Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines Progress

Aug. 2025

www.issuu.com/oceanpinesprogress

Remembering Tom Stauss

THE OCEAN PINES JOURNAL OF NEWS & COMMENTARY

COVER STORY

Incumbents sweep!

Lakernick, Rakowski, Jacobs reelected Homeowners also overwhelmingly approve partial rebuild of South Fire Station; total cost approaching $6 million

By JOSH DAVIS Acting Editor in Chief Three incumbent candidates will continue to serve on the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors, based on voting results announced Friday, Aug. 8.

Stuart Lakernick, Monica Rakowski and Steve Jacobs each won re-election, with one challenger, former appointed board member Amy Peck, finishing just outside the pack – yet again.

“The results are not ambiguous,” Kenny Mostern from MK Election Services said

Friday at the conclusion of nearly three hours of ballot counting held over Microsoft Teams. Although there was another hour-plus of scanning through each individual ballot for a thorough review by the Elections Committee, results did appear conclusive.

Announced voting totals for each candidate were: Rakowski, 2,085; Jacobs, 1,935; Lakernick, 1,730; Peck, 1,464.

Some of the candidates were already celebrating when contacted by The Progress moments after results were announced.

“This means that we have stability,” Rakowski, the leading vote-getter, said. “We are fast going forward, and we’re looking forward to maintaining the good progress we’ve accomplished.”

Lakernick, the current OPA President, said voters clearly supported the current direction of the Board.

“It feels like, with everything that we’ve been working for, people agreed with what we were trying to accomplish: prioritizing infrastructure, safety, the firehouse, keeping

H U N G R Y?

FROM BREAKFAST TO HAPPY HOUR FIND IT HERE

To Page 20

Thomas William Stauss, beloved brother, uncle, journalist, and cosmic wildcard, passed away on July 13, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona. He was 73.

Born in Neenah, Wisconsin, Tom spent his early childhood in Thorp, Wisconsin, before moving to Easton, Maryland at age 9. He graduated from Easton High School and went on to earn a degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

From the start, Tom was a newspaperman through and through. ~ Page 42

INSIDE THIS EDITION Ocean Pines News ....... Pages 1-23 Community Stories ... Pages 26-39 Remembering Tom .... Pages 40-47

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Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 3

4 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025

Low expenses trump low revenues

OCEAN PINES

OPA posts positive budget variance in June; Amenities’ slow start blamed on weather

By JOSH DAVIS Acting Editor in Chief ost savings – and not necessarily amenity performance – helped produce a $107,648 positive-to-budget variance in June, General Manager John Viola reported during a July 26 OPA Board meeting.

C

Viola said weather was a factor at some of the amenities in June and during the first week of July.

“We have a very good product, but obviously we need good weather,” he said.

Leading the way favorable to budget were Public Works, positive to budget roughly $37,000; Administration,

positive by $23,000; Public been able to be operational, Relations and Marketing, pos- despite being down two people itive by $18,000; and Finance, for probably two months.” positive by $11,000.

The Public Relations and Amenities, for the month, Marketing Department also finished about $4,000 worse has had an open position since than budget estimates, with April, and Viola said some of Beach Parking, Golf, Aquat- the Public Works favorability ics, and Food and Beverage all was because of “timing.” posting numbers below budYear to date, the Associaget. That was offset somewhat tion is favorable to budget by by $15,000 favorability at the $126,000 after two months.

Marinas and $2,000 favora- The fiscal year runs from May bility at Racquet Sports.

1 to April 30.

On the favorability, Viola said there were two open positions in the accounting department, which falls under Administration.

Despite a solid June, the Racquet Sports amenity has posted the biggest year-todate departmental loss, off budget by a total around “That has driven some of $40,000. Viola said that was the savings,” he said. “The because of lower-than-expectgood thing is that we have ed membership revenue.

110

“That is a big number – it is about the memberships,” Viola said. “Obviously, we did not receive the memberships that we thought … we would have [after] building the clubhouse and the enhancements with all the Racquet Sports facilities down there. It has not happened yet.”

Viola added, “some people elected to stay in Delaware.”

Ocean Pines, as of June 30, has $9.1 million in reserves.

Viola said that number is estimated to fall to $4.8 million by the end of the fiscal year.

That includes approximately $1.7 million for the new South Fire Station and $2.6 million in spending for other projects.

OCEAN PINES

Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 5

Finance Committee tracks mixed results

Golf, parking revenues solid; racquet sports membership drop prompts monitoring

By JOSH DAVIS

budget predictions.

O

Parks added that, compared to last year at the same time, the membership revenue difference was “less than $1,000.”

Of the particular departments discussed, Parks said Acting Editor in Chief Beach Parking was down cean Pines amenities roughly $13,000 for the year might not be firing “but it’s $30,000 better than on all cylinders yet last year … those numbers are this summer, but overall re- extremely interesting.” sults have been positive year “We’re looking at oneto date. month productivity,” commitDiscussing Ocean Pines fi- tee member Jack Collins said, nances during a July 23 Bud- adding the numbers showed get and Finance Committee OPA sold “something like meeting, Committee Chair- 2,700 parking spaces.” person Doug Parks said OPA “How many are over there? posted a roughly $107,000 positive variance to budget in Two hundred and fifty?” Collins said. “It’s really amazing June. how they handle this.

That number lags behind “You’ve gotta oversell it belast year’s positive variance in June, $175,672, but is well cause not everybody’s gonna up over the June 2023 posi- use that parking space for any length of time – they may use tive variance of $11,684. it once or twice a summer,” Parks said revenues beat Collins continued. “That albudget estimates by around ways fascinated me, how they $9,000, while expenses were handle that.” lower than budget estimates “It’s a form of genius,” Colby about $97,000, which Parks called “pretty interest- lins later added.

Parks said there has been ing.” He added that amenity revenues were approximately a lot of scrutiny of Racquet Sports because of the new fee $28,000 below budget.

Overall year-to-date budget structure that includes fewer favorability after two months, membership options, but he’s as the fiscal year starts in May, not yet concerned with the rewas approximately $126,000. sults. Membership dues, year to date, are $47,576 below

“Is that telling us a story?

Don’t know, but it’s something that we’ll follow. If that gap gets bigger and bigger … it might be a telltale sign,” Parks said.

Parks added that “maybe six months is a good timeline” on evaluating how Racquet Sports is doing under the new fee structure.

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Golf was down slightly for the month, which some committee members blamed on a rainy June. But the amenity is up overall for the year, and the July 4 weekend was particularly busy, they said.

Parks said the Golf amenity continues to show robust growth – though he did warn about an eventual plateau.

“Year to year, net [operating] is about $23,000 better than it was last year,” he said.

“There’s gotta be a threshold when Golf reaches capacity that you won’t see these To Page 6

Photo from oceanpines.org.

6 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025 Budget and Finance

OCEAN PINES

At the end of the meeting, Parks said OPA had answered numbers. It’s gotta plateau at a series of email questions some point.” asked by committee memParks, meanwhile, said The overall food and beverbers after the meeting last some measure of caution was age operation was off budget month. Going forward, Parks being used until results of the by $3,971. Parks said that said those answers would be next reserve study are pubnumber includes a monthly lished. There are concerns OPA Treasurer Monica Ra- published in the committee’s lease fee and 6% of food sales. about what new state require- kowski said the new reserve monthly meeting minutes, He added he did not know if available at oceanpines.org. ments for HOA reserve levels study was due by November. the monthly budget estimates could mean for Ocean Pines. were done in 12 equal increments, or if OPA budgeted specifically for each month.

From Page 5

Overall cash and investments, as of June 30, totaled $17,675,093. Collins asked if OPA was getting the best return on investment for that amount of money. Specific rates of return are not listed on Ocean Pines’ monthly financials.

Collins recommended a general manager committee to explore that possibility.

“I wouldn’t recommend doing anything to change our current environment until we understand what the requirements might be to the Association, based on that reserve study,” he said.

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“It’s a fair piece of change – I wonder if we are getting the maximum yield on that cash,” he said. “I’m wondering if there’s something else that we should be looking at.”

Collins suggested the mix of CDARS and funds invested through the Bank of Ocean City and Taylor Bank were perhaps not the smartest place for that amount of money. He mentioned looking into twoyear or more federal securings as an alternative.

“I don’t know that the banks are that competitive with those kind [of investments],” Collins said.

