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Flying over the Ocean City Boardwalk with John Klatt

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Flying over the Ocean City Boardwalk with John Klatt

(June 12, 2015) Lt. Col. John Klatt will be doing barrel rolls, stalls, loops and assorted other aerodynamically challenging actions over the beach this weekend in this year’s edition of the Ocean City Air Show.

The difference between what he will do then and what he did in a short run Wednesday morning, however, is that I won’t be riding with him.

Not that I wouldn’t, given the opportunity, despite being deathly afraid of roller coasters and just about any other mechanically driven method of flirting with the laws of gravity.

Still, flying upside down at more than 200 miles an hour and wondering why you and your stomach seem to have parted company is one of those lifetime experiences.

Aboard his Air National Guard Extra 300L, we did multiple barrel rolls in a row with incredible upside down views of the Ocean City beach and Boardwalk.

It only lasted about 20 minutes before we headed back to the Ocean City Municipal Airport, where Klatt said his performance this weekend will be 100 times more intense.

That I could only attempt to imagine I as I sat there profusely sweating and shaking after landing.

“I have been flying my whole adult life and these air shows are an extension of all my life experiences,” Klatt said.

His father was an aviation mechanic and Klatt knew at 10-years-old that flying was his passion. By 17, he was taking flying lessons and he earned his pilot license before graduating college.

After joining the Air National Guard, he was deployed to Iraq three times as a fighter pilot. In addition, he flew an F-16 ‘Fighting Falcon’ on numerous air support missions over Washington D.C. and New York City in the days following 9/11.

“The National Guard has been a great opportunity and helped me learn to fly,” Klatt said. “The air shows are a culmination of all my life experiences.”

To date, Klatt has logged more than 15,000 hours of flight time including humanitarian missions, during combat and as a professional air show performer for the past 15 years.

During the Air Show this weekend, Klatt will fly the Air National Guard MX-S, which is a carbon fiber aircraft that can do 250 miles per hour with its 360 horsepower engine.

 “Audiences will see hardcore, unlimited aerobatics at the show this weekend and it’s going to be special,” Klatt said. “This year is going to be huge with some of the best names in the business and I am excited to be a part of it.”

Klatt has flown in a couple of the Ocean City Air Shows in the past.

“We really like coming out here. They put on a great show and it’s in a perfect location,” he added.

This year, the Air National Guard will be taking over social media with what they hope will be a live broadcast from the cockpit if cellphone coverage works out.

“We are trying to have a live broadcast from the cockpit over the Internet so people on the beach can watch me flying in the air and inside the aircraft,” Klatt said. “We’re really excited about it. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get more details, we would love to interact with you.”

After Ocean City’s Air Show, Klatt will visit 13 additional cities in 2015 to amaze audiences. This audience of one already stands amazed.

School support staff feeling pay squeeze, too

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School support staff feeling pay squeeze, too

(June 12, 2015) Dealing with less vocal support than teachers enjoy, yet doing the work needed for the maintenance and operations of the county’s schools, the Worcester County Education Support Personnel Association is feeling the same squeeze as educators in terms of property tax and health care costs, but also without a raise to show for it.

Worcester teachers engaged in a “work to rule” protest, starting their day exactly when contractually obligated and leaving precisely as described, to draw attention to a 2016 county budget that excluded funding for step increases.

The county commissioners allocate funds for the board of education in 13 discrete areas, one of which is salaries. Teachers and support staff negotiate with the school board based on those figures to determine annual salaries.

“We’re the first ones there and the last to leave,” Ivory Smith, president of the support staff union said, “Teachers can work to rule, but we’re hourly. We come in on time, and if we stay later we’re compensated. I can’t ask our members to give that up. Yes, it might be sending a statement but it could be seen as not wanting to do our jobs.”

One problem is numbers, Smith said.

“The Worcester County Teachers Association has 500-600 members. We’ve got 144 out of 500 support staff,” he said.

Of those, Smith said, almost 90 make less than $20,000 annually.

“The education assistants — I love them — some have associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and want to be teachers here. Some have been here 20 years. They make $16,000 per year,” he said.

Those employees are going to be hit hard by budgetary decisions, Smith said.

“Some teachers think we’re there to work for them, but we all have a very important job to do. We’re ranked high in education but low in pay scale. We’d like to be more involved,” he said.

This is Smith’s first term as president of the union. He previously served two terms as vice president.

