By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors has approved the renovation of the bridge on the fourth fairway and over the channel at the community’s golf course. OPA General Manager John Viola said the full price to redeck and re-fence the structure is $40,000. Fisher Marine Construction of Chincoteague, Virginia,… Read more »
News
Viola says projects, budget process are on track for OP
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer As 2025 kicks off, improvements to a racquet center sports building, a new firehouse, a jet ski launch initiative and the annual budget process are all on track for Ocean Pines. General Manager John Viola gave his monthly progress report on the neighborhood’s ongoings at the community’s Dec. 21 meeting… Read more »
OP electronic sign initiative needs county code tweaked
By Brian Shane Staff Writer Ocean Pines plans to add new electronic signage at the north and south gate entrances to the community, but Worcester County leaders need to tweak a county ordinance to make it happen. The Ocean Pines Board of Directors wants to replace older signage with new electronic message signs at the… Read more »
Medical leave rule to cost OP around $30K
Tara Fischer Staff Writer As Maryland’s paid family and medical leave program goes into effect this year, the cost to the Ocean Pines Association will be approximately $30,000, General Manager John Viola told the association board of directors on Dec. 21. Benefits from Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI), a program allowing Maryland workers to… Read more »
OPA police chief discusses safety priorities, initiatives
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association’s police force is looking to advance safety efforts, association officials said last month, and last Saturday OPA Police Chief Tim Robinson updated the board of directors on the priorities he and his staff will pursue heading into 2025. Topping the list are adding new signs, obtaining… Read more »
Pine’eer Club donates $10K
The Pine’eer Craft Club recently celebrated the holiday season and its 51st year with an installation and holiday party themed “A New Year, A New Start.” During the event, the club announced its annual community donations, totaling $10,400. Beneficiaries included the following organizations: Ocean Pines Police Department: $2,000 Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department: $5,000 Ocean… Read more »
Tindley portrait lent to library for exhibit
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer A portrait of gospel singer and Methodist minister the Rev. Charles Tindley, painted by Berlin artist Patrick Henry, is now on display at the Berlin Library. Known as the “Grandfather of Gospel Music,” Tindley was born in Berlin in 1851. According to the Salisbury University site, “Enduring Connections,” a project… Read more »
OPA Board President Lakernick looks back at past year
Tara Fischer Staff Writer Ocean Pines officials late last month reflected on a year of community progress and achievements, including efforts to update the fire department’s South Side Station, add a gazebo at the veteran’s memorial and take steps toward amenity improvements. At the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting on Dec. 21, the… Read more »
K-9 Ardie joins Sheriff’s Office
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office announced this week the newest addition to its law enforcement team — an explosives detection K-9 named Ardie. Ardie is a 1.5-year-old German Shepherd, from Hungary, specially trained to alert on explosive devices. After careful consideration, Sheriff Matthew Crisafulli has selected Deputy Sheriff First Class Kenji Hara as Ardie’s handler…. Read more »
County pays down retiree health insurance debt
By Brian Shane Staff Writer Worcester County stands to save millions in borrowing costs for future capital projects after securing a top-level bond rating, the result of paying off its debt on retired employee health plans. “The commissioners have adhered to an aggressive investment policy to build trusts that are capable of generating the dividends… Read more »