‘What I take issue in is, essentially, getting called a liar’ Pines resident upset after objecting to OPA Board’s plans to construct new cell phone tower and being told his information is ‘patently false’
By David Bohenick Staff Writer
Speaking to the Ocean Pines Board of Directors at the Jan. 25 meeting, resident Dave Tanner argued against the construction of a new cell phone tower. But after he spoke, board members told the audience there was never any plan to build a tower.
“Dave, I don’t know where you got this information but it’s absolutely patently false,” Board President Stuart Lakernick said.
Tanner said he learned about the plans from the OPA’s quarterly newsletter, Ocean Pines Report. On page 28 of the Dec. 2024 edition, Police Chief Tim Robinson reported ongoing talks with Milestone Towers to possibly construct the new tower at the company’s expense.
Additionally, at the Nov. 23 board meeting, Robinson said viable property locations were being reviewed. He also said initial plans would require Milestone Towers to pay a onetime fee before building the tower, including a monthly 40 percent revenue share for Ocean Pines.
After the recent board meeting, Robinson clarified plans, telling ROC Edition, “We are still in the stage where we are talking with different contractors about what is possible here in Ocean Pines to make sure that we do the best for our community.”
But Tanner said he remains upset about the board’s response to his concerns.
“I love Ocean Pines. I love the people. Sometimes you won’t agree with everyone. You don’t have to agree. What I take issue in is, essentially, getting called a liar,” Tanner said.
Lakernick, during the meeting claimed Robinson was only looking at ideas to improve connectivity for emergency services.
“Folks, there is no plan to construct a cell phone tower at this time. There is no planned construction. There is no planned site. The only thing our chief decided to look into was the safety issue of getting through to 911. If you can’t call 911 without service, it is a safety issue.
But at this time, there is absolutely no planned construction, no site, no contractor,” Lakernick said.
Board Member John Latham
agreed with Lakernick.
“We’ve had zero conversation, and a lot of folks now believe this is happening, which it’s not. I just don’t know where you get the information, and it just causes some angst with folks in our community. There’s no reason for it,” Latham said.
Tanner told ROC Edition he took a stand against the idea of a cell tower because he does not see it as an immediate concern for Ocean Pines.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Emergency Services, all wireless phones, even those not subscribed to or supported by a specific carrier, can call 911. Calls to 911 on phones without active service do not deliver the caller’s location to the 911 call center. The call center cannot call such phones back to determine the caller’s location or the nature of the emergency. If disconnected, the 911 center has no way to reach the caller.
“All I’m asking is to put a stop to (the cell tower.) They can disagree with me, but don’t say there was no discussion about it,” Tanner said.
Bird flu reaches Ocean Pines; Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources collects 19 dead birds near South Gate Pond; Chicken
By David Bohenick Staff Writer
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources confirmed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service personnel collected 19 dead birds near the South Gate Pond in Ocean Pines on Tuesday, Jan. 28 and Wednesday, Jan. 29.
The birds include eight domestic geese, four Canada geese, one cormorant, two common mergansers, one gull, one grackle and two black vultures. The birds had not
yet been tested by press time, but DNR officials emphasized the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus is endemic in wild bird populations. Previously, laboratory testing provided preliminary confirmation of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza (bird flu) in seven snow geese carcasses in Worcester and Dorchester counties and in several Eastern Shore poultry farms.
The Department of Natural Resources had expanded its contract with the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service by $30,000 the week of
Jan. 17. With the increased funding, more wildlife technicians will visit the state to dispose of wild bird carcasses that could be carrying bird flu. Additionally, the Department’s Wildlife and Heritage Service and Maryland Park Service staff are trained to dispose of the carcasses at the direction of the federal agency.
Bird carcasses are collected by wildlife technicians and double bagged. They are then taken to landfills per required standards, according to a department spokesman.
Bird flu can be spread between
OCEAN PINES • WEST OCEAN CITY • BERLIN MD
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher A tower such as this one has been discussed by Ocean Pines Police Chief Tim Robinson at board meetings and written about in the community’s quarterly newsletter.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher More than a dozen dead birds were taken from the South Gate Pond in Ocean Pines and tested for bird flu.
FLU page 2
‘My entire life has been intertwined with this school system since its start’ Lou Taylor, longtime superintendent of Worcester County schools, to retire end of June, will continue community involvement after stepping down
By Tessah Good Staff Writer
Lou Taylor, superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools since 2016, was overcome with emotion as he announced he will retire on June 30.
Calling his time in education one of the greatest privileges of his life, Taylor, his voice breaking with emotion, said his involvement is “what has kept me going,” when he spoke at the Jan. 21 Board of Education meeting in Newark and announced his retirement.
A lifelong resident of Worcester County, Taylor devoted 41 years to the school system, beginning his career as a physical education teacher and athletics coach. He served an assistant principal at Berlin Middle School and principal at Stephen Decatur High School for 17 years. Taylor also served as chief operating officer at the high school.
“My entire life has been inter-
BIRD FLU
Continued from page 1
flocks through contact with infected poultry, the clothing and shoes of caretakers and other infected birds. Bird flu is spread among birds through nasal and eye secretions and the bird’s droppings.
The risk of transmission between birds and the general public is low. There have been 67 reported human cases of the virus. On Jan. 6, a patient in Louisiana died from the virus. The patient reportedly was older than 65 and had underlying medical conditions.
The risk of transmission to household pets is also low. Department representatives are recommending pet owners avoid feeding their animals raw diets or raw milk.
The current wave of bird flu was first detected in Prime Hook Beach, Del., when officials found 850 dead wild birds on Dec. 27. Since then, preliminary tests have shown bird flu-positive results in poultry farms in Dorchester, Queen Anne’s and Caroline counties in Maryland; Kent County in Delaware and Accomack County in Virginia.
Delmarva Chicken Association Communications Manager James Fisher assured ROC Edition tit is still
twined with this school system since its start. I proudly attended these schools as a student and since beginning my career as a teacher way back in 1983, I have loved every single position I have held along the way,” Taylor said.
During his tenure, Taylor established the non-profit Worcester County Education Foundation. The foundation has made available nearly $250,000 to the school system, supporting a variety of community organizations and boards.
Since the beginning of Taylor’s career, he said he has strived to fulfill the school system’s mission of providing high-quality education in a safe environment and equitable manner.
Dr. Jon Andes, who was superintendent of Worcester County schools for 16 years, beginning in 1996, worked closely with Taylor and told ROC Edition while he is disappointed to see Taylor leave, he is excited for the next venture.
safe to eat chicken that comes from Delmarva poultry farms. Fisher said all chickens raised on a single farm are the same age, and are all tested for bird flu before they are processed for consumption.
The Delmarva Chicken Association is an organization representing Delmarva’s $5 billion poultry industry, consisting of 1,200 family farmers contracted to chicken companies.
Fisher emphasized the importance of biosecurity, saying biosecurity is “not a recent thing.”
