June 1, 2025
R C Edition
THE PEOPLE’S PAPER
Ocean Pines’ 2025 election progresses forward with four candidates and extended deadline
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
The 2025 Ocean Pines Board of Directors election is beginning to take shape, with the first four candidates confirmed and the ballot order determined by the Elections Committee on May 28. Candidates Monica Rakowski, Steve Jacobs and Amy Peck were present for the draw, while Stuart Lakernick did not attend in person or appear online. Elections Committee member Cheryl Jacobs drew on Lakernick’s behalf.
Using a random draw with a deck of playing cards, the committee assigned the following ballot order: Stuart Lakernick, Monica Rakowski, Steve Jacobs and Amy Peck.
Lakernick, Rakowski and Jacobs are all current members of the seven-person Board of Directors, whose terms expire later this summer. The fourth name on the list, Amy Peck, is no stranger to the board or to service in the Ocean Pines community.
Peck, a longtime Ocean Pines homeowner and former board member, was appointed to the Board of Directors in October 2021 to fill a sudden vacancy. In accordance with the association’s governing documents, the open seat was required to be filled by appointment until the next general election in 2022, when a newly elected board would be seated. When the vacancy occurred, Peck was approached and asked to step in to help ensure board continuity during a time of operational need. She accepted the role without hesitation, setting aside personal and professional obligations, including her employment with the Ocean Pines Association’s Aquatics Department to serve the community.
In addition to her board experience, Peck has volunteered at numerous Ocean Pines events over the years and remains active in community initiatives.
While a fifth candidate submitted an application shortly before the
draw, that individual withdrew from the race soon after filing, leaving only four candidates in the running at the time of the drawing.
With the number of candidates not exceeding the number of open chairs by at least two, the Elections Committee had to extend the candidate deadline to June 20, 2025, in accordance with OPA governing documents. If additional candidates apply, their names will be added to the ballot in the order their applications are received and verified.
A date and time for the 2025 candidate forum is tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 27, at the Ocean Pines Clubhouse.
The forum provides residents with an opportunity to hear directly from each candidate. Participants will introduce themselves, outline their qualifications and explain how their experience, integrity and past contributions make them suited to
Budget and Finance Committee reviews April financials, raises questions on expenditures and membership trends
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
The Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee met on May 28, to review the unaudited April financials, which showed a positive variance of $70,630. Committee members raised several questions that will be forwarded to the general manager, John Viola, with answers expected in next month’s meeting minutes.
In particular, members questioned repairs and maintenance costs in Public Works, “other expenses” in Recreation and Parks and general maintenance expenses. They asked whether these were anticipated,
part of routine operations or emergency spends.
Food and beverage figures also came under scrutiny, with some members asking for clarification
on specific categories and whether certain vendor costs were now centralized or still appearing under multiple departments.
OCEAN PINES • WEST OCEAN CITY • BERLIN MD
represent the community. In addition to prepared questions written by the Elections Committee, candidates will answer some of the questions submitted by homeowners.
This year’s election also brings continued attention to the process behind vendor selection and ballot handling.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Worcester County Police get smaller raise than requested, still seen as progress
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
Police officers of Worcester County have reached out to the public, asking for their help in convincing the county commissioners to approve the salary increase they requested. At the May 20 budget hearing, the commissioners voted 4-3 in favor of raising the annual salary of a rookie deputy in the county from $55,037 to $62,632.
Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #50 Mike Valerio and his fellow officers reached out to the public by attending the Berlin Farmers Market that occurs every Sunday. Valerio stated that he did not know for certain whether or not the majority vote was gained because of public support but believed that it certainly helped.
“We’re fortunate with the community that we have down here, which shows us a ton of support,” Valerio said.
If the currently proposed county budget is passed, the salary increase will be put into effect on July 1.
Although the commissioners voted in favor of the raise, the approved amount is not as much as the county officers were originally asking for. In fact, this increase is $2,000 less than the original proposed increase, which was $64,632.
Despite the increase not being
ELECTION
Continued from page 1
These concerns reappeared when the board chose to override the Elections Committee’s recommendation to return to local vendor ACE Printing & Mailing, which has more than 25 years of experience successfully managing Ocean Pines elections. The Elections Committee, which includes five voting members and a non-voting board liaison, John Latham, voted 3–2 in favor of ACE. Committee Chair Steve Ransdell later acknowledged that he did not vote in support of ACE.
Despite having satisfied all requirements outlined in the official Request for Proposal (RFP), ACE ultimately withdrew from the process after being asked to comply with additional disclosure requests related to its confidential and proprietary business operations,
what was originally proposed, Valerio was pleased that the commissioners agreed to raise the salaries.
“Ultimately, it’s going to be a win for my people. It’s a step in the right direction, although it’s not what the original budget request was,” Valerio said.
In order to gain the commissioners approval, some cuts were made to the original budget that was proposed by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office lowered the budget request by $900,603, making the budget request a total of $19.3 million.
