Season Kickoff and Expo, electronic signs, contests get messages to residents

By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

(Jan. 19, 2024) Being a part of the communications advisory committee in Ocean Pines is not just about communications, according to its members, who believe it’s also about getting people involved in the community.

That’s why the committee is heavily involved in the planning of the Ocean Pines Season Kickoff and Expo, set for April 20 at White Horse Park.

Ocean Pines gains about 600 new residents every year, according to Linda Yurche, the chair of the communications committee.

“There are many new people who have moved to Ocean Pines in the past few years who don’t know what OP has to offer,” Yurche said.

She knows this from personal experience. She moved to the community full time during COVID. “We had wonderful neighbors but did not get involved right away.”

Ocean Pines Day is designed to give residents, both new and long-timers, a chance to learn more about the many ways to get involved and have fun in Ocean Pines.

“We have a list of 61 clubs and organizations that serve Ocean Pines residents, from the Pine Tones Chorus to corn hole league. This will be a great time to get everyone together and taste what OP has to offer.”

Yurche said she hopes that the event will introduce people to the many ways they can be involved in the community.

“You don’t have to run for the board to contribute and have a say and get involved,” Yurche said.

There are many advisory committees that people can join, and the communications advisory committee, which is currently recruiting for two members, is just one of them.

Last year, the committee was deeply involved in educating people about the Ocean Pines board elections. It sponsored a sign contest to encourage people to vote. Yurche said the committee may do that again, although they kept the signs from last year to reuse.

The committee encouraged people to attend the annual meeting, which must have a quorum to validate the elections and conduct business. She said a few years ago, committee members had to go to the golf club restaurant and onto the greens to recruit people to reach a quorum. They did not have to do that last year.

One of the big projects they accomplished was to get board approval to install the first electronic sign in Ocean Pines, at the north side entrance. There was a big debate over the sign as, residents were concerned it might be too bright and commercial looking.

Yurche thinks people will like the sign once it is installed and see that it was done with aesthetics in mind. She also believes that it will allow for Ocean Pines to quickly update residents on schedule changes. In addition, it will free up Public Works to do other more necessary work instead of spending time changing sign messages by hand. Additional signs are in the budget for Fiscal Year 24-25, which the board will vote on in February.