Johnson resigns but GM smooths over problems By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer (Oct. 12, 2023) Tim Johnson, the Ocean Pines Association racquet sports manager who arrived in April and jump-started the racquet sports community by offering lessons, tournaments and lots of positive energy, resigned unexpectedly last week, with no notice. And now, he’s back … with… Read more »
Community
Money, recruiting constant challenge for Berlin Fire Company
Staffing problems, funding more critical as population of area continues to grow By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer (Oct. 12, 2023) Public safety is a priority for most Berlin residents, and the Berlin Fire Company and EMS play a critical role in ensuring that the town and surrounding areas continued to be protected. But challenges in staffing… Read more »
Historic Dist. Commission sees unusual application
By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer (Oct. 12, 2023) Blake Rayne and builder Nate Reister of Burley Building Company presented preliminary drawings of a new home Rayne wants to have built on South Main Street to Berlin’s Historic District Commission last Wednesday. A decision will be made on or before the next meeting of the commission on Nov…. Read more »
GM team keeps OP running on all fronts
Viola highlights staffing, maintenance of amenities and future big ticket items By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer (Oct. 5, 2023) Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola reported the highlights of the last month to the board of directors at its session on Saturday. He noted that Michelle Hitchens has been promoted to aquatics manager, reporting… Read more »
Planning underway for OP 2024 season kick-off
By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer (Oct. 5, 2023) Plans are in full swing for a big open house to kick off the 2024 summer season in Ocean Pines. Gary Miller, the chair of the OP Day working group and Linda Yurche of the Communications Advisory Committee presented the plans to the Ocean Pines Association Board Of… Read more »
Free costume Swap at Love Your Mama set for Saturday
By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer (Oct. 5, 2023) Love Your Mama is all about living sustainably, so as we enter the season of over-indulgence, Halloween would appear to be a good time to factor in Mother Earth. That’s why Lizzie Ottenstein, the proprietor of Love You Mama, is hosting her second annual costume swap on Saturday,… Read more »
Berlin Council discusses how to use casino revenue
By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer (Sept. 28, 2023) The Berlin TownCouncil and Mayor Zack Tyndall had preliminary discussions Monday evening on how to spend the casino revenue it received through the Local Impact Grant process. The Town of Berlin creates a multi-year plan for the funds. The grants, which were created by the Maryland General Assembly… Read more »
Tons of leaves can be left at public works
It’s that time of year again for leaf-raking residents By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer (Sept. 28, 2023) One hundred tons, that’s the weight of leaves and pine needles that Ocean Pines residents collect in a year. And leaf season is almost upon us. While the leaves will stay green for a few more weeks, Ocean Pines… Read more »
Berlin Fire Co. estimates it will seek $350K in FY24
Truck purchased in 2016 for $800,000 would now cost $1.5M to replace By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer (Sept. 28, 2023) The Berlin Fire Company hopes to receive a combined contribution of about $350,000 from town government in FY 24, with $200,000 of that total being used to help cover operating costs, and $150,000 being used for… Read more »
Berlin to request funding to address connectivity issues
By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer (Sept. 28, 2023) All parts of Berlin could become more connected and accessible if the town obtains a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. On Monday night, the Town Council authorized the application for federal funds to improve walkability, safety and affordable transportation access and address barriers to connectivity, especially… Read more »