March 17, 2025

 
 

Community Partner Spotlight

 

Latest News

Spring/summer 2025 Activity Guide goes online

Programs, events, instructional classes, bus trips, seminars and more from Recreation and Parks, Aquatics, Racquet Sports, Golf, and the Farmers Market. Home delivery coming soon to all OPA homeowners and residents. Read more.

Ocean Pines Yacht Club, Clubhouse Grille to host job fair on March 20

A variety of full-time and seasonal positions are available, including servers and bartenders, hosts and food runners, line cooks and prep cooks, dishwashers, barbacks are more. Applicants are encouraged to bring a resume and be prepared for on-the-spot interviews. Read more.

Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office warns of increased wildfire risks

The Fire Marshal’s Office strongly urges everyone to avoid outdoor burning or to exercise extreme caution if burning is necessary. Read more.

SPAC to present homeowner survey results at March 29 Board Meeting

The survey, which was conducted over several months, received 1,003 total responses. Committee members will discuss key findings, including homeowner priorities and how OPA is addressing top community concerns. Read more.

PinesCast welcomes Matt Ruggiere

Ruggiere shares his journey from a young golfer to the founder of Ruggiere Golf Academy. He discusses his passion for the game, the challenges of competitive play, and his mission to create a welcoming space for golfers of all levels. Read more.

TidalHealth named signature sponsor for Ocean Pines, expanding community support

Healthcare leader deepens commitment to popular local events, podcast, and newsletter through new partnership. Sponsorship includes Concerts in the Park, Family Fun Nights, and July 4 events. Read more.

Touch of Italy to take over Ocean Pines food and beverage operations starting March 17

Both parties expressed appreciation for the collaboration, with Touch of Italy praising Matt Ortt Companies for facilitating a smooth transition. Read more.

From Market Stage to national stage: Local singer Callum heads to ‘American Idol'

Callum first performed at the Ocean Pines market in the summer of 2021 and continued to take the Market Stage over the years. She is set to appear on season 23 of American Idol when it returns to ABC and Hulu on March 9. Read more.

Worcester County Health & Wellness Fair seeks vendors for 2025 event

This year’s theme, “Women’s Health,” will highlight resources and services that support women’s well-being. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 14, at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill. Read more.

Cruise to concerts: Liquid Tiki offers water taxi from Ocean Pines

The service will be available for three major events: Boardwalk Rock on May 16-17, Oceans Calling on Sept. 26-28, and Country Calling on Oct. 4-5. Read more.

Ocean Pines Season Kickoff returns May 17

The Ocean Pines Season Kickoff is set for Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, offering residents and visitors a chance to explore local amenities, clubs, and businesses. Read more.

 

Photo by Ursula Clopper

Have a photo you'd like to share? Email info@oceanpines.org.

 
Board and Administration


Regular Board Meeting

Saturday, March 29, 9 a.m.

Clubhouse Meeting Room, 100 Clubhouse Drive


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Current Advisory Committee Openings:

• Recreation and Parks Committee

• Environment & Natural Assets Committee

• Budget & Finance Committee

• Communications Committee

email lmartin@oceanpines.org



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Pay Your Ocean Pines Annual Assessment Online

Click here to learn more.


Public Works Yard closed for winter,

reopening this spring

The Ocean Pines Public Works yard is now closed until further notice. The yard is expected to reopen in the spring to provide services to the community.


Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the yard’s reopening by visiting the Ocean Pines website or contacting the Public Works Department directly.


For more information, please contact the Ocean Pines Public Works Department at 410-641-7425 or visit www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/public-works.

Work Here!

 
 

Latest PinesCast

PinesCast welcomes Matt Ruggiere


The latest episode of the Ocean Pines Association’s exclusive podcast, PinesCast, features an interview with Matt Ruggiere, a local golfer who went pro and then returned to launch the Matt Ruggiere Golf Academy out of the Ocean Pines Golf Club.


Click above to listen or visit PinesCast on oceanpines.org. The PinesCast is proudly sponsored by TidalHealth.

