Worcester County’s water rate spike sends shockwaves through Ocean Pines
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
Worcester County’s sudden water and sewer rate hike is hitting Ocean Pines with a financial impact that residents and businesses say is unprecedented. With increases reaching triple digits in some cases, homeowners are reassessing their personal finances while the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) prepares for a major jump in operating costs that will flow directly into next year’s assessments.
For an average household that uses 22,500 gallons of water per quarter, the math is straightforward. At the new usage rate of $5 per 1,000 gallons and a base charge of $209, a typical quarterly bill now totals $321.50 or $1,286 a year. While small increases have occurred
over the years, residents say this level of adjustment is something they have never seen before. Some owners who closely monitor their quarterly usage have said their water habits have not changed, yet their bills have surged abruptly under the new county rates.
The financial shock is even more dramatic for commercial users.
Southgate Grill publicly shared its most recent quarterly bill of $10,862 for the July through September cycle, a 185% increase from the same period last year despite water usage remaining nearly the same. Public Works confirmed that the meter reading was accurate, no leaks were detected and the bill reflected the county’s updated rate structure.
The restaurant’s social media post suggesting a $2 charge for tap water
See RATE SPIKE page 2
Commissioners will discuss the water rate spike on Dec. 2 at 10 a.m at the Worcester County Government Center, 1 W. Market St., in Snow Hill. Residents are invited to speak and the meeting will be live-streamed.
Charges filed in crash that killed local landscaper in Ocean Pines
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
A Parsonsburg man has been charged in connection with the November 2024 crash that killed a Salisbury landscaper along Ocean Parkway. The charges were filed nearly one year after the incident, following a full reconstruction of the events that led to the collision.
The crash occurred on Nov. 16, 2024, at about 8:43 a.m. on Ocean Parkway between Briarcrest Drive
and Beaconhill Road. Investigators reported that the vehicle, operated by William R. Lewis Jr., left the right side of the roadway and struck 35-year-old Ramon Ramirez Castillo, who was standing outside a vehicle in front of 47 Ocean Parkway while discussing a landscaping estimate. Castillo died at the scene.
A reconstruction of the crash took place over the course of a year and examined physical evidence from the roadway, witness accounts, vehicle
See CHARGES FILED page 3
OCEAN PINES • WEST OCEAN CITY • BERLIN MD
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher Charges have now been filed for the 2024 crash that killed a local landscaper.
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was meant to illustrate the severity of the increase and generate public conversation. The business later clarified that no such charge was meant to be fully implemented but said it felt compelled to alert the community to the impact local businesses are now facing.
The Ocean Pines Association is also facing substantial cost pressure. Water and sewer charges apply across all major amenities and office facilities. Early calculations show an estimated increase greater than 300% for the total water costs to OPA. That jump alone could add roughly $21 to each homeowner’s annual assessment in the next budget cycle.
As these new costs come into focus, many are asking how the situation reached this point. The county has said the increase is necessary to stabilize the system and meet long-standing operational demands, yet residents and business owners remain unsure of what specifically triggered such a dramatic jump. Some question whether years of deferred maintenance or financial problems within the enterprise fund contributed to the sudden shift. Without a detailed explanation
from the county, property owners are left to assume the adjustment may be tied to previous deficiencies or reported mismanagement rather than to current usage or system needs.
Homeowners who exceed average usage will face even higher bills under the new structure. Seasonal residents may also see unplanned increases, particularly those who use their properties during peak summer months. Small businesses that rely heavily on water, including restaurants, laundromats, gyms, salons and campgrounds, may be forced to adjust their operations to manage the higher costs.
County Commissioner Chip Bertino released a statement on Nov. 21 addressing the growing concern. He noted that, in response to questions arising from recently received water bills, the commissioners have requested additional information from staff that will be discussed at the Dec. 2 commissioner meeting. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. and is open to the public. A public comment period at the start will allow residents to share their thoughts. The session will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend. For now, Ocean Pines residents and businesses continue to brace for a significant utility increase.
Accepting New Patients
Impact of Worcester County’s rate increase is evident in the October report, as Ocean Pines’ water and sewer costs skyrocketed from $47,000 budgeted to $125,000 year-to-date.
Riddle Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant restored after years of pumping to Ocean Pines
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
The Riddle Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant is fully operational again after a long period in which wastewater from the Glen Riddle community had to be pumped and hauled to the Ocean Pines and West Ocean City treatment systems. The plant, which serves the Riddle Farm Sanitary Service Area, resumed full operation in early November following a major rehabilitation effort that began in June 2024.
The facility had been functioning at a sharply reduced capacity since 2017 due to clogging problems in the membrane filtration equipment installed that year. Those issues caused repeated treatment failures and prevented the plant from processing all of the wastewater generated within the service area. Beginning in 2018, county crews were required to pump and haul wastewater from Glen Riddle to the Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant as well as to the West Ocean City sewer system for treatment. This temporary arrangement lasted more than seven years and became part of the county’s ongoing operations.
Because the Riddle Farm plant was operating at only a fraction of
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data and the moments leading up to impact. At the conclusion of that review, Lewis was charged with causing serious physical injury or death of a vulnerable individual while operating a motor vehicle. He also faces a charge of negligent driving in a careless and imprudent manner. The charge requires a mandatory court appearance, and no plea has been entered.
Court records from the District Court of Maryland in Snow Hill show the case was officially opened on Nov. 14, 2025. Additional filings submitted on Nov. 18 include an attorney appearance, a demand for a speedy trial, a request for discovery and inspection, a motion to suppress or exclude evidence with requests for dismissal and severance and a separate motion to dismiss. No disposition appears on the docket as of press time. The preliminary inquiry is scheduled
its intended capacity, Glen Riddle remained dependent on the Ocean Pines facility to handle a portion of its wastewater flow until repairs could be completed. The hauling arrangement kept the sanitary district in compliance with treatment requirements but added significant operational costs, increased traffic at the Ocean Pines plant and placed added strain on local infrastructure, something that was already high due to new area development. With the Riddle Farm facility now restored, the wastewater from that service area will no longer be received or processed by Ocean Pines, a routine which Worcester County was being compensated approximately $532,000 annually for.
The rehabilitation project was launched to correct the membrane clogging that had disrupted operations for years. The work included replacing the membrane filtration cassettes, adjusting treatment processes and addressing the mechanical and operational issues that contributed to extended system failures. The county reports that the project remained within budget and was completed on schedule.
With the plant now functioning as intended, all wastewater generated within the Riddle Farm Sanitary Service Area is being treated onsite
for Dec. 18, 2025, at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1 of the Worcester District Court in Snow Hill.
Castillo, originally from El Palmar Chichiquila Puebla, was described last year as a hardworking small-business owner who built his landscaping company after several years with T. Oliphant Lawn Care. Friends and family said he was known for his positive nature, his love of the outdoors and the pride he took in his work. Customers often spoke of his reliability and the care he put into each project.
A celebration of life was held on Nov. 21, 2024, at Oak Ridge Church in Salisbury, where loved ones and community members gathered to remember him and offer support to his family.
Editor’s Note: All individuals mentioned in this story are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report does not express or imply any opinion regarding the charges or the incident.
again. Pump-and-haul operations stopped about ten days before the county’s November announcement. This marks the first time since 2017 that the sanitary district has been able to rely fully on its own treatment capacity.
Now that full operation has been restored at Riddle Farm, the sanitary district is expected to run more efficiently, without the costly and labor-intensive pumping and hauling that defined the last several years. The change represents a significant operational shift for Glen Riddle residents, many of whom may not have been aware of how dependent their community had become on emergency pumping to maintain sanitary service.
The return of the Riddle Farm plant to full capacity concludes a long-running operational challenge that affected multiple districts and required extensive coordination. With the plant restored, the county will focus on monitoring long-term performance and ensuring the upgraded system continues to operate reliably.
The Riddle Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant is back to full operation, following a major rehabilitation project that ended the community’s long reliance on pumping and hauling wastewater to Ocean Pines and West Ocean City.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Major housing project proposed on Route 589 begins county review
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
A proposed 137-unit housing development known as Racetrack Village has entered Worcester County’s review process, marking the first step toward what could become one of the largest multifamily projects built along Route 589 (Racetrack Road) near Ocean Pines. The concept plan was presented Nov. 12 during a Technical Review Committee meeting in Snow Hill, where county agencies issued extensive comments on infrastructure, utilities and transportation issues that must be resolved before the development can advance. The property is owned by Maryland Medical Owners II LLC and Maryland Medical Owners III LLC.
