MARCH 6, 2025
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BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
Child Advocacy Center replaces ‘CRICKET’ tag Mission remains same as provider of youth services seeks higher public profile
SUBMITTED PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Belle, a Hero Facility Dog, greets people at the CAC. She is the product of a program that trains dogs to perform specific tasks such as when animal-assisted interventions are needed.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (March 6, 2025) The Berlin-based youth support organization The CRICKET Center is rolling out a rebrand, complete with a new logo, a fresh website, and a change in name to the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center, as it works to provide resources to juveniles in the area. As part of The CRICKET Center’s efforts to revamp itself, the group has changed its name to The Worcester County Child Advocacy Center. Lauren Cooper, executive director, said this modification was made to provide a clearer picture to the community of the organization’s youth and family support mission and make it a more recognizable presence throughout the county. “These changes are about ensuring that every child, family, and partner agency knows who we are, what we do, and how we can help,” Cooper said. “Our commitment to protecting children in Worcester County re-
mains the same, but our ability to serve is stronger than ever.” The center aids juveniles within the community. Programs include forensic interviews for children to share their stories in a “safe, supportive environment,” advocating for legal action against child abuse perpetrators, mental health services, collaboration with agencies that aid child victims and their families during investigations, and child abuse protection. Of these projects is human trafficking education. Each year, the center partners with the Worcester See CRICKET Page 6
Emporium of ethereal offers seasonal spirits Town sees Ghost Museum as Pitts Street attraction for paranormal enthusiasts By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (March 6, 2025) This summer, a new haunted attraction will open in Berlin, allowing residents and visitors to explore local paranormal history. A ghost museum with artifacts and documents detailing the spooky past and stories about Berlin will welcome
paranormal enthusiasts from near and far in June. A specific date has not been formalized, but Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, maintained the facility will open its doors in early summer. The upper level of Pitts Street Treasures will serve as the exhibit’s home. “[Pitts Street Treasures] was ultimately chosen due to its historic nature and the beauty of the room and windows,” Wells said. See GHOST Page 4
SUBMITTED PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Signage proposed for the new Ghost Museum in Berlin is pictured. The town’s Historic District Commission reviewed the signage at its meeting Wednesday night, which was too late to be included in this issue.
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