ROC Edition expands to print Sept. 30, launches new multimedia monthly publishing schedule
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
Ocean Pines ROC will reach a new milestone this fall, with the first print copy of ROC Edition set to hit the stands on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The expansion marks a major step forward for the community news outlet, which has grown steadily as the leading independent voice for Ocean Pines and its surrounding area.
Beginning Sept. 30, ROC Edition will publish on a new monthly schedule. The newspaper will appear online and in print on the last Tuesday of each month. The ROC Buzz podcast will be released on the 10th of each month, delivering news and interviews in audio format. Meanwhile, the Ocean Pines ROC Facebook page will continue to be updated daily with breaking news, community updates and interactive discussion to its base of over 4,400 members.
The move to print reflects ROC Edition’s continued growth in readership and its commitment to expanding access to reliable, community-driven news. Print editions will be available at distribution points across Ocean Pines and surrounding areas, while the online edition will continue to reach readers at www.ROCedition.com and other platforms.
“Going into print is a natural next step for ROC Edition,” said the editorial team. “We began as a digital publication, but the support of our readers and advertisers has shown there’s a real demand for a physical newspaper. By combining print, online, podcast and social media, we can continue to deliver news across multiple platforms and keep the community informed every day.”
Ocean Pines ROC Inc., launched just two years ago, has since built a following of thousands of engaged readers. Its mix of in-depth reporting, coverage of HOA meetings
and community features has helped shape the conversation in Ocean Pines. With the addition of a print edition, ROC strengthens its role as the most comprehensive and accessible news source for the community.
Readers can expect the Sept. 30 edition to feature full coverage of local governance, community projects and a look ahead at the issues that matter most to residents.
ROC Edition now online, in print, on podcast and on Facebook continues its mission as the people’s paper, delivering independent news for the Ocean Pines community and the surrounding areas.
Old politics,
new
politics:
Independent reporting across multimedia channels changes the game in Ocean Pines
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
For decades, Ocean Pines politics followed a predictable rhythm. Information was filtered through a handful of familiar outlets, residents exchanged sharp words at board meetings and a small number of longtime personalities set the tone for community debate. But in 2025, the landscape looks entirely different. The passing of local media figure Tom Stauss, the shuttering of OceanPinesForum.com and the emergence of ROC Edition as the community’s most active platform have ushered in a new era, one where communication and politics are changing rapidly.
For more than 20 years, OceanPinesForum.com served as the community’s digital town square. Managed by Joe Reynolds, the forum gave homeowners a place to debate budgets, amenities and board elections. It was unfiltered, sometimes contentious, but it represented
one of the first online spaces where residents could speak directly to one another without waiting for board meetings or official newsletters. During that same era, the Ocean Pines Progress newspaper, founded and run by Tom Stauss, offered long-form reporting and pointed analysis. Stauss was a fixture at board meetings, notebook in hand, chronicling both policy decisions and the personalities behind them. For years, the Progress was the mainstay for residents who wanted depth and context, particularly during election seasons. Between the Forum and the Progress, homeowners had access to both real-time chatter and in-depth reporting. The combination shaped what might be called the “old politics” of Ocean Pines, a blend of traditional HOA governance and grassroots community debate.
With the passing of the baton, ROC Edition has, over the past two years, grown from a small digital publication into a widely read local news source in Ocean
Pines. ROC has built its readership steadily through community-focused reporting, detailed coverage of board meetings and investigative pieces on issues such as governance, elections and amenity management. It is not just a single-voice platform. It has become a platform supported by podcasts, social media and a growing advertising base. The Ocean Pines ROC Facebook group, with more than 4,400 members, functions as a real-time community conversation hub, while the ROC Buzz podcast delivers audio versions of stories and interviews with local residents and leaders.
Building on that growth, ROC Edition will expand into print beginning Sept. 30, bringing its coverage to distribution points across the community. Together, its digital and print platforms ensure that ROC is not just reporting news but shaping the discussion in Ocean Pines. With that influence comes responsibility. Readers increasingly
ROC Edition will debut its first print edition on Sept.30, expanding its coverage across print, digital, podcast and social media channels as part of a new monthly publishing schedule.
