April 1, 2025
R C Edition
County Commissioners Bertino and Bunting warn of proposed water and wastewater rate hike tied to financial mismanagement
By ROC Edition Staff
On March 29, during its regular monthly meeting, the Ocean Pines Board of Directors welcomed Worcester County Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting, who addressed residents directly about the county’s proposed water and wastewater rate increases. The commissioners outlined how the draft plan could disproportionately impact Ocean Pines ratepayers and encouraged the community to take action.
The March 29 presentation followed a special Board meeting held on March 20, where Bertino and Bunting first briefed the Board on the issue and shared details from a recent Worcester County Commissioners meeting.
“This issue is fluid, changing and very complicated,” Bertino said, noting that while Ocean Pines only accounts for a fraction of the county’s current water and wastewater shortfall, its residents may end up paying far more than their fair share.
Worcester County operates 11 separate water and wastewater service areas, each designed to be financially self-sufficient. The Ocean Pines wastewater treatment plant currently serves multiple communities, including Ocean Pines, Pennington Commons, Plantation, Pines Plaza, Turville Creek, Ocean Downs, Crabs to Go, Windmill Creek and River Run. Some of these areas only use water or wastewater services, rather than both.
Bertino raised concerns about years of financial mismanagement. He said the county had transferred reserve funds between service areas on paper even when no actual revenue existed. This practice contributed to a projected $2.1 million shortfall for the current fiscal year, with $116,699 attributed to Ocean Pines.
Under the draft repayment plan, the shortfall would be divided equally among all 11 service areas.
This would raise Ocean Pines ratepayer bills by approximately $32 per quarter, compared to a $1 to $3 increase if calculated solely on Ocean Pines’ actual share of the shortfall.
Further complicating the situation is the planned departure of Glen Riddle from using the Ocean Pines wastewater treatment facility, which will eliminate $532,000 in annual revenue. This change could add an estimated $13 per quarter to Ocean Pines residents’ bills.
Looking ahead, a $9 million county loan for infrastructure improvements, minus a $2.7 million grant to Glen Riddle, will leave $6.3 million to be repaid over 10 years
at 5% interest. This would tack on another $9 per quarter, bringing the potential increase for Ocean Pines ratepayers to as much as $57 per quarter, though Bertino argued the increase should be closer to $16.
“Ocean Pines serves 10,000 of the county’s 18,000 water and wastewater customers,” Bertino said. “And once again, we’re being asked to shoulder more than our share.”
Bertino said no legal action can be taken at this time because the plan has not been finalized. However, he strongly encouraged residents to get involved, write letters, attend meetings and speak out.
OPA board meeting highlights modified ARC guidelines, residents voice their complaints on influx of maintenance violations
By ROC Edition Staff
During last Saturday’s Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors meeting, it was stated that a total of 491 maintenance violations were issued. A significant number of these violations were related to leaf accumulation and were issued by the Complaints, Permits and Inspections (CPI) department. The board unanimously voted to escalate eight CPI violations to legal action and approved a contractor to address 22 violations, some of which are related to leaves.
The maintenance violations pertaining to leaf accumulation were issued in accordance with the modifications of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) guidelines made in April 2024 and the Declaration of Restrictions.
In Section 10.D and Section 8 A.l. of Declaration of Restrictions, it states that lots, easements and ditches must be maintained and
See ARC GUIDELINES page 4
OCEAN PINES • WEST OCEAN CITY • BERLIN MD
See WASTEWATER page 2
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
One of the many wastewater pumping stations located in Ocean Pines off Beauchamp Road receives wastewater from neighboring communities.
RENOVATIONS Home Improvements
Ocean Pines Board faces three open seats in 2025 election, independentminded homeowners urged to run
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
The Ocean Pines Board of Directors election is just around the corner and the community needs leaders who are willing to step up and serve.
This year, three seats on the Board will be up for election. The terms of Treasurer Monica Rakowski, Director Steve Jacobs and President Stuart Lakernick are set to expire. While each has contributed in their own way, their departure leaves a significant opportunity for homeowners who want to get involved and make a difference.
Candidate applications are now open and must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, May 9, at the Ocean Pines Administration Building. All candidates must be homeowners listed on the property deed.
recent years, it’s become clear that the role of a board member comes with increasing responsibilities and scrutiny. While the workload is significant, so is the impact. Homeowners who care deeply about Ocean Pines and its direction are encouraged to consider throwing their hat into the ring.
Serving on the Board of Directors isn’t just about attending monthly meetings. It’s about shaping policy, guiding decisions that affect every property owner and protecting the long-term future of Ocean Pines. The Board oversees everything from the budget and capital improvements to compliance issues, amenities and the overall look and feel of the community.
This is why it’s so important to have diverse, independent candidates who bring fresh ideas, think for themselves and aren’t just aligning to form a board majority, but instead are committed to thoughtful, balanced leadership that serves the whole community.
Ocean Pines has always benefited from resident involvement, but in
WASTEWATER
Continued from page 1
When asked if anyone was held responsible for the financial missteps that led to the deficit, he stated that the majority of the commissioners were unwilling to hold anyone accountable.
Additionally, Bertino addressed the idea of consolidating service areas, something he said has not been seriously discussed and would not be a simple fix. He voiced opposition to merging Ocean Pines with other areas, stating that the community is financially stable, but often seen as an “easy target” due to its perceived affluence.
For those who may be interested but hesitant, now is the time to have conversations with neighbors, attend a board meeting and reach out to past or current directors. Community leadership doesn’t require perfection; it requires commitment, integrity and a willingness to listen and learn.