Appearing Live: June 12-18, 2015

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Appearing Live: June 12-18, 2015

BJ’S ON THE WATER
75th Street and the bay
Ocean City
410-524-7575
June 12: Full Circle, 9 p.m.
June 13: Chest Pains, 9 p.m.
June 17: It’s About Time, 5 p.m.

BOURBON STREET ON THE BEACH
116th Street, behind Fountain Head Towers Condominium
Ocean City
443-664-2896
Every Wednesday: Jam Session w/The Baltimore Boyz, 8-11 p.m.
Every Thursday: Brant Quick, 6-9 p.m.
June 12: Dave Sherman, 7-11 p.m.
June 13: Baltimore Boyz, 7-11 p.m.
June 14: OHO Just Jay, 4-8 p.m.

BRASS BALLS SALOON
Boardwalk, between
11th and 12th streets
Ocean City
410-289-0069
Every Friday & Saturday: Karaoke w/O’Andy, 9 p.m.

BUDDY’S CRABS & RIBS
Wicomico Street and the bay
Ocean City
410-289-0500
June 12: Kaleb Brown, 5-9 p.m.
June 13: Angeline & Joey Saah,
afternoon; Jack & T Lutz, evening
June 14: Kaleb Brown, evening
June 15: Monday Night Deck Party w/Orlando Philips the RasTA
American, 5-9 p.m.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE
15th St. & Baltimore Ave.
Ocean City
410-289-7192
www.captainstableoc.com
Every Friday & Saturday: Phil Perdue
June 14: Phil Perdue

CAROUSEL PATIO BAR AND GRILL
In the Carousel Hotel
118th Street and the ocean
Ocean City
410-524-1000
June 12: Lennon LaRicci & the Leftovers, 2-6 p.m.
June 13: Tim Landers & John Heinz, 2-6 p.m.
June 14: Dave Sherman, 2-6 p.m.
June 15: Tim Landers, 2-6 p.m.
June 16: Kaleb Brown, 2-6 p.m.
June 17: Tommy Edwards, 2-6 p.m.
June 18: DJ Jeremy, 7-11 p.m.

CASINO AT OCEAN DOWNS
10218 Racetrack Road
Berlin
410-641-0600
June 12: Everett Spells, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
June 13: New Dawn Duo, 4:30-8:30 p.m.; Monkee Paw, 9:30 p.m. to
1:30 a.m.

COCONUTS BEACH BAR AND GRILL
In the Castle in the Sand Hotel
37th Street oceanfront
Ocean City
410-289-6846
June 12: Darin Engh, noon to 4 p.m.; John LaMere, 5-9 p.m.
June 13: Kevin Poole & Joe
Mama, 4-8 p.m.
June 14: Lauren Glick & the Mood Swingers, 4-8 p.m.
June 15: Nate Clendenen, noon to
3 p.m.; Bob Wilkinson & Joe Smooth, 4-8 p.m.
June 16: Rick & Regina, noon to
3 p.m.; Aaron Howell Duo, 4-8 p.m.
June 17: Taylor Knox, noon to 3 p.m.; Chris Button & Joe Mamma, 4-8 p.m.
June 18: Sean Loomis,  noon to
3 p.m.; Kevin Poole & Joe Mama,
4-8 p.m.

THE COVE AT OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB
1 Mumford’s Landing Road
Ocean Pines
410-641-7501
June 12: Tranzfusion, 6-10 p.m.
June 13: Wes Davis Duo, 6-10 p.m.
June 14: Tommy Edward Solo, 5-9 p.m.

DUFFY’S TAVERN
130th Street in the
Montego Bay Shopping Center
410-250-1449
June 13: The Bullets, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

DUNES MANOR
28th Street, Oceanfront
Ocean City
410-289-1100
June 12: Ms. Shirley or Ellsworth on the piano, 7-11 p.m.
June 13: Bill Dickson, 2-5 p.m.; Ms. Shirley or Ellsworth on the piano, 7-11 p.m.
June 14: Mike Smith, 2-5 p.m.; Ms. Shirley or Ellsworth on the piano, 7-11 p.m.
June 17-18: Ms. Shirley or Ellsworth on the piano, 7-11 p.m.