“It’s something growers have had in mind for years. (We are) making sure people are changing out of their farm clothes and keeping visitors away. A lot of times, field trips are proposed to the chicken farms. Kids would love to see the chickens but it’s not possible. It’s a matter of security,” Fisher said.
Anyone who sees sick or dead birds in the wild is advised to avoid contact and report them to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service by calling 1-877-463-6497.
“Lou is a phenomenal professional educator. His leadership as the superintendent of schools made significant differences for our students and their families … his legacy will impact generations of young people in the families of Worcester County. We’ve been so blessed and very fortunate to have Superintendent Taylor as a member of our educational family community,” Andes said.
Taylor said he will not participate in the school district’s search for a new superintendent but will remain involved in the community.
“I have every confidence that this board will select a leader, who will, like I did, face the formidable challenge of pushing this already successful school system to great new heights. They will not only meet those expectations, but exceed them … People make the difference. It’s time for our next generation of leaders to rise and leave their own stamp on this school system,” Taylor said.
ROC Edition • Submitted
Worcester County Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
State officials are testing birds found dead in Ocean Pines for bird flu, but experts say cooked chickens are safe to consume.
Offshore US Wind project halted; President Trump signs executive order forcing withdrawal of turbines off coast
By David Bohenick Staff Writer
President Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 20 to halted US Wind’s project off the coast of Ocean City. The order calls for the temporary withdrawal of all areas on the outer continental shelf from offshore wind leasing, and orders a review of the federal government’s permitting and leasing standards for wind projects.
“This withdrawal temporarily prevents consideration of any area in the OCS for any new or renewed wind energy leasing for the purposes of generation of electricity or any other such use derived from the use of wind. This withdrawal does not apply to leasing related to any other purposes such as, but not limited to, oil, gas, minerals, and environmental conservation,” the order states.
OCS refers to the outer continental shelf.
Previously, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management approved the final federal permits for US Wind Inc’s offshore wind project, which included 114 wind turbines more than 900 feet tall. In December. US Wind also received a letter of authorization from the National Marine Fisheries Service in November for the 80,000-acre federal lease area.
The town of Ocean City filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in October, alleging federal authorities ignored the negative impacts on aquatic life, the tourism industry and the commercial fishing industry. The town of Ocean City was joined by more than 20 co-plaintiffs, including the Ocean Pines Association and the Worcester County Commissioners, but agreed to fund the entire lawsuit.
The Worcester County Commissioners refused to support the Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s $15 million bid for a grant in November, unless the group dropped its neutral position and opposed the offshore wind projects. Commissioner Ted Elder said he was disappointed the nonprofit had accepted $125,000 in donations from US Wind.
On Jan. 21, the Worcester County Commissioners reversed this decision and voted 6-1 to write a letter of support in favor of the program. Kevin Smith, executive director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, made clear that the nonprofit’s stance is still neutral but its board of directors will now approve of donations over $10,000.
But members of the Lower Eastern Shore chapter of the Sierra Club, an organization dedicated to protecting
native ecosystems, are in support of the turbines. Cindy Dillon, the organization’s zero waste team lead, said the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has conducted a thorough inspection for the wind project.
“If you go to the BOEM report and look at all the scientific investigations done, the locations of the windmills have been chosen very carefully to create the least environmental impact. I believe (the wind project) has been vetted. I believe a great deal has gone into this. And I think it is unfortunate, because we don’t have a lot of time to deal with our climate crisis.” Dillon said.
Calls to OPA Board President Stuart Lakernick were not returned. At press time, it was unclear if the lawsuits were still pending and if Ocean Pines was still involved as a co-plaintiff
No classes on Good Friday or Monday after Easter but weeklong closure due to snow means last day of school is June 17
By Tessah Good Staff Writer
Worcester County public schools’ spring break will be cut short this year. The original school calendar has been modified due to the number of days schools were closed due to snow early last month.
The Worcester County Board of Education at its Jan. 21 meeting, unanimously voted to modify the 2024-2025 school year calendar. Due to the winter weather, schools were closed five days, exceeding the three inclement weather days built into the school calendar and leaving a balance of two make-up days.
The new calendar reduces staff and students’ spring break. Schools will be closed Good Friday, April 18, and the Monday after Easter, April 21. The last day of school will be June 17. School officials said they intend to use virtual learning for any future inclement weather that closes school.
Coordinator of Public Relations and Special Programs Carrie Sterrs said modifications were necessary to satisfy the State of Maryland’s 180-day school year requirement.
VIRTUAL DAY INSTRUCTION
PLAN REVISION
The board also unanimously
approved two primary modifications to the previous virtual day instruction plan.
The first change mandates only high school and select middle school students will be issued a take-home device by the school system. Elementary and other middle school students must access virtual instruction through a personal device.
Additionally, students will complete four hours of synchronous virtual instruction through the use of the Schoology conferencing tool, rather than using a secondary software. School district officials said Schoology offers more engaging practices through audio and video capabilities, while also allowing students experiencing technical difficulties to access the learning platform through a toll-free number.
Attendance will be recorded by teachers. Instructors will also be able to see if a student loses internet connection while logged in. Students who are unable to access instruction will have five days following the return of in-person learning to complete make-up work, which will count as attendance.
A motion to approve the changes was made by board member William Gordy and seconded by William Buchanan.
2024-2025 SEMESTER ONE FINAL EXAMS WAIVER
The board unanimously agreed to waive Policy II-B-10.
Dr. Annette Wallace, Chief Safety and Academic Officer of Grades 9-12, said the adjustment would help to excuse students from 20242025 final exams in the first semester that do not culminate in state-required assessments. Superintendent Louis Taylor said the change was made in fairness to the amount of school days already missed because of inclement weather.
A motion was made by board member William Buchanan and seconded by Elena McComas.
PRESIDENT AND VICEPRESIDENT ELECTIONS
The board re-elected Todd Ferrante as president and William Buchanan as vice president. Both Ferrante and Buchanan were elected by a six-vote majority with one abstention by board member Katie Addis.
BOARD APPROVES TWO SAFETY CONTRACTS
The board unanimously approved two safety contracts, one in closed session. The other contract was a cyber security contract approved in public session.
Palo Alto Networks, a Maryland Education Enterprise Consortium, has been contracted to provide end-point detection and response services. Officials said the services would allow schools to continuously monitor and respond to cyber threats.
The contract is being funded in part by a grant awarded to the school system’s Information of Technology Department by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to participate in an initiative to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure.
A motion was made by board member Jon Andes and seconded by Elena McComas.
COMMENDATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
The board honored fall athletes, including Pocomoke High School’s field hockey team and Stephen Decatur High School’s football and unified tennis teams. Each team brought home state titles.
The board also declared the week of Feb. 3-7 to be School Counselors Week, and the month of January as National Board of Education Appreciation Month. Superintendent Taylor read a proclamation honoring the board.
Berlin Town Council approves special event permit for golf tournament to be in both Pines and Berlin, OK’s purchase of drone for police department
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT
PLANNED IN BOTH BERLIN AND OCEAN PINES
Council unanimously approved Eastbound Disc Golf’s application for a special event permit for a Double Dip Doubles Dash disc golf tournament—so named because it will be at both Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin and at Bainbridge Park in Ocean Pines on the same day.