As Ocean Pines continues to evolve, fresh perspectives and strong voices will be key to preserving its character while planning for the future. This is your chance to make a difference.
Again, the deadline to submit a candidate application is May 9, by 4 p.m. Let’s ensure this election reflects the heart of our community: informed, involved and ready to lead with integrity and transparency.
While the proposal has not yet been finalized, Bertino is calling on Ocean Pines residents to voice their opinions and concerns. He and Commissioner Bunting will host a town meeting at the Ocean Pines Library on Wednesday, April 23, where county staff will be available to answer questions. A formal public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, in Snow Hill.
Residents can voice their opposition by contacting the Worcester County Commissioners via email or writing letters to local publications. The commissioners meeting handout has been included in this publication on pages 16-19.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Mailloux sentenced to 18 months in Gavin Knupp hit-and-run case; Emotions run deep in courtroom
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
A Worcester County Circuit Court judge sentenced 24-year-old Tyler Mailloux to ten years in prison, with all but 18 months suspended, in connection with the hit-and-run death of 14-year-old Gavin Knupp in 2022.
After spending 18 months in jail, with no possibility of early parole, Mailloux will serve 3 years supervised probation. Mailloux must also complete 400 hours of community service with a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit within one year of his release.
On Feb. 25, Mailloux pleaded guilty of failing to remain at the scene of an accident having known or should have known the accident resulted in the death of another. The charge is a felony crime.
On Mar. 19, a heavy silence settled over the Worcester County courtroom in Snow Hill as family, friends and supporters of Gavin Knupp gathered for Mailloux’s sentencing. Mailloux was 22 years old at the time of the fatal hit-andrun accident.
At 9:40 a.m., Mailloux walked into the courtroom, his wrists locked in handcuffs. His attorney, George Psoras, requested the restraints be removed during sentencing. Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Brett Wilson granted the request.
Victim impact statements began with Gavin’s best friend, Brody. Fighting through tears, Brody spoke about the deep pain of losing someone who had been like a brother to him. While he said he did not hate Mailloux, he shared how the loss of Gavin had left him angry and hurt.
“He completely stole my friend’s life,” Brody said.
Other close friends and family members also made impact statements, each echoing the heartbreak and devastation left in the wake of Gavin’s death. Speakers described the bright, kind-hearted teenager they had lost and the hole his absence had left in their lives.
The emotional weight in the room deepened as Gavin’s sister, Summer, and their parents, Tiffany and Ray Knupp, stepped forward to share their personal pain and the lasting impact of that night.
Summer, 16 at the time of her brother’s death, shared the unique pain of losing not just a sibling, but her best friend. She told the court that she may have been able to
forgive Mailloux had he come forward that night. Instead, she said, “because of Tyler’s actions, he took my best friend away from me.”
Ray spoke about the moments he shared with his son, coaching soccer, fishing, hunting, traveling and the everyday father-son conversations he cherished. “Tyler took all that from his family. Tyler could have come forward, but he chose not to stay and left Gavin to die,” Ray said.
Tiffany described how “Tyler made the choice: run and hide and leave,” forcing their family to live with unanswered questions for far too long. She recalled the screams from her daughter Summer on the night Gavin died, a haunting memory that still echoes.
“Gavin was hit by a car. I tried to save him. There was so much blood,” Tiffany remembered Summer saying.
“We are no longer the same people we were,” Tiffany told the court.
The defense then presented its version of events from the night of the crash. Psoras said Mailloux had been working a shift at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, along with his girlfriend, who was following in a separate car on their way home that night.
The defense called the crash a “tragic accident,” claiming Mailloux believed he had struck a deer on the dark, unlit Grays Corner Road, a side street connecting Route 589/Race Track Road and the Glen Riddle development in Berlin, Md.
After arriving home, the defense said Mailloux woke up his father, Ralph DeAngelus, a partner in the Matt Ortt Companies, which at the time managed food and beverage operations at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. DeAngelus contacted a neighbor who was also an attorney, the defense said, adding DeAngelus was told there was nothing he could do on the night in question.
The defense emphasized that Mailloux had relied on the guidance of the adults around him and did not intentionally delay coming forward. They noted that it was ultimately Mailloux’s own decision to plead guilty, explaining that he could no longer bear the weight of what had happened.
Mailloux’s mother also spoke during sentencing, expressing sorrow for the Knupp family.
Turning to Gavin’s family, she said, “Mother to mother, I am truly sorry. It’s time for both families to begin healing, Tyler is not what social media has made him out to be. He is not a murderer.”
After nearly two hours of statements, Judge Wilson addressed the courtroom, reflecting on faith, fate and the profound sadness surrounding the case.
Acknowledging that no sentence could bring peace to the Knupp family or undo the impact of the loss of Gavin, he said he hoped Mailloux would make better choices in the future.
“I’m not sure what God’s plan
was that day,” Judge Wilson said. Mailloux then spoke publicly for the first time. He expressed that it was difficult to find the words and could not comprehend the pain felt in the community. Mailloux added he took full responsibility for his actions, saying the memory of that night would remain with him for the rest of his life. He also stated he hoped the Knupp family can find peace.
“I am truly sorry for the loss of Gavin,” Mailloux said.
The courtroom remained silent as Judge Wilson then read the sentence. Even as the room slowly emptied, not a word was spoken. Mailloux remained seated, signing paperwork as the courtroom was dismissed.