“I understand what management is doing, keeping those funds liquid, because you never know what’s going to come up and bite you,” Collins continued. “I’m talking about short-term government bonds … are we really going to need something like $7 million to $10 million over the next five years – [or] over the next two years, for that matter?”

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Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 7

8 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025

OCEAN PINES

Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 9

Communication breakdown: Committee says feedback from OPA not always forthcoming

By JOSH DAVIS Acting Editor in Chief nvironmental and Natural Assets Committee Chairperson Patricia Garcia, at a committee meeting on July 23, said communication could be better between the Ocean Pines Association and its advisory committees.

She said that sometimes, when requests are made for community improvements, the job gets done – but the person making the request never hears back.

Garcia read from a document she called “Advisory Committee, OPA Board Relationship” that she said was “a distillation of all the things” committee members were frustrated about.

“A lot of this just comes down to communication,” she said, adding that often, after a committee submits a charging document of suggested actions to the OPA Board, “we only find out by accident that the project has happened.”

As an example, Garcia cited goose crossing signs that had been placed near the South Gate Pond, and a rejected request to put a Mason bee house at the Mandolin Meadows Committee Garden.

According to Garcia, the latter request was declined because OPA said the bee house would be too close to a playground, although Garcia said that species rarely stings people.

Addressing reported communication issues, Jeff Heaver, the OPA Board member assigned as the liaison to the Environmental and Natural Assets Committee, said, “a lot

E

of times those charging documents are answered at our Board meeting.”

Heaver said General Manager John Viola delivers a monthly report at each Board meeting that includes association initiatives from the prior 30 days.

“And a lot of those are the results of advisory committee’s requests,” Heaver said.

“I think it would still be a nice courtesy to say, ‘Thank you, your request to the Board [was received] and the Board has either approved it or declined it.’ That is all I’m asking for,” Garcia said.

She added, “There’s no real process for receiving feedback.”

“Considering the amount of work and paperwork … that’s just a suggestion for the Board,” she said.

Garcia said the issue of goose crossing signs was “a little bit painful” because committee members didn’t know they had been moved or repurposed.

“We had people riding around looking for them … just tell us” what happened to the signs, Garcia said.

Another committee member, Patricia Benner, said there were originally eight signs that she helped to place throughout the community.

“Had we been told … they were even there, that would’ve been a good start,” she said.

“Everybody on this committee thought kids were stealing them … and that turned out not to be true.”

“We understood that the signs belonged to Ocean Pines,” she continued. “It

would have been nice to have added, saying there are some let us know that they were be- questions he’s asked of the ing moved [or] taken.” administration that have yet Garcia said the committee to be answered, apparently inalso recommended more na- cluding issues with vines. tive plantings in the commu“Is this something that can nity, but they have yet to hear be addressed or not, or is it gowhether that suggestion will ing to be put on a list? We’ve be implemented. just got to communicate,” he On the prepared document, said.

Garcia went on to say that Garcia thanked Heaver Heaver responded by email for his part and said he’s the saying, “just because we sub- second Board liaison she’s mit something doesn’t mean worked with. it’s going to be acted on.”

“The previous one just kind “It says they’re [the Board] of sat in the corner and didn’t supposed to maybe consult interact at all,” she said. “Obwith us, but they don’t? They viously, you care about these don’t have to?” Garcia said. issues as much as we do, and I “It doesn’t mean that the appreciate that.” ΊΙΙΛΘΟΎ΍ ψϟ ΎϊϝχϘϊ Prince Georges Md (Name of MuniCnty Bond) Association is going to take ΍χϚϋͧ йрͿкйͿлйкт that advice and actually act ΎϞϖ ϊχϚϋͧ йрͿкйͿлйлй Price: 98.500 (00.00) on that,” Heaver said. Ί΍и Heaver briefly exCoupon: 3.25 (00/00/00) plained the process, saying WhenDate: should you07/15/2036 start receiving Social Security?

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10 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025

JULY 26 BOARD MEETING NOTES

OCEAN PINES

Mailboxes and maintenance updates, amenity performance, and organizational chart changes

By JOSH DAVIS Acting Editor in Chief General Manager John Viola and Senior Director of Administration Linda Martin discussed the following items during the July 26 regular OPA Board meeting: DMA study: Viola said Martin will work with contractor DMA to lead an update of the Association’s reserve study in the coming months. The total cost was estimated at $18,480.

The study was originally commissioned in July 2015 under then-General Manager Bob Thompson and former OPA President Dave Stevens.

Viola said DMA representatives should be in Ocean Pines

by August or September for fieldwork related to the study.

New state regulations require Maryland HOAs to conduct a reserve study and maintain certain reserve levels – but OPA appears to be ahead of the game.

Viola hopes to have the updated study done in time for the next budget process.

“I’ve mentioned that I need this in order to tie in the reserves … in how we’re going to fund the fire department,” he said. “One way or another, every department will work on it.”

He said a draft report would be released three months after fieldwork concludes, with working sessions with the Budget and Finance Committee and Board of Directors to follow.

Mailbox updates: Martin, during her portion

of the monthly report, said new mailboxes are going up in the Wood Duck community, with Cannon Drive mailboxes to follow in September. The total price tag for the work is estimated at just under $100,000.

Martin said that work was phase two of ongoing, community-wide renovations of Association mailbox clusters, with the next phase to be evaluated for the upcoming budget process.

The mailboxes in Ocean Pines were once owned by the post office, but ownership was later transferred to Ocean Pines, with the Association becoming responsible for their upkeep.

Viola said each cluster is given a rating based on its condition, similar to systems used to evaluate community roads and bulkheads for replacement.

“This will be a couple million dollars to Ocean Pines, by the time they’re done,” he said.

Maintenance updates: Viola said a car recently struck part of the railing on the North Gate Bridge.

“The railing needs to be replaced,” he said. “It’s unfortunate, but we do have it on the list and hopefully we get it corrected quickly.”

At the Racquet Center, Viola said a new touchless water fountain and tennis court lights were installed, and some landscaping was done, including new mulch and plantings. He said one of the fountains had been damaged during the recent Racquet

Center office renovations.

He said some Racquet Center courts were closed after a homeowner complaint, but those courts were evaluated and later reopened.

He added, on the subject of racquet court repairs, OPA was waiting to hear back from ATC Corp., a company that specializes in construction, maintenance, and renovation of sports surfaces and parking lots in the Mid-Atlantic region.

“We are on the list for that – hopefully it happens quick,” he said.

“It was probably one of the best things we did,” he said.

The course should also benefit from a new irrigation system, which is currently being installed in several phases over the next few years.

“That will bring us to the next level,” Viola said.

He said golf memberships are up for the third straight year, and July 5 saw a record-breaking 266 rounds.

“The membership has been growing with golf,” Viola said.

“Last year the actual [number] was somewhere around 140 memberships. The actual so far this year is around 170 – the budget was around 150.

Amenity updates: “We believe that golf is poViola said the Yacht Club, sitioned well with everybody now being run by Touch of It- else. This is a challenging aly, unveiled a new menu on course, which the golfers like.

July 10.

And the value for the money is “The menu right now is flu- one of the best,” he added. id,” Viola said. “Let’s not forget that Touch of Italy took over in March.

Organizational changes: “Give them a chance … If Martin said a press release the weather is good and you on July 10 announced that have a good product, you’re the Compliance, Permit and making money,” he added.

Inspections (CPI) Department Viola said July 4 events would be moved from the adwere well attended. He said ministration building to Pubthose events don’t necessarily lic Works, with Deputy Public make money, but do provide Works Director Nobie Violanvalue to the community. te to lead that department.

“We’re not looking to make In a related move, the Pubmoney … but this is a valued lic Relations and Marketing piece of your assessment,” he Department will move from said.

Public Works to administraViola said the Ocean Pines tion. Martin also introduced Golf Club was named Best Golf Sarah Ash as the new senior Course in a recent oceancity. public relations coordinator, com poll. He credited invest- and said Ash was previously ment in the course over the with WMDT TV news in Salislast six or seven years, includ- bury. ing the hiring of Justin HartsViola said further changes horne as the senior director of to the organizational chart golf maintenance five years could be coming soon. ago.

Aug. 2025 OceanPines PROGRESS 11

OCEAN PINES

12 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025

GM doubles down on customer service After resident questions callback times, Viola pledges to address any lingering issues

By JOSH DAVIS Acting Editor in Chief ow long should customer service actually take?

That was a question posed by homeowner and Bylaws Committee Chairperson Lora Pangratz at a regular OPA Board meeting on July 26.

