August 2026 +Ocean Pines Progress

August 2026

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Major Beach Club Renovation Planned

By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor he iconic Ocean Pines Beach Club is set for a major transformation as the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors ap-

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proved the first steps toward a complete renovation of the oceanfront landmark. The Board approved contracts for both exterior and interior demolition, launching a phased project designed to modernize the

more than 50-year-old facility while preserving the character of a building that has been a centerpiece of the community since its early days.

The renovation is expected to be To Page 3

Resident Challenges Tree “Clear Cutting” Resident Tim Peck has raised concerns since 2023 about what he believes is clear cutting of lots within Ocean Pines, but the Ocean Pines Association’s administration continues to insist no clear cutting is occurring. ~ Page 9

A rendering of planned renovations for the Ocean Pines Beach Club in Ocean City.

Unity Day Founder Brings Spirit of Connection to Pines The founder of Unity Day is stressing the importance of acceptance and solidarity throughout Delmarva, including in Ocean Pines.

Mark DeLancey said he wants to see that kind of connection “to the outskirts of our local demographic – Ocean Pines, Berlin, Ocean City. ~ Page 34

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2 Ocean Pines PROGRESS August 2026

COVER STORY

August 2026 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 3

Beach Club From Page 1

completed in time for next summer’s season.

The Board unanimously approved staff recommendations to award a $51,616 contract to Absolute Demolition for exterior demolition and a $49,957 contract to My Hands Handyman for interior demolition.

The demolition work represents the first phase of a multi-stage renovation that General Manager John Viola said is scheduled to begin shortly after Labor Day, with the goal of completing the project by Memorial Day. The complete renovation will be completed in phases, beginning with demolition before structural, mechanical and aesthetic improvements are made throughout the building.

During the meeting, Viola outlined the overall vision for the Beach Club, which includes renovations to both the lower and upper levels.

“The downstairs will be refurbished, new kitchen, new restaurant, and the deck is enhanced all the way out to what I call the old Boardwalk which really wasn’t utilized,” Viola said. The expanded deck will extend the same distance as the existing structure while providing significantly more usable space and an upstairs space will add to the aesthetics.

“The top will be surrounded with the glass for the wind,” he said. “So it’s going to be pretty it’s going to be really nice.”

Viola said the project fulfills a long-standing commitment to address deferred maintenance at the Beach Club.

“We talked about deferred maintenance and we have been saying that we’re going to work on the Beach Club. The Board a couple years ago told me to focus on it,” he said. “We’re starting tonight.”

He described the renovation as a series of planned stages designed to address the building’s structural needs while modernizing the facility. He said the project is “Chunked out the deferred maintenance that we need to do for this Beach Club and that’s what it’s going to be. I’ll call it stages or chunking out,” Viola said.

Renovations are scheduled to begin this fall.

Stage one consists of interior and exterior demolition and reinforcing the floors inside the building. Viola said all existing exterior decks will

A beach-side view of planned exterior renovations to the Ocean Pines Beach Club in Ocean City.

be removed as part of the initial work.

“We need to demo the outside, the decks all will come down and I’m sure there’s many people clamoring for new decks and we have that in the plans,” he said.

The interior also must be demolished to accommodate the new restaurant kitchens planned by Touch of Italy.

Viola said reinforcing the floors is necessary because of the weight of the new commercial kitchen equipment.

Stage two will focus on replacing the pilings that support the building, along with constructing new decks and installing glass railings.

“Underneath all that decking are many piles north of 100 pilings,” Viola said. “And we’re getting the diagrams on it now, but they will have to be replaced.” He emphasized that the work is primarily maintenance and replacement of aging infrastructure.

Stage three includes replacing the upstairs accordion doors, updating plumbing and electrical systems, replacing windows and installing new siding.

“We believe that we’re going to have to redo the plumbing and electrical after 50 years, and definitely needs to be done,” Viola said.

The final phase will install an elevator to make the building accessible.

Viola said the renovations trigger requirements for the building to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The exterior improvements also

will change the appearance of the building while preserving its identity.

“It’ll give it a new look, but it’ll To Page 5

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still be the same iconic building,” Viola said. “I’ve seen some of the material for it. I think you’ll all be happy with it.”

Director Rick Farr praised the partnership between Ocean Pines and Touch of Italy, saying it has created opportunities that would not have existed otherwise.

“I just want to say that this has from the beginning it is really amazing of the partnership that we have between the association and Touch of Italy and the vision that they have for our amenity and the investment that they’re putting forward,” Farr said.

He said association members should recognize the scale of the investment being made in a community asset.

“This is our property, Ocean Pines property, and it’s something to be enjoyed by all of our members and even folks that don’t belong to Ocean Pines to really enjoy,” Farr said.

He also encouraged residents to look beyond comments circulating on social media.

“I really think people really need to appreciate that relationship that we have and with Touch of Italy,” he said, “and the vision that they have in moving forward and enhancing this amenity that’s been iconic for many, many years since the beginning.”

He said the partnership represents something new for the association and will benefit future generations.

Director Stuart Lakernick asked about the anticipated timeline for the project.

Viola said planning is already underway and additional Board approvals will be needed as later phases move forward.

“We’re working on it now. We’re trying to get the permits. I’ll be coming forward for permission on several stages,” he said.

Construction is expected to begin immediately after Labor Day and anticipated to be done by Memorial Day, with the goal to have at least the downstairs ready at the start of the next season. “But it is a big undertaking,” Viola said.

OPA President John Latham also highlighted the value of the partnership with Touch of Italy.

“The partnership that we have with Touch of Italy is wonderful,” Latham said.

He noted that reserve funding had

August 2026 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 5 already anticipated major spending at the Beach Club, but partnering with a private operator has expanded what can be accomplished.

“In our reserve study, we were slated to spend a lot of money. We are going to spend a lot of money, but having to do this with a partner has certainly been a huge benefit to our community,” Latham said.

Latham said he is particularly looking forward to reopening the renovated upper level.

“I don’t even know when the last time someone used that upstairs.

That’s just and it’s just beautiful up there. So, personally, I’m excited to see that and I know many other people are, but we have a great partner again that’s going to walk down the aisle with us as we make these improvements. We’re building something there. It’s going to be there for a long time.”

Viola emphasized that much of the structural work would have occurred regardless of the restaurant partnership because it addressed long-planned maintenance needs.

The maintenance and replacement work was planned but the work on the restaurant kitchens by Touch of Italy is a nice addition to the project, he said.

During the meeting, the Board first considered the contract for exterior demolition.

Viola said the association received four bids from qualified contractors and staff recommended awarding the $51,616 contract to Absolute Demolition.

“Absolute demolition.

We’ve worked with them before. They worked with us,” Viola said. The Board unanimously approved the recommendation.

The Board then considered the interior demolition contract. Staff recommended awarding the $49,957 contract to My Hands Handyman, the lowest bidder.

Viola noted the contractor previously built the association’s tiki kitchen at the Yacht Club. The Board approved that recommendation as well.

During discussion, Director Patrick Lehnerd commented that using separate contractors for the interior and exterior demolition appeared to be a sound approach.

“I suspect this was on purpose, but I like the idea that you have two different contractors doing the inside and the outside,” Renaud said.

“Whether intentional or not I think this was a wise decision to split that work.”

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Tim Peck photos

A lot on Windjammer Road showing the piles of cut trees in a formerly heavily wooded lot in 2025 (left) and the back of the same lot with new grassed lawn up to the rear boundary.

Resident Challenges OPA Over Tree Removal Practices

By DAVID BOHENICK Contributing Writer esident Tim Peck has raised concerns since 2023 about what he believes is clear cutting of lots within Ocean Pines, but the Ocean Pines Association’s administration continues to insist no clear cutting is occurring.

Peck, a retired geologist, claims there has been “a big contrast” in lot conditions and tree removal practices in the community since around 2020. He also alleges Ocean Pines has failed to adhere to tree removal guidelines established by the Architectural Review Committee.

“Anyone can observe the contrast in lot conditions from a home built before 2020 and after, being waterfront or inland lots,” Peck wrote.

As a former chair of the Environment and Natural Assets Advisory Committee, which was eliminated by the Board of Directors, he claims the committee tried raising the issue in 2023 but was dismissed.

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Since then, Peck has compiled 113 resident signatures recognizing a “violation of established restrictions and guidelines” in a statement.