RENOVATIONS Home Improvements
Continued from page 1
turn to ROC not only for facts but for perspective. That shift reflects a broader change in local politics: debates once confined to small circles or the back of board meetings now unfold in public, with residents more informed and engaged than ever. Old politics in Ocean Pines was dominated by insiders, back-channel conversations and a small number of information gatekeepers. Elections were often shaped by the Forum or the Progress’s endorsements or by heated exchanges on the Forum. The circle of influence was relatively small.
New politics, by contrast, is more diffuse. With ROC Edition covering issues across multiple platforms, more residents can follow complex topics such as budgets, referendums or committee recommendations. Information moves faster and reaches more people. That transparency has created both opportunity and friction. Some longtime board members bristle at ROC’s reporting, arguing that it stirs controversy. Others acknowledge that it has forced greater accountability. At the same time, the decline of the Forum and the Progress has changed two traditional outlets and streamlined the community conversation into fewer but more impactful channels.
fragmented corners; a Progress editorial here, a Forum thread there. Now, the discussion happens largely in the pages of ROC Edition and on its affiliated platforms. That centralization of communication represents a profound change in how politics operates in Ocean Pines. It means candidates, board members and community organizations must adapt to a new reality: The issues are no longer quietly managed, but openly debated.
The passing of Stauss and the retirement of Reynolds marked the end of an era in Ocean Pines. Their contributions were foundational and both the Progress and the Forum shaped the community in important ways. But 2025 has made clear that a new era has begun. ROC Edition now stands as a primary vehicle for information and accountability in Ocean Pines politics. Whether residents view that as progress or disruption, the fact remains that the media landscape has changed permanently. Old politics relied on a few familiar voices. New politics depends on wider participation, faster information and more rigorous scrutiny.
The timing of this shift is significant. Ocean Pines is confronting multimillion-dollar decisions about its amenities, facilities and volunteer fire department. Board elections are once again contentious, with questions of transparency and trust at the forefront. In the past, such debates might have played out in
The question for Ocean Pines going forward is whether this new model will foster greater transparency and inclusion or whether it will expose deeper divisions within the community. What is clear is that the old ways are gone and a new political landscape is here.
Thank you, Mr. Stauss and Mr. Reynolds, for your years of dedication in shaping the coverage of Ocean Pines and for laying the foundation that has carried the community into its new future.
Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association celebrates 50th anniversary in western style
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
The Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association celebrated its 50th anniversary on Sunday, Aug. 24, with a Sadie Hawkins western-themed golf tournament, drawing golfers for 18 holes of spirited play followed by a luncheon at the Clubhouse Bar and Grille, catered by Touch of Italy.
The tournament, held under bright skies and crisp late-summer conditions, brought together longtime members and new participants alike. Pairings reflected the tonguein-cheek spirit of the event, where ladies invited their partners to join them on the course.
After the 18-hole round, golfers gathered at the Ocean Pines Clubhouse Bar and Grille, where a luncheon provided by Touch of Italy set the stage for fellowship. Prizes were awarded for on-course achievements, but the day was ultimately about the shared experience, with laughter and conversation continuing well after the final putts dropped.
The name “Sadie Hawkins” comes from the pages of American comic strip history. Created by cartoonist Al Capp, Li’l Abner was a popular comic that ran from 1934 to 1977. In 1937, Capp introduced a storyline about Sadie Hawkins, a character whose father feared she would never marry. To solve the problem, he declared a special day when unmarried women could chase eligible bachelors and whichever man they caught would be obliged to marry them.
The humorous premise struck a chord with Depression-era America. Soon, colleges and communities across the country began hosting “Sadie Hawkins Day” dances, often reversing traditional gender roles by having women invite men. At its peak, hundreds of universities staged these events annually, and by the 1940s, Sadie Hawkins Day had become a national sensation.
Though the comic strip ended nearly 50 years ago, the playful tradition has endured in different forms. Golf tournaments, dances and other community events still carry the Sadie Hawkins name, celebrating not only a comic-strip legacy but also the spirit of fun and lighthearted reversal it represented.
For the Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association, tying their tournament to Sadie Hawkins adds a distinctive layer to the competition. The format
ROC
Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Members of the Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association marked the group’s 50th anniversary with a western-themed celebration and golf tournament, bringing together long-time players and new members for a day of fun, fellowship and community spirit.
combines both tradition and novelty, keeping players engaged while the luncheon afterward ensures that golf is only part of the day’s experience.