Upcoming Events

DROP-IN ONLY Evening Water Aerobics

Come join a fun & energetic group of people who get their bodies moving & into shape. Read more.

new! Adult Ballet Thursdays

Immerse yourself in a 60-minute ballet-inspired class for adults, designed to enhance balance, boost flexibility, and spark a joyful connection to the art of dance. Read more.

Wall-to-wall Dodgeball League; Wednesdays

A ramped-up popular adult league of the old-school classic. Read more.

high-angle_basketball.jpg

Men's Basketball 4v4 League; Starting Mar 20

Join our fun adult 4-on-4 men's league. Read more.

See what else is happening in Ocean Pines!

Click the links to learn more.
 

Dine in Ocean Pines

Ocean Pines

Yacht Club


Hours: TBD

The Clubhouse

Bar and Grille


Hours: TBD

Crafter of the Month

The Pine’eer Craft Club announced Victoria Healy as its March Crafter of the Month.


Healy, a lifelong crafter and retired business owner, moved to Ocean Pines from Northern Virginia with her husband, Mike, seeking a slower pace of life. While the couple continues to operate small group tours in Ireland and Scotland, Healy’s true passion has always been in creating unique, handcrafted pieces.


For many years, Healy specialized in knitting and crocheting, making hats, scarves, mittens, and blankets. However, about five years ago, her creativity took an unexpected turn when she discovered the art of handmade journaling. Inspired by an article on the craft, she began experimenting with materials she already had at home, blending textures, colors, and repurposed materials into one-of-a-kind journals and notebooks.


Healy finds beauty in unexpected places, using old books, magazines, greeting cards, and fabric scraps to create her designs. Each journal reflects her passion for storytelling and artistic expression, making every piece a meaningful keepsake.


Her handcrafted journals can be found at the Pine’eer Craft Club’s Artisan Gift Shop, located in White Horse Park in Ocean Pines. The shop is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.


The Pine’eer Craft Club welcomes new crafters, and its meetings are open to the public. Artisans interested in selling their creations at the shop are encouraged to contact shop managers Debbie Jiwa or Barbara Herzog, or email opcraftclub@aol.com for more information.


Since its founding, the Pine’eer Craft Club has contributed nearly $196,000 to the Ocean Pines community and has proudly promoted handcrafted goods for 50 years.


For more information, visit www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/artisan-gift-shop.

Community News

 

Kiwanis bingo night - March 19

Have fun while helping the Kiwanis Club raise funds to benefit children of Worcester County. On Wednesday, March 19, the Ocean Downs Casino will open doors at 5 p.m. for Bingo at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person, which includes 19 games, with $100 cash prize available per game. In addition, there will be a "Special 20th Jackpot Game" for a $200 cash prize. 50/50 tickets will be available throughout the night, as will be "Pull Tabs" for $1 each. Ocean Downs provide will food and beverage concessions for purchase. Must be 21 to play. Purchase tickets at kiwanisofopoc.org/bingo. Reserved seating is available for groups of eight players, if all tickets are purchased in one transaction. For more information, call 410-208-3115.


Democrat Women monthly meeting - March 24

The Democratic Women's Club of Worcester County will have their next monthly meeting on March 24 at the Berlin Library starting at 9:30 a.m. The special guest speaker will be Judy Wexted, speaking on "Candidate Recruitment for 2026 and How Eastern Shore Dems Can Work Together." For more information, email beth.lake77@gmail.com.


Lunchtime Lenten Service - March 27

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on 405 Flower Street in Berlin will host a Lunchtime and Lenten Service and Soup Lunch on March 27. Worship begins at noon followed by a light lunch. Pastor Jacob Jackson will preach on sharing. For more information, email bethany21811@gmail.com or call 410-641-2186.


