage. The behind the scenes aspect of the event was different from what I was used to. For example, people asked me questions and expected things of me. Usually, I just drink, Tweet and take the occasional crowd shot. The photography was the biggest difference. When I was a reporter covering these events, I took enough photos to ensure that there were several for the editor to choose from. This time, I needed different event coverage (Side note: If I took your photo, you can find it at ShoreCraftBeer.com’s Facebook page).

One of the great tragedies was that I couldn’t have as many of the beers as usual. Not only because I wanted to stay relatively clear and because I had to drive home, but also because there always was a chance that someone could need my help or opinion. Fortunately, the folks at Seacrets are so good at their jobs no one needed anything from me. Mostly I smiled and nodded as I checked people in at the front door. As the afternoon came to an end, I just collected my things and made my way home. Piece of cake.

Between the time that the first person came in and the moment I pulled out onto Coastal Highway bound for home, I learned a bit about the process that I hadn’t known before. I also learned things about the demographics and the venue that hadn’t jumped out at me previously. For example:

people at Seacrets
It was a beautiful day at Seacrets and everyone took full advantage of it.

Young people really do like craft beer

First off: Yes. “Millennial” is so overused that it has cruised past cliche and gone directly into tedium. Second: That millennials are drinking craft beer in greater numbers than any preceding generation is well known and established. That said, the fact that they attended in the numbers that they did and all behaved themselves was merely only notable, it was inspiring.

Drinking craft beer and drinking it responsibly is so intertwined with the culture, it is as if aggressive overconsumption never had been an issue in the first place. The younger people truly were there to enjoy themselves together. I bumped into one young lady who was celebrating her 21st birthday at the event with a bunch of her friends. Sure, they were having a bunch to drink, but they weren’t lined up at a bar somewhere doing 21 shots and heading to the hospital.

Craft beer festivals tend to encourage people to enjoy themselves enthusiastically without getting rowdy. Again, hats off to the professionals at Seacrets for understanding crowds (it is really astounding how well they get crowd control without being aggressive), but also hats off to the young attendees who have set the new standard for how the next generation appreciates craft beer as a cultural phenomenon.

couple at Seacrets
One of the many couples who decided to make a weekend of it and came down for Love on Tap.

People made the trip

In addition to the hundred or so people who booked hotel rooms to come to the event, another several hundred more made the drive, taking advantage of condos and second homes or just grabbing a hotel once they got to town. A full two thirds of attendees were from more than 100 miles away, something on the order of 75 percent traveled from greater than 50 miles. People from Pennsylvania, Baltimore and the attendant metropolitan areas, many of whom had come to town for the October Shore Craft Beer Festival, came and brought friends. I spoke with a couple who have a place in town and keep an eye out for the opportunity to come down. As beer enthusiasts, attending the last two events made utter sense to them. They don’t need an excuse to plan a weekend at the beach, but if they get one, they totally will use it.

Another gentleman who had been in the fall grabbed me with a critique about the event planning. He was adamant that he was having a good time and would come to pretty much any kind of beer event we held, but he had what I think was a useful suggestion and elected to share it. In a world of Internet trolls, there is nothing like an honest critique that genuinely takes everyone’s best interest into account. People don’t only not mind making the trip, but they want to do their part to ensure events like this continue and grow. They like being a part of things, which is cool to hear.

 

Ocean City couples photos, just in time for February

Tony Russo
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Getting photos together is one of the grandest part of the Ocean City vacation experience. In what follows we’ll take a look at some of the couples photos you guys have submitted over the years.  We love it when you share your photos on our Facebook page, but sharing them at our OceanCity.com submissions page allows us to make sure they get a permanent place on our site.

Loving life in OC., 2014

Sometimes the best part about being a couple is taking turns being in photos. Selfies are fun, but appreciating one another is funner!

That’s my boyfriend on the boardwalk in ocean city. It was an amazing 2 night stay!

Some of the most memorable beach memories start away from the water as people explore Worcester County, which has much more than a beach. How’s that for an extra bonus?

My husband and myself enjoying Assateague Island on the walkway that overlooks the the inlet where we were birdwatching/sightseeing

Something tells me this photo wasn’t taken recently…

Ocean City vacation photos
Submitted photo, no caption but that’s cool.

