Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Greg Ellison (June 4, 2020) After Maryland’s covid-19 phase one reopening plans expanded to include limited outside dining on Friday, the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, and to a lesser degree the Beach Club, witnessed patrons gradually returning for food, drinks and some sense of normalcy. Matt Ortt Companies cofounder Ralph DeAngelus said Gov. Larry… Read more »
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer Season canceled because of health-safety concerns (June 4, 2020) Sadly for the many youth baseball fans in the area, the Berlin Little League board of directors has decided to cancel the baseball and softball seasons this year to protect players and fans from the spread of the novel coronavirus. Vice… Read more »
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (June 4, 2020) Berlin officials approved the town’s $5.9 million general fund budget at its bi-monthly meeting at Town Hall last Tuesday, finalizing for the next fiscal year a financial package unchanged from when it was introduce on May 11. Mayor Gee Williams said the new budget is 4 percent… Read more »
By Greg Ellison Vendors, customers make changes to accommodate health safety guidelines (May 28, 2020) Although foot traffic at the Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market was under par this Memorial Day Weekend, attendance has been strong overall despite the spread of covid-19. Market Manager David Bean said a small dip last week notwithstanding, head… Read more »
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer Berlin will continue to hold sessions online; waiting on Hogan’s recommendations (May 28, 2020) After two months of holding mayor and Town Council and committee meetings via Facebook live, town officials have decided to continue the practice into the month of June. Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said the town… Read more »
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 28, 2020) Berlin At-Large Councilmember Thom Gulyas, 55, announced during the mayor and Town Council meeting on Tuesday night that he is resigning from his position after six years. Gulyas, who was first elected to the council in 2014, said he will leave the council because he and his… Read more »
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer Offices open to public with restrictions, as town seeks to limit number of visitors (May 21, 2020) Even though Gov. Larry Hogan lifted his stay-at-home order last week, Berlin government will not have in-person public meetings for the remainder of May. All meetings, including those by the mayor and Town… Read more »
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 21, 2020) The town of Berlin is seeing several restaurants and small businesses tentatively reopen now that Gov. Larry Hogan has lifted his stay-at-home order and allowed some facets of normal life to resume. Excluding sit-down restaurants, gyms, playgrounds, theaters and large gathering events, many businesses are beginning to… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (May 21, 2020) A trio of experts with the Maryland Department of the Environment took a deep dive into risk reduction measures during an OPA Flood Readiness seminar held last Tuesday via Facebook Live. Opening the event was Dave Guignet, the Maryland coordinator for FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, who said FEMA… Read more »
By Greg Ellison PPP rules changed after board had applied for aid (May 21, 2020) After sparking criticism in April for receiving $1.143 million through the federal Paycheck Protection Program, the OPA Board of Directors spent an hour in open session last Tuesday debating the merits of retaining the low or no-interest loan before voting… Read more »