Republican Women monthly meeting and luncheon - March 27

The Republican Women of Worcester County will hold their monthly meeting and luncheon on Thursday, March 27 at Worcester Technical High School at 6290 Worcester Highway (Rt. 113) in Newark, MD. The guest speaker will be Lower Shore Land Trust Executive Director Matt Heim. The cost is $27 per person, tax and gratuity included. The reservation and payment deadline is Thursday, March 19. For more information, email gopwomenofwc@gmail.com


“Welcome Home” – Vietnam Veterans Day Event - March 29

Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1091, invites all Vietnam-era veterans to a special Vietnam Veterans Day celebration on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 1-3 p.m. at American Legion Post 166 on 2308 Philadelphia Avenue in Ocean City.

Enjoy lunch, fellowship, and fun with fellow veterans. Bring your memorabilia to share stories and connect with others who served. Guests are welcome. For more information, contact Bob Gilmore at 410-726-5690 or OPBobGil@aol.com.


Free Computer Classes for Veterans – April 4 & May 2

The Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1091, will offer free computer classes for veterans at American Legion Post 166 (2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City).

• April 4, 11 a.m. – Basic Computer Skills (understanding and using your laptop)

• May 2, 11 a.m. – Online Basics (setting up an email, connecting with others, accessing VA services)

Each class includes one hour of instruction followed by one-on-one assistance. Laptops required; loaner laptops available upon request.

The Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America is a nonprofit organization supporting veterans and their families. Membership is open to all who wish to support veterans.

For more information, contact Marie Gilmore, Chapter 1091 President, at (410) 726-2881 or OPMarie@aol.com.


Fishing Flea Market - April 5

The fourth annual Ocean Pines Anglers Club Fishing Flea Market is set for Saturday, April 5 from 7 a.m. to noon, indoors at the Ocean Pines Community Center in White Horse Park, in the Assateague Room. All vendor tables are sold out, meaning a large selection of fishing related items will be for sale. Coffee and donuts will be available as long as supply lasts. Local captains Vince Cannuli [Running Tide Charters] and Adam/Ken Thompson [OPPOR-TUNA-TY Charters] will be on hand to share their knowledge and fishing experiences. All proceeds support the Anglers Club youth fishing programs. Admission is free. For more information, call Doug Murphy at 908-910-6485.


Republican Women Spring Meet & Greet - April 10

The Republican Women of Worcester County will host a Spring Meet & Greet at the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin on Thursday, April 10 from 5-7 p.m. The event will include complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. The club invites local people to stay and have dinner or just enjoy good conversation.


Veterans Memorial Foundation gala - May 30

Save the date! The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Worcester County Veterans Memorial with a special gala on Friday, May 30, at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club—featuring dinner, music, and more to support the memorial and its education programs.


Kiwanis scholarships available

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City plans to award $18,500 in total college scholarship monies to 2025 graduates of Worcester County public schools. Applications are now being accepted and are due back to Kiwanis no later than Friday, April 11. For more information and an application, visit www.kiwanisofopoc.org/scholarships.


Ocean Pines Mixed Bowling League new season

The Ocean Pines Mixed Bowling League has started a new season of bowling. This is a great way to meet new friends and have fun. For more information, contact Barb Harman at 301-980-7798. 


Ocean Pines Ladies Golf Association seeks members

Ocean Pines Ladies Golf Association is seeking members! Whether you are a Seasoned Golfer or New Golfer we have a place for you!


OPLGA Membership includes the following: 9 Holes of League Play in the morning & 9 Holes in the afternoon for Casual Play for those who do not want to compete. All OPLGA members can play in the morning, afternoon, or both. The fee is $75 for the year ($40 for OPLGA and $35 for GHIN). *A handicap is REQUIRED for League Play. Casual Play DOES NOT require a handicap and you do not need to be an Ocean Pines Golf club member to join the league.


Monthly Clinic with Ruggiere Golf. Ocean Pines resident rate for green fees at $35 for 9 holes (for non-members of the Golf Club or residents in Ocean Pines) during our league hours on Tuesdays only, and that includes both the greens fee and the cart. Discounted rate with EMPOWER for golf performance training is also included. 


Please visit our website https://www.oceanpinesgolf.org/membership/oplga for more details and the registration form. If you would like to join the league, you can drop off the registration form and check at the Ocean Pines Pro shop. 


Follow us on Facebook- Ocean Pines Ladies Golf Association for our league updates.


