Tyler Mailloux pleads guilty to failing to stop at scene of accident in Gavin Knupp case; sentencing set for March 19 in hit and run near Ocean Pines
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
On Feb. 25, Tyler Mailloux, 24, of Berlin pleaded guilty to one felony count of failing to immediately stop his vehicle at the scene of an accident where he knew or should have known that the accident resulted in the death of another and a death actually occurred, according to a press release from the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The hit-and-run collision occurred on the night of July 11, 2022, on Gray’s Corner Road in Berlin, taking the life of 14-year-old Gavin Knupp.
Judge Brett R. Wilson, retired Circuit Court Judge of Dorchester County, accepted Mailloux’s guilty plea and, upon conviction, ordered Mailloux to be immediately remanded to the custody of the Worcester County Detention Center pending sentencing. Mailloux’s sentencing date has been scheduled for March 19, at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years, with prosecutors recommending a 10-year sentence, with all but three years, 227 days suspended.
By pleading guilty, he waived his right to a jury trial, leading to the revocation of his pretrial release. He was immediately taken into custody at the Worcester County Detention Center.
On the evening of July 11, 2022, Gavin and his sister, Summer, were on their way home to Ocean Pines when Gavin asked her to stop the car on Gray’s Corner Road, a side road between the Glen Riddle development and Route 589 in Berlin. He wanted to take a picture of something that had been placed on a roadside telephone pole. As he made his way back to the car, he was struck by a vehicle that did not stop and continued driving. Gavin was rushed to Atlantic General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The hit-and-run led to both an
intense investigation and widespread controversy throughout the community. In the months following the tragedy, authorities identified the vehicle involved — a black Mercedes that was later found at a home where Mailloux lived with his mother and Ralph DeAngelus, a partner in the Matt Ortt Companies. The Matt Ortt Companies provide food and beverage services to the Ocean Pines Association’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Golf Clubhouse. Questions quickly arose about who knew what, and when, as it was alleged that Mailloux had been at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club before the accident.
As word spread, a groundswell of local support formed around the Justice for Gavin movement, particularly within the restaurant and service industry. Many in the community voiced concerns over the delay in charges, as well as specula-
tion regarding the handling of key evidence. The case remained under intense public scrutiny for over two years before Mailloux finally admitted in court to being the driver.
Gavin was a beloved son, brother and friend who had a passion for fishing, skateboarding and surfing. He loved spending time outdoors, enjoying the water, and making memories with his family and friends. He could often be found with his skateboard and friends at the Ocean Pines Skate Park.
Gavin’s passing left a lasting mark on the Ocean Pines and surrounding communities, serving as a powerful reminder of the need for accountability and responsibility on the road. His memory continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, as the fight for full justice remains a priority for his family and supporters.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
After Gavin Knupp was killed by a hit and run driver near Ocean Pines, the community rallied, gathering with signs, to support his family and friends and call for justice.
OP Board unanimously approves FY26 budget; new racquet sports membership fees going into effect
By David Bohenick Staff Writer
The Ocean Pines Board of Directors, at the Saturday, Feb. 22, board meeting, unanimously passed the $12.9 million FY26 budget with annual assessment fees set at $875 for non-waterfront and $1,515 for waterfront lots.
The Racquet Sports Center is introducing a single membership for pickleball, tennis and platform tennis. Individual Ocean Pines Association members will pay $295 annually, while family members will pay $495 per year. Non-members will pay $370 for yearly individual racquet sports membership, while family non-members will pay $590 each year.
Director Jeff Heavner called it a well-balanced budget, and praised the head of the racquet center, Terry
The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors discusses the FY26 budget and hears department heads’ monthly reports at the Feb. 22 meeting.
Underkoffer, for his analysis regarding the budget.
“This process provided transparency throughout and multiple opportunities for opinion … (Terry) analyzed his numbers to ensure the center is maintained in a first-class condition, marketed and operated efficiently and effectively, provides a high degree of enjoyment and
satisfaction to those that choose to use it, and is operating in a businesslike manner to cover at a minimum the operating cost, including depreciation,” Heavner said.
Director Elaine Brady agreed, adding a membership option for all racquet sports was long overdue.
“Quite frankly, I always wondered
OCEAN PINES • WEST OCEAN CITY • BERLIN MD
ROC
OP BUDGET
Continued from page 1
why it wasn’t that to begin with. To have different sports in clear complexes is for the benefit of all who play there. The cost of maintaining that facility is borne by everyone playing there, so why each sport had a different membership amount never really made sense to me. We certainly listened to you at the (town hall budget meeting), but I just simply think it’s the right thing to do,” Brady said.
Brady also addressed “controversy” about the increases to membership costs.
“Using a percentage sometimes doesn’t tell the full story … 52 percent sounds like an awful lot of money. It’s $8 a month, it’s not a huge jump,” Brady said.
Director Steve Jacobs added the Racquet Center is facing a $70,000 deficit in expenses and the price increase will help alleviate that shortage.
“We’re not talking about building the new center. We’re talking about basic maintenance: nets, seats, tables, umbrellas, fencing, electricity, salaries. Those sorts of things that need to be covered, we’re $70,000 short,” Jacobs said.
Secretary John Latham said the budget accounted for all homeowners residing in Ocean Pines and not just racquet sports members.
“These are the decisions we have to make for 8,500 homeowners, not for one small group … Not to support this budget, in my mind, would be fiscally irresponsible,” Latham said.
President Stuart Lakernick concluded the discussion by thanking department heads for their work and being attentive during the process. He agreed with the other board members’ statements before bringing the motion to a unanimous approval.
“This budget, to run this community, is a very complicated process. There are a lot of moving parts. We have all these different amenities, all these different departments with what their needs are. The bottoms-up approach that John Viola and his team has taken has ensured that we (have) a lean and mean budget … We’re not experts on running the aquatics department, and we’re not experts at running racquet sports. That’s why we hired them. We take their advice,” Lakernick said.
Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department raises
$750,000, continues
brick and plaque fundraiser for new station in south section
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department has raised $750,000 through fundraising efforts to construct a new South Station. In addition, the department president, Joe Enste, said $1.7 million was secured through grants and bonds and fire department officials have $1.3 million in an account dedicated to the project.
The new station is intended to measure 15,370 square feet. The concept is 3,730 square feet smaller than the original proposal of 19,100 square feet, but it allows for an additional 760 square feet for efficiency and accessibility.
The department has continued fundraising efforts with recent events such as Cash Bingo and Queen of Hearts. At the center of these fundraising efforts is the selling of bricks and plaques, which will be professionally engraved with messages or names of donors.
Donors may purchase a 4-by8-inch brick for $100 or an 8-by8-inch brick for $200. Donations of $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000 will be honored with plaques.
Bricks and plaques can be purchased at the Ocean Pines Community Center or through the department’s website at www.OPVFD.com/Brick-Fundraiser.
Fire department officials plan to establish a memorial walkway encircling the flag court at the new station. Enste said the goal is to “(create) a meaningful tribute area for the community.”
Enste added that the department plans to host a variety of community events, including open houses, bingo nights and raffles to bolster fundraising efforts.
Enste said the department is pursuing partnerships with local businesses to further supplement community donations.
