April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines Progress by Ocean Pines Progress

410-641-6029 www.oceanpinesprogress.com

April-Early May 2013

Vol. 9, No. 1

OPA breaks ground on new Yacht Club; pool demo begins The Ocean Pines Association in March embarked on several big-ticket projects at the Yacht Club campus, breaking ground on a new 20,000 square foot, $4.3 million Yacht Club and beginning demolition of the adjoining outdoor pool. Both projects have been given ambitious completion dates. OPA General Manager Bob Thompson has said he would like the new Yacht Club to be complete and open for a New Year’s Eve party, and he has said he would like the new pool to be open by Memorial Day weekend. ~ Page 12

Clarke, Thompson differ over Section 3 drainage impact Often viewing the world through different colored lenses, it’s perhaps not too surprising that Ocean Pines Association Director Marty Clarke and General Manager Bob Thompson have differing views on just how effective recent drainage improvements in Section 3 have been. This time, though, there’s a kind of role reversal. Thompson is sometimes accused of looking at the world through rose-colored glasses, emphasizing the positive and eschewing the negative, especially as it relates to matters under his supervision. ~ Page 22

Budget chairman urges curb on board spending authority

cean Pines Budget and Finance Committee chair Dennis Hudson and his panel is looking at the possibility of recommending that the Ocean Pines Association by-laws be amended to curb the board of directors’ power to authorize the spending of money without the approval of property owners in a referendum. Hudson told the Progress that he has been in touch with some members of the board to discuss his idea of changing the bylaws to curb the board’s spending authority and is finding some degree of support. ~ Page 6

THE OCEAN PINES JOURNAL OF NEWS & COMMENTARY COVER STORY

ROLLING THE DICE Bunting, Boggs clash over merits of expanded liquor sales at Ocean Downs Ocean Pines’ commissioners differ over merits of gaming legislation in Annapolis By TOM STAUSS Publisher t’s hardly the first time this has happened, but once again the two county commissioners that represent portions of Ocean Pines are differing on a major issue of importance to the community they serve together in Snow Hill. District 6 Commissioner Jim Bunting and District 5 Commissioner Judy Boggs differed on the merits of a proposed rezoning on Route 589 that would have facilitated the creation of a medical complex on a 30-acre parcel just south of Ocean Pines, adjoining parts of Section 10. The issue seems to be trending in favor of Boggs’ position, with a ruling by a visiting judge in late March voiding the rezoning and setting back plans by local developer Jack Burbage to develop a medical campus in tandem with Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Burbage will be appealing that decision to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals. Boggs and Bunting recently have diverged over another issue, legislation that was working its way through the General Assembly in Annapolis in March and early April that would allow the Casino at Ocean Downs, located two miles south of Ocean Pines on Route 589, to sell liquor to its gaming clients until 4 a.m. every day. The legislation would trump current county practice, enforced by the Board of License Commissioners, which requires the casino, as well as all bars and restaurants in the county, to stop serving alcohol after 2 a.m. The proposed change has the support of a slim majority of county commissioners, with Bunting vigorously opposing any change in the alcohol policy at Ocean Downs while Boggs is in favor of it. Bunting is on the side of To Page 18

Burbage to appeal medical campus ruling Developer calls visiting judge ‘wrong’ in deciding there hasn’t been a substantial change in the neighborhood resulting from the establishment of a casino at Ocean Downs

By TOM STAUSS Publisher ocal developer Jack Burbage intends to appeal a ruling from a visiting circuit court judge in late March voiding a decision by the Worcester County Commissioners last year rezoning Burbage-owned property on Route 589 to accommodate an Atlantic General Hospital-affiliated medical campus. Visiting judge Raymond Beck, called in to hear an appeal of the commissioners’ rezoning decision filed late last year by a group of local residents, declared the commissioners had erred in rezoning the 31-acre parcel from A-1 agriculture to C-2 commercial. The commercial zoning would be a requirement if Burbage were to follow through on his vow to develop a medical campus on the site with AGH. Burbage is chairman of the hospital’s governing board of directors. The commissioners in a 4-3 vote had determined that a change in the neighborhood had justified their decision to rezone the property. The primary change cited in a finding of fact that accompanied the decision was the development of a casino on the site of Ocean Downs Raceway, about two miles south of Ocean Pines near Route 50. Beck, in announcing his ruling from the bench after presentations by competing attorneys, said the change in the neighborhood cited by the commissioners had not been substantial enough to justify rezoning. He said To Page 18

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April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

THE OCEAN PINES OMBUDSMAN Did you know the Board of Directors has the authority under the Association Bylaws to spend 20% of assessments collected each year for a major project without a referendum -- just a board majority vote? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about $1,800,000 in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assessments each year.

First Shore Federal donation

First Shore Federal has pledged its support for the Coastal Hospice at the Ocean residence project. A meditation garden at the hospice residence will be named in commemoration of the gift. Coastal Hospice plans to break ground on the project this summer. Pictured are First Shore Federal President and CEO Marty Neat, left, with Coastal Hospice President Alane Capen. Coastal Hospice serves Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Dorchester Counties.

Did you know the General Manager must receive Board approval to spend $15,000? Did you know it takes about 900 signatures from Ocean Pines property owners to petition for a referendum? Did you know the Board of Directors has sole authority over the wording of a referendum, but must act to conduct a referendum if property owners petition for one?

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Did you know that the Board of Directors can act to amend the bylaws by simple majority vote? Did you know how little Ocean Pines receives from county government compared to other communities? D. Richard Hudson

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April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

OCEAN PINES BRIEFS

OPPD detective urges residents to lock cars

Ocean Pines Detective/Sergeant Leo Ehrisman recently urged Ocean Pines residents to lock cars that they park in their driveways overnight, as a way of combatting what is perhaps the most prevalent property crime in Ocean Pines. Ehrisman said that bands of miscreants have been known to roam Ocean Pines’ streets at night, checking cars to see if they’re locked. If they’re not, thieves will remove anything of value from these vehicles, he said, adding that rarely are locked cars broken into. In addition to the common-sense precaution of keeping cars locked, Ehrisman said that the OPPD has received a grant that will allow the purchase of surveillance equipment – cameras and motion detectors – that can be deployed at night in neighborhoods where thieves have struck. The detective spoke during General Manager Bob Thompson’s town meeting March 19. He told the handful of residents in attendance that other prevalent crimes in what is a low-crime community are Internet or phone scams, both of which take advantage of gullible residents. Ehrisman’s advice: Never give out personal information, Social Security numbers and the like, without being absolutely sure the caller or Web site is

legitimate. The result of careless disclosure could be identity theft, or worse.

County to flush Pines’ water lines

The Water and Wastewater Division of the Worcester County Public Works Department will be conducting its semi-annual flushing of waterlines in Ocean Pines during April and May. The purpose of the program is to remove any accumulated sediment from the lines and to ensure the hydrants are operational. The schedule is as follows: Week of April 8 - Sections 10, 15A, 15B, 16, 17, Baypoint Plantation; week of April 15 - Sections 9, 11, 13, Village Square, Manklin Creek Area, Pennington Commons, Cathell Road Extension; week of April 22 - Sections 12, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, Mumfords Landing; week of April 29 - Sections 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, Harbor Village; and week of May 6 - Sections 2, 3, 7, River Run, Showell Elementary. During the period of flushing, residents may notice discolored water, even if water lines in their sections are not being flushed at the time. Residents are asked to allow the water to run for a few minutes until it clears. The Water and Wastewater Division’s phone number is 410-641-5251.

Golf club offering ‘Get Golf Ready’

The Ocean Pines Golf and Country Club is bringing adults into the game of golf in a fast, fun and affordable way through Get Golf Ready. The nationwide initiative is a series of five introductory lessons offered by PGA/LPGA professionals in a small-group environment at a price of $99 beginning in April. In its fifth year, Get Golf Ready has introduced the game to thousands of adults who have never played golf or who have minimal experience in the game. More than 170,000 students have participated in the program since its inception in 2009, including a record number of 75,900 in 2012, a 47 percent increase over 2011. In just five lessons, students can expect to learn basic techniques from chipping and putting to full swing and bunkers play, along with fundamental guidelines for the use and maintenance of golf equipment, keeping score and navigating the course. “Get Golf Ready is the most affordable, and easiest, way to get yourself out on the course,” said PGA Professional John Malinowski, director of Golf at Ocean Pines and Middle Atlantic PGA Section President. “Students can reap the health and wellness benefits of the

game and become comfortable enough on the course to continue enjoying golf for a lifetime.” Following the completion of the program, a smooth transition into Get Golf Ready graduate outings, and other free and low-cost programs offered by Play Golf America (PlayGolfAmerica.com), are available. Of all Get Golf Ready program graduates in 2012, 83 percent continue to play and practice in their first year after completing the program. Golf’s health and wellness benefits are excellent reasons to give Get Golf Ready a try. Walking an 18-hole round of golf is the equivalent to a five-mile walk and approximately 2,000 calories burned. Regardless of handicap, gender, or course played, golfers exceed 10,000 steps during a typical round of golf. For more information or to register for Get Golf Ready, call Ocean Pines Golf Club at 410-641-6057 or visit GetGolfReady.com.

Rec department wins state awards

For the first time ever, the Ocean Pines Association’s Recreation and Parks Department submitted some of its programming materials to the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association for consideration as part of its annual awards program. The OPA won in three of the four categories in which it made submissions.

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6 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

April-Early May 2013

OCEAN PINES

Budget committee chair urges curb on directors’ funding authority By TOM STAUSS Publisher cean Pines Budget and Finance Committee chair Dennis Hudson and his panel is looking at the possibility of recommending that the Ocean Pines Association by-laws be amended to curb the board of directors’ power to authorize the spending of money without the approval of property owners in a referendum. Hudson told the Progress that he has been in touch with some members of the board to discuss his idea of changing the bylaws to curb the board’s spending authority and is finding some degree of support. The budget committee itself has not yet formalized a new position on the matter, but Hudson said the idea he is exploring would reduce the board’s spending authority absent a referendum to substantially less than $1 million per transaction or project. Under Section 5.13 (c) of the bylaws, “The Board may sell, mortgage, encumber, or donate any of the Association’s real or personal property or assets, but

in the event the value of any such transaction exceeds 20 percent of the current income derived from annual charges,” a referendum of OPA property owners is reDennis quired before the money Hudson can be spent. “Annual charges” have generally been interpreted to mean all the revenue collected from the annual lot assessment, but not fees collected from the sale of annual amenity memberships in golf, tennis and aquatics. Hudson said that ambiguity is potentially worrisome, but what he is most concerned about is that property owners should have the ability to approve expenditures and projects that cost a substantial amount of money. As it stands, the board can spend money on projects without a referendum if they cost up to about $1.6 million. As the association has been in a pattern of raising assessments every year – the fiscal year 2014 increase was $41 – the amount that the board can spend without a referendum also has been increasing each year. The budget committee chair said he is exploring the possibility of changing the reference in the bylaws from “annu-

al charges” to the amount of money from annual charges that are transferred into the OPA’s reserve accounts every year. In the approved budget for FY 2014, that transfer is about $3.9 million. Twenty percent of that is $780,000, roughly half of what the board is au-

thorized to spend without a referendum under the prevailing interpretation of Section 5.13 (c). Hudson said his preferred method of amending the bylaws is to have the board of directors make the change on a

OCEAN PINES BRIEFS

property owners and guests of the community. He said the basic Web site design is completed and is being populated with information about Ocean Pines. The site will contain sections for those who live in Ocean Pines, work there and want to move to the community. Residents will be able to do everything from looking at their account status to paying association bills online or registering for classes. Thompson said the new site will have improved integration with social media sites and be easier to navigate than the existing site.

From Page 5 The OPA competed against all other recreation and parks departments in the state. In the category of program logo, the department won for the Ocean Pines Farmers Market logo design. It took first place for the Activities Guide and also won first place for its Playbook. Winners will be recognized at MRPA’s Annual Conference in Ocean City in April.

GM working on capital plan

General Manager Bob Thompson told the board of directors during its March 27 meeting that he is in the process of developing a comprehensive capital improvement plan for the Ocean Pines Association, in compliance with a board directive from last year. Thompson said he is currently working with all of the department heads to solicit their input based on the facilities they have identified as in need of improvements. He said he intends to deliver the capital improvement plan to the board of directors as previously promised at the June meeting. He offered his updates in response to a question directed to him from Director Dan Stachurski.

Pines working on new Web site

The Ocean Pines Association will soon launch a new, more professional-looking Web site. OPA General Manager Bob Thompson during a March 27 meeting told the board of directors that the new Web site will offer an opportunity to improve communications with

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Hopes to convince board majority to approve bylaws amendment

Pines evaluating bridges for repair

With Worcester County preparing to remove its water and wastewater utilities from on top of the bridges in the community, the Ocean Pines Association is seizing upon the opportunity to evaluate the bridges for additional repairs. OPA General Manager Bob Thompson said the county will bond the improvements to the water and wastewater system to remove the utilities from the bridges. Except where there is a vacuum line, instead of running across the bridges the utilities will by tunneled under the canal. “In the meantime we are looking at what we need to do to the bridges on top,” Thompson said. Following a thorough evaluation of the bridges, he said the OPA will “pick off the things that we can do internally” through the public works department. A request for proposals will be posted for any improvements the association cannot do in-house. He said the bridge work will be completed in the fall and early spring of next year.

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April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 7

OCEAN PINES

number of petition signatures to force a referendum, the board would be dutyand honor-bound to arrange for one. Ten percent of the OPA membership of 8,440 members would be required to sign a petition. Hudson said his bylaws change idea would be discussed in upcoming meetings of his committee, which meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. in the Administration Building in White Horse Park. OPA property owners are welcome to attend, as all advisory committee meetings in Ocean Pines are generally open. The OPA’s bylaws and resolutions ad-

Appalachian project donation

Kiwanian Phil Lassiter accepts a $500 check for the Appalachian Service Project from Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines - Ocean City President Barb Peletier. Lassiter is a member of the teams from the Ocean Pines Community Church that go to depressed areas in Appalachia to help make much needed repairs to homes as part of the Appalachian Service Project.

Spending curb From Page 6 majority vote. He said he has hopes of convincing at least four directors of the wisdom of making that change. Director Marty Clarke, a former budget committee member, is on board as advocating a reduction in board spending authority, and Director Dan Stachurski

also supported that idea when he ran for the board two years ago. But Hudson said that if the effort to change the bylaws via direct board action fails, the alternative would be to petition for a referendum of property owners on a proposed bylaws change. He noted that the bylaws give the board substantial discretion to affect the wording in a referendum, adding that he believes that if there are a sufficient

visory committee also is likely to weigh in on the idea, Hudson said. In a related development, Hudson has begun using his paid advertising space on page three of the Progress to pen a column called “Ocean Pines Ombudsman.” In the column, which he signs D. Richard Hudson, he comments on OPA affairs by asking rhetorical questions and supplying the answers. The initial column is devoid of advocacy, but he reserves the right to advance points of view in future columns, as conditions warrant.

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8 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

April-Early May 2013

OCEAN PINES

Board approves $100,000 in unbudgeted expenditures Clarke opposes HVAC at Beach Club, golf cart batteries and well pump repairs By ROTA L. KNOTT Contributing Writer s the 2013 fiscal year comes to a close, the board of directors approved a trio of unbudgeted expenditures for the Ocean Pines Association’s amenities. During the board’s March 27 monthly meeting, OPA directors agreed to fund the installation of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system on the second floor of the Beach Club, purchase new batteries for the golf cart fleet and repair a well pump on the golf course. Only Director Marty Clarke opposed all three expenditures. Director Dave Stevens was not in attendance, so each of the proposals passed by 5-1 margins. General Manager Bob Thompson said the OPA had budgeted $18,000 to install new flooring upstairs at the Beach Club. He told the directors that it doesn’t make any sense to proceed with that project if the facility is too uncomfortable for people to use. Instead

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of buying new flooring, he asked for the board’s approval to install an HVAC system at a cost of $22,500. “A new floor doesn’t drive revenue,” Thompson said, adding that “if it’s uncomfortably hot or uncomfortably cold” upstairs at the Beach Club “it doesn’t matter what the floor looks like. People aren’t going to use it.” Thompson said that the OPA should be able to secure additional shoulder season events for the Beach Club if it installs HVAC. He suggested not installing the flooring at all and instead putting that $18,000 toward the purchase of the HVAC. Director Sharyn O’Hare asked if the Beach Club is insulated and, when told that it is not, further asked if it would make sense to install insulation, too. Thompson said he can explore that option, but when he looked into it previously it did not make sense to install insulation. The plan is to install a ten-ton system in the upstairs to handle the fact that it is not insulated, he said. Director Ray Unger made a motion to approve the HVAC system at a cost not to exceed $22,500. Director Dan Stachurski asked about the anticipated return on investment for the HVAC system. “What do we think

we’re going to drive in income?” he asked, adding, “frankly I agree with the logic.” Thompson said booking one additional wedding at the Beach Club will cover the expense of the equipment. He said they have lost events that were going to be held at the Beach Club when people found out that there was no HVAC upstairs. The board approved the unbudgeted expenditure in a 5-1 vote with only Clarke opposed. “I see no benefit outspending your budget, ever,” Clarke said. At Thompson’s request the board also agreed to spend nearly $60,000 to replace the batteries in the OPA entire golf cart fleet. The cost is about $18,000 less than anticipated; because of “our Casper leverage, we were able to negotiate a much better price,” he said. Yamaha representatives will install all of the batteries and ensure that the carts work properly following their installation. While the expenditure is included in the fiscal year 2014 budget, which begins May 1, Thompson asked for permission to make the purchase a month early in the FY 2013 budget. He said he wants to proceed with ordering the golf cart bat-

teries now and have them installed prior to the start of the busy golfing season. That way the golf carts will be ready for the May 1 reopening of the golf course with all 18 holes playable. Thompson said the OPA is definitely in need of new batteries for the golf carts because he believes those currently in the carts were refurbished. “I don’t think we got brand new batteries when we first bought them,” he said. Clarke questioned Thompson’s statement, saying the OPA originally bought the golf carts as new vehicles. Thompson said he has researched the purchase and “it looks like they were replacement batteries” that were put in the golf carts even though the OPA paid for new. This time, he said, the plan is to replace the entire battery unit, including cables. Clarke said the expenditure for the batteries is not included in the current year’s budget, but rather is in the budget year that begins on May 1. He advocated waiting to make the purchase until the start of the fiscal year. Thompson said doing so could jeopardize operations at the golf course by not having all the carts operational with the reopening of all 18 holes. “I don’t want To Page 10