Pine'eer Artisan Gift Shop

The Pine’eer Craft Club’s Artisan Gift Shop in White Horse Park is always seeking new crafters. If you are an artisan who would like to join our club and put items in our Gift Shop, contact Debbie or email opcraftclub@aol.com for more information. All new crafters must go through the juried process, and when items sell, profits return to the community. Crafters must work in the shop—it is run solely by volunteers. Since its inception, the craft club has donated over $196,000 back to the Ocean Pines community. The club has been handcrafting in the community for more than 50 years. The gift shop is open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. year round.


Check out our Crafter of the month here!


Community Church at Ocean Pines Shepherd's Nook, Angels' Attic, and Sarah's Pantry

The Shepherd's Nook and the Angels' Attic (formerly the Flea Market), thrift stores at the Community Church at Ocean Pines, offer gently used (and some new) clothing and household goods at greatly reduced prices. Funds raised are used for the missions of the church. The schedule for the Shepherd's Nook is Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The schedule for Angel's Attic is Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The church also supplies food to the community through Sarah's Pantry. The pantry's hours of operation are Wednesday-Saturday, 9a.m.-1 p.m. We accept donations 24 hours. For more information, call 410-641-5433 or visit www.ccaop.org.


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.


Widows and Widowers Social Club

For information and activities, please call Diane at 410-294-1976 or George Bergland at 410-524-8238.


Women's Club of Ocean Pines seeks members

The Women’s Club of Ocean Pines invites all women who reside in Ocean Pines to join their organization. The new membership year begins September 2024 and ends June 2025. The purpose of their organization is to promote civic and social activities which includes educational and community outreach opportunities. We meet the first Thursday of the month at the Ocean Pines Community Center or at a restaurant.  

To join, contact Cheryl Jacobs, Membership Chair 410-208-6798 or ckjacobs@mediacombb.net. Membership dues are $10.


Pine Steppers Square Dance Club

Free Square Dance lessons begin Wednesday, March 12 at 7 pm in the Ocean Pines Community Hall. Four free lessons will be offered on Wednesdays from 7PM to 8:30PM running from March 12th to April 2nd. by the Pine Steppers Square Dance Club. Every student will be partnered with an experienced dance (angel). The club is an official Ocean Pine Association Club. After completing the first four free lessons, students may continue for 12 weeks to complete the beginners class for $4 per additional workshop.. Instructions and music are provided by an experienced square dance caller, Dennis O'Neal. Dancing is fun and great exercise, as well as forming new friendships. For more information, call 908-229-8799 or 302-222-4448.


First Wednesday of Every Month: AGH Diabetes Support Group / 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Atlantic General Hospital will hold a diabetes support group the first Wednesday of every month at the Ocean Pines library, September through June. There is no cost to participate. For more information, call 410-208-9761.


Second Thursday of Every Month: Ocean Pines Garden Club Meeting / 10 a.m.

From now through March 2025, the Ocean Pines Garden Club will meet the second Thursday of every month in the Assateague Room of the OP Community Center at 10 a.m. A variety of speakers come to share their knowledge and expertise on topics of interest for our community. Our membership includes gardeners within a 30-mile radius of O.P. Guests are always welcome! In the spring and summer, we sometimes meet offsite, take field trips or go on garden tours. Visit www.Bit.ly/OceanPinesGardenClub for upcoming topics and activities.


Second Thursday of Every Month: Marine Corps League Peacekeepers Detachment 1492 / 11 a.m.

The new Peacekeepers Detachment 1492 meets monthly at the South Fire Station on 911 Ocean Parkway. The group supports organizations such as Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Toys for Toys, and offers social events such as luncheons, dinners, movie nights, sporting events and more. Marines, veterans, first responders and patriotic Americans are invited to participate. For more information, contact oceanpinesmcl@gmail.com, or Junior Vice Commandant and Recruiting Officer John Whitehead at 301-372-8993 or naphar@aol.com.


Second and Fourth Thursday of Every Month: MAC Alzheimer's/Related Dementia Caregivers Support Group / 3-4:30 p.m.