Pangratz, during the public comments portion of the meeting, said when homeowners call a department and leave a message, they’re told they will receive a reply within 24–48 “business hours.”

“They say that your call will be returned within 24–48 business hours – are they really saying that if a business day is eight hours, they have

H

three-to-six days to return your phone call?” she said.

“Because that’s the way it’s listed.”

Pangratz said she was referring to calls to the Compliance, Permit and Inspections (CPI) Department.

The Progress tested those phone lines on Saturday, July 26. A voicemail for the CPI Department said, “Please leave a name and number and I will get back to you as soon as possible.”

The membership and assessment office voicemail said, “please leave a message and we’ll return your call as soon as possible.”

The general mailbox said, “Someone will get back to you

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Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola addresses a public comment during the July OPA Board meeting.

Photo from meeting video

within one business day.”

Still, Pangratz posed the question – and it was answered during the meeting.

“I would recommend saying it in terms of days versus hours, so that there’s no confusion about when to expect a phone call back,” she said, adding that certain situations involving violations with a strict deadline could potentially get very messy.

“Just a little clarification would be helpful,” she said.

General Manager John Viola said those in his staff meetings have been told, “There’s no such thing as 24–48

hours.”

“I want [calls] returned now,” he said.

He added, “There is a department that I knew about – it wasn’t the one you just told me about – where … I explained it to that person several times. It’s still there,” Viola said. “Now I’ll explain it to that department head differently.”

On the supposed CPI message, Viola added, “We are going to look at that.”

“That’s not what I want – it’s certainly not what we talk about at staff meetings,” Viola said.

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OCEAN PINES

Board approves procedural changes to resolution regarding OPA manuals

By JOSH DAVIS Acting Editor in Chief ubstantial, but perhaps not substantive, changes were approved on July 26 for OPA Resolution M-08, governing “the policy for creating and maintaining manuals and documents used by the various departments of the Association.”

According to the July 26 OPA Board meeting packet, a first reading was held during a May 24 Board meeting, and “certain changes were recommended by the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee and further suggested changes” were made by the OPA attorney.

A “red-line” version of

S

those changes was included in the meeting packet, available at oceanpines.org, and the approved version apparently “reflects both the Committee’s original edits as well as those of Counsel.”

The revised M-08 includes a number of changes, but it’s unclear whether those changes will impact operations in any meaningful way. Most, but not all, of the manuals fall under the purview of the general manager, according to the formal motion made by Director Steve Jacobs.

Board members did not discuss the second reading prior to adoption of the changes.

“The proposed changes to M-08 are meant to address where the responsibility lies for updating and amending

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OPA Board members during a July regular meeting vote on a procedural change.

Photo from meeting video

the various manuals. It provides for a form to use for that purpose,” Jacobs said. “It also leaves the responsibility for changes to the Financial Management Policy Manual and ARC Guidelines with the Board of Directors. Recom-

mended changes to the ARC Guidelines can originate from the General Manager, ARC or the Board itself.”

The vote was unanimous, 6-0, with only Board member Elaine Brady absent during the meeting.

Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 15

Verizon, developer answer cell tower questions Single tower to start, small cells added if/when needed

By PROGRESS STAFF proposed monopole cell tower at the OPA Golf Club maintenance facility was the subject of a virtual town hall meeting on July 28 that included staff from the developer, Verizon and Ocean Pines Police Chief Tim Robinson.

The purpose of the meeting, according to facilitator Matt Forkas, was to provide information, answer ques-

A

tions, and respond to feedback during the 90-minute session.

The meeting was recorded and can be viewed in full at oceanpineswireless.com.

More than 40 people attended the virtual session.

The developer, whom Forkas represented, is Milestone Towers, a Virginia-based cell tower construction company with more than 20 years in the field. It has completed projects on more than 200 sites

in 50 municipalities, Forkas said.

“We got the most recent interest from Chief Robinson, having some concerns about community safety coverage in Ocean Pines, and Verizon also expressed some interest in filling some network coverage gaps in early 2024,” he said.

A concept plan was completed in early 2025 and went before the Ocean Pines Board.

The Board approved bring-

ing the plans to the public to gather more feedback, leading to the town hall meeting.

“We are still very much in the preliminary stages of this project,” Forkas said.

The meetings’ findings are to be presented to the Board during a future meeting.

Paul Plymouth, a government relations manager for Verizon, described the strategy the corporation uses to build out its network, likenTo Page 16

Photo from meeting video

16 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025 Town hall From Page 14

ing it to a “connect the dots” picture.

“The challenge we’ve had in Ocean Pines is finding a good location that can be approved to be built, but also won’t be too close in proximity to some of the other tower locations that we have in the surrounding area,” Plymouth said.

Towers are the technology of choice for providing coverage, Plymouth explained, while small cells, which can be mounted on streetlights and the like, are better for providing capacity.

This project, Plymouth said, is more suited to a tower than utilizing small cell devices.

This is not the first time the company has attempted to improve coverage in the area, Plymouth said, pointing to a 2019 effort to install technology at the county wastewater treatment plant in Ocean Pines.

OCEAN PINES “The community did not like that,” he said, and the project did not move forward.

As a result, the company has not made an effort to build in Ocean Pines since. However, coverage issues have continued.

“We’ve heard many complaints from residents, from Chief Robinson and even Del. (Wayne) Hartman on the issues too. We certainly want to build in Ocean Pines, but it takes a community to come together and say, ‘yes, this is what we want’ – and HOA approval too,” Plymouth said.

This is the fourth attempt the company has made to expand coverage in Ocean Pines, he continued.

Plymouth said it was his understanding AT&T and T-Mobile would also have access to the tower, covering customers on different carriers.

“So, us coming together to get a site approved, that’s what’s really going to help move the ball forward, to

build out the network and improve all the coverage for Ocean Pines,” he said.

As it stands now, the tower is about 18 months from coming online, Forkas said.

Hartman was the first to weigh in, and said he agreed network coverage was a public safety issue.

“If the Board, and hopefully, when the Board approves this, if there’s anything I could do in my capacity to expedite this at the state level, certainly know that I’m here as a resource,” he said. “I think it’s something we need to do sooner rather than later.”

Residents selected to ask questions wanted to know more about how soon impacts will be felt, how far the tower’s coverage would extend, and why a more comprehensive solution wasn’t planned out in advance.

Network improvements should be felt almost immediately, company represen-

tatives said, but congestion will still be an issue – though they’re not sure how much.

Since tower and small cell technology is expensive, the providers are opting for a “wait and see” approach to boosting the signal, they explained. Such devices also need some sort of neighborhood approval, which has caused delays before.

“The tower is going to be the most appropriate first step,” Plymouth said. “It’s going to be able to do the most good, and we’re not spending a lot more than we have to – versus building a tower and planning 10 small cells across Ocean Pines, and it turns out we didn’t need those small cells at all.”

If it turns out a couple of small cells are needed, “that’s perfectly fine,” he said.

Forkas said the next steps in the process would be OPA Board approval of the concept, and then zoning approval from Worcester County.

Current coverage (left), vs. proposed coverage (right) with the addition of a new cell tower, according to Verizon. Red areas will have the fastest speeds and most network availability, while blue will have the worst. The red line represents about a mile and a half, measured from the proposed locations at the golf course’s maintenance facility.

Photo from meeting video

OCEAN PINES

Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 17

Another look at where a proposed cell tower could be placed near a maintenance building at the Ocean Pines Golf Club.

Photo from meeting video

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20 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025 Election From Page 1

our assessments low, and investing in the important stuff like the golf course, which is the economic engine that’s running Ocean Pines and keeping our money down,” he said.

Jacobs also said he was pleased with the results.

“I look forward to serving another three years and doing what I can to maintain and improve Ocean Pines,” he said.

“I mean, what else is there to do? It’s all good stuff.”

An elected incumbent hasn’t lost an Ocean Pines election since 2016, when Jack Collins failed to win a second term and finished seventh in a crowded field of 11 candidates.

The last time an appointed – but not elected – incumbent lost was in 2022, when Peck narrowly lost after being appointed in 2021.

“I think, in part, it probably says people are generally happy with what’s going on in Ocean Pines,” Jacobs said. “I think also it speaks to the fact that we need to improve and get more people involved in stuff. We had three seats up this year and we only had four candidates.”

Voter turnout also appeared

OCEAN PINES relatively low, with the Elections Committee on Saturday reporting 2,824 total ballots – apparently 1,996 were paper ballots and the remaining were electronic. The Elections Committee annual report from 2024 listed 3,283 total ballots.

