Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2020) As the most wonderful time of the year approaches, the town of Berlin, businesses and organizations have planned holiday activities for families. This Thursday is Men’s Holiday Shop Night in downtown Berlin from 5-8 p.m. Merchants will help men find the gifts they need this year, then… Read more »
By Paul Suplee, MBA, CEC, PC-3 I just want to get away. Is it esoteric, literal or simply a measure of calculated desperation? I can’t tell you. But, what I can tell you is that I simply want to run away, even if it is for a week or two… or a month… or three…. Read more »
(Nov. 26, 2020) Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola shared revenue and expense totals through October, while also previewing the forthcoming fiscal year budget process during the Board of Directors’ meeting on Wednesday. Viola said the finalized September financials showed a positive net operating variance of more than $148,000. “The bottom line is it’s approximately… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (Nov. 26, 2020) The Ocean Pines Board of Directors approved two capital purchases for grounds equipment and reviewed the formation of a work group to update association bylaws during its meeting on Wednesday. General Manager John Viola presented a pair of capital purchase requests from OPA Public Works for a John Deere… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (Nov. 26, 2020) Reconvening for the first time since the covid-19 outbreak, last week the OPA Communications Committee resumed discussions about upgrading community marquee signs to electronic versions, contingent on approval from Worcester County. Committee Chairwoman Jenny Cropper Rines said despite the lack of recent gatherings, the group remains committed to the… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (Nov. 26, 2020) After assessing the state of the spread of coronavirus in this area, Ocean Pines officials have decided to stage the annual Ocean Pines Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting in White Horse Park virtually without participants this Saturday. In the meantime, the inaugural Thanksgiving “Family Gobble Wobble” stroll around the South… Read more »
By Greg Ellison Interactions involving GM leads to board censure (Nov. 26, 2020) Personality clashes between Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola and Director Tom Janasek had other directors contemplating his removal from the board before they agreed to censure him instead in a public hearing on Friday. A hastily convened special meeting in… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (Nov. 26, 2020) Ocean Pines Treasurer Doug Parks reviewed short-term investments, current reserve account balances and the status of homeowner assessment collections during the Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday. Parks said to close September the association had approximately $13.4 million in cash and investments, which includes $7.1 million in CDARs (Certificate… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (Nov. 26, 2020) The Ocean Pines Environmental and Natural Assets Committee on Wednesday discussed revamped efforts to address the impact geese and other waterfowl have on area ponds, including the new water testing program. Committee Chairman Ken Wolf said the group was updated on Nov. 18 about recent bacterial levels tests performed… Read more »
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Nov. 26, 2020) The Berlin Planning Commission emphasized the need for sidewalks and bike paths in town when they met with Maryland State Highway Administration officials last Wednesday. Commission members also discussed goals and matters of accessibility with Brett Deane, assistant district engineer for construction, Dallas Baker, assistant district engineer… Read more »