According to Valerio, there are certain things the sheriff’s office will have to push down the line because of the proposed budget decrease. For example, the funds for a forensic camera and a pneumatic breaching tool were cut from the proposed budget. Additionally, the funds for hiring a Forensic Technician are no longer in the budget.
“Currently, we don’t have anyone on our roster like that so that means we are often depending on other agencies to assist, and sometimes that is very time-consuming and manpower-intensive. And that can be straining on our ally agencies that do have that personnel,” Valerio explained.
The main reason why Valerio and his fellow officers reached out to the public was that many deputies were considering leaving to find higher-paying jobs in the same field. With this salary increase, it
requests that did not appear to be required of MK Elections.
The board proceeded with MK Elections for a second consecutive year, despite documented issues during the 2024 cycle.
Among some of the reported issues involving MK Elections during the 2024 election: required documentation was missing when email instructions for online voting were distributed to homeowners along with a link to vote; paper ballots with the missing materials began arriving at homeowners’ residences later that week, followed by a separate email containing the necessary documents; direct communication occurred between MK Elections and then-candidate—and now Board Vice President—Rick Farr, as Farr posted online; processed ballots were returned to the private residence of the Elections Committee chair; and, after all paper ballots had
is possible that those deputies will reconsider leaving, but Valerio said he was not entirely sure of that.
“I guess time will tell with that. We hope that we can retain members, but at the same time, it can be bittersweet because I want them to make the choices that’s best for them and their family … So far I haven’t heard anyone in particular saying, ‘No, I’m still going,’ but at the same time, I haven’t heard anyone going, ‘Hey, this is what I was waiting for; I think I’ll stay,’” he said.
Just as Valerio hopes the salary increase will persuade his fellow officers to stay, he also hopes it will attract more candidates to be recruited. The salary increase will help the county police compete with other agencies in the vicinity with higher salaries.
“Having that increase in salary gets them to reconsider an agency like us. Because you could have that ideal candidate, but that ideal candidate might be lured to a bigger agency that can pay them more and give them more opportunities. So, having this will hopefully get them to make another consideration and choose to apply to a place like Worcester,” he said.
Valerio hopes to have more conversations in the future on additional increases that would help the county salaries better compete with the salaries of neighboring agencies. Such as the agencies in Lewes, Delaware; Rehoboth Beach,
been scanned, the process was interrupted when a box of ballots was reportedly found in another room. Further complicating matters, MK Elections founder Ken Mostern is also listed as Vice President of Western U.S. Operations for TrueBallot/WebVote, a separate elections services provider whose website emphasizes its work with a range of labor unions, including organizations such as the Teamsters. While TrueBallot has extensive experience conducting union elections, its current online client list reflects limited direct involvement with homeowners associations.
The exact nature of the relationship between MK Elections and TrueBallot remains unclear, particularly whether MK operates independently or as part of a broader subcontracting arrangement with TrueBallot for online voting services.
Ballots for the 2025 election are
To convince Worcester County Commissioners to approve salary increase, county police officers reach out to their community at the Berlin Farmers Market.
Delaware; and Ocean Pines, which have a starting annual salary of $75,000, $78,000 and $61,000 respectively.
“I’m hoping that we can have more successful and open dialogue between now and the next fiscal year … to achieve the goals of my membership, as well as try to present it in a way that the commissioners can make a decision to support it,” he said. “We are grateful for the moves and the increases that they have given us.”
expected to be mailed in mid-July, with results announced at the completion of the counting process. It has been suggested that results be announced during the Ocean Pines Annual Meeting in August, which would leave no time for any candidate to file a recount request before the results are confirmed on that day.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed, attend the candidate forum when scheduled and cast their votes once ballots are issued. The outcome will help shape the future of Ocean Pines, as newly elected board members take on responsibility for policy, financial stewardship and long-term planning.
Those interested in becoming a candidate for the 2025 Board of Directors election can find the application form on the Ocean Pines Association website.
Home Improvements
RENOVATIONS
FINANCIALS
Continued from page 1
A lively discussion ensued when committee member Jack Collins asked whether it was necessary to increase the annual assessment by $25, noting that OPA reported a revenue surplus on both actual and budget projections. The committee chair emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate reserves, citing the upcoming reserve study and clarifying that retained earnings do not materialize until after the annual audit is complete. He reaffirmed that OPA’s financial position remains strong but said it is more problematic to fall short than to be conservative in planning.
Committee members also reviewed overall public safety allocations, noting that nearly 44% of assessment revenues are directed toward the Ocean Pines Police Department and the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department. Additional questions were raised regarding whether funding for the upcoming reserve study is included in the fiscal year 2026 budget.
At a high level, committee members noted that expenses remain under budget and questioned whether this trend reflects overestimated expenditures or conservative revenue estimates. These observations will be factored into planning for the next budget cycle.
The committee also reviewed cost changes related to facility upgrades. Utilities at the new racquet center, for instance, are expected to fluctuate, though April figures show Aquatics utility costs running well below last year’s levels. Membership trends were also highlighted: Aquatics, Golf and Beach Parking
memberships are all up, while Racquet Sports memberships have declined by approximately 30%. Some members attributed the drop to dissatisfaction with recent rate changes and said they plan to revisit the issue during FY2027 budget planning next fall.
