By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association’s first-ever season of its new bocce league kicks off this week with a series of matches among the 72 registered community members. Organizers hope the initial summer yields healthy participation, with a long-term plan to schedule games against regional divisions. A waiting list will be distributed… Read more »
Lifestyle
Swipe cards, extended hours eyed for pools; Changes being considered for next summer season, but discussion informal
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Despite this summer just getting started, the Ocean Pines Association’s Aquatics Advisory Committee is looking at improvements for next year, which could include swipe cards and a later pool closing time on weekdays. OPA’s aquatic advisory crew met last week to discuss potential enhancements to Ocean Pines’ five swimming pools…. Read more »
Library friends group awards scholarship to area student
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer An ambitious, local student was awarded a $1,000 scholarship this week to advance her education as she pursues a career path in library science. On Monday, June 9, the Friends of the Ocean Pines Library (FOPL), a volunteer group dedicated to assisting facility staff in providing community resources, presented Wor-Wic… Read more »
Ocean Pines Association salutes volunteers
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association leaders recognized the community’s volunteers, organizations, and emergency service groups last week at its annual appreciation dinner, which officials noted was the largest one yet, hosted at the neighborhood’s Yacht Club. On Thursday, June 5, the OPA Board of Directors’ Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held at… Read more »
Pollinator garden tour planned for Saturday; Lower Shore Land Trust’s annual event will feature nine Berlin properties
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer This week, Berlin residents and visitors will have the opportunity to explore the town’s private pollinator gardens, talk to hosts, and learn about how to create spaces that attract the creatures necessary to ensure a healthy ecosystem. The Lower Shore Land Trust, an environmental group covering Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset… Read more »
Berlin’s newest restaurant opens after license approval
By Brian Shane Staff Writer Liquor board officials in Worcester County declined to greenlight a “liquor locker” concept for a downtown Berlin bar and restaurant but still approved its liquor license transfer to a new ownership group. The bourbon and tequila joint Bour-Agavé is no more at 104 North Main Street. It reopened May 23… Read more »
OP Board election filing deadline extended after low interest
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer For residents who want to throw their hats into the ring for the summer Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors election, the candidate filing date has been extended to mid-June, giving the applicant pool more time to grow. As of May 16, this year’s election has yielded only four candidates,… Read more »
Decatur’s marching band eyes trip for Hawaii parade
Tara Fischer Staff Writer A trip to Hawaii and a performance commemorating the end of World War II is on the horizon for the Stephen Decatur High School marching band, if they can raise the $130,000 required to go. SDHS’s marching band was invited to participate in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu on… Read more »
Officials hopeful new bocce courts will open early summer in Pines
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Two new bocce ball courts will be installed at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club next week for a total project cost of $50,692, community officials said late last month. Earlier this year, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors approved a staff recommendation to allow an outside contractor, Southwest Greens… Read more »
Berlin seeking new grant to demo old multi-purpose building
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer This week, the Berlin Town Council authorized the submission of an application for Community Development Block Grant funds in an amount not to exceed $300,000. The dollars will be used for the demolition of an existing multipurpose building on 130 Flower Street, the site of the town’s planned community center…. Read more »