Twilight Wish working to find trained service dog to be companion, assistant
By ROC Edition Staff
Man’s best friend is more than just a companion. Knowing that, and having befriended Stan Gibson, an Ocean Pines resident who has given so much of himself to the community, Carolyn Dryzga is on a mission to grant his wish of wellbeing that can only be delivered on four paws.
Dryzga is the director of the Worcester County chapter of the Twilight Wish Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-pro-fit foundation which has served more than 6,200 senior citizens nationwide.She serves on the Worcester County Commission on Aging and is responsible for Meals on Wheels and an adult day care facility in Snow Hill. On top of that, Dryzga was an active member of the Kiwanis Club for 13 years.
That evolution of experience has taught Dryzga many things, but she said the overarching theme is that seniors are a “forgotten population.”
“Nobody sees them once they go away to a nursing home or assisted living. They really fade from our attention. It’s almost like some of them are severed from society,” Dryzga said.
See FOUNDATION page 9
Nobody injured when OC Elementary locked down after threat; sheriff, superintendent praise ‘outstanding work by students, staff’
By Tessah Good Staff Writer
An unverified threat forced Ocean City Elementary School into lockdown on Feb. 11. Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said more than 100 law enforcement officers responded to the school around 11:45 a.m., within minutes of being alerted to a threat made to the school over its radio system.
Other responding agencies included Ocean City Police Department, Maryland State Police, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Officials thoroughly checked the school building, which was guarded at its entrances. The lockdown was lifted at 12:22 p.m.
Students left school at a previously-scheduled early dismissal time of 1 p.m. Parents were directed by law enforcement officers onto school property to pickup their children.
Worcester County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Lou Taylor and Sheriff Crisafulli praised the quick response of students and staff in a message shared with parents following the incident.
“They did everything exactly the way it should have been done and I’m so grateful that all our kids and staff are safe … I am happy to report to you that this stressful situation turned out to be outstanding work by the students and staff at Ocean City Elementary School,” Taylor said in the video message.
As part of lockdown procedures, students and staff are trained to find the closest secure area they can, remain silent and be prepared
to defend themselves. Families are instructed not to come to the school and to wait for further notification.
Sheriff Crisafulli also shared his pride in school leaders’ work to ensure students’ safety.
“You did it perfectly today and that’s a testament to your work, and our children did exactly what they’ve been trained to do in an emergency situation,” he said.
No injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing.
Berlin man who faces daily health challenges and lost home in Ocean Pines grateful for blessings but longing for service dog for companionship, safety
By Susan Canfora News Editor
Stan Gibson is a man of admirable faith and gratitude.
Wheelchair bound due to a congenital neurological condition called Chiari Malformation, unable to speak above a slight whisper due to a paralyzed vocal cord, fitted with a trach, nourished by a feeding tube and using a ventilator when he sleeps, the 69-year-old remains cordial, with a quick smile and bright outlook.
“I’m happy just to be upright,” he said, sitting in a wheelchair, carefully
shaping each word as he welcomed a guest into the neatly kept Berlin home a contractor friend built for him at cost -- with a patio, roomy bathroom with sit-down shower and a long, sturdy ramp leading to the front door.
Despite illness and challenges, he has remained stalwart. A few years ago, in the face of eviction from his former home, he joined with fellow residents and fought to stay where he had lived more than 30 years, in White Horse Park, a division of Ocean Pines. In a letter from the county, he and neighbors were abruptly informed the infrastructure
couldn’t support the hundreds of full-time residences and that future occupancy would be seasonal only. If they stayed, they would be heavily fined.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do. I had to be out in a few months,” Gibson said, shaking his head at the memory.
“He stayed in a hotel for months. A lot of people were terrified. During that time, some people died from the constant strain,” his girlfriend, Debbie Pontorno of Easton, who was visiting him, said.
In November 2019, county
ROC Edition • Susan Canfora, News Editor Despite several health problems, Stan Gibson remains upbeat, pleasant and grateful See STAN page 2
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher Students at Ocean City Elementary School had a brief lockdown while officials investigated following a verbal threat. No one was injured and the investigation is continuing.
Cannabis dispensary reopens in former West OC Rite Aid; owner discusses new business while speaking to Ocean Pines Kiwanis Club members
By David Bohenick Staff Writer
The hi Tide cannabis dispensary is finalizing its relocation into the former Rite Aid building at the intersection of Keyser Point Road and Route 50 and is scheduled to open in the spring.
Owner Bob Davis, a licensed pharmacist with more than 30 years of experience and guest speaker at the Feb. 5 Ocean Pines Kiwanis Club meeting, said he is “excited to bring our services to a more convenient location for residents and visitors.”
“Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment where customers can learn about our products and find what best suits their needs,” he said. Cannabis, he said, can be used with medication.
“It’s an option for people and it doesn’t mean they have to stop their current medications by any stretch of the imagination. It just means it’s an additive therapy, And in many cases they do (stop taking their medications.) They’re able to replace some of that with cannabis to have a more uplifting experience rather than their sedatives and some negative effects that come with some pharmaceuticals. And it’s not a replacement for pharmaceuticals. I’m not saying that by any stretch. I’m a pharmacist. But it’s very helpful for people,” he said.
Davis said he was expecting backlash when he first opened hi Tide in West Ocean City seven years ago but was welcomed by the community. Davis said cannabis use is more common than one might imagine
and the stigma around it is starting to disappear.
“Even when we opened in West Ocean City, it wasn’t like we had picketers out there. We didn’t have a single one. As a matter of fact, it was amazing. I expected to have at least some people with a problem with it, but it wasn’t that way. I think what was going on out west has really broken down that thought. And you will be surprised. There are people that you know that have been using cannabis probably since the ’70’s and you never knew it.
“You might’ve started learning about friends and family that have been using it but they haven’t been using it just to get high. They’ve been using it for their sleep problems, or to help with their anxiety or problems. They’ve been using it that way but didn’t want to talk about it for the longest time. I think a lot of that has passed,” he said.
In Maryland, medical marijuana was legalized in 2014, and recreational marijuana was legalized in July, 2023. No form of marijuana usage is legal at the federal level.
According to the Maryland Cannabis Administration, Maryland’s cannabis laws allow individuals older than 21 to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis or a total of 750 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol — known as THC and the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant — from any combination of cannabis products.
Davis said Maryland generated
from Sept. 30 to April 1.
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officials announced plans to start enforcing seasonal restrictions.
White Horse Park residents including Gibson brought a lawsuit against Worcester County over the rule, county code that hadn’t been enforced in some time. In fact, the lawsuit stated, realtors were advertising White Horse Park as a permanent community. Attorney Hugh Cropper, representing the residents, filed a motion for voluntary dismissal against the county but not against the White Horse Park Community Association.
In the end, the county won the right to insist no one could remain on the property for more than a total of 60 days, or 30 consecutive days,
Gibson, who had spent thousands trying to fight to remain at White Horse Park, sold his home. Now he is happily settled in Berlin and has a goal — to get a therapy dog or service dog.
He’s on a waiting list with Guardian Angels organization and doesn’t have a preference of breed, just a companion dog who can alert him if there’s an emergency.