In that statement, the homeowners allege the systemic tree cutting violates ARC Guidelines prohibiting the removal of any tree over six inches in diameter without approval from ARC or the Compliance, Permits and Inspection Department.

The statement also requests “a return to the pre-2020 interpretation of tree preservation.”

“We’re not asking you to change anything,” Peck said to the OPA. “We just want you to follow the established rules.”

Assateague Coastkeeper Taylor Swanson is one citizen claiming to see an “enormous amount of tree cutting” first-hand. In addition to being Coastkeeper, Swanson serves as the executive director of the Assateague Coastal Trust, an advocacy group dedicated to protecting and defending Delmarva’s waters. While

not a homeowner within Ocean Pines, Swanson is often in the community monitoring the Coastal Bays Watershed and hosting events for ACT. He said he started witnessing an increase in clear cutting approximately two and a half years ago.

“I don’t mind cutting down a tree if there are reasons, but what we’re seeing is– as new parcels are being developed– there are clear cuttings of entire lots,” Swanson said.

Swanson warned that irresponsible tree removal could negatively affect the stability of the landscape. As the soil loosens, the nutrients within the sediment could enter waterways and result in various environmental impacts including an increase in bacteria, he explained. Swanson also claimed the landscape of Ocean Pines is put at risk when replacing the cut trees with different species.

ARC guidelines specifically protect native Magnolia, Holly, Bayberry and Laurel plants, stating they must be considered diseased, caus-

ing danger or impairing vision to be removed. The guidelines also specify any trees removed without authorization must be replaced by the same species, or one approved by the CPI Department.

Peck, a current board member for the ACT, added that trees help to mitigate flooding and he is concerned flood areas within Ocean Pines will worsen over time.

Despite those concerns from Peck and others, the OPA staff insists tree removal practices haven’t changed and the policies put in place prior to 2020 have been adhered to. Senior Director of Administration Linda Martin, senior director of administration wrote “no clear cutting is happening,” to Ocean Pines Progress.

She claimed the presented statement was “misleading,” and Peck’s clear-cutting claims have already been investigated as he has previously contacted the association via To Page 9

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August 2026 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 9

Tim Peck photos

A lot on Tiller Lane in 2024 after the cutting of the formerly heavily wooded property (left) and a lot on Windjammer Road in 2023 after trees were removed.

Tree Removal

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From Page 7

the email info@oceanpines.org.

Peck references lots along Windjammer Road and Tiller Lane as properties that have been clear cut.

However, Martin claims the removal of trees along Tiller were required as they were in the 15-foot bulkhead easement and trees on Windjammer were removed per Worcester County’s extensive stormwater plan. Martin also said landscaping was added back and trees were replanted on the referenced Windjammer lots.

Peck also raised concerns when receiving a response from OPA administration in 2023 stating “the clearing of lots is per Worcester County guidelines, which supersede OPA guidelines,” claiming the statement was false. “...While county law sets the minimum standard,” Peck wrote as part of his 2026 statement, “the association’s more restrictive covenants are binding and enforceable upon all lots.”

However, Martin said Worcester County guidelines do supersede the association’s, as the county must adhere to stormwater guidelines.

Worcester County also enforces the “Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program,” which preserves natural trees and vegetation within 100feet of waterways. According to ARC guidelines, removal of trees waterfront lots within this area requires approval from Worcester County Department of Environmental Programs.

Peck believes homeowners’ concerns are being dismissed by the OPA and hopes not to see a change in the characterization of Ocean Pines.

“I enjoy the wildlife,” Peck said.

“Hearing the birds and seeing the couple of bunnies running around is what the founders of Ocean Pines wanted to see, and we’re losing that.”

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10 Ocean Pines PROGRESS August 2026

OCEAN PINES June 2026 YTD Financial Results

Board Encourages Members to Attend Annual Meeting

By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor he Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors is encouraging residents to cast their ballots in the 2026 Board election as it wraps up this week and attend the association’s annual meeting on Saturday, Aug. 8.

Five candidates are seeking three seats on the Ocean Pines Board of Directors. In order of appearance of the ballot, the candidates in this summer’s election are Amy Peck, John Latham, Bill Pickett, Patrick Lehnerd and Elaine Brady.

Ballots must be returned and received by noon Wednesday, Aug. 5. Ballots will be counted and vote totals announced Friday, Aug. 7.

The OPA’s Annual Meeting will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Ocean Pines Community Center.

OPA President John Latham reminded residents during the Board’s July 27 meeting that there is still time to submit ballots.

“So, make sure you get them out. It’s important to vote in the community.”

Director Jeff Heavner also encouraged residents to participate in the election and attend the annual meeting.

“I want to put a plug in for our annual meeting, which is that Saturday following the end

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of election on August the 8 at the community center.”

“Please come in person or you can dial in.”

He said the Election Committee reported that there have been very few reports from members who did not receive their ballots.

The process has gone very smoothly, he said.

Heavner also said the committee found that issues with ballot delivery were generally linked to the association having outdated contact information on file for members.

“I can say though, 100 percent of the time when we’ve had an issue, it’s been contributable to no valid physical or email address on file” for the member who did not receive a ballot,” Heavner said.

The committee is unable to update addresses on behalf of residents. “No, we can’t do that.

We are not allowed,” Heavner said.

Members must update their own address information to ensure they receive future election materials.

Heavner also recognized the candidates for following association rules during the campaign.

“And the last thing I want to say is I think it’s worth mentioning that the candidates’ adherence to our bylaws and ARC guidelines has been commendable,” he said.

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OPA Finishes June Favorable to Budget, Financials Remain Strong

By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor he Ocean Pines Association ended June with financial results favorable to budget, with revenues exceeding projections and expenses coming in below budget, General Manager John Viola reported during the Board of Directors’ July 27 meeting.

Viola reviewed financials for the month of June and said the association was favorable to budget by $46,000 for the month. Revenues were over budget by approximately $28,000, while expenses were under budget by about $18,000.

“I always like to see that revenue is coming in. And it’s favorable,” Viola said.

He noted that the association’s financial performance improved after a difficult May, when heavy rainfall and poor Memorial Day weather af-

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fected operations and revenues.

“May was unfavorable. There was a lot of rain. Memorial Day, it was a rough one,” Viola said.

“It did affect us with the revenue like everybody else. But it’s coming back. Just like we said, we’re seeing it coming back. How much comes back by the end, we’ll see. But it is coming back and I think we’re definitely going to be okay for the year.”

Year to date, the association remained favorable to budget by $37,000, Viola reported.

Several individual amenities continued to experience budget challenges, although Viola said some were related to investments and weather impacts.

Golf was unfavorable to budget, but Viola said the department had a particularly aggressive budget. Viola said golf operations were trackTo Page 11

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OCEAN PINES Financial Report From Page 10

ing closely with the previous year, which was a strong year for the department.

“When you look at last year, we’re pretty much on track and last year was a very good year,” he said. “I’m still saying golf is a win with everything going on.”

Viola said Memorial Day weather had a significant impact on golf revenues but added that additional maintenance investments were also affecting the numbers.

“Some of that unfavorability is with the weather and we did invest another $30,000 in maintenance,” he said. “We saw an opportunity and we took it and I think it’s working out.”

Year to date, golf was $86,000 unfavorable to budget, Viola reported, but he said much of that reflected investments being made into the course.

The marina operations were favorable to budget by $30,000. Viola said the weather had affected the marina, particularly during Memorial Day weekend, but activity had increased.

“They did get hit with the weather, especially on Memorial Day. But I guess pent-up demand, they’re coming, a lot of boats are coming,” he said.

Food and beverage operations were $10,000 unfavorable to budget.

Viola said he believed the department was recovering, pointing to recent strong weekends.

“It looked like they had very good weekends,” he said.

Other areas reporting unfavorable results included racquet sports, which was $25,000 unfavorable to budget, and beach parking, which was $18,000 unfavorable. Aquatics was favorable to budget by $16,000.

Viola said the association’s reserves included approximately $4.4 million for general replacement as of June 30, with a total balance of $6.4 million. He noted that much of the planned spending for the fiscal year had not yet occurred.

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Correction In the July issue of the Ocean Pines Progress, an article on Page 3-7 quoted Director Elaine Brady as referring to the “park.” She was referencing Ocean Parkway.