Members of the Knupp family expressed disappointment at the sentence, saying it may close the legal chapter, but did not take away the grief and loss they continue to feel.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Family members and friends react somberly and disappointed following the judge’s sentencing decision outside the Worcester County Courthouse.
ARC GUIDELINES
Continued from page 1 cleared of debris by the lot owners to prevent flooding.
OPA President Stuart Lakernik clarified during the board meeting on Saturday, March 29 what is and is not classified as debris.
“Basically, if it grows from the ground, we take care of it; if it falls on the ground, the owners have to take care of it,” Lakernik said.
In Section 400.2 Landscape Plan D of the ARC guidelines, it states that “Leaves are not considered to be acceptable ground cover.” With this, CPI can send out maintenance violations if there is a large buildup of leaves on a lot. This sentence was added to the document in April 2024 when the board approved multiple changes to the document. Although this sentence was added, there was no redlined copy of the document nor was there any mention of leaf maintenance during the first reading of the proposed changes in January 2024 or the meeting in April 2024.
Multiple board members expressed how much difference they have seen in the flooding issue now that many residents have cleared their lots of leaves, including OPA Director Elaine Brady.
“I would like to thank our operations team … The rain was out of control this year. They knew the flooding was going to be unbelievable if something wasn’t done. So, they decided we needed to ask people early this year … to please clean up your leaves in your ditches, so that your neighbor’s yard, your yard, the rest of the community don’t have flooding problems,” Brady said.
However, with this influx in violations, multiple Ocean Pines residents attended the board meeting to voice their complaints and concerns.
Ocean Pines resident Bill Hayes raised concerns about flooding, saying that there were still major flooding problems throughout the community.
“They said the ditches are working great. Well, two weeks ago we had 3 inches show up here and the entire sidewalk on the new side of River Run was under water on Beacham Road. Beacham Road ended up getting cleared on the River Run side, but didn’t get cleared on the Ocean Pines side … When I went through Pinehurst, the water was a foot deep across the road,” Hayes said.
Hayes continued by talking about how there are homeowners in the community who have received violations for the amount of leaves in their lots despite it being out of their control. An example Hayes
gave during the meeting was his own home. He raised a photo of his front yard which was covered in leaves for the board members and attendants to see.
“Pictures don’t always tell the story. This picture is my house in the winter time. It’s a good house, looks good, I could probably sell it looking like this, but I can’t convince Ocean Pines that there’s nothing wrong with it. ‘There’s too many leaves in that yard.’ What they don’t show you is the lot that’s next door that is a complete forest and swamp and those leaves fall into this yard all the time. And the ditch (on that property) is completely full all the time because nobody takes care of it … What’s the point if I can do the ditch in front of my house but my neighbor has an empty lot and doesn’t do the ditch. Right across from all sorts of places. You just drive Ocean Parkway. There are 10 places right now where the ditches are at least 2 or 3 feet deep of leaves. That doesn’t have anything to do with the homeowner not doing the right thing … So, I’m just saying our operations may not be all that great in terms of communicating and I think we need to improve that,” Hayes said.
Another resident, William Adler, told the board about his confusion when he received a citation for having too many leaves along the road in front of his house despite the fact that there is no ditch on his lot.
“There’s no drainage ditch there. I’m trying to understand why the leaves are a problem,” Adler said.
Ocean Pines’ legal counsel Bruce Bright addressed the resident’s question.
“What OPA is focused on and the CPI department is focused on is a buildup of leaves, not you’ve got a few leaves in your yard and you’re going to get a letter. It’s a substantial buildup of leaves on the yard or some part of the yard. That’s when you would likely receive a notice from CPI,” Bright said.
Rick Farr made a statement during the meeting directed toward Ocean Pines homeowners who only live in the community part time and have received a maintenance violation and to homeowners who are hoping to receive more time to handle their leaf maintenance.
“One of the things I wanted to ensure about our association membership is if there are issues contact Linda (Martin), ask for an extension, we’ll give that to you, we’re going to work with you on that. The best thing is to have that type of communication,” Farr said. Martin is the Director of Business Administration for OPA.
Berlin abolishes EDU financing policy and makes plans for a replacement policy after discussion from council members and town resident
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
The Berlin Mayor and Council unanimously approved the abolishment of a policy which allows property owners to ask the town for funds to finance up to five equivalent dwelling units (EDUs).
With the abolishment, the council decided to have further discussion about the possibility of creating a new policy to replace the EDU financing policy from 2017. Mayor Zack Tyndall told the council members to research and come up with ideas for the new policy. Depending on how long that process takes, Tyndall believes the town could have the new policy in its final draft as early as June.
The nullification of the policy came up for consideration after some council members voiced their grievances with the policy when property owner Zachary Grauer made a request for the financing of four EDUs.
Grauer’s request was discussed by the council at the Feb. 24 meeting, a meeting Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols was not present for. Nichols’ absence led to a split decision from the council, which had to be broken by Tyndall, who has the authority to vote in the event of a tie. The vote was 3-2 in favor of the financing request.
“There was a mixed opinion of the council … and with that, I think that it’s a good opportunity for all of us to be able to have a discussion together … I felt like we needed the Town of Berlin’s stance,” Tyndall said during the March 24 meeting where the council abolished the policy.
Nichols expressed her opinion on the EDU financing policy first since she was absent at the meeting that sparked this discussion.
“I do believe that we are at a place in the Town of Berlin right now where we don’t need that. I don’t think that we do … I know some people have been stating ‘Well, wait a minute, we’re not bankers, we’re not brokers, we don’t finance things, we shouldn’t be’ … We don’t need to be financing anything. Not for anybody that wants to come to this town to develop anything,” Nichols said.