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April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

10 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

April-Early May 2013

OCEAN PINES Expenditures

TOWN MEETING

Thompson lauds assessment collection rate

hile there are prominent critics who aren’t happy with the way the Ocean Pines Association goes about trying to collect delinquent lot assessments, OPA General Manager Bob Thompson isn’t among them. He even has gone so far as to downplay the extent to which delinquencies are a problem in Ocean Pines. At a town meeting he conducted March 19 in the Community Center, Thompson lauded the OPA collection rate, in effect praising property owners for their diligence in forking over their annual tribute to OPA coffers. For the current fiscal year, Thomp-

son said that the OPA billed $8,080,624 in assessments and had collected $7,798,379 through the end of February, with $281,885 in arrearages remaining. That’s a collection rate of 96.5 percent, he said, which he called “incredible” in light of economic conditions that continue to be challenging in Worcester County. The general manager acknowledged that $951,018 in outstanding assessments, fees and interest are owed to the OPA, but during the period of years covered the OPA had billed $37,385,364 in assessments. That, he said, results in a 97.5 per-

cent collection rate. Thompson said that of the 365 properties that are delinquent in paying assessments, 65 of them owe $5,000 or more. Of the remaining 300 properties, about 50 percent are on some sort of payment plan, he said. In other disclosures, sometimes unsolicited and sometimes in response to audience questions, Thompson said that: • Famed golf pro Billy Casper, chairman of the company that bears his name and that manages the Ocean Pines golf course, will be back in Ocean Pines on May 19 to inspect golf course improveTo Page 11

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From Page 8 to be changing batteries in season,” he said, adding that any problems with the replacement process could take carts out of the rotation. “I think the wise thing is to make the purchase now.” In response to a statement by O’Hare that the OPA would not have to actually pay for and record the purchase until after May 1, Pete Gomsak, assistant OPA treasurer, said that isn’t true. Gomsak said the association has to book the liability when it places the order and accepts delivery of an item, not when it tenders payment for the purchase. “The payment date has nothing to do with it,” he said. “I can’t possibly support it,” Clarke said, adding that only one month after passage of the new budget and “we’re already spending money that’s not budgeted.” The purchase was ultimately approved in another 5-1 vote, as was repair of a well pump that is part of the irrigation system at the golf course. The well pump repair, which Thompson said is an emergency, was also an unbudgeted expenditure. “It’s a broken item,” he said. He presented two spending options to the board, one for simple removal and inspection of the well pump to determine why it stopped working, at a cost of $14,025, and another for repairs to the pump that could cost another $28,000. He said the board could approve just the initial step of inspection, cleaning and maintenance “knowing that we may have more damage when it comes out of the ground” or the full amount for repairs if they are necessary. “I just didn’t want there to be any surprises,” Thompson said, adding that his “concern is delaying the work that we know needs to be done.” Thompson presented three bids for removing and inspecting the well pump, but only one estimate for making repairs to it. That didn’t sit well with Clarke. “My concern is we only have one bid to fix it,” he said, adding that he would not vote to approve any additional work on the well pump unless three competitive bids are secured. Clarke made a motion to accept the low bid of $12,600 from American Water System to remove and inspect the well pump to determine why it is not working. Director Teri Mohr gave a second to Clarke’s motion for discussion purposes, but then immediately said she supports Thompson’s recommendation to award the contract to the second lowest bidder, A.C. Shultes, at a cost of nearly $15,000. Mohr argued that the board needs to listen to the “people overseeing project,” in this case Thompson. Stachurski made a motion, approved by a majority of directors, to amend Clarke’s motion to award the contract to A.C. Shultes for removal and inspection of the well pump only. The amended motion was then also approved in a 5-1 vote, with Clarke opposed.

OCEAN PINES

April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

Loans HOME

Oldest area girl scout

Ocean Pines resident Anna Foultz, oldest active Girl Scout in the area, received a proclamation March 11 in Berlin town hall from Mayor Gee Williams for her efforts at fund-raising through her Star Charities. For the occasion, she presented the mayor with two boxes of Girl Scout cookies.

FROM START...

Town meeting From Page 10 ments and to help promote membership and play on the course. • The Ocean Pines golf course will host a pro-am tournament on June 23 and 24, featuring regional golf professionals who will be paired up with Ocean Pines members to compete in the tournament. • Former Yacht Club Chef Paul Supplee will be returning to the Yacht Club this summer as chef, to be assisted by a

sous chef. The OPA also will be adding a catering/banquet manager to the staff, to be paid on commission after a brief period on salary. If the person hired for the job is successful, the position could become salaried later, Thompson said. • Some of the kitchen equipment in the old Yacht Club could be transferred to the Country Club this fall after the Yacht Club closes for good after Labor Day. The Country Club kitchen is no longer equipped to be a full-service restaurant because some of its burners and coolers are no longer functioning.

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April-Early May 2013

OCEAN PINES PROJECTS UPDATE

OPA breaks ground on new Yacht Club; pool demolition begins Thompson hedges on making ambitious target dates for completion By TOM STAUSS Publisher he Ocean Pines Association in March embarked on several big-ticket projects at the Yacht Club campus, breaking ground on a new 20,000 square foot, $4.3 million Yacht Club and beginning demolition of the adjoining outdoor pool. Both projects have been given ambitious completion dates. OPA General Manager Bob Thompson has said he would like the new Yacht Club to be complete and open for a New Year’s Eve party, and he has said he would like the new pool to be open by Memorial Day weekend. Neither appears likely. Since the ground-breaking, there’s not too much evidence that Harkins Construction is on site, other than a construction trailer and fencing and work under way on demolishing the old pool. But hope springs eternal, and there’s always the silver lining: Should the construction of the new Yacht Club fall behind schedule, in the meantime the old facility will close for good after Labor Day, meaning that predictable losses at the amenity during the colder months of the year will be less than they might otherwise be. As for the new Yacht Club pool, less

Demolition of the old Yacht Club pool began in earnest the first week of April as weather turned more cooperative.

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than two months remains to complete the demolition of the old pool and decking and rebuild both from scratch, along with a new pumphouse, elevated from its present location, and all new utility connections. Harkins is doing most of that work, except for the pool and the interior of the pumphouse, which is the responsibility of Parrish Pools. There is no doubt some close coordination will be necessary to ensure that electricity and plumbing work properly, and then of course new decking will have to be installed to replace all the wood that has been torn out. Members of the Aquatics Advisory Committee are quietly hopeful that there is some usage of the pool this summer, with the Fourth of July weekend seen as a more realistic, but by no means, guaranteed opening date. Thompson recently said that a June opening is looking more likely now than Memorial Day. The general manager told a handful of residents who turned out for a town meeting March 19 something that they, and others, may not have realized about the new Yacht Club pool decking: It won’t be poured concrete, like that at the Swim and Racquet Club pool reTo Page 14

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OCEAN PINES

April-Early May 2013

Projects update

Drainage improvements on holes 11 and 12 of the Ocean Pines golf course were well under way in early April. Below is the hole 12 tee box and fairway after drainage improvements had been installed but before the fairway resodding took place. Above, workers work on Hole 11 green improvements. All 18 holes of the golf course are scheduled for reopening May 1.

From Page 12 placed in the spring of 2011. It’s been said for some time that the wood won’t be replaced, but the assumption has been that it would be replaced with the concrete that’s standard at most of the other pools. Instead, Yacht Club pool decking will consist of pavers that will match the surface of the outside decking of the new Yacht Club. That, Thompson said, will allow for a more integrated look between the two amenities. Because the pool pumphouse will be raised to deck level, there probably will be a loss of deck space around the pool. The demand could be in part met by new Yacht Club decking where the existing Yacht Club now sits. Any new Yacht Club decking, of course, won’t be available this summer, as the old building won’t be demolished until sometime this fall, after it closes for good immediately after Labor Day. In addition to work at the Yacht Club campus, contractors have been busy making drainage improvements on holes eleven and twelve of the Ocean Pines golf course and on the street, Hingham Lane, that bisects them. March also was the month when work concluded on greens replacement on the golf course’s back nine. The last sod was installed on the greens on March 1, which compares to the date last year,

April 18, when the last new sod was installed on the front nine. During the March 27 meeting of the OPA board of directors, Thompson described progress on golf course drainage improvements as of that date. He said that on the eleventh hole, all drainage pipe has been installed and most of the earthwork is complete, with minimal prep work remaining. Still to be done was the installation of a new six-inch pond overflow line near the green. As of late March, roughly 80 percent of the new fairway sodding had been completed, with four straight days of dry weather needed to finish the remaining 20 percent. The tee and sodding around the green had been completed earlier in the project. On the twelfth hole, work completed through the end of March included most of the drainage installation, with only about 400 linear feet of the roughly 2,400 feet of pipe on the hole yet to be installed. Earthwork was about 40 percent complete, while resodding has occurred on the green and the surrounding area out to the approach bunker. Pond reconstruction continues, with an overflow structure delivered and half of the pond slope complete, according to Thompson. Some of the soil displaced from the pond enlargement will be reused elsewhere on the twelfth fairway, he said. All 18 holes on the course are scheduled for play beginning May 1.

April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

OCEAN PINES

OPA off budget by a modest $11,000 for February

By TOM STAUSS Publisher he Ocean Pines Association’s financial performance in February was much as it was in January. The modest negative variance for the

month of $10,994 compares to the $6,272 negative variance to budget in January. For the year, through February, with only two months remaining in the fiscal year, the negative operating variance is $357,372, little changed from where it’s been for some time. According to Controller Art Carmine’s financial report for February, available in mid-March, February’s revenues were under budget by $22,493 and total expenses were under budget by $17,311. New capital expenditures, those funded

OPA Net Financial Operations through Feb. 28, 2013

out of the current year’s lot assessment revenues rather than reserves, were over budget by $5,812. The association’s cumulative operating fund deficit of $357,372 reflects revenues under budget by $546,500 and operating expenses under budget by $228,288. New capital spending is over budget by $39,109 for the year. While Carmine’s monthly financial reports have been a staple of his long tenure in Ocean Pines, with copies made available to members of the board

of directors, the OPA general manager and OPA members who request them, Thompson has drafted a separate “by the numbers” summary that has been a part of his PowerPoint general manager’s report during monthly board meetings. For the first time since becoming general manager, Thompson declined to issue a separate “by the numbers” recap during the March board of directors’ meeting, telling directors that the bylaws require quarterly compilations only. Since the directors already receive Carmine’s detailed financial summaries, including departmental recaps, the omission of the “by the numbers” recap during the March 27 board meeting did not seem to bother anyone. Nor did it seem to register with the small number of residents who attended the afternoon meeting in the Ocean Pines Community Center’s Assateague Room, except, perhaps, for media reps who tend to notice that sort of thing. The Progress has based its financial reporting on Carmine’s more detailed monthly reports. One notable difference between Carmine’s report and the bythe-numbers recap is that Thompson’s summary routinely combined certain departments – the Beach Club parking, marina operations and the Department of Parks and Recreation -- into a single category that he labeled recreation. That method of presentation tended to obscure the substantial operating deficit recorded by Parks and Recreation in any given year. Beach Club parking and marina operations historically have been cash cows for the OPA. Carmine’s summary for February indicates that of the major amenity departments, the Yacht Club and aquatics performed better than budget, while golf operations fared worse. All three departments had operating deficits for the month, as is typical for this time of year. Once again, golf ’s deficit was the most stark. Its loss for February was $56,927. That represented a $7,030 negative variance to budget. Through the first ten months of the fiscal year, golf operations have racked up $345,013 in losses. April, with warmer weather and the reopening of all 18 holes on the course anticipated, could produce a turn-around of sorts, although it still seems probable that golf ’s losses for the fiscal year will be north of $400,000. There were some bright spots in golf ’s performance for the month. Gross revenues of $34,707 exceeded budget by $5,437, while net revenues, after merchandise, food and beverage costs, were $1,659 ahead of budget ($29,993 compared to $28,334). Expenses also exceeded budget, however, offsetting the better-than-budgetq

Thompson stops issuing ‘by the numbers’ recap in his monthly report to the board of directors

16 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

April-Early May 2013

Financial report From Page 15 ed revenues. Total golf expenses were $86,919 for the month, $8,688 over budget. The Yacht Club deficit for the month was $19,657, an $8,524 positive variance to budget. That was an improvement over January’s deficit of $28,474. The Yacht Club was closed for business during January and February, but reopened on a limited, Friday through Sunday schedule in March. The April schedule had not been posted on the OPA Web site by this month’s Progress deadline, but at a minimum it would seem assured that at least the three-day-a-week schedule will continue until the full late spring-early summer, seven-day-a-week schedule resumes.

OCEAN PINES

The Yacht Club’s revenues for February were a not-too-surprising $124 in regular beverage income. Expenses continued despite the facility’s closure, with $9,718 in wage and benefit expenses, $1,421 in services and supplies, $5,258 in utilities, and $3,136 in unspecified “other” costs, for total expenses of $19,533. Aquatics for February produced a $26,403 operating deficit, which was $2,199 better than budget. Member dues were $2,290, better than budget by the same amount, while swim class revenue of $7,168 was off budget by $4,476. Still, that line item is showing signs of improvement, as the lesson program begins to recover after a recent staff reorganization. Revenues tanked after the departure of a contract instructor last

year, but the lesson program is beginning to attract more interest from parents. Groups are still relatively small, with lots of individual attention to those learning to swim or improving their skills. Parents can also sign up for private lessons with even more individualized instruction for their kids. Wages and benefits exceeded budget by $6,672 in February, but other aquatics expense lines indicate that cost controls are working. Utility costs of $14,824 were $4,483 under budget, while service and supply costs were $3,600 under budget. Total aquatics expenses for the month were $41,565, compared to the budgeted $45,879, for a $4,314 positive variance. Status of reserves – The reserve summary released as part of the Jan-

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uary financials shows that the OPA’s reserve balance through Feb. 28 stood at $6 million, a $200,000 decrease from January’s $6,207,642 balance. In December of last year, the balance stood at $6,397,755. November’s balance was $6,991,574. The decline over the course of the fiscal year is normal. Infusions into the reserves occur in May, the first month of the fiscal year, with expenditures from the reserves occurring throughout the year. The balance in the roads reserve through February was a negative $54,426, virtually unchanged from the previous month. The bulkhead and waterways reserve stood at $455,880, a decline from January’s $566,890 balance, reflecting payments made for previously completed bulkhead repairs. The major maintenance and replacement reserve remains as the OPA reserve most flush with earmarked assessment dollars. Its February balance of $5,511,205 is little changed from January’s balance of $5,576,667 and December’s $5,579,803. There are two funding streams that contribute to the replacement reserve. The reserve summary indicates that one of those revenue sources, the fiveyear funding plan, had a balance of $1,229,200 through Feb. 28. The other revenue stream, historical depreciation expense, stood at $4,281,985. The approved $4.3 million expenditure for a new Yacht Club will take a substantial bite out of the major maintenance and replacement reserve whenever it is spent. The intent when the current year’s budget was approved last February was to spread the construction cost over at least two fiscal years. Each year, the OPA collects between $3 million and $4 million in assessment dollars that are allocated to various reserves. What is depleted in the form of capital expenditures is replenished by this infusion of new assessment dollars. Casino revenues – The OPA continues to reap local impact funds for casino operations at Ocean Downs and elsewhere in the state. Through November, the OPA had collected $435,562 in casino funds. The December balance sheet showed that number reduced to $49,562, with $400,000 of casino money transferred to the roads reserve, consistent with board of directors’ policy. The Jan. 31 balance sheet showed that the casino fund had grown to $63,918 from December’s $49,562, meaning that total funds collected from casino operation through January totaled $463,918. That number increased to $476,918 at the end of February, a $13,000 monthto-month jump. The pattern indicates a slowdown in casino impact funds flowing to the OPA. The board of directors last year decided to use casino funds for road improvements, beginning in the current fiscal year.