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12 Ocean Pines PROGRESS August 2026

OCEAN PINES

August 2026 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 13

Damaged OPVFD Ambulance to Be Replaced as Neighboring Departments Provide Backup Support

By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor n Ocean Pines ambulance damaged in a July 11 accident while transporting a patient to TidalHealth in Salisbury will be replaced ahead of schedule.

Neighboring fire departments are providing support while a new unit is acquired, Ocean Pines officials said during the July 27 Board of Directors meeting.

General Manager John Viola told the Board that the ambulance was scheduled for replacement in fiscal year 2027-28 under the apparatus schedule, but the accident accelerated those plans.

Viola said the total replacement cost will be $372,000 after accounting for expected insurance reimbursement of $64,000.

“It is a big number. So we’re just going forward to let the Board and everybody know,” Viola said.

Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department President Joe Enste said the department expects the replacement ambulance to arrive in approximately 45 days.

Enste explained that the ambulance was involved in an accident while being used for patient transport. “Unfortunately there was an accident involving the medic unit while transporting to Salisbury,” he said.

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After evaluating the condition of the vehicle and its remaining service life, the department determined replacing the ambulance was the best option.

“Based off of a number of factors as far as the age of the unit, the damage done to the unit, we all felt like it was the best idea to just move ahead that replacement date from

2027 to now,” Enste said.

Enste said the department worked with a Maryland vendor based in the Baltimore area to locate a replacement unit.

“They actually have a unit in stock right now. It’s what’s considered a demo unit. They take it around to different trade shows and things like that. It’s a little bit dif-

ferent than what we would normally set it up, but it’s going to work for the needs that we have,” Enste said.

The demo ambulance is expected to allow the department to take delivery much sooner than ordering a new custom-built unit.

While waiting for the new ambulance, Enste said Ocean Pines To Page 15

Financial Report From Page 11

Reserve balance for other funds includes $1 million for bulkheads, $1.7 million for roads, $400,000 for drainage projects and $300,000 in new capital projects.

In her monthly treasurer’s report, Director Monica Rakowski said the association had approximately $17.9 million in cash as of June 30, 2026. Cash increased by $200,000 compared with the same time period the previous year and increased by $100,000 from May 2026.

The association had $11.6 million invested in CDARS, which generated $53,000 in interest income during June.

The remaining $6.3 million was held in insured sweep accounts, treasury bills, money markets and other operating accounts diversified between two local banks.

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OCEAN PINES

August 2026 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 15

Board Approves Contract for Next Phase of Golf Irrigation

By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor he Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors approved a $925,000 contract for the next phase of irrigation improvements at the Ocean Pines Golf Club during its July 27 meeting.

General Manager John Viola presented a capital expenditure request for irrigation replacement Phase 3 with Irrigation Services Inc. The Board approved the contract to continue replacing portions of the golf course irrigation system.

Golf Course Superintendent Justin Hartshorne reviewed the request and said the next phase will continue work on the back nine.

“We’re looking at heading into phase three of the irrigation which would include holes 11, 15, 16 and 17 as we work further into the back nine,” Hartshorne said.

He called the continuation of the project “very, very exciting to keep that project moving forward.”

Hartshorne said the association’s work with the contractor during the earlier phases has gone well.

He said working with the contractor through the first phases “has been terrific and the work has been very well done and we’re very pleased with what has been installed so far.”

Director Jeff Heavner asked about the performance of the im-

provements completed during previous phases.

“We spent a lot of money and while the next phase isn’t contingent on what we’ve done in the past or what we’re going to do in the future, my question was how’s it performing?” Heavner said.

Heavner then continued, saying Viola “told us what your objectives were and you answered my question is you said it’s performing extremely well and that’s good to hear.”

Viola also updated the Board on repairs needed to sections of cart path impacted by irrigation work.

“One of the one of the areas of the of the golf course is the cart path and the cart path did have cuts from

OPVFD

ment for the community,” Enste said.

He said the value of the older ambulance would likely be limited once it reached the end of its service life, maybe $5,000 or $10,000 if sold to another department or for scrap.

Instead, the department decided the funds would be better used toward the replacement vehicle.

“This was actually going to benefit us in the long run to instead of investing that money into repairing it, just using that those funds to go towards a new unit and then we’re going to scrap the current unit and get whatever money we can from that from the scrap process,” Enste said.

The Board also received an update on the construction of the new South Fire Station, which Viola said remains on schedule status despite delays caused by changes in the project team and site preparation issues.

Viola said the project required a change in architects, which slowed progress, and the construction site experienced a soil compaction issue.

The next step is receiving permits, which Ocean Pines hopes to obtain soon.

“We’re hoping for the permits next week. There were some changes that had to be made,” Viola said.

Viola said the contractor was working through the remaining issues before permits are issued.

“I still believe we’re going to have the same terrific firehouse as we planned,” Viola said.

Once permits are received and construction begins, Viola said the anticipated timeline remains ap-

proximately 60 weeks.

“And once we get that shovel in the ground and we are going for the permits for the foundation and the utilities and all that stuff, we believe 60 weeks,” Viola said.

Viola also praised the collaboration among the project team, the fire department and county officials.

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From Page 13

still has two medic units available for service. If additional coverage is needed, assistance will come from surrounding departments.

He said OPVFD still has two medic units in service. If a third simultaneous incident occurs, Berlin or Showell will assist, Enste said.

He added that contingency plans are in place if one of the remaining ambulances becomes unavailable before the replacement arrives. The Ocean City Fire Department and Berlin Fire Department are willing to lend the OPVFD a unit if one of the two primary units goes out of service..

“We appreciate the support. We have the funding for it. And we’re just going to kind of move forward with it as we go,” Enste said.

Director Stuart Lakernick asked whether the damaged ambulance had been totaled.

Enste said the ambulance was not technically totaled but was covered under an agreed-value insurance policy. He explained that the damage would have needed to reach a certain threshold for the vehicle to be considered a total loss.

“There was $66,000 worth of damage done to it, primarily all frontend damage replacing a subframe and things like that,” Enste said.

Enste said the department’s Board of Directors consulted with engineers before deciding not to repair the ambulance. He said the Board “felt that investing $66,000 worth of repairs into a unit that would only had about a year left of useful life wasn’t the best invest-

the irrigation system and there were areas that needed to be replaced,” Viola said.

He said the work was included in the budget and bids had been received.

“We did receive bids for it and it’s all within the budget,” Viola said.

The repairs will include areas around the maintenance parking lot, irrigation cuts and the cart path near general maintenance.

“If you’re a golfer, rest assured all those areas will be fixed in the next couple of months,” Viola said.

Viola also discussed the golf discussion group created by the association to gather feedback from members.

The association reached out to about 10 to 12 people to participate in the group, which Viola described as “Very constructive, very, very professional.”

“We have received constructive feedback which we have implemented. We have explained a lot to them and there have been a lot of positive results,” Viola said.

He said the group has been beneTo Page 17

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OCEAN PINES

August 2026 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 17

Bottle Shop Opens, Adds New Draw to the Yacht Club

By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor ouch of Italy has opened a bottle shop selling alcoholic beverages at the Yacht Club, adding another amenity for Ocean Pines residents while generating additional revenue opportunities, General Manager John Viola said during the July 27 Board of Directors meeting.

The bottle shop opened July 4 as part of Touch of Italy’s continued operation of the food and beverage facilities at the Ocean Pines Associ-

ation’s Yacht Club. The interior food and beverage facilities are leased to Touch of Italy, which pays the association a lease to operate there.

Viola said the lease arrangement has helped the Yacht Club reach a new financial milestone. “It’s the first time since I can remember that at minimum we break even,” he said.

The Yacht Club also provides the association with a percentage of sales, which contributed to improved financial performance. “We made more money last year for the first time because we do get a per-

Irrigation

the company and if staff had experience with the vendor.

Hartshorne said Turf Equipment is associated with Toro equipment.

“Probably half our fleet is roughly Toro equipment,” Hartshorne said.

He said the equipment has been reliable and the company has been a good partner.

“We have great service and great contacts with them,” Hartshorne said.

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From Page 15

ficial and was one of the reasons golf operations are doing well.

During the meeting, the Board also approved the purchase of a triplex mower for the golf course for $56,258 from Turf Equipment, the lowest bidder.

Director Patrick Lehnerd asked whether the association had previously purchased equipment from

centage of sales at the Yacht Club,” he said.