Food and Beverage operations, now under adjusted management, were also discussed. The committee requested a copy of the management contract to determine whether utility or maintenance costs are included. They also asked for clarification on what reports will be provided under the new arrangement.
Capital spending drew scrutiny, particularly $1.52 million listed on page 17 of the financials. Some members questioned whether all new capital expenditures were accurately labeled, as not all items appeared to be marked consistently.
Additionally, the committee noted a $38,000 increase in the allowance for bad debt and voted to request a delinquency report for further review.
The racquet center renovation was also reviewed. As of the April report, $99,543 had been spent, with the general manager estimating a final project cost of $275,000. The remaining funds are expected to be included in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget.
Finally, the committee received follow-up answers from the previous meeting. Notably, the increase in racquet center utilities was attributed to construction activity and the Beach Club received a credit connected to a liquor transfer.
The next Budget and Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25.
Pollinator gardens bloom along ocean parkway, supporting nature and community
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
A series of pollinator gardens planted along Ocean Parkway are doing more than adding visual appeal to the community. They represent a broader effort to support native species and promote sustainable land use throughout Ocean Pines.
The project began in 2024 as a collaborative effort between the Ocean Pines Association and the Ocean Pines Garden Club. Motivated by a shared interest in conservation, local volunteers began converting sections of roadside and median landscaping into native plant habitats. Initial sites include areas near the North and South Gates and the Pintail Park parking lot.
The gardens feature a mix of native perennials chosen to bloom across the growing season and attract beneficial pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Early plantings have included blackeyed Susans, butterfly weed, bee balm, coneflowers and coreopsis. These species were selected not only for their ecological value but also for their ability to withstand local climate conditions with minimal care. Many of the plants used in
the project were sourced from Bluebird Farms, a locally owned garden center in Berlin/Ocean Pines, ensuring regional suitability and supporting a local business partner.
Beyond their environmental impact, the gardens offer a practical benefit: reduced maintenance. Unlike turf grass or annual flower beds, native perennials typically require less water and attention once established. They can grow well with natural rainfall and don’t depend on irrigation systems.
Because these plants return each year, there is no need for seasonal replanting, which helps reduce long-term costs.
Maintenance needs are also lower when it comes to fertilizing and pest control. Native plants tend to be more resistant to local pests and thrive in the region’s natural soil. This means fewer applications of chemicals and less intervention overall, aligning with eco-friendly practices.
Ocean Pines Public Works assists with preparation and general oversight, but much of the upkeep is handled by volunteers. Tasks like mulching and occasional weeding help maintain the gardens while keeping labor demands
minimal. The community-based approach has helped the project gain steady support.
Residents have responded positively to the gardens and future expansions are already being considered. The effort serves as a visible reminder that small-scale environmental projects can have a
meaningful impact both for wildlife and for the people who live nearby.
As the flowers bloom along Ocean Parkway, the gardens offer more than color and character. They signal a growing commitment to responsible land care, education and a community working in harmony with the natural world.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Native perennials take root along Ocean Parkway as part of an ongoing pollinator garden project that supports native species and sustainable landscaping.
Racquet Center reopens in Ocean Pines with upgraded space for players
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
The Ocean Pines Racquet Center building is now complete and officially open, marking a new chapter for one of the community’s most active recreational hubs.
The new structure, located on Manklin Creek Road, replaces the former building that had served racquet sports players for decades. While the original facility had become outdated and showed signs of wear, including concerns about moisture and structural deterioration, the newly built center offers a clean, updated space focused on function, comfort and community use.
Inside, the building features durable new flooring and an improved interior layout that supports daily activity at the complex. A central gathering area has been added, providing a comfortable place for players to meet, relax or cool down before and after a match. The open space supports all racquet sports at the facility, including tennis, pickleball and spec tennis, while fostering a sense of community among both
casual and competitive players.
What began as a renovation project eventually became a full reconstruction effort after structural issues were discovered in the foundation of the old building. The previous structure was found to have been built on sidewalk material, which contributed to water intrusion and long-term maintenance concerns. With that in mind, Ocean Pines Association leadership moved forward with a complete rebuild, preserving only the roof and support beams from the original facility.
Landscaping around the building has also been refreshed, improving site access and visibility without requiring ongoing design modifications. Functionality, safety and player convenience were prioritized throughout the project.
Now that construction is complete, the Racquet Center building is back in full operation, supporting a wide range of programs, tournaments and daily recreational use. The space also serves as a check-in area, community hub and welcome spot for both new and returning members of the racquet sports community.
With updated amenities, improved utility and a more practical layout, the new building is expected to support the long-term growth of racquet sports in Ocean Pines for years to come, providing a central base where play, connection and community can continue to thrive.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher Now open, the rebuilt Ocean Pines Racquet Center offers a fresh, functional space where players can gather, play and connect in an upgraded setting.