Councilman Jack Orris, who voted against Grauer’s request, repeated his opinion of the EDU financing policy at the last council meeting.
“Like I had said that night, it seems to me that it was a policy that did well at the time … I don’t think
that we need to offer incentives per se anymore … So, I am of the opinion … that we should not be financing EDUs,” Orris said.
When Councilman Steve Green voiced his thoughts on the policy, he also suggested the town replace the EDU financing policy and create another policy that gives incentive to developers for the kinds of projects the town wants. Green gave mixeduse projects as an example, which combine different functions, such as residential and commercial, under one building.
“I think the policy that’s in front of us right now is poor … So, I actually don’t have any problems with getting rid of this policy as it’s written but I actually have something else on my mind … I wouldn’t mind adding a policy that’s specific to the mixed-use development that was in our strategic plan and it’s going to be a big part of the comprehensive plan we write because I’ve heard the Planning Commission say that that’s what we want,” Green said.
Vice President Dean Burrell, who was the other council member that voted against Grauer’s request at the Feb. 24 meeting, repeated why he is against the EDU financing policy.
“Let me say that I voted against the issue from the last meeting … because the developer was adding multi-family dwellings to what I feel is an already exhausted area related to multi-family dwellings. That was my biggest issue with that project … We should not further impact the quality of life … by jamming more multi-family dwellings in that limited space,” Burrell said.
After the council members voiced their opinions, the discussion was opened to the public. Town resident Gabe Purnell, who has some interest in financing EDUs, argued that the policy should be kept in place to give those who don’t have large sums of money the chance to develop housing in the community.
“We’re not going to survive … if we don’t make some concessions for us. You’re not making any concessions for us. We can’t pay … I’m trying to develop a little something on the east side. Something, I think, we could use and I’m going to need some EDUs … You’re giving people an opportunity to pay for EDUs on time. I can’t afford to bring $100,000 in here and drop it and you know that … We like to be in the game, too. We like to offer some things to the community … I’m still trying to bring improvements and now you forget about us,” Purnell said.
Once Purnell was finished, Tyndall stated that the EDU financing policy is not helping with the affordable housing issue in Berlin.
“What I think that this is showing is that in the strategic plan we saw that housing … is a challenge … I think that the policy that we have in front of us from 2017 does not meet the objectives that we have currently. I think we’re all in agreement of that. I think the difference is that we need to figure out how we want to move forward together,” Tyndall said.
The termination of the EDU financing policy was put to a vote which passed unanimously. With the abolishment of the policy, projects that were previously approved before the abolishment and are currently being paid back to the town will be grandfathered in, meaning those projects will not be affected by the abolishment.
The mayor stated that until a new policy is put in place, the council will not be considering the financing of any EDUs. Tyndall then told the council that if there is an interest for a new policy to be put in place,
‘I think that the policy that we have in front of us from 2017 does not meet the objectives that we have currently. I think we’re all in agreement of that. I think the difference is that we need to figure out how we want to move forward together.’
-Mayor Zack Tyndall Town of Berlin
the council members should do their research to come up with ideas for the formation of a new policy.
“I would be open to entertaining any and all ideas. You do some homework on what you think is a good policy. Send it to us. We’ll try and meld it into something that can be a draft. We will then look at that together. Then we’ll send it back and we’ll come back with the final version. So, it could be as quickly as June or July depending on what research we get back from everybody else.”
Hi Tide moves location from Route 611 to Route 50 on April 1, while
still
keeping its ‘cool vibe’
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
The Hi Tide cannabis dispensary located on Route 611 will be moving to its new location on Route 50, with the store officially opening on April 1. Bob Davis, pharmacist and owner of Hi Tide, said that since he opened his shop in 2018 it has grown exponentially.
“We have such a great customer base and we’ve become a destination for visiting Ocean City. We are now becoming that destination vacation spot also. So, because of the great customers we’ve had throughout the years, especially local, we have found it necessary to expand,” Davis said.
The new 12,600 square-foot location was formerly a Rite Aid before Davis selected it as his new place of business. The building is more than three times the size of the old location, which is roughly 4,000 square feet.
Davis believes the new location will make Hi Tide the largest cannabis dispensary in the state of Maryland, which has roughly 100 cannabis dispensaries.
“We’re very proud of what Hi Tide has become over the … years. We have a very loyal group of customers that come to Hi Tide and we strive for keeping our customer service and the cool vibe which Hi Tide brings,” Davis said.
Similar to the old location, the new building will be styled to look like a surf shop.
“No one likes to be in a doctor’s office, no one likes to go to a hospital. I didn’t want it to look anything like the medical facility that it was and still is. I wanted it to be inviting and uplifting and lift peoples’ spirits. So, our branding and design was, from the ground floor, always about the great vibe and feeling well,” Davis said.
There are many components inside the store that work toward creating the welcoming atmosphere and surf shop style Davis wants.
“We have collector surfboards by some of the greats, surfboard shavers throughout the facility. We have a 1974 VW camper bus located in the facility, we have pinball machines, some old school games for people that are waiting to get service. It’s really just a cool, open, airy beach store,” Davis said.
Another of the main components is a 30-by-8-foot high-resolution screen which displays surfing videos
and product promotions. According to Davis, many of the customers at Hi Tide are over the age of 50, so a seating area for waiting customers will be available. The new location will also have a queue system like the one found at the old location.
