Committee sends S&R Club concerns to the OPA Board
The Ocean Pines Association’s Swim and Racquet Club, a longtime hub of recreational activity in the community, is facing a growing list of maintenance and safety concerns that have prompted the Aquatics Advisory Committee to formally request action from the Board of Directors.
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LIFESTYLES
Mermaid Museum splashes ashore
Why focus on mermaids? Why open a Mermaid Museum in downtown Berlin, known for its variety of gift shops and restaurants?
“How does anybody get any idea? I just heard the siren song,” owner Alyssa Maloof said, referring Song of the Sirens from Greek mythology.
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Ocean Pines Progress has new leadership for the future
After more than two decades of shaping community conversation, the Ocean Pines Progress is entering a new chapter. Following the passing of our founder/publisher, Tom Stauss, earlier this summer, Rota L. Knott is stepping in to lead the publication.
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September 2025
TAquatics Committee rejects pool “coupon” book idea after lively debate
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
he Aquatics Advisory Committee during an Aug. 21 meeting briefly entertained a proposal to reinstate a “coupon book” or swipe card system for guests at the Ocean Pines Association’s pools but ultimately sank the idea, deciding it was too complex, too divisive, and unlikely to win support from the Board of Directors or the general manager.
The discussion was sparked after OPA Director Steve Jacobs was contacted by an Ocean Pines resident requesting consideration of a socalled “grandparent pool pass” that would make it easier and more affordable for members to bring visiting grandchildren and other family members to the community’s pools. While committee members ac-
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knowledged the appeal of the concept, they agreed that revisiting coupon books or swipe cards would raise thorny issues about pricing, membership incentives, and administrative burden. After nearly an hour of discussion, the committee declined to make any formal recommendation to the Board.
Committee Chairman Gary Miller opened the debate by recalling past efforts to provide alternative pool access beyond full memberships and daily passes.
In years past, Ocean Pines residents could buy a book of passes instead of buying a full membership, Miller said. “My thought was that if we wanted to make any suggestions, we look into this.” He said one option could be a book of passes that residents could buy at a slightly reduced rate.
Miller noted that OPA had offered weekly passes to the pools but “it didn’t really work out,” in part because the program wasn’t widely advertised.
He added that other communities and recreation departments often use swipe cards that allow residents to preload a set number of visits at a discount. It’s essentially the same thing as a coupon book, just without the printing, he said. “So that's a good alternative I guess,” he added. Despite the interest by some community members in having a pre-paid daily pass program like a coupon booklet, several committee members quickly raised red flags.
Committee member Tracy Reddell argued that the term “coupon book” itself carried negative baggage. She noted that swipe cards could be a good alternative, as the residents could purchase and load 10 visits or more on it depending on the offering by the OPA. She said it could operate much like a swim membership swipe card. That’s what people are more familiar with, she said.
But even with a modernized system, Reddell warned that reduced-rate packages could undermine current pricing structures. One of the things OPA leadership mentioned in the past when coupon books were available was that they were having problems with before was balancing the budget, she said.
Committee member Vivian Koroknay agreed, noting that OPA pool rates are already considered affordable compared with other communities.
“My feeling is maybe from a business perspective, it’s not the best decision,” she said. “You’re not going to lose money on the deal, probably,” she said, adding, but it does open up questions. She said the pools are an amenity that serves the community, and it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Still, she said the OPA could limit it the number of booklets or swipe cards that a member can purchase each year. That would help prevent people from skipping buying a swim membership and loading up on cards instead.
Koroknay added that while she personally liked the idea for grand-
parents like herself, she would avoid labeling it a “grandparent card.” Instead, she suggested calling it something more neutral, like a “vacation guest card.”
Currently, Ocean Pines residents pay $12 per day for adults ages 12 and up and $10 for youth ages 12 to 17 at the pools. Non-residents can use the pools at a rate of $17 per day for adults and $15 per day for youths.
Some committee members said these rates were already low enough that further discounts weren’t necessary.
“From a business perspective, it’s
not a good decision,” one member remarked. “You’re already getting a discount as a swim member.”
Miller acknowledged that grandparents and families with visiting relatives face higher costs when bringing multiple guests but conceded that balancing affordability with fiscal responsibility remained difficult.
The committee members’ conversation also touched on frustration among seasonal residents who felt constrained by current membership rules.
Reddell pointed out that summer
Jacobs suggests seasonal shift to weeknight Board meetings
Officers, committees, and schedule set for 2025–26
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors opened its new governance year on August 12 with an unusual twist: a suggestion from Director Steve Jacobs to consider shifting some summer meetings to weeknights instead of the long-standing Saturday morning format.
Jacobs said such a change could make meetings more accessible to property owners who spend their summers in Ocean Pines but leave on weekends. He also noted that Saturdays at the Yacht Club and golf course bring added congestion and noise.
“I don’t see a problem during the
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swim memberships are only sold for the period running from May through September.
Even if you buy in August, a member will have to pay the full price, she said, noting that the cost used to be prorated based on the number of days left in the swim season but now it’s not.
She said a lot of people are complaining about that. She argued that summer residents who in the community for some combination of June, July, and August “don't want to pay the entire amount for a swim membership for half the time.”
She argued that swipe cards could serve as a flexible alternative for those only in Ocean Pines part of the summer.
Miller said another option might be to simply revisit prorating memberships. “That does seem kind of unfair that people who are only here in July and August are paying for the full membership,” he said.
However, other committee members noted that Ocean Pines’ golf and racquet amenities also don’t prorate memberships, and adding a system just for aquatics might create inequities across amenities.
Several members worried less about the economics and more about the administrative work required.
“I think Ocean Pines doesn’t want to do any more administrative work,” one member said bluntly. “They don’t want to deal with it.”
Miller raised logistical concerns
warmer months,” Jacobs said. He suggested the Board consider holding meetings during the week, such as a Wednesday night, to ensure the Board is available when OPA members are in town. On Saturdays, having to get to the clubhouse and deal with the noise of the golf operations and other activities at the clubhouse “is a bit of a pain in the neck,” he said. Jacobs added that he hopes come January the Board “can sit down and maybe revisit that.”
The suggestion drew a quick response from outgoing Board President Stuart Lakernick, who argued that weeknight meetings could present more challenges than benefits. “I’m not really in favor of having weeknight board meetings
as well: “Does the committee think it’s worthwhile looking into some sort of card that gets loaded with X number of passes? Do we want to look at recommending one of those two options or do we want to just say rates are lower enough that we don't want to do anything?”
He said there are a lot of different ways co discounted pass program could be put together, but added “it could get very confusing, too.”
Another member cautioned that many grandparents may not purchase such a product anyway, but adults looking to save money on using the pools may do so.
“If you extend it to adults, that’s going to be a harder sell to the Board,” she said. “You’re opening up a can of worms.”
The group also discussed how such a program might work in practice.
If a swipe card system were reinstated, committee members suggested that OPA members would need to show their property owner card at the pool gate along with the swipe card, to verify residency and eligibility.
Koroknay supported that idea, saying it would help ensure only authorized users gained access. But, she acknowledged that currently not all OPA members carry their property owner cards.
But others questioned whether enforcing that rule would create new problems.
Throughout the discussion, Reddell maintained that there could
during the summer months,” he said. “Those of us that can’t be there because we work—it really puts a strain. I think the people of Ocean Pines need to see us conducting the business of Ocean Pines in person at our board meetings.”
The exchange highlighted a broader issue the association has faced for years: how best to balance transparency, accessibility, and convenience. For now, the board left the issue unresolved, but Jacobs asked that the idea be revisited early in 2026, when the summer meeting schedule is finalized.
In the meantime, directors adopted the regular meeting calendar for the coming year. The board will meet on September 20, October 25,
still be advantages to some sort of swipe card program.
It would be convenient and nice for Ocean Pines residents when they bring guests, she said. And from a financial standpoint, the OPA gets more money up front. If someone loads 20 visits, the OPA gets the money immediately even if they never use the passes.
She also suggested allowing cards to be purchased year-round, rather than only at the start of the pool season. She said not all residents can anticipate when they’ll have guests. “So if you could purchase them anytime, they’d just expire after a set period. That would make more sense.”
Still, the majority sentiment was that any form of discounting would be viewed skeptically by OPA leadership.
“You could write up a beautiful proposal,” Koroknay said, “but I don’t think the Board and the GM are going to go for it.”
After weighing the pros and cons, Miller asked members whether the committee should draft a recommendation to the Board.
The consensus: no.
“It sounds like we’ve decided, for the time being, not to make any recommendations on passes,” Miller concluded.
The debate highlighted broader tensions facing Ocean Pines’ amenities – balancing affordability and flexibility for residents and their guests with the financial realities of running pools, enforcing access, and
November 22, and December 20 in 2025, and on January 24, February 28, March 28, April 25, May 30, June 27, and July 25 in 2026.
New OPA President John Latham noted that executive council and other required sessions would be scheduled as needed.
The Aug. 12 organizational meeting also included the annual election of officers. Lakernick, stepping down as president after a year in the role, nominated Director John Latham to succeed him.
“It is my pleasure to nominate John Latham as president of the Ocean Pines Association,” he said. The nomination passed unanimously, and Latham immediately took
managing administrative workload. While the idea of a discounted guest pass system continues to appeal to some residents, the Aquatics Advisory Committee determined that the timing wasn’t right to revive the program.
SOCIAL SECURITY
Strategic Planning Committee seeks better ways to report project progress
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
When Ocean Pines property owners filled out a community survey earlier this year, they made their priorities clear: improve amenities, maintain infrastructure, and address quality-of-life issues ranging from cell service to drainage. But after months of discussions, reports, and action by the Board of Directors and administration, a familiar frustration remains—many residents still don’t know what has been done, what is underway, and what is not feasible.
That gap between work completed and work communicated was the centerpiece of the Aug. 28 Strategic Planning Advisory Committee meeting, where members wrestled with how to make sure residents see a clear connection between their survey responses and the Association’s actions.
Committee chair Rob Keesling opened the conversation with a simple reminder that the committee completed the survey and reported the results to the Board. The plan going forward was take what the community expressed as concerns and then get back to the members about what’s being done.