FAGER’S ISLAND
60th Street and the bay
Ocean City
410-524-5500
June 12: Bell Curve, 5:30 p.m.; DJ Hook, 9:30 p.m.; Fish Out of Water, 10 p.m.
June 13: Joey Saah And Angeline Leech, 5:30 p.m.; DJ Groove, 9:30 p.m.; The Loop, 10 p.m.
June 14: Everett Spells, brunch
June 15: DJ Wax, 5:30 p.m.; DJ RobCee, 9:30 p.m.; Queen Green, 10 p.m.
June 16: Zion Reggae, 3-6 p.m.; The Klassix, 6-10 p.m.; DJ Hook, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

GUIDOS BURRITOS
33rd Street and Coastal Highway
Ocean City
410-524-3663
Every Tuesday: Joey Saah, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Every Thursday: DJ Wax, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL
12841 S. Harbor Road
West Ocean City
410-213-1846
June 12: DJ Bill T, 4 p.m.
June 13: Simple Truth, 2-6 p.m.;
DJ Jeremy, 9 p.m.
June 14: Opposite Directions,
2-6 p.m.; DJ Billy T, 7 p.m.
June 15: Blake Haley, 4 p.m.;
DJ Billy T, 8 p.m.
June 16: Funk Shue,
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
June 17: Nate Clendenen,
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
June 18: Opposite Directions,
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

HARPOON HANNA’S
Route 54 and the bay
Fenwick Island, Del.
800-227-0525
302-539-3095
June 12: Dave Hawkins, 5-10 p.m.;
DJ Mikey J, 10 p.m.
June 13: Dave Sherman, 5-10 p.m.; DJ Cdub, 10 p.m.
June 14: Kayla Kroh, 3-6 p.m.;
Kevin Poole, 4-8 p.m.
June 15: Dave Hawkins, 6-10 p.m.
June 16: Kevin Poole, 5-9 p.m.; Karaoke, 9 p.m.
June 17: Dave Sherman, 5-9 p.m.; Karaoke, 9 p.m.
June 18: Keith White Duo, 5-9 p.m.; Karaoke, 9 p.m.

HOOTERS
Rt. 50 & Keyser Point Road
West Ocean City
410-213-1841
June 12: Funk Shue, 8 p.m.
June 13: First Class, 8 p.m.
June 14: First Class, 3-7 p.m.
June 17: Funk Shue, 6 p.m.

JOHNNY’S PIZZA & PUB
56th Street, bayside
Ocean City
410-524-7499
June 12: Rockfish, 9 p.m.
June 13: O.H.O., 9 p.m.
June 17: Randy Lee Ashcraft and the Saltwater Cowboys, 9 p.m.

KY WEST RESTAURANT & BAR
54th Street
Ocean City
443-664-2836
Every Friday: Baltimore Boyz
Every Saturday: DJ Rhoadie

LONGBOARD CAFE
67th Street Town Center
Ocean City
443-664-5639
June 14: Joe Mama and guest,
8:30-11:30 p.m.
June 16: Chris Button,
8:30-11:30 p.m.
June 18: Mike Smith,
8:30-11:30 p.m.

M.R. DUCKS
Talbot Street and the bay
Ocean City
410-289-9125
June 12: DJ Batman, 6 p.m.
June 13: Johnny Bling, 4-8 p.m.
June 14: Road House Clams,
4-8 p.m.

MACKY’S BAYSIDE BAR & GRILL
53rd Street and Coastal Highway
Ocean City
410-723-5565
June 12: DJ Casper 10 p.m.
June 13: DJ Vybe, 10 p.m.
June 14: Jimmy G, noon to 4 p.m.
June 16: Theme Party “Circus”
w/DJ Dutch Adams
June 18: DJ Casper, 10 p.m.

OCEAN CLUB NIGHTCLUB
In the Horizons Restaurant
In the Clarion Fontainebleau Hotel
101st Street and the ocean
Ocean City
410-524-3535
June 12-13: Power Play,
9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Lenny’s Beach Bar
June 12-14: On the Edge, 4-9 p.m.
June 15-21: First Class, 4-9 p.m.

PURPLE MOOSE
Boardwalk, between
Talbot and Caroline streets
Ocean City
410-289-6953
June 12: CK the DJ/VJ, 2 p.m.;
Remedy, 10 p.m.
June 13: VJ/DJ Jammin Jeff, 2 p.m.; Remedy, 10 p.m.
June 14: CK the DJ/VJ, 2 p.m.; Slamm, 10 p.m.
June 15: Slamm, 10 p.m.
June 16-17: VJ/DJ Jammin Jeff,
8 p.m.
June 18: “Tribute to Kid Rock”
Cowboy, 10 p.m.