After too much time in the desert, there’s nothing like sand that also has a beach. What a great way to get a little R&R! Thanks for your service!

My husband and I the day after he came back from Afghanistan on tour. In front of Howard Johnson Plaza OceanFront

Table-based crab fights aren’t just for kids! Getting great seafood in Ocean City begins with being willing to have a good time.

Phillips Seafood!!! YUM!! 14101 coastal Highway July 4th

Ocean City is a great place to try new things. Parasailing in Ocean City and Jet Skiing in Ocean City are only the start! But, to be fair, they are a pretty great start…

Ocean City parasailing
On our way to parasail for the first time!!! OC PARASAIL July 4th

Sometimes even the people with the best intentions get photobombed! It doesn’t matter. Being at the beach is about having a little silly time, even when you’re also trying to have some time to yourselves.

4th of July
Waiting for the firework show on the beach by Dorchester street on July 4th 2015 @ 630 before the rain with my husband Shawn while our daughter Jordyn bombs our selfie.

A guide to winter surfing

Brad Knox
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A guide to winter surfing

Surfing is a lifestyle for many Ocean City locals who have grown up in the water. Surfers line the coast during the summer trying to sneak in a few waves in boardshorts before the winter waters come back, and given that the water is only warm enough for boardshorts three to four months out of the year, its truly a race against time. If all goes well Ocean City may get four truly surf-able swells the entire summer, but when tourism slows down, the waves pick up, and the water temperature drops like a wrecking ball. Surfing on the East Coast truly does not hit full potential until a cold nor’easter blows through and leaves a six foot clean swell to play on. Typically when this happens, the water temps are in the mid 50’s; if you’re lucky. If you’re dedicated to surfing enough that your willing to drop a few hundred dollars on some equipment, I can guarantee you wont be disappointed with the results.

First, you’ll need to pick up a wetsuit. Wetsuits are made of a material called neoprene and they come in different thicknesses. The thicknesses most common for winter surfing are 3/2, 4/3, and 5/4. The numbers are representative of the thickness of neoprene in different areas. For example, a 4/3 suit has a thickness of 4 millimeters in the torso, and moves to a slimmer 3 millimeters in the arms and sometimes the legs. The thickness you chose is personal preference, but keep in mind that a 3/2 suit during January is not going to cut it.

IMG_6818wave

Second, buy some booties, gloves, and a hood ifyour suit doesn’t have one built in already. Believe it or not, your head, hands, and feet are the main areas for heat loss. Nobody enjoys calling a surf session early because their feet are numb. Make sure all of theseproducts are top of the line because a cheap pair of booties can and will ruin a winter session. Most local surf shops like K-Coast will have the proper thickness of booties, gloves, and hoods for the Ocean City area.

When you’re all set in brand new neoprene, its time to hop in the water. The biggest challenge for many is throwing on the thick suit in a near empty parking lot with a wind chill that feels like 15 degrees, but if you can get yourself by that, you’re halfway through your first winter surf session. If you have trouble working up the courage to throw on a suit outside in the blistering cold temperatures, try putting your suit on in the car, or even better; at your house if you live close enough tothe beach. If your suit is damp and freezing, pouring some hot water into it will often be the best remedy, and the same goes for your gloves and booties. Nothing feels better than some scorching hot water on a freezing day. If you plan on using a hood, be sure to pick up some ear putty for plugging your ears. Surfer’s ear is real, and it can happen to anyone.

If you make it into the water, take notice of any leaks you feel coming in through the suit. Its important these get sealed so the suit can preform to its best ability. Other than that, enjoy the solitude and get to know anyone else brave enough to be out in the freezing ocean during the winter. Once you’re able to endure the cold water, you’ll find yourself begging for winter to come and get rid of the crowds during the summer.

This story was updated Jan. 30, 2017 — Ed.

 

Remember Ocean City whenever you want

Tony Russo
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This week’s photo collection is a bit of a mix of old and new photos. I thought it would be a good time to remind you that if you want to share your Ocean City memories, they don’t have to be new, just of Ocean City. Once you’ve taken photos, you can remember Ocean City whenever you want and however you want. If you share them here, most of the people who love Ocean City as you do can do the same.
After the big snow last week some of our readers were inspired to send photos of the storm of 2000, and we were happy to get them. A gentle reminder, though, if you decide to participate and want to send larger photos, they look better on larger screens.