This group meets at the Ocean Pines library and offers caregivers professional support, access to resources and encouragement from others in similar situations. For more information, contact Margaret White at 410-742-0505 ext. 128 or mwhite@macinc.org.


Third Thursday of every month: Pine'eer Craft Club Meeting / 10 a.m.

Come join us and find out about our club. We meet the third Thursday of every month except December in the Assateague Room of the OP Community Center at 10 a.m. After the meeting we do a craft project. Check our shop window to see what’s coming up and the contact information to sign up. We need you to pre-register to make sure we have enough supplies. Guests are always welcome! Come craft with us!


Sundays: Breakfast with the Knights of Columbus / 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Located at 9901 Coastal Highway behind St. Luke's Church. $12, all you can eat. Call 410-524-7994 for more information.


Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Ocean Pines Line Dancing

Line dancing has returned to the Ocean Pines Community Center gym. Beginner classes are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m.; beginner/intermediate classes are held Fridays from 9:30-11 a.m. All are invited, and no experience is needed - just bring comfortable shoes and a smile. For more information, contact Carol at 484-680-0950.


Mondays: Delmarva Chorus / 6-8 p.m.

The Delmarva Chorus, a chapter under the Sweet Adelines International and under the direction of Carol Ludwig, practices every Monday at the Ocean Pines Community Center from 6 to 8 p.m. The Chorus accepts all women who love to sing, laugh and make new friends. Members entertain at civic events, charitable functions and participate in many other activities such as ways-and-means projects and social events. Other activities include Memorial/Veterans Day performances at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines, an annual American Legion convention performance in July, and the Delmarva Chorus annual fundraiser event. Call Mary at 410-208-4009 for more information.


Tuesdays: Beach Heroes Trash and Litter Clean Up / 9-10 a.m.

This volunteer group is dedicated to cleaning up Ocean City. Events are kid-friendly. Trash bags, gloves and loaner grippers are provided. Join the group on Facebook at Beach Heroes-OC for future times, dates and locations. All are welcome. Donations of 13-gallon biodegradable trash bags and grippers are gladly accepted.


Tuesdays: Sanctioned Bridge / 10 a.m.

Sanctioned bridge is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean Pines Community Center. For more information, email lindarau1@verizon.net.


Tuesdays: Families Anonymous / 7-8:30 p.m.

This group is a fellowship of people whose lives have been affected by the use of mind-altering substances or related behavior problems of a relative or friend. Any concerned person (even if there is only a suspicion of a problem) is encouraged to attend meetings, held at the Community Church at Ocean Pines Family Life Center (room 37) on 11227 Racetrack Road. For more information, contact Carol at 410-208-4515 or 443-783-8458, or email sundialbutterfly@hotmail.com.


Wednesdays: Pines Steppers Square Dance Club / 7-8:30 p.m.

Dance lessons are held each week in the Assateague Room of the Ocean Pines Community Center. Instructors promise a welcoming environment for all skill levels. Starting September 11, the first four lessons are free. (Sept 11,18, 25 and Oct 2) Following that, participants can continue with a 12-week course for $4 per person, per session. Couples and Singles are welcome. Join us for fun, exercise and camaraderie. For more information, call Barbara at 908-229-8799 or Dee at 302-222-4448.


Wednesdays: Kiwanis Club / 8 a.m.

EVERY WEDNESDAY, Ocean Pines Community Center, Assateague Room, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open 7:30 a.m. Last Wednesday meetings are offsite and will be updated monthly on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org. Doors open at 7:30 a.m.; the meeting begins at 8 a.m. Guests are encouraged to visit and learn about what the club is and does. Go to kiwanisofopoc.org and Facebook for more information. Kiwanis is a volunteer organization dedicated to helping children and families in Worcester County. Prospective new members are always welcome.


Wednesdays: Rubber Bridge / 10 a.m.

Pines Rubber Bridge is held weekly in the Anna Foultz Room at the Ocean Pines Community Center. Call Lois West at 410-208-6974 for more information.  

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