The project is planned for a 23-acre site on the east side of Racetrack Road, between the Ocean Pines southgate entrance and Atlantic General Outpatient Center. The
preliminary schematic of the project, provided by Vista Design, Inc., as part of the Step I concept plan, shows multi-family buildings, a pool and pool house, internal roadways and a future commercial area along the Route 589 frontage. Racetrack Village is proposed as a residential planned community, a classification that requires multiple stages of review and approval from both the Worcester County Planning Commission and the county commissioners.
One of the most significant challenges that the project faces involves water and sewer capacity within the Ocean Pines Sanitary District. According to the Department of Environmental Programs, the parcels currently have only one EDU—the volume of wastewater generated by a single-family home—allocated to them by the district. The development, however, requires 137 EDUs. The developer must acquire the remaining 136 EDUs before final site plan approval. Without the necessary
sewer capacity, no building or utility permits can be issued.
Water and Wastewater Superintendent Tony Fascelli advised that full utility plans must be submitted and must comply with the GMB 589 study, which governs water and sewer capacity in the Route 589 corridor. The pool and pool house will also need their own EDU and a dedicated water meter if bathrooms or showers are planned, he said. Water main looping may be required to strengthen pressure and service throughout the project.
Complicating the review is an unresolved financial issue. In a Nov. 3 email, county engineer Dallas Baker reported that the developer still owes Worcester County $22,733.02 in inspection escrow related to a previous Atlantic General Hospital project. Until the amount is paid in full, the prior project cannot be accepted as complete, and the county will not proceed with further review for
Racetrack Village. Escrow accounts cover inspection and technical review costs, and outstanding balances must be resolved before subsequent applications can move forward.
Transportation requirements are another major concern due to the project’s location along Route 589. The site is subject to the Maryland Route 589 Transportation Corridor Plan, which mandates a future 40-foot right-of-way widening. The developer must show the future widened right-of-way on all plans and measure building setbacks from that line, not the current roadway. This will affect the placement of buildings, parking, stormwater areas and landscaping. Additional traffic analysis will be required when the Step II master plan is submitted.
County officials also asked for more information about the layout and structure of the development. A full phasing plan must be submitted
Racetrack Village,
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showing construction timelines and the boundaries of each phase. Under county code, all perimeter landscaping, entrance landscaping and stormwater pond landscaping must be included in the first phase of construction. Staff also asked the developer to clarify the building type. The narrative referenced multifamily units, while the site plan shows townhouse-style units. The distinction affects parking, density and emergency access requirements.
The concept plan includes 344 parking spaces, but county staff asked for details on how the total was calculated, how it aligns with unit count and if it will accommodate any future commercial use. Additionally, reviewers requested clarification on pavement materials and patterns shown on the plan, including areas marked with grayand-yellow shading.
Beyond these requests, county officials reminded the developer of the landscaping that is required by county regulation. Specifically, they stated that a landscape screen must be built along Route 589 within five years in order to create a full visual barrier between the community
and the road. Staff also informed the developer that the pool for the proposed community will require approval from the Worcester County Health Department and that the Step II master plan must include a lighting plan that shows fixture types and lighting levels in addition to dumpster locations with their fencing and screening details.
Once all of the technical details are sorted out, the only hurdles in the way of Step I concept plan approval are a few administrative steps. The first of these includes the Technical Review Committee issuing a written report that summarizes all comments regarding the Step I concept plan. After that is issued, the planning commission will meet with the developer, review the materials and possibly conduct a site visit. For the next step, the commission will prepare findings and a recommendation for the county commissioners, who must hold a public hearing within 90 days unless extended. Finally, the commissioners will then vote to approve or deny the Step I concept plan. If approved, the developer must accept the approval in writing within 90 days or it becomes void.
If Step I approval is granted, the developer must submit Step II within
The combination of EDU shortages, infrastructure demands, transportation constraints and an unresolved escrow balance suggests that the review process will be lengthy.
one year. One extension of up to one year may be granted if requested at least 60 days before expiration. Step I approval is considered a rezoning action and is subject to appeal. Any residential planned community approval remains tied to the property and applies to all future owners.
Racetrack Village is proposed for a corridor experiencing increasing development pressure and traffic growth. Route 589 serves as a main entrance to Ocean Pines, and any large multi-family project will likely attract public interest regarding potential impacts on traffic, utilities, emergency response and community character. The development surrounds the Gudelsky Family Medical Center, which resulted from a scaled-down plan for a much larger medical campus originally proposed more than a decade ago.
County officials emphasized that Racetrack Village is still in the earliest stage of review and faces significant requirements before approvals can be granted. The combination of EDU shortages, infrastructure demands, transportation constraints and an unresolved escrow balance suggests that the review process will be lengthy. The future of the project will depend on how the developer responds to the technical and regulatory issues identified by county staff.
ROC Edition will continue to follow the progress of Racetrack Village as it moves through planning commission review and public hearings.
Massive blaze levels Bayside Jet Drive building in Berlin
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
A devastating fire tore through Bayside Jet Drive in Berlin on Nov. 13, destroying the marine service building, dozens of personal watercraft and all contents inside. The blaze triggered a multi-alarm response across Worcester, Wicomico and Sussex counties, drawing nearly a dozen fire departments and more than 40 units to the property along Worcester Highway.
Fire crews were dispatched shortly after 1:20 p.m. when callers reported heavy smoke and fire pushing through the roof of the single-story commercial structure. By the time firefighters arrived, the building was already fully involved. Command immediately requested a tanker task force to ensure a steady water supply and departments from across the region responded to support Berlin Fire Company at the scene.
Master streams, aerial units and tanker shuttles were positioned around the structure as flames pushed through the roof and walls. Conditions deteriorated rapidly due to the presence of jet skis, boats, fuel tanks, plastics and other marine-industry combustibles inside the building. Firefighters were forced into defensive operations, focusing on containing the fire and preventing spread to nearby properties.
Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department responded as part of the multi-agency effort, sending Engine 1102, Tower 11 and Rescue 11 with both career and volunteer firefighters working side by side. Units from Wicomico County and Sussex County, Del., also assisted as crews coordinated water supply, aerial operations and exterior suppression during the three-alarm fire.
Despite the size of the fire and the number of responding companies, no injuries were reported among employees or firefighters. Crews remained on scene for hours as the structure collapsed and hotspots continued to burn beneath layers of twisted metal and debris. Estimates suggested that more than 150,000 gallons of water were used during the initial attack, with additional water applied throughout the night.
By the following morning, the full extent of the damage was unmistakable. The building was completely destroyed, leaving only deformed metal, collapsed framing and the burned remains of boats
and equipment that had been stored inside. The smell of smoke and ash hung thick in the air as a few individuals sifted through debris, searching for anything salvageable. Even at a distance, the odor clung to clothing and skin, a sharp reminder of the intensity of the blaze and the total loss of everything within the structure.
The property, owned and operated by Worcester County Commissioner Eric Fiori and his wife, served as a sales and service center for personal watercraft. The economic loss is expected to be substantial, with dozens of vessels, tools, lifts, parts and building systems destroyed. Fiori said he is devastated by the loss but overwhelmingly grateful that no one was injured and that every firefighter returned home safely.
The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation into the cause of the fire. As of press time, officials had not released any preliminary findings and the building’s collapse has slowed early access to interior areas of interest. It may take weeks before a cause is confirmed.
The multi-agency response once again highlighted the strength of the local fire service network. Berlin Fire Company received assistance from Showell, Ocean Pines, Bishopville, Ocean City, Parsonsburg, Pittsville, Powellville, Selbyville and other departments. Tanker operations were coordinated to maintain a continuous water supply as crews rotated throughout the afternoon and evening.
For many in the community, the fire underscored how quickly a commercial blaze can grow beyond
the reach of initial suppression efforts, especially in facilities that store fuel, fiberglass, plastics and other high-heat materials. It also demonstrated the cooperation among local volunteer and career firefighting agencies during largescale emergencies.
Cleanup and recovery operations are expected to take time. Because the fire involved marine equipment and fuel sources, environmental assessments may be required to address runoff and residue. Structural engineers and insurance
representatives will work with the owners to determine whether the business can be rebuilt on site or will need to relocate.
As the investigation continues, local officials say additional updates will be released once the Fire Marshal’s Office completes its review. In the meantime, the community has rallied around the owners, employees and first responders who faced one of the region’s most destructive commercial fires in recent years.
STATEMENT FROM BAYSIDE JET DRIVE OWNER ERIC FIORI
The following message was shared by Bayside Jet Drive owner and Worcester County Commissioner Eric Fiori in the aftermath of the Nov. 13 fire.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who responded during the fire at Bayside Jet Drive. While the loss of the building and everything inside is devastating, I am profoundly grateful that every person is safe and that all of our first responders returned home unharmed.
