February 2026
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Carozza Outlines Legislative Priorities Discussions in the Maryland General Assembly the past two weeks have focused mostly on addressing the state’s budget and energy usage, with Senator Mary Beth Carozza advocating for fair funding for the Eastern Shore and reliable, affordable energy sources. ~ Page 28
A JOURNAL OF NEWS & LIFESTYLES FOR NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
Residents Question Volunteer Appreciation Funding as Committees Are Eliminated By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor roperty owners raised pointed questions about the Ocean Pines Association’s proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget after discovering that funding remains allocated for a volunteer appreciation event, even though the Board of Directors has eliminated most of its
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volunteer advisory committees. The volunteer appreciation issue first surfaced during a Jan. 15 budget Town Hall meeting and resurfaced again during public comments ahead of the Board of Directors’ unanimous approval of the budget at its Jan. 24 regular meeting. At the center of the discussion was a $15,000 line item designated
for a volunteer appreciation dinner, prompting residents to question who would be invited, how the guest list would be determined, and whether the event aligns with current Board priorities and fiscal stewardship. During public comments on Jan. 24, Ocean Pines resident Amy Peck addressed the Board directly, citing
Berlin Couple Celebrates 70 years as Valentines When a caller asked to speak to Nathaniel Morris, his wife, Juanita, hesitated a moment then said, “Hold on just a minute, honey, and I’ll get him. I think he’s washing dishes.” ~ Page 32
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Ocean Pines Board Approves FY 2026–27 Budget Fire Station Project and Rising Water Costs Drive $40 Assessment Increase By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor he Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget at its January 24 Regular Board Meeting, adopting a financial plan that reflects increased costs tied primarily to the construction of a new fire station and higher water and wastewater fees from
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Worcester County. The approved budget includes a rise in the annual assessment, which association leadership emphasized was necessary to support public safety and essential infrastructure while maintaining long-term fiscal stability, and the waterfront differential. Under the approved budget, the annual assessTo Page 5
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Boat Show Floats into Ocean City More than 20,000 visitors from surrounding states are expected to attend the 43rd annual Seaside Boat Show, sponsored by the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, this year, where they can admire, and maybe buy, colorful, accessorized boats and related items. ~ Page 18