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R C Edition OCEAN PINES • WEST OCEAN CITY • BERLIN MD
July 1, 2025
THE PEOPLE’S PAPER
Volume 2, Issue 13
Election trust shaken by coordinated digital attack on community forum By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher As another Ocean Pines Board of Directors election moves forward, concerns over fairness, transparency and behind-the-scenes influence have once again taken center stage, echoing a pattern that many homeowners say began in 2022 and shows no signs of slowing down. The latest red flag involves a candidate poll hosted by OceanPinesForum.com, a longtime and well-respected community site run by resident Joe Reynolds. The poll, intended to gauge early voter sentiment ahead of the June 27 candidate forum, was abruptly removed from the forum’s homepage after suspicious activity raised alarms about its integrity. According to the site administrator, between the hours of 7:30 and 10 p.m. on the evening of the candidate forum, more than 20 new accounts were created and used to vote exclusively for a single candidate. These accounts did not engage
with any other forum content—no posts viewed, no threads opened. Forum records show that nearly all of the accounts were traced to IP addresses in the Philadelphia area, with a few from Washington, D.C. Even more troubling, approximately 10 of those accounts shared the exact same IP address, suggesting they may have originated from a single device or coordinated location. While the poll was not an official ballot, the incident raises a larger concern: If individuals are willing to manipulate an informal poll, what might be happening behind the scenes in the actual voting process? Adding to the sense of unease, several residents reported witnessing Esther Diller, wife of current candidate Stuart Lakernick, engaged in a close and private conversation with Steve Ransdell, the chair of the Ocean Pines Elections Committee, moments before the candidate forum began. Diller, who has no official role in the election process, was seen whispering with the Committee
Chair while candidates and audience members were gathering. The optics alone have triggered concerns, especially given previous controversies surrounding Ocean Pines elections and political alliances. With this latest incident, a growing number of residents are asking whether Ocean Pines has a systemic problem when it comes to election oversight and political influence. The fact that social media polls are now being manipulated and that some residents perceive that figures close to certain candidates may have behind-the-scenes access to election officials has prompted serious questions among homeowners about fairness, ethics and trust in the process. While some may dismiss the poll tampering as a “non-issue” because no official ballots were affected, others argue it’s a symptom of a deeper issue: a culture of misdirection and manipulation that appears to benefit the same political group, election after election. And yet, many of these concerns
have gone uninvestigated and unanswered. Homeowners who ask tough questions are often labeled divisive or accused of “spreading negativity,” while those who raise concerns about governance are met with personal attacks by friends of those in power rather than thoughtful discussion. This dynamic has left many longtime residents frustrated and disillusioned. As ballots are mailed and online voting opens on July 8, homeowners are once again being asked to vote based on promises, campaign flyers and candidate forums. But this year, many seem to be expected to ignore what they’ve seen with their own eyes: private interactions between individuals close to candidates and election officials, interference with voter polling and a steady stream of unexplained irregularities that continue to shake public confidence. The question now is not just who will win, but whether the integrity of the process determining the outcome can be trusted.
Berlin holds online auction of street signs to raise funds for future community center By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer Starting July 1, the Town of Berlin is holding an auction to raise funds for the future community center on Flower Street. This auction features old street signs from across the town which have accumulated over the past few years. The auction will be open for roughly two weeks, with it ending on July 15. “We’ll be able to determine in those first two weeks of the auction if we need to run another one or if we need to do something different
to move some of the signs that don’t have a lot of interest … We’ll just play it by ear. It’s the first time we’ve ever done anything like this, so we’re just going to see how it goes,” the Mayor’s Executive Administrative Assistant Sara Gorfinkel said. This future community center is currently being designed with the intention to be utilized by the entire town and its residents. It will feature a classroom space, recreational activities, a community meeting space and other amenities. All proceeds from this auction will go toward funding this project. See STREET SIGNS page 2
ROC Edition • Town of Berlin
Street sign audit accumulates a large amount of signs for the Town of Berlin. These signs will be auctioned off to raise funds for the future community center on Flower Street.
2 | ROC Edition
STREET SIGNS
Continued from page 1 Held completely online, the auction has well over a hundred signs on its website. “There might be more signs coming, but for right now, we’re at 160. And that includes street signs as well as … stop signs and speed limit signs,” Gorfinkel said. The reason behind this large number of signs is an audit that was done across the town to ensure all signs adhere to the most recent Maryland State Highway Administration regulations. According to Gorfinkel, the regulations had to do with the size and reflection of the signs. The audit and replacement process has been underway for the past few years. During this time, Mayor Zack Tyndall came up with the idea for the auction, which would raise funds for the future community center. The auction has a wide selection of signs, varying in their spelling as well as their age. Some signs
July 1, 2025
NEWS
were manufactured so long ago they feature no color at all—just the metallic material with black lettering. And there are also signs with spelling errors. For example, a sign of William Street is missing an “i”, making it “Willam Street.” Gorfinkel stated that she hopes this auction will be successful in its goal and do a lot to help the community center. “I’m hoping to raise a lot of money through this, but like I said, this is the first time doing an auction like this, so we’ll just have to see how it goes. I don’t know how attached people are to the street signs, let’s say the ones that they grew up on or where they have businesses,” Gorfinkel said. Even if the auction is not successful monetarily, Gorfinkel thinks it will attract a lot of attention to the efforts being made for the community center. “I think it will help the community center … also in the public knowledge about it. I feel like the more we talk about the community center and the more people and
‘... the more we talk about the community center and the more people and the residents of the Town of Berlin are aware of it, the more we can be planning for it, ...’