Berlin council moving toward development of RFP to combat stormwater ownership confusion
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
For years, the Town of Berlin’s stormwater utility management has been held back due to the lack of funding and difficulty in discerning public and private property. The Mayor and Council took action on the second of these two issues by voting to draft a request for proposal (RFP) for stormwater ownership at its most recent meeting.
Councilman Jack Orris raised these concerns at the council’s most recent meeting, seeking support from his fellow council members to make stormwater a town priority.
“I believe we need a genuine commitment to include stormwater as a town priority moving forward … Much like the other positive projects we’ve prioritized—skate park, Heron Park, community center as examples—stormwater needs the same dedicated focus,” Orris said.
He first turned the council’s focus toward the funding issue. Stormwater utility has operated in the red nearly every year since its inception
in 2013, according to Orris. To make up for the financial loss, the town receives grant funding, which takes time.
“Grants are certainly great and I love grant-funded projects; however, while we wait for grant opportunities, it will still storm, and the current stormwater system needs improvement,” Orris said.
To make improvements on the system, Orris suggested to the council a complete review of the stormwater utility from the ground up.
“Up to and including a review of pertinent state laws, easements, ownership, exploring public and private partnerships and what the utility itself would need to ensure efficient operations, remove barriers, explore funding opportunities and work towards recreating a stormwater system and/or utility that Berlin deserves,” he said.
The concerns Orris brought up, although important, could not be tackled at this time due to lack of funds. The council then focused on a more pressing issue that warrants
consideration for expenditure of funds. This issue that has affected stormwater management for years is discerning ownership of land, which Mayor Zack Tyndall spoke on.
“I will say that stormwater, I believe, is a key priority of the group … If I could ask for one thing to improve the stormwater fund this year … is hire somebody that could tell us this is a publicly owned ditch, this is a privately owned ditch, this is owned by the Town of Berlin, this is a tax ditch association,” Tyndall said.
The town would have to handle a situation differently depending on the ownership of the land. So, without the knowledge of who owns a certain property, the town cannot go forward with solving a problem that has arisen on said property. The issue would then take much longer to remedy.
In light of this, Tyndall suggested Orris make a motion to draft an RFP to tackle the situation. The RFP would be dispersed to figure out what the cost of hiring an expert to discern stormwater ownership would be.
“We do an RFP, we develop the scope of the project, we put it out to bid, figure out where the numbers come in and … we either front it with capital … or we make it a one-time fee and pay for it to get the information that we need,” Tyndall said.
Orris made a motion to draft an RFP to combat the stormwater ownership issue, which was unanimously approved.
After the motion’s approval, Councilman Steve Green brought up his concern of the fact that the town was putting out an RFP despite not having the capital to fund it.
“It is definitely disconcerting to have an RFP put out with no way to fund it for when the RFP would come back,” Green said.
Additionally, a point was made that it would take some time to draft this RFP, since there is already a long queue of other RFPs. No deadline is set for when the RFP will be drafted.
Ordinance to be drafted by Berlin’s Town Attorney to tackle recent disturbance issues from Tracks and Yaks
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
Due to the disturbances that have occurred of late, Berlin’s Mayor and Council expressed their desire of having an ordinance drafted to combat the improper conduct of businesses. After he received the council’s feedback, Town Attorney David Gaskill said he will work on creating a draft of an ordinance that, once enacted, could lead to the suspension of a business license.
In the past couple of months, several residents of Baker Street, along with the owner of Berlin Beer Company, have voiced complaints to the council about the inappropriate conduct and mismanagement at Tracks and Yaks, a tourist attraction where people can take rail bike tours and go kayaking.
Much of the complaints have originated from two main issues: no bathrooms and no parking. Tracks and Yaks does not have any bathrooms on its premises which has led to employees of the business
using the bathrooms of Berlin Beer Company or even urinating on Baker Street residents’ lawns. The tourist attraction also has no parking which makes both employees and customers park in Berlin Beer Company’s parking lot or on the sides of streets. This drove away potential business for the brewery and caused Baker Street to be cluttered with vehicles. The latter brought up concerns about emergency vehicles being unable to pass through the road as swiftly as they would need to.
Gaskill spoke with the Mayor and Council about drafting an ordinance to remedy issues like these during the May 27 council meeting.
“Our code and our ordinance authorize the council to not only issue business licenses but to regulate businesses … So, I just wanted to see if the council is interested in me going down that route and try to draft something to regulate businesses in the Town of Berlin,” Gaskill said.
He then clarified that this ordinance is not intended to inhibit
the opening of new businesses in town but to make businesses that engender community disturbance easier to handle. If this ordinance were to be utilized, it could result in the suspension of a business license or the refusal to renew a license. Some examples were given by Gaskill on what would lead to its utilization. Complaints of noise, trash, illegal parking, trespassing and building code violations, in excess, could result in a penalty through this new ordinance.
Councilman Jack Orris stated his approval of drafting this kind of ordinance. He added that he felt it would need to have a threshold or a “trigger point”. For example, if a business has received a certain amount of complaints, only then would it be considered for license suspension.