This year’s tournament was especially memorable thanks to the perfect weather and the added touch of hospitality at the Clubhouse. With Touch of Italy catering the luncheon, the event had a celebratory feel that
extended beyond the greens.
The day reflected how a tradition rooted in 1930s pop culture has been successfully adapted to modern community life. Sadie Hawkins may have begun as a comic character nearly a century ago, but her name continues to inspire events that put fun, friendship and community at the center.
In Ocean Pines, that meant 18 holes of golf, good food and laughter among neighbors. And as long as the Ladies’ Golf Association keeps the tradition alive, Sadie Hawkins will always have a place on the local calendar.
Pink Ribbon Pickleball returns Oct. 3; community invited to support American Cancer Society
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
The Ocean Pines Pickleball Club will stage its annual Pink Ribbon Pickleball Round Robin on Friday, Oct. 3, at the Ocean Pines Racquet Center, with play scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Player slots are sold out, but organizers are encouraging the public to stop by between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to take part in the on-site fundraising, which will include gift baskets, raffles, a local vendor and more. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Those who cannot attend in
Men’s Golf Club Championship rescheduled to Sept. 27 and 28
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
The Men’s Golf Club Championship, originally set for this weekend, has been rescheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27 and 28.
Players who have already registered and are available on the new dates do not need to take any action. Those unable to participate may contact the pro shop for a refund.
Registration remains open for new participants. Entry fees are $40 for full golf members, $65 for golf members without a cart plan and $85 for non-members.
The deadline to register is Sunday, Sept. 21. To sign up or for more information, call the Ocean Pines Golf Club Pro Shop at 410-641-6057.
person can donate online to the Ocean Pines Pink Ribbon Pickleball team in support of ACS. Sponsored donations will be recognized with a sponsor sign displayed at the event. Sponsorships remain available, from $50 (Tribute Sign) to $1,000 (Platinum). All sponsorship tiers also include track sign recognition
at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Oct. 25.
For sponsorship details or questions, contact Becky Ferguson at 410-446-1816 or rcoltferguson@gmail.com. To donate online, visit tinyurl.com/33x53852.
ROC Edition expands into print, strengthens commitment to the community EDITORIAL
On Sept. 30, ROC Edition will reach an important milestone. For the first time, our newspaper will appear not only online but also in print, available at distribution points throughout Ocean Pines and its surrounding areas. This step reflects both the growth of ROC Edition and the trust of readers who turn to us for independent, factual and timely reporting.
Since its founding, ROC Edition has worked to provide news that is thorough, accurate and free from political spin. Over the past two years, we have delivered that promise across multiple platforms, including through our digital newspaper, our ROC Buzz podcast and daily updates on the Ocean Pines ROC Facebook page. Beginning this month, we will follow a new monthly schedule: The newspaper will publish online and in print on the last Tuesday of each month, the ROC Buzz podcast will drop on the 10th of each month and our Facebook page will remain a hub for daily news and community dialogue.
Expanding into print is more than a format change. It is a recognition of the character of this community. Ocean Pines is a place where civic life matters, where neighbors gather and where the written word carries weight. A printed edition ensures our reporting is visible, tangible and accessible to everyone including those who may not follow news online. It also provides new opportunities for local businesses to reach readers through advertising,
creating a cycle of support that benefits the entire community.
Our mission remains the same: to deliver factual news, thoughtful commentary and features that reflect the people and stories of Ocean Pines and nearby communities, such as Berlin. That means holding institutions accountable, providing context on complex issues and celebrating the community spirit that makes our area unique.
Being “The People’s Paper” is more than a slogan. It is a responsibility to ask the hard questions, to resist easy narratives and to put truth and transparency first.
When the first print copies of ROC Edition arrive Sept. 30, it will mark a new chapter, not just for us but for the community that has made it possible. To our readers, advertisers and supporters, thank you for standing with us, sharing your stories and helping us grow. Your continued support makes ROC Edition possible and we look forward to serving you in this new chapter, in print and online.
Sherrie Clifford Publisher, ROC Edition
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
Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Ocean Pines begins another cycle this September with familiar directors seated and officer assignments newly arranged. John Latham has been selected to serve as president, Rick Farr as vice president, Jeff Heavner as secretary and Monica Rakowski continues in her role as treasurer. Though the names are the same, the responsibilities have shifted and with them comes the opportunity for a fresh start in how the association approaches the challenges and opportunities ahead.