-Sara Gorfinkel, Mayor’s Executive Administrative Assistant
the residents of the Town of Berlin are aware of it, the more we can be planning for it, fundraising for it and starting to build it,” she said. People who want to support the community center but do not want to bid on a street sign can do so by donating outright to the project on the same website that the auction is being held on. The money donated in this way will be used specifically for the museum part of the future community center. “We made that an option because the town would be allowed to use funds specifically for a program, and that money would be reserved for the historical archiving,” Gorfinkel said. One of the main features of the community center will be a museum
about the history of the site upon which the center stands. That plot of land was previously home to the Flower Street School, an all-Black school during racial segregation in the United States, which closed down in the 1970s after schools in Worcester County integrated. “I believe there will be artifacts from families whose kids went to the Flower Street School, families who helped found the Bridell Town area and other residential parts of Flower Street and more of the historical information about the Flower Street School,” she said. For those interested in bidding or donating, go to https://cbo.io/app/ public/bidapp/tobm.
Berlin officials announce the distribution of an RFP to review current comprehensive plan By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer A request for proposals (RFP) was sent out by the officials of the Town of Berlin with the goal of reviewing and updating the town’s current comprehensive plan—a document that provides the town officials guidance when tackling development and land use in the community. This RFP was opened on July 1 and prospective firms will have until Sept. 5 to turn in their proposals. Town officials—Mayor and Council, Planning Commission, town staff—will then review each proposal and eventually decide which firm will be the town’s comprehensive plan consultant. The chosen consultant will work together with the town officials to review their comprehensive plan in the hope of updating it to better accommodate the town’s current needs. Berlin’s current comprehensive plan was first adopted in 2010 and reviewed a decade later with no amendments made. The main focus of the comprehensive plan updates will address “land use,
public facilities and infrastructure, transportation, environmental and economic growth recommendations as well as relevant considerations pertaining to land use of areas immediately adjacent to, but outside of the corporate limits of the town,” according to the RFP document. Through this RFP, the town is hoping to find a firm that has a background in “community development and redevelopment strategies.” The document states that the chosen consultant will be expected to provide certain services for the project, such as adhering to the State of Maryland Comprehensive Plan Requirements, the town’s strategic plan and the town’s charter and code. The project is expected to be underway in January 2026 after the Mayor and Council approve the recommended firm in December. The first draft of the comprehensive plan is anticipated to be reviewed by the Planning Commission and the Mayor and Council by September 2026, with the project officially being finished by the end of that year.
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NEWS
Touch of Italy off to a strong start at Yacht Club, boosting Ocean Pines’ financials
Now Open and Accepting New Patients ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
First full month with Touch of Italy brings improved revenue and renewed optimism for food and beverage operations.
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher Ocean Pines’ new food and beverage partner, Touch of Italy, is off to a strong start since officially taking over operations at the Yacht Club, Clubhouse Bar and Grille and Beach Club earlier this spring. According to the latest financial reports released by the Ocean Pines Association (OPA), the new contract agreement is already producing improved returns for the community, a welcome change following years of inconsistent performance under prior management. May 2025 financials, the first full month reflecting Touch of Italy’s impact, show a notable increase in revenue and operating efficiency across the Yacht Club operation. Early signs indicate that the new partnership is not only meeting expectations but may surpass initial projections laid out when the Board of Directors approved the transition in early 2025. Under the terms of the new agreement, Touch of Italy operates as a third-party vendor with a revenue-sharing structure that reduces Ocean Pines’ financial risk while ensuring consistent service and quality. The model is designed to benefit both the community and the operator, with less dependence on OPA to subsidize or manage restaurant operations directly. According to May’s financial report, the Yacht Club’s early food and beverage results suggest that the new contract could yield both financial stability and an enhanced guest
experience during the peak season. Customer feedback so far has been largely positive. Residents have noted improved consistency, better service and an expanded menu with Italian specialties and classic favorites. The newly renovated outdoor seating areas and live entertainment offerings have also contributed to increased attendance at the Yacht Club during evenings and weekends. Touch of Italy is a well-established regional restaurant group with locations in Delaware and Maryland. Its reputation for authentic Italian fare, strong management and attention to detail helped secure the Ocean Pines contract following a competitive selection process earlier this year. The agreement covers operations at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille adjacent to the golf course and the Beach Club restaurant on 49th Street in Ocean City. For now, May’s financials offer a glimpse of what a more sustainable model might look like, one where a well-managed vendor delivers quality dining experience and the community benefits through increased revenue, improved amenities and fewer operational headaches. June and July numbers will be closely watched as the summer season hits full stride, but if the current trend continues, Ocean Pines may have found the right recipe for turning its food and beverage operations into a longterm success story.
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Cell tower proposal could boost coverage and revenue in Ocean Pines By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher A new cell tower proposal was presented to the Ocean Pines Board of Directors on June 28, offering a potential solution to the area’s longstanding cellular coverage issues. The plan, submitted by Milestone Towers, a Virginia-based wireless infrastructure developer, outlines the construction of a camouflaged tower near the maintenance yard behind the Ocean Pines Golf Course. Milestone, which has developed over 200 wireless sites across the region, said Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are committed to using the tower once operational. Comcast has also expressed interest in participating. The company confirmed that coverage in Ocean Pines is currently below standard for all major carriers, and improved infrastructure is urgently needed. The tower, designed to blend in with its surroundings by resembling a pine tree, is expected to provide significantly improved service throughout the community. The project is still in the proposal
phase, and while no vote was taken at the June 28 meeting, the board and general manager indicated that further public discussion and review will follow. Under the proposed agreement, Ocean Pines would receive 40% of all gross revenue generated by the tower, leading to a potential revenue stream of $36,000 annually from three carriers. The agreement includes a 30-year lease with a 2% annual escalation. The timeline for completion is estimated at 12 to 18 months, including the required zoning, permitting and construction phases. If approved, the tower would be fully operational by late 2026 or early 2027. The location behind the golf course was selected based on recommendations from the service providers to minimize visibility while maximizing coverage. Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola noted the proposal was still in the early stages, but he confirmed that the infrastructure would benefit public safety and resident satisfaction. The board expressed interest in the project and
ROC Edition • Milestone Towers
Milestone Towers outlines proposed site near Ocean Pines Golf Course to address poor cell service and bring new revenue to Ocean Pines.