The discussion then drifted to the idea of an appeal process being used when executing the ordinance. Gaskill stated a possible system to put in use could be to suggest a suspension and then make an appeal to the Mayor and Council,
who will then be the deciding factor on the license suspension.
The council agreed that having this type of ordinance would be a great asset for the town and its residents.
Vice President Dean Burrell expressed his support of this idea and told Gaskill to proceed in the drafting process for the ordinance.
“I think it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it,” Burrell said. He then recounted a memory of how there used to be a similar process done “way back when” for businesses that were garnering a lot of complaints.
“They had to sit here and explain to us why they should continue to operate in the Town of Berlin and what they were going to do to change this behavior. And it worked tremendously well,” Burrell said.
The draft for this ordinance will be drawn up by Gaskill for the council to then review in the future.
Secrecy is not governance; transparency in HOAs can’t be optional
In communities governed by a homeowners association (HOA), there is an expectation, indeed a responsibility, that elected board members act with transparency, fiscal accountability and in the best interest of the residents they serve. That duty includes honest communication about financial decisions, legal disputes and how those matters are resolved.
Yet, across the country and increasingly in mid-sized and large-scale HOAs, serious matters, especially legal disputes, are quietly resolved behind closed doors. Many associations rely on private mediation to settle complaints before they reach a courtroom, often shielding the process behind nondisclosure agreements. While this may be legally permissible, it is rarely in the spirit of open governance. These quiet resolutions have significant implications for homeowners, who are often left unaware of the issue, the cost or the potential long-term consequences.
Even when insurance covers the bulk of a settlement, sometimes in the thousands or even millions, these matters can still impact the community Insurance is not a limitless safety net. Payouts can lead to higher premiums, reduced coverage or difficulty securing future policies. Meanwhile, residents may not even be informed that a dispute occurred, particularly if no board vote or budget amendment is disclosed publicly.
COMMENTARY
This lack of transparency sends the wrong message. It suggests that controlling public perception is more important than maintaining public trust. HOA board members are stewards of both financial health and member confidence. That trust cannot exist without communication.
It is time for HOAs to adopt formal policies requiring disclosure when settlements, regardless of legal venue, result in financial liability or policy changes. Even when litigation is avoided, the outcomes should not be buried. Homeowners deserve to know when decisions affect their association’s reserves, insurance stability or future planning.
Some may argue that silence protects the association from embarrassment or liability. But secrecy comes at a cost. When homeowners discover that issues were concealed or that money changed hands without explanation, the damage to community cohesion and faith in leadership can be profound. Transparency is not about creating a spectacle; it is about respecting the people who fund and live under the governance of an HOA. That respect demands openness, even when the truth is uncomfortable.
Silence may feel like protection, but in community governance, it too often becomes a shield of avoidance. Homeowners deserve better.
Sherrie Clifford Publisher, ROC Edition
Memorial Day is for remembrance and yes, it’s ok to feel somber, grateful and happy
Have you ever said “Happy Memorial Day” while feeling genuinely thankful to have had a loved one serve in the United States military? Many Americans have. For countless families, Memorial Day is a time of reflection and appreciation, a day to honor those who gave their lives in service to this country and to recognize the freedoms their sacrifices have made possible.
It’s important to remember that Memorial Day and Veterans Day are distinct, though often misunderstood or blended together in casual conversations. Veterans Day, observed in November, honors all who have served in the U.S. military, living or deceased. Memorial Day, held in May, is specifically
set aside to honor and remember those who died while serving in the Armed Forces. But while the focus is different, both holidays share a powerful common thread: They invite us to pause in remembrance and to express our deepest respect, appreciation and gratitude. While Memorial Day centers on those who made the ultimate sacrifice, it also stirs broader reflection on what was fought for, what has been preserved and how those values shape our everyday lives. The devotion, courage and sacrifice shown by generations of service members are what this day truly represents. It is not a contradiction to feel joy, pride and gratitude on a day of solemn remembrance. In fact,
those emotions are a direct result of the freedoms secured by those we honor.
We remember in different ways. For some, it’s a moment of silence at a memorial. For others, it’s placing flags or flowers at a grave, attending a local ceremony or sharing a meal with family while reflecting on loved ones who served. These expressions of remembrance often include happiness, not in celebration of loss but in appreciation of what has been given. Recently, questions have been raised about whether it’s appropriate to use the phrase “Happy Memorial Day.” While some argue it’s too light a word for such a solemn occasion, others see it as a reflection of the
The ROC Staff
Sherrie Clifford Publisher/Editor 856-873-6029 sclifford@oceanpinesroc.com
Staff Consultant News Editor editor@oceanpinesroc.com
Giovanni Guido Staff Writer gioguido56@gmail.com
Roger Marino Columnist marino.roger@aol.com
Lara Spaid Advertising Sales 410-443-4717 laraspaid@comcast.net Ocean Pines ROC Inc.
Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Philanthropy in action; Kiwanis Club supports local youth and community across Worcester County
Dear Editor:
What is the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City, Maryland? It’s a volunteer organization dedicated to helping children and families in Worcester County, Md. It’s one of Kiwanis International’s over 7000 clubs, located in 85 nations, “Serving the Children of the World.”
Why does the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City work all year long to raise funds to disperse in Worcester County to help make our community better and how does it get done?
For example, the club’s biggest fundraiser is the the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines-Ocean City annual Lottery.
The 2026 Kiwanis Lottery tickets are on sale. In order to be in for the 2026 drawings that start Jan. 1, 2026, tickets must be purchased before Dec. 31, 2025. Cost is $20 per ticket and is good for all 365 Maryland evening “Pick 3” drawings. It’s not necessary to live in Maryland to win. Once your number(s) are in the database, winner $ are automatically mailed by PNC Bank. There are 17 celebration “Special Dates” that pay up to $250. These make great stocking stuffers.
Kiwanis members have tickets to sell, and there will be tickets available at all Kiwanis events throughout
the year. Some of the many events are the annual July and November Pancake Breakfasts, the “Summer Concerts in the Park,” most Ocean Pines events like recent Bay Day in May, the 4th of July Celebration, craft shows and some weeks at the Saturday Farmers Market in Whitehorse Park.
Proceeds benefit the youth of Worcester County via the Kiwanis Club’s Annual Scholarships awarded to graduating high school senior students in the three county high schools, yearly funding with seed money and supporting the five Kiwanis Student Leadership Program
clubs in Buckingham & Showell Elementary, Berlin Intermediate School, Stephen Decatur Middle School and Stephen Decatur High School. Also, the club annually donates and supports Cedar Chapel Special School, community service organizations like Worcester GOLD, Diakonia, Worcester County Youth & Family, Worcester County Child Advocacy Center, 4Steps Therapeutic Riding Program, Companion Dolls for police and fire departments to help children experiencing trauma and Ocean Pines Recreation Department for summer camp, to name a few.
Every year, the club holds food, coat and toy drives to collect and make donations of goods to those local organizations.
Membership is always open. More information at www.kiwanisofopoc.org and on Facebook.
The more hands, the lighter the work!
D.J. Landis, Sr. Kiwanis Media RelationsPress Relations djlandissr@gmail.com 410-641-7330
A ride, a sandwich and a reality check on curb appeal crackdowns
Dear Editor:
The 15th of every month is a High Holy Day for me because the mid-month ROC Edition hits the streets.
I read with interest how a local Gestapo-like (um, overly self-important?) organization is harassing local properties that don’t satisfy some kind of obscure (?) local ordinance.
So, yesterday on my morning
bike ride in the Pines, I paid extra attention to the hundreds or so houses and lots I passed and realized that they pretty much fell on a bell curve. Only one property, “the haunted house,” was on the negative end of the curve, and one, that should be Ocean Pine’s newest park, was on the positive.
ALL the rest—and this is important—were nice, normal, houses and yards.
I followed up on this quest on my lunchtime drive to get a sandwich at the wonderful deli on the Southside, and the results were the same.
So, in my opinion, as Bill Shakespeare put it long ago, this flap is “Much ado about nothing.” And as the Beatles put it a bit later, “Let it be.”
Ralph “Drives The Speed Limit” Ferrusi
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.
REMEMBRANCE
Continued from page 8
freedoms we were given and a sincere, thankful acknowledgment of those who made it possible. Memorial Day is a time to honor those who gave everything for our freedom, a moment to remember their sacrifice while being grateful for the opportunity to live freely, speak openly and yes, even to be happy. Being happy is not about celebration, but about recognizing the freedom and peace others died to protect. Saying “Happy Memorial Day” does not diminish that meaning, it reflects the very freedom they fought to preserve.
Sherrie Clifford
Publisher, ROC Edition
ROC Edition • Submitted
Margaret Virginia Wheatley, 92, of Ocean Pines, proudly pays tribute to her late brother, Navy veteran Howard Charles “Bud” Walton (1929-2007), at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Day event in Ocean Pines, Maryland.
STANDING Room Only
By Roger Marino
Persistence, Sacrifice, Excellence
The grit, grace and grind behind academic greatness
A five-year-old child walks through the doorway of this huge building. Pulled by the grasp of his mother and with tears in his eyes, he is led to a tiny wooden desk in the middle of a room filled with other youngsters looking as baffled and curious as he is.
He slides his tiny legs under the assigned desk, gazes up at a lady who greets the new group with a smile and gentle words.
Why am I here? What is the significance of this? Where is my mother? If the teacher could explain to these five-year-olds, she would
say, “This, my cherry-cheeked young man, is the beginning of your new adventure. It is called education. During the coming years, it will consume a large part of your day. It will be part of numerous anxious marking periods and equally anxious exam periods.”
From the time the kindergarten child is greeted by that warmsmiling, gentle woman who spends a couple of hours with them during the day, to the middle school and high school educator whose voice is stronger, the challenges become more technical, outdoor activities less frequent and social activities more limited, leaving no time for day-dreaming. You are making decisions, decisions that will determine your future.
