December 28, 2020
Thank you to everyone who sent us photos in 2020. Although we're not able to feature every picture we receive, we do include them all in a monthly slideshow that's posted on the Ocean Pines Association's Facebook page! This week we're featuring two more lovely Ocean Pines homes decked out for the holidays. If you have a photo that you'd like to share in upcoming editions of "This Week in the Pines," please email info@oceanpines.org.
Photo submitted by
Ron and Barbara Ferger
Photo submitted by
Jack Bannon and Kathleen Calhoun
COVID-19 Updates
For the latest information from the Ocean Pines Association regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), visit
Recent News
Dates set and materials available for committee budget review
As part of the annual budget process in Ocean Pines, the Budget and Finance Committee will review the preliminary proposed budget during a series of public meetings, scheduled Jan. 6-8.
The meetings will be held virtually using Microsoft Teams. Read more.
Challenges ahead for FY 21-22 budget
Ocean Pines could finish the fiscal year roughly $650,000 positive to budget, but there are plenty of challenges – and options – for the next fiscal period. Read more.
Sports Core Pool holiday hours
The indoor Sports Core Pool will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31. It will be open normal operating hours on Friday, Jan. 1. Read more.
Farmers & Artisans Market turns 10
Next year marks a major milestone for the Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market, as the marketplace will celebrate its tenth anniversary in the spring. Read more.
Leaf Collection Update: Dec. 28
Ocean Pines Public Works will continue to operate its leaf vacuum truck in Bay Colony today, Monday, Dec. 28. Read more.
Comcast Update: Dec. 28
Comcast this week continues to work on infrastructure in several areas of Ocean Pines. Additionally, residents in Sectors 1-4 are now eligible to sign up for service. Read more.
Worcester County offers tree recycling to residents
Area residents can drop off Christmas trees at the Central Landfill in Newark and the Berlin, Pocomoke, and Snow Hill Homeowners Convenience Centers at no cost through Jan. 15. Read more.
Board and Administration

Regular Board Meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.

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Ocean Pines Administration Offices Closed
Jan. 1 in Observance of New Year's Day

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Advisory Committee Members Needed
The Aquatics, Budget and Finance, Strategic Planning, and Marine Activities advisory committees are seeking new members. If you are interested in participating in any of these committees, please email Michelle Bennett at mbennett@oceanpines.org.
Upcoming Events
drop in! Zumba
Drop in for this low-impact, high-energy aerobic exercise program. Sessions will be held at the Community Center on Tuesdays through Dec. 29 from 8:30-9:15 a.m. and Wednesdays through Dec. 30 from 4:30-5:15 p.m. New sessions will begin Jan. 5 & 6. Call 410-641-7052 for information or to register. Read more.
new! Hydrorider Drop In
Ocean Pines Aquatics will hold two drop-in classes for its Hydrorider aqua bikes. Classes will be held on Dec. 29 and Dec. 31 from 5-5:45 p.m. at the Sports Core Pool. $8 per class for Ocean Pines swim members, $10 for Ocean Pines residents and $12 for non-residents. Call 410-641-5255 to register.
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free! "Sweet Tooth, Bitter Truth" Seminar
Participants will learn about the damaging effects of sugar and some practical steps to help tame sugar cravings at a free seminar on Tuesday, Jan. 5 from 11 a.m.-noon at the Community Center. Call 410-641-7052 to reserve a spot. Read more.
drop in! Total Body Fitness
This fun mix of cardio, kickboxing, dance and Tabata will work all muscle groups! Drop in at the Sports Core Pool on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10-10:35 a.m. Call 410-641-5255 for more information. Read more.
register! Tai Chi
Try one of the most effective exercises to improve health, fitness and relaxation. Tai Chi: The 24 Forms begins Jan. 5; Tai Chi for Arthritis I begins Jan. 7. Call the Recreation and Parks Department at 410-641-7052 to register. Read more.
drop in! Shape Ups H20
Enjoy a fun workout set to music using pool noodles, foam barbells and more. The class will finish with a spirited march! Drop in on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-8:50 a.m. Call 410-641-5255 for more information. Read more.
register! Youth Soccer
Young soccer players can get a jump on spring season training with two indoor soccer programs offered by the Recreation and Parks Department this winter beginning Wednesday, Feb. 3. Read more.
See what else is happening in Ocean Pines!