He broke into a wide grin remembering Ike, the mutt he had as a boy, who used to jump on a trash can to reach the top of a fence he liked to hop over. An animal lover, Gibson later adopted a stray cat and named it Verdell, after the dog in the 1997 Jack Nicholson movie “As Good As It Gets” and wrote a whimsical book, “Verdell Katmandu: Gansta Kitty.” A
more than $1 billion from marijuana sales. He also praised Maryland for the processing and distribution system in have in place for dispensaries.
“I don’t think there’s another state in the union that has a better system in place. Everything (cannabis related) that comes in my dispensary is grown in Maryland, tested in Maryland and processed in Maryland by other licensees. They can only sell to me and I can only buy from them, so it’s a very closed system. It is a highly regulated business but it’s also dynamic, he said.
Davis says hi Tide sells a wide variety of products from gummies to sodas to drink mixes. He assures consumers that the staff can direct them to a product that is best suited for their needs.
“When you stop by the store
wooden sculpture of Verdell is on his patio and there’s a framed photograph of the gray striped feline in the living room.
Now he is turning his attention to sharing his home with a helpful canine companion, at a cost of several thousand dollars that can vary depending on the breed and type of training required. An older GoFundMe page, Getting Stan a Service Dog, raised $4,360 and Carolyn Dryzga chapter director of Twilight Wish Foundation, said Gibson told her he will gladly donate the full amount to the cost of a dog. Costs can vary widely, depending on training needed and the breed, Dryzga said.
Meantime, the Baltimore native — a former saxophonist who worked for Martin Marietta in
and talk to one of my ‘budtenders,’ they’re highly educated. I’ve trained them. Thyey know what’s up, and they will ask you how you want to feel,” Davis said.
For medical users, Davis said cannabis isn’t a painkiller but distracts the brain from any pain.
He also said dispensaries will start medicinal users with low doses and slowly increase the concentration at a rate the customer is comfortable with.
With 12,000 square feet, the relocated hi Tide will become Maryland’s largest cannabis dispensary. The original hi Tide in West Ocean City, located along Maryland Route 611, will remain open until the new location opens. Residents also have the option to buy products on the website at www.ochitide.com.
Middle River, Md., until 1989 and who has endured multiple surgeries — remains positive, grateful for the husband of a friend, Salisbury contractor, Paul Elliott, who built his home and another friend who gave him a wheelchair van after he met her at the music festival he organizes and befriended her, comforting her during an embarrassing incident.
“He is a very kind person — and those blue Paul Newman eyes,” said Pontorno, formerly his speech therapist, as he looked at her, smiling, and saying he had a surprise for her for Valentine’s Day.
“He’s an inspirational person,” she said, but Gibson insisted all credit goes to God.
“I am sure,” he said, slowly forming each word, “I wouldn’t be here if God wasn’t looking out for me.”
STAN
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
As the largest cannabis dispensary in Maryland, hi Tide, with a knowledgeable staff, will occupy the former Rite Aid building in West Ocean City.
Bird flu found in Worcester County among other Maryland chicken farms but experts say cost of chicken meat not expected to increase
By David Bohenick Staff Writer
The circulating, highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza, known as bird flu, was detected in a commercial broiler flock in Worcester County on Feb. 4.
The chicken farm has preliminarily tested positive for the avian influenza, making it the sixth time that bird flu has been identified in Maryland chicken farms. Locations of farms are not released to the public, James Fisher, the communications manager at Delmarva Chicken Association, told ROC Edition this week.
Delmarva’s chicken farmers should remain cautious, he warned, but prices of chicken meat isn’t expected to be impacted.
The local chicken market should remain stable because of the kinds of chickens Delmarva farmers produce, he said.
The 1,200 family farmers represented by the Delmarva Chicken Association all grow meat chickens, as opposed to egg chickens.
“Egg farms have been hit harder
by avian influenza, which is why their prices tend to fluctuate. We represent the meat chickens that don’t face the same issues. Everything that we’re doing is making sure that stays that way,” Fisher said.
The Delmarva Chicken Association does not represent egg farmers but Fisher said egg chickens live longer than meat chickens, making them more susceptible to disease.
In Maryland, bird flu was first detected in a broiler flock in Caroline County and was present in commercial farms in Queen Anne’s and Dorchester counties before reaching the commercial broiler flock in Worcester.
The presence of bird flu was also confirmed in a backyard flock in Montgomery County. Backyard flocks have no business contract with major chicken processing companies and are personally owned.
On Feb. 7, New York temporarily shut down its live poultry markets in New York City, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties until Feb. 14 after inspectors detected seven cases of bird flu in the state. New York
Gov. Kathy Hochul said there was no immediate threat to the general public and the decision was a cautionary measure.
“For a week-long period, no poultry can be delivered to those live bird markets. Each uninfected market must sell down all inventory, undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection and then remain closed for at least five days. Each must then be inspected by our state Ag and Markets before they can reopen … These are just simply measured, common sense steps that will curb the spread of bird flu and ultimately keep New Yorkers safe, which is always my top priority,” Hochul said.
Fisher explained the market that shut down sells live chickens to consumers and is completely separate from the Delmarva chicken market, which raises and processes all chickens before reaching the consumer.
“I don’t see how the closure of one chicken market will affect prices of chicken. This is not the case of the entire market closing in the state. It’s the equivalent to one restaurant closing,” Fisher said.
The avian influenza, which the Maryland Department of Natural Resources emphasized is endemic among wild bird populations, has a low risk of transmission between birds and humans. There have only been 67 reported human cases in the United States. So far, there have been no reported human cases of avian influenza in the Mid-Atlantic region.
According to the Associated Press, one human death linked to bird flu was reported in Louisiana. State health officials said the person was older than 65, had underlying medical problems and had been in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. A genetic analysis also suggested the bird flu virus had mutated inside the patient, which could have led to the more severe illness.
Anyone who finds sick or dead wild birds should contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture at www.mda.maryland.gov
‘Median age of most of our racquet players is mid-60s’
Residents raise objections about increase in racquet amenities at town hall to discuss OP budget
By David Bohenick Staff Writer
Ocean Pines residents who play racquet sports objected to an increase in the cost to play at a recent Ocean Pines Board of Directors town hall meeting to discuss items in the FY26 budget, including enhanced assessments on public safety and increased medical costs.
An individual annual fee to play pickleball is projected to cost $295, while family fees are projected to increase to $495. The increases would be 48 percent and 52 percent higher than the current prices of $200 and $325 respectively.
Terry Underkoffler, Ocean Pines’ racquet sports director, said the price increases were comparable to prices offered at other racquet centers across the country. Underkoffler said he found a club in Cherry Hill, N.J., charging $100 monthly pickleball fees. He added costs at clubs in Massachusetts were $175 to $275 per month, while prices in Connecticut clubs ranged from $250 to $325 annually.
Another club in Doylestown, Pa., offered $260 annual tennis memberships, he said.
Underkoffler explained the new annual individual fee came from increases in cost factors, minimum wage and utilities, as well as maintenance. He also said the racquet center was built on top of marshy land, adding that when cracks in the courts were being repaired, two separate vendors informed him that these repairs will be a continuous problem because of the foundation being anchored in soft ground.
Underkoffler said even with price increases, the racquet center would still only be operating on a breakeven level.
“Yes, for some members it’s a jump. It’s a jump that should have been done over years of time. It hadn’t. We are trying hard to stay at a level that’s affordable that everyone can play, but I want to encourage people to play more than one sport. I want the racquet center to be family oriented. I still believe we’re giving great value to the membership,” Underkoffler said.