April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

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April-Early May 2013

Ocean Downs From Page 1 the licensing board and most of the county’s law enforcement establishment, notably county sheriff Reggie Mason and chiefs of police. “Had law enforcement known about the position of the commissioners on this issue before this decision was made, I think they would have shown up to oppose it,” Bunting said. “I do want residents of Ocean Pines to know I do, too.” As for Boggs, the commissioner said he told her that he didn’t think “Ocean Pines voters would appreciate knowing” one of their commissioners supported having “more drunk drivers on the road” in the wee hours of the morning. A majority of commissioners, including Boggs, felt differently, calling the 4 a.m. trigger an acceptable compromise from an earlier legislative proposal that was working its way through Annapolis, one that would have allowed the casino to serve alcohol 24 hours, seven days a week, essentially whenever the casino is open to the public. Bunting said that in addition to his concerns that the policy will result in more impaired drivers on the roads, it could also lead to bars and restaurants pressuring the county to apply the same rules to them as would apply to Ocean Downs, should the enabling legislation pass the General Assembly and be

OCEAN PINES

signed to law by the governor. “I can’t say for sure that will happen, but they might have a case” on equal protection grounds, Bunting said. As the General Assembly headed to its final days the second week of April, prospects for the legislation appeared good. Competing versions of the proposed have been considered in the House of Delegates, which has passed House Bill 999, and in the Senate, where Bill 949 has passed committee but not the full Senate as of April 5, when this edition of the Progress went to press. State law currently carves out an exception for Ocean Downs that requires it to stop serving alcohol at 2 a.m., unlike other casinos in the state, which can serve alcohol at all times they’re open for business. Under the House bill, Ocean Downs would be allowed to serve alcohol from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. the next day, leaving only five hours per day when alcohol could not be sold. The Senate bill creates a new entertainment class license (EF) that would apply only to businesses with capital investments in excess of $45 million. That, presumably, would apply only Ocean Downs. Ocean Downs owners have argued that current law discriminates against Ocean Downs and makes it more difficult to compete with the state’s other

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gaming venues and casinos in nearby states. In a compromise that Worcester County Del. Mike McDermott helped devise in negotiations with the commissioners and licensees, the house bill would move, from May 1, 2016, to July 1 of next year, the date when county liquor license-holders would no longer be required to purchase liquor from the county’s Department of Liquor Control. Bunting said the change in the date when license holders could purchase liquor at lower wholesale prices would only benefit larger establishments that have the operating capital to buy in bulk, while smaller operations would probably continue to buy from the county’s liquor control department. “So this compromise really only benefits the biggest players in Ocean City,” Bunting said. Other legislation in Annapolis, which has not generated nearby the debate and controversy as the legislation targeting Ocean Downs, would allow table games to be introduced to all of the state’s casinos. Bunting said that he and the other commissioners don’t have a problem with that, in part because he said he believes such games will increase the revenues that can be distributed to the county government, municipalities and Ocean Pines in the form of local impact funds.

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Burbage rezoning From Page 1 the commissioners had known about the Ocean Downs casino at the time of an earlier comprehensive rezoning and had not changed the Burbage agricultural zoning at that time. In addition, Beck noted that Ocean Downs had been identified as one of five likely locations for a casino with video gaming devices by the state of Maryland well before the commissioners made their decision. After the ruling came down, Burbage described himself as shocked and dismayed by Beck’s decision and declared that his attorney, Hugh Cropper IV, would be authorized to appeal it to the state’s Court of Special Appeals within the statutory 30-day window. Burbage said he disagreed with Beck’s assertion that the change at Ocean Downs from a harness racetrack to a facility that also contains a large video gaming complex – soon to include table games, if enabling legislation passes the Maryland General Assembly in April and is signed into law by the governor – isn’t substantial. “Of course it’s a substantial change, and the fact that it was in the works at the time of previous comprehensive rezoning doesn’t make it any less substantial,” Burbage said. “The judge made a To Page 20

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April-Early May 2013

Companion dolls

In 2012, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City started to make what they call “companion dolls” for some of the residents of the Berlin Nursing Home. Most of the dolls go to patients in the Alzheimer’s unit to give them some degree of comfort. Pictured are some of the Kiwanians as they stuffed and stitched the dolls after the weekly morning meeting on March 27th in the Ocean Pines Community Center. (L to R) Starting center front are Mary Foelber, Dick Jacobs, George Wayson, Stella Hartington, Mary Logisz, Mark Page, Peg Morton, Mike Morton, Bill Purvis and Elmer Muth. for the community.

Burbage rezoning From Page 18 mistake. What he said simply doesn’t make any sense at all.” He said that there is a “huge difference” between a casino and a racetrack, citing the large number of vehicles on the facility’s parking lot on any given day as just one example. He said the pending addition of table games at the casino is just more evidence of the evolution at Ocean Downs.

“And yet you have one unelected judge overruling what a group of elected representatives had voted to do,” Burbage said. He said courts, absent some clear and overriding abuse of discretion, ought to defer to the decisions of elected officials. Judicial overreach could be one possible basis for an appeal, he said, especially when it’s “obvious” that the Ocean Downs casino is a heavily-trafficked year-round operation. The developer also criticized some of

OCEAN PINES the local reporting that he called biased against the rezoning. “What you never read about in some accounts is just how onerous some of the possible uses in an agricultural zone could be,” Burbage said. “All you read about is some of the obnoxious uses in a C-2 zone.” Cropper, Burbage’s attorney, had cited the casino, a proposed movie theater and bowling alley on the site, and future development of a 60-lot residential development on the adjacent Steen property as evidence that the agricultural character of Route 589 had changed and was in the process of changing. Raymond Smethurst, the attorney for local residents Mackey and Pam Stansell, Jeanne Lynch and other plaintiffs, including Ocean Pines residents Paul Bredehorst and Carole Schauer of Ocean Pines, effectively downplayed the importance of the casino, which opened in January of 2012. “People go there to gamble, but people have always gone there to gamble,” he said. While Burbage has been consistent in his declared intention to develop the parcel in tandem with AGH as a medical campus, Beck’s attitude in court toward that intention was dismissive. It’s “speculative at best,” the judge, a resident of Dorchester County and a former Harford County circuit court judge, said.

Burbage has said that developing a satellite medical campus closer to Ocean Pines would be a benefit to Ocean Pines residents. In addition, he said that the campus would result in up to 300 well-paying jobs coming to the county, a factor that some of the commissioners cited in supporting the rezoning in a 4-3 vote last August. Burbage had stopped short of offering ironclad guarantees that he would develop the site as a medical campus, as it would depend on economic factors that he couldn’t control. Indeed, the development of another medical campus on a parcel adjacent to the Ocean Pines North Gate is well under way and could offer substantial competition to the medical campus that Burbage wants to build. The latter site is controlled by Salisbury-based developer Palmer Gillis In their petition for judicial review filed late last year, the plaintiffs said that neither a change in the neighborhood nor a mistake in zoning had occurred to justify the Burbage rezoning. Beck said that no “mistake” in zoning had occurred. The findings of fact that accompanied the commissioner’s rezoning decision, however, did not rely on the “mistake” justification. Beck was called in to hear the case because local county circuit court judges all recused themselves, a common occurrence in this county.

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April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

OCEAN PINES

Suplee to return as Yacht Club chef through the summer

Commission-only banquet coordinator’s position created to drive business to new restaurant facility By ROTA L. KNOTT Contributing Writer former executive chef for the Ocean Pines Association is returning to the Yacht Club to run the existing facility’s kitchen until it closes down forever at the end of this summer season. Paul Suplee, who served as the OPA’s executive chef from 2003 to 2006 and still lives in the community, is making a return engagement for a limited time only. Bob Thompson, OPA general manager, announced during the March 27 board of directors meeting that Suplee has agreed to take the reins as chef for the food and beverage operation while on summer break from his teaching duties. Suplee is currently an assistant professor of culinary arts at Wor-Wic Community College and prior to that worked as department chair and a culinary

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teacher for the Worcester County Board of Education. “We are very, very excited to be working with Paul,” Thompson said, adding that Suplee is “a very talented man” who is Paul Suplee committed to providing quality service to Ocean Pines diners through the summer. Thompson said that Suplee has time off from Wor-Wic Community College from May through August and generally does secondary work during that time period. “He’s agreed to come to work for us this summer,” Thompson said. He said it is the perfect situation, because at the end of the summer the Yacht Club will be closing anyway to accommodate construction of the new restaurant. Suplee has about 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including sales, executive chef, sous chef and management positions. He received his

associate degree in culinary arts from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, R.I., his bachelor’s degree in history from Loyola College in Baltimore and a ProChef III certificate from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. He originally came to the OPA from the Dunes Manor Hotel in Ocean City. Locally, he has also worked at the Reel Inn, Embers and the Chophouse, Carousel Beachfront Resort and Suites and the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, all in Ocean City. The Yacht Club also has a new sous chef, Rob Sosnovich, who will serve as “Paul’s right hand.” Thompson said the OPA is lucky to have “two extremely talented folks in the kitchen and an extremely talented manager on the front side.” David McLaughlin, Yacht Club manager, is planning events like wine tastings and creation of a wine club this summer, Thompson said. In addition, the OPA has updated its liquor license for the facility to all for carry-out of beer and wine, allowing for a variety of new activities. In the past, boaters using the Yacht Club marina have wanted to purchase

beer or wine to take with them, but the OPA’s liquor license did not allow for that type of sales. “We’re going to be able to do that this year,” Thompson said. The general manager also announced the creation of a new banquet coordinator’s position that will help drive the catering business at the new Yacht Club. He told board members that it is not a budgeted position, but it will not have a direct impact on budgeted expenditures, because it will be commission-based only with no benefits. There probably will be a small stipend in the early going to help the person ease into a selling position. “We felt that this was a great way to really put a sales position out there,” Thompson said. If it works out well, then he said he will consider altering the compensation for the position. Thompson said the OPA has already received numerous inquiries about holding events at the new facility and has a lot booked this summer at the existing Yacht Club. “We really believe that having this resource will make a big difference for us,” Thompson said, adding that having a dedicated employee to “focus on this, we feel is the right step for us.”

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By TOM STAUSS Publisher ften viewing the world through different colored lenses, it’s perhaps not too surprising that Ocean Pines Association Director Marty Clarke and General Manager Bob Thompson have differing views on just how effective recent drainage improvements in Section 3 have been. This time, though, there’s a kind of role reversal. Thompson is sometimes accused of looking at the world through rose-colored glasses, emphasizing the positive and eschewing the negative, especially as it relates to matters under his supervision. But in this instance, drainage improvements recently completed by the county, his assessment is much less sanguine. By Thompson standards, it’s positively gloomy, to the extent that he told OPA directors at their March 28 board meeting that the OPA will need to go back to the drawing boards to come up with a better fix to ameliorate conditions in the Section 3 neighborhood. Recent improvements made by the Worcester County Public Works Department at county expense were “a step in the right direction but did not alleviate all the problems,” Thompson said. During a recent heavy rain in March, the first test of the county improvements since their completion by late February, the general manager said that

Clarke, Thompson differ over effectiveness of Section 3 drainage improvements Major storm strains new infrastructure, but Clarke says street flooding much less than before a pond in nearby River Run that was supposed to accommodate excess rainwater from Ocean Pines overflowed its banks, in turn backing up outflow pipes and drainage ditches in Ocean Pines. Not so fast, says Clarke. “What’s the problem we’re trying to solve?” he asked, after Thompson informed the board he’s looking into the possibility of launching a new feasibility study to look at additional ways to improve drainage in the Pinehurst and Beaconhill neighborhood. The general manager said he’s discussed a possible feasibility study with former county employee Chris McCabe, who Thompson said recently struck out on his own to create his own engineering company. Thompson also told the board that he’s asked Public Works Director Eddie Wells to gather together all the previous studies and recommended solutions to the area’s drainage woes, and recently

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conversed with Coastal Bays executive director Dave Wilson to discuss ways to remove stormwater in an environmentally sound manner, as well as the possibility of obtaining grant money to finance it. Clarke said that he visited the neighborhoods with the greatest flooding problems historically and that the improvements performed well given the torrential downpour that lasted for hours. He said that Beaconhill and Pinehurst roads were open throughout the storm, although he said he noticed flooding around the cluster mailboxes. “I was far more impressed (with the way the system performed) than what you appear to be,” Clarke told Thompson, When Thompson repeated that the system was overwhelmed by the 5 to 8 p.m. time period, Clarke responded that no “fix” will ever be able to deal with torrential rains of three inches or more per hour. In the days following the March storm, Thompson received calls from a number of residents complaining about the flooded conditions. Clarke said he has talked with quite a few of the residents who were pleased with the improvements. As he sometimes does, OPA President Tom Terry tried to strike a conciliatory note, calling the improvements made thus far “good news, that worked very well,” but he did not try to talk Thompson out of taking additional steps. The general manager can spend up to $15,000 on a feasibility study without obtaining board approval. OPA Director Dan Stachurski suggested that if Thompson decides to pursue a feasibility study of additional

solutions, he might want to consult with Section 3 resident John Roeder, who Stachurski said has engineering expertise and might be helpful in devising additional improvements. Thompson told the Progress in the immediate aftermath of the storm that he remains interested in the former Pine Shore Golf property off Beauchamp Road as a site for stormwater management solutions. Clarke has been a staunch opponent of the OPA acquiring the property for that or any other proposed purpose, and the board several months ago voted to take an offer to buy that property off the table. As recently as the February board meeting, Terry had indicated that the Pine Shore property was no longer needed for drainage solutions. In the recently completed Section 3 improvements, Worcester County officials worked with River Run developer Lew Meltzer to find a way to make improvements to the drainage system at a “tremendous savings” as compared to original project estimates at more than $1 million. The county reached an agreement with Meltzer for the installation of a drainage pipe from Beauchamp Road to a pond in River Run. The Worcester County Commissioners awarded a $38,126 contact for the drainage work to the company of Bunting and Murray. The commissioners held a ground breaking ceremony for the drainage project on Feb. 19 near the 16th hole tee box at the River Run Golf Course, which sits close to the intersection of Beauchamp Road and River Run Lane. The project included the placement of approximately 156 linear feet of 24-inch stormwater pipe on the lands of River Run. An easement for this activity was granted to the county by Meltzer at a cost of $1. The easement runs from the northwesterly side of the Beauchamp Road right-of-way north to a pond in River Run. The improvements included installing the larger pipe under Beauchamp Road at a less severe angle so there would be no “deadhead spot” in which water can back up. The larger pipe carries water away from the affected q

22 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

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April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

OCEAN PINES

Bunting calls drainage improvements ‘effective’

ounty Commissioner Jim Bunting, who came up with the solution to Section 3 drainage woes that was installed in February, just in time for a torrential rain storm in March that severely tested the improvements, said he was pleased with the results despite the complaints of some residents that flooding still occurred. “The day after the storm, the water was flowing well, but of course the system was backed up a lot” during the March deluge, which he called much worse than even Hurricane Sandy, perhaps the worst rain he’s seen in the years he’s lived in Worcester County. “Even at the height of the storm, the water was leaving Ocean Pines ten times faster than before (the improvements were made),” Bunting said. “The roads weren’t flooded as they have been in the past,” a point he made that substantially agrees with observations made by OPA Director Marty Clarke recently. The commissioner said that he had been in touch with county environmental employee Bob Shockley who agreed that the improvements worked as well as could have been expected given the intensity and volume of rain that fell. Bunting said that the storm revealed that there still needs to be work done “internally” within Ocean Pines to improve water flow, mainly by doing a better job of keeping the drainage ditches free of debris. But he also said that in some cases,

Section 3 From Page 22 areas in Ocean Pines and funnels it to the stormwater retention pond in River Run. That pond in turn drains into the St. Martin’s River. During the recent storm, the pond itself was filled to capacity and more, resulting in back-ups in Ocean Pines. Thompson and a county-OPA working group, of which he is a member, had looked at solutions that in some cases would have cost more than $1 million. One such option looked at doubling the size of the Bainbridge Park pond. Another option involved running a drainage pipe down the full length of Beauchamp Road to the White Horse Campground. Using the Pine Shore property for stormwater disposal is another idea, although one drawback to that approach is that the site does not back to the St. Martin’s River. The River Run solution suggested by County Commissioner Jim Bunting was designed so it could “probably” handle flooding caused by a 100-year storm, defined as a weather event producing up to 6.4 inches of rain in an hour. It would be more than adequate to drain heavy rains from a two-year, tenyear, and 25-year storm of lesser intensity, Bunting has said.

pipes that go under streets in Ocean Pines are too small to handle the volume of water and should be replaced with large sizes. “That would be something that the OPA would have to do,” Bunting said. He added that he recently discussed the aftermath of the March deluge with OPA General Manager Bob Thompson, and that he doesn’t see any daylight between what he said he believes should be done versus Thompson’s preliminary assessment. The commissioner also said he agrees with Clarke that the improvements did a good job of removing accumulated stormwater from Ocean Pines.