Submit photos

Finally, don’t forget to tell the story that goes along with the photo. I like to say, “If a picture is worth a thousand words, try and send 1,100 along.” Anyway, thanks to all of you who keep sharing your great photos with us, here and keep up the good work!

There are worse ways to spend the end of the year than walking along the Ocean City Boardwalk. You can remember Ocean City all year long if you take photos, which is always worth remembering in and of itself. Picture of the Boardwalk with, snow and ice, from December 30, 2000.
Snow can either take the edge off the creepiest things or make them seem a little colder and less forgiving. The Haunted House, with snow, Winter 2000.
Ah, Summer in Ocean City! Get yourself an Ocean City hotel room or find a nice vacation rental and spend those warm summer evenings in the most seasonal of ways! Toboggan from Trimper Rides, Summer 2000.

Submit photos

The best part about staying on the beach is that you don’t have to make much of an effort to catch a sunrise on the Ocean. Once you do, you always can just head back to sleep or, better yet, take a dip in the waves and then nap on the Ocean City beach.
#Supermoon Sunset at Ocean City #VisionsbyUrsula

What’s Coming Up in February at Ocean City’s Center for the Arts

Art League of Ocean City
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The end of the month is always an exciting time at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. Our trusty volunteers swoop in to help take down all of the artwork currently on display in our two story gallery. Then regional and local artists bring in fresh new pieces for the next month’s exhibits. In one afternoon, the whole gallery is transformed from one exhibition to the next. That process in itself is quite an art.

Here is a look at what’s coming up in February:

We will kick off the month with our First Friday reception on Friday, February 3, from 5 to 7pm. The reception is free and open to the public so everyone can come enjoy refreshments,  hors d’oeuvres from Hooked Restaurant and wonderful artwork. The Art League of Ocean City Maryland is once again participating in FeBREWary so our reception will also feature locally famous craft beer from Burley Oak Brewery. Don’t think I forgot about dessert! This month, Patti Cakes, located in Ocean Pines, is sponsoring our First Friday with delicious cupcakes you won’t want to miss! This is a free event that the Art League of Ocean City MD hosts on the first Friday evening of every month, so now you know you always have something fun to look forward to if you have any free time in your schedule. It’s a great way to start your night out before you head for dinner and an evening on the town.

The Thaler Gallery will have an all media group show titled “Home”. That is really all I know about the exhibit so it will be a surprise for both of us how artists choose to interpret it. I can imagine local artists will have pieces inspired by everyone’s local Ocean City favorites. I might just be imagining that because most of my favorite pictures are ones inspired by Ocean City, Maryland.

In the Galleria is an exhibition featuring the Artists’ Gallery of Ellicott City, Maryland. There will be pieces on display from 35 artists in pastel, colored pencil, acrylic, oils, watercolor, graphite , mixed media, traditional and digital photography, stained glass, clay and wood art. There is something for everyone. If you are from the Baltimore area or are familiar with Ellicott City, this would be a great exhibit to come and see.

A piece by the Artists’ Gallery of Ellicott City, Maryland

Studio E will host talented young artist Reeves Dark. Dark was raised in Ocean City, Maryland and is currently studying at Salisbury University working towards his BFA for graphic design. He gains his inspiration from experiences he has had while surfing in his hometown and the natural and man-made beauty it provides.

Oil painting by Reeves Dark

Betsy Hall Harrison’s work will be on display in the Spotlight Gallery and it’s something you should not miss! It’s unique. It’s different. It really catches the eye. She first learned the art of Batik from a local master in Mexico. Batik is the method of making colored designs on textiles by dyeing them. In 1980, Betsy moved permanently to Ocean City, Maryland where she has her own studio and concentrates in Batik on silk.

Batik on silk by Betsy Hall Harrison

The artisan Showcase in the retail area will feature wonderful pieces by local artisan Rae Smith. She creates one of a kind jewelry that incorporates sterling silver and copper and is inspired by rustic textures with natural influences.