At the end of the day, nothing matters more than that.
“To the firefighters and first responders who acted with courage, precision and unwavering professionalism, thank you. Your service protected lives, and my family and See BAYSIDE JET DRIVE page 8
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions work to contain a massive Nov. 13 blaze that ultimately destroyed the Bayside Jet Drive building in Berlin.
ROC Edition • Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department
Ocean Pines Police to equip officers with modern Taser devices
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
Starting early next year, Ocean Pines Police officers will see the newest generation of Tasers added to their toolbelt, offering them a critical device for gaining control of dangerous situations without the use of a firearm, according to Police Chief Tim Robinson. The decision reflects the department’s effort to align its equipment with current policing standards and enhance safety across the community.
Questions from residents prompted the need for clarification after the terms “stun gun” and “Taser” began circulating interchangeably in public discussions. When asked whether the department was receiving Tasers or stun guns, Chief Robinson said the equipment being purchased are Tasers, noting that modern models are designed to perform both functions by projecting probes from a distance or delivering a direct-contact shock within the same device. While the older term “stun gun” referred to a separate, contact-only tool, current Taser units combine the two capabilities into a single, updated platform.
To help residents understand exactly what officers will be issued, it is useful to break down how modern Tasers work. According to Robinson, the Ocean Pines Police Department will be equipping officers with the Axon Taser 7, the company’s newest generation Taser, which offers two modes. The
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I will never forget it.
“To our neighbors, the Ladies Auxiliary and every member of the community who showed up with water, snacks and food, your kindness in the midst of chaos reminded us what Worcester County is all about. I am especially grateful to the neighbor who stopped and prayed with me in that moment. Your compassion gave me strength when I needed it most.
“I also want to thank the friends who checked in, supported our children and stood by our side; the teachers who stepped in to help my wife so she could be with me; and our Bayside Jet Drive team, who handled an unbearable situation with grace and resilience.
“This tragedy strikes deeply for our family. My wife lost her mother
first, known as probe mode, fires two small barbed probes that attach to the target. These probes remain connected to the device by thin wires that deliver a controlled electrical cycle. When both probes make proper contact, the device disrupts the body’s neuromuscular system, causing an involuntary loss of control for several seconds. This gives officers time to safely restrain someone who may be resisting or posing a threat without resorting to physical force or lethal weapons. This mode is considered the most effective because it relies on neuromuscular incapacitation rather than pain.
The second mode, known as direct-contact or drive-stun, requires the officer to hold the device against a person’s body to deliver a pain-compliance shock. This does not incapacitate the person in the same way probe deployment does. Instead, it creates intense discomfort designed to gain compliance during a physical struggle or to discourage aggressive behavior. Because this technique requires direct contact, it carries more risk than probe mode and is generally considered a secondary option.
Historically, standalone stun guns offered only this close-contact method. They did not project probes and did not disable muscle control. They were more commonly marketed to civilians and security personnel than to police. As electronic-control technology advanced, manufacturers began integrating
both distance and contact functions into a single unit. The term “stun gun” became outdated as modern Tasers replaced older models. Today, the devices used by law enforcement are engineered, tested and certified to meet strict safety standards not found in older stun gun designs.
The Taser’s origins date back to the 1970s, when researcher Jack Cover created the first prototype and named it after the adventure novel “Tom A. Swift’s Electric Rifle,” abbreviated as TASER. The technology evolved rapidly in the 1990s, leading to the formation of the company known as Taser International. In 2017, the company rebranded as Axon Enterprise, which
today remains the primary provider of Tasers and body-worn camera systems used in policing.
For Ocean Pines, the addition of modern Tasers provides officers with an important tool that sits between verbal commands and lethal force. One officer has already completed Axon’s training course, and additional training, procedures and policies will be put in place before the devices are issued more broadly, according to Police Chief Robinson. The department anticipates having officers equipped with the new Tasers in early 2026 once all training and operational requirements are met.
to a fire and we carry that loss with us every day. That history is why we are overwhelmingly thankful to God that no one was injured.
“As both a business owner and a Worcester County commissioner, I have always believed in the strength of this community. Yesterday, I saw that strength firsthand. The road ahead will be difficult, but with your support—our customers, our friends, our family and our community—we will rebuild.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with us during this painful time. We are grateful beyond words, and we will rise again.”
Eric Fiori Owner, Bayside Jet Drive
Worcester
County Commissioner
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Ocean Pines Police will begin issuing officers the newest generation of Tasers in early 2026, providing them a reliable alternative to firearm use.
St. Paul’s by-the-Sea: Historic church expands its social mission as the needs of Ocean City grow
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
Before most of downtown wakes up, the kitchen at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Protestant Episcopal Church is already in motion. Coffee brews, volunteers unload a delivery from the Maryland Food Bank and trays of chicken are prepared for the taco casserole that will be served for lunch. In the Parish Hall, more volunteers set up tables for the steady line of guests who depend on the church for a hot meal, groceries and a moment of safety.
Scenes like this unfold five days a week at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea, one of Ocean City’s oldest buildings and a parish whose outreach programs have become essential to the community. The church’s mission has grown in response to the pressures facing many who live and work in the resort town, including seasonal employment gaps, housing shortages and rising food insecurity.
“Our mission here at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea is to feed people today. We want to make sure no one goes away hungry,” said the Rev. Jill Williams, the Rector of St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. “What makes us different is we will serve anyone who comes to our door, no matter what. We have no requirements.”
The historic church, built in 1900 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, remains an anchor in downtown Ocean City while expanding its mission to meet modern needs. The Carpenter Gothic building stands at 302 N. Baltimore Street and now serves as both a spiritual home and a hub of social outreach rooted in the parish’s mission to “Love God, Serve the World.”
The church’s food outreach began 27 years ago when parishioners prepared simple sandwiches and handed them out to locals in need. What started as an informal act of care has grown into an organized ministry that now feeds between 50 and 60 people a day in the off-season and between 130 and 140 a day in the summer. Guests receive a hot meal, groceries and access to the food pantry, which offers fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, milk, pantry staples and ready-to-eat items. Unlike traditional food programs that distribute prepacked bags, the pantry allows guests to select the items they prefer.
This model restores dignity, reduces waste and meets people’s real dietary needs.
The food ministry is coordinated by Director of Outreach Ministries Jill Lake of Ocean Pines. Lake supports and oversees the church’s outreach efforts and works closely with volunteers who help operate the daily pantry. Lake also recently organized a salmon and chicken community dinner with a grocery giveaway, an event the church will now host on the third Wednesday of each month. The outreach leadership reflects a growing focus on helping those who struggle not only with food insecurity but with the broader challenges of living and working in a seasonal resort economy.
One of the most urgent issues facing the community is housing instability. In July 2025, Worcester County enacted an ordinance prohibiting anyone from sleeping outside on public property. Individuals who do not meet eligibility requirements for local shelters often have nowhere to go, especially during dangerous weather. Pastor Jill said the congregation is discerning how to respond and the urgency of the situation has become impossible to ignore.
“Over the past several months there have been a few nights that we have chosen to house individuals who had nowhere else to go,” Pastor Jill said. “We had a nor’easter and a few nights where the temperatures dipped below freezing with the wind chill. Our clients were not eligible for other shelters, so our volunteers rose to the occasion, prepared a hot meal and let them sleep in the parish hall. It is the core of our faith that compels us to do this.”
These emergency actions have encouraged the church to explore a more structured approach for nights when weather or circumstances create immediate danger. Volunteers have prepared sleeping areas, meals and essential supplies in DeWees Hall for times when those without shelter face risk. While the church is not operating as a full-time shelter, St. Paul’s by-the-Sea is stepping in when the need is critical and no other options exist.
As outreach continues to expand, so does the need for volunteers, supplies and financial support. The church offers training to new volunteers preparing meals, organizing pantry shelves or helping during community dinners. The program relies on individual donors, partnerships with the Maryland Food Bank and local businesses willing to contribute food or resources.
Those wishing to support the outreach ministries of St. Paul’s by-the-Sea can volunteer, donate food or make financial contributions to help sustain the pantry, meal service and emergency shelter efforts. The church welcomes new volunteers throughout the year. For more information or to get involved, visit www.stpaulsbythesea.org or email outreach@stpaulsbythesea.org
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Volunteers at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea prepare warm, fresh meals every weekday for anyone in need. Meals are available to all who come. Pictured above are some of the volunteers who selflessly assist with this effort: JoAnn Warren (middle left), Lindsay Graham (middle right) and Tom DiGirolamo (bottom).