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April-Early May 2013

OPA president criticizes aquatics committee member for acting outside committee structure Romblad replies that he was just trying to keep the board informed about the condition of OPA pools

which has a crack in the bottom of the pool from one side to the other. One corner of the pool has subsided a few inches. There is some degree of water leakage caused by the crack, and Romblad suggested there is an urgency behind the need to fix this pool. He also said that delamination of the concrete pool surface at Swim and Racquet Club pool needed a fix before the summer season and that the OPA is lagging behind in efforts to complete ADA (Americans with Disability Act) requirements at the pools. Later in the meeting, OPA General Manager Bob Thompson offered pointby-point rebuttals to Romblad, telling the committee that all maintenance issues will be addressed before the summer, in some cases with temporary fixes, and the OPA has received a waiver for certain ADA-improvements for another year. He said fixes at the Mumfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing pool probably will occur next year when ADA improvements are scheduled. One solution might be to inject concrete under the subsided area to prop it up, he said, in addition to permanent filling the cracks in the pool surface. Perry said that the leak at the pool is relatively small and has existed for many years. Delamination issues should be resolved by using a better product for patching, Thompson said, telling the committee that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Public Works will be doing the patching before summer.â&#x20AC;? As for ADA issues, Thompson said that the OPA health department waivers take the pressure off the need to

By TOM STAUSS Publisher cean Pines Association President Tom Terry, liaison to the Aquatics Advisory Committee, showed up to the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s April 3 meeting and launched into an angry critique of committee member Randy Romblad, advising the committee member that his comments on the conditions at Ocean Pines pools offered at the board of directorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; March 27 monthly meeting was a serious breach of protocol and was inaccurate to boot. The normally mild-mannered Terry told Romblad that while he has every right to speak at board meetings as a member of the association, he does not have the right to use information obtained as a member of an advisory committee to criticize OPA employees. He accused Romblad of throwing OPA Aquatics Director Tom Perry â&#x20AC;&#x153;under the busâ&#x20AC;? during his presentation to the board. In a two-page letter that he read to the board, Romblad said there has been no request for proposals (RFPs) issued by the OPA staff to fix numerous maintenance issues at the pools, which he itemized. The one that seemed to catch at least some directors off guard was the condition of the Mumfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing pool,

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make immediate improvements. While Ocean Pinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; main pools allow handicap access on mechanical lifts mounted on the pool decking near the poolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; edge, the toddlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pool at the Swim and Racquet Club pool lacks such access, and the pool isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t deep enough for a handicap lift. One alternative is for a zero-point entry into the pool, a solution that involves removal of fencing and installation of a gradually sloped concrete pathway. Thompson raised one other possibility, removing the pool and replacing it with an array of water features enjoyed by toddlers, such as the water park setup at Francis Scott Key Motel in West Ocean City. If thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the solution ultimately deployed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and aquatics committee members appeared receptive to that option â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then it would eliminate the need for a zero-entry solution. But the meeting was less concerned about ways to solve certain issues and much more about Rombladâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alleged breach of protocol. The manner in which Romblad issued his critique of pool conditions apparently irritated a number of directors during the March 27 meeting. The notable exception to that was Marty Clarke, who told the Progress later that the board majority was trying â&#x20AC;&#x153;to shoot the messengerâ&#x20AC;? in its reaction to Rombladâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter. He said that Terry should â&#x20AC;&#x153;calm downâ&#x20AC;? and address the substance of Rombladâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments to the board, not the manner in which it was delivered. Terry said during the aquatics com-

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OCEAN PINES mittee meeting that he had polled board members about Rombladâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presentation and that with one exception â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mention Clarke by name â&#x20AC;&#x201C; directors agreed that it had been inappropriate. Some committee members thought they had heard Terry say that Director Dave Stevens was among those unhappy with Romblad. But Virginia Reister, the committee chair, said later that her recollection was that Terry said Stevens had been out of town during the board meeting and Terry did not say he had contacted Stevens subsequent to that. As he walking out the door for another appointment, Terry told Romblad that if he was unable to work within the committee structure, he should consider whether he wanted to continue serving on it. Terry said that Romblad had implied that staff was unaware of or negligent in failing to fix problems at the pools, when in fact Perry and Thompson were well aware of all the issues cited by him. He also said that the committee had been working diligently to compile a list of maintenance issues, as well as a fiveyear plan designed to address aquatics issues over time, and that Romblad had effectively undermined those committee efforts by addressing the board before the committee had a chance to complete its work. In his letter, Romblad said he was addressing the board directly out of a sense of urgency and because the committee, lacking a quorum at its March meeting, was unable to act on its own. Reister in fact had resisted the idea of addressing the board at least until member Kathy Grimes submitted a draft report on the condition of all the pools, which was sent to committee members in late March. Four members of the committee had attended the March meeting, establishing a quorum, with no one joining Romblad in urging an audience with the board. Terry, during the April 3 committee meeting, took Romblad to task for failing to contact Terry to inform him of his concerns about the pools. He said Romblad had deliberately gone outside the committee process to seek to embarrass or apply pressure on OPA staffers, based on information he learned through membership on the committee. Not backing off of his assertions nor apologizing for the manner in which he made them, Romblad said in reaction to Terryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments that he (Romblad) was simply trying inform the board of critical issues so it could act accordingly. Terry rejected Rombladâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s characterization of the committee memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s representation. The OPA president was careful not to paint the entire committee with the same critical brush. Last summer, the committee was put on a summer-long hiatus in reaction to comments made by some members about sub-contractor arrangements with the OPA, but in the context of the latest flare-up, Terry did not criticise any other committee member.

OCEAN PINES

April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

Foundation plans expansion of veterans memorial By ROTA L. KNOTT Contributing Writer

lans for a third phase of the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines, which now includes a walkway, additional flag poles and a series of educational panels, have been given an initial go-ahead by the Ocean Pines Association board of directors. Ron Fisher, vice president of the foundation that oversees the memorial, presented the proposed revisions to plans for the next phase of the memorial on March 27, at the monthly meeting of the OPA board of directors. He said the foundation is requesting approval to proceed with construction of phase 3 based on a 2008 memorandum of under-

standing with the OPA. Fisher said phase 3 expands on the educational objectives of the memorial complex, by creating a fine gravel walkway from behind the existing memorial site to the end of the peninsula at the South Gate pond. At the end of the walkway will be a circular base of pavers with three flag poles for the missing in action (MIA) killed in action (KIA) and veterans-remembered flags. Fourteen fiberglass inset panels that are 20 by 30 inches in size and describe the various wars in which United States soldiers have participated will be installed along the walkway. The anticipated project cost is $30,023; funding comes from the memorial foundation and donations. Foundation board member Bill Rakow, a retired marine colonel, retired builder and former OPA president, will act as the general contractor on the project. The OPA’s public works department will handle electrical work at the project site.

Clarke rescinds motion on boat ramp fees

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Pushing the idea during the budget review process, among others, was Budget and Finance Advisory Committee member Gene Ringsdorf, a long-time proponent of imposing fees on those who use the White Horse Park boat ramp. He said the idea was intended more as a way of monitoring what goes on at the site, and who uses it, than as a revenue measure, although it would have the collateral benefit of introducing a new OPA revenue stream, say advocates. Ringsdorf raised the proposal with Thompson when the committee met with him in January. Thompson admitted that he had “completely forgotten about” the idea when drafting his proposed budget for 2013-14. “We (the OPA staff) had looked at it,” Thompson told Ringsdorf. The general manager said the fees might be $25 or $30 for residents, and $50 for non-resi-

cean Pines Association Director Marty Clarke had arranged for a motion to be placed on the agenda for the March 27 board of directors meeting that called for board approval to investigate ways and means of monetizing OPA boat ramps. Clarke rescinded the motion early in the meeting, telling his colleagues that he had been ill for some time and hadn’t the time to sufficiently develop the idea. As it turns out, Clarke is investigating the idea even without a board motion. He said he would be meeting with OPA General Manager Bob Thompson the first week of April to talk about the idea, which had surfaced during the January-February budget review process. The board took no action on a fee for access to the White Horse Park boat ramp this summer when it approved the Fiscal Year 2014 budget in late February.

Director Ray Unger made the motion to approve the foundation’s request to move forward with phase 3 of the veterans memorial. “I think it’s a terrific addition to what we have now,” he said. Director Dan Stachurski called it a “really challenging project” to put the history of the United States at war onto plaques. He asked how the foundation was handling the project and designing the plaques. Fisher said a sub-committee is working on the designs using the American Legion’s definition of wars and conflicts. “I think this is a fantastic idea,” OPA President Tom Terry said. He asked if the plaques will be permanent or exchangeable. Fisher said the plaques will contain an inlaid graphic that can be updated as needed. Back in 2008, the memorial foundation had proposed to install the educational markers along an existing walking trail on the Sports Core. However, it ultimately decided it would be preferable to keep the walking trail open for everyone to enjoy and develop another phase of the memorial that is more reflective of its intent. Sharyn O’Hare, OPA director and foundation board member, said the me-

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26 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

OCEAN PINES

April-Early May 2013

OPA board considers housekeeping resolutions By ROTA L. KNOTT Contributing Writer

ne resolution that revises the functions of the comprehensive planning advisory committee and another that alters the resolution establishing the elections committee was introduced for first reading by the Ocean Pines Association board of directors on March 27. Both resolutions will be up for second reading and public comment at the April board meeting. The draft resolution C-07 is a complete revision of the existing resolution regarding the duties of the comprehensive planning advisory committee. It was prepared by that committee and submitted to the board for review and approval. The new resolution states that the committee advises the OPA board of directors in developing an official longrange comprehensive plan for the orderly growth and development of Ocean Pines. The comprehensive plan committee is tasked with developing a general, long range plan that will act as a policy guide for the future decisions concerning the overall growth and development of the community as it responds to the demands of its owners, residents and guests. The committee will gather facts, investigate alternatives, evaluate issues,

and upon the board’s request, prepare a new comprehensive plan or modify the current comprehensive plan for the orderly growth of the entire community. When performing this function, the committee is to take into consideration community demographic, land use, natural resources and environmental concerns, housing, transportation, public infrastructure, economy, quality of life and recommendations for implementation. It is to undertake a review of the current comprehensive plan every five years to evaluate its effectiveness and to allow for updates in information and recommendations based on any changes that are observed when making this review. The committee will perform studies of community needs as requested by the board. When preparing reviewing or modifying the comprehensive plan, the committee will solicit information from pertinent sources, including developers, local governmental agencies, public utilities and commercial businesses, other communities, Ocean Pines property owners and the board, general manager and other advisory committees. The resolution specifies that the committee should have at least three, but not more than nine members and will submit an annual report to the board by Oct. 31.

Resolution M-06 amends the base resolution that establishes the elections committee to remove language that simply describes what the bylaws say about the election of OPA directors and voting materials sent to members. One amendment included in the resolution updates the candidate application process as approved last year. It now simply states that “The process through which members qualify for a place on the ballot for the election of directors is contained in Section 5.02” of the bylaws. Another amendment in resolution M-06 relates to proxies. It states that “proxies, when included in voting packages, shall comply with Section 3.03” of the bylaws. It further states that “proxies used for voting on issues included in a meeting notice shall be directed proxies. Only those proxy forms approved by vote of the board of directors are valid.” The amendment is being proposed as a way to simplify the proxy provision. It is based on actions taken by the board and elections committee in preparation for the 2012 election. For last year’s board of directors election, a proxy form for quorum purposes only was included in the voting package that was sent to all property owners and was in a form approved by the board of directors.

Boat ramp fees

From Page 25 dents, should he recommend them to the board for adoption, something that he did not do later in the budget process. Usually when Thompson doesn’t act on something, it’s because he has doubts about the idea’s efficacy. Ringsdorf said those paying the fees could be given stickers that would be affixed to boat trailers, with Ocean Pines police officers tasked with enforcement by periodically checking the trailers left on site. Thompson said that there would a “challenge” attempting to enforce access to the ramp with an access gate. He also noted that the ramp is listed in county literature as a ramp open without charge to the public. The fate of the Ringsdorf proposal lies with the board of directors. He complained during budget committee discussion that previous attempts to sell his idea were unsuccessful, not even resulting in a reply from prior boards. This year apparently wasn’t much different, but Clarke, who often is at odds with Thompson over policy and administrative matters, vows to keep the issue alive. He probably will have another motion on the agenda for the board’s April meeting, which would be cutting it very close for implementation in time for this summer’s boating season.

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OCEAN PINES

April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

OPA releases names of delinquent account holders Clarke says he will press Thompson to file lawsuits to collect moneys owed By TOM STAUSS Publisher he Ocean Pines Association in early March released the names of property owners who have failed to pay charges owed to the association in excess of $5,000, including interest and fees. The names were contained in a press release issued by the OPA, as opposed to a paid legal notice. Many area newspapers published the names, which were not associated with an address of record or the amount owed. As of late March, the press release that included the names was not available on the OPA Web site in the section containing press releases. OPA General Manager Bob Thompson told the Progress that his release of the names without addresses or amounts owed was in strict compliance with a board motion passed unanimously in January. The motion did not specify the release of anything other than the names of delinquent owners with arrearages in excess of $5,000. The motion, proposed by Director Marty Clarke, also instructed the general manager to “initiate legal action against those members for all money due and reasonable attorney fees.” In his motion, Clarke said that the OPA’s declaration of restrictions, articles of reinstatement and board resolution F4 requires such action to be taken. As of the first week of April, the OPA has not filed suit against any of the named property owners to collect the money owed, and there is no particular reason to believe that the OPA will be doing so anytime soon. Some

of the names may be among those who have been targeted using the traditional lien-and-foreclosure process, which Clarke has said is only one way to collect from delinquent property owners. The other is to file a suit in small claims court or, if the amount exceeds $5,000, in circuit court. Clarke said he was “fine” with the manner in which the names were released by the OPA, but said that publishing names was the least important of the instructions to the general manager contained in his approved motion. He said that it was clearly understood by all the directors in January, and subsequent discussion in February, that the legal actions specified in his motion were lawsuits filed against property owners, not the lien-and-foreclosure procedures that heretofore have been the OPA’s collection method of choice. Thompson told the Progress he had no immediate plans to file lawsuits against property owners. He suggested that the traditional lien-and-foreclosure process constituted legal action that might be consistent with the motion. If Thompson decides not to file suit against delinquent property owners, it is likely to trigger a public clash with Clarke, who told the Progress in late March that he won’t allow the general manager to ignore the clear intent of the approved motion instructing him to file lawsuits as the OPA’s “founding documents require. ”Maybe the intent is not to do it in order to prove that it doesn’t work,” Clarke said. “I have no intentions to just let this matter drop.” He said that it seemed to him that, during the February board meeting, Thompson appeared to be presenting reasons why the lawsuit approach wouldn’t succeed. “It won’t for sure if you don’t do it,”

Clarke said. During the February board meeting, Thompson and OPA Legal Counsel Joe Moore outlined the process of filing a lawsuit in small claims court. Both said the cost of filing claims, particularly those of more than $5,000, and defending them, could partially negate any award from the court. Thompson said he was merely trying to point out some of the practical difficulties in trying to collect from delinquent property owners using methods other than the traditional lien-and-foreclosure process. In response to the motion passed in January, Thompson gathered a committee comprised of the OPA’s controller, assessment supervisor, legal counsel, treasurer, assistant treasurer, and Budget and Finance Advisory Committee chairman to review the financial impact on the association. The committee recommended exempting delinquent property owners who have established a payment plan with the OPA from legal action and reviewing all of the previous contact with those who owe back dues to determine if it is really likely the OPA will be able to collect the money from them. The committee also recommended initially exempting delinquent owners who live outside of Worcester County. Clarke later said he had no problem with either recommendation. Thompson said the goal is to do some preliminary work “so the likelihood of recovery is improved and risk of throwing good money after bad” is reduced. “Let’s start it with a smaller group and see how it works out.” He said doing so limits the cost to the OPA as well as its risk “and we can see how the process works.” Moore said pursuing claims of $5,000

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or more require representation by an attorney even in small claims court. However, for amounts less than $5,000 anyone could represent the OPA by the judge in small claims court. Clarke asked if the OPA could sue for an amount less than $5,000 and then later file suit to collect any remaining debt owed by the same property owner. Moore said the court may not allow that. Instead, he suggested that it may be more practical for the association to simply sue those with large outstanding debts for $4,999 in order to avoid having his office involved in the small claims process. “You can’t reserve that which you should have done and later sue on the same claim because the court is going to say you waived that claim,” Moore said. “Because it’s the same debt; it’s not a new debt.” OPA President Tom Terry said property owners who don’t live in Worcester County also have the right to have their cases heard in the county where they reside, adding to the cost of any lawsuit for the association. The OPA can file the case in small claims court in Worcester County, but the owner can ask to have it moved to their home county, Moore said. Thompson added that even if the court finds for the OPA in small claims, there is no guarantee of collecting the outstanding assessment money.

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April-Early May 2013

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WORCESTER COUNTY

April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

County wastewater division seeks rerating of Pines treatment plant Capacity increase would accommodate connection of Ocean Downs to system By ROTA L. KNOTT Contributing Writer

rerating of the Ocean Pines Service Area’s wastewater treatment plant to increase its capacity from 2.5 million gallons per day to 2.6 mgd was endorsed by the Worcester County Planning Commission on April 4. The commission voted unanimously, with chairman Marlene Ott abstaining, to find that an amendment to the master water and wastewater plan to increase the discharge limit is compatible with the county’s comprehensive plan. The rerating will accommodate the flow from the Ocean Downs property, which was included in the most recent expansion of the Ocean Pines sewer planning area. Last year the Worcester County Commissioners created the Ocean Downs Service Area and approved allowing it to connect to the OPSA for wastewater disposal. The Ocean Downs Service Area includes the racetrack, casino and owner William Rickman’s residual property. John Ross, public works deputy director, said the amendment is really simply a housekeeping matter because the treatment plant can already handle the extra 100,000 gallons per day of capacity. No improvements to the treatment plant facilities will be needed. He said the plant “may spend a little more time day handling bio-solids,” 6.5 hours per day instead of six hours. Ross said “the significant part missing” is the rerating of to accommodate that flow from Ocean Downs in the Ocean Pines wastewater treatment plant. He said Rickman paid for a study to evaluate the system and determine if the existing plant could accommodate the increased flow. The report found that the treatment plant is capable of handling that additional 100,000 gallons per day without any significant impact on the system. In addition to the county, the Maryland Department of the Environment needs to sign off on the rerating. Ross said that shouldn’t be a problem since MDE had previous sent a letter saying the Ocean Pines treatment plant had an actual capacity of 2.6 mgd. Bob Mitchell, county environmental programs director, said the OPSA discharge permit does not specifically limit the capacity based on a specific number of gallons of flow. Instead its discharge is based on nutrient loads, set at 76,000 pounds annually. He said that is “more than adequate” to take handle the increase in capacity for Ocean Downs. To connect the two service areas, a force main will run under Turville Creek and exit at the county boat ramp at Gum

Point Road. It will continue in the county right-of-way on Gum Point Road to property owned by developer Marvin Steen, who has provided an easement that will facilitate the connection to the OPSA. A wastewater pump station will be located on the Ocean Downs property and will send effluent through the force main to the OPSA for treatment. The amendment to the water and sewerage plan changes the designation of the subject property, located on the east side of Route 589, north of Route 707, from an S-6 private system to an S-1 category, which is planned for service within the next two years. Last year the commissioners unanimously granted Ocean Downs an initial allocation of 63 equivalent dwelling units of capacity and an ultimate allocation of 333 EDUs of wastewater treatment capacity from the OPSA to serve the subject property. The current on-site system at Ocean Downs is a mixture of eight septic systems with a capacity of 35,670 gallons per day. All of those septic tanks are located within the Atlantic coastal bays critical area. Ocean Down’s 166-acre property contains a horse racetrack and video lottery terminal facility with unoccupied commercial-zoned land occupying a portion for the southern part of the property. Portions of it are zoned A-2 agricultural and portions are classified C-2 commercial and are planned for development with a movie theater and bowling alley. The initial 63 EDUs of capacity requested will serve the existing Ocean Downs facilities.

