By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Ocean Pines Association’s General Manager John Viola presented his monthly update during the community’s board of directors meeting this week, outlining progress on upcoming capital projects, holiday beautification efforts, and early budget development. Viola said the long-anticipated replacement of the association’s outdated South Side fire station remains on track to… Read more »
News
OPA to install new HVAC at community center
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Ocean Pines officials this week announced that the association is installing a new HVAC unit at the community center—the latest step in an effort to address water-damage issues that occurred in the recreation building earlier this year. OPA General Manager John Viola said the association’s public works team is installing… Read more »
Board OK’s Viola’s request to replace vehicle
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors this week approved a capital request to replace an aging Ford Escape used by the Compliance, Permits and Inspections (CPI) Department with a 2025 Ford Bronco for $40,039. The new vehicle will be added to the community’s non-police fleet carpool. OPA General Manager… Read more »
New mobile app available to Pines residents
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association is encouraging members to download a new mobile application that will allow homeowners to pay their assessment fees, schedule tee times at the golf course, and receive communitywide announcements, all from their cellphones. At the Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, Nov. 22, Keith Calabrese, the… Read more »
Boat slips at golf club questioned
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer A proposal in Ocean Pines to create two boat slips near the Clubhouse Bar and Grille on Clubhouse Drive has been met with resident opposition, with some citing safety concerns and arguing the project will fail to generate significant revenue. Earlier this month, the Ocean Pines Association leadership announced its… Read more »
County hearing offered to explain new utility rates
By Brian Shane Staff Writer Worcester County residents on public water and sewer will have a chance to ask the county commissioners about recent rate increases and the state of the county’s sewerage infrastructure at the commissioners’ next meeting on Tuesday. Commissioners President Ted Elder (District 4, Western) said county officials have been getting many… Read more »
Irrigation project continues at golf course
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association continues to work on improvements at the community’s golf course, including an irrigation system project, and tee box and fairway enhancement. At the OPA’s Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, Nov. 22, Ocean Pines’ General Manager John Viola updated the board and association members on the… Read more »
Berlin police chief retiring after 34 years
Downing: ‘Being a part of a lot of people’s lives has enriched me … When I started this job, I never thought I would have the ability to touch so many people’s lives, and have my life touched in such a way.’ Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin Police Chief of Police Arnold Downing has said… Read more »
11/27/2025 Bayside Editorial: Don’t guess on rates, attend county hearing
Don’t guess on rates, attend county hearing Rather than resorting to speculation based on suppositions that are backed by surmises, residents who are angry about the major increases in their county water and sewer bills this quarter should make a point to attend the county commissioners’ Tuesday, Dec. 2 session in Snow Hill. The commissioners,… Read more »
Josephine Leyden Varner
Josephine Leyden Varner Ocean Pines The family of Josephine Leyden Varner of Ocean Pines is deeply saddened to announce her passing on November 9, 2025, at the remarkable age of 98 years young — and we do mean young. Born in Akron, Ohio, on August 28, 1927, to Frank and Catherine Duran, Josephine grew up… Read more »