will consider next steps in coordination with Milestone and Worcester County planning officials. Milestone Towers has a history of partnering with public agencies and municipalities, including over 50 landowners in Maryland. The company specializes in managing the full lifecycle of wireless infrastructure projects and emphasized that the tower would meet all federal, state and local requirements. Cell coverage in Ocean Pines
has been a growing concern for residents, particularly in areas where service interruptions affect emergency communications. The proposed tower is expected to alleviate those issues while also offering a steady source of revenue for the community. If the project moves forward, residents will have the opportunity to weigh in during upcoming meetings before any final decision is made.
July 1, 2025
NEWS
ROC Edition | 5
Ocean Pines voters urged to support new South Fire Station in upcoming referendum By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher As Ocean Pines homeowners prepare to receive their Board of Directors election ballots on July 8, one critical item requires special attention: the referendum to fund the long-overdue construction of a new South Side Fire Station. The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD), in coordination with the Ocean Pines Association, is seeking community approval to move forward with a project that is not only vital to public safety, but fiscally and operationally necessary. The proposed new fire station will replace the aging, structurally inadequate building currently located on Ocean Parkway near the South entrance to the community. According to the June 27 public hearing held at the South Station, the new facility will be built on the same 1.34-acre site and is expected to take approximately 65 weeks from groundbreaking to completion. If approved by voters, construction could begin as early as October 2025. The existing station, built in 1981, no longer meets the operational needs of today’s fire service. Shared bunk rooms, lack of gender separation, outdated kitchen facilities and noncompliant accessibility features are just the beginning. The apparatus bays designed for smaller vehicles of the past are undersized and ill-suited to house modern emergency vehicles. There are no firerated separations between critical areas, and structural integrity is in question given the building’s age and original construction standards. Renovation was thoroughly evaluated but ultimately ruled out. Any significant renovation would trigger mandatory compliance with a wide array of building, safety and accessibility codes, including NFPA standards, ADA regulations, life safety requirements and modern energy codes. The scope of work needed to bring the current building into compliance would cost nearly as much as, or more than, new construction without solving layout and growth limitations. The new station design addresses all of these shortcomings with a modern apparatus bay, firefighter decontamination area, career and volunteer bunk rooms, training and conference space, expanded storage and ADA-compliant public areas. The redesigned site plan also includes 57 parking spots, improved
access and a dedicated firefighter memorial with flagpoles and commemorative brick patio. To support the project, the OPVFD has already secured $1.7 million in grants and bonds, along with $750,000 through department fundraising and savings. The remaining cost of approximately $3.4 million, with a possible cost variance of up to 10%, would be financed by the Ocean Pines Association, subject to voter approval. Fire and EMS services are a foundational component of any safe and functioning community. Ocean Pines has grown substantially over the past four decades, both in population and in demand for emergency services. Continued reliance on a station designed for the 1980s, in its current condition, presents risks no growing community should ignore. The proposed station would include three drive-thru apparatus bays facing Ocean Parkway, allowing vehicles to exit and return without dangerous back-ins. The improved flow reduces response times and risk to personnel. Private and semi-private sleeping quarters will accommodate up to eight career staff and additional volunteers, ensuring 24/7 coverage in safe and sanitary conditions. Public areas, including the secure lobby, training room and ADA-accessible restrooms, will finally meet basic modern expectations. Ancillary rooms, such as laundry, janitorial and gear storage, reflect the evolving needs of today’s fire departments. And with increased capacity, the department will be wellpositioned to grow alongside the community in the decades ahead. The referendum is part of the 2025 election ballot package being mailed to all eligible Ocean Pines homeowners on July 8. Voters are urged to read the full proposal and vote YES in support of the new South Side Fire Station. This isn’t a pet project; it is a critical investment in community safety and emergency preparedness. The new firehouse will serve as a cornerstone of the Ocean Pines community, not only for the firefighters who risk their lives to protect it but for every resident who depends on rapid, professional emergency response. Approving this referendum sends a clear message: Ocean Pines stands ready to invest in its future and support the men and women who protect it every day.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
ROC Edition • Fire Station Presentation
Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department urges YES vote for new South Side station, citing safety and compliance concerns.
6 | ROC Edition
July 1, 2025
NEWS
ROC Edition ranks the 2025 candidates by their opening and closing statements By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher The June 27 Ocean Pines Board of Directors Candidate Forum offered residents a clearer look at the four individuals seeking election. With ballots nearly in the hands of homeowners, ROC Edition conducted a performance-based assessment of the forum, evaluating candidates solely on their opening and closing remarks. This analysis focuses on clarity, delivery, message coherence and responsiveness to core community concerns. Amy Peck’s opening statement delivered the most structured and substantive opening remarks of the evening, landing her first place in that regard. Emphasizing transparency, fiscal discipline and commonsense governance, she grounded her message in data and referenced her knowledge of governing documents. Peck highlighted the importance of listening to residents and making informed decisions based on need, not politics. Her message was direct and community-focused, setting a high bar for candidate introductions. Monica Rakowski ranks next with a warm and relatable message rooted in her personal experience. She spoke of her long-standing volunteerism and commitment to public safety and financial stability. While her remarks were less specific on governance issues, her approachable tone and emphasis on accessibility resonated with voters familiar with her work on the current board. Steve Jacobs brought a conversational style to the stage, mixing humor and personal anecdotes. He acknowledged the need for financial stability and credited administrative leadership while noting the importance of community dialogue. However, his remarks lacked a clearly articulated vision and policy focus, placing him third. His independent stance stood out but could have benefited from more defined priorities. Stuart Lakernick, the current board president, highlighted recent accomplishments such as increased police staffing and the completion of the new racquet center. While acknowledging the work of the association’s general manager and operations team, his remarks lacked a cohesive, forward-looking plan. The statement leaned heavily on the past achievements of others and was less structured than those of the other candidates, raising questions
ROC Edition Screenshot
ROC Edition evaluates each candidate’s opening & closing statements from the June 27 Candidate Forum.