The committee members agreed that while the OPA has acted on many of the items raised in the survey, not everyone in the community is aware.
Some projects are underway, others have been completed, and still others, like a new fitness center or street lighting throughout the community, have been deemed too costly or impractical.
Yet, the perception among residents is often that little progress has been made.
OPA Director Stuart Lakernick, who serves as liaison to the committee, outlined examples of projects where the Board has already made decisions. He pointed out that “there’s no appetite for a fitness center,” especially since nearby commercial gyms offer memberships for $25–30 per month. Street lighting, he added, would cost hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars, and retrofitting Ocean Parkway for bike lanes is simply not possible without removing sections of the
median strip.
Lakernick said the OPA must be clear about what can realistically move forward and what just can’t.
At the same time, he emphasized that the Association has acted on survey concerns in many areas. For example, stepped-up enforcement on property upkeep has reduced the number of blighted homes, and drainage issues improved after letters from the OPA prompted residents to clear ditches. Amenities have been upgraded as well, with a new racquet center and expanded pickleball courts, while repairs to the tennis and platform tennis courts are ongoing.
That distinction between perception and reality lies at the heart of the problem.
“There’s a complaint about lack of transparency,” Lakernick said, but people don’t show up for board meetings or tune in remotely. “I don’t know how much more transparent this board can be.”
General Manager John Viola’s monthly reports, he noted, cover progress on many projects, from cracks at the racquet center courts to ADA upgrades at the Beach Club and work on the golf course irrigation system. But too many residents remain unaware.
Another committee member echoed the concern, asking whether there could be a timetable or clearer way to show when promised projects are actually completed.
That question led to a broader discussion of how to communicate more effectively, possibly with a committee document that lays out the survey priorities, what has been done, what is in progress, and what is not feasible.
Committee member Wesley Blakeslee said a good percentage of people don’t pay attention, and then get mad because they don’t know the status of projects in Ocean Pines.
Keesling agreed and proposed to work with the Communications Advisory Committee on a draft update. The idea would be to produce a oneor two-page document that explains, in plain language, the status of each major survey item. That draft would go to the Board and General Manager for approval before being shared with residents.
Lakernick supported the ap-
proach, saying he could help move the draft through Board channels and ultimately to the Association’s communications staff for release.
Committee members also cited some specific survey items where clear explanations could ease frustrations. Residents want more street lighting, but past efforts have shown both high costs and unintended consequences. Lights installed at the Yacht Club, for example, had to be repositioned after neighbors complained of glare. A fitness center remains financially out of reach, given the cost of construction and long return on investment.
Calls for lower amenity fees overlook the fact that Ocean Pines’ fees are already at or below comparable facilities in the region. Some progress is underway on cell service, with a proposed tower at the golf course maintenance yard that could bring both improved coverage and $30,000 in annual lease revenue. Beautification and maintenance efforts, from planting new trees to replacing infrastructure, continue each year.
But residents often don’t connect those actions back to survey requests, Keesling said.
Beyond communications, the committee also discussed how to
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over the meeting.
Jacobs presented a slate of candidates for the remaining officer positions, which was approved without opposition: Rick Farr as vice president, Jeff Heavner as secretary, and Monica Rakowski as treasurer. The vote was conducted by a show of hands and certified by legal counsel.
The Board also confirmed several administrative roles. Bruce Bright of Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy & Almand was reappointed as general counsel, and UHY LLP was selected again as the audit firm.
Latham appointed Doug Parks as parliamentarian, a decision opposed only by Jacobs, and named OPA Senior Director of Administration Linda Martin as assistant secretary and Assistant Controller Mark Swift as assistant treasurer.
A brief debate arose over whether the Board should vote on these
improve collaboration with other committees. Rob proposed that each member of Strategic Planning serve as a liaison to another advisory committee, such as Aquatics, Golf, or Recreation and Parks, to share updates both ways.
Committee member Gary Miller, who chairs the Aquatics Advisory Committee, said such collaboration could highlight small but meaningful changes, like extended pool hours on weekends, that directly respond to community feedback.
The committee also touched on a sensitive underlying issue: whether Ocean Pines assessments are too low to support the level of improvements residents expect.
Lakernick noted that while public safety costs have risen dramatically, base assessments remain roughly the same as they were a decade ago. That stability has been possible because amenities like golf generate revenue, offsetting expenses.
By the end of the meeting, members circled back to the central theme of making sure residents know where things stand. The consensus was to draft a concise, plain-language report that outlines progress on survey items, what’s feasible, what’s in motion, and what’s not going to happen.
Lakernick said almost everything in that survey has been addressed at some level. The challenge is letting people know whether it’s going forward or already moving forward.
appointments. Martin cited Board Resolution B-03, which gives the president authority to make such designations without a formal vote. Despite that clarification, Latham opted to have the Board confirm each one.
Committee liaison assignments were also announced. Lakernick will serve as liaison to the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee.
Heavner will be the liaison to the Elections, Environmental & Natural Assets, and Recreation & Parks advisory committees.
Brady was appointed liaison to the Architectural Review and Communications advisory committees.
Farr was appointed as liaison to the Aquatics Advisory Committee and Rakowski to the Budget and Finance Advisory Committee. Jacobs will be liaison to the Bylaws and Resolutions and the Golf advisory committees, and Latham will be the liaison to the Marine Activities Advisory Committee.
Street lights won’t be coming to Ocean Pines any time soon
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
At its August 28 meeting, the Ocean Pines Association’s Strategic Planning Advisory Committee revisited some of the community’s most persistent requests. Chief among them were streetlights, which have long been raised by residents as a safety concern. While the debate has been ongoing for years, committee members made it clear that residents should not expect neighborhood-wide lighting any time soon, if ever.
The conversation stemmed from a recent community survey, in which many respondents once again cited street lighting as a priority. But committee chair Rob Keesling summed up the reality bluntly saying streetlights are essentially “off the table” for the foreseeable future. Other members agreed, noting that the appetite and resources simply do not exist for projects of that scale.
Stewart Lakernick, Ocean Pines Association Board liaison to the committee, explained that while some residents may want better lighting, the financial implications make the idea unrealistic. “That’s hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars to light our streets,” he said. “It’s just not going to happen.”
The cost is not the only barrier. Ocean Pines was not designed with the underground electrical infrastructure needed to support streetlights along its 80 miles of roadways. Installing that infrastructure today would mean starting from scratch, which would be enormously expensive, Lakernick said.
Past efforts to study the issue also highlighted how complicated it would be. When Ocean Pines considered becoming an incorporated town years ago, state officials said streetlights, sidewalks, and a post office would be
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Berlin Liquor Store
required. While the post office was eventually built, the price tag for the other two requirements was enough to stop the process in its tracks.
Nobody wants to pay five to six thousand dollars a year in assessments just to fund that,” Lakernick said, contrasting Ocean Pines’ $875 annual base assessment with other developments where fees are much higher.
Even limited installation has been considered and rejected. Some residents suggested putting lights only at major intersections, but officials said that approach was still too costly and could lead to unintended consequences.
Lakernick recalled an incident near the Yacht Club, where lights installed several years ago drew complaints from residents of Colonial Village who found them blinding as they drove in. “People railed on getting lighting there, and then it was a problem once we got it,” he said. The fixtures eventually had to be turned in the opposite direction.
Street lighting also must compete with other priorities. The Association has invested heavily in maintaining amenities, building a new firehouse, upgrading the Beach Club for ADA compliance, and improving drainage and beautification projects, Lakernick said. These investments directly protect property values, ensure safety, and generate revenue that keeps assessments from rising. Police and fire services alone now make up more than 40 percent of the budget, he said.
For many residents, surveys have shown that lighting is tied to concerns about safety. But committee members stressed that other measures, such as policing and drainage improvements, are more cost-effective ways to address those concerns.
The issue of transparency also came up in the discussion. Committee members said residents continue to argue that the Association is not clear about why certain projects aren’t pursued.
Keesling said the Association should do more to communicate directly about projects and improvements that residents have expressed interest in having. The committee plans to work with the OPA Communications Advisory Committee to draft a document explaining which survey items are moving forward, which are not, and why.
Benchmarking against other communities was also raised to put costs into perspective. Committee members noted that Ocean Pines’ assessments remain far below those of neighboring developments like River Run and GlenRiddle.
Lakernick emphasized that this affordability is possible precisely because the Association has resisted costly projects like street lighting while focusing on investments in revenue-generating amenities.
“It’s just not going to happen,” Lakernick said.
Submitted photos
Two new electronic information signs were recently installed in Ocean Pines. The signs are located at the South Gate entrance on Manklin Creek Road and at the Cathell Road entrance, across from the library. The new signs were replacements to existing marquee signs.
Committee sends Swim and Racquet Club maintenance concerns to Board
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
The Ocean Pines Association’s Swim and Racquet Club, a longtime hub of recreational activity in the community, is facing a growing list of maintenance and safety concerns that have prompted the Aquatics Advisory Committee to formally request action from the Board of Directors.
At their Aug. 21 meeting, committee members discussed the deteriorating conditions of the pool, bathhouse, and changing facilities, noting both cosmetic and structural issues that residents have reported for years.
Committee members described the Swim and Racquet Club as showing signs of wear and neglect, with peeling paint, dim lighting, sticky doors, uneven flooring, and slippery surfaces that could pose safety hazards.
Gary Miller, chair of the Aquatics Advisory Committee, said while other facilities in the community have seen improvements, the Swim and Racquet Club remains overdue for attention. The bathrooms and changing rooms are in need of more than just paint, Miller said. He said the list includes lighting, safety handrails, floors, and overall upkeep that make the facility safe and welcoming.
Committee member Vivian Koroknay has received complaints that the bathrooms are “really dark” and the changing rooms are uninviting.
She noted that while some improvements have been included in annual budgets, she has rarely heard specifics from OPA staff regarding when or how these renova-
“If it’s important enough to the association members, we should make sure it’s recorded that we informed the Board.”
tions will occur.
“If nobody’s going to get back to you to confirm yay or nay, then you just keep putting in the charging document,” she said. “If it’s important enough to the association members, we should make sure it’s recorded that we informed the Board.”
Another committee member expressed shock at the current state of the facilities, calling attention to the lack of communication regarding planned maintenance.