In many ways, this transition is strengthened by the consistent presence of John Viola, whose steady leadership as general manager has been instrumental in keeping Ocean
Pines on firm ground. His expertise in financial oversight and operational management has guided the association through periods of uncertainty and placed it on a path of stability. Balanced budgets, careful planning and professional execution are the hallmarks of his tenure.
Residents and board members alike have benefitted from his ability to bring clarity and structure to complex decisions.
Viola’s management has also helped Ocean Pines achieve visible progress. The recent addition of Touch of Italy as the food and beverage provider for the Yacht Club, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille and the Beach Club is one example
ROC IS ALL
of how thoughtful partnerships can improve both the community experience and the association’s financial position. When paired with ongoing investment in amenities and a clear commitment to service, these changes illustrate how Ocean Pines can continue to thrive under professional management.
The first regular board meeting under this new leadership structure is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, at 9 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Clubhouse. That meeting will provide an early glimpse of how the officers will approach their responsibilities and how they will work with management to guide the association’s future.
Ocean Pines is fortunate to have a strong general manager, sound financial footing and directors willing to serve. The combination of professional expertise and community involvement provides a promising base for the months ahead. Residents will watch with interest as this board cycle begins, but they can do so with the reassurance that Ocean Pines continues to benefit from the steady hand of John Viola and the stability he has brought to the association.
Sherrie Clifford Publisher, ROC Edition
Self-Made Person STANDING Room Only
A couple of weeks ago, I received the dreaded call we senior citizens are prone to get periodically. A good friend passed away suddenly in his home down the Delmarva peninsula.
Earl was a good friend. The sort of good guy you seldom meet, but, if found, develop a long-term relationship with. A person who just enjoyed being around people. Our small group of friends last had lunch a few days ago, and he was as cheerful as ever. Our friend was a self-made man, graduating from college with a degree in Business Administration and a gift of mechanical ability and a personal decision never to sit behind a desk. It was in the “old days,” where his diploma was rolled in a ribbon of common sense.
Earl began to earn his living by purchasing a home on the peninsula, renting it out to university students, and managing it. Then my friend bought another to do the same, and in a short time, purchased a third and the fourth, managing the homes with his mind and hands. It became easy for Earl to manage and repair the four home rentals, so he purchased the fifth and sixth rental units.
Through the years, as it is known, he was a pleasant monthly rental collector and landlord. And, just
ROC Edition is pleased to accept obituaries from our readers.
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 obituaries are published the last Tuesday of each month. The deadline for obituaries is the 15th of each month.
like the neighborhood patrolman, giving a green light to the kindly and flashing a sharp red sign to those who did not follow the business rules. He had a good business mind.
A SELF-MADE MAN
Earl was a self-made man, never asking for more than he deserved. A guy that was self-taught in the rules of managing his money and a monkey wrench. A rarity in today’s overcrowded academic environment.
Can a person succeed in the environment in which we are compelled to exist? An environment where we are eventually growing and supporting a family? An environment in which we successfully live, work, play and pray? Earl did it masterfully.
One might say that’s only one person in millions. A miracle?
LET’S TALK MILLIONS.
Henry Ford made himself a self-made man by inventing the Ford Motor Company. Mark Zuckerberg made it with a scholastic idea, focusing on the phones we are addicted to. Rafaela AponteDiamant, a self-made billionaire, became the richest woman in the world, making 38.8 billion dollars as a Swiss shipping magnate. Taylor
By Roger Marino
Swift, entertainer, does it annually, entertaining millions of eager, highdollar-ticket fans. All self-made, billion-dollar makers.
My friend Earl was not considered Henry Ford-wealthy. He did well, modestly living like the ordinary, everyday citizen. He married after college. Raised a family. Enjoyed people and the great outdoors. He was a self-made business person. Paying his taxes, voting at the proper polling place. Taking family vacations. Enjoying many friends at home and on vacation. Was Earl rich? Billionaire-rich? I would define Earl’s wealth as perfectly American. No billions to flash around, but a life full of good things. My friend’s messages were unlike politicians who are prone to parrot “let me be clear,” when making a loud repetitive statement. If Earl stated his position on a subject for the first time, he was always clear and honest.