Some residents, like Jim Ferguson, disagreed. He said most people only want to play one sport. Ferguson also supplied data from a local survey to support his argument, saying “84 percent of those surveyed will only play one sport and that’s a reality right now.”
“The median age of most of our racquet players is in the mid-60s, so, many of us are only going to be able to play one sport,” Ferguson said.
Carl Vincent, an Ocean Pines resident with a family pickleball membership, pointed out that there are many more pickleball memberships than tennis memberships.
“Unfortunately, the tennis program only has 55 memberships. It’s decreased from 400 or so, probably years ago. Pickleball, on the other hand, has increased to over 300. From a financial standpoint, pickleball contributes about $150,000 in revenue per year, resulting in a $68,000 net operating profits. Tennis is down to $49,000 in revenue but unfortunately has a $62,000 operating loss,” Vincent said.
The racquet center isn’t the only amenity expected to face price increases in Ocean Pines. Certain golf memberships will increase, such as the individual membership rate, projected to increase by $100, and boat slip costs expected to rise by $510 at the most.
Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola said a pricing study was conducted to help the board settle on a budget.
“If you cherry pick a number and see a high percentage, it’s also a reflection of over maybe the last five years, if not longer, maybe a certain sport in this situation wasn’t paying what they should’ve been paying. And that’s nobody’s fault, but there’s a lot of different factors and I just ask everyone to focus on what we did … Our prices, to cover the expenses and still yet be reasonable to other comparables in the area. So, it’s a lot to it. It is a pivot year for certain areas and sometimes you do get those percentages,” Viola said.
By Tessah Good Staff Writer
There could be an entirely different career awaiting Lou Taylor after he retires as superintendent of Worcester County schools the end of June.
After attending, and working in, public schools all his adult life, including the past nine as superintendent, he might explore a career in politics.
“Whether I do it or not, time will tell … it might be something I look at down the road. The reason I say that is because I will be able to help the school system from a different seat than superintendent, and because I have so much love for the school system, I would consider it knowing that I could still have a hand in helping the kids grow here in Worcester County. First and foremost, from June until about October, I am going to get up every day and not commit to doing anything. I’m going to try to recharge a little bit … and get myself feeling good,” Taylor told ROC Edition as he reflected on his long career and thought about the future.
“I love this county. I love our school system. Most importantly, I love the kids that have gone through it. I had a great run as a student, and my goal was always to make sure every kid that graduated from my high school had the same experience that I had when I went through Worcester County public schools … I’ve always tried to focus on that as I’ve navigated our school system through the good times, the bad times and the challenges that we are facing in our country now,” Taylor said.
The relationships Taylor developed with co-workers, parents and students is one of the most cherished memories he will carry, he said.
“The most important part of being in this job is building relationships. You have to build positive relationships with all walks of life, and I always made sure that I made everybody who came by to see me, whether I was the principal or superintendent, feel important and like they’re a human being. I always wanted them to feel that they were just as important as I was sitting there having a conversation, because we are all human and we all have feelings,” Taylor said.
For decades, Taylor dedicated his heart and soul to Worcester schools.
Growing up, he dreamed of being a college basketball coach, leading him to pursue a teaching degree
Lou Taylor retires
at Salisbury University, formerly Salisbury State College. Taylor began his career as a teacher in 1983 at Berlin Middle School, teaching physical education five years. Taylor’s plans changed course when he was promoted to assistant principal.
Around two years later, he was transferred to Stephen Decatur High School, where he was assistant principal. At that time he began one of the highlights of his career, being promoted to principal of Stephen Decatur High School where he served as principal 17 years.
Taylor was promoted again in 2012 as assistant superintendent of Worcester schools and, in 2016, as superintendent.
After being superintendent nine years, he is retiring from his 41-year career in education. He said he is sad to be leaving Worcester County Public Schools, but is proud of all he has accomplished within the school system.
Taylor said he is especially proud of how Worcester County Public Schools handled the COVID-19 pandemic and was able to get students back to in-person learning faster than any school system in Maryland.
“We were able to navigate a plan so that we could get them back in our schools,” Taylor said.
Taylor said announcing his retirement to the Worcester County Board of Education was bittersweet.
“I’ve given every ounce of my life to this school system. The good and the bad. I’ve laughed. I’ve cried. I’ve cheered. I’ve been disappointed. I’ve been amazed. You name everything you can think of, and I’ve experienced it over my 41 years,”
Taylor said.
Seeing his parents in the audience when he announced he was retiring made the moment even more emotional.
“I’ve been very blessed to have two outstanding parents,” he said.
“They’re both 85 years old, but they still even today support anything I do, and it’s been nice to take this journey with them by my side.”
‘We’re all still here. Nobody skipped a beat’ Adkins Company owner says after fire destroys well-known Berlin business
By ROC Edition Staff
The owner of Adkins Company in Berlin is thanking customers for support as he and his employees conduct business in a trailer on the property, following a fire that destroyed the 117-year-old business.
“Thank you again to all our customers and suppliers who have reached out to support us. We are happy to announce that thanks to cleanup efforts by Royal Plus we are back at full operating status.
“Our phone service is back to normal but there is a bit of a learning curve with the new system so if we hang up on you by accident we apologize in advance. If you come by to pick up materials please come to the Royal Plus RV with our banner hanging on it first for your paperwork, then proceed into the warehouse.
“Again thanks to all who have inquired about us and are supporting us in this time,” Rick Holland, the fourth-generation owner, posted on the company website at www.adkinscompany.com
He has maintained that positive attitude since the Jan. 29 fire that destroyed the Harrison Avenue business, a mainstay in the community.
The fire caused the second floor and roof of the hardware store to cave in but the lumber yard was not damaged and nobody was injured, Holland told ROC Edition.
When the fire alarm awakened him around 2:30 a.m. he felt panic, he said, and arrived a few minutes later to see flames engulfing his business and firefighters battling the blaze. They were assisted by crews from Ocean Pines, Ocean City, Showell, Newark, Bishopville, Snow Hill and Powellville, all who remained on the scene until around 5 that morning.
The fire was originally believed to have originated at the sales counter but Holland speculated it might have started on the second floor.
“That’s why the alarm didn’t go off. It probably went through (and) that’s when I got alarmed and the fire company got alarmed. It probably had smoldered on the second floor for a bit. Speculation, but we think that’s how it happened,” Holland said, estimating damage at around $1 million.
“We lost the hardware store … So, all the electrical supplies are melted, all of the spray paint exploded. (None of it is) usable at all. On the good side I still have my lumber
yard. That’s 85 percent of my business. So, the hardware store hurts but not as hurt as it could be if the lumber yard burned,” he said.
The business office was also destroyed so Holland was unable to access his computer and phone systems for a few days, until Wednesday, Feb. 5.
He returned to work two days after the fire and set up the trailer, where he expects to be for about one year.
“Getting (someone) to do the cleanup, getting the building secure, making sure that everything was alright with the vendors, make sure they knew to still deliver here, that they were still going to get paid, make sure the employees knew they were still going to get paid and come to work but other than that Monday morning. It kind of rolled and we’re still playing a lot of it by ear, but we’re getting there … We’re all still here. Nobody skipped a beat,” Holland said.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Fire destroyed Adkins Company in Berlin a few weeks ago but the business is open and operating out of a trailer on the Harrison Avenue property.