“Do we get a report on the upcoming 12 months of work?” she asked. “So we’re not always shooting in the dark.”
The committee members stressed that transparency is essential for ensuring maintenance issues are addressed in a timely and coordinated manner, rather than leaving staff and residents uncertain about the facility’s upkeep.
The pool itself also drew scrutiny. Built without permanent steps at the lower end, the pool has required portable steps for safe entry and exit. One member described it as “an odd pool,” while Koroknay added that the depth near the shallow entry can still be intimidating for some swimmers. “I never go to that pool,” she said.
In addition to concerns about the pool’s design, committee members noted the condition of the sur-
rounding pool deck. Uneven boards and worn surfaces present potential tripping hazards, and some residents have reported that the floors in the changing rooms can become dangerously slippery when wet.
Miller said the committee’s recommendations go beyond simple fixes. They are calling for a comprehensive renovation plan that addresses both safety and aesthetics.
This includes repainting the entire interior of the bathrooms and changing rooms, installing additional handrails in showers and restroom areas, improving lighting throughout the facility, and repairing or replacing uneven flooring and deck boards.
Doors that stick in some bathroom stalls and peeling paint on walls are also part of the recommended upgrades.
The conversation reflected a lack of communication between the committee and association management regarding how maintenance priorities are communicated.
Large-scale capital improvements are usually discussed during the annual budget process, but committee members said they rarely receive follow-up regarding specific projects.
The big plans are identified at budget time, Koroknay said, but there doesn’t appear to be information shared about renovating a par-
ticular facility. The committee often hears general figures for maintenance, but not the details of what’s being done and when at the pools.
The charging document the committee plans to submit to the Board of Directors is intended to ensure that concerns are officially recorded and given proper consideration. Miller emphasized that the request is not just about aesthetics; it is about creating a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for the community.
He said it’s important that the Board understands the full scope so they can make informed decisions about priorities and resources.
Resident feedback has long played a role in shaping discussions about the Swim and Racquet Club. Past complaints include the dark, poorly lit bathrooms, slippery floors, peeling paint, and uneven deck boards, all of which were raised again at the Aug. 21 advisory committee meeting.
Committee members noted that while minor repairs are sometimes performed, the facility would benefit from a holistic approach to renovations rather than piecemeal fixes.
The charging document will request that the Board prioritize renovations to the bathrooms, the pool deck, and other critical areas.
Handrails, brighter lighting, new paint, and repairs to floors and doors are among the items explicitly mentioned.
Committee members also suggested monitoring the pool’s entry steps and decking for safety hazards and addressing any slipping or uneven surfaces that could pose a risk to swimmers and guests.
For the Aquatics Advisory Committee, submitting this document is not a mere formality. Members hope it will prompt tangible responses and clear timelines from the Board of Directors.
Racquet sports revenues down $62K; Budget & Finance calls for closer look
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
The Ocean Pines Association’s Budget and Finance Committee devoted part of its Aug. 27 monthly meeting to a review of racquet sports finances, where yearto-date figures are showing a significant shortfall.
According to the July financial report, net revenue for racquet sports is down $62,000 so far this fiscal year, raising questions about the impact of membership declines, fee structure changes, and rising maintenance costs.
Committee Chair Doug Parks set the tone for the discussion, urging members to avoid snap judgments about the numbers while still recognizing the need for closer monitoring.
“It is a little early to see if the new fee structure is not working,” Parks said. “We said we would track it,” Parks said at some point, the committee may want to talk with Racquet Sports Director Terry Underkoffler, ask for his advice, and
look at whether racquet sports revenue is heading in the right direction and sustainable.
Much of the conversation centered on whether recent changes in membership fees and
program structures are affecting participation.
As part of the budget process earlier this year, the Board of Directors approved adjustments to racquet sports fees in an effort to balance affordability with cost recovery. The changes were meant to simplify membership options while making programs more sustainable in the long run.
Committee member Randy Winemiller noted that membership numbers are continuing to decline, a trend that could be contributing to the $62,000 revenue gap. “Is it the membership structure that’s caus-
ing revenue to be off?” he asked, suggesting the committee track numbers more closely over the coming months.
Parks acknowledged that it would be easy to point to declining participation as the cause but stressed the need to dig deeper before assigning blame.
“Somebody could jump to a conclusion and say that’s the problem, but I want to look at the details underneath,” he said.
Despite the revenue shortfall, committee member Bob Hillegass offered a reminder that revenue from membership dues is not dramatically different from last year. “If you look at membership dues and compare them to last year’s actual, they’re only off $3,484,” he said. “That’s not that significant.” He suggested that the decline in net revenue may have more to do with other factors.
Maintenance expenses for racquet sports drew sharp attention during the committee’s review. According to the financial statements, maintenance was 714 percent over budget for the month and 163 percent over budget for the year to date. Those numbers raised red flags for committee members, who questioned whether the overages were a sign of problems or simply a matter of timing.
Parks suggested that some costs may have been front loaded, meaning large expenses were incurred early in the year but will balance out as the fiscal year progresses.
“That’s another area that we might want to track unless it levels out over time,” Parks said.
Committee members agreed, saying a closer look at the entire year’s maintenance budget would show how much has already been spent and what percentage remains available.
Still, with racquet sports facilities requiring regular upkeep—from tennis courts to pickleball surfaces to lighting and fencing—members agreed that rising maintenance costs should be monitored carefully to avoid further strain on revenues.
The committee also reviewed the overall net operating position for racquet sports. Net operations are down $42,000 compared to the budget and $14,000 compared to last year.
Those figures are concerning, Parks said, because they come after the Board of Directors made changes specifically aimed at stimulating participation and improving the financial outlook for racquet sports.
“That’s going to draw a lot of interest,” Parks said.
The committee agreed that the numbers do not yet prove that the new fee structure is failing.
Instead, they reflect an early snapshot of the year that could look different as the season progresses, and membership trends become clearer.
The committee did not take any formal action on racquet sports during the Aug. 27 meeting but agreed to keep the issue on its watch list.
Parks said it is important for the committee to understand the details to provide the Board with valid budget guidance.
Members plan to track membership data, revenue, and expenses more closely, with an eye toward determining whether current financial trends are temporary or indicative of a deeper challenge.
Doug Parks
OPA validates 2025 summer election results
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
The Ocean Pines Association formally validated the results of its summer Board of Directors election during a special meeting on Aug. 12, with outgoing President Stuart Lakernick praising the work of the Elections Committee and Chairman Steve Ransdell for conducting what he called a “flawless” process.
“First I want to take a moment to thank Steve Ransdell, the chair of
our Election Committee, and every member of the committee,” Lakernick said in his President’s Report. “From start to finish you delivered an election that ran flawlessly. Your hard work, careful planning, and commitment to fairness made all the difference. Because of your efforts, our community can feel confident that this election was run with integrity and transparency. We’re truly grateful for the time and energy you put into making it such a success.”
The Election Committee’s detailed report, presented at the meeting by Ransdell, outlined how ballots were distributed, returned, and counted, as well as the reasons some were ultimately rejected. That report became the official validation of the election. According to Ransdell, the OPA mailed 7,524 election packages to eligible property owners. Of those, 2,079 members cast paper ballots, while another 745 voted online, for a total of 2,824 ballots received. Paper voting continued to
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dominate, making up 73 percent of returns, while 26 percent came in electronically, a modest increase in online participation from the previous year.
Not all ballots, however, were eligible to be counted. Ransdell explained that eight ballots were dropped off after the official deadline, when the secure drop box had already been closed. Anecdotally, he said, there may have been a few additional attempts by members to submit ballots late, but those individuals took their envelopes back rather than leaving them. Another 49 ballots were declared invalid because they were submitted in a way that made it impossible to verify the voter’s identity, such as being returned in a nonstandard envelope or altered so that the bar code or identifying information could not be read. Because the committee could not confirm that these voters had not also submitted valid ballots, they were excluded. Together, these issues resulted in 57 ballots being discarded before the official count began.
During the actual count, several more ballots were set aside. One envelope was voided because it contained two ballots, with no way of knowing which was intended to be counted. Another envelope arrived empty.
A further 81 ballots were invalidated because voters had deliberately removed or obscured identifying bar codes, preventing the committee from ensuring that no duplicate votes had been cast.
“Once they did that, we couldn’t run our process and make sure they didn’t vote twice,” Ransdell explained. In all, 83 ballots were rejected during the count itself. When combined with the 57 that were disqualified earlier, that left 2,741 valid ballots to be tallied.
The final results of the election gave the three open Board seats to incumbents Monica Rakowski, Steve Jacobs, and Stuart Lakernick. Rakowski led all candidates with 2,085 votes, followed by Jacobs with 1,935, and Lakernick with 1,730. Candidate Amy Peck received 1,464 votes. In addition to electing directors, members voted on a referendum question on a new South Side Fire Station. That measure passed with 1,559 votes in favor and 389 opposed.
Ransdell noted that overall voter
B&F examines food and beverage revenues, pushes for clearer financial reporting
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
The Budget and Finance Advisory Committee devoted much of its latest monthly review of the Ocean Pines Association’s financial statements to dissecting revenues from food and beverage operations. At the heart of the conversation was how to interpret the numbers that appear in the monthly reports, particularly the relationship between the base lease payment owed by the current vendor, A Touch of Italy, and the percentage of sales revenue that supplements it.
Committee members acknowledged the progress made in recent years by moving away from direct OPA management of restaurants and instead contracting with an outside vendor to provide food and beverage services. But they said that transparency in financial reporting remains crucial, especially now that the association is operating under a relatively new agreement with TOI, the hospitality company that took over food and beverage services.
Under the current contract, Ocean Pines receives a guaranteed base lease amount each month plus six percent of gross food sales. This arrangement was designed to give the community both a stable revenue stream and an opportunity to benefit when sales are strong.
When committee members reviewed the monthly budgeted number of $66,739, however, questions immediately arose. Committee Chair Doug Parks noted that the annual food and beverage revenue budget for Fiscal Year 2025 is $562,315. Dividing that amount by twelve yields $46,860 per month, which lines up
Voter turnout
From Page 14
turnout was 37.5 percent of eligible property owners, a figure he characterized as “pretty good.” Participation on the referendum question, however, was lower, with only 25.89 percent of the membership casting a vote. “I’m not sure how to explain that,” he admitted. “But those are the facts.”