Jacobs said OPA needs to do a better job of reminding people to vote.

“I think we’ve got to do a much better job of that, and I want to engage with my colleagues to see what they think,” he said. “But overall, it’s a great community, and we got a good bunch on the Board. And working with [General Manager] John [Viola] makes our life quite a bit easier.”

Peck, for her part, said she was disappointed with a fourth-place finish during a year when three seats were up for grabs. Last year, she finished third when two seats were open. “[The election] was going to be unopposed if I wouldn’t have tried,” she said. “I didn’t lose anything – I tried.”

On the long track record of incumbents holding onto their seats, Peck said most homeowners focus on their assessments – which have been stable for more than five

1,595

years.

“I think the majority of Ocean Pines isn’t paying attention to the little things,” she said. “So, unless something goes really bad, it’s kind of that the status quo is good for them.

“I still think people should try,” Peck continued. “I’m proud of the campaign I ran.

I’m proud of the platform that I had, and I hope more people step up. In a community this big, we shouldn’t have so little interest in people being part of the process.”

Also on this year’s ballot was a referendum to build a new South Fire Station on the site of the existing station, which was overwhelmingly supported by voters. Roughly 80% voted in favor.

Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department President Joe Enste called that “a strong endorsement” of the department.

“It’s great to know that all the hard work that folks on the department building committee, the folks on the Association building committee, and everything that went into this process has paid off,” he said. “There was a lot of education that was involved in trying to help the community fully understand the scope

of why, how, and everything like that. So, I think it’s a testament to that effort and all that hard work.”

Although there are a fair number of divisive issues in Ocean Pines, building a new firehouse does not seem to be one of them, Enste said.

“I think the voting results say a lot about the relationship that we have with the community, and that the community recognizes the value that we bring,” Enste said.

“The community knows that if they support us, we can continue to deliver and support them – sometimes in the most unfortunate times.”

Discussion of the new station dates back at least to 2022. That April, OPA and OPVFD jointly announced a $1.35 million grant from the State of Maryland to renovate and expand the station, and a town hall was held that June.

The existing building, constructed in 1981 with additions in 1985 and 1987, was built under much older and less stringent codes. According to OPA and OPVFD, the facility lacks modern features, such as gender-inclusive living quarters, adequate decontamination and shower facilities, and space to house To Page 22

OCEAN PINES

Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 21

22 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025 Election

OCEAN PINES

From Page 20

today’s larger emergency vehicles.

OPA said the replacement building will be a 15,000-square-foot facility, with a projected construction timeline of 65 weeks and an estimated cost of around $6 million.

“This is a groundbreaking project that will be the centerpiece of our safety,” Lakernick said.

He described the South Fire Station as “a critical piece of infrastructure that affects every family” in Ocean Pines.

“If you’ve been in the southside firehouse, it’s crumbling,” he said. “It’s got a lot of problems and you can’t fix it.”

Among many issues, Lakernick said the original facility didn’t consider accommodations for female firefighters.

“We don’t even have a place for them to sleep,” he said.

“They’re sleeping on cots in a locker room.”

He also noted the growth of Ocean Pines since the original structure was built.

“It’s a lot of territory for these volunteers to make sure that we stay safe,” he said.

“When you talk about hometown heroes – these guys are it.”

OPVFD has secured $1.7 million in grants and bonds, along with $750,000 from fundraising and savings. The remaining $3.7 million – plus a 10% contingency – will be funded by OPA, primarily through the replacement reserve.

With the referendum’s approval, construction is expected to begin in October 2025, with costs spread across the 2025–27 budget years. Homeowners will likely pay an additional $50 to $60 annually in assessments.

Image courtesy Ocean Pines Elections Committee

The new station will reportedly meet all current Worcester County requirements, including stormwater management and parking, with no additional expected costs.

OPVFD also plans to maintain its six-minute average response time by ensuring a continued presence on the South Side during construction.

Under the approved plan, ownership of the new building will reside with OPA. OPVFD will retain ownership of the land.

Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 23

Lakernick statement on election results ‘People here care about our future, and that’s something worth celebrating’

proud of – upgraded amenities, a stronger police department, and a growing sense of community and permission to move forward with our new Southside Firehouse, we have I want to start by saying To those who voted for me, To those who voted for my more to do. how deeply honored I am to thank you. Your encourage- opponent – I want you to know I promise to keep listening, have been chosen to continue ment, your conversations at that I hear you, I respect your to keep building bridges, and serving our incredible com- the pool, grocery store, and choice, and I will represent to keep working for every sinyou with the same commit- gle household in Ocean Pines. ment and fairness as anyone Whether you voted for me, who supported me. for someone else, or simply The following is a statement from Ocean Pines Association President Stuart Lakernick submitted to The Progress following the Aug. 8 election results:

munity. Every single vote in this election – whether for me or for my opponent – was a sign that people here care about our future, and that’s something worth celebrating.

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Elections Committee From Page 26

25 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025

OCEAN PINES

26 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025

From John-Boy to Mark Twain Actor Richard Thomas brings great American author to life, Sept. 5

By SUSAN CANFORA Contributing Writer n conversation with actor Richard Thomas, the voice of John-Boy Walton is unmistakable, stirring memories of the much-loved character he played on the TV program The Waltons, which aired from 1972 to 1981.

Girls had crushes on the young man who aspired to be a writer – Thomas was a 20-year-old blond with an easy smile when he appeared in The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, a 1971 movie that served as the pilot for the series – and now, at 74, he remains grateful for every crush.

The New York resident and father of seven in a blended family with his wife, Georgiana Bischoff, is now embarking on a new venture, portraying Mark Twain. On Friday, Sept.

5, he will present Mark Twain Tonight! at the Arts Center at the Ocean City Convention Center, one of the first stops in a tour of the East Coast.

For tickets, see eventticketscenter.com.

The late actor Hal Holbrook portrayed Twain for more than six decades, and Thomas is the only actor authorized to continue. But it’s a considerable change from John-Boy Walton, the oldest in a close family with seven children, parents and grandparents who lived together on Walton Mountain in Jefferson County, Virginia. Thomas still stays in touch with surviving cast members.

“Well, big changes. That is what we do as actors, right?”

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OCEAN PINES an affable Thomas told The Progress during a recent telephone conversation.

“We change from one character to another. That’s what the profession is. I started to play John-Boy when I was 21, so there is a lot of experience, a lot of mileage on the odometer,” he said with a laugh.

“It is very exciting to play Mark Twain. He is such an enormous, important American in so many ways and probably the first worldwide American celebrity,” he continued.

“He was on the road doing these lectures, going from city to city, place to place. He called them lectures, but it was an early version of standup.”

Twain was a very famous, very funny, and notorious critic of American culture.

“He embodied all the great contradictions of being an American, like his suspicion of wealth and corporations and extreme wealth and power, yet he worked his whole life to be as wealthy as he could,” Thomas said. “His relationship to organized religion is very interesting. He is funny but he was very provocative.

He’s always relevant because he is the absolute picture of the American character. This is a very exciting time to bring him back. I am delighted that Hal put this show together.”

He is interested in reacquainting audiences with Twain because, Thomas said, he is “so much more, so much richer than just an author and I think Hal put together a wonderful sampling of his thoughts.”

Holbrook died in 2021 at age 95. He and Thomas were friends.

“He’s been gone awhile, but his estate got in touch with me and asked me to continue playing Mark Twain. It made

Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 27

Photo of Richard Thomas as Mark Twain by Julieta Cervantes. Photographed at the Mark Twain House & Museum, Hartford, Connecticut. Costume Designer Sam Fleming, Wig Designer Luc Verschueren.

me very happy. I was honored,” he said.

Thomas read Twain’s timeless books in his youth and said he has “revisited both Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn while I was doing a tour of To Kill a Mockingbird (in which he played key character Atticus Finch) because I felt I hadn’t read them since my school days.”

“They are wonderful books to read. Huckleberry Finn is his masterpiece, for so many reasons in so many ways,” he said. “I’m enjoying it enormously. It’s a wonderful book.

I’m getting ready to read

Roughing It. I have read a lot of selections. You can really immerse yourself in him.”

Thomas said it’s hard to single out one key piece of advice or passage from Twain because “there is so much.”

“It’s so rich. The lesson I take from him is to embrace your contradictions, because those are the things that define him,” he said. “He talks about religion. He talks about politics, politicians, a lot about human nature and in the course of talking about mostly things he finds hilarious and kind of horrible. He couches all that in humor and

he uses storytelling.”