Berlin Town Council approves layout change to Stephen Decatur park, receives service award, gives proclamation for Black History Month
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
Berlin Town Council unanimously approved the layout changes that Eastbound Disc Golf proposed for Stephen Decatur Park. The layout changes consist of moving three of the nine disc golf baskets and adding one, making the park’s disc golf course into a 10 hole course.
The non-profit’s project manager, Taylor Hubbard, addressed the council on this proposed rearrangement, elaborating on its purpose.
“The general idea behind the reorganization of the layout is focused on the crossing of pedestrian walking paths. Right now the course has a few that (come) a little too close, where the disc lands being a danger to people walking on the path … We thought it’d be a good place for us now to come forward to you with a plan to make it still a safer event for the community,” Hubbard explained.
The changes for this course will be made in time for the disc golf tournament that Eastbound is hosting at both Stephen Decatur Park and Bainbridge Park in Ocean Pines on March 1 called Double Dip Doubles Dash.
Hubbard detailed the changes that Eastbound wishes to make to the park’s disc golf course.
“Hole No. 1 is moving away from the fence … Hole two has been cut in half essentially into two different holes, again to reduce any cross of the actual walking path, it goes around. Hole four we just slightly moved the tee pad so it’s not crossing the path. Hole five is the same …
Where the main moves are is six and seven really because there are three main paths that walk up the center of the park. Six and seven cross them heavily so we shifted six to only cross right where the tee pad is and seven doesn’t cross the path at all now … And we added a 10th hole in the course that was in an open area to help with general flow of the way around the park,” Hubbard said.
BRIDDELL FAMILY AWARDS
BERLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Members of the Briddell Family Foundation awarded the Berlin Town Council its Community Service Award for everything the council has done for its community.
The Briddell Family Foundation is a nonprofit organization that dedicates itself to helping its community and people around the world through providing scholarship funds, school supplies and books.
Co-founder Kwanza Briddell explained the foundation’s growth and accomplishments, saying, “What started out as a scholarship fund giving away less than $200 has grown. And in the last two decades it’s grown by leaps and bounds. So, I just wanted to share that this year alone we were able to give away … $3,400 in scholarships … In addition to that we’ve reached six schools in the continental United States and two in Ghana … and with that we were able to do $1,500 in literacy grants to those students. So, through those six schools we reach over 3,000 students,” Briddell said.
“We just wanted to share with you because we cannot do what we
do without you,” Briddell added.
Every year the foundation gives service awards to several people or organizations in the community.
“This year we just thought it would be robbery if we did not recognize you for everything that you’ve been to us since our inception … For everything that you do to the Town of Berlin not just the foundation but for all the citizens starting with those who are young and small.”
MAYOR GIVES PROCLAMATION FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Mayor Zack Tyndall presented a proclamation observing Black History Month at the council’s Feb. 10 meeting.
“Whereas national Black History Month is celebrated every February in recognition of achievements of black Americans throughout the United States. Whereas the Town of Berlin celebrates the rich history, culture and contributions of black Americans who have shaped our community,” the proclamation states.
Every year a theme is designated for Black History Month by the Association for the Study of African
American Life and History. Tyndall stated this year’s theme is African Americans and Labor.
“Whereas with a focus on various and profound ways that work for all kinds intersects with the collective experiences of black people. Whereas the Town of Berlin has been indelibly shaped and influenced by its own black American community. Whereas we can all celebrate the immeasurable contributions of black Americans and honor their national, state and local legacies and achievements,” the proclamation further states.
The mayor then spoke of the history of African Americans in the United States.
“Whereas we must also reckon with centuries of injustice and confront those injustices that still fester today. Whereas we live in a country that was founded on the idea that all are created equally. Let the Town of Berlin continue to come together to celebrate this Black History Month, to preserve and understand our history and embody the idea of freedom, equal treatment and the equal opportunity for all,” the document states.
New 12-mile trail added to Chesapeake Forest west of Berlin, ponds found throughout property to be converted to natural wetlands
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
A new 12-mile trail system has opened just west of Berlin. The former Bay Club golf course is being converted into pathways for hikers, cyclists, equestrians and hunters.
The 675-acre property adds to the roughly 77,000 acres of the Chesapeake Forest.
Experts at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are working in tandem with the Lower Shore Land Trust and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the transformation.
The three partners have gathered feedback on the trail system in public meetings. Officials said the input helped organize transformation priorities. One of the main objectives of the transformation is establishing and marking the trail system.
Chesapeake Forest Manager Alexander Clark said the trail system is currently made up of former golf cart paths. The asphalt was torn out to accompany the roads and
primitive trails within the trail system.
“Those are what we’re going to be using as kind of the base and the starting point for the trail system,” Chesapeake Forest Manager Alexander Clark said.
Clark added trails that are deemed redundant or that have maintenance issues may be closed in the future.
“At that point, we’ll put down markers, we’ll GPS everything, have maps made up, georeferenced maps that can be put on phones or whatever so that when people are out there they won’t get lost,”
Clark said.
Officials also plan to ensure existing bridges on the site are structurally sound. Any remaining asphalt on the golf cart paths will be removed and holes throughout the property will be filled in with stone material.
Clark stated the Department of Natural Resources staff and partners will use grant funding to convert ponds found throughout the property into natural wetlands.
“(We want to get) those ponds
and ditches and other wetlands into a more natural state either through moving soil around, doing ditch plugs, tree planting, other shrub planting … to help improve and create more of a natural wetland,” Clark said.
They are also working to connect the new pathways to another nearby trail system. The properties are separated by a 30-foot wide, 10-foot deep ditch. Officials said they may construct a bridge to bring the parcels together.
“That’s years down the line because of permitting and approval and review for that. But that’s something that we’re seriously taking a look at to get more access to people on the Cedar Lane Road side (of the property),” Clark explained.
The Department purchased the property with the help of the Lower Shore Land Trust for $3.15 million through Program Open Space in June 2023. The property has already undergone many improvements, including the installation of a gravel parking lot off Libertytown Road.
“It’s made to accommodate horse
trailers and large vehicles like that, (to) give them enough room to turn around and park. So, that’s the biggest improvement that’s been done currently … and most visible,” Clark said.
Trees have also been planted across roughly 62 acres of the property.
“Part of it was done on the golf fairways, on the golf course itself, and also on the adjacent property to the south that was formerly agricultural land. So, that ended up being about 58,000 trees that were planted last spring in 2024,” Clark said.
One of the first steps was to secure the property. That was done within the first six months of purchase.
“The boundary lines are marked so that people don’t wander off into private property,” Clark said.
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In Worcester County, the Twilight Wish Foundation chapter often connects with its community through Facebook. Dryzga said that was how she was first introduced to Gibson.
Gibson had sent a message inquiring whether the Twilight Wish Foundation had ever helped a senior obtain a service dog or therapy dog.
“I wasn’t even sure what a service dog was other than I see them in the stores with the tag on them saying ‘I’m a service dog.’ So, I went back to Twilight (Wish Foundation) and they had not successfully been able to grant a service dog because of the cost and because of where the dog would have to come from … I thought, ‘Well that doesn’t mean it can’t happen,’” Dryzga said.