ROC Edition • Submitted
New sign restriction negatively affects Ocean Pines clubs and community events
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
Ocean Pines nonprofits are sounding the alarm after a new restriction on signs along Ocean Parkway triggered a steep drop in attendance, sales and community participation at long-standing events. Leaders from the Pine’eer Craft Club and the Kiwanis Club are voicing concerns that the policy is crippling their ability to raise money for local programs, attract visitors to White Horse Park and sustain the community traditions that have defined Ocean Pines for decades.
For 45 years, the Pine’eer Craft Club has held two annual craft fairs, including its major holiday fair each November at the Ocean Pines Community Center. In the past, professionally-made signs placed along Ocean Parkway served as the club’s most reliable promotional tool for each fundraiser, drawing steady and predictable traffic from both residents and surrounding communities. This year, however, after being told signs were no longer permitted, the club watched attendance collapse.
Sharon Puser, who has served in leadership for many years and is now in her 12th year as president of the Pine’eer Craft Club, described the impact that resulted from adhering to the rule. Speaking to the Ocean Pines Board of Directors, she said the holiday fair saw turnout drop by roughly 50%. Vendors reported sales down by 30% or more and several questioned whether they would sign up again.
“Our vendors were shocked by the lack of traffic,” Puser said. “These are people who have come year after year. Many told us they might not return. We cannot sustain our craft fair if we start losing vendors.”
The club followed the new rule precisely, opting to place signs at the entrance of the community instead of along the parkway. To make up for the potential loss in outreach, they increased newspaper advertising, expanded the size of print ads, boosted Facebook promotions, distributed flyers around town and relied on the electronic signs inside Ocean Pines. But none of it came close to replacing the visibility the parkway signage had always provided.
“The feedback we got was that people thought the event had been canceled,” Puser said. “They didn’t
see any signs, so they assumed nothing was happening.”
The impact extends beyond the craft fairs. The Artisan Gift Shop, located in White Horse Park near where the Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Marketplace is held, saw sales collapse as well. The shop is typically busy on Saturdays when the marketplace is open and new Sunday hours were added to meet demand. Without signage, Sunday sales fell to just $15. Only after the club sought permission to restore a small Sunday sign did Sunday business rebound.
The Pine’eer Craft Club is not a small operation. Its work supports Ocean Pines directly. Last year, the club donated more than $10,000 back to the community. Since its inception, it has contributed over $195,000 to Ocean Pines programs, amenities and needs.
“This isn’t just about a craft fair,” Puser said. “This is about the lifeblood of what we give back to Ocean Pines.”
The Kiwanis Club offered similar concerns. Speaking during public comments, Candace Foreman, an active member, said attendance at the club’s recent pancake breakfast fell sharply, a change she attributed to the absence of parkway signage.
“People depend on those old-fashioned signs,” Foreman said. “Our regulars look for them. Without them, many didn’t know the breakfast was happening.”
The Kiwanis Club also donates money back to the community and relies heavily on revenue from its fundraisers. Like the Pine’eer Craft Club, Kiwanis members said advertising through newspapers, Facebook or digital boards cannot replace the simple visibility that signs at the entrances and along Ocean Parkway historically provided.
“Our customers come every year,” Foreman said. “But they need to know when the event is happening. We cannot sustain our programs without that revenue.”
White Horse Park vendors are seeing similar declines. A Farmers and Artisans Marketplace vendor told Puser that traffic has been “lighter and lighter,” with last Saturday described as the slowest in years. The market operates yearround and is a vital part of weekend activity in the Pines. Reduced visibility hurts vendors, the Artisan Gift Shop and the Pine’eer Craft Shop, all of which depend on foot traffic
‘Our customers come every year. But they need to know when the event is happening. We cannot sustain our programs without that revenue.’
-Candace Foreman
generated by signage and community awareness.
Residents also raised concerns about potential inconsistencies. Despite being told signs were prohibited, Puser noted that other organizations were able to post signs during the same period, causing confusion among groups that believed they were following a new standard.
Both clubs requested that the board restore the long-standing practice of allowing professional signs and banners two weeks before major nonprofit events. They emphasized that these are not commercial promotions but community fundraisers that directly benefit Ocean Pines residents and programs.
“We have supported this community for decades,” Puser said. “All we are asking is for the ability to continue doing that.”
Nonprofits, artisans and community volunteers say they are hopeful the board will reconsider the policy and open a conversation about balancing aesthetics with the economic reality facing clubs that raise money for Ocean Pines itself.
For now, the message from these groups is clear: Without the visibility they once relied on, Ocean Pines risks losing not only traffic and revenue but also the community traditions and charitable support that have shaped the community for generations.
High risk at 10th hole: Proposed transient boat slips raise safety, navigation and golf course concerns
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
Ocean Pines is once again debating whether a well-intentioned amenity project could create more problems than it solves. A proposal to install four transient boat slips along the Clubhouse Bar & Grille canal near the 10th hole of the golf course drew strong and detailed concerns during public comments at the Oct. 25 Board of Directors meeting and again at the Nov. 22 meeting. The project is still in the planning stage, but residents who live directly along the canal say the location, environmental factors, navigation issues and unclear financial benefit may outweigh any convenience the slips are intended to provide.
The concept calls for four shortterm docking slips that would allow boaters to access the Clubhouse Bar & Grille by water. A pathway would connect the slips to the driving range and up to the Clubhouse. Ocean Pines Association management has said the slips would enhance customer access while causing minimal disruption to golfers.
Residents whose homes overlook the canal, however, say their daily experience and, in one case, professional maritime expertise paint a different picture.
Longtime resident Eric Swanson, a licensed captain of a 900-foot container ship and an expert witness in maritime law cases, explained to the board Nov. 22 that the slips are being proposed at the worst bend in the canal. Boats entering from the St. Martin River naturally stay on the north side of the canal while outbound traffic stays opposite, following standard port-to-port navigation. Installing slips on the inside of a curve, he said, forces inbound boaters to cross the narrow canal directly into potential oncoming traffic.
He noted that during peak months, it becomes a three-lane highway in the narrowest spot, with summer winds pushing down the canal and increasing the risk of drifting vessels, collisions and property damage. Residents also questioned the stated width of the canal at 94.4 feet. With both bulkheads being replaced, the width will shrink by at least 18 inches on each side and boats on private docks extend further into the canal as well. All of this reduces navigable space and tightens an already narrow area.
Environmental concerns were raised as well. The area near the 10th tee box is home to nesting blue herons and an established rookery. Boats approaching and leaving the proposed slips would repeatedly engage and disengage their engines in shallow water, creating fumes, noise and additional disturbance to wildlife. Residents said this is not a no-impact convenience and urged the board to consider what it will mean for the habitat.
Golfers could also be affected. Several residents pointed out that golfers teeing off on the 10th hole will now have boaters walking directly along their line of sight near the tee box. Even if a walkway is technically outside the field of play, the movement is still distracting and raises safety concerns. As one resident said, anyone who golfs knows that having people walking beside you while teeing off is both disruptive and unsafe.
Questions were also raised about the financial justification for the project. Ocean Pines has described the slips as a possible revenue enhancer for the Clubhouse, but residents said the math does not line up. One resident calculated that for the project to become revenue producing, the Clubhouse would need to generate roughly $215,385 more in food-and-beverage sales. With only two realistically usable slips, each approximately four feet by 25 feet, residents argued it is not possible to see that level of return. Some said the project amounts to “two parking spaces on the water,” not a true community revenue generator.
Golfers arriving by boat would likely tie up a slip for the duration
of an 18-hole round, which is four to five hours. If they are joined by someone else arriving by boat, both slips are occupied for the entire round. Residents said this reinforces that the project appears to benefit a very small number of boaters rather than the community as a whole.
Costs were also questioned. The widely shared estimate of $14,000 includes only the slips themselves. The walkway to the Clubhouse is not included in that number. General Manager John Viola confirmed during the meeting that the walkway would be built through in-house labor and is not part of the current estimate, though it still represents a cost. He said if the project moves to another step, a full breakdown will be provided.
Beyond the structural and financial issues, residents raised concerns about lighting, noise, late-night activity, access to the golf course and whether building slips will invite additional unauthorized docking
along the bulkhead, a problem already occurring in the neighborhood. Several residents emphasized that they are not opposed to new ideas but want a full understanding of the risks, costs and impacts before a decision is made.
The proposal remains under review and board members said additional information will be gathered before any design is finalized. Residents said they welcome open discussion and transparency but feel that the current location presents significant safety risks and quality-of-life impacts that have not been fully addressed.
Given the depth of concerns raised and ongoing questions about navigation, golfer safety, environmental impacts and revenue potential, the community conversation about the proposed transient boat slips near the golf course is far from settled.