about whether his focus is on maintaining the status quo or pursuing a new direction. In the candidates closing statements, Amy Peck again stood out. Her remarks were confident, organized and focused on action. She detailed her consistent attendance at meetings, her tracking of financial reports and her willingness to question the status quo on behalf of homeowners. Peck reiterated her commitment to transparency, safety and prioritizing infrastructure needs. She framed herself as an active advocate ready to listen and lead. Monica Rakowski closed with a heartfelt appeal, referencing her upbringing in a large household as a metaphor for collaboration and compromise. She emphasized her approachability and commitment to follow through. While not policyheavy, her message conveyed trust and personal integrity. Steve Jacobs used his closing to reiterate his independent stance and call for increased civic participation. He encouraged voter turnout and unification of the community. Although his remarks meandered and lacked urgency, he communicated a genuine belief in respectful dialogue and open governance. Stuart Lakernick closed by emphasizing board accomplishments and personal values like strength and ethics. However, his remarks were fragmented and reactive, offering little in terms of new goals. A reference to a social media comment praising the current
AMY PECK
MONICA RAKOWSKI
STEVE JACOBS
STUART LAKERNICK
board drew laughter but may have downplayed real voter concerns. Compared to his opening statement, his closing seemed to express more clearly an intended focus on maintaining the status quo. In summary, opening and closing remarks offer a window into how candidates communicate under pressure and how well they articulate their priorities. This year’s forum revealed clear contrasts in style,
preparation and focus. As homeowners complete their ballots, they are encouraged to revisit the forum video online and evaluate which candidates demonstrated not just passion, but clarity, consistency and a readiness to lead.
July 1, 2025
ROC Edition | 7
NEWS
Budget and Finance Committee scrutinizes May financials and variances in racquet membership, road spending By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher The Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee held its regular monthly meeting on June 25, diving into a detailed page-by-page review of the community’s May 2025 financial report. The discussion covered everything from membership variances at key amenities to an unexplained $112,000 roads expenditure and missing elements in the report itself. After approving the previous meeting minutes, the committee turned its focus to the newly released May financials. The full report was made available to the public via a digital link, offering residents an opportunity to examine the same data under review. On page three, under Operating Results, the committee flagged a service and supplies expense of $21,364 and asked whether that amount was the result of bulk purchases made early in the fiscal year or a timing issue affecting when expenses were recorded. The committee requested additional clarification before drawing conclusions. A significant portion of the discussion centered on amenities, particularly the Racquet Sports complex, where a $47,000 variance in Racquet Center membership dues was noted. While year-to-date revenue showed only a $4,000 decrease compared to the same period last year, the committee pointed out that the budget had projected significant growth, making the variance larger than expected. The committee also expressed concerns that membership projections had assumed growth that ultimately did not materialize. The committee chair attributed the shortfall to a revised fee structure implemented earlier in the year, noting that members may be less inclined to pay higher dues that include access to multiple sports they do not use. “It’s a direct reflection of the change in fee structure,”stated Chair Doug Parks. “People want to pay for what they play.” Further concerns were raised about a recent shift in how racquet sports data is reported. Instead of separate reports for tennis, pickleball and platform tennis, the committee now receives a single combined update. Several members pushed back, arguing that sport-specific data is essential to understanding where changes in participation
are occurring. One member even speculated that the dip in racquet membership may be linked to an increase in bocce play and requested that future reports clarify how bocce revenue is tracked and allocated in the budget. The committee also reviewed performance in other amenities. The golf program is trending positively, with early indicators suggesting it may outperform expectations. However, members noted that a golf maintenance report was not included in the packet, leaving a gap in understanding the current state of upkeep and associated costs. Similarly, aquatics is doing well, with membership revenue ahead of budget. There was a brief discussion on marina fuel expenses, with some noting that weather fluctuations can heavily influence costs in that category. One of the most notable financial questions arose under the Capital Summary section. A variance of $112,000 in road maintenance spending triggered a request for further details. The committee plans to formally inquire whether the overage is tied to a specific project or reflects a timing discrepancy. Committee members also noted a significant omission in the report: The community’s balance sheet was not included. Without it, the committee could not fully assess the association’s current financial
ROC Edition Screenshot
Committee reviews May financials, raises questions about amenity revenue and overbudget road expenses.
position, including assets and liabilities. Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola joined the meeting near its conclusion and was prepared to address the committee’s questions immediately. However, the committee chair opted to defer those answers to a later date, allowing for a more structured response in writing.
The Budget and Finance Committee continues to monitor trends across all departments closely and is expected to follow up on unresolved issues at its next meeting. Residents are encouraged to review the May financials and submit their own questions or comments to the committee or the general manager’s office.