ROPEWALK
82nd Street and the bay
Ocean City
410-524-1009
June 12: Steel Drums, 4-8 p.m.
June 13: Bob Brotto, noon to 4 p.m.; Steel Drums, 4-8 p.m.; Dueling
Pianos, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
June 14: Bob Brotto, noon to 4 p.m.; Dueling Pianos, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
June 15: John LaMere, 4-8 p.m.
June 16: Pat O’Brennan, 4-8 p.m.
June 17-18: Steel Drums, 4-8 p.m.

SEACRETS
49th Street and the bay
Ocean City
410-524-4900
June 12: Jim Long Band, 5 p.m.;
9 Mile Roots, 9 p.m.; Lost in Paris,
10 p.m.
June 13: Jim Long Band, 5 p.m.;
9 Mile Roots, 9 p.m.; The Zoo,
10 p.m.
June 14: Power Play w/Jim Long,
5 p.m.; 9 Mile Roots, 9 p.m.;
The Benjamins, 10 p.m.
June 15: Full Circle, 5 p.m.;
Rising Sun, 9 p.m.
June 16: Opposite Directions, 5 p.m.; Rising Sun, 9 p.m.; The Rockets,
10 p.m.
June 17: The JJ Rupp Trio, 5 p.m.; New Direction, 9 p.m.; The Wild Ones, 10 p.m.
June 18: The Freddie Long Band,
5 p.m.; Innasense, 9 p.m.; Go Go Gadget, 10 p.m.

SHENANIGAN’S
Fourth Street and the Boardwalk
in the Shoreham Hotel
410-289-7181
June 12-13: James Gallagher & Off The Boat, 9 p.m.

SKYE RAW BAR & GRILLE
66th Street, bayside
Ocean City
410-723-6762
June 12: Kayla Brown, 4-8 p.m.
June 13: The Stims, 4-8 p.m.

WHISKER’S BAR & GRILL
11070 Cathell Road, Suite 17
Pines Plaza, Ocean Pines
443-365-2576
June 12: Karaoke w/Donnie Berkey, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Kids At Play Photos

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Kids At Play Photos

It’s the simple pleasures in life that are important.  When you see kids at the beach, playing, swimming, laughing, running around, and using their imagination to create their own little world, you know that this vacation was worth while!  Take a look at these Kids At Play Photos from our Fan of the Day facebook posts and remember what it feels like to be a kid!

On the Waterfront Photos

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On the Waterfront Photos

Ocean City is the perfect place to relax by the waterfront, or even relax on the water. Take friends and family for a pontoon boat ride and sit back and unwind on the Bay.  Have a go at fishing and crabbing on the Bay, from the comfort of your pontoon boat. If its something more exciting you’re after, experience the thrill of jet skiing around the Bay, and let the water spray up as you roar across the waves. Check out these photos taken at Bayside Boat Rentals on 53rd Street in Ocean City.

Hover Board Photos

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Hover Board Photos

The Hover Board is for those who dare!  Take a look at these Hover Board photos which show the skill and bravery required to ride this!

Sand in your Shoes Photos

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Sand in your Shoes Photos

As the waves crash onto the Ocean City Beach, little children squeel and jump, teenagers grab their boogie boards and catch the wave, and older people run for shore!  All of them are enjoying the delights of the beach in Ocean City.  Others take walks, build sandcastles or just sit back, close their eyes and let the distant sounds of conversation  drift by.  These sand in your shoes photos make you want to be there right now!

Microbrew Monday: June 8, 2015

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Microbrew Monday: June 8, 2015

With 4 breweries in town, 9 more under an hour away, and more popping up every few months, Ocean City, MD has asserted itself as the fastest growing craft beer brewery destination on the East Coast. Each week, OceanCity.com brings you ‘Microbrew Monday” to keep you in the know about what’s going on around our local brewery scene. Don’t forget to check out ShoreCraftBeer.com for complete craft beer coverage and to learn how you can win prizes just for drinking local with the ShoreCraftBeer.com Shore-17 and OC-8 Brewery Challenges!

Here are this week’s highlights:

– Fin City Brewing Co. is proud to release the brand new ‘Poor Man’s IPA’ and are hosting a release party at the West Ocean City Pizza Tugos on Monday, June 8. Stop by from 7-11am to sample the new brew and chat with the team from Ocean City’s oldest brewing company.