Jewelry by Rae Smith

That’s not even all you have to look forward to in February!

  • 8 Empty Bowl sessions this month. Sign up to make your own pottery bowl by calling theOcean City Center for the Arts at 410-524-9433 or visiting our website at https://artleagueofoceancity.org/. Your $20 donation in advance includes your bowl making session and admission to the soup dinner on March 31.
  • “Originals Only” featuring live music and art demos. Join us on Saturday February 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 February 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 February 11 from 10am to noon. We will be making 3D mixed media ocean books!
  • Sip & Ceramics. Similar to our Brushes & Bubbly paint night, pottery night is on Wednesday February 15 from 6 to 8pm. This month we will be making oil & vinegar sets perfect for your kitchen.

All this AND MORE! Visit https://artleagueofoceancity.org/ for our full list of painting, drawing, writing, glass, film, children’s, mixed media, beading, yoga, and pottery classes. And don’t forget to mark your calendars! The next First Friday reception is on February 3 from 5 to 7pm.

 

Stansells give $250,000 to Coastal Hospice to complete new center

OceanCity.com
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Coastal Hospice & Palliative Care is nearing the finish line in creating Coastal Hospice at the Ocean, a new hospice residence and outreach center.

On Nov. 11, 2016, Macky and Pam Stansell donated $250,000 towards the Coastal Hospice at the Ocean capital campaign. Their donation brought the total raised to $4.68 million with a goal of $5 million.

Macky and Pam Stansell donated $250,000 towards the Coastal Hospice at the Ocean capital campaign. Macky Stansell pictured here with Alane Capen, President of Coastal Hospice.

On Dec. 30, 2016, the nonprofit Coastal Hospice purchased The Point Clubhouse in Ocean Pines — the building that will become Coastal Hospice at the Ocean — from the Farmers Bank of Willards.

The new residence will be a safe place to live for hospice patients who cannot manage alone and lack an able caregiver at home. The facility will also be a base for the home hospice team that serves the area and for outreach programs currently provided by Coastal Hospice, such as grief support and palliative care.

The Stansells, who have been generous supporters of the project since its conception, said they made their contribution with the hope that others in the community will follow suit.

“I challenge my peers to step forward and help us make this vital project a reality,” Macky Stansell, a member of the project’s capital campaign committee, said. “Coastal Hospice at the Ocean will benefit everyone in the Lower Shore community, especially those at the most vulnerable time of life.”

Farmers Bank of Willards President Chris Davis said his board is delighted to see the building put to a use that will benefit the community.

“We all are hospice supporters,” Davis said. “We couldn’t be happier to see this property become the home of Coastal Hospice at the Ocean.”

“The outpouring of generosity from our entire community has been wonderful,” Coastal Hospice President Alane Capen said. “This could not have happened without the support of people like the Stansells and the Farmers Bank. And I can’t imagine a more beautiful setting for our hospice residence.” 

The waterfront Point Clubhouse — abandoned by the original developer who left a completed shell and a raw interior — has been the property of the Farmers Bank for five years. Coastal Hospice will be upgrading both the exterior and interior of the building to comply with state-of-the-art hospice standards.

Patient rooms will be designed to have the comfort and feel of home, and most will have a waterfront view of the Isle of Wight Bay and the Ocean City skyline. When completed, the building will also include a meditation garden, family gathering rooms, water view decks and community areas.

The Becker Morgan Group and Hospice Design Resources are the architects for the project, and Whiting Turner is the construction manager.

Construction to make the abandoned clubhouse into a safe hospice home is expected to begin in spring 2017 with occupancy within a year.

 

Love affair with the beach

The Outsider
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February nearly is upon us, and as many search for a cure for cabin fever, they’ll begin setting their sights on summer vacations. While this type of therapy maybe all that’s needed – A trip to the shore for Valentines Day, instead may be just what the doctor ordered.