Powered by a new mission and burgeoning friendship, Dryzga visited Gibson for the first time. The pair discussed the needs Gibson’s potential service dog would be required to meet, and what steps must be taken to obtain one. Gibson lives with the help of a wheelchair, feeding tube and ventilator.
“There are times when he is alone and if ever the ventilator didn’t work and he wasn’t able to get to the button that calls 911 he’d want a dog to know enough to do that. If he dropped something he would want a dog to be able to pick something up,” Dryzga said.
Besides dog duties, the Dryzga said the duo also discussed life. She would learn that Gibson is a talented saxophonist, and the organizer of Stanstock.
According the music festival’s website, years ago Gibson created a Facebook page called “Baltimore Bands from the 70’s 80’s 90’s” to unite fans and musicians in celebration of the music scene in the city’s metro area. Today, the page has amassed more than 9,600 members — a growing, vibrant virtual community of Charm City music virtuosos.
Gibson’s heart is also open to animals. Dryzga said she was charmed by his story of a since-passed feline companion, whose memory is immortalized in Gibson’s book, “The Adventures of Verdell Katmandu Gangsta Kitty.” The playful publication is available for purchase on Amazon. But when it was first made available to the public, Gibson sold copies of it at the Worcester County Humane Society, donating the proceeds right back to the shelter.
“This man is so blessed and so sweet and so not bitter about his situation. It’s just a pleasure to be with him and a pleasure to hear his story … With who he is in the sense of
spirit that he has and his goodness, I want to get him a dog,” Dryzga said.
But the search has not been easy.
Dryzga started in Salisbury, inquiring with Chris Hardy at U.S. Kennels if the organization could connect Gibson with a service dog. While Hardy was eager to offer helpful information, Dryzga said U.S. Kennels is only able to serve veterans.
Next, Dryzga visited Delmarva K9 in Pittsville. There, she learned more about what service dog training entails, and how long the process typically takes.
The next stop was the Cricket Center in Berlin. There, Dryzga said staff shed even more light on the situation, explaining the differences between a service dog and a facility dog, which is employed in their center.
According to Canine Companions, a national organization connecting people living with disabilities to highly-trained service dogs at no charge, a service dog has been individually trained to perform work or tasks to assist a person with a disability; a facility dog is highly trained in specific tasks assisting professionals in health care, rehabilitation, criminal justice, or education settings.
Specifics aside, costs are another obstacle, Dryzga said.
Initial costs for adopting a service dog can range between $10,000 and $30,000, according to U.S. Service Animals, which provides emotional support and service animal registration certified by doctors.
The high upfront cost is due to the amount of training and specialized care required to raise a service dog. Additionally, costs associated with lifetime care may vary depending on the size, breed and inclination of the dog.
Professional trainers may charge up to $250 an hour. While the Americans with Disabilities Act does not require specific training requirements for service dogs, choosing to personally train a service dog may not yield the same results as professional training, according to U.S. Service Animals.
Dryzga said while the challenges associated with finding Gibson a service dog may be significant; they are not insurmountable. She is turning to the community to support the mission in any way they can. Information and connections would be greatly helpful, and Dryzga said monetary donations will help meet the costs associated with a service dog.
“I’m going to use the funds to help purchase a service dog. But, in order to fulfill another wish, I need resources,” Dryzga said.
To donate or help, Dryzga may be reached at 215-519-3670 or via email at TWFWorCoa@gmail.com.
Despite times when legal
matters require discretion full secrecy on financial impacts or settlements raises concerns
The question of transparency becomes critical when a legal dispute arises within a homeowners’ association, or HOA.
HOA boards are responsible for acting in the best interest of their communities, yet some may withhold information about lawsuits from the very residents they serve. There are times when legal matters require discretion, but full secrecy on matters such as financial impacts or settlements can raise concerns about accountability and trust.
Withholding HOA policy, finances or governance information undermines confidence in leadership and may conflict with ethical or legal responsibilities.
Even if a non-disclosure agreement is in place, homeowners should have the right to know how association funds are being used or if a lawsuit has broader implications for the community.
Maryland law generally favors transparency in HOA governance. The Maryland Homeowners’ Association Act gives homeowners the right to access certain records including financial documents and meeting minutes. If a lawsuit affects the association’s budget governance or policies it should be disclosed to members.
There are exceptions. HOA boards may discuss legal matters in closed executive sessions, particularly when litigation strategy, attorney-client
privilege or confidential settlements are involved. Courts may also seal records in cases concerning personal privacy, pending criminal investigations or proprietary business matters. These protections exist for valid reasons but should not be misused to keep homeowners unaware of issues that could directly affect them.
Legal matters that affect the community should not be shrouded in secrecy especially when residents will bear the consequences. When association funds, governance or the long-term stability of the community are at stake, homeowners should not be left in the dark.
This editorial is based on information from the Maryland Homeowners Association Act the Maryland Condominium Act and general legal principles regarding HOA governance and fiduciary duty. It also considers best practices in community governance and the importance of transparency. This is not an allegation of wrongdoing against any specific HOA or board member but rather a call for openness when legal matters have a direct impact on the community.
Sherrie Clifford Publisher, ROC Edition
Feeding birds and squirrels is a simple but meaningful pastime for many seniors in Ocean Pines. The sight of a bright red cardinal or a playful squirrel can bring joy, spark memories and create a connection to nature. For many, filling a feeder each morning provides a sense of routine and purpose while offering a moment of peace.
Studies show that engaging with wildlife can reduce stress, encourage mindfulness and foster a sense of companionship. Observing birds and squirrels in the backyard is a small but rewarding way to enjoy nature and stay connected to the changing seasons. The benefits extend beyond emotional well-being. Spending time outdoors and engaging in light physical activity, such as refilling feeders or maintaining birdbaths, can contribute to overall health and mobility.
The Eastern Shore is home to a diverse range of birds that thrive in the region’s coastal and woodland environments. Cardinals, blue jays, chickadees and goldfinches are common backyard visitors, while woodpeckers and wrens can often be spotted in more wooded areas. Black oil sunflower seeds are a top choice for many of these birds due to their high energy content.
Squirrels do best with a wildlife feed mix heavy in corn. It’s something they will eat without attracting too many to your yard. Unsalted peanuts in the shell are a nutritious snack they enjoy cracking open. Corn on the cob is a favorite treat that can help keep them away from bird feeders. Walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts provide energy when offered in moderation, and pumpkin seeds are a seasonal treat that provide protein and essential nutrients.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Feeding squirrels and birds in Ocean Pines provides hours of enjoyment for residents who enjoy watching the habits of wildlife.
Susan Canfora News Editor 410-208-8721 scanfora@oceanpinesroc.com
Giovanni Guido Staff Writer gioguido56@gmail.com
David Bohenick Staff Writer dbohenick2003@gmail.com
Tessah Good Staff Writer tessahgood@icloud.com
Roger Marino Columnist
Feeding birds and squirrels should be done responsibly. Keep feeders clean to prevent disease, avoid processed or salty foods and be mindful of neighbors who may not appreciate wildlife visitors. Placing feeders The ROC Staff
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Reader shares letter sent to OPA
Board of Directors with ROC Edition, requests change to racquet sports charges, says adjustment should reflect trends to serve players
(The following letter was sent to the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors and forwarded to ROC Edition for publication.)
