Page 86 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch June 7, 2013 Firemen’s Convention Returning To OC June 16-21 OCEAN CITY – The Maryland State Firemen’s Association will be hosting the 121st Annual Convention and Conference, June 16-21, in Ocean City, Maryland. President John Denver, Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA), and President Sherry Soper, Ladies Auxiliary to the MSFA, (LAMSFA) announced this week the programs and activities for the 2013 gathering. Scheduled events start on Sunday, June 16, at noon in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center with the Miss Fire Prevention Contest followed by a statewide Joint Memorial Service at 5 p.m. to honor all fire, rescue and emergency medical services personnel who died this past year. Opening c eremonies begin on Monday, June 17, at 8:30 a.m., and the Exhibit Hall opening at 9 a.m. The Exhibit Hall will also be open on Art’s Alive Weekend Announced OCEAN CITY – On June 15-16, Art’s Alive will be celebrating 13 years as Ocean City’s biggest and best fine art show. With nearly 100 artists selling their works, Art’s Alive offers a chance to enjoy beautiful fine art at the beach. Art’s Alive is the art show that has something for everyone. Taking place around a beautiful lagoon in picturesque Northside Park, Art’s Alive guests can enjoy expansive bay views while browsing unique artwork. In addition to shopping for original art, visitors can lunch at the Artists’ Café and enjoy live music while children enjoy free art activities. The Art’s Alive Official Event Merchandise Tent allows guests to take a little bit of Art’s Alive and Ocean City home with them. Located in the information booth, merchandise includes T-shirts, jackets, baseball hats, pins and more. Art’s Alive will take place outdoors rain or shine. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday all day and Wednesday until noon. All events are open to the public and the residents of Ocean City and surrounding jurisdictions are encouraged to attend. Educational sessions, hands-on training and informational seminars run from Sunday, June 16, through Tuesday, June 18, with space allotted for visitors and spectators. The full Convention and Conference program schedule is posted on the MSFA website and it can be accessed at www.MSFA.org. On Wednesday, June 19, the Fire Service Parade will begin at 1 p.m. starting at 16th Street running along Baltimore Avenue to 30th Street. “Each year, the MSFA hosts the largest Fire/Rescue and EMS Parade in the state of Maryland,” said Ron Siarnicki, Convention chair. “Emergency Apparatus, floats and marching units travel from all across the region to participate.” Week-long activities end with a Golf Scramble on Friday, June 21, at Eagle’s Landing Golf Course with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. The Golf Tournament is also open to the public with registration available on the MSFA Website. Denver and Soper extend an open invitation to all who wish to learn more about state fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to attend the week-long activities. Schoepf Relay Set For Sunday OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Beach Patrol’s Annual Captain Schoepf Relay will be held at 10 a.m on Sunday, June 9, beginning in the location of his old stand on 7th Street. George Schoepf served on the beach patrol from 1950 to 1996, after more than 40 years of service to the Town of Ocean City. To honor his many years of service to OCBP, this annual relay is held in early June. The relay begins at 7th Street, the location of Captain Schoepf's old stand, and continues with the passing of a classic steel rescue buoy by alumni and current lifeguards to the end of Ocean City. Following the run, a swim the entire length of Ocean City is completed and the buoy is returned to the beach. Each year the starting leg of the relay is completed by a member of Schoepf’s family or OCBP alumni. “This annual relay not only reminds everyone involved of the past contributions of George Schoepf, but also of the contribution and sacrifices of all past and present Beach Patrol lifeguards,” said Beach Patrol Captain Butch Arbin. “It also keeps the current Surf Rescue Technicians in touch with the beginning of this world-class organization as they run and swim with an antique piece of lifesaving equipment that was once carried by all Ocean City lifeguards.” Schoepf began his career with the Ocean City Beach Patrol in 1950 and worked his way through the ranks, promoting to sergeant, then to lieutenant. With the approval of the Mayor and City Council, Schoepf became assistant to the captain in the late 1960s and was appointed captain in 1987. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREG WILKERSON “NIFTY FIFTY” AARP BABY JUNE 6, 1963 THEN & NOW Email Greg A Birthday Wish To hpybdaygreg@gmail.com