“We are currently in the process of finalizing the project’s exact costs and have not yet established a specific fundraising goal,” he said.
With approval, construction is set to begin in October. In the summer, there will be a referendum during an Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting, allowing residents to vote on whether or not the project should be funded.
The majority of the funds will support the construction of the station “but any excess will go toward outfitting the station with
ROC Edition • Submitted
Architectural renderings show details of the new fire department being planned for the southern section of Ocean Pines.
necessary equipment and furniture,” Enste added.
Enste said much of the department’s existing equipment will be utilized in the new station.
“We are going to continue to (do) our replacement cycle that we have been doing and that we’ve worked out with the Ocean Pines Board of Directors … but it’s not going to necessarily mean that we’re going to need to go out and purchase extra fire engines or extra medic units or things like that,” Enste said.
The department worked with the Ocean Pines Association and local designer Frank Brown to develop the initial schematics for the new station.
“The designs will prioritize safety, functionality and comfort for the career and volunteer members of our department. Key features will include updated living quarters, a modern decontamination room, larger bays for emergency vehicles and improved training spaces,” Enste said.
Enste added that the designs will also incorporate the latest standards from the National Fire Protection Association, an international non-profit organization.
A professional architectural firm has been contracted to produce the architectural drawings of the new station.
“Their expertise will ensure that the new facility is functional, safe and sustainable … A modern and well-equipped station can attract
‘The designs will prioritize safety, functionality and comfort for the career and volunteer members of our department. Key features will include updated living quarters, a modern decontamination room, larger bays for emergency vehicles and improved training spaces.’
-Joe
Enste, President of the Fire Department
more volunteers by providing a more appealing and supportive environment. It also demonstrates our commitment to improving resources for our team,” Enste said.
Despite what the name suggests, the South Station is situated toward the center of Ocean Pines. Enste said that allows volunteers to get to the station quickly.
“It’s all relative to each of the farthest points. That’s one of the reasons why we primarily station our EMS units out of that station,” Enste said.
South Station works in tandem with North Station while sharing the same annual budget, leadership and membership pool.
“It’s just two different places where we have our equipment located,” Enste said.
While South Station relies on volunteers and career service members, most North Station members are volunteers. Both stations respond to any emergencies in Ocean Pines.
If the project is approved, the department’s career crew will use the North Station as their base of operations during the construction
of the new station, while Ocean Pines Association Public Works will help support volunteer operations with access to garages and other additional space.
Department officials have been working toward a new station since the early 2000s. Enste said that with growing demands for service, the project is an increasing priority. He added that the existing station is outdated.
“(It) no longer meets the needs of our growing community or the department. It lacks essential safety features such as a decontamination room and adequate sleeping quarters, which are crucial for the well-being and efficiency of our career and volunteer members,” Enste said.
Enste said the brick and plaque fundraising idea was originally suggested by a department fundraising committee member. He said they were inspired by successful similar campaigns in other communities.
“It offers a way for the public to contribute tangibly to the project,” he said.
‘It could happen in the future, but right now we’re talking about what is possible’ Pines police chief clarifies possible new cell tower only in talking stage, promises to keep residents informed
By David Bohenick Staff Writer
Police Chief Tim Robinson clarified the ongoing cell tower negotiations. He emphasized that planning phases are still under way. Robinson said once plans are more developed, they will be presented to residents, as well as the Ocean Pines Board of Directors.
“We’ve done nothing more than talk to people on the telephone about what is possible and what the best options are here. I’ve actually spoken to multiple tower contractors, three of them actually, besides the one I referenced at a previous meeting. No one has come here to do a site visit or a network visit. It could happen in the future, but right now we’re talking about what is possible,” Robinson said.
Impacts to scenery in Ocean Pines are being considered as part of the cell tower project.
“Nobody is more cognizant than I am of the beauty and the view of Ocean Pines … There have been some worries and talks that we are going to put a gargantuan,
massive tower … but nothing could be further from the truth. We’re actually talking to see how it could even be disguised or camouflaged,”
Chief Robinson said.
Chief Robinson also updated the public on traffic stops.
Also during his monthly report to the board, the chief said since the last meeting, police pulled over 125 drivers, issued 36 speeding citations and 38 traffic control device violations. Police implemented penalties for one driver with a suspended license, one without insurance, two caught passing school buses and one driver operating under the influence. There were motor vehicle collisions.
Robinson praised Ocean Pines Public Works for cleaning snow off the roads and said no significant traffic issues occurred during the snowstorms.
GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT
General Manager John Viola addressed ongoing maintenance at the racquet center. The improvements include new concrete and new windows. The additional costs discovered now that the floors have
been removed are estimated to be an additional $50,000.
Viola also said he was requested by a pickleball representative to make one of the courts multipurpose, to clean the courts in the morning and to send daily update emails to members. Viola said he obliged each request and is working on getting the resources and approval necessary.
Installation of the irrigation system is nearly complete at the driving range. Viola said material was already received for hole Nos. 2 and 3, while the installation of main lines will begin soon. Repairs for the canal bridge on the fourth fairway have also begun. Viola said all the planking is in for the bridge, adding the final step is for Public Works to install railings.
Expansion of the bocce ball courts near the Yacht Club will need board approval. Viola predicted expanding both courts would cost about $25,000. The projected membership revenue is $1,300 for the first year. The cost of expanding the courts would be recovered in about five years, Viola said.
ESTIMATES AND INFORMATION FOR MEETING ROOM
The board unanimously approved a motion seeking professional input for the consideration of a meeting room. The goal for the room is to have it suffice for both regular committee and annual meetings. Director Steve Jacobs mentioned complaints in the past about space, as well as poor audio and video connection for online audiences. Impacts on other activities will be taken into consideration for the new meeting room.
“This is not an attempt to vault a meeting room ahead of any particular capital budget that might be included. It’s simply to put it in the cue for consideration,” Jacobs said.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer Monica Rakowski said the association had approximately $14.3 million in cash as of Jan. 31. This is an approximate $600,000 decrease from the same time period last year, and an estimated $800,000 decrease since December.
SOUTH FIREHOUSE UPDATE
Ocean Pines Public Works built its own street brining machine to clean the roads. Viola explained the briners can only be used during snowstorms that do not start out as rain to be successful.
Information Technology Manager Keith Calabrese reviewed discussions about Ocean Pines’ new telephone vendor and consolidation. Calabrese said all legacy lines are set to retire and Ocean Pines is moving to a new VoIP Network called Spectrotel. The new network will save Ocean Pines an estimated 20 percent of telephone costs, which Calabrese said was around $10,000 to $15,000 per year.
Outdated Cisco phones will be replaced by Poly Edge E220 VoIP Phones. The system will be rolled out over the next six months, but will be specifically tested in certain areas like the Beach Club.
Calabrese also said NorthStar, a new software integration, has rolled out to golf systems. The software is releasing a version called Nexus, which is an upgrade requiring the NorthStar team to visit onsite locations from March 24 to 26. They’ll also be conducting an annual review while onsite. The system should now account for inventory, membership status, golf operations all on one software.
President of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department Joe Enste shared updates on the planned construction of the South Station Firehouse, projected to start in October. He said approximately $1.7 million was approved in grants and bonds exclusively dedicated to the project and $750,000 from fundraising and savings are also being contributed.
