Newsletter column: Summer is in full swing

The following appeared in the spring 2023 Ocean Pines Report quarterly newsletter: /documents/20124/91011/OP_newsletter_v55no3_web.pdf/48fe5b2d-9750-8028-7c2a-eba214908eba


Summer is here and I’m sure the weather will cooperate so we can enjoy the wonderful amenities here in Ocean Pines. Given our swimming pools, pickleball and tennis courts, golf course and many other services and facilities, there is something for everyone in our community. 

The Yacht Club is in full swing and with the number of folks that are going there, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings to enjoy the live music, things are looking up for a successful and enjoyable summer season. The Matt Ortt Companies continue to provide great service and quality in managing our food and beverage operations.  
The upgrades to the marina dock have been completed and the GM is addressing a number of other issues, including walking trails and informative signage that will keep Ocean Pines a community we can be proud of in both activities and appearance. With the changes that have been done at the North Gate, the entrance to Ocean Pines is more inviting than ever. As I said in the spring newsletter, all in all, the community and its amenities are in good hands with John Viola and his team.

However, we do have some challenges ahead. The south side fire station building is in need of major renovation. Thanks to Sen. Carozza and Del. Hartman, $1.3 million has been secured that will cover some of the costs of these much-needed improvements. A task force organized by our GM is looking into several potential funding opportunities to address the overall costs of the project. Additionally, in the foreseeable future the Association will need to address the need for professional firefighters, as the ability to effectively staff the department with volunteers is becoming more difficult.

The election is upon us and there are three Director seats to be filled. The candidate pool is sound and I am confident the Association will be in good hands with the new Board. Read the bios, get to know the candidates, and vote for those who you believe will work together and continue to support our community and its membership.

On a personal note, this article is my last as a Board member, as my second term expires in August. I have gladly served the Ocean Pines community for the past seven years through both challenging and prosperous times, and even accomplished a few things along the way. 

I want to thank several of my former board colleagues, committee members, and the GM and his staff who offered their generous support during my time on the Board. I don’t plan on “going away” and “riding off into the sunset” after I’m off the Board, so I’ll see you at the Yacht Club, or the golf course, or the Beach Club, or somewhere else in Ocean Pines. 

Here’s wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable summer season full of good times with family, friends and neighbors.