Viola addressed questions that had been raised about whether the Yacht Club was generating revenue for Ocean Pines. “There were some questions on that. I was just amazed at some of the stuff that people sent me that someone was saying Ocean Pines is not making money on the Yacht Club,” Viola said. “We do make money on it. They’re leasing it.”

OPA President John Latham asked for clarification regarding whether the association receives a share of liquor revenue. “We don’t participate in that because we can’t participate in that,” Latham said.

Viola responded, “We follow the rules of Maryland. Correct.”

Viola said the association’s financial benefit comes through the lease and other revenue-sharing arrangements. “When I look at the money of the revenue from the lease, I think it’s about north of $150,000 to $175,000.”

Touch of Italy is also exploring additional ways to increase revenue

at the Yacht Club. Viola said the company is looking at adding tables to create a chef’s table concept in the building.

“They are looking at putting tables in there to be a chef’s table in that building to bring in more revenue which by the way we get a nice percentage.”

Director Rick Farr said he visited the bottle shop and found it to be a handy addition for residents. “I just want to say I had an opportunity to go into the bottle shop last weekend and it’s very convenient as a homeowner here.”

Farr said the location provides easy access for residents and that pricing was competitive. “It’s just right around the corner. The prices are on par with everywhere else and some even lower.”

“I do appreciate that the convenience of that and I really appreciate this concept that came to fruition and what it’s doing and just another amenity, if you will, to Ocean Pines adding to the experience of our comTo Page 19

18 Ocean Pines PROGRESS August 2026

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August 2026 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 19

OCEAN PINES Bottle Shop From Page 17

munity,” he said.

Director Stuart Lakernick said the revenue generated through the Yacht Club, Beach Club and Clubhouse operations represents an important benefit to Ocean Pines residents. “I just want to make sure people understand this goes back to keeping our assessments reasonable and low and it’s important that our amenities do well because without that we all would be paying more,” he said.

Viola agreed with Lakernick.

“That’s spot on.” He said revenue generated through amenities is reinvested. “By doing that it is helping the assessment but I just want to make sure we’re reinvesting it to take care of the deferred maintenance and everything.”

Director Jeff Heavner also visited the bottle shop and praised the way the space was designed. “I’m so impressed with how that place is curated in such a small space,” he added. “The brands brought in there to represent just about everybody’s taste were picked out. Very nice.”

Viola said the marina office remains upstairs at the Yacht Club, while some square footage was shifted as part of the operations plan.

Viola said items previously sold through the marina are now sold in the building on the dock, which was part of the original plan.

During the meeting, Viola also provided an update on the Tiki Kitchen at the Yacht Club, saying residents have responded positively to the new dining option.

“We built the structure. Touch of Italy is leasing it. They put the kitchen inside.”

Viola credited Touch of Italy for the food quality and improvements to the dining experience.

Director Monica Rakowski said residents have noticed improvements in food service. “I just want to comment that I’ve had several people in the last two weeks come up and say I ordered French fries and they came out hot.”

One of the goals of the new kitchen was to improve the dining experience by ensuring food was delivered while hot.

Viola also reported that screens had been installed around the Tiki Kitchen area for pest control. Red stone was added to areas disturbed during construction, and staff will reevaluate landscaping during the offseason.

SES Teacher, OCPD Corporal Couple Under Investigation by Delaware State Police

By DAVID BOHENICK Contributing Writer imberly Berry, a special education teacher at Showell Elementary School, and her husband Benjamin, a corporal for the Ocean City Police Department, are reportedly under investigation by the Delaware State Police.

Mrs. Berry was fired by the Worcester County Board of Edu-

K

cation on July 14 at its regularly scheduled meeting after being placed on administrative leave on June 12 for an unrelated matter, according to school officials. Mr. Berry was already reportedly on paid administrative leave for an unrelated internal matter in June, and a second administrative investigation was opened against him by OCPD mid-July upon learning of DSP’s in-

vestigation.

When an officer is placed on administrative leave, they lose access to law enforcement databases and access to the Public Safety Building, OCPD wrote in their post announcing Berry’s leave on Facebook. Policing powers are also suspended as a result.

“The Ocean City Police DepartTo Page 21

20 Ocean Pines PROGRESS August 2026

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August 2026 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 21

Martin Provides Updates on OPA Operations, Projects

By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor inda Martin, Ocean Pines Association senior director of administration, provided updates on several ongoing projects and operational issues during the association’s July 27 Board of Directors meeting, including improvements to amenities, grounds maintenance, the Public Works yard, mailbox replacements, website redesign efforts, compliance violations and the progress of the cell tower project.

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Bocce Court Leaderboard Martin reported that the bocce court leaderboard has been installed, with a minor correction still pending. She said the leaderboard was installed June 5, but the logo intended for the top of the display was designed incorrectly and a replacement is being awaited from AdArt. Sponsorship signs for the bocce courts were received and installed July 6. The total cost of the project was $3,200.

Investigation From Page 19

ment takes this matter seriously,” OCPD wrote on Facebook. “We will continue to assist the Delaware State Police with their investigation as needed, along with continuing our two administrative investigations.”

While the couple both worked in Worcester County, they reside in Selbyville, Delaware, falling under DSP jurisdiction. Delaware State Police reportedly began investigating them on June 13, officials reported.

Mr. Berry received an Excellent Performance Commendation from the OCPD in 2021. He was hired as a full-time police officer in 2012 after serving as a seasonal police officer in 2008 and 2009, and was assigned to the Patrol Division prior to being placed on administrative leave.

In 2019, the couple reportedly raised more than $27,500 in donations in a GoFundMe campaign said to assist with treatments for Mr. Berry’s advanced testicular cancer diagnosis at the time.

Officials report as of now they are not aware of any public safety concerns related to the investigation, and no arrests have been made. The investigation remains ongoing.

Walking Trail Cleanup Ocean Pines walking trails remain a work in progress following a recent cleanup effort, according to Martin.

Martin said clearing of the trails began the week of July 13 after Public Works completed debris pickup efforts that had delayed the work.

“As of today, it’s still work in progress because we’re going back to find out that owners are throwing branches on back onto the trails,” Martin said.

She asked residents to stop placing branches back onto the trails, noting that the debris is also blocking drainage ditches.

“We are trying to keep it up,” Martin said. “We’re hoping that the homeowners will stop doing so.”

Public Works Yard Closed The Ocean Pines Public Works yard will remain closed for the rest of the summer because of safety concerns, Martin reported.

Martin said the yard continues to contain loose soil from the firehouse construction site, debris pickup materials, dredge material and pieces of the old floating dock.

Public Works is continuing to report that the area is unsafe, Martin said.

Instead of bringing materials to the yard, residents can schedule pickups through Public Works.

“This is actually a benefit to you.

You don’t have to bring it to the yard,” Martin said.

Public Works will pick up paper-bagged debris. Call Public Works at 410-641-7425 to schedule.

Swim & Racquet Sign The installation of a new directional sign for Swim & Racquet is expected by the end of July after delays from the sign company, Martin said.

The sign was originally scheduled to be installed in early July, but staffing issues at the sign company delayed production.

“The sign was supposed to be here the first week of July. There was a staffing issue at the sign company, so we’re still working on getting that,” Martin said.

Martin said Public Works is ready to install the sign once it arrives.

“We are hoping that it’s sometime this week,” she said.

Cannon Drive Mailboxes Replacement mailboxes for Cannon Drive are expected to be installed this fall, Martin reported.

The replacement mailboxes were included in last year’s budget and have already been received. Martin said Ocean Pines is waiting to coordinate with the postmaster before scheduling installation.

“There’s no money allocated for

mailbox maintenance in the budget and repairs to mailboxes will be made in-house as needed and no replacements are in this current budget,” Martin said.

General Manager John Viola said Ocean Pines does not have a reserve fund specifically for mailbox replacement and maintenance.

He said the association has taken on mailbox maintenance responsibilities over the years, with costs coming from the operating budget.

“We have replaced many. We have maintained many and that all has come out of an operational budget,” Viola said.

Viola said the association reviews and grades mailboxes and plans to continue replacement efforts as funding allows.

Website Redesign Ocean Pines is moving forward with a redesign of its website, with completion targeted for the end of the year, Martin reported.

The association’s team met with representatives from vendor Northstar on July 9 and has received and reviewed template designs.

The current website is about eight years old and has become more difficult to navigate because of outdated information and limited search capabilities, OPA staff said.

The redesign process will begin in August.