The design has increased by approximately 760 square feet from initial renderings. The department has worked to eliminate some of the transition costs to account for the new additions, which include the expansion as well as a fire suppression system and a new station alerting system.
Department equipment will be taken from the current facility, while the North Station will be used as living quarters while construction is under way. Ocean Pines Public Works will also provide free space for the department. The construction of the firehouse is estimated to take 65 weeks.
Enste said the new firehouse must meet certain National Fire Protection Association standards.
“(The standards include) wind ratings to essentially being the last building standing if there’s ever a catastrophic event. That way, the fire department can continue to respond and provide help to the community,” Enste said.
Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department struggles
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
During the past few decades, local fire departments have been seeing a decline in the amount of people who volunteer. Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department is one of many that is always trying to find more volunteers. According to the fire department President Joe Enste, this decline has happened all over the United States. “It’s a national trend,” Enste told ROC Edition.
“Before, in the volunteer fire service industry, if you wanted to be a firefighter there would be waiting lists … Once you hit your max then you would just basically start to still accept applications and then as people would move on you would bring in those new people. So, sometimes some departments would have long waiting lists to get in to be a member. Now in the world that we’re living in, … there are so many opportunities to get involved. I think from my standpoint even in my lifetime the amount of nonprofits and volunteering opportunities that exist today was much different than when
I first started in the fire service in 2003. So, there’s a lot more kind of niche opportunities that people can volunteer. So, you’re competing with more people and more opportunities to try to get people to volunteer with you,” Enste said.
The fire department president explained how the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department has seen an increase in how many volunteers they need.
“In the current time frame that we have there is so much going on for everybody. A lot of people have second jobs, a lot of folks are juggling not only their own work schedules but their family schedules and travel sports and things like that. So, there is just a general reality within the fire service that you need more people to accomplish the same amount of tasks that you used to only need a fewer amount,” Enste said.
The fire department in Ocean Pines currently has roughly 50 volunteers. Although Enste was unsure what his ideal number of volunteers would be he said, “We are always going to find room to bring in good
people if they are out there.”
The members of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department are always trying to find more ways to get people to volunteer.
“One of the things we are constantly doing is we’re trying to put ourselves out there in the community both to raise funds for the department but we’re also trying to network and trying to have conversations and some of the greatest conversations that we have with folks when we’re out selling tickets at the yacht club or the farmers market turns into them wanting to join and be a part of the great things that they’re hearing about. So, I think that’s one of the things that we’re doing is just trying to get out there and help tell our story,” Enste said.
Enste believes that it is the responsibility of the fire department to try and educate people on what it means to be a volunteer and what opportunities volunteers have.
“I think that a lot of folks don’t always know what it means to volunteer and what that could look like and the many different opportunities that are out there to be involved,
starting with being a full-fledged firefighter to working as fire police or administrative support, things of that nature,” he said.
Applications to become a volunteer for Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department can be found at the South Station. The fire department accepts people as young as 14 years old to be a part of its Cadet Program. However, in order to be a certified firefighter the person must be 18 years old and graduated from high school.
Anyone who sends in an application to become a volunteer must go through a certain process before they are accepted and start training.
“We’ll have an interview with that individual, talk through what it means to be a volunteer … We would explain what our response model is. So, for example with us we are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Now, just hearing that right away might sound a bit overwhelming but essentially what that means is we are always available to respond to a call when needed. If you’re at work and you’re tied up with doing
OPA Board members call for residents to clean yards, beautify community, bag leaves for trash pickup; issue reminder leaves are no longer vacuumed
By David Bohenick Staff Writer
The Ocean Pines Board of Directors reinforced its demands and the procedures for routine leaf pickup during the Saturday, Feb. 22 meeting.
Board members said Republic Services will continue to collect up to four brown bags of leaves and other yard waste on the same day as trash pickup.
Director of Business Administration said Compliance, Permit and Inspections has certain things it is looking for when issuing violations.
“If you can’t see your ground, that’s an accumulation of leaves. You have to clean up your yard … Previously, you had to rake them up from the ditch and Public Works would pick them up. That stopped last year. We did, I think, at least three newsletter articles about it, Public Works (announced) it, we put it up on the website. You are responsible for your ditch cleaning,” Martin said.
Martin added the Board would work with homeowners who have questions about the procedure.
“We will extend you out if you need additional time. If you have any questions about violations … give us a call,” Martin said.
Since January, Martin said 168 leaf maintenance violations have been issued, with only 38 having been resolved since. She added 36 cases explicitly involved leaf placement, or when homeowners rake leaves to the side of the road without properly bagging them for disposal.
Board Vice President Rick Farr
said he has seen this occur throughout Ocean Pines and thinks the residents need to review beautification policies that the Board has put in place.
“There are some homeowners who are pulling the leaves out of the ditch and also putting them on the side of the road, thinking they are going to be vacuumed up which they are not. And they just sit there … We have to understand the requirements of beautification,” Farr said.
One policy the Board reviewed was M04, which gives the Ocean Pines Association authority to clear leaves and debris from a resident’s property with a two-thirds vote from Board members.
General Manager John Viola emphasized that issuing leaf violations helps prevent obstruction to Ocean Pines drainage channels.
“We’ve spent a million dollars on pipes, maintaining and renovating pipes that were never touched before. We’ve done that over the last four or five years. It’s working. We just need this piece here to happen. We (hire) outside contractors to do all the main ditches that we know go out to the bays so we just need this piece done. Please adhere to it. I appreciate all the support from everybody,” Viola said.
In public comment, Director Jeff Heavner called for the Board and community to apply higher beautification standards. He requested more enforcement and for increased inspections.
“Living in this community has certain responsibilities … that are written into our declaration of restrictions … Our (Compliance,
Permit and Inspections) department is doing a very good job as called for by this board, but quite frankly we need to do more,” Heavner said.
Heavner added that “more aggressive enforcement” and “more inspections” are the “only way” to achieve those goals.
“We’ve taken a big swing at this thing, we need to take it to the next step… I have some ideas that I think could work. I’m not satisfied with what I see … There’s disrepair, there’s leaves, there’s debris all through their property. It’s ugly. It needs to be fixed,” Heavner said.
Resident Bill Hayes asked for further clarification of what the declaration of restrictions requires in public comment. Hayes added he received a Compliance, Permit and Inspections violation for his yard, requirement remediation in 15 days, but he was confused by the exact violation.
“(Declaration of restrictions) says there are certain things you cannot have going on in your yard, or you need to improve the looks of your yard, but it’s not as clear as
you think it is,” Hayes said, adding he believes there should be more community outreach in explaining the restrictions.
Hayes claimed his drainage channel was within Ocean Pines’ domain for 50 years. He also claimed his confusion stems from his neighbors not receiving any violations, despite having a similar appearance to his property.
After responding to the first notice, and receiving a second one, Hayes said he asked his neighbors if they had received similar letters.
“My neighbors haven’t touched their ditches since I got (the notices) and they never got a notice,” Hayes said.
