By Greg Ellison Money will protect payroll for association employees (April 30, 2020) Although many businesses and nonprofit organizations were left out of the rush for paycheck protection program loans two weeks ago, the Ocean Pines Association was not. The OPA received $1.143 million in Small Business Administration coronavirus relief money by having its paperwork… Read more »
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Berlin Farmers Market to open for season on Sunday
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer Social distancing rules will apply for patrons, vendors per state’s guidelines (April 30, 2020) The third annual Berlin Farmers Market might be unconventional this year, but it will still kick off its season this Sunday, when it opens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The farmers market will take place… Read more »
Berlin may postpone July 4 fireworks for different event
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer Officials discuss possibility of moving activities to date when town can celebrate (April 30, 2020) As more events are canceled throughout the county as a result of the covid-19 pandemic, Berlin officials are discussing what they might do about the town’s Fourth of July ceremony. Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said… Read more »
Berlin’s first virtual meeting gets job done
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer Improvements will be made as livestreaming continues (April 23, 2020) Berlin Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood is pleased with the results of the first virtual meeting of the mayor and Town Council on April 13, and hopes to make some minor changes before the next meeting on Monday, April 27. The… Read more »
Closures continue, schools teaching online
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer Educators offering courses virtually, attendance rate of 96 percent for Worcester (April 23, 2020) Worcester County public school students will have to work online a little longer, following the announcement last Friday by State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon that school closures would be extended to Friday, May 15…. Read more »
Cricket Center anticipates glut of cases
By Greg Ellison (April 23, 2020) With schools shuttered during the covid-19 pandemic child advocates with the Cricket Center are concerned that reports of maltreatment could climb whenever classrooms are reopened. Cricket Center Executive Director Wendy Myers said although shelter-in-place directives during the past month have contributed to a spike in domestic abuse cases, for… Read more »
Coastal Bays welcomes Phillips to board
By Greg Ellison (April 23, 2020) Looking to increase stakeholder representation, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program Board of Directors earlier this month voted to expand membership to include Ocean Pines Director of Amenities and Operational Logistics Colby Phillips. Coastal Bays Executive Director Kevin Smith, who took the reins in January following the retirement of predecessor… Read more »
Berlin’s budget sees income drop
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer Administrator Fleetwood expects 5 percent decline in FY21 revenue (April 16, 2020) Berlin government unveiled a $5.8 million general fund budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2021 Monday during its first virtual work session meeting. The total reflects a drop in revenue, Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood told mayor and council, as… Read more »
Multiple markets in county to shop for fresh produce
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (April 16, 2020) Many businesses have closed to the public because of the coronavirus; however, a number of local farms and grocery stores remain open to provide residents with home grown and organic options. As a result of Gov. Larry Hogan’s directive, farmers markets can remain open for business, so… Read more »
Lakernick announces OP candidacy
By Greg Ellison (April 16, 2020) The OPA Board of Directors 2020 election became competitive this week after Dr. Stuart Lakernick entered the fray to expand the field to three candidates. Lakernick, a chiropractic functional neurologist practicing in the Philadelphia area who is married to former OPA Board member Esther Dill, filed paperwork on Tuesday… Read more »