Make the Leap

Valentine’s Day provides the perfect excuse for a two, or better yet, three day weekend away at the beach. You can start your visit on Saturday, this way you can be all settled in and relaxed by the time Sunday rolls around. Chances are you’ve thought about it in previous years, when your inbox was filled with offers from hotels and restaurants, but after being tempted by pictures of sunbeams shining through the balcony glass doors, and of course the mouth watering food porn, you may have second guessed your impulse and asked yourself – Why would I want to head to the beach to celebrate Valentines Day? Won’t it be cold there??  Answer: Yes! Chances are it WILL be cold in Ocean City during this Holiday, and the truth is the town itself will be pretty much DEAD.
 
Right now you might be trying to wrap your mind around the end of the last paragraph above. I mean after all, isn’t it my job as a writer to sell you on the idea that every aspect of Ocean City is perfect? Shouldn’t I be trying to convince you that the weather is always great, and there’s plenty to do in town no matter what time of year it is?? Basically blowing the same smoke up your backside as every other…
No. Sorry, as my name suggests I AM the “OC Outsider”.
Allow me to be clear: I truly LOVE Ocean City but the views, opinions, and advice that you’ll be reading in this column, are mine and mine alone. Oceancity.com doesn’t censor what I write here, nor am I under the thumb of the town itself. Yes, brace yourselves, it’s true. While I hate to be the bearer of bad news, I feel it’s my duty to inform you, the readers that (when it comes to Ocean City) much of the so called “advice” you’ll read about on the internet, is carefully monitored, scrutinized, and worse yet influenced by the town itself and what is best for THOSE businesses that advertise on certain sites. I can assure you this is not, nor will it ever be the case here, I call em’ like I see em…

Getting Back on Topic

So, if you’ve decided to continue reading past my “shooting from the hip” disclaimer, let’s revisit the idea of spending Valentine’s Day at the shore. As we already came to grips with, the temperature could be rather chilly, and you’re not going to find 10 miles of packed night clubs while vacationing here in the tail end of winter. So while this may not be the best set up for all vacationers out there, this time of year offers it’s own charms. You have a chance to take advantage of a lot unique situations. The month of February is extremely slow when it comes to tourism, and the establishments are quite eager to get reacquainted with you. Why not take full advantage of the discounts offered?
I hate to use the word “literally”, because it’s over used in today’s language, however visiting this time of year can be done for ‘literally” a fraction of what it would cost you during the summer months. Ever walk by a certain hotel during July and wonder what it would be like to stay there? Now’s your chance to give them a try, while saving up to 75 percent off the peak season rates! And, the closer it gets to the actual dates, the more chance you have of getting even greater savings. If you have the flexibility, or just happen to find yourself in that 11th hour, 59th minute situation, don’t be afraid to abandon the internet search & call the hotel direct (remember when people did it this way) you might find a better deal than they’re advertising on their websites.
 

 

It’s all about the food

Not sure why, but somehow this holiday has become as synonymous with dining out, as turkey is to Thanksgiving. Chances are, if you’d choose to stay home rather than visit the shore for Valentine’s Day you’d be going out to eat anyways, so if you think about it this is a financial push when it comes right down to it, plus by choosing Ocean City you have a better chance of avoiding the usual pitfalls that go along with going out for dinner. Let’s face it we’ve all been there: You have your favorite restaurant that you go to in your home town, so you make reservations. Only to get overpriced specials that will underwhelm you, served up by a waitstaff that just wants the whole night to be over. Why not treat yourself to a nice meal in your favorite resort town? Many of Ocean City’s restaurants are open year-round, and offer great deals for Valentine’s Day, they won’t be over crowded or understaffed, matter of fact you’ll find that even some of the “hard to get into places” will be quite welcoming and might just be serving up humble pie for desert!
Whether you view it as a opportunity for a romantic get away with your special someone or a just chance to turn the tables on the establishments while enjoying deep discounts. The fact remains it’s a different kind of way to celebrate the Holiday than most are used to and a more intimate way of enjoying this little beach town than you can achieve in the summertime.
 
Sincerely,
The OC Outsider.
This post was updated on Jan. 18 — Ed.
 

7 Reasons to Visit the Ocean City Center for the Arts

Art League of Ocean City
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Whether you are an artist, an art appreciator, or an Ocean  City, Maryland regular and you are not familiar with the Ocean  City Center for the Arts, your first step is to take some time to explore what I like to consider a “hidden gem” in this town. It still amazes me how many people have never visited the gallery, let alone gotten to experience a pottery class or a First Friday reception for themselves. Here is a list of seven reasons why you should visit the Arts Center ASAP.