“It’s kind of like a DMV … They are placed in the queue and then they’re called back, so that everybody knows they’re in the waiting queue. Medical patients get expedited service by state law, so we have two separate queues—one for medical and one for adult use customers,” he said.
The store offers various product lines, including flower, vape cartridges, edibles—from gummies to gourmet chocolate to beverages—as well as topical creams, ointments and liquids.
Davis said he always tries to involve his business in the community and local events.
“We love this community, so we want to surround ourselves with all the community offers and we involve ourselves with the concerts at the beach, with the air show, with the car crews, especially during bike week. These are all things that are part of the community and we embrace that wholeheartedly,” he said.
If not for the community that supports Hi Tide and how much work that has been put into the dispensary, Davis said he believes his business would not be the destination spot that it is today.
“We’ve worked very hard through COVID-19 and through all the years
of maintaining and excelling at our customer service. Retail in itself is a challenge, then adding the fact that we’re working in the cannabis arena. We’ve done everything to try to
make sure the customer experience is the best it can be, and we work every day to do that,” Davis said.
For more information about Hi Tide, visit OCHiTide.com
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher Hi Tide celebrates the grand opening of its new Route 50 location, closing the door on its original Route 611 spot to become Maryland’s largest cannabis dispensary.
FREE COMPUTER CLASSES FOR VETERANS
Presented by:
THE ASSOCIATES OF VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA, CHAPTER 1091, OCEAN CITY, MD
1ST CLASS – APRIL 4, 2025 – 11 A.M.
BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS – understanding your laptop, usage Bring a laptop, or contact us if you need a laptop to use
2ND CLASS – MAY 2, 2025 – 11 A.M.
ON-LINE BASICS – set up an e-mail account, connect with others and the VA.
All classes will include one hour of instruction followed by one hour of one-on-one help. We want all veterans to have the ability to access their VA benefits from home, at any time.
ALL CLASSES WILL BE HELD AT: American Legion Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, Md
Associates of the Vietnam Veterans of America is a non-profit organization established to support all veterans and their families. We work alongside the Vietnam Veterans of America to ensure that all veterans are treated fairly and have access to their Veterans benefits for themselves, their caregivers and their families. Membership is open to anyone, of any age, who wishes to support our veterans. For additional information, contact Marie Gilmore, President, Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1091.
Phone – (410)726-2881 or Email – OPMarie@aol.com
No strings attached, why ROC Edition remains independent
At ROC Edition, we’ve made a clear choice, one that reflects both our mission and our integrity: We will never accept advertising dollars from the same community governance we report on.
As a local newspaper rooted in the heart of the Ocean Pines community, we believe independence is the cornerstone of trustworthy journalism. When a publication relies on advertising dollars from the same entities it is tasked with covering, lines can blur. Even the appearance of influence can erode public trust, and trust is everything.
That’s why ROC Edition maintains a strict separation between news and influence. We are committed to reporting without fear or favor and we hold tightly to the freedom that comes from being truly independent.
Our advertising policy is simple: We accept sponsorships and ads from local businesses, but never from within the governance of the area we cover. This ensures our reporting remains free of potential bias and allows us to serve our readers, not institutions.
COMMENTARY
That doesn’t mean we’re disconnected from our community. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
We’re proud to promote events, activities and opportunities happening in our community and beyond. If there’s something that brings neighbors together, celebrates local culture or strengthens our sense of place, we are here to shine a light on it. But we will never be paid to look the other way or soften the truth.
When news outlets accept funds from the very powers they may one day need to question, the public loses a vital voice. At ROC Edition, we’ll never let that happen.
We are proud to be your independent voice and your community paper.
“The People’s Paper”
No slants. No favors. No strings attached.
Sherrie Clifford
Publisher, ROC Edition
The ROC Staff
To the families and friends who have lost a child at any age
There is no greater pain than the loss of a child at any age, under any circumstance. It is a kind of grief that lives in your bones and in your breath and no matter how many years pass, it never fully leaves you.
I speak not only as a writer or observer, but as a mother. I lost my daughter when she was 45 years old. A grown woman, yes, but still and always my child.
I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak of losing a child suddenly, tragically or at a young age. To have so much life and promise taken in a moment is something no parent, no sibling, no grandparent should ever have to endure. Yet, far too many do. This pain is not only a mother’s to carry. It lives in fathers who can’t fix what’s broken and in siblings who feel their best friend is gone.
In grandparents who once held their grandchild’s tiny hand and now hold onto memories with trembling fingers.
No matter how much time we had with our child, a lifetime of years, a few cherished weeks or just a handful of irreplaceable moments, the loss is staggering. Even if we only saw them once a week, once a year or when life allowed, the bond we shared was built on something time cannot measure.
And when they’re gone, time stops. The clocks may keep ticking, but for grieving families, time feels like it has collapsed in on itself. The world moves on, but you’re left trying to make sense of something that will never make sense.
There’s no right way to grieve. There’s no finish line to healing.
Some days you may feel strong. Other days, the weight of absence will feel unbearable. Both are okay. Both are real.
What I have come to understand is this: Love doesn’t end when a life does. It continues. In every memory, in every photo, in every breath we take for them. It lives on in the way we say their name and in the way we carry them forward, even in the quiet.
If you are a family walking through the unimaginable, please know this: You are not alone. Your grief is valid. Your child mattered. And your love for them will always be the most powerful truth of all. Even when words fail us, love never does.