– Ocean City Brewing Co. has two dozen taps, many of which are occupied by craft beers made on premise. This week, Ocean City Brewing has new summer releases like its Blood Orange IPA, Orange Cruch Wheat Ale, and Watermelon Mint Ale, so make sure to stop by to sample them all! Also, head to the brewery for Pint Night on Tuesday at 7:00, “Firkin Friday” where a special, one-of-a-kind cask-conditioned brew is featured weekly, and breakfast at the brewery on the weekends. Finally, if you want a first-hand look at the brewing process, don’t forget to stop by OC Brewing Co. for a personal tour of the operation. Tours take place daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

– Evolution Craft Brewing Company, in Salisbury,  has great food and beer specials all week at Public House Restaurant and the tasting room. Check them out Monday for 1/2 priced wings and all day happy hour; Tuesday you can get a beer and burger for only $10; Wednesday house-smoked brisket sandwiches are 1/2 off all day; Thursday is ‘Community Appreciation Night” featuring discounts for police, firefighters, EMTs, teachers and others who make the local community a better place; and Sunday Evo has 1/2 priced burgers and happy hour all day long.

– The 3rd Wave Brewing Co., just up the road in Delmar, DE, prides itself on ‘Good Friends, Good Waves and Great Beer’ and wants to share all three with you. This week, stop by the taproom for School Faculty Appreciation Night on Monday for Hoppy Hour prices with proper ID, Wednesday for 3 pints for $3 each, Flight Night on Thursday with half price flights, or any other night to try 3rd Wave’s newest offerings.

– Located at 10th St. and the Boardwalk, Ocean City’s first brewery- Backshore Brewing Co.- may have the best view of any brewery anywhere in the country. Stop by for the view and stay for the handcrafted beers and brand new HoopTea. Plus, don’t forget to be on the lookout for Backshore’s big screen debut in ‘Blood, Sweat, and Beer,’ a new documentary chronicling two craft beer breweries.

– Longtime Ocean City icon, Anthony’s Beer, Wine & Deli is starting 2015 with a new name to go along with it’s specatular food, beer, wine and liquor selection. Now known as Anthony’s Liquor, the establishment also has a new bar area where you can enjoy rotating taps of the best local beer around. Stop to to sample offerings from the above breweries as well as many others found close by!

OC Shark Tournament 2015 at Fish Tales in Photos

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OC Shark Tournament 2015 at Fish Tales in Photos

Fish Tales hosts the OC Shark Tournament 2015 at Fish Tales in Ocean City, Maryland.  Fish Tales is a wonderful place for dinner or drinks. It has a great pirate ship where kids can play in the sand overlooking the marina. Kids meals are served on frisbees that the kids can take home when dinner is finished. The Shark Tournament is held the first weekend in June. Fish Tales’ docks at Bahia Marina have a scale to weigh the contenders. Park on the South end of Fish Tales if you can find a place since the festivities are closest to that entrance. The cleaning of the sharks is not for the feint of heart, but the meat is cut up and distributed for food. The featured fish special at Fish Tales during the tournament was shark fish tacos.

Splashing Around in the Water Photos

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Ocean City is surrounded by water on three sides, making it a great place to participate in watersports, whether you are a beginner or an expert. From a leisurely pontoon boat ride with family and friends, to a fast jet ski spraying water across the Bay, these splashing around in the water photos, taken at Odyssea Watersports on 50th Street, show the fun that awaits you.

Ropewalk now open on 82nd St.

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Ropewalk now open on 82nd St.

(June 5, 2015) Ropewalk is now open on 82nd Street with fresh seafood, a great bay view and a wide range of activities for all members of the family.

“It’s a place to hang out, relax and watch the sunset,” said owner Chris Reda. “We wanted something for the younger kids and teens when parents are enjoying a few cocktails. The rest of the owners and I have kids, we know how it is and wanted to provide a dining experience that isn’t rushed.”

A vacant lot on the property was filled with sand for a bayside beach dining area of 3,874 square feet which includes a playground, outside bar, fire pits, chairs and corn hole. An outside deck area wraps around to the beach, where a pavilion with additional outside seating is located.

The menu offers many choices for diners from appetizers and entrees to steamers and sandwiches.