In the show, there are five stories as told by Twain, including a section from Huckleberry Finn and a retelling of the biblical “Great Flood.”

“It is a wonderful time to acquaint ourselves with this great American personality,” Thomas said. “In so many ways it’s who we are – what we aspire to be, fall short, what our contradictions are, what our ideals are. I am really thrilled I’m going to be able to live with this person for the next seven months, and maybe beyond.”

28 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025

OCEAN PINES

Sponsors needed for Sept. 17 Veterans Memorial Foundation fundraiser Annual golf tournament in Ocean Pines to support student education programs

By JOSH DAVIS Acting Editor in Chief he Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation is seeking sponsors for its 18th annual Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament, to be held Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Ocean Pines Golf Club.

The event is the major fundraiser for the Foundation’s education programs, which include annual field trips for all Worcester County fifth graders to the Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines.

The tournament will feature a scramble best ball for-

T

mat with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Registration is $150 per player and includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, “grab and go” breakfast, lunch and tournament prizes.

Sponsorships are still needed at various levels, ranging from $125 to $2,500.

Foundation President Marie Gilmore said sponsor support directly impacts the more than 650 students who visit the memorial each year through the Foundation’s programs.

“Since 2007, every fifthgrade student in Worcester County has visited the memorial as part of a special field

trip,” Gilmore said. “They learn about the military branches, the real-life stories behind the engraved bricks, and the meaning of service and sacrifice.”

The tours are run in partnership with the Worcester County Board of Education and feature volunteer docents, as well as demonstrations by JROTC cadets from Stephen Decatur, Snow Hill and Pocomoke high schools.

Local Coast Guard members also frequently participate.

“Our Foundation covers all costs for these trips, including buses, drivers and educational materials,” Gilmore

said. “As those expenses grow, we rely more than ever on community support to make this possible.”

The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, and all contributions are tax-deductible. In addition to sponsorships, the Foundation also welcomes donated prizes, gift certificates or items for the tournament’s silent auction.

To sponsor the tournament or donate, contact Marie Gilmore at 410-726-2881 or opmarie@aol.com.

For more information on the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, visit wocovets.org.

Sponsors are needed for an upcoming golf tournament in Ocean Pines, with proceeds supporting educational programs of the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation.

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Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 29

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Volunteers honor former committee chair Trummel Friends purchased memorial brick at Worcester County Veterans Memorial

By JOSH DAVIS Acting Editor in Chief A group of volunteers recently banded together to honor Jim Trummel, the longtime Bylaws Committee chairperson who passed away in March.

Trummel served in the Marine Corps as a captain during the Vietnam War and later obtained degrees in both engineering and law.

In Ocean Pines, Trummel was known for his vast and encyclopedic knowledge of Ocean Pines rules and regulations – and for his kindness and charitable nature. He was a tireless volunteer.

Current Bylaws Committee Chairperson Lora Pangratz said she and other current and past committee members bought a memorial brick to honor Trummel at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines.

The memorial is made up of perhaps hundreds of bricks and pavers that honor local veterans, like Trummel.

Pangratz, during the public comments portion of the July 26 regular OPA Board meeting, thanked Board members

A brick at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines, purchased by friends and fellow volunteers, honors Jim Trummel for his military service. Trummel was a prolific volunteer in Ocean Pines and is fondly remembered by many.

Photo from meeting video

for offering a moment of silence for Trummel after his passing.

Trummel helped mentor Pangratz as the Bylaws Committee chair after his final term expired several years ago.

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“We just wanted to honor him because he was a very, very, very positive person – very humble, very thoughtful and insightful, and could tell you the bylaws” by heart, Pangratz said.

“Please take that in con-

sideration … and honor your volunteers. They’re very important. Don’t ever turn away a volunteer,” she added.

For more information on the Veterans Memorial, including brick and paver sponsorships, visit wocovets.org.

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OCEAN PINES

Tennis Community honors Dale and Mitzi Ash

By CINDY HOFFMAN Contributing Writer Dale and Mitzi Ash were honored for their longtime dedication to the tennis community with a planting and tree dedication on June 21 in the Remembrance Court, a garden area at the Racquet Center that was created in 2004 to honor players who have passed away.

While the Ash’s are very much alive, and still avid tennis players, they have relieved themselves of their longtime duties as President and Trea-

surer/Secretary of the Ocean Pines Tennis Club.

“Mitzi and Dale have been the backbone of the tennis community for many years. It was fitting that we honor and recognize them at the “changing of the guard,” Deb Downing, the current President of the Tennis Club said.

“Dale has been the president of the Tennis Club more times than we know and always volunteered to take the job again when no one else stepped up to take the position,” Judy Kearney, the current Treasurer for

Mitzi and Dale Ash were honored on June 21 for their leadership in the Ocean Pines tennis community with the planting of a tree in Remembrance Court.

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Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 33

the Tennis Club, said.

nificance between the tree’s “Through the years, Dale growth and the tennis comhas worked tirelessly for the munity’s growth and well betennis community. He has ing,” Downing said. been the spokesperson at OPA Having their tree planted meetings, lobbying for tennis in the Remembrance Court is court maintenance and with significant to Dale because of Public Works to ensure the his role as the keeper. grounds were looked after.

Dale and Mitzi have both “Mitzi served as Secretary/Treasurer for the last 14 years. She, alongside Dale, organized events, managed the clubs funds, all while fully participating in club play.”

Mitzi did yeoman’s work, helping me prepare the tennis directory every year, said Dale. The directory, which is not in print this year, provided members with information on staff, a calendar of events, instructions, contact information and a membership list.

The Tennis Community joined together before the Davis Cup Round Robin to recognize their contributions.

been playing tennis for decades. Dale started with lessons when he was 12 years old and has played regularly since. He’s played in Ocean Pines since 1978. Mitzi has been playing since she was 20.

She has played in Ocean Pines since 1985.

They have been through many evolutions of tennis in Ocean Pines. They remember playing on the tennis courts at the Yacht Club, before the Racquet Center was developed. Dale also remembers years ago that there were courts at the current site of the Post Office.

“We were overwhelmed by the surprise and very appreciative of the thoughtfulness to have a tree dedicated to us in the Remembrance Court,” Dale said.

The courts have been expanded throughout the years. Dale remembers when Pickleball players started to put down tape on the tennis courts for their use. EventuThe community chose an ally, Pickleball courts were Eastern Redbud, “Heart of created, now the most popular Gold” variety to honor the racquet sport in Ocean Pines. couple. “It’s one of my favorMitzi enjoys the communiite trees,” Mitzi said, noting ty aspect of the Tennis Club. the heart-shaped leaves.

She likes the welcoming atmoThe Remembrance Court is sphere on the courts, even for special to Dale and he will con- drop-ins, noting that young tinue to manage it. The garden and old and all levels of play is divided into decades, begin- are welcome. ning with the 1980s. Name plaques remember and honor each player who has passed away. The Remembrance Court was envisioned not as a place to view from afar, but to enter and reflect upon friends who have passed.

Dale has observed that since the change in membership to a single consolidated rate for all racquet sports this year, he has seen more people playing tennis.

Mitzi and Dale Ash.

Submitted Photo

Deb Downing is the current “We are pleased with the Dale said.

President of the Tennis Club. energy and enthusiasm that Visit the website atocean“The tree was a way to hon- She and Kearney will lead the the leadership has brought to pines.org/web/pages/tennis or Dale while he is still with us community this year. the Ocean Pines Tennis Club,” for more information. and he can recognize the sig-

34 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025

OCEAN PINES

Mary Mac seeks support for local camps, food banks Nonprofit honors late educator Mary McMullen by funding youth programs and hunger relief

By JOSH DAVIS

Choptank grant, and Bob Wolfing and John Hansberry Acting Editor in Chief assisted with Kiwanis fundhirteen years ago this ing.

August, Mary McMcMullen also recognized Mullen – a beloved board members Susan WoMillersville special education teacher and tireless advocate jciechowski, his and Don’s for youth athletics – passed sister, and Lida Payne, one of away after a lengthy illness. Mary’s best friends and a retired Fort Meade recreation She was 64. director, both of whom play In the years since, her famkey roles in supporting the ily has kept her spirit alive Foundation’s work. through the Mary Mac FounOn July 14, McMullen visdation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating brighter futures ited Camp St. Vincent alongfor children by funding sum- side John Scardina, a former mer camp programs and sup- first baseman for one of Mcporting food banks across Mullen’s school teams in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vir- late 1970s, to see the camp’s ginia, and the Washington, work firsthand.