Looking ahead, the Board also requests residents disposing of tree limbs or shrub trimmings to cut them into four-foot lengths and tie them into bundles weighing no more than 50 pounds. Ocean Pines Public Works will reopen later this Spring for residents to drop off yard waste.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
It has been years since Public Works used a vacuum truck to pick up leaves raked to the front of homes. Now, residents are asked to rake their yards, bag leaves and line up bags for pick up.
After considerable discussion, Berlin Town Council narrowly approves purchase of four EDU’s at request of Berlin property owner
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
The Berlin Town Council approved the purchase of four equivalent dwelling units for property owner Zachary Grauer to use at 525 Bay St.
He asked the council for the authorization and funding to purchase four EDU’s.
Council’s motion to approve included Grauer’s request for nearly $67,000 to fund the project.
Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols was absent from the Feb. 24 meeting which led to a tie in the vote. Mayor Zack Tyndall broke the tie, making the vote 3-2 with Vice President Dean Burrell and Councilman Jack Orris opposing the motion. Both council members believed the town should not finance Grauer’s project.
“Is this project really necessary at the expense of providing these affordable housing with the backing of taxpayer dollars? I’m not against the project. If he as a property owner wants to add these units I think it needs to be at his sole expense and not the use of taxpayer dollars,”
Councilman Dean Burrell said.
Orris had concerns about whether or not this project fit within the town’s policy of financing equivalent dwelling units, a policy the council adopted in 2017.
“I’m not sure that this particular request qualifies under this policy as they already have three EDUs and they need four additional with, generally speaking, any other entity will just have to purchase them,” Orris said.
Town Administrator Mary Bohlen pointed out to Orris that “previous projects have been funded the same way.”
“I completely understand … I’m just not sure that this is a road that we should delve down any further … We are not a bank. That’s just my opinion on it,” Orris said.
Tyndall notified the council that Nichols also had apprehensions about approving this motion.
“She had expressed some concerns … with the policy that the Mayor and Council have regarding financing EDUs. She was not favorable to that,” Tyndall said.
The mayor believed that if
Nichols had been present at the meeting the majority of the vote would have been opposed.
Grauer’s property was purchased a few months ago. In the building he wants to put new units in, there are already three units. With the motion approved, Grauer will use the $66,774 to construct four new units and renovate one existing unit. According to the contract, the total amount of funds must be paid back in full within five years.
Tyndall emphasized to the council and Grauer that by getting financing through this policy he will be paying more than what the equivalent dwelling units would normally cost because the applicant is paying for the price of the units and the administrative costs for the tracking of whether or not an applicant is making the payments.
“You’re not getting a discount, you’re paying a premium for that EDU. You’re just doing it over a said period of time … So, whether it sits on a shelf … with capacity that’s unused or whether you’re using the capacity and paying for it you’re not getting a gift
from the taxpayers,” Tyndall said.
Orris said that the mayor made a fair point but he was still against the idea of financing Grauer’s project.
“Just because we can do something doesn’t necessarily mean we should … It seems to me that it’s like ‘I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.’ And I understand that a loan is what we’re doing. I do not feel that we should be in that position,” Orris said.
Once the motion was approved, the mayor told the council if any of them had alterations that they would like to see be made to the policy regarding the financing of equivalent dwelling units they should make it known.
“If there’s true apprehension with the policy … we need to alter that because if there is a majority opinion on here that that is not a good policy anymore we’re sending the wrong message to them and to the public,” Tyndall said.
The council agreed that they would bring the policy up for review at the March 24 council meeting.
Berlin Town Council announces tax and budget schedule, terminates Planning Commission moratorium, approves redesignation of A&E district
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall, at the Monday, Feb. 24 town council meeting, announced the town’s tax and budget schedule.
Internal staff meetings will take place on March 13 and 14 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The first meeting is planned to discuss the general fund budgets of all the town departments. In the second meeting, staff will discuss the utility fund budgets of all the town departments.
On March 24 at 6 p.m., the regularly scheduled Mayor and Council Meeting will include a presentation from the town’s Finance Director Natalie Saleh, which will highlight the general fund and enterprise funds.
On April 7 at 5 p.m., the council will convene a work session meeting to discuss the general fund budgets of the majority of the town departments, the fire company and emergency medical services. Another
work session is scheduled on April 21 at 5 p.m. At this meeting, the council will discuss the utility fund budgets of electric, water, wastewater and stormwater resources. Neither work session meeting will not allow for public comment.
At the April 28 council meeting, the council will introduce and read the tax rate and constant yield rate for FY26. There will be a public hearing during the May 12 council meeting to allow residents to address the council before this year’s tax rate is adopted.
The council will introduce and read the budget for FY26 at the May 26 council meeting. Before the budget is adopted, the public will have the opportunity to address the council at a public hearing scheduled during the June 9 council meeting.
COUNCIL TERMINATES MORATORIUM
The Mayor and Council approved the complete termination of the
moratorium on the Planning Commission, which has been in place since July 8, 2024. The moratorium is scheduled to be lifted on March 1.
The motion to approve the termination included an amendment establishing procedures for specific small areas that are under consideration for rezoning and annexation.
During the Feb. 24 council meeting, planning department consultant Rick Baldwin said the small area plan would allow for rezoning and annexations to move forward.
“(It) gives you an opportunity to look at the impacts of the decisions that you’re making to that area so you can align it to your values as they are today,” Baldwin explained.
The moratorium was put in place after the death of the former Planning Director Dave Engelhart last year, to avoid overwhelming staff under the sudden vacancy. As of Feb. 3, Ryan Hardesty was hired as the new Planning Director, making it possible for the moratorium to be lifted.
POLICE CHIEF REVIEWS SPEED CAMERA PROGRAM
Police Chief Arnold Downing reviewed the Town of Berlin’s speed camera program, which has been in operation six months.
“The purpose is to change behavior … In August, we had 3,113 violations, and in December it was down to 926. So, definitely behaviors have actually changed,” Downing said.
The speed cameras are located throughout Berlin, including at Flower Street and Railroad Avenue, Flower Street and Peach Lane and Seahawk Road at Stephen Decatur High School. The cameras were provided by RedSpeed USA.
Downing said the cameras are in operation Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. When cameras are not recording, he added, police officers are on patrol nearby.
“Don’t think just because they’re operational certain times that we’re not coming back. It’s affording us to be at other places (during) those times … People who think that ‘Well, it’s not operational and we can go ahead and speed a little bit,’ get the real citation with points and higher fines,” Downing said.
Speeding tickets are issued when the cameras capture drivers traveling at least 12 miles per hour over the posted limit. Tyndall said the fines collected stay within the police department.
“(It’s) no surprise to many folks that we’ve had to cut capital costs at some points over our time, and we’re going to try and accomplish some of those capital needs that exist within the police department so that this money will then be turned around into community policing and increased resources that your department needs,” Tyndall said.
COUNCIL REDESIGNATES
A&E DISTRICT
Council unanimously approved the redesignation of the town’s Arts and Entertainment District.
Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said the redesignation will allow the Town of Berlin to apply for grant funding. She explained the money would be used to foster arts in the downtown area, adding the town has received about $17,000 in the last five years for such purposes.
“We use that funding to help pay for live music, children’s activities, art … We’ve used that funding to help pay for the renovations of the ghost murals (on) Pitts Street and Main Street,” said Wells.