The tournament will be in Ocean Pines from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and then be at the Berlin park from noon to 4 p.m., both on Saturday, March 1.
Noah McAleer, representing Eastbound Disc Golf, told Council about the event, saying, “We are asking for this special event permit to use Stephen Decatur Park, specifically the disc golf baskets and course already located there for a small disc golf tournament.
“Eastbound is a non-profit organization. This event is not bringing in any revenue. All registrations will be taking place prior to the event.
They’re all digital. It’ll actually be a doubles tournament. So, similar to a golf scramble, teams of two will sign up, play together as a team,” McAleer said.
According to McAleer, the organization is limiting the field to 36 players, which would put four players at each of the nine holes.
McAleer explained the event’s title comes from the fact that Eastbound Disc Golf is “double dipping” by using both Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin and Bainbridge Park in Ocean Pines.
McAleer said Eastbound would like to get the council’s permission at its next meeting to change the layout of the disc golf course at Stephen Decatur Park.
“The current layout that was initially approved about two years ago does involve a lot of holes overlapping walking paths … So, the group has actually gone out recently and mocked up a first draft of a new layout that would really kind of streamline the course to remove a lot of that. Make it better for patrons of the park, safer and it’s better for disc golfers also,” he said.
If Eastbound gets approval of the layout change, McAleer said he hopes to have those changes made in one working day shortly after approval is given.
COUNCIL OK’S PURCHASE OF DRONE TO HELP WITH TRAFFIC
At the request of the Berlin Police Department, the Berlin Town Council approved spending up to $12,000 to purchase a DJI Matrice 30T Urban Scout Drone package from DSLRPros. The purchase will be made using funds from the police’s forfeited funds, which is money that the police has received from criminal court cases and is restricted in use.
According to Police Chief Arnold Downing, police will use the drone to “map out any kind of traffic accident scenes which might be serious in nature.”
“We’ll be able to go ahead and map out any crime scenes themselves, search and rescue, tactical deployment and community outreach,” Downing said at the Jan. 27 Town Council meeting.
Downing also stated the drone could be used for surveillance.
“For any large gathering we could go ahead and utilize that, for any protest we could utilize it for those things,” he said.
There would be a minimum of three police officers trained to use
this drone, Downing said. The department would also have to pay for the cost of training its officers to operate the drone. Downing said that the cost for training could be less than $75. The extra cost of training will be taken before the council at a future meeting.
DEED OF DEDICATION MADE BETWEEN COUNCIL AND JM LAND HOLDING
A Deed of Dedication was made between the Berlin Council and JM Land Holding, LLC, for the town to accept utility easements and rights-of-way within the West View Townhomes Development.
Town Attorney David Gaskill emphasized that the development which was built by James Malone was up to the town’s standards.
“This development was approved by the town … and if we don’t accept these streets then we’re not going to be providing trash pickup, snow removal to tax-paying citizens in the Town of Berlin. The whole (purpose) of this is to bring two very small roads … into the town’s inventory of streets so we can provide public services to the residents there,” Gaskill told the council.
Council approved the Deed of Dedication unanimously thereby taking possession of the easements and rights-of-way.
Fire destroys Adkins Company in Berlin
Adkins Company in Berlin is destroyed by fire that broke out at 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The lumber operation was not damaged and nobody was injured in the blaze, extinguished by the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company, assisted by crews from Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Showell, Newark, Bishopville, Snow Hill and Powellville. A message from owner Rick Holland, at www.adkinscompany.com, states he will attempt to reopen as soon as possible in a temporary trailer at the site and “sell what lumber and building materials we are able to.” He is asking customers to call 410-726-1024 or 443-944-4459 as he and his staff work to get their phones and computers back online as quickly as possible.
courtesy Berlin Fire Company
Photo
Neighbors voice complaints to Berlin Town Council about new proposed parking lot location, stormwater runoff; cost to park among concerns
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
Residents are voicing concerns after the Berlin Town Council announced the 10-year lease agreement for a new parking lot to be constructed at the corner of West and Washington streets.
West Street resident Brad Parks, a stormwater engineer who lives diagonal to the property, had “concerns about the potential for stormwater runoff.”
Mayor Zack Tyndall told Parks at the Jan. 13 Berlin Town Council meeting council was aware of the potential for stormwater runoff in that area.
“We don’t want to exacerbate that. We work diligently to try and solve that. It would be counterintuitive for us to then further complicate the challenge … I’m pretty sure legally we can’t just make an exemption for ourselves, nor would we want to. The same vetting process that we ask anyone else to do we will do ourselves,”
Tyndall said.
Erich Pfeffer, another West Street resident and a member of the Planning Commission, expressed worries about whether the parking lot would be free.
“When you bring up paid parking, it seems like everyone would still park on the streets if that parking lot was a paid parking lot,” Pfeffer said.
Tyndall replied enforcement would be required to ensure that people do not park in the street, blocking the way for emergency vehicles.
“The no-parking zone is one side of the street in many areas. I think we would try to make it so it’s a clear corridor so the emergency vehicles can get where they need to go. And then you have to have that enforcement,” Tyndall said.
Councilman Jay Knerr added to the mayor’s response, explaining that the lot would be mainly used during town events.
“People want to park close to the event, and this lot provides that. People don’t really question about
Demolition work continues on the Ocean City landmark Phillips Beach Plaza between 13th and 14th streets on the Boardwalk. The hotel was built by Ethel Griffin Kelley and her son Harry, who went on to be a well-known mayor of the popular resort, according to local author Bunk Mann, who wrote “Vanishing Ocean City.” In its day, it was a modern hotel with 132 rooms and a large porch lined with rocking chairs that remained popular into the next decades. Kelley sold the hotel and eventually, in 1967, Brice and Shirley Phillips, owners of another landmark, Phillips Crab House, bought it. In 1973 in was opened as Phillips by the Sea and gained great popularity. It closed and was advertised for sale in 2021. Once demolition is complete, a new hotel will be built there.
paying for parking,” Knerr said.
Tyndall emphasized that the length of the lease agreement will allow the town to determine if the parking lot will help with parking problems.
“We are testing the waters here on whether or not a parking lot will work, which is why we have opted (for) a 10-year lease with the ability to break that if we have to if the idea is not working out. But our goal is to build something that does work, and then maybe it transitions from a lease to a purchase at the end of the 10 years. We don’t know (right now),” Tyndall said.
Town leaders said they entered into the lease agreement with the Esham family, who owns the 2.13-acre parcel, to help solve the downtown parking challenges.
“We’re glad that they were willing to have a conversation with the town about hopefully trying to solve the challenge that we saw as a capacity problem … We lack the ability to really have parking close to the downtown area,” Tyndall said.
Tyndall added the council will provide future opportunities for residents affected by the new parking lot to give feedback. He also discussed the possibility of scheduling a separate meeting to receive more input.
