Sarasota

Winter skiing, springtime on the links, summer sailing and autumn leaf-peeping - the weather forecast is the driving force behind the planning of many vacations. But when it comes to predicting the weather, WBAL meteorologist Tony Pann takes it all in stride. Pann grew up in the blustery, changeable climate of Chicago, and has since delivered the weather report for television stations in New York and Washington, as well as Baltimore. "I've seen it all," he says good-naturedly.

On April 6, 2003, BERNARD, beloved husband of Jacqueline Gilden, beloved father of Laura Siegel, brother of David Bulmash and the late Eve Bridge, Raymond Gildern and Morris Gilden. Retired owner of Gilden's Jewelry. Survived by many nieces and nephews. WWII U.S. Army Paratrooper, Member of Jewish War Vets & B'nai Brith. Funeral Services on Thursday, April 10, in Sarasota Fl. Donations to Hadassah of Sarasota, 3750 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, Fl. 34239.

The Orioles' spring training begins with pitchers and catchers reporting to Sarasota, Fla. on Feb. 12, position players arriving by Feb. 15 and the first game at Ed Smith Stadium against the Minnesota Twins on Sat. Feb. 23. It's all a little earlier this year due to the World Baseball Classic. The club's spring training schedule, which was released this morning, features 34 games. The Orioles will play 18 home dates against eight teams -- three against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox, two against the Twins, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays and one against the New York Mets on March 30, which will conclude the Orioles' official Grapefruit League schedule.

April 5, 1920 to January 1, 2008. WILLIAM M. HARMATZ, 87, formerly of Baltimore, MD. Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Sylvia, his children, John Harmatz of Israel, Carol Harmatz of Pittsburgh, PA, Mira Riggin of Salem, MA and his stepchildren, Laurence Glasser of Danbury, CT, Lee Glasser of Baltimore, MD, Amy Handelman of Arnold, MD, Louis Glasser of Sarasota and seven grandchildren and six step-grandchildren. Services will be Friday, January 4, 2008 at 11 A.M. at Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota.

JOSEPHINE CALA DOUGLAS GEDLING age 93 born February 15, 1914 passed May 7, 2007, of Sarasota, FL., formerly of Baltimore, MD., was born in Sicily, Italy and came to the United States at the age of 3. After 23 years of service she retired from Social Security of Baltimore, MD. Survivors include a son Daniel Douglas, daughter-in-law Carol both of Sarasota. Grandchildren Diana Comer and David Douglas and four great-grandchild Ren, Jennifer, Miranda, Dalton Comer and Ayden Douglas. Arrangements by Robarts Funeral Home, Sarasota, Florida.

On July 22, 2006, DAVID WECKSLER, age 90, of Sarasota, FL, born December 14, 1915 in Rochester, NY, moved to area in 1978 from Washington, D.C. He served in the Army, WWII 3 1/2 years, 2 years with First Army Field Artillery in Europe. He was Regional Merchandise Manager for Sears, Roebuck & Co. for 38 yrs., retired in 1978. He was a member of Sarasota Sculpture Associates and Temple Beth Israel, Longboat Key. Survived by daughter Shelley (James) Lewis of Geneva, IL, several nieces and nephews and a special friend Ulla Niblink.

On December 11, 2003, JOHN ANTHONY WAGNER, son of the late Emma Sullivan and Frank Wagner, died in Sarasota, Florida, age 95. Born in Baltimore in 1909, he was married in 1930 to the late Marian Rosemond Richards for 73 years. After attending Loyola High School, his interest in playing the saxophone was realized by joining St. Elizabeth's Marching Band. During the BIG BAND era, he played professionally on radio and in dance bands for 22 years. Mr. Wagner joined the American Stores Company (Acme Markets)

Alger Zapf Jr., former president of the George H. Wahmann Manufacturing Co., died July 22 from complications of Alzheimer's disease at his home in Sarasota, Fla. The former North Baltimore resident was 86. Mr. Zapf was born and raised in Royal Oak, Mich., and graduated in 1942 from Dondero High School. He enlisted in the Army after high school, and part of his military training was at Western Maryland College, now McDaniel College, where he met his future wife, Frances Virginia Wahmann.

WASHINGTON - Over the past few days, Orioles manager Buck Showalter has spoken optimistically about getting some of the club's injured players back soon. “We are hoping to get those four or five guys back at some point soon,” he said Tuesday before the Orioles' interleague game against the Washington Nationals. It appears that some of those players are making significant strides. Here are updates on some of the team's DL players: -- Right-hander Pedro Strop (lower back strain)