No questions were raised by Board members following the presentation of Ransdell’s report, and the election results were formally validated by its submission.
with what members expected to see from the lease payment. But the actual monthly budget figure printed in reports was about $20,000 higher.
“So roughly 20K— is that a percentage of the gross sales? I just want to know how to interpret that number, that’s really what it boils down to,” one member said during the meeting.
The discrepancy did not appear to signal a problem with collections or income, but rather with how the budgeted figure was derived. Parks noted that when the Fiscal Year 2025 budget was adopted earlier this year, the association had not yet finalized the contract with TOI. Without an agreement in hand, the general manager could not specify the exact structure of lease and sales revenue. Instead, the finance office used historical data from Fiscal Year 2024 to estimate revenue.
Parks said he thinks “it was pretty smart for them” to look at FY24 gross sales over 12 months and use
that as that starting point for future revenue projections. He said using past performance was a fair way to project future revenue when hard numbers were not yet available.
Still, the committee felt the reports should more clearly distinguish between the guaranteed lease income and the variable six percent of food sales. The question of clarity is not just an internal matter. In past years, when the association ran restaurants directly, losses mounted and financial statements became flashpoints at annual meetings. The decision several years ago to lease operations to outside vendors was intended to reduce risk and stabilize finances, while allowing the community to continue offering dining amenities.
The TOI contract, approved in 2024, marked another shift in that direction. By tying OPA’s income partly to sales, the deal ensures the association shares in the upside if restaurants succeed. But it also in-
troduces variability into monthly revenue numbers.
Committee members said they were not questioning the validity of the budget itself but wanted assurance about how the $66,739 figure was built. Was it the base lease plus projected sales compensation? Was there another adjustment folded in by the finance office? The difference matters, they said, because understanding the structure of that line item affects how they evaluate performance each month.
If sales surge, for example, OPA could see income above the budgeted number. If sales lag, revenue could fall short. But without a clear separation of lease and sales compensation in the reports, committee members said it is difficult to determine whether monthly results are tracking as expected.
For now, the Budget and Finance Committee’s request is for greater clarity in how monthly numbers are presented. By listing the lease amount separately from the sales compensation, members believe reports will be more transparent for both the committee and the community at large.
Marina sees strong revenue growth
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
Marina revenue is strong so far this year, with the Ocean Pines Association seeing gains both for July and year-to-date, according to the Budget and Finance Advisory Committee’s review of financial statements during its Aug. 27 meeting. Committee Chairman Doug Parks reported that marina revenues for July were up $15,000, bringing year-to-date revenue $65,000 higher than expected. Net operations for the year are showing a gain of $45,000, and compared to last year, the marina is performing $54,000 better overall.
Parks attributed the improvements in part to recent investments in infrastructure, including upgrades to fuel pumps and other facility enhancements. Revenues are solid, and expenses are in line with the budget, he said.
“The investment in the gas pumps and all the other associated improvements is paying off.”
Fuel costs were slightly above budget at 2.6 percent higher but revenue exceeded projections by 3.9 percent, offsetting the additional expense. Parks also noted that minimal weather-related disruptions this year allowed for more consistent marina operations compared with last year, when boats were pulled out during storms, affecting both revenue and net operations.
Committee members highlighted that the revenue increase is closely tied to higher boating activity, noting the correlation between recreational participation and financial performance. Increased
traffic at the marina has translated into higher sales of fuel, dockage, and other services, contributing to the strong financial performance.
Other costs drew discussion as well. Committee member Bob Hillegass asked about a category listed as “other costs,” which were 56 percent over budget for the month and 59 percent year-to-date.
Parks explained that the overage is relatively small in absolute terms and mostly reflects overhead rather than operational problems. While those numbers are notable percentages, they do not offset the overall positive performance of the marina, he said.
The committee also reviewed net operating performance in the context of prior years. Parks noted that infrastructure investments, combined with increased boating activity, have contributed to stronger year-to-date results compared with 2024, a year when weather-related events had reduced activity and revenue.
Parks emphasized that continued monitoring is important, particularly as seasonal factors and maintenance needs can impact revenue. “We want to make sure that we track fuel sales, docking activity, and other expenses carefully,” he said. “It’s clear the Marina is doing well, but oversight helps ensure that performance continues.”
Overall, the Budget and Finance Committee expressed satisfaction with the marina’s performance, highlighting revenue growth, controlled expenses, and improved net operations. The committee said the marina is on track to maintain its strong performance throughout the rest of 2025.
Pines finances show strong performance in July
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
The Ocean Pines Association reported a positive financial position for July 2025, with revenues exceeding budget projections by $68,000 and year-to-date net operations showing a $166,000 surplus, the Budget and Finance Advisory Committee said at its Aug. 27 meeting. Chairman Doug Parks led the review, highlighting strong departmental performance and overall fiscal stability.
Parks noted that while total expenses were $27,000 over budget for the month, the surplus in revenue more than offset the overages, leaving the association in a solid position. Transfers to reserve accounts were slightly higher than planned, at $3.63 million versus a budgeted $3.55 million. “It’s always important to understand the drivers behind transfers like this,” Parks said, noting that small variances can be typical but deserve review to ensure accuracy and proper budget guidance for the Board of Directors.
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
The Ocean Pines Association’s Environment and Natural Assets Advisory Committee is turning its attention to one of the community’s silent threats: invasive vines slowly overtaking trees.
At their Aug. 27 meeting, committee members discussed planning a fall cleanup aimed at removing vines that can eventually kill even mature trees, particularly around South Gate Pond and other overgrown areas. Of particular concern are Wisteria and English ivy vines.
“There’s a lot of overgrowth along the South Gate pond,” Chairman Patricia said, adding that some of the trees bordering the pond are at risk of being killing by the wines.
“You don’t want any vines on trees.”
Committee members emphasized the importance of timing for the cleanup and said they could recruit volunteers to bring their loppers and gloves and help remove the vines. Garcia said mid to late October would be good time for vine removal, but weather dependent November may work as well.
“A fall clean up would be great. Once the trees start losing leaves, it’s easier to see these vines,” said
Looking at individual revenue sources, Parks pointed out that amenities revenues were $49,000 below budget, though he did not view the variance as problematic. Conversely, “other fees and income” were up $124,000, helping to boost overall results. Operating revenues overall were $116,000 higher than budgeted, providing additional flexibility for the association. Administrative and management costs were $84,000 below budget, which Parks described as positive while noting the need to confirm that planned activities are still being completed. Maintenance expenses were slightly over budget, $17,000 higher than planned, attributed to unforeseen repairs and the timing of maintenance projects.
Department-level results reflected a generally positive trend. Golf operations came in slightly under budget for the month but remained ahead of last year’s performance, with a $26,000 variance viewed as minor. The marina continued to perform well, exceeding the month-
ly budget by $19,000 and showing a year-to-date positive variance of $67,000. Parks credited the Marina’s success to recent investments in infrastructure, including upgraded fuel pumps, and noted that minimal weather-related disruptions had allowed for steady operations compared with the previous year.
Racquet sports showed only a $7,000 variance despite falling short in memberships, suggesting stability in operations relative to budget expectations. Beach parking revenues were $36,000 ahead of last year, though wages in that department ran about 41 percent over budget due to seasonal staffing needs and maintenance work.
Aquatics operations experienced mixed results. Facility rentals and daily fees were down $14,000 for the month, but year-to-date revenues were $737,000, up from $699,000 last year, representing a $68,000 improvement. Maintenance costs for aquatics facilities were higher than anticipated, 69 percent over budget for the month and 152 percent year-
Environmental committee encourages vine cleanup, native trees to protect community green spaces
Chairman Patricia Garcia “You don’t want any vines on trees.”
One member noted that supervision from someone knowledgeable in tree and vine management could enhance the effectiveness of the effort.
Garcia said the committee is also encouraging the association to plant native trees in areas where there are current gaps, particularly along Ocean Parkway and Cathell Road. Members hope the OPA will prioritize flowering natives, which provide visual appeal while supporting local ecosystems.
She provided a list of native plants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and said some of them aren’t as colorful as the cherry trees planted by the OPA. But, she said, the list of native species can be used to inform the selection of species for planting by the Association.
to-date, though committee members agreed that timing likely explained much of the overage.
Overall wages and benefits across the association were under budget by $42,000 for July, with yearto-date savings of about $150,000. Committee members questioned whether the savings were primarily due to positions not yet filled. Parks emphasized the importance of monitoring staffing to ensure services are maintained.
Another committee member asked about a year-over-year comparison of net operating results, noting a negative variance of $643,000 when comparing current year-todate actuals of $6.828 million to $6.183 million for the same period last year.
Parks explained that the current budget reflects the operational environment for this fiscal year and should not be directly compared to prior years, emphasizing that changes in revenue streams and conditions from year to year can create natural variances.
sist with cleanup logistics.
“Let’s give them something else to do.” Garcia said, adding it could be a great way to build toward regular cleanups in Ocean Pines.” She said it’s pretty tidy in Ocean Pines but there are places that accumulate litter.
As an example, Garcia said there is a native cherry that could be planted and instead of Southern magnolias the OPA could plant Sweet Bay magnolias. The committee is waiting to see if the OPA installs any native plants, and if so, what they are, Garcia said.
Garcia said labeling some of the more prominent trees in the community would be helpful so residents can identify the type of tree.
Another environmental focus is addressing litter and general cleanliness in the community, especially near retail areas. Committee members noted frequent sightings of discarded cans, plastic cups, and liquor bottles in concentrated areas, often near mailbox clusters. They suggested that the association could publicize volunteer efforts and provide supplies such as gloves, while groups like Beach Heroes could as-
For any of the cleanups, committee members said all they would be asking of the OPA is for staff to publicize it and pick up any refuse collected or removed.
Jeff Heaver, the Board of Directors’ liaison to the committee, agreed to explore whether the association could supply materials for volunteer vine and litter cleanups.
Garcia suggested that in 2026 Earth Day activities be held on the actual Earth Day date of April 22 to encourage broader participation.