Continue to page 15 and read the public comments on the proposed boat slip.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Proposed boat slips near Ocean Pines Golf Course’s 10th hole raises questions about boater safety, environmental impact and the canals capacity for safe boat access.
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
Ocean Pines posts $335,469 surplus year-to-date through October ROC Ledger ROC Tribute
The Ocean Pines Association closed October with another month of positive operating performance, finishing $6,023 ahead of budget for the operating fund. The result reinforces the strong fiscal trend seen throughout 2025. Year-to-date, Ocean Pines now stands $335,469 favorable, supported by revenues that continue to exceed expectations and expenses that remain below projections across most departments.
October revenues ended just $5 over budget, while expenses came in $6,018 under budget, resulting in the positive monthly variance. Since May, revenues are $192,950 ahead of projections and expenses remain $142,519 below budget. That combination continues to reflect steady management discipline and consistent performance as the association heads into the winter season.
General Administration recorded a $71,285 unfavorable variance for October because of timing-related spending, but remains $80,307 ahead year-to-date. The Manager’s Office finished October $6,309 favorable and is now $18,586 ahead of budget for the year. Finance continued to perform strongly with a $22,028 favorable variance in October, bringing the department to $94,396 favorable year-to-date. Public Relations also posted a favorable month at $11,940 and remains $53,546 ahead for the year thanks to reduced printing and advertising costs.
Compliance, Permits and Inspections finished October $15,996 unfavorable but is still $11,714 favorable year-to-date. General Maintenance posted an $11,507 favorable variance for the month and now trails its year-to-date target by just $3,512, remaining essentially on track despite higher seasonal demands. Public Works ended October $28,462 favorable and now stands $22,651 ahead year-to-date, continuing to benefit from strong control of staffing, materials and repair expenses.
Public safety operations remain stable. Fire/EMS posted no variance for the month, reflecting its annualized funding structure. The Police Department remains in a negative year-to-date position; however, the department’s actual deficit is $27,005 less than the amount anticipated in the budget.
Recreation and Parks remains in a year-to-date deficit, but the department is performing significantly better than projected. The year-todate loss of $186,303 is $43,171 better than budget, reflecting stronger program participation, careful scheduling and lower-thanexpected expenses across several fall activities. While still operating in the negative, the department continues to narrow the gap compared to earlier projections and remains on a stable track heading into the winter programming cycle.
Racquet Sports continues to be one of the association’s most challenged departments financially. Although year-to-date operations are essentially at break-even, with a small $622 deficit, the budget anticipated $61,401 in positive contribution, placing the department $62,023 below expectations. Revenue remains well under plan, signaling continued softness in member participation and program usage. The association is expected to conduct a detailed review later this fiscal year to determine whether adjustments to pricing, programming or facility strategy will be needed heading into 2026.
Aquatics ended October $8,907 unfavorable as post-summer activity tapered off. The department remains $27,229 below budget year-to-date but continues to perform ahead of last year’s levels.
Golf Operations posted a $7,147 unfavorable variance in October but remains one of the association’s strongest amenities with a $29,408 favorable variance year-to-date. Member play, league participation and improved course conditions continue to support steady performance.
Beach Parking finished the month essentially on target at $31 unfavorable and now stands $18,086 below budget year-to-date, though it generated more than $520,000 in revenue during the summer season.
Marinas posted an $8,431 favorable variance for October and now stands $51,732 ahead year-to-date. Slip rentals and late-season demand continue to outperform expectations, reinforcing the amenity’s role as one of Ocean Pines’ most reliable revenue sources.
See SURPLUS page 13
Continued from page 12
Food and Beverage finished October with a $34,554 favorable variance. Under the Touch of Italy lease model, the department remains $6,779 favorable year-to-date and continues to provide stable revenue through a fixed lease payment and percentage of sales.
Infrastructure support through Public Works and General Maintenance continues to track within normal ranges as the association moves through fall maintenance cycles and prepares for winter workloads.
With year-to-date revenues exceeding projections and expenses well controlled across core departments, Ocean Pines continues to hold a strong financial position entering the winter months. The $335,469 surplus provides the association added flexibility for long-term planning, ongoing maintenance and capital projects, including the new South Side Fire Station and future Racquet Center improvements.
For homeowners, October’s results reinforce the continued financial stability of the community. Ocean Pines remains on solid footing, supported by dependable
amenity performance, disciplined spending and careful management as it prepares for the next phase of fiscal year 2026–27 planning.
In summary: General Manager John Viola described October as “essentially flat,” noting that the overall result aligned closely with expectations until an unexpected expense shifted the month’s final position. Viola said the association received a significantly higher water and wastewater treatment bill for the most recent quarter, an increase he described as a “high-and-tight fastball” rather than the typical budget fluctuation he plans for. While the expense was absorbed within the broader operating budget, the size of the increase created a noticeable impact.
Viola emphasized that the elevated utility cost was reflected primarily under the “Other” line in the operating report, where several favorable departmental variances helped offset the hit. He noted that more quarters remain in the fiscal year and additional adjustments are expected as Ocean Pines continues to respond to the county’s newly implemented rate structure.
Despite that challenge, Viola said he was “very pleased” with the overall numbers, pointing out that most departments across the
association performed at or above expectations. Food and Beverage was again highlighted as a bright spot. Viola reminded the Board of Directors that, earlier this year, the association moved insurance costs for Food and Beverage out of the Administrative budget and into the Food and Beverage line, where the actual expenses occur. The board and the Budget and Finance Committee agreed to the adjustment, allowing the budget to properly reflect the new lease structure under Touch of Italy.
Because that realignment placed insurance within the department rather than in General Administration, the October variance now shows a clearer picture of Food and Beverage performance. Viola noted that the $34,554 favorable variance for the month represented not only strong operations but months of under-reflected performance prior to the budget change. “We’re now seeing the true numbers,” he said, adding that the department continues to operate ahead of projections.
Finance showed positive results largely due to open positions, while Marketing produced a mix of savings from salaries and project timing. Recreation and Parks continued to benefit from strong programming and seasonal participation. Viola also highlighted the Marinas, which delivered another solid month through competitive purchasing strategies, fuel sourcing and vendor negotiations.
The general manager’s office, he noted, showed favorability in part because of grant funds that were not included in the original budget. Viola said these grants
directly reduce actual spending and strengthen the association’s year-end position.
Addressing the broader financial picture, Viola reiterated an important point often raised during the monthly meetings: Year-to-date favorability does not translate into surplus cash sitting unused. Favorability, he said, becomes part of the balance sheet and is directly applied during the budget process to help stabilize or reduce future assessments. “We do utilize this favorability,” he said. “We utilize it in the budget, which keeps your assessment low.” He reminded homeowners that the current assessment is $875, still below the historic high of $996 several years ago.
Viola encouraged any resident with questions to reach out through the association’s main information line or by visiting his office. “I’ll go through the numbers with you,” he said, stressing that transparency and accessibility remain priorities.
He concluded his report with an update on reserves, noting that the association’s combined reserve balances currently total approximately $6 million. Viola described the reserves as “our health,” comparing them to a household savings account used for major replacements, long-term projects and unexpected needs.
Overall, Viola said he remains confident in the association’s financial direction. Despite the surprise water and sewer bill, Ocean Pines continues to maintain a strong yearto-date operating position, supported by solid departmental performance, disciplined expense management and steady revenue trends heading into the winter months.
Project management of key initiatives in process as Ocean Pines begins 2026–27 budget planning
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
As the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) enters the early stages of the 2026–27 budget planning process, the general manager’s office continues to advance a wide range of operational and capital initiatives. These efforts stretch across public safety, amenities, beautification, infrastructure and long-term planning. Together they represent a coordinated project-management approach designed to keep Ocean Pines moving forward while maintaining service quality and controlling costs.
The following is an overview of several of the most significant initiatives underway, along with updates on community priorities highlighted during recent board meetings.
FIREHOUSE AND PUBLIC SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE
Planning and preparation for the new South Side Fire Station remain at the top of Ocean Pines’ long-term capital priorities. The project is progressing through design refinement and pre-construction tasks, including architectural planning, mechanical layout and coordination with the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department.
The association continues to work closely with fire department leadership to ensure the design reflects the needs of modern emergency operations. As the project moves closer to the permitting and bid stage, Ocean Pines is positioning itself to begin construction in alignment with projected timelines, with breaking ground planned for either January or February.
This initiative remains one of the most consequential long-term investments in Ocean Pines and is a central component of the 2026–27 planning framework.