D.C. region.

“We spent the day there, “Our mission is to provide and we saw three and fouropportunities for young peo- year-olds being given lessons ple so they can live better in reading and math. We saw Members of the greater McMullen family attend a recent Mary Mac Foundation lives by offering the resources reading groups for middle event.

Submitted Photo they deserve and need,” said school kids. We saw tremenMary’s husband, Tim McMul- dous activities – and we just This year’s grant recipients • Helping Up Mission len, who co-founded the Foun- saw smiling kids,” McMullen include: • Ferndale United Bank dation with his brother Don said.

Eastern Shore: • Saint Mary’s Food Bank and other family members.

“The fact that these kids • Worcester County Child McMullen was also a career are being given three meals a • St. Vincent de Paul Food Advocacy Center educator and coached a vari- day, swim lessons, and lessons Bank ety of school sports. in math, English and science • Diakonia (Worcester just reaffirmed that that’s County) This summer, the FoundaPennsylvania–Virginia: tion supported programs at the best possible place we can • Mid-Shore Meals • Hunger Response St. Vincent de Paul Summer be doing our work right now,” (Dorchester County) he added.

Day Camp in Baltimore, and • Back Pack Buddies • Bayside Shelter (Sussex Camp Ocean Pines, where Looking ahead, the FounCounty) • Neighbors Helping Mary once served as one of the dation hopes to raise $10,000 Neighbors first camp directors. during August and Septem-

T

Community partnerships have helped stretch the Foundation’s impact. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines donated $1,000 in Mary’s memory to send low-income children to camp, while Choptank Electric awarded a $1,200 grant to fund camp T-shirts. Former Ocean Pines Association President Tom Terry helped secure the

ber to expand food bank support throughout the region.

“Once people see where the money goes and who it’s helping, they understand the impact – and their generosity makes it all possible,” McMullen said.

In 2024, the Mary Mac Foundation donated more than $32,000 to food banks and scholarship programs.

Annap olis–Baltimore– Washington, D.C. Region:

The Mary Mac Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non• Birth to Five Program (EIN#46-2720845).

Families (Anne Arundel profit Donations can be made online County Public Schools) at www.paypal.me/marymac• Fort Meade Family Alli- foundation, or by mailing a ance – Resource Center check payable to “Mary Mac for Military Families Foundation” to 174 Notting• Lighthouse Shelter ham Lane, Berlin, MD 21811.

• Maryland Food Bank

To learn more, visit www. marymac.org.

OCEAN PINES

Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 35

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‘I set out to write a novel I wanted to read’

OCEAN PINES

Pines native pens second book, ‘Water Dressed in Brown’

By SUSAN CANFORA Contributing Writer

R

eaders drawn to a coming-of-age novel that’s sprinkled with teenage love, parents’ missteps, and changes that come with the passing of time should enjoy Dan O’Hare’s new novel Water Dressed in Brown.

O’Hare, an Ocean Pines Realtor and reportedly the first baby born in the Pines, said the novel is named after the 1990 Ani DiFranco song “Out of Habit,” which contains the lyrics “I am watching the sun stumble home in the morning from a bar on the east side of town, and the coffee is just water dressed in brown.”

The book focuses on the early days of Ocean Pines. Although the community was formally established in 1968, O’Hare placed his characters a little later, from 1982 to the early 1990s, and followed them as they grew, fell in love, suffered disappointments, and planned their futures.

“Everything is based on real people and things I experienced or knew or heard about,” O’Hare said. “Time is important in this book. The era is very important. The relationship between parents and children. It’s very focused on that, even if it doesn’t seem like the main part of the story.

“I set out to write the novel I wanted to read – and edited it 32 times,” he continued.

“It really changed drastically through the process. I shared it with different people. They would give me notes, and I would go back and tear it apart completely and restart. These

Local author Dan O’Hare shares a coffee with his daughter, Olive. O’Hare’s latest novel is set in Ocean Pines and available at many local bookshops.

Submitted Photo

characters became their own people. It was kind of cool when that happened.”

Among the characters are Dolores, Trey, Laura and Katherine – the latter whose mother and father he described as “helicopter parents before most parents were like that.”

There is a nature vs. society theme, with the teenagers “trying to decide who they are and what they have to do.

They are being told one thing – and is that the right thing?”

O’Hare said.

One of the families moves to Ocean Pines from Chicago and members of another fam-

To Page 39

The Ocean Pines Progress is a journal of news and commentary published monthly throughout the year. It is circulated in Ocean Pines.

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Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 37

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From Page 36

ily greet them, including the mother, Dolores, a native of Spain whose husband owns bars in nearby Ocean City. Dolores offers to watch the new family’s daughter, Laura, and the girl learns skills from Dolores, including how to cook.

She and Dolores’ son, Trey, become friends and eventually see each other in a romantic light. But another girl, Katherine, the prom queen, also gets involved.

Meanwhile, Trey’s father is an abusive alcoholic who sells cocaine at his bar and who Trey dislikes so intensely that, when he strikes him to protect his mother, he doesn’t care if the man dies.

“Trey is dealing with abuse, depression. He is a confused teenage boy,” O’Hare said, adding that Laura’s parents are divorced because Laura’s father cheated on her mother with another man “during the height of the AIDS scare.”

Laura’s mother, Joyce, is another prominent figure, as are Dolores and Katherine’s parents, O’Hare said.

“I think it’s an important part of the book to get into the relationships between the parents, and what type of parents they are and what era they are from,” O’Hare said.

Water Dressed in Brown is available at several area bookstores, including Caprichos Books in the Manklin Creek Plaza. It costs $19 for the paperback, $4.99 to download, and is free with Kindle Unlimited. It’s also for sale at The Buzzed Word in Ocean City, Barnes & Noble in Salisbury, and Bethany Books in Bethany Beach.

Two years ago, O’Hare wrote Tell Me the Truest Thing You Know, about his relationship

Submitted Photo

with his father and his own struggle with mental illness.

He said the process was “the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

“I worked in film and TV and I made movies and documentaries about race – but this was harder,” he said. “That was hard, too, of course, because of the horrific subject matter, but this was harder.”

Tell Me the Truest Thing You Know, a 120-page, softcover book available on Am-

azon and at Bethany Beach Books, stirred emotions among others who had difficult relationships with their fathers. Many of them turned to O’Hare, resulting in “some interesting experiences.”

“Random people called me and asked to meet with me and asked to talk to me about it. They cried. They wanted to release their emotions. It was a very strange experience … I recommended they get coun-

seling,” he said.

“I’m not trained in counseling – I’m trained as a Realtor,” he continued. “I’m not the one you want to be talking to. I’m appreciative of them reading the book, but these people need help. I think everyone needs help. I do therapy myself and I think it’s great and I recommend it.

“Now, this book? This book is fiction. Everybody can read it,” he said.

40 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025

IN MEMORY

Remembering Tom Stauss

Thomas William Stauss August 17, 1951 – July 13, 2025

T

homas William Stauss, beloved brother, uncle, journalist, and cosmic wildcard, passed away on July 13, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona. He was 73.

Born in Neenah, Wisconsin, Tom spent his early childhood in Thorp, Wisconsin, before moving to Easton, Maryland at age 9. He graduated from Easton High School and went on to earn a degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

From the start, Tom was a newspaperman through and through. Early on, he had already won awards from the Maryland – Delaware – D.C. Press Association for his work on the Eastern Shore Times. He launched local newspapers in Ocean City and Ocean Pines, Maryland, with an unwavering commitment to hyper-local journalism.

His true labor of love was the Ocean Pines Progress, where he especially liked to highlight local business owners and community activities. He had sold its

predecessor, the Ocean Pines Independent, but then came out of retirement to start the Progress when his noncomplete clause expired so that he could do it his way. He strove to improve residents’ quality of life by keeping them abreast of opportunities and promoting fiscal responsibility, while also chronicling the details of community meetings, budgets, and motions – right up until his final days when he managed to publish the July edition of the Progress.

For Tom, publishing wasn’t just a profession, it was a calling, where he also provided an outlet for at least a dozen other local Delmarva reporters over the years.

laughter, Old Bay seasoning stains, and second and third helpings. His home was always open to his nieces, nephews, and their friends, especially those from the DC area, who knew it as a yearround sanctuary for beach weekends, philosophical and cosmic discussions, and dinners out.