1. It is free and open to the public. There is no cost to come in and look around. We are proud to be the only Arts Center in Ocean City, Maryland. There is nothing else in town quite like this! Our facility features a spacious two story gallery, a pottery studio, two classrooms, an art library and five working artist studios.

Ocean City Center for the Arts exterior – located at 502 94th Street bayside.

2. New artwork every month. Every single month (yes, all 12 of them) you have the opportunity to come in and explore new artwork including photographs, mixed media pieces, and watercolor paintings by different artists. We kick off each month with an opening reception from 5-7pm on the first Friday of each month. The receptions are free and open to the public so you can come enjoy refreshments,  hors d’oeuvres and wonderful artwork.

Ocean City Center for the Arts interior – 2 story gallery with stairs and elevator.

3. The view. That’s it. The view alone is a great reason to come by the Ocean City Center for the Arts to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature right on the bay. Of course your best pictures can be taken at sunset, but really anytime of day gives you a gorgeous view.

Sunset view from the front entrance.

4. The retail area. If you like to shop like I do, you will love our original works in the retail area. All the work for sale is created by Art League members and local artists and artisans. There is a wide selection from original paintings, poetry and sculpture, hand crafted jewelry and wearable art, to art prints and gift cards. One of the most important things about buying original artwork is that you are supporting an artist’s career. It’s a feel-good experience that you don’t get from shopping at an ordinary store.

Gifts in our Retail Area at great prices.

5. Paint Nite! Everybody loves a good Paint Nite. We host one every month delightfully titled “Brushes and Bubbly”. Our wonderful instructor Kathi Stevens will lead the class through a fun, stress-free evening of painting. We supply the canvases, paints, brushes, cups, and music. All you have to do is bring friends, a snack, and an adult beverage. The class is only $25 for Art League members and $32 for non-members.

All smiles at Brushes & Bubbly.

6. Amazing kids classes. Sign your young ones up for pottery, painting, mixed media, screen painting, and even fused glass classes! “Pizza and Pottery” comes with all the materials to make a clay creation AND a pizza dinner. Who can resist? “Creative Kids Sundays” gives children the chance to create a unique project just for them. Our classes will leave them inspired and ready to create more awesome works of art!

Kids & Canvas painting event.

7. Make pottery for a great cause. Our annual Empty Bowl Project  is in full swing! This family-friendly pottery bowl making event helps to fill the food pantry at Diakonia and also supports the missions of the Art League. Sign up for a bowl making session for only $20. You will get to keep the bowl you create AND enjoy a delicious soup dinner on Friday, March 31.

Finished pottery bowls that have been glazed and fired in our kiln.

There you have it – 7 reasons to visit the Ocean City Center for the Arts every day of the week. Stop in to see the fun for yourself! We are open year-round Monday thru Friday from 9am to 4pm and Saturday thru Sunday from 11am to 4pm. See you soon!

Snow photos and other seasons too!

Tony Russo
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We had lots of great photos submitted this week. Some were of the recent storm, others were from the fall all capture the special something that makes Ocean City such a pleasure to visit and remember. As always, we welcome your photos and encourage you to send along descriptive captions and large photos that really capture the scene you’re trying to convey. You can submit your photos here.
As you can see, people often submit more than one, which is fine by us. We’re run as many as we can by one photographer and we’re happy to add your name so you get credit for your work.

Cool blending of the snow and the sand in this photo by Shantel Mitchell Breen
Ocean City snowstorm
Taken by Shantel Mitchell Breen January 7, 2017 a stroll on the beach during snow storm
Ocean City beach
Beach, Metal Detector out on a COLD day…taken from 53rd St., 12/30/2016. Diane Godish
Ocean City Hotels
Taken from beach at 53rd St., looking downtown, 12/30/16. Beach. Diane Godish.

Make plans to for a winter weekend getaway now

OCean City
Before the end of the year the beach was very peaceful.
Beach, 53rd St., 12/30/2016. Diane Godish.
Assateague
Assateague Island is one of the favorite Ocean City day trip destinations.
Assateague, 10/23/2016. Diane Godish
Back in October the skies weren’t much bluer than they are today in Ocean City.
Seagulls on the Beach, 10/24/2016. Diane Godish.
This submitted photo is an alternate take on the fishing pier from last year.
Sunrise at the Inlet Beach, 10/23/2016 by Diane Godish.