22 Ocean Pines PROGRESS August 2026

OCEAN PINES/LIFESTYLES

August 2026 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 23

Lehnerd Provides Update on Chesapeake Bay Trust Grant App

By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor he Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors received an update July 27 on efforts to develop a project proposal for a Chesapeake Bay Trust grant opportunity focused on community engagement and restoration.

Director Patrick Lehnerd said a task force assembled by the Board has been working to identify a qualifying project, pursue the grant opportunity and complete the project over the next 12 months.

Lehnerd said the work group was formed for the Chesapeake Bay

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Trust Community Engagement and Restoration Mini Grant Opportunity.

The group leader and Lehnerd met with General Manager John Viola and his staff to provide an update on the project planning.

He said the team has developed six potential projects for consideration, with one project having two possible locations for implementation.

“We have suggested deferring two of those projects to future dates,” Lehnerd said.

He said another project would be incorporated with the remaining

COMMUNITY NOTES Odor to Speak To Anglers Club The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will meet on Saturday, Aug 8, 9:30 a.m. at the Ocean Pines Library.

The speaker is Glen Odor, COO of Big Fish Daily, www.BigFishDaily. com, who will discuss his daily virtual fishing tournament for both freshwater and saltwater anglers and his patent pending fishytech. com measuring device. Also updates on fish regulations, charter trips and all things fishing. All are welcome.

Film Challenge Night Comes to Ocean City Ocean City Film Festival presents “Film Challenge Night,” showing the entries into the 9th Annual Ocean City Film Challenge.

The screenings are free to the public and take place on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the tennis courts in Little Salisbury Park, next door to the Art League of Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St. bayside. This is a free event but donations are welcome, and popcorn will be available.

Gates open at 7 p.m., with the films beginning at 8 p.m. No advance tickets are required. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, as seating will not be provided for this outdoor movie experience. Throughout the evening, attendees can cast their vote for their favorite film in the challenge, adding a fun, interactive twist to the event—the favorite will win the Audience Choice Award. In the event of

inclement weather, the screenings will move indoors to the Ocean City Center for the Arts. Whether the event is held outdoors or indoors, guests should plan to bring their own chairs.

The 9th Annual Ocean City Film Challenge inspired filmmakers to produce an original short film no longer than 15 minutes and made between July 1 and July 31, 2026.

Films must have been shot in Ocean City or outside of Ocean City but with the resort central to the premise of the film.

The Ocean City Film Festival will announce the winning films during Film Challenge Night and present awards to the top filmmakers. The winning films will also be screened during the 2027 Ocean City Film Festival, taking place March 4–7, 2027.

The Ocean City Film Festival and the Ocean City Film Challenge are programs of the Art League of Ocean City.

Orioles vs. Red Sox Bus Trip Scheduled The Ocean Pines Recreation & Parks Department is hosting a bus trip to the Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox game at Camden Yards on Sunday, September 6.

Tickets are $150 per person and include transportation, seating in Section 288, and all-you-can-eat Picnic Perch food inside a covered eating area. Attendees will also have the chance to watch batting practice To Page 25

projects the team has developed.

The task force created a rubric to evaluate the proposals and identified one clear leading contender, Lehnerd said. He said he would wait to provide additional details until after the team meets to finalize the selection.

“So we’ll be presenting more information next time. But it was a good methodical defendable process that the team went through to evaluate and choose the leading candidates,” Lehnerd said.

Lehnerd said the task force met with Viola and staff and received interim approval to continue developing the project.

“And we got some really good guidance from John and we’re going to have I what I feel is going to be a really good partnership with operations and the team to implement this,” Lehnerd said.

The task force planned to meet again to continue discussions and finalize the project direction.

The next steps include developing a detailed project plan, project description and financial plan.

Lehnerd said the group also planned to meet with the Chesapeake Bay Trust to receive feedback on how the proposal aligns with the organization’s goals.

Lehnerd said the task force expects to receive final approval from Viola after completing the detailed planning process and hopes to submit the application by Sept. 1. The grant review process by Chesapeake Bay Trust is expected to take about six to eight weeks before applicants are notified.

“So that’s where we are. Team’s doing a great job,” Lehnerd said.

During public comments, Ocean Pines resident Donna McElroy encouraged the Board and task force to consider involving members of existing marine-related community groups in the project planning.

Regarding the work group, McElroy said, now defunct the Marine Activity Advisory Committee had many members who actively involve themselves with many of the marine organizations in the community.

“So, I’d encourage you to think about reaching out.”

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LIFESTYLES Community Notes From Page 23

and enjoy Family Fun Day Sunday.

The bus departs the Ocean Pines Community Center at 9:30 a.m. for a 1:35 p.m. game time. Call 410-6417052.

Vendor Registration Open for Flea Market Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks is now accepting vendor registrations for its annual Fall Flea Market, scheduled for Saturday, Sept.12 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The indoor/outdoor market, held at White Horse Park and the Community Center, welcomes vendors selling gently used clothing, household items, collectibles, toys, jewelry, and more.

Vendor spaces are $25 each and include one 8-foot table and two chairs. Spaces are available both indoors and outdoors.

Parking and admission for shoppers are free.

To reserve a vendor space or for more information, call 410-6417052.

Pickleball Clinics at OP Racquet Center Improve your pickleball skills at one of the upcoming Pickleball Clinics with instructor Linda Horst at the Ocean Pines Racquet Center.

Clinics are available for players of all skill levels.

Those who have never played or have played fewer than three times are invited to the Beginner Clinic, held Wednesdays from 4:30-5:45 p.m. Two upcoming sessions are available: August (Aug. 5, 12, 19, and 26) and September (Sept. 2, 9, 16, and 23).

Players who have completed a beginner course or have played for four to six months are encouraged to join the Beginner/Advanced Beginner Clinic. Held Wednesdays from 6-7:15 p.m., the clinic also offers August (Aug. 5, 12, 19, and 26) and September (Sept. 2, 9, 16, and 23) sessions.

The Intermediate Clinic is designed for players with more extensive experience and a solid understanding of the rules of the game.

This clinic is held Mondays from 5-6:15 p.m. on Aug. 3, 10, 17, and 24.

Registration is $75 per session.

Payment must be made at the time of registration to hold your spot.

Call the Ocean Pines Racquet Center at 410-641-7228.

August 2026 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 25

Passport to Wine Festival at Yacht Club Wine lovers from across Delmarva are invited to experience an extraordinary afternoon of world-class wines, waterfront views, and culinary delights at the inaugural Passport to Wine Festival, taking place Saturday, March 20, 2027, at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club.

Designed as a grand tasting experience unlike any other on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Passport to Wine will transport guests on a journey through some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions, all without leaving Ocean Pines.

Festival attendees will enjoy unlimited tastings of more than 100 carefully selected wines representing France, Italy, Spain, North America, South America, and other renowned wine-producing regions.

Whether discovering a new favorite vintage or revisiting a beloved classic, guests will have the opportunity to explore an impressive collection of wines in a relaxed waterfront setting overlooking the picturesque Isle of Wight Bay. To complement the extensive wine selection, the Yacht Club’s culinary team will prepare a variety of complimentary gourmet bites designed to enhance the tasting experience and showcase the versatility of each featured wine.

“Passport to Wine is more than just a tasting—it’s an experience,” organizers said.

“Our goal is to bring together exceptional wines, outstanding food, beautiful scenery, and great company for an event that celebrates the joy of discovery. Whether you’re a longtime wine enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable afternoon with friends, this festival offers something for everyone.”

In addition to unlimited tastings, guests will have the opportunity to purchase many of the featured wines at exclusive festival-only pricing, making it easy to take home new favorites discovered throughout the day.

Each attendee will also receive a commemorative Passport to Wine goodie bag featuring: A signature Wine Festival souvenir wine glass, a 10% discount voucher for a future dinner at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club or Touch of Italy, a 10% Ocean Pines Yacht Club wedding voucher, additional gifts, surprises, and festival keepsakes.

Attendance will be limited to ensure there is an enjoyable tasting

Submitted Photo

Ladies on Drawbridge Road, Ocean Pines enjoyed a pot luck luncheon at Jackie Choate’s home and home made dessert at the home of Kathy Hill. The ladies usually do this event once a year and enjoy the friendly neighborhood get togethers.

experience for all.

Raise a glass and be part of the beginning of what promises to become one of the Eastern Shore’s premier wine celebrations. Passport

to Wine invites guests to explore the world, one glass at a time.