Some entrees include seafood mac and cheese, Atlantic salmon, yellowfin tuna, filet mignon and tequila lime mahi. Inventive choices like a kale salad or a seafood Cobb salad are available along with shrimp, snow crabs and crawfish rounding out some of the steamer options. Pulled pork, buffalo chicken and crabcakes are a few of the sandwich possibilities.

“Our fried green tomatoes have been flying off the shelves,” Reda added.

Ropewalk will offer steam pots, among them its “deadliest” including half a pound of snow crab, jumbo shrimp, steamed corn, potatoes and andouille sausage.

“Being down the beach, we try to cater and have a little more for everyone,” Reda said.

The restaurant sells fresh oysters, which are taken out of the bay earlier in the day from their own oyster bed, he added.

Ropewalk plans to have steel drum entertainment during happy hour on the weekdays and acoustic Jimmy Buffett-types bands playing all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

“It’s a great addition to Ocean City. A family-friendly place with a little bit of everything for kids and plenty for adults,” Reda said. “I haven’t been anywhere with better sunsets.”

A real estate agent called and informed Ropewalk owners that Fresco’s property was up for sale, Reda said. After looking it over, the partners decided it would be an awesome opportunity to add a Ropewalk location to Ocean City, he explained. Renovations began in November and the restaurant opened May 22.

“People have been ecstatic and it’s been well received so far,” Reda said. “From table visits it seems everyone has been enjoying themselves. All of us [the owners] have always vacationed in Ocean City. We love the feel and vibe of the area, it felt like the right time to put our foot in there.”

Ropewalk has two other locations: Baltimore and Fenwick Island, Del. The Baltimore property dates back to the pre-prohibition days and is located on South Charles Street, one of the oldest streets in Federal Hill.

Reda, who was a patron of Ropewalk in Baltimore, joined in the venture with the McFaul brothers, Chris and Marc, in 2005. Fenwick Island is a favorite beach destination for the McFauls and Reda. They had been scoping out spaces for more than a decade when the Fenwick Island location took shape and opened in the summer of 2013.

Ropewalk Ocean City on 82nd Street is open year-around, seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Commander hotel celebrates 85 years in OC

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Commander hotel celebrates 85 years in OC

(June 5, 2015) A hotel can’t last in Ocean City for 85 years without undergoing a bit of change and the Commander Hotel on the Boardwalk has seen that change and then some.

For example, in 1997 the building was replaced entirely.

Now, under the management of the Real Hospitality Group, working on behalf of owners Will Lynch and Todd Burbage, are deciding what form that change will come in for the next big project at the hotel.

“Phase I gave us the chance to expand, phase II was replacing the restaurant and phase III is renovations,” Rick Day, public relations officer for the Real Hospitality Group, said.

Grotto Pizza opened in late May as the first Ocean City location of the Rehoboth Beach-based pizza chain.

“We want to retain the history but also give a sense of what we are trying to be,” Day said. “I’ve seen a couple of preliminary drawings, we’re currently working on ideas and expect to begin in 2016.”

After all, flat-screen TVs and other design or functionality features such as Wi-Fi weren’t exactly the norm even in 1997.

“We want to clean it up a bit and examine the nuance of our offerings,” Day said.

History is important, especially to those who lived it. More than 200 people RSVP’d to the 85th anniversary celebration held last week, Day said.

According to Bunk Mann’s “Vanishing Ocean City” history book, the Commander Hotel was, for a long time, the northernmost hotel on the Boardwalk. Its dining room was famous and the Commander outranked many other hotels, enjoying “elite” status.

“To dine at the Commander was a special occasion for tourists and locals alike,” according to Mann. The beachfront clambakes were especially spectacular, according to Mann’s book.

The Lynch family renovated and restored the Commander several times before handing over day-to-day operations to the group, Day said. The facility underwent a two-stage renovation in 1979, and in 1992 the cabanas near the pool were rebuilt. Of course, 1997 brought the full-building replacement and added retail space for rent facing the Boardwalk.

Coach’s Corner back in business

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Coach’s Corner back in business

(June 5, 2015) After spending 24 years on 61st Street and taking an almost five-year hiatus, Coach’s Corner Diner is back to serve breakfast and lunch daily out of the Beachmark Motel on 74th Street.

Omelets, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, cheesesteaks, salads, cold sandwiches and desserts are a few of the homemade choices prepared fresh in owner Marty Furst’s kitchen since opening on Mother’s Day weekend. Enjoy endless coffee for $2.25 and fresh squeezed orange juice.