Wells also said the redesignation allows the Arts and Entertainment District to invite artists to visit and sell their works.
“When they sell their art, they don’t have to pay income tax on it, so it’s enticing for our artists to come and open their business here or even work here. Part of our Arts and Entertainment designation … goes over Route 113 and includes Flower Street and the site for the new community center, which would allow us to be able to fund a variety of art installations there. We could have arts programming there,” Wells said.
The town’s Arts and Entertainment District covers about 350 acres. Wells said such districts are typically only about 100 aces in size.
“It’s very generous, and if we were to realign those boundaries, we would have to remove 250 acres of our district. I don’t want to do that. I don’t think that it’s in the best interest of the town … I’ve talked to (the Maryland State Arts Council) about it and they concur that we should keep our designation as is,” Wells said.
Continued from page 5
something or you have your child’s recital and you can’t go on a call then you can’t go on a call,” he said.
The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department uses what is called a respond from home model, meaning firefighters are alerted of emergencies whenever they are not at the fire station.
“There’s other stations that are out there that don’t do respond from home where they actually have set duty crews where you have to be at the station from a certain time to a certain time to cover essentially a shift. For us the respond from home model works best based off our call volume and the proximity we have to our station within our community,” he said.
The person interested in volunteering would then be told “what the expectations are. When you join the department there are going to be monthly meetings, there are going to be two training nights a month and then we’d also explain how many calls an individual would need to make in a year, how many meetings they need to attend, how many trainings they need to attend to be a member in good standing,” Enste said.
The applicant will then be approved by the fire department’s Board of Directors at its monthly meetings. Upon approval the person will then be put through training.
“Everyone who is certified as a firefighter with our department they go through what’s called MFRI Fire 1, and MFRI stands for Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, and that Fire 1 is essentially a basic firefighting course teaching the individuals everything from how to tie certain types of knots to how to extinguish fires to even how to properly put on the protective gear and breathing apparatus. We also always train our members to be first aid, CPR and AED certified and then as training progresses there’s additional specialty courses like rescue tech or rope rescue, there’s water rescue classes, there’s a ton of different opportunities that are out there to … be able to respond to different types of emergencies that happen in the community.”
Enste believes there is never a bad time to join the fire service.
“At the end of the day get outside of your comfort zone. We as humans like to stay in our comfort zone and sometimes for us to continue to grow and see our greatest potential we have to get uncomfortable to get to that next great place.”
By Tessah Good Staff Writer
The Worcester County Board of Education unanimously approved the $145 million budget for FY26 at its Tuesday, Feb. 18, meeting.
The budget was a $12 million increase from the FY25 budget.
The additional funds will be used to provide an appropriate pay raise to all employees and bus contractors, to restore cuts that were made in prior years and to address increases in areas such as health insurance and utilities.
Each year, the board votes on a proposed fiscal year operating budget, which is then sent to the Worcester County Commissioners for approval. The Worcester County Commissioners work with the board and hold a hearing before notifying it of their decision.
The FY26 budget process started in September 2024 with principals asking to meet with their parent groups. Principals were then responsible for submitting a list of budget priorities for each school.
After the submissions were turned in, a public budget input meeting was held on Dec. 3, 2024, in which a parent representative from each school presented priorities for the FY26 budget. The board then held a public budget work session on Jan. 27 and Feb. 11 in which it was updated.
The budget was further reviewed and revised from the Feb. 11 meeting, with an increase of $370,472, an additional Other Post Employment Benefits expenses and additional $85,049 for the after school sports-based program offered at Pocomoke Middle School.
The board will send its proposed budget to the Worcester County Commissioners for approval in early March.
BOARD OF EDUCATION SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT IN SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
The board is searching for a new superintendent following Superintendent Lou Taylor’s announcement that he will retire in June.
A contract has been established between the board and the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, which will allow the association to manage the search process for qualified candidates.
The association is seeking public input on leadership characteristics they believe are needed among candidates. With this input, the
association will create a leadership profile, which will be used to guide organizations in finding candidates with the same expected leadership qualities Worcester County desires in a superintendent.
SUPERINTENDENT ANNOUNCES CANDIDATES FOR TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Superintendent Lou Taylor announced 14 school level candidates for the 2025 Worcester County Teacher of the Year award. The candidates include Miranda Brown, Stephen Decatur Middle School; Megan Cater, Berlin Intermediate School; Phillip Cropper, Worcester Technical High School; Genna Drew, Showell Elementary School; Amber Hall, Pocomoke Elementary School; Christina Kozlowski, Snow Hill High School; Shelby Matassa, Snow Hill Elementary School; Ashley Mertz, Pocomoke Midde School; Stacy Phillips, Ocean City Elementary School; Belinda Sawyer, Stephen Decatur High School; Allison Semanchik, Buckingham Elementary School; Heather Shockley, Snow Hill Middle School; Patricia Solomon, Cedar Chapel Special School; and Gretchen Wallace, Pocomoke High School.
BOARD APPROVES 2025-2026 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Coordinator of Public Relations & Special Programs Carrie Sterrs presented the board with a proposed 2025-2026 school calendar.
According to the calendar, the first day of school will be Sept. 2. Thanksgiving break remains the same as prior years with a school closure beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Winter break will be a full two-week closure. Spring break will reflect the state mandated holidays of Good Friday and Easter Monday which is proceeded by a professional development and early dismissal day on April 1.
The last day of school will tentatively be June 11. Inclement weather days were also built into the calendar, which will allow the last day of school to stretch to June 16 if the inclement weather days are used.
The creation of this calendar began in October, when a new calendar survey was sent out to gather input. Following the survey, the calendar committee convened, and calendar options were finalized for the upcoming year.
The proposal was brought to the board in December and was further revised before the public voted on
the calendar options. At the Feb. 18 board meeting members unanimously voted to adopt the proposed 20252026 school calendar with moderate early release and a half-day professional development structure.
A motion was made by board member Donald Smack Sr. and seconded by William Gordy.
BOARD APPROVES 2025-2026 VIRTUAL DAY INSTRUCTION PLAN
The board unanimously approved the proposed 2025-2026 Virtual Day Instruction Plan, which is the same as the plan that is currently in place.
The board previously approved two major revisions to the Worcester County Virtual Day Instruction Plan at the meeting last month, allowing members to come up with the best option.
The first revision stated that only high school and select middle school students will be issued a takehome device by the school system. Elementary and other middle school students must access virtual instruction through a personal device.
The second revision stated that virtual instruction be completed using Schoology conferencing tool, rather than through a secondary software.
With the proper revisions made, the board decided to reinstate this plan.
A motion was made by board
member Elena McComas and seconded by William Gordy.
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION REPORTS
The board was presented with several reports from Curriculum and Instruction during the meeting, one presented by Instructional Technology & Innovation Coach Caleb Wilson, who demonstrated an overview of the school system’s approach to incorporate artificial intelligence into education.
According to the Worcester County Public Schools press release, the work accomplished by the Worcester County Public Schools AI committee, led by Wilson, has gained attention across the state as “a model for the educational environment.”
Representatives from Showell Elementary School presented to the board as well, showcasing the initiatives staff members are taking to help students thrive through the school’s buddy readers program.