Tom also spent years living part-time in Washington, DC’s Dupont Circle and later in scenic Tucson, Arizona.

Tom loved weekend Broadway trips to New York City with his good friend Rota and was known for packing in as many shows as possible.

He also cherished his long, meandering conversations with one of his oldest He was a faithful practitioner friends, Tom Edwards, of Transcendental where topics ranged from Meditation, which he credited politics to metaphysics to with bringing peace to his the technological prowess of life after a more tempestuous aliens. youth. (He earned the nickname “Murphy” in the He had a very large collection family due to what his part of books across many genres, Irish father called Tom’s and a family tradition Irish temper. Another early emerged at Christmas: his nickname was “Hardhead.”) eldest brother trying to find Tom’s meditation practice just one he hadn’t already became especially meaningful read. in his final years as he faced Tom got his start in cancer with grace, humor, journalism under Charlotte and minimal complaint. TM helped him reduce pain, keep Edwards and later worked as an investigative reporter with an even keel, and even gain a karmic head start on his next Jack Anderson – experiences that sharpened his sense of incarnation. curiosity and his BS detector, both of which remained finely Tom lived most of his tuned for life. adult life in Ocean Pines, He is predeceased by his Maryland, where his home parents, Ernie and Marty was both a headquarters for Stauss, and close friend the Progress and a refuge Huey. He is survived by his for friends and family. The three brothers – Ben, Jack, annual Stauss family crab and Richard – and their feasts were often held there wives, Janet, Mary, and – noisy affairs filled with

Emma, whom he regarded as his own sisters. He also leaves behind eight nieces and nephews, eleven great-nieces and great-nephews, and his close friend Chris Jones.

Tom was one of four Stauss brothers, who might’ve passed as respectable – unless they were all in the same room. Even among them, Tom managed to be his own category: a barefoot intellectual with a car full of newspapers, wearing beachbum chic that never quite matched the razor sharpness of his mind. He believed in aliens, good journalism, and Transcendental Meditation – not necessarily in that order.

Tom taught us all how to stay curious, subvert authority, and never settle for a conventional opinion. His gift-giving record remains undefeated. His nieces and nephews received weird toys, pirated pop music recordings, and more attention than many kids get from their own parents.

His family feels pretty sure Tom’s now cruising the cosmos, windows down, newspapers in the backseat, explaining the Oxford comma to a few receptive aliens.

He did not want anyone to grieve his transition from one state to the next – he believed in reincarnation and karma, and if there’s any justice in the universe, he’s also having steamed blue crabs and beers with his parents, catching them up on everything they missed.

IN MEMORY

Remembering Tom Stauss

Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 41

42 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025

IN MEMORY

Remembering Tom Stauss The Progress reached out to several people, near and far, to ask for remembrances about Tom. There were no rules and there was no word count – just, write what you feel. Read them below, and remember our friend.

‘There was always a way respond with some variation in Tucson and had tried re- it around the house over and on: “I’m glad we both agree peatedly to convince him to over. Tom made me feel like a to laugh’

visit me in Seattle (it’s too family member. cold there, Christina! Do they I never felt lonely having even have nice hotels?) such a loyal friend in my life.

Among the many wonderful Rest in peace, Tom. memories I have of him was -Jakub Graf back in Ocean Pines, maybe 15 years ago. I was lingering at the beach, rather than head‘We will never forget ing back to Silver Spring on a his abiding friendship’ rare visit back to Maryland.

He was ever-present at famOur family had the pleasure Tom and I went out to dinily Thanksgiving and Christof knowing Tom for almost 10 ner (he and I agreed that the mas holidays, revered for his But he always had time. I’d years. It was always nice to see absolutely terrible gift-wrap- come in from the beach and we typical Stauss buffet events him at his lovely home, or to ping skills. He liked to insti- would chat and joke about life were stressful, so he took me join him for dinner dates. gate little parent-child con- and current events, and he’d to a normal restaurant.) On Our relationship with Tom flicts and would grade the take me out for a meal or two. the way back to his house, he pulled over to a hole-in-thebegan in 2015 when our son, cleanliness of our childhood I also loved his “movie mar- wall ice cream joint.

Jakub, became partners with bedrooms – always giving a athon” weekends when he much better rating the messWe each got a cone and Tom’s housemate, Hugh. Tom would come into DC to see ier the room was. watched the sunset over the was very supportive of the refour or five movies at Landlationship between Jakub and Ever since I was a teenag- mark Cinemas in Bethesda water. It was peaceful, lovely, Hugh, and when Hugh died er, heading out on my own – and E Street, and I would join and seared into my memory. tragically, Tom befriended or sometimes with a group of him for a couple movies and a For all the times that Uncle T. Jakub. Tom often took Jakub friends or a new boyfriend in meal. Tom was as good an un- was a jokester/instigator, in that moment, he was a soul- out on dinner/movie outings. tow – to visit Uncle Tom at cle as a person could ask for. ful, quieted, kind and gener- Tom never abandoned Jakub. the beach in summer or winter We will always remember I will miss him forever and ous man. has signified a getaway from that. whatever troubles or serious always think of him whenevI will miss him. er I roll into Ocean City; see When Tom became termireflections I might be facing.

-Christina Stauss a Landmark movie house; or nally ill, he invited Jakub to He always looked at life read a report about potential look after him. Tom never and the world with a sense of alien life and technologies.

‘I never felt lonely hav- stopped believing in Jakub’s humor – that in the midst of But I will also think of him as good nature and inherent mundane or more serious sor- still present, in keeping with ing such a loyal friend’ compassion. We are so glad rows and drama, there was his belief that he was bound Tom loved and found true that Jakub was able to give always a way to laugh. I plan to be incarnated somehow or peace in Tucson. He loved Tom some reciprocal comfort to channel that orientation other – possibly in a star systhe sunny weather and the during those sad days. going forward, though I will tem far away, but still with us. peace and serenity that the We will always remember miss being able to laugh about I hope you have an incredible mountains gave. He enjoyed Tom as a kind, intelligent and things with him. I’ll miss our onward journey, Uncle Tom! going out to dinner on holi- generous man. The perennifrequent phone calls that aldays, transcendental medita- al image of him working on -Karen Stauss most always started out with tion, and tending his beloved his beloved newspaper via the me exclaiming “Tom Thumb!” grapefruit tree. Tom was an computer is unforgettable. to which he would declare ‘A soulful, quieted, kind amazing friend for 10 years But, most of all, we will never “Karen middle finger!” and became like family. and generous man’ forget his abiding friendship A few times a year, I’d call My favorite memories to our son, Jakub.

Uncle Tom was, for a long and say I would probably be were of us both finding a new May he rest in peace. visiting the beach that week- time, my only West Coast song we loved, and blasting end, to which he would always family. I enjoyed visiting him -Louise and Bob Serkey Uncle Tom has been a fixture in my life since as far back as my memory goes. He was the classic “fun uncle.”

As kids, we would visit his little Ocean Pines house with the Sky Room where we understood he had special powers when he meditated.

that there’s no need for committing in advance. You can always come stay or not. I’m not sure if there’s clean linens or toilet paper, but you’ll figure it out. And I may or may not have any time available because I have an issue of The Progress coming out soon.

But either way, of course, you’re welcome as always to use the house as a crash pad.”

IN MEMORY

Remembering Tom Stauss

Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 43

44 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025

IN MEMORY

Remembering Tom Stauss ‘A true original’

Tom never failed to greet my I am so sad to hear of Tom dogs as I walked them around Stauss’s passing. I had the the block – a tiny Yorkshire privilege of working with Tom Terrier named Russell, then a back in the ‘80s when he was protective beagle called Budeditor of the Beachcomber. dy and, now that they have He was incredibly support- both gone to their greater reive – and remarkably patient ward, a chubby, amiable beawith some of us more eccen- gle, Crusoe.

“There’s my baby,” Tom tric staff members (I was in my 20s, writing a watersports would say, bending to rub column, and constantly show- their heads if he was out walking up at his desk with wild ing or reaching his hand out ideas). Tom would always lis- the window if he was in the ten, offer a wry smile, and car. then – gently but firmly – But I doubt he’d want to be steer me in the right direc- remembered as a soft-hearted tion. animal lover, but rather as a His sarcasm, wit, and sense tough journalist who, despite of humor were unmatched. I his failing health in recent have such fond memories of weeks, made sure a final issue those days, and of Tom him- of the Ocean Pines Progress self. was finished.