“In the coming council meetings we will … seek public comment and have that dialogue with one another about what the surface looks like, what the aesthetics look like, how do we limit lighting and make sure that this works for the Town of Berlin in the best possible way,” Tyndall said.
The mayor said town leaders do not intend to add to current traffic challenges.
“We want to help with those. We are cognizant that during an event … we get a lot of parking problems in that area. It makes it difficult to get an emergency vehicle down there. It makes it difficult to provide the needed emergency public services to that neighborhood. We want to help solve that problem,” Tyndall added.
Photo by ROC Publisher Sherrie Clifford
Home Improvements
RENOVATIONS
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
Berlin officials have made several steps toward renovating Town Hall. Surveys have been given to the town staff who work in the building so they can voice their opinions about what should be prioritized during renovations. The surveys include the concept plans of the renovations that have been developed by Haley Architecture, the firm the town hired to design and implement the renovations.
“[We’re] giving them the opportunity to weigh in and provide feedback,” the Mayor’s Executive Administrative Assistant Sara Gorfinkel told ROC Edition.
The surveys were made available to the staff shortly after the Berlin Town Council’s Jan. 13 meeting. In that same meeting the council approved the reallocation of $1.6 million from the town’s unassigned funds to its capital reserve to cover the remaining cost of the renovations, which is estimated at $2.5 million.
Many staff members have given their feedback through the surveys,
Gorfinkel added.
“Everyone is invested in giving their thoughts and feedback … I would say that the staff is very pleased with the fact that attention is going to be paid to modernizing Town Hall and making it more efficient,” she said.
Some of the feedback that staff members have given includes making the office space capable of having the departments working together.
“For example Human Resources and Administration working in a workspace with the mayor and myself … The opportunity to have Finance and Customer Service working together, because they’re all one department, is really positive,” she said.
Staff member feedback also showed that the staff would like the renovations “to update the Customer Service entrance and area. And installing a real elevator versus the current chair lift that we have … has been positively received,” she said.
Town Hall hasn’t been renovated
See RENOVATIONS page 7
Henry Park in Berlin getting new playground equipment, expected to be installed in early spring at cost of $216,000 from grant; town to fund $24,000
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
Replacement is under way for a $240,000 unit of playground equipment at Dr. William Henry Park in Berlin.
The town is expected to pay $24,000 and the remaining $216,000 will be funded by a grant.
According to Special Projects Administrator Kate Daub, “The large play unit … was reaching its useful end of life and it was due for replacement. And we had the opportunity to apply for Community Parks and Playground grant funding and we’re fortunate enough to receive grant funding to make the project possible.”
After the unit of equipment was deemed too difficult to repair and maintain at the park, Council authorized an application to be submitted to the Community Parks and Playground Program for a request for grant funding.
“It took about a year from the time that we submitted the application for grant funding … for us to hear of award acceptance … we submitted the grant application in August of 2023 and we heard back just about a year later, roughly,” Daub explained.
The $216,000 in grant funding came from the $2.7 million Commu-
RENOVATIONS
Continued from page 6
in the last 20 years and is outdated in many ways. So, the renovations will prioritize “modernizing the building and making it more accessible, handicap accessible, ADA compliant. And also adding space and reconfiguring space so that the town staff who are here have comfortable office space but also that there’s room to grow … We’re currently divided and limited in our current office space.
“A number of my colleagues sit in spaces without windows, essentially closets that have been repurposed for office space because there are no individual offices available,” Gorfinkel explained.
Although the intention is to make room for a more comfortable workspace there will be no expansion on the building.
“It’s a historic building and so we’re really working within the footprint of the current structure,” she said.
nity Parks and Playground Program package, which was divided among 18 municipalities by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Soon after the grant application was approved council authorized GameTime in care of Cunningham Recreation for the replacement. The council agreed to bypass the usual request for proposal process that the town would typically have to go through to pick a vendor for the project.
GameTime is a commercial playground manufacturer in care of Cunningham Recreation, playground equipment supplier based in North Carolina.
The area near the unit of equipment is closed for the demolition of the former play unit and construction of a new modernized play unit. The playground manufacturer and supplier began the replacement process on Jan. 8. Demolition of the play unit is already finished.
“We do anticipate sometime early spring for the new equipment to be installed,” Daub said.
The rest of the playground is still open for use such as the toddler playground, which was also replaced not too long ago, and the basketball courts nearby.
Just like the original, the new play unit will be geared toward children from ages 5 through 12.
Once the feedback on the concept plans is all compiled, Haley Architecture will then “update the concepts with some of the feedback that makes the most sense. And then there’s … a few months of design work and preparation that will go into getting the building ready to be renovated,” she explained.
Gorfinkel said she believes construction could start this year.
In preparation for the renovations, town officials have already contacted the police station and the Berlin branch of the Worcester County Library “to talk about hosting mayor and council meetings in the future during construction.”
Additionally, the town will make plans to ensure that staff members will be able to continue their work while the Town Hall is out of commission. Staff members would either work remotely or use another town property as their work space such as the Welcome Center or the police station.
This new play unit will include many new features that the original did not have.
“There’s going to be a ladder access, a tree climber, a funnel climber, a deck climber, a swerve slide, a bunch of fun things, umbrella canopies, a bunch of fun features that we think the kids will enjoy,” Daub said.
Certain colors will be used for the new play unit in order to match the mural on the basketball court nearby, which was painted in 2021. Designs of the new play unit also ensure that the equipment is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
ROC Edition • Submitted
Children visiting Henry Park in Berlin will have new playground equipment that will be installed there for enjoyment and exercise.
‘It keeps our town busy’ Berlin Restaurant Week helps bring business to local eateries during the slow season
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
During this year’s annual Berlin Restaurant Week event, 16 eateries offered special menu items.
On What Grounds?, Blacksmith, Rayne’s Reef Soda Fountain and Grill, the Sterling Tavern and the Atlantic Hotel were repeat participants this year. But the event also brought in new participants, such as The Street Kitchen/Berlin Beer Company, Reverie Arbor and Wine Bar and Bour Agave.
From Jan 17 to 23, restaurant patrons were asked to take their entry cards to their meals. The cards were stamped to confirm their purchase. When customers gathered three stamps, they were able to enter their cards into the random drawing for the prize.
Each restaurant shared special menus on social media and displayed flyers for the event in their windows.
“It’s just a time where it’s a little slower after all the holidays and stuff and it’s cold out. It gives something for people to do and gets people out to the restaurants and try new things. It keeps our town busy,” said the Town of Berlin’s administrative assistant and events coordinator Allison Early.
Residents were encouraged to patronize participating restaurants with the chance to win gift cards to the establishments and a $100 prize, donated by event sponsor Cam Bunting of Bunting Realty Inc.
Early said Bunting will not continue to host the event in the future but will sponsor the event by donating $100 as part of the winning prize. The Town of Berlin will take over all other hosting responsibilities moving forward.
Early added the Town of Berlin recognizes itself as a culinary destination.