Committee members also reviewed potential projects related to cellular infrastructure in Ocean Pines. Garcia said she heard that a proposed cell tower could impact views for nearby homeowners and involves the installation of a generator to maintain service during power outages.
Heavner said the tower is proposed to be located in the middle of To Page 18
MAAC calls for clarity on boat ramp policies
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
Questions about who can use the Ocean Pines Association’s boat ramps and how those rules are communicated were part of a wide-ranging discussion at the Marine Activities Advisory Committee during its Aug. 19 meeting.
The debate, which centered on conflicting information between
official policy and the OPA website, ended with a unanimous vote to recommend that the Association update its online information to match current practice. The conversation revealed frustration over ambiguity, and potential confusion for both residents and nonresidents. Committee members agreed that while they have no authority to change OPA policy, they do have a responsibility to help ensure accurate public information.
At its July meeting, the committee had discussed the ongoing issue of nonresidents using the boat ramps at Mumford’s Landing and White Horse Park. The question was whether the ramps are open to the general public or limited to Ocean Pines property owners, residents, and their guests. At that meeting, members noted that the Ocean Pines website explicitly states the ramps are reserved for property
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owners, residents, and their guests. The site further describes parking restrictions at both ramps, including a prohibition on trailer parking in the Mumford’s Landing area. Concerns were raised that these rules were not being consistently enforced by the Ocean Pines Police Department, and the committee requested clarification from General Manager John Viola.
By August, the committee had received a response from the administration. Committee member John Cacchio summarized the reply for his colleagues. “So, we got the response back and you know at the last meeting I basically said the same thing that was in the response. I gave the entire history of what happened and the response that we got was the entire history of the boat ramp. So, it was the exact same thing we talked about.”
He said the bottom line is that there was going to be no change. “What we have is what we have, which is fine.” According to Cacchio, the administration’s stance is that the ramps are essentially open to all users. “In essence, live a good life in Ocean Pines,” he said of the tone of the response.
While the committee accepted the administration’s position, several members said the real problem
Vine removal
From Page 16
the Pines on the golf course, with the design including artificial pine trees to help it blend into the surroundings. The tower is intended to relieve traffic on other local towers and allow major carriers to reposition antennas for better coverage.
A separate, ongoing effort involves signage for the community’s oyster cage project. Heavner confirmed that although a sign for the committee’s cage had been approved, it had not yet been installed. He said he will follow up with Public Works to ensure the sign’s installation.
The plan is to replicate the existing sign used for marine activities at the Yacht Club Marina and include a credit line for the Environment and Natural Assets Advisory Committee at the bottom.
Leadership changes were also part of the meeting. Don Wolski was nominated and approved as the new committee chair.
Manklin Creek Road, South Gate Ocean Pines (Manklin Creek Road & Ocean Parkway)
is not the policy itself but the way it is communicated. “The biggest problem we have right now is not so much the response and what the policy is, it’s the fact that it’s ambiguous to the people that live here and the website is exact opposite of what the policy is,” Cacchio said.
He explained that residents frequently approach him with questions, pointing out that the website clearly states the ramps are restricted to residents, property owners, and guests. “We’re not going to change the policy—that’s what it is. But I do think that the information that’s being given out to the public should be correct.”
Cacchio made a motion that the committee recommend an update to the OPA website to align with actual policy. He identified two specific discrepancies. The website states the ramps are for the use of property owners, residents, and guests only, while the administration has said they are open to the general public. The site also says trailer parking is not permitted in Mumford’s Landing, though residents have been told that trailers can park on the street as long as two wheels remain within 12 inches of the roadway. These two points are exact opposites of what’s
really going on, he said, adding that the inconsistency leads to unnecessary conflicts.
The proposal prompted broader questions about whether the Association should even post ramp policies online.
Committee member Tim Connolly asked, “Do we even want to have this policy on the website? Does that attract more problems than it answers questions? In other words, are we getting more people because they see, ‘Oh, they have ramps that I can use for free and no problem?’”
Cacchio agreed that Connolly raised a valid point. “They can just delete that section from the website. They don’t even have to put it on there. Just get rid of it,” he said.
Other members confirmed that the ramp policies currently appear under the “Marinas” section of the website, with a page for boat ramps. Connolly suggested the committee could recommend either removal or revision, leaving the decision to the administration.
Cacchio emphasized that the committee should be cautious about overstepping. “We don’t want to be too pushy. You don’t want to tell them what to do. You want to leave
To Page 22
Staff photo
A heron takes a break at the Mumford’s Landing boat ramp.
MAAC charts course for review of its purpose and structure
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
The Ocean Pines Association’s Marine Activities Advisory Committee spent its August 19 meeting examining itself as much as the waterways it oversees, with members discussing how the committee is structured, how it functions, and how it defines its purpose under the Association’s governing documents.
Chairman Donna McElroy said next month she will guide the group through a conversation about Resolution C-12, the document that authorizes the committee and sets out its duties and responsibilities. She said there’s been talk about possibly merging some committees and MAAC needs to be prepared for the conversation.
McElroy said she did not want to continue pushing the matter aside. “I don’t want to keep it on the back burner any longer,” she said.
The resolution states that the committee exists to advise the Board of Directors on policies and concerns relating to marine activities affecting Ocean Pines.
ing conditions and water depth, supplying volunteer services where appropriate, and reviewing recommendations on marine facilities and programs.
McElroy felt it was time to give it renewed attention. She asked if members still had the copies she had sent some time ago, acknowledging she was unsure how long it had been.
“Maybe a month ago, maybe two months ago, maybe farther back than that,” she said.
She proposed that the September meeting be devoted primarily to this purpose, while still allowing for other business.
Committee member John Cacchio supported the idea, saying that it was the best way to handle the issue within the rules. He noted that some people had suggested an informal discussion outside of official meetings, but that was not permissible under Association policy.
“You really aren’t supposed to speak outside of the meeting,” he explained.
It goes further to list specific functions: assisting the Board in formulating marine policies, disseminating information on safety and regulations, providing liaison to outside agencies, conducting surveys of boat-
Boat ramps
From Page 19
it up to them first, and then if it doesn’t work, well, then you can go back again later,” he said.
During the discussion, one committee member pointed out another inconsistency: the website references Gum Point as a boat ramp location, though that area is not even part of Ocean Pines.
Ultimately, the committee crafted a motion to recommend that OPA update its website to reflect the current policy on boat ramps, without prescribing exactly how the update should be carried out. The language left room for either removal of the ramp information or revision to align with the administration’s interpretation. The motion passed unanimously, with all seven members present voting in favor.
Committee chair Donna McElroy clarified the process, asking wheth-
The discussion also expanded into questions about how the Marine Activities Committee organizes itself internally. Should the group have co-chairs? Should it appoint a permanent secretary, or ro-
To Page 24
er the recommendation should go to the OPA Board of Directors or directly to the administration. Cacchio responded that the matter appears to fall under administrative, rather than board, authority.
OPA President John Latham, who attended the meeting remotely, advised the committee to put its recommendation in writing. He said the committee should send him a charging document with that language that he can share with the Board. “That’s the procedure.”
Members acknowledged that their request may not result in immediate action, but agreed it was an important first step toward resolving the confusion.
“If it doesn’t happen, we could always go back again later on and say, ‘Well, how about maybe thinking about looking at this again and remove it?’” Cacchio said. “But for now, we keep it this way.”
Staff photo
Colorful kayaks at the new launch in Pintail Park.
Marine Activities
From Page 24
tate duties? Should technology play a greater role in record keeping?
To help guide the conversation, McElroy shared information she had gathered from other OPA advisory committees. She said she had emailed committee chairs across the Association to ask about their practices and had received a variety of answers.
The Communications Advisory Committee rotates secretarial duties, with members volunteering to
“You did that the way in my experience I ran my businesses, which worked for my business. I think what you did is terrific.”
take minutes. The Bylaws and Resolutions Committee also has a secretary but supplements that with Teams recordings, allowing notetakers to revisit meetings.
The Environment and Natural Assets Committee has both a chair and co-chair, due to the chair not liv-
ing in Ocean Pines year-round, but no secretary.
Instead, it uses an AI transcription service to record and draft minutes, something McElroy admitted she was reluctant to adopt.
“I’m a senior. I don’t like anything that’s AI computerized,” she said,
though she acknowledged that others find such tools helpful.
The Strategic Planning Committee rotates its secretary duties monthly, a practice McElroy said she disliked because it risked inconsistency.
The Recreation and Parks Committee has co-chairs and a designated secretary, while the Budget and Finance Committee also rotates duties but uses Teams to aid in record keeping.
Aquatics has a designated secretary, with other members stepping in when needed.
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McElroy said the Marine Activities Advisory Committee has typically relied on a straightforward approach, with one chairperson and one designated secretary, and occasional volunteers filling in during emergencies.
She admitted that she leaned heavily on other members for support, particularly for knowledge of parliamentary procedure.
Some members said they were satisfied with the current arrangement. Ken Karr praised McElroy’s leadership style, comparing it to how he ran his own businesses. He said assigning responsibilities based on knowledge was the most effective way to work.
“You did that the way in my experience I ran my businesses, which worked for my business. I think what you did is terrific,” he said.
Another committee member added that McElroy had given responsibilities to people serving on the committee who could speak to specific areas, which kept operations efficient.
Committee member Michael Reynolds echoed that sentiment. “I’m fine with the way it is. Don’t fix,” he said, summing up the view of several members who preferred continuity over change.
Even as members signaled their general satisfaction, McElroy stressed the importance of aligning with both Resolution C-12 and the broader governance framework of the Association.
She also noted that Doug Parks from the Budget and Finance Committee had suggested reviewing = the Maryland Homeowners Association Act, which contains recommendations about committee structures and responsibilities.
McElroy said she intended to research that Maryland HOA information further following the committee meeting.
Marine panel seeks to schedule community messages
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
The Ocean Pines Association’s Marine Activities Advisory Committee is charting a new course for how it communicates with residents, planning a yearlong cycle of safety and boating reminders to keep critical information timely and consistent.
The committee talked about how to better plan, organize, and publish safety information for the community at its Aug. 10 meeting, with members exploring ways to create a structured year-round publication calendar and expand outreach on boating rules and accident prevention.
