JULY 23, 2026
BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
FREE
OP voters still have time left to cast ballot Board of directors election will wrap up in two weeks
TARA FISCHER/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Superintendent of Schools Annette Wallace talks to students taking part in Skilled Trades Camp at Worcester Technical High School.
Camp introduces kids to trades Classes range from those on tourism to technology, other alternative careers By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 23, 2026) School system personnel and community leaders were invited this week to take part in a walk-through of Worcester Tech’s skilled trade summer camp, where students have two weeks to explore
alternative careers in fields such as biomedical engineering, agriculture, and culinary arts. On Monday, July 20, Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Annette Wallace, board of education members, county commissioners, and other community figures toured Worcester Technical High School’s S.T.A.T.T. (Skilled Trades, Agriculture, Tourism, and Technology) Camp. Program leaders took attendees
from classroom to classroom, where they watched teachers instruct students in how to create a charcuterie box in culinary arts, the best techniques for a manicure in cosmetology, and methods for 3D printing. During S.T.A.T.T., students choose two pathways, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, to prioritize throughout the two weeks. These options include: robotics and drones, culinary and pastry arts, digital art, See TRADES Page 7
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By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 23, 2026) Time is running out for Ocean Pines Association homeowners to help shape the community’s leadership team as the deadline to cast ballots for the OPA Board of Directors election draws near. The makeup of the Ocean Pines Board of Directors will be decided in a mere two weeks. Residents intending to make their voices heard have until noon on Aug. 5 to vote for who they wish to see on the neighborhood’s governing body. This year, five candidates are campaigning for the three seats on the seven-person board. Incumbents are Board President John Latham and Director Elaine Brady, who are seeking re-election. Director Patrick Lehnerd is running to retain the seat he was appointed to this spring following the resignation of former Director Steve Jacobs. Additionally, residents Amy Peck and William “Bill” Pickett are hoping to secure a seat as this year’s election challengers. The three candidates voted in next month will each serve a three-year term. Latham, the current board president, has served as the board secretary and is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a master’s degree in business. Latham said last month that among his top priorities is maintaining Ocean Pines’ infrastructure while keeping assessments affordable. See OPA Page 6
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