Members of the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors:
Thank you for the time and energy you dedicate to the Ocean Pines Board and for your efforts to improve our community amenities. I am writing to you as a passionate pickleball player who started playing in 2022 and has come to love the sport. I truly appreciate our wonderful facility, the staff, and the ability to play pickleball with such a welcoming community of players.
I have seen the proposal to transition to a single membership covering all racquet sports with a significant increase in the fee per person. I do not believe this is in the best interest of the racquet sports community, nor is it what most players want. A similar proposal was introduced last year and met with strong opposition. Given that many Ocean Pines residents are on fixed incomes and the median age of the community is in the mid-
60s, most members are retired and prefer to pay only for the sport they actively participate in, rather than being required to subsidize others.
I appreciate that our racquet center offers multiple sports, and participation levels should continue to be monitored to ensure spending aligns with member interest. Since the facility was built, the racquet center’s membership and the popularity of each sport have evolved. Adjustments should reflect these trends to best serve the largest segment of players, which will help drive membership growth. Currently, there are approximately 320 pickleball members expected for FY2026 compared to only about 50 tennis members. Tennis membership has been declining, and the FY25 budget results show it is operating at a significant deficit, which is expected to continue in FY26.
To ensure the long-term success of the racquet center, solutions should be explored to bring the tennis budget closer to break-even whether by increasing member-
Letters to the editor published by ROC Edition are the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the staff of ROC Edition.
WILDLIFE
Continued from page 10
away from homes and providing fresh water can enhance the experience for both animals and observers. Using squirrel-proof feeders can help maintain a balance between bird and squirrel populations while preventing over-reliance on human-provided food.
Feeding squirrels by hand can pose risks. They have sharp teeth and may bite, mistaking fingers for food. Hand-feeding can also make them overly reliant on humans, which can lead to aggressive behavior. It’s best to leave food in designated areas and create a separate feeding station for squirrels away from bird feeders.
It’s also important not to feed squirrels foods they absolutely love, as it can lead to overpopulation in your yard. Word spreads fast among these clever creatures and before you know it, you could wake up to a dozen or more squirrels vying for food. Instead, opt for a wildlife
mixture heavy in corn. Avoid squirrel logs or other suet-based products, as these can make squirrels aggressive. Some have been known to destroy these logs within hours in their frenzy to get to the suet.
Beyond feeding, there are other ways to create a welcoming habitat for local birds and squirrels. Planting native trees and shrubs provides natural food sources and shelter. Installing birdhouses and squirrel nesting boxes offers protection from harsh weather and predators. Fresh water sources, such as birdbaths or shallow dishes, help wildlife stay hydrated, particularly during hot summers and freezing winters.
For seniors in Ocean Pines, feeding birds and squirrels is more than a pastime. It’s a way to connect with nature, find joy in daily moments and appreciate the beauty of local wildlife. Fill up those feeders, sit back and enjoy the visitors that bring life to the community.
Sherrie Clifford Publisher, ROC Edition
ship, cutting costs, or reducing the footprint allocated to tennis. It is not fair for one sport’s membership fees to be increased to cover the costs of another. During peak season, pickleball players often wait over 20 minutes between games due to limited courts. A reasonable solution would be to convert at least two tennis courts into multipurpose courts that can be used for both pickleball during peak times and tennis as needed. This could also help reduce long-term costs, as maintaining clay courts is expensive. Additionally, the existing multipurpose courts should be made available for pickleball in peak season while remaining accessible for tennis year-round as needed.
Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in America for three consecutive years, with a 223 percent growth rate over the past three years. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association projects pickleball to continue growing at a 7.7 percent annual rate through 2028. Locally, Ocean Pines reflects this trend, with pickleball member-
ship expected to grow by 8.6 percent from FY25 to FY26, while tennis membership is projected to decline by 15.3 percent. Given that pickleball will account for 73 percent of all racquet memberships in FY26, it makes sense to allocate resources accordingly.
In conclusion, I strongly advocate for maintaining the current membership structure, where players pay for the specific sport they participate in. Additionally, reallocating more courts to the largest group of players pickleball members would minimize wait times and drive future growth. Promoting Ocean Pines as a premier pickleball facility would attract more members, benefiting the entire community. A modest increase in membership fees for all racquet center sports, combined with an overall increase in membership, would ensure financial sustainability and continued investment in our facility.
Cathy Levatino Bishopville
STANDING Room Only
By Roger Marino
was a distinguished lawyer who travelled the country at the right hand of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights marches in the 1960’s.
deceased husband.
I had to do something.
So, I ran into my building as the flames broke through the rear window, reached down to the boxes of framed items and began to push them to the third building that was not burning. There, I reached a porch with a balcony jutting out to the grass below and neighbors reaching up toward the outreached boxes. One by one, until the smoke was so thick I had to crawl on my knees to reach the balcony.
I heard the fire horn blowing in town just a hill below my home. Then a call from business friends.
“Hurry! The bakery down the street is on fire.”
As I raced down the hill, neighbors called my cell phone, saying that I need not worry, the fire department had it under control.
As I came closer to the crimson glow in the midnight sky, the flames reached high and the heat more intense. And as I reached my threestory connected buildings, reality overwhelmed me. This so-called controlled element was turning into a flaming inferno. And a shopping district flooded with anxious shoppers just hours ago was now engulfed in flames.
Immediately my mind raced to the 10-year empire of art-related history in my three buildings and the treasures threatened in the wooden structures housing them, built 100
years ago. An art school, looking out over the main street. Four art galleries beneath the school. Hand-carved wooden decoys collected from artists around the United States. Two thousand feet of wooden custom-framing material and machinery. A fully stocked artist supply store. A custom jewelry store, a public relationsmarketing office and two apartments housing art teachers. And the third building was a newly renovated interior design business connecting the art-related entities adjoining it.
That is what I owned at the time.
With a tear rolling down my right cheek, mourning the possible loss of this small empire I had created during the previous 10 years, my thoughts quickly came to a promise I had made to a loving couple.
Juanita Mitchell was the first Black woman to receive a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Her husband, Clarence Mitchell,
Juanita came to me one day with boxes of family photographs and trophy-type awards signifying a lifetime of service, her children’s upbringing and Clarence’s clipped newspaper and magazine articles.
Within the next day, Clarence called me to be present at his retirement news party held in his Baltimore City offices where he handed me a silver-medal honor award presented to him by President Carter and a number of other prize photos and awards received over a lifetime of service to the citizens of the United States. He was happy to introduce me to the media and other dignitaries present at the opportunity to welcome home the man who has two courthouses named after Clarence Mitchell in Charm City.
In all, more than 12 historic and cherished items were framed and sitting in boxes on the floor of my building to be picked up by Jaunita upon her trip to California to receive the posthumous award for her
Then, just as the flames reached around the wooden struts holding up the porch, I handed the last one down and escaped the buildings.
All was gone to ashes in my businesses. Nothing but dark, burned treasures. My life was gone there on Main Street.
Juanita called me from California when she heard of the fire. She was extremely worried about me and my health. I tried to tell her about the framed items and she only exclaimed that she was only worried about my health and safety.
One weekend later, with the help of her entire family, I was invited to have dinner with Juanita. I was there with a dozen large boxes of her family history.