NARFE meeting

NARFE Chapter 2274 had as its March meeting guest speaker Doug Voss from NASA speaking about Project LADEE, the Lunar Atmospheric and Dust Environment Explorer satellite scheduled for launch in August, 2013. LADEE will be the first lunar satellite launched from Wallops Island. Shown from left are Steve Habeger, Programs chairperson; Anna Foultz, NARFE Chapter 2274 President Arlene Page, and Voss.

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30 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

WORCESTER COUNTY

April-Early May 2013

County moves to improve school safety State said to be contributing about $217,000 for four school security projects By ROTA L. KNOTT Contributing Writer

nticipating more than $200,000 in state funding to help cover the cost, the Worcester County Commissioners on April 2 gave their goahead to four types of safety improvements at county public schools. Jerry Wilson, superintendent of schools, asked the commissioners for approval to proceed with the physical improvements that will be designed to enhance security at local school buildings. The state’s fiscal year 2014 proposed budget includes $25 million in funding for security projects at public schools. Based on preliminary information from the state, the Worcester County school system’s estimated share of this allocation is $217,000, Wilson said. The Board of Education has asked the commissioners for funding approval for six items with a total cost of $218,425. The commissioners gave their OK to four of the security improvements, with the other two will have to wait. “It is our goal to complete these projects prior to the beginning of the next school year,” Wilson said. Applications for the state funding, under a tentative schedule released by the Interagency Committee on School Construction, will be accepted beginning April 9. A letter indicating local support for requested projects will be required to acquire state funding. Wilson is asking the commissioners to provide that letter, which will make the school system eligible to receive a reimbursement of 50 percent of the school security project costs. However, Wilson said that information is based on draft administrative procedures and requirements that may change when final administrative procedures are received from the IAC.

The proposed school security improvements include installing electronic buzzer entry at 14 facilities at a cost of $65,000. The systems will include a camera and two-way speakers to help identify visitors who are requesting entry to the facility. At six schools another proposed security expenditure is a $63,000 expense for card swiping entry systems for doors that lead from portable classroom areas to the main school building. Those schools are Buckingham Elementary, Berlin Intermediate, Showell Elementary, Stephen Decatur Middle, Snow Hill Elementary and Snow Hill High schools. Eight schools will have security cameras added at a cost of $25,000. Standardized visitor identification systems are being proposed by the committee at

all 15 school locations and the central office. The systems would produce photo ID badges and provide sex offender background checks on all visitors. The first year installation cost is $20,425, with annual licensing fees costing $5,000 for all future years. The commissioners held off on approving installation of window blinds and tinting on windows that currently have an unobstructed view into a classroom from adjacent parking lots and roadways at four schools. The cost is estimated at $25,000. They also postponed front entrance vehicle barriers would be added at six schools at a cost of $20,000. The front entrance barriers will be either oversized flower pots or bollards and will be placed to prevent a vehicle from driving

Pine’eer Craft Club open house

The Pine’eer Craft Club will welcome prospective new members at its April 18 meeting in the Ocean Pines Community Center beginning at 9:45 a.m. All residents of Ocean Pines and neighboring communities are invited to attend. Club President Sharon Puser will give a tour of the club’s craft and gift shop in White Horse Park. After the business meeting, members will make stepping stones. Kits are available for $5 by calling 410208-1979.

through the primary entrance doors of a facility. The proposed security enhancements were developed by a school system safety committee that was formed to review current practices and to develop recommendations in the areas of personnel, capital improvement and administrative procedure. Also on the list of recommendations but not included in those approved April 2 is the addition of 13 school security officers, along with two already provided by the Town of Berlin at schools in its jurisdiction, so there is a police presence at every school building. The Board of Education’s central office in Newark will receive support from the school resource officer stationed at the adjacent Worcester Technical High School. The commissioners are considering that proposal as part of the Sheriff’s Office budget for fiscal year 2014. The officers would be added to the schools starting in the 2014-15 school year and would be employees of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.

County proposes no increases in water, wastewater fees

ndications are that there will be no increase in any of the water, wastewater treatment or equivalent dwelling unit charges in the Fiscal Year 2014 budget for the Ocean Pines Water and Wastewater Service Area, Worcester County Deputy Public Works Director John Ross said recently. The county staff is currently working on the budget for next year, and it’s looking like current revenues will be sufficient to meet operating costs, he said. Some major capital projects loom in the not too distant future, but the good news is that some of the system’s existing debt service will be expiring in the next several years, making it possible to fund the new projects without raising EDU charges, Ross said. Much of the future work involves rebuilding or refurbishing the system’s aging pump station. Ross said that the commissioners recently authorized a contract with local engineer, John Salm, to design the infrastructure plan for Greater Ocean Pines Service Area, which is otherwise known as the service area that will serve the nearby Pines Plaza Shopping Center and the nearby commercial area on Cathell Road and Route 589. The county had been delaying a decision on authorizing the system’s design because of uncertainty regarding ownership of the Pines Plaza Shopping Center. An informed source told the Progress recently that the shopping is under a contract of sale, with the contract purchaser in a due diligence phase prior to settlement. New ownership or a new infusion of financing is seen as critical to the Pines Plaza’s redevelopment.

WORCESTERCOUNTY COUNTY WORCESTER

March-Early 2013 Ocean Ocean Pines Pines PROGRESS PROGRESS April-Early April May 2013

31 31

School board seeks funds to study expansion of Showell elementary AROUND THE COUNTY

A ROTA publicL.hearing By KNOTT on the adoption of growth tiers/septic Contributing Writertier maps will be held on Tuesday, April 16, at 11 a.m.Board beforeof he Worcester County the Worcester County Education is Commissioners. hoping to include The tier mapstoarebegin required by the funding architectural Sustainable and Agricultural planning forGrowth the renovation and expansion of Showell School Preservation Act ofElementary 2012 as passed lastor construction of a new school to replace year by the General Assembly. The legit in the fiscal year 2013-14 the budget, islation governs and restricts use but of needs septic to have the project cost excluded private systems and requires the from the state’s maintenance of effort counties to designate land as within one The estimated cost of the of calculations. four growth tiers. SES project is $100,000. State lawmakers called the septic Jerry aWilson, superintendent legislation framework for local juris-of schools,to presented a request to send dictions add to their comprehensive that project, along with a purchase plan to help shape future growth, butof computer tablets and business softcounty officials say it is essentially a waredown-zoning upgrades, to the Worcester County forced of land. The bill esCommissioners on March needed tablishes a four tier system 5.forHethe apthe commissioners movesystems forward proval of subdivisionsOK on to septic with asking Maryland Department located outsidethe of priority funding areas of Education if the cost of those throughout the state. Tier 1 is forprojects, proptotaling $400,000, canwastewater be excludedand from erties served by public maintenance of effort calculation forare the growth areas, tier 2 is for areas that upcoming budget year. planned to be served by public services, Maintenance of effort requires the tier 3 for areas not planned for service same amount of money to be expended and tier 4 for preservation or conservaper student as in last year’s budget. Any tion areas. deviation from that requirement needs If the county does not adopt tier maps state approval. then it can’t approve a major subdiviWilson said architectural engineersion anywhere. ing feasibility study is needed before the Copiessystem of the can draftbegin septicplanning tier maps school the and other relevant information SES project. He said the renovationare and available from the Department Deexpansion or replacement of theofschool velopment Review & Permitting is next in line following renovationinof Snow Hill. maps are also available Snow HillThe High School. on the county’s website at: http://www. A 2008 study estimated that it would co.worcester.md.us/drp/septictiers/SBcost about $27.7 million to make the ex236_CountyMap.pdf. Bothtowritten and isting school big enough accommodate oral testimony be accepted by the future studentwill populations, but building commissioners. a new school on the same site would only cost about $25.8 million. The Showell Elementary School land County implementing use study determined that the existing cell phone notifications property is sufficient to accommodate Worcester County Emergency Sera renovation and addition to the existvices has launched an emergency notiing school or the construction of a refication system that provides residents placement school. The study included with instant notification phone an extension evaluationby of cell the existing about disasters and other emergencies site features, including topographic surthat develop. Callsdelineation, could include inforveys, wetlands evaluation mation about evacuations, hazardous of parking and circulation patterns and material spills of and widespread investigation utility options. health notices. The existing 53,610 square foot faciliTowas register to receive emergency noty constructed in 1976 and augmenttifications, WCES online at inwww. ed with a visit 12-classroom addition 1990. co.worcester.md.us. is limOver the years asRegistration northern Worcester ited to two cell phones per residence. County has grown, SES, which is locatWhen listing phone number, be ed on Routeeach 589cell north of Ocean Pines, sure to includeincreased a physicalenrollment address. to the experienced Whenwhere the system is activated, respoint nine portable classrooms idents will hear a to pre-recorded are currently used accommodatemesall of sage the nature of the Those emergency theabout instructional programs. portaand necessary precautions to take. bleany classrooms provide 25 percent of the Residents rely uponat classroomshould spacesnot that aresolely available cell callbacks to receive updates thephone school. and support priorRestrooms to or during an other emergency, duefuncto tions are included in associated the main school the unknown variables with building. Pedestrian traffi c between to the large-scale disasters or disruptions portables main in building occurs via cell phone and coverage diverse areas. walkways that expose stuInuncovered the event of an emergency, residents dents monitor to inclement weather. should public access systems, The 2008 said renovating and including radio,study television and internet expanding news sources.the existing school has many

drawbacks, including limitations exCounty officials have said theyonwill panding support areas the media not use this system to like contact resicenter signifi cant updents for and any cafeteria, reason other than to regrades to bathrooms and mechanical port emergencies, nor will any informasystems, interior classrooms would not tion residents provide on the portal be have sufficient windows. Another conshared with outside agencies. For more cern was construction coordination with information, contact Emergency Serthe school operations. vices Deputy Director Fred Webster at The study also evaluated the site to (410) 632-1311. determine if sufficient space was available for construction of a replacement school. The study found that the 22.07 Grant funds help acres available at the Showell site meet library garden grow the state requirement for such a project. Volunteer gardeners are preparing Two conceptual plans incorporatthe Berlin Branch Library garden for ing an additional 32,000 square feet of

building spaceseason. were developed at that the growing This communitime to confi rm in that and exty garden, now itsrenovation fourth season, is pansion orplenty construction of a new school capturing of attention, and not could be accomplished the property. just locally. As volunteerongardeners beThose plans also incorporated expanded gin sowing their seeds, their efforts will parking, improved vehicular circulation be more fruitful than ever because the patterns and student drop-off areas, garden was awarded a $500 grant along playgrounds, stormwater management with $50 worth of seeds from Kitchen areas and geothermal well fields. Gardeners International, plus a grant of Based on those designs, the renova$550 from the Community Foundation tion and expansion was estimated to ofcost the$27.7 Eastern Shore. million while the new school “Thecost library garden one would about $25.8 project million was to build. ofThose 80 gardens selected from 925 applicosts were based on projected fiscant gardens for a Sow it Forcal year 2011worldwide building square foot estiward from KGI,” said Katherine matesgrant of $261.80.

Munson, the natural resources planner for Worcester County who spearheads the garden project. “In addition to the The KGI studywill found that with 81 employgrant, donate a book for the ees plus students at school in library’s collectionarriving and a subscription private vehicles, theplanning existing tool. parking to an online garden The lot is insuffi cient to satisfy the parking mission of KGI, which mirrors our own, demands of theindividuals, school. Only two handis to empower families and icapped parking spaces are provided for communities to achieve greater levels the entire facility and are located in the of food self-reliance through the promofront of the bus loop. In order to be handtion of kitchen gardening, home-cookicapped compliant, a total of five spaces ing, and sustainable local food systems.” is needed. The grant funds will be used to build About half of the students are additional raised bed systems, purchase dropped off and picked up at school by soil and gardening equipment for volparents, many of whom park and walk unteers to use at and miscellatheir children to the andsite, from the school. neous gardening materials. That causes a significant demand for

parking in the morning and afternoon.

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Spring Golf Tournament to benefit

County holds hearing on septic tier maps

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32 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

April-Early May 2013

AROUND THE COUNTY From Page 31 Since 2010, hundreds of people have benefited from more than 1,500 pounds of organic produce grown in and donated from the garden to community food assistance programs, including Diakonia, Inc.

Resurfacing begins on Route 50 near Berlin

On Route 50 in the project area Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., SHA with The Maryland State Highway Administration will begin a seven mile road resurfacing project on westbound Route 50 on Monday, April 8. Work will take place between Main Street and the Wicomico County line. Weather permitting; motorists will be riding on a new road surface by early summer. “SHA has been resurfacing US 50 in large sections over the past several years to provide a smoother and safer commute to thousands of motorists,” said Donnie Drewer, SHA district engineer. “We urge patience as crews will be working hard to complete this project as soon as possible. For everyone’s safety, please pay extra attention when approaching the work zone and be sure to

slow down – there is no room for driver error in roadway work zones.” In addition to resurfacing westbound Route 50, SHA will patch damaged sections of pavement and restripe the highway. SHA awarded the $2.5 million project to American Infrastructure of Fallston. The last time this section of westbound Route 50 was resurfaced was summer 1996. Drivers can expect single lane closures along westbound Rt. 50 and the use of cones, barrels and electronic signs to guide motorists through the work zone.

County signs critical area grant

Despite a drop in the reimbursement level, the Worcester County Commissioners signed the annual critical area grant agreement between the county and state Critical Area Commission on April 2. The grant provides partial reimbursement by the state to the county for its expenses related to administration of the critical areas program. Ed Tudor, county director of development review and permitting, informed the commissioners that the grant funding will be reduced by the state again this year. Funding will drop by $1,000 from $13,000 this year to just $13,000 in

WORCESTER COUNTY fiscal year 2013. “It reimburses the county for a very small portion of the work we do on a daily basis to administer both the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Areas programs,” Tudor said. In the past the county has been reimbursed by the state at about $45,000 per year, but that has been cut every year for the last few years. The county’s cost to administer the critical areas program has topped $100,000. Reimbursement reports are filed quarterly with the state agency along with required reports that detail activities within the critical area during the quarter.

Tri-County Council proposes tourist trolley

The Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore is proposing a tourist trolley to transport visitors between West Ocean City, Berlin, Assateague Island, Ocean Pines and points in between like the Casino at Ocean Downs. The proposal is for the trolleys to operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day with a total operating cost estimated at $140,000. The trolleys would operate from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Tri-County Council has asked Worcester County to provide $10,000 through the Tourism Department to

help launch the trolley project. The effort was initiated by the Town of Ocean City, which offered trolley style buses for sale to Shore Transit, which is operated by the Tri-County Council. The program has already been endorsed by the Ocean City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Berlin and local businesses.

Worcester County offers spring fitness programs

Spring into fitness this season with Worcester County Recreation and Parks. Early Bird Fitness classes take place Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, April 8 through June 28, from 9:00 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. This class includes walking, strength training, and exercises focusing on flexibility and coordination. After Work Fitness classes take place Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 9 through June 27, from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. This class includes stability ball training, dumbbell training, stretching and much more. After Work Fitness is a workout that will get your heart pumping and get you in shape for the summer months with the use of dumbbells and the stability ball. Classes cost $35 per person, per class for a 12-week session. For more information, call 410-6322144.

CAPTAIN’S COVE

April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

By TOM STAUSS Publisher he long-anticipated foreclosure sales designed to rid the Captain’s Cove property owners association of a backlog of unpaid assessments will begin this month. The first batch of 45 lots under the foreclosure process will be sold April 17 on the steps of the Accomack County Courthouse in Accomack, the county seat, beginning at noon. Mixed in with the lots to be sold are also those that are in arrears to the Captain’s Cove Utilities Co. In instances where both the POA and utility company are owed money, the proceeds of sales will be divided up on a proportional basis, POA President Tim Hearn told the Progress recently. Hearn is also the president of the utility company. Details of the sale will be handled by the law firm hired by both entities to manage the auction. The lots to be sold are among those whose owners have failed to pay lot assessments levied annually by the Captain’s Cove Golf and Yacht Club, the property owners association that man-

ages the bayside community located just south of the Maryland-Virginia line. Efforts to collect unpaid assessments on all of these lots have failed, so the association is exercising its rights under Virginia law to foreclose and sell the lots to the highest bidders. The selling prices presumably in some cases will be sufficient to pay off the indebtedness to the POA, and new owners should be in a better position financially to stay current with annual assessments, currently set at $790. That, at least, is the hope. As normally occurs in foreclosure auctions, the POA as lien-holder in the subject properties will be represented to protect its interests, to offer bids sufficient to cover the outstanding liens, Hearn said. If no other bidders emerge to compete for the properties, then the POA, as the successful bidder, will assume ownership of them. Those lots, once added to the POA-owned inventory, can then be offered for sale to the public through the local Realtor, Cindy Welsh, hired to help the POA find buyers for them.