The restaurant will have a daily lunch special and from 6-7 a.m. there will be happy hour discounts and specials.

Originally, someone else was supposed to take over the space and Furst planned on helping out in the kitchen. When that person reconsidered, it left the landlords without a tenant and Furst decided to reach out to Hugh and Toni Wilde, owners of the Beachmark Motel.

“It was a matter of circumstance to have the opportunity. [General’s Kitchen original owner] Gus [Bollas] would come and eat at Coach’s Corner when [General’s Kitchen] closed for the winter and it’s awesome we ended up with this location,” Furst said. “We share the same passion for it.”

Furst and his wife, Jennifer, tried to resurrect their previous diner as best they could in the new location and have the same color scheme of red, white and silver.

They worked with the intimate space to add a hand sink at the server station and stainless steel with tiles were put in for easier cleaning. The restaurant seats 66 people with new tables and chairs. All new carpeting was added and many appliances and the ceiling in the kitchen were replaced, Furst said. 

“It’s nice to be around again and see old customers who watched our kids grow up,” Jennifer Furst said. “We didn’t come home, we went to the diner and to be able to connect with them again is neat.”

The Furst children, James, Sonny, Barbara and Martin, can most likely be spotted seating, serving or running food to patrons this summer. Their nephew, Anthony Shaver, helps out in the kitchen.

“We are a nice family place and encourage kids,” Furst said. “Being family-owned and operated separates us. A lot of this has to do with my mom and dad, they started the restaurant.”

Mel Kurtz, cook and kitchen manager, worked for the Fursts for 11 years in their first location.

The diner has decades of family tradition tied to it and the Fursts are thankful for many of their old customers who have stopped by since opening.

“We are looking forward to serving the locals and visitors,” Furst said. “We have made a bunch of new friends in the short amount of time we have been open.”

Coach’s Corner Diner plans to be open year-around, seven days a week from 6 a.m. until 1:55 p.m. Lunch starts at 11:30 a.m. and breakfast is served all day.

Two ‘Meant To Be’ main characters cross paths in OC

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(June 5, 2015) Historical fiction writer Jessica James debuts her first contemporary novel, “Meant To Be” Saturday, where two main characters meet in Ocean City for the first time.

“One of the interesting things I noticed about Ocean City as I walked down the Boardwalk was all the memorial benches dedicated and I realized how important it is to people,” James said. “People are so connected to that city and it’s amazing.”

She is from Gettysburg, Pa. and has visited Ocean City a number of times.

“I went there [Ocean City] to get away to finish a historical fiction book with no phones and for some reason this story came to me, so I wrote it down,” James said.

She never thought anything would come of the idea since she wrote historical fiction, but as the title fittingly says, it was meant to be.

“The main characters meet in Ocean City, neither one tells the other what they do and later on, they meet by chance in Afghanistan [after thinking they would never see each other again],” James said. 

The suspense and romance novel has received positive reviews from members of the military with one active duty member describing the book as, “American Sniper but intertwined with an unforgettable, epic love story,” James added.

It’s important for James to create stories that readers will remember and to honor our military for their dedication and service.

Members of both sexes from mid-teens to adults will be absorbed in her vivid scene descriptions and characters. “My books have been described as emotional. Readers laugh and cry, they can’t stop thinking about the story,” James said. “The characters all connect together through emotional writing.”

“Meant To Be” is James’ fifth novel with three others taking place during the Civil War and the other during the Revolutionary War.

Her novels can be purchased on all online book retailers including Amazon.com, on Kindle for $6.99 and in paperback for $16.99. She urges members of the community to request her book at local libraries.

Part of the proceeds from the novel sales will be donated to the LZ-Grace Warrior Retreat, which provides a place of respite for combat warriors and their families.

For more information, visit www.jessicajamesbooks.com.

More than 300 graduate from Stephen Decatur HS

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(June 5, 2015) In front of a room packed with family, friends and loved ones, 327 seniors graduated from Stephen Decatur High School last Wednesday, May 27, at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street.

Class President Tripp Ortega delivered a farewell address to students during the ceremony, encouraging his fellow classmates to dream big, be themselves, never give up and do everything to their full potential.

After thanking facility, friends and family, he proclaimed, “The class of 2015 is the best class that went through Stephen Decatur.”

