Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (July 16, 2020) Downtown Berlin was named the “Best Small Town for Shopping” in a USA Today 10Best contest out of 18 nominations. “It’s another indication in our community’s philosophy that is quality over quantity,” Mayor Gee Williams said. Williams added that he is pleased to see a continued focus… Read more »
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (July 16, 2020) The Berlin Planning Commission unanimously agreed to recommend to the mayor and council the rezoning of two properties to B-2 Shopping District at its meeting last Wednesday. The first case was to rezone the property at 10712 Ocean Gateway from B-1 Town Center Zone to B-2 Shopping… Read more »
By Elizabeth Bonin, Staff Writer (July 16, 2020) Worcester County’s U.S. Census response rate is starting to plateau at a 31 percent response rate, according to Kelly Henry, Complete County Committee coordinator and technical services manager. As of Monday, Worcester’s response rate ranges from 5.5 percent in an Ocean City tract to 69.3 percent in… Read more »
By Greg Ellison Despite challenges, OPA operations still in black (July 9, 2020) The May financial report for the Ocean Pines Association showed a net operating profit of $92,000, as revenue losses of roughly $370,000 were countered by reductions in expenses, OPA General Manager John Viola reported last Wednesday. In addition to reviewing profit and… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 9, 2020) The OPA Communication Advisory Committee’s efforts to upgrade more than a dozen manually updated community signs took another step forward last Wednesday after the board approved a zoning amendment application with Worcester County. Director Dr. Colette Horn reported during the board meeting that existing county zoning regulations would require… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 9, 2020) More than 50 vehicles paid tribute to retired Anne Arundel County Police Cpl. Doug Juckett, 80, in a drive-by ceremony Monday at the Macky & Pam Stansell House Coastal Hospice in Ocean Pines. Charlie Dorman, past president with the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, helped organize the gathering of law enforcement… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 9, 2020) After decades of sponsoring community enrichment campaigns, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City will mark its 40th anniversary this year, albeit in a subdued manner because of covid-19 concerns. Public Relations/Press Chairman Dave Landis said the group, which was originally designated as the Kiwanis Club Berlin-Ocean Pines,… Read more »
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 »