Sherrie Clifford Publisher, ROC Edition
Sherrie Clifford Publisher/Editor 856-873-6029 sclifford@oceanpinesroc.com
Staff Consultant News Editor editor@oceanpinesroc.com
Giovanni Guido Staff Writer gioguido56@gmail.com
Roger Marino Columnist marino.roger@aol.com
Lara Spaid Advertising Sales 410-443-4717 laraspaid@comcast.net
Ocean Pines ROC Inc. Ocean Pines Village Square 11042 Nicholas Lane, Suite B-203 Berlin, MD 21811
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Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
When 18 months becomes the norm, it’s time to reform the law
Dear Editor:
No mother ever wants to hear the words, “Come to the hospital; your child has been in an accident, and there was a fatality involved.” But in the early morning hours of December 16, 2023, I heard just that, and life changed for family and friends of all involved.
Three young people had a life ahead of them, full of promise, full of opportunities. That was altered in a single decision and a single moment. The driver, looking forward to graduating college and starting his career, now sits in the Worcester County Jail after accepting a plea from the Worcester County State’s Attorney office. He will reside there for eighteen months if the full sentence is served.
My son was anticipating the Christmas holiday, going back to college from the break and getting back to pitching on the mound. He had a multitude of injuries, including a brain bleed that led to him missing a full season of ball and losing out on several semesters of school.
The fatality took the life of a nursing student who was looking
forward to becoming a nurse, serving her community, growing old and living her life as the loving, kind soul that she was. The fatality took her from her family, her friends and her future. All three of these young people made decisions that ended poorly, and now multitudes of family, friends and others suffer consequences.
The reason for this letter is not to seek revenge, place blame or any other nefarious reason; facts have been found in black-and-white photos and medical examiner reports. It is a demand to legislators and those who present to the court judges to change the laws surrounding driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. As of late, the trend seems to be that minimum sentences are given out despite a multitude of crimes that the person was first being charged with. How can we deter the decisions that can potentially devastate families, friends and our local society if we continue to only slap the wrists of offenders?
I, myself, can recognize that I have made poor judgments and decisions in the past, whether they
Help reduce litter urge lawmakers to pass the bottle bill
Dear Editor:
As an avid bicycle rider, lover of outdoors scenery and hater of the litter that despoils it, I heartily applaud Cindy Dillon’s letter that appeared in your March 15 edition. Ms. Dillon believes passage of the Bottle Bill (HB 232, SB 364), currently under consideration by the Maryland General Assembly, would significantly reduce the amount of litter along roads, in creeks and on our beaches. A small deposit would be added to
stemmed from youth or emotion, but I can tell you the journey our families have been on has changed not only my actions, my son’s actions, but many others.
Now, we seek to change the legislation and the courts to also recognize and grant consequences that are appropriate, with the understanding that no sentence with punishment will ever bring back our loved ones. Rather, they will set an example for the constituents of our county that the consequences may escape you on occasion, but there are consequences, especially in cases resulting in death. Those consequences of the law must be brought back to impose the penalties of one’s choice, and they cannot be reduced for the comfort of the accused. The courts need to hear all of the victim impact statements, not censored versions; the courts need to grant the First
Amendment right of the family to express their feelings, not accusing or defaming another, but stating their truths.
Many will have different opinions, and that is the right we all are granted in society. But I ask that the readers consider placing themselves in the shoes of a family member who learns their child, sibling, parent or friend is dead by the actions of others. I ask that the readers consider the parents, family or friends of a person who has life-altering injuries due to another’s choices. I ask that the readers be kind but stand for a change in legislation.
Respectfully Submitted, Crystal Heiser Salisbury, MD
the price of beverages and would be refunded when the containers are returned. It’s a tried-and-proven approach that has worked long-term in 10 other states. We need Maryland residents to help get the Bottle Bill passed by contacting their Maryland state senators, delegates and Governor Wes Moore and requesting their support.
Sincerely,
Patrick Trate Ocean
Pines
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Reconsider the ban on leaves as ground cover in Ocean Pines
(The following letter was sent to the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors and Operations, which was also forwarded to ROC Edition for publication.)
Dear Directors and Operations:
I am reaching out to respectfully request that the Board re-evaluate its approach to yard maintenance regarding the use of leaves as ground cover. As I shared during my public comments at the March Board meeting, the founders of Ocean Pines envisioned a community that embraced its natural, wooded environment rather than emulating manicured neighborhoods like Glen Riddle. The preserved wooded landscape has always been a hallmark of Ocean Pines, setting it apart and embodying a core value worth safeguarding.
The Declaration of Restrictions serves as the cornerstone of governance for Ocean Pines, holding legal precedence over all other rules and guidelines. However, in 2024, this Board appears to have reinterpreted the intent of these foundational restrictions, seemingly initiating a
campaign against leaves.
In January 2024, the Board amended Resolution M-04 to include the phrase “accumulation of leaves,” and in April 2024, the statement “Leaves are not considered acceptable ground cover” was added to the Architectural Guidelines. These changes starkly contrast with the ARC Guidelines’ stated goal—to “preserve the natural beauty of Ocean Pines.”
To amend the Declaration of Restrictions, a vote from property owners within each section is required. In my section, as in many others, Section 8 A.l. of the Declaration specifies that properties must be maintained to prevent becoming “unsightly by reason of unattractive growth ... or the accumulation of rubbish or debris.” For over 50 years, leaf cover has been regarded as an integral aspect of maintaining wooded properties, rather than being classified as debris or rubbish. Additionally, there is clear evidence that violations were not historically issued to homeowners who embraced
natural landscapes consistent with the community’s character.