The Worcester County Board of Education uses a three-tiered senior recognition program where each student receives a cumulative weighted GPA, which is calculated at the end of the third marking period in English, math, social studies, science, world languages and Advanced Placement courses. Class rank with valedictorian and salutatorian honors was ended several years ago.

Students who earned a 5.05 GPA or higher received Summa Cum Laude honors, those receiving a 4.9-5.04 GPA earned Magna Cum Laude accolades and those earning a 4.8-4.89 GPA received Cum Laude distinction. All honorees stood for recognition during the commencement ceremony.

Of the graduates, 163 (50 percent) will attend four-year colleges or universities and 107 (33 percent) will attend two-year schools. Two students (less than 1 percent) will study at trade and technical schools, 40 (12 percent) will go into the workforce and 15 (5 percent) are heading to the military.

The top choice college for Decatur graduates was Wor-Wic, with 94 enrolling this year and another 33 will stay close to study at Salisbury University.

Other popular choices include Towson University, University of Maryland College Park and University of Maryland Eastern Shore who will each welcome 10 or more Decatur graduates in the fall.

The class of 2015 received more than $9.3 million in scholarships and grants with $3.7 million in tuition aid.

“Commencement is not an ending, it’s a beginning,” said Dr. Jerry Wilson, superintendent of Worcester County schools. “A whole new, exciting phase is about to begin… set the bar high…”

He reminded the graduates of Dr. Steve Maraboli’s quote, “To embark on the journey toward your goals and dreams requires bravery. To remain on that path requires courage. The bridge that merges the two is commitment.”

Class of 2015 graduates were given the opportunity to choose their own commencement speaker and they decided on Louis Taylor, chief operating officer for Worcester County Public Schools, a 1978 graduate and principal of Stephen Decatur High School for 17 years.

He told the graduates they will find out who they are and what they want to be during challenging periods.

“Understand life is not what you are given, but what you aim to achieve when you refuse to give up,” Taylor said. “Obstacles and loss will act as motivation. Learn from failures and always keep persevering.”

Stephen Decatur Principal Thomas Zimmer may have said it best, “They have left our mark on us… it’s time for them to leave their mark on the world.”

The Next Ice Age returns to the Carousel hotel

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The Next Ice Age returns to the Carousel hotel

(June 5, 2015) A group of former competitive figure skaters will be dazzling audiences every night this summer at the Carousel Hotel on 118th Street starting Thursday, June 11.

The Next Ice Age performances will take place at 6:30 p.m. nightly. Each show will run about 30 minutes and are free to the public.

Returning to Ocean City for its 15th year, the show is a favorite among Ocean City residents and visitors.

“The unique proximity to the ocean… there are not many ice rinks near the beach and the ocean makes it special,” said executive director, Nathan Birch. “It’s a free thing to do and exposes the family to a winter sport when they are not expecting it. The show may even inspire people to try skating afterwards at the Carousel.”

The performances involve a story about a family and every genre of music will be heard during the shows, Birch said.

This year, Megan Marschall, 23, will skate alongside, Julianne DiMura, 23, Rachel Jones, 21, Shawn Rogers, 29 and Michael Solonoski, 31.

For the opening weekend of June 13-14, World Figure Skating Champion Kimmie Meissner will join the others and make her Ocean City debut in the Next Ice Age performances.

“We are so proud to be working with Kimmie,” Birch said.

In 2005, Meissner became the second American woman to land the triple axel jump in national competition. She was a member of the 2006 Olympic team and the youngest American athlete to compete at those games.

Meissner is the 2006 world champion, the 2007 United States national champion and the 2007 four continents champion. She is the first American to simultaneously hold the world, four continents and national titles.

Since spectators are standing during the show and their proximity to the action on the rink is within a few feet, performers are constantly interacting with the crowd.

“You are really close, with just a rail separating audiences and they get drawn in,” Birch said. “Everyone is invited and encouraged to meet the cast to get autographs and take photos after the show.”

Birch said he has met a fair amount of skaters who told him they got their start after seeing a performance.

“I am happy to be associated with something so positive and heartwarming,” Birch said.

Watch the Ocean City show every night at 6:30 p.m., June 11 through Aug. 20, rinkside at the Carousel Hotel on 118th Street. 

Those who wish to eat dinner during the show should call the hotel in advance at 410-524-1000 to make a reservation for rinkside dining.

Visit www.thenexticeage.org to learn more about The Next Ice Age skating company.

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