Click the links to learn more.
Dine in Ocean Pines
Ocean Pines Yacht Club

Open at 11am
Closed Dec. 31, Jan 2-Feb 4
Reopens Feb 5

The Clubhouse Bar and Grille

Open Thur-Sun 8am-5pm
Closed Jan 4-27
Reopens Jan 28

50% Off Yacht Club Food & Drinks Jan. 1 (Dine-In Only)
While Quantities Last!
Community & Organization News
Upcoming Events/Meetings
Shepherd's Nook & Flea Market Open
The Shepherd's Nook and Flea Market at the Community Church at Ocean Pines and Sarah's Pantry are open. All facilities require that masks be worn inside. The Nook will be restricted to 8 customers entering at a time and the flea market will be limited to 5 customers at a time. The direct phone number for the Nook and Sarah's Pantry is 410-641-8392. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ocean Pines Anglers Club Asking for Catch Data
Members of the Ocean Pines Anglers Club are asking local anglers to log and submit their catch data, to help improve statistics that govern recreational fishing. To view the form, visit https://fishinoc.com/fish-data.

Ocean Pines Garden Club Meetings
The Ocean Pines Garden Club has been holding Zoom meetings and planning activities while keeping COVID-19 safety measures in mind. The club also has a multi-page newsletter that goes out to members each month. The "Bloomin' News" is full of garden hints, local information and links to outside environmental and gardening sources. New members are always welcome. For more information, contact President Patti Lookner at plookner@gmail.com.

Sundays: Breakfast with the Knights of Columbus / 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Located at 9901 Coastal Highway behind St. Luke's Church. All you can eat. Masks required when walking around. Call 410-524-7994 for more information.

Through Dec. 31: Coastal Hospice Angel Appeal Campaign
Proceeds benefit Coastal Hospice programs. Angel ornaments, personalized with the name of someone a donor wants to honor or memorialize, are hung on eight Coastal Hospice Christmas trees displayed across the region. Contributions can be made at www.coastalhospice.org/angel or by texting "ANGEL" to 345-345. Please include the name of the "angel" so that Costal Hospice can write it on the ornament. Please note who Coastal Hospice should notify of the donation, including name and address. The amount of the donation will not be disclosed. Call 410-742-8732 for more information.

Through Dec. 31: Kiwanis Lottery Raffle Ticket Sales
Purchase tickets now through Dec. 31 for drawings to be held every evening in 2021. Tickets are $20 each and are valid for 365 drawings. Payouts are $20 per evening, except for special dates when winnings are $50-$250. All proceeds benefit local scholarships and youth programs. Tickets may be purchased from any Kiwanis member, or at the Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market, held Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in White Horse Park. Visit www.kiwanisofopoc.org or Facebook at Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines/Ocean City for more details.

Closed Through Jan. 1: Pine'eer Artisan Gift Shop
Please note that the Pine'eer Artisan Gift Shop will be closed through Jan. 1. It will reopen on Saturday, Jan. 2 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and will feature handmade creations from local crafters and artisans. The shop is located in White Horse Park next to the Ocean Pines Administration Building.

Jan. 7: Women's Club of Ocean Pines Monthly Meeting Via Zoom / 10-11 a.m.
The Jan. 7 meeting topic will be "Enjoying Healthy Eating," presented by Amy Gehrig, RD LDN, from the Atlantic General Bariatric Center. Club members will receive an email invitation to access the Zoom meetings. Downloading the Zoom app is recommended. The Women’s Club membership year began in September and is ongoing. Dues are $10 per year. For memberships, contact Joyce Piatti at 410-302-0559 or japiatti@aol.com, or mail dues to her at 13 Chatham Court, Ocean Pines MD 21811. For information about the Women’s Club, contact President Karin Benton at 610-730-6706 or karinhessbenton@gmail.com.

Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4, April 1, May 6: Women's Club of Ocean Pines "Cash for Winners" Raffle
Proceeds benefit scholarships and community donations. Only 100 tickets to be sold; 10 chances to win. A $50 cash first prize and $25 cash second prize drawing will he held on Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4 and April 1. Winning tickets will also be put back for the the next drawing on May 6, which will consist of a $200 cash grand prize and $100 cash second prize. Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased by contacting Irene Daly at 410-790-2192 or ildteach@gmail.com, or Diane McGraw at 410-707-6521 at mcgrawdb@mchsi.com.