MAY 8, 2025
BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
FREE
Leaf violations piling up as yards go more natural Dead foliage represents nature to some, but seen as nuisance by others
PHOTO COURTESY NICK DENNY
MAIN STREET JAZZ Serving as the headliner for last Saturday’s Berlin Jazz & Blues Festival was the Stephen Harvey Octet. The event attracted hundreds of people to Berlin for eight hours of live music.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (May 8, 2025) Several Ocean Pines homeowners have recently received violations citing yard leaf accumulation as the winter season ends and spring commences. The notices have created a stir among residents, many of whom claim the infraction letters are unfair and a disruption to maintaining the neighborhood’s wooded beauty. The conversation surrounding leaf violations began at a March Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting. OPA resident Amy Peck spoke during the public comments portion of the gathering, arguing that the meeting packet was unnecessarily “filled with leaf violations.” “For proper drainage, the ditches need to be kept clean, but there is a question regarding leaf maintenance in yards,” Peck said. “The primary objective of the ARC (Architectural Review Committee) guidelines remains
to ‘preserve the natural beauty of Ocean Pines.’ Please note the words natural beauty.” The homeowner continued, stating that Ocean Pines was not meant to imitate communities like Glen Riddle, a neighborhood that adheres to a more manicured and polished aesthetic. “The majority of our Board of Directors have yards or condos with very few trees; however, for over half a century, Ocean Pines’ wooded landscape has always been a defining feature, attracting residents who value its natural beauty and wildlife,” Peck added. “Again, please note the words natural beauty and how that is the primary objective of the ARC guidelines.” The board chose to address the leaf discussion a month later at its April 26 meeting. Here, Kevin Middleton, a former ARC member, provided a presentation on leaf violations as described in the ARC guidelines. These standards were revised last year. A press release issued in July 2024 upon the modified regulations said that the alterations were made to “enhance the community’s aesthetic appeal, while ensuring that all property See LEAF Page 4
First SDHS graduates plan 70th reunion Students from Ocean City, Berlin joined to create one class at new Decatur High By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (May 8, 2025) Around 70 years ago, Ocean City and Berlin students left their respective schools to attend the new, combined Stephen Decatur High School, ending a contentious sports rivalry and kickstarting an institution that has since been home to the Decatur Seahawks. To celebrate the anniversary, SDHS’s first graduating group is getting back together next month. On Wednesday, June 11, SDHS’s
Class of 1955 will celebrate 70 years since graduation with a reunion at the Berlin Beer Company. The group will meet at the Broad Street establishment at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $28 and include crab dip, a luncheon buffet and a dessert. The milestone reunion is open to the first students, now in their mid- to late 80s, who received SDHS diplomas. A group of women from the class of 1955, who meet for monthly lunches, has already started planning the event to get their peers back together. Members of the first graduating class to spearhead the get-together include Joanne Jackson, Nancy Owens, Betsy Ludlam, Gloria Pruitt Nolan, See DECATUR Page 4
SUBMITTED PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Gathering at the Berlin Beer Company to plan for their upcoming 75th high school reunion were Joanne Jackson, Helen Ellis Chamblin, Jane Bunting, Gloria Pruitt Nolan, Betsy Ludlam and Nancy Owens.
Kozma Jewelry & Coins Your Custom Design Jeweler Since 1978
We specialize in creating custom-designed jewelry that is as unique as you are. Create a custom piece, update your current jewelry, or simply explore our collection.
WE BUY Gold & Silver Coins Gold Jewelry • Silver Jewelry • Silverware D.A. KOZMA JEWELERS RT 50 & 611 in the FOOD LION SHOPPING CENTER WOC 410-213-7505 • DAKOZMAJEWELERS.COM