Hearn said that roughly 300 lots are delinquent and are subject to foreclosure auctions. The plan is to conduct auctions every month in blocks of 50 or so. A list of lots to be sold April 17 are being published in the Eastern Shore News and in this edition of the Progress. The sale is being conducted under the auspices of trustees, Pender and Coward, of Virginia Beach. All but two of the lots to be sold carry a published minimum bid. The two without published minimums are Section 8, Lot 43, with an assessed value of $17,500, and Section 3, Lot 3-1512A, with an assessed value of $7,500. The 45 lots to be sold are appraised at a total of $961,700. The association board of directors would be elated if actual purchase prices come in at or close to the appraisal values. Appraisals range from five lots at $4,000 at the low end to one lot at $125,200 at the high end. Twenty-one lots have values of $17,500, nine are valued at $7,500, five at $4,000, and four carry appraisals of $26,800. Two lots are appraised at $76,500 and there is one

Cindy Welsh

lot each with values of $22,900, $20,300, $78,100 and $125,000, respectively. All sections in Captain’s Cove, with the exceptions of 12 and 13, and 14-16, are represented in the auction list. Section 4 leads the pack with nine, followed by Sections 2 and 3 with six each and Sections 8 and 9 with four each. Sections 5, 7, and 11 have two for sale, while Sections 6, 10, 17 and 18 have one each. According to the published notice, a potential bidder must present, prior to bidding, the lesser of $5,000 or the minimum published bid, payable to the CCGYC, to the trustee at the time of auction in cash or certified funds. Successful bidders will be required to deposit with the trustee a non-refundable deposit in an amount equal to the bidder’s deposit or ten percent of a successful bid, whichever is greater, in cash or certified funds at time of sale. Closing would occur within 30 days of the date of sale. The lots are being sold pursuant to Virginia Code Subsection 55-516, and title will be conveyed subject to all liens or encumbrances as provided in that statute. The trustee is reserving the right to accept and/or reject all offers. In a related action, the Captain’s Cove board of directors during its March 16 meeting voted unanimously to authorize the POA to bid in upcoming foreclo

Captain’s Cove initiates foreclosure actions against delinquent owners

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CAPTAIN’S COVE

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Foreclosures From Page 33

sure auctions of member lots scheduled by Accomack County for tax sale or by the Captain’s Cove Utility Company, to protect the association’s interest in the properties. Oftentimes, property owners delinquent in paying lot assessments are not current with property taxes, even though they are minimal in Accomack County on unimproved, and sometimes, unbuildable lots in Captain’s Cove. They might also be delinquent in water and sewer bills, although lots without water and sewer availability are not utility company customers. Currently, the lawyer who handles real estate foreclosure tax sales for Accomack County, James W. Elliott of Yorktown, Va., lists 27 Captain’s Cove properties for sale on his Web site, with bid minimums included. Elliott periodically conducts foreclosure sales on the courthouse steps, including one in March and February this year, and five last year, that usually include Cove lots. Elliott’s Web site indicates that tax sales will be conducted in April, but as of April 1 the site did not list dates or a list of properties to be sold. Golf carts – At the Cove board of directors meeting March 16 at the Pocomoke firehouse, the directors unanimously adopted a proposal to deal with the Cove’s aging golf cart fleet, which was acquired about five years ago. After discussion, the board decided to retain the best 18 carts in the fleet of 39 carts, with the remaining to be sold or traded in for 18 new carts that would be leased for the 2013 season. Another 18 or so carts could be acquired in 2014, although that decision was left for the 2014 budget process. In earlier communication with the directors, Hearn had suggested acquiring 36 new carts, but he subsequently backed away from that on the understanding that during peak season, only 18 carts are needed for typical play on the nine-hole layout. By choosing this option, the association will save about $6,000 off the $30,000 cost for new cart acquisition included in the approved budget for the current year, Hearn said. In a related matter, Hearn and board member John Ward engaged in some spirited debate on the number of rounds played on the golf course, historically and projected for the coming summer season. The approved budget calls for 22,000 rounds, and Hearn has said previously that the number of rounds has been around 18,000. Ward said it was more like 5,000, with neither director offering up any hard proof during the discussion. Imperfect record-keeping makes the number impossible to determine with any degree of accuracy. After the meeting, Hearn said his number is based on revenue data from the golf pro shop. “It’s nowhere close to 5,000,” he said. “I don’t know where John gets that number.”

Annual assessments in Cove include prepaid greens fees and unlimited play on the course, with golf carts subject to fees. Revenue numbers would not reflect the undetermined numbers of golfers who walk the course, as opposed to riding, so revenue numbers would tend to undercount actual play by some amount. Later in the meeting, the directors unanimously approved a 50 cent pernine-hole increase in cart fees, raising the rate from the current $7.50 for nine holes and $15 for 18 holes to $8 and $16, respectively. But the directors rejected in a 6-1 vote a motion by Ward to open the pro shop and to make carts available for golf seven days a week for the rest of March. Hearn objected, telling his colleagues that there isn’t enough revenue generated from golf on Mondays and Tuesdays to warrant bringing in staff on those days. The board previously had approved a five-days-a-week schedule for the golf course during the winter months, with golfers allowed to walk the course on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hearn and Ward skirmished over what Hearn called the “hijacking” of golf carts on a day the pro shop was closed. Ward said he and a group of golfers – what Hearn called “the magnificent seven” – paid for the carts the next day. The pro shop opened for business all seven days a week beginning April 1. Ward resigns -- In a development possibly related to the public skirmishing, Ward subsequently resigned from the Cove board, according to a press release issued by the POA in early April. The directors filled the vacancy by elevating former alternate director Patricia Pelino to the board. She in turn has been replaced as alternate members by Rob Burney, a Cove resident, whose term will expire at the 2013 annual meeting. Burney is a former real estate broker in Pennsylvania. Flood insurance – During the board’s March 16 meeting, director Tom Nagle reported on a recent memo from the POA’s insurance carrier outlining deficiencies in flood insurance coverage. The memo indicates that the POA lacks any flood coverage, which Nagle says means that the association’s Marina Club building, docks, pilings and other assets are not protected in the event of major storm damage. Nagle said that the POA’s insurance agent, Mitch Davis, would be making recommendations “on how to improve” the association’s insurance coverage. “We need to figure out how to protect ourselves,” Nagle said. New personnel – Hearn introduced new employees, including two who work for Billy Casper Golf, during the March 16 meeting. Tim Johnson has been appointed golf pro and manager of the amenities that BCG is administering for the association. Mike Tschianne has been named food and beverage manager. A business plan for the amenities To Page 38

CAPTAIN’S COVE

April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL ESTATE IN CAPTAIN’S COVE

April 17, 2013, 12:00 PM

To be held at Courthouse Steps of Accomack County Circuit Court 23316 Courthouse Ave, Accomac, VA 23301 The following properties will be auctioned: Section/Lot: 9-0065, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50400006500 Assessed Value: $125,200.00 Minimum Bid: $300.00

Section/Lot: 4-2236, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A40100223600 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,400.00

Section/Lot: 1-1034, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A10100103400 Assessed Value: $76,500.00 Minimum Bid: $300.00

Section/Lot: 9-0205, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50400020500 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,100.00

Section/Lot: 2-2506, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A20100250600 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,500.00

Section/Lot: 7-0287, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A60100028700 Assessed Value: $4,000.00 Minimum Bid: $400.00

Section/Lot: 4-1981, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A40100198100 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,200.00

Section/Lot: 3-1512A, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A301001512A0 Assessed Value: $7,500.00

Section/Lot: 3-1406, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A30100140600 Assessed Value: $76,500.00 Minimum Bid: $5,300.00

Section/Lot: 8-0051, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50300005100 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $500.00

Section/Lot: 4-2266, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A40100226600 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $600.00

Section/Lot: 9-0159, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50400015900 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,100.00

Section/Lot: 1-1067, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A10100106700 Assessed Value: $7,500.00 Minimum Bid: $300.00

Section/Lot: 2-0107, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A20100010700 Assessed Value: $26,800.00 Minimum Bid: $1,600.00

Section/Lot: 9-0181, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50400018100 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,100.00

Section/Lot: 3-1758, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A30100175800 Assessed Value: $7,500.00 Minimum Bid: $700.00

Section/Lot: 5-2500, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A40300250000 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $700.00

Section/Lot: 1-1153, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A10100115300 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,000.00

Section/Lot: 8-0066, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50300006600 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,400.00

Section/Lot: 2-0440, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A20100044000 Assessed Value: $26,800.00 Minimum Bid: $800.00

Section/Lot: 2-0240, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A20100024000 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,800.00

Section/Lot: 4-2115, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A40100211500 Assessed Value: $7,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,100.00

Section/Lot: 1-0790, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A10100079000 Assessed Value: $22,900.00 Minimum Bid: $2,300.00

Section/Lot: 10-0074, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A60200007400 Assessed Value: $4,000.00 Minimum Bid: $900.00

Section/Lot: 4-2116, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A40100211600 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,000.00

Section/Lot: 4-2253, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A40100225300 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $300.00

Section/Lot: 3-1419, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A30100141900 Assessed Value: $78,100.00 Minimum Bid: $6,500.00

Section/Lot: 4-2095, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A40100209500 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 4-2165, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A40100216500 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 2-0218, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A20100021800 Assessed Value: $26,800.00 Minimum Bid: $1,600.00

Section/Lot: 1-0775, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A10100077500 Assessed Value: $20,300.00 Minimum Bid: $2,200.00

Section/Lot: 5-2383, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A40300238300 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,800.00

Section/Lot: 8-0008, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50300000800 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,100.00

Section/Lot: 11-0017, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50100001700 Assessed Value: $7,500.00 Minimum Bid: $300.00

Section/Lot: 6-0042, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50200004200 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,100.00

Section/Lot: 3-1761, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A30100176100 Assessed Value: $7,500.00 Minimum Bid: $900.00

Section/Lot: 8-0043, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50300004300 Assessed Value: $17,500.00

Section/Lot: 2-0326, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A20100032600 Assessed Value: $26,800.00 Minimum Bid: $2,800.00

Section/Lot: 7-0009, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A60100000900 Assessed Value: $4,000.00 Minimum Bid: $900.00

Section/Lot: 4-2137, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A40100213700 Assessed Value: $17,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,200.00

Section/Lot: 3-1493A, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A302001493A0 Assessed Value: $7,500.00 Minimum Bid: $400.00

Section/Lot: 1-0117, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A10100111700 Assessed Value: $7,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,700.00 Section/Lot: 18-0151, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A90100015100 Assessed Value: $4,000.00 Minimum Bid: $900.00 Section/Lot: 17-0035, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A90200003500 Assessed Value: $4,000.00 Minimum Bid: $900.00 Section/Lot: 11-0058, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50100005800 Assessed Value: $7,500.00 Minimum Bid: $1,200.00

TERMS:

Announcements made at auction time take precedence over any print, electronic, or verbal information, including but not limited to the minimum bid. Lesser of $5000 or minimum bid in cash or certified funds payable to Captain’s Cove Golf and Yacht Club, Inc. must be presented to Trustee at the time of auction in order to bid (“Bidder’s Deposit”). Successful bidder will be required to deposit with Trustee a deposit (non-refundable) in an amount equal to Bidder’s Deposit or 10% of successful bid (whichever is greater) in cash or certified funds at time of sale, with the closing to occur within thirty days of the date of said sale. There is no warranty relating to right, title, interest, or the like in this disposition. Property is being sold pursuant to Va. Code § 55-516, and title will be conveyed pursuant to statute and subject to all liens or encumbrances as provided in said statute. All information for review by appointment only or one hour prior to auction time at auction location. Notwithstanding the minimum bids set forth above, the Trustee reserves the right to accept and/or reject all offers. Time is of the essence. Other conditions may be announced at the sale.

TRUSTEE: Pender & Coward, P.C., 222 Central Park Ave., Virginia Beach, VA Phone: (757) 490-6261

36 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

LIFESTYLES

April-Early May 2013

Sunday, April 7 Bus trip to “Sister Act” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. Bus to depart the Ocean Pines Community Center at 8:30 a.m. to arrive at the theater for the 1 p.m. show. The bus will stop for lunch approximately 11:30 a.m. The bus will return to Ocean Pines immediately following the show, stopping for dinner in Wilmington. Cost $80 and includes transportation and admittance to the show. 410-641-7052. Movie night, Ocean Pines Yacht Club, dinner 5 p.m., movie 6 p.m. Rise of the Guardians. Monday, April 8 Ocean Pines Camera Club’s monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Ocean Pines library. Featuring Jeanne Anderton of Salisbury University’s art department on “The Color of Light.” New members welcome. Wednesday, April 10 Sweet Sounds, concert by the Stephen Decatur High School Legacy of Sound Concert Choir and SDHS Beyhond the Blue Show Choir, with special guests the Delmarva Chorus Chapter of Sweet Adelines International. SDHS auditorium, Route 50 and Seahawk Road, Berlin, 6:30 p.m. Donation $10 per person. Tickets and information, Josie Cover, 410-641-2171. Free desserts and soft drinks during intermission Thursday, April 11 Ocean Pines Garden Club’s annual Arbor Day memorial tree planting ceremony and luncheon, 10 a.m., Pintail Park, Ocean Pines. Commemorates OPGC friends and relatives who have passed away in the last year. Featuring the Delmarva Chorus and Bagpiper Pat Harmon, local dignitaries. Buffet luncheon at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. Luncheon tickets or more information, Sharon Puser, 410-208-3032. Family fun night, bingo, Ocean Pines Community Center, 6-8 p.m. No cash prizes. Food and drink welcome. Free Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 11, 12, 13 and 14 Ocean Pines Players’ Bistro Performance, “Dear Hortense: An Original Comedy.” Ocean Pines Country Club. Doors open 7 p.m. April 11, 12 and 13. Sunday matinee 2 p.m. Limited seating. Reservations 410-600-0462. www.oceanpinesplayers.org. Saturday, April 13 Spring open house, Pine’eer Craft and Gift Shop, White Horse Park, Ocean Pines, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Handcrafted home decor, jewelry, and fashion accessories, created by members of the Pine’eer Craft Club. Refreshments and door prizes. Spring indoor/outdoor flea market, Ocean Pines Community Center, White Horse Park, 8 a.m.-noon. Sponsored by the Ocean Pines Association.

HAPPENINGS Vendors urged to register early as spaces generally sell out. Refreshments. 410641-7052 or email info@oceanpines.org to register. Worcester County Republican Central Committee, Lincoln Day dinner, 5:30 p.m., Lighthouse Sound. $40 per person. Tickets 410-632-5454. Ocean Pines Anglers Club’s monthly meeting, 9:30 a.m., Ocean Pines library. Featuring Cpl. Frost from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on new regulations, boating channel changes and poaching; how-to fishing vidoes; fishing flea market to buy or sell rods, reels, lures, and related equipment. Public welcome. Sunday, April 14 Kiwanis’ annual Italian Dinner fundraiser, DeNovo’s Trattoria, Manklin Creek Road. Three seatings—5, 6 and 7 p.m., tickets only, on a first-come, first-served basis for all time slots. If a particular time slot is sold out, no walkins will be allowed for that seating time. Tickets $10 for adults and $5 for all children under 12. Four people per table. Call Ralph Chinn at 410-208-6719 for reservations/tickets. Fuull service bar available for all seatings. Carry-outs available. Benefits local youth. Monday, April 15 Democratic Womens Club monthly meeting, an Pines Community Center. Coffee and conversation 9:30 a.m, meeting 10 a.m. Stay-for-lunch event. Guests and new members are welcome to attend. Tuesday through Friday, April 16-18 Coast Guard Auxiliary boating course, Ocean Pines library, 6-9 p.m. Maryland boating certificate required for boat born after July 1, 1972, is awarded with successful completion of the course. Basic boat handling, navigation, federal and state regulations, piloting, knots, boat terms, aids to navigation, equipment, maintenance and more. $15 for all three evenings or $10 for those 16 years old or younger. To register, call 6291016 or Email CGAUX1205 @Gmail.co. Wednesday, April 17 Retired Nurses of Ocean Pines monthly meeting, 3 p.m., Ocean Pines library. Peggy Naleppa, CEO of PRMC, and Nancy Creighton on changes in health care and what can be expected from Obamacare. Public welcome Thursday, April 18 Pine’eer Craft Club’s monthly meeting, 9:45 a.m., Ocean Pines Community Center. Welcoming prospective new members. All residents of Ocean Pines and neighboring communities invited to attend, sample the refreshments, and participate in the craft. Tour of club’s craft shop by club president Sharon Puser. Business meeting,

followed by members making stepping stones. Cost $5. Call 410-208-1979 to reserve a stepping stone kit. Women’s Club of Ocean Pines fundraiser, cards and games, 10 a.m.2 p.m., Ocean Pines Yacht Club. $25 per person. Lunch, munchies, dessert, raffles. Preorder soup (tomato basil or chicken noodle) and entrée (trio salad plate or tossed garden salad with chicken and assorted dressings). 410-2080171 or 410-208-2569. Individuals or tables of players may reserve by sending name(s) and the type of cards or games to Diane McGraw, 7 Central Parke West, Ocean Pines MD 21811, checks payable to WCOP. Benefits the club’s high school scholarship and community donations. Friday, April 19 Bus trip, Boiling Spring, Pa. “Candidate for Murder” murder mystery. Bus leaves Community Center 9 a.m. 410-641-7052 for prices and details. Other events include Fiery Debate, Funky Fundraisers, and Fierce Political Speeches. Worcester County Tea Party monthly meeting, Ocean Pines Community Center, 7 p.m. Special guest speakers will be Salisbury University’s Marc Street, PhD, and Delegate Mike McDermott. Public invited. 443-6147214, WorTeaParty@gmail.com, www. worcestercountyteaparty.com. Saturday, April 20 County e-cycling. West Ocean City Park and Ride. Dispose of old computers, televisions and other materials not suitable for landfills. Free for county residents. Sunday, April 21 Concerts by the Tidewater Singers, a 20+ voice acapella choir, from Easton, Md., featuring Renaissance, ecclesiastical and contemporary music, Community Church of Ocean Pines, 3 p.m. matinee and 7 p.. Tickets $20 each. Proceeds from the concerts will support the Jesse Klump Memorial Fund, sponsors of the Worcester County Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Program, and the Tidewater Singers. www. jessespaddle.org or 443-982-2716. Thursday, April 25 Investment seminar, earning income on investments and mitigating risk, presented by Carrie Dupuie, AAMS, of Raymond James Financial Services, Berlin. East Room, Ocean Pines Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m., 6:30-8 p.m. Republican Women of Worcester County, general meeting and dinner, 5 p.m., Antipasta Restaurant, 33rd Street, Coastal Highway, Ocean City. Featuring Cyndy Howell, Worcester County volunteer service manager. Reservations 410208-6018.