Worcester Technical High School also demonstrated its achievements by presenting to the board its growth with the establishment of the Pines Café, the NEST Early Childhood Learning Center and its Digital Audio and Video Production program. The school also highlighted its cosmetology program, which helps students to receive their state license and go into the cosmetology field.
Homeowners encouraged not to stay silent; path to positive change starts with transparency in financial decisions, election processes and policy enforcement
Open dialogue and accountability should be the foundation of any homeowners’ association. Yet too often, residents hesitate to speak up, valid concerns are ignored and decisions that impact the entire community go unchallenged. Fear and complacency contribute to a culture that discourages open discussion rather than embracing it as a way to improve governance.
Many homeowners worry about retaliation, public shaming or being dismissed when they raise concerns. No one wants to be labeled difficult or ostracized in their own neighborhood. When elected board members dismiss, belittle or insult those who question spending priorities, election results or policy enforcement, it creates an environment where fewer people are willing to speak up.
Public comment periods at board meetings should be an opportunity for homeowners to have their voices heard, not a time for board members to display impatience or dismissiveness. Rolling eyes, sighs and other visible signs of irritation send a message that residents’ concerns are not valued. Every homeowner, regardless of his or her opinion, deserves to be treated with respect when addressing the board.
If the board enforces a time limit for public comments, it should be applied fairly to all speakers. Cutting off certain individuals the moment their five minutes are up while allowing others to extend their remarks creates an appearance of favoritism. This kind of selective enforcement is not only disrespectful but undermines confidence in the board’s impartiality.
The path to positive change begins with demanding transparency in financial decisions, election processes and policy enforcement. Information should be freely accessible and any refusal to provide it should be questioned. Board members who mock, ignore or dismiss residents should be held accountable through elections. If the board operates in a way that favors certain groups while disregarding opposing views, residents have the power to push for leadership changes.
Silence is not the answer. HOA’s exists to serve its members, not the other way around. The leadership should value its residents, community concerns should lead to action and speaking up should not be seen as an act of defiance but as a vital part of responsible community engagement. This will only happen if homeowners refuse to stay quiet.
The life of an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. It is a constant balancing act of risk, reward and resilience. After running my own data management company for 17 years before launching Ocean Pines ROC Inc. and ROC Edition, I have experienced firsthand what it takes to build something from the ground up. The excitement of innovation, the weight of responsibility and the lessons learned through failure are all part of the journey. Entrepreneurship is more than just having a good idea. It requires long hours, sleepless nights at the office and being available 24 hours a day. There is no clocking out at five o’clock and leaving work behind. The responsibility never stops. The financial risks alone can be overwhelming. There are months of uncertainty, worrying about making payroll and ensuring the business can sustain
itself until a solid customer base is established. There is no steady paycheck, no employer-backed benefits and no guarantee of success. Every decision carries weight and every mistake can have real consequences. Being an entrepreneur is vastly different from being an employee. Employees have job security, benefits and the ability to walk away from work at the end of the day. The employer, on the other hand, carries the burden of keeping the business running, making sure bills are paid and ensuring that employees and clients are taken care of. It is not just about working for yourself; it is about taking full responsibility for the livelihood of others. The pressure is immense and the stakes are high.
People often see the end result of success and make comments about how lucky someone is or how easy they assume it must have been.
What they do not see is day one, the sacrifices, the doubts, the failures and the relentless effort it took to get to a successful level. They do not see the nights spent at the office working around the clock, the personal finances stretched to keep the business alive or the moments of uncertainty when walking away might have seemed like the easier option. Success is not handed out; it is earned through grit, perseverance and an unwillingness to quit. Running a data management company meant being accountable to clients who relied on accuracy, efficiency and trust. There was no room for error and problem-solving became second nature. That foundation of discipline and attention to detail carried over into launching a news organization, where credibility, consistency and service to the
Susan Canfora News Editor 410-208-8721 scanfora@oceanpinesroc.com
Giovanni Guido Staff Writer gioguido56@gmail.com
David Bohenick Staff Writer dbohenick2003@gmail.com
Tessah Good Staff Writer tessahgood@icloud.com
Roger Marino Columnist
Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Continued from page 10
community are just as essential. One of the hardest lessons in entrepreneurship is that failure is not the opposite of success, it is part of the process. Plans do not always workout, markets shift and competition is relentless. Competitors will watch closely, take notes and adapt strategies based on the groundwork you have laid. It is not uncommon to see others replicate ideas and services you have development and often without acknowledgment. While frustrating, it reinforces the importance of staying innovative, continuously evolving and maintaining a high
ROC Edition is pleased to accept obituaries from our readers.
standard of excellence. The ability to learn from mistakes, adjust strategies and stay focused on long-term goals is what separates those who succeed from those who give up.
Building something meaningful is the greatest reward. Whether it is delivering reliable data solutions or providing a community with factual news, the ability to create something that serves others is what makes the sacrifices worth it. The journey is never easy, but for those who embrace the challenge, there is nothing more fulfilling than forging a path forward on their own terms.
Sherrie Clifford Publisher, ROC Edition
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Pines homeowner strongly opposes OPA Board building a new board room, concerned about fiscal responsibility
(The following letter was sent to the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors and forwarded to ROC Edition for publication.)
Dear Directors and President Lakernick:
All obituaries must be accompanied by a name and telephone number of a family member. A ROC Edition staff member will call the family member who sends the obituary, obtain additional information if necessary and write the obituary in standard newspaper style.
Photographs are accepted.
ROC Edition is published each month on the 1st and 15th. The deadline for obituaries is the 7th and the 21st of each month.
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors’ motion to instruct General Manager John Viola to prepare cost estimates, drawings, blueprints, etc., for a proposed modular meeting room. During the Saturday, Feb. 22, board meeting, I voiced my strong belief that this is an unnecessary expense. The applause that followed my comments and social media posts indicate that many homeowners share this sentiment. It is crucial that the Board listens to the homeowners and allocates our homeowners association funds more judiciously.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time the Board has proposed such a project. A similar suggestion was made at the September 2023 meeting, where I also voiced strong opposition. The ROC even dedicated a podcast to this topic, which was heard by thousands of listeners. By November 2023, it was clear that homeowners did not support this initiative.
Given the current economic climate and the numerous expensive projects on the horizon, homeowners are questioning why this project is being revisited. Other projects, such as needed indoor recreational space that could generate revenue, should be prioritized over a seldom-used and unnecessary boardroom. The Board’s history of spending on non-revenue-producing projects, such as the Tiki Bar, electronic signs and an over-budget Veterans’ Memorial, raises concerns about fiscal responsibility.
As Board of Directors Treasurer Monica Rakowski pointed out, not all options for improving the sound and video quality of meetings have
been explored. Additionally, the Board’s refusal to allow homeowners to make public comments remotely is concerning. If Board members can attend meetings remotely, homeowners should be afforded the same courtesy. Furthermore, we do not typically have meetings with 150 attendees, and there are less expensive alternatives if we do.