Oprah Winfrey, listed as one of the richest women in America, was fired at the age of 23, broke and in need of a job. She ultimately went on to develop her own television show at the age of 32. I remember Oprah as a reporter and anchor person on the local Baltimore television station. She said “keep in mind, whatever your goals, you can get there if you are willing to work.” Earl worked hard and achieved his goals. To be a good husband, father and provider. A goal he achieved and enjoyed.
WHAT IS A SELF-MADE PERSON?
An individual who achieves significant success and wealth through their own efforts rather than inheriting it or relying on extranormal factors. There were no extranormal factors in Earl’s manner of achieving. Just hard work, good thinking and a love for the people around him.
Remember the name Abraham Lincoln? He was a self-made man. Started with only a crudely crafted fireplace shining enough light to
study in front of, and because of his love for humanity, his goal to achieve and the will to live for the common man, he was a hundred years ahead of Oprah Winfrey’s theme: “Whatever your goals, you can get there if you are willing to work.”
Earl’s goal was to treat everyone around him with grace, build his family with comfort and love and live the good life. Earl’s modest qualities, in tangent with the successful celebrities mentioned in this column, also possessed an independent, self-reliant quality that distinguished them all. A man of the mind first, the hands that followed the command. Lincoln went on to be a great president, but never attempted to become a billionaire. He was a common man first and proud to announce that fact. A political entity next. My friend went on to be a great husband, father and ally. And, although he would always be on the lookout for fun with friends and family he was satisfied with backyard comfort. Abe Lincoln accomplished greatness with his words and deeds. Earl did it with his hands and mind. Both equally self-made men. I am not privileged to know Earl’s financial status but will estimate with some certainty that, although he may not be in the dollar category of Mark Zuckerberg, he is one of the richest men in America. Rich in love, credibility and comfortable to be around. To be a comfort to friends and family is valued more than all the riches gathered by the billionaires of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
My friend had it all. All the God-gifted attributes of a real American. He truly was a self-made man.
ROC Life
Golfing in Ocean Pines; a community gem with championship flair
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
Ocean Pines has long been known for its quiet neighborhoods, wooded trails and proximity to the coast. But at the heart of the community lies one of its most celebrated amenities: the Ocean Pines Golf Club. With its rolling fairways, towering pines and welcoming clubhouse, the course is more than a place to play golf. It’s a gathering spot, a retreat and a showcase of the natural beauty that makes Ocean Pines unique.
Designed by the legendary golf architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., the Ocean Pines Golf Club opened in 1971 and quickly earned a reputation as a championship-caliber course open to the public. It remains the only Robert Trent Jones Sr. design on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Golfers are greeted with wide fairways framed by native trees, challenging greens that test precision and a layout that rewards strategy as much as power. Each hole brings its own character, from doglegs tucked among tall pines to open stretches that invite a long drive.
But the course is not just for serious players. One of the defining features of Ocean Pines Golf Club is its accessibility. Families, recreational players and league members all find a home here. The club offers lessons, clinics and junior programs to encourage players of all ages and skill levels. This welcoming atmosphere has made the course as much a social hub as a sporting destination.
The setting itself adds to the experience. Wildlife sightings are common, with herons, foxes and deer often sharing the landscape. Sunlight filters through the pines and hardwoods, and in autumn, the course comes alive with color. Golfers frequently remark that even on challenging days, the beauty of the course makes the round memorable.
Anchoring the experience is the Ocean Pines Clubhouse, a modern facility that provides the perfect place to start or end a round. Inside,
the Clubhouse Bar and Grille offers casual dining in a setting that overlooks the course. Managed by Touch of Italy, one of the region’s most beloved food and beverage providers, the restaurant brings authentic Italian flavors to the fairways. Whether golfers stop in for a hearty breakfast before their tee time, a sandwich at the turn or a post-round dinner with friends, the menu reflects a balance of tradition and comfort. Touch of Italy has earned praise for its fresh ingredients, friendly service and the ability to create a space that feels both refined and welcoming.
The Clubhouse also serves as a venue for community life. Beyond golf, it hosts events, meetings and private gatherings, making it a yearround anchor in Ocean Pines and adding to the sense that the golf club is intertwined with the fabric of the community.
For members of the Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association and the Men’s Golf Association, the course is more than a playing field; it’s tradition. Weekly leagues, tournaments and special events bring golfers together, fostering camaraderie that extends beyond the scorecard. Annual themed tournaments, like the most recent Sadie Hawkins event or the Fourth of July Red, White and Blue scramble, blend competition with festivity and show how the game thrives in a community spirit. Visitors often note the blend of professionalism and warmth at Ocean Pines Golf Club. From the pro shop staff to the teaching pros to the restaurant team, the emphasis is on creating a welcoming environment.