At ages 13 to 14, you are entering high school, and for the next 1,400 hours of living, you will be in front of a computer, deep into the thousands of pages from a pile of books, with limited time for sports, entertainment and social gatherings. You will be a member of an army of education-minded students who pledge allegiance to the studies of philosophers and hundreds of creative genius minds, intellects and writings.
From a blank, teary-eyed stare into the eyes of a warm-hearted kindergarten teacher to your early teens. What a journey!
Now to high school graduation: 1,460 hours a year, 35 hours a week, the computer screen held his concentration. Not with video games, shooting someone for a win. Not capturing a hilltop fortification or defeating the enemy in war.
The victory is within the history books, the classroom interaction, verbal and written, with the instructor and the student’s peers. The victory is in education.
This leads me to a discovery made this week in a local community paper.
Eleven high school senior students graduated from Stephen Decatur High School.
Is that a revelation? No. These men and women graduated with 15 consecutive terms of straight A’s throughout their high school
academic studies. That is a revelation.
You know where I found this three-column photo? On page 34. That is where this unbelievable achievement was buried!
Over 25 years, I presented 145 high school seniors on the Delmarva Peninsula with “Scholar Athlete Awards” for their achievements on the field of play, in the classroom and the community where they lived, played and prayed.
To receive this coveted award, they must have achieved a B average or better during their high school career. That is a wonderful achievement. I also presented that award each year to a male or female senior who was appointed to a military academy.
Award winners who have gone on to achieve great things in the field of play, as academic scholars and in their chosen professions.
And today I look at this academic record, achieved at one high school located among many on the Delmarva Peninsula. How many more are there?
Eleven students who sacrificed much in that four-year period of their growing years. Thousands of hours of concentration on topics and subject matter. Weekends of sunshine and beach put in the background in their effort to achieve this stellar moment.
Fifteen consecutive terms throughout four years in high school to record straight A’s.
When I was in that classroom situation, I was grateful to receive a steady B report card and thought the power of straight A to mean “Almost!”
Shame on the community for overlooking these future educators, scientists, military officers, medical specialists, lawyers, political leaders, sports stars, engineers and community builders for their contribution to the world. Congratulations to the parents who helped these future leaders stay the course and the educators who recognized the exceptional student and guided them along the way.
And shame on anyone in this community who would accept a small pictorial burial of their unbelievable achievements to be placed inside the back pages.
ROC Life
Lower Shore Land Trust’s Pollinator Garden Tour to highlight the big impacts of small gardens in Berlin
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
For its fifth annual Pollinator Garden Tour on Saturday, June 7, the Lower Shore Land Trust intends to hone in on smaller pollinator gardens that showcase how much one can do for the environment even in a small space.
“We thought it was valuable to point out that even if somebody moves into a really small, little, new development that they can still do something,” Agricultural Outreach Specialist Beth Sheppard said.
The nonprofit organization is dedicated to conserving nature, an effort this event furthers by educating the public on the importance of growing native plants.
The event will begin at the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum at 8 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. All attendees will receive a map highlighting the locations of the nine gardens. At each location there will be a garden host to educate people on how pollinator gardens support local ecosystems. These types of gardens are filled with native plants that attract pollinators, such as bees, wasps and butterflies.
Tickets for the garden tour can either be purchased in advance on the nonprofit’s website or at the Taylor House Museum the day of, though there will be an increase in the price of admission. If the ticket is bought in advance, it will cost $30; if it is bought the day of, the price is $35. Tickets for children 12 and younger are $10.
The garden tour will feature 10 “plein air” artists that will paint during the event. Plein air is a French term which roughly translates to open air. This type of painting is the act of creating a piece of art outdoors with the subject of the painting in plain view of the artist.
“It’s just a nice way to show … how it’s combining the creativity of people who are gardening, and how they make their garden spaces a masterpiece themselves, as well as the artists who work with canvas and a paintbrush, and they create
a masterpiece. So, it’s two ways to kind of honor being outdoors and trying to embrace the beauty that’s all around us,” Sheppard said.
Each featured garden will have one artist, with the 10th artist located at the museum. The 10 artists are Rhonda Ford, Nancy Fine, Melissa Carol, Ann Schaefer, Kirk McBride, Lynne Lockhart, Carla Huber, Nancy West, Lori Yates and Kathy Gibson. The paintings created by these artists will then be featured in an art exhibit on Friday, June 27, at Bishop’s Stock Fine Art, Craft & Wine Gallery in Snow Hill. This event is free to attend, and people can purchase any of the artworks that were made during the garden tour.
Children who attend the event will also be able to participate in creating their own works of art with the help of instructors. This year will be the first to feature this activity in the garden tour.
“We’ve noticed in years past … that children seem to enjoy going into the gardens as well, so we are doing a $10 ticket so they can do the craft activity, and that includes the ability to go to the gardens because not all children want to do all nine gardens, but they might be interested in going to a couple,” Sheppard said.