She was tearfully happy and shocked that they were saved and couldn’t wait to display them on the walls, piano and any platform that would hold her family treasures. Do I mourn the loss of my treasures?
Only until I constantly recall that: Saving a lifetime of memories was worth the cost. Blood is kin. Love is family.
ROC Life
Atlantic General Hospital ICU staff provides happily ever after for patient and fiancé who marry after 10-year courtship
By Tessah Good Staff Writer
After a six-year engagement, Laurie, 59, and Michael Phillips got their happily ever on Monday, Jan. 13, after, thanks to Intensive Care Unit staff at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.
The couple had been together for ten years. But when recent health concerns sent Mrs. Phillips to the hospital, the staff decided to help the pair seal the deal.
Mrs. Phillips has been fighting stage four metastatic bone cancer for more than 12 years. Last month, her condition worsened, causing her kidneys to begin shutting down. After multiple days of dialysis, doctors informed Mrs. Phillips’ daughter Stephanie Melson that treatment wasn’t working. The next step would be for her mother to get in touch with hospice.
Melson immediately started planning her mother’s wedding. She asked Mr. Phillips if he was still on board, to which he enthusiastically replied, “Yes, yes, yes!”
“We went to go see her and he goes, ‘Baby, will you marry me?’ And (my mom) said, ‘Yeah of course,’” Melson said.
Melson said she contacted the hospital’s chaplain and asked him to marry the two. Shortly after, the chaplain agreed and Melson and Mr. Phillips made their way to the courthouse Monday to
pick up a marriage license.
The two arrived at the courthouse around 9 a.m. They were on their way back to the Phillips house by 11:30 a.m. to pick up the rings. This gave Melson just enough time to pick up her daughter, Lorelai Melson, 15, from school at 3:45 p.m. and have her join the ceremony.
Melson said while the two were gone, nurses and other staff members from the hospital started setting everything up.
“There was this nurse named Brittney who was just absolutely amazing. She was like, ‘I’m going to call the chaplain and get everything straight that you need straight and we’re going to handle this,’” said Melson.
When she came back to the hospital, Melson said the nurses had gone above and beyond.
“They got a wedding cake and a bouquet of flowers and even a boutonniere. They did everything. I was like, wow, you guys threw this together in two hours, while also being a nurse and taking care of all the patients on the floor?” Melson remembered.
The nurses even made an effort to hide the hospital’s machines by hanging white sheets over them.
Mrs. Phillips said she is happy to now be married.
“I liked it. Our wedding was very unique,” Mrs. Phillips said.
Melson said the couple’s love story began when they introduced
through a mutual friend. Now, the pair lives in Stockton, where they have called home for the past five years.
“They’ve been together for a long time … They’re both very goofy,” Melson said.
One of the things the couple jokes about the most, according to Melson, is their matching amputations. The Phillips each had their left big toes removed about two months apart from each other in 2020.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Phillips said her fight is far from over, despite
doctors’ advice to consider hospice care. She said after deciding to get a second opinion, she learned that her kidney function had improved. Now, Mrs. Phillips is back at home, waiting for her husband to join her after his surgery.
Meanwhile, Melson has started a GoFundMe to help the couple renovate their home to make it more accessible. You can donate by visiting the Laurie’s Miracle and Mike’s New Challenge page at GoFundMe.com.
in the Intensive Care Unit at Atlantic General Hospital decorated the hospital room where Laurie and Michael Phillips said their wedding vows after dating for
Well-known Berlin artist Patrick Henry reflects on falling in love with oil painting, shares purpose behind artist talks he presents
By Tessah Good Staff Writer
Artist Patrick Henry, 72, still remembers the first time he got his hands on a paint brush.
Henry purchased his first oil painting kit in 1966 at the age of 14. Since then, he said he has been captivated by the creative component of oil painting.
“Everything about it fascinated me,” Henry said.
Fifty-nine years later, that same kit now still sits in his art studio.
Henry, known for his powerful historical paintings, has displayed his work at a variety of exhibits. At the Germantown School, he presented his painting of the Philips Cannery Factory. The Museum of Eastern Shore in Salisbury is where his exhibit “Reflections on Home” currently resides.
Henry recently gave an artist talk highlighting the local history featured in “Reflections on Home” on Jan. 22 at the Museum of Eastern Shore Culture in Salisbury.
“I try to talk about the subject matter that inspired me to want to recreate the image. Then, you have
to talk about the technique. Every artist will want to continue to grow and evolve. Then, about myself. You know, what I am trying to say through my art,” Henry said.
He called that artist talk the most intimate he has ever given.
“It was about time periods from my childhood up until now … what was going on and where my thought process was. There were trials and tribulations that occurred, and I talked about how I had to fight through them,” Henry said.
Henry said he hopes listeners left with a better understanding of the core values that were important during the time period of his paintings.
Graduating from the University Maryland of Eastern Shore in 1975, Henry taught for two years at Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin. Shortly after, he left teaching to pursue life as a fulltime professional artist.
By the mid-1980s, Henry began receiving requests to speak at career days and to community organizations. He has had to limit the frequency of his artist talks through the years to prioritize
his own artwork.
Henry does not offer any classes or private lessons, but he does coach a group of people ranging from the youth to adults in their 50’s. Henry said one of his mentees asked for help diving back into the world of art.
“There was a gentleman last year in his mid-50s who had been creative, but circumstances in life took him away from it. He was off work, and he searched for me to talk to me about how to recover the urge to act upon creative spirits. So, I’m more like a coach … I’ve been able to encourage a lot of artists on how to fully reconnect with the artist child within them, and that’s what sustains you more than me teaching you: that yellow and red makes orange,” Henry said.
Henry said one of the most essential parts of art is motivation, and one of the best ways to maintain it is by making sure artists have a place to dedicate to their creativity. He added it is important to make sure artists dedicate a good amount of time to their paintings.
Over the years, Henry’s relationship with art has transformed into what he said has become a lifestyle.
“Art for me then was a means of self-expression. Through the years, it has evolved to be a means of expression and communication. You will find with the great writers, the great performers and the great musicians that’s what they effectively have done is to express and to communicate,” Henry said.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Well-known Berlin artist Patrick Henry, who still has his first paint set, speaks at local events and acts as a coach to those interested in art.
A Bocce Ball Club is coming to Ocean Pines following White Horse Park and Yacht Club court renovations
By Tessah Good Staff Writer
Bocce is a strategic game with a deep-rooted history. The game has traveled around the world, evolving each time to become what we know today as “bocce ball.”
Now the game is making is way to Ocean Pines with the creation of its first Bocce Ball Club.
There are two existing bocce ball courts in Ocean Pines — one at White Horse Park and another at the Yacht Club.
The starting date for the club has not yet been released.
Bocce Ball is one of the world’s oldest games, beginning all the way back in 5200 B.C. The Egyptians created bocce ball and first played with polished rocks.
The game made its way to Greece, where it was given the Latin name “bottia,” meaning “boss”. The Romans quickly adopted the game from Greece.
Romans first played with coconuts, but over time switched to using olive wood to carve out bocce balls.
Once Bocce was introduced to Italy, the Italians decided to call the game “boccia,” which translates to “ball.” Bocce, as we call it, is the plural of boccia.
Bocce has gained popularity through the years locally through events like Delaware Special Olympics and Major League Bocce Delaware.
While bocce ball is commonly known as a competitive game, Founder of the Ocean Pines Bocce Ball Club Michael Galello has a different vision.
