Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Greg Ellison (July 9, 2020) Along with reviewing amenity openings as covid-19 safety restrictions are lifted, OPA General Manager John Viola updated the association’s board of directors last Wednesday on the offseason maintenance tasks completed by the Public Works department. Viola said as recreation activities gradually resume in Ocean Pines, the initial reports have… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 9, 2020) Although bacteria level water tests performed at the Ocean Pines Swim and Racquet Club’s little beach area on July 3 were slightly above EPA guidelines, Assateague Coastkeeper Kathy Phillips said there’s no cause for alarm. Phillips works with Assateague Coastal Trust to perform weekly water quality monitoring in the… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 9, 2020) The Community Church At Ocean Pines outreach ministry, which helped alleviate food shortages with its Sarah’s Pantry operation throughout the coronavirus shutdown, has reopened its Shepherd’s Nook Thrift Shop and Flea Market in limited capacity. Pantry manager Marian Bickerstaff said in addition to amended operations for food donations and… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 9, 2020) Searching for means to reign in nuisance behaviors from a few short-term rentals in Ocean Pines, the board of directors last Wednesday unanimously rejected a motion to ban the practice, instead opting to explore the possibility of an amendment to the county’s rental property regulations. Director Frank Daly introduced… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 9, 2020) The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department continues to face staffing and operational obstacles because of demographics, training requirements and covid-19. Career Capt. Harvey Booth said the fire department has adhered to coronavirus-related health protocols issued by the Center for Disease Control and the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical System…. Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 9, 2020) Although plans are on hold until fall, modifications are on tap for the Ocean Pines Library Memorial Garden, which has been revamped over the past few years. Worcester County Library Director Jennifer Ranck said the Ocean Pines branch, which opened in 1999, was funded in part through the sale… Read more »
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (July 9, 2020) The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum on North Main Street in Berlin reopened to the public last Wednesday with a new exhibit about Cpl. Isaiah Fassett. “The new Isaiah Fassett exhibit has several pieces to it,” said Melissa Reid, president of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum…. Read more »
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (July 9, 2020) The Berlin Historic District Commission unanimously approved the requests for an exterior renovation of a one-bedroom garage and guesthouse at 19 S. Main Street last Wednesday, with the window frames painted a different color. The meeting was a continuation of a June 3 session, when the commission… Read more »
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (July 9, 2020) Four recycle cans and 26 trash cans were purchased for Downtown Berlin, according to Economic and Community Director Ivy Wells after the town received a grant through the Main Street Maryland Program. “We received $10,000 for the purchase of new trash cans and recycle cans for the… Read more »
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer Three-term incumbent will face two challengers in Oct. (July 9, 2020) Incumbent Berlin Mayor Gee Williams, 71, has filed for re-election for a fourth consecutive term this week and is emphasizing his experience. “The bottom line is that I have the experience necessary to do this job well,” Williams said… Read more »