The day prior to the event, Lower Shore Land Trust will also hold a
Small gardens in Berlin to be featured in the Pollinator Garden Tour, showcasing their big, positive impact on the local ecosystem.
“pre-tour party” at Sister’s Wine Bar from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This party is a fundraiser and the nonprofit will be accepting donations throughout the night, but there is no admission fee. Live music will be played by Rob Bailey.
To purchase advance tickets for the garden tour, visit https:// www.lowershorelandtrust.org/newsevents. All proceeds made from this event will go toward the nonprofit.
ROC Edition • Lower Shorel and Trust
New Ghost Museum in Berlin promises to bring a bit of the supernatural to town for all ages to enjoy
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
Right above Pitts Street Treasures in downtown Berlin, a new museum of paranormal and unexplained phenomena will be opening, with a title befitting its subject matter: The Ghost Museum.
This new establishment intends to teach people about supernatural occurrences that have happened throughout history across the world, as well as local folklore. According to the business’ website, the museum will showcase “artifacts, stories and historical accounts of ghost sightings and paranormal phenomena.” Despite the contents, the museum is intended for all ages and will feature no jump scares.
Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells elaborated further on what the museum will be like once it is open to the public.
“It has an ethereal feel to it … It’s not a scary museum … You can learn about a variety of different apparitions and stories of unexplained
phenomena,” Wells said.
There is an admission fee of $13 for those who wish to enter, but children three and younger are allowed to enter without a fee. The museum will open sometime in June.
The owner of the new museum, who wishes to remain anonymous, approached Wells roughly a year ago with the idea. According to Wells, this is one of the many ideas that the owner has brought to the town over the years, another being the Mermaid Museum on Jefferson Street.
“The owner is extremely creative in a variety of ways and this is just another one of the amazing ideas that they have had … With the success of the Mermaid Museum, this new idea was very exciting,”
Wells said.
When she was approached, Wells thought the idea would make a great addition to the town and embraced it wholeheartedly.
“I think that with the success of the Mermaid Museum and the Chesapeake Ghost Tours that happen
Museum of paranormal phenomena comes to downtown Berlin to showcase global and local forklore. Catered to all ages, young and old.
here three times a week throughout the summer, I think that it’s an interesting endeavor. Berlin is known for so many unique and original ideas that I think that it fits,” she said.
Since the museum is catered for all ages, there will be a children’s area, according to Wells. Additionally, the museum will include a gift shop
with items related to the paranormal for sale.
Although a schedule for when the business is open and closed is not set yet, Wells stated that it will be open on Sundays to coincide with the Berlin Farmers Market. For more information on the new museum, go to https://www.ghostmuseums.com/.
ROC Edition • Ghost Museum
The Ocean Pines (above) and Berlin (below) farmers markets draw crowds each weekend with their welcoming atmosphere, fresh local products and small-town charm. From handcrafted goods and homegrown produce to baked treats and seasonal flowers, the markets give residents and visitors a chance to shop local, support regional farmers and artisians and enjoy the best of what Worcester County has to offer.
ROC Edition photos by Sherrie Clifford, Publisher and Giovanni Guido
Ocean Pines welcomes summer with successful Season Kickoff
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
The Ocean Pines Season Kickoff event drew large crowds and positive energy on May 17, as residents and visitors came together to celebrate the start of summer with local vendors, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Held at Veterans Memorial Park in Ocean Pines, the event featured more than 80 clubs, organizations, businesses and food vendors. Local clubs and organizations included the Ocean Pines Garden Club, Worcester County Public Library, Women Supporting Women, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters and the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, among many others. The Pine’eer Craft Club, Stephen Decatur High School bands and community groups such as the Ravens Roost 44 and Relay for Life also had a strong presence.
Business and sponsor booths ranged from healthcare providers like Atlantic General Hospital and Tidal Health to local entrepreneurs, including Ocean Elements Salt Spa, Caprichos Books and Shore Therapy Solutions. Food vendors such as Grateful Grub, Taylor’s Family
Restaurant and Kona Ice kept guests refreshed throughout the day.
In addition to shopping, guests enjoyed interactive games, giveaways and a variety of activities geared toward families and children. Nonprofits and service organizations also used the opportunity to connect with residents and promote summer programs, volunteer opportunities and health resources.
The Season Kickoff has become a popular tradition in Ocean Pines, signaling the unofficial start of summer while helping connect neighbors, local causes and small businesses. Organizers said the event continues to grow each year.
With a full roster of exhibitors, strong community engagement and the welcoming energy of a successful and well-attended day, this year’s event once again proved why Ocean Pines remains one of the region’s most active and connected communities.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher Ocean Pines kicks off the season in style on May 17, as crowds fill Veterans Memorial Park for a lively day of games, vendors and community spirit.
Berlin’s Mem ial Day Parade
At the annual Old Fashioned Memorial Day Parade, members of the community, young and old, aligned Flower Street to honor and remember the fallen U.S. soldiers for their service in protecting our nation.
Berlin’s Mem ial Day Parade
ROC Edition photos by Giovanni Guido