Ocean City VFC Announces New Leadership

Tony Russo
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Ocean City, Maryland – (January 9, 2017): The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (VFC) recently held their annual elections, selecting new officers in various leadership positions. The individuals elected to serve in leaderships roles for 2017 are as follows:

Chief Officers:

  • Fire Chief – David N. Cropper
  • 1st Assistant Chief – Maurice D. Cropper
  • 2nd Assistant Chief – James L. Jester
  • 3rd Assistant Chief – Jeffery R. Aperance

Visit Ocean City Maryland!

Administrative Officers:

  • President – James L. Jester
  • Vice President – D. Sean Goggin
  • Secretary – Sean R. Donovan
  • Treasurer – Connor J. Braniff
  • (2016-2017) Board of Director #1 – H. Michael Giardina
  • (2016-2017) Board of Director #2 – Thomas M. Parker
  • (2017-2018) Board of Director #3 – David A. Coleman
  • (2017-2018) Board of Director #4 – David E. Hedges
  • (2017-2018) Board of Director #5 – Jerold W. Priestley
  • Chaplain – Philip J. Turk“The tradition of democracy within the Ocean City VFC reigns supreme each December when our membership holds its annual election for board of directors and officers,” commented VFC President, Jay Jester. “It’s exciting to welcome new mentors and establish new goals as we enter into each bright New Year in Ocean City.”

The 5 Best Crabcakes in Ocean City revealed

Tony Russo
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People are passionate about crabcakes, like, really passionate. Although there were lots of other restaurants in the running (pretty much every restaurant in town serves crab cakes) according to you, our readers, these are the best crabcakes in Ocean City. The Shark on the Harbor was running a very distant sixth and it isn’t unreasonable that they can catch up. Hell, nothing is unreasonable with so much time left to vote. The point is, though, that these are the best of the best and it is a pretty tight race. We do tally the write-in votes pretty closely so if you want to start a campaign for your favorite. That is, if you think the “real” best crabcakes didn’t make the list, there is still time to designate the best of the best. Click here to vote!

Current Fifth Place

Phillips Crab House | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

Veteran regional chain serving signature crab cakes & other Maryland-style seafood in low-key digs.

Current Fourth Place

Crab Alley Crab House, Lounge and Seafood Market | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

Long-standing crab house offering regional specialties plus a seafood market & outdoor seating.

Disagree? Click here to vote!

Current Third Place

Ocean City Fish Co | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

Ocean City Fish Company is the new home for Ocean City’s best crab cake. Now sourcing the freshest in available Boat to Table & Farm to Table ingredients, we believe in supporting our local fisherman, farmers and community while delivering an enjoya

Disagree? Click here to vote!

Current Second Place

Coins Pub & Restaurant | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

American fare with lots of seafood is served at this casual tavern, with daily early-bird specials.

Current First Place

Crabcake Factory USA | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

The Crabcake Factory is known for its World Famous Crabcakes, its Over the Top Breakfast and its Outrageous Bloody Marys. There are two locations, on 120th street in Ocean City, and on Rt 54 in Fenwick Island. Both are open year round,

Disagree? Click here to vote!

Top 10 Ocean City Happy Hour Specials

Tony Russo
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2

The Best of Ocean City in an annual open voting contest where our readers choose the best the region has to offer in multiple categories. What follows is a list of the Top 10 Happy Hour Specials in Ocean City. These choices are the result of thousands of people voting in more than three dozen categories. If you would like to participate and maybe change the top ten, click here to vote. This list will be updated as necessary, so check back and vote often.

Current Tenth Place

The Longboard Cafe | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

Located in the Town Center at 67th Street, Longboard Café is a surf-themed bistro featuring high quality food in a casual atmosphere. From gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish

Current Ninth Place

Bad Monkey | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

Bad Monkey Bar & Grill located at 58th street and Coastal Highway in the heart of Ocean City MD features breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eat in or carry out.