For ticket information visit www. yachtcluboceanpines.com/event/ wine-festival

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First Shore Federal Announces Key Leadership Promotions

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irst Shore Federal Savings and Loan Association has announced the promotions of two key leadership team members, Rebecca Mason and Sarah Ward, following approval from the Board of Directors at its recent meeting.

Rebecca Mason In a move to streamline operations and strengthen internal talent development, First Shore has established the role of chief operating officer. Rebecca L. Mason will be stepping in to fill this vital position, effective July 1, while concurrently maintaining her responsibilities as chief information security officer.

Mason celebrates an impressive 21-year tenure with First Shore, during which she served in a variety of increasingly responsible positions including CSR, savings counselor, loan processor, and Vice President.

As CISO, she manages information security regulatory compliance, disaster recovery protocols, and comprehensive policy development.

Alongside her technology team, she has deployed industry-leading security measures to safeguard customer information in an increasingly high-risk digital landscape.

As COO, Mason will now oversee operations for the association, working closely with branch management to maximize operational efficiency while refreshing and standardizing employee onboarding processes, staff training, and professional development programs.

An Eastern Shore native out of Pocomoke, Mason is a graduate of Holly Grove Christian School, WorWic Community College and Salisbury University.

Submitted Photo

Taylor Swanson (left), executive director of Assateague Coastal Trust and Assateague Coastkeeper, with Ocean Pines Anglers Club Moderator Doug Murphy, spoke at the OPAC July meeting about prevalence and problems caused by the invasive species (snakeheads and blue catfish) in local waters.

learner, she consistently prioritizes deepening her banking-specific accounting knowledge while maintaining membership with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Ward also volunteers her time in the community by serving in leadership positions across local Rebecca Mason Sarah Ward organizations, includ“I’m thrilled to take on this op- ing service with Salisbury Univerportunity,” Mason said. “So many sity’s Career Advisory Board for the components of day-to-day business Perdue School of Business and by operations have been digitized – it’s acting as Treasurer for United Way a natural fit to bring everything of the Lower Eastern Shore’s Board together under one umbrella. I’m of Directors.

“It’s an honor to work for an orgaexcited to continue facilitating a modern, secure experience for our nization that puts its members and customers, our team members, and community first,” said Ward. “One of the things I appreciate most about our community as a whole.”

First Shore is knowing that the work we do takes place right here Sarah Ward Sarah L. Ward, CPA, has been on the Eastern Shore, directly benofficially promoted to assistant vice efiting our customers and the local president, also effective July 1. In economy. It’s rewarding to be part her role as controller for the associ- of a team that’s always looking for ation, Ward uses her more than 12 ways to improve and better serve years of experience to oversee First Shore’s accounting department, playing a critical role in financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.

She is committed to improving financial transparency, streamlining accounting processes, and supporting sound financial decision-making across the organization.

Born and raised on Smith Island, Ward is a graduate of Salisbury University’s Accounting program, going on to earn her Master of Business Administration (MBA). A lifelong

the people who place their trust in us.”

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28 Ocean Pines PROGRESS August 2026

LIFESTYLES

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he Art League of Ocean City has awarded $13,000 in college scholarships to nine Worcester County students pursuing degrees and careers in the visual and performing arts. Since establishing its scholarship program in 1991, the Art League has awarded more than 100 scholarships to local students, helping young artists pursue their educational and professional goals.

The 2026 scholarship recipients are: Zane DeVito received the $5,000 Sidney M. Beckstead Scholarship. A Stephen Decatur High School graduate, he will study Architecture at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Kathryn “Kate” Miller-Vail received a Katherine Ellen Brown Scholarship. A Stephen Decatur graduate, she will attend East Carolina University to study Entertainment Design and Production and Education.

Emily Skorobatsch received the Vera Cross Scholarship. A Pocomoke High School graduate, she will attend Salisbury University to study Music Technology.

Dalton Alex Tingle received the Jim Adcock Scholarship. A Snow Hill High School graduate, Dalton will attend James Madison University to study Music Education.

Jessica Beck received the Macon Katherine Chandler Scholarship.

She is a junior at The Catholic University of America studying Architecture and Civil Engineering.

Savannah “Sav” Chisholm received the Eva Fox Scholarship. Sav is a student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore studying Graphic Illustration.

Kathryn Gordon received a Katherine Ellen Brown Scholarship.

A sophomore at the Rhode Island School of Design Kathryn is studying painting.

Ana Peña received the Schwab Family Scholarship. Ana is a Salisbury University student studying Graphic Design and Hot Glass.

Ella Schloesser received the Inga Tuvesson Scholarship. Currently attending SCAD and planning to continue at Salisbury University, Ella is pursuing ceramics.

LIFESTYLES

August 2026 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 29

A Bagel And… Nears 20 Years of Serving Ocean Pines

By PROGRESS STAFF f a freshly baked bagel topped with flavored cream cheese, maybe an egg, sounds good for Sunday morning breakfast, you’ll find it at A Bagel And, where families and friends gather, maybe settle at a table outdoors with a steaming cup of coffee, and enjoy not only bagels but pastries and cookies.

After years on the plaza on Manklin Creek Road, just inside the South Gate of Ocean Pines, the shop, owned by Bill and Mary Jaeger with help from family members, is a popular Ocean Pines destination, often with long lines of good-natured customers, some holding babies, other scanning newspaper headlines, all chatting, as they wait to put in their orders.

Next year, the shop will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary.

“Maybe we will bring back some stuff we haven’t made in a long time.

We used to make different breads.

We used to make more than Italian and rye breads. We made seven grain bread. We used to make cannoli,” Jaeger said, thinking ahead.

For the 10th anniversary, the employees surprised the couple with a cake.

“We had a nice party. Bill and I were away for the 19th anniversary this year in June but for the 20th anniversary we need to do something special,” Mrs. Jaeger said.

“Since we opened, we got more bakery products, more variety. Our bagels have stayed the same. The favorite bagel is the everything.

Bacon, egg and cheese on an everything bagel is the most popular and the most popular pastries are our muffins and eclairs. We run out of them,” she said.

The Jaegers’ son, Danny, has been working there since his early teen years and will eventually take over the shop. Grandson Noah Jaeger also works in the restaurant known for display cases filled with lemon bars, miniature cheesecakes and scones. Mrs. Jaeger’s sister, Peggy -- known for decorative cookies customers say are too pretty to eat – is often greeting customers from behind the cash register at the shop, open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday.

Jaeger recalled, years ago, working for a family-owned hardware business in New York, where the

I

Bill and Mary Jaeger built a beloved neighborhood bakery through hard work, family tradition and generations-old bagel recipes that keep customers coming back.

Progress Staff Photo

Owners Bill and Mary Jaeger at A Bagel and...

couple lived. He was there 30 years and among the many people he met were brothers about his age whose family had been in the bagel business for generations and who offered to teach him if he ever wanted to open a similar enterprise.

“They said it wasn’t hard work, but it was work and we would have

to put time into it. They said we would probably do really well in it.

The family I worked for at the hardware shop, the father died and the son wanted to sell the business. The father was a nice guy. If liked you, he would do anything for you. The son was nice, too, but he didn’t like the hardware business so they sold it.

The new owners said after me being there 30 years I had too much vacation time – two weeks -- and made too much money. Their son was a lawyer so they figured out how to force me to quit. In the meantime I met these two brothers and they taught me the bagel business. I told them Mary and I we were going to move here and they came here and looked at the location and told us it was a great spot,” Jaeger said.

The Jaegers had been living near West Point on the other side of the Hudson River, were growing weary of harsh weather and wanted a change of scenery.

“We moved here in 1999 and I still worked in New York for a few years, traveling back and forth to the hardware store until they forced me to quit. The hardest thing was, we wanted to go for a federal small business loan. We had an interview with an older fellow who was going to tell us if it was feasible. We went to his office and the last thing he said to Mary and me was, ‘What makes you people think you can make a living selling bagels?’ Nineteen years later we’re still doing pretty good at it and our 20th anniversary is coming up.

“I kind of look at that as a feather in my cap because some people said this would never work out for us. Five years in I had somebody say to me, ‘This is as much money as you are ever going to make and as far as you’re ever going to go in this business.’ And I laugh at that.

And I have people saying, ‘If I owned this business, this is what I would do.’ But why would I change a good thing?