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EDITORIAL
Editorial EDITORIAL
ROC Edition | 9
When the truth becomes a threat, lies and half-truths begin In any community, especially one governed by a homeowners association (HOA), election season should be a time for candidates to offer ideas, solutions and a clear vision for the future. But too often, it becomes something else entirely: a battleground where facts are buried under personal attacks and truth-tellers are vilified not for being wrong, but for being right. We are watching this pattern unfold again, and Sherrie Clifford, Publisher it’s not new. When a candidate comes forward with documented facts, financial records, public reports, voting data or detailed histories of board actions, they should be applauded for doing the hard work. Instead, they are met with smear campaigns designed to do one thing: undermine their credibility before the facts can take hold. Sometimes this comes in the form of outright lies. But more often, it’s the half-truths that do the most damage. A half-truth is especially dangerous because it sounds plausible. It contains just enough fact to pass the smell test, but it’s deliberately incomplete, misleading by omission or twisted just enough to flip the narrative. And in the age of social media and HOA gossip networks, it spreads fast. These half-truths are framed to make a candidate seem dishonest, angry, self-serving or disruptive, never mind the actual content of their message or the evidence they bring forward. It is no coincidence that the targets of these attacks are often the candidates who challenge the status quo, the ones who dig through documents, ask uncomfortable questions or highlight inconsistencies in how an HOA is being run. If you have ever wondered why the loudest voices of opposition are also the most personally attacked, the answer is simple: Their truth threatens someone else’s control. Here’s what we’re not talking about enough: Why is it that certain candidates are labeled “divisive” simply for pointing out documented mismanagement, clear conflicts of interest or unethical actions? Why are those demanding transparency on million-dollar projects so often dismissed as “angry” or difficult? And why is it that the individuals who come armed
with receipts, records and a willingness to do the work are painted as the problem, while others, those who avoid scrutiny and offer no answers, are allowed to coast by on reputation, connections, deception or charm? This pattern is not random. It’s a strategy, and it’s time we called it out. Facts cannot be debated, so the person delivering them must be discredited. And when a lie feels too risky, a half-truth will do just fine. This is a deliberate strategy, and it’s one every voter should recognize. Because here’s the truth: Facts don’t disappear just because someone refuses to deal with them. If we want HOAs to be functional, ethical and transparent, half-truths cannot replace accountability. Effective leadership erodes in a political culture where manipulation of perception is more powerful than management of facts. The choice is not just between candidates. It’s between values. Do people want HOA elections shaped by social media spin and carefully coordinated smear efforts, or by verifiable information? There is no honor in winning an election built on falsehoods. There is no integrity in silencing the people doing the work to hold power accountable. In the end, the truth doesn’t need defending, it needs a voice. One that keeps showing up, keeps documenting and refuses to sit down just because someone else is Sherrie Clifford uncomfortable. Publisher/ Editor Because when facts are under
The ROC Staff
attack, silence is complicity and every time we let a half-truth slide, ignore a lie or look the other way from a cover-up, we allow the falsehoods to take root and grow stronger. What we tolerate today becomes the standard tomorrow. Sherrie Clifford Publisher, ROC Edition
856-873-6029 sclifford@oceanpinesroc.com
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EDITORIAL
COMMENTARY
Behind the accusations lies the real agenda In any vibrant community, amenities are more than just pools, clubs or golf courses. They’re an investment not only in property value, but in shared pride. They represent the effort residents make together to maintain and enhance the quality of life they all enjoy. That’s why it’s especially troubling when those who actively support and pay into these amenities are accused of working against them. The narrative goes like this: If you’re not visible in certain social circles or if you raise concerns about how things are managed, you must be trying to destroy what others are trying to preserve. It’s false. And worse, it’s damaging. There are residents in some communities who are paying members of the golf course, swimming pools and year-round programs. They take pride in their
homes, plant trees, install landscaping, support beautification projects, attend fundraisers and show up for community meetings. They may not drink or spend evenings at the bar, but their commitment to the community runs deep and it shows. So why are these same people accused of sabotage? Because they live differently. Quietly. Responsibly. And often, because they’re not part of the loudest social circle, the one that equates bar attendance with loyalty and socializing with service. The irony? Some of the very people demanding “support” for the amenities enjoy free access to them, while criticizing paying members for not doing enough. That’s not just unfair; it’s upside-down. There’s also a personal cost to this culture of accusation. Not everyone can or should be expected
to participate in nightlife. For some, it’s a matter of safety. For others, age, health or living alone shapes how and where they engage. That’s not avoidance. It’s reality. And no one should be shamed for it. Communities should be inclusive. Amenities and committees should be managed for all, not weaponized for political loyalty or personal gain. If asking for transparency makes someone a target, then the problem isn’t the question; it’s what the answer might reveal. Because the residents who pay their own way, give more than
they take, quietly support multiple amenities and contribute without expectation are not the problem. They’re the reason a community remains beautiful, financially stable and worth protecting. These are the voices that should be welcomed into committees or the Board of Directors and not sidelined or smeared. Their voices deserve to be heard, not silenced by those who confuse entitlement with leadership.
Sherrie Clifford Publisher, ROC Edition
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ROC Edition | 11
EDITORIAL
STANDING Room Only By Roger Marino
America, Time to Wake Up! The Twilight Zone!