A true original. He will be In the late 1990s, Tom sold deeply missed by all who knew the Ocean Pines Indepenhim. dent, a newspaper he pubAnd yes – there will never lished monthly, to the company I worked for in Ocean be another Tom Stauss.

City that also published The -Sandi Smith Daily Times in Salisbury. I was managing editor and took ‘An institution here in that paper from a monthly to a weekly, making it the first the Pines’ When I think of Tom Stauss, weekly publication in the hisquite a few memories come to tory of Ocean Pines and domind, especially since he lived ing it under Tom’s watching, around the corner from me in sometimes critical, eye. It was a success and grew and circuOcean Pines for many years. lated in the community for We got to know each other many years. in the 1990s, when I started to Later, Tom started The freelance for him, or “string” in journalism jargon, because Progress.

We worked together again, there was a time, many years ago, when freelancers’ ar- but it’s no secret we didn’t alticles were measured with ways get along. He was strongstring and the writer was paid ly conservative and heaven knows I’m a raging liberal by the inch.

Tom had a variety of cats Democrat. He never missed over the years, including Beu- the opportunity to tease me lah, who let me pat her when about that and I’d return she was in a good mood and, the barbs, cutting political when she wasn’t, scowled her cartoons out of newspapers about poor, homeless owls and annoyance. deer struggling to find shelter

because of overzealous devel- time. opers, dropping the clippings The last time we communiinto envelopes and mailing cated was in the spring this them to him, anonymously. year when, by e-mail, he said “Not funny,” he’d say, he had been reading articles I shaking his head when I’d see write as a full-timer at Coasthim on the street. But he’d be al Point newspaper in Ocean grinning.

View, Delaware, and listening We disagreed about what to my radio news broadcasts stories enhanced a newspaper, on WESM-FM in Salisbury. too. He was strictly news. I began my career as a features writer and focused on that genre for six years before I started writing news. Human interest stories became my specialty, but Tom didn’t believe they were as valuable as I do and – how can I put this nicely, describing two hard-headed journalists? – we “disagreed.” One word led to another. The conversation heated and I walked out.

“You’ve won some awards lately and you’re doing really well,” he wrote. I thanked him and replied I read every issue of The Progress and continued to admire his writing style and love for detail.

One evening last month, I was sitting on the back porch, catching up on Facebook posts, and was shocked to read Tom had died. I had no idea he was that ill. He wasn’t one to share information like that.

Not my finest moment, but News of his death hit me Tom calmly told me there hard. Immediately, I thought would still be a position for about him coming to me, reme if I changed my mind. minding me our friendship I didn’t. I fumed. I stayed meant more than our disharangry. monies.

One sunny morning a year or so ago, when Crusoe and I were out for a stroll, Tom drove up beside us and when I turned to look, he was smiling at me.

Carrying on his legacy by working with fellow journalist Josh Davis and writing for The Progress each month is an honor. In my memory, I can see Tom’s teasing smile and “Are we still mad at each the little twinkle in his eye as other, Susan?” he asked gen- he formulated ultra-conservative zingers. tly.

That’s how I’m rememberI lowered my eyebrows. “I ing you, my friend. And for don’t know,” I grumbled. your dedication. Your unique“Listen. We’ve been friends ness. And for being an institutoo long. Life is too short. We tion here in the Pines. both love this business. We You aren’t one to rest in have always had that in common. Let’s not stay angry,” he peace. From your heavenly news desk, you’ll be up to said. some mischief.

He had a point. I conceded I’ll be watching for it. And and when I reached to shake in spite of myself, it will make his hand, I noticed he looked thin, but I had no idea he was me laugh. sick, and had been for some -Susan Canfora

IN MEMORY

Remembering Tom Stauss

Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 45

‘Wherever he is now, geese playing golf or generally Pines in 2019, Tom and I got to and because he clearly loved I hope he knows we miss being a stand-in for Tom him- know each other even better. the community that he covself.

He would call once a week, and ered for so many decades. him’ I don’t remember the first time I met Tom Stauss, but it was almost certainly some time in 2014 when I was newly covering the Ocean Pines Association for the Bayside Gazette. That year, the new Yacht Club opened, Mediacom was still king, Billy Casper ran the Golf Club, and Dave Stevens ran the OPA Board and frequently harassed then General Manager Bob Thompson.

Two men were at almost every meeting I covered: One was Joe Reynolds, who generally heckled elected officials and the GM during public comments – or whenever something struck his fancy.

The other was Tom, who was much quieter, generally in baggy clothes and looking like he maybe had just woken up.

While I was brand new, learning how to report on local government in general and getting a crash course in the wild wilderness of covering this Ocean Pines place, Tom had already been there for decades and knew just about everything and everyone. He had a dry wit and was soft-spoken, but I very quickly learned that what he wrote carried tremendous power.

normal conversations were 20 or 30 minutes long. This time, he often told me more than I gave away – I made a deal early on that I never wanted to see my name in the paper – but I would connect him to the people and stories he wanted Beyond that, he was part of to chase down. a small but influential group It was a lot of phone numof four men who had been at bers and emails, whether a this locally for many years and had all worked together at one meeting was going to be retime or another. Along with corded, if I had pictures, and, Tom, they also included my hey, could he get a copy of that boss, Stewart Dobson, then newsletter feature on a Public Berlin Mayor Gee Williams, Works or an Aquatics worker and Worcester County Com- before I gave it to everyone missioner and Courier news- else? I usually did. And he ofpaper publisher Chip Bertino. ten told me, in great detail, Based on what I knew of Stew- what he was working on – and what he thought about certain art and Gee at the time, OPA Board members.

I imagined them all working We didn’t talk too much together in a room where the about the personal stuff. Tom bourbon glasses were always full, the smell of cigarettes would ask about my kids, or was rich and mildly suffocat- how I was handling the transiing in the air, and smart, se- tion from being on the outside rious journalism was taking to being on the inside. I found place. Whether or not they Tom to be immensely private. were ever in the same room – But I knew he knew almost everything about Ocean Pines bourbon or not – is unclear. and could often predict the I had to earn Tom’s respect future – save for one infaover the years – and for good mous story about a certain loreason. I wasn’t great out of cal restaurant group. I knew the gate and had to earn my he loved swimming and often stripes, and also I was stum- valued cats above most peobling across his turf. ple, and he loved his home in But the more I showed Arizona where he more and up, the more we talked, and more frequently spent most of the more we grew to respect his time. each other and eventually beIn the 10-plus years I knew came friends. We would gos- Tom, I don’t ever remember sip briefly before meetings, him being mean. He certainand sometimes in hallways or ly had his opinions on local parking lots afterward. He and national elected officials never gave away too much and – but it never got personal.

I never asked him to.

He held people accountable – I also learned, back at the office, what my colleagues in the editorial and sales departments thought of Tom. In Ocean Pines, he was the main competition – and a hard one to top.

Copies of his newspaper, The Progress, were often held up or clutched at public meetings. Clearly Stevens and Thompson were avid readers and had thoughts. And the paper itself was incredibly dense – packed with Tom’s encyclopedic knowledge, his sometimes cutting commenAfter I shifted from jourtary, and biting editorial car- nalism to become the public toons about anthropomorphic relations director for Ocean

sometimes with sharp, acerbic commentary – but he did that because he felt it was his job,

I was very sad to get a call in June that Tom was in the hospital and wasn’t doing well, and I was sadder to talk to him during his last few weeks, when he asked for my help in putting together what would be his last issue of The Progress.

Two things struck me: 1.

How much this paper meant to him and how determined he was that that last issue came out. 2. How peaceful he was near the end.

Tom told me he had made his peace with the universe, and he was going back to his home planet where everything would be OK. He said it with clarity and – was that his dry wit? It was hard to tell. But I believed him and, although I was sad and shed tears after I hung up the phone, I was grateful to hear at least that he was at peace.

I miss my friend, now, writing this, working on this paper that he built – without him. He was a good friend to me and a good listener when I was having a tough time at work, and it’s hard to put this issue together when I want to ask him so many questions, big and small.

This issue was created in the loving memory of our friend, Tom. May he be at rest, and may those who knew him remember him fondly, with warmth and respect, and good humor.

Wherever he is now, I hope he knows we miss him and we want to do this the right way – the way he would have done.

-Josh Davis

46 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug. 2025

IN MEMORY

Remembering Tom Stauss

IN MEMORY

Remembering Tom Stauss

Aug. 2025 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 47

48 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Aug 2025

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