“(Residents and restaurant owners alike) love it. It’s kind of nice. You go and get a three-course meal for a cheaper amount. It’s more of an experience than just going out to eat. You go out and you get a special. Maybe usually you don’t get three courses but for Restaurant Week you kind of treat yourself,” Early said.
Bunting started the event in 2016 to help bring business into town during a “cold, slow month,” Early said.
“We have a lot of restaurants here and I think (Bunting) has seen other towns doing it and she loves our restaurants and thought it would be a good way to bring people here,”
Early said.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Several Berlin establishments participated in this year’s successful Restaurant Week including Baked, Bour Agave and the historic Atlantic Hotel.
We Heart Berlin receives permission from Berlin Town Council to install antenna on water tower for new local FM station, Radio Free Berlin
By Giovanni Guido Staff Writer
The Berlin Town Council gave We Heart Berlin permission to install an antenna on the water tower at Bryan and Franklin avenues as it works toward establishing Radio Free Berlin, a low-power FM radio station for Berlin.
Mayor Zack Tyndall said the council would waive the charge of rent, which would usually accompany the use of a certain space owned by the town for the organization.
“They are a non-profit and with that we are trying to assist with them onboarding a radio station for Berlin and by Berlin,” Tyndall said at the Jan. 27 council meeting.
Berlin is providing the organization with the use of the water tower free of charge instead of funding. The organization is currently applying for a non-profit grant from Worcester County in order to fund its radio station project.
We Heart Berlin President Jeff Smith addressed the council,
explaining what the organization hopes to accomplish with the radio station.
“We envision this as a radio station that would be for, about and by the Town of Berlin,” Smith said.
Once established, We Heart Berlin intends for Radio Free Berlin to include programs that broadcast live and recorded music, local news and sports, original radio drama and theater performances, mayor and council meetings and county commissioner meetings.
“One of our goals is to include the school systems in our programming. So, we would have space on the air dedicated to the schools to be able to broadcast whatever. … We would have kids run their own shows on the air, we could also include Berlin’s Historical Society and include shows about Berlin’s history,” Smith said.
Tyndall suggested that the radio station could be used for emergency broadcasts.
“I would recommend that this body make this motion contingent on the fact that if we have an emergency broadcast within reason
that we ask the radio station to … push it out on our behalf,” he said.
Smith told the mayor that We Heart Berlin is required to have an emergency alert system built into the radio station.
“So, we would be able to use the radio station to emergency broadcast. … I think that would be something that we would be happy to do. One of the purposes I think of the radio station would be an opportunity for the town to be able to get information out to the public.”
Smith told the council that We Heart Berlin has not decided on where it will broadcast the station from.
“The FCC has given us three years to construct the transmission tower. It doesn’t require a studio initially. … Ideally we would have a studio that can be broadcast from anywhere. We plan to try and make our studio space be very portable.”
Once We Heart Berlin starts broadcasting from the radio station it is required by the Federal Communications Commission to broadcast
at least five hours every day. Smith stated that Radio Free Berlin “would be a 24-hour radio station in theory.”
The non-profit organization applied to the Federal Communications Commission in December 2023 to obtain its radio and the license to operate it. The commission approved its application giving the organization three years to install an antenna and the necessary transmitter that is needed for broadcasting the station’s signal.
“We Heart Berlin was approved by the FCC in November to build a low-power FM radio station that would operate at a maximum of 100 watts with a radius of approximately 3-and-a-half miles for broadcast range, which would basically cover the Town of Berlin,” Smith said.
The radio station will operate at 94.1 FM once established, with the call sign of WTFB-LP.
“We’re looking forward to bringing Radio Free Berlin to Berlin,” Smith said.
Boards that govern HOA’s must remember they are not monarchies
Homeowners’ Association boards of directors play a vital role in maintaining and improving the communities they oversee. Board members are entrusted with making important decisions, balancing diverse interests and representing homeowners. With this responsibility comes the obligation to engage with homeowners constructively, respectfully and transparently, especially during public meetings.
One alarming trend is board members responding to public comments from homeowners with dismissive attitudes, public shaming or outright declarations that a homeowner’s concerns are “wrong” or “factually inaccurate.” This conduct is unacceptable, unprofessional and counterproductive.
Respectful dialogue is the cornerstone of a healthy community. Board members must remember they serve at the will of homeowners. When homeowners take the time to research issues, prepare comments and voice concerns during meetings, they are participating in the democratic process boards are meant to uphold. Even if the information presented is incorrect, the appropriate response is to address it calmly, clearly and with respect.
Publicly shaming or ridiculing homeowners not only disrespects them but also sends a chilling message to the community that dissent or criticism will not be tolerated. This discourages participation and silences voices. Without constructive engagement, board members risk making decisions in an echo chamber, disconnected from the realities and needs of the community. When board members assert that a homeowner’s information is incorrect,
or personal territories
they have a responsibility to provide evidence or reasoning to substantiate their claim. Transparency is critical. If a homeowner’s research conflicts with board members’ understanding, the members should explain their position with clear and factual context. Simply dismissing a concern as wrong without explanation undermines credibility and raises questions about whether something is being hidden.
In cases where homeowners’ concerns could be valid, dismissing them outright shows a lack of humility and risks overlooking critical feedback. Board members should approach these situations with an open mind and a willingness to investigate further. Responding with, “We will look into this and provide clarification at the next meeting or in writing” demonstrates a commitment to transparency and a genuine effort to address concerns.
Similarly, when board members adopt a condescending or authoritarian tone, they risk alienating their homeowners. HOAs are not monarchies or personal territories; they are collaborative organizations designed to reflect the will of the community. Dictatorial behavior, whether through dismissive language or controlling tactics, has no place in governance.
Respect and transparency are not just ideals but necessities for effective and fair leadership.
Sherrie Clifford Publisher, ROC Edition
Artificial intelligence a tool to assist, not replace, and offers valuable opportunities to efficiently streamline tasks
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic luxury, but rather an everyday tool transforming how we learn, work and connect. Yet, for many, the rapid growth of AI sparks fear and uncertainty. Concerns about job displacement, privacy or ethical misuse may discourage people from exploring its potential. However, AI is a tool designed to assist, not replace, and it offers opportunities for all generations to thrive.
A common misconception is that AI fosters laziness or encourages cheating, especially in educational and professional settings. In reality, AI does not replace effort—it enhances it. AI tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly help students brainstorm, organize ideas and refine their work, but the creativity and critical thinking still come from the user. Similarly, professionals use AI to streamline tasks, allowing them to focus on innovation and strategy, and not busywork.
AI cannot replace hard work or ethical decision-making. Just as calculators did not eliminate the need to understand math, AI does not eliminate the need for foundational skills or integrity. Instead, it amplifies human potential, enabling us to achieve more with greater efficiency.
For students, AI is transforming education. Apps help to personalize lessons, making learning more engaging and tailored to individual needs. Tools like ChatGPT assist with brainstorming, problem-solving and writing, while also helping students learn to think critically about their input and output. AI introduces young learners to skills like coding and robotics, preparing them for the technology-driven careers of tomorrow.