BEAUTIFICATION AND SEASONAL DECORATIONS
Community beautification continues to be a visible and ongoing effort. Recent years have shown how strongly residents respond to enhancements in landscaping, signage, lighting and seasonal displays. These improvements support the overall appearance of Ocean Pines while strengthening pride and community identity.
Current beautification work includes continued replacement and enhancement of aging plantings,
seasonal decorations and lighting installations across major entrances, improvements around public buildings and high-traffic amenities and expansion of landscaped areas near the community center and Yacht Club.
The general manager’s office emphasized that beautification is not a single project but an evolving cycle of upgrades and maintenance, especially as Ocean Pines seeks to maintain strong curb appeal for both residents and visitors. These efforts are expected to remain a budget priority heading into 2026.
GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE AND IRRIGATION UPGRADES
The Ocean Pines Golf Course continues to be one of the association’s strongest amenities and a key contributor to operating revenue. With sustained member participation, league activity and daily play, maintaining the quality of the course remains essential.
Recent investments include irrigation system maintenance and phased upgrades, tree management and removal where root systems threaten turf or drainage, improvements at the driving range and regular fairway and green maintenance to preserve course conditions through winter.
These efforts align with a broader project-management timeline that spreads upgrades across fiscal years, avoiding large cost spikes and preserving playability. As the slips proposal near hole 10 continues to draw public comment, internal work on course conditions remains strong and steady, shaping future planning discussions.
AMENITY IMPROVEMENTS AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Ocean Pines maintains a wide portfolio of amenities, from aquatics and racquet sports to marinas, parks and golf operations. The general manager’s current management approach prioritizes upgrading customer experience across heavily used facilities, addressing aging infrastructure, reviewing long-term needs for key amenities and aligning capital projects with the multi-year budget cycle.
Among the projects now under review are enhancements at the Clubhouse, continued improvements at the Marina and selective upgrades that support program growth in Recreation and Parks. As performance data from 2025
continues to show strong amenity participation, the general manager’s team is building a multi-year plan that protects this revenue while ensuring facilities remain modern and functional.
VEHICLES AND FLEET MANAGEMENT
Fleet replacement and maintenance remain important operational components across Public Works, General Maintenance, Public Safety and Recreation and Parks. Ocean Pines continues to focus on replacing aging utility vehicles on a planned cycle, tracking equipment readiness and repair frequency and aligning capital vehicle purchases with the seasonal workload.
This approach allows the association to control long-term costs while ensuring essential services remain uninterrupted. Fleet needs remain part of the upcoming 2026–27 budget framework and will be evaluated as project priorities are ranked.
IT UPDATES
The Ocean Pines mobile app, originally soft-launched earlier this year, is now fully live, and residents are encouraged to explore its many features.
According to IT Manager Keith Calabrese, the app can be accessed through the OPA website, which also provides simple instructions for downloading it. With the app, users are able to access their Ocean Pines membership account to make payments, review statements, book tee times, receive important notifications and even pay their annual assessment.
Calabrese stated that the newly-released app is only the first iteration, and an upgraded version is expected to be released next year.
LEAF COLLECTION AND SEASONAL OPERATIONS
Leaf collection is now underway, with Public Works managing one of the community’s largest seasonal responsibilities. Leaves contained in paper bags will be collected from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31, on the opposite days of trash pick up. Paper leaf bags are available at Public Works at a discounted rate compared to other options, such as Home Depot.
Residents may also drop off paper bagged leaves at the Public Works yard from Nov. 24 through Jan. 3, excluding holidays and Sundays. Public Works emphasized that any leaves raked to the road or into the ditch will receive a violation notice.
LOOKING AHEAD
As Ocean Pines begins shaping its 2026–27 budget, the general manager’s office continues to advance a wide range of initiatives that impact infrastructure, amenities and overall quality of life throughout the community. From major capital projects like the South Side Fire Station to everyday operations such as beautification and required maintenance, these efforts reflect the association’s ongoing commitment to long-term planning and responsible financial management.
With multiple projects moving simultaneously, Ocean Pines enters the 2026–27 budget planning process with a clear picture of both current needs and future priorities.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Residents comment on proposed transient boat slips
My name is Eric Swanson. I have been a resident of Ocean Pines for 31 years. My home is right on the 10th tee. I was unable to attend the Oct. 25 meeting because I was at sea; I’m the captain of a 900-foot container vessel, but my neighbors Jean and Fran Higgins spoke in my absence and voiced many of the same concerns I am raising today.
When I returned home, I reviewed the proposal in detail. I work in a field where minimizing risk is critical, and I also serve as an expert witness in maritime law cases involving serious incidents. With that background, I have concerns about risk, navigation, environmental impact and safety.
First, on navigation: The normal flow of boat traffic coming in from the bay stays on the north side of the canal. Outbound traffic travels on the opposite side. It’s a standard port-to-port navigational pass. With
My name is Amy Peck. I’m not a boating expert, and I’m glad we had one speak today regarding safety, but I can take measurements and based on what I see, it does not appear that four boats will comfortably fit on the docks.
I support revenue-generating projects. I want Ocean Pines to be creative and smart with new ideas. And I was actually relieved to hear the estimated cost of this project is only $14,000. I assumed it
My name is Jean Higgins. I’m the one who wrote the detailed letter outlining our concerns, and our neighbors are here as well.
I want to address the diagram that was shared. John, you mentioned it’s posted in the lobby. When Vista created that diagram, it showed 94 feet of canal width in certain areas, and I see that listed as a lot line measurement for Ocean Pines. But the bulkheads are being replaced, and once that work is done, both sides of the canal will move inward at least 18 inches, maybe more. That means the piers come in another 18 inches, and the boats docked along those piers also come in 18 inches.
So if you’re saying the canal is 94 feet, you immediately have to subtract three feet, likely more, from boat traffic space. With the possibility of three-way traffic, that
these proposed slips, arriving boats will have to cross the narrowest part of the canal to access them, turning what is currently a straightforward channel into a situation similar to a three-lane highway during peak summer congestion.
This bend where the slips are being proposed is the worst possible place for added docking activity. You have boats coming in, boats going out and a curve where sightlines and maneuverability are already limited.
In addition, I have a dock on my property, and I am preparing to install a larger dock with a larger boat. A north wind funnels straight down the canal. Combining wind-driven drift with tight maneuvering space raises the risk of collisions, grounded boats and property damage.
I submitted a written risk assessment to the board outlining these issues.
would be much closer to $40,000.
But even with that lower cost, the numbers don’t make sense to me.
For this to become a true revenue-producing project, the Clubhouse would need to sell roughly $215,385 more in food revenue. With only two usable slips, that does not seem realistic. I just don’t see how two boats at a time result in that level of business.
To me, this feels like a convenience project for boaters, not a
narrowing becomes even more significant. I’m not sure whether that reduction has been factored into the decision to propose these slips.
I’m also still unclear about the real purpose behind this project. If the reason is revenue generation, I don’t see how these slips produce meaningful revenue. If it’s meant to serve golfers, then what stops a golfer who is also a boater like me from docking there for their entire 18 holes? And then my friend meets me there by boat. That’s two slips tied up for hours. What happens to every other boat coming in?
It’s not just the two piers we’re concerned about; it’s everything that comes with them.
Will these piers be lit at night? Will the lighting make the canal look like a runway from inside our homes? There are numerous quality-of-life impacts we haven’t
Next, the functionality of the slips: These slips are listed as four feet by 25 feet, but in reality you will only fit one boat in each slip. That means two boats total, unless you expect people to dock two 9-foot boats in one lane. I struggle to see the return on investment for only two usable docking spaces, given the potential risks.
On environmental concerns: There is a rookery of blue herons near the 10th tee. My wife and I see them every morning. Boats approaching and leaving these slips will have to engage and disengage their engines repeatedly. That introduces fumes, noise and disturbances to the wildlife and the surrounding trees. This is not a no-impact change.
Golf course impact: I am both a golfer and a boater. Walking traffic from the slips to the clubhouse will pass directly along the 10th tee. Any
revenue project for the community.
As for golfers, my husband is a golfer. He walks the course. Eighteen holes is a four-to-five-hour commitment. If a golfer arrives by boat, that slip is tied up for five hours. And if someone else meets them at the clubhouse by boat, that’s two slips gone for the entire round.
So again, only two slips likely blocked for hours at a time. How is that revenue producing?
I also know that several board
even scratched the surface of. We would really appreciate having time to discuss all of this with someone and make sure every concern is heard. We’re not angry homeowners. We simply want a full and fair conversation about what this will mean for our neighborhood.
Thank you very much.