Current Eighth Place

Crab Bag | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

Bustling outlet offering all-you-can-eat crabs & local favorites in a large, no-frills dining room.

Disagree? Click here to vote!

 

Current Seventh Place

Coins Pub & Restaurant | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

American fare with lots of seafood is served at this casual tavern, with daily early-bird specials.

Current Sixth Place

Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

Macky’s Bayside is a laid back, upbeat bar and grill serving up great food, drink, and service in a fabulous setting.

Current Fifth Place

Greene Turtle the original | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

The Original Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille: Fun for Everyone with a Game Room, Keno, Wifi, 50 Flat Screen & HD TVs, DJs with a Dance floor!! Burgers, Wings, Homemade Crab Cakes, Salads and MORE!

Current Fourth Place

Mother’s Cantina | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

Festive eatery & bar serving Tex-Mex fare including vegetarian choices, plus margaritas till late.

Disagree? Click here to vote!

Current Third Place

Crabcake Factory USA | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

The Crabcake Factory is known for its World Famous Crabcakes, its Over the Top Breakfast and its Outrageous Bloody Marys. There are two locations, on 120th street in Ocean City, and on Rt 54 in Fenwick Island. Both are open year round,

Current Second Place

M.R. Ducks | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

Enduring dockside bar & grill serving seafood & pub fare, with live music on weekends, seasonally.

Current First Place

Coconut Beach Bar and Grill | Ocean City, MD, United States – OceanCity.com

Coconuts is a popular Ocean City entertainment venue. In season, live entertainment by local musicians keeps the beachfront patio rockin’ as guests sip cocktails and dine amidst the cool ocean breezes.



Top 10 Ocean City videos from the Jan. 7 storm

Tony Russo
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0

Over the weekend, members of the OceanCity.com staff as well as many of our loyal readers got out and shared some videos of the snow. If you’re still snowed in (or if you wish you were) take a look as some of the awesome sights we had in town this weekend. As always, feel free to share your videos to our Facebook page and to submit photos to our website for inclusion in collections like this one. Enjoy!

If you’ve got the right gear, it never is too cold to surf in Ocean City, Md. 

There’s always fund stuff to do during a snow storm in Ocean City 

A quick tour of the Inlet after the storm has broken. 

Inlet at the height of the storm

…and the calm that followed

Road department hard at work

A drive up a quiet downtown

Snowy afternoon at Northside park

Bringing the fun from the beach onto the parking lot

Resort Area Under Winter Storm Warning (3:15 p.m. Update)

Tony Russo
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0

Ocean City, Maryland – (January 6, 2016): Ocean City is under a Winter Storm Warning, beginning in the early morning hours tomorrow, Saturday, January 7, until Sunday. According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, VA, Ocean City will experience snow and moderate wind gusts. The projected snow flurries will begin early morning Saturday and last throughout the afternoon hours.
Snowfall accumulations are expected to reach between 6 to 8 inches, with winds averaging 15 to 20 miles per hour, with gusts reaching 25-30 miles per hour. Due to the combination of snow, gusty winds and very cold temperatures, travel is strongly discouraged late tonight and during the storm tomorrow.
The Town of Ocean City’s Winter Storm Plan is in effect and the Emergency Management personnel are continuing to monitor the storm. For tips on staying safe during winter storms and cold weather, visit: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.

Worcester County Social Services Opens Cold Weather Shelter this Weekend

OceanCity.com
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Prompted by a forecast calling for low overnight temperatures and snow, the Worcester County Homeless Board and Worcester County Department of Social Services in conjunction with Ocean City Cold Weather Coalition, will be offering a cold weather shelter at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for the next three nights, beginning Friday night and ending Monday morning.
The shelter is located at 10301 Coastal Highway in Ocean City and will open between 5:00 p.m. each night and close each morning at 7 a.m. Guests will receive a hot evening meal and a warm, safe place to spend the night, as well as breakfast in the morning.
Vouchers for transportation through Shore Transit and Ocean City Transportation are available by contacting Worcester County Department of Social Services at 410-677-6834 or the Worcester County Health Department at 410-632-3366.
The shelter is for homeless Worcester County citizens. For more information about the shelter call, 410-524-7474.

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