Adults can embrace AI to learn new skills, improve productivity or explore hobbies. Platforms offering tutorials on graphic design, language learning or fitness help adults balance busy lives while pursuing personal growth. In the workplace, AI simplifies tasks, reduces repetitive work and boosts efficiency across industries.
For seniors, AI offers opportunities for independence and connection. Smart devices can manage medications, track health and provide safety alerts. Virtual assistants make daily tasks easier, while apps combat isolation by offering activities or connecting seniors with loved ones. AI empowers older generations to engage in digital storytelling or collaborate on creative projects with grandchildren.
To move past fear and misconceptions, we must embrace AI as a tool for growth and connection. Schools can integrate AI learning into curriculums, businesses can use it to innovate and individuals of all ages can leverage it to improve their lives. AI is not here to replace us. It is here to work with us.
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
Grace Conaway Staff Writer graceocon3@gmail.com
Reader applauds Worcester County Commissioners for changing stance concerning Maryland Coastal Bays Program
Editor, ROC Edition:
At the Worcester County Commissioners meeting on Jan. 21, after a brief discussion, the commissioners voted 6-1 to approve a letter of support for the grant application for Maryland Coastal Bays Program to execute environmental actions in the county.
Although there was a little consternation from the commissioners and guarantees from the Coastal Bays Program that they will maintain a neutral position on political or controversial issues like offshore wind projects, the majority approved. It appears that the majority came to their senses to realize what over $16 million in environmental improvements may do for the county and Ocean Pines.
Maybe they really do appreciate actions to mitigate problems with sea level rise, excess storm water and waste water pollution. It just may be likely that after the earlier decision in December to not approve, the many responses from residents in e-mails to the county and letters in the local papers criticizing that vote had an effect on their revised decision.
Fortunately, it appears democracy still has its place in our county to some degree and there still is common sense to appreciate what many millions of dollars can do to improve the quality of life in the county.
Resident Ocean Pines
Resident calls for immediate apology from OPA board after denying plans exist for new cell phone tower while answering question
(Following is a letter written by Ocean Pines resident Amy Peck to the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors, immediately after the Saturday, Jan. 25, OPA meeting, and shared with ROC Edition for publication.)
Dear Directors Lakernick, Heavner and Latham,
I am writing regarding your treatment of a property owner who spoke at today’s meeting regarding cell phone towers. You owe him an apology on the record.
After Mr. Tanner made his comments, President (Stuart) Lakernick stated, “Folks there is no plan to construct a cell phone tower at this time. There’s no planned construction. There’s no plan site. The only thing our (police) chief decided to look into was the safety issue of getting through on 911. If you can’t call 911 without service, it is a safety issue. At this time there is absolutely no planned construction, no site, no contractor. I do not know where … Dave I don’t know where you got this information but it is patently false.”
The video does not note Tanner’s response, which was that it has been discussed.
Mr. Lakernick continued, “Dave I’m telling you it’s patently false. He is only looking into ways to increase cell phone reception. There was never any talk of a new tower.”
(Director) Jeff Heavner responds. Then (Director) John Latham says,
“There’s been zero conversation and now a lot of folks are now believing this is happening and it’s not. I’m glad Stuart was able to clear that up. I just don’t know where you get your information. It just causes angst with folks in our community and there is zero reason for it.”
Dear Directors, there has been talk at the board meetings. I am shocked that you do not recall it. I am also dismayed that you do not bother to read our Ocean Pines Report. I ask to you read Page 28 where there are four paragraphs in great detail about the work on the cell towers. (Ocean Pines Police) Chief (Tim) Robinson notes his talks with Milestone Towers. It talks about him reviewing their contracts to ensure OPA is being offered a fair deal. There is talk of a proposal that includes constructing a tower at Milestone’s expense, including permits and monthly revenue received. Details are given. The article states that potential sites have been identified and “If all goes well, we’ll move forward after reviewing the contracts and proposals.”
Treating property owners with disdain during public comments is a practice that needs to stop immediately.
An apology is in order.
Amy Peck Ocean Pines
STANDING Room Only
By Roger Marino
What’s your opinion?
Newspaper Editorial pages called ‘the safest and most reliable places for readers, writers and broadcasters to voice their thoughts for readers, viewers and listeners to set their opinions.’
The Supreme Court makes valuable decisions resulting from opinions delivered through the appropriate communication channels —opinions that alter, or change, the living habits of Americans in our society and on this planet.
We all have the right to our feelings, thoughts and expressions in the proper forums, or even around the dinner table. However, there are parameters to the management of written “voices,” from those having the privilege of reporting news to the public.
When I was a cub reporter working at the largest daily newspaper in the state of New Jersey at the time, The Newark Evening News, which is no longer in business, I was called to a meeting by the managing editor to join 24 reporters. He was a tough “old-school” newsman, usually short-tempered, to the point and
a real specialist to his craft of reporting print news.
In his usual loud, rough, tone of voice he singled out the paper’s No. 1 hard news, front page scribe to come to the front of the group. He responded in a scramble when ordered to stand before an audience of his peers.
Holding the front page of the daily paper hot off the press, the editor pointed to the right column under the 120-point headline. “Is this your story?” he barked.
The answer was yes.
He then barked, “Read it to your coworkers.” The reporter read the first two paragraphs.
Immediately snatching the paper out of the shocked reporter’s hands he shouted, “Now go to our hop on Page 4 and read it to all.” The annoyed topflight reporter read the conclusion of his story on Page 4.
In a thundering burst of profanity, the editor shouted to the reporter amid 25, “This is your opinion, is it not?” In the unusual silence for a room filled with daily chaos and activity the reporter replied, “I guess it is, but …”
“Your opinion,” the editor shouted to the audience, ‘but not necessarily that of the paper. Do you remember where opinions are placed?”
“Yes, sir,” he replied. “On the Editorial Page.”
In a quick swoop of the paper from the reporter’s hand the editor turned to the wide-eyed staff of reporters and barked. “Clear out your desk. The first rule in journalism is to keep opinions within the editorial area of the paper.”
And in one stroke of the verbal pen he said, “You’re fired.”
And so ended this part of the journalistic career for that talented reporter.
In 1970, I studied under Rod Serling, regarded by many in his profession as a great writer, producer and director in his day. And in my opinion, the best writing instructor. Unfortunately, he died in 1975 at the age of 50 from a heart attack.
Serling was the creator of the No. 1 rated TV series The Twilight Zone. At the time I studied under him in the Famous Writers Course, he was aware that I was writing and editing a series of newspapers. As he reviewed one of my lesson scripts he stopped me with an educator’s slap on the wrist exclaiming, “The most damaging editorial you can write is an opinion—not confirmed, unsubstantiated. In other words,” he remarked in his gruff voice, “It’s trash.”
Serling’s affirmative words are still with me today. “There is nothing in the dark that isn’t there when the lights are on.” Strong words.