Despite this, the current Board and operations have deemed natural leaf cover to be unsightly while finding gravel-filled yards, store-bought mulch or bare landscapes more appealing. Directors residing in sunny, unwooded areas or condominiums have taken it upon themselves to define what is considered beautiful for our community.
While beauty may be subjective “in the eye of the beholder” it was also in the eye of our community’s founders when they crafted the Declaration of Restrictions. The changes made in 2024 mark a significant departure from longestablished practices and appear to constitute an effort to redefine the intent of the Declarations.
I also believe these changes conflict with Maryland House Bill 322, enacted in 2021, which protects low-impact landscaping practices and prohibits unreasonable restrictions on environmentally sustainable methods. Leaf cover is widely
recognized as an eco-friendly approach to maintaining wooded areas, as it enhances soil health, fosters biodiversity, and minimizes waste. HB 322 prohibits unreasonable limitations on low-impact landscaping, including native plants, pollinator gardens and rain gardens. These provisions aim to encourage sustainable landscaping while balancing community standards.
The changes enacted by Ocean Pines in 2024 impose unnecessary burdens on homeowners and may be considered unreasonable under HB 322. I respectfully urge the Board and Operations to reassess their stance on natural, low-impact landscaping practices, revisit their interpretation of the Declaration of Restrictions and align their policies with Maryland HB 322.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely, Amy Peck Ocean Pines
STANDING Room Only
By Roger Marino
of fly-over birds? Now we rid the sky of the seagulls on the sandy soil as millions have pleasured in feeding them at seaside.
of the person providing the news is to hold their attention just long enough that the message is absorbed into the mind so they can make a logical (or illogical) assumption from the reporter’s words.
Farm animals are again on the political chopping block, at the hands of those who wish to cleanse the landscape of cows, chickens, horses and all livestock that relieve their bodies from excrement. The same landscape that some hope to be covered with houses, businesses, apartments. Land that will be inhabited by thousands of people moving into their hopeful land of pleasant living. No one wants to deny people from having a good life. Certainly no one wants to restrict the retiree from changing auto license tags, signifying their home ownership to Ocean City, Md., from the state or county from which they come to dip their toes in this beautiful Atlantic Ocean. No one wants to deprive potential neighbors from the life we are now living. But at what cost are we willing to go to destroy the quality of life that has been walking and defecating on Delmarva for centuries?
Think about it. Before the white
man settled along this pristine shoreline, Native Americans were content living and farming this land. I don’t remember reading about these inhabitants complaining about the animals roaming freely around their villages. They watched where they slept and stepped. And they ate good.
Today, those who come to our shores outwardly profess to keep the beautiful and proud history of the Maryland, Virginia and Delaware peninsula alive while unknowingly listening to the reports that someone wants to dismantle the sun and fun lifestyle.
So they propose to cleanse the land from the chickens, cows, hogs, sheep and perhaps all other defecating species that roam and squat from our trees. And do you know that the horrible infectious disease, avian influenza, which is necessitating the killing of thousands of chickens nationwide, comes from the droppings
How about the fish in the sea? They defecate in the ocean where we locals and tourists swim, gulping into our mouths the seawater each warm summer day at the beach. Will someone come up with legislation to rid the sea of all fish? Less protein for healthy human bodies!
Now we have destroyed billions of dollars from Delmarva’s economy and have lost thousands of jobs. And what will we have left in its wake? A poorer economy, less protein, thousands of wastewater mounds and treatment plants, hundreds of newly driven wells and a million defecating humans.
What makes for an effective news reporter? Not the news they are reporting. It’s the views from the news that resonate to a society of readers, viewers, listeners subject to and willing to absorb the reporter’s message.
The attention of the average person watching, listening or reading a newscast or written word is seven minutes. And the objective
Sales scholars tell us one must repeat a message seven times over before expecting a positive reaction from the listener. And so we are all subjected to a sales study each time we watch the dissenters beat their drums, shout and march in the street carrying banners telling their story. Seven times seven days and weeks and years. Without a positive solution for the good of the odor or the order. And now we are convinced to buy the car, house, etc., we have repetitively seen, heard or read from a constant action.
How many more times do we have to listen to the anti-animal cronies before someone with political authority makes an indiscriminate mistake, hears and reacts to those who beat the drum? And then legislation is created.
Let’s put our scientific genius in the government to unite with corporate creative giants to develop creative research labs and build research and development facilities right here on Delmarva, employing highly qualified scientific, genius minds to live among us.
Analyzing the resources beneath and above our feet, we can make the Delmarva Peninsula a planet unto itself. A healthy land of plenty for all humanity to enjoy. And for all inhabitants and visitors to shout seven times over: God bless the Delmarva Peninsula.
ROC Life
Ocean Pines to host annual Season Kickoff at new Veterans Memorial Park location on May 17
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
Ocean Pines will kick off the 2025 summer season with its much-loved Season Kickoff Event, returning this year at a new and more spacious location, the Veterans Memorial Park in Ocean Pines, a longtime community favorite spot conveniently located between South Gate Pond and Race Track Road.
The free, family-friendly event, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., brings together everything that makes Ocean Pines unique: a tight-knit community, outstanding amenities, dedicated leadership and strong local pride. Whether you’re new to
the area or a longtime resident, the Season Kickoff is a perfect opportunity to connect, learn and get excited about what’s ahead.
Throughout the day, attendees will be able to meet Ocean Pines Board members, amenity managers, representatives from various departments like Aquatics, Recreation and Parks and the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department. Local businesses and community partners will also be on hand to showcase their offerings and answer questions.
