By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Sept. 20, 2018) All 8,000-plus Ocean Pines property owners were invited to participate in a membership survey released last month that is expected to help “identify community priorities and evaluate the quality of municipal services,” according to an Aug. 23 press release. The association strategic planning committee developed survey questions over… Read more »
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Yoga objections get mindfulness program pulled
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Sept. 20, 2018) Local religious groups who complained that yoga elements in a mindfulness program at Buckingham Elementary School were anti-Christian apparently contributed to the program’s removal this year. Students went back to the Berlin school this month, but “Mindfulness Moments” reportedly did not return with them. The program, which included… Read more »
Country club meeting canceled; no makeup date scheduled
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Sept. 20, 2018) A special meeting last Saturday concerning renovations at the Ocean Pines Golf and Country Club was canceled because the directors agreed the session wasn’t needed, according to Association President Doug Parks. Parks said it was “agreed the time could be used more effectively” by meeting with contractor Davis,… Read more »
Town, SU partnership gets bee-plus
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Sept. 20, 2018) The Town of Berlin continued its partnership with Salisbury University last week by holding a meeting in Town Hall with about a dozen students from Dr. Sarah Surak’s political science and environmental studies class. Surak is the university’s co-director of the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement… Read more »
Wayfinding your way around Berlin
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Sept. 20, 2018) New “wayfinding” signs are going up around downtown Berlin and several more are on the way, according to Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells. As of Tuesday morning, one two-sided sign had been placed at the corner of Main and Pitts streets, and signs had also been… Read more »
WYFCS looks for new youth program coordinator
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Sept. 20, 2018) Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services’ Youth Program Coordinator Austin Piccarreta announced during a Berlin Parks Commission meeting last week she is leaving her position. Piccarreta, a New Jersey native, was hired last year and quickly became known for her energy and enthusiasm. She has accepted a position… Read more »
John Bailey, one year in as Ocean Pines GM
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Sept. 20, 2018) Ocean Pines General Manager John Bailey earlier this month celebrated the one-year anniversary of his hire. His first official day was Sept. 11, 2017. At the time, Bailey was the third Ocean Pines general manager in two years, following Brett Hill, interim general manager from Aug. 26, 2016… Read more »
Ocean Pines Association briefs
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Sept. 20, 2018) The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors discussed the following items during a Sept. 8 regular meeting: Agenda swamp Director Frank Daly asked to change a discussion item, on “Improving Management and Board Accountability,” to an agenda topic. Daly said a number of association facilities had deteriorated or… Read more »
Jeep Golf runs off course, as county posts stop work order
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Sept. 20, 2018) Deer Run Offroad Jeep Golf on Logtown Road in Berlin remains closed following complaints from neighbors and apparent violations of a county agreement. A stop work order from Worcester County Environmental Programs hung on the front entrance as of late last week. The former Deer Run golf course… Read more »
OPA portion of lawsuit dismissed
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Sept. 21, 2018) The Ocean Pines Association was dismissed from a lawsuit that still involves a former director and interim general manager and a current board member, a representative from the Worcester County Clerk of Court’s office confirmed on Wednesday. Brett Hill, the plaintiff, is alleging his application to run for… Read more »