The best part of my education, in the classroom and through personal mentoring, was my teaching sessions with creative writing mentor Rod Serling, a multiple Emmy Award-winning genius. His creation, production, direction and, at times, starring roles in a selection of his 80 television episodes during the 1950s depicted horror, science fiction, comedy and superstition in the human psyche. The television series profiled and relied on the state of mind between reality, fantasy, dreamlike thoughts and actions in certain states of reality and uncertainty. They were the middle ground between light and shadows, the essence of human fears and the summit of his knowledge. The twilight zone—I and millions of others experience this every morning when in the process of waking up from a nighttime of sleep. During my morning routine, the alarm rings, the clock ticks, the light shines through the blinds, a voice calls, “It’s time to rise.” And mentally I think, “Just another half-hour will make everything ok before rising from this soft pillow, the safety of my clean sheets and the comfort of a back-pleasing mattress.” I lightly close my eyelids and drift into the twilight zone. It’s a time for reminiscing about everything from childhood fun, games and friends to the activities of today. It’s a comfort zone between today, yesterday and tomorrow— the twilight zone of reality. We rest in the dreamlike reality of fantasy, drama and comedy during our halfhour, coma-like comfort. Slowly, we flutter our eyelids in the attempt to clearly see the room around us. My television is positioned across and above the wall from me. It’s time to check the weather forecast for today. However, in the blink of an eye, or the sensation of a firework blast, the screen is filled with the
horrors of today. People clashing with law officials, throwing rocks, burning automobiles, looting businesses in some of America’s more beautiful cities. Sitting on the side of the bed, I turned to another television station and witnessed bombing, killing, people running for cover from overhead disaster, houses and high-rise office buildings crumbling to the ground from enemy assault. Then across our screen flashes the Delmarva weather report. “Sunny and hot with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. It could be dangerous conditions. We still have a need for water, but we might get another inch or so. Be careful of flooding.” “The Delmarva beaches are expected to be filled with sun bathers. More than 50,000 tickets sold for a beach-front concert. Thousands expected for the annual art show. Be careful of the undertow. Great day for boating. Be careful of the hot sun.” Turn the channel, and again in disgust and shock, we are greeted with the horrors and devastation of another murderous conflict in a world thousands of miles from this waterfront paradise. It is a repeat of the bombing and killings that replayed from the other networks. And now we are interrupted with a news report, stating that people were shot and killed in a political attack inside their home. All this information and drama and I haven’t put my feet on the carpet floor yet. Down we go for breakfast, with anxious thoughts of disorder, horror, drama and hope of reality. I meet the day in the middle ground between the twilight shadows. This area we all live in is gorgeous—a chamber of commerce fantasy. We have everything. But how long will this comfort zone last? Now I am ready to get into my car and enter the day of commerce and free enterprise. Ready to
entertain the trials and drama of our small peninsula. Hearing the realistic arguments for and against wind power, street lights, zoning, potholes and stop signs. How fortunate we are. We have it all. Turn the channel. They on the screen are left with nothing! In my twilight zone state of mind, I put myself into the scene of the channel I had switched on the television. A house gone, family destroyed. Once beautiful farming land and waterfront property blown to pieces. Farmers still living are not able to cultivate or grow crops, fearful of being captured or killed. The beachfront remains but is devoid and empty of humans bathing. The people who are still alive live in hiding and fear for their lives. The world is engulfed in flames, figuratively and mentally, including in our bucolic regions of Worcester County. I snap out of the zone, with the realization that I am meeting friends for lunch. The conversation is dominated with fears of living costs and horrors of the price of eggs, cars, produce, oil, etc. Then someone mentions that it is a shame what is happening in Ukraine, Russia, Israel and Palestine. They wonder in a
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joking manner, “What’s next?” Then the conversation reverts to the weekend activities, golf dates, family cookouts, some politics—who is Right, who is Left and who is right and who is wrong. And the major debate of the month: Should boys be allowed to play in girls sporting contests? This is a dominating topic in schools, churches, around the dining room table, in the barrooms, around the ecological beachfronts, in the forestry, along the miles of open commercial and pleasure waters and the comfort of the walking trails. “We are blessed” is a phrase often lost in that five-minute discussion. America/Delmarva/Worcester County, be aware. When will we wake up? When will we as ordinary citizens realize that until we get our minds and political nuances adjusted, we will continue to wake in the twilight zone, too late to get both feet firmly planted on the floor alongside our bed. No time for dreaming. Let’s promote all debating sides together on the greatest peninsula in the greatest country in the world. Let us wash our eyes, snap out of the twilight zone and lock arms in step and unity with reality.
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ROC Life
ROC Life
July 1, 2025
Ocean Pines lights sky and community spirit with annual fireworks display By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher Every Fourth of July, Ocean Pines transforms Veterans Memorial Park into a festive gathering spot where families, friends and neighbors come together to celebrate Independence Day, and once again this year, the community’s fireworks display is expected to bring both color and cohesion to the shore. Scheduled for Friday, July 4 from 4 to 9 p.m., this year’s event features carnival games, dry slides, bounce houses, live music, food vendors and face painting, according to the Ocean Pines Association. General admission is free, with a nominal wristband fee for ride access. The fireworks display will begin around 9:15 p.m., launching from the pond area near Cathell Road, with public viewing available at Veterans Memorial Park, Ocean Parkway and Racetrack Road. The sight of brilliant bursts over the water has become more than a spectacle; it is a defining feature of Ocean Pines’ summer culture. The tradition dates back to the mid-1970s, when fireworks were first launched from near the Swim and Racquet Club. Back then, the community was still emerging, anchored mostly by retirees and vacation homes. Today, with a year-round population of more than 12,000 and a seasonal swell into the tens of thousands, the fireworks event is a centerpiece of community pride. Complementing the colorful sky are food trucks, craft vendors and live entertainment, providing a full afternoon into evening of family fun. Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department coordinates road closures, including Ocean Parkway and sections of Cathell Road, along with parking management and shuttle services to ensure a smooth guest experience. Local police, fire, public works and Neighborhood Watch volunteers oversee crowd safety, monitor traffic and manage pedestrian flow once the show concludes. The “safe zone”
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Colorful skies and community pride return as Ocean Pines marks the Fourth of July with its annual fireworks tradition.
along Ocean Parkway near the pond, fenced off before the rocket’s lift-off, ensures a secure perimeter under fire marshal supervision. Historically, fireworks have served as both a tribute and unifier for Ocean Pines. In the early days, launches at the Swim and Racquet Club reflected both community ambition and leisure-centered values. Over time, as Ocean Pines shifted from a resort-style destination to a vibrant, full-time enclave, the fireworks celebration remained a constant marker of growth and camaraderie. The current fireworks site at Veterans Memorial Park, also home to a popular August 5K run and other seasonal affairs, underscores the community’s strategic use of public space to bring residents together. With the South Fire Station and the Ocean Pines Yacht Club also hosting summer events, Ocean
Pines has become adept at blending infrastructure, recreation and civic engagement. This year’s fireworks are scheduled at 9:15 p.m., with a rain date set for Saturday, July 5. As always, the event is weather-permitting. Organizers urge early arrival to the park. Seats along Ocean Parkway from the South Fire Station to Manklin Creek Road will be available for chairs and blankets, with pedestrian-only access enforced an hour before the launch.
