Children, adult ball-drops to take place on Tuesday night throughout downtown By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (Dec. 26, 2019) Thousands of residents and visitors can ring in the new year, and the new decade, next Tuesday in downtown Berlin with two ball drops. Ivy Wells, Berlin’s economic and community development director, said the festivities started about… Read more »
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Planning officials continue to look at rental policies
Town wondering what kind of regs to impose on Airbnb By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (Dec. 19, 2019) Members of the Berlin Planning Commission discussed the status of a short-term rental policy in town for the third consecutive meeting last Wednesday. Chairman Chris Denny asked Planning Director Dave Engelhart about the procedures for staying in rental… Read more »
Berlin police officer named ‘Everyday Hero’
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (Dec. 19, 2019) Berlin Police Officer Joseph Kerr represented the state of Maryland as an “everyday hero” and received an award for his contributions last week. “It was a proud moment,” he said. Kerr said his wife, Christy, nominated him in the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Encore Moments campaign, which aims to… Read more »
OPA Recreation Committee returning to action
Inactive for months, it will resume its facility reviews as budget sessions begin (Dec. 19, 2019) With the Ocean Pines Association budget process kicking into high gear in January, board of directors member Larry Perrone said a reconstituted Recreation and Parks Committee is slated to meet next month to examine facility upgrades and program expansions…. Read more »
Paper, digital? election committee wants to know
Voting system discussion needs members’ opinions Dec. 19, 2019) While considering voting system vendor options last week, the Ocean Pines Elections Committee concluded that gauging community sentiment and assessing HOA bylaw requirements should occur prior to adopting revised balloting systems for future OPA Board of Directors elections. OPA followed up on discussions the month before… Read more »
Berlin Christmas Parade: what’s involved?
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (Dec. 12, 2019) The Berlin Christmas Parade has several moving parts to make it the successful event people look forward to year after year. Organizers, volunteers and participants are all involved in the process. Ocean Pines resident Ginger Fleming, who has been volunteering for the past seven years, praised last Thursday’s parade…. Read more »
Wetland rain catcher work delayed by rain
Graham Ave. project close to completion By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (Dec. 12, 2019) Work on the final stages of a submerged gravel wetland project on Graham Avenue have stalled because of bad weather, Water Resources Director Jamey Latchum told the Town Council meeting Monday night. Latchum, who updated the council on the project’s process in his departmental… Read more »
OPA board approves capital purchases
By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Dec. 12, 2019) Among the capital purchases the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors approved last Wednesday were an audio system for the community center, a turf tractor and cart path repairs at the golf course. In addition, the board voted to replace the rubber safety surface at the Swim… Read more »
Viola gets 30-month contract extension
By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Dec. 12, 2019) After witnessing the rapid improvement of the Ocean Pines Association’s finances following the June appointment of General Manager John Viola, the board of directors last week voted 7-0 to extend the agreement for 30 more months. OPA President Doug Parks said both parties negotiated an agreement for… Read more »
Small businesses have big day with retail promotion
Small Business Saturday puts customers in stores By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (Dec. 5, 2019) For several business owners in downtown Berlin, Small Business Saturday this past weekend was a great success. “I mean, I was thinking it was going to be busy, but it was … packed, which was really fun,” said Patti Backer,… Read more »