And to this day, as I have written and performed on radio and television, his prophetic words ring loudly in my ears. “Every writer is a frustrated actor who recites his lines in the hidden auditorium of his or her skull.” So true when a scribe is relaying his or her opinions to an audience.
One day during the Vietnam War I was sitting in my office when I received a call from a ranking official in the Maryland National Guard who told me of a challenge he received from a police chief in Ellicott City, Md. I investigated the call and found out that the challenge came from a police chief who exclaimed to the media that his town could not be captured by enemy forces, regardless of how many troops tried to overcome his regimented forces to infiltrate his town.
His opinion described one side of the jailhouse located on a hilltop housing the county office complex and courthouse, which were located on the side of a cliff, therefore not penetrable from that side and his people could keep any outside forces away from harm.
The opinion reached the ears of military forces, many troops who recently served time in the Vietnam conflict. The opinion became a challenge and the game was on.
The innocent voice became a dare. An editorial statement became a shout. And the media had it’s fun. However, the fun became grit. The opinion turned into a hard challenge that destroyed property, both government and personal. People were hurt in a destructive game that cost the county and government thousands of dollars.
Both sides, the local police, did their duty and used their training to enforce the safety of the community and to capture their objective. The military used its capture and conquer tactics. It became ugly.
I was assigned to the National Guard unit that flew over the county and parachuted into a drop zone in the dark of the night. There it became ugly with broken promises and angry faces. All this chaos in a peaceful county, here in Maryland.
For three days the military-civilian circus continued. We lived in the woods, in the middle of a cold February. The Guard troops that were not captured by the police and their gear confiscated any rations and the military body packs.
I wrote this story, got an award for relaying the result of the contest and was never so sorry for the assignment.
All due to an opinion that turned into a challenge.
Opinions can start as a challenge and end as a threat.
Newspaper Editorial Pages are the safest and most reliable places for readers, writers and broadcasters to voice their thoughts for readers, viewers and listeners to set their opinions.
That’s my opinion. What’s yours?
OBITUARY
James A. Fry, 91
James A. Fry, 91, formerly of Ocean Pines, died of natural causes on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Florida, where his daughter, Patricia Kelly, was caring for him.
He was born on April 27, 1933, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and later relocated to Long Island with his wife, Virginia, where they raised their family. The couple later moved to Ocean Pines in the mid-1990s and lived there until 2007.
He was preceded in death by his wife, who died 15 years ago, after nearly 60 years of marriage.
He is survived by six children, James Fry of Long Island, N.Y.; Patricia Kelly of Florida; Michael Fry of Cape Cod; Mass.; Jean Gastman of Middletown, N.Y.; Kathleen Carriello of Long Island; and Ann Shattuck of Long Island.
There are also 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Mr. Fry served in the U.S. Navy in the 1950s and was stationed in the Mediterranean.
For more than 30 years, he worked for IBM as a computer specialist and in maintenance and repair.
No service is planned. At his request, Mr. Fry was cremated and will be buried on Long Island with his wife.
He is being remembered by his children as a man who always loved bagpipe music. He learned to play and when he was in his early 30s he started a band, the Amityville American Legion Pipe Band, and eventually became the leader of the band, which won state championships.
After he retired and moved to Ocean Pines, he continued to play bagpipes at a playground near his home and at special functions. He was approached by a man who asked him to teach him how to play, and eventually a class of six or seven was formed. Fry charged them for his teaching services, one hour each week, starting on a chanter, the part of the bagpipe used to produce the melody, as is customary for new players, and continuing to teach them for one year.
What the students didn’t know was, he was quietly keeping the money paid by them in individual envelopes, each marked with the student’s name, and later, he returned the money to them so they could buy bagpipes.
He started the Ocean City Bagpipe Band which played at events including the Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. “I recall attending and how the crowd was exuberant and thrilled, as were the local bars and pubs that never had a bagpipe band available to perform for them,” his son, James, said, adding three former members remember playing with him.
“I talked to a gentleman from that band and he remembered my father sitting at the kitchen table teaching them how to work the instrument and he said he was very indebted to my father for all of his efforts in helping them,” Fry’s son said.
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 is published each month on the 1st and 15th. The deadline for obituaries is the 7th and the 21st of each month.
ROC Edition • Submitted James A. Fry
‘News
ROC Life
is impactful on
both
a local and global scale’
ROC Edition reporter shares observations about news consumption after spending two weeks in Scotland with journalism class, noticing countries’ similarities and differences
By David Bohenick Staff Writer
During January, I travelled to Edinburgh for two weeks as part of a communications course at Salisbury University. Between historical architecture, beautiful landscapes and Scottish news sources, there was a lot to observe.
In Scotland, the news focuses on both local stories and American headlines. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk were frequent topics in local newspapers, while reports of the Los Angeles wildfires were broadcast for hours each day. But local stories always made the front page.
Commuters are the target audience for Scottish newspapers. Edinburgh is a commuter-friendly city with many buses, trams and trains. There were newspaper racks close to every stop I saw. Perhaps the newspaper industry is flourishing in Scotland because public transportation is celebrated, rather than burdened with stigma like in the United States. Public transportation is a universal part of Scottish daily life, and the news industry has capitalized on it.
It also helps that people are far less reliant on technology in Scotland. It is not uncommon for a restaurant or shop in the middle of the city to operate without public Wi-Fi And, Scots are never on their phones when dining out or drinking at the pub. There is certainly a market for digital news, but based on what I saw, the print news market
has much more demand.
My friend and I visited Belfast in the North of Ireland for a weekend. Interestingly, it seemed as if the demand for print newspapers there was much less than in Scotland. I asked a few locals where I could find a newspaper but they had no idea. After asking around for about 10 minutes, a woman guided me to a small convenience store selling copies of the Irish Daily Mail.
In the United Kingdom, print headlines are displayed in a much larger font. Maybe that helps keep the commuters from developing motion sickness.
As thick as the newspapers were, I did not notice a lot of political content regarding Scottish members of Parliament. A reason for this may be that while Scotland is a part of the United Kingdom, its Parliament limits its focus to local issues like housing, education and the environment.
The locals were relatively openminded when it came to politics, but there were still large, peaceful demonstrations protesting serious topics. I remember noticing a table set up at East Market Street by the Scottish Socialist Party, at which members advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The similarities and differences in news coverage in the U.K. and the U.S. have shown me how news is impactful on both a local and global scale. The Scots do not just care about what is happening in Scotland, but the entire world.
ROC Edition reporter David Bohenick takes a quiet moment to absorb the countryside in scenic Scotland during a January trip with his Salisbury University journalism class, top, and enjoys meeting residents and reading Scottish and Irish newspapers.
ROC Edition photos by David Bohenick
When it comes to fetching bad guys, deputies sometimes have four paws
Worcester County’s five K-9s part of the team, highly trained to investigate, search, sniff for narcotics, suspects while on duty
By ROC Edition Staff
Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli dubbed his team of K-9 officers and their handlers a crucial part of their dedication to keeping the community safe.
“They’re so critical in the mission of law enforcement all the way from apprehending criminals to helping calm down a dangerous situation,” Crisafulli said.