Saturday, April 27 Suddenly Single workshop, sponsored by the Worcester County Commission for Women, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Family Life Center, Community Church of Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road (Route 589). Led by Jami Vlachos, MA, a certified personal and professional coach from Cornerstone Growth Solutions. $7 in advance, includes lunch. Payment online at www.friendsofwccw.org or checks made payable to FWCCW, P.O. Box 1712, Berlin MD 21811. Registration deadline is April 22. 410-208-1272 or email f.daly@mchsi.com. Sunday, April 28 Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra concert, “Joyous to Glorious,” Community Church of Ocean Pines, Racetrack Road. 3 p.m. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3. Pre-concert talk 2 p.m. www. midatlanticsymphony.com for tickets.

Ongoing

Pine’eer Craft Club, White Horse Park, Ocean Pines, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Handcrafted home decor, jewelry, and fashion accessories, created by members of the Pine’eer Craft Club. Worcester Chorale rehearsals, Atlantic United Methodist Church, 4th Street, Ocean City, Wednesdays, April 10, 17, and 24, and May 1 and 8. 410208-4707. Pancake breakfast every Saturday, 8 a.m. till noon, Ocean City Airport, to support the Ocean City Aviation Association’s Huey Memorial Display restoration and continuous maintenance fund. The display is located near the Terminal and requires no security procedures to view. Contact Tom Oneto, 410-641-6888, or Airport Operations,410-213-2471. Suicide Grievers’ Support Group, 3rd Wednesday every month, 6 p.m., Worcester County Health Department, Healthway Drive, Berlin, adjacent to

Atlantic General Hospital. Open to anyone who has lost a friend or loved one to suicide. Free of charge. Quiet listening, caring people, no judgment. 410-629-0164 or www. jessespaddle.org. Kiwanis Club meets every Wednesday at 7:45 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Community Center except Wednesday, Nov. 14, and the third Wednesday of the month when they meet at the Woodlands in Ocean Pines from January through May 2013 for an evening dinner meeting starting 6 p.m., $18 per person. Doors open 5:30 p.m. all 410-641-7330. Sanctioned duplicate bridge games, Ocean Pines Community Center, Sundays 1 p.m., Mondays noon, Tuesdays 10 a.m. Partners guaranteed. $5, special games $6. Third Sunday of every month is Swiss teams (no partner guaranteed for teams). Felicia Daly, 410208-1272; Pat Kanz, 410-641-8071

LIFESTYLES

April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

‘DEAR HORTENSE’ OPENS APRIL 11

Director Don Klein revels in latest Pines Players’ production By SUSAN CANFORA Contributing Writer

Don Klein directing a recent rehearsal for Dear Hortense, an Ocean Pines Players production that will be opening April 11 at the Ocean Pines Country Club. looked too healthy for the role. Afterward, he thought he should have replied that he was supposed to look healthy. The characters didn’t die of illness, but because they were poisoned. Klein was a news reporter from 1955 to 1970, then he handled public relations for the Maryland Port Authority, later called the Maryland Port Administration, retiring in 1991. In the early 2000s, he wrote for weekly papers on the Shore, but eventually, he said, “The thrill of it was just gone.” Not so with directing. “The theater is my avocation. I love that stuff,” he said. He also is fond of the talents of playwright Bob Davis of Bethany Beach, who wrote Hortense. It’s the second one he’s written that caught the attention of the Players. A retired businessman, he has penned about 19 plays. “He’s good at comedy. We like to call him the Neil Simon of the Shore,” Klein said. Dear Hortense opens at the Ocean

Pines Country Club Thursday, April 11, at 8 p.m. and continues at the same time Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13. There will be a 3 p.m. matinee Sunday, April 14. Guests should arrive an hour or so before the curtain goes up, so they have time to enjoy hors d’oeuvres. Coffee and dessert will be served at intermission. Admission cost is $24 and the play is not recommended for children. Pines Players started using the Country Club last year for the female version of The Odd Couple and Summer of Our Discontent, also written by Davis. “We bring in risers, and there’s a stage on one end and patrons at tables where they can have their hors d’oeuvres and cake. They sit around the table, with six to eight people at a table. We sell reserved tickets and also have walkins unless the room is filled to capacity,” Klein said, estimating it holds about 70. It was while working for a weekly newspaper, around 1994, that a co-worker asked Klein to join the Pines Players.

Since then he acted in about 20 plays, portraying one of the Sunshine Boys and performing the lead role in Lend Me A Tenor. “Sometimes I only had one or two lines, but I loved it,” he said. When he was growing up in New York, he often went to the theater. Later, he moved to Baltimore, and still attended plays. “Now we’re out here and there is nothing to do, no theater other than the Ocean Pines Players, to speak of, although now they’re starting to have shows up in Delaware and in Salisbury; there’s the Community Players and the university. “This is a lot of fun. Nobody gets paid. You know, we spend three months rehearsing. We started in January,” he said. “I’m enjoying it. There is a lot of subtle humor in this play and some of it is outright bawdy. We all really enjoy it. I think this show is going to be a hot ticket.”

AQUATICS

OPA looks to build on recent swim lesson successes By VIRGINIA REISTER Contributing Writer

t has been a busy season at Sports Core with early bird swim, swim lessons, the usual swim exercise classes like Swimmin Wimmin, Shape Ups H2O, Creaky Joints, Water Aerobics, Power Up and Wet Works, and four swim team practices (Ocean Pines Hammerheads, Stephen Decatur High School Swim Team, Super Sharks (masters) and the MidDelmarva YMCA. The Sports Core pool also hosts birthday parties, members and guests, special groups by request and the general public. Special classes like Scuba diving, kayaking, training days for fire departments, paramedics, Beach Patrol and other programs getting ready for the season, plus an ongoing program for Little Lambs Daycare, keep the pool busy. There’s still plenty of room for lap swimming -- two lanes are open most of the time -- and pool hours are from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends.

Head instructor Michelle Hitchens supervising a student with the kickboard. The swim lesson program is headed by Michelle Hitchens, assisted by Nancy Hendricks, head guard at the Sports Core. Both are undergoing Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) training at Salisbury University, to graduate in April.

t’s the contrast between theater and writing that attracts Don Klein to the stage. There might be a theatrical irony there, but it explains why the 84-yearold Ocean City resident, who spent his career writing, is so thoroughly enjoying directing the Ocean Pines Players newest offering, Dear Hortense. “The theater and journalism are my two loves. They are absolutely opposite from each other. Journalism is facts and theater is illusion and make believe,” said Klein, who isn’t new at directing. He formerly directed the play Death Trap. “As the director, you take a script and mold it into what you think it should be. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. The audience decides,” he said. “The director probably has more experience acting than anybody. In this cast, we have inexperienced and experienced people. Four are very experienced, and there are four who are relatively new. The director has to shape and you have to advise and cajole. It’s nice. Almost like a teacher, only you’re not teaching them anything other than how to project,” he said. “As a director, you know the job, you feel the job. It isn’t so much a matter of learning how to direct. You just feel it. If you like something and you understand it well enough you can transform it,” he said. Hortense focuses on a reporter for a major newspaper that remains unnamed. His bosses promote him to writing an advice column called Dear Hortense. “It’s their version of Dear Abby,” said Klein. The reporter, Don Taylor, played by veteran Pines Players actor Sammy Barnes, is not only ill-equipped to type the column, but bumbles into getting personally involved with those hungering for advice. “Meanwhile, he has his own problems with three different women. They all end up all together in the same place at one point. It’s a messy thing but a funny story. He’s giving advice, and he can’t even take care of the problems in his own life,” Klein said, laughing. “I love the theater. You know, when you retire, you do a lot of things for fun. I got involved in theater,” he said. Years ago, he tried out for the part of one of the men killed by the sweet aunts in the play Arsenic and Old Lace, but was turned down because he apparently

“As a director, you know the job, you who wrote Hortense. It’s the second one vres and cake. They sit around the table, paid. You know, we spend three months feel the job. It isn’t so much a matter of he’s written January,” he 38 Ocean Pines PROGRESS April-Early May 2013 that caught the attention of with six to eight people at a table. We rehearsing. We started in OPINION learning how to direct. You just feel it. If the Players. A retired businessman, he sell reserved tickets and also have walk- said. you like something and you understand has penned about 19 plays. ins unless the room is filled to capacity,” “I’m enjoying it. There is a lot of sub‘DEAR it well enough you HORTENSE’ can transform it,” he OPENS APRIL 11 “He’s good at comedy. We like to call Klein said, estimating it holds about 70. tle humor in this play and some of it is said. him the Neil Simon of the Shore,” Klein It was while working for a weekly outright bawdy. We all really enjoy it. I Hortense focuses on a reporter for said. newspaper, around 1994, that a co-work- think this show is going to be a hot ticka major newspaper that remains unDear Hortense opens at the Ocean er asked Klein to join the Pines Players. et.” named. His bosses promote him to writcean Pines residents will recall with little that of elected commissioners. As those well AnMoreover, ownersthe of curious the Ocean Downs had ing an advice column called Dear Hortexcursion through and culAn the excursion through theby-ways curious by-ways plans for a movie theater and bowling ense. fondness the decision several years ago, versed in zoning matters can recite from memory, ofannounced Worcester County’s County’s most densely com of Worcester mostpopulated densely popu byofa Dear visiting circuit “It’s delivered their version Abby,” said court judge spot rezonings require changes in the character alley elsewhere on their property. There’s enough By TOM STAUSS/ Publisher TOM Publisher STAUSS/ Klein.some urban jungle across the bay, that gave of a neighborhood or a mistake in zoning to pass By from commercial zoning within the complex to make The reporter, Don Taylor, played by ownership of a parcel south of Ocean Pines into muster. both feasible. veteran Pines Players actor Sammy By SUSAN CANFORA the eager hands of the Mid-Delmarva YMCA. So much for judicial restraint and deference to The evolution of Ocean Downs into a major REISTER Barnes, is not only ill-equipped type By VIRGINIA Contributing Writer Some felt the Ocean Pinesto Association had the judgments of elected representatives of the entertainment complex is, by any reasonable the column, but bumbles into getting Contributing Writer t’s the contrast between and technicality people. Should this decision stand, one semi- assessment, a change in the character of the been robbed of the asset.theater On a legal personally involved with those hungert has been retired a busy season at Sports Corejudge with early writing that Klein toofthe and less thanattracts stellarDon drafting the applicable Harford County who bird currently neighborhood. Clearly, it’s a major, significant, and ing for advice. swim, swim lessons, the usual swim exercise classes like stage. conveyance contract by its attorney back in the lives in Dorchester County will have decided an important change. The attorney for the opponents “Meanwhile, he has his own probSwimmin Wimmin, Shape Ups H2O, Creaky Joints, Water There mightthe be Ocean a theatrical early 2000s, Pinesirony Association lost important local land use issue best left to elected apparently persuaded the credulous visiting lems with three different women. They there, but it explains why the 84-year- Aerobics, Power Up and Wet Works, and four swim team rights valuable land. representatives. judge that the character of the neighborhood all end to upaall togetherpiece in theof same place practices (Ocean Head instructor Pines Hammerheads, Stephen Decatur High old Ocean City resident, who spent his Don Klein directing a recent at More one point. It’s a there messywas thing butdecision a School recently, the by the Burbage plans to appeal this absurd decision had not changed – that Ocean Downs was a Michelle Swim Team, Super Sharks (masters) and the Midcareer writing, is so thoroughly enjoying rehearsal for Dear Hortense, funnyTax story. He’s and giving advice, and he on Hitchens U.S. Court its accomplices the U.S. to the state’s Court of Special Appeals, where gaming venue prior to the arrival of the casino Delmarva YMCA. directing the Ocean Pines Players newan Ocean Pines Players can’t even take care theFourth problems in supervising The Sports his Core pool that alsowill hosts parties, members Court of Appeals forofthe Circuit imposing prospects are uncertain at best. What this and aremained so afterward. A breathtakingly est offering, Dear Hortense. production be birthday his own life,” Klein said,the laughing. student with and guests, special request and to theisgeneral public.should an income tax OPA’s revenues from case really comes down this: Who insipid and myopic argument, but successful “The theater andon journalism are my opening Aprilgroups 11 at theby Ocean “I love the theater. You know, when Special classes like Scuba diving, kayaking, training days the kickboard. The Ocean thrilled Pines Progress, a jou two loves.at They absolutelyBeach opposite Pinesthese Country Club. parking theare oceanfront Club in Ocean make kinds of decisions, absent some nonetheless. Lawyers are always when you retire, you do a lot of things for fun. for fire departments, paramedics, Beach Patrol and other news and commentary, is pu from each other. Journalism is facts and City. The disappointment and incredulity on that unambiguous abuse of discretion by elected one of their really ludicrous arguments resonates I got involved in theater,” he said. getting ready for the season, plus an ongoing The swim lesson program is headed by Michelle Hitchens, monthly throughout the year theater isstill illusion andlocally. make There’s believe,” programs travesty lingers comfort officials? appealing Pines to theCountry secondClub highest with the robed onethen on the looked toofor healthy the By role. Thursday, 11, Since he dais. acted 20 plays, Years ago, he tried out for the part oflittle program Little for Lambs Daycare, keep the pool busy. assisted April by Nancy Hendricks, head guard in atinabout the Sports Core. said Klein, who isn’t new at directing. circulated Ocean Pines, Berlin in frombynew law carved of thestillcourt inofthe state, Burbage is --hoping for some The judgeportraying informed theof assembled witnesses he thought he should at 8 p.m. and continues at theare same time one the Sunshine Boys and onevictimhood of the men killed the sweet aunts outAfterward, There’s plenty room for lap swimming two lanes Both undergoing Red Cross Water Safety Instructor He formerly directed the play Death Ocean City, Snow Hill, Ocean C replied hefrom was asupposed tohours Friday, April 612, and Saturday, April performing the leadtorole Lend Me A ether. relief example of overreach this 13. spectacular miscarriage thatin the change in the play Arsenic and Old Lace, but have are open mostthat of the time -- clear and pool arejudicial from a.m. (WSI) to training at Salisbury University, graduate Trap. Capain’s Cove, Va. in April. look healthy. The characters didn’t die ofp.m.There will be a 3 p.m. matinee Sunday, Tenor. was not was turned down because he apparently Similar foreign justice has been delivered to from another set of robed arbiters. in the neighborhood “major” but had to be until 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 9 weekends. “As the director, you take a script and Letters other editorial subm illness, but because they were poisoned. April 14. “Sometimes Ipass onlyand had one or two local developer Jack Burbage in the case of his That’s hardly an enviable position. At best, it’s in order for the rezoning to judicial muster. mold it into what you think it should be. Please submit via email only. was a anews should arriveitan hour or so onlines, I loved it,”change he said. which hasWe 28-acre parcel on Route 589, adjacent toKlein Ocean thinreporter reed of from hope.1955 But it is,Guests as they say, what Wrong two but fronts. The Sometimes it works, and sometimes it accept faxes or submissions that r to 1970, then he handled public rela- before the curtain goes up, so they have When he was growing up in New Pines, that the Worcester County Commissioners is: And not to appeal is to acquiesce. been occurring at Ocean retyping. Downs Letters has been major, doesn’t. The audience decides,” he said. should be origin tions for the Maryland Port Authority, time to enjoy hors d’oeuvres. Coffee and York, he often went to the theater. Later, “The director probably exrezoned last year fromhas anmore agricultural tothe Maryland The county commissioners, they acted but there’s nothing in to zoning law to that says it has exclusive thestill Progress. Include lateruse called Port Adminisdessertwhen will be served at intermission. he moved Baltimore, and attendperience acting this commercial. A than groupanybody. of local In residents not keen to rezone the Burbage site last summer, relied to be. Check the statutes on-line or in your local tration, retiring in 1991. Admission cost is $24 and the play is not ed plays. cast, we have inexperienced and experi- of the site heavily on the fact that the nearby Ocean Downs law library: The judge has imposed a standard on potential commercial development In the early 2000s, he wrote for week- recommended for children. “Now we’re out here and there is enced people.wants Four are very experienced, – Burbage to develop the site aslya papers medical Racetrack had, in the intervening months started from that basednothing on nothing soNottingham vague it on the Shore, but eventually, Pines Players usingis the to do,and no is theater otherthat than 127 Lane and there are four who are relativehe Atlantic said, “The thrill of it was justearlier gone.” comprehensive Country Club last year for couldn’t the female the Ocean Players, to speak of, campus, in a cooperative venture with the time of an rezoning, possibly be an Pines enforceable standard. Ocean Pines, MD ly new. The director has to shape and Not so with directing. versioncasino of The Odd Couple and Summer although now they’re starting to tohave General filed suitIt’s fornice. a judicial review morphed into a robust 24-hour operation. If somehow it is despite common sense the you have Hospital to advise – and cajole. “The theaterPreviously, is my avocation. I love of Our Discontent, also written by Davis.– orshows up in Delaware and in Salisbury; of the commissioners’ decision to rezone. the venue had offered little more than contrary perhaps some outlier case law from Almost like a teacher, only you’re not PUBLISHER/EDITOR PUBLISHER/EDITO that stuff,” he said. “We bring in risers, and there’s a there’s the Community Players and the Bottom line: The visiting robed it Stauss ought to teaching them anything other than how wunderkind a truncated season of harness racing and some Outer Mongolia supports it -- then Tom He also is fond of the talents of play- stage on one end and patrons at tables university. Tom Stauss substituted his judgment on whether the simulcast racing events, along with the modest be elected representatives, not tstauss1@mchsi.com judges, who decide to project,” he said. wright Bob Davis of Bethany Beach, where they can have their hors d’oeu“This is a lot oftstauss1@mchsi.com fun. Nobody gets “As a director, know the job, had you changed for betting on outcomes that occurs at such venues. what’s major and what isn’t. – Tom character of theyou neighborhood Stauss who wrote Hortense. It’s the second one vres and cake. They sit around the table, paid. You know, we spend three months 410-641-6029 feel the job. It isn’t so much a matter of 410-641-6029 he’s written that caught the attention of with six to eight people at a table. We rehearsing. We started inAdvertising January,” he learning how to direct. You just feel it. If Advertising the Players. A retired businessman, he sell reserved tickets and also have walk- said. you like something and you understand date fearful children to fearful adults to there is no requirement to compete or has penned about 19 plays. ins unless the room is filled to capacity,” “I’m enjoying it. There a lot of subARTis DIRECTOR it well enough you can transform it,” he improve skills and accomplish goals. register with a competitive organization. “He’s good at comedy. We like to call Klein said, estimating it holds about 70. tle humor in this playART and some of it is DIRECTOR Rota Knott said. Call 410-641-5255 for information or The group meets three days a week, From Page 34 From Page 37 him the Neil Simon of the Shore,” Klein It was while working for a weekly outright bawdy. We all really enjoy it. I Hugh Dougherty Hortense a take reporter for 410-641-7052 to sign up for Spring and Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. Hendricksfocuses will go on to her LGI drafted by Johnson brought said. newspaper, around 1994, that a co-work- think this show is going will to bebe a hot ticka(Lifeguarding major newspaper that remains un- Summer. Instructor) certification. to the board and POA membership for CONTRIBUTING Dear Hortense opens at the Ocean er asked Klein to join the Pines Players. et.” named. His bosses him to writPublic Art at the Sports Core pool Other guards assistpromote with the lessons as discussion at the board’sWRITERS May meeting, CONTRIBUTING WRI ing ansize advice column called Dear Hort- Super Sharks Jody Veader, well-known artist and Hearn said. class warrants. Rota Knott Knott ense. regular swimmer, is hanging up her All instructors have a Level 1 ASCA Hearn also introduced theReister associaSuper Sharks Ginny Inkwellmedia@comcast. “It’s their version of Dear Abby,” said paintbrush after two years of cleaning (American Swim Coaches Association) have been active tion’s new communications coordinator, Klein. and painting trash cans at OPA pools. certification. Justin Wilder, who was443-880-1348 responsible for and coached since The program reporter, has Donbeen Taylor, played by 2009 when they She started with water creatures assembling the detailed batch of supgrowing slowveteran Pines delivery Players ofactor and progressed to all things natural porting documentation included as part ly, but recent flyersSammy to all were the Senior VIRGINIA REISTER Barnes, is not ill-equipped to type By in the local area. The new Assateague of the agenda for the meeting and is althe schools hasonly resulted in an upswing, Sharks aimed at the column, bumbles ponies can is very popular with staff and ready at work revamping the POA’s Web many parentsbut saying they into didn’tgetting know Contributing the SeniorWriter Olympersonally involved with those hunger- pics noticed poolbird users. Mike Hazard, coach Core about Ocean Pines programs. site, among other tasks. for competition t has been a busy season at Sports with by early ingClasses for advice. Theclasses point oflike this project was not only the usual Super Sharks are divided into four levels and Outdoor bathhouse – The Marieventually inofthe swim, swim lessons, swim exercise “Meanwhile, he has his own prob- cluded to make things look good and cared for, na Club’s outdoor bathhouse continues younger triathletes and masters based upon age: Starfish (3-5), Guppies Swimmin Wimmin, Shape Ups H2O, Creaky Joints, Water lems three (7-9) different was to encourage patrons to treat to subside and, in response to a memswimmersPower who Up needed (5-7), with Dolphins and women. MarlinsThey (10- Aerobics, and the Wet coaching. Works, andbut four swim team all up all together in the same place practices the art effort High with respect and keep the ber question, Hearn acknowledged that The present is Mike Hazard, 12).end Private, semi-private and small Head instructor (Ocean coach Pines Hammerheads, Stephen Decatur at one lessons point. It’s messy thing a School cans cleaner. a masters swimmer, lifeguard, certified group area available for but those there are no dollars in the current year’s Michelle Swim Team, Super Sharks (masters) and the Midfunny story. He’s giving advice, and he Delmarva It took two years to complete pool operator, working on his ASCA who can’t meet a standard schedule. Hitchens eight budget to fix it. The same is true for YMCA. can’t even and takeothers care of the problems in Level With Jody deciding to hang up structural issues – defects in the build1 certification, withhosts plans to cans. Adults seeking stroke imsupervising a The Sports Core pool also birthday parties, members his own life,”orKlein her general paintbrush, the Aquatics Advisory ing’s pilings -- he said. Nagle added that continue training and education. provement whosaid, are laughing. non-swimmers and student with guests,his special groups by request and the public. love the theater. You know, when Special Committee looking for a new painter the Marina Club’s baby pool is sinking. He graduated can“Irequest private lessons. the kickboard. classesfrom like SUNY ScubaOswego diving, with kayaking, trainingis days youThis retire, you do athe lot program of things for a B.A. Education paramedics, and has been a volunteer. summer willfun. be for fire in departments, Beach Patrol andThere otherare eight more trash The bathhouse and baby pool are not Iheld got involved in theater,” he said. go for the Swim and Racquet and program resident ofgetting Ocean Pines 2002season, and cans at Mumford’s Landing pool, as it programs open for is use by thebyCove membership. ready since for the plustoan ongoing The swim lesson headed Michelle Hitchens, Years he tried outstaff for the part of program new Yacht Club pools. has worked in the insurance field for was last ago, summer. The is looking “It is an inconvenience, and it needs for Little Lambs Daycare, keep the pool busy. assisted by Nancy Hendricks, head guard at the Sports Core. one of thetomen killed by theThe sweet aunts 17There’s Anyone interested in volunteering is to Red years before moving to hospitality. forward a good turnout. program be addressed,” Hearn said.Instructor The earlistill plenty of room for lap swimming -- two lanes Both are undergoing Cross Water Safety in the play Arsenic and Old Lace, asked contact the committee chair at atSalisbury the of class is -- aimed is individualized to permit any kindbut of are While est opportunity fortothat wouldinseem to open most the time and pool at hours are to from 6 a.m. (WSI) training University, graduate April. was turned down because 410-422-3704. encouraging competitive swimmers, lesson at almost any timehetoapparently accommo- until be in the Fiscal Year 2014 budget. 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends.