Committee Chairman Donna McElroy opened the discussion by returning to a topic she had raised before: developing a month-bymonth list of recurring topics for publication. She said the committee often finds itself scrambling in the spring and summer to decide what information to share with the community when boating season is in full swing. “Basically, we may not have twelve repeating topics, but we can certainly come up with a list of repeating topics,” McElroy said. “We seem to be crushed in the summer. We come in here, it’ll be April, it’ll be May, and we’re like, well, we want to get this information out. But if we know in advance that we need to address these, pull out whatever the publication was from the previous year, see if we want to update that, and get it out.”
She suggested dedicating the committee’s October meeting to creating such a list. “That means that everyone needs to come up with ideas of what those are again. I think maybe save that for October,” McElroy said. She asked committee members to brainstorm in advance so the meeting could focus on agreement rather than improvised suggestions. “Everybody should be brainstorming about the topics because if we come in here and start talking, oh, here’s some topics, there’s not going to be time for brainstorming. So anything you can get out to us in advance, I’d like you to do that,” she told committee members who will lead the topic development.
The committee then turned to another item on its agenda: drafting an article for publication. McElroy asked if members thought the com-
mittee should prepare a reminder about basic boating rules, prompted by a recent email she received pointing to several boating accidents on local waterways. She said the accidents, which included both deaths and serious injuries, made her wonder if it was time to reinforce basic safety information.
Member Ken Karr followed up by suggesting that the committee draw from existing regulations. He noted that these regulations are taught in boating courses, but many recreational boaters in Ocean Pines are unfamiliar with them. “We would probably have to sit down and go through that material and pull out what we feel will be important for just this area, as opposed to just referring to it. No, you don’t want to just refer, because too many regulations are too complex.”
John Cacchio, another member, suggested breaking down boating regulations into smaller topics that could be shared with residents monthly or quarterly.
McElroy said she was open to that approach, especially given the seriousness of recent accidents. She asked whether the committee should form a subcommittee or appoint one individual to handle the work of distilling regulations into practical information. At the same
time, she tied the effort back to her earlier push for a yearlong publication calendar. “I would like to know that, for example, every April we’re not coming in here chit-chatting about what should we do, should we do this, when should we do it. But we know in April, for example, that we’ll be getting your boat ready for the season,” she said. “That’s April. And then June would be whatever. So this could be added to a list of topics for yearly publication.”
Karr agreed, saying the committee should start with rules that carry the most serious consequences. He suggested starting with the collision regulations because those have legal liability. “Besides, we have lots of boats that meet each other out here,” he said.
The committee also talked about the need to reach younger boaters, particularly those operating jet skis. Members noted that even jet ski operators must have a license, but many are unaware of the rules. “
McElroy noted that parents often ignore these requirements, leaving teenagers unprepared and exposing families to potential liability. “This goes to your contingent liability,” she said.
Several members remarked that enforcement remains the most effective teacher. “If they get pulled over,
they’re going to get a ticket,” one member said. “They don’t know. So they’ll learn real quick, and they’ll spread the word to their friends.”
McElroy, though, circled back to the problem of reaching residents before accidents or tickets occur. She pointed out that many Ocean Pines residents are part-time or seasonal, and even those who live there fulltime don’t always read the Association’s publications. “The problem is also that everyone doesn’t reside here full-time, and fewer of the people that even reside here full-time are reading the magazine that we get,” she said. “There are a number of residents who are not interested in what’s going on until it’s time to vote for a candidate and complain about dues. That’s it. Anyway, that’s my soap opera.”
The committee did not finalize a list of publication topics during the August meeting, but members agreed that the October meeting should be dedicated to developing one. The plan is to identify recurring themes, such as preparing boats for spring, collision regulations, life jacket requirements, signs of drowning, heat-related illness, trailering safety, and navigation tips, and assign them to months of the year so that the community receives timely and consistent safety messages.
Haunted House crew receives
Sam Wilkinson Volunteer Award
By ROTA L. KNOTT Publisher/Editor
The spirit of community service was alive and well at the Ocean Pines Association’s annual meeting on Aug. 9, where a dedicated group of volunteers known affectionately as the “Haunted House Crew” was honored with the Sam Wilkinson Volunteer Award.
Since its creation in 2003, the award has recognized local people who dedicate their time and talents to serving others while honoring the memory of eight-year-old Sam Wilkinson, who tragically lost his life in a water accident in Ocean City. Sam played soccer in Ocean Pines, where his father, Bob, volunteered as a coach in local recreation programs.
The award was established in
his name to celebrate outstanding volunteer contributions within the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department.
This year’s award was presented to Timmy and Christy Cooper, Erica Henry, and Brooks Henry. Debbie Donahue, director of Recreation and Parks, praised the group during the ceremony, noting their creativity, dedication, and tireless work in bringing the annual Haunted House to life each fall.
“They do a tremendous amount of things for our department,” Donahue said. “They are what I call our haunted house crew, and they started this with me four years ago.” Going into the fifth year next month, they are moving the haunted happenings outside to the loop by the boat ramp, starting a whole new
tradition, she said.
Donahue explained that the group begins planning months in advance, spending long hours designing, building, and organizing the event to ensure it grows bigger and better every year. She emphasized that their contributions extend beyond the Haunted House, often stepping up to help with other Recreation and Parks activities whenever needed.
“This group of people work tirelessly, endlessly to put this function on for us,” she said. “If I call them, they are right here with their trucks and trailers, and they do more than I can even say. I can’t express how much I appreciate all that they do for me and for the community.”
During the award presentation, To Page 26
County considers lower Homestead Tax cap
Worcester County officials are considering a bill that would reduce the allowable increase in taxable assessment for homestead properties from 3 percent to 0 percent. The measure, introduced by County Administrator Weston Young, was approved as part of the 2025–26 the commissioners budget process and is intended to provide additional tax relief to homeowners.
During the discussion at a Sept. 2 meeting, Commissioner Chip Bertino asked whether current beneficiaries of the homestead tax credit would need to reapply under the new rules.
Young clarified that homeowners already enrolled in the program would remain eligible unless they move to a different property. The credit will continue automatically,” Young said.
“If you’re already in the program you’re in it, unless you move somewhere else,” he said.
Residents can also check their status through the State Department of Assessments and Taxation website, which shows whether the homestead tax credit has been ap-
WORCESTER COUNTY BRIEFS
plied and the year it was first received, Young said.
The commissioners agreed to introduce legislation to amend the Homestead Property Tax Credit in Worcester County. By limiting the annual taxable assessment increase to 0 percent, the county hopes to maintain affordability for long-term residents and make homeownership more predictable for budgeting purposes.
Volunteers
From Page 25
Donahue highlighted the unique talents each member brings to the Haunted House Crew. Timmy Cooper was described as “the brains of the group” who stays up late dreaming up new designs and ideas. Erica Henry was recognized as the creative force behind face painting, artwork, and keeping children engaged. Christy Cooper was praised as the project manager who keeps everything on track, while Brooks Henry earned the nickname “the MacGyver of the group” for his ability to build and repair anything needed with ingenuity and skill.
Commissioners address county licensing query
Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino brought up a public inquiry he receive regarding the county’s electrical licensing and certification requirements.
A citizen asked whether the county still needs to require electrical certification for local electricians.
Donahue also noted that several younger volunteers contribute each year, playing characters in the Haunted House and assisting with setup and operations, further demonstrating the event’s community-wide spirit.
The Haunted House has become one of Ocean Pines’ most popular seasonal attractions, transforming the community center into a space unrecognizable after the crew’s work is complete. Each year, the event has grown in attendance and popularity. With its move to the boat ramp loop this fall, Donahue said she expects it will continue to thrive in its new outdoor format.
In addition to the award, the
County officials discussed the concern on Sept. 2 but did not advocate for immediate changes, instead emphasizing the importance of maintaining standards.
Commissioner Joe Mitrecic noted that Worcester County has historically maintained a special license for long-time electricians who do not meet the state mandate, allowing experienced individuals to continue working while complying with local regulations. He stressed that it is
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group was presented with a copy of the History of Ocean Pines book by the late Bud Bodger and their names will be added to the plaque in the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks lobby that lists all past honorees of the Sam Wilkinson Volunteer Award.
The Haunted House Crew truly embodies the spirit of volunteerism that this award was created to recognize, Donahue said.
“If you ever came to one of the haunted houses, you would not even recognize this building once they get finished with it. And every year it has grown. Every year we get more and more people and every year it gets more and more attractive.”
Staff photo
Many Ocean Pines residents enjoyed the dancers dressed in colorful regalia in the traditional Dance Circle at the 47th Annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow at Hudson Fields in Milton, Del. Vendors sold blankets, clothing, wallets, bracelets, toys and artwork as well as foods including fry bread and Indian tacos.
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COUNTY BRIEFS
From Page 26
imperative to keep the board overseeing this licensing in place to ensure safety and fairness.
Commissioner President Ted Elder added that the special license was originally designed to preserve employment opportunities for local electricians, ensuring that skilled workers could continue practicing in the county even if they did not meet newer state certification requirements.
Findings approved for Racetrack Rd. rezoning
At their Sept. 2 meeting, the Worcester County Commissioners adopted the findings of fact from a recent rezoning hearing concerning three parcels on located on the westerly side of Route 589. The property is north of Griffin Road and south of Gum Point Road. The decision follows a public hearing held on Aug. 19 and a review of
all testimony, plans, and records associated with the case.
The rezoning request was to reclassify three petitioned areas, totaling 1.07 acres, from RP Resource Protection District to C-2 General Commercial District. The parcels are currently unimproved. The applicant argued that the rezoning would correct a previous mistake and bring zoning into consistency with the 2024 Comprehensive Plan and Critical Area boundaries, while reflecting changes in the neighborhood’s character.
The Worcester County Planning Commission recommended approval for Areas A and B but did not support rezoning Area C. The commissioners concurred with this assessment, noting that Areas A and B align with the LDA and Critical Area maps, while Area C remains in the RCA, where new commercial uses are prohibited.
Following their review, the commissioners approved the rezoning of Areas A and B to C-2 General Commercial District, retaining Area C as RP Resource Protection District.
Staff photo Sunset on the beach in Ocean City.