Later in the meeting, Higgins returned to clarify one key point: the true cost of the project. She asked whether the widely quoted $14,000 estimate included the walkway leading from the slips to the Clubhouse, or if it covered only the two proposed slips themselves. She noted that any meaningful cost-benefit analysis should account for the entire project “soup to nuts,” not just the docks.
General Manager John Viola responded that the $14,000 figure represents only the slips, describing it
golfer knows that having people walking within your peripheral vision while teeing off is disruptive and unsafe. You are inviting non-golfers onto an active playing area during live play.
Finally, enforcement: Once the slips are built, additional boats will try to tie up along the bulkhead. We already deal with this issue in my section of the canal. You will have people docking anywhere they can, not just in the two slips.
In summary, I see navigational risk, environmental concerns, disruption to the golf course, potential liability for both property damage and personal injury from golf balls and very little benefit. I appreciate that Ocean Pines is exploring new revenue sources. I support that, but in this case, the risks outweigh the reward.
Thank you for your time.
members—I believe four of you are boaters. I see how you use the convenience slips at the Yacht Club, and that’s fine. But I do question whether this is the kind of project the entire community should pay for simply to improve convenience for a small number of boaters.
I hope the board looks carefully at the realistic revenue potential of these slips and also looks very seriously at the safety concerns raised today. Thank you.
as a high-level estimate. The walkway and path work, he said, would be completed in-house and therefore weren’t included in that number. Higgins pointed out that even in-house work carries costs, labor and materials and should be reflected in any final estimate.
Viola agreed that once the project advances to a later stage, the cost breakdown would be fully itemized and presented, including the path and any additional work required. Higgins thanked him for the clarification, but the exchange underscored residents’ concerns that the project’s total cost has not yet been clearly or publicly defined.
The People’s Paper: How ROC Edition redefines local news
“May not be the oldest profession, but it’s the best.” Humphrey Bogart from the 1952 film, “Deadline – U.S.A.”
Honest, fearless press.
In a media landscape crowded with repetition, ROC Edition stands apart. It isn’t just another newspaper. It’s The People’s Paper, built to serve readers not routines.
For too long, local journalism has been shaped by those clinging to the past, reporters who mistake longevity for credibility and treat experience as ownership of the truth. They write the same stories, quote the same sources and recycle the same narratives that protect power rather than challenge it. Familiar voices may sound authoritative, but they often miss what matters most: the people.
ROC Edition was created to change that. We start not with press releases or politics but with questions and concerns from residents. Instead of asking, “What do we want to say?” we ask, “What do people need to know?” That shift changes everything.
Our contributors come from many fields, including business, education, government and technology, not just journalism. That diversity gives our reporting depth and independence. We look at numbers, not noise. We look at facts, not favors. We publish financial summaries, public meeting notes and community stories side by side because context and accountability belong together.
We also write in a way that invites readers to think, to pause, to consider and to ask, “What if?” When issues are under review or facts remain uncertain, ROC Edition explores the possibilities without accusation. If an investigation later proves otherwise, we wait for truth but we never wait to ask the questions that open eyes. Journalism’s role isn’t to decide guilt or innocence; it’s to shine light where others might prefer shadow.
Some say, “Don’t turn over that rock,” as if truth is something best left undisturbed. But progress doesn’t come from looking away. ROC Edition believes in looking under every stone and into every corner, not to stir controversy but to bring clarity. Turning over that rock isn’t about finding trouble. It’s about finding truth.
That same willingness to look deeper guides everything we publish.
We recognize that journalism has evolved. Traditional outlets still cling to weekly cycles and predictable leads. ROC Edition lives in real time, online,
in print and in conversation. When a story breaks, our readers see it, discuss it on Facebook and read it in the next issue. It’s not about chasing clicks; it’s about building trust through transparency.
Technology hasn’t replaced journalism; it has revived it. Through analytics and feedback, we learn what readers care about and how they engage. Our data shows more than 20,000 loyal readers, high engagement times and steady growth. But behind every number is something deeper: a connection. People don’t just read ROC Edition; they participate. They message, comment and share because they see themselves reflected in the work.
That’s the difference between institutional media and community media. The old guard writes at the people. ROC Edition writes with and for the people.
There’s nostalgia in the old newsroom style, the smell of ink, the clatter of typewriters, the sense of authority that came with the printed word. But nostalgia doesn’t inform people. ROC Edition respects that legacy while refusing to live in it. Journalism should evolve with the community it serves.
As Humphrey Bogart said in “Deadline – U.S.A.,” journalism “may not be the oldest profession, but it’s the best.” Honest, fearless press is still the cornerstone of democracy. But the best no longer belongs to those who guard the gates. It belongs to those who open them.
Being The People’s Paper means accountability runs both ways. ROC Edition listens as much as it reports. We print what residents care about, follow up when questions go unanswered and stay transparent about how we operate. Every issue and every article are informative, factual and guided by purpose because local journalism isn’t about power, it’s about presence. It’s about showing up, paying attention and being part of the story.
ROC Edition was never meant to imitate what’s been done. It was meant to elevate what local news is: the here and now of the community.
And as long as readers keep showing up, online or with a paper in hand, The People’s Paper will keep showing up for them.
Sherrie Clifford Publisher, ROC
Edition
Sherrie Clifford Publisher/Editor 443-754-7907 sclifford@oceanpinesroc.com
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Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
When
anonymous emails demand attention and when they don’t
Every community, no matter how small, has its share of whispers, the kind that start quietly, grow quickly and spread faster than the truth can catch up. In today’s digital world, those whispers often arrive not by word of mouth but by email, unsigned, unverified and written with conviction.
But what if it wasn’t just one email? What if it was fifteen?
Fifteen messages arriving over time, each from the same email address, each carrying names, detailed accounts and a tone that feels almost convincing. What would you do? Do you open every one? Do you forward them to someone else? Do you ignore them or start to wonder if the story they’re telling might be true?
Each message warns of wrong doing, hints at hidden communications and describes people working behind the scenes to control the outcome of a specific community event. At first, it sounds absurd. Then the messages become more detailed, offering step-by-step explanations of how the events supposedly occurred, and yet insisting that any face-to-face meeting to present evidence is impossible. That’s when
it becomes dangerous, because detail, even when invented, has a way of sounding like proof.
How far should one go in chasing what might be a lie wrapped in fragments of something that feels true? How do you decide where caution ends and curiosity begins?
Anonymous messages are nothing new. Every newsroom, every board and every local leader has seen them. Some expose real wrongdoing. Others exist only to stir chaos or shift perception. The hard part is knowing the difference and understanding why some people choose the shadows when they claim to be seeking truth.
The rhythm of such messages is often predictable. They begin with urgency and outrage, move to persuasion and promise evidence that never comes. Each one claims to be the key that unlocks a deeper truth. Yet when all is said and done, there’s nothing left but speculation and doubt.
Anonymity can be both a shield and a weapon. It protects whistleblowers who fear retaliation but can just as easily be used to manipulate narratives, especially when power, influence or
reputation hang in the balance. In small communities, where neighbors volunteer and every decision feels personal, that line between transparency and toxicity can disappear fast.
And then there’s the timing. These messages often surface just as calm begins to return—another rumor dropped, another doubt seeded. It’s a cycle designed not to inform but to keep people agitated, waiting for the next reveal that never arrives.
Fear often keeps truth at a distance. Many people stay quiet not because they lack integrity, but because they worry about what might happen if they speak. Retribution, subtle or direct, is real in close-knit communities where social ties, employment or volunteer roles overlap. And that fear becomes the most powerful weapon of all. When people are afraid to question, to report or to clarify, those who manipulate information win by default. Truth requires courage, and courage doesn’t always roar; sometimes, it’s simply the decision to step forward, even when silence feels safer.
So where is the line? When does due diligence become fuel for
someone else’s deception? How many unverified claims should a responsible person entertain before saying, “Enough”?
The answer lies somewhere between skepticism and responsibility. Take anonymous claims seriously enough to verify, but never so seriously that they replace evidence. Verify, but don’t amplify. Curiosity is healthy, hysteria is not.
Communities don’t survive on whispers. They survive on courage, clarity and the willingness to stand by one’s words.
In the end, truth doesn’t hide; it waits patiently for those willing to face it.
Sherrie Clifford Publisher, ROC Edition
Editor’s Note: This commentary reflects a broader concern about how misinformation spreads through unsigned or anonymous messages in community settings. The examples cited are drawn from real correspondence that, as of today, remain awaiting investigation and verification.
That time of the year STANDING Room Only
They came to the city. By buses, cars, trains, planes and water, Americans and holiday lovers from around the world rushed to the greatest event of the year. It was the holiday season around the world, and what better place for those who believe in the spirit and meaning of Christmas than to visually express the energy of fellowship and love and family in the major cities.
