Sandy Spring

First Mariner Bancorp and Sandy Spring Bancorp reported higher first-quarter profits yesterday as the Maryland institutions have joined other banks in expanding beyond traditional services such as deposit-taking and lending to become insurance agents, leasing companies and even landlords. Both banks reported their biggest gains in so-called non-interest income that includes service fees and other business lines. Olney-based Sandy Spring, which has acquired a financial planning company and an insurance agency in the past six months, reported its quarterly net income rose 6 percent to $8.3 million, or 56 cents per share, from $7.9 million, or 53 cents per share, a year ago. Baltimore-based First Mariner, which has expanded its consumer credit division and begun gathering rental income from commercial tenants at its Canton headquarters, reported a 21 percent profit gain to $1.7 million, or 25 cents per share, from $1.4 million, or 22 cents per share, a year ago. Diversification has shielded some banks from forces that are squeezing profit growth at banks across the country after five consecutive years of record earnings.

SANDY SPRING -- The Cinderella run for Broadneck ended last night, when Leonardtown scored in the third minute of the second half, then withstood a late rush by the Bruins for a 1-0 victory in the state Class 3A semifinals at Sherwood High School.Cyprian Gillingham, a sophomore who broke the St. Mary's County scoring record with 25 goals and 18 assists, scored in a one-on-one with Broadneck goalkeeper Lori Southard.The play developed when a kick came out of the middle with a lot of spin on it, and as the sweeper came out to clear, the ball bounced over her head.

Gordon C. WhitingFarmer, raconteurGordon C. Whiting, a farmer and storyteller whose ancestors were early settlers of Maryland and Virginia, died April 13 of heart failure at Union Memorial Hospital. He was 84.He was the son of G. W. C. Whiting, who founded the Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., and was reared by his grandparents, Clarence Carlyle Whiting and Marian Gordon Whiting in Roland Park. His grandfather entertained him with stories of his Civil War exploits when he served with a Confederate cavalry unit until surrendering at Appomattox Court House, Va., in 1865.

SANDY SPRING -- For the third time in the last four games, North Carroll carved out a 1-0 victory, and this time it sent the Panthers to the state Class 3A championship game.At Sherwood High School last night, the Panthers (11-5-2) scored in the third minute of the second half and made it stand up for a decision over Bel Air (15-2-2).North Carroll now moves on to play Leonardtown (16-2) for the state championship Saturday at North County High School in Linthicum.Before last night's game, Bel Air coach Bill Zimmerman, a 13-year veteran, had cautioned his players about Amy Bromwell and her long throw-ins.

Tyoka Jackson is thrilled to have Maryland arrive in Universit Park, Pa., Saturday, and not just because it's a chance to see old friends.Jackson is a starting defensive tackle for Penn State and the Nittany Lions' most effective pass rusher, with three sacks in three games. Maryland, averaging 50 passes, plays more "shoot" than "run" in its run-and-shoot offense.On the surface, this would appear to be a match made for Jackson's quick outside bursts from the left side."The fact they pass a lot is very pleasing to me," Jackson said.

SANDY SPRING - All Josh Furman wanted was a second chance. He got it, and now No. 2 Old Mill is going to its first state championship game on the strength of its fabulous senior running back. After fumbling inside the Sherwood 20-yard line with less than four minutes left, Old Mill regained possession with 94 seconds to play. The Patriots drove 82 yards, capped by Furman's 6-yard touchdown run and subsequent two-point conversion with 17 seconds left to give Old Mill a 20-13 win over defending champion Sherwood in a Class 4A state semifinal Saturday before an estimated 3,500.

SANDY SPRING -- The time has come once more for Delmas P. Wood Jr., retired insurance man, to rise to greatness. Time to strap on the iron leg braces, don the gray suit and fedora, step to the microphone and call upon Congress to declare war on Japan. Or glide past cheering crowds in the blue 1936 Ford Phaeton convertible, exuding the confidence that might yet lift a despairing nation. It is spring, after all, when Wood returns from Florida to get back on the circuit of parades and historic commemorations in the persona of his political hero, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who died 60 years ago this month.

SANDY SPRING -- For the third time in the last four games, North Carroll carved out a 1-0 victory, and this time it sent them to the state Class 3A championship game.At Sherwood High School last night, the Panthers (11-5-2) scored in the third minute of the second half and made it stand up for a decision over Bel Air (15-2-2).North Carroll now moves on to play Leonardtown (16-2) for the state championship Saturday at North County High School.Before last night's game, Bel Air coach Bill Zimmerman, a 13-year veteran, had cautioned his players about Amy Bromwell and her long throw-ins.

John Lindner reviews Urban Bar-B-Que in Sandy Spring. That's near Olney, looks like. See if Lindner thinks this barbecue restaurant, the third in a group that also has locaitons in Silver Spring and Rockville, is worth the drive.

Sandy Spring Bancorp announced Wednesday that it plans to issue new shares to raise $83 million. The number of shares to be issued hasn't been announced. The Olney-based bank holding company expects to use the proceeds for a variety of purposes, including acquisitions, debt reduction, capital for its subsidiary Sandy Spring Bank and to repay money received under the Troubled Asset Relief Program. Sandy Spring received $83 million in federal TARP money in December 2008. - Eileen Ambrose