I have been informed that the following response was sent by the Board President Stuart Lakernick regarding an email opposing the project:
“We are not building any type of multipurpose addition to the Administration building. Director Jacobs was merely wanting to get an estimate of what such an addition would cost. Building this is not on our agenda. If you were at the Board meeting this morning, this was made abundantly clear. Please watch the video of the meeting. You will see for yourself. Thank you for reaching out.”
The public understands the motion and the importance of not wasting resources on projects that are not intended to be built. This sort of response highlights last month’s Board meeting, where two Directors incorrectly stated to a homeowner that there was zero conversation regarding cell towers and the Directors admonished a homeowner for being concerned. It is important that the Board’s tone toward homeowners is respectful and considerate and doesn’t give the appearance of being dismissive or arrogant.
Amy Peck Ocean Pines
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.
STANDING Room Only
By Roger Marino
love, was there for them when they were hurting and down. And they responded by giving him the best friendship they knew how to return. They raced with honesty and respect for the community that respected them.
news gathering. Their writing should be informative and treated as a volume of valuable prose to members of the neighborhood they represent. The written and spoken information should be held as important as the information received from a Sunday morning sermon.
Yes, my friends. Just as the political representatives are expected to be fair and truthful to those who they represent, the community news reporter is to be as truthful as the minister in the community.
Ray Brienza and I were co-writers on the West Side Rider high school newspaper. Actually, he was the editor while I concentrated more diligently on the sports teams.
A decade after we graduated and I lived many miles from my school grounds in Newark, N.J., I attended our 10th high school reunion and reunited with classmate Ray to learn he was a top sports writer in the largest paper in the state of New Jersey.
And his accolades went even farther, as I found that he was a top handicapper in the sport of horse racing. So, I asked him how he became so proficient in the sport of kings. How did this man who grew up deep in the city get to know the ponies as well as he was heralded?
Ray and I talked throughout the typical music and dancing ceremonies of our youth.
“I took a liking to horses when
I was in school, and that romance with the sport grew when I was named the editor of the racing column. Horses are like humans. Like them, pay attention to them, treat them with honesty and kindness, understand their problems and their high days and they will understand and respect you with love,” he said.
That seemed a bit far-fetched for this reporter who had worked covering the racial riots in the late 1960’s.
After all, Ray was a news reporter. Why would he look at horses any other way than a straw-eating 1,200-pound hunk of muscle and meat that would one day make you money and many times disappoint your bank account?
Then our long conversation at the class reunion came to a realization. Ray was a genius.
He loved and treated the horses as he would his brother. He looked them in the eyes, petted them with
Do you want to read an analogy?
Your community newspaper reporter should be the same turfracer as Ray’s steeds.
All reporters should be honest and forth giving with news writing. And that’s how to “breed” a thoroughbred scribe.
Reporting the news is more than an attempt to scoop the competition. It is more than foisting your opinion on a vast audience of unknowing readers. It is honestly and intelligently feeling the pulse of the community you represent. It is holding the hand of those who are hurting and acknowledging the wrongs of those who do wrong.
Community news reporting is a science of the community. It is your neighborhood of intelligent, respected information. The newsperson who interviews in the home, on the street, or at the scene of an incident should be a minister of
Sounds strange? Well, if journalism is to be regarded as the beginning rules of the newswriting game in the educational system, I feel that the words of my high school handicapper journalistic friend and a long-time lover of an animal with a big heart should be included in the university classroom studies for those who want to someday be known as an in information-provider who really cares about their community. And the learning process should be taught to instill the confidence of a thoroughbred who wants to cross the finish line first in the field of journalistic aptitude.
I have written in both daily newspapers and edited eight weekly newspapers in my lifetime. Nothing has given more satisfaction and gratification than to know that I wrote the facts, told the story as it happened and had a religious feeling that the parents, grandparents, youngsters and leaders in the community who read my work can trust my words, each time they opened their local, community newspaper.
ROC Life
Pines man’s film about growing up in Ocean City in the ’60s and ’70s to be shown at resort’s annual film festival next week
By Susan Canfora News Editor
The 14-minute film “Growing Up In Ocean City, Maryland, The Conner Stories,” made by Ocean Pines resident Don Lehman, was selected for the 9th Annual Ocean City Film Festival next week and will be shown at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 7, at the Gold Coast Movie Theater.
Made this year, the film is in recognition of the 150th anniversary of Ocean City and focuses on siblings Bob and Barbara Conner and Ms. Conner’s friend Reggie Mariner.
“The film is about the experience of growing up in Ocean City in the 1960s and ’70s while living in a family-owned Inn. Robert Conner Sr. and his wife, Shirley, took over and moved into the Conner Inn when Robert’s mother died and their two children were young. The Inn is still standing on 10th street just off the Boardwalk. Robert was an electrician. Shirley ran the Inn. Gwendolyn and I have known Bob and Barbara for many years,” Lehman told ROC Editon, referring to his wife, Gwendolyn, a long-time teacher at Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin before her retirement.
“They are our friends and they are wonderful and fascinating people. Barbara was one of Gwendolyn’s students shortly after she started teaching at Stephen Decatur. Bob’s Daughter, Erin Conner, was also one of Gwendolyn’s students. I knew Barbara and Bob were good storytellers and had interesting experiences growing up in Ocean City,” Lehman said.
Stories the Conners tell about Ocean City from 40 or 50 years ago are informative and humorous, he said.
“When Bob was 5 years old, before the family moved to the 10th Street Inn, their parents purchased a lot on 78th Street and built a house. At that time, 78th Street only had a few small houses. The area was undeveloped. A lot on the oceanside of the highway cost $1,000 dollars. You could buy two lots on the bayside for
DON LEHMAN
$1,000. The Conner family chose the oceanside,” he said.
Lehman, 79, said the Conners and Mariners were all comfortable in front of his camera and he is pleased with the film. Parker Harrington, a local musician, provided background music for the opening, transition and closing and, Lehman said, “add a beach ambience to the film.”
Lehman, who has worked as an artist, commercial photographer and photographer teacher, made his first film, a short documentary titled “Dylan Jones is Dungeons and Rabbits” last year and it, too, will be shown at the film festival next week.
Lehman said he will likely make more films.
“I always have ideas. After a life of making still pictures, I have found it interesting to try my hand at moving pictures. There is a local community of filmmakers and they have been supportive and encouraging. The two films I have made so far have been documentaries. I enjoy writing short stories and I’d like to try doing a short narrative film,” he said.
The Film Festival is a production of the Art League of Ocean City and will present more than 100 films at venues in the resort including Flagship Cinemas in West Ocean
City, Morley Hall at Seacrets, Ashore Resort Hotel, Cambria Hotel, Dough Roller on 41st Street and the Performing Arts Center on 40th Street.
Conversations and after parties will be at Happy Jack’s Pancake House and Papi’s Tacos in Ocean City and The Stoke in West Ocean City.
Short films are packaged into showcases so viewers can choose preferences. Showcases include Chuckles, Chortles, Snickers & Snorts; Creating Purpose; Date Night; Don’t Go in the Woods; Enchanted Sea; Family Dynamics; Fights, Crime, and Action; Maryland Life; Messages from Beyond; Moving Forward; Murder Madness; Ocean Learning; Otherworldly; Sea the World; and The Local Competition. There will also be 15 documentary and 10 narrative films of feature length, representing the United
States, Canada, Spain, Japan and the United Kingdom.
