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 »
News
‘Season kickoff’ draws hundreds to OP
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Ocean Pines’ second annual season kickoff, held last Saturday, was considered a success despite key differences from last year, including a location and date change. The Ocean Pines Association’s season kickoff, a festival where neighborhood amenities, clubs, organizations, and local businesses are given an opportunity to showcase all they have… 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 »
Berlin parking lot plans continue to shape; Planning Commission reviews site plan
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer To alleviate a lack of suitable parking, particularly during crowded town events, the concept plan for a lot on the corner of West and Washington streets in Berlin went before the municipality’s planning commission last week, where issues of overnight parking, traffic, lighting, bumpers, and the entrance and exit strategy… Read more »
Flower Street community to host Memorial Day Parade
By Stewart Dobson Editor A tradition that dates to the 1940s in the Flower Street community will see that flag raised again on Monday when the Old-Fashioned Memorial Day Parade takes the first steps in what will be an afternoon of celebration and remembrance. At one time, the Memorial Day parade and its associated activities… Read more »
Berlin secures Main Street America designation, again
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin has once again been designated as an accredited Main Street America program for 2025 due to the town’s commitment to strengthening community enhancement efforts, the municipality announced last week. The Town of Berlin Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District recently announced the distinction via a Facebook post. By… Read more »
Groups want to have say in Berlin Welcome Center’s future
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin Town Hall is set to undergo renovations soon, requiring town staff to temporarily move to the town’s Main Street Visitor Center and potentially displacing community groups. The Berlin Mayor and Council are seeking potential new uses for the welcome center and invite community members to share their suggestions. Two… Read more »
Cancer research awareness day held in Berlin
By Adrian Harpool Contributing Writer Sunshine and solidarity filled Dr. William Edward Henry Park on Saturday, May 10, as over 150 residents, cancer survivors, families and community partners gathered for the inaugural Cancer Research Awareness Day, hosted by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland, Eastern Region, and Lincoln Lodge #53. With the… Read more »
Hartman ticked by town appeal of reassessment reduction
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Much to the consternation of the property owner, the Town of Berlin recently appealed a property tax assessment to Dollar General that yielded over a 20% reduction in property value. If the decreased assessment is upheld, the municipality would see a property tax revenue loss of around $4,000. Wayne Hartman,… Read more »
Library branch celebrates volunteer of year
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer An Ocean Pines Library helper was named “Volunteer of the Year” last week for her dedication to maintaining a smoothly run facility. The awardee was honored at a luncheon with a proclamation from the Worcester County Commissioners. On Wednesday, April 30, Vicki O’Mara, a member of the Friends of the… Read more »