The five dogs, known as K-9s, on duty at the Sheriff’s Office—Ardie, Argo, Bruno, Luna, and Odin—and their handlers, Deputy 1st Class Kenji Hara, Cpl. Chuck Dennis and Deputies 1st Class Austin McGee, Jason Burns and Keith Newton, respectively, are tasked with investigating explosives and narcotics, searching for suspects and sniffing in buildings and open spaces.
Crisafulli added the dogs know a thing or two about collaboration, frequently helping with investigations in other parts of the state and in Delaware.
“It’s all law enforcement agencies trying to work closely together,” Crisafulli said.
And, his department is not alone in that teamwork.
Ocean Pines Police Chief Tim Robinson said a Fruitland Police Department officer and K-9 partner recently helped to bring a frantic search to a successful resolution.
The evening of Tuesday, Jan. 21, when a 10-year-old Ocean Pines autistic boy was lost, Robinson said, Fruitland Police Chief Krah Plunkert offered the help of his department’s bloodhound.
“A bloodhound is a specific dog that has a very strong sense of smell and capability. The Fruitland Police chief called me directly and the Sheriff’s Office all sent members to help us. We had huge support from the Sheriff’s Office,” Robinson said.
The boy remained missing for about three hours, but was eventually found in a garage. He was examined by paramedics and sent home with his parents with a clean bill of health, Robinson said.
“He ended up coming out on his own but I am confident if he had not come out, the bloodhound would have taken us to him,” Robinson said.
As Robinson put it, you cannot put a price tag on mutual dedication.
“That Tuesday night was a team effort … We worked very well together and we came together for
one purpose, to find this little boy. Nobody complained about the cold. Nobody complained that it was already snowing,” Robinson said.
But K-9 officers meet and comfort children in more than just emergency situations.
“When a law enforcement officer takes a K-9 into a school the kids gravitate toward the dog, and I think that also helps to humanize that particular law enforcement officer … That allows the K-9 handler to have conversations with the children, answer questions about the dog, explain that dog is a partner,” Crisafulli said.
Crisafulli added that adults are all about the puppy love, as well. Sheriff’s Office K-9s frequently make appearances at community events in Ocean Pines, Berlin, on the Ocean City Boardwalk and at community fundraisers.
“We really try to integrate them into the fabric of our county so that our residents know how much of a family we are … When we put a post out with K-9 at functions, they are easily the top attractions. They garner so much attention because of the love that everyone has for K-9s,” Crisafulli said.
Officers who work with K-9s usually are on duty with the dogs eight or nine years before the dogs retire to a life of leisure, Crisafulli said. During those years, the bond between handlers and K-9s are unbreakable.
“They’re family … When those K-9s are retired, typically they retire and they go with the handler because the handler is very attached. The dog lives with the family,” Crisafulli explained.
And not just any law enforcement officer has what it takes to be a K-9 handler. Crisafulli said the role requires constant resilience, patience and practice.
“There’s a very high degree of liability, so they have to be able to handle that dog meticulously. They have to know that dog very well because they are essentially responsible for every action of that dog … That not only makes the K-9 better but it makes the handler more efficient in their job,” Crisafulli said.
While he has not been a K-9 handler, Crisafulli said he has suited up in padded armor to be the furry, yet fierce, officer’s target in training. But he added you do not have to be a law enforcement officer to understand why the K-9s are a core part of
MIDDLE LEFT: Corporal Chuck Dennis with K9 Argo
MIDDLE RIGHT: Deputy First Class Jason Burns with K9 Luna
RIGHT: Deputy First Class Keith Newton with K9 Odin
a safe community—you just have to be a dog lover.
“Our specialized units are critical. We just try to make sure that we pick the best K-9s and the best handlers. If they’re working great together, that’s just a better product for our community,” Crisafulli said.
ROC Edition • Submitted
TOP: Deputy First Class Kenji Hara and K9 Ardie
Sherrie Clifford, fourth from left, publisher of the new Ocean Pines-based newspaper ROC Edition, was guest speaker at the Wednesday, Jan. 29, Ocean Pines Kiwanis Club meeting at the Ocean Pines Community Center. Clifford explained the newspaper’s name stands for Residents’ Oversight Community Edition, and that it covers Ocean Pines, Berlin and West Ocean City. Three reporters, two editors, columnist Roger Marino and contributors produce issues published at www.OceanPinesROC.com on the 1st and 15th of each month. Readers will find all back issues at that site. ROC Edition will be printed as a traditional newspaper in weeks to come and the companion podcast ROC Buzz will be broadcast beginning in February. With Clifford are, from left, Ocean Pines reporter David Bohenick, News Editor Susan Canfora, features and education reporter Tessah Good, Clifford, Kiwanis Club President Tom Southwell and Kiwanis Capital District Division 5 Lt. Gov. Darlene Phillips of the Millsboro Kiwanis Club.
Photo courtesy Ocean Pines Kiwanis Club
Kids’ Corner Kids’ Corner
A Parent’s Look Back in Time
BY:
Christina age 5, 1987
For ages 12 and under. Entries selected at the discretion of the editor. Submit artwork to: info@oceanpinesroc.com
Beauty in the bonfire
By Susan Canfora ROC Edition News Editor
Guests at the annual bonfire at Windmill Creek Vineyard & Winery in Berlin stayed warm by a huge bonfire the evening of Friday, Jan. 24.
Dozens of wooden pallets that wine is shipped on, plus brush that was trimmed from around the property, were piled high and burned, keeping guests interested in the high flames at the free, annual event.
Hot chocolate and red wine hot chocolate were sold. Nearby, guests dined in the 16 heated igloos on the property.
“It’s something to do in the off season when it’s cold,” General Manager Angie Braun told ROC Edition.
“Usually there isn’t a whole lot to do this time of year. This is a fun way for everyone to come out and check out the winery and see a really big bonfire. We try to make it kid friendly. Kids are always welcome. We have a bucket train pulled by a tractor to take the kids around in,” she said.
For upcoming events, including a sugar scrub workshop on Feb. 6 and a Valentine Cheese and Charcuterie Workshop on Feb. 12, see www. windmillcreekvineyard.com/events. Windmill Creek is open from noon to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Photos by Susan Canfora, ROC Edition News Editor
Fair winds and following seas
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
Hundreds of boats and related items will be on display and for sale at the 42nd annual 2025 Seaside Boat Show Feb. 14-16 at the Ocean City Convention Center. There will be a drawing for a pontoon boat, courtesy of North Bay Marina. The show is hosted by the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, known for raising funds for scholarships. Admission cost is $10 and $1 for children younger than 14. See www.ocberlinoptimistclub.org
Ocean Pines Aquatics is hosting a Valentine Swim for children 12 and younger from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Sports Core Pool. Planned are swimming, as well as crafts, games including a Hershey’s Kiss guessing contest and music. Refreshments will be for sale. The cost is $10 for non-residents, $8 for residents, $6 for those with a swim membership and $2 for those who don’t plan to swim.