Films have not been rated and some feature adult content. Call 410-524-9433 or see the full schedule and prices at www.OCMDFilmFestival.com.
A Bagel And … owner recalls favorite memories since she and husband opened popular Pines bakery 18 years ago
By Tessah Good Staff Writer
A Bagel And … has been a staple on Manklin Creek Road in Ocean Pines since it opened. Now, the family business is celebrating its 18th anniversary.
Owners of the business, Bill, 71, and Mary Jaeger, 64, opened their bagel shop in 2007.
“It was a long process. We didn’t know anyone, and we had never really opened a restaurant before, so it was a lot of learning,” Mrs. Jaeger said.
The two decided to open the business after they moved to Ocean Pines from New York and realized the area was missing a bagel shop. Jaeger was friends with a several people in New York who had owned bagel shops, and with their help, he was determined to open his own.
The bagel shop that once started as an idea, has turned into a commu nity favorite. Offering both breakfast and lunch, the shop has a wide variety of items on its menu. This includes multiple types of homemade bagels with an assortment of different whipped cream cheese spreads, breakfast sandwiches, fresh pastries, platters and omelets.
For lunch, customers can choose between soup, pizza bagels, or customize their own sandwiches.
Mrs. Jaeger said one of her favorite memories at the shop over the past 18 years has been watching customers and employees alike become friends.
Eighteen years ago owners Bill and Mary Jaeger opened A Bagel And ... at the South Gate of Ocean Pines and it has become a favorite neighborhood restaurant and bakery.
“I’ve seen a lot of friendships being made here. It’s really nice … The kids that work here, they wind up being friends, too,” Mrs. Jaeger said.
The Jaegers have a few employees that help run the shop during its operating hours, which are Wednesday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Among the employees is the Jaeger’s son Danny. Danny, 33, has been working at the shop with his parents since he was 14. His parents hope that one day he will take over and continue their legacy.
Mrs. Jaeger said she is proud of the thriving business she and her husband have created. She said her husband, to whom she’s been married 43 years, is especially proud of what they built.
“I know that he’s really proud of what he did, because he created this on his own. He did most of the thinking and the planning that went into this … its quite an accomplishment,” Mrs. Jaeger said.
Mrs. Jaeger said working together has always been an important part of the couple’s life together, and has made them grow closer. The two met while working at a previous facility.
“It’s a 24-7. We go home and talk about (work) also,” Mrs. Jaeger said.
Mrs. Jaeger said the bagel shop also holds great significance for her, and has taught her the importance of hard work.
“To me, it means if you put your heart into it and your back into it, you could actually make something work,” Mrs. Jaeger said.
Mrs. Jaeger said one of her favorite outcomes of the shop have been the relationships she’s made with customers. She said she looks forward to building those connections.
“Sometimes I’ll wonder what we got ourselves into and then I realize all the friends we’ve made along the way. It’s been really nice actually,” Mrs. Jaeger said.
Pull up a chair at the March 8 Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast, and help fund scholarships, support children’s programs
By Tessah Good Staff Writer
The Kiwanis of Ocean Pines and Ocean City will host its annual community breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, at the Ocean Pines Community Center.
The menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage, as well as orange juice and coffee. Condiments like sprinkles will also be provided for children to create original pancakes.
Children 12 and younger will be admitted free. Others will pay $9 for the meal. There are two options for purchasing tickets. Tickets are available for purchase through a local Kiwanian, or attendees can pay with either cash or a credit card at the door.
All proceeds go the Kiwanis’ children’s programs. Some of the earnings go toward scholarships, while others go toward different groups the Kiwanis sponsors, like Worcester County Youth and Family Services and its student clubs.
“Everything we collect goes back
to the community. We don’t hold anything back,” Press Relations Chairman Dave Landis said.
Kiwanis members host three breakfasts each year. One takes place in the spring, one in the summer and one in the fall. Landis volunteers for each pancake breakfast by helping to mix all the batter.
In 2004 when Landis joined the club, he said there were 135 members. More than 10 years later, the number of members has dropped to 50.
He said that the pancake breakfasts are important for the Kiwanis because it gives the club a presence in the community.
“Pancake breakfasts are traditional and go back to almost the founding of the club in 1980 when we were chartered. Now we’re in our 45th year and we’ve been doing it for most of those 45 years,” Landis said.
Landis said what he enjoys most about the breakfasts seeing people in the community have a good meal, especially the kids.
“The kids seem to have a lot of
‘Everything we collect goes back to the community. We don’t hold anything back.’
-Press Relations Chairman Dave Landis
fun with it because of the condiments and all. It’s just a nice community event,” Landis said.
The Kiwanis are involved in many community outreach projects. Currently, the club is doing weekly food pick up trips to Food Lion and Sarah’s Pantry, as well as picking up items donated to Diakonia. The food is then dropped off at Diakonia.
The club is also working on its fourth annual lottery, which Landis started during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants can purchase tickets for $20 that are good for all 365 drawings on the Maryland evening pick three. This is the club’s biggest fundraiser.
Landis said in the past, the lottery
has helped the club raise more than $10,000. There are also special days built into the lottery during which participants can win even more money. However, the maximum amount of money one can win between the 17 special days is $250.
“It’s a good money raiser,” Landis said.
If interested in becoming a member of the Kiwanis of Ocean Pines and Ocean City, attend at least one meeting. See www.KiwanisOfOPOC.org for meeting dates and times.
Kiwanis to host Bingo night, offer chances to win cash prizes; games to include pull tabs, 50-50 and ‘special 20’ jackpot
By Tessah Good Staff Writer
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City will be hosting a bingo night at Ocean Downs Casino at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19. Bingo will begin approximately at 6 p.m. All participants must be at least 21 years old to play.
Tickets cost $40 per person, which include 19 games. The winner of each game will receive $100. Tickets can be purchased online on the Kiwanis website at www.KiwanisOfOPOC.org. Reserved seating is available for groups of eight players.
Other games and prizes will be available throughout the evening including 50/50 tickets and pull tabs. Pull tabs will be $1 each.
A lucky winner will also have the chance to win the “Special 20th Jackpot Game,” which will be available after admission in the event room. The cash prize is $200.
Alcohol will be prohibited in the event room where the games will take place. Food and beverages provided by Ocean Downs will be available for purchase.
Kiwanis Club Member Skip Flanagan said this will be her first time
hosting an event for the Kiwanis.
She said the club first got the idea for a bingo night from a fire company who hosted one last year.
“They had a tremendous response and someone at our meeting said, ‘Hey do we want to try a bingo?’” Flanagan said.
The club did participate in a Sterling Charity Bingo last year but decided to challenge itself by hosting a bingo night at the casino.
During the Kiwanis meeting, one problem was discovered. Most of the club members did not know how to play bingo. That’s when Flanagan stepped up.
“I love bingo. I play it every week if I can,” she said.
Flanagan said she’s been working on the event for more than six months and plans for it to be a success. She even created guides on how to play all the bingo games, which will be provided to players as a reference.
“This is my first event, and I would like it to turn out very well for the club,” Flanagan said.
All net proceeds made by the Kiwanis will benefit the children of Worcester County through the club’s programs.