Officials stress that fireworks are reserved for professionals only, citing fire marshal warnings and public safety advisories. Personal fireworks remain illegal in Worcester County and heavier enforcement is in place throughout the holiday. As the sky blooms with red, white and blue, Ocean Pines residents, both new and lifelong, will look up together celebrating Independence Day and reinforcing the bonds that fireworks tradition has long kindled.
July 1, 2025
ROC Life
ROC Edition | 13
Berlin to illuminate Heron Park sky on July 3 to celebrate the Fourth of July By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer Fireworks have been a staple of the United States’ Independence Day celebrations ever since the very first in 1777. Continuing this tradition, the Town of Berlin will commemorate the Fourth of July with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. on July 3. According to the Economic and Community Development Administrative Assistant, Allison Early, the town is not the sole adopter of this schedule. “A lot of people around here are doing it on the third. Also, it’s just a way to kind of give visitors more things to do. They can see the fireworks twice. We also don’t want to compete with Ocean City,” Early said. The fireworks will be set off at Heron Park, where they can be seen throughout downtown Berlin. With the assortment of businesses in the downtown area, spectators of the fireworks show will be well accommodated with food and beverages. “Burley Oak is a great place to watch it. You’ve got Burn Wood
Fired Pizza right there. Forgotten 50 Distilling. All those places are on Old Ocean City, where you’re going to be right underneath them … And then SonRise Church … that’s a great place to watch them, and I think they usually have a little party, too … And you can even see it from Food Lion … So, there’s a lot of places to see them … Hunan Chinese Restaurant is right next to Food Lion, so if you wanted to grab some Chinese food or that Crimson Coward or Subway and sit and watch the fireworks from that parking lot, that’s a great spot, too,” she said. The fireworks for this event are being provided by Skyshooter Displays Inc., a pyrotechnics organization based in Pennsylvania. This year’s fireworks display is funded by multiple local sponsors. These include Island Creamery, a homemade ice cream shop; Dr. David Gannon of Shore Foot and Ankle; the not-for-profit network service organization Maryland Broadband Cooperative; SonRise Church; and Hunan Chinese Restaurant at Berlin
Run Shopping Center. The Town of Berlin’s early Independence Day fireworks show on July 3 offers crowds a chance to
celebrate the Fourth of July ahead of time, with plenty of great spots to view from.
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ROC Life
July 1, 2025
Children can craft their own personal pizza at CounterClox the first Tuesday of every month By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer Tuesday, July 8 marks the next date of the monthly Kids Make Your Own Pizza event at CounterClox. The newly opened establishment asks people to call in advance to reserve a seat during the allotted time. The reservation times are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m. For $10, children will get to make their own personal pizzas and enjoy a beverage with it. This event was first held in mid-June and brought in many parents with their children who got to learn how to make their own personal pizzas. Due to its popularity, CounterClox intends to
hold this event on the first Tuesday of every month going forward. According to co-owner Patrice Ottey, “Families can expect a fun, relaxing event where the kids are entertained … The kids are provided with a chef hat, an apron, dough, a pizza paddle and all the toppings they would like to make their masterpiece pizza.” Previously known as Bour-Agavé, the business on 104 N. Main St. reopened its doors after some rebranding on May 23, under the name CounterClox. With a completely new atmosphere, it offers a restaurant experience framed by vintage industrial design. For the kids pizza event, one of the restaurant’s partners, Rick
Leibowitz, along with other staff members, will provide any necessary help for the children to teach the pizza-making process. All pizzas will be cooked in the restaurant’s own wood-fired pizza oven for the families to enjoy within minutes, Ottey added. She also stated that the idea for this event was thought up by Leibowitz, and the other partners loved the idea. “We are all parents at CounterClox and love to watch our kids be creative and have fun learning,” Ottey said. The restaurant offers 28 reservations for the first time slot during the middle of the day and 30 reservations for the second time
slot in the evening. The restaurant will also feature many more events in the days to come, Ottey said, along with the kids pizza event. “We also intend to hold other kids holiday events, featuring cooking/baking … We have several ideas we will be rolling out. Stay tuned,” she said. People can call the restaurant in advance to reserve a seat for the event on Tuesday, July 8 at 443-513-2290. To keep up with future events at the restaurant, visit CounterClox’s Facebook and Instagram page.