It’s a rare combination: a course designed by a master architect, maintained to high standards, yet accessible and inviting to all.
For Ocean Pines residents, the club provides a sense of identity. Many who move to the community cite the golf course as one of the draws. Even those who don’t play enjoy the view, the greenery and the open space it preserves. It’s common to hear golfers and non-golfers alike describe the course as one of Ocean Pines’ crown jewels.
As Ocean Pines continues to grow and evolve, the golf club remains both a link to its history and a symbol of its future. With Touch of Italy energizing the Clubhouse, a
calendar full of leagues and events and a layout that has stood the test of time, the Ocean Pines Golf Club represents the best of what the community has to offer.
Golfers may come for the challenge of a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design, but they return for the experience, the fairways shaded by pines, the meals shared at the Clubhouse and the friendships forged on and off the course. For more than 50 years, Ocean Pines Golf Club has been more than a destination; it has been a tradition, a meeting place and a source of pride. And with every round played, it continues to shape the story of Ocean Pines.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Golfers enjoy the Ocean Pines Golf Course, a community centerpiece that combines championship-level design with natural beauty and neighborly tradition.
Ocean Pines Bowling League kicks off season at renovated Ocean Lanes
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher
The sound of pins crashing, the sight of freshly polished lanes and the steady hum of conversation have long been part of life for Ocean Pines residents who bowl together in friendly competition. For years the Ocean Pines Bowling League has been a community tradition and this year it enters a new season with renewed energy thanks to recent renovations at Ocean Lanes in Ocean City.
Ocean Lanes, a landmark on 72nd Street, has always been a gathering spot for bowlers from across Worcester County. Its connection to the Ocean Pines league goes back many years, with neighbors and friends forming teams that compete weekly throughout the season. With major upgrades complete and a striking new mural now greeting visitors, the league is starting the season in a facility that feels both modern and welcoming.
The Ocean Pines Bowling League is more than just a competition. It is a chance for camaraderie, recreation and community spirit. With Monday, Tuesday and Friday afternoon leagues there is room for bowlers of all ages and skill levels. Some teams feature seasoned players who have competed for years, while others are made up of newcomers who enjoy the social side as much as the sport. League afternoons are filled with friendly rivalries and plenty of good-natured banter. Bowlers cheer for each other’s strikes, laugh off the occasional gutter ball and gather between frames to catch up. For many participants, bowling is less about scores and averages and more about being part of a lasting tradition in Ocean Pines.
This season feels special as the league returns to a revitalized Ocean Lanes. Renovations have touched nearly every part of the facility, with improvements still ongoing. Bowlers now find a brighter interior that adds energy to the atmosphere, along with upgraded flooring, snack bar, wall décor and more.
The enhancements extend to the outside as well. A vibrant new mural by Ali Jacobs Murals now covers the exterior, transforming it into a bold, eye-catching welcome. The artwork has already become a talking point for visitors, symbolizing the energy and creativity Ocean Lanes is bringing into its next chapter.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
The Ocean Pines Bowling League enjoys friendly competition at the Ocean Lanes in Ocean City, holding games every Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
What keeps the Ocean Pines Bowling League thriving year after year is not just the game but the friendships. Indeed, the league has become a social anchor for many participants.
The league also appeals to those who enjoy a touch of competition. With three afternoon leagues to choose from, bowlers can find a level that matches their style, from relaxed Friday play to the more competitive Monday and Tuesday sessions. End-of-season banquets and prizes keep spirits high, but the real reward is the connection forged over countless frames.
As the Ocean Pines Bowling League begins its new season, the combination of a renovated Ocean Lanes and a loyal roster of participants promises another successful year. The improvements, along with the colorful mural, provide an inviting backdrop for the league’s traditions while the league itself continues to foster the sense of community that makes Ocean Pines unique.
With a modernized Ocean Lanes to call home inside and out, the Ocean Pines Bowling League is set for many more seasons of strikes, spares and stories worth telling. For those considering joining, there has never been a better time to pick up a ball, lace up a pair of shoes and take part in a tradition that is every bit as much about friendship as it is about bowling.
