AUGUST 21, 2025
FREE
BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
SUBMITTED PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Diakonia supporters, staff and volunteers celebrate the groundbreaking of the new House of Hope supportive living campus, which will feature transitional housing, an expanded thrift store, a larger food pantry and administrative offices.
House of Hope breaks ground OPA directors Diakonia finally rewarded for working years to help give hope, help to others By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 22, 2025) A project years in the making along Route 611 broke ground officially last week. On land donated by local businessman Jack Burbage will soon be the highly anticipated “House of Hope” supportive living campus. The project, according to Diakonia, marks a major step forward in its mission to provide stable housing and essential services for individuals and families in need across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The Aug. 13 ceremony was attended by local com-
munity members, volunteers, and elected officials, including Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Del. Wayne Hartman, and Maryland Secretary of Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Jake Day. When complete, the House of Hope campus will feature 42 units of transitional housing, an expanded thrift store, administrative offices, and a larger food pantry with increased donation and distribution capacity. “This is not just a new building — we are building a bridge to stability, compassion, and hope for our neighbors in need,” said Brian Roberts, chair of the Diakonia Board. See DIAKONIA Page 6
select Latham By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 21, 2025) The Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors officer lineup has undergone a shakeup, with Director John Latham taking over as president, succeeding Stuart Lakernick, who held the position for the last year. Lakernick nominated Latham, who won unanimous board support. Director Steve Jacobs then moved to appoint See OPA Page 10
SAME GREAT OWNER, SAME AMAZING STAFF Serving the Community for over a Decade
GARDNER PT of Ocean Pines 11204 Racetrack Rd, Suite 101 • Ocean Pines, MD, 21811 410-208-1525
GARDNER PT of West Ocean City 12472 Sea Oaks Ln, Unit 1 • Berlin, MD 21811 410-747-3522