“We are doing absolutely the right thing. People love us so we can’t be doing it wrong. I have been in retail since I was 16 years old and I learned a long time ago if you treat people right they will keep coming back. We don’t skimp.

“We have the same bagel recipe those guys taught us and they go back generations. They knew how to make bagels. I haven’t changed one ingredient. It’s the ingredients that make these bagels so good. We’re not getting rich but were paying our bills. And it keeps us happy,” Jaeger said.

Earlier this year he suffered a heart attack that required a stent To Page 31

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LIFESTYLES A Bagel and...

From Page 29

and said it was “a wake-up call.”

He improved his diet and losing 25 pounds lowered his blood pressure.

He stays active at work, at home and in cardiac rehab.

“They start to bake at midnight,” his wife said and he explained it takes time for the oven to reach the right temperature, for the kettle to boil, for pastries to be proofed – all before the shop opens at 6 a.m. He depends on naps and being in bed by 6:30 p.m., a few hours before heading to work.

Once he and his wife fully retire, Danny will take over. Oldest son Billy is an engineer for the U.S. Navy and youngest son Robbie is a registered nurse at Tidal Health. There are three grandchildren, soon to be seven when one son marries and becomes step-father to three plus a new father.

“Of course, the new baby is a boy,” Mrs. Jaeger said, laughing, because among the grandchildren there is only one girl.

“Danny is fully capable of taking over. He has been making bagels alongside us now since he was like 14 years old. Pastries, too. He does all of that. I’m to the point where I don’t want to not work. I want to keep my hand in it but I need to slow down some,” Jaeger said, adding he doesn’t want more time for fun, golf or tennis.

“No. I’m not athletically inclined.

I like to fix things and I have a to-do list in my brain that I add more to,” he said.

Perhaps his strongest talent is running a successful restaurant, but it isn’t always easy.

“During the past 19 years we went through some hard years but it’s gotten much better. Covid was hard but we got through it. It was not an easy thing to do. I would never do it again. We couldn’t afford to close.

“We still had to pay the rent. It was just really hard but we did it.

We got through it for a couple years then it started to lighten up. People wanted us to do what we always did. They wanted to be able to come into the shop like they always did but during covid they had to call in their orders and we took it out to their cars. They wanted more variety but we were only allowed to have 10 people in the building to work at a time. We couldn’t have any more than that. But we stayed open,” Mrs. Jaeger said.

August 2026 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 31 Now, A Bagel And … has 18 employees, many of them students, but there will be fewer after summer when they go back to school where they’ll be concentrating on studies instead of scooping out cream cheese in flavors like veggie, crab and cucumber dill, pouring hot and cold coffee drinks, some flavored with syrups.

“We have a good staff and they come up with some fresh ideas. They are great. We have a great staff. One came up with blueberry almond cream cheese and that is really popular. I never would have thought of that. Another young girl makes pies sometimes.

The 19 years the Jaegers have been in business went by quickly.

“We were just raising our family when we started and now they are all grown up. Danny was in middle school and we had one in high school and one just starting college. More kids are working there now. We need them. You find a good one then you ask if they have a sibling. They are nice kids. Denise Collins works for us. She left but she is back now and it’s nice to have her back. She is very good with money.

“It’s nice to have the help because it can be a hard job. It’s very physical. You have to get there are midnight when you bake, then you have to work all day on top of it. When we first started, Bill barely slept and it was hard because we were raising a family. We made a lot of friends and we got to know the people who worked for us. You get close to them.

We have been to so many weddings of the kids that have worked here.

A whole group of them got married.

We’re so happy when we’re invited.

We have met so many nice people.

“I’m proud of the business. I’m proud of what we’ve done with it,” Jaeger said.

“It is work but if you want to make money you have to work. I wasn’t born rich. I’m not rich. If you want to buy things you have to work and I have been working since I was 16. I have an identical twin who has been working since he was 16, too.

He’s a mechanic. He owned a shop in New York and he recently retired and moved to Rhode Island. We always worked on cars together and fixed things. Even at the bagel shop, if it’s broken and I try to fix it myself.

“What’s the worst you can do? It’s already broken. Nine times out of 10 I will fix it and I keep going. The way I look at it, nothing is impossible.”

Progress Staff Photos

Miss Peggy (left) at the cash register at A Bagel and...

The crowd on a busy Saturday morning (below).

32 Ocean Pines PROGRESS August 2026

LIFESTYLES

Guy Harvey Brings Marine Art to White Marlin Open

By PROGRESS STAFF arine wildlife artist Guy Harvey, who works in media including ink and watercolors, will display and sell his environmental works of art and apparel at the 53rd annual White Marlin Open in Ocean City on Saturday, Aug. 8.

He has visited Ocean City, the 70-year-old father of two told the Progress during a recent telephone conversation, but has never been to the White Marlin Open.

“I’m very excited about coming,” he said, adding he will find Thrasher’s and enjoy a cup of the resort’s popular French fries.

“Oh, certainly,” he said, laughing.

Working in five media, he started with pen and ink, choosing it for its find detail, he said, adding he was a fish illustrator in his teenage years and early 20s, around the same time he got involved in marine science.

“I taught myself how to paint and I added watercolor. Watercolor is a preferred medium but because so many fish paintings are large and they demand a big canvas, oil paint and acrylics are used to paint some

M

Submitted Photo

Renowned artist Guy Harvey brings his marine-inspired artwork to the White Marlin Open in Ocean City for the first time.

of those big paintings that are up to 20 feet long. I also do photography, which is a recognized art form,” Harvey said.

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At the White Marlin Open, guests will find his paintings and drawings focusing on billfish, including white marlin, blue marlin, mahi-mahi and

wahoo.

Harvey, who lives in Grand Cayman, will also have apparel with his designs at the Open, known as the “world’s largest and richest billfish tournament” and planned for Aug. 3 to 8. Since it started, more than $121 million in prize money has been awarded “for catches of the gamefish that migrate up the Gulf Stream each summer.”

The first tournament was in 1974 and drew 57 boats, 150 anglers and paid $20,000 in prize money, according to the website at www. whitemarlinopen.com. Last year, there were 282 boats, more than 30,000 contestants and more than $7 million awarded, including the top prize of $3.9 million. Last year’s first-place winner was Dan Gough of Ocean City, who caught a 72-pound white marlin.

Harvey, who lives in the Cayman Islands and has been a marine scientist and biologist, said he is a fulltime artist whose hobby became his profession 40 years ago.

Fish interest him, he said, “because their natural history is wonTo Page 33

LIFESTYLES

August 2026 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 33

Guy Harvey From Page 32

derful.”

“I have an interest in natural history and sustainable management is a big concern, so we have done a lot of research on large Atlantic fish and published nearly 200 peer review papers,” he said, adding data is shared with school children. The goal is fish conservation, he said, adding he is a catch and release fisherman. It has been proven fish survive “the trauma of catch and release and live to fight another day,” he said.

“This is how these tournaments can do this year after year because people have become more responsible in how they treat the fish,” he said. He won’t be competing in the White Marlin Open, but meeting guests, discussing and selling works of art as well as T-shirts, jackets, hats and other apparel and painting with children.

Harvey has been involved in fishing all his life, as are his daughter and son, Jessica and Alexander. His wife, Gillian, to whom he’s been married 38 years “is the rock behind

the brand and helps keep us all in line,” he said. Jessica Harvey runs the Guy Harvey Foundation.

The non-profit organization, at www.guyharveyfoundation.org, was founded in 2008 and focuses on advancing scientific research, education and ocean conservation. It funds scientific studies on sharks, billfish and coral reef health and provides lessons for school children, conservation programs and training for teachers.

Harvey, who has a doctorate in fisheries management, “uses his deep field experience as a diver and angler to ensure absolute anatomical precision in his work,” the website states.

“He launched his career illustrating scenes from Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea using meticulous pen-and-ink stippling and cross-hatching. He expanded into watercolors, oils and acrylics to capture brilliant aquatic colors and dynamic movement. His iconic fish designs are widely merchandised on Official Guy Harvey Apparel, turning fans into advocates for ocean awareness,” it states.

Progress Staff Photo

Autumn Patel-Brown visiting the Peach Festival in Berlin on Aug. 1 with her family, of Newark, Del., samples a fresh peach.