For those around us who are too young, we’ll briefly explain what you missed during this historic time of life. Remembrances to those among us who got dressed up and traveled to witness and be part of the thrilling experience, visiting the big city stores during the latter part of November and early December, all for the celebration of this religious family event.
It was our Disney World time, and large department stores were
the gathering places. In New York, rated as the number one city to visit, among so many other large cities around the globe, families, friends and strangers, religious or otherwise, celebrated the birth of Christ within the grandeur of the season.
Thousands of visitors lined the long streets. People from all walks of life, all sizes and shapes, children, men and women, wide-eyed and cheering the artistic colors and symbols of the season. On display inside the large glass frontages were some of the greatest presentations of art, theatrics, music and religious performances by human and animated talent specialists.
Red, green and snow-white covered the platforms of performing artists inside the huge windows. The nativity was prominent.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were doing their Christmas preparations
By Roger Marino
along with Rudolph and his flying reindeer family.
Many of the sights, sounds and colors of the Christmas season were alive and brilliantly displayed inside the glass frontages along the streets of the big cities.
Step inside the department stores, and you were treated to all the entertainment and excitement that the historic Christmas season could present: decorations from floor to ceiling, three stories of love and purity, family entertainment and holiday history creatively presented by paint brush, costumes, characters and music. The store was ablaze with the love of the season. It was Christmas in the city.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Frank Sinatra, one of the greatest singers of all time, sang a musical eulogy to the Brooklyn Dodger Baseball Club as Ebbets Field lay vacant in 1957. The team was moved to Los Angeles, Calif., an event that left a hole in the hearts and minds of the local community.
Sinatra sang as he overlooked the broken ground that once was the infield and a deep hole that used to be where the pitchers hurled strikes. The stands were destroyed; some seats were sold to fans and history buffs, but most simply hurled into the garbage pits. In the left and right field grass were four-foot cavities, plowed in the wake of destruction workers.
This image of the stadium stood before Sinatra’s gaze, but the eulogy he sang in honor of it is reminiscent of the demise of the holiday spirit in America’s largest cities. Sinatra sang, “There used to be a ballpark where the field was warm and green. And the people played their crazy game with a joy I’d never seen. And the air was such a wonder from the hot dogs and the beer. Yes, there used to be a ballpark right here!”
Yes, and now the store windows are blank to the fabulous creations of Christmas in the big town. The masses no longer line the streets or
ride the escalators to the second and third floors to excitedly view the spectacular Christmas displays and performances in cities that extend open arms to families eager for entertainment and enlightenment.
Now, few people even glance at the giant department stores that were there before. But the people’s choice of Christmas glory isn’t lost forevermore.
IS THE SPIRIT GONE?
We residents on this peninsula are blessed to host the thrill of this holiday season with our storefronts and spectacular performances on display at home, in church and within our own homeowner developments. Here, our children laugh and cheer and the love of our community is on display throughout the year. Fortunately, we Eastern Shore residents don’t have to travel many miles to witness the thrill of the season through a 20-foot plate glass window. We have it all within finger touch, right here on this mighty strip of land we call home. And we are happy to share the devotion with our family and friends.
Here, the people peering into the holiday ceremonies are all family. There are no strangers. Our air is such a wonder, the fields are warm and green, the water is always tempting and exciting to the touch. And the people watch in wonder, how they laugh and how they cheer. Yes, there is magic in our wonderland and a feeling that glows each year. A gift throughout the landscape, a treasure presented from above. And the warmth of neighborhood rejoices in this parkland made from love.
I’m sure Frank Sinatra would be proud to sing, “And the people watched in wonder, how they laughed and how they cheered. Yes, there is a magical wonderland and we have it … right here!”
Happy Holidays to all my friends.
ROC Life
Ocean Pines to celebrate 15th Annual Hometown Christmas at White Horse Park
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
Ocean Pines will welcome the season with its 15th Annual Hometown Christmas celebration on Saturday, Nov. 29, at White Horse Park. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by a special visit from Santa, who will be in the park from 7 to 8 p.m. to greet families and take photos.
All of this year’s sponsored trees have now been delivered and are lined up throughout the park, awaiting their holiday decorations. Clubs, organizations and local businesses will begin decorating in the days leading up to the event, turning the walking path into a bright and colorful corridor for the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
This year’s event once again transforms the path into a glowing display of decorated trees sponsored by local clubs, civic groups and businesses throughout the community. Each tree reflects the personality and mission of its sponsoring group, making this one of Ocean Pines’ most beloved holiday traditions. Residents are encouraged to walk the path, enjoy the lights and appreciate the creativity behind each display.
The decorated trees, lights and holiday displays will remain lit throughout the season and will stay on nightly until just after New Year’s 2026. Families often return several times during December to enjoy the lights, take photos and share the holiday spirit with visiting relatives and friends.
The celebration serves as a family friendly kickoff to the holiday season, giving neighbors a place to gather, children a chance to meet Santa and the entire community an opportunity to welcome the season together. Many returning visitors say watching the decorations evolve each year is part of what makes the tradition so special.
White Horse Park will be fully decorated for the event. The park’s pavilion, walkways and open spaces
will be illuminated with holiday lights, creating a festive backdrop for photos and a welcoming atmosphere for the start of the season. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly, arrive early and explore the displays before and after the ceremony.
Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks staff work with participating groups to coordinate tree placement, decoration times and event logistics, helping ensure a smooth and festive experience for everyone.
The Hometown Christmas celebration is free and open to the public. Whether visiting for the lights, the trees or Santa’s annual stop in the Pines, the event remains one of the community’s favorite traditions and a highlight of the holiday season.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher White Horse Park will glow with the colors of Christmas on Nov. 29 as the community gathers to welcome the holiday season.
Fourth Annual OPVFD Train Display rolls into Ocean Pines for the holiday season
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) will once again bring holiday magic to the community with its Fourth Annual OPVFD Train Display, presented by Serpone’s Pizzeria. This popular seasonal attraction opens Saturday, Nov. 29, at the fire department’s North Station, located at 249 Ocean Parkway, and will run on select dates through December. Admission is free and all donations support the fire department’s ongoing operations and community services.
The train display has quickly become one of Ocean Pines’ favorite holiday traditions, drawing families, train enthusiasts and visitors of all ages. Each year, volunteers transform the North Station into a miniature world filled with winter scenes, detailed landscapes and trains weaving between decorated villages. The exhibit has grown in size and creativity each season, with new elements added to keep returning visitors surprised.
Opening night will be held Saturday, Nov. 29, immediately
after the Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting, offering the first look at this year’s display. Regular hours continue on Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.; and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A family favorite returns this year with the Train Display Scavenger Hunt. Guests can pick up a scavenger hunt sheet at the entrance and search the display for clues and hidden details. Completed sheets may be dropped in the collection box for a chance to win a special prize, which will be drawn in January from entries with all correct answers.
The OPVFD encourages residents and visitors to stop by, enjoy the display and support the department through optional donations. The event is made possible by dozens of volunteers who dedicate countless hours to designing, assembling and operating the holiday train village.
Whether you are discovering the display for the first time or returning as part of an annual family tradition, the OPVFD Train Display offers a festive and nostalgic way to celebrate the season in Ocean Pines.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
The OPVFD North Station, located at 249 Ocean Parkway, transforms into a festive holiday village for the Fourth Annual Train Display, opening Nov. 29 after the Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting.
The community’s choice for local news in Ocean Pines
Celebrating one year of independent reporting, growing readership and community trust
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
Ocean Pines ROC Edition celebrates its one-year anniversary this month, marking twelve months of growth, grit and community-driven reporting. What began as a digital experiment on Nov. 15, 2024, has grown into a trusted local newspaper with a clear mission: deliver factual, relevant news for the people
of Ocean Pines and the greater 21811 community.
Over the past year, ROC Edition has covered breaking developments, committee updates, financial reports, neighborhood issues, local events and the stories that matter to residents. Our front pages have reflected the heartbeat of our community, from public safety and elections to features on local businesses, ribbon cuttings and
volunteer organizations.
Paired with online readership that continues to rise and the success of our first print distribution, this anniversary represents more than a milestone. It reflects the support of readers who value local independent journalism and the advertisers who believe in our mission.
As we look back at our first year through the front pages displayed here, we also look ahead to
expanding coverage, growing our print footprint and continuing to be The People’s Paper. Read the latest on our website, www.ROCedition.com, or pick up a print copy at more than 20 drop locations throughout Ocean Pines and the surrounding areas. If you have news to share or wish to express your voice, send your letters to editor@oceanpinesroc.com
