Book illustrates OC culture

OCEAN CITY -- Denise Blum was tired of buying the plastic turtles, giant pencils and cheap T-shirts that didn't last every time she took her kids on vacation.

She decided instead to buy her children a book about the area they were vacationing in as a souvenir.

"Unfortunately there aren't many out there," she said.

When Blum saw the shortage of children's books about area resorts, she decided to write her own. With the help of old friend Lisa Sanderson and illustrator Melissa Walters, she's published "The Dubious Dolphin Dilemma," about the Delaware beaches, and most recently "The Plot of the Perilous Pirate," a story centered on Ocean City.

"In this day and age, people still like to read to their kids," Sanderson said in an email. "We'd rather get them a book than a toy that'll go to the bottom of the toy box."

"The Plot of the Perilous Pirate" is the story of Captain Smitty, a young pirate looking for lost treasure in modern-day Ocean City. "He's a pirate from the old school, and he's confused by modern-day civilization in Ocean City," Sanderson said.

While looking for treasure ,Smitty and his friends visit several Ocean City landmarks, including the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and the Ocean Bowl Skate Park, as well as popular tourist destinations such as the Park Place Hotel, the Dough Roller and Jolly Roger's Splash Mountain Water Park. To choose what places to include in the book, Blum and Sanderson each asked their own children for advice. Assateague Island and Harbor Day in West Ocean City are also featured in the 26-page book.

"We tried to put some arts and culture in," Sanderson said.

She and Blum consulted with resort business owners whose properties were highlighted in the book, as well as local organizations like the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, before getting Walters started on the illustrations, so locals may recognize some of the people portrayed. Hotel Motel Restaurant Association head Susan Jones and her family are seen in a boat off Assateague Island; real local children are illustrated in the section of the book devoted to Harbor Day.

After Blum, Sanderson and Walters spent about four months putting the book together it hit shelves in Ocean City in the beginning of June, just in time for the summer tourist season. The trio -- who are already working on another book set in Virginia Beach -- encourage visitors to pick up a copy for their kids.

"It's a keepsake that will stay on your child's bookshelf for years," Blum said. "Each time your child reads it he or she will be reminded of the memories made while vacationing in Ocean City.

Joe Vitt Crab Feast Attracts More Than 150 People - Official Web ...

Get Your Towson Tickets Today!!                               Tiger Club:  vs. Joe Vitt Crab Feast and Golf Outing                                 

OCEAN CITY, Md. - More than 150 Tiger football alumni and friends gathered for the annual Joe Vitt Crab Feast on Saturday, June 25.

A former Tiger football player and coach, Joe Vitt is the assistant head coach of the New Orleans Saints. While attending Towson, he played four years at linebacker and was a member of the Tigers' undefeated team in 1974.

A professional football coach for more than 30 years, Joe Vitt has established this event which supports the Tiger football program.

"I don't know how this all got started, but I know a bunch of us wanted to give back to the program that's been so good to us," Vitt said. "This is a great way to raise money for the program and get together every year as alumni to eat crabs. This event has gotten bigger and better every year."

The food for the feast was provided by Ocean Pride Restaurant, located in Lutherville, Md. Ocean Pride is owned by former Tiger football standouts Rick and Randy Bielski.

Rick was a three-year starter at fullback and one one of the team captains. A four-year starter at safety, Randy earned All-American honors as a senior in 1979.

The event kicked off with a golf outing at the Bay Club in Berlin, Md. The winning foursome consisted of former Tiger offensive tackle  Adam Nepp (1998-2000), tight end  Billy Hayes (1997-2000), former Tiger defensive back  Peter Barbieri (1974-75) and Tiger secondary coach  Brian Fleury .

The crab feast was held at Micky Finn's Bar and Grille.

Highlighting the event were remarks by Joe Vitt and Tiger Coach Rob Ambrose. Both recognized former offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod, '07, the starting tackle for the New Orleans Saints.

The crab feast also featured a live auction and a silent auction.

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