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34 Ocean Pines PROGRESS August 2026

LIFESTYLES

Unity Day Founder Looks to Bring Spirit of Connection to Pines

By PROGRESS STAFF he founder of Unity Day is stressing the importance of acceptance and solidarity throughout Delmarva, including in Ocean Pines.

Unity Day, in Salisbury on June 27, brought together those who attended, but the founder, Mark DeLancey, said he wants to see that kind of connection “to the outskirts of our local demographic – Ocean Pines, Berlin, Ocean City -- in the aspect of creating not just a family-friendly event but unity throughout the community.”

About a year ago he also founded Together We Thrive to “help unite not only youth but allies and others that look past the fog of day-to-day life and learn to help each other both survive and thrive.”

The Salisbury resident wants that kind of cohesiveness to spread, extending into Ocean Pines, where he was, recently, guest speaker at the Ocean Pines Kiwanis Club and where he will be speaking to members of the Democratic Women’s Club of Worcester County.

“Together We Thrive is about how we can work together in a collaborative aspect and in creating programs and initiatives that will work for them and us. The Kiwanis Club was very receptive and open,” DeLancey said, praising the idea of discussing inclusivity.

The Kiwanis Club posted a photograph of DeLancey with Kiwanis Club President-elect Seth Thatcher and credited DeLancey for “supporting the LGBTQ+ community, youth and allies on the Eastern Shore” and for speaking about “connection and community stewardship and ensuring every individual has the support needed to move beyond survival and truly thrive.”

That was the intention of United Day, said DeLancey, who described it as “such a wonderful event.”

“This was the initial, inaugural year. It brought out people I have never seen before and cultures I have never seen before, from the NAACP to the Delmarva Korean Society, an Indian school of dance, belly dancers, several Indian tribes from Pocomoke City. It was a rewarding experience. I felt like this could become the next evolution, not just for Pride but for the entire community,” he said.

About 1,000 people attended,

T

at Unity Square in Salisbury with its popular fountains that attracted some of the drag queens, who danced in the streams of water and managed not to smear their makeup, DeLancey said with a laugh.

The event featured emcee Kadet Kelly, belly dancing by Sam, entertainment by drag queens, disc jockey Outlaw and a performance by a youth dance company from India, plus a Kids’ Zone with coloring, games, balloon art, face painting and a Drag Queen Story Hour.

Five food trucks sold soul food, hamburgers, lemonade, tacos and Asian food. Twenty-five vendors sold commemorative items.

“From the people who attended, I heard everything from, ‘What a diversity of entertainment!’ ‘What a diversity of culture!’ We were able to have conversations about topics and with people the guests had been unfamiliar with.

Mingling, talking, tables, chatting with different denominational faiths, different ethnicities. People were able to talk. We put talking points on cards on tables with questions like ‘If we could solve one problem between cultures, what would it be?’ It was amazing to see the intensity of the conversations,” he said.

A single protester, an abortion activist, was asked to leave after it was discovered the pamphlet he was

handing out, which looking like a unity pamphlet, had a picture of an aborted fetus inside.

“The man said, ‘You can’t stop me’ and I said, ‘Yes, I can. I’m the organizer of this event and you did not pay a vendor fee.’ But there was only one protester. Usually we only get one or two,” DeLancey said.

DeLancey and fellow organizers are already planning for the 2027 Unity Day which will likely be in mid-July in Salisbury. During planning meetings they have talked about improving entertainment,

having more cultural diversity, a longer entertainment period of maybe five hours instead of four, possibly two stages instead of one and adding roaming entertainment such as belly dancers or stilt walkers.

DeLancey also hopes to add poetry and an open mike portion.

A local CPA offered to be treasurer and others are volunteering.

“That’s great. That is what this is for. We now have a tattoo shop on board, CryBaby Tattoo in Salisbury, that wants to work with us by having fundraisers for us and small events.

Food trucks are donating proceeds. Next year we want to have merchants and restaurants pick a day in June, Pride Month, and we can cross-promote and raise proceeds. The larger this event can be, the more money we make to help feed kids, to help the homeless and others community-wide. To volunteer, see www.2getherwethrive.com/ get-involved “I’m talking about everybody. I don’t want to just focus on the gay community but everybody. Homelessness doesn’t care if you’re gay and drug addiction doesn’t care if you’re a lesbian or straight. It doesn’t care. We want to make sure that everybody understands LGBTQ+ is just one part of the spectrum,” DeLancey said.

“We are all human beings. We have to be able to collaborate, to create a better world for ourselves.

We are humans and we are all God’s creation. We are all struggling so why not work together?”

Mark DeLancey, founder and executive director of Together We Thrive, an organization dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, youth, and allies on the Eastern Shore spoke to the Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City Kiwanis Club in May.

LIFESTYLES/OPINION

August 2026 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 35

OPINION Encouraging OPA to protect its trees Editor, I read with interest the recent article “Officials weigh Pines tree clearing concerns” about a recent letter signed by 113 Ocean Pines residents, asking the Ocean Pines Association to follow its own guidelines regarding the clear cutting of new home lots in the community.

As a forest ecologist and founder of a national movement to preserve old-growth forests, it’s great to see these residents stand up for the trees. Ocean Pines is a unique community with an historic commitment to its woodland habitat.

Its unique location along the Isle of Wight Bay watershed makes preserving its dense tree canopy critical for mitigating stormwater runoff.

When the Ocean Pines community was first being developed, its guidelines stressed preserving the naturally occurring plant community and clearing a minimum amount

of native vegetation during new construction.

According to the letter, this policy was followed until about 2020.

Since then, there have been many examples of extreme clearing of new building lots, and many homeowners have trees taken down without the required permit. The HOA states that they are following the county laws, which set a minimum standard. However, the association’s more restrictive standard clearly states (pg. 8) that where differences exist, (between county guidelines and OP guidelines) the strictest guidelines will be enforced.

For the good of the community, including the people, plants and wildlife that make this region their home, I would encourage the Ocean Pines Association to follow its historic commitment to preserve and protect what makes Ocean Pines so special: its trees.

For the forests, Joan Maloof, Ph.D. Berlin, MD

Submitted Photos

Art Hansen Memorial contest winners (above) and custom rod and reel drawing winner Xavier Holden with the prize donor Adam Burtson (right).

Pines Anglers Club Announces Winners of Art Hansen Memorial Youth Fishing Contest

T

he Ocean Pines Anglers Club hosted youth in three age categories from ages 4 to 16, along with parents and grandparents at its annual Art Hansen Memorial Youth Fishing Contest at the South Pond in Ocean Pines. Seventy-five youths registered and more than 100 fish were caught by the participants.

Trophies were awarded for largest fish in each age category along with prizes for second and third place. Additional awards were given for the most fish caught, plus a grand prize drawing was held for an Adam Burtson custom rod and reel. All participants received a prize.

Since there may be several winners with the same length fish, the second criterion to determine the order of finish was the number of fish caught by the angler.

The Anglers Club thanked the Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club, Ocean Pines Park and Recs, White Marlin Women’s Crew, OC American Legion, OC Knights of Columbus, Choptank Electric and Department of Natural Resources for their support of the event.

Results as follows: Age group 4-7 years: first–largest, Logan Dettit, 18.5” bass; second -Willow Hardy, 7.5” blue gill; third-JoJo Kuhar, 5.5” blue gill; most fish- Rosalie Gill, 3blue gill. Age group 8-11 years: first, Peter Poulin, 24.5” carp; second, Josephine Hooper, 16” bass; third, Tyler Musser, 6.5” blue gill; most fish- Nico Gagliard, 8 blue gill. Age group 12-16 years: first, Mitchell Leisure, 8.5” blue gill (2); second, Lincoln Towers, 8.5” blue gill (1); third, Lorenzo Gaglard, 7.75” blue gill; most fish, Scott Sebastian, 7 blue gill.

The Ocean Pines Progress is a journal of news and lifestyles published monthly throughout the year. It is distributed to every occupied home in Ocean Pines and at newsstands in the community and surrounding area.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Rota L. Knott pinesprogress@gmail.com 443-880-3953

ADVERTISING SALES Frank Bottone frankbottone@gmail.com 410-430-3660

CONTRIBUTING WRITER David Bohenick dbohenick2003@gmail.com

Send your community news releases, letters to the editor, and upcoming events information to us at: pinesprogress@gmail.com

Follow us on Facebook for news and community updates all month!

36 Ocean Pines PROGRESS August 2026

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