Booths and information tables will be set up throughout the park, providing helpful materials and sign-up opportunities for pool memberships, summer camps, youth activities, club registrations and
more. Many of Ocean Pines’ most popular programs will have staff on-site to answer questions and assist with registration.
Local vendors will also participate, offering information, giveaways and a chance to support small businesses that serve the Ocean Pines area. It’s an ideal setting to learn about new services, meet business owners and explore how the community continues to grow.
Live music, light refreshments and a casual, welcoming atmosphere will make the event enjoyable for all ages. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for a few hours of fun, conversation and community spirit.
The Season Kickoff is more than
just an open house. It’s a tradition that marks the beginning of a new season in Ocean Pines. It’s a chance to shake off winter, catch up with neighbors and make plans for a summer full of recreation, connection and community involvement.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Veterans Memorial Park and don’t miss the official welcome to summer in Ocean Pines.
To register your business, organization or food truck, please download the appropriate form below and submit it via email to OPseasonkickoff@gmail.com
For more info, including sponsorship opportunities, email OPseasonkickoff@gmail.com
Bluebird Farms grows community connection through nature’s beauty in Ocean Pines, the heart of Worcester County
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
Bluebird Farms, located on Racetrack Road (Route 589) in Berlin, is a community favorite with deep local roots. Owned and operated by Nancie Corbett, the farm is more than a garden center; it’s a welcoming place where customers can find the right plantings to enhance their homes and their landscapes with selections suited to their specific spaces and growing conditions.
Corbett, an Ocean Pines resident, built Bluebird Farms with a strong sense of purpose. Her goal was to offer not only healthy nursery stock, but also a space that reflects the beauty and rhythm of the Eastern Shore. What began as a modest garden center has blossomed into a thriving community hub for highquality plantings and local goods.
Customers at Bluebird Farms are treated to more than just a garden center. Corbett offers a thoughtfully curated selection of local and seasonal goods that reflect the richness of our Eastern Shore community. Baskets overflow with fresh produce grown by nearby farms, while shelves are lined with fair trade gifts and one-of-a-kind handcrafted items made by talented local artisans. Homemade jams and jellies add a sweet, nostalgic touch. And it’s hard to miss the buzz around pies provided by The Ugly Pie in Salisbury, always made from scratch and full of heart. Shoppers can also pick up fresh eggs, raw local honey and an ever-changing variety of baked goods, each selected with care and a commitment to quality. Every item at Bluebird Farms tells a story and it’s always local, always intentional and always rooted in community.
Bluebird Farms doesn’t just sell plants; Corbett and her team share
help every gardener, beginner or expert, succeed. They are passionate about helping customers build landscapes that thrive in local conditions. Their expertise covers everything from native trees and shrubs to vegetable gardening, pest control and drought solutions.
Bluebird Farms also plays an active role in the Berlin and Ocean Pines communities, often donating plants to local schools and senior centers and participating in area events and seasonal pop-ups. That community-first mindset is part of what keeps customers coming back year after year.
As the seasons change, so does the landscape at Bluebird Farms, but the heart behind the work remains steady. Corbett’s love for gardening and local goods shines through in every corner of the property.
Bluebird Farms is located at 11207 Racetrack Road in Berlin. The team can be reached at (410) 208-4475 or by emailing Info@BluebirdFarms.net
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Berlin’s annual community yard sale is set for April 5 alongside the second annual Vintage and Vinyl event
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
Every year, the Town of Berlin has a community yard sale and this year’s is set for Saturday, April 5, starting at 7:30 a.m. On the same day, Berlin will be bringing back an event that was first held last year called Vintage and Vinyl, which will be at the Berlin Welcome Center parking lot, 14 S. Main St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both events have a rain date set for the next day, April 6.
Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells told a ROC Edition reporter why the two events were being held on the same day.
“We did this event last year and it was really successful. We held it on Record Store Day last year, but this year Record Store Day falls on the same day as our Spring Celebration. Because the Vintage and Vinyl event was so successful last year and many of the residents wanted us to bring it back, we decided to hold it on the same day as the community
yard sale,” Wells explained.
According to Wells, the parking lot in which the event is being held will be filled with 20 vendors, each selling either vinyl records or vintage items. The vintage items being sold can include anything from the 60s, 70s or 80s, such as clothing, books and home decor.
Some of the event’s vendors include Sound Storm Records, Pitts Street Treasures, Viking Tree Trading Co., Outten’s Delites and Uptown Emporium. In addition, a band called The Lucky Shoes featuring Dana Helmuth will be performing live music during the event. This event is sponsored by The Merry Haven and Berlin Main Street.
Berlin has held its community yard sale event for five years, Wells said. In the past, Berlin’s community yard sale event has seen many residents participating each year.
“We get a variety of submissions from all over the Town of Berlin. Every neighborhood has houses participating … We’ve received submissions anywhere from toys to
AR D Sale Sale
clothing to furniture to tools and a variety of other things that you would typically see in a yard sale,” Wells said.
A list of all the participating houses’ addresses will be posted on the town’s Facebook page and on the window of the Berlin Welcome Center. The list of addresses will also include what each individual yard sale is selling.
Those who are in town limits and want to participate in the event can go to https://berlinmd.gov/ berlin-community-yard-sale/ to sign up. There is no payment required to become a participant. The last day for a resident to enter in the community yard sale is April 3. The list of all the participants’ addresses will be posted on April 4.