His goal is for the league to be casual and more of a social activity than a competition. Whether you’ve never played bocce ball or have lots of experience, Galello encourages members in the community of all skill levels to participate.
“It’s not about physicality or endurance. It’s about strategy, skill and having fun,” Galello stated in a Press Release issued by the Ocean Pines Association. “You can play with teams of up to two or four people.”
Growing up in northern New Jersey, Galello’s love for bocce ball
Kids’ Corner Kids’ Corner
Refrigerator Art
blossomed. He recalled playing with his uncle Tony and other members of his local Italian American Club.
“This is something I grew up with. It was a neighborhood activity, and it has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Galello was able to create this club with the help and support of Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue and General Manager John Viola.
Bocce can be played on a variety of surfaces including grass and sand, but artificial turf is ideal.
Both White Horse Park and the Yacht Club courts were recently renovated.
The border of the court was replaced at White Horse Park. The space was also leveled with additional stone dust, making the most of renovations nearly $3,600.
The Yacht Club has undergone approximately $5,000 worth of upgrades including a recarpeted surface and new lights for nighttime play, making it Galello’s preferred spot.
“The lights were just installed at the Yacht Club by Public Works, and they’re perfect for bocce,” Galello said. “They’re positioned low to reduce overhead shadowing, which is how courts in Europe are designed, Public Works also moved the existing scoreboard to a safer location, making the area much more player friendly.”
The ROC tried to contact Michael Galello, but he could not be reached for comment. Anyone who is interested in joining the new Bocce Ball club can contact Michael Galello at mgalello@aol.com
Older gazebo to get new home among gardeners
For ages 12 and under. Entries selected at the discretion of the editor. Submit artwork to: info@oceanpinesroc.com
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
This gazebo is being moved from its original spot at Memorial Park, near the South Gate of Ocean Pines, to Community Gardens.
Reporter introduces herself to bocce ball, coming soon to Ocean Pines, by playing virtually on an app providing three-dimensional experience
By Tessah Good Staff Writer
Bocce is game people can play anywhere — even virtually.
Although I did not play with a ball in hand, I played through an app that provides a three-dimensional bocce ball game experience.
When playing bocce, whether in person or online, there are six steps to follow. The first is to find a flat, open space to play. The next step before playing is to divide players into two teams. Finally, the action can begin.
The starter rolls the pallino, a small white ball, halfway down the court. Once the pallino is still, players on each team take turns rolling the bocce ball, usually blue, red or green, toward the pallino. Each ball that is closer than the opponent’s earns one point.
The player who accumulates 12 points first is the winner.
I decided to play at the easiest level to help me gain an understanding of the game and eventually work
my way up to the hardest level.
The game is designed to look like you’re playing against another country. On my first round, I played against France.
Rather than throwing a ball like you would in real life bocce, I had to use my thumbs to slide the ball from left to right. Then, I had to drag my thumb toward my speaker and release to aim.
I lost my first round, but once I played again, I won. Each time you win, you are rewarded 50 cents in game money. I felt confident to move on to the medium level.
In this round, I played against Greece. I noticed that at this level, the pallino was thrown farther down the court, making it harder to get close to. Since the pallino was far away, I had to adjust my aim to make sure my bocce ball would land near it.
Once I figured out how much pressure I needed to apply, I started to get the hold of it. I won again and this time was rewarded with 75 cents.
‘Playing online gave me a good understanding of the rules of bocce and how to play. I highly recommend that anyone who is interested in joining the Ocean Pines Bocce Ball Club tries to play online first.’
-ROC Edition reporter Tessah Good
I moved on to the hardest level for my last game. My opponent for this round was Italy.
The ball landed outside of the court on my first turn, causing me to lose a ball and therefore lose the game, but I was determined to win.
So, I decided to try a new technique. Instead of just carelessly pulling back and aiming my bocce ball at the pallino, I concentrated on trying to get my balls as close as possible to the flagpole, which was used as a reference to show where the pallino was located on the court.
Finally, I won while playing the hardest level of the game. This time, I was rewarded with $1. Playing online gave me a good understanding of the rules of bocce and how to play. I highly recommend that anyone who is interested in joining the Ocean Pines Bocce Ball Club tries to play online first. This will not only help you feel more confident when playing in person, but it will also help you to practice the concentration aspect of the game.
Disc golf tournament coming to Bainbridge Park in Ocean Pines and Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin, set to start in Pines morning of March 1
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
A disc golf tournament will be held at Bainbridge Park in Ocean Pines and Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin on Saturday, March 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The non-profit organization Eastbound Disc Golf is hosting the Double Dip Doubles Dash tournament.
Eastbound Media Officer and Tournament Director Noah McAleer said the tournament is split into two rounds.
“Round one will start in the morning at Bainbridge Park. That’s where all the players will meet … We’ll play the first round and then we’ll break. After that, players will get lunch and we’ll meet back to start our next round at 1 p.m. at Stephen Decatur Park … And then after that, we’re doing a little … after-party in Berlin,” McAleer said.
The after-party is set to begin at 3:15 p.m. Eastbound Disc Golf will hold an award ceremony for the winners of the tournament.
Those interested can sign up in advance at https://www.disc-
golfscene.com/tournaments/ Double_Dip_Doubles_Dash_2025. Teams of two are required to register for $35 per person.
McAleer said the tournament is limited to 36 players and 18 teams due to the size of the disc golf courses.
“Decatur Park in its current form is only nine holes. So, we physically couldn’t get any more players on the course at the same time,” McAleer said.
In preparation for the tournament, McAleer said four of the nine disc golf baskets will be relocated, and a tenth will be added to the course.
“We’re leveraging the timing of the tournament to pull the trigger on making the layout changes … The course has been (there) for about two years and they’ve gathered good feedback from … people leaving reviews and also local disc golfers … The effort is to streamline the course and make it more efficient for both the players and less in the way for park patrons,” he said.
Bainbridge Park will not have any layout changes made, as improve-
Teams participating in the tournament will be split into two divisions based on their overall Professional Disc Golf Association rating. The rating is given to a player once they have established an account with the organization. Players who do not have an account will be given a default rating of 875.
ments were made in April 2023.
“So, Bainbridge is pretty solid,” McAleer said.
Teams participating in the tournament will be split into two divisions based on their overall Professional Disc Golf Association rating. The rating is given to a player once they have established an account with the organization. Players who do not have an account will be given a default rating of 875.
The Banana Split division’s team rating cap is set at 1751, while individual player ratings are capped at 900. The Hot Fudge Sundae division has a team rating cap of 1850. Both divisions will have a first-, second-, and third-place winner.
The winners of each division will be awarded a cash prize. The award will be funded by registration fees. Both division awards will receive a
third of the total fees collected, to be distributed among the winners. First place will receive 50 percent, second will get 30 percent, and third place will receive 20 percent. Leftover fees will go toward player packs.
“Each player when they sign up gets what’s called a player pack and it’s just a little goody bag … Ours will have a hoodie with the event logo, it’s going to have what’s called a mini marker … and then we’ll have some stickers in there too,” McAleer said.
A players’ meeting will take place before the tournament, in which officials will outline the rules of the game.
“We’ll explain those rules and then for any players that need more explanation on the specifics of the game we’ll provide those as well,” he said.