On Thin Ice brings sweet, tasty snowballs to the hot summer season in the heart of Berlin By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer Usually only seen during the snowy season, snowballs have been brought to the Town of Berlin by the family-run shop, On Thin Ice. The newly opened business at 2 Bay St. offers various sweet, tasty flavors of the shaved ice treat in the heart of downtown Berlin. Owned by Bree Chmielewski, the snowball shop has been an idea she and her family have had for quite some time. With the help of her husband and two daughters, they have been able to make the idea a reality. This business idea stems from the married couple’s first ever date, 24 years ago, on which they bought snowballs together. “It has always been an idea we have tossed around but didn’t come to fruition until the perfect location was presented to us,” Chmielewski said. After choosing the location on Bay Street, it took the family only 2-3 months to obtain the building and prepare the business for its grand opening, which took place on June 13. There were a few changes that had to be made to the building before opening, however. For example, the Chmielewskis wanted to change one of the windows to better accommodate the needs of the snowball shop. In order to do this,
they had to talk with the Historic District Commission for approval. According to the owner, the family has received a lot of support from the commission and the entire town. “Everybody from the town has been wonderful to work with in getting this open and excited about the new addition,” Chmielewski said. The family ultimately chose this town for the location of their shop due to their connection to the place and its community. “My husband was born in Baltimore and grew up in Berlin … With Berlin being our backyard, a lot of our friends own local businesses in town and have been a huge support in helping us open up here,” she said. The name for their business came from one of the family’s brainstorming sessions. One of the Chmielewski daughters thought of the name “On Thin Ice” and drew the logo, which shows an otter sitting on a thin square of ice. Currently, the establishment has 16 flavors of snowballs to offer the residents and visitors of the town. The family intends to continue adding more flavors in the future and are asking customers what flavors they would like to see. “We are offering banana, blue raspberry, bubblegum, cotton candy, egg custard, grape, mango, orange cream, peach, piña colada, rainbow, root beer, strawberry, tiger’s blood,
watermelon and wild cherry, with chocolate and spearmint on order,” she said. There are three sizes for customers to choose from: small, which is $2.75; medium, $3.75; and large, $4.75. Toppings are also offered, which are an extra 50 cents each. The toppings include caramel, chocolate, marshmallow, Nerds, sour gummy worms and Sour Patch Kids. “Our top five flavors so far are egg custard, blue raspberry, rainbow, mango and piña colada,” Chmielewski added. The family is still figuring out what the best hours are to be open, she said. At the moment, the business is open on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed on Mondays. Chmielewski added they intend to keep the store open until December, close up for the season in January and February to then open back up around March or April. To garner more attention to the shop, the family is working out the details of multiple “fun ideas” for fall and winter this year, Chmielewski said. The business also offers special menu items each month and during events in the downtown Berlin area. One idea that has already been executed was the special menu item for the Berlin Bathtub Races event that happened on June 20. “For the Berlin Bathtub Races,
we had the Berlin Bathtub Special, which was either blue raspberry or cotton candy, with marshmallow crème, mini marshmallows and a keepsake duckie,” she said. They also are getting more attention through word of mouth and social media. Ever since its opening, On Thin Ice and the Chmielewskis have seen a tremendous amount of people come their way to buy their snowballs, the owner said. “Business has been great. The warm weather has helped tremendously. But the whole town has been so supportive, and we’ve met many neighbors that have come to support us.”
July 1, 2025
ROC Edition | 15
ROC Life
Taylor Bank partners with Berlin Chamber to celebrate 135 years of business in downtown Berlin By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer To celebrate Taylor Bank’s upcoming 135th anniversary, the Berlin Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the bank to host the Hot Summer Swing event on Saturday, July 12. The event will be held from noon to 5 p.m. During the celebration, swing music will be performed, prizes will be given out and dedications to the bank will be made. Although the bank’s anniversary is being celebrated in this manner, the swing event wasn’t originally intended to serve this purpose, according to Taylor Bank’s Marketing Director Tori Grundman. “That was something that (the chamber) had in the works last year. We had the celebration, our 135th anniversary year, coming up this year … We reached out to the chamber to see if there could be a potential opportunity to team up with them to put something on, and they had this event planned and in the works, and we just felt like it would be a great time in the summer to get together in the community,”
Grundman explained. For the event, the Gatsby Gang Band will perform a variety of swing music from the 1920s-1930s era. Multiple vendors will be lining the streets under their respective tents, offering food, beverages and even games. The chamber will have a tent of its own, where the first 200 children and 200 adults can each receive a ticket to obtain complimentary items at the vendors. For the children, it will be cotton candy, and for the adults, it will be beer. Taylor Bank will also have a tent where people can enter a drawing to win one of the prizes that are given out every hour, culminating in the grand prize at 5 p.m. There is no cost to enter the drawing. “Folks can stop at our tent to either drop their business card or fill out their name on a card to have the chance to potentially be a winner for that. We are asking that everybody be present to win,” Grundman said. The swing band that is performing during the event will take a break at every hour to allow the winner of each prize drawing to be announced. Grundman stated there will also
‘I would say Taylor Bank is here to serve as a pillar of the community.”’
-Tori Grundman, Marketing Director of Taylor Bank
be a number of announcements throughout the event besides those of the prize winners, chief among them is the 3 p.m. presentations for Taylor Bank. During these presentations, local elected officials will give a dedication to the bank and its founder, Calvin B. Taylor, who was a renowned citizen in his day. “He had a lot of different positions in the community before he started the bank … Opening up a bank back then—I think he saw the need in the community, and that’s what prompted it,” Grundman said. According to Taylor Bank’s website, the banker was an important figure for both the county and the Town of Berlin before he founded his bank in 1890 but even more so after. He worked in the education system, practiced law, represented Worcester County for the Maryland House of Delegates and served as the mayor of Berlin,
all while running his bank. His business endured a lot through the years to be where it is today. In 1901, the bank’s original headquarters caught fire and burned down. Decades later, it would also trudge its way through the Great Depression, relatively unscathed. The bank also navigated its way through World War II, where it actually experienced a significant growth which continued after the war years. Despite more than a century having gone by, Taylor Bank still remains a large part of the community, Grundman said. “As a community bank, we’re very much focused on our community and giving back in all the ways that we can. I would say Taylor Bank is here to serve as a pillar of the community.” This celebration allows the community to show its gratitude to the bank for its 135 years of service.
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July 1, 2025