COMMENTARY

Director Don Klein horrible judicial outcome Another really LIFE IN THE LIFE INPINES THE PINES revels in latest AQUATICS Pines Players’ production OPA looks to build on recent swim lesson successes

AQUATICS

CAPTAIN’S COVE

AQUATICS

OPA looks to build on recent swim lesson successes

OPINION

April-Early May 2013 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

Another kerfuffle brewing on OPA collections policy

LIFE IN THE LIFE INPINES THE PINES

was in the drafting process. here’s a bit of kerfuffle brewing Thompson recently hinted that he between at least one member of An excursion through the curious cul-de-sacs An excursion through theby-ways curious and by-ways and cul-de-sacs may interpret the filing of liens and the OPA board of directors, Marof Worcester County’s County’s most densely community. initiating foreclosure proceedings as ty Clarke, and General Manager Bob of Worcester mostpopulated densely populated community. and cul-de-sacs eby-ways curious by-ways and cul-de-sacs complying with the legal action cited in Thompson over the ways and means of Publisher By TOM STAUSS/ By TOM STAUSS/Publisher ely populated community. most densely populated community. Clarke’s January motion. collecting past due assessments from If he follows through with that approperty owners who, for whatever rea- should click and run to the old site be- newed determination not to pay, or to proach, it’s likely to trigger an epic exson, have been unable or unwilling to fore it’s taken down. avoid paying for as long as possible. stay current. Anyone interested in taking a bet on And maybe a surreptitious smirk on plosion from Clarke, who’s known for such eruptions, complete with colorful At issue is whether instructions to whether the names appear in the next the way to make a bank deposit. the general manager to take delinquent edition of the OPA’s prize-winning quarIt was evident from discussion during graphics and language that would have owners to court, passed unanimously by terly house organ? the board’s January meeting, and then horrified your grandmother. Nowadays, not so much. the board in aOPINION motion in January, really Some publications in the area print- a follow-up discussion in February, that If, as seems possible given the curmeans what it says or is so much hot air. ed the names; this one didn’t, primarily the legal action intended by Clarke inBest guess: Hot air. because the press release that contained volved “courts of competent jurisdiction” rent state of play, Thompson doesn’t Another segment of the approved the names arrived after the deadline and the filing of lawsuits designed to col- intend to file lawsuits against property owners for the amounts owed, he should motion has been implemented, albeit for the March edition. At this late date, lect the moneys owed. perfunctorily: release of names whose publishing the names seems pointless, There really was no ambiguity, no simply so advise his bosses on the board arrearages are $5,000 or greater. gratuitous and maybe even, in a formu- wiggle room, in the intent of the motion. and adhere to conviction. The subtext to Oceanmonths Pines Progress, journal of evi- the directors should be readily underThat release, with no addresses, lation occasionally used by the general TheThree later, athere is no hn the curious by-ways and cul-de-sacs through the curious by-ways and incul-de-sacs amounts owed or salacious details news and commentary, is published dence that the OPA staff or its hired stood: He’s not going to file suit, and if manager, just plain mean. an Pines Progress, a journal of ’sr County’s most densely populated community. most densely community. cluded, occurred in early populated March. monthly throughout thesuit year.against It is the the directors don’t like it, they can find a legal guns have filed Publishing a list of names was not d commentary, is published The list doesn’t appear on the OPA the primary purpose of Clarke’s motion delinquent circulated in Ocean Pines, Berlin, West property owners. Clarke is new general manager. blisher throughout the year. It is But it needn’t be couched in the lanWeb site, at least where you might ex- instructing the GM to act. Those without asking Ocean City, Snow Hill, Ocean City and questions. He’s sent email off to d in Ocean Pines, Berlin, West guage of confrontation. The better appect to find it; perhaps it’s buried deep the means or desire to pay the OPA what the Capain’s Cove, Va. OPA treasurer, colleague Terri Mohr, ity, Snow Hill, Ocean City and proach would be for Thompson to advise on the site in a section that takes multi- it’s owed are not going to be motivated to wanting Letters and other editorial submissions: answers. Cove,ple Va.computer clicks to find. Initially, according toWeClarke, the the directors that, after considerable pay up by seeing their names in print. Please submit via email only. do not nd otherAeditorial submissions: new, improved, user-friendly Web deafeningthat silence. The more likely result is mild irri- response accept faxeswas or submissions requireThen reflection, he believes filing suit against bmitsite via email only. We to do launch not is expected shortly with tation or amusement, followed by a re- came a reply suggesting that a and “report” delinquent property owners is not necesretyping. Letters should be original xes or submissions that rabbit require holes eliminatsary and not in the best interest of propthese obscure exclusive to the Progress. Include phone Letters be original andthe list of names erty owners or the association. ed: should So those wanting to the Progress. Include phone It wouldn’t be too surprising if he’s already made his views known to certain 127 Nottingham Lane, directors. this area with water coming within a few Ocean Pines, MD He might even ask OPA President Unacceptable drainage 7 Nottingham Lane, feet of the houses located in the affected Tom Terry or other rock solid allies on the I have just finished reading the most Ocean Pines, MD where there is any significant board – can anyone say Sharyn O’Hare? recent edition of the Progress [March- areaPUBLISHER/EDITOR PUBLISHER/EDITOR The Ocean Pines Progress, a journal of amount of rain. – to draft a new motion specifically Early April 2013] with particular Tom Stauss Tomthat Stauss BLISHER/EDITOR BLISHER/EDITOR news and commentary, is published I am aware during the warmer repealing the applicable portion of the attention given to the articles relating tstauss1@mchsi.com The Oceanthroughout Pines Progress, a journal of Tom Stauss tstauss1@mchsi.com monthly the year. It is mosquitoes are a problem February motion instructing the GM to Tom Stauss to the 2013-14 budget for Ocean Pines months news and commentary, is published 410-641-6029 auss1@mchsi.com circulated in Ocean Pines, Berlin, West within the Pines. The area that I have file suit. 410-641-6029 and some of the expenditures addressed tauss1@mchsi.com monthly throughout the year. It is circuAdvertising just described always has some standing Ocean City, Snow Hill, Ocean City and 410-641-6029 Given who’s on the board currently, within the budget. It gives one pause to Advertising lated in Ocean Pines, Berlin, Ocean City, 410-641-6029 water except in the driest of times. such a motion would probably pass comCapain’s Cove, Va. Advertising wonder why such a significant amount and Captain’s Cove, Va. Advertising DIRECTOR ThisART problem is more than an fortably. Letters and other othersubmissions editorial submissions: of funding is being allocated for projects Letters and should be ARTRota DIRECTOR itKnott is a health hazard. Then again, surprises happen. Please email not associated with the Yacht Club and inconvenience; sent viasubmit emailviaonly. Weonly. do We not do accept ART DIRECTOR Hugh Dougherty Mosquitoes carry any number of diseases Hiding behind a cutesy interpretation accept faxes or that require the golf course when basic upkeep, ARTRota DIRECTOR faxes or other submissions that require Knott transmittable to humans and of what really was an unambiguous Letters maintenance and improvements within that are CONTRIBUTING Letters should be original and and Hugh retyping. Dougherty pets and toWRITERS allow such a large breeding motion by Clarke is not the answer. the Pines proper go unaddressed. exclusive to to the the Progress. Progress. Include Include phone phone CONTRIBUTING WRITER ONTRIBUTING is unacceptable. Clarke, of course, will not be a happy I do not want to belabor the fact that area to go unaddressed number for verification. Knott Rota Knott WRITERSWRITER TRIBUTING I attended a board of directors’ camper if, for whatever reason, law suits much of the area within the Pines is Ginny Reister Inkwellmedia@comcast.net approximately one year ago to are not filed. He might even take the Rota Knott Knott 127 Nottingham Lane, in disrepair, but I do want to address meeting 127 Nottingham Lane, known and to furnish matter to court. Ginny Reister 443-880-1348 Ocean Pines, MD. 21811 one specific problem that affects each make my concerns ellmedia@comcast.net Ocean Pines, MD pictures of the area. There, a fascinating debate might resident of the Pines in one way or 443-880-1348 The response I received reminded ensue on what is or is not required PUBLISHER/EDITOR another. Tom Stauss PUBLISHER/EDITOR The lack of upkeep to the drainage me that although the members of the by the OPA bylaws or other founding PUBLISHER/EDITOR tstauss1@mchsi.com ditches and the flooding that takes board are supposed to be looking out for documents. Clearly, these documents Tom Stauss Tom Stauss 410-641-6029 place within the Pines is unacceptable. the well-being of the residents of Ocean reference legal action to collect tstauss1@mchsi.com tstauss1@mchsi.com Although I am not familiar with the Pines, I really was dealing with a group delinquent accounts, but should such 410-641-6029 ADVERTISING 410-641-6029 language be interpreted as requiring locations that are experiencing drainage of politicians. Advertising Tom Stauss They acknowledged that they were such action or merely authorizing it? problems, I am familiar with the flooding Advertising Clarke has his point of view, problem that takes place between the aware of problems and came up with a ART DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR unit block of Liberty Street and the number of reasons for the problem, but energetically expressed in public forums. ARTRota DIRECTOR Rota Knott Knott And he may be right. adjoining property located on Crest no attempt was made to find a solution. Hugh Dougherty The board of directors should address It may take some court action to know Haven Drive. CONTRIBUTING CONTRIBUTING Make no mistake; I am not referring the issue of clogged and improperly for sure. In the meantime, a majority of WRITERS to a small area with a few inches of working drainage ditches. Furthermore, directors could direct Thompson to act WRITERSWRITER CONTRIBUTING Rota Knott standing water. I am speaking of an area they should take some correcting in accordance with the clear intent of Rota Knott Ginny Knott Reister approximately the size of two football measures to eliminate the problem of the January motion. Or not. Ginny Susan Reister Canfora Inkwellmedia@comcast.net Best guess from here is that a board fields with water in some places over flooding areas. The residents of the 443-880-1348 a foot deep. I suppose that I should be Pines really deserve better than what majority isn’t going to want to force him PROOFREADING to do what he clearly doesn’t want to do. grateful that we are not being assessed they are getting. Joanne Williams Ronald A. Sallow In the end, if he holds firm, it’s doubtful at the waterfront rate. After almost any Ocean Pines a majority will force him to act. water event, there is some flooding of

PINES

NPINES THE PINES

LETTER

40 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

April-Early May 2013

K.C. COLGAN

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