Performance data shows students continue to lead
Worcester County Public Schools outperformed all school systems in the State in both mathematics and English/language arts, according to performance data released by the Maryland State Department of Education.
Worcester County student performance on state ELA assessments administered in spring 2025 continued to top all other school systems in Maryland with 68.5 percent of students scoring as proficient or higher, nearly 18 percentage points above the state average of 50.8 percent.
Seventh grade proficiency in ELA grew at every school across the county, with Pocomoke Middle School standing out with a nearly 8.5 percentage point increase over the 2024 administration.
Worcester County topped the State in mathematics performance by more than 21 percentage points, with 47.7 percent of students reaching proficiency across all assessments.
Worcester also saw an over eight percentage point increase in mathematics across all assessments over 2024 results.
A particular highlight are the score of Worcester County’s middle school aged students, who tested in spring 2025.
Countywide, seventh and eighth graders’ mathematics proficiency grew across all schools.
Snow Hill Middle School’s seventh and eighth graders saw some of the strongest gains with seventh graders’ proficiency rising 10.5 percentage points and eighth graders’ proficiency soaring over 20 percentage points over the 2024 administration.
“We are proud to celebrate our students, educators, and families for leading the state in both English/ Language Arts and Mathematics,” said Dr. Annette Wallace, superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools.
“These results are a testament to the incredible dedication within our schools, but we know our work is not finished until every single child reaches proficiency. It’s my hope that by knowing every student by name, strength, and need, we will build on this momentum and move even closer to that goal.”
A graph showing student mathematics performance data across the State.
Mermaid Museum splashes imagination ashore with tails, tales, and a touch of magic
By Progress News Staff
Why focus on mermaids? Why open a Mermaid Museum in downtown Berlin, known for its variety of gift shops and restaurants?
“How does anybody get any idea? I just heard the siren song,” owner Alyssa Maloof said, referring to Song of the Sirens from Greek mythology. Sirens were depicted as beautiful women who had human upper bodies, but the lower bodies of birds.
Maloof, whose late father Rick Maloof was a well-known photographer in the area, said she decided to open the museum about four years ago because she had space that was a photo studio.
“Then Covid hit and I wasn’t doing any photo work. I had a dream of a Mermaid Museum so people would come up and see that space in a 1904 Oddfellow Building,” she said. Oddfellow buildings were used by members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, where they met for fellowship and to plan charity work.
The museum is on the second floor, a rather steep climb, and Dream Weaver is on the first floor, at 4 Jefferson St.
“I am a professional photographer. I have always loved the arts. I grew up around here and went to school in Philadelphia, then came back to raise my son and found the space of the studio. When people come in, they think it’s a different kind of a place. There has never been one around here and it’s creative and it’s different. Now they believe in mermaids,” she said.
Admission costs $11, and the number is magical, she said, with spiritual significance. It is said to symbolize spiritual awakening, heightened intuition and enlightenment.
The statues and bathtub in the museum were found in a variety of places, Maloof said.
“I had to look all around. I guess I sort of started by mapping out the space and thinking about the composition of the of the room. Then I had to find objects that could be produced to fit
Berlin’s quirky museum invites the curious to
“dress up and act up”
the ideas. At first it was all over the country. It’s a mix. If you are looking for somebody to make a mermaid tail you ask a place that makes hotwire sculpture and they will send you to a good artist and then you find a fabricator. The statue of The Unknown Mermaid I found on Marketplace. It was in Ocean View, Del. A resident there had it for sale and since then I have never found anything like it. She didn’t say where it came from but she also had carousel horses,” Maloof said.
The white bathtub has a mermaid tail coming out of the back and a note posted nearby inviting visitors to climb inside. Maloof bought the tub then had a fabricator make the tail before she drove with it in her truck for 10 hours back to Berlin.
On the walls there is information printed about mermaids and that required considerable research.
“A mermaid doesn’t exist so museums have these mythical creatures. At first I thought I had a lot of creative possibilities but once I started researching there was a lot of cultural information about the mermaid,” she said, adding she learned there’s another mermaid museum in Markham, Wash. called the International Mermaid Museum, it is “dedicated to teaching ocean ecology from seashore to sea floor immersed in mermaid mythology unifying oceanic cultures,” according to the website at www.mermaidmuseum.org.
“When I found out there was another one it was upsetting because I was like, ‘What’s going on?’” she said, adding her website is www.berlinmermaidmuseum.com.
Items in display cases are explained on printed cards, including details about the Bad Luck Banana,
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“It is irreverent to draw on the wall. Do it. Dress up. Dress up and act up.”
Mermaid Museum
From Page 33
so called because sailors considered the fruit unlucky due to spiders and snakes living among them, and a clam with human-like teeth. There is a pair of mermaid shoes with the story of how the Little Mermaid fell in love with a human man and traded her tails for legs. The book “The Little Mermaid – The Golden Age of Illustration Series” contains the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.”
There is also a gift shop with items made by local artists, including bracelets, soaps, cards, earrings and keychains that look like those that hotels once used.
“Business is good,” Maloof said.
“There can be a grandfather or that grandfather can take his granddaughter to the museum. It’s good for date nights, for bridal showers. Pets visit us. You can bring your pets. We’ve had a cat visit us and an iguana,” she said.
Unlike some formal museums, Berlin’s Mermaid Museum is not only educational and captivating but also allows children to play. Inside the entrance is a box, like a treasure chest, containing costumes little ones can try on and wear as they draw on one wall.
One recent afternoon, 8-yearold Vita and 11-year-old Genevieve Pownall of Ocean City were busy drawing mermaids as they wore colorful tail costumes.
“She’s going to be standing. They look pretty so I can be pretty. I want to be a mermaid,” Genevieve said.
“I like how their tails are shiny,” her sister added.
“We want them to get the creative inspiration, to live the fantasy and also create their own fantasy. Everybody tells me to put paper on a roll down that wall so they can draw on paper but there’s something about writing on the wall that lives on in a mermaid museum,” Maloof said.
“It is irreverent to draw on the wall. Do it. Dress up. Dress up and act up.”
Pine’eer Crafts Club names Rappold as Crafter of the Month
The Pine’eer Craft Club has named Alicia Rappold as its September Crafter of the Month. Rappold, of Ocean Pines, lives with her husband, Tom, and their 3-year-old Havanese-poodle, Ripley. She has worked as a felting artist for about eight years.
Her first project was creating felted soap for her granddaughter’s PTA fundraiser. Since then, she has expanded her craft to include animals, bowls, and painting with wool.
Her latest inspiration comes from the beach, reflected in her newest original works, titled “Corals.”
Rappold sells her creations at the Pine’eer Craft Club Artisan Gift Shop in White Horse Park, Ocean Pines.
The shop is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Pine’eer Craft Club, founded 50 years ago, has donated more than $201,000 to the Ocean Pines community. The club welcomes new members and meets on the third Thursday of each month.
Artisans interested in selling their work at the shop may contact shop managers Debbie Jiwa or Barbara Herzog, or email opcraftclub@aol.com.
BJs Wholesale
Club membership offer returns to Ocean Pines
BJ’s Wholesale Club is again partnering with the Ocean Pines Association to bring a special membership offer, effect October 1-30, to benefit the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines Foundation.
With this offer, new members receive The Club Card Membership for 12-months for $15, or The Club+ Card Membership, which receives 5¢ off per gallon at BJ’s Gas every day and 2% back in rewards on most BJ’s purchases, plus two free same-day deliveries per year (on eligible orders of $50 or more) for $40 with BJ’s Easy Renewal.
Existing members can purchase a 12-month renewal for The Club Card Membership for $50, or a 12-month renewal for The Club+ Card Membership for $100.
In addition to offering special membership discounts, BJ’s will donate $15 for each completed new Club+ Membership application, or $5 for each completed new and renewal Club Card Membership and each completed renewal Club Card+ membership application received, to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines Foundation.
To take advantage of this special offer by phone, call 800-313-8887 and use promo code 100407. Phones are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
New members only can sign up online: https://www.bjs.com/membership/ club?storeId=&marketCode=CF2335
Membership payments can be made via cash (in club) and credit cards.
This offer is not available online, at any BJ’s location, or for any current Easy Renewal members.
This special promotion is only offered through Ocean Pines two times a year. The next promotion will be in spring 2026.
Current BJ’s members whose memberships will expire before then are encouraged to renew during the fall offer. Members can check their current expiration dates by checking their BJ’s receipts or the BJ’s app, or by calling 800-313-8887.
BJ’s operates over 250 clubs in 21 states from Maine to Florida, including a location in Millsboro, Delaware.
The wholesale club offers a large assortment of products for home and business, savings of up to 25% off supermarket prices, a mobile app with digital coupons and online shopping at BJs.com.
Worcester Teacher of the Year named finalist for state title
Phillip Cropper, of Worcester County Public Schools, has been named a finalist for the 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year.
The Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced during a gala reception and dinner at Martin’s Valley Mansion in Hunt Valley on Friday, Sept. 26.
The Maryland Teacher of the Year will compete for the National Teacher of the Year Award, to be announced in April, and spend the 2025-2026 school year as a speaker and advisor on statewide education issues.
Holding dual degrees in culinary and pastry arts, Chef Cropper has led the WTHS culinary program since 2012, creating innovative, student-centered learning experiences. Guided by his Education Without Walls philosophy, he connects students to their community, emphasiz-
ing engagement, collaboration, and real-world application.
He was recently named the 2025 James H. Maynard National Teacher of the Year and holds the 2024 SkillsUSA Maryland Advisor of the Year title. Cropper serves on multiple industry boards and has extensive experience as an Executive Chef and Pastry Chef.
The finalists for Maryland Teacher of the Year were selected from 24 local school system teachers of the year. The selection panel consisted of leaders from key Maryland educational organizations representing principals, teachers, school boards, labor partners, and families. Finalists were evaluated against rigorous criteria that included student achievement, teaching philosophy, academic results, community involvement, and knowledge of educational issues.
Submitted photo September’s Crafter of the Month Alicia Rappold.
By Progress News Staff
Ocean Pines Forum founder and moderator Joe Reynolds, who, for years, has kept a watchful eye on Ocean Pines happenings – from decisions made by the Board of Directors to concerns about fences to his love for photographing breathtaking sunsets –
Joe Reynolds
and who faithfully attended meetings and recorded them, died on Sept. 4, prompting an outpouring of tributes including those on Facebook, thanking
him for keeping residents informed.
“The Ocean Pines Association is saddened by the passing of Joe Reynolds, longtime community member and founder of the Ocean Pines Forum. Our deepest condolences go out to Joe’s family during this difficult time,” the Association posted on its Facebook page.
The post prompted several com-
ments, including from Ocean Pines Board member Elaine Brady, who offered “prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family;” Bobbi O’Connor, who said Reynolds will be missed; Beth Gismondi, who called him “a great guy;” Pines Realtor Marlene Ott, who also said he will be missed; Cheryl Jacobs, who offered condolences to his family.
By Progress News Staff
The community will long remember Dr. Leonard Berger of Ocean City and Boca Raton, Fla., for his smile, philanthropy and business acumen as owner of several pursuits including the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau and The Gateway Hotel, both in Ocean City.
Known to friends as Lenny, the 90-year-old native of Canada, who was raised in Baltimore, died on Aug. 27.
A graduate of Franklin & Marshall College and the University of Maryland, where he earned his medical degree, he practiced medicine in Parkville, Md., and was known for making house calls and carrying a black doctor’s bag.
Later, he owned car dealerships from Maryland to New Jersey, a chain of nursing homes, a racquet club and, in Ocean City, The Ocean Club, Marigot Beach Suites and the Clarion and Gateway.
He is survived by his wife, Kari Berger; children David Berger, Jackie Berger and Kelly Forsberg; stepdaughters Shannon Rosa and Karlie Southcomb; and several grandchildren. A funeral service was at Temple Bat Yam in Berlin on Sept. 3.
Reynolds
From Page 36
Members of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department wrote, “Rest easy, Mr. Reynolds. We are forever grateful for your years of service and dedication to the Ocean Pines community.”
Comments, online and on Facebook, would likely make Reynolds smile because he was no stranger to friendship or controversy. He stayed the course, doing what he believed in. “I did not agree with Joe and quite frequently battled with him on political issues but there is no denying his strong voice and the force he was in Ocean Pines with his forum,” Debbie Bloom wrote.
In a July 2024, a local newspaper article, Reynolds discussed two rooms in the Community Center, named for two deceased, well-known Pines women -- longtime executive Ocean Pines Association secretary Phyllis East and active volunteer and reportedly the world’s oldest Girl Scout Anna Foultz. Reynolds said no information was posted explaining the many contributions of the women.
His comments led Pines officials to affix informational plaques about
PASSINGS
Dr. Leonard Berger remembered as philanthropist, businessman
On Facebook, there are many tributes to Berger, including from Believe in Tomorrow, whose organizers stated he was one of the original board members of the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation when it was founded in 1982. He “played a vital role in shaping the early success of our mission, serving as an active board member for many years,” the tribute states.
“His generosity, guidance and commitment to helping others have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire us. We are profoundly grateful for all that Dr. Berger gave our foundation and to so many others throughout his life. His memory will forever be part of the Believe in Tomorrow story,” it states.
On former Gov. Larry Hogan’s Facebook page, there is a photograph of Hogan and his wife sitting with Berger and the message, “Yumi and I are heartbroken by the pass-
both women.
Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli called Reynolds “a wellknown community ambassador” and said his impact on the local community is “deeply felt.”
“The Ocean Pines Association and residents frequently recognized him for his contributions, particularly through his active role as the founder and moderator of the Ocean Pines Forum, which served as an essential hub for community discussion. He wrote stories and shared so much valuable information with our Ocean Pines community,” the sheriff noted.
Responding to Crisafulli, former Worcester County Commissioner Sonny Bloxom posted a Facebook comment saying he always enjoyed talking to Reynolds about Worcester County issues and that even after Bloxom retired and moved to Florida, Reynolds would call him and two would have discussions.
Reynolds’ photographs, his forum, the way he encouraged discussion, are part of the legacy he left and will be remembered for, with photographs of eye-catching natural scenes on Manklin Creek and other areas to images he captured at the annual air shows.
ing of our dear friend Dr. Lenny Berger. We were fortunate to recently celebrate his 90th birthday and it’s hard to believe he is now gone. Lenny lived life to the
Dr. Leonard Berger
fullest, with boundless energy, an incredible entrepreneurial spirit and generosity that touched so many. From his early years as a doctor making house calls, to his success as a businessman and his contributions to Ocean City and beyond, he left an indelible mark on Maryland and on everyone who knew him,” Hogan wrote.
In the photo, Hogan is on Berger’s left and Mrs. Hogan is on his right and Berger, dressed in a dark blue
suit and purple and blue print shirt, is between them, smiling that signature smile so many knew.
More than 5,000 viewers liked the post and many commented, including Berger’s daughter, Jackie, who thanked Hogan “for the kind words about my father.”
“He thought the world of you and Yumi,” she wrote to Hogan.
Kathy Panco commented on a different Facebook post that Berger had respect for the Chamber of Commerce, town of Ocean City and the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association.
“He spent his life being so active and promoting Ocean City. He will remain a legend as powerhouse and friend to so many people,” she wrote.
Earl Kratsch praised Berger for “taking care of us in the Fraternal Order of Police, Maryland State Lodge.”
“Rest in peace, Dr. Berger. Thank you for your friendship,” he wrote.
Also online is a photograph from 2015 of Berger being presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. He was also named Businessperson of the Year in 1997.
that
carry on the legacy of founder and publisher Tom Stauss
After more than two decades of shaping community conversation, the Ocean Pines Progress is entering a new chapter. Following the passing of our founder and publisher, my longtime colleague and friend, Tom Stauss, earlier this summer, I am stepping in to continue leading the publication we built together.
For so many in Ocean Pines, the Progress has been more than just a newspaper. It has been a watchdog, a chronicler, and a sounding board for the issues that matter most in this unique community. Tom’s keen editorial eye and unwavering commitment to accountability earned the paper both loyal readers and its fair share of critics. His passing has left a void, and I feel a deep responsibility to honor his legacy by carrying forward his vision.
Tom was the original and longest-serving publisher of new media in Ocean Pines. From the original Ocean Pines Independent to the Progress, he set the standard for what local journalism in this community could and should be. His legacy of fearless reporting and dedication to truth will continue.
Tom and I, along with a team of contributors, built this paper together from the ground up,
COMMENTARY
and I intend to ensure the Progress remains the trusted, independent voice he always envisioned.
My professional relationship with Tom goes back more than 30 years. In 1992, fresh out of college, I joined him at the Independent, a community paper he owned and published. It was my very first reporting job, and it set the foundation for my career. I was lucky to work with Tom so early because he modeled what community journalism should be — thorough, fearless, and committed to the people it serves.
Tom sold the Independent in 1999, but his passion for covering Ocean Pines never faded. Within a few years, he and I returned to publishing with the launch of the Progress, designed to fill the gap for residents who wanted clear, fact-based reporting about the Ocean Pines Association and the greater community.
Around the same time, I also served as the OPA’s Public Relations Director. That role gave me firsthand experience in the complexities of the community’s governance and communications. Having worked as both a reporter covering OPA and later as its spokesperson, I understood the challenges of telling the story
of Ocean Pines. That dual perspective shaped how Tom and I approached the Progress.
From the very first issue, we staked our reputation on deep coverage of the OPA, bringing transparency to board decisions, budgets, and programs.
Residents have come to depend on us for factbased reporting in an environment where rumor and speculation often run wild. Tom believed this community deserved a paper that didn’t shy away from tough questions, and so do I.
In addition to my journalism roots, I’ve built a career in nonprofit management, serving as chief executive for several organizations in Maryland and Maine. That experience brings not only editorial expertise but also organizational leadership, fundraising, and community engagement skills that will help sustain the Progress into the future.
For me, stepping back into this role is both professional and personal. This isn’t just about keeping a newspaper alive. It’s about preserving Tom’s legacy and making sure the Progress continues to be a trusted voice for Ocean Pines residents. That’s what he wanted, and that’s what I want to deliver.
I know community journalism faces tough challenges today — shrinking advertising revenue, rising printing costs, and competition from social media. But I also see opportunities. People still crave reliable, well-sourced reporting, especially at the local level where decisions directly affect their lives.
Social media is full of opinions, but what Tom built — and what I intend to continue — is reporting that separates fact from speculation. That’s not going out of style.
Tom was more than a publisher; he was an advocate for accountability and a sharp observer of the quirks of Ocean Pines politics. He could recite sections of OPA bylaws the way some people recite sports stats. He took it seriously because he
Rota Knott
Commentary
From Page 38
believed residents deserved to understand how their community was being run.
Under my leadership, the Progress will continue its core mission: covering OPA governance, finances, and programs with depth and clarity. We will continue our established delivery within Ocean Pines and remain focused on in-depth coverage of Association matters.
At the same time, I want to broaden our reporting to shine more light on the people who make Ocean Pines special — the volunteers, the business owners, the neighbors who look out for one another. Tom’s strength was holding institutions accountable, and that will never change. But I also want to harken back to the original days of the Independent and balance that with stories that celebrate the spirit of this community. That may include more profiles, features on local history, and coverage of regional issues that affect Ocean Pines.
I also plan to explore digital expansion to meet readers where they are. Print is still valuable, but digital platforms are essential. The Progress has the opportunity to grow in both directions. And I won’t be doing it alone. We have a team of local advertising sales, contributing writers, and photographers working with me to produce the paper each month. It will remain a true community effort — that’s what makes this publication special.
Three decades after first reporting on Ocean Pines, my connection to this community has come full circle. From covering it as my first job at the Independent, to serving as its PR director, to helping launching the Progress, I’ve chronicled its evolution from every angle.
Tom and I started this journey together, and now I’ll carry it forward. My hope is that when people pick up the Progress, they’ll feel the same sense of trust and connection they always did. That’s the best way I can honor Tom’s memory.
I have worked in or owned property in Ocean
Pines for decades, and I look forward to returning to the community as both publisher and soon again as a neighbor. With me at the helm, the Progress will remain what it has always been — a vital, independent voice for a community that cares deeply about its